Abstract: Applicant's invention defines a lounging cushion designed to be useful primarily around a swimming pool. Key features of this invention are it's utilitarian design allowing easy storage, floatation properties so that the cushion may be used for buoyancy, simple floatation or as a kick board, and the ribbed underside allowing for drainage of water underneath so as to eliminate any suction force between the pool decking and the cushion. The cushion's main purpose is to provide a seat area at poolside which will protect a bather from catching the fabric of his or her swimsuit on the rough or abrasive decking surrounding the pool, and therefore preventing excessive wear and potential ruining of the bather's swimsuit.

Abstract: A slipcover with inflatable pillow is provided for furniture comprising a first sheet having an outer layer of fabric attached to an inner layer of thermoplastic, a second, smaller sheet attached to the inner layer of the first sheet so as to form an inflatable pillow, a valve located in at least one of the sheets so as to enable the pillow to be inflated, and a backing layer attached to the first sheet along an edge so as to create a pocket-shaped slipcover with the inflatable pillow in the interior of the slipcover whereby the slipcover can receive a portion of the furniture.

Abstract: A travel pillow includes a block of resilient, open cell foam material that can be compressed, rolled-up and secured within an outer protective covering. The outer protective covering includes a pre-stretched, dimensionally stable compression wrapper of a hook or loop-compatible fabric material, a strip of complementary hook or loop fastener material secured along one edge portion and a compression rod secured along an opposite edge portion of the wrapper. The resilient foam pillow block and protective compression wrapper are convolutely wound together about the compression rod as the resilient foam block is rolled-up and compressed. The pillow assembly is releasably secured in the rolled-up, compressed configuration by engagement of the complementary fastener strip with the hook or loop-compatible fabric material.

Abstract: An air sac for use on a low air loss bed. The air sac is provided with a releasable connector for retaining the air sac to the low air loss bed and with a nipple for receiving air from a gas supply source to inflate the air sac. The air sac is also provided with a cutout which allows the patient to be rolled toward one end of the air sac when the air sac is inflated. A pillar is provided on the end of the air sac toward which the patient is rolled when the air sac is inflated to retain the patient on the air sac. The air sacs are arranged in sets with every other sac mounted to the frame of the low air loss bed in alternating arrangement whereby the patient is rolled first in one direction when the air sacs of one set are inflated and then back in the other direction when the air sacs in the first set are deflated and the air sacs in the second set are inflated.

Abstract: An elongated mattress core for a mattress structure includes a foam core having an upwardly-facing top surface, a bottom surface spaced apart from the top surface, and first and second elongated sides connecting the top and bottom surfaces. The foam core is formed to include a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart transverse slits extending downwardly from the top surface. Each slit terminates at a lower end spaced apart from the bottom surface by a first distance and extending transversely from a first slit end spaced apart from the first side of the foam core to a second slit end spaced apart from the second side of the foam core. Each adjacent pair of slits defines a foam column so that the foam core has a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart and transversely extending foam columns. Each foam column has a pair of generally vertical column side walls defining the slits.

Abstract: A baby diaper changing station comprises a base and a support platform hingedly mounted at one side to the base and a rail structure on at least one side of the platform to increase the effective depth of the platform. A utility channel surrounds the platform for holding various diaper changing supplies and removable protective panels are positioned on bottom and side surfaces of the platform to reduce vandalism damage. A waste chute is formed in the base or support platform of the diaper changing station and cooperates with a waste receptacle proximate the station for receiving used diapers and other related waste. Accessory hooks on the platform are configured to receive and hold diaper changing supplies, such as a diaper bag. An alternative embodiment of the diaper changing station utilizes a platform having nested sections which telescope to increase the effective depth of the platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning dryer fabrics and the like comprising an ultra high pressure water jet or jets at reduce water volume.

Abstract: A method for dyeing a traveling strand of textile yarn includes applying an aqueous dye solution to the yarn, heating the yarn to a temperature less than 100.degree. C. to dry the strand without boiling the water in the dye solution and then heating the strand to a temperature between 120.degree. C. and 220.degree. C. for further thermal treatment of the traveling strand.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a ramp having a rear edge movably interconnected with a loading dock, an intermediate member movable relative to the ramp, and an inflatable assembly positioned to cause relative movement between the ramp and the intermediate member upon inflation of the inflatable assembly, thereby resulting in movement of the ramp. The intermediate member is movably mounted to either a pit floor, a support structure or the ramp. A roller member is mounted to an end of the intermediate member. The inflatable assembly can be operatively associated with a vacuum device to allow for selective removal of gas from the inflatable assembly.

Abstract: A dock leveler comprising a ramp movable between a lowered position and a raised position, an inflatable member positioned to move the ramp to its raised position upon inflation of the inflatable member, and an inflating device operatively connected with the internal cavity. The inflatable member includes upper and lower portions at least partially defining an internal cavity. An insert member is positioned in the internal cavity for maintaining a volume of gas between the upper and lower portions. Preferably, the insert member functions to maintain the inflatable member in engagement with a downwardly facing surface of the ramp, thereby inhibiting the presence of debris between the inflatable member and the ramp, and further expediting inflation of the inflatable member.

Abstract: A system and method for the installation of prefabricated composite structural members is disclosed. The system utilizes deck panels which have a plurality of structural member pairs attached to the underside such that a series of channels are formed. Bored through each deck panel is a plurality of access holes that project through the panel and into one of said channels. Thus, installers can access underlying bridge girders from the surface of the deck panels thereby allowing for top-side installation. The system also provides a top-side vertically adjusting device for raising or lowering the deck panels to allow for the top-side installation of shimming devices.

Abstract: A device for automatically cleaning the bottom and walls of a swimming-pool includes a suction/discharge body (11) having an orifice or suction opening (12) and a discharge orifice (13), an ejector comprising a driving nozzle (14) and a venturi diffuser (15) and a moveable device (17) for collecting debris. The ejector is disposed inside the body (11) and the nozzle (14) is able to be connected to a discharge opening (5) of the swimming-pool via a conduit with one portion being formed by an accordion wall flexible pipe (10). The device further comprises a propulsion device which creates between the discharge opening (5) and the nozzle (14) a transient and repeated escapement of the pressurized water of the conduit externally so as to create a movement of the device by repeated elastic expansion/constriction of the flexible pipe (10).

Abstract: The apparatus is a snow and ice remover for the roofs of trucks and trailers. A bridge like structure of two vertical beams and an upper cross piece supports a vertically adjustable snow plow assembly which rolls on wheels riding on the vertical beams. A wedge shaped plow forms the lower edge of the snow plow assembly so that when a snow or ice covered truck or trailer moves under the properly positioned plow, the snow or ice is pushed off the top of the vehicle. The snow plow has a minimum height below which it can not be lowered, and the adjustment of the snow plow is powered by a winch on the cross beam which reels in or releases a chain from which the snow plow is hung.

Abstract: A kit containing a washing cleaner liquid and one or more paper towels can be used for cleaning an automotive windshield in situations where cleaning materials may not be readily available. The cleaning liquid is contained within a sealed pocket structure that includes a porous wall. Hand movement of the kit package across the windshield, or other surface to be cleaned, causes the liquid cleaner to flow through the porous wall and distributed over the work surface. The paper towel can be removed from the kit package for removing the emulsified dirt and wiping the surface to a clean dry condition.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided having a handle and a bristle bearing head. The head includes a central skeleton, resilient side members mounted on either side of the central skeleton, tuft mounting receptacles in both the skeleton and the side members, and bristle forming tufts received in both the tuft mounting receptacles of the skeleton and of the side members. The side member bristle tufts are movable both sideways and downwards in a toggling movement relative to the bristle tufts stationarily mounted on the skeleton.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning brooms that include a plurality of bristles mounted at the end of the broom's handle. The cleaning device includes a handle member that has a C-shape embracing member for removably mounting the cleaning device to the broom's handle. One end of the handle member includes a rake assembly with a plurality of rigid teeth mounted thereon. The teeth are sufficiently long to pass through the bristles and permit, when moved downwardly through them, removal of extraneous material entangled on the bristles.

Abstract: This invention provides a paint aid and/or a brush in which the brush head is connected to the handle by a pivotal connection allowing pivoting of the brush head with respect to the handle about at least a single axis. preferably, ball and socket type joint is used to allow rotation about at least two axes.

Abstract: A bath scrubber is composed of a main body, a plurality of first lashing members, and two fastening members. The main body is formed of a plurality of cylindrical netlike unit members. The first lashing members are disposed between two unit members. The fastening members are located at both ends of the main body. The unit members have a first portion and a second portion, which are connected by a second lashing member. The bath scrubber is somewhat flattened to increase its contact area with the skin of a bather.

Abstract: A new WIND-ACTIVATED SIDE VIEW MIRROR CLEANER for CLEARING MOISTURE, DUST, ROAD SALT AND DIRT FROM THE MIRROR WHILE TRAVELING. The inventive device includes a length of cord coupled with a side view mirror of a vehicle. A plurality of tassels are coupled with a free end of the length of cord. The tassels will come in contact with the side view mirror during motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wiper blade assembly (10) is provided including a housing (12), two blades (14), (16), two blade support structures (18), (20), and a switching mechanism (22). The housing (12) includes a shell (26) having two longitudinal channels (28), (28'). The housing (12) further includes a lower opening (36) and a bottom plate (38) sized to cover the lower opening. The bottom plate (38) is releasably connected to the shell (26) and includes two slots (40). An inner seal (46) attaches to an interior surface of the bottom plate and includes slots (48) that align with the bottom plate slots (40). The blades (14), (16) and blade support structures (18), (20) are positioned within the housing channels and are aligned with the bottom plate slots. Each support structure includes a middle portion having a transverse central hole (54). The switching mechanism (22) includes a shaft (62) and first and second cams (70), (72) attached to the shaft.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade design incorporating multiple sections, including one section of conventional wiper blade material and a second section of a lower coefficient of friction material. The first section contacts the windshield as the wiper blade is swiped, but as drag causes the blade to deflect (due to low or non-uniform moisture on the windshield), the second section gradually comes into contact with the surface. This lowers the average coefficient of friction of the blade and avoid excessive vibration. A number of embodiments are shown, all of which include a second section of material attached to the first section without creating an additional pivot point (additional to the apex). They alleviate oscillation of the blade as it wipes a windshield, thus eliminating squeaking, squealing, ineffective skipping across the windshield surface, and the resultant increased windshield wiper wear.

Abstract: A wiper blade is proposed, which is a part of the windshield wiper system of motor vehicles and is used for cleaning windshields of motor vehicles. The wiper blade has an elongated wiping strip, which is held by a support frame and can be moved, stressed in the direction toward the windshield to be wiped, crosswise in respect to its longitudinal extension over the windshield. Viewed in cross section, the wiping strip has an elongated head strip held by the support frame, and an elongated sweeping strip connected with the latter, on whose side facing away from the head strip an elongated wiping lip strip, which rests against the windshield, is fastened via an elongated tilting strip, wherein for distributing the contact load, elongated spring means made of an elastic material are disposed inside the head strip.

Abstract: A motorized power head for a machine for cleaning upholstery, carpeting or hard floors includes a spray nozzle for distributing a clean spray solution on a selected area enclosed by the power head. A cylindrical rotating brush is driven by a two-speed motor housed in the power head to work the solution into the carpet to clean the selected area. A suction nozzle picks up the spent solution together with loosened dirt and grime. The power head may be used as a close-up applicator with a handle adjacent the power head, or as a stand-up applicator with an extension inserted between the handle and the power head. The brush is easily removed for replacement or for converting the apparatus for different applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning floors. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes four wheels, two of which are steerable wheels, and a steering mechanism that permits the two steerable wheels to turn to a degree that allows very tight turns to be made by the sweeper. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper with a cylindrical side broom. Yet a further embodiment of the sweeper includes flaps or seals that form a skirt about the broom and a mounting mechanism for slidably receiving the flap or seal. In a further embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper that employs flaps with wear indicators that tell an operator when to adjust or replace the flap. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper that utilizes a pre-filter to remove debris that remains in the vacuum airstream after having passed through the hopper and that is of a size that can require frequent cleaning of a subsequent filtering device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power brush for a vacuum cleaner by which dust is easily sucked into the vacuum cleaner with reduced noise and which can be easily manufactured. A brush body sucks dust by making contact with a floor. The brush body is provided at an end of a rigid wand which is connected to a vacuum cleaner body. A bottom portion of the brush body is open so that an air is introduced therein. A rotatable roller is provided at the bottom portion of the brush body. A pair of driving fans for generating a rotational force to rotate the rotatable roller are provided at both sides of the rotatable roller. The driving fans are driven by a dustless air which is introduced into the brush body through the air inlet holes which are formed at the front of the brush body.

Abstract: A duct cleaning device, including a flexible conduit with a first, inlet end and a second, outlet end. An end cap with a central hole is attached to the first end; a connector adapted for coupling the device to a vacuum hose (or the inlet of a vacuum cleaner) is attached to the second end. A flexible, radially-projecting brush is attached to the exterior of the conduit, extending helically about the conduit; a plurality of throughholes (some of which carry flexible, radially-projecting tubes) are positioned near the brush. In operation, the device is connected to a source of vacuum. The first end is rotated while being moved into (or removed from) a duct, while the brush sweeps the interior surface of the duct to dislodge particulates of house dust and other contaminants from the surface. The particulates are swept into the conduit through the hole in the end cap and the throughholes in the conduit.

Abstract: A caster assembly having rattle-free operation is presented. The caster comprises an inverted U-shaped horn member carrying an axle (i.e., a shoulder bolt). A wheel rotating on a spanner is supported between leg portions of the horn by the axle. A brake support and treadle lever are mounted on the axle and provide for locking the caster wheel. A spring tab is formed integrally in the treadle lever. The spring tab is spring biased inwardly to force the brake support and the treadle lever apart. The maintenance of a constant tension separating the brake support and the treadle lever results in rattlefree operation of the caster assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: A slide to be partially inserted under a floor contact portion of a heavy structure such that the structure can be easily slid a short distance. The slide is formed as a laminar assembly including a flat plate formed of an abrasion resistant lubric plastic material made of polyoxymethylene, homopolymer acetal, and a non-slip pad made of a synthetic plastic material. That portion of the plate not under the floor contact portion tends to bend upwardly so that the heavy structure slides easily over the floor while the pad keeps the heavy structure from sliding off the slide.

Abstract: A door closer with an adjustable springiness has an adjusting screw located inside the pressure chamber and at the same time inside the pressure spring.

Abstract: The present invention is structured so that a guide pin will be captured within holes disposed on opposite walls of a case. A stopper wedge piece having a contact surface rides on the guide pin at one end of the case while a spring is disposed on the guide pin at the other end of the case. The guide pin has a collar close to one end that prevents the spring from slipping off that end of the guide pin. The collar also prevents the guide pin from passing through the hole at that end of the case. The spring keeps the stopper wedge pressed toward one side of the case while at the same time keeps the guide pin collar pressed toward the other side of the case. A metal plate pressed into the bottom of the case prevents wear of the case as the stopper wedge rides against the bottom plate during use. Assembly is facilitated by a downward incline toward the outside is formed on the lower portion of the hole on the case wall into which the stopper end of the guide pin is inserted.

Abstract: Device for enclosing an end of a wiring duct raceway including an end panel, a covering section and an anti-rotation mechanism. The end panel is adapted to cover the end of the raceway. However, the covering section extends from a portion of the edge of the end panel and has a cross-section slightly larger than the cross-section of the raceway. In order to prevent disengagement from the raceway, the anti-rotation mechanism uses a latching mechanism, while depending from the covering section.

Abstract: The crank handle of a window sill used for actuating a window pane has a hollow end in which is received an insert allowing the handle to engage various sizes of crank shafts. The insert is formed of a malleable material so that it can be deformed to fit the diameter of a crank shaft to thereby securely engage the crank shaft and enable its rotation by the handle.

Abstract: A fiber metering device adapted for feeding fiber to a fiber utilizing assembly. The device comprises a first fiber feeding unit and a spaced apart second fiber feeding unit. The fiber feeding units are spaced apart so that the second unit is downstream with respect to the first unit. The feeding units are independently driven at relatively variable fiber feeding speeds. Each feeding unit includes a weight transducer means sensitive to the weight of fiber being fed by that unit. The speed of each feeding unit is controlled in accordance with the weight of fiber sensed by its associated transducer means.

Abstract: An improved disposable restraining device having double loops formed of two separate, flexible straps joined together by an interlocking cover is extremely strong, tamper resistant and more easily molded than single strap devices. The device is designed to be folded into a compact storage position which can be easily carried by law enforcement personnel yet is instantly ready for use. The cover provides a shield for the locking mechanism and additional strength in the area between the two loops. The straps include a core material designed to resist friction cutting and the cover may be constructed of a harder material than the straps for maximum strength.

Abstract: A strap for securing a bundled power cord for convenient storage and a power tool having a power cord to which the strap is substantially permanently secured. The strap has fastening elements on two extended surfaces and a pair of slots through which the cord is passed to attach the strap to the cord. The slots, shown as slits, are sized relative to a plug on the cord so that the plug resists withdrawal of the cord from the slots and the flexible strap remains permanently on the cord without impeding the use of the power cord or tool. The attached strap is wrapped around the bundled cord, with the fastening elements on one side of the strap engaging the fastening elements on the other side of the strap to form a fastening and secure the cord. In preferred forms the strap is a flat strip of material carrying molded hooks on one side, synthetic resin integral with the hooks serving to secure loop material defining the opposite side of the strap.

Abstract: A bag closure clip including a pair of opposing T-shaped clip members held in pivotal engagement by a U-shaped metal spring. Each clip member includes a jaw, a handle, and a fulcrum. As the handles are squeezed toward each other, the jaws open to allow a bag, such as for snack food or cereal, to be inserted between the jaws. When the handles are released, the spring forces the jaws towards each other to grip the bag and hold it closed. The U-shaped spring is fitted over the fulcrum and is confined to the space between the clip members so that the outwardly facing surfaces of the clip members are substantially uninterrupted.

Abstract: A tie restraining device for use with conventional neckwear is disclosed having an elongated tie restraining clamp for clipping around a tie in a non-penetrating manner.

Abstract: A circular cleat apparatus allows a user to quickly and easily adjust in both directions the length and tension of an elongated cord. The circular cleat apparatus employs a circular cleat where a portion of the circular cleat provide engaging members to grip the elongated cord. The other half of the circular cleat is smooth. The elongated cord is guided through a rope guide on the circular cleat and positioned between the lateral walls of the circular cleat to provide a simple positive anchor. The circular cleat could be used alone simply for the purpose of securing ropes, bungie cords, and similarly configured flexible elongated cords or to tightening elongated cords together.

Abstract: A wire rope clip comprising a two-piece bolt and saddle. The clip comprises first and second bolts, each having a head, a threaded end, and a plurality of splines fashioned proximate the head. The clip further comprises first and second saddles, each having a base, a first orifice and a second orifice. A first nut engages the threaded end of the first bolt and a second nut engages the threaded end of the second bolt.

Abstract: An arrangement for covering upholstered furniture includes a semi-fitted cover which is partially fitted to a piece of upholstered furniture and a mechanism for positioning a holding band in a closed loop around the cover. The holding band is positioned to form a loop around the cover and pull the semi-fitted cover close to the upholstered furniture. The present invention also includes details concerning skirt clips, belt adjusting plates and pleating plates which are unique as part of the present invention.

Abstract: A brush conveyor, in particular for a velvet needle loom, includes an assembly of adjacent brushes forming a conveying plane and moving in a predetermined conveying direction. Each brush includes a body that is substantially elongated along a main axis, and each lower brush surface includes means for connecting the brush to a mechanical drive device while the upper brush surface has holes for receiving tufts of bristles. The brushes are arranged within the conveyor in such a way that their main axes are parallel to each other and lie at a predetermined angle to a transverse direction which is perpendicular to the conveying direction. The conveyor may be used in needle looms for making nonwoven articles.

Abstract: A method for making a thread comprising: feeding at least two drawn, continuous filament starting threads (18, 19), of which at least one is a multi-filament thread, together to an intermingling device (21) to form a single bulked thread of which the filaments of the starting threads are intermingled and looped, and applying a bulk-reducing treatment to the bulked thread characterized in that the bulk-reducing treatment comprises a treatment under tension without the thread being heated.

Abstract: A vibrator is formed on a silicon substrate to become a base by the silicon-processing procedure and a thin film of a piezoelectric material is formed on the substrate by a method matching with the silicon-processing procedure. When an ac field of a frequency near the resonance frequency of the transverse vibration of the vibrator is applied to the thin film of the piezoelectric material, the piezoelectric reverse effect excites characteristic vibration in the vibrator. If a rotational motion is generated along the axis of the beam in that state, the Coriolis' force is generated in a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vibration direction of the beam. This force deforms the beam in that direction. Detecting inductive charges produced in another piezoelectric thin film fixed on the vibrator because of the piezoelectric normal effect due to the deformation, the rotational, angular velocity can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface wave device of an end-face reflection type comprising forming an IDT 12 on a piezoelectric plate 11, and cutting the piezoelectric plate 11 in a direction which is parallel to the outermost electrode fingers of the IDT within a target area which extends from the out edges of the outermost electrodes to a position .lambda./8 outwardly therefrom, .lambda. being the wavelength of the surface wave generated by the IDT, so as to form opposite end faces of the surface wave device.

Abstract: A printer head for ink jet recording is disclosed, comprising a single-crystal silicon substrate pierced with holes, a zirconium oxide layer which is brought into direct contact with the surface of the silicon substrate or a silicon oxide layer on the surface of the silicon substrate so as to cover one end of the holes in the silicon substrate, a lower electrode provided on the zirconium oxide layer, a piezoelectric layer provided on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode provided on the piezoelectric layer. A process for the preparation of the above printer head for ink jet recording is also disclosed. The printer head for ink jet recording can support a piezoelectric substance having a high piezoelectricity, can exhibit a high head drive durability and can be produced in a high yield.

Abstract: An edge-shooter type ink jet print head and a method of its manufacture are disclosed. The print head includes members into which chambers are formed which, in turn, are equipped with devices for ejecting ink from each chamber to respectively assigned ink nozzles. A group of chambers is formed in each chamber-carrying member, on a side facing a center member. A single row of ink nozzles includes k nozzle groups which are respectively assigned to k ink chamber groups and which are formed along an edge face of a first chamber-carrying member. The first nozzle group of the k nozzle groups communicates with the chamber group formed in the first chamber-carrying member. The other k-1 nozzle groups are assigned to respective ones of the other (k-1) chamber groups. The chamber groups are supplied with ink from suction chambers and lie in further chamber-carrying members which are vertically offset relative to one another.

Abstract: An electronic part is formed with two dielectric substrates joined together in a face-to-face relationship. Each substrate has an electrode pattern formed on one surface and a grounding surface on the opposite surface. The surfaces with the electrode patterns formed thereon are joined together such that the patterns match each other and are connected to each other. Corners of one of the substrates may be cut so as to expose portions of the electrode pattern on the other substrate. Indentations may be formed on corners and edges of the joined substrates and terminal electrodes and grounding electrodes may be formed in the indentations.

Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus includes first and second tube holders holding flexible tubes, a cutting blade for heating, melting and cutting the tubes held by the holders between the holders, and a holder displacing mechanism for relatively displacing the second holder to the first holder to closely contact and connect cutting ends of the tubes each other. Each of the first and second tube holders has a tube holding portion which holds the tubes in a state that the circular cylindrical surfaces of the tubes which are contacting each other.

Abstract: A tool for reconnecting a fuel hose safety break away. Various geometry safety break aways are attached to various diameter fuel hoses, typically above a person's head. These safety break aways separate if a vehicle drives away from a fuel pump with the fuel nozzle still attached to the vehicle. The tool of the present invention assists the person having to reconnect the two halves of the safety break away. While individual tools for various geometry safety break aways and different hose diameters can be made, so that a service station does not have to obtain several different tools for their various fuel pumps, the tool of the preferred embodiment has a plurality of user selectable jaws, the jaws having hose engaging portions with similar geometry to the hoses they are to engage.

Abstract: Actuator apparatus (60) for a device such as a nail or staple gun having a linearly translating tool. The apparatus includes reciprocating means (64) for actuating the tool in a first direction. The apparatus includes a drive shaft comprising a sleeve element (67) rotatably fitted over the reciprocating means and adapted to be driven via rotatable drive means (63, 65). The apparatus includes means (73, 74, 75, 76, 77) for coupling the reciprocating means to the sleeve element such that when the sleeve element is rotated, the reciprocating means moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The reciprocating means moves in the second direction against the force of a biasing means (78) for storing potential energy in the biasing means. The apparatus includes means (86, 87, 89, 90) for uncoupling the reciprocating means from the sleeve element when the reciprocating means has moved a preset distance in the second direction.