Abstract: A product sampling system including a sample code associated with a product sample, and a plurality of sample units provided to a retail location at no cost to the retail location, each sample unit including an indicia indicative of the sample code. The system further includes a database including identification data associated with loyalty members, software for reading the indicia from the sample units at the retail location and debiting a sample price associated with the sample units, and software for indentifying one or more consumers presenting the sample units at the retail location as being loyalty members based on the identification data. The system further includes software for crediting a price reduction equal to the sample price to each consumer identified as being a loyalty member, and for crediting the sample price to the retail location for each of the consumers not identified as being a loyalty member.

Abstract: A decorative composite mat includes a top layer of flexible clear thermoplastic material fused to an artwork bearing carrier sheet. A bottom layer, in the form of a flexible plastic sheet, is secured to the bottom of the fused clear plastic/carrier sheet via a strip of trim webbing which extends around the periphery of the mat. The artwork is visible through and protected by the clear plastic top layer.

Abstract: A ratchet and cam buckle tensioning assembly or strap tensioner, interposed between a lashing strap tensioned by the ratchet buckle and a lead strap tensioned by the cam buckle. The invention enables an operator to quickly and conveniently pre-tension the lashing and lead straps by removing an un-tensioned length of the lead strap without having to operate the ratchet buckle. The tensioning assembly includes a ratchet buckle for tensioning the lashing strap in stepped increments and a cam buckle for slidingly adjusting the lead strap. The cam buckle housing and the ratchet buckle frame member are a unitary member, forming an single, integrated tensioning assembly. Alternately, the cam buckle is permanently attached adjacent to the ratchet buckle. The cam buckle includes a housing adapted to slidably receive the lead strap. The housing has a pressure plate with a first restraining surface, such as a friction surface, over which the lead strap slides.

Abstract: A ratchet and cam buckle tensioning assembly or strap tensioner, interposed between a lashing strap tensioned by the ratchet buckle and a lead strap tensioned by the cam buckle. The invention enables an operator to quickly and conveniently pre-tension the lashing and lead straps by removing an un-tensioned length of the lead strap without having to operate the ratchet buckle. The tensioning assembly includes a ratchet buckle for tensioning the lashing strap in stepped increments and a cam buckle for slidingly adjusting the lead strap. The cam buckle housing and the ratchet buckle frame member are a unitary member, forming an single, integrated tensioning assembly. Alternately, the cam buckle is permanently attached adjacent to the ratchet buckle. The cam buckle includes a housing adapted to slidably receive the lead strap. The housing has a pressure plate with a first restraining surface, such as a friction surface, over which the lead strap slides.

Abstract: A shock absorbing protector for work lamp mainly includes a polygonal protective framework defining an inner space and two sets of shock absorbing means separately provided at two ends of said protective framework. Each set of the shock absorbing means includes a central member and a plurality of elastic members radially and elastically extended from said central member. The central members are fixed two sides of a work lamp positioned inside the polygonal protective framework and the elastic members are connected at their outer ends to two end frames of the polygonal protective framework, making the work lamp suspended in the protective framework while a buffer distance is left between the work lamp and the protective framework. The polygonal protective framework and the shock absorbing elastic members protect the work lamp therein from tilting over or crushed while allow the work lamp to emit light at any angle of elevation.

Abstract: An electronic device support apparatus including a wedge-shaped stand portion of light-weight material to support an electronic device. The support apparatus supports any type of electronic device, including a television set, a VCR, both a television and a VCR, any video monitor, a stereo, etc. The support apparatus is light-weight and portable and particularly suited to support an electronic device in an automobile. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support strap coupled to the stand and adapted to surround the exterior of the electronic device. The support strap includes a closure means for retaining the support strap at a location adjacent to the exterior of the electronic device.

Abstract: A collapsible awing having a flexible frame forming at least one collapsible closed loop; a flexible sheet disposed upon the frame to define a central region; and a first fastener detachably coupled to a first edge of the sheet such that the first edge is attached to a first surface; and, at least one rod with a first end coupled to a second edge of the sheet and a second end attached to a second surface through the use of a second fastener such that the sheet can provide a coveting. The flexible frame of the awning is easily collapsible for storage. The flexible sheet is an opaque flexible material which blocks sunlight and other elements. The rods can also be easily disassembled and maintained together for storage.

Abstract: A hand held trimmer for cutting heavy vegetation such as hedges or the like is disclosed. The trimmer includes a handle having a centrally disposed hand grip thereon. The handle includes mounting means for a conventional cutting means at one end and a convention motor at the other. The trimmer cutting means and trimmer motor are preferably disposed at substantially opposite ends of the handle such that the weight of one substantially counterbalances the weight of the other. A resilient drive shaft means is disposed within the handle and extends between the motor to the reciprocating blade drive means so as to substantially avoid damaging the motor and the drive means should the trimmer reciprocating blades become temporarily jammed during operation.

Abstract: A hand held trimmer for cutting heavy vegetation such as hedges or the like is disclosed. The trimmer includes a handle having a plurality of hand grips thereon. The handle includes mounting means for a conventional cutting means at one end and a convention motor at the other. The trimmer cutting and trimmer motor are preferably disposed at substantially opposite ends of the handle such that the weight of one substantially counterbalances the weight of the other. A resilient drive shaft means is disposed within the handle and extends between the motor to the reciprocating blade drive means so as to substantially avoid damaging the motor and the drive means should the trimmer reciprocating blades become temporarily jammed during operation.

Abstract: A periclase refractory composition comprising magnesium oxide granules, carbon granules and a carbonaceous binding material capable of undergoing pyrolytic decomposition. Added to the periclase refractory composition is at least one oxyhydrocarbon compound selected from the group consisting of (a) acyclic carboxylic acids, (b) oxidized polyolefin waxes, (c) poly(alkylene oxides) and ethers thereof, (d) olefin copolymers, (e) polyvinyl alcohol, and (f) furan polymers.