Abstract: An articulating head that includes a linear movement assembly. There is a pivot plate that includes a first connection point. There is a pivot arm rotatably attached to the pivot plate. The pivot arm has a second connection point. There is a linear movement assembly mounted to and between the first connection point of the pivot plate and the second connection point of the pivot arm to cause rotation of the pivot arm about the pivot plate. The linear movement assembly comprises a threaded rod mounted as a screw, a nut which threads onto the screw and a motor interconnected to one of the screw and nut to cause motion between the screw and the nut. The screw and the nut are mounted between the pivot plate and the pivot arm, whereby the motion induced between the screw and nut causes the pivot arm to rotate about the pivot plate.

Abstract: A machining apparatus has a vertical support frame defining two machining stations spaced apart in a direction, holders in the stations for rotating respective workpieces each about a respective station axis, and a transfer device for loading rough workpieces into the holders and for taking finished workpieces out of the holders. A single machining tool can be shifted in the direction between one position engaging the workpiece in one of the stations and out of engagement with the workpiece in the other of the stations and another position engaging the workpiece in the other station and out of engagement with the workpiece in the one station.

Abstract: A system for applying pressure relief valves to packaging from a liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves passing over a series of rollers in tension onto a peeler bar. There is a valve applicator unit proximate the peeler bar with a punch shaft and an applicator shaft with an applicator vacuum head. The liner is moved by a retraction unit including clamping members that alternately maintain the liner stationary under tension and pull the liner under tension to advance the liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves. A supply reel for a roll of liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves has a pair of spaced apart plates and a pair of rings with a non-stick coating positioned between each of the plates and the roll of liner. The plates, rings and roll of liner are compressed together by an adjustable retainer.

Abstract: A clamp and quick release mechanism for clamping and releasing a cylindrical linkage to a rod-like member comprises a locking ring located on the rod-like member and a clamping ring. The inner surface of the clamping ring and the outer surface of the locking ring are configured such that rotation of the clamping ring in one direction will compress the locking ring and rotation in the other direction will allow expansion of the locking ring.

Abstract: A system for splicing a conveyor belt with belt fasteners is disclosed. A base assembly aligns the belt, belt fasteners and rivet holes thereof with swage structures for securing the rivets. A guide assembly has a rigid guide block with cylindrical pilot holes, and a guide membrane of resilient material. Guide pins are receivable by guide bores for aligning the base and guide assemblies with the pilot holes, rivet holes, and swage structures in registry. The guide membrane including openings aligned with the pilot holes. The openings have a pair of slits defining flaps deflectable to permit the rivet to pass therethrough, and a central hole or cut-out. The flaps and the cut-out assist in centering the rivet with the belt fastener rivet holes. The system uses a single-rivet driver, a multi-rivet driver, a pneumatic driver, or an electric hammer.

Abstract: Force data is monitored by a strain gauge during a preparatory setup operation of an insertion process during which a sample fastener is installed into a host material by a fastener press. Mathematical algorithms are utilized to determine an optimal insertion force, while a predetermined insertion velocity is maintained throughout the installation process regardless of the force required. With the ram velocity held constant, the insertion force is measured during the installation process and compared to the elapsed time to obtain a force slope. A data point on the force slope which corresponds to the point at which the force slope abruptly increases is captured and recorded as the optimal insertion force. This optimal force is then used by the press for all fasteners/host-material installations of the sample type.

Abstract: An outer panel and an inner panel are integrated by placing peripheral parts of the outer panel on a top surface of a lower mold such that bending parts formed by bending the peripheral parts of the outer panel are set up upward; placing a central portion of the outer panel on a top surface of a lifting device; lifting the central portion of the outer panel by the lifting device to open leading end sides of the bending parts of the outer panel outward; placing the inner panel on the top surface of the outer panel so as to superimpose those onto each other; lowering the central portion of the outer panel by the lifting device; and pressing the bending parts toward the lower mold by an upper mold to further bend the bending parts, and making the bending parts to closely contact with the peripheral parts of the inner panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the seaming of roof assemblies for a building structure, wherein the apparatus includes an adjustable panel guide for the initial alignment of panel edges to a position uniform to that necessary for engagement of horizontal rollers to perform the seaming procedure is provided. Such an apparatus thus permits the utilization of virtually any type of metal paneling to create the desired roof assembly, with the capability of providing a secure, reliable seal within the seam to increase the waterproofing and uplift protection potential thereof as well as to best ensure the seaming apparatus does not jam or otherwise fail during the seaming process itself. The versatility permitted with such an apparatus allows for utilization of imperfectly shaped and/or configured panels for elevated seamed roof assembly purposes. The method of seaming with such an apparatus is also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sealing of roof assemblies for a building structure, wherein the apparatus includes a vertically configured roller and a plurality of horizontally configured rollers to simultaneously produce a hook in the female panel edge and seal the male and female edge together is provided. Such an apparatus thus permits the utilization of any type of metal paneling to create the desired roof assembly, with the capability of providing a secure seal to increase the waterproofing and uplift protection potential thereof. The versatility permitted with such an apparatus allows for ease in placement of the targeted metal panels prior to sealing with the aforementioned increase in reliability of the ultimate roof assembly in terms of shear force protection. The method of sealing with such an apparatus is also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A micro-structure fabrication method fabricates a micro-structure including an inclined part inclined to a principal plane of a substrate by plastically deforming a work piece having the substrate with the principal plane. The structure fabrication method includes the steps of providing in the work piece a projection configured to protrude from a first surface and away from the principal plane of the substrate, and bending the work piece toward a second surface opposite to the first surface. The bending is accomplished by applying a force on a block including an inclined pressure plane that is abutted on the projection for plastically deforming the work piece, in which in bending the work piece, the direction of a first force applied on the work piece intersects with the direction of a second force of the inclined pressure plane pushing the projection.

Abstract: There are provided a method of manufacturing a molding die that can prevent occurrence of a trouble, such as break of a sand mold when a master mold is pulled out, and a molding die that can clearly transfer a pattern onto a molding. A meshed member is fixed to an entirety or part of a molding surface of a master mold, a sand mold having a molding surface with a protrusion and recess pattern thereon is fabricated by using the master mold, and a molding die having a molding surface with the protrusion and recess pattern thereon is cast by using the sand mold. The meshed member is made up of a flexible synthetic resin sheet having a number of mesh openings.

Abstract: A method of producing a coil which comprises steps of bending each of straight coil wires into a rectangular wave shape including in-slot portions to be disposed in slots of a stator core and turned portions connecting between the in-slot portions, turning a coil bend-forming portion that is one of the in-slot portions of each coil wire which becomes a folded bend of a phase winding by 180° around an axis thereof, twisting the turned portions of the coil wires together to weave the coil wires into a wire bundle, and folding the wire bundle at the coil bend-forming portions of the coil wires to place sides of the wire bundle to overlap each other to make the coil, thereby eliminating the 180° twisting of the coil bend-forming portions to produce the coil without any undesirable deformation of the phase windings.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a lamination for a motor or generator where a plurality of the laminations are used to form a core of the motor or generator, a material strip of electrical steel is provided having a width substantially corresponding to half of an outer diameter of the lamination to be created. Slant cuts are made along the material strip to form trapezoids of substantially a same area. Two of the trapezoids are joined together along a side edge of each to form a hexagon. The lamination is then stamped from the hexagon.

Abstract: A method includes forming a winding structure from a single sheet of electrically conductive material, where the winding structure includes a winding base and multiple winding extensions extending from the winding base as a continuous piece of the electrically conductive material. The multiple winding extensions include a base portion that extends from the winding base along a first face of a fully assembled magnetic core, a wrapping portion that extends from the base portion along a second face of the fully assembled magnetic core, and a connection portion that extends from the wrapping portion along a third face of the fully assembled magnetic core, the connection portion comprising an electrical connection surface. The base portion, the wrapping portion, and the connection portion of each winding extend from the winding base such that the integrated windin structure is shaped for placement over the full assembled magnetic core in a single motion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disk drive head suspension having a plated load point dimple. A photoresist mask having an opening with load point-defining side walls and a load point diameter is formed over a planar portion of a spring metal member. Metal is plated onto the spring metal member in the opening to form a load point having the load point diameter on the planar portion of the spring metal member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head that allows the location of the flare point of a write pole to be accurately located relative to the air bearing surface. The method includes the construction of a lapping guide having an edge feature that is easily and accurately located relative to the flare point of the write pole. This edge feature provides an abrupt change in electrical resistance across the lapping guide at a point when lapping should be terminated. And, since this feature can accurately located relative to the flare point, this provides an easily discernable ending point for lapping.

Abstract: Methods of lapping rows of recording heads are described after an air bearing surface (ABS) damascene process is performed. The ABS damascene process uses a selective etching process to form voids in the row of recording heads where conductive material forms a feature in the recording head, such as a wrap around shield. The conductive material is then deposited on the ABS of the row to fill the voids, and the row is lapped. According to methods provided herein, the resistance of one or more lapping guides in the row of recording heads is monitored to determine when the conductive material is removed by the lapping process. When the monitored resistance indicates that the conductive material is removed, the lapping process is stopped. The resistance across one or more lapping guides may also be used to control the lapping process to uniformly lap the conductive material from the ABS.

Abstract: A method for forming a loop winding having a plurality of meandering parts and disposed in a stator of a motor which includes: disposing the loop winding between a first die unit having a plurality of first dies and a second die unit having a plurality of second dies; and press forming the loop winding between the first dies and the second dies by relatively moving the first die unit and the second die unit toward each other, wherein the press forming step is so performed as to provide the loop winding with a plurality of meandering parts and, simultaneously, to reduce the loop winding in the radial direction.

Abstract: Xerographic micro-assembler systems and methods are disclosed. The systems and methods involve manipulating charge-encoded micro-objects. The charge encoding identifies each micro-object and specifies its orientation for sorting. The micro-objects are sorted in a sorting unit so that they have defined positions and orientations. The sorting unit has the capability of electrostatically and magnetically manipulating the micro-objects based on their select charge encoding. The sorted micro-objects are provided to an image transfer unit. The image transfer unit is adapted to receive the sorted micro-objects, maintain them in their sorted order and orientation, and deliver them to a substrate. Maintaining the sorted order as the micro-objects are delivered to the substrate may be accomplished through the use of an electrostatic image, as is done in xerography.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for fixing a planar object, in particular a substrate (2), on a working area (4) by means of vacuum is provided with an at least partly transparent bearing plate (5), one side of which forms the working area and which has a rear side arranged at a distance from the working area with a radiation-reflecting structure (7). The bearing plate additionally has vacuum channels which can be connected to a vacuum line and which open into the working area. In order to illuminate the substrate as homogeneously as possible by means of transmitted light, at least one light source (10) is provided, the radiation of which can be fed into the bearing plate. In addition, the working area is preferably operatively connected to a heating apparatus (11), so that the substrate (2) can be heated.

Abstract: An installation device for a gradient coil module in a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus has a loading cart that moves the gradient coil module away from and to the magnetic resonance tomography apparatus. A bearing girder having a track is fastened to the loading cart. Track rollers can be installed on the gradient coil module such that the gradient coil module can be moved relative to the loading cart by means of the track rollers resting on the track.

Abstract: A method of providing a hermetic, electrical connection between two electrical components by mating at least one metal pin in a glass-ceramic to metal seal connector to two electrical components, wherein the glass-ceramic to metal seal connector incorporates at least one metal pin encased (sealed) in a glass-ceramic material inside of a metal housing, with the glass-ceramic material made from 65-80% SiO2, 8-16% Li2O, 2-8% Al2O3, 1-5% P2O5, 1-8% K2O, 0.5-7% B2O3, and 0-5% ZnO. The connector retains hermeticity at temperatures as high as 700° C. and pressures as high as 500 psi.

Abstract: A harness making device having at least two receiving sections, a pivoting gripping device, a cable preparation device, and a cable transfer. Each receiving section is utilized for receiving a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism, in each case, connects an end portion of a cable to a connector. The gripping device is located in a fixed position between the at least two receiving sections, and is constructed to guide the end portion of the cable to the connection mechanism. Additionally, a cable preparation device is positioned to prepare a cable loop with the cable. The cable transfer, which is constructed to receive the at least one cable from the cable preparation device, positions the cable to the pivoting gripping device.

Abstract: An apparatus for securely connecting mating ends of two power cords to prevent the mating ends of the two power cords from inadvertently or accidentally detaching from each other. The apparatus includes a flexible connector having a center segment, a first end and a second end. A preferred form of the flexible connector can readily accommodate varying configurations of mating ends of power cords. Preferably, the flexible connector is substantially symmetrical to facilitate installation. The first end has a first opening and the second end has a second opening. The center segment, the first end and the second end are manipulable to form a first retaining member and a second retaining member for securing a first end of a first power cord to a first end of a second power cord. Preferably, the flexible connector is configured such that it may not be inadvertently or accidentally dislodged from the first power cord or the second power cord.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bodywork component of a motor vehicle that has first been shaped and is then thermally surface-treated, said method comprising iterative simulated steps with variable geometric data of tools that are used in the shaping process. According to the invention, a continuous check verifies whether the expected geometric data of the component lies within the permitted tolerance range of the nominal geometric data of the component. If this is not the case, the geometric data and the generation of corrected tool geometric data is modified. This takes place in two stages, the first stage for the shaping steps and the subsequent stage for the process steps of the thermal surface treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for securing a first structural member and a second structural member to one another. In one embodiment a two-piece fitting is provided. The fitting includes a variable gap between attachment surfaces, enabling the fitting to accommodate structural members of variable thickness. The fitting also includes overlapping sections that provide increased resistance to pull-off loads and impact loads. The configuration of the fitting advantageously simplifies the assembly process and preserves the integrity of the adhesive to form a strong joint.

Abstract: A nail clipper is described which can be used by a person having only one hand. The nail clipper comprises a base 32 shaped to rest on a horizontal surface and an elongate actuator 30 pivotably connected at one end to the base 32. A first cutting edge is located on the base 32 and an opening 34 is provided in the actuator 30 to allow the nail of a finger of a hand pressing down on the actuator to be placed over the first cutting edge. A second cutting edge movable with the actuator 30 towards the first cutting edge is used to trim the nail resting on the first cutting blade when the actuator 30 is depressed.

Abstract: Double handle knives and attachments to convert a knife to a double handle knife are described with secondary handles able to form an angle (a) between about 20 to 70 degrees between the long axis of the secondary handle and the long axis of the blade in a plane at about right angles to the blade. Embodiments describe fixed, rotatable, and indexable means for the angle of attachment of the secondary handle to the blade. Embodiments further describe reversible and permanent means of attachment. The placement of the secondary handle at the angle described allows for the optimal positioning of the hands for both controlling and assisting with the cutting of foods and other items.

Abstract: A shaving head for an electric shaving apparatus, having an under cutter comprising at least one blade which is drivable in at least one direction of movement relative to an outer cutter. To achieve a good shaving result while at the same time protecting the skin to be best possible effect, it is proposed providing the blade with an outer boundary section which is raised in relation to the cutting edge, faces in the direction of the outer cutter and inclines upwardly from the cutting edge toward the outer cutter.

Abstract: A hand-held power jigsaw includes a clamping device which has an insertion slot (26) for a shaft (153) of the tool and has a transverse aperture (27) extending transversely to the insertion slot (26) and opening out into it. A clamping element (19) for clamping the shaft (153) can slide in the transverse aperture (27) and travels into the insertion slot (26) at one end and protrudes out from the transverse aperture (27) at the other end. A centering piece (18) has a rotatable clamping sleeve (20) equipped with a clamping curve (28) that slides the clamping element (19), equipped with a clamping spring, which engages the clamping sleeve (20) and rotates the clamping sleeve (20). The centering piece (18) has two transverse apertures (27) and in which two clamping elements (19) are supported opposite each other in a movable fashion.

Abstract: A method for forming one or more patterns for a thin film photovoltaic material. The method includes providing a substrate including a molybdenum layer and an overlying absorber comprising a copper bearing species and a window layer comprising a cadmium bearing species. The substrate is supported to expose a surface of the window layer. In a specific embodiment, the method includes using a scribe device. The scribe device includes a scribe having a tip. The scribe device is configured to pivot about one or more regions and configured to apply pressure to the tip, such that the tip is placed on a selected region of the window layer or the absorber layer. The method moves the scribe device relative to the substrate in a direction to form a pattern on at least the window layer or the absorber layer at a determined speed maintaining the molybdenum layer free from the pattern.

Abstract: A method of operating an articulated arm CMM is provided. Instructions for the CMM can be inputted to the CMM arm by an action chosen from the group consisting of placing the arm in a predefined position and moving the arm in a predefined manner.

Abstract: A probe, connectable to a machine tool, has an electric generator and a driving element. The electric generator supplies an electric or electronic circuit with electric power, and the driving element is capable of relative rotation with respect to the stator of the electric generator. The driving element is not connected to any external energy source and can be set in rotation simply by activating the rotary axis of the machine tool. The driving element is either rotatably mounted on the probe itself or fixed on the reference table of the machine tool. The probe requires no additional connections to the machine tool on which it is mounted, besides the connection to the rotary spindle, which can be realized with a conventional tool-holder with a standardized tapered shank. The probe is fully compatible with standard probes and can be mounted and used with standard tool-holders without any adaptation.

Abstract: A marking device for marking the location for a support for a mountable object, such as a picture frame, has a body with a compressible configuration and adhesive for removably attaching a back face to a backside of the mountable object. A marker is coupled to the body and disposed below a front face in an uncompressed configuration and projects at least to the front face to mark the surface in the compressed configuration. The marker is disposed adjacent a perimeter edge of the body to facilitate alignment. A sighting notch can be formed in the body with the marker at the apex of the notch to facilitate alignment.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for a wheeled distance measuring device includes a first brake rod and a second brake rod, both of which are located in a pole unit of the distance measuring device. The first brake rod is connected with a brake key and the second brake rod is connected with a contact section which has a brake pad connected thereto. The brake key includes first and second protrusions and a control rod is connected with the first brake rod, the control rod includes third and fourth protrusions. A locking recess is defined between the third and fourth protrusions. The first and second brake rods are lowered to brake the wheel by the brake pad when the first protrusion presses the third protrusion. The second protrusion is locked in the locking recess and presses the third protrusion to keep the wheel to be braked.

Abstract: A home laundry drier (1) having a drying tub (3) housing the laundry to be dried, and a closed-circuit, heat-pump-type, hot-air generator (4) for circulating a stream of hot air inside the drying tub (3); the hot air generator (4) also having a tank (15) containing a predetermined amount of water, heating means for converting the water in the tank (15) to steam, and an exhaust manifold (17) for feeding the steam produced in the tank (15) to the drying tub (3); the heating means being defined by at least one portion (16) of the pipe (10) feeding refrigerant from the compressor (7) to the condenser (9).

Abstract: Household-type clothes drying machine provided with a rotating drum (1), first means adapted to circulate a stream of drying air through said drum and comprising an appropriate inflow conduit and an outflow conduit for said air stream, second means (3) adapted to generate a gas or vapour stream, a first delivery pipe conduit (4) connecting said second means with an ejection arrangement located on the inner surface of the loading door of the drum, a second drain pipe conduit (7) adapted to collect the condensed moisture from said ejection arrangement and convey it into a collecting container; said ejection arrangement comprises a substantially sealed cell that is however provided with a first port (9) to enable the gas/vapour stream to flow in from said first delivery pipe conduit, a second port (10) to enable liquid and condensate to flow into said drain pipe conduit, and an ejection window (11) that opens into the interior of said drum and is adapted to eject said gas/vapour stream flowing in from said first

Abstract: A hand-held hair dryer and hair styling system that uses a magnetic field to index the location of a brush or combing device relative to the nozzle of the hair dryer is disclosed. The system allows the nozzle to follow the brush or combing device. The system includes a hair dryer that has a fan and a heating element, the fan forcing air over the heating element. The dryer also has a nozzle with ferrous or magnetic components, and that is supported from the body by bearings that allow rotation of the nozzle about a central axis. The system includes a brush that includes a magnet that provides a magnetic field that attracts or repels the magnetic or ferrous components of the nozzle, so that holding the hair dryer next to the comb causes the nozzle and the brush to be coupled through the magnetic field, so that the nozzle rotates or moves in response to movement of the brush.

Abstract: A shoe device secured to a syphon is disclosed for removing condensate from an internal surface of a rotating cylinder. The shoe device includes a shoe portion which is disposed adjacent to the internal surface of the rotating cylinder. The shoe portion defines a passageway having an upstream and a downstream end. The passageway permits a flow there through of the condensate from the internal surface of the rotating cylinder, through the upstream end of the passageway to the downstream end of the passageway. The shoe portion has a first and a second side, a surface extending between the first and second sides of the shoe portion. The surface is disposed adjacent to the internal surface of the cylinder. The shoe portion also has a leading and a trailing end and a face extending between the leading and trailing ends of the shoe portion. A clamp is secured to a distal end of the syphon and is connected to the shoe portion for clamping the shoe portion to the syphon.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning Fire Control Radar APG-68 tactical radar systems (FCR) utilized in military aircraft and returning them to operation with extended useful life expectancies equivalent to or better than new of the FCR APG-68 unit high frequency, high voltage dual mode radar transmitters that are deployed in over 1000 state-of-the-art military aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft, and B-1 bombers. The novel method extends the mean lifetime of previously repaired and repairable FCR APG-68 tactical radar units and radar units and ageing transmitters from about 100 to a few hundred hours to about five hundred or more hours by the step of removing embedded moisture and absorbed moisture from the heterogeneous electronic components in the FCR APG-68 tactical radar unit.

Abstract: A point shoe insole for a ballet slipper with a two layered co-molded plastic sheet having a top layer made of semi-rigid plastic and a bottom layer made of four of rigid plastic members. The top sheet has a plurality of horizontally and downwardly facing ribs. The first and second downwardly facing ribs fit tightly between the first, second and third rigid plastic members of the bottom sheet. A third set downwardly facing ribs are located between the third rigid portion and the forth rigid portion. The area above the first and second downwardly facing ribs form hinges that allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in an upward direction during the progression of movement of a user's foot between a flat plane and on pointe, but does not allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in the opposite direction when the user's foot is on pointe.

Abstract: A detachable material wrapped around a strap of a footwear guards against blister formation, provides comfort and a softer feel against a foot, and to add aesthetic value. In one embodiment, the detachable material is a strip made of self-fastening material. In another plurality of loops. The detachable material is reusable and adjustable.

Abstract: A sole unit for a shoe having at least one decoupling track between regions of sole unit allowing for the decoupling of the regions in response to forces from foot-ground contact; a plurality of bridge elements connecting opposite sides of the track so that when forces from foot-ground contact are alleviated, there is a recouping of the decoupled regions. The bridge elements may extend from a tendon element disposed on one side of a decoupling track to the other side of the track.

Abstract: A insole (1) having puncture-resistant properties for safety footwear, comprising an anterior portion (2) extending from a toe region (3) to a metatarsal region (4) of the insole and a posterior portion (5) extending from the metatarsal region to a heel region (6) longitudinally opposite the toe region. The posterior portion (5) comprises at least one substantially rigid layer (8) made of composite material formed from a fibre-reinforced polymer matrix and the anterior portion (2) is formed of a substantially flexible material comprising at least one layer (7) formed of polymer fibres having enhanced puncture-resistant properties.

Abstract: A cleated shoe is presented which provides cushion support and lateral stability in a lightweight construction. The shoe includes a lower and an upper. The lower may include a primary midsole, cushion elements, and an outsole. A cleat may be connected to the outsole. At least one cushion may be located between the primary midsole and outsole. Various embodiments of cushions are presented and may be consistent with specific types of shoes associated with various types of activities such as football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, or golf. The lower may be consistent with approaches to remediate a wearer's pronation or supination.

Abstract: An article, such as a towel, having an opening to secure a twirling mechanism thereto. The twirling mechanism having a handle extending from a bottom portion thereof and having a mechanism to permit rotating of the handle with respect to the fabric-article, such that the fabric article is capable of twirling around the twirling mechanism. The twirling mechanism may in other embodiments include noise maker when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include an optical element, a reticle selectively displayed on the optical element, and a housing. The housing may include a base, a first post extending from the base, a second post extending from the base, and a cross member extending between the first post and the second post to define an opening receiving the optical element therein. The cross member may include a first surface opposing the optical element and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the cross member than the first surface, whereby the second surface has a substantially concave shape.

Abstract: A decoy is comprised of a pair of planar members, one being a body member to be vertically orientated and the other being a wing member to be horizontally orientated. The two members are interconnected by corresponding openings in the body portion and tabs in the wing portion, respectively, to thereby facilitate ease of assembly and disassembly. The members are comprised of a light-weight, semi-rigid material which are adorned with artistic depictions of the represented species. A rotatable support member and the light-weight material allows for the assembled decoy to rotate with the wind to thereby present a life like appearance. A support stake, separate from the decoy structure, includes a socket at its top so that the stake can be inserted into the ground and then the downwardly extending decoy pin can be rotatably inserted into the socket.

Abstract: An avian decoy including a decoy body; a stake having an upper end for rotatably supporting the decoy body, and having a lower end for being anchored to a support surface; and a guide for guiding the upper end of the stake into proper position in the decoy body.

Abstract: A system for defense against small mammals, for example voles, for areas used for agricultural or horticultural purposes, consists of segments to be put together to form a gutter that is open towards the top, forming a type of fence. Each segment has a base plate and walls that rise laterally from this base plate. An inlet opening is provided, at least in the side wall that faces away from the area to be protected.