Abstract: An engaging device for releasably engaging an object. The engaging device comprising a supporting part and an engaging part mounted on the supporting part for pivotal movement about two spaced apart axes between two stable conditions, one being an engaging condition and the other being a release condition. The two axes being defined by means carried on a portion of the supporting part, the supporting part being resiliently deflectable at said means defining the two axes to accommodate movement of the engaging part between the two stable conditions and to urge the engaging part into one or other of the two stable conditions. The supporting part may define a housing which accommodates the engaging part and which provides protection to the resilient portions of the device.

Abstract: A device for treating at least one running multifilament yarn with compressed air contains one continuous yarn channel (13, 14, 15) which is circular in cross section. Into a cylindrical middle section (14) of the yarn channel (13, 14, 15) three blowing medium feed holes (16, 17) empty. The axes of these blowing medium feed holes (16, 17)intersect the axis of the yarn channel (13, 14, 15) at one common point each at an angle of 15.degree. to 40.degree.. With this device it is possible to treat multifilament yarn (M1) which is supplied to the yarn channel (13, 14, 15) with an excess delivery of 0 to 15% and which is discharged, transversely to the axis of the yarn channel (13, 14, 15), from the device such that the filaments of yarn are uniformly intertwined with one another over the length of the yarn and thus no protruding loops are formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the working of an elongated body, in particular a profile of a fan blade, comprising the following parts, linked to each other:(a) a feeding device of a rod of an extruded material, from which the elongated body is obtained;(b) a first blocking device of the rod;(c) a second blocking device of the elongated body;(d) a mobile trolley able to slide along sliding trails;(e) a first cutting device integral with the mobile trolley;(f) at least one drilling device;(g) a second cutting device to cut the elongated body from the rod;(h) and a shaping device integral with the mobile trolley.

Abstract: Described is an electronically regulated coiling apparatus for mattress and upholstery springs comprising essentially a wire draw-in, a wire guidance, a cutting device and a bending device for a wire to be processed, and due to short drive trains equipped with few transfer elements, in particular for the bending device, improved torsional rigidity and flexural strength of the particular drive train is attained. The electronically regulated servomotors used according to the invention can therefore transfer their movement directly onto the bending tools and the drive rollers by interconnecting few transfer elements. This permits bending a wire with decreased tolerances into a corresponding spring.

Abstract: A two-tiered punch having an extending imprint head with impact surfaces is employed to deform the top threads of a clinch-type nut during installation to create a lock-type nut. As the deforming imprint is applied, a shoulder on the punch supplies the installation pressing force against the top face of the nut. As the imprint head moves downward into the material of the nut, portions of the top thread are deformed, being compressed axially downward. The size of the imprint head and the distance that the imprint head projects from the shoulder determines the depth of imprint deformation and, hence, the degree of thread deformation. The imprint head is centered on the nut thread and is configured in the shape of a polygon extending from the face of the punch. During deformation and installation, the nut is held in a center position with regard to the coining edges of the imprint head by a centering pin which extends from the end face of the punch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bearing insertion device which is specifically adapted for use in conjunction with an archery bow. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a C-shaped frame with an upper arm and a lower plate. A threaded driving member is adjustable positioned through the upper arm and is adapted for cooperation with the lower plate. At the lower end of this driving member a bushing pusher is secured. This bushing pusher is specifically adapted to engage the bushings found within archery bows.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a member onto a planar surface of an object within a predetermined degree of positioning accuracy relative to a reference axis on the planar surface. The apparatus comprises first and second bores in the object that are spaced a predetermined distance apart on the reference axis such that their respective centers extend substantially perpendicularly through the reference axis. First and second hollow protrusions are formed on a mating surface of the member and are spaced apart on the mating surface a second predetermined distance and are shaped such that the second predetermined distance can vary a predetermined amount relative to the first predetermined distance without affecting the ability to simultaneously insert the first and second protrusions into the first and second bores, respectively, while maintaining the degree of positioning accuracy of the member relative to the reference axis on the planar surface on the object.

Abstract: A tool for installing the planetary assembly and reverse clutch assembly of an automatic transmission as a combined assembly therein. The tool includes an elongated tubular handle extending along a longitudinal axis having a first end and an opposed second end. A grip assembly is formed at the first end of the handle. The grip assembly has a handle extension fastened to the first end of the handle and extending away from the handle along the longitudinal axis, and a pair of spaced fingers positioned at the free end of the handle extension, the fingers being spaced about the longitudinal axis of the tool and extending in a direction transverse to the length of the tool. The fingers of the tool are adapted to engage a groove defined in the hub of the front planetary assembly so that the combined reverse clutch assembly and planetary assembly can be simultaneously installed in the automatic transmission of an automobile.

Abstract: An elastic blade for press contacting a developing roller to regulate a thickness of a layer of developing agent conveyed by the developing roller to a developing area includes a springlike supporting plate, and a centrifugally molded rubber elastic layer coated on the supporting plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary head drum having a simplified structure, and a method for manufacturing thereof. An upper drum having at least two video heads formed at an outer bottom portion thereof is installed. A shaft is installed in the center portion of the upper drum. A deck portion on which said upper drum is installed, is vertically and upwardly bent by press working into cylinder shape having a shorter diameter than the upper drum. Then, a lower drum is formed on the outer portion of the deck by outsert molding under the upper drum at a predetermined distance apart from the upper drum. A number of complicated processes and assembling process for fixing the lower drum on the deck can be omitted. Thus, the obtained head drum has a simplified structure with less elements and has good quality.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor design and fabrication process that provides improved microtrack profile linearity for servo elements while simultaneously providing stable and linear data sensing elements suitable for high density tape head applications. The stability and uniformity of both data and servo sensor elements is enhanced through the use of a grating profile under both the soft film biased magnetoresistive sensor layer and the hard bias stabilizing magnets. Processing steps are eliminated by replicating the grating pattern for the servo sensor elements through a thick layer of alumina or silicon dioxide. The outer read shield is removed from the servo elements using a stripping process that eliminates structural damage arising from alumina pinholes. Both element types are free of significant Barkhausen noise and instability because of the grating-stabilized domains in both the active magnetoresistive regions and the passive hard-biasing regions of each sensor.

Abstract: After both an ABS and a back surface of a slider are lapped, a one-surface lapping resulting in balanced compressive stresses of the ABS is performed resulting in unbalanced stresses to make the ABS flat while warping the ABS. At this stage, the slider deforms by changing the back surface in a convex shape, and the ABS itself is maintained flat by the lapping. Thereafter, a one-surface lapping of the back surface is performed to reduce the compressive stresses therein and make the back surface flat while warping the back surface. The slider deforms by changing the ABS in a convex shape and a positive crown on the ABS is formed. The ABS can be lapped flat, and in addition the crown can be formed. Reliability of data read/write can be improved.

Abstract: A current-limiting device is provided having a low profile configuration (generally flat polyhedron) that defines a cavity of predetermined dimensions and an elongated circuitous path through the cavity. The device also includes provisions for supporting a current-limiting fusible element along the path. The cavity is filled with a pulverulent arc-quenching filler material. In one specific arrangement, the path of the fusible element is defined by one or more U-shaped sections substantially spanning the length or width of the cavity. The fusible element is arranged in a predetermined geometry to include a length of the fusible element that is longer than the overall straight-line path via a configuration of steps or bends along its length.

Abstract: Electronic parts are mounted onto a substrate. A parts supply device holds a plurality of electronic parts and moves to be positioned at a predetermined parts take-out position. The parts supply device includes a readable and writable memory for storing data indicative of the plurality of electronic parts held therein. A reading device reads the data stored in the readable and writable memory provided in the parts supply device when the parts supply device moves relative to the reading device to the predetermined parts take-out position. The electronic part is extracted from the parts supply device position at the predetermined parts take-out position and mounted on a substrate.

Abstract: A connector 1 has a connector main body 2, and a plurality of leads 3--3 protruding forward from a front surface of the connector main body 2. Each lead 3 is formed with an edge portion 3a. A plurality of terminals 6--6 are formed on an end of a printed circuit board 5. Each terminal 6 is formed with a slit 7 extending in a longitudinal direction thereof. The slit 7 is engageable with the edge portion 3a of its corresponding lead 3. A precoat solder portion 8 is formed on each terminal 6. The edge portion 3a is coupled with its corresponding slit 7. And, the leads 3--3 are soldered onto their corresponding terminals 6--6 by melting the precoat solder portion 8, thereby firmly mounting the connector 2 on the end of the printed circuit board 5 without causing the dislocation of leads in a lateral direction with respect to their corresponding terminals.

Abstract: The present invention increases real estate by providing non-annular lands which do not completely encircle the through holes. The non-annular lands are non-annular, that is they do not extend 360.degree. around the through hole. Preferably the non-annular lands contact no more than one side of the through holes thereby providing real estate not otherwise available using conventional lands. The present invention also relates to a method for producing such Non-annular lands.

Abstract: A method of making a return pad for an electrosurgical system comprises the following steps. A first step includes die cutting an electrically conductive foil on a backing using a rotary press to create a foil blank. A second step includes peeling the conductive foil from around the blank, and leaving the blank on its backing. A third step includes layering electrically conductive gel together with the die cut foil to form a layered sheet. A fourth step includes blanking the return pad from the layered sheet using a rotary die. The rotary die has cutting edges and a die packing material adjacent to at least a portion of the edges. The die packing material compresses the gel prior to cutting. The compression is preferably sufficient to cause elastic deformation in the gel so that the gel retracts after being cut. The retraction of the gel leaves a border around the edge of the pad. The border region helps prevent the possibility of the gel coming into electrical contact with an unintended object.

Abstract: A coated piston ring and method of manufacture for internal combustion engines and compressors. The piston ring having a outer peripheral surface that is coated with a thin substantially final finish spray wear resistant coating for contacting the cylinder wall. The material coating is deposited by high velocity oxygen fuel spray apparatus and a sharp bottom edge is lapped thereon for contacting the cylinder wall of the apparatus. The method of manufacturing comprising rotating a plurality of piston rings about a central axis while the high velocity oxygen fuel gun sprays molten coating material thereon. The molten coating material forming a mechanical interlock with the ring blank to produce a substantially final finish spray coating on the periphery of the piston rings.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for manufacturing an elongated metallic member (1) having at least one thickened wall area defined at a portion thereof. That portion of the elongated metallic member (1) is heated to a plasticizable temperature to form a heated area (5) while the latter is moved along the metallic member (1) and, at the same time, axially inwardly compressed to allow upsetting at the heated area (5), to thereby form a thickened wall area. A trailing portion (1a) of the thickened wall area of the elongated metallic member (1) immediately after the heated area (5) is cooled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shaving system of the wet shave type comprising a blade member (one or more) and a structure which supports or holds the blade member and which has an external skin engaging portion in proximity to the blade member. The skin engaging portion includes an improved shaving aid composite which comprises a non-volatile cooling agent, such as a non-volatile menthol analog. Preferably the shaving aid composite comprises a matrix of a water-insoluble polymer and, dispersed within the matrix, a skin lubricating water-soluble polymer and a non-volatile cooling agent. Alternatively, the shaving aid composite may comprise a sheath of water-insoluble polymer that surrounds a core which includes a skin-lubricating water-soluble polymer and a non-volatile cooling agent.

Abstract: A handheld coaxial cable trimmer tool has two sets of jaws operated simultaneously by the handles so that two different types of coaxial cables may be prepared for connection to corresponding coaxial connectors without readjusting the tool in any way. Two different snap-in blade assemblies that correspond to different types of connectors and cable are held in the two jaw sets, and third and fourth blade assemblies are held in a convenient swing-out blade storage compartment.

Abstract: Methods for producing an adherent diamond film on a cemented metal carbide substrate are disclosed. Particularly, the present invention discloses methods of preparing the surface of a cemented metal carbide surface such that an adherent polycrystalline diamond coating may be deposited thereon using CVD techniques. Cutting tool inserts produced from such adherent diamond film coated cemented metal carbide articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment for a chain saw that allows the angle of a cut to be controlled with great precision. The attachment consists of a rigid, rectangular guide frame with an open window construction. An approximately U-shaped blade mount is hingably attached to the guide frame, thus allowing a saw blade to be inserted through the open window of the guide frame and mounted onto the blade mount. The blade mount, and thus the attached saw blade, can move in an arc with respect to the guide frame, and the attachment includes a selecting means by which to determine the angle between the blade mount and the guide frame and a tightening means by which to secure the blade mount and guide frame in the desired position. An additional feature is a directing fence so as to control the direction of a cut. The fence consists of a first and a second bar that are hingably mounted to one another and can thus be rotated and secured so that any desired angle is set between them.

Abstract: A multi-purpose carpentry measuring device is described. The tool combines the functions of a framing square, level and plum bob in one function and with just one measurement. Further, the tool can also be used as a bevel gauge and a level bench marker. A foot and leg member, joined by a pivot, contain bubble tubes for all necessary horizontal and vertical level measurements. Extendible rules on both members further increase the usefulness of the device. The tool has a built-in magnetic disc and bar code reader for continuously displaying angular read out on an integral calculator. Laser pin lights at either end of the tool allow for laser precision in all level bench marker observations as may be facilitated by a positioning pin disposed in said device.

Abstract: An object measuring apparatus for measuring the dimensions of an object, and controlling the pushing pressure of a probe that makes contact with the measured object. A table is movably mounted on a base member, a drive unit includes armature coils on the base member and a field magnet on the table, and a probe is fastened to the table and driven along the base member by the drive unit. A linear magnetic scale is provided on the base member, and a magnetic sensor portion is provided on the table. A measuring position detection sensor on the probe detects the object to be measured. An output from the measuring position detection sensor indicating that an object has been detected, and the pulse output generated by relative movement of the sensor portion and the scale, are supplied to a processing unit to calculate the dimensions of the object.

Abstract: According to the present invention, provided is a deodorization, sterilization and drying apparatus for bedding and clothing, which comprises: a warm air generator wherein an alkaline chlorine dioxide gas generator, within which is an alkaline ceramic body that is impregnated with an alkaline chlorine dioxide solution, is located along a flow path of the warm air that is generated in the warm air generator; an air mattress, a case and a bag for deodorizing, sterilizing and drying bedding and clothing by using the warm air from the warm air generator; and a hose for connecting the air mattress, etc., to the warm air generator, whereby the warm air from the warm air generator is brought into contact with the ceramic body so as to supply warm air that contains alkaline chlorine dioxide gas to the air mattress, etc. In addition to the above described arrangement, provided is a deodorization, sterilization and drying apparatus for bedding, etc.

Abstract: A dryer system for drying a coating applied to a substrate includes a thermally conductive roll having a length and a peripheral surface for supporting the substrate, and a plurality of energy emitters disposed within the conductive roll along the length of the conductive roll. The plurality of energy emitters are controlled to selectively emit energy along the length of the conductive roll. The conductive roll is at least partially surrounded by at least one convection unit. The convection unit includes a blower assembly, a heater assembly and a vacuum passageway. The blower assembly includes an inlet and directs a current of air towards the substrate. The heater assembly heats the air being directed towards the substrate. The vacuum passageway extends between the substrate and the inlet of the blower assembly for returning the heated air to the blower assembly once the air has impinged upon the substrate.

Abstract: An improved industrial dryer adapted for more efficient, quieter and safer operation. The dryer blower has a relatively large size blower wheel adapted for generating high volume air flows at substantially reduced noise levels so as not to disrupt the work environment nor necessitate that workers wear ear protection. The blower is mounted on a pivotal door of the housing for easy access and an adjacent air feed cone is mounted for selective adjustable positioning into axial relation with the blower wheel for efficient air distribution. The dryer includes a burner adapted for generating a multi-leg, relatively short length discharge flame for enhancing fuel combustion and maximizing surface area over which air passes and is heated as it is drawn to the tumbler of the dryer.

Abstract: A shoe sole comprises plurality of downwardly extending support blocks each of which bonds to an strip of elastic sheeting that must stretch when the blocks are folded under foot pressure.

Abstract: Products in the form of cushioning devices made from flexible membranes employing at least one layer including thermoplastic urethane and at least one layer of a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol are inflatable to a relatively high pressure. The cushioning devices maintain the internal inflatant pressure for extended periods of time by employing a phenomenon referred to in the industry as diffusion pumping. Ideally, the cushioning devices of the present invention can be permanently inflated with gases such as nitrogen or air.

Abstract: A training shoe includes an anchorage device (3) adapted secure to receive one or more elastic cords (5) against which a wearer may exert him or herself. Preferably, the anchorage device includes a hole (3) extending transversely through the sole (1) of the shoe and through which hole (3) one or more elastic cords (5) are threaded so as to form an elastic loop which may be pulled by the wearer as part of an exercise regime.

Abstract: The invention is an orthotic system including a combination partial insole, heel cup and metatarsal pad. The combination partial insole is comprised of the heel cup, a modified metatarsal pad, a midfoot support and a longitudinal arch support. The heel cup and metatarsal pad may be used separately or in combination. Each of the structural elements of the system are designed to control the motion of a human foot during gait, as well as to attenuate shock to the foot during gait. Each of the structural elements of the system are self-adjustable for variations in foot and shoe size and are formed of a compression-resistant, deformable material without rigid components.

Abstract: A linear excavation control apparatus for a hydraulic power shovel has a laser oscillator installed on the surface of a target area of excavation, a laser beam receiving unit mounted upon a vehicle body of the hydraulic power shovel and a controller for controlling an attitude of excavation by a bucket. The inclination of the laser beam receiving unit and the attitude of excavation of the bucket can be adjusted.

Abstract: A wear resistant excavating apparatus provides reduced wear, resilient compensation for such wear, reduced time required for installation, maintenance, and repair, and reduced hazards of operation. In a preferred embodiment, a wear resistant excavating apparatus has a lip which penetrates the earth, a structure which overlaps the lip, a fastener which biases the overlapping structure to contact the lip, and a compression member which resiliently maintains the overlapping structure in contact with the lip.

Abstract: A unit for displaying merchandise in a picture frame look with advertising graphics as a background, the merchandise being encapsulated in a clear, thermoformed container housed by the frame, making the merchandise pilfer-proof and giving it a high gloss finish, the graphics background and the thermoformed container being easily changed by sliding them in and out of the frame, all while the display is mounted in the retail environment without requiring any additional tools, fixtures, or disassembly.

Abstract: A transparent globular photograph holder is provided herein. The holder consists of a pair of transparent semiglobular members--each such complementary transparent member consisting of a hollow semiglobe having a flat, planar, circular face, said flat, planar, circular face constituting an inner frame disc. Each such inner frame disc consists of an integrally-formed inner circular ring for co-operating together to provide back-up rings for holding two photographs, back-to-back, for two-way viewing. The hollow semiglobes are being selectively secured together at a selected area of their respective flat, planar, circular faces by hinge means. They also are releaseably temporarily locked together at another area of their respective flat, planar, circular faces by means of a flexible clasp on one of said inner frame discs which co-operates with a retaining slot in said other inner frame disc: means are provided for hanging the transparent globular photograph holder.

Abstract: A frame for holding a picture includes a die cut border formed with an aperture and a substantially flat flexible plastic envelope formed with a pocket. The picture is insertable into the pocket of the envelope, and the envelope is attached to the border for presenting the picture through the aperture. A brace is selectively attachable to the border to hold the frame in a desired orientation for viewing the picture. Alternatively, the envelope may be formed between a recessed portion of a rigid base and a transparent sheet attached over the recess and the brace may be removeably attachable to the base member and further be configured to be attachable to the base member in more than one predetermined orientation.

Abstract: An electronic trigger lock which contains a back plate which blocks access to the trigger from one side of a firearm. This back plate has a member extending from it which contains a first series of ratchet teeth. Next, an electronic portion of the electronic trigger guard is provided to block access to the other side of the trigger. This electronic portion is contained within an outer housing. A user interface is located on the exterior of the outer housing for entering information into the electronic trigger lock. This interface may be comprised of translucent colored buttons. Also, this user interface is illuminated. The outer housing has an opening for receiving the member extending from the back plate. This opening contains a second series of ratchet teeth which are adapted to engage the first series of ratchet teeth on the member. A solenoid is located inside the outer housing to enable the release of the first series of ratchet teeth from the second series of ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A firearm with a firing mechanism having a hammer, a trigger, a semi-automatic disconnector, an automatic sear, and an electro-mechanical movement mechanism for moving the automatic sear. The trigger and semi-automatic disconnector can be used to fire the firearm in a semi-automatic firing mode. The electro-mechanical movement mechanism can control release of the hammer by the automatic sear, but only after a first firing of the firearm by release of the hammer from a mechanical interlock with the trigger. The electro-mechanical movement mechanism has an actuator attached to a piezoelectric member. The piezoelectric member moves the actuator to move the automatic sear between a hammer holding position and a hammer release position.

Abstract: A pass through fishing rod has a plurality of rod bodies, including a tip rod body having a first diameter and a plurality of larger-diameter rod bodies having successively increasing diameters greater than the first diameter. Each of the rod bodies has an inside surface defining a passage for a fishing line, a rear end section, and a front part having an inside diameter. The rod bodies are so formed that the rear end section of a rod body can be inserted and fastened to the inside surface of the front part Of a larger-diameter rod body. The fishing rod further includes line supporting means for supporting a fishing line which are installed in a portion of the inside surface of at least one rod body that is located further toward the rear end section of the rod body than the front part of the rod body.

Abstract: A fishing bobber molded of a synthetic plastic material wherein a hollow flotation chamber includes separable upper and lower snap together parts whereby ballast may be located within the chamber to adjust flotation sensitivity, and an elongated downwardly extending stem includes a latch having a hinge homogeneously formed of the stem material wherein the latch is pivotally positionable between a closed position for gripping the fishing line, and an open position for releasing the line. Manual lateral deformation of the stem unlocks the latch from its closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for luring and trapping insects using an olfactory and/or visual attractant. The apparatus generally having a protective housing or frame, an olfactory attractant defining a lure, and at least one dual or multiple-sided adhesive panel. The housing or frame contains and protects the olfactory attractant and adhesive panel from contacting other surfaces and permits the adhesive panel to form at least a portion of an outwardly exposed or exterior surface of the trap apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a greenhouse and supplying carbon dioxide gas thereto, including a heater burning a hydrocarbon fuel arranged to at least indirectly heat the atmosphere of the greenhouse when required; a cooler for cooling the carbon dioxide produced by operation of the heater; a storage device connected by a gas flow mechanism to receive combustion gas from the heater and to hold the combustion gas having carbon dioxide produced by the operation thereof; a distribution mechanism supplying the stored carbon dioxide gas containing combustion gas from the storage device to the greenhouse atmosphere, and a distribution control mechanism for allowing a supply of the carbon dioxide gas at a predetermined time and flow rate.

Abstract: A grid plate for stabilizing natural ground comprises a base and side walls formed in one piece with the base which form chambers open to the top being in the form of regular polygons, the base having water outlets, the chambers being in the form of sectional chambers which are laterally open on their periphery which form closed chambers with laterally open sectional chambers of adjacent grid plates complementary thereto when two similar grid plates are assembled and the ends of side walls of both grid plates forming the sectional chambers come into contact, the side walls having flattenings in the regions of contact, the flattenings of complementary chambers lying flat on one another when two similar grid plates are joined together.

Abstract: A window shutter having pivoting louvers radially mounted in an arcuate frame. Each louver has a narrow end mounted to an inner frame member, a wide end mounted to an outer frame member, and two diverging lateral sides. The wide louver end is pivotally mounted to the outer frame member by a mounting pin extending into the wide end and into the outer frame member. The narrow louver end is securely mounted to a pinion gear which meshes with arcuate front and rear rack gears which are slidably mounted in the inner frame member. The shaft of each pinion gear extends into the inner frame member to rotatably mount the gear thereto. Rotation of a single pinion gear causes a corresponding arcuate movement of the rack gears in opposite directions. Movement of the rack gears, in turn, rotates all pinion gears and all louvers simultaneously. The rack gears may also be directly positioned to rotate the louvers. The total range of movement of the rack gears cause a 180.degree. rotation of the louvers.

Abstract: A deck hanger utilizes two sheet metal spring hanger clips to hook behind parallel accessible edges of a deck installation. Each clip has a body which includes a rectangular hole. A rectangular bar is positioned through the holes and U-shape blocking clip straddles each hanger clip body securing the bar in place. The bar spans a downwardly opening channel formed by the deck panels and supports cable trays, piping or other installations utilizing what might normally be dead space. Each clip also has a hook portion with a back having a barb and a nose portion no thicker than the sheet metal from which it is formed to enable grasping of the edges without distortion.

Abstract: A roofing ridge (or hip) installation includes a roof understructure having a pair of outwardly sloping walls which form an inverted V-shaped ridge. A support panel is mounted on each of the walls with the lower end of each support panel optionally terminating in an upwardly facing channel. Tiles such as slates are mounted in each channel. A pressure applying assembly forces the base end of the panels inwardly. A cap spans across and covers the upper ends of the panels and assembly.

Abstract: A lineal of plastic material comprises multiple components extruded as a single piece and secured to one another by at least one wall formed in the lineal. One of the components is provided with a recess and another of the components has a leg which, upon separation of the components at the wall, fits into the recess of the one component to provide a mated component system.

Abstract: A retractable device for deterring birds from landing, roosting or nesting on a surface of a building structure, the device including at least two holding mechanisms each having a mounting member to be attached to the building structure and an arm for securing wire between the wire holding mechanisms, the arms being pivotally connected at respective pivots to the mounting members and being selectively pivotable to an operational protracted position in which the arms and wire lie above the surface of the building structure and to a non-operational retracted position in which the arms and wire lie below the surface of the building structure.

Abstract: A noise-protection screen (1) provided with a number of sound-damping elements (2) and over the length of the noise-protection screen, spaced at a distance from each other with girders for the support of the elements, and a sound-damping element for a noise-protection screen. The noise-protection screen includes an air cavity (8) delimited at one side by the sound-damping elements (2) and at the other side by panel-like elements (9). At the side of the sound-damping elements the air cavity is preferably in contact with the surroundings by means of air openings, preferably in the form of air gaps running longitudinally along the noise-protection screen.