Abstract: A mandrel includes a shaft that can hold a supply roll of film. A primary button and one or more secondary buttons are located on the shaft. The primary button and the one or more secondary buttons are biased toward an extended position and are capable of moving to a retracted position. The primary button and the one or more secondary buttons retract to the retracted position during at least a portion of loading the supply roll of film onto the shaft. The retraction of the primary button to the retracted position causes retraction of the one or more secondary buttons to the retracted position. When the supply roll of film is in an aligned position on the shaft, the supply roll of film is maintained in the aligned position in part by one of the primary button and the one or more secondary buttons in the extended position.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a plurality of lighting fixtures, a plurality of slave devices, and an information communication terminal. Each of the plurality of slave devices includes: first wireless communication circuitry configured to receive, from each of the plurality of lighting fixtures, a signal including a MAC address of the lighting fixture, and to measure a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the signal received; and a first controller that causes the first wireless communication circuitry to transmit the MAC address and RSSI information indicating the RSSI measured. The information communication terminal includes a second controller that makes associations between positions and MAC addresses of the plurality of lighting fixtures based on the RSSI information and position information stored in a storage.

Abstract: A multipurpose retainer adapted to be used as a roller dispenser and for safely storing scissors or shears is providing in a kit including a base; a tubular element extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the proximal end transversely connected to the base; a plurality of elongated rods perpendicularly extending from a shared base, wherein each elongated rod has a diameter ranging between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, wherein each elongated rod has a length ranging between five and ten inches; and the shared base dimensioned to slide through said tubular distal end so as to be supported by said tubular proximal end so that distal ends of the plurality of elongated rods terminate adjacent to said tubular distal end, wherein the elongated tapered object is slidably received through the tubular distal end and nested within the plurality of elongated rods.

Abstract: A spool assembly includes a drum having a first axial end and an oppositely disposed second axial end. The drum includes an inner surface that defines a bore that extends through the first and second axial ends. A drum support is disposed in the bore of the drum. The drum support includes a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. The drum support has an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the drum support and the inner surface of the drum define a plurality of channels. A first flange is engaged to the first end of the drum support. A second flange is engaged to the second end of the drum support.

Abstract: A clamping device (1) for receiving and clamping a film roll (2) is described, comprising a winding core (21) and a film reel (22) arranged on the winding core (21), wherein the clamping device (1) can be moved from an open position, in which the film roll (2) can be inserted into the clamping device (1) or removed from the clamping device (1), into a clamping position, in which the film roll (2) is clamped in the clamping device (1). The clamping device (1) comprises a grooved shaft (11) with receiving grooves (11n) arranged in the longitudinal direction offset at the same angular distance, a screw gear formed from a ring nut (12) and a lock nut (14), and clamping levers (16) arranged radially offset at the same angular distance.

Abstract: A self-securing roll holder for easily exchanging rolls of sheet material. The holder comprises a mounting bracket, an mounting stanchion, a support, and a cap. The cap is pivotally connected to the support with a resilient retaining assembly. The cap has dimensions that allow the cap to act as a retainer in one position and, when moved to a second position, allow rolls of sheet material to be mounted and dismounted from the support. The retaining assembly further comprises a piston, a piston guide, a spring, and a pivot pin all of which are located inside the support. The cap is pivotally connected to the retaining assembly thereby maintaining forcible contact with the support and retaining rolls of sheet material on the support in one position until moved to a second position to exchange rolls.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shade system (10,40,50) for a motor vehicle, said system being adapted to obscure a transparent bodywork element. Said shade system comprises at least one shade guideway (12), a winding shaft and lateral guide elements (18, 20) wherein are guided the lateral edges of the shade guideway (12). The lateral edges of the shade guideway (12) have each a flat and flexible driving band (22A, 22B). In order to ensure that said driving bands (22A, 22b) are wound on the winding shaft (16) and are unwound therefrom in specific manner, a lateral winding guide (28A, 28B;42;52) is arranged at the winding shaft (16) for each driving band (22A, 22B), said winding guides (28A, 28B;42;52) preventing the driving bands (22A, 22B) from being laterally offset at the winding shaft.

Abstract: The invention discloses a coil for a winding-up device adapted for winding up a cutting wire used for cutting through an adhesive bead of a bonded-on pane, having a coil body for winding up the cutting wire, the coil body being provided with at least one opening for securing one end of the cutting wire.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bobbin fixing apparatus. The bobbin fixing apparatus includes a rotating shaft installed to a mounting plate and provided with a fixing unit partially protruding from the rotating shaft so as to be inserted into the rotating shaft, and a bobbin on or from which an object is wound or unwound, the bobbin being placed on the rotating shaft such that the fixing unit is exposed in front of the bobbin. The bobbin includes a rotating body, a plurality of bobbin members on which an object is wound, and an end coupler configured to be operated upon receiving pressure when the bobbin is placed on the rotating shaft, the end coupling serving to keep an end of the object in a fixed position on the rotating shaft during winding or to release the end of the object from the fixed position during unwinding.

Abstract: A media hanger/guide comprising a media hub having a top surface and a channel extending through a portion of the top surface. The media hanger/guide further comprises two mounting brackets positioned in the channel, each mounting bracket having an elongated member and each elongated member having a plurality of teeth located thereon. Each mounting bracket also has a support member connected thereto. At least a portion of each support member is located outside of the channel of the media hub. The support members are adapted for lateral movement along the channel of the media hub relative to the top surface of the media hub. The media hanger/guide further comprises two gears positioned in the channel. Each gear is in operable connection with the teeth of one of the mounting bracket's elongated members. The gears are also in operable connection with each other.

Abstract: A winding device generally includes a spool, which includes a shaft, a sleeve rotatably coupled to the shaft such that the sleeve and the shaft are capable of partial independent rotation relative to one another, with the sleeve adapted to receive thereon a core onto which a web of material may be wound, and one or more gripping members, which are adapted to engage the core upon relative rotation of the shaft in a first direction, and disengage the core upon relative rotation of the shaft in a second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for storing and dispensing multiple rolls of toilet paper. The present invention comprises a weighted base with an elongated vertical body, onto which several rolls of toilet paper can be placed. The top portion of the elongated body pivots, and can lock in a vertical position, allowing for storage of additional rolls of toilet paper. The top portion can also lock into a horizontal position for use of a toilet paper roll mounted thereon. Once a roll of toilet paper is depleted, a user slides a replacement roll up the vertical body, and over the pivot, where it rests on the top portion.

Abstract: A yarn package holder including a support post, a latch block coaxially disposed on the support post and selectively rotatable thereon, a rotatable support block coaxially disposed on the support post above the latch block, a cone holder extending laterally from the support block, a collar coaxially disposed on the support post above the support block and selectively rotatable thereon and stop means extending upwardly from the support block and cooperating with a stop extension extending from the collar to stop rotation of the support block.

Abstract: A film supply apparatus supplying film in a foam-in-bag system having a film feeding device for feeding film from a film source to a location for bag formation, a bag forming apparatus, a foam material dispenser positioned for feeding foam material for reception in a bag of the bag forming apparatus, and a web tensioning system with a web tensioning driver in driving communication with the film source and which is in communication with a controller for monitoring the film feed and web tension states and directing adjustments in the web tension system. The web tensioning driver is arranged to move film backwards or in a direction opposite to a direction of film feed induced by the film feeding means and with the film source including a roll of film and the web tensioning system including a drive transmission in communication with the roll of film for rotational driving of the roll of film and also in communication with web tensioning driver.

Abstract: A hand dispenser for stretch film. The stretch film from the hand dispenser is dispensed by using one hand from a person. The hand dispenser comprises a handle with prongs, a collar with a flange and a notched cylinder with flexible sections, and a foam sleeve for a cushion grip. The handle prongs are inserted into the extended core of the roll. The film is wound around one end of the extended core.

Abstract: A paper towel holder facilitates tearing of paper towels from a continuous roll of paper towels supported on the holder, and prevents excessive unraveling of the roll. A portable paper towel holder has a vertical pole and a base having an annular rim of uneven height. The uneven annular rim provides the combination of tall and short sections to balance between effectively holding the towel from excess unraveling, and facilitating ease of tearing of paper towel pieces from the roll. A releasable handle is provided at the distal end of the pole to securely retain the paper towel roll on the vertical pole. The handle is provided with recessed releasing buttons for releasing the handle from the pole. Another embodiment provides a paper towel holder that is structured for mounting to a vertical surface. A spring is provided to provide a bias in the axial direction of the roll.

Abstract: The present invention provides an uncoiler apparatus capable of minimizing a waste amount of the total amount of coil, by reducing the damage to the surface of the coil caused by line contact between the coil and a drum when the drum expands to clamp the coil.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent or latch for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head. A spindle assembly has two latches for counter-justifying a wide range of cores of different widths.

Abstract: A film supply apparatus supplying film in a foam-in-bag system having a film feeding device for feeding film from a film source to a location for bag formation, a bag forming apparatus, a foam material dispenser positioned for feeding foam material for reception in a bag of the bag forming apparatus, and a web tensioning system with a web tensioning driver in driving communication with the film source and which is in communication with a controller for monitoring the film feed and web tension states and directing adjustments in the web tension system. The web tensioning driver is arranged to move film backwards or in a direction opposite to a direction of film feed induced by the film feeding means and with the film source including a roll of film and the web tensioning system including a drive transmission in communication with the roll of film for rotational driving of the roll of film and also in communication with web tensioning driver.

Abstract: A holder for a rolled medium is provided. The holder has a mandrel having a drive surface adapted to receive the rolled medium and is adapted to be rotated so that an amount of rolled medium on the drive surface can be unrolled therefrom. A stop is located on a stop end of the drive surface. A retaining surface is located on a load end of the drive surface and is separated from the stop so that a rolled medium can be disposed therebetween with the retaining surface being movable between a first position where the retaining surface projects above the drive surface and a second position where the retaining surface does not project above the drive surface. A resilient biasing structure is joined to the retaining surface to drive the retaining surface toward the first position and the drive surface drives the rolled media toward the stop.

Abstract: Winding machine for rolled or drawn wire/rod with turn clutch device for automatic winding of the type comprising a reel with a mandrel and base flange and an external mobile containment counter flange, wherein the counter flange is openable to allow the axial extraction from the mandrel of the reel of the completed coil, the flange of base comprising a recess to receive the head of the wire/rod to be wound, with an overturned trapezoidal annular recess with corresponding reduction towards the base for auto-clamping the wire/rod to start winding without requiring pincers.

Abstract: A reinforcement binding machine (20) capable of binding reinforcement (22) by winding wire (27) in loop shape around the reinforcement (22), wherein irregular parts (43) are formed on the peripheral surface of a reel mounting shaft (40), an engagement claw (47) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of a hub hole (46) of the reel (38), and an engagement part (48) engaged with the irregular parts (43) to prevent the reel (38) from racing is formed at the tip part of the engagement claw (47), whereby the reel can be prevented from racing while allowing the reel to rotate in normal and reverse directions so as to eliminate the occurrence of entanglement of the wire.

Abstract: A rotating article dispenser is provided for receiving and dispensing articles, such as a paper towel roll. The dispenser includes a handle which may be easily attached and removed by use of a clamping head provided in the handle which clamps around a bulb protruding from a first end of a tube. Upon depression of a button attached to the clamping head, the head may be released from the bulb so that the handle may be removed from the first end of the dispenser tube.

Abstract: A material dispenser system for efficiently dispensing elongate material. The material dispenser system includes a first prong and a second prong resiliently connected by a base in a substantially U-shaped structure. The prongs each have a shoulder and a jaw that receive a spool between thereof. To load a spool, the user compresses the handles of the prongs thereby allowing insertion of the distal portions of the prongs through the core of the spool. To dispense material from the spool, the user compresses the handles of the prongs thereby allowing free rotation of the spool upon the prongs. If the user desires tension within the elongate material being dispenses, the handles are allowed to expand slightly so that the prongs frictionally engage the core of the spool. When it is desired not to have elongate material dispensed, the user allows the prongs to expand outwardly thereby frictionally engaging the core of the spool to prevent rotation of the spool.

Abstract: A tube holder on a creel receives a cardboard tube with a yam wound thereabout. The tube holder is preferably equipped with a tube stop at a non-feeding portion of the tube holder and a tube end protector which is preferably connected to the tube holder at a feeding end of the tube holder. The tube end protector is constructed at least partially out of a resilient material wherein the tube is placed over the tube end protector causing it to deflect until the cardboard tube is properly located on the tube holder wherein the tube end protector resumes its normal configuration and protects the line wound about the cardboard tube from any potential defects at the feeding end of the cardboard tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping hair with a cord is provided and includes a housing; a main spindle operatively coupled to the housing and defining a main spindle bore for receiving cord and hair; a rotatable spool carrier and at least one spool. The spool carrier has a platform and a drive spindle operatively coupled to the main spindle so that rotation of the main spindle is translated into rotation of the platform. The drive spindle has guides for receiving cord and permitting the cord to be disposed through a bore extending through the drive spindle. The rotation of the main spindle causes cord to be dispensed through the one guide and the drive spindle bore and the main spindle bore, hair is disposed through the drive spindle bore and the main spindle bore, and the main spindle is rotated to wrap the hair with cord.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixturing a spool on a wire winding machine. The invention provides a winding fixture rotatably driven about a rotational axis and fixture and cooperatively engageable with the spool. The jaw member is movable between a first clamped position, wherein the jaw member is adjacent the spool, and a second clamped position, wherein the jaw member engages the spool and maintains the position of the spool relative to the winding fixture in response to a centrifugal force created by the rotation of said winding fixture. The jaw member provides a slotted aperture therein for cooperatively receiving a pivot pin that is connected to the winding fixture. The jaw member has an engaging end adjacent the spool and a weighted end opposite the engaging end.

Abstract: A socket latch drum release assembly includes a shaft release coupling which telescopically engages a rotary drum shaft to selectively lock and unlock a rotary drum of a drain cleaning machine without the necessity of tools. The shaft release coupling includes a polygonal shaped distal end which corresponds with a polygonal opening in the removable drum shaft. At least one of the plurality of faces which form the polygonal shaped distal end includes a retractable engagement member which corresponds to a recess located in each face of the polygonal opening. The drum shaft is directed into the sleeve from one side and the shaft release coupling is engaged with the shaft on the opposite side of the sleeve. Engagement between a radially extending flange of the shaft release coupling and the end of the shaft rotatably locks the rotary drum shaft into the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a quick-change spool system. A quick-change spool system includes one or more spools, each spool including a cavity in which there are one or more recesses. The system includes a spool base configured for detachably coupling with a spool support shaft of a fishing reel body, the spool base including a member configured for mating with the cavity of one of the spools. The system includes a retaining mechanism that includes one or more spring-loaded keys that are shaped such that the keys depress when the member of the spool base is being inserted into the cavity of one of the spools and, furthermore, extend to engage the recesses when the member of the spool is fully inserted into the cavity.

Abstract: A material dispensing system for allowing convenient replacement of a spool of elongate material. The material dispensing system includes a tubular main body formed for receiving a spool of material, a handle attached to the tubular main body, and a set of retaining prongs positioned within the main body for selectively retaining the spool of material upon the main body. The retaining prongs are comprised of a resilient material for allowing the distal portions thereof to be forcibly contracted thereby allowing the spool of material to be unloaded and a replacement spool to be loaded. The retaining prongs have a flanged portion that extend outwardly and have a total width greater than an inner diameter of the spool of material.

Abstract: This invention provides a core and shaft assembly that enables a user to place a core of web material onto the shaft in a position for feeding the web material. This invention provides a web material core with axially positioned areas that mate with a shaft that has upwardly protruding pins thereby preventing the shaft from rotating when a core with web material wound around it that will not work in the machine is placed on the shaft. The core onto which a web of material can be wound or supported has at least one axially extending slot. The slot extends from the end of the core and ends in the central portion of the core. The shaft subassembly comprises an inner shaft having notches and an outer shaft having spring-loaded pins. The spring-loaded pins mate with the notches on the inner shaft when a core, not designed for use by the given machine, is mounted onto the shaft. The shaft assembly will cease rotating thereby causing the core with the web material wound around it to stop rotating also.

Abstract: This invention provides a core and shaft assembly that enables a user to place a core of web material onto the shaft in a position for feeding the web material. This invention provides a web material core with axially positioned areas that mate with a shaft that has upwardly protruding pins thereby preventing the shaft from rotating when a core with web material wound around it that will not work in the machine is placed on the shaft. The core onto which a web of material can be wound or supported has at least one axially extending slot. The slot extends from the end of the core and ends in the central portion of the core. The shaft subassembly comprises an inner shaft having notches and an outer shaft having spring-loaded pins. The spring-loaded pins mate with the notches on the inner shaft when a core, not designed for use by the given machine, is mounted onto the shaft. The shaft assembly will cease rotating thereby causing the core with the web material wound around it to stop rotating also.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a cable management system for supporting and routing cables. The cable management system includes one or more cable supports attached to a support structure such as a wall or electronics cabinet. Each cable support includes one or more cable spools detachably mounted to a spool guide. The spool guide includes a channel extending along its length and in-turned flanges that extend partially across the opening of the channel. Each cable spool includes a spool body and a coupler. The coupler has a retractable brace that can be inserted into the channel, rotated and retracted toward the spool body for clamping the in-turned flanges between the brace and the spool body.

Abstract: Holder for rolls of web-shaped materials, for example paper, nonwoven or foil, the holder including a shaft (7) intended to be inserted into the centre hole (5) of the roll (2), so that the roll can rotate around the shaft for unrolling the web-shaped material. In order to provide a braking of the rotation of the roll the shaft (7) is provided with at least one resilient member in the form of a leaf spring (10) having one end attached to the shaft and having a free portion (12) which in unloaded position projects radially from the shaft for increasing the radial dimension thereof, the resilient member can be brought to spring towards the spindle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved reel support for rotating reels in a magnetic tape cassette inserted in a magnetic tape recording-and-playing apparatus. The reel support is a resin mold, and it comprises a support stage having a reel post and blades integrally connected to and standing upright from the support stage. The upright blades extend in the longitudinal slots made in the circumference of the upright reel post. Each upright blade has a nail formed on its tip end, partially appearing from the circumference of the upright reel post to the extent of being caught by a selected projection in the indented-aperture of either reel. Each longitudinal slot has a stepwise indent formed on one side facing the tail side of the nail of the blade, thus permitting the corner of the nail to be engaged with the stepwise indent of the one side of the longitudinal slot when the blade is yieldingly bent as a counter action to the pushing of the confronting projection.

Abstract: The dispensing machine for wipe material with the reel in a frontal position of the type comprising a housing (2), a cover (3), a drum (4), a cutting device (5-6) built into the drum, means of starting and returning the drum including a cam and start spring is distinctive in that it comprises a device to prevent loops in the material paid out from the reel (B) of material, said device comprising a reel holder (16) capable of engaging and positioning itself on a fixed support (17) physically joined to the rear wall of the bottom of the housing, said reel holder being rotatably mounted on support (17) in opposition to an elastic return means and in that the reel holder is devised to position itself on a long bearing surface (17b) of support (17), being locked into position relative to the latter and in that the reel holder co-operates with the spindle of the reel of wipe material in order to drive it.