Abstract: The invention provides a termination assembly adapted to retain an elongated, generally rigid member, such as a wire, to a mounting surface. A mounting surface is configured to define a receiving channel, which may include an aperture. A deformable sleeve member is configured to engage the generally rigid member to be retained and the channel in the mounting member. Cooperative deformation of the deformable sleeve and the mounting member will cause the two members to deform to engage one another, thereby securing the generally rigid member to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A method for making an electrical article includes: providing a conductive lead frame having a first contact section (129) adapted to be electrically and mechanically secured to a discrete second conductive member (144) and a holding section proximate the first contact section (129) adapted to hold a portion of the discrete second conductive member (144); positioning a discrete second conductive member (144) on the holding section with a first connecting end (146) in engagement with the first contact section (129)of the lead frame; terminating the second member (144) to the contact section (129), the lead frame and the second conductive member (144) defining a subassembly; overmolding the subassembly with dielectric material at least over portions of the lead frame and the second conductive member; and removing at least the holding section from the overmolded subassembly thereby defining an electrical article.

Abstract: A process for assembling a clamp ring to a disk stack assembly of a computer disk drive unit. The clamp ring includes a lower surface which includes an arcuate rolling contact surface that uniformly distributes a load applied to the clamp ring to components of the disk stack assembly underlying the clamp ring without damaging such disk stack components on load-induced flexion of the clamp ring. A cantilevered section of the clamp ring is disposed radially inwardly of the arcuate rolling contact surface, and is defined by a portion of the lower surface which is raised relative to an adjacent portion of the arcuate rolling contact surface so as to not contact the underlying disk stack components on load-induced flexion of the clamp ring. In use, the clamp ring is heated and then placed over the disk stack components to be clamped together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering column stalk switch apparatus includes the steps of fixedly engaging a hub attached to an elongated shaft to one end of a hollow housing having apertures formed at opposite ends, movably mounting a button in one of the apertures in the housing, the button being movable between first and second positions and biased to the first position, mounting a first electrical contactor having first electrical contacts thereon in the button, movably mounting a second electrical contactor with second electrical contacts thereon in the housing, the first and second electrical contacts being co-planarly aligned, mounting a circuit board with conductive tracings in the housing such that the first and second contacts slidably engage the conductive tracings and complete circuits therebetween depending upon the position of the first and second electrical contacts, mounting the second electrical contactor on a movable carrier in the housing, biasingly mounting a detent paw on the carrier, alig

Abstract: A method of forming a button-type lithium electrode includes: a) masking an electrically conductive sheet with a material to which elemental lithium will not appreciably adhere to define a masked portion and an unmasked portion, the unmasked portion being in the shape of the desired electrode being formed; c) applying molten lithium to the masked sheet to cause elemental lithium to adhere to the unmasked portion but not appreciably adhere to the masked portion; alternately, directing a lithium stream onto the sheet; d) solidifying the lithium on the unmasked portion to in situ form a lithium electrode; and e) after solidifying, removing the masking material from the masked portion of the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrode mask for use in an electrolytic cell, and an associated process for fabricating such a cell with an electrode mask. The electrode mask is applied to a limited portion of the active material of at least one of the first and second electrodes so that the peripheral edge of the electrode mask and associated electrodes are in planer relationship with each other. In addition, the electrode mask can be applied in a manner which enables a fully fabricated electrolytic cell to be manufactured with any desired geometric configuration, merely by altering the electrode mask application pattern, and a die-cutter to cut an assembled cell in conformance with the applied pattern of the electrode mask.

Abstract: A component handling device that is adapted to provide determination of a component picked up by a pickup device by different recognition methods depending upon the size of the component picked up. One recognition method employs a light source and a receptor and is carried by the mounting head. The other device includes a fixed camera and the light source is carried either by the mounting head and/or fixed relative to the camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a multiple component article such as an optical fiber connector and inspecting assembled multiple component articles. The apparatus includes a fixture or nest for retaining an elongated body of the connector in a selected orientation. Stations of the apparatus are included for placing the elongated body in the fixture in a selected orientation, placing a biasing component on the elongated body, placing a coupling nut on the elongated body over the exposed end and abutting the biasing component, and applying a retaining component to an outside surface of the elongated body for retaining the biasing component between the elongated body and the coupling nut in a compressed state. The inspection system includes a fixture for retaining the multiple component article in a selected orientation in which a portion of the elongated body and a portion of the coupling nut are exposed for inspection.

Abstract: An assembly system comprises a supply jig for holding and positioning a plurality of parts one by one, a supply center for inserting a plurality of parts into the supply jig, a plurality of assembly centers for taking out the parts from the supply jig and assembling the parts into products in parallel processing, carrier conveyor for carrying the supply jig from the supply center to the assembly centers and return conveyor for returning the supply jig from the assembly centers to the supply center. The supply jig supplies the common parts which are required in all of the assembly centers, while each of the assembly centers comprises individual supply means for supplying a non-common part. Thus, this system can cope with assembling various types of products simultaneously, and can eliminate line stoppage upon occurrence of a trouble or for periodic inspection in any one of the centers, thereby production capability is improved.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device having a lead-on-chip structure includes bending a die pad extending from an outer frame outwardly from the outer frame. Thereafter, with the die pad in a convenient position, a semiconductor chip is die-bonded to the die pad. Thereafter, the die pad is bent back toward the outer frame so that it is generally parallel to but spaced from the outer frame with leads extending from the outer frame being generally parallel to the semiconductor chip. Electrodes of the semiconductor chip are connected by wire-bonding to the leads extending from the outer frame. After resin molding, the outer frame lying outside the resin package is severed and removed, completing the lead-on-chip semiconductor device.

Abstract: An electronic component (15) such as a printed circuit board (PCB) is formed using a sintering process. A layer of dielectric powder (11) is partially converted to a solid layer of dielectric material (14) by exposing selective portions of the powder (11) to a laser (17). A layer of conductive powder (20) is then formed over the solid layer of dielectric material (14) and selectively sintered to form a solid layer of conductive material (19). This process can be used to form an interconnect structure (45), a coaxial structure (60), a cavity (89), a trench structure (90), or a slug (91), conductive traces (19), bond pads (31), or any other circuit board structure.

Abstract: A system for packaging integrated circuit components including a ball grid array substrate with a plurality of solder balls coupled to the substrate. A semiconductor device is mounted on the substrate and electrically coupled to the solder balls. One or more terminals are coupled to the substrate and electrically coupled to said semiconductor device. A detachable module contains auxiliary component. The module comprises a body portion for containing the component and one or more electrical connectors for mating with respective terminals to hold the module to the substrate and to electrically couple the component with the semiconductor device. The terminals may also be connected to the solder balls such that a component may be optionally provided either on the circuit board or in the detachable module.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and method for customized cooling of chips using a plurality of thermally conductive materials. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus and a method that provides customized cooling of a MCM (Multi-Chip Module) by using a plurality of thermally conductive materials.

Abstract: A method of protecting a conductive connecting part of a flat cable and a protecting structure of the cable are provided. The method includes a step of connecting conductors of the flat cable to conductors of relay wires at the conductive connecting part, a step of arranging a protective member at the exterior of an insulating cover part of the flat cable, a step of interposing the protective member between opposing molding dies and accommodating the conductive connecting part of the flat cable in a cavity defined by the molding dies in a leak-tight manner, and a step of supplying insulating material in the cavity for an insert molding. The protecting structure includes the conductive connecting part, the protective member and the insulating member for enclosing the conductive connecting part together with a leading end of the protective member. The insulating member is formed by insert molding.

Abstract: A pre-combustion chamber is adapted to be installed in the spark plug well of an existing engine. The spark plug is removed and a centering mandrel is installed in the ln1 spark plug hole. Tools are placed on the mandrel for modifying the walls of the spark plug well to accommodate the pre-combustion chamber assembly. Once the well is modified, the tools and mandrel are removed and the pre-combustion chamber is installed in the well in place of the original spark plug.

Abstract: A bracket having a plurality of notches is temporarily connected to a structural member of an internal combustion engine to support a plurality of push rods at a preselected location and orientation during assembly of a rocker arm assembly on a cylinder head. The bracket is slidably positionable on the structural member and the notches are configured in a manner to releasably support the push rods.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a piston assembly adapted for use in a hydraulic pump or motor and having an overall length shorter than previously known piston assemblies while maintaining a strong mechanical connection and a high, efficient volumetric output. The method includes the steps of forming a slipper with a spherical ball on one end; forming a piston having a body portion and a connecting portion, the connecting portion having a spherical bottom surface, a groove spaced from the bottom surface and a contoured portion having an angled outer surface and an inner surface; inserting the spherical ball into the cavity; forcing the contoured portion inwardly to place the inner surface into contact with the spherical ball and to substantially longitudinally align the outer surface of the piston body with the angled surface of the contoured portion; heat treating the piston to a predetermined hardness and depth; and finishing the total longitudinal length of the piston to a finished size.

Abstract: To manufacture a tappet in an internal combustion engine, a tappet rough body which comprises a cylindrical portion with an upper wall and an annular side wall is moulded by press processing of metal powder, such that the upper wall, the cylindrical portion and the annular side wall become larger than the tappet to be manufactured in the axial size. After sintering the tappet rough body, it is re-compressed to form the final tappet.

Abstract: A catalytic exhaust treatment device for an automotive vehicle includes a generally cylindrical substrate having a support seal at either end and with each of the support seals encircling an end of the substrate, and an intumescent mat applied to the cylindrical surface of the substrate, with the mat extending between the support seals. The catalyst further includes a cylindrical container having an inside diameter sized so as to compress the support seals and the mat such that the seals and mat are maintained in contact with the substrate and the container.

Abstract: An improved hair cutting device (10) having a housing (12) having a housing front (12A) with a housing front vertical member (12AA) and a housing front horizontal member (12AB) attached to a housing front bottom support member (12AC). The housing (12) further has a housing middle (12B) and a housing rear (12C) with a housing door (12D) removably attached thereto forming a chamber therein. The housing (12) further has a housing left member (12L) and a housing right member (12R) extending perpendicularly downwardly therefrom. The improved hair cutting device (10) further has a brush (14) with a plurality of brush bristles (14A) extending perpendicularly from a brush spindle (14B) which is rotatably mounted at opposite distal ends to the housing left member (12L) and housing right member (12R), respectively. The improved hair cutting device (10) further has a vacuum (16) which comprises a vacuum motor (16A) fastened to a vacuum fan (16B) by a rotating vacuum shaft (16C).

Abstract: A manual tool is driven by an electric motor, and has a primary handle and a secondary handle arranged at a distance from each other. A switch is situated in the manual tool and can only be switched on by the simultaneous actuation of two contact mechanisms, one arranged in each handle, the motor being switched off when grip on either handle is released. The tool further comprises an initiating device in the form of a safety interlock mechanism which is adapted to prevent actuation of the switch, unless the safety interlock mechanism is actuated prior to actuation of the contact mechanism arranged in the primary handle. The switching mechanism is particularly suitable for a hedge clipper or chainsaw, especially a cordless tool.

Abstract: An opener for envelopes that includes a flat member with a straight slot that defines a pointed portion to facilitate its insertion between the flap and the rest of the envelope. A bay at the end of the slot coincides with the cutout of a removable blade kit that is received within a channel that runs at an angle with respect to the straight slot. A locking protuberance and a cooperating cavity are provided to keep the blade kit in place.

Abstract: A self-defense knife has a handle and a blade. A user of the knife preferably holds it by the handle such that the blade extends toward the elbow of the user. The blade has a blunt edge and an opposite sharp edge. The knife is preferably held, more particularly, such that the blunt edge rests against the soft underbelly of the user's forearm. By holding the knife that way, the user is less likely to harm him or herself during use, and is also more likely to maintain the sharp or cutting edge in proper position for fending off an aggressor. The blunt edge is given a shape and arrangement that generally defines a reverse curve of the curve defined by the user's partly flexed wrist and forearm. The curve of the blunt edge thereby closes up a possible gap that could exist between the blunt edge and forearm. That way, an aggressor cannot grab the wrist of the user without also grabbing the sharp edge.

Abstract: A portable twin blade saw having adjustment for depth of cut of both blades and adjustments to ensure the saw blades are coplanar and parallel to a straight edge. The twin blade saw comprises a slotted main base (12) with a frame base (14) pivotally attach thereto. The saw blades (68), (82) are mounted on an arm (18) which is pivotally mounted to a plate. The plate is slidably mounted to the frame base (14). The saw blades (68), (82) are both driven by a single motor (90) via a driving arrangement.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw having a main body, a reciprocating spindle extending from the main body, and a saw blade connected to the spindle and including a cutting edge for cutting the workpiece. A shoe is pivotally mounted relative to the main body at a pivot axis, and a shoe support extends from the main body to pivotally support the shoe at the pivot axis. The pivot axis is substantially adjacent to the cutting edge such that the pivot axis moves through the workpiece at substantially the same time as the cutting edge. The shoe support includes a post connected to and extending from the body, and a yoke connected to the post, the yoke including two leg portions pivotally connected to the shoe. The shoe is pivotally mounted at a pivot part that is recessed inwardly from a side guide surface. The shoe includes an indicator in alignment with the saw blade to facilitate alignment of the saw blade with a mark on the workpiece.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw 10 includes a motor 17, a gear train 19, a drive shaft 15 and a blade clamp 13 for clamping a blade 11 in the saw. Clamp 13 includes sleeve 23 with first and second axially spaced and generally opposed projections 37, 39 for clamping an assembly 21 of blade 11 and drive shaft 15. A bias member 55 for clamping and unclamping blade 11 in sleeve 23 is adjustably attached to a top sidewall 33 of sleeve 23 and engages one side of assembly 21 at a location inwardly of first and second projections 37, 39. Bias member 55 forms a moment arm with a portion of sleeve 23 extending between the location of bias member 55 and first projection 37. Projection 37 serves as the fulcrum for the moment arm. The formation of a moment arm increases the effectiveness of the clamping action and more securely retains the blade 11 in the clamp 13.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position and/or alignment of objects such as motor vehicle wheels, and including targets for attachment to the objects, a pair of optical sensing means such as television cameras for viewing the targets, an electronic processing means connected to the optical sensing means for processing data relating to images of the targets to determine position and/or alignment information, and a display means for displaying the position and/or alignment information. The optical sensing means view a target located on each object and form an image of each target. Electronic signals corresponding to each of the images are transferred to the electronic processing means which correlates the image signals of each of the targets with the true shape of each target.

Abstract: The projector device for laser rays (4) is mounted on an apparatus which oscillates and is self-leveling (2, 3, 5) under the force of gravity whereby in the equilibrium position a ray is projected on one or more walls always in a perfectly horizontal position. The oscillating apparatus is interrupted in its oscillations by a manual mechanical brake (6, 7, 8 and 9). The device can rotate and includes a graduated ringnut (11) on which it is possible to read the angle of rotation of the laser ray with respect to a predetermined reference point.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for manually measuring a workpiece with a manually guided coordinate measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes a carrier for a probe which, in turn, carries a probe ball 12 on a deflectable probe pin 11. The carrier is movably journalled in several spatial directions. The probe ball 12 is brought into contact with the geometric element of the workpiece 30' to be measured and is guided therealong in continuous contact therewith. Signals (.phi., .psi., z) of coordinate measuring devices are generated with the movement of the probe. Signals (u, v, w) of a transducer of the probe are generated with a deflection of the probe pin 11. Control signals (80 to 84) are generated from the first signals and/or the second signals and these control signals characterize the start and the end of the measuring operation on the geometric element and the validity of the coordinate measurement values (X, Y, Z).

Abstract: A dental recording apparatus for recording the movements of the jaw joints in relation to the skull includes (A) an adjustable upper recording bow which is secured on the bridge of the nose, the top of the skull and the sides of the head and which has a nose bridge support, vertical frame, rubber strap and positioning units or measuring/recording plates, and (B) a lower recording bow. The apparatus permits an exact positioning of the apparatus on the head of the patient, both in terms of an exact positioning of the upper recording bow and also of the lower recording bow.

Abstract: A brick mason's spacing tape adapted for use in association with bricks and mortar, the apparatus comprising: a measuring tape formed in a planar configuration with an upper surface having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge including numerical incremental line markers spaced 1/16 of an inch from each other and inch demarcating numerals positioned at each one inch interval; and the second edge of the tape including at least two groups of lettered incremental line markers positioned at consistent intervals on the tape and repeating about every six inches, a first group of lettered markers being spaced 1/16 of an inch from each other, and positioned in alignment with the numerical incremental line markers of the first edge of the tape, the second group of lettered markers being spaced 1/8 of an inch from each other and in alignment with every second numerical incremental line marker of the first edge of the tape, a user positioning the tape against a brick wall to aid in vertically or horizontally al

Abstract: A package for storing contaminant-sensitive articles in a contaminant-free environment featuring a pair of polymeric material circular half-sections having a bottom wall and a side wall.

Abstract: A siphon for removing condensation water from the surface of a planar band. The siphon comprises a slide shoe, and at least one loading element for pressing the slide shoe so that it is substantially in contact with the surface of the band.

Abstract: A rotatable drum forms an airtight seal with a door. A vacuum line connects the interior of the drum to a vacuum pump. A shutoff valve closes the vacuum line to the pump. A pressure equalization valve connects the drum to the outside atmosphere. A bearing supports the drum, in combination with the vacuum line. Infrared lamps heat clothes placed inside the drum. The vacuum pump reduces the air pressure in the drum below atmospheric pressure, reducing the evaporation temperature of the water in the clothes. A heat sensor measures the temperature of the air leaving the drum. Solenoid-driven purge valves allow air to enter the drum in short bursts, thus aiding the drying of the clothes.

Abstract: A method of drying organic or inorganic material or a mixture thereof, said material containing a liquid or liquids, which comprises introducing said material interiorly of a rotating rotor carrying on its periphery oscillating rotor blades, said rotor rotating about the axis of a process chamber having an inner surface with substantially axially extending ribs, said rotating rotor causing the material introduced interiorly of said rotor to be propelled radially outwardly of said axis of rotation and to expel liquid or liquids from said materials, and the oscillating rotor blades and the opposing ribs causing vibrational forces and turbulence to be induced into the outwardly flowing liquid so as to form a mist. Apparatus for carrying out said method is also described.

Abstract: A water-proof bicycle shoe locating device adapted for fastening to the sole of a bicycle shoe for permitting the bicycle shoe to be secured to one pedal of a sports bicycle, the device including a rigid locating plate, a rubber cushion and a rubber packing plate respectively covered on both sides of the locating plate, the locating plate having screw holes adapted for mounting locating screws selectively, the rubber packing plate having detachable downward split rods adapted for fitting into vacant screw holes of the locating plate to seal the gaps.

Abstract: A footwear system for providing enhanced protection and comfort to the foot of a wearer by reducing impact and shearing forces normally received by the foot. The footwear system has a knit sock and a shoe. The knit sock overlies and contacts the shoe and includes a ball portion, a heel portion, and an arch portion disposed between the ball and heel portions. Each of the ball and heel portions is formed of thicker knit fabric than the arch portion thereby providing a greater amount of protection and cushioning to the ball and heel of the foot of the wearer than to the arch portion. The shoe includes a sole having a ball portion, a heel portion, and a raised arch portion for contacting and interfacing with the respective overlying portions of the sock.

Abstract: A hard plate of spike shoes for track races comprises a plurality of small projections or small holes on an anterior forefoot portion in at least half the forefoot portion, and a plurality of large projections greater than said small projections or small holes on a posterior forefoot portion.

Abstract: A snow pusher includes a blade with horizontal and vertical reinforcing channels, a reversible and removable rubber edge fastened to the blade and extending below its bottom edge, and a side plate extending forward from each end of the blade. Each side plate includes a removable wear shoe with inclined ramps for sliding contact on the ground surface. Upper and lower rows of posts extend rearward from the blade to form a slot for insertion of a front end loader bucket. Connection is secured by a releasable chain.

Abstract: Bucket tip retention means for retaining an excavator bucket tip to an adapter on an excavator bucket including a retention pin extending through co-axial bores in the bucket tip and the adapter, the retention pin having a groove defined in a front face, a positioning shoulder extending from the rear face of the pin, and a resilient locking clip element retained in the locking clip groove by a clip retaining pin, the locking clip element having a first locking portion and a second locking portion extending from the locking clip groove for engaging the bore in the adapter and urging the positioning shoulder to engage the bore in the adapter.

Abstract: An index card sized to be wedged within the slots of a storage case for organizing audio or video media containers such as CD jewel boxes or the like. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a card body is sized to be coextensive with a container. A tab or index element projects outwardly from the card body so that identifying information can be placed thereon. The card body also contains a locking member to lock the index card within the storage device so that the media container can be removed without disturbing the orientation of the index card. The locking member may also be used to allow the index card to be freestanding.

Abstract: A lenticular device comprising: a sheet of lenticular material; and a printing on a viewing surface of the lenticular material with said printing representing a number of consecutive still images and a number of motion images.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety mechanism for single action firearms, the safety mechanism having a trigger block slidably engaged with a safety channel in the firearm's frame. The trigger block has a block lower region configured to engage the firearm's trigger such that rotation of the trigger to a hammer release position moves the trigger block from a lower trigger block position to an upper trigger block position. The trigger block also has a block upper region, configured such that, when the trigger block is in its upper trigger block position, the firearm's hammer can cause the firearm's firing pin to strike a cartridge in the firearm, and when the trigger block is in its lower trigger block position, hammer blocking means prevent the hammer from causing the firing pin to strike the cartridge.

Abstract: A trigger safety lock for guns comprises a rigid plug, typically made of aluminum or rigid plastic, designed with a central portion configured to frictionally fit into the space between the rear of the trigger of the gun and the trigger guard. The plug prevents depression of the trigger to fire the gun. The plug has an ejector extension on one side of the central portion, which extends laterally beyond the trigger guard for engagement by a user to force the plug out of the space behind the trigger. The dimensions of the extension are such that it freely passes through the space. The ejector extension has a hole through it for receiving a locking device to positively lock the trigger when the gun is in storage. A flange on the opposite side of the central portion of the plug overlaps at least part of the trigger or trigger guard and engages the trigger or trigger guard when the central portion is located in the space behind the trigger.

Abstract: A firearm sight and mount for use on the muzzle end portion of a firearm barrel. The firearm sight is an optical sight with an artificially illuminated reticle and it and the associated mount are adapted to be rapidly attached to and removed from the muzzle end portion of a firearm barrel without requiring any modification to the firearm barrel. The sight mount has provisions for not marring the finish of the firearm barrel. Both the sight and the mount are made from light weight materials including plastic lenses in the sight and their weights are strictly controlled. The sight and mount increase the ability of the shooter to accurately and rapidly sight the firearm at both moving and stationary targets. A wide variety of reticles can be used such as those that are externally illuminated and self illuminating.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure retrieval device (10) is provided which can be used to efficiently unsnag fishing lures (92, 98) of varying sizes from underwater obstructions. The device (10) includes an elongated, telescoping aluminum handle (12) as well as an integral synthetic resin operating head (14). The head (14) includes a pair of separate, differently sized lure-receiving openings (24, 26) therethrough with a pair of separate fishing line-clearing passageways (60, 68) respectively leading to and communicating with a corresponding opening (24, 26). The head (14) also includes a pair of adjacent, elongated segments (34, 36) which cooperatively define a concavity (32); a blade (82) is removably mounted to the body (14) in an orientation for severing of fishing line or other objects passed into the concavity (32).

Abstract: A fishing shaft holder comprising a trough-like support for a fishing rod having parallel side plates and with upper edges and lower edges and with a pair of integrally formed straps coupling the lower edges of the plates in a fixed orientation for receiving the handle portion of a fishing rod. The upper edge of the plates have complimentary recesses for receiving portions of the fishing rod handle being supported for precluding linear movement. The side plates have an upper edge for the passage of a leading edge of a fishing rod therefrom and a lower edge with pairs of concentric apertures passing through the plates at spaced locations adjacent to the leading edge of the plates. An annular base of a cylindrical configuration is provided with a flange at the upper extent integrally formed therewith. The base has spaced axial apertures extending therethrough.

Abstract: A storage box with compartments for items, such as fishing hooks, sinkers and lures, having a pair of endless belts which revolve perpendicular to each other. Each belt has at least one aperture in it, so that when the respective apertures in the belts are aligned with a compartment in the box, the item in that compartment can be removed. An other embodiment has only a single belt with an aperture that will allow the removal of large items. A third embodiment has an endless belt with a disc, having an aperture, pivoted on the belt. A pair of tensioning devices may also be used to maintain the belts in a snug fit around the storage boxes.

Abstract: Liquid herbicide be applied to individual weeds with an apparatus that includes a shaft to which a herbicide reservoir is attached. A pair of opposing jaws is pivotally attached to a one end of the shaft. Each jaw includes a plate with a surface from which a plurality of needles project and an absorbent pad into which the needles extend. A user operable pump is mounted on the shaft and a conduit coupling an inlet of the pump to the reservoir. Another conduit couples the outlet of the pump to the absorbent pad on each jaw. An lever, at the other end of the shaft, is connected to the pair of jaws by a cable. When a user moves the lever, the pair of opposing jaws pivot into a position at which that the weed is grasped between the absorbent pads with the needles penetrating the weed. Herbicide, in the absorbent pads, coats the surface of the weed and then flows into holes produced by the needles.

Abstract: A flexible hygroscopic mat of low weight per unit volume for the landscaping of surfaces, such as the roofs of buildings is provided. Such mat comprises a rock wool mat having a thickness of approximately 2.0 to 3.5 cm and weight per unit volume between approximately 30 and 80 kg/m.sup.3 that enables it to be rolled up and living plants having roots that provide mechanical strength to the overall hygroscopic mat to form a finished product that is capable of being unrolled and applied to a roof or similar surface. The hygroscopic mat while rolled up can be readily transported to the site where it is to be installed. Also, commonly no further landscaping is required once the flexible hygroscopic mat is placed on a roof or similar surface.