Abstract: A connector system for mechanically connecting two structural elements to each other, consisting of a connector element and mating grooves in each structural element. The connector element is comprised of a base plate having a split-tongue element at each side or end of said base plate. Each joined element has a mating groove formed into its connector-receiving surface. The mating groove is designed to allow fabrication via four sequential circular saw cuts, without loss of saleable decorative surface, and at a rate consistent with economical commercial production of vinyl, laminate, or hardwood flooring. The connector element is readily extruded in a variety of polymers, including PVC. The connector and mating grooves interact so as to generate a force component acting to forcibly draw the connector into the mating grooves. The connector system operation is relatively insensitive to geometric deviations associated with normal manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A work glove with a hand-receiving cavity and a thumb tube and four elongated finger tubes. A resilient pad attaches in a portion selected for providing resistance to industrial loading. A polymer coating encapsulates at least a portion of an exterior surface and the resilient pad within a continuous film, the resilient pad and the polymer coating defining in situ an interfacial miscible layer comprising portions of the resilient pad bonded with the polymer coating, which continuous film resists chemical penetration therethrough while the resilient pad resists industrial loading during use of the work glove.

Abstract: A method of mechanically joining wood panels side edge to side edge by providing a panel with a groove between a top and bottom surfaces of the panel having two holding ramps with an angle of between 25 degrees and 60 degrees relative to the groove insertion axis which is parallel to the top surface; providing a connector adapted to mate with the groove of the panel having two right-side sub-tongues extending from right side and two left-side sub-tongues extending from the left side of a rectangular base support, and outward extending distal catches on the sub-tongues in a direction substantially normal to the groove insertion axis; and inserting the sub-tongues with distal catches into the groove along the groove insertion axis allowing the distal catches on the two right-side or two left-side sub-tongues to touch the two holding ramps causing the sub-tongues to flex.

Abstract: A semi-disposable face mask has a shaped molded base composed of silicone and/or TPE and molded forming a face seal, a filter media and a support structure that houses the shaped molded base and filter media in fluid communication allowing airflow from an environment through the filter media to the face seal.

Abstract: A connector for mechanically joining abutting construction elements each having a groove therein, comprising a support, at least one split tongue extending from the support, the split tongue including flexible sub-tongues having angled catches for engaging steps located in the groove. During insertion the sub-tongues are flexed toward each other and remain in a partially restored configuration. This, combined with the angled catches, reduces the space between the abutting construction elements.

Abstract: A toilet seat apparatus is provided to assist a user between a standing position and a seated position. In one embodiment, the toilet seat apparatus includes a base portion configured to mount to a toilet bowl proximate a rear portion of the base portion, a biasing mechanism connected to the base portion proximate a forward portion of the base portion, a seat portion hingedly connected to the forward portion of the base portion, the seat portion configured to rotate between a fully inclined position and a closed position, and at least one strut having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end connected to the seat portion and the second end connected to the biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing device biases the seat portion into the inclined position.

Abstract: An emergency respondence warning system for warning of the approach of emergency vehicles at roadway intersections. The warning system comprises a transmitter mountable to an emergency vehicle and a receiver situated near the roadway intersection. As the emergency vehicle approaches the intersection, the transmitter sends signals to the receiver, which are processed by the receiver when the vehicle is within a predetermined distance. The receiver activates a distinct visual warning signal alerting nearby drivers and pedestrians of the approach of an emergency vehicle. The emergency respondence warning system also warns of the approach of multiple emergency vehicles. When the receiver determines that two emergency vehicles are approaching the intersection, it activates the warning element but triggers a dedicated visual signal indicating the approach of multiple vehicles.

Abstract: An emergency respondence warning system for warning of the approach of emergency vehicles at roadway intersections. The warning system comprises a transmitter mountable to an emergency vehicle and a receiver situated near the roadway intersection. As the emergency vehicle approaches the intersection, the transmitter sends signals to the receiver, which are processed by the receiver when the vehicle is within a predetermined distance. The receiver activates a distinct visual warning signal alerting nearby drivers and pedestrians of the approach of an emergency vehicle. The emergency respondence warning system also warns of the approach of multiple emergency vehicles. When the receiver determines that two emergency vehicles are approaching the intersection, it activates the warning element but triggers a dedicated visual signal indicating the approach of multiple vehicles.

Abstract: A seed planting apparatus comprises a meter configured to meter agricultural seeds, a meter drive connected to the meter, a drive gear connected to the meter via the meter drive and configured to rotate the meter based on rotational motion imparted to the drive gear, and a hopper, which comprises a hopper body, a seed port connectable to a seed supply, and a meter port connectable to the meter.

Abstract: A filter mask includes an oronasal cup, an inhalation directional cover, and an exhalation diverter body. The oronasal cup encloses a nose and mouth of a user. The oronasal cup is fluidly coupled with a filter. The inhalation directional cover is configured to be joined to the filter. The inhalation directional cover includes an elongated wing portion that is oriented in an inhalation direction that is angled with respect to the center axis of the filter. The exhalation diverter body is fluidly coupled with the oronasal cup. The exhalation diverter body defines an exhalation duct that directs exhaled air out of the oronasal cup along an exhalation direction. The inhalation direction and the exhalation direction are oriented away from a plane of interaction between the user and another person.

Abstract: A method of mechanically joining wood panels side edge to side edge by cutting grooves into the side edges of at least two panels that are to be joined together with a connector with no loss of top or bottom panel surface, cutting a first step edge groove into the side edge of a panel at an angle “s” of between 10 degrees and 75 degrees, cutting a second step edge opposite the first step edge groove into the side edge of the panel at an angle “s” of between 10 degrees and 75 degrees, cutting an angle “e” of an entrance ramp along the first step edge groove at an angle of between 0 degrees and 45 degrees, cutting an angle “e” of the entrance ramp along the second step edge groove at an angle of between 0 degrees and 45 degrees.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus, method and system for mechanically joining abutting construction elements having a first split tongue located at one end of the connector and a second split tongue located at the other end of the connector. The first and second split tongues are adapted to be inserted into and locked onto grooves in abutting construction elements for holding the adjacent construction elements in abutting relationship. In an embodiment the grooves in said construction elements are formed into auxiliary groove containing members adapted to be integrated into an edge or face surface of the construction elements.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus for protecting an occupant of a vehicle comprises an inflatable chamber formed by at least one fabric panel and configured to be filled with an inflation gas and deploy into position to protect the occupant; and a tether connected to the panel to restrain deployment of the airbag. During the initial deployment sequence of the airbag, the tether fully extends to a first length. The tether unfolds in order to fully extend to a second length when a sufficient force is applied to the tether by the deploying airbag.

Abstract: The application relates to an airbag with a venting assembly. An air bag cushion can include at least one panel and a tether that forms the venting assembly. The tether can include an attachment portion to attach the tether to a panel of the air bag cushion, an opening, at least one passive vent, and a discrete vent. The passive venting system can be formed by folding the tether over upon itself so that the opening and vents substantially lie above and below one another.

Abstract: A filter mask includes an oronasal cup, an inhalation directional cover, and an exhalation diverter body. The oronasal cup encloses a nose and mouth of a user. The oronasal cup is fluidly coupled with a filter. The inhalation directional cover is configured to be joined to the filter. The inhalation directional cover includes an elongated wing portion that is oriented in an inhalation direction that is angled with respect to the center axis of the filter. The exhalation diverter body is fluidly coupled with the oronasal cup. The exhalation diverter body defines an exhalation duct that directs exhaled air out of the oronasal cup along an exhalation direction. The inhalation direction and the exhalation direction are oriented away from a plane of interaction between the user and another person.

Abstract: A glove or apparel formed at least partially from a knitted thread substrate and including areas on an outer surface which has a substantially continuous surface surrounding ends of the finger portions and thumb portion of the glove and areas which have a substantially non-continuous surface positioned over the palm portion and the back of the hand portion of the glove.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus for protecting an occupant of a vehicle comprises an inflatable chamber formed by at least one fabric panel and configured to be filled with an inflation gas and deploy into position to protect the occupant; and a tether connected to the panel to restrain deployment of the airbag. During the initial deployment sequence of the airbag, the tether fully extends to a first length. The tether unfolds in order to fully extend to a second length when a sufficient force is applied to the tether by the deploying airbag.

Abstract: A receiving processor is configured with a normal (operational) path and a test path. The test path is configured in parallel with the normal path. The test path simulates and receives as input the same data as the normal path, but the test path has a separate voltage reference (Vref—test) which is applied to a test input buffer. The same data input to normal buffer is also input to the test buffer. The output of the test buffer is input to a test latch. A clocking signal supplied to the test latch is a variable clocking signal enabling the clock signal to be skewed selectively. The output of the test latch is compared with the output of the normal latch, and differences between the two output signals defines an error for a particular voltage/clock-skew combination.