Abstract: An astragal (10; 310; 410; 510) for attachment between a movable closure member (11; 111; 311; 411; 611) and a fixed surface having a sealing device and having an electrical switching device to signal engagement with an object including a retainer (15; 115; 315; 415; 615) secured to one of the closure member and the fixed surface, an elongate arcuate sealing member (30; 330; 430; 530; 630) for engaging the other of the closure member and the fixed surface when in close proximity, the arcuate sealing member selectively affixed to the retainer, a resilient carrier (45; 345; 445; 545; 645) disposed within said arcuate sealing member, and at least one electrically conductive strip (46; 346; 447; 547; 651) attached to the carrier in unobstructed facing relation to an electrically conductive contact (20; 120; 320; 448; 548; 620) and temporarily movable into engagement with the electrically conductive contact when an object displaces said arcuate sealing member and the resilient carrier to effect electrical contact

Abstract: A process forming a moldable material from a granular scrap material such as a high grade reground rubber and a thermoplastic polymer such as a butadiene-styrene block copolymer sold under the trademark Kraton-D-3202 by Shell Chemical Company. A substantially uniformly distributed mixture of the reground rubber and the cohesive base material in a ratio of at least about 1:1 is processed under sufficient pressure and temperature to form a semi-stable moldable product. The semi-stable moldable product is then subjected or maintained under sufficient pressure to form a stable moldable product. The ratio of reground rubber to cohesive base material may be 7:3 or higher, while pressure on the semi-stable product may generally be in the range of 1800 psi or higher. The moldable product may be subsequently molded, preferably with high fill velocities and maximum venting.

Abstract: A non-dripping sweat band that encircles the users head between the hairline and eyebrows with loose ends secured by quick release fasteners behind the user's head. The ban has a tube-like body formed by a porous cloth cover (e.g., cotton) which is bias cut to form panels on each side of a lengthwise fold. A strip of porous, thick batting material (e.g., Dacron polyester pad) is sewn lengthwise to the cloth cover and also to the edges of the panels. The assembly is turned inside out whereby the cloth cover is exterior of the tubular batting material which extends between the temples. Velcro strips can be attached to the loose ends of the body. The band is pulled into a flat belt-like band across the user's brow so as to wick sweat sideways away from the eyes and towards the sideburns where excess perspiration can be released. The band resumes a tubular configuration upon relaxation of the tensioning forces to promote quick drying after washing.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting vegetation with a rotatable head carrying a non-metallic cutting line extended into a cutting plane. Additional line is extended from a supply line coil within the head into the cutting plane without independent operator action. A mechanism in the head automatically feeds replacement line whenever the free end of the cutting line is reduced to less than a predetermined maximum length in the cutting plane. The cutting line length is always extended to this predetermined maximum length at all operational rotational speeds, without adjustment, and in a positive step-by-step mode of segmental line advancement. The line feeder mechanism, has an escapement cam with an off center pivotal mounting that senses both centrifugal forces on the cutting line and changes in rotary speed of the head.

Abstract: A rotary-type lawnmower having unique non-metallic cutting elements carried on a rotating disc-like head with a smooth rim and lower exposed surface without significant projections or recesses capable of inflicting injury to human parts. The lawnmower produces a smooth and even cut equal to rotary metal-blade machines. The cutting elements are tapered pins extruded from flexible polymeric material such as Nylon.RTM. polymer. Each cutting pin has a first portion providing supporting surfaces and an enlargement for securing the pin into the head. The cutting pins extend from the head in a tapered free-traveling end portion to a cutting end located at a cutting plane adjacent the ground's surface. The cutting pins are slidably inserted and removed from the disc.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting vegetation with a rotatable head carrying a non-metallic cutting line extended into a cutting plane. Additional line is extended from a supply line coil within the head into the cutting plane without independent operator action. A mechanism in the head automatically feeds replacement line whenever the free end of the cutting line is reduced to less than a predetermined length in the cutting plane. The mechanism is initiated when the cutting line length is less than this predetermined length. After initiation, the mechanism is self completing in a positive step-by-step mode of segmental line advancement.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting vegetation has a rotating disc-like head with a drive connection on one face and a second face having a smooth surface. The head carries internally a spool mounted for independent rotation. A flexible, non-metallic cutting line is coiled about the spool and has a free end extending outwardly from the head into a cutting plane. A button member within the smooth surface activates a locking means allowing the spool to rotate in the head and extend a certain length of cutting line into the cutting plane. Then the spool is secured automatically against rotation to the head.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting vegetation with a rotating head carrying non-metallic cutting line extended into a cutting plane. Additional line is extended into the cutting plane by pushing a ball member against the ground while rotating the head. The ball member moves inwardly for releasing a spool carrying coiled cutting line to rotate a predetermined angular displacement in the head. After the cutting line length is extended, the spool is secured automatically against further rotation within the head. A cover is releasably secured to the head by a twist-lock connection to allow the ball member and spool to remove from the head for rewinding, etc. Rotation of the spool within the head is regulated by uniform interlocking, straight teeth that are rugged, long wearing and provide positive control without any possibility of the spool "free wheeling" in the head.

Abstract: A rotary-type lawn mower is provided with cutting means comprised of a rotatable disc-like member having a plurality of flexible non-metallic cords projecting radially from its perimeter. The disc-like member is rotated within the cutting plane by a suitable power source such as a conventional gasoline-driven engine, and at a velocity such that the projecting cords function to sever the grass in a substantially conventional manner. The cords are therefore of a length and diameter which are functionally related to effective cutting and are mounted within the disc-like member in brackets formed to support the cords against vertical as well as lateral deflection resulting from contact with the grass sought to be cut.