Abstract: A method of assembling pipe joints in a pipe string allows the circumferential orientation of a first pipe in the pipe string to be determined relative to a second pipe in the pipe string. Each pipe joint has a coupling member and at least one pin member, the pin member being threadingly connected to the coupling member to create the pipe joint. Threads are created for the pin member and the coupling member of each joint, and each pin member and coupling member is marked with an alignment mark. The threads for each pin member are created so that they are identical to the threads on the other pin members in the pipe string. This is done by gaging the overall rotational capacity of each pin member with a coupling marking gage and adjusting a thread depth as needed. The threads for each coupling member are created so that they are identical to the threads on other coupling members in the pipe string.

Abstract: A method for making magnetic disks comprises the steps of: applying a protective layer of material on a sheet of glass; b) cutting the sheet of glass into glass squares; c) stacking the glass squares; d) removing a circular core from the stack of glass squares, thereby defining the inner diameter of the glass substrates being formed; e) using a cutting annulus to cut through the stack of glass squares, thereby forming a stack of glass disks; f) subjecting the stack of glass disks to an edge polishing process to round the corners of the glass disks both at the inner and outer diameters; h) unstacking the glass disks; i) removing the protective layers from the glass disks; j) subjecting the glass disks to a chemical strengthening step; and k) sputtering an underlayer, magnetic layer and protective overcoat onto the glass substrate to thereby form a magnetic disk.

Abstract: A method of removing a photosensitive belt of a printing apparatus from rollers of a belt unit. In this method, since the photosensitive belt is circulated with at least one roller slanted with respect to the others so that the photosensitive belt moves in a lengthwise direction of the rollers and part of the photosensitive belt is projected through the belt passage, and then the photosensitive belt is removed by pulling the portion projected through the belt passage, the worker can remove the photosensitive belt without a separate removing device and damage of parts in the printing apparatus and an accident due to carelessness can be fundamentally prevented.

Abstract: Fittings and machine and process for production of the fittings and machine for a mechanical processing of suspended fibrous material that include at least one base and at least one processing element adapted to be exposed to flow of a fibrous suspension during operation. The process for producing the fittings may include separately producing the at least one base and the at least one processing element, placing an elastic bonding material between contact surfaces of the at least one base and the at least one processing element, and elastically bonding the at least one base and the at least one processing element without melting the processing elements.

Abstract: A clamp orientation machine and a method of operation therefor wherein the machine includes a magazine for containing at least one clamp, a movable clamp support member for supporting a clamp received from the magazine, a pair of movable gripper fingers for gripping and positioning a clamp received from the clamp support member and a cavity for supporting and positioning a hose for receiving a clamp from said gripper fingers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an erect image, unity magnification, resin lens array by injection molding. Two injection-molded lens plates are stacked such that convexly warped sides thereof face each other or such that a convexly warped side of the lens plate whose warp is greater than that of the other lens plate faces a concavely warped side of the other lens plate, while directions of resin injection thereof are aligned so as to optically avoid the influence of molding shrinkage. Engagement spigots and engagement sockets are employed in order to align the two lens plates. The two stacked lens plates are secured by clipping of peripheral portions thereof.

Abstract: Firstly, the tip portion of the braided sheath S3 exposed at the terminal thereof by stripping the outer jacket off S4 is widened into the shape of a funnel. Then the internal blades 9 disposed in the shape of a two-piece cylinder hold the periphery of the portion of the braided sheath not to be removed, and the cylindrical external blade 16 is inserted between the braided sheath S3 and the internal insulating material S2 to catch and cut the braided sheath S3 by means of the external blade 16 and the internal blades 16a and 9a.

Abstract: A method for fabricating precision non-symmetrical L-shape waveguide end-launching probe for launching microwave signals in both vertical and horizontal polarizations is disclosed. The L-shape waveguide probe is in a form of thin plate, has a first arm and a second arm, and is precisely fabricated and attached to one end of the central metal pin of a feedthrough. The feedthrough is installed to an aperture formed in a major wall of the universal conductive housing to achieve hermetic sealing. The L-shape waveguide probe is aligned by means of a specially designed alignment tool so that long axis of the second arm is always perpendicular to the broad walls of the output waveguide, which is mounted to the universal housing with the broad walls of the output waveguide either horizontally or vertically. Hence, in this invention, an end-launching arrangement using the L-shape probes that could yield a flexible waveguide interface either in horizontal polarization or vertical polarization is provided.

Abstract: An improved process for making a structure using three dimensional printing techniques is disclosed. Briefly stated, the method can be summarized by the following steps: A first type of powder material is deposited in a defined area to form a first layer. Next, a binder material is applied to certain regions of the first type of powder to define a portion of the structure to be formed. And finally, a portion of the unbound powder is removed using a technique such as vacuuming. The foregoing steps are repeated a sufficient number of times to create the desired shape of the structure as defined by the regions held by the binder material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high density connector comprises five steps. The first step is to prepare essential elements of the connector, such as a dielectric cover, a metallic shell, a pair of guiding members and a plurality of contacts. Each contact is L-shaped and comprises a horizontal soldering portion. The second step is to first insert mold a pair of dielectric bases around the contacts to produce a contact subassembly. The three step is to second insert mold a dielectric housing around the contact subassembly to form a contact module. The forth step is to adjust the horizontal soldering portions of the contacts for ensuring a good coplanarity thereof. The fifth step is to assemble the contact module with the cover, the shell and the guiding members, thereby completing the connector.

Abstract: A composite piston and method for forming such a piston for a reciprocating machine such as an internal combustion engine. A blank is formed from a pair of dissimilar alloys, one of which has substantially greater properties such as strength or abrasion resistance. The blank is formed by a process whereby he two materials are initially bonded and extruded into a composite blank. The blank is forged into a piston in such a way that the two materials are bonded together in the forging process. The higher strength and/or abrasion resistance material forms at least a part of the outer surface of the piston in areas where the better properties are required. The other material backs up the higher strength or hardness material in necessary areas so as to provide an integral structure that has lightweight, low costs and nevertheless the desired properties.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for aligning crankshaft sections such as center sections of so-called “pressed-together crankshafts” found in multiple-cylinder-engines of the type used in personal motorized watercrafts and snowmobiles. The alignment of these crankshaft sections is effected by a phasing tool comprised of two symmetrical machined steel cylinders which are mounted on a die shoe, facing each other in virtual image formation, and provided with specifically designed phasing and centering tools. The phasing tools are designed in accordance with the diameters of the peripheral pins of the journals of the crankshaft section and the stroke of the crankshaft. A centering tool is used to center the crankshaft section with respect to the machined steel cylinders, and a spacing tool, placed between the two webs of the crankshaft section, prevents the force of the hydraulic-actuatordriven upper plate of the die shoe from compressing the crankshaft section excessively.

Abstract: A method for making a bimetallic ring seal having a nickel core covered by a first layer of platinum having a inner dense portion and a second outer portion both of which plastically deform in the presence of a load. The method includes the step of applying a porous layer of platinum over the dense layer by electroless plating in a platinum bath comprising 0.8-1.2 gram/liter platinum as diammine dinitrite salt Pt(NH3)2(NO2)2, 50-100 milliliter/liter of 25% ammonium hydroxide NH4OH; and 0.3-1.5 gram/liter hydrazine hydrate N2H4—H2O, at a temperature in the range of 75-90° C. and at a plating rate in the range of 0.5-3.0 micron/hour and then plastically deforming the ring seal under load.

Abstract: A five-part rotor assembly is easily disassembled for cleaning and/or sterilization. The five parts comprise a rotor sleeve, a rotor head, a weir plate, a rotor cover and an internal vane package. Each of these parts is machined as a unitary piece or otherwise fabricated without weldments.

Abstract: A method of reducing the formation of burrs during machining of turbine bucket covers of a turbine assembly includes the steps of inserting a filler material in a gap formed between adjacent bucket covers of a turbine assembly, machining the bucket covers to produce a desired profile for the bucket covers, and removing the filler material.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing a torsion bar shoulder bearing has four method steps: (1) the manufacture of a elastomeric spring as a not fully vulcanized molding for receiving a sleeve-shaped or bolt-shaped inner connecting part in a central bore and an outer sleeve-shaped connecting element; (2) the pretreatment of the surface regions, to be connected to the molding, of the connecting parts by means of an adhesive system; (3) the pushing of the molding onto the inner connecting part and the insertion of the molding thus reinforced into the outer connecting part (or in the opposite sequence), as a result of which the elastomeric molding is clamped under moderate prestress between the two connecting parts, and (4) the concluding full vulcanization of the elastomeric molding in the assembled bearing, using a tempering furnace, at temperatures of below 140 to 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination utility retractable saw and knife device that comprises a handle member having a predetermined configuration and a knife blade disposed within a cavity formed in the handle member when in a retracted position. The knife blade member has a predetermined configuration. It further includes a saw blade disposed within a radially opposed cavity of such handle member when in a retracted position. Such combination device further includes a means engageable with the saw blade for connecting it with the handle and a means engageable with the knife blade for connecting it with the handle. There is also a means engageable with the saw blade for at least one of slidably moving and pivotably rotating the saw blade to an operable position, the means being at least partially disposed within the handle and a means engageable with the knife blade for slidably moving the knife blade member to an operable position, such means also being at least partially disposed within the handle.

Abstract: An automatically opening knife including an elongated handle with opposing separate sides forming a spacing for a blade having a working end and a tang at the opposite end. The blade may be extended from or folded into the handle. A coil spring connected between the blade and the handle biases the blade to an open position. A rotatable locking element prevents opening or closing the blade by rotational positioning with the use of a cutout in the locking element that permits the tang to pass through during pivotal movement of the blade. The locking element is further rotatably actuatable to both an unlocked position to coincide the cutout and the tang and a locked position where the locking element abuts the tang to lock the blade from movement. The locking element has separate locking element abutments cooperating with separate tang abutments to selectively prevent movement of the blade.

Abstract: A trimmer head assembly of a string trimmer mower apparatus has a stack of plates with a ground engaging member on one end of the stack. At the other end, the stack of plates is fastened to a rotating shaft that is driven in rotation by the motor or engine of the trimmer/mower. The plates of the stack have line retaining devices to which one or more lengths of cutting line are secured. Each plate is of a sufficient thickness to spread the respective line retaining devices axially or vertically apart from one another in suitable increments for providing cutting height adjustment selectively by securing a cutting line at the appropriate height. The line retaining devices enable the cutting line to be secured without tools and without disassembly of the trimmer head. Further, the line does not need to be clamped in place to ensure that it remains secured during high speed rotation of the trimmer head.

Abstract: A guard for a cast cutter includes a first member securable to a cast cutter and a second member securable to a guard member. The second member is freely movable relative to the first member during operation along a support axis. Stops limiting movement in either direction along the support axis. This cast cutter guard has only one setting which accommodates variations thickness. Pressure exerted upon the cast cutter during operation results in movement of the second member relative to the first member, rather than pressure upon the injured area.

Abstract: A manually guided, portable implement, especially a power saw, is provided. The implement has a cylinder and a crankshaft that is connected to a piston via a piston rod. The implement has an essentially plastic housing as well as a lower crankcase. A stabilizing plate is nearly entirely embedded in the material of the lower crankcase. The one-piece stabilizing plate is provided with support sockets for bolting the lower crankcase to the cylinder. An overall metallic screw connection can thus be established.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for adjusting the alignment of a beam characteristic of a distance sensor, in particular of a proximity radar for a motor vehicle. An apparatus for positioning a motor vehicle, preferably a headlight aiming device, is joined to the target object for the distance sensor. Also provided is a service unit with which measured values or data of the distance sensor can be read out. On the basis of at least one predefined criterion, the measured values or data are analyzed in such a way that necessary displacement directions of the distance sensor can be displayed by way of the service unit. Preferably the capability of the distance sensor to determine angular positions of detected target objects is utilized. Otherwise adjustment is performed to predefined reception levels.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for measuring the loft angle and the lie angle of a golf club. The present invention allows for comparisons to known values, and removes operator bias from the measurements. The apparatus has an encoder assembly with a loft mechanism and a lie mechanism. The encoder assembly is capable of five axial movements. The apparatus has securing means for securing a golf club in an address position during measurement of the loft angle and the lie angle.

Abstract: A method and portable apparatus to evaluate the planar flatness of a paper sheet comprises a pair of closely spaced horizontal edges secured in relative parallelism. The horizontal edges are separated by about three feet. The horizontal edges define a horizontal reference plane over which a sheet section of paper web is mildly tensioned with the web machine direction of the paper sheet oriented transversely of the edges. Substantially between the horizontal edges but slightly below the horizontal reference by about ⅛ to ½ inch is a comparison line in the form of a wire, for example. A fixture supporting the comparison line provides a plurality of wire-end attachment points. Supporting the horizontal edges are a pair of scissor frames that are held open to a predetermined angle by a compression gusset. Opposite ends of a horizontal edge are secured to respective upper ends of each scissor frame.

Abstract: A tape measure usable for positioning and repositioning an object on a vertical surface comprises a housing having a planar forward surface, a rearward surface spaced from the forward surface, and a cavity having an aperture therein. A flexible, retractable, coiled tape measure is mounted in the housing the working end of which extends through the aperture in the housing. A pin is provided at the distal end of the tape for marking a point on a surface. The housing has a second pin thereon which is axially moveable from an extended position to a retracted position such that it is useable as a marker when the pin is in the extended position. The rearward surface of the housing has a 360° angle measuring device for measuring the angle at which the housing is oriented with respect to an edge defined by the intersection of a side panel and the forward surface of the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for spinning a work piece such as a semiconductor wafer includes a work piece platform that is configured to be rotated about a central axis. Arrayed about the periphery of the platform is a plurality of spaced apart, symmetrically positioned work piece supports. Each of the supports includes a resilient bumper that serves both to support the work piece and as a friction brake to retard slippage of the work piece relative to the platform when the platform and work piece are rotating, and especially when the platform is accelerating or decelerating. Also arrayed about the periphery of the work piece platform is a plurality of work piece gripper assemblies configured to center the work piece in contact with the work piece supports when the platform is rotating. The gripper assemblies include a gripper finger that is configured to pivot about a pivot axis from a non work piece gripping position to a work piece gripping position in response to centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a cleaning gas to a semiconductor substrate processing chamber. The apparatus comprises a feed block disposed on top of the processing chamber and a support block disposed over the feed block. The feed block and the support block slidably interfit and are axially moveable with respect to one another.

Abstract: A drying and mixing plant is provided comprising a tapered inner drum (1) and an oppositely tapered outer drum (4) attached together concentrically and rotated as a unit. A burner (37) directs a hot air stream into the small end (2) of the inner drum (1). Material is fed into the small end of the inner drum, where impellers (40) lift it and drop it into the hot air stream and move the material through the inner drum (1) aided by the downward taper of the inner drum. The material exits the inner drum and enters the outer drum (4) where an additive material is introduced and mixed with the material (42) as both move through the chamber (28) between the inner and outer drums to a material outlet. The receiving end (5) of the outer drum (4) is enclosed in a shroud (12), therefore the air stream is directed through the chamber (28) between the drums, the chamber having an expanding cross section which slows the air down allowing fines to precipitate out.

Abstract: This device for treating items stored in at least one container (12), comprises means (14) for supplying the containers with a treatment gas and means (16) for continuously purging the containers, the supply means being equipped with means (22) for regulating the pressure of the treatment gas upstream of the containers. The purging means comprise a gas ejector (28) connected to the outlet of the containers (12) and supplied with a drive gas so as to regulate the pressure of the treatment gas downstream of the containers (12) and thus control the flow rate of the treatment gas therein.

Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a housing and a hollow tube connected to a first end of the housing. The housing has plural lengthwise narrow air inlets formed in a bottom, a wind leaves wheel rotated by a motor and a heater in its interior, and a wind outlet formed in the first end connected to a hollow tube extensible and shrinkable. The hollow tube has a lengthwise L-shaped rail for hanging plural J-shaped hooks for hooking washed wet clothes and two lengthwise lines of wind exhaust holes at two sides of the rail. Thus, outer cool air flows through the air inlet holes in the housing and heated up by the heater and then blown by the wind leaves wheel into the hollow tubes and then flows out of the wind exhaust holes to dry clothes hung on the hooks under the hollow tube.

Abstract: An improved binding for use with snowshoes and like sport apparatus is disclosed which employs a novel mounting arrangement similar to the calcanean wrapping technique used by athletic trainers to wrap the ankles of athletes, thereby resulting in an ambidextrous binding which comfortably and securely fits a wide variety of sizes of feet in an ergonomic manner while enhancing the performance of both the binding and the snowshoe to which it is attached. The binding has left and right side members pivotally mounted on a base member between the front and an intermediate longitudinal position thereupon, and left and right calcanean wrap members pivotally mounted on the base member near the rear thereof.

Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mounting frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the mounting frame, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A snow thrower is provided a pair of wheels on each side. The snow thrower includes two laterally spaced wheel drive assemblies for independently supplying power from the engine to each pair of wheels. Each wheel drive assembly includes a drive sprocket, which receives input from the engine, and front and rear driveable sprockets, which are operably associated with front and rear wheel axles to drive one pair of wheels. Each wheel assembly may be operated independently to provide power steering control.

Abstract: The lateral plough is attached to the hitch assembly of a grader or snow plough and is used to remove selected segments of an elongated pile of gravel or snow. The plough has an arcuate blade for pushing the gravel or snow forward. A gate is attached by a hinge to the outer end of the blade for preventing the gravel or snow from exiting from the blade as the grader or plough advances. The angle of the blade may be adjusted by shortening or lengthening the effective length of a chain which extends from the outer edge of the gate to the blade.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system to organize and coordinate components associated with earthmoving machinery capable of performing excavating and loading tasks autonomously is disclosed. The system comprises an earthmoving machine equipped with a scanning sensor system operable to provide data regarding regions within an earthmoving environment including an excavation region and a loading region and a planning and control module operable to receive data from the scanning sensor system to plan a task associated with the control of the earthmoving machine while concurrently performing another task associated with control of the earthmoving machine. Any number and type of sensor systems, such as a laser rangefinder or a radar rangefinder, may be incorporated in the system depending on requirements and the capabilities of the system.

Abstract: An excavating implement which includes a blade defining a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, a rear edge, a front edge, and opposed end surfaces. Primary cutting edges are spaced apart along the front edge, and secondary cutting edges positioned between the primary cutting edges. The secondary cutting edges are recessed relative to the primary cutting edges. The secondary and primary cutting edges intersect with the bottom surface. The blade also defines primary and secondary beveled surfaces forming acute angles with the bottom surface, and which extend angularly toward the rear edge from the respective primary and secondary cutting edges to intersect with the top surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting pre-formed creases of a pair of pants comprises a base, a pair of substantially horizontal parallel support members extending from the base. An upper crease blade is mounted to each of the support members and includes an upper applicator nozzle. Each of the upper applicator nozzles is connected to a supply of setting material. A lower crease blade is movably affixed via a mechanical assembly to each of the support member and also includes a lower applicator nozzle. Each of the lower applicator nozzles is connected to the supply of setting material. The apparatus further includes a pair of actuators connected to the mechanical assemblies that are adapted to independently controllably move each of the lower crease blades relative to the upper crease blades.

Abstract: A low cost, repairable memorial marker for marking a gravesite. The marker is created from a top sheet of bronze and a mating bottom sheet of bronze that are formed individually via a sheet metal forming process into the desired shape for the marker and then filled with castable filler material and welded together. Selected internal elements, such as storage compartments and bolt receiving slugs, are molded into the top and bottom sheets when they are formed, and selected external elements, such as nameplates and decorative elements, are created and secured to the top sheet after the top and bottom sheets are secured together. The marker is mounted on a base and the entire unit is installed at the gravesite.

Abstract: An electric fireplace is provided having an improved flame simulating apparatus. In one aspect, the flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a flame effect element for reflecting light to produce a flame effect, and a flicker element having reflective strips for reflecting light from the light source for subsequent reflection by the flame effect element. A screen having a partially reflecting surface and a diffusing member is positioned with the flame effect element extending proximate to the diffusing member. A fuel bed is positioned immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting surface of the screen to produce an image of the fuel bed on the screen with the image of moving flames appearing to emanate between the fuel bed and its reflected image. An alternate screen is provided having a non-planar diffusing member which causes the image of moving flames to appear to emanate from behind the reflected image the fuel bed.

Abstract: A spinning mobile includes a central shaft having first and second ends, a top mounting cap located at the first end of the shaft and a bottom mounting cap located at the second end of the shaft. A plurality of design plates are mounted to the top mounting cap and bottom mounting cap to cooperatively form a particular structural design capable of spinning when suspended in the air and subjected to air currents.

Abstract: A signboard device includes a base having two chambers formed in the upper portion for slidably receiving a number of signboard holders. A driving member is disposed around the chambers of the base, and a spring-biased pusher is secured on the driving member and engaged with the signboards to move the signboards and the holders from one chamber to the other. A fence is disposed beside the chamber for engaging with and for urging the pusher to engage with the signboards or the holders. An eccentric stop is disposed for preventing the holders from moving backward.

Abstract: A box-like picture display unit is arranged to display two framed pictures in windows (12 and 13). The pictures are moved in turn from a stack (15) by movement of a carriage (14) up and down. When the carriage (14) is moved upwards, a finger (18) engages a recess (20) in a back of a rear picture in the stack and lifts and carries the picture to the window (12). When the carriage moves downwards, a fixed arm (21) pushes the picture down from the window (12) to opposite the window (13), and in front of the stack (15). The carriage is moved down by manually pressing on a top part (25) of the carriage. The carriage is moved upwards automatically under the action of a pair of coiled springs (26), the springs being charged; i.e., wound up, during and by downward movement of the carriage (14).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the appearance of a display merchandiser so as to resemble the appearance of a particular object, the method and apparatus including providing a plurality of sheet-like members which are attachable to selected portions of the display merchandiser in a particular manner such that, when the sheet-like members are attached to the display merchandiser, such sheet-like members interact with the merchandiser and with each other to form a three-dimensional representation of the particular object. Each sheet-like member is shaped and dimensioned to represent the appearance of a portion of the particular object, some of the sheet-like members being attachable to at least some of the elongated support members associated with the display merchandiser and at least one of the sheet-like members being attachable to the uppermost shelf member of such merchandiser.

Abstract: A hand-held wafer-like signal which is essentially flat octagonally shaped with a handle at the lower end. It has a front side and a back side. The front side is a unitary construction made by plastic injection molding and has a reflector surface, one-half of a handle and a one-half of a cylindrical light housing which is essentially perpendicular to the reflective surface. There is a back side which is also made by injection molding and also has a reflective surface inside an octagonal frame, one-half of a battery container and one-half a cylindrical light housing. The one-half front and back sides are secured together as by screwing and when assembled it becomes a lightweight weatherproof hand-held signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating the way that selected custom wheels will appear on a vehicle. The method involves creating high quality graphic reproductions of actual commercially available custom wheels and tires in the form of a wheel disc approximating the size of an actual tire and wheel combination. The selected wheel disc is then positioned adjacent a car tire to simulate the appearance of the car with the selected wheel mounted thereon. A plurality of the wheel/tire discs is in one embodiment held on a portable support stand. In an alternate embodiment plural wheel discs are mounted to separate tire rings representing tires of various sizes.

Abstract: An adjustable sign mount and graphic for mounting to an associated display includes a spine, a mounting bracket and a graphic. The spine has an elongated dimension and is formed having a bracket channel and a graphic channel. Each the bracket channel and the graphic channel include a plurality of support walls transverse to the spine elongated dimension and a plurality of locking walls parallel to the spine elongated dimension and extending respectively from the support walls to define bracket channel and graphic channel upper and lower locking walls. The bracket channel and graphic channel upper and lower locking walls define bracket and graphic spine openings, respectively, in the bracket and graphic channels. The mounting bracket has a first end mountable to the associated display and a second end defining a mounting portion that is configured for insertion into one of the bracket spine openings and lockingly engagable with opposing upper and lower bracket locking walls.

Abstract: A decorative pole cover for enhancing the appearance of an upright building support pole or tree trunk. The decorative pole cover includes a flexible sheet having a generally rectangular shape and having upper and lower end margins and elongated flexible attaching lines connected in spaced apart relation along the side margins of the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet also includes decorative indicia on one surface thereof which conveys a visual impression of a totem. The upper and lower margins of the flexible sheet each include elongated closely spaced flexible strands connected at one end thereof and extending from the upper and lower margins which simulate hair and a skirt, respectively, of the totem.

Abstract: An insert is adapted to be inserted in an undercut T-shaped slot extending horizontally along an exposed surface of a panel, the undercut extending parallel to the surface and including an opening extending between the undercut and the surface. The insert is formed of resilient material having a foot adapted to be extended into the undercut and a pair of opposed legs which extend through the opening when the insert is positioned in the T-shaped slot, the legs providing between them an opening communicating with the foot. The legs have flanges on their outwardly extending ends which flanges face away from each other and are spaced outwardly away from the surface of the panel on opposite sides of the slot when the insert is positioned in the slot.

Abstract: A locking mechanism that can be used on pistols having an enclosed firing pin assembly. The locking device primarily comprises a firing pin assembly, spacer sleeves, and a slide cover keyed plate. The locking mechanism is controlled by a key, giving the authorized user the ability to set the pistol in a “fire” or “locked” mode while the trigger is pressed and held. The locking mechanism is utilized as a means to prevent the movement of a pistol's firing pin assembly when activated by the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A module having a housing, a battery, control circuitry and electrical conductors. The battery and control circuitry are contained in the housing. The housing is adapted to be removably connected to the frame of a firearm. The electrical conductors are located on the housing and allow the battery and control circuit to be electrically connected to other components of the firearm. The housing can be connected at a hand grip section of the firearm and forms a substantial portion of at least one exterior side of the firearm at the hand grip section.