Abstract: Provided herein is a two-component clearcoat composition that contains a first component comprising a hydroxyl-functional resin; and a second component comprising a crosslinking agent which is a first isocyanate resin which is unblocked; wherein at least one of the first component and the second component further comprises a blocked isocyanate resin which is a reacted form of a second isocyanate resin and a blocking agent; and wherein the first isocyanate resin and the second isocyanate resin are capable of reacting with the hydroxyl-functional resin to form a crosslinked coating. Further provided herein is a substrate coated with the clearcoat composition that exhibits improved visual appearance to the coated substrate, such as reduced orange peel and an increased balance value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collimation of x-ray beams. According to various embodiments, an x-ray apparatus may comprise an x-ray source, a first rotatable disk comprising a first plurality of angled slots, and a first shutter comprising a first plurality of protruding members. At least one of the first plurality of protruding members may be positioned within a first angled slot of the first plurality of angled slots, and at least one of the first plurality of protruding members may be positioned within a second angled slot of the first plurality of angled slots. The first shutter may at least partially define an x-ray collimation aperture, and the apparatus may be configured such that rotation of the first rotatable disk results in movement of the first shutter to alter a size of the x-ray collimation aperture. The x-ray apparatus may also be configured to be handheld.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collimation of x-ray beams. According to various embodiments, an x-ray apparatus may comprise an x-ray source, a first rotatable disk comprising a first plurality of angled slots, and a first shutter comprising a first plurality of protruding members. At least one of the first plurality of protruding members may be positioned within a first angled slot of the first plurality of angled slots, and at least one of the first plurality of protruding members may be positioned within a second angled slot of the first plurality of angled slots. The first shutter may at least partially define an x-ray collimation aperture, and the apparatus may be configured such that rotation of the first rotatable disk results in movement of the first shutter to alter a size of the x-ray collimation aperture. The x-ray apparatus may also be configured to be handheld.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collimation of x-ray beams. According to various embodiments, an x-ray apparatus may comprise a first rotatable disk comprising a first plurality of angled slots and a first shutter comprising a first plurality of protruding members. At least one of the first plurality of protruding members may be positioned within a first angled slot of the first plurality of angled slots, and at least one of the first plurality of protruding members may be positioned within a second angled slot of the first plurality of angled slots. The first shutter may at least partially define an x-ray collimation aperture, and the apparatus may be configured such that rotation of the first rotatable disk results in movement of the first shutter to alter a size of the x-ray collimation aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a distance indication using an x-ray apparatus. According to various embodiments, an x-ray apparatus may be provided comprising an x-ray generator and a visible light generator. The apparatus may further comprise a projection member, such as a reticle, comprising a material at least partially transparent to visible light, wherein the projection member comprises an image positioned within the path of the visible light so as to project a secondary image comprising a shadow defined by the image. A LASER configured to deliver a LASER beam at an angle relative to the visible light may be provided such that the LASER beam intersects at least a portion of the secondary image at a predetermined distance from the LASER to allow a user to determine precisely a distance from the apparatus to an object to be exposed to x-ray radiation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is described for detecting an operational failure between the network unit and an adjacent network unit in the stack; controlling the switching engine to redirect packets which would otherwise be sent from a particular port to the adjacent network unit to be forwarded from another port to be sent to a different network unit in the stack; and entering the switching engine into a bypass mode in response to control data indicating an operational failure between at least two other network units in the stack to cause packets to be forwarded without being re-directed by the switching engine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is described for detecting an operational failure between the network unit and an adjacent network unit in the stack; controlling the switching engine to redirect packets which would otherwise be sent from a particular port to the adjacent network unit to be forwarded from another port to be sent to a different network unit in the stack; and entering the switching engine into a bypass mode in response to control data indicating an operational failure between at least two other network units in the stack to cause packets to be forwarded without being re-directed by the switching engine.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to bags and cases for storage of cameras or other objects. More specifically, the system integrates a waterproof dry bag component optimized for storage of cameras and camera accessories, with a bag component of substantially the same size and shape of the dry bag into a single unit. When separated, the two components can perform as individual units.

Abstract: A network stack includes a plurality of network units each of which includes a multiplicity of ports for receiving and forwarding addressed data packets, at least two cascade ports and a switching engine for forwarding received packets to at least one port in accordance with address data in the packets and a cascade connection including, for each of two opposite directions around the stack, at least one unidirectional path for data packets composed of links each between a respective cascade port on a network unit and a corresponding cascade port on the next network unit.

Abstract: A coating composition made with fumed silica, a hydroxy-functional amide compound, and a volatile organic portion, wherein the volatile organic portion comprises about 1 to about 7% by weight of a first volatile organic liquid or combination of first volatile organic liquids (i) having an evaporation rate less than or equal to 0.1 and (ii) in which the hydroxy-functional amide compound is insoluble has improved sag resistance. Sag resistance may be further improved by including in the volatile organic portion at least about 10% by weight of a second volatile organic liquid having an evaporation rate greater than or equal to about 2.0. Finally, flow and leveling of the coating (resulting in reduced orange peel and smoother appearance) can be improved, without worsening sag resistance, by including from about 5% to about 60% by weight of a dispersant for the fumed silica based on weight of fumed silica, wherein the dispersant is soluble in the first volatile organic liquid or liquids.

Abstract: An alternative substrate envelope sealing and closure system apparatus and method for same, whereby the system comprises an envelope having a segment of its back panel cut-out and replaced with a material that is more adhereable than the material of the outer surface of the envelope. The envelope lacks hot melt adhesives or peel and seal type latex adhesives. A method for sealing alternative substrate envelopes in mass quantities, whereby alternative substrate envelopes are utilized at high speeds for commercial use and insertion. A method for the large scale packing and sealing of alternative substrate envelopes, whereby the envelopes are packed and sealed using automated devices.

Abstract: A tabletop formed from slats for use in rigid, light-weight tables, such as portable banquet tables. The tabletop includes a center section formed from a plurality of open-channel, rectangular tubular slats that are laterally coupled together. Each slat has a top wall that aligns with top walls to form the upper working surface of the tabletop. Each slat also has downwardly-projecting sidewalls and a bottom wall with a longitudinal slot running the length of the slat to form the rectangular, downwardly-orientated channel. The adjacent contacting sidewalls of adjacent slats coupled together to form substantially vertical support beams. The tabletop further includes a pair of elongate end caps disposed on opposite ends and spanning the plurality of slats of the center section, with each end cap having a plurality of finger pairs extending into the plurality of slats with a center slot the receives a support beam therein.

Abstract: A decorative post includes an elongated outer polymer shell having at least one longitudinal groove extending a majority of a length of the elongated shell sized and shaped to hold a decorative fence panel. The decorative fence post also includes an elongated reinforcing member disposed in the outer polymer shell, and substantially extending a length of the fence post. A foam filler is disposed inside the outer polymer shell between the shell and the reinforcement member. An aperture is disposed in the outer polymer shell near an end of the reinforcing member, and a void extends from the aperture into the foam filler adjacent to and exposing an end of the reinforcing member. The void defines a slip zone at the end of the reinforcing member into which the reinforcing member extends as the outer shell shrinks longitudinally during post mold cooling.

Abstract: A removable stairway device configured for attachment to a platform includes a removable step attachable to the platform and extendable from the platform in cantilever fashion. A gap is formed between the step and the elevated deck of the platform when the removable step is attached to the platform. A lock plate is pivotally coupled to the step. The lock plate pivots to cover the gap between the step and the elevated deck. A flange extends from the lock plate and engages a side of the platform to lock the step to the platform when the step is attached to the platform and the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap.

Abstract: A framework for a tabletop includes inner and outer frames with each frame formed from a plurality of segments joined together sequentially at joints. Each joint includes a tab on one segment disposed in a corresponding notch or indentation on an adjacent segment. Additionally, each joint includes a tab on one frame disposed in a corresponding notch of the other frame such that the inner and outer frames can be coupled together at the joints.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to bags and cases for storage of cameras or other objects. More specifically, the system integrates a waterproof dry bag component optimized for storage of cameras and camera accessories, with a bag component of substantially the same size and shape of the dry bag into a single unit. When separated, the two components can perform as individual units.

Abstract: A joint between a leg and an elevated platform includes a tapered receptacle with straight widening walls coupled to one of either the leg or the platform. A mating insert is coupled to the other of the leg or the platform and is selectively insertable into the tapered receptacle. The mating insert has straight narrowing walls that are engageable with the widening walls of the tapered receptacle. The weight of the platform pushes the insert into the receptacle such that the narrowing walls of the insert engage the widening walls of the tapered receptacle.

Abstract: A portable elevated platform includes a plurality of decks positionable adjacent one another in a flat configuration. Each deck includes an upper flat surface, and a plurality of contiguous sides extending around a perimeter of each deck. Each side includes an insert extending outward from the side and adjacent a corner of the side, and a receptacle extending inward into the side and adjacent an opposite corner from the insert. Each side of each deck is positioned adjacent any side of any other of the plurality of decks with at least one contiguous corner of each deck aligned such that the inserts and receptacles of the adjacently positioned sides mate together.

Abstract: A telescoping leg for supporting an elevated platform includes an outer leg. An inner leg is slidably disposed within the outer leg. An off-axis slot is disposed through a sidewall of one of either the inner leg or the outer leg and an aperture is disposed in the other. The inner leg is slidably positionable within the outer leg to align the off-axis slot with the aperture. A pin is disposable through the aperture and the slot when the aperture and the slot are aligned such that a bearing surface of the pin contacts a bearing surface of the slot to laterally push the inner leg against the outer leg.

Abstract: A tamper resistant attachment apparatus for attaching a backrest to a chair frame. A flap is foldably coupled to an edge of a chair backrest. The flap is foldable over onto the backrest into a folded position. The flap has a channel that fits around a frame of a chair when the flap is in the folded position. At least one aperture that extends through the flap can receive a corresponding pin that is coupled to the backrest when the flap is in the folded position. The at least one pin is deformable to secure the flap and backrest around the chair frame when the flap is in the folded position.