Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for mechanically joining metal sheets which lie flat one upon the other, having a tool set comprising at least one punch and one die which bounds a cavity in which the joining operation takes place, the punch displacing sheet-metal material out of a sheet-metal plane and upsetting it, and at least one tool part being arranged, for this purpose, on a displaceable tool carrier which has a holding-down means supported in a spring-prestressed manner adjacent to the tool part. In order that the holding-down means allows high outputs, it is provided that, for the spring prestressing of the holding-down means, the tool carrier has a cylinder cavity in which there is guided a piston which acts on the holding-down means and on the head side bounds, with volume-changing action, a pressure chamber which can be subjected to the action of a fluid pressure medium.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing a superconductor. The process is accomplished by depositing a superconductor precursor powder on a continuous length of a first substrate ribbon, overlaying a continuous length of a second substrate ribbon on said first substrate ribbon, and applying sufficient pressure to form a bound layered superconductor comprising a layer of said superconducting precursor powder between said first substrate ribbon and said second substrates ribbon. The layered superconductor is then heat treated to establish the superconducting phase of said superconductor precursor powder.

Abstract: An unbalance mass at the front side of a single wheel unit, an unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single wheel unit, a phase difference between the unbalance mass at the front side and the unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single wheel unit, a primary component amplitude of radial run-out of the single wheel unit, a phase angle of the primary component of the radial run-out of the single wheel unit, a contribution coefficient in which the radial run-out of the single wheel unit is transmitted to an RFV, an unbalance mass at the front side of a single tire unit, an unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single tire unit, a phase difference between the unbalance mass at the front side and the unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single tire unit, an RFV primary component amplitude of the single tire unit, and a phase angle of the RFV primary component of the single tire unit are measured and the measured values are input.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fastening components on a hollow shaft (1), during which process the components (21, 22, 23), exhibiting an opening, are put into specified positions on the hollow shaft (1) and for the purpose of fastening components (21, 22, 23) the hollow shaft (1) is expanded by introducing a pressure medium. Support matrices (3) are arranged only between the components (21, 22, 23) for the purpose of bracing the regions of the hollow shaft (1) between the components (21, 22, 23) during the expansion operation.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus and method for removing a drive coupling component from an oil burner unit housing. A drive coupling comprises a first drive coupling end fitting disposed on an oil pump shaft, a second drive coupling end fitting disposed on a motor shaft and a drive coupling connector which connects the first and second drive coupling end fittings. The apparatus comprises a handle having a proximal and a distal end, a front wall contiguous with the distal end of said handle and including a proximal exterior surface and a distal interior surface. A receiver for receiving at least one drive coupling component is contiguous with the interior surface of the front wall. An engagement member, which engages a distal end of a second drive coupling end fitting, is contiguous with the distal end of the receiver.

Abstract: A structure is formed by folding a panel along one or more V-grooves cut in the inside surface of the panel. The verticies formed by the V-groove on the folded panel includes film hinges which are formed by injecting a plastic material in a groove formed on the outside surface of the panel.

Abstract: A method for assembling an inside out motor includes the step of stacking a plurality of laminations together to form a pole member. A stator is molded around the pole member so that an end of the pole member is located adjacent an exterior surface of the molded stator. An electrically conductive magnet wire is wound around the molded stator adjacent the pole member to form a winding of the motor.

Abstract: A method of making a second pole piece layer that has a yoke portion between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion comprising the steps of forming a first photoresist layer that is sensitive to a first bandwidth of light, forming a second photoresist layer on the first photoresist layer that is sensitive to a second bandwidth of light that is different from the first bandwidth of light, after forming the first and second photoresist layers, photopatterning the second photoresist layer with the second bandwidth of light to provide an opening at pole tip, yoke and back gap sites wherein the pole tip, yoke and back gap sites define perimeters for the pole tip, yoke and back gap portions respectively, after photopatterning the second photoresist layer, photopatterning the first photoresist layer with the first bandwidth of light to provide openings at the pole tip, yoke and back gap sites and then plating the pole tip, yoke and back gap portions of the second pole piece layer in the openings of the first and

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a heat exchanger tube (14) for a heat exchanger (10) in which a continuous insert (26), having convolutes transverse to the length of the tube are located into a continuous shell as the shell is being formed. After placing the insert (26) into the partially open shell, the shell is closed and sealed as it passes through a bonding device (64) to seal the longitudinal edges of the shell to each other and the insert to the internal walls of the tube. The continuous shell with the inserted fin insert is subsequently sliced to produce individual cooling tubes.

Abstract: A system for mounting a plurality of circuit components on a circuit substrate, including a substrate supporting device which supports the circuit substrate, a component mounting device which mounts each of the circuit components on the circuit substrate supported by the substrate supporting device, a testing device which tests an actual state in which the each circuit component is mounted on the circuit substrate by the component mounting device, and a control device which controls the component mounting device to mount the each of the circuit components on the circuit substrate and controls the testing device to test, each time one of the circuit components is mounted on the circuit substrate by the component mounting device, an actual state in which the one circuit component is mounted on the circuit substrate.

Abstract: A method of installing a wire-harness which interconnects electric circuits provided at the inside and outside of a compartment of a motor vehicle. When a wind shield is bonded and fixed to a window frame of a vehicle body, a flat cable is disposed and embedded simultaneously at a portion of bonding wind shield at where the inside and outside of the compartment is partitioned. The circuit provided at the outside of the compartment is thus connected to the circuit provided at the inside of the compartment through the embedded flat cable at the portion of bonding wind shield.

Abstract: An integrated double sided metal supported display device has a green tape stack on both sides of the metal support. The green tape stacks incorporate circuitry and conductor filled vias to access the circuitry electrically on each green tape layer. The metal support has a plurality of openings to access both of the green tape stacks. These openings are made by forming the openings in the metal support, filling them with a dielectric that has a thermal coefficient of expansion close to that of the metal support, forming an opening in the dielectric and filling the opening with a conductive ink.

Abstract: A method for making connections to a microelectronic device having bump leads thereon. A substrate is provided having a front surface and a plurality of electrically conductive posts extending upwardly from the front surface. The posts are disposed in groups, wherein the posts of each group define a gap therebetween. Contacts are provided extending generally horizontally outwardly from each post remote from the front surface of the substrate. The microelectronic device is assembled to the substrate and posts so that the bump leads penetrate into the gaps and engage the contacts which wipe against the bump leads as they are inserted.

Abstract: Methods of making improved electronic systems and circuits boards, and more specifically to methods of making improved electronic systems and circuits boards using heat-resistant composite materials having superior mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.

Abstract: A resin structure includes a resin layer and a metal layer. The resin layer is formed of a single material. The metal layer is laminated directly on the resin layer without intervention of an adhesive layer between the resin layer and the metal layer. A surface of the resin layer, on which the metal layer is laminated, has a surface roughness of a value in a range of 0.1 microns to microns, as a rough surface. The metal layer is formed on the rough surface of the resin layer. (FIG.

Abstract: A structure of an enhanced durability interconnector to reliably interconnect modules having high density type contacts, such as found in modules having solder ball connections (SBC), to a connecting article such as a printed circuit board. The structure comprising a means to provide the SBC type contact a mating surface having a wide contact area. Furthermore, the electrical connecting medium within the interconnector, which is embedded in an elastomeric material to provide compliance, is strengthened by using two or more embedded wires in combination for each wide contact area contact. The interconnector is incorporated into a fixture to compress the interconnector between the SBC module and the connecting article. The fixture having further capability to align the connections, control the compression pressure and to prevent over-compression.

Abstract: Method of producing a contact terminal (1; 17; 18; 35; 36; 60) provided with a least a first contact surface (4; 25; 26; 64) for contacting e.g. a mating contact area (6; 18; 17) including at least the following steps: a) stamping the contact terminal from a) piece of blank having a substantially flat surface with a predetermined first width, said first contact surface (4; 25; 26; 64) being substantially perpendicular to said flat surface; b) pressing said first contact surface (4; 25; 26; 64) against a first, highly polished surface (27; 66) of a support tool (16), said first polished surface (27; 66) having a first predetermined shape; c) exerting a first predetermined force on said contact terminal in order to deform said first contact surface (4; 25; 26; 64) against said first, highly polished surface (27; 66) of said support tool (16), thus polishing said first contact surface.

Abstract: Surface activation is intended to ensure that a cylinder liner can be anchored in the casting material of a light-metal crankcase with greater bonding. For surface activation, the surface of the cylinder liner is roughened mechanically. Advantageously, copper particles are also implanted into the treated surface. It is necessary to ensure that the time span between surface activation and casting-in is short. Moreover, the activated surface, as far as possible, should not be touched by hand.

Abstract: A method for making a brush-tooth seal, such as a brush-tooth seal which is attachable to a turbine stator, includes obtaining a seal carrier having a groove and having seal teeth and obtaining a brush seal having bristles with tips. The brush seal is engaged in the groove and then attached to the seal carrier. Then, the tips of the bristles of the attached and engaged brush seal are cut, such as with an electric discharge machining (EDM) wire, at a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axis of the seal carrier.

Abstract: A method for establishing a thermal interface between an electrical component and a heat sink including the selection of a compound having a melt temperature above the normal operating temperature of the component. The electrical component initially reaches an initial operating temperature sufficient to deform or melt the compound and fill the spaces between the mating surfaces of the component and heat sink. Upon cooling, a solidified thermal joint is permanently established which precludes the component from heating beyond its normal operating temperature upon subsequent operation. As the normal operating temperature of the component is below the melt point of the compound, the compound remains in a solid state. The compound is selected so as to deform only during initial component operation so as to avoid the problems of liquefaction.

Abstract: A method of securing intake tubes in an intake manifold is provided in which leakage of brazing material from the joint between the intake tubes and the intake tube mounting rings is prevented. For securing each intake tube in the intake manifold, the intake tube 3 is fitted into the intake tube mounting ring 5. Then, a jig 13 of a tubular shape is inserted into insert areas of the intake tube 3 and the intake tube mounting ring 5. The jig 13 includes separate sections 16 defined by slits extending to a predetermined length in parallel to the axis and has a plurality of projections 19 and 20 provided on the outer side of the separate sections 16 thereof. A bar-like pressing tool 14 reduced in the diameter towards its front end is inserted into the interior of a tubular shape of the peen locking jig 13, and it is then advanced relatively towards the insert area by the action of pressing means.

Abstract: A method for mounting a bushing into a metal member which comprises providing a metal member forming a bushing receiving opening in the metal member, the opening defined by an annular edge portion surrounding the opening. A bushing is then forced through the opening in a bushing driving direction such that the bushing engages the annular edge portion and deforms the annular edge portion in the bushing driving direction to form an annular flange portion on the metal member which projects in the driving direction and engages an exterior surface of the bushing in an interference fit relation so as to securely retain the bushing within the opening.

Abstract: A retractable blade scraper includes an elongated handle having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left side, a right side, an open forward end and a rear end. Included in the handle is an integral blade slide housing that begins at the open forward end and extends longitudinally rearwardly toward the rear end of the handle. Slidably received and retained in the housing is a blade slide with a blade platform for removably retaining a scraping blade such that its scraping edge is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The blade slide is longitudinally reciprocable within the housing between a forwardmost blade-changing position in which the blade platform extends out of the housing, beyond the open forward end, by an amount sufficient to permit the removal and replacement of scraping blades therefrom and thereon and a rearwardmost blade-storage position in which the scraping edge of a scraping blade in place on the blade platform is housed within the housing for safety.

Abstract: A hand tool for forming circular cutouts of sheet material secures the material so that no generally central penetration in the form of a pilot hole or the like, is required. The resulting cutout is useful in the construction of an article assembled from a series of such blanks or cutouts, such as a quilt assembled from a large number of blanks with the blanks being sewn together at points of mutual contact about their circumferences. The tool comprises a relatively stationary base hub with a shaft extending upwardly therefrom, and a hand pressure knob mounted on the shaft opposite the base hub. A rotary disc with a radial channel having a cutting arm and rotary cutting blade therein, is sandwiched between the base hub and pressure knob. The tool is placed upon the sheet material and pressure is applied to the pressure knob, with the cutting arm and rotary disc being rotated about the hub and knob to drive the cutting blade in a circular path about the hub.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw 11 comprises an output shaft 21 mounted for reciprocal motion in a housing 13. A counterweight 27 is mounted in the housing for reciprocal movement relative to the output shaft. A first drive 37 is connected between a motor and the output shaft for reciprocally driving the output shaft. A second drive 39 is connected between the motor 19 and the counterweight for reciprocally driving the counterweight. The second drive 39 preferably comprises a pivot arm 41 pivotally mounted about an axis transverse to the output shaft for receiving at a first location a reciprocating input in a first direction 40 and for producing at a second location a reciprocating output in a second direction 42 different from the first direction. The first and second drives provide a compact, low vibration, relatively simple, counterbalanced drive train for the saw.

Abstract: A sharpener contains a housing having a receiving channel for a pencil which is to be sharpened. The sharpener is intended to be seated as a protective cap, when the pencil is not in use, with a clamping fit on the pencil circumference. The clamping connection necessary for this purpose is an external clamping-force producer which can be removed manually from acting on the housing, in particular a cleaning stick, with, for the purpose of providing the clamping force, is for example a pressure-exerting lug in the form of a wedge or with an eccentric.

Abstract: Laser alignment methods and apparatus are disclosed whereby pipe and similar materials may be aligned. The methods and apparatus are adapted to be utilized on the end of pipe or other material and thereby using as a reference point that pipe or other material with the reference beam generated by the laser providing a center reference point from the pipe on which the laser is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the laser apparatus mounting is threaded so as to be used in mating relationship with the ends of complimentarily threaded pipes. Another preferred embodiment utilizes caps of various sizes, adapted to be placed on a pipe end, with mounting means for the laser.

Abstract: A light-reflective device for determining positional information relative to an external magnetic field having a housing, a light-reflective compass assembly, a light generating and detecting assembly, a processor, and a display. The light-reflective compass assembly further includes a balanced disk magnet mounted on a compass card. The compass card includes a reflective pattern representative of the position of the housing with respect to the external magnetic field. The reflective compass assembly reflects light generated by the light generating and detecting assembly back toward the light generating and detecting assembly. The light generating and detecting assembly generates a signal representative of the position of the housing relative to the external magnetic field. The processor processes the signal received from the light generating and detecting assembly to determine the position of the housing relative to the external magnetic field and outputs the position to the display.

Abstract: An electronic compass system using magnetic signatures to detect a vehicle event which is integrated with an instrument cluster. A vehicle accessory, such as a rear defrost grid, generates a known, consistent, magnetic field of intensity sufficient to cause a static magnetic offset in the electronic compass for each of its' electrical states. This known consistent, magnetic field has a magnetic signature. A magnetic field sensor detects a combination of Earth's magnetic field and the stray magnetic field produced by the vehicle accessory. A controller is coupled to the magnetic field sensor and searches the magnetic field signal for the magnetic signature. The controller then looks up a predetermined correction factor, or uses an algorithm to determine a correction factor, corresponding to the magnetic signature, to eliminate the effect of the static magnetic offset. The controller then displays a heading unaffected by the static magnetic offset.

Abstract: An electronic compass system for eliminating magnetic noise which is integrated with an instrument cluster. A vehicle accessory, such as a stepper motor, also located in the instrument cluster, generates a known, consistent, magnetic field of intensity sufficient to cause a static magnetic offset in the electronic compass for each of its' electrical states. A magnetic field sensor detects a combination of The Earth's magnetic field and this stray magnetic field. A controller uses a predetermined correction factor, corresponding to the electrical state, to eliminate the effect of the static magnetic offset. The controller then displays a heading unaffected by the static magnetic offset.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for rapidly and precisely measuring an outer diameter of a pipe end portion of various sizes of pipes. This apparatus includes a main arm (1), a lower gauge head support arm (2), a bearing roller arm (3), an upper gauge head supporting arm (4), a presser roller arm (5), an position-fixing bracket (6), a gage head (14b) which is horizontally and vertically movable while being supported by the arm (2), and a gauge head (15b) which is also horizontally and vertically movable while being supported by the arm (4). In addition, A gauge heads (14a) and (15a) are provided, both of which are vertically movable. An object is measured in its outer diameter by the gauge heads while being rotatably held by rollers (10a, 10b, 11a and 11b) of the arm (3) and (5). Such a measurement can simultaneously be carried out at two longitudinal portions of the measured object.

Abstract: A portable measuring device for comparing the size of a body to an article of clothing. The invention comprises a measuring tape having either absolute or relative measurements imprinted thereon. The circumference of a body location is measured and a dimension, either relative or absolute, is determined. The measured dimension is then compared to a series of nested, rigid templates, each template representing a specific circumferential dimension. A template is selected based upon the circumference measured. That template is then used to compare the size of an article of clothing to the circumference of the individual being measured. The rigid template is inserted in the article of clothing and the fit is determined based upon how well the template fits inside the article of clothing desired.

Abstract: A mechanism capable of achieving an arbitrarily specified spatial compliant behavior is presented. The mechanism is a parallel connection of multiple individual elastic components that connect a support body to a single compliantly floated body. Each elastic component is, in itself, a low friction 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) mechanism that provides compliant constraint along and/or about a single axis. The elastic components are of three functional types: 1) a “line spring” which resists only translation along its axis, 2) a “torsional spring” which resists only rotation about its axis, and 3) a “screw spring” which resists a specified combination of translation along and rotation about its axis. Through proper selection of the connection geometry, spring constant, and functional type of each elastic component, a spatial compliant mechanism capable of passive force guidance is realized.

Abstract: A tactile sensor device is disclosed that can be used for high resolution tactile sensing. The sensor may be used as a tactile shear sensor. It comprises a circuit substrate; an array of contact pads on the circuit substrate, and a set of nanowires attached to each of the contact pads. The contact pads may be isolated or formed from a matrix of interconnecting strips of material. Each set of nanowires comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of nanowires that are desirably vertically aligned and equal in length. When an object contacts at least one of the plurality of sets of nanowires, it causes at least one set of nanowires to bend and make contact along a portion of the length thereof with at least another set of nanowires. The position and movement activity of the object can be sensed by electrically interrogating pairs of contact pads to determine whether a connection has been made between them.

Abstract: A micrometer system includes a motorized drive for repeatedly advancing and retracting the micrometer barrel, and a touch sensor for sensing when the barrel tip has just touched the target surface. The drive is preferably mounted on the micrometer body. By performing a measurement repeatedly, a series of readings can be obtained which cumulatively increases measurement accuracy, especially when contact must be made to a compliant surface.

Abstract: The present invention involves a drying system for removing a wetting agent from surfaces of a vehicle. The drying system comprises an application of a surfactant to the surfaces of the vehicle to provide a reduction in the coefficient of friction between the surfaces of the vehicle and the wetting agent The surfactant can be applied to the surfaces of the vehicle prior to, and/or during the wetting of the vehicle. The present invention also involves an air blower device for the removal of the wetting agent from the surfaces of the vehicle which when used in combination with the surfactant provides an enhanced drying effect. The air blower comprises a housing formed for use proximate ground level with an inlet and an outlet, and a motor therein having a shaft with blade means attached thereto for producing an air flow. The blower housing is further formed so that the air blower does not draw in debris proximate ground level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating board-like material with a gaseous treatment agent and an apparatus for implementing the method. According to the method, a gaseous treatment agent is passed through the board-like material being treated. The board-like material is introduced into at least one treatment zone, where the gaseous treatment agent is contacted with at least one side of the board-like material and is caused to pass through the thickness of the material. The properties of the gaseous treatment agent, including its temperature, moisture content and/or composition, are controlled as needed in order to achieve a desired effect on the board-like material being treated. The apparatus includes a chamber and a support for the board-like material in the chamber. When positioned in the chamber, the board-like material forms at least part of a partition separating the chamber into two regions.

Abstract: A method of transferring and processing a substrate in an evacuable chamber which is located adjacent a process chamber and back-to-back process chambers, and other combinations of evacuable chambers and process chambers. The method includes the use of various isolation valves disposed between adjacent chambers, as well as gas flow valves and vacuum valves. By controlling the positions of the valves, the flow of gas to and from the different chambers can be controlled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high-pressure drying of semiconductor wafers includes the insertion of a wafer into an open vessel, the immersion of the wafer in a liquid, pressure-sealing of the vessel, pressurization of the vessel with an inert gas, and then the controlled draining of the liquid using a moveable drain that extracts water from a depth maintained just below the gas-liquid interface. Thereafter, the pressure may be reduced in the vessel and the dry and clean wafer may be removed. The high pressure suppresses the boiling point of liquids, thus allowing higher temperatures to be used to optimize reactivity. Megasonic waves are used with pressurized fluid to enhance cleaning performance. Supercritical substances are provided in a sealed vessel containing a wafer to promote cleaning and other treatment.

Abstract: A removable insole for insertion into footwear, includes a forefoot portion for extending at least to metatarsals of a foot; a cupped heel portion having a varus of approximately 7 degrees for the left foot and approximately 5 degrees for the right foot, which slopes from a medial side of the insole to a lateral side of the insole; a medial arch portion connecting together the forefoot portion and the heel portion, and which extends forwardly to approximately a first metatarsal of a foot supported thereby, and extends rearwardly of a front section of the heel portion; an upper surface extending along the forefoot, arch and heel portions, and having a downward inclination from the heel portion to a front section of the arch portion of approximately 2 degrees; and a lateral flange extending around a periphery of at least the heel portion and extending forwardly at least to a midfoot portion of the insole to prevent abduction of a foot supported thereby.

Abstract: An internal lacing system for footwear wherein a plurality of lace guides having rotatable rollers are secured and strategically positioned throughout a shoe to facilitate the securing of the foot within the shoe. More specifically, an elongated lace having a first end and a second end is internally channeled through each of the lace guides and over the respective rollers, wherein the second end of the elongated lace exits the internal of the shoe at the upper portion of the shoe proximal to the shoe opening. The first end of the elongated lace is secured within the shoe proximal to the toe area of the shoe. To tighten the shoe, a user simply pulls on the exposed second end of the lace thereby allowing the lace to roll along each respective roller positioned within each lace guide. Additionally, because the first end of the lace is fixed, the pulling on the second end of the lace will result in a reciprocating force about each lace guide thus securely tightening the shoe around the user's foot.

Abstract: A footwear protector for motorcycle riding for protecting the footwear of motorcycle riders with an article that is easily mounted on the footwear. The protective device includes a sheath member having a forward end and a rearward end, with the forward end being closed and the rearward end having an opening. The sheath member has a top wall and a bottom wall, with a pair of side walls and a front wall extending between the top and bottom walls. The device also includes a gear shift actuator cushion mounted on the top wall of the sheath member. The actuator cushion extends from the opening toward the forward end of the sheath member. A pocket is formed on the top wall of the sheath member. The actuator cushion comprises a resiliently compressible cushion in the pocket for cushioning the transmission of impacts from an upper surface of the actuator cushion to the top wall of the sheath member and footwear positioned in the sheath member.

Abstract: A sanitized footwear in which an ozone generating apparatus is provided so as to suppress the propagation of bacteria, to thereby prevent and cure athlete's foot, and the footwear has at the inner part of a heel thereof a metal or a resin casing having a piezo ceramic element and a driving lever at a pin shaft of the casing. The driving lever is coupled with a driving plate, a spark electrode with electricity applied thereto is generates sparks by a piezo effect into the footwear when the piezo ceramic element is compressed by pressing power of a wearer when the wearer walks, thereby generating ozone in the footwear.

Abstract: An attachment adapted to be coupled with a zero turning radius prime mover is provided. This attachment includes a tongue adapted to be received by the zero turning radius prime mover, a mounting tab coupled with the tongue, and an implement coupled with the tongue. A first electric cylinder coupled with the prime mover is also coupled with the mounting tab and is able to move the tongue and implement up and down. This first cylinder also provides a downward force on the tongue and implement when it is in a lowered position. Still further, a second electric cylinder is coupled with the tongue for moving the implement from side to side or up and down. The implement may be any useful attachment such as a blade, a bucket, or a broom. In the preferred embodiment, the tab is comprised of a first bracket member rigidly coupled with the tongue and a second bracket member coupled with the first bracket member. The first electric cylinder is coupled with the second bracket member.

Abstract: A versatile ironing board is provided including a collapsible leg assembly for maintaining the ironing board in an elevated orientation. Also included is at least one supporting member pivotally coupled to a periphery of the ironing board.

Abstract: A security system for a license plate, vanity plate or tag includes a bracket for mounting on a vehicle in the space conventionally supporting license plates and a lockable frame interfitting therewith. The bracket has at least one slot for engaging a tab carried by the frame, and another slot for engaging a locking member extending from a lock. The frame has apertures for supporting a license plate, and the frame and license plate are readily removable as a unit for storage in a high security area to prevent theft of the license plate, as well as to deter the installation of an unauthorized license plate as often hapens when the vehicle will be stolen. The system can be mounted with the lock on the top or bottom side, and one embodiment includes an open area in the frame opposite the lock. The lock is preferably a cam lock and is positioned to deter tampering. A bracket has upper and lower planar portions which may be angled with respect to a main planar portion.

Abstract: A poster display system for displaying a plurality of different images which includes an image grid with interlaced strips from the various images, masking grid adjacent the image grid having spaced apart masking strips alternating with spaced apart window strips, a mounting system for mounting the image grid and the masking grid for movement relative to one another, a drive mechanism for producing relative movement between the image grid and the masking grip between successive display positions in which the window strips of the masking grid are aligned with image strips of a particular image, the image strips of the other images being obscured by the masking strips, and compression means for urging opposite edge portions of the image grid and of the masking grip towards each other whereby the image grid and the masking grid become curved and the image grid and the masking grid are brought into intimate contact with one another under pressure.

Abstract: A safety device for firearms includes a scanner for scanning in a user's finger or thumb print, and a microprocessor for storing the data associated with the fingerprint. The microprocessor can also be programmed to store the name, address, phone number, and social security number of the user. The device also includes at least two indicator lamps to inform the user whether the system is armed or unarmed, and to provide an indication when the battery is low. A solenoid activated spring loaded mechanism defeats operation of the firing pin thus rendering the firearm inoperable. The mechanism is designed to make the firearm appear to malfunction.

Abstract: A firearm for firing non-impact primer ammunition includes an electrically-conductive firing probe adapted to deliver a firing charge to ignite the primer and cause firing. The firing signal is controlled by a computer control system located in the firearm that determines firing ready conditions, including operator identification, and causes the firing signal to be delivered in response thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a security apparatus for a firearm including a frame, a power source, a firing chamber adapted to receive a round of ammunition having a primer oriented adjacent a distal end thereof, and a trigger assembly for selectively initiating communication between an ignition system and the primer. The security apparatus further comprises an authorization device for selectively generating a pass signal indicating that an operator of the firearm is an authorized operator, and a firearm sensor for selectively generating a control parameter signal indicating an operational mode of the firearm. An electronically programmable locking device receives the authorization signal and the control parameter signal, and permits communication between the ignition system and the primer only if the authorization signal generates the pass signal and the control parameter signal indicates the firearm is in a standby mode.