Abstract: A door stop including a holder unit fixedly fastened to the floor to hold a magnet, and a strap fixedly fastened to the door to hold an iron plate for securing to the magnet of the holder unit by a magnetic force of attraction to hold the door in an open position, and a retainer loop coupled to the strap by a slip joint and adapted for hanging on a T-rod of the holder unit to stop the door from escaping out of the open position.

Abstract: An upwardly pivotable vehicle lid is provided with a pneumatic pressure strut intermediate body and lid, as an opening drive for the pivot movement into a terminal position having a maximum pivot angle, with the extending movement of a piston rod out of the pneumatic strut cylinder defining the pivot angle being limitable in a plurality of positions ahead of the maximally possible pivot angle by an arresting device mounted outside of the cylinder. The arresting device includes an arresting member positioned on the cylinder of the pneumatic pressure strut and movable into frictional engagement with a complementary member movable by the piston rod of the pneumatic strut.

Abstract: A handle unit for shopping trolley formed of a molded material comprising a central housing having hand grip portions extending from either side thereof and wherein a front face of the housing includes an information panel adapted to provide information to a user and wherein the housing includes electronically operated equipment including a bar-code reader which may be connected to an electronically operated display screen.

Abstract: A retractable handle comprises a first half grip, a second half grip coupled with the first half grip, a push button disposed beneath the first half grip and the second half grip, a base seat, first and second outer pipes disposed between the base seat and the first and second half grips, first and second inner pipes inserted in the corresponding first and second outer pipes respectively, a first positioning device disposed in a lower portion of the first inner pipe, a first rod inserted in the first inner pipe to connect the first portioning device and the push button, a second positioning device disposed in a lower portion of the second inner pipe, and a second rod inserted in the second inner pipe to connect the second positioning device and the push button.

Abstract: A one piece cable tie for forming a plurality of objects such as cables into a bundle includes an elongated flexible strap having a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, a first end and a second end. The strap further includes a plurality of transverse raised cross-members projecting up from the top planar surface, said raised cross-members being spaced along the length of the strap and defining therebetween a plurality of openings. A locking head is integrally formed to the first end of the strap. The locking head includes an outer end wall, an inner end wall and a pair of sidewalls which together define a generally rectangularly shaped strap accepting channel therebetween. A holding tab is disposed within the locking head and projects out from the inner end wall and into the strap accepting channel. The outer end wall is shaped to include an angled locking face.

Abstract: The invention entails a cable tie having an elongated body and a hollow receiving head. The receiving head is attached to the body at one end. At the other end, the receiving head contains a mouth opening. The mouth opening is sufficiently large to receive the opposite end of the body. Teeth are arranged on the exterior of the body. At least one locking arm with a lip is positioned at the mouth opening. Preferably, the arm should have two ends with a pivot point in between. The lip should be positioned on one side of the pivot point. The teeth and the lip are positioned to cooperate with one another so that the locking arm holds the body in position when the body is inserted into the receiving head. By applying pressure to the end of the arm opposite the lip, the arm may be pivoted so that the lip will disengage the teeth, allowing the body to be freely withdrawn from the receiving head.

Abstract: A cosmetic accessory clasp includes two or more clips for holding longitudinally extending articles. For example, the clasp accommodates both a lipstick barrel and a lip liner pencil. The clasp includes two or more open clips, such as an open clip having attached at the closed portion thereof a smaller clip adjacent to the larger clip. The larger lipstick barrel is inserted by the spring action of the larger clip and the lip liner pencil is insertable in the smaller clip adjacent to the larger clip. The clasp may hold other related longitudinally extending articles, such as eyebrow pencils and the like.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener assembly comprising a first fastener strip, a second fastener strip and a slider. The first fastener strip has an inner surface and an outer surface, including at least an uppermost closure element and a bottommost closure element positioned along the length of the inner surface. The second fastener strip has an inner surface and an outer surface, including at least an uppermost closure element and a bottommost closure element positioned along the length of the inner surface. The closure elements along the second fastener strip are adapted to engage with the closure elements along the first fastener strip, thereby interlocking the second fastener strip with the first fastener strip. The slider has a top and side walls depending from opposite sides of the top for receiving the fastener strips therebetween, the side walls extending downward from the top to a point below the uppermost closure elements, so that at least a portion of the fastener strips are held between the side walls.

Abstract: A zip plastic bags comprising at least one strip of a flexible material (2) for packaging which is stuck to the opening region of the bag, two strips of semi-rigid material (1a, 1b) attached along said flexible strip (2) which have at least one tongue (3) and groove (4) so that the tongue (3) of one semi-rigid strip (1a, 1b) can be inserted into the groove (4) of the other semi-rigid strip (1a, 1b), thereby latching the strips(1a, 1b) one to another, a clasp (5) that grasps these strips (1a, 1b; 2) in joining of separating manner as it slides along the strips (1a, 1b 2) and a tab (6) attached to the clasp (5) for sliding the clasp (5) and for tearing open the bag, when opened the first time, with the aid of sharp protrusion or pin (7) positioned on the tip of the tab (6).

Abstract: A safety release zipper including two opposing side portions securable to two opposing sides of a garment to be closed together. Two lengths of interlocking teeth are secured to and extend inwardly from the two opposing side portions. The teeth have a triangular configuration including a base portion, angled side portions and an apex portion. A sliding channel having an interior block is slidably coupled with the two lengths of interlocking teeth. The sliding channel slides along the lengths of interlocking teeth to facilitate the engagement and disengagement thereof. A pivotal handle is coupled with the sliding channel.

Abstract: The structural design of an invisible zipper with an open-end, particularly indicating an innovation which employs to modify the conventional invisible zipper with closed-end into an invisible zipper with open-end, mainly consists of an open-ended chain tape, a resilient tape hook, an inserting pin and a rectangular box; The ends of the left and right open-end chain tapes are formed into rubberized fabric portions by thermal melting rubber; an inserting pin and a resilient tape hook, which are made by plastic injection molding or punching, are fixed to the left and right rubberized fabric portions of the chain tape, and after the separating chain tapes are sewed to the clothes, and the resilient tape hook set up at one of the chain tapes is forced to wedge into a rectangular box, one can make use of this kind of design to fabricate an invisible zipper with open-end.

Abstract: A truck strap fastener is adapted to enable a strap to be attached to either a downwardly directed hook or to a flat iron carried by standoffs attached to a trailer's frame. Flatbed trailers typically provide either a flat iron bar or a downwardly directed hook as the point of attachment for load securing tie-down straps. A fastener is disclosed that is adapted to attach to either point of attachment, and also to the tie-down strap. The fastener provides a body carrying left and right prongs which jointly fasten in place about a flat iron. Alternatively, a hook opening in the body allows a hook to pass between the left and right prongs and through the hook opening in the body.

Abstract: An anchoring structure for a cable end comprises a securing body having a recess defined therein and having an opening defined through an outer surface thereof and extending into the recess, an anchoring nipple for being fixed to the end of the cable and fitted into the recess of the securing body through the opening for being operatively connected to the securing body. The nipple is a unitary member with a first substantially cylindrical half portion having an opening defined in a side wall thereof for receiving the end of the cable, and a second substantially cylindrical half portion joined side-by-side to the first substantially cylindrical half portion such that the nipple is substantially 8-shaped when viewed towards ends of the half portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a helicopter main rotor blade subassembly which includes a lower airfoil skin, a core, an upper airfoil skin, and a spar assembly having a tip end and a root end, the apparatus including a lower assembly including a base having a contoured upper airfoil nest, wherein the contoured upper airfoil nest has a root end and a tip end, at least two guide ramps disposed proximal to the contoured upper airfoil nest, wherein at least one of the guide ramps is disposed proximal to the root end and at least one of the guide ramps is disposed proximal to the tip end, and a plurality of leading-edge pusher cams disposed proximal to the contoured upper airfoil nest.

Abstract: In this method for producing capacitive alumina-ceramic absolute pressure sensors sorted in high-precision zero-point long-term stability defect classes referred to a measured-value span c.sub.sp, the sensors are firstly produced conventionally: a substrate is provided with an annular first electrode and, at the center, a circular second electrode insulated from the first; a diaphragm is provided with a third electrode, and the substrate and diaphragm are joined tightly together in a vacuum by the mutually facing electrodes, at an outer edge through the interposition of an active brazing ring with the formation of a chamber, with the result that a pressure-dependent capacitance C.sub.p and a pressure-independent capacitance C.sub.r are produced. Then, using the equation c=(C.sub.p -C.sub.r)/C.sub.p =k.sub.1 (p-p.sub.0)+k.sub.0, at room temperature and under a vacuum (=p.fwdarw.0) a first zero value c.sub.n1 =-k.sub.1 p.sub.0 +k.sub.

Abstract: A machining center comprises a plurality of machine tools arranged along a track, each of which has a working space, accessible through an operator door, for machining workpieces present in a receptacle. In addition, a loading system is provided for transporting the workpieces between the individual machine tools and for exchanging the workpieces on the machine tools through a loading opening that can be closed off by the respective operator door. At least some of the machine tools perform different machining operations in succession on the same workpiece. The loading system comprises a transport track, arranged on the machine tools for manually moving the workpieces from one machine tool to the next.

Abstract: Hydroforming double wall tubular stock into an air gap tubular element comprising providing a plural wall tubular workpiece having at least an inner wall liner and an outer wall jacket having adjacent open axial ends, causing at least one of the jacket ends to extend axially beyond the adjacent liner end and to be flared outwardly, placing the workpiece into a first mold cavity of a size and configuration to result in the desired size and configuration of the liner, sealing the open ends of said liner, injecting hydroforming fluid into said liner to fill it and applying pressure thereto to expand the liner and jacket in the first mold cavity, releasing the pressure, placing the workpiece in a second mold cavity of a size and configuration desired for the jacket on a resulting air gap tubular element, providing hydroforming end closures to seal off the jacket ends, at least one of the end closures having an annular shoulder aligned with the flared extended jacket end radially outwardly offset from the adjacent

Abstract: The present invention for producing a substantial two-way shape memory effect within a composition substantially only exhibiting one-way memory is realized by first plastically deforming the alloy into a predetermined shape and then work hardening, such as through grit blasting, a selected portion of the outer surface of the alloy. Advantageously, this later type of work hardening selectively transforms only the outer portion of the alloy into a region of "super-elasticity" which acts as a biasing force to re-strain the alloy upon cooling. As such, two-way shape memory elements--which recover their original shape upon heating, yet deform into a second desired shape upon cooling--may be made to produce actuators exhibiting strain amplitudes of as much as 3% while exerting a force in excess of about 10,000 psi.

Abstract: A tool 50 for removing a hub assembly (6) from a chamber (14) in a gear housing (4) of an outboard engine (2) has a cylindrical body (52) with a first end (54) and a second end (56). Proximate the first end is a flange (98) for seated engagement over an opening (18) to the chamber to limit the depth the tool enters the chamber. At the second end is a bore (66) with protruding teeth (70) for engaging longitudinal grooves (26) of a shaft (8) of the hub assembly to prevent the shaft from rotating. A nut (78) with depending disc (82), a pair of washers (92) and a flat roller bearing (94) are disposed into a recess (72) that is concentrically aligned and congruent with the bore. The nut engages a threaded end (22) of the shaft and pulls the hub assembly axially within the chamber toward the tool until a bearing carrier (10) of the assembly engages the tool. The tool is removed from the hub assembly and the hub assembly is gently pulled from the chamber using nominal force.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile tool positioning system including a support assembly, a mobile multi-axis, numerically controlled robotic tool, and a multi-movement control device coupled to the mobile multi-axis tool. The support assembly is located adjacent a workpiece and has a plurality of engagers. The mobile multi-axis, numerically controlled robotic tool has proximity sensors removably attached to the engagers. The mobile tool can therefore be detachably coupled to the support assembly. The proximity sensors precisely locate and align the mobile tool with the support assembly before being coupled. In addition, the mobile tool can have a self leveling system with a configurable memory. As such, precision tooling operations can be performed on the workpiece.

Abstract: A wire-insertion and cutting head for a telephone wire installing impact tool has a plurality of unitary wire-insertion and cutting blade elements embedded in a single resilient cutting blade support block. Each wire-insertion and cutting blade element has both a wire-insertion blade and an increased thickness knife edge molded as a single continuous hardened steel element. The knife edge is located relative to the slot in the cutting blade to ensure that the knife edge will consistently and reliably effect a clean cut of a respective wire against the surface of the terminal receptacle, as the wire is urged into the terminal receptacle by the blade during operation of the impact tool.

Abstract: A method for the fabricating or forming of tubular members of the torque tube type which may be utilized as torque joints for the drive shafts or steering connections of motor vehicles or in connection with articulating linkages for high-lift aircraft systems or for other various physical application where it is intended to react to torsional and axial loads which are ordinarily encountered in torque joints, steering linkages, drive shafts and the like. Provision is also made for a device which is in the form of a novel external die arrangement for electromagnetically concurrently forming longitudinal and circumferential or radial grooves in tubular members and interposed end fittings, particularly of the type which are adapted to react to torsional and axial loads encountered by torque joints and the like.

Abstract: A method for temporarily packaging a semiconductor die, includes attaching the semiconductor die (40) to a die support (60) in a cavity (58) of package housing (56) with an adhesive (52) that will cures at a first low temperature and volatilizes at a second, higher temperature that is less than the temperature that will drive diffusions in the die deeper and change the electrical characteristics of the die. A reverse bonding process is used to form a first wedge bond with a relatively soft wire (88) on a conductive pad (62) extending into cavity (58) and a second wedge bond on a bond pad (41) on die (40). The wedge tool (76) used to make the wedge bonds has a front radius which is larger than that on conventional wedge tools, so that the cross-sectional area of the bond heel (91) is increased. The increased cross-sectional area and soft wire permit the wire to be removed from the bond pad (41) without breaking the wire or significantly damaging the bond pad.

Abstract: The method of assembling an antenna and over-molding the same with a thermoplastic material is described which ensures that the elongated rod of the antenna is centrally positioned in its molding material and ensures that the helical spring of the antenna is also centrally positioned in the molding material. A sub-assembly is first created by connecting a helical spring to one end of an elongated metal rod and then inserting a threaded location mandrel in the spring. The assembled sub-assembly is then placed in an injection molding tool and is over-molded with a thermoplastic material. During the initial molding process, the metal rod and helical spring are centered in their respective cavities. The molded sub-assembly is then removed from the injection tool and placed in a second injection tool wherein the interior of the helical spring is filled with a thermoplastic material at the same time as an end cap is created. At the same time, the exposed end of the metal rod is also over-molded.

Abstract: An optical wavelength converting device is provided with a LiTaO.sub.3 substrate, a plurality of inverted-polarization layers periodically arranged in an upper surface of the LiTaO.sub.3 substrate, and an optical waveguide crossing the inverted-polarization layers. The upper surface of the LiTaO.sub.3 substrate is directed toward a -X-crystal axis direction. The inverted-polarization layers are formed by exchanging Ta.sup.+ ions of the LiTaO.sub.3 substrate for H.sup.+ ions, and an extending direction of each inverted-polarization layer is inclined at an angle of .theta. degrees (6.ltoreq..theta..ltoreq.174) to the +C-crystal axis direction toward a -Y-crystal axis direction. The optical waveguide is formed by exchanging Ta.sup.+ ions of the LiTaO.sub.3 substrate and the inverted-polarization layers for H.sup.+ ions to set a refractive index of the optical waveguide higher than that of the LiTaO.sub.3 substrate. The optical waveguide extends in a +Y-crystal axis direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for inserting an evaporator orifice tube check valve into an evaporator orifice tube. The tool uses a press pin comprising a pneumatically activated cylinder which forces the evaporator orifice tube check valve into the evaporator orifice tube a predetermined distance. The tool also includes a reciprocating cylinder which locates the valve to a proper seating depth, a signal generator which notifies the operator if the valve in a particular evaporator is not seated properly, and a marking device which creates a label on the evaporator orifice tube only if the evaporator orifice tube check valve is at the predetermined desired location.

Abstract: Processes for constructing complex turbine structures by the assembly of less complex sub-structures. The component sub-structures are bonded together at opposed mating surfaces by transient liquid bond phase techniques. The sub-structure mating surfaces are machined prior to application of the bonding material to remove oxide from the mating surfaces and ensure dimensional tolerances. Bonding material is applied to the mating surfaces by sputter deposition. Masks can be applied to the mating surfaces prior to application of the bond material so as to selectively apply bond material at only predetermined locations on the mating surface, thus eliminating excessive use of bond material for bonding the component sub-structures.

Abstract: A method for assembling a double enveloping speed reducer assembly includes predetermining the thickness of the shims required to properly position a worm assembly and a worm gear assembly in the speed reducer such that the double enveloping worm spiral and the worm gear mesh at their centers of curvature. By predetermining the thickness of the shims, the speed reducer can be assembled without guesswork. The shim thicknesses are determined, in part, by determining the distance the center of curvature of both the worm spiral and the worm gear to preselected surfaces of the worm assembly and worm gear assembly. The method also includes placing the speed reducer housing and at least one of the bearing brackets for both the worm assembly and the worm gear assembly in gauges to determine various dimensions of the housing and brackets. The measured dimensions are then used to calculate the appropriate shim thicknesses, the shims are placed adjacent a surface of the brackets, and the speed reducer is assembled.

Abstract: A grooving tool on a tool holder having a machining portion which is inserted into a circular work-hole formed in a workpiece provides grooves of predetermined width on the inner surface of said work-hole by moving the machining portion relatively and simultaneously in the axial and circumferential directions in the work-hole. The machining portion further comprises a machining tip portion consisting of an axial cutting edge, formed in parallel with the axial direction and a circumferential cutting edge, formed along the circumferential direction. Each of the lengths of the axial cutting edge and the circumferential cutting edge are set such that grooves of a predetermined width can be formed in the hole by relatively moving the axial cutting edge and the circumferential cutting edge.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for positioning a bearing cup with respect to a universal joint having a yoke. The apparatus includes a base. A support is connected to the base and disposed at a distance therefrom. A spacer connects the support to the base and fixes the distance. A ram is mounted on the support. The ram is movable relative to the support and toward the base. Movement of the ram is adapted for positioning the bearing cup with respect to the yoke.

Abstract: A self contained power driven, adjustable tube cutting tool is disclosed. Within the main tool housing is a rotatably mounted C-shaped body having an adjustable automatic cutter feeding and retract mechanism therein, operable by the rotational movement of the body about the pipe axis. Opposing a set of pipe backup rollers is a cutting wheel attached to post slidable through the center bores of two mating cylindrical bodies all on a common longitudinal axis. The mating faces are spirally configured through a single rotational turn to create linear expansion and contraction of the bodies as one, integrally attached to a ratchet wheel, rotates while the other does not. A spring biased pawl couples the non-rotational body to the sliding post. The ratchet wheel engages a second spring biased driving pawl pivotally attached to a cylindrical sliding roller body which protrudes from the periphery of the cutting wheel body.

Abstract: A positioning table includes a table member having a load plane, a supporting device for movably supporting the table member within a plane parallel to the load plane and, first, second, and third slide blocks located around the table member in a freely movable fashion toward and away from the table member. The first and second slide blocks move in directions parallel to each other, and the third slide block moves in a direction perpendicular to the moving directions of the first and second slide blocks. First, second, and third rollers project from a peripheral edge of the table member and are rotatable about axes perpendicular to the load plane.

Abstract: A light beam leveling device and method utilizable particularly in hemodynamic cardiac monitoring of patients in which a pressure transducer is required to be leveled with the tip of a catheter placed at the heart of a patient. The light beam device, preferably a laser, is placed at the transducer and is raised and lowered therewith relative to a reference point on the patient corresponding to the level of the tip of the catheter. When the laser beam is projected horizontally as established with associated bubble level means and is directed so as to cause a reflection directly at the reference point, the transducer is assured thereby to be at the level of the catheter tip in the patient. A transparent cylindrical bar at the tip of the laser through which the laser beam passes causes a line of light to be projected at right angles to the orientation of the bar. An associated protractor permits selection of the desired angle of orientation of the line of light projected from the laser.

Abstract: A three-axis sensor device, such as a probe, includes a base structure and a stylus supporting member. The base structure and stylus supporting member are connected by three linkages that limit movement of the stylus supporting member relative to the base structure to movement along the three linear axes. Each linkage includes parallel articulated legs that limit rotational motion of the stylus supporting member. Three sensors also are disposed between the base structure and the stylus supporting member to sense movement of one with respect to the other.

Abstract: At least either of the upper and lower portions of each of a plurality of elastic bodies (30) provided between an upper structure (10) and a lower structure (20) is movable radially, simultaneously by the same distance in the longitudinal direction of the elastic bodies manually or by a driving means to change the position of an elastic center X, which exists in the axial direction of the machine body, and change the elastic force between the upper and lower structures (10, 20). Either of connections of each of the elastic bodies (30) to the upper and lower structures (10, 20) is a hinge joint or a spherical pair joint, and that of the other is a fixed joint.

Abstract: An automated stencil dryer includes a holder mechanism for holding a stencil, a discharge mechanism for discharging air against a stencil positioned in the holder, and a driver mechanism operatively coupled to the discharge mechanism for automatically moving the discharge mechanism so that compressed air can be discharged fully across the surface of the stencil. In one embodiment, the discharge mechanism includes a pair of air knives disposed parallel to one another on opposite sides of the holder so that the stencil is between the air knives when the stencil is positioned in the holder. The air knives are oriented inward toward the stencil when the stencil is positioned in the holder so that air discharged from the air knives is directed against the stencil. In another embodiment, the discharge mechanism includes a pair of air distribution pipes disposed parallel to one another on opposite sides of the holder so that the stencil is between the distribution pipes when the stencil is positioned in the holder.

Abstract: An improved paint spraying-paint curing booth for automobiles and the like is disclosed in which direct fired U-tube radiant heaters supply radiant heat to the freshly painted article effecting rapid heating and curing of the paint. The radiant heating system may be built into the booths during manufacture or retrofitted to existing spray booths. Substantial savings in both time and energy result from use of the disclosed system.

Abstract: A process for drying or curing green wood including the heating of green wood in a heating enclosure to a predetermined temperature over about 120.degree. F. while maintaining the moisture content of the wood close to the original moisture content of the felled wood, and then immediately cooling the heated wood with a cooling fluid at a temperature and humidity substantially less than the temperature and relative humidity of the heating enclosure for a time period sufficient for the wood to reach substantially the reduced temperature of the cooling fluid for normally removing at least about 5% of moisture from the green wood. The green wood is conditioned by the cooling step for subsequent drying steps in which moisture removal rates are substantially higher than moisture removal rates under prior conventional drying steps.

Abstract: A footwear dryer support rod that includes an interconnectable rod assembly including a fixed length rod section, a circuit housing rod section, and a spring loaded telescoping rod section; an alarm circuit housed within the circuit housing rod section including a detecting circuit and an alarm circuit, the alarm circuit including an electrically driven audible output device; two disk shaped, resilient protector pads, one resilient protector pad being securable to the end of the fixed length rod section and one resilient protector pad being securable to the end of the spring loaded telescoping rod section; a first moisture probe pair extending outwardly from the end of the fixed length rod section and positioned through one of the resilient protector pads; and a second moisture probe pair extending outwardly from the end of the telescoping rod section and positioned through a one of the resilient protector pads.

Abstract: A device controlling electrical circuitry of a clothes drier has a base which snaps into a panel of the drier and supports electrical control elements mounted in a cavity and an operating lid which covers the cavity and effects operating changes in these elements with rearward protruding elements as it is moved along a linear path.

Abstract: Excavating equipment comprising a rigid support structure with articulately mounted surface clamps, an excavating device downstream of the surface clamps in a direction of excavation and an urging device for urging the excavation means in a direction of excavation during excavating. The equipment further comprises a power device coupled to the excavating device for operating same and for operating the urging device. The power device is also coupled to the surface clamps for laterally displacing the surface clamps against rigid supporting surfaces so as to generate a counter-reaction to forces generated by operation of the excavating device. Additionally, a displacing device is coupled to the support structure for displacing the equipment into and out of an excavation.

Abstract: A non-slip sandal for attaching over a shoe or boot to provide traction on slippery surfaces is described. The sandal has a soleplate, upstanding sidewalls circumscribing the periphery of the soleplate, and straps attached to the sidewalls for securing the sandal over the shoe or boot. The sandal may be equipped with replaceable studs protruding from the bottom surface of the sandal for resisting slippage on the surface underneath the sandal. The replaceable studs have threaded shafts that are received by threaded nuts, which are molded into the bottom surface of the soleplate. Alternatively, the sandal may be equipped with a replaceable layer of a synthetic foam material on the bottom of the soleplate.

Abstract: An improved traction enhancing article is provided which is applicable to many different items such as shoes, skateboards, snowboards and the like. The traction enhancing article has a plurality of regularly spaced cleats embedded in a flexible base which, in at least one embodiment, has an adhesive backing allowing it to be removably secured to a variety of different items. The cleats are preferably formed of aluminum and have a hexagonal base which tapers to a rounded top. Both sides of the surface are roughened to enhance traction and to ensure the cleat remains embedded in the base even under extreme stress conditions.

Abstract: A sports shoe with replaceable and retractable spikes. The shoe has a sole, comprising a plurality of spikes releasably and retractably mounted in the sole, a rack and pinion member mounted in the sole and in engagement with the spikes for extending and retracting the spikes from the sole and a release member for removing the spikes from the sole. The rack and pinion member includes a rack member with a rack gear which engages a pinion member at one end of each spike. The rack gear moves linearly and imparts rotational movement to the pinion members to extend and retract each spike from the sole. The rack member further includes an actuation tab extending exterior of the sole for easy movement of the rack. The release member includes a plurality of threaded members extending into the sole and a disengaging member at the rack member, which prevents extension and retraction of the spikes so that they are removable through the threaded members.

Abstract: A binding (5) for a snow shoe (1) includes a front binding portion (9). The front binding portion (9) includes a base plate (11) from which a pair of side walls (9a, 9b) extend upward. The side walls have upward extensions (13a, 13b) which have transverse slots (14) defined therein. Upper wall portions or straps (10a, 10b) have detents (16) which are slidably received in the slots. A heel engaging loop (21) is connected with cables (18a, 18b) which engage the top wall portions or the detents. As the loop is pulled over the heel of the boots, the cables pull the detents downward through the slots, drawing the side walls together, contracting a cavity (15) which they define tightly around the toe of the boot.

Abstract: A cycling shoe having the characteristics of stiffness, low weight, foot stability and walking comfort has as its primary element a unit body of monocoque construction in the form of a contoured sheet, for example of fiber and resin composite, that replaces the sole and part of the upper of a traditional shoe. The unit body includes a sole portion and a perimeter region. A downwardly-extending ridge structure defines a substantial portion of the perimeter region. An upwardly-extending sidewall terminates the perimeter region, and forms a portion of the shoe upper. Shoe upper components include a stiffened and contoured tongue piece and adjustable straps for pressing the tongue piece down against the forefoot of the cyclist.

Abstract: An exciting, visually distinctive display and article holding system is provided by incorporating one or more extendable portions, flaps or members on the surfaces of a bag or box structure with both the bag or box and the extendable portions, flaps, or members incorporating unique, cooperating visually exciting indicia thereon. Preferably, the display and article holding system is foldable for easy storage or, if desired, formed from heavy or thick material to enable the article holding system to form a display. In one embodiment, the display and article holding system is constructed in a multi-dimensioned size and shape consistent with an animal, character, or object being represented thereby, with the surfaces thereof incorporating indicia depicting the desired character, animal or object. In alternate embodiments, movable panels, flap members, or card-holding members are employed to provide a unique, visually exciting article holding system.

Abstract: View box apparatus is provided for illuminating a film containing a medical diagnostic image for radiologic observation and study. A light source is contained within the view box, at one end thereof, and a transparent plate is positioned at the other end for supporting the imaging film. A panel of material is positioned in the box between the light source and the transparent plate to diffuse light from the source, and one or more layers of a microprism film is positioned between the diffuser panel and the imaging film. The microprism film layer reflects light rays which are incident thereon at an angle less than a critical angle back into the view box, so that such light rays do not pass through the microprism film to illuminate the imaging film. Light rays incident upon the microprism film which are greater than the critical angle are refracted by the microprism film, to provide light for illuminating the imaging film having a solid angle which is much less than the solid angle of light from the diffuser.

Abstract: A shelf divider, label and sign holder system comprising an elongated universal support element formed with a relatively rigid channel-shaped shell adapted to be adhesively mounted on a vertically or horizontally extending surface. The support element includes an extended cover portion with flexible fingers co-extruded therewith and adapted to engage the mounting surface itself to removably capture therebetween portions of an item to be supported by the support element. When used as a vertical surface sign holder system, the support element is generally horizontally secured to the vertical surface, with the channel opening downwardly and a paper, cardboard or plastic indicia-containing label or sign securely held at its upper edges between the flexible fingers and the vertical mounting surface. The same support element may be adhesively secured to the undersurface of a shelf juxtapositioned to the front edge thereof, for reception of a perpendicular mounting flange of an adhesive or non-adhesive label holder.

Abstract: A file position location device and related method are provided. The device permits easy location of the position from where a file has been removed from within a cabinet drawer. The device is easily stored on a metallic surface of the cabinet during non-use. The device has a magnetic substrate layer and a wedge shaped body adhered thereto. The magnetic substrate permits retention of the device on the surface of the cabinet for storage and ready availability when use is desired. The wedge shaped body when positioned between two non-removed files acts to resist downward gravitational forces to maintain the location of the device near the top of the drawer for visibility. The device may optionally have a clip to further ensure that the device is located near the top of the drawer during use and is not unintentionally permitted to move toward the bottom of the drawer out of view of the user.