Abstract: A gripper foundation is disclosed comprising a conventional mattress foundation which is encased within foundation upholstery. The foundation upholstery contains a sheet material which covers the entire top surface of the foundation, the sheet material having a raised pattern printed thereon which creates a high coefficient of friction with the bottom of a mattress surface or a bed sheet contained therebetween. The raised pattern may cover the entire top surface of the foundation, only a portion of the top surface, such as the perimeter portion, or other alternate configurations. The raised pattern may also take on a variety of patterns such as a plurality of diagonal lines, a plurality of straight lines, a plurality of diamonds or squares, or any other such pattern. The gripper foundation eliminates the need for any type of mechanical bed sheet retainer or additional pad or frictional surface which is to be positioned between a foundation and mattress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye of formula (I) where R1, R2, X, Y and t are each as defined in claim 1, to its preparation and to its use.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a modular gutter for use by bicycles and other conveyances. When utilized, a conveyance may be guided along the gutter either by an individual on the conveyance or adjacent to it, whether up or down the gutter. The gutter may be manufactured in various lengths and arrangements, and additionally, the components of the gutter are designed to permit multiple subunits to be coupled to form longer gutters. Alternatively, the gutters may be cut to a desired length should the manufactured length be too long. Thus, the gutter may be sized for any of a variety of staircases. The gutter may be removably installed on existing staircases without the need to redesign or reconstruct the staircase.

Abstract: A programmable steerable robot, particularly useful for cleaning swimming pools, includes: a body member; a first ground-engaging rotary propelling device at one side of the body member; a second ground-engaging rotary propelling device at an opposite side of the body member; a rotary brush carried by the body member engageable with walls of the swimming pool for cleaning same; a drive for driving both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; a transmission system connecting the drive to both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; and a programming device controlling the transmission system such that, for preselected travel intervals, both rotary propelling devices are driven in the same direction to propel the body member along a linear path, and for other preselected time intervals, the rotary propelling devices are controlled such that the body member is propelled along a different path.

Abstract: A quick cable deicing device and a power component thereof are provided. The deicing device comprises a cable clamping pedestal (11,13) which is sleeved on a cable and is capable of moving along the cable, a deicing head (21, 22) mounted at the head part of the cable clamping pedestal, and a power component which is connected with the tail part of the cable clamping pedestal and is capable of generating a thrust. The deicing device can advance and rotate at the same time under the drive of the power component. The power component comprises a gas tank (31) in a structure which conforms to a Laval nozzle principle and has an aperture expanded after sharply narrowed.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a head with a soft tissue cleaner disposed on a second side thereof. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle and having a first side and a second side; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements attached to the first side of the head; and a soft tissue cleaner disposed on the second side of the head, the soft tissue cleaner including a first portion comprising a plurality of projections and a second portion comprising a plurality of bristles.

Abstract: A device and method for coupling a floor cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The device and method selectively couple a floor cleaning implement, such as a pad or brush, in manner that can be easily released and connected. In one embodiment the coupling device comprises a plate having a first and second channel coupled to opposite edges of the plate. The channels are dimensioned and configured to receive edges of the cleaning implement. At least one channel has projecting members that selectively prevent the cleaning implement from leaving the channel. In some embodiments, the plate has a plurality of recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.

Abstract: An oral care implement is described herein. The oral care implement has a base having a handle region, an oral engaging region and a neck between the handle region and the oral engaging region. A recess surrounds the handle and/or the neck and has a first boundary and a second boundary, and the first boundary is further from a distal end than the second boundary. The first boundary has an angle of greater than about 90 degrees with respect to a mold parting line of the oral care implement. The base has a first material, and a collar made of a second material which is different than the first material, is disposed in the recess.

Abstract: A toothbrush having needle-shaped bristles on the head portion is configured such that the differences in height between the longer and shorter bristles is 1 to 4 mm, the end points of the longer bristles are 0.01 to 0.03 mm in diameter, the end points of the shorter bristles are 0.03 to 0.08 mm in diameter, the taper lengths of the longer bristles are 4 to 8 mm, the taper lengths of the shorter bristles are 2 to 6 mm, and the differences in taper length between the longer and shorter bristles is 1 to 4 mm. The toothbrush provides superior teeth and gum contact force unique to a toothbrush having needle-shaped bristles and at the same time also provides superior cleaning performance for the surface of teeth thanks to the action of the shorter bristles having relatively large diameters at end points and relatively short taper lengths.

Abstract: An end cap having a longitudinal axis is provided. The end cap includes a stationary portion, a movable portion, and a clamping member. The movable portion has a cam surface and the clamping member has a free end. The movable and stationary portions are interconnected so that the movable portion moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cam surface influences the clamping member when the movable portion is in the locked position such that the cam surface resiliently flexes the clamping member to move the free end at least perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating windshield wiper fluid before the fluid is sprayed onto a windshield. The apparatus generally includes a fin tube assembly positioned in close proximity to or in contact with the catalytic converter of an automotive vehicle. The heat from the catalytic converter is transferred to the fin tube assembly. Wiper fluid is passed through the tube assembly and thus heated before being sprayed onto the windshield of an automotive vehicle. The system further includes a thermostat and control valve to control if and when the fluid should be passed through the fin tube for heating. Fluid is pumped from a reservoir to the control valve where a decision is made, based on external vehicle temperature, whether to bypass the heating element or to pass the fluid through the heating element for heating before spraying the fluid onto the windshield of the vehicle.

Abstract: A windshield wiper device having a frame; a first lever, provided in a pair, each being hinge-coupled to either end of the frame and including an inside arm extending toward a hinge and an outside arm extending away from the hinge. A pair of second levers, are provided, each being hinge-coupled to an end portion of the outside arm of the first lever. A contact member, forms a blade in close contact with the windshield to wipe out the foreign substances and is supported by an end portion of the inside arm of the first lever and both end portions of the second lever; and a cover member. The cover member covers the frame, the first lever and the second lever.

Abstract: A spin dry mop includes an outer tube and a handle fitting over the outer tube. The handle is made of a different material than the outer tube. The inner tube is sized to fit telescopically within the outer tube. A fastness key is bonded to the handle and fits inside the outer tube. A corkscrew screw is made of a strip of flat metal having a plurality of turns. The fastness key is made of a different material than the corkscrew screw. The fastness key is bonded to the handle at a key top end and bonded to the corkscrew screw at a key lower end. A screw tube has a keyed opening with an internal profile of the corkscrew screw and receives the corkscrew screw within the keyed opening.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of wands, suction and pneumatic valves, pneumatic cylinders, a vacuum and tilt sensors, and a programmable logic controller configured to read input signals from the vacuum and tilt sensors and send output signals controlling the pneumatic valves and cylinders, which open and close the vacuum valves regulating suctioning of the wands to achieve uniform and maximum depletion of pelletized material from a bulk container.

Abstract: A door closing device for a door is described. The device includes an externally powered and/or spring force-powered catch device F for mounting to the stationary door frame TR or the door leaf TF. The catch device has a movably mounted catch element F and an externally powered and/or force storage means-powered drive assembly M connected to the catch element F. It is essential that the catch element F can be connected to and disconnected from the counterpart element, for example the lock latch S, so that the catch element F can be brought into engagement with the counterpart element S for pulling the door leaf TF shut and can be brought out of engagement with the counterpart element S outside of the pulling-shut movement.

Abstract: A hinge includes a base, an arm, a mounting member, a hinge spring, a fixing pin member, and a damping device. Two ends of the arm are pivotably connected to the base and the mounting member, with the hinge spring exerting elastic force on the base and the arm. The damping device is mounted in the base and includes a fixed seat mounted in the base, a sliding block movably received in the fixed seat, a damping member mounted between the sliding block and the fixing pin member and abutting the base, and an elastic element. The sliding block includes a front portion facing the arm and a rear portion connected to the elastic element pressing against the fixed seat.

Abstract: A detent hinge assembly includes a spring that biases one or more needle rollers into engagement with the outer surface of the hinge shaft. The needle rollers engage one or more grooves in the surface of the hinge shaft to provide the detent function of the hinge. The spring is in the form of a resilient band that surrounds at least a portion of the circumference of the hinge shaft. The spring is provided with a depression that faces the surface of the hinge shaft and that receives a portion of the needle roller.

Abstract: A furniture glide comprising a vibration damping sleeve that can be pressed into a piece of furniture, wherein a gliding surface can be inserted into the vibration damping sleeve.

Abstract: A platform to which an article is attached on its front surface thereof and having two pair of spaced prongs extending from the back surface adjacent one edge portion thereof and facing inwardly and opposing spaced prongs adjacent the opposite edge portion of the platform. The prongs snugly fit within spaced horizontal loops of a MOLLE/PALS compliant garment or similarly designed garment. The garment must be temporarily folded horizontally to attach the prongs to garment loops and when released the webbing between the prongs and the back surface bunches up and is wedged therebetween.

Abstract: A retrofit system for tethering a hand tool includes a tool collar having a collar body, a first body end, a second body end, and a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, and a tethering tab having a first tab opening and a second tab opening transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tethering tab. The bore of the tool collar has a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of a first tool portion of the hand tool providing a snug fit of the tool collar on the first tool portion. The second tab opening of the tethering tab being spaced from the first tab opening and the first tab opening having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the first tool portion providing for free rotation of the tethering tab around the first tool portion.

Abstract: The collar comprises a metal belt (10) having a projecting lug (18) in the vicinity of a first end (10A), and a hook (14) in the vicinity of a second end (10B), which hook has a front wall (15) designed to be retained against a rear wall (19) of the lug (18) while the hook (14) is hooked onto the lug (18) in order to maintain the collar in the tightened state. Seen from above, the rear wall (19) of the lug (18) has a V-shape having its tip (19A) pointing (5) away from the hook (14), and the front wall (15) of the hook (14) has hooking sides (151-3) that are inclined relative to the transverse direction of the belt to match the inclination of the branches (19B) of the V-shape.

Abstract: A tie-down eye for a cargo space of a motor vehicle has an annular loop pivoted on a mount that is formed with a journal part wrapped around a portion of the loop, and the mount and the loop are secured in a frame element fixed in a floor of the cargo space. The loop, which serves for attachment of securing straps, retaining ropes, retaining nets, or similar load-securing elements on or against the cargo surface can pivot between a nonuse position recessed in the frame element and use position projecting upward therefrom. The mount is formed with a cutout in its journal part wrapped around the loop, and a projection extending radially from the loop extends through this cutout and bears against an inner peripheral edge of the cutout when in the use position.

Abstract: A multi-piece snap-in fastener adapted to adjoin a surface element to a backing panel. The fastener includes a docking base of tray-like construction including a pair of opposing lateral sidewalls including at least one inboard protuberance element projecting in overlying relation to the interior surface. A displaceable clip head including at least one male projection element extending outwardly from one side of a support platform is configured for insertion in nesting relation between the lateral sidewalls. The support platform includes outboard protuberance elements projecting outwardly from lateral sides of the support platform such that upon insertion of the support platform between the lateral sidewalls, the outboard protuberance elements are disposed in underlapping relation to opposing inboard protuberance elements projecting from the lateral sidewalls.

Abstract: A one-step fabric fastener has a front element formed with a backwardly open seat cavity holding a magnet and having a pair of catch faces directed away from one end of the front element, flanking the seat cavity, and angled such that front edges of the catch faces are closer to the one end than back edges of the catch faces. The one end of the front element can exert traction on the front element and front magnet in a direction toward the one end. A back element formed with a forwardly projecting bump holding a back magnet is loosely fittable in the seat cavity has a pair of catch faces engageable in the direction with the front-element catch faces on engagement of the bump in the cavity. The magnets attract each other and pull the bump into the seat cavity on juxtaposition of the front and back element.

Abstract: A gripping zipper securing ring for use in securing a zipper includes a ring member having a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion for movement between open and closed configurations. The first portion includes a locking arm having a plurality of teeth. The second portion includes a locking receiver configured to selectively receive the locking arm therein. A release mechanism is situated in the locking receiver that is selectively movable between a locked configuration at which the locking arm is not removable from the locking receiver and a released configuration in which the locking arm is removable therefrom. The release mechanism includes a user operable release member with which to move the release mechanism between locked and released configurations.

Abstract: A method for making a mushroom-type hook strap for mechanical fasteners is disclosed. In a first stage of the method, a hook strap on which a plurality of hook preforms each having a substantially V-shaped free end are integrally molded. Then, in a second stage of the method, the V-shaped free end of each the hook preform is deformed into a polygonal head portion by two calendar rolls so as to form a mushroom-type hook strap that has a higher engaging percentage with the loop strap, has a longer lifetime, and is capable of providing a reliable and all-directional uniform fastening function.

Abstract: A clip and cable assembly are configured for attachment to a panel of a vehicle. The cable assembly includes an elongated member. The elongated member includes a radially extending locating feature having a width. The clip includes a housing and a fastener. The housing includes a first section and a second section spaced a distance from the first section and a pocket is defined between the first and second sections. The first and second sections each define a channel that is sized to slidably receive the elongated member of the cable assembly. The pocket receives the locating feature when the elongated member is received in the channel such that movement of clip relative to the elongated member and the locating feature is limited to a length of movement defined as a difference of the distance between the first and second sections and the width of the locating feature.

Abstract: A locking clip for securing one or more objects thereon includes a loop portion and a sleeve. The loop portion defines first and second ends interconnected by first and second intermediate segments. The first intermediate segment includes a gap defined therein. The sleeve is disposed about the first and second intermediate segments between the first and second ends of the loop portion. The sleeve is rotatable relative to the loop portion between a closed position, wherein the sleeve extends completely along a length of the gap to inhibit passage of the object(s) therethrough, and an open position, wherein the sleeve extends only partially along the length of the gap to permit passage of the object(s) therethrough. The loop portion and/or the sleeve also includes a feedback feature configured to produce an audible and/or a tactile feedback response when the sleeve is rotated to the closed and/or the open position.

Abstract: Above and below a piston (15) inserted into a housing (5), there are respectively provided a lock chamber (16) and a release chamber (17) where compressed air is supplied and discharged. A diametrically expandable and contractible tapered sleeve (28) is attached between an annular plug portion (26) projected upward from the housing (5) and a tapered hole (11) provided in a work pallet (2). An output rod (35) inserted into a cylindrical hole (26a) of the plug portion (26) is connected to the piston (15). Lock springs (49) constituted by compression coil springs are respectively inserted into a plurality of spring-attachment holes (48) formed in a recessed manner in an upper wall (16a) of the lock chamber (16). The spring-attachment holes (48) are communicatively connected to an outer surface of the housing (5) by through holes (55), respectively, and pushing members (56) are hermetically inserted into the through holes (55).

Abstract: Slits (36) are formed on a wall part (28) of a clip (16), and a locking piece (34) is made elastically deformable. Only the locking piece (34) is elastically deformed outward when a suspender (22) is locked in the locking piece (34). The locking piece (34) is restored when an upper face (22A) of the suspender (22) passes a top part of a locking claw (38) of the locking piece (34). The suspender (22) is thus prevented from coming out, and the suspender (22) is locked in the clip (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckle including a frame, a tongue inserted into the frame and locked with the frame, an ejector provided in the frame to push the tongue outward from the frame, a holder that prevents the ejector from pushing the tongue outward from the frame by being displaced forward the ejector, thereby maintaining locking of the tongue, and a withdrawal prevention unit that prevents the holder from moving back beyond withdrawing and being displaced backward the ejector when an impact is applied from an outside of the frame, thereby preventing the locking of the tongue from being released by the impact.

Abstract: A clip includes a grommet and a pin. The grommet includes a flange part; a leg part extending in cylindrical form from a lower face of the flange part; an insertion hole running through the leg part from the flange part and allowing insertion of the pin; and slits dividing the leg part into a plurality of divided pieces capable of expanding. The pin includes a head part having a larger outer diameter than the insertion hole; and a shaft part extending from a lower face of the head part, for expanding the divided pieces by being inserted into the insertion hole. The shaft part is provided with a provisional fastening part projecting to curve outwardly in a radial direction on a tip part thereof, for elastically contacting with an inner edge part on an upper face of the opening of the insertion hole.

Abstract: An adjustment system for adjusting the width of a cuff has an elongated adjustment strip having a set of longitudinally extending teeth. Each tooth has a forward side and a rearward side. The length of each forward side is greater than a length of each of the rearward sides so that an angle between a longitudinal axis of the strip and the forward side is less than an angle between the longitudinal axis and the rearward side of each tooth. There is a locking mechanism formed by a base plate having a locking device on an underside and a guide for slidably connecting the locking mechanism to the strip. The teeth and the locking device are configured so that the locking device can be moved forward along the strip using only a small amount of force, and can then be moved rearward using a larger amount of force.

Abstract: A casket is provided that is made entirely from ecologically friendly materials, yet still provides a furniture quality appearance. The casket includes a box having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of end walls. A lid is pivotally supported relative to the box by a hinge assembly for movement between a closed position and an opened position. The casket also includes a locking mechanism that is operable to secure the lid in the closed position. The box, the lid, the hinge assembly, and the locking mechanism are made entirely from naturally occurring materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for needling a fibrous web having at least one needle bar. The needle bar carries a needle board on the bottom thereof having a plurality of needles, the needle bar being guided by means of a moveably mounted bar carrier. The bar carrier is driven by a vertical drive in an oscillating manner in up and down movements. For straight guidance of the bar carrier, a guiding device is provided, which has at least one rocker held at the end by a rotary bearing of a machine frame. In order to obtain the straightest possible guide path in the bar carrier, according to the invention the opposite end of the rocker and the bar carrier are connected by a plurality of members of a coupling kinematic mechanism.

Abstract: Crimp-imbalanced protective fabric is accomplished by varying the levels of yarn crimp within and across a layer or layers of a multi-layer fabric armor system. The method includes developing a crimp in the yarn (utilized for producing a fiber layer) by pulling the yarn through a solution that substantially coats the yarn. The removable coating has a thickness that ensures a proper amount of crimp in the yarn. The tension in the yarn is controlled; the yarn is weaved; and a crimp is applied in the yarn. Once the crimp is applied, families of the crimped yarn are utilized as a layer or layered to produce a soft armor form.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a diode region having a plurality of protection diodes and a pad region overlapped with an upper part of the diode region. The pad region having a pad installed corresponding to an external connection terminal. The semiconductor device further includes a contact plug unit which connects at least one of a plurality of active regions constituting the diode region and the pad within the diode region.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric vibration device wherein a substrate is prepared, and a piezoelectric resonator element is mounted on the substrate. Before or after a packaging member is joined to the substrate, the piezoelectric resonator element is exposed to an environment at a higher temperature than ambient temperature and a higher humidity than ambient humidity, and then an electrical property is measured to detect attachment of dust and/or foreign matter according to a variation of the electrical property.

Abstract: Snap ring pliers include first and second pivotal levers wherein the first lever has a first jaw and a first handle and the second lever has a second jaw and a second handle; a biasing member interconnecting the handles; and a ratchet mechanism comprising a curved ratchet rack having one end secured to an end of the second handle and the other end proximate an end of the first handle; a sliding member secured to the end of the first handle and comprising a projection at one end, and a channel with the other end of the ratchet rack moveably disposed therein; a lock member having one end pivotably secured to the projection and comprising a protrusion at the other end; and a pawl member on the lock member and having one end secured onto the projection, the pawl member comprising a lock hole with the protrusion locked therein.

Abstract: A blind-rivet gun includes a gun header, a cylinder, a piston, and an air saving device. The cylinder is separated from the gun header. The piston and an inner surface of the cylinder form a seal to divide the cylinder into a first air chamber and a second air chamber. The air saving device includes a switch circuit. The switch circuit turns on a first connection between the air inlet pipe and the first air outlet pipe or turns on a second connection between the air inlet pipe, the second air outlet pipe and the third air outlet pipe. The piston slides in the cylinder to generate inner high pressure by alternatively supplying high pressure air to the first air chamber or the second air chamber. The blind-rivet is pulled in and is pushed out of the blind-rivet ejecting pipe by the inner high pressure.

Abstract: A tool device includes a lever having two screw holes, two arms each having an upper orifice for securing to the end portions of the lever, two rods attached to the arms for positioning two end ears of a housing of a universal joint to the arms, one or more screws engaged with the screw holes of the lever and adjustable relative to the lever, and each screw include a lower cavity for engaging with a stud, each stud include a tip for engaging with the slot that is formed between the end ears of the housing and for being forced to engage into the slot and to separate the end ears of the housing from each other and for allowing a bearing member to be removed from the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting rail (8) for mounting and positioning a seal, having attachment devices (12) disposed on a longitudinal side (15) of the mounting rail and each separated from each other by an interruption (13). In order to propose a mounting rail comprising high flexibility allowing simple insertion of the seal even after a long period of use and allowing more uniform pressure distribution when pressing on the seal, the invention proposes that the mounting rail (8) comprises a web (19) running through on the other longitudinal side (16), and at least one opening (1ha-c) is disposed in the mounting rail between the web and each attachment device.

Abstract: A method for operating a linear rod pump to pump fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, include a linear rod pump having a mechanical rack and pinion drive arrangement, adapted for attachment to a pumping mechanism, such as the polished rod at the top of a rod string in a hydrocarbon well. The rack gear, of the rack and pinion drive arrangement, is adapted for connection to, and movement with, the polished rod. The pinion gear does not translate with the rack gear, and is driven by a reversible motor for affecting up and down reciprocating motion of the rack gear and pumping mechanism. Some forms of the invention include a compressible gas counter-balance arrangement. Some forms of the invention include an electronic drive configured for dealing with electric power generated by the motor during a portion of the pumping cycle.

Abstract: A tool for mounting a chisel on a chisel holder, having an actuating member, which has a push-off section, wherein the actuating member can be displaced along a displacement direction. It is possible to simplify changing the chisel if the actuating member can be shifted by an actuating unit. The actuating unit has a draw-in section, which is spaced apart from the push-off section and is arranged transversely with respect to the displacement direction of the actuating member. The actuating member can be power-operated bidirectionally in the displacement direction by the actuating unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ready system for providing floating dock deflection management systems increasing operations efficiency and providing accurate, safe control to eliminate man-made accidents. This invention also relates to a ready system for providing floating dock deflection management systems providing information to safely operate at least one dry dock without over-stressing the metallurgy of the dry dock.

Abstract: A method for producing a switchable core element-based permanent magnet apparatus, used for holding and lifting a target, comprised of two or more carrier platters containing core elements. The core elements are magnetically matched soft steel pole conduits attached to the north and south magnetic poles of one or more permanent magnets, inset into carrier platters. The pole conduits contain and redirect the permanent magnets' magnetic field to the upper and lower faces of the carrier platters. By containing and redirecting the magnetic field within the pole conduits, like poles have a simultaneous level of attraction and repulsion. Aligning upper core elements “in-phase,” with the lower core elements, activates the apparatus by redirecting the magnetic fields of both pole conduits into the target. Anti-aligning upper core elements “out-of-phase,” with the lower core elements, deactivates the apparatus resulting in pole conduits containing opposing fields.

Abstract: A method and device for harmless treatment and recycling of waste refrigerators. Plastic parts, electrical boxes, compressors, and condensers are disassembled at a disassembling station. Refrigerants from compressors are recycled at a fluoride-extracting station. Refrigerator bodies and doors are transferred to a double shaft shredder and a rolling crusher for crushing. Crushed materials are sorted out by wind force, by a self-discharge type iron remover made of permanent magnet and a cylindrical iron remover for magnetic separation. The device is placed in an enclosed workshop equipped with a multistage ventilation system, a protective device of nitrogen, a device for spraying, dedusting, and cooling, and an on-line detection and alarm control device for cyclopentane gas concentration, polyurethane dust concentration, and temperature. The method and device have low manufacturing and operating costs and are dustproof, explosion proof, environmentally friendly and has excellent recycling effects.

Abstract: A method of disassembling a lock-down device in use by a protester may include the steps of applying liquid nitrogen to the lock-down device, wherein the lock-down device includes a connection member for insertion of a protesters arm, wherein the connection member is struck such that it fractures; removing the connection member; and unlocking the protester from the protesters position. A system for disassembling a lock-down device may include a tank for storing the liquid nitrogen; a hose for applying liquid nitrogen; a striking apparatus for fracturing the connection member; an unlocking device for unlocking a protester from the protesters position; and a housing defining a top aperture, wherein the tank, the striking apparatus, and the unlocking device are stored within the housing.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting components on a vessel having a boss with an adapter is described. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an adjustable frame including a support positioned between a first end and a second end, the frame adjustable in at least one of an x, y, and z direction; a fixed clamping device attached to the first end of the frame, the fixed clamping device comprising a lower plate and an upper plate pivotally attached to the lower plate, at least one of the lower and upper plates having a jaw formed therein, the jaw being shaped to hold a first adapter; a rotatable clamping device on the second end of the frame, the rotatable clamping device comprising a lower clamping plate, a lower plate rotatably attached to the lower clamping plate so that movement of the lower clamping plate causes rotation of the lower plate, and an upper plate pivotally attached to the lower plate, at least one of the lower and upper plates having a jaw formed therein, the jaw being shaped to hold a second adapter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of positioning a first pipe facing a second pipe, the end of the first pipe being provided with a first chamfer and a first substantially annular surface placed close to its inside surface, the end of the second pipe being provided with a second chamfer and with a second substantially annular surface located close to its inside surface, said first and second annular surfaces defining a joint plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of each of said pipes. According to the invention, a plurality of clamping actuators regularly distributed around the first and second pipes are used and controlled to shift the second pipe relative to the first pipe parallel to said joint plane as a function of a radial offset H, H? between the first and second annular surfaces so as to guarantee a maximum facing area, referred to as a “coincidence” area for said annular surfaces.