Abstract: Method and articles for holding fluid conduits at a desired lateral distance from each other for connection to spaced-apart connection points, for example vehicle fuel line connections or domestic appliance flexible hoses. Preferred holding articles are described having heat-shrinkable rings connected by an integral connecting portion, or having a sheet with heat-shrinkable end portions (30) which can be wrapped around conduits (70) and a spacer (50) to hold the conduits at the required separation.

Abstract: A separable bottom stop assembly of thermoplastic resin comprising a box molded on a lower end of one of opposite slide fastener stringers and an insert pin molded on a lower end of the other fastener stringer. The box has a straight insert-pin receiving hole off to one side. An outer wall of the insert-pin hole has a side slit having at its lower end a stopper. The insert pin is taper toward its lower end and has a straight tape-side edge. A guide ridge is integrally formed with the insert pin with a thin portion between them. When the insert pin is inserted into the insert-pin hole of the box, a lower end of the guide ridge slides along edges of the side slit, guiding insertion of the insert pin to facilitate smooth insertion without exerting load on the insert pin.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener comprises: a substrate sheet; and a multiplicity of engaging elements standing on one surface of the substrate sheet, each of the engaging elements being composed of a stem rising from the one surface of the substrate sheet, and an engaging head projecting from an upper end of the stem for detachably engaging a companion loop. After a surface fastener is manufactured on a die wheel by continuous injection molding as a primary-intermediate surface fastener, a heating and pressing roller disposed downstream of the die wheel presses the engaging head, while heating, to bend the engaging head from the stem and, at the same time, to form a pair of protuberances projecting in opposite directions from opposite side edges of the top of the engaging head perpendicularly with respect to a direction lengthwise of the engaging head.

Abstract: A fastener member useful for separable engagement with surface fibers of a low-loft, non-woven fabric, or the like, has a base web and a multitude of fastener elements formed with and extending from the base web. The fastener elements have a profile that comprises an elongated stem portion adjacent the base web and inclining at an acute angle to the base. A crook portion is formed on the end of the stem and is directed oppositely to the direction of inclination of the stem, being exposed for engaging a mating fastening member. The acute angle of the stem of the elements enables them to flex toward the base. Offset pairs of such elements can cooperatively move in a pincer-type motion to engage fibers and to retain engaged fibers. Other element configurations are disclosed. The fastener member has particular application for fastening of disposable products such as garments and diapers.

Abstract: A clip for earrings comprising: a movable spring action clip arm and a stationery body, said body having a attachment member at one end thereof and connection means at the other end thereof, one end of said clip arm having means for receiving said body connection means so as to pivotally attach said clip arm to said body for relative spring urged movment towards and away from said clip, said attachment member having a first and second side and an opening extending through said sides, said first side being adapted to receive a decorative element, said second side having a metallic band positioned above said opening and extending from the surface in an arc shape and adapted to receive an earwire.

Abstract: Bending elements for the triggering indicator of a belt tensioner.The triggering indicator for belt tensioners in motor vehicles includes a helical bending element made of a thermoplastic material such as polyamide, polyester or polyacetal.

Abstract: In a piezo-electric driver for an ink jet recording head, conductive layers are laminated as an active region in a piezo-electric plate except the front and rear end portions thereof to provide front and rear inactive portions, a pressure facilitating front end plate and a vibrator coupling rear end plate are fixedly mounted on the front and rear inactive portions, respectively, and the front end portion of the piezo-electric plate together with the front end plate are cut at predetermined intervals into pieces, namely, piezo-electric units, which depress the vibrating boards of the ink jet recording head wide to cause the parallel displacement of the vibrating boards thereby effectively pressing the ink in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A combination toothbrush and storage/dispenser apparatus 10 having a handle 30 with a hollow chamber 30A, a toothbrush head 20 attached to an end of the handle 30, and at least one tray 40 for storing articles which the at least one tray 40 slidingly inserts into and moves inside the hollow chamber 30A. The articles stored in the tray 40 can be pills 70. The combination apparatus 10 can further have a pill dispenser 50 that is integral with an end of the handle 30 for dispensing pills 70 from the tray 40. The pill dispenser 50 has a dispensing slot 51 through which the pills 70 are dispensed and a tray stop located near the dispensing slot 51 for stopping the tray 40 from further being removed from the handle 30 when a pill 70 is at the dispensing slot 51. The tray stop can be a deflectable tray stop 55 which allows the tray 40 that is loaded with pills 70 to be inserted into the hollow chamber 30A, but stops the movement of the tray 40 when a pill 70 is at the dispensing slot 51 ready to be dispensed.

Abstract: A stator coil lead wire is extended over the end turns of coil from which the lead wire is extended and inserted into a terminal member adjacent the opposite side of the same coil. A tooling assembly is provided having a coil shield which prevents the lead wire from becoming disengaged from the coil end turn and moving toward the center of the stator core. Additionally, a wire guide finger is provided which is movable toward and away from the stator core for enabling the lead wire to be inserted between closely spaced terminal members.

Abstract: A clip attachment mechanism includes therewith a two-stage mechanism for feeding a cord loop sequentially and singly into the pathway of a u-shaped metal clip moving down a channel in the clipper for attachment about casing material. The two-stage operation includes a mechanism for removing loops, one at a time, from a tape having a plurality of loops mounted thereon. The loop removed from the tape is positioned through a series of shutters. It is then transported by a second transport mechanism along a defined pathway and the tie end of the loop is inserted into a window to the clip channel of the clipper.

Abstract: A laminated stack having a lamina layer comprised of a plurality of discrete lamina segments and which may also have laminas which define a plurality of outer perimeter configurations. The invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing such stacks. Lamina layers comprising a plurality of discrete lamina segments are automatically stacked by positioning the uppermost lamina in a choke barrel near the lower die bed surface and engaging the interlock tabs of the discrete lamina segments with the interlock slots of an uppermost lamina layer in the choke barrel prior to the complete separation of the discrete lamina segments from the remaining portion of the strip stock material. Each of the outer perimeter configurations has at least one common choke surface. The common choke surfaces form, when the laminas are stacked, a choke contacting surface on the outer perimeter surface of the lamina stack which extends continuously in the axial direction from the top lamina to the bottom lamina.

Abstract: A large array or pagewidth printhead fabricated from printhead elements or subunits. The printhead subunits are butted together at either adjacent channel elements or adjacent heater elements to form a pagewidth printhead. The butting element, either heater or channel element, is slightly wider than the non-butting element thereby providing gaps between the non-butting elements of a printhead element array. Where channel elements are used as the butting element, gaps between the heater elements provide for reduction or elimination of potentially damaging thermal compressive forces between adjacent heater elements. Where heater elements are used as the butting element, structural strength is increased since the heater wafer is stronger than the channel wafer. In addition, the width of the polyimide wall at the edges of the heater wafer is increased providing greater protection for thermal transducers located at the edges of individual heater elements.

Abstract: A process for preparing catalytic converters, especially bodies of motor vehicle catalytic converters of modular design, by pushing monoliths and a surrounding support jacket into prefabricated tubes, whose cross section essentially corresponds to the profile of the monolith plus an addition for the support jacket. The dimensions of the tube (housing) are adapted to a constant gap (s) from the monolith by sizing (calibrating) the prefabricated tubes which initially have a smaller cross section.

Abstract: Moisture condensed on a circuit board can cause dendritic growth which can short out a circuit. Such sensitive areas are protected from condensation by filling cavities in an assembly with insulating material to exclude moisture bearing air. Foamed plastic is molded or stamped into shapes which conform to a cavity and are inserted into the assembly. The plastic body is held against the circuit board to preclude condensation on the board. Adhesives and sealants are not required.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrical circuit board comprises mounting electrically conducting circuit elements moulded from plastics material on a preformed board. The circuit elements are preferably made electrically conducting prior to mounting on the board by plating with an electrical conductor. The method is of particular utility in the manufacture of three-dimensional circuit boards.

Abstract: A method for producing a cylinder block for an internal combustion engine having a sealing surface on which a gasket is mounted, a number of cylinder bores arranged side by side, each cylinder bore opening to the sealing surface, a water jacket surrounding the cylinder bores, and a cooling passage located between the cylinder bores. A liner assembly is first formed by joining a set of cylinder liners with each other side by side. At least one of the liners has a recess that forms a space located between adjacent cylinder liners when the liners are joined. A cast body having the water jacket is molded by pouring molten metal into a mold after the liner assembly is positioned in the mold. The molten metal is prevented from entering the space during the molding process. The space is communicated with the water jacket to form the cooling passage.

Abstract: A camshaft alignment tool and method uses a main body having at least three projections to engage cogs on cog wheel driven double overhead camshafts. The tool is used to maintain the cog wheels in a fixed relationship with respect to one another during replacement of a cooperatively toothed timing belt. Use of the tool enables a single technician to change the timing belt on a high performance internal combustion engine employing double overhead camshafts even if the cam surfaces are aggressive and the valve return springs employ large spring constants.

Abstract: A method of repairing a turbine blade in which damaged material around a lacing wire hole is removed by machining or chemical etching. New metal is then added by welding such that the lacing wire hole is much smaller or completely eliminated and prior to reforming the lacing wire hole, flats may be formed either by the addition or removal of metal in the region of the lacing wire hole so that a lacing wire hole forming drill or machine bit can enter the turbine blade at a surface substantially normal to its direction of travel, thereby minimizing any tendency of the lacing wire hole forming drill or machine bit to snatch or for the blade to vibrate.

Abstract: A method for replacing a rotor blade on an integrally bladed rotor having a disk is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) removing a damaged rotor blade, leaving a stub portion of the rotor blade extending out from the disk, the stub portion of the rotor blade having a suction side and a pressure side; (b) providing a die, having a pressure side and a suction side, wherein each side includes a platform trough; (c) fastening the die to the rotor blade stub, with the pressure side of the die positioned on the pressure side of the stub, and the suction side of the die positioned on the suction side of the stub; (d) extruding a portion of the rotor blade stub into the platform troughs, thereby creating a platform; and (e) attaching a rotor blade to the platform.

Abstract: A method to eliminate ink trajectory errors when an inkjet printhead is fabricated is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a nozzle member containing an array of orifices is affixed to a barrier layer formed on a having heater elements formed thereon. The nozzle member is affixed to the barrier layer using heat and pressure. The back surface of the nozzle member extends beyond the outer edges of the substrate. During the heating and pressure step used to affix the nozzle member to the barrier layer, the nozzle member tends to undesirably bend over the outer edges of the barrier layer, causing the nozzles to be tilted outward. To avoid the foregoing the barrier layer is formed with one or more trenches parallel to the long edges of the barrier layer to cause the nozzle member to dip and bend over the trenches in an amount approximately equal to the bend into the ink channels on the outer edge of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll press, in particular for processing very abrasive materials, comprising at least two press rolls of which each includes a wear layer arranged on a basic body. The wear layer comprises substantially plane zones of a highly wear-resistant material while the spaces between the highly wear-resistant zones are filled with a material of different wear resistance. Furthermore, the material for the spaces is a composite material which is adapted to be sintered, and the highly wear-resistant zones are formed from hard bodies produced by hot-isostatic pressing. The material for the spaces and the material for the wear-resistant zones are bonded to the basic body in a hot-isostatic pressing process. The wear resistance of the composite material is substantially slightly greater or smaller than the wear resistance of the hard bodies in accordance with a desired profile which will obtained through wear.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hub ring provided on at least one of inner and outer circumferences of a disc-type filter including: forming a plurality of slits on an annular plate having a central opening at a position on one of inner and outer circumferential edge portions of the annular plate, the plurality of slits being arranged over the entire length of one of the inner and outer circumferential edge portions, each of the plurality of slits extending in a radial direction of the annular plate; twisting portions positioned between respective adjacent slits substantially at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the annular plate to form an annular supporting member; and disposing a pair of keep plates over and under the twisted portions of the annular supporting member, each of the pair of keep plates being formed as an annular plate.

Abstract: A liner lock folding knife with an improved liner lock mechanism which can be manufactured satisfactorily by mass production techniques and conventional machine tools. A locking face surface engaged by a contact end of a locking finger is a concave partial cylinder whose central axis of curvature is located in a position offset with respect to the blade, in the direction toward the side of the handle from which the locking finger extends. The concave surface of the locking face has a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the path of the contact end of the locking finger.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is utilized to provide positional information relative to an external magnetic field. The apparatus includes a rotatably mounted slotted disk wherein the slot is continuously varying in width around the circumference of the disk. The continuously variable width of the slot serves as a light attenuating mask. The disk incorporates an elongated magnet means which causes it to rotate in relation to an external magnetic field. The slotted disk may be placed in a fluid filled chamber. A first and second aperture are located on the top and bottom of the chamber, the apertures defining an emission passage through the chamber. The apertures have a rectangular length approximately the maximum width of the slot. The slotted disk is intermediate the apertures. A source detector, source emitter and an area source means is provided. The area source means is caused to emit a continuous uniform light signal which is attenuated by the slotted disk.

Abstract: A level having a body portion and one or more openings in the body portion. A vial is mounted in the opening in the body portion. The body portion has vial-recieving seats adjoining the openings which have end walls. The vial-receiving seats have locating elements spaced from the end walls. The locating elements may be in the form of a protrusion or a ridge. In addition, the body of the level has a groove to receive a magnet. The groove is deep enough so that the surface of the level is flush with the surface of the magnet.

Abstract: A touch probe has a sensing module 10 and a stylus module 12 magnetically retained and kinematically located thereon. A stylus holder 102 is biased into a kinematic rest location within the stylus module 12. The sensing module 12 has a fixed structure provided by connector 14, cylindrical housing 16, and circuit supporting structure 18. An intermediate load member 30 is connected to structure 18 at one end by means of a relatively resilient diaphragm 40 and at the other by three supporting struts 50, extending at an angle of 45.degree. to the axis A. The load member 30 carries a circular retaining plate 22 upon which the stylus module 12 is located. During a measurement operation, a force applied to stylus tip 112 will cause bending of struts 50, and deformation of diaphragm 40 prior to movement of the stylus holder 102 out of its kinematic rest position. Strain gauges provided on the struts 50 detect this bending and generate an output signal accordingly.

Abstract: A component drier for drying electronic components which are washed with solvent. The component drier includes a drying chamber, in which a vat having a bottom surface wall allowing passage of air and water is arranged. The vat stores components to be dried. Heated air is introduced into the drying chamber through an air inlet which is positioned above the vat. The air in the drying chamber is forcibly discharged through an air outlet which is positioned below the vat. Thus, a space under the vat has a sufficient negative pressure as compared with a space above the vat so that the air forcibly passes through clearances between the components downwardly from above the vat, thereby removing most part of the solvent moistening the components in the liquid state. A small quantity of liquid which is left on the components is subsequently efficiently vaporized by the heated air.

Abstract: A multipurpose dryer which can serve as a household drying center to provide versatile drying function for a wide variety of clothing, fabric articles and other household goods. A cabinet has a heating chamber located at the bottom of the cabinet for generating forced and heated air as drying medium. There is a heated air chamber to receive and distribute heated air to a drying chamber located below the top wall of the cabinet and above the heated air chamber. There are hollow air ducts attached to the side walls of the cabinet and a perforate heat diffusion plate above the heated air chamber for evenly distributing heated air into the drying chamber. A versatile support means is disposed in the drying chamber for hanging clothes, draping large size or bulky goods, or supporting a wire basket for holding delicate drying goods. The clothes and goods are dried without tumbling, thus avoiding fraying or wrinkles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dryer device and a drying control system utilizing an infrared sensor that measures the temperature of garments or items being dried in a drying device. The invention provides significant improvement over conventional techniques using temperature sensors, or such sensors in combination with moisture or humidity sensors. Also disclosed are methods for controlling drying temperatures and methods for determining drying cycle completion.

Abstract: Air-blowing nozzles 21 for blowing a hot air are provided in both sides of an electrode sheet 33 for a battery both surfaces of which an electrode compounding agent has been applied to. In each of the air-blowing nozzles 21, a pair of slit-shaped blowholes 65 being extended in the width direction of the electrode sheet 33 are provided on both of the upper and lower sides of the end face part 63. The hot air blown off from a pair of the upper and lower blowholes 65 dries the electrode compounding agent as well as pressurizes a space between the electrode sheet 33 and the end face part 63 to form a pressure room P, and the left and right pressure rooms P hold the electrode sheet 33 to suppress its sway.

Abstract: A dryer is provided for automatically drying the upper contour surface of a vehicle. The dryer includes a frame, a nozzle for directing a stream of air against the vehicle, and an arm pivotally connecting the nozzle to the frame. A drive mechanism raises and lowers the arm to enable the nozzle to follow the contour of the vehicle. The drive mechanism includes a follower affixed to the arm, a rotary drive member cooperating with the follower and a drive motor operably connected to the drive member. The nozzle and arm are lowered by the force of gravity which urges a follower into engagement with the drive member. The follower is capable of being lifted free of the drive member to enable the nozzle to rise up in the event of contact with the vehicle thereby minimizing damage thereto.

Abstract: A shoe lacing system comprises a lace, anchor elements, and a mechanism for releasably attaching the ends of the lace to the shoe. The anchor elements comprise guides having a first portion for attachment to an existing eyelet of the shoe, and a second portion through which and with respect to which the lace may move. The lace comprises a double-strand of material having a low friction outer surface. A middle portion of the lace is routed through and between the anchor elements located on opposite sides of a tongue of the shoe. The ends of the lace extend from the anchor elements near a top of the tongue along opposite sides of the shoe to the rear of the shoe. Each lace is connected to a tab having a section of hook or loop material designed for engagement with a mating section of material on the rear of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe member is formed of a polymer composition comprising (A) a composite material having a low molecular weight material retained in a medium material and (B) a polymer material. The low molecular weight material has a viscosity of up to 5.times.10.sup.5 centipoise at 100.degree. C. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the medium material is up to 3.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/medium material is at least 1.0. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the polymer material is up to 4.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/polymer material is at least 0.5. The polymer composition is enclosed in a rubbery or elastomeric cover particularly when it is used in the outsole.

Abstract: A snowboard boot binding mechanism includes a base member having a recessed channel. A first plate is slidably attached to the base member. A first pair of engagement rods are fixedly attached to the first plate. Each of the first pair of engagement rods has a head disposed at an axial end of the rod for selectively engaging and locking a first bar attached to a first side of the snowboard boot. A second plate is fixedly attached to the base member. A second pair of engagement rods are fixedly attached to the second plate. Each of the second pair of engagement rods have a head disposed at an axial end of the rod for engaging and locking a second bar attached to a second side of the snowboard boot which is disposed opposite to the first side.

Abstract: Sports shoe with improved lateral rigidity, including a shell rigid reinforcing frame and a shell soft portion connected to the shell rigid reinforcing frame. The reinforcing frame includes bands of plastic material extending along a first inclined directrix and a second inclined directrix such that open regions are defined in the shell reinforcing frame. The first inclined directrix extends at a foot side from the tip region towards the region lying above the heel region, and the second inclined directrix also extends the foot side from the heel region towards the foot instep region.

Abstract: A pavement cutter is provided for attachment to the boom assembly of a conventional backhoe or excavator including an elongated cutting blade having a scoring edge disposed in substantially parallel relation to the surface of the pavement and a cutting edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the scoring edge and wherein a pair of outwardly extending pressure flanges are attached to the blade one on each thereof at a point above the scoring and cutting edges of the blade. The pavement is first scored along a straight line using the scoring edge and then cut along the scored line using the cutting edge of the blade. The pressure flanges on each side of the cutting blade slide along the top surface of the pavement applying a vertical or downward force which prevents the asphalt from lifting and breaking up during the cutting operation.

Abstract: An insulation cover set for reducing heat loss from a steam press apparatus is comprised of a head cover and a buck cover, auxiliary inserts for closeout areas and a steam inlet hose wrap. A Nomex felt insulation material is utilized in combination with an aluminum sheet metal stabilizer, a vapor barrier, and a Teflon treated Nomex covering fabric. The cover set components are releasably securable to the press apparatus without requiring disassembly of the press apparatus.

Abstract: A sign for selectively displaying a variety of information in a viewing window includes a web extending between a pair of spaced rollers and moveable by rolling and unrolling on the rollers. A base panel is releasably secured to a surface of the web. The base panel has an outer surface and an inner surface facing the web. Pockets are provided on the inner surface of the base panel for receiving the ends of display panels containing the information to be displayed in a viewing area of the sign. The pockets retain the display panels on the base panel while permitting relative movement therebetween as the web is rolled up and unrolled. The attachment of the base panels to the web also permits such relative movement.

Abstract: A warning light and sign apparatus includes a handle assembly which includes a top end and a bottom end. A sign-receiving bracket assembly is supported by the top end of the handle assembly. A bracket-supported light assembly is supported by sign-receiving bracket assembly. A power supply assembly is supported by the handle assembly and is electrically connected to the bracket-supported light assembly. A sign is received by the sign-receiving bracket assembly. The sign includes a first message "stop" on a first side and includes a second message "slow" on a second side. The handle assembly can be easily rotated 180 to selectively orient either the "stop" message or the "slow" message. Removable sign-to-light fasteners connect the sign to the bracket-supported light assembly. The sign-receiving bracket assembly includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion, and a bottom portion of the sign is received between the front bracket portion and the rear bracket portion.

Abstract: A substantially rectilinear magazine for use with rimmed ammunition that does not extend below the belly of the firearm.

Abstract: A plug for converting a shotgun into a muzzle-loaded gun. The inventive device includes a plug member positionable into a barrel of a shotgun. The plug member is shaped so as to define a primer cavity which can receive a primer cap. A communication cavity extends through the plug member for conveying a spark from the primer cap to black powder loaded into the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: A trigger blocking device includes a body, a cap, and a key. The body and cap include front and rear portions which are releasably connectable in front of and behind a trigger. The front of the body includes a plurality of flexible and resilient converging legs which extend away from the cap. The front of the cap includes a projection having a detent which is engageable with the legs for releasably locking the body and the cap together. The key includes fingers which are engageable with the legs to flex the legs out of engagement with the detent to unlock the body and the cap.

Abstract: A BB holder for a gun comprises an elongated cylindrical body having a cylindrical side wall, a bottom wall, and an open top end and a cap having a cylindrical side wall which is ensleeved over the cylindrical side wall of the body. The holder has the shape and size of a shot gun shell and is stored in a chamber in the stock of a gun. If the gun has a BB reservoir, the BB reservoir can communicate with the chamber through a port opening which is closed when the holder is inserted into the chamber.

Abstract: Electronic firearm for firing electrically activated ammunition comprising a system control means for controlling and regulating firing, diagnostic functions, power consumption, and a process for operating the firearm.

Abstract: A fishing accessory container including an insulated bucket having an insulated compartment, a carrying handle, a spigot aperture formed through a bucket sidewall providing a passage into the insulated compartment; first and second stackable tackle trays adapted to seat on the rim top section of the insulated bucket; a liquid vessel defining a liquid containment compartment accessible through a fill opening and in fluid communication with a spigot receiving fitting that is positioned on a vessel sidewall in a manner to allow the spigot receiving aperture to be placed in registration with the spigot aperture of the insulated bucket; a liquid vessel cap securable over the fill opening of the liquid vessel; a spigot mechanism having a insertion end adapted to pass through the spigot aperture and sealingly fit within the spigot receiving fitting of the liquid vessel in a manner to establish a fluid pathway from the liquid vessel through the spigot mechanism and a sealing plug adapted to sealingly engage a perimet

Abstract: A method of farming comprises collecting waste material such as manure from animal farming, or effluent from food processing plants or the like in a closed container, stirring and aerating the material within the container and adding yeast and phosphoric acid to increase aerobic bacterial activity while reducing anaerobic bacteria and rendering the material into a pumpable liquid. The material is then spread across the ground by a spreading action by pumping the material through a pipe carried on the reel of a vehicle having a boom of the order of 100 feet in width so that the material is sprayed onto the ground in an even spreading action at a rate of the order of 1000 to 5000 gallons per acre. Simultaneously an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide is sprayed onto the material, preferably immediately before the material.

Abstract: A powered sliding door system for a vehicle can include a flexible cable having at least one helically wound gear tooth formed on a flexible core or an elongated tape with longitudinally spaced apertures, for generally longitudinal movement along a fixed path. The tape or cable can have a first longitudinally disposed end connected to a movable closure, such as a vehicle sliding door, window, or roof panel. A rotatable drive member drivingly engages the cable or tape intermediate the first and second longitudinal ends. A reversible motor powers the rotation of the rotatable member. A clutch in the form of an axially shiftable transmission gear is operable to selectively interconnect the motor to the rotatable drive member, such that actuation of the motor and engagement of the clutch will cause the rotatable drive member to move the cable or tape longitudinally for opening and closing the portal with the movable closure.

Abstract: A compact mechanical lock for bi-parting handles of passenger doors used on mass transit vehicles. Rotating lock cams cooperating with an interlocking lock plate to ensure proper closure of each panel prior to lock actuation.

Abstract: A rain cover 10 prevents leaves and other debris from plugging a conventional gutter G, while rain water from the roof of a building is transmitted to the gutter by surface tension. The cover includes a main plate 14 inclined for allowing water and debris to pass by gravity from an upper portion 30 to a lower portion 32. A front portion 16 of each of a plurality of traversely spaced fins 14 extend laterally beyond an outer wall of the gutter. Pairs of adjacent fins 14 are separated by a uniform traverse gap of less than 0.05 inches to significantly increase the return of water to the gutter by surface tension with the fin walls. The cover may be economically manufactured from plastic or metal, and may be easily installed on an existing gutter system. The separation device of the present invention may be used in other applications to separate solid debris from a fluid.

Abstract: A metallic structure having an inner and outer enclosure fastened to a skid base having an upper and lower deck. The inner and outer enclosures are made from steel sheets with stiffeners fastened to the inner surface of the outer enclosure and outer surface of the inner disclosure. The inner and outer stiffeners are offset from one another and extend into the space between the enclosures about on-half of the space width. Fire and impact resistance insulation is introduced into the space in liquid or slurry form to fill the space between the inner and outer enclosures.