Abstract: The turning device has a guideway (13) which is formed integrally on the tong carrier (3) and in which is guided the roller (16) of an oscillating lever (15). The reciprocating movement of the guideway (13) is transmitted via the oscillating lever (15) to a pivot pin (14). The latter turns the portion (A) in conjunction with a counter-holder (22). The turning device is used on horizontal cross-transfer presses having a high production rate for metal forming starting from portions of wire.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing, installing and/or testing valve-spring retainer assemblies of internal combustion engines and the like employ an existing spark plug opening to mount a tool which is designed to depress a valve spring and thereby disengage an associated valve-spring retainer assembly. Once it has been disengaged, at least a portion of the valve-spring retainer assembly can be removed from a cylinder head of the engine through the tool.

Abstract: A method for increasing the authentication effect of a verification hologram to be affixed to a protected document includes laser etching individualized indicia into the reflective layer of each hologram produced en masse on a moving, continuous web. The laser is finely focused and guided by a computer which records the data used to form the selected indicia, such data being referenced for comparison to provide verification of authenticity upon presentation by a bearer. In one embodiment, the data used to create the indicia is generated by a computer program which may include a random number generator.

Abstract: In the custom-fitting of athletic footwear, such as ski boots and hockey skates, which include an outer shell and an inner bladder, a patch is provided between the shell and the bladder at a selected location where there is a poor fit between the shell and a wearer's foot. The patch forms a receptacle which can be inflated or otherwise supplied with a filler, such as foam, to an extent sufficient to improve the fit at the selected location.

Abstract: An infant exerciser adapted for use in a substantially stationary location has a frame or base and an inboard or outboard infant seat attached to the frame or base such that the seat can be revolved in an orbital manner. The seat can also rotate about its own axis of rotation, whereby an infant who is in the seat can walk along a circular path and/or turn in place.

Abstract: A method for treating liquid waste water sludge after its generation and separation from the waste liquid involves forcibly impacting sludge particles and microbial cells against a contact surface to thereby fragment the particles into smaller-sized particles and break apart the organic cells. As a result of such a fragmentation process, water located in the pores of the sludge particles is released, thereby enhancing a subsequent dewatering process performed on the sludge. The destruction of the cells permits a subsequent solids digestion process to work more efficiently, while also permitting a more complete conversion to dissolved sugars, proteins and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An outlet assembly for a water receptacle, such as a swimming pool, spa or the like, includes a pair of interchangeable discharge nozzles, one being a rotary discharge nozzle and the other being a linear discharge nozzle. A user may selectively interchange the rotary discharge nozzle and the linear discharge nozzle by withdrawing and inserting them through an outlet port sized and shaped so as to permit the user's hand to fit therein.

Abstract: A device for translating rotary to linear motion and vice versa includes a reciprocating linearly moving shuttle with a central aperture. The aperture has a pair of opposing gear racks protruding towards the center and which capture therebetween a pair of pinion sectors rotatably mounted to the crankpin of a rotatable crankshaft with the axis of crankshaft rotation perpendicular to the linear path of the shuttle. The pinion sectors are free to rotate about the crankpin and articulate independently of each other through a selected angular range. When the crankpin, including the pinion sectors, is inserted into the shuttle aperture with the pinion sectors engaging the racks, motion is transferable between the crankpin and the shuttle through the pinion sectors.

Abstract: A portable appliance adapted for temporary attachment to a columnar member, such as a tree, pole, or the like, includes a frame which is attached to the columnar member by a tensile member such that the frame is pivotable between an unlocked position, in which the frame is loosely attached to the columnar member, and a locked position, in which the frame is securely attached to the columnar member. Because the distance between the attaching means and the columnar member increases as the frame pivots from its unlocked position to its locked position, the tensile member is tensioned in response to such pivotal movement of the frame. In order to inhibit the inadvertent detachment of the appliance from the columnar member when the frame is in its locked position, the attaching means is located between an upper end and a lower end of the frame and adjacent to an outer edge thereof. To facilitate transportation and storage, the frame can be collapsible and/or nestable.