Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method for creating a decorative graphic article for application to a wood flooring surface using a computer system is disclosed. A graphic design representing a desired work of art and a plurality of design elements each representing a unique property of a material surface are created. A designer uses the design elements to overlay various locations in the graphic design to form the decorative image. The decorative image is printed on a substrate having adhesive properties and the substrate is affixed to a flooring surface to create a high quality, low cost floor design.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting phytate in a food into inorganic phosphate. The process comprises the steps of: (i) mechanically mixing a slurry comprising: (a) 100 parts by weight of the phytate-containing food, (b) 60-1000 parts by weight of a solvent mixture which comprises water and a water-immiscible organic solvent having a boiling point of 20-100° C., the water-immiscible organic solvent constituting 20-85% by wt. of the solvent mixture, and (c) a phytase; and (ii) drying the food to remove the organic solvent. The process has the advantage of enabling a high conversion rate of phytate into inorganic phosphate in an economical manner.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for installing a threaded roof bolt under tension in a bore hole formed in underground passageways, mines, and the like. The anchor assembly includes a conventional two compartment resin cartridge and a mechanical expansion unit. A support collar is threaded on the bolt to restrict axial movement of the mechanical expansion unit. The mechanical expansion unit includes a camming plug and an expandable shell. A pair of hollow tubular sleeves are positioned intermediate the camming plug and the support collar to prevent the resin from embedding in the grooves of the threads of the bolt. Accordingly, the bolt is free to rotate relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A syringe is provided with a helical spring, which furnishes an upper limit to a pressure employed via a plunger to move a fluid or paste through an opening in a syringe. The plunger is maintained in a low compressing state versus the fluid with the helical spring. A toothed rack is attached to the plunger. The toothed rack is engaged by a ratchet forming part of a lever. The lever is hinged on an axially movable assembly. Actuation of the lever drives the ratchet and therewith toothed rack and plunger forward against the force of the spring. As more force is applied to the plunger the resilient force of the compression spring allows the axially movable assembly to move backward and thus to limit the pressure exerted by the plunger on the fluid. A second ratchet can be provided for preventing a backward motion of the toothed rack while the lever seeks a new point of engagement for the ratchet with the toothed rack.

Abstract: A tool to facilitate the removal of individual leads underlying others in wiring layers of a backplane terminal pin field. In the past, wiring being removed was frequently pulled against overlying leads causing damage to insulation and even breakage. The tool is provided with sockets to fit over a number of terminal pins for accurate positioning and the lead to be removed is drawn against a guide portion which takes the strain rather than the overlying wiring.