Abstract: To prevent solder bridges that will easily occur in soldering an element whose leads are narrow in spacing. In a solder resist, there is provided an excess-solder absorbing region in which solder resist is not provided, between an end of a solder pad and the distal end of a lead. When a great deal of solder paste is applied to the solder pad for soldering the lead, an excess of solder melted due to the heat of a heater, flows along the lead and into the excess-solder absorbing region toward the distal end of the lead. Since the excess of solder does not flow across the solder resist provided between the leads, no solder bridge is formed.

Abstract: Methods of swaging fuel injector pump components are provided. A method of securing an armature plate to a control valve of a solenoid-actuated fuel injector pump comprises: (1) providing a control valve stem extending from the control valve, the stem having a body with a body width, a head with a head width narrower than the body width, and a neck with a neck width narrower than the head width, the neck forming an annular groove between the head and body; (2) providing a central aperture formed in the armature plate having an aperture width between the head and body widths; and (3) forcing the stem into the central aperture in a manner to cause a portion of the armature plate to deform into the groove to secure the armature plate to the stem.

Abstract: A method for minimizing thermal overhead in an integrated circuit package is described. A heat sink having a base is integrally formed into the package. The base is connected to the die, and a portion of the heat sink projects from the package, forming a post. A heat transfer assembly having a shaft with an aperture is heated until the aperture expands sufficiently to allow the heat transfer assembly to be fitted on the post with a minimum of force. Upon cooling, a tight joint is formed between the heat sink and the heat transfer assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for forging a ring gear having inner and outer helical gears formed with a predetermined phase relation therebetween is described. The apparatus is composed of a fixed outer die, a movable inner die, a mandrel carrying the inner die on its top and a knockout cylinder for ejecting a ring gear from dies after the forging process is completed. A material to be forged is charged in a space defined between the outer and inner dies and forged into the helical ring gear. The forged ring gear is first ejected from the outer die by pushing up the knockout cylinder and the mandrel while rotating the mandrel according to a lead of the helical gear of the outer die. Then, the forged ring gear is ejected from the inner die by further pushing up the knockout cylinder while rotating the knockout cylinder according to a lead of the helical gear of the inner die. In this manner the helical ring gear can be ejected smoothly from both outer and inner dies.

Abstract: A bearing includes a bearing portion and an oil basin. The bearing portion is formed integrally with a side frame and projects cylindrically from a surface of the side frame. The oil basin is integrally formed with the bearing portion and annularly provided to part of the bearing portion. The oil basin has a recessed groove for storing oil between a rotating shaft inserted in the bearing portion and an inner circumferential surface of the bearing portion. A method of forming the bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shaving system includes a replaceable shaving cartridge and a shaving razor handle. The replaceable shaving cartridge has a housing carrying blades, a guard, a cap, and a camming surface. The cartridge includes an interconnect member having a pivotal support structure that pivotally supports the housing and a base structure adapted to be removably and fixedly attached to the handle. A shaving razor handle has an elongated hand gripping structure and a cartridge support structure extending from an end of the hand gripping structure. The cartridge support structure has an extension with outer side surfaces that mate with inwardly directed surfaces of a recess on the cartridge and an end surface with an opening. The extension has an asymmetrical shape to ensure proper orientation. A spring-biased plunger is retained in the cartridge support structure and extends through the opening of the cartridge support structure.

Abstract: Simple, inexpensive and efficient tip cutting assemblies for allowing an operator to cut the tip of a fresh cartridge of caulk prior to insertion in the barrel. The tip cutting assemblies are provided in the context of two general types of caulking guns having either a metal enclosed frame or single piece molded plastic open frame. In one embodiment for a molded open-frame gun, the cartridge tip cutting assembly includes a cutting bracket attached to the frame and having an aperture there through for insertion of the cartridge tip. The cutting assembly also includes a blade assembly attached to the trigger and extending a blade outwardly between the frame and cutting bracket. Another embodiment for a closed metal-frame gun includes an aperture through a side of the housing for insertion of a cartridge tip, and a tip-cutting member formed with a through-hole to pass the plunger shaft and riding thereon within the housing.

Abstract: A new Internal Pipe Cutter for providing a cutting tool designed for cutting the wall of a pipe from inside the pipe through an opening at one end of the pipe. The inventive device includes an elongated shaft having an upper end adapted for connection to a rotational power tool and a lower end to which a rotary cutting blade may be perpendicularly attached. A set collar is slidably mounted on and adjustably positioned along the shaft. A gripping sleeve is disposed around the set collar and is slidably and rotatably mounted on the shaft whereby the gripping sleeve and the set collar are conjointly positionable along the shaft and whereby the shaft and the set collar conjointly rotate independent of the gripping sleeve. The gripping sleeve includes a guide flange at a lower end thereof wherein the guide flange abuts the open end of the pipe as the rotary cutting blade is circled within the inside of the pipe.

Abstract: A folding knife having a blade pivot connecting a blade to a handle for pivotal movement between an extended position outside of the blade cavity and a retracted position substantially within the blade cavity. A spring biased plunger having a first end and second end opposite the first end is provided, and the first end of the plunger includes a pivotal connector pivotally connecting the plunger to the handle within the blade cavity. The second end of the plunger is pivotally connected to the blade for orbital movement about the blade pivot as the blade moves between the retracted and extended positions. A pivotable locking member is connected to the handle for selectively locking the blade in the extended position. Further, an engagement portion is provided for opening the blade using a downward motion.

Abstract: A trimmer (10) has a power source (12) and a tabular drive shaft housing (32) for coupling the power source (12) to a rotating working element. The drive shaft housing (32) is rotatable with respect to the power source (12) and a handle (26) which is fixed to the power source, such that rotation of the drive shaft (32) allows the plane of the working element to be re-oriented. Rotation of the drive shaft housing is fixed by a coupling latch (38) disposed within the handle. An external trigger (46) located on the handle is provided for manually decoupling the coupling latch for allowing rotation of the handle.

Abstract: A carpet trimming tool precisely trims the edge of a carpet to fit against a carpet divider of the type having a linear channel upstanding from the edge of a thin flat flange fastened to the floor. The tool has a hand grip extending upward from a rigid base. Two elongate, straight parallel spaced apart legs extend downward from the base. A first leg has a foot adapted to slide on the carpet. The second leg has a foot adapted to slide in the channel. A carpet cutting blade is removably and adjustably mounted on the second leg so as to cut through the carpet a preset distance from the channel as tool is advanced, guided by the foot in the channel.

Abstract: A simple, compact and easily useable cutting device for cutting non-metallic straps, wherein a hand held plastic frame is provided with a metallic sharpened blad held in a substantially vertical position in one embodiment and in a substantially horizontal position in another embodiment, with the frame having a lower leg for holding the strap looped thereabout and held by a vertical protrusion, and wherein horizontal movement device while holding the looped strap securely the one embodiment blade cuts the strap through the edge thereof, and wherein by rotating the device while securely holding the looped strap, the other embodiment blade cuts the strap through the edtge first and then through the bottom width of the strap.

Abstract: A cutting guide to be removably attached to any one of a number of hand operated power cutting tools such as, for example, a circular saw for cutting a substantially planar workpiece. The cutting guide includes an L-shaped guide plate having first and second sets of channel ears affixed thereto. First and second position adjustable guide arms are slidable received through respective ones of the first and second sets of channel ears such that the guide arms are arranged in perpendicular alignment relative to one another. The first guide arm is selectively positioned to engage and travel along a side of the workpiece so that the cutting tool moves in a cutting path that is parallel to the side of the workpiece. The second guide arm extends to a point that is spaced from an end of the workpiece so as to move with the cutting tool towards and into engagement with the end of the workpiece to thereby limit the length of the cutting path to the distance from which the second guide arm is spaced from the workpiece.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a high speed mini-grinder which helps persons laying tile to undercut baseboards and door trim adjacent to a tiled surface for insertion thereunder of the edge of each perimeter tile so as to eliminate grout lines which would otherwise be required around the edge of the tiled surface. The attachment comprises a cutting blade with negative hook, an outwardly biased telescoping blade guard to cover the cutting blade at all times except when in use, a frame that is vertically adjustable for making cuts of different heights to accommodate tiles of different thickness, countersunk screws to connect the cutting blade to mounting bracket attached to the mini-grinder, and an adjustable depth stop for setting the maximum depth of the cut made into a baseboard or door trim. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use in cutting door trim including door jambs, door casings, and door stops, as well as base molding preparatory to the laying of floor tile.

Abstract: A guide, serving as a platform for a portable, electric circular saw and the saw base plate, presents a trackway in which, slidably, to receive the base plate, and removably mounts a channel element, thereunder, for abuttingly receiving a workpiece, that is a piece of lumber, against the element for cutting by the saw. In one embodiment, the channel element disposes the lumber for cross-cutting. In another embodiment, the channel element disposes the lumber for rip-sawing. The platform is selectively mounted to a support, in inverted attitude, for converting the circular saw to a table saw.

Abstract: A handheld powered planer is provided with a receiving chamber (25) with a chips redirecting surface (51) next to the drum compartment (18) for the cutter drum (15). The receiving chamber (25) is connected via an inlet opening (28) to the drum compartment (18) and via a lateral outlet opening (26, 27) to the outside. The chips redirecting surface (51) is inclined in an ascending manner in the direction of the outlet opening. Air passage openings (53) are located in the inclined chips redirecting surface (51) and are connected via an air channel (30) to the motor compartment (19) of the planer housing (1) so that an air flow from the fan wheel (11) of the drive motor (8) passes through the air passage openings (53) and flows in the direction of the outlet openings (26, 27). Chip removal is significantly improved as a result of this.

Abstract: Detection of angles associated with wheel alignment of a vehicle can be carried out properly at all times according to the present wheel alignment examining apparatus irrespective of the size of a wheel to be examined. The present apparatus includes a sensor member (105, 106) pressed against a side surface of a wheel (11) to be examined and thus the sensor member rotates together with the wheel to be examined. Various inclination angles, such as toe, camber, caster and king pin angles, are detected from a displacement of the sensor member during its rotation. Use may be made of either a Cardan suspension mechanism or link mechanism for supporting the sensor member. When use is made of a link mechanism, toe and camber angles can be detected by the same encoder.

Abstract: Detachable hologram assembly for a compact holographic sight includes a hologram of a reticle image or other desired alignment indicia mounted within a resilient, detachable frame. The frame includes a pair of generally planar, non-parallel registration surfaces and an aperture extending through the frame at the junction of the registration surfaces. A hologram mount, also including a pair of registration surfaces which are complimentary to those of the frame is affixed to, or integral with, the sight. A fastener secures the hologram assembly to the mount with a force sufficient to maintain the registration surfaces of the frame in frictional fit, respectively, with the corresponding registration surfaces of the mount.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for positioning a level on a structural component includes a mounting mechanism that attaches to the level and an arm that is pivotally mounted on the mounting mechanism. The arm supports at one end a gripping mechanism, such as a bar, that extends outwardly in parallel to the axis of rotation about which the arm pivots. A spring extends between the arm and the mounting mechanism. To attach the level to a structural component a user pivots the arm to draw the gripping bar away from the level. The user then positions the level and the gripper bar on opposite surfaces of the structural component, and releases the arm. The spring draws the arm against one surface of the structural component and holds it in position, to clamp the level to the opposing surface of the structural component. The mounting mechanism may include a pivotally mounted bracket that pivots about a second axis of rotation. The bracket pivots the arm 90.degree.

Abstract: A gage according to the present invention for use in measuring engagement parts of a pneumatic hose coupler and including a body and a spring loaded contact rotatably mounted to the body. The body includes an alignment part for locating the gage on the coupler and a member for contacting one of the engagement parts. The contact is biased into contact with another of the engagement parts and calibrated indicator marks provide a visual indication of the angular distance between the two parts. Sights through the gage measure another angular dimension between coupler engagement parts. The gage also includes a plug part for measuring vertical clearance between other parts of the coupler.

Abstract: A totally enclosed marking attachment for any tape measure which is engaged by lifting finger pull (10) to a preset stop (15) then releasing said lift. This causes a striker (3) which contains a nylon fiber saturated with a consumer determined color and type ink to thrust downward through a striker slide (10) and contact ink head (9) with the desired destination. Said striker (3) is then returned to its original (neutral) position by means of main spring (5). Upon the return of striker (3) slide cap (7), which was opened by said striker (3) on its downward motion, is retuned to its original position to close striker slide (2) by cap spring (8). The entire procedure can be performed with one hand.

Abstract: A take-out meter for attachment to a conventional metal retractable tape measure permitting use of the tape measure with architectural/engineering drawing measurements without the need for repetitive subtractions of fittings measurements.

Abstract: A pellet conditioning device (10) for the cooling and/or drying of preformed discrete pellets (148) is provided which includes an upright pellet-receiving bin (12) with a dual grate assembly (18) therein. The assembly (18) includes a stationary first grate comprising a plurality of upright, apertured grate wall members (86), and a shiftable second grate including a plurality of elongated, obliquely oriented plates (106) located between and in spanning relationship to adjacent pairs of the wall members (86). Shifting structure (20) is provided for selective and sequential translational, rectilinear shifting movement of the lower margins (110) of the plates (106) so as to successively open and close a pellet passageway (117) adjacent each lower margin (110). A duct and fan arrangement (38) is also provided with the bin (12) so as to draw cooling air currents through the grate assembly (18) and pellets (148) therein.

Abstract: A vapor drying system includes a tank for holding a drying liquid and a heater for boiling the drying liquid in the tank to produce a vapor. A manifold is arranged in the tank for bubbling gas into the drying liquid. A controller is configured to cause the manifold to bubble gas into the drying liquid at a time when substrates to be dried are first introduced into the tank in order to quench the boiling of the drying liquid and generate a saturated vapor at a rate sufficient to achieve condensation of the drying liquid over substantially the entire surface of each of the substrates to be dried. In this way, staining of the substrates is reduced and process yield is improved.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for utilizing energy of an apparatus for drying a fibre web. The drying apparatus comprises two endless bands (1, 2) that are impermeable to air and that have a good thermal conductivity. A fibre web (5) runs between the bands (1, 2) with at least one felt or wire (3, 4). The metal band in contact with the fibre web (5) is heated. Correspondingly, the metal band in contact with the felt is cooled with water contained in a water chamber (10). The cooling water used is conducted to a heat exchanger (25) that is used to heat water conducted to heat the process water in a papermaking or a board machine.

Abstract: Described are a device and methods for drying hosiery and other articles of clothing in a way which is aesthetically pleasing and efficient. In one embodiment, the invention provides an enclosure comprising a bottom portion; suspending means disposed above the bottom portion for hanging the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing within the enclosure; absorption means which, during normal use, is disposed above the bottom portion and below the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing when hung within the enclosure, for absorbing liquid which may drop from the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing when wet; and attachment means for attaching the enclosure to a substantially vertical surface; whereby the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing may be stored to dry while remaining substantially concealed within the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to artificially break pit membranes in cell membranes of cells constituting wood and then to readily attain dryness of the wood. In view of the fact that one pit or the other pit of pits in the form of a pair is blocked with the torus 1 in felled wood to cause poor removal of water in cells, it is intended to prevent the blockage of the pit membrane, i.e., to break the pit membrane per se, thereby facilitating easy escapement of water in cells after the breaking. In the present invention, wood fuel is burned, and subject wood is allowed to stand in a treatment chamber filled with smoky wood gas generated by the combustion for a predetermined period of time, to expose the subject wood to far-infrared radiation and components contained in the wood gas.

Abstract: A process is described whereby wet coal may be dehydrated and inhibited against rehydration by immersing in a bath of molten paraffin hydrocarbon for a sufficient period of time to evaporate and expel inherent water from the coal. The hydrocarbon then inhibits any rehydration period. It is also an embodiment of this invention to describe a process whereby the water expelled may be recovered for useful purposes.

Abstract: Sensitive articles, such as IC wafers can be maintained in a contamination-free condition. A base member is provided for supporting one or more of the sensitive articles. A cover is provided for sealing engagement with a base member so as form a sealed unit. The sealed unit has an interior. The sealed unit is positioned at a storage position. A particle-free ionized gas is passed though the interior to bathe the articles supported therein with the gas at the storage position. The sealed unit is moved with the articles to an access position on associated processing equipment. The cover is removed from the base to expose the articles. The exposed articles are bathed continuously at the access position with a particle-free ionized gas. The articles are moved sequentially between the access position and a processing position on the associated processing equipment. The articles are bathed with a particle-free ionized gas during the moving steps.

Abstract: A pair of gaiters, each gaiter having a waterproof neoprene member with opposing top and bottom portions, front and back surfaces, and a seam running lengthwise from the top to the bottom. Each gaiter also has a nylon interior and exterior disposed about the back and front surfaces, respectively, and running lengthwise from the top of the sleeve to the bottom of the sleeve. The neoprene member, the interior, and the exterior define an open-ended sleeve having a frontside and a backside. The gaiters also include a first cinching structure at the top of the sleeve for enclosing the neoprene gaiter around the user's knee region, and a second cinching structure at the bottom of the sleeve for enclosing the neoprene gaiter around the user's ankle region. The first and second cinching structures allow the user to easily slip on and off the neoprene gaiter in order to prevent water, snow, dirt, or mud from entering into the user's boot or shoe.

Abstract: A footwear sole insert with a plurality of downwardly extending pumping channels. The pumping channels extend transversely across the insert and include opposite longitudinal edges that simultaneously undulate toward and away from each other to provide the channels with alternating wide and narrow portions. The channels are positioned such that the narrow portions of one channel are generally aligned with the wide portions of the adjacent channels, and vice versa. Also, adjacent channels are separated from each other by an undulating, tapered recess that is narrowest at the bottom surface of the insert.

Abstract: A sole insert including: an iridescent film translucent or transparent lined on or in a transparent outer wall of an air-cushioning pad of a sole insert inserted in a shoe sole, and a color sheet covering and combinable with the air-cushioning pad, whereby upon a molding process of the pad with the color sheet to form a recess recessed in the pad and to form an inner wall revealing a background color inside the pad in contrast to the outer wall reflecting the iridescent colors from the iridescent film as lined on or in the outer wall. It will greatly enhance a decorative effect and visual interest for the wearer.

Abstract: An athletic shoe including a shoe upper and an outsole connected to the shoe upper is provided. The outsole defines a plurality of spike receiving openings therein. A plate is located between the shoe upper and the outsole, and includes a plurality of spikes attached thereto. The plate is movable within the upper between a spike-exposing position whereby the plurality of spikes extend outwardly through respective openings formed in the outsole, and a spike-retracting position. An inflatable bladder is located between the plate and the outsole. When inflated with a fluid, the bladder lifts the plate upwardly into the spike-retracting position, and holds the plate in the spike-retracting position during shoe wear. An exhaust communicates with the bladder for exhausting the fluid contained in the bladder. When the fluid is exhausted, the plate is movable into the spike-exposing position by the weight of the wearer during shoe wear.

Abstract: A shoe (1) for the practice of a gliding sport using at least one board, having a capacity for forward flexing and having arrangements intended to interact with a binding, of the type including a flexible boot (2) and a removable flexible inner shoe (4) placed inside the flexible boot (2); a shell (3) placed inside the flexible boot (2), between the boot (2) and the inner shoe (4), and having at least one sole (12) intended to accommodate the sole of the user's foot, and a spoiler (13) intended to fit around the rear of the user's lower leg, up to the height of the bottom of the calf. The sole/spoiler assembly (12, 13) has capacities for inclination of the spoiler (13) toward the front of the sole (12) and a rigidity capable of limiting the rearward inclination of the spoiler (13). The arrangements (34) intended to interact with the binding are fixed on the sole (12) of the shell through the flexible boot (2).

Abstract: The invention is the assembly of a flexible walking boot and a boot brace made of a rigid material for receiving and holding the boot within it so that the assembly can be used for downhill skiing or snowboarding. The brace has a sole plate for insertion into a conventional downhill ski or snowboard binding. Lateral support is provided by upright members extending along the leg from the sole plate of the brace. Forward resistance is provided by resilient bias means located at the pivotal attachment of the upright members to the brace, which attachment is preferably beneath the heel. The skier's heel is held down by means of an adjustable heel counter positioned at the rear of the brace.

Abstract: A shoe with an electronic step counter including a shoe body, a fluid bladder, a pressure sensor, a temperature compensator, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit. The shoe body has a vamp and an outsole having a receiving space for receiving the fluid bladder. The pressure sensor contacts the fluid in the fluid bladder to detect the pressure thereof and generating a pressure voltage signal. The temperature compensator communicates with the fluid in the fluid bladder, detects the temperature thereof, and generating a temperature voltage signal. The transmitting circuit is disposed in the receiving space of the outsole and connected to the pressure sensor and the temperature compensator. The transmitting circuit receives the pressure voltage signals and the temperature voltage signals, convert them into a value which is emitted in a radio signal. The receiving circuit is disposed separate from the transmitting circuit and may receive the radio signal from therefrom.

Abstract: A light-emitting safety device is embedded in the transparent heel of shoe and is composed of a base, a circuit board housed in a receiving space of the base, and a deformable cap engaged with the base. The circuit board is composed of a light-emitting body, a control integrated circuit, a battery, and two connection points. The cap is provided with a conductive member capable of connecting the two connection points so as to trigger the control integrated circuit to make the power supply available to the light-emitting body when the cap is deformed by the pressure of a foot wearing the shoe. As soon as the cap is relieved of the pressure of the foot, the cap is capable of recovering its original form such that the conductive member disengages the two connection points, thereby resulting in the interruption of the power supply to the light-emitting body.

Abstract: A mount and lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a chassis frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis; a lift frame mount readily removably coupled to the chassis frame; an A-frame mount readily removably coupled to the chassis frame, the A-frame supporting an actuator drive such as an electric/hydraulic pump to drive the snow blade; a blade trip frame coupled to the A-frame; and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame.

Abstract: Device relating to a paired set of snow spoons mounted at or near the ends of a snowplow blade, featuring alternative two-position emplacements and an optional street-side obstruction buffer.

Abstract: A latch assembly for an excavator dipper of the invention includes a latch bar slot having a first opening, a second opening and a side wall. An annular projection protrudes from the latch bar slot side wall and has an upper surface and a side surface. A latch bar is slidably and removably mounted in the latch bar slot. The latch bar has a first portion, a second portion and a tapered portion located between the first and the second portion. The first portion has a larger cross-sectional area than the second portion. An upper retainer insert assembly is removably carried in the latch bar slot between the first opening and the annular projection.

Abstract: In earthmoving buckets, and more especially in deep buckets, the heel portion is subjected to excessive wear due to its extended shape rubbing or impinging upon excavation material while engaged in digging operations. The present invention teaches a bucket shape which reduces the wear of the heel portion while retaining bucket capacity by using a multiple radius design to define the shape in profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digging implement such as a mining shovel dipper which has a body, a movable door mounted with respect to the body and a mechanism for retarding swinging movement of the door. The mechanism includes first and second housings and plural retarding discs compressed between the housings. In the improvement, a resilient member is interposed between the first housing and the discs. And most preferably, a separate resilient member is interposed between each housing, respectively, and the discs. The thickness of each resilient member is selected in view of the aggregate thickness of the discs and the number of resilient members if more than one such member is used. A highly preferred resilient member is an elastomeric washer. The new retarding mechanism substantially extends the time period between mechanism adjustments and results in improved machine productivity.

Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus and method for subjecting clothes items to moisture, pressure and heat for refreshing and dewrinkling the clothes items. A cabinet defines an interior region for receiving clothes, the interior region having opposed inner side surfaces. A door is hingedly connected to the cabinet for closing the interior region. An inflatable hanger for supporting shirt-like clothes items is disposed within the interior region. A blower selectively inflates the inflatable hanger for pressing the shirt-like clothes item against the cabinet inner side surfaces. A steam generation means is provided for introducing moist air into the cabinet for humidifying the clothes item disposed therein. A heater and fan supply heated air into the interior region for drying the shirt-like clothes items disposed therein. During the dewrinkling cycle, steam is introduced into the interior region while the inflatable hanger assembly is periodically inflated.

Abstract: An improved cover for the soleplate of a hand iron that is quickly and easily attached to the iron's soleplate by a pair of tension members. The cover is fabricated from a single, relatively thin sheet of friction reducing PTFE material and functions to reduce frictional forces while ironing. The cover includes a plurality of steam vent holes, distributed in two separate patterns, allowing steam to flow through the cover from the steam holes conventionally provided in the iron's soleplate. Water leakage is prevented around the periphery of the iron by the formation of an upwardly turned lip around the periphery of the iron soleplate. Water leakage from the rear edge is prevented by a flap formed along the rear edge of the device. The rear flap and rear portion of the PTFE cover define a volume which retains water draining thereto when the iron is placed in its standing position. The invention provides an effective, low friction, heat shield for a hand pressing iron which provides improved steam distribution.

Abstract: A laundry item is seized by an inner, first clamp (14) and an outer second clamp (14') of a clamp pair (13a, 13b) of a spreading-out device (12) and is spread out by displacing the first clamp (14) by means of a belt (15a, 15b) until the second clamp (14') is drawn out of its initial position, which is detected by a position sensor (19a, 19b). After the displacement speed has been reduced and the second clamp (14') has caught up slightly, with the result that the leading edge of the laundry item is relieved of tensioning to some extent, the second clamp (14') is coupled to the belt (15a, 15b). When the first clamp reaches a synchronization sensor (20a, 20b) which is offset with respect to the position sensor (19a, 19b), the width of the laundry item is determined from the difference between the clamp positions.

Abstract: A greeting card kit which includes a greeting card containing a "hidden message." The greeting card includes an imprinted crossword puzzle type lattice having open squares and spaced numbers each keyed to either an "across" or a "down" heading. A recipient of the greeting card solves the crossword puzzle using clues and deciphers the hidden message through a mask of the greeting card.

Abstract: Automobile dealers and auto body shops, frequently move dealer license plates between vehicles in their inventory or between vehicles temporarily in their care. They like to advertise their company name on these vehicles while they are being driven.

Abstract: A portable rooftop sign includes a large flexible mesh sheet having a plurality of characters or logos disposed on an upper surface. A plurality of sleeves are attached to a lower surface of the sheet. The sign is installed on a generally planar roof of a building near an airport. Elongated weights or rods are slidably inserted into each of the sleeves to secure the flexible sheet to the roof. Each of the elongated weights comprises a plurality of rod sections which are removably connected by threaded ends. Portable light sources on the roof illuminate the sign at night or in low visibility. In colder climates, electric heating elements embedded in the sheet prevent snow and ice accumulation by melting the snow and ice, which then drains through the mesh sheet and is removed by the normal drainage of the roof.

Abstract: A display device for a fluid filler gun head includes a carrying body and a frame attached to an upper surface of the carrying body, defining a display portion for removable display placards. The carrying body can be removable from the gun head or may be an integral part of the gun head itself. A housing is defined in the carrying body for housing a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus can include a recorder assembly for playing prerecorded audible messages, or a transmitter/receiver assembly enabling communication between a consumer using the fluid filler gun and a remote service station attendant.

Abstract: A display device for sequentially displaying a plurality of images interlaced on a single mosaic transparency includes a frame and a drive assembly engageable with the mosaic and operative to drive the mosaic through a closed loop path. A thermal compensation device is mounted on the frame and engaged with a substantially opaque mask overlying the mosaic and formed with a uniform aperture pattern for sequential alignment with the images formed on the mosaic. The thermal compensation device is responsive to temperature changes within the display device to shift the mask relative to the frame such that the mask follows the shifting of the mosaic due to such temperature changes to thereby maintain the mask and mosaic in the proper relative positions for precise registration of the image pixels formed on the mosaic with the apertures in the mask.