Abstract: A system is disclosed for retrieving a mist of sulfurous acid and creating sulfurous acid from residual sulfur dioxide gas originating from an exhaust of a sulfurous acid generator. In one embodiment, such a system includes a sulfurous acid generator to output sulfurous acid, in a primary stream, and exhaust comprising a mist of sulfurous acid and sulfur dioxide gas. A recovery system is connected to the sulfurous acid generator to receive the exhaust and substantially remove the mist and the sulfur dioxide gas. The recovery system is further structured to pass the exhaust to apertures therein sized to separate the mist from the exhaust, wet itself with the liquid of the mist, and capture the sulfur dioxide gas with the liquid to substantially remove them both from the exhaust.

Abstract: A generator to provide sulfurous acid on demand and fail-safe operation includes a hopper to provide a supply of sulfur, and a burner connected to the hopper to receive the sulfur and combust it to produce sulfur dioxide gas. An inlet passes air from the environment into the burner. A channel is connected to the sulfur burner to receive the sulfur dioxide. An eductor, connected to a water supply, draws the sulfur dioxide through the channel. The generator includes a safety system to substantially inhibit discharge to the environment products of combustion that are deemed objectionable, in the event of an interruption of the water supply or shut down of the sulfurous acid generator.

Abstract: A cover for protecting patio furniture or other objects from adverse weather includes a UV resistant outer layer that may include a top and side panels, an inner layer that may include a top and side panels, and contact sites by which the two layers are fixedly attached to one another. Releasable fasteners for attaching to the furniture or object to be protected are attached to the inner layer. The contact sites are minimal relative to the size of the inner layer, such that the sum of the areas of contact sites or contact areas is substantially less than an unbonded area of the inner layer. Area and perimeter limits apply to the unbonded area between the layers to ensure the two layers can move relatively independent of each other.

Abstract: A cover for protecting patio furniture or other objects from adverse weather includes an outer layer and an inner layer removably attached to one another. The inner layer is a waterproof or water-resistant layer, whereas the outer layer is decorative and replaceable. The outer layer can be removed for either cleaning or replacement. The cover of the present invention affords versatility and flexibility to the consumers and results in cost savings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a dimensionally stable wood-thermoplastic composite material composed of a wood component and a thermoplastic component comprising the steps of forming a wood-thermoplastic mass at a temperature above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic component. The mass is then passed through a converging die to form a shaped extrudate profile having a cross sectional shape wherein at least a part of the converging die is maintained at a substantially higher temperature than that of the mass. The profile is then fed through a low friction thermally insulating land section, the land section having the substantially the same cross sectional shape as the exit end of the converging die. The profile is then quenched in a non-oxidizing environment to form a substantially dimensionally stable outer shell around the profile, the shell having a temperature below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic component.

Abstract: A spacing tool for determining the spacing between adjacent members of a structure including a pair of perpendicular planes, the planes intersecting along a line offset from the centerline of each plane, the pair of perpendicular planes including a first planar member having a first width corresponding to a first desired spacing between adjacent members in a structure; and a second planar member having a second width corresponding to a second desired width between adjacent members in a structure, the second desired width being less than the first desired width. Each of the first and second planar members further includes a side edge, and the spacing tool further includes first and second thickness indicia positioned on the first planar member side edge and the second planar member side edge respectively. The indicia correspond to the first width and the second width.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a dimensionally stable wood-thermoplastic composite material composed of a wood component and a thermoplastic component comprising the steps of forming a wood-thermoplastic mass at a temperature above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic component. The mass is then passed through a converging die to form a shaped extrudate profile having a cross sectional shape wherein at least a part of the converging die is maintained at a substantially higher temperature than that of the mass. The profile is then fed through a low friction thermally insulating land section, the land section having the substantially the same cross sectional shape as the exit end of the converging die. The profile is then quenched in a non-oxidizing environment to form a substantially dimensionally stable outer shell around the profile, the shell having a temperature below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic component.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a wood-thermoplastic composite material using a high bulk density feedstock. The feedstock is formed by feeding a wood-thermoplastic mixture to a pellet mill where the bulk density thereof is increased by a significant amount. The pelletized feedstock may be stored for later formation into a finished product and may be blended as necessary to maintain product quality. The feedstock is easy to handle and transport and provides a manufacturer with a large degree of flexibility and control over the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A cover for an umbrella table assembly receives an umbrella pole therethrough. A portion of the cover associated with the pole is releasably secured to the pole and maintained in elevated position by the pole to provide a tent-like structure which includes an annular peripheral skirt which depends below the table top. Releasable fasteners which secure a cover to an article are attached to the cover after the cover has been positioned on the article.

Abstract: A cover for an umbrella table assembly receives an umbrella pole therethrough. A portion of the cover associated with the pole is releasably secured to the pole and maintained in elevated position by the pole to provide a tent-like structure which includes an annular peripheral skirt which depends below the table top. Releasable fasteners which secure a cover to an article are attached to the cover after the cover has been positioned on the article.

Abstract: An umbrella cover assembly includes a truncated conical cover made from felxible water repellent material and closed at its upper end has a longitudinal slit extend from its open lower end toward its upper end. Elongate battens made from resilient flexible material and having arcuate transverse cross-sections are contained within pockets in the cover extending along opposite sides of the slit. The battens impart longitudinal stiffness to the flexible cover in the region of the slit and are used to raise the cover to position it on a tall article. Both the cover and the battens contained in it are foldable to a compact storage condition.

Abstract: An electronically operated pistol (10) has a frame (32) upon which is mounted a barrel (36) and a shell (12) which encloses virtually all moving parts. The pistol has a trigger (14) which, when pulled, moves a front section (56) of a trigger bar (48) carrying a magnet (80) of a Hall effect switch. The trigger bar has a rear section (58) connected to a solenoid (114) which is actuated by a current amplifier (104) in a control circuit (124) which includes the Hall effect switch. Both sections of the trigger bar are independently axially movable but are so connected as to be pivotable about the trigger in unison to perform a disconnect function in association with a sear (78). A switch (104) in the control circuit mounted on the barrel senses the presence of a chambered cartridge (92). The control circuit includes a first light emitting diode (26) which illuminates when a round is chambered and a second light emitting diode (28) which illuminates when control circuit power is low.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing laminated skis wherein the molds in which the skis are built are vacuum wrapped with a plastic film prior to the placement of the ski components in the molds. The adhesive-coated ski components are then placed in the vacuum-wrapped molds in proper fashion. The mold-component assembly is then placed in a press when the ski is formed under pressure and heated so as to set the adhesive. The ski is then stripped off of the mold, the plastic wrap adhering to the ski and leaving behind a clean mold. The plastic wrap is then removed from the ski.

Abstract: An improved box for packaging a pair of skis is provided, whereby the boxed skis will be held securely in place and will be protected against damage which may occur in shipping or handling. The skis are held relatively immobilized within the box without the need for inserting any spacers or the like into the box. The ends of the box are constructed to serve as impact absorbers should the box be dropped on its ends while the skis are in it. The box is shaped to provide improved nesting and stacking characteristics for storage prior to shipment.