Abstract: A rubber glove is produced by sequentially performing the step of immersing a glove mold in a coagulating synthetic rubber latex containing synthetic rubber in latex form, thermally expansible microcapsules, and a rubber coagulant to form a coagulant-containing synthetic rubber film on the surface of the glove mold; the step of immersing the glove mold in rubber-incorporating latex to form a gelled rubber layer; the step of heating a rubber laminate composed of the synthetic rubber film and the gelled rubber layer to vulcanize the rubber laminate; and the step of turning the vulcanized rubber laminate inside out, and removing it from the glove mold. This method produces a rubber glove, which is excellent in anti-blocking properties and grip under dry or wet conditions, by a simple procedure and for a low cost.

Abstract: A soccer helmet includes a generally dome-shaped padding layer and a generally dome-shaped shell layer fitting over and attached to the padding layer. The padding layer might have a substantially uniform thickness of approximately ⅜ inches. The shell layer is smooth and has some rigidity such that when the soccer helmet is being worn on a human head, the ball rebounds from the shell layer in about the same direction and with about the same speed, or with a greater speed, as the soccer ball would if rebounded off an unprotected human head. Therefore, the soccer helmet does not interfere with heading a soccer ball. The soccer helmet protects the head from repetitive blows due to, for example, heading. Furthermore, the soccer helmet protects the head from single event injuries such as collisions with goalposts, the ground, and other players' head, knees, elbows, and feet.

Abstract: A faucet assembly has a faucet housing having an outlet, a conduit defining a flow path from a supply of water through the housing to the outlet, an openable and closable servovalve in the conduit, and an openable and closable manual valve in the conduit and having a control element movable between a full-flow open position, an intermediate-flow middle position, and a no-flow closed position. A position-detecting switch subassembly mounted on the housing engages the control element and a proximity detector has a detection field adjacent the outlet. A controller connected to the proximity detector, to the switch subassembly, and to the servovalve serves in the closed position of the element for deactivating the detector and closing the servovalve. In the middle position of the element the controller opens the servovalve on detection of an object in the field of the proximity detector. In the open position of the element the controller disables the detector and opens the servovalve.

Abstract: A valve system in which a magnetic valve is in series with a manually-operated valve and contact with the handle of the manually-operated valve initiates flow via the electronic controller whereas, upon loss of contact, a proximity detector controls the magnetic valve when an object, such as a user's hand, is in range. The manual contact is superordinate and proximity detection is subordinate and the proximity detector remains permanently switched on during the operating duration.

Abstract: A waste disposal system quietly and effectively evacuates solid, liquid, and slurry food waste from a galley sink via a vacuum action created when a normally closed flush valve momentarily opens and eliminates the differential pressure between the sink and the drain line. The system is automatically disabled when a clogged condition is sensed. The sink bowl is equipped with a sealable cover that cuts down the noise associated with vacuum pressure evacuation systems to an acceptable level. The system also has a rinse subsystem including a rinse valve for introducing rinse water into the sink just before a flush operation commences. The sink bowl includes an air inlet port in communication with an air inlet duct that extends outside of and above the cart for providing cabin pressure air to the sink. A controller controls the timing and operation of the flush and rinse operations.

Abstract: A collapsible barrier includes a collapsible frame and a flexible cover that is attached to the frame. The frame may include tubes connected by couplings and an elastic cord. When in use, the barrier may be used as a gate to prevent small children and animals from entering or exiting a room or other such space. When the tubes and couplings are disconnected, the gate folds so that it may be easily stored or transported.

Abstract: A bed resting on a floor includes a base frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the base frame and configured to engage the floor, a first brake coupled to the base frame, a foot pedal actuator movable between a first position and a second position, and a second brake coupled to the base frame. A linkage is configured to couple the second brake to the first brake so that when the foot pedal actuator is moved to the second position, the first and second brakes both move to a braking position and when the foot pedal actuator is moved to the first position the first and second brakes both move to a releasing position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck coupled to the frame. The frame includes a storage portion. The deck includes a head section, a seat section and first and second laterally spaced apart outer leg support sections adjacent the seat section. The seat section and the first and second outer leg support sections being configured to define a central opening therebetween. The apparatus also includes a removable center leg support configured for movement between a first position located within the central opening and coupled to the deck to provide a portion of the deck and a second storage position detached from the deck and located in the storage portion of the frame and below the deck.

Abstract: A method and appliance for determining the angular position of a laundry drum and a power consumption of an electric motor driving the drum to derive therefrom a laundry weight in the drum includes directly driving the drum with the motor from a lower laundry position to a raised position where a laundry center of gravity is offset from a rotation axis to produce a loading weight from the driving current of the electric motor measured when the raised position is reached. Alternatively or additionally, the drum is turned until the controller detects a power consumption of the electric motor corresponding to a stored maximum current value to derive a weight of the laundry from a signal corresponding to the angular distance. The controller stores a predetermined, defined maximum current value and measures a power consumption of the electric motor.

Abstract: Phthalocyanine compounds of Formula (1) have utility as colorants in inks for ink jet printing, where Formula (1) represents: 1

Abstract: A method of, and an apparatus for, cleaning a web of photo film during the manufacture is disclosed wherein the web of photo film is transported in its lengthwise direction, and a cleaning tape made of felt is pressed onto an entire area or a side portion of a surface of the photo film or a side edge of the photo film, while the photo film and the cleaning tape are transported in opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing hair from a drain consists of an elongate, flexible strip with an attached handle. A number of barbed portions are dispersed along the length of the flexible strip, with the barbed portions alternating along the two sides of the strip. The barbed portions are oriented at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the strip, with the vertex of the angle pointing away from the handle. The barbed portions serve to grip hair in the drain, the hair being removed when the device is removed from the drain.

Abstract: An improved floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat that includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. Additionally, the cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers.

Abstract: A scraper blade (1, 1A) for a belt conveyor (8), the scraper consists of, or incorporates, a plurality of resilient fingers (3, 3A) adapted at one end (5) of each finger (3, 3A) to engage the belt surface (6) for scraping purposes and at the other end to be supported in suitable proximity to the belt surface (6) to be scraped, with the individual fingers (3, 3A) capable of deflection upon encountering any projection (10) such as a mound or joint of the belt surface (6).

Abstract: A composite blade, in which there is an essentially plate-like blade component with a composite-construction and retention members arranged in its rear part is intended to be installed in a special blade holder with the retention members remaining in the throat of the blade holder. The retention members are formed of a profiling arranged as a lateral extension of the blade component. The profiling extends essentially over the entire length of the blade and is of the same piece as the blade component.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening formed in the underside of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber. The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container that defines the chamber. A main filter element filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: A turbo-brush for cleaning a surface comprises a casing provided with a suction opening, a rotating brush, a turbine which has a rotor provided with vanes and is operationally connected to the brush, a suction nozzle and a suction pipe connected to a suction device; the casing has a housing inside which the turbine is rotatably supported for rotating about an axis of rotation; the suction nozzle is located between said brush and said turbine for sucking an air flow from the suction opening, direct it onto the brush and then towards the turbine; the housing of the turbine has at least one lip projecting to a distance from an outer end of the vanes of the turbine which ranges from 0.001% to about 0.1% of the diameter of said rotor of said turbine.

Abstract: A device for removing dust and rubbish includes a casing provided with a suction opening, a rotating brush, a turbine operationally connected to the brush, a suction nozzle located between the brush and the turbine, and a suction pipe connected to a suction device; the brush and the turbine are rotatably supported, respectively, in a first and in a second housing; the device also includes at least a bypass duct and a first valve, the bypass duct being designed for bypassing the second housing and the turbine, the first valve being able to engage with the suction nozzle and with the bypass duct for closing the suction nozzle and opening the bypass duct. (FIG.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a hinge giving a neat look to the mounting area of a door without being exposed to the outer surface of the door, the hinge being composed of a hinge spindle unit, buried flush with the top and bottom lines on the fixed end of the door and disposed in a way to allow protrusion and retraction of the spindle, and a hinge body unit, buried at a position facing the hinge spindle unit of the open frame and in which is inserted the protruding spindle, and supporting the door in a way to open and close.

Abstract: A hinge comprising a frame-side base member 41 attached to an open frame 10 and a door-side base member 42 attached to a door 20, wherein the frame-side base member 41 is connected to a first plate 31 and the door-side base member 41 is connected to a second plate 32 which is hinge connected to the first plate 31, holding the door 20 capable of rotating. The second plate 32 is separable from the door-side base member 42. The door-side base member 42 is shaped symmetrical about the vertical center line of the door edge, and is imbedded in the edge of the door 20 while protruding no portions out of the door 20. Further, the door-side base member 42 is provided with a slit 44 which penetrates the member 42 in the width direction of the door 20 and into which the second plate 32 can be inserted from both the front and back sides of the door 20. There is also provided a lock apparatus to lock the second plate 32 inserted into the slit 44.

Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, an inequable strain distribution within a synthetic resin is determined to be 15% or less so as to increase a torque holding rate by 80% or more to tightly engage a support block 20 with a metallic shaft 10. This eliminates variations on a frictional torque with no substantial stickslip phenomenon, abnormal noise and initial scratches accompanied when pivotally moving the support block 20 relative to the metallic shaft 10 so as to maintain a stable surface friction resistance with good endurance for a long period of time.

Abstract: A calender, particularly for webs of textile fabric, non-woven fabric or synthetic fabric, includes a frame and a first roll, a second roll and a third roll mounted on the frame. The third roll forms during operation of the calender a single nip either with the first roll or with the second roll. The first roll is movable between a work position in which it forms a nip with the third roll and a first parking position, and the second roll is movable between a work position in which it forms the nip with the third roll and a second parking position, wherein the work positions coincide and the parking position of each roll is located at such a distance from the third roll that a movement of the respectively other roll between the work position and the parking position is possible.

Abstract: A fiber sliver producing apparatus includes an arrangement for making a running fiber web; a transverse web gathering device gathering the fiber web; and a sliver trumpet through which the gathered fiber web passes for being densified and discharged thereby as a running sliver. The sliver trumpet has a cross-sectionally rectangular outlet opening which has a width that is at least 10 times greater than its height. The apparatus further has a calender roll pair formed of two calender rolls through which the sliver passes after being discharged by the sliver trumpet. The calender roll pair defines a bight in which the outlet opening of the sliver trumpet is disposed.

Abstract: A condensing zone for condensing a drafted, still twist-free fiber strand is arranged downstream of a front roller pair of a drafting unit of a spinning machine. An air-permeable transport belt transports the fiber strand through the condensing zone. The transport belt slides hereby over a stationary sliding surface, in which a suction slit of a suction channel is located. At the end of the condensing zone, the fiber strand is pressed with the transport belt by a nipping roller to the sliding surface. The nipping roller as well as the front pressure roller of the drafting unit are supported in a top weighting arm. A separate pressure spring is arranged each for the top pressure roller and for the nipping roller. It can be provided that the nipping roller is arranged at a holding device, which can be swivelled around a swivel axle, which lies coaxially to the axle of the front pressure roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket has a form-feeding member with a tapered channel for receiving one end of a length of seatbelt webbing on an assembly line. A webbing pull-through member engages one end of the webbing. A bracket sensor senses the presence of a bracket at a correct position in the bracket support. Means responsive to a signal from a sensor may be provided for indicating the correct positioning of the sill-end bracket for feeding the pull-through member through the sill-end bracket. Means for driving the webbing into the tapered channel are provided so that said one end is located at a predetermined position relative to the form-feeding member. A method of manual or automatic assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bracket for the ease of installing cables in or on a partition wall, wherein the bracket is comprised of a base member for mounting onto the frame of the partition wall, and for providing a means to support cables laid onto said bracket. The back portion of the base member is provided with partition wall mounting means (e.g, hooks), for mounting the bracket onto a partition wall frame. The front portion of the base member is provided for laying onto and supporting the cables that have been laid onto the bracket. A hinge portion is provided at one end of the base member to provide for pivotal movement with the base member. Preferred embodiments provide for either a separate member or integrally fabricated member which is pivotally connected to the base member at the hinge portion. Such separate or integral member may be adapted to engage a partition panel cover or as a bracket cover member.

Abstract: A wiring method is provided, in which a wire conductor is stuck on a surface of a substrate by causing a three-dimensional relative movement between a wiring head (2) for guiding the wire conductor (5) and the substrate (11) such that the wiring head relatively moves along an adhesive layer (12) on the surface of the substrate and the wiring head and the adhesive layer intermittently come close to each other for point contact. A wiring apparatus for carrying out the wiring method includes a table (1) for supporting the substrate, a wiring head arranged for reciprocating motion between a close position in which the wiring head can be in point contact with the adhesive layer and a distant position in which the wiring head is most distant from the adhesive layer, and a moving mechanism (3) for causing a translational motion of the wiring head along the surface of the substrate under the control of a control section (4).

Abstract: A fluid control valve having a shaped memory alloy (SMA) driven actuator is disclosed. The SMA driven actuator includes a first frame section coupled to a valve body and fixed in relation thereto, a second frame section coupled to a movable element of the valve body and movable in relation to the valve body, and a mulitiplicity of SMA wire sections coupling the first and second frame sections for moving the movable element from a biased first position to a second position when heated. An electrical controller controls the heating of the SMA wire sections by regulating current therethrough, preferably using pulse width modulation techniques. The electrical controller may be governed by a position measurement signal proportional to the position of the movable element to regulate current to the SMA drive element to position the movable element to a desired position. The position measuring signal may be provided from a position measuring element integral to the valve actuator.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in injection molding comprises a pair of spacers acting between the manifold and either a cover plate or a hot runner plate of an injection molding machine to apply a contact pressure between the nozzle body melt channel and the manifold melt channel to achieve a seal therebetween. The resilience of the spacers result in an increased operational temperature range for the nozzle assembly, the contact pressure being generated and/or maintained over the range of the operational temperatures. An additional advantage is provided in that the nozzle assembly is compact and can be closely spaced with similar nozzle assemblies to achieve center spacings as small as eight millimeters. The assemblies can be mounted and/or removed from the cavity of the manifold plate, and/or changing of the nozzle heater elements, without requiring removal of the mold from the injection mold machine.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment a polyvinylidene diflouride homopolymer and solvent, such as acetone, are mixed together to form a solution. The solution is coated on a porous electrode. The coated electrode is immersed in a bath, such as denatured Ethanol, thereby creating a porous membrane on the electrode. The membrane coated electrode is then dried. After drying membrane coated electrode is placed opposite another porous electrode with the membrane positioned substantially between the first and second electrodes. The membrane is compressed between the electrodes dry bonding the membrane with the other electrode thereby forming a good physical bound. Alternatively the membrane may be formed on both electrodes and the membranes are then compressed between the electrodes thereby dry bonding the first and second electrodes together. In yet another embodiment the membrane may be formed separately then compressed between the electrodes thereby dry bonding the membrane with the two electrodes.

Abstract: A paste-like active material mixture prepared by mixing an active material powder and a particulate material comprising a polymer soluble in a nonaqueous electrolytic solution is applied to, e.g. collectors 1c and 2c to a uniform thickness, and then dried to form positive and negative electrodes 1, 2 containing an active material powder and a particulate polymer. The two electrodes are assembled into an electrode laminate into which the foregoing electrolytic solution is then injected.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrically conductive connection by laser radiation includes providing a connecting wire of a material with a higher melting temperature providing a connecting carrier of a material with a lower melting temperature, joining the connecting wire with the connecting carrier without an additional material, melting the connecting carrier with a lower melting temperature, and melting the connecting wire with a higher melting temperature on an outer surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing the metal layer from a metal-plastic multilayer pipe (20) where the pipe has a plastic inner pipe (30), a metal layer (32) around the plastic inner pipe (30), the metal layer (32) of uniform thickness and is applied to the plastic inner pipe (30) so that it completely encircles the plastic inner pipe (30), with the feature that the apparatus has: a pipe holding post (70); a blade (52) secured to the post and positioned with the cutting-edge (51) thereof along the post; means (80) for guiding insertion of the post into the end of the pipe (20) so that the blade (52) cuts into the metal layer (32) down to the inner plastic pipe (30); and means (60) enabling rotating the post (70) and blade (52) with respect to the pipe (20) or rotating the pipe with respect to the post and blade in a direction so that the metal layer (32) thereon is peeled from the end of the tube down to the plastic inner pipe (30).

Abstract: A counterweight is provided to cancel axial vibration of a plunger of a saber saw. Swing rollers, rotatably supported at both ends of a roller shaft provided at a rear end of the plunger, interpose between a pair of opposing tracks formed in an axially elongated groove formed on the counterweight.

Abstract: A pipe size measuring tool having a plurality of gauges, each gauge having an open mouth there on. The sizes of the open mouths in each gauge are different from each other. The gauges are mounted together with each gauge having a front end, a body portion and a rear end. The gauges are pivotally mounted together adjacent their rear ends so that they are moveable from a folded compact position to an open postion. The front ends are wider than the rear ends and the gauges are thin and light-weight. Openings are provided in the rear ends so that the gauges may be pivotally mounted together at the rear ends. The gauges are of different sizes with the larger open mouths located in the larger gauges.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: Wafer rack consisting of a carrier frame provided with accommodations for at least two wafers. To provide uniform distribution of gas over said wafers a gas distribution device is fitted at least above each wafer, which gas distribution device is connected to the gas supply for the reactor in which the wafer rack is placed. Connection to such a gas supply can be via coupling of the wafer rack to a part of said reactor.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and system for the treatment of a wafer. After a treatment at elevated temperature, a wafer is taken out of the reactor in question with the help of a mechanical transport apparatus which preferably grips the wafer around the circumference and on the under side and consists of a wafer surrounding ring. The wafer is then placed in a floating wafer reactor where it is cooled in a controlled manner. Transport for further action or treatment then takes place.

Abstract: Sole structure able to associated to an upper of a shoe, having first ducts in the area of the plantar arch and of the tip and one or more lateral openings in the heel area. In the heel area is obtained a seat for a counter-shaped insert provided with at least an elastically compressible central area, inferiorly communicating with second ducts communicating in turn with third ducts obtained superiorly to the insert and communicating with the first ducts and with the openings, and through the interposition of a gasket permeable to air but not to water. The insert has an upper surface whereon is obtained a central area, elastically compressible and inferiorly communicating with a cavity, obtained on a lower surface of the insert, in such a way that to a deformation of the central area corresponds a variation of the volume of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ground-contacting system including 3D deformation elements having interiors filled with either compressible fluid such as a gas or filled with other materials such as liquids, foams, viscous materials and/or viscoelastic materials. The 3D elements are designed to deform, distort or deflect in three mutually orthogonal directions simultaneously and are associated directly with the surfaces that routinely come in direct contact with a ground surface such as the underside of the sole and side portions of the shoe upper near the sole. The 3D elements are also designed to decrease the amount of force transfered to the wearers feet, legs, back and joints due to their ability to distort three dimensionally and to dissipate the energy of foot fall into thermal energy.

Abstract: An improved golf shoe and sole is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of golf shoes comprising a right shoe and a left shoe, the right shoe having a different arrangement of traction elements on the sole thereof than the left shoe. For right-handed golfers, the sole of the right shoe has a greater number of axial traction members which are aligned with an edge of the sole than transverse traction members which are positioned transverse to the edge of the sole. The right shoe accordingly resists pivotal motion. The left shoe has a greater number of transverse traction members than axial traction members so as to allow pivotal motion. The golf shoes accordingly allow the golfer to make a filler back swing and to follow through more completely on the power stroke. The relative number of axial and transverse traction members on the left an right shoes may be reversed for left-handed golfers.

Abstract: An exchangeable two-part polymeric golf cleat. The first part includes that portion of the cleat which contains the threaded stem for insertion into the outer sole of the shoe, at least a portion of the central hub, and a plurality of cantilevered projection traction elements. The second part includes the remainder (if any) of the central hub and a plurality of cantilevered projection traction elements. The first and second parts are of distinctly different colors. When different materials are used in the two parts, it is preferable that the first part have a harder durometer than the second part. The user of the cleat may determine when the traction element has been worn down to such an extent that adequate traction will soon no longer be provided. This determination can be made by visually observing the distinct color of the first portion visible in the traction element.

Abstract: An accessory for footwear, particularly boots, to assist in removal from the foot of the wearer. The accessory comprises a strap hinged to the heel of the footwear. A fixed attachment section is applied to the rear of the boot and cooperative fasteners secure the strap against the heel extending generally vertically upward in a stored position. In use, the strap may be loosened from the boot and placed on a surface so the wearer may place weight on the strap to anchor the footwear so the wearer's foot may be withdrawn. The strap may have decorative features and define an opening to accommodate a spur. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge comprises a generally rectangular wire ring receiveably in loops in the bottom ends of the fixed section and strap to allow the strap to be removed from the boot for replacement or repair.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for identifying containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting convenient modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.

Abstract: A removable trigger guard having a unitary housing that includes a first guard member and a second guard member permanently connected by a linking member having a fixedly sized gap therebetween for fitting the housing around the trigger guard section of a gun. The removable trigger guard has a lock member integrally and slidably coupled to the housing. The lock member has a open position such that it is not within the gap and an open position such that it is at least partially within the gap. The lock member has a shaft with a latching section for locking the shaft. The trigger guard includes a lock attached to the housing for locking the lock member into the second position. The locking mechanism is a combination lock.

Abstract: A device to provide storage and transportation of a flat pin ejector removal tool (28) and a round pin removal tool (30) within a frame cavity (12) of a firearm. Consisting of a tool body (10) shaped to fit within the frame cavity, and having the tools affixed to it. The tool body has a plunger journal hole (14) containing a spring (22) that underlies a plunger (24). These are held captive by a retention clip (26) pressed into a retention clip recess (16). This arrangement allows the plunger to be manually urged to its proximal position during insertion of the device into the frame cavity. The spring then urges the plunger to its distal position. Thus, the plunger projects out of the tool body to sufficiently communicate with a lanyard hole (13), retaining the device within the frame cavity. Manually urging the plunger to its proximal position facilitates removal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a butt pad for the stock of an individual firearm held against the shoulder, such as a shotgun, a sporting firearm, a military firearm, whether smoothbore or rifled which is made up of an external sheath or housing (12) elastically variable in shape consequent to pressure applied externally, by an internal high viscosity element (13), hermetically enclosed in the external sheath (12) and used to absorb and dispel the recoil energy, and a semi-rigid base and support element (14), integral with the external sheath housing and having a device (15) for a removable anchorage of the butt pad to the stock.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder is disclosed for supporting a fishing rod in a plurality of fishing positions wherein the rod holder comprises a front fork support having a pair of arms between which the rod is held and a plurality of rod retention elements spaced from the front support fork which position and retain the fishing rod in different elevations and fishing positions.

Abstract: A weedless fishing lure is provided, comprising a float, a connector and an attractant, such as live bait or an insect replica, suspended above the surface of water in which the lure is borne. The float may be disguised as a water plant, fallen tree leaf, twig or other floating detritus or water creature. The attractant may replicate an insect such as a dragonfly, an insect larva such as a hellgrammite, or any other natural or artificial fish bait or prey. The lure is adjustable so that the relative position of the attractant or bait with respect to the float and the water surface may be changed depending on the particular fish sought or the conditions present. In one form, the specific gravity of the invention may be adjusted by adding counterweights to vary its floating and casting properties. In another form of the invention, a snag-free platform is provided comprising a float and a connector suitable for suspending above a body of water a hook or an attractant chosen for specific fish or conditions.