Abstract: A handheld grip assist device for use in gripping an object in a sanitary manner. The grip assist device has a clamshell construction, wherein two assemblies are joined at a hinge. The two assemblies have a rigid frame that support elastomeric panels. Movement between an open configuration and a closed configuration are controlled by engaging the grip assist device between a thumb and finger and using the muscles of the hand to open and close the grip assist device. In this manner, the grip assist device can be precisely controlled while preventing any direct contact between a gripped object and the skin of the hand. The grip assist device can be locked in its closed configuration, therein isolating surfaces on the grip assist device that could cause cross-contamination.

Abstract: A hole digger is provided. The hole digger includes a first handle assembly and a second handle assembly. The first handle assembly includes a first grip, a first intermediate portion, and a first blade. The first intermediate portion extends between the first grip and the first blade. The second handle assembly including a second grip, a second intermediate portion, and a second blade. The second intermediate portion extends between the second grip and the second blade. The second handle assembly is pivotally coupled to the first handle assembly such that a front surface of the first blade faces a front surface of the second blade. The first blade is not identical to the second blade.

Abstract: The post-extracting tool is a pair of tongs adapted to remove posts, small trees, and bushes from the ground. Each arm of the tongs comprise a lever, a jaw and a loop. Each jaw has teeth that can bite into the object being removed. The arms of the tongs pivot at a pivot point. The post-extracting tool can be position near the object being removed with a set of teeth on either side of the object. A vehicle can be used to pull on the loops, simultaneously pulling the arms together so that the teeth bite into the object and pulling the tool and the object away.

Abstract: A snack food serving device that includes a handle portion, a first gripper portion and a second gripper portion. The handle portion has a first handle member and a second handle member that are operably attached to each other. The first gripper portion is attached to the first handle member. The first gripper portion includes a first plurality of gripping members radially extending therefrom. The second gripper portion is attached to the second handle member. The second gripper portion includes a second plurality of gripping members radially extending therefrom.

Abstract: A method and a tool for remotely pivoting an element mounted in a structure is provided. The method includes exerting a lever effect on the element by way of a control bearing on the structure coupled to a connection engaged with the element to cause it to pivot in a pivoting plane. The method also includes applying an angular offset to this connection in a plane different from the pivoting plane, in which the lever effect is produced, in order to render the control remotely operable.

Abstract: A commercial shelf product alignment device for facilitating neat and straight alignment of commercial products on a shelf in a market includes a handle having a first end and a second end. An elongated shaft is coupled to and extends from the handle. A bend is positioned in the shaft defining a first section and a second section of the shaft. The first section defines a right angle with the second section wherein the shaft is configured for aligning products on a commercial shelf by abutting the products against the first section of the shaft.

Abstract: A grasping device for a bead ring grasps the bead ring formed of a wire wound around an annular winding unit provided on the outer circumferential surface of a rotary body while fixing a beginning and a termination of the wire. The grasping device includes an upper grasping unit that grasps an upper part of the bead ring and a lower receiver that receives a lower part of the bead ring. The upper grasping unit is formed of a pair of grasping bodies that can be released from each other and closed relative to each other so as to clamp the upper part of the bead ring therebetween. The lower receiver is formed of a receiving recessed part that receives the lower end of the bead ring.

Abstract: A tool facilitates removing a remnant piece of rubber/insulating material on a spark plug located in a deep engine recess, where the piece is a remnant portion (e.g., a ring portion) of an insulating boot from a conductor assembly formerly attached to a top of the spark plug, but where the remnant portion tore away upon removal of the boot. The tool includes a long shaft, a handle, and a tip configured to slip between or under the remnant piece and the spark plug, where it can be partially rotated to slip under or bite into the piece to forcibly pull the piece out of the recess. The tip includes a sharp corner and a chamfered corner adapted to physically dig into (or slip under) the remnant piece upon the partial rotation of the shaft. A related method is also disclosed. The tool can be a strip of 3/16?× 1/32? steel, such as an oil dipstick.

Abstract: A tool head including a metal, generally U-shaped body with two tines and a curved area, and a metal rod integral to and extending from the curved area of the U-shaped head. Each of the two tines has a tip, a tine body, and an end that joins with the curved area. One tip is straight and one tip is angled so that the angled tip is not coplanar with the plane defined by the tine bodies of the two tines. A tool including the tool head, a handle with a ferrule end and a non-ferrule end, where the handle is integral to the metal rod of the tool head at the ferrule end, and a metal ferrule integral to the handle at the ferrule end of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical grasping device for fireplaces, specifically for manipulating and moving burning logs, embers and other hot elements in or near a fireplace. The present invention includes a hollow tubular structure, a solid rod that runs inside the length of the hollow tubular member, a looped handle that rotates attached to one end of solid rod, and pivotal and stationary grasping prongs located at the end opposite looped handle.

Abstract: A friction grip fireplace tool comprising a rod or bar, having a hand grip on one end, and on the other end a resilient, unary, v-shaped open-jawed mouth to grip, lift and re-position logs in a fireplace. There are no moving parts, no hinges, or pivot points. The tool can be made of one solid piece of steel or material with similar properties of elasticity and fire resistance or can be fabricated from two or more parts. A log is held in place by friction, created by ridges within the open-jawed mouth of the tool and the spring effect of the open-jawed mouth being forced onto a log. The spring effect of the tool's mouth along with the friction effect of the ridges allow most burning logs to be completely lifted, held, and moved about safely.

Abstract: A device for the remote manipulation of items comprising a support staff having a fore end and an aft end and including a handle at the aft end, a handle fulcrum proximate the aft end, a clamp fulcrum proximate the fore end, and a grip positioned between the handle fulcrum and the clamp fulcrum; a fork extending from the fore end of the support staff; a handle lever pivotally connected to the handle fulcrum and pivotal between an open position and a closed position; a clamp lever pivotally connected to the clamp fulcrum; a clamping tine extending from the clamp lever to be pivotal therewith between an open position and a closed position in relation to the fork; and a linkage extending between the handle lever and the clamp lever such that, when the handle lever is pivoted to the open position, the clamp lever is pivoted to place the clamping tine in the open position in relation to the fork, and, when the handle lever is pivoted to the closed position, the clamp lever is pivoted to place the clamping tine in

Abstract: This invention provides a mechanism used for tending to the combustible material in a firebox, furnace, or the like. Use of the unique “sliding/pivoting joint” linkage design allows for a minimum number and complexity of components needed to translate the linear motion of the user's fingers into rotational grabbing motion of the movable jaw. The linkage includes using a slotted hole to both pin the linkage to the main body of the mechanism and allow the linkage to convert linear motion into rotational motion as the linkage both slides along and rotates around this connecting pin. The mechanism has a uniquely designed mechanical linkage which results in minimizing manufacturing costs, while allowing selection of aesthetically pleasing fabrication material. A further use of the implement is grasping and manipulating various objects which arc in a relatively inaccessible or somewhat dangerous positions.

Abstract: A disk transfer apparatus includes an elongated arm which is pivotally connected at one end to a mounting block for pivotal movement through a vertical plane. A head is mounted on the free end of the arm, and has a pair of fixed, parallel jaws projecting therefrom forming a slot therebetween to receive a disk. A disk will contact the bottom of the slot between the jaws so that the forward ends of the jaws are juxtaposed through the central aperture in the disk. In this way, the disk will contact the jaws only at the edges of the inner side wall of the aperture and the outer side wall around the perimeter of the disk, during movement of the disk with the arm.

Abstract: A trench plate connector comprising a large-diameter skirt member for dissipating lateral forces, applied onto the trench plate connector, is disclosed. The large-diameter skirt member is threaded onto a stud, and can be locked onto the stud with a nut. Once the large-diameter skirt member is locked into place, one or more arms of the large-diameter skirt member can be used to apply rotational forces onto the trench plate connector to thereby secure or remove the stud of the trench plate connector from the trench plate. Each arm of the large-diameter skirt member can be impacted with a hammer, for example, to apply substantial rotational forces onto the trench plate connector for tightening or removal thereof. A unique double-threaded stud is used to accommodate the large-diameter skirt member. The double-threaded stud comprises a first thread on one end for being threaded into a trench plate, and a second thread on the other end for accommodating both the large-diameter skirt member and a securing nut.

Abstract: Fastening devices such as swivel hoist rings are provided with machine-readable encoded information permanently affixed thereto.

Abstract: A magnet positioning apparatus is provided for positioning a magnet or magnets through a hole in a surface, such as a road surface, a cabinet surface or a curved surface, and into a subsurface region therein. The magnet positioning apparatus includes a main body portion made of a non-magnetic material. The main body portion may be any shape, a hollow cylindrically shaped or plate-/block-shaped with a lower surface shape complementarily corresponding to the shape of a flat or curved surface in which the magnet is to be positioned. If the main body portion is a hollow cylindrical member, the outer periphery of the hollow cylindrical member includes a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly therefrom. In a case where there are three arms, two of the arms may extend outwardly rectilinearly with the third arm extending perpendicularly outwardly from the other two arms.

Abstract: A bag support for a paper or plastic trash bag such as are commonly used to gather lawn and garden waste for disposal. The bag support has a funnel connected to a nozzle with a nozzle outlet. The funnel and the nozzle are rectangular in cross-section with opposing side walls and end walls. Slots are provided in the opposing side walls or the end walls or both of the nozzle. The funnel and nozzle are integral and the bag support is preferably formed in two identical sections with complementary male and female couplings for releasably joining the sections.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a pocket of an article of clothing and for retrieving the contents thereof includes a handle having a snagger member at one end thereof and a scoop member at the other end thereof. The handle includes two handle portions movable relative to one another. The snagger member includes a sharp projection which will snag a pocket liner to pull it inside out when the apparatus is pulled out of a pocket and the scoop member defines a recess for retaining contents of the pocket to extract the contents when the apparatus is pulled from the pocket.

Abstract: A self-sensing wafer holder in a robot blade is described which includes a holder body of generally elongated shape adapted for carrying a wafer on a top surface and at least three sensors positioned on the holder body sufficiently away from each other to form a plane that is covered by the wafer. The at least three sensors can be of the capacitive type, the optical type or the weight sensing type. The wafer holder is capable of determining whether a wafer is properly seated on top of the holder and automatically stopping the motion of the robot blade when a misplacement is detected by utilizing a sensing circuit including logic gates.

Abstract: A manually-operable device for use by tree stand hunters for retrieving items that have been left on the ground or that have fallen from the hunter or tree stand onto the ground, includes an elongated shank, a rope having one end attached to the shank and an opposite end for grasping by the hunter situated in the tree stand, a plurality of flexible arms attached to the shank which are movable from an open position to a gripping position and are radially disposed circumjacent the longitudinal axis of the shank, a trigger plate slidably mounted on the arms for selectively spreading the arms and selectively closing the arms so that the item can be retrieved and released, and a weighted disc mounted on the shank for linear, reciprocable movement thereon so that the movement of the disc on the shank causes the disc to contact the trigger plate thereby forcing the trigger plate to slide on the arms, thus drawing the arms toward the shank axis so that the arms engage and retrieve the item.

Abstract: This invention is a device to aid the disabled in placing and retrieving items from hard to reach places in a kitchen. Specifically, it aids in placing and retrieving frozen foods off a top shelf of a freezer. The device wraps around freezer containers and uses a string and hook on the inside of a freezer to pull the item into and out of the freezer. The rubber hooks are attached to the freezer on the top edge. The rubber holder wraps around a container and a string attaches to the container and loops around the hook. The free end of the string is then used to raise and lower the food item to the handicapped person. A tag located on the free end of the string identifies the particular food item.

Abstract: The device for handling items (20) with a head (21) and a shank (22), such as screws, pins and the like, has a hand piece (1), which has a chamber (2) for receiving the items (20). From an inner side (11) of the chamber (2) there extends a guiding recess (14,17) to a dispensing side (3) of the hand piece (1), which recess has a cross-section adapted to the outer contour of the items (20) and, at the end on the dispensing side, an end portion (18) angled away with respect to a delivery portion (19) adjoining the chamber (2). The items (20) can be transferred from the chamber (2) to the dispensing side (3), for example by tilting with respect to the horizontal, the angling away of the end portion (18) with respect to the delivery portion (19) having the effect of creating a dispensing block, ahead of which the items (20) build up in the dispensing direction.

Abstract: A gardening aid in the form of a nylon pruning cloth which has a split down its center and terminates at a central circular section. A pouch is sewn on one side of the cloth to collect pruned clippings. The pruning cloth fits around the base of a shrub or tree and catches the clippings as they fall. When the pruned specimen is completely trimmed, any of the clippings which have not fallen from the specimen onto the pruning cloth may be swept thereupon and towed away for easy and clean removal from a particular work site.

Abstract: A arm 4 or 104 comprises a heat conduction suppressing portion such as cut-out grooves 8 or a low-temperature melting substance which suppresses conduction of heat. The heat conduction suppressing portion is disposed between a tip end portion of a front end arm 4 or 104 coupled to a mounting member 5 for a wafer W, and a basal portion of the front end arm 4 or 104. The substrate transfer apparatus according to the present invention can accurately transfer a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer for a long term while suppressing an influence of heat from a film growth apparatus or the like, to a level as low as possible.

Abstract: An attachable/detachable swivel hook and yoke for lifting a vertically oriented riser pipe section into place such that the lifted pipe section may be threadably joined to another upright riser section. The hook is swivel mounted to a yoke bracket and a threaded collar is adapted to threadably fit on the threads of a riser pipe to be lifted. The collar is held on the lifted riser pipe so that it may swivel on hook and be threaded to said upright riser pipe section.

Abstract: A bag extraction device for removing a plastic bag from a bag holding container. The device includes a handle for removing the bag from the container. The handle is attached to a rigid frame that supports the plastic bag. Pores at the bottom of the frame and opening at the top of the frame allow air to flow through its interior. The device substantially equalizes pressure above and below the plastic bag. During extraction from its bag holding container, the bag is prevented from breaking and spilling its contents.

Abstract: A device (20) for the retrieval of a ferromagnetic object (22) from a remote area is provided. The device (20) contains a retractable tape measure (24) and a magnetic gripping head (26). The tape measure (24) has a blade (30) with a first end (64), an opposing second end (66), a longitudinal axis (68) extending between the first and second ends (64, 66), and a zero hook (32) coupled to the first end (64). The gripping head (26) has a housing with a gripping opening (40) in a face (42) thereof and a coupling opening (62) in another face (70) thereof. The gripping head (26) also has a magnet (38) within the housing (34). The housing (34) and magnet (38) are configured so that a portion of the magnet (38) protrudes through the gripping opening (40) to effect magnetic engagement with the ferromagnetic object (22) during retrieval.

Abstract: In a side-pull hoist ring having a load carrying ring, a clevis pivotally supporting the load carrying ring for rotation about a first axis and a post assembly extending through the clevis and fixedly engageable with a threaded bore on a load for allowing 360.degree. rotation of the clevis about a second axis generally perpendicular to the load. The post assembly includes a lower support bushing with a large diameter lower load bearing flange and a bolt receiving passageway coaxial with the second axis; a bolt extending through the passageway into the threaded bore of the load where the bolt has a head carrying an upper flange member coacting with the lower flange to capture the clevis and a shank. There is a first cylinder groove in the passageway and a second cylindrical groove around the shank. The grooves are axially aligned when the lower flange and the upper flange capture the clevis.

Abstract: A retriever tool comprised of dual telescopic shafts extending outwardly from a midpoint. The telescopic shafts are composed of a predetermined number of rectangular members which are sleeved and coupled to one another by a series of protuberances and grooves. A magnetic member and an adhesive member are located on the first distal end of the retriever tool. A hook is incorporated into the second distal end of the retriever tool. The magnetic member, adhesive member, and hook allow the user to retrieve metallic as well as non-metallic items of various sizes.

Abstract: A collapsible grappling hook comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end and a raised shoulder portion located between the first end and the second end a spring having a first end and a second end, the spring attached to the shaft such that the first end contacts the raised shoulder portion, a fixed grapple attached to the shaft including at least one extending fluke and a movable grapple slidable attached to the shaft between the fixed grapple and the raised shoulder, the movable grapple including at least one extending fluke, wherein the movable grapple is movable from a collapsed position such that the movable grapple is generally parallel to the to fixed grapple to an open position such that the movable grapple is generally perpendicular to the fixed grapple whereby the spring applies a sufficient force from the second end of the spring to the movable grapple to lock the grapple in the open position.

Abstract: An end effector in a transport module includes a body and a web defined by a panel and first and second flanges at opposite panel ends. The first flange is attached to the body. The second flange is displaced from, and transverse to, the panel. Rods extending through the flanges into the body rigidify the web. Springs disposed in holes in the body and extending between the first flange and the body balance the web relative to the body. The second flange and a ledge on the body adjacent the first flange support the substrate opposite ends with the central portion of the substrate displaced from the body and the web. A robotic assembly formed from a plurality of arms is coupled to the body. The arms are pivotable relative to one another and to the body between contracted and expanded relationships. With the arms contracted, the body and the web are rotatable in the transport module between positions facing the cassette module or the process module.

Abstract: An improved conduit has a cross sectional profile which generally provides an elongate support structure having at least one anchoring structure extending from the support structure to engage any groove on a base board structure to enable the conduit to be "snapped" into a place of consistent support. Generally, the conduit will be pushed down directly against the support structure to enable the support structure to either become anchored or to flex against and secure the engagement of the anchoring structure. A variety of embodiments take advantage of the widest variety of corner configurations in order to provide the widest applicability of the conduit. A tool is disclosed to facilitate installation of the conduit.

Abstract: A lollipop stick and a lollipop are provided with an expandable support for supporting a lollipop stick and the lollipop in an erect orientation. The support may be formed by a plurality of slits in the bottom end of the lollipop stick so that a plurality of deflectable legs are formed between each pair of slits. The legs may be rotated away from one another to form a tripod or other such support. Thus, the lollipop can be supported in an erect condition after the initial opening of the lollipop, but prior to complete consumption. The support may be configured to present indicia, such as a logo, when support is in the condition for holding the lollipop in the erect orientation.

Abstract: A novel lobby dust pan for receipt of floor sweepings including a light-weight tube having a first downwardly directed portion for carrying by a handle located thereabove; a second portion, spaced-apart from the handle, bending away from the first portion; and, a third portion bending away from the second portion and terminating at near floor level, a frame, formed by interconnecting frame sides, located opposite the third tube portion, attached to the tube and defining an opening projecting forward and above floor level; and, a non-rigid container, having an opening attached about the frame and extending rearward to incase the second and the third tube portions therein, for receipt of dust and debris swept from the floor through the frame opening where the second and the third tube portions provide interior support for the container.

Abstract: A hoist ring assembly for transporting loads, including an anchor bushing that is threaded into the load and forms the pivot for a releasable swivel hanger assembly with a shackle connectable to an overhead hoist. The swivel hanger is quickly attachable to and detachable from the anchor bushing to expedite load movement. The hanger swivels on the anchor bushing in a side-pull action and has a key hole slot that hangs the anchor bushing during use and permits the hanger to be rapidly removed from the anchor bushing when the hoist is slack. A latch lever holds the hanger in its attached position on the anchor bushing when unloaded and is quickly flipped out of the way for swivel hanger removal.

Abstract: In a semiconductor test equipment, in which test probes are placed into contact with bonding pads of semiconductor chips on a semiconductor wafer, an adjustment tool for adjusting the position of the test probes is disclosed. The adjustment tool comprises a cylindrical base portion, a triangular intermediate portion, and a flat, rectangular tip portion. The tool is preferably formed of used test probes comprised of tungsten. The tool is plated with a titanium nitride layer to increase the life of the tool.

Abstract: A hoist ring assembly for transporting loads, including an anchor bushing that is threaded into the load and forms the pivot for a releasable swivel hanger assembly with a shackle connectable to an overhead hoist. The swivel hanger is easily attachable to and detachable from the anchor bushing to expedite load movement. The hanger swivels on the anchor bushing in a side-pull or center pull action and has diametral retractable locking pins that enter the anchor bushing in the attached mode that when retracted permit the hanger to be rapidly removed from the anchor bushing.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a trash bag for use in collecting leaves, cuttings and other lawn debris comprises a frame assembly formed of a metal rod bent into a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of generally S-shaped terminations. A pair of feet formed of metal strips welded to the rod support the frame in an upright position for ease in filling the trash bag with debris. The rod is adapted to be flexed into engagement with the bag to retain it securely in position by means of a handle which holds the frame in an outwardly flexed condition against the bag.

Abstract: A utensil holder is provided which generally includes a plurality of resilient, interconnected coils for enwrapping around a stem of a utensil or other instrument for facilitating manual manipulation of the utensil by young children or persons with special handicaps. The coils include an inner diameter which is expandable upon twisting of the holder along a longitudinal axis thereof. Upon expanding of the inner diameter, a utensil stem of any size or shape may be inserted within the coils. Resiliency and hysteresis of the coils cause the coils to contract about the utensil stem and resist rotation or longitudinal slippage while the utensil is in use.

Abstract: The amount of particulate contamination produced due to rubbing between a semiconductor substrate and the robotic substrate handling blade has been greatly reduced by the use of specialized materials either as the principal material of construction for the semiconductor substrate handling blade, or as a coating upon the surface of the wafer handling blade. In particular, the specialized material must exhibit the desired stiffness at temperatures in excess of about 450.degree. C.; the specialized material must also have an abrasion resistant surface which does not produce particulates when rubbed against the semiconductor substrate. The abrasion resistant surface needs to be very smooth, having a surface finish of less than 1.0 micro inch, and preferably less than 0.2 micro inch. In addition, the surface must be essentially void-free. In the most preferred embodiments, the upper, top surface of the substrate handling blade is constructed from a dielectric material being smooth, non-porous, and wear-resistant.

Abstract: A multi-position fixture assembly comprising a captive body having a threaded end unitary with an enlarged end. The threaded end is adapted to threadably attach to an object to be lifted. The enlarged end of the captive body includes a swivel cavity and external hex head. The swivel cavity has a generally flat bottom and a generally cylindrical side wall. The hex head is easily engaged by a conventional wrench to torque the fixture to a workpiece. The cylindrical side wall of the swivel cavity includes an internally threaded portion which is opposed from the bottom. A hoist head with a flanged end and an opposed free end is assembled into the swivel cavity of the enlarged end of the captive body by means of an externally threaded retainer ring. The retainer does not bear on the flanged end so the flanged end is retained for free rotation inside the swivel cavity. Thusly retained, it is free to swivel through a 360 degree arc. A lifting loop is mounted to the free end of the hoist head.

Abstract: A hoisting harness for a firearm that includes a harness assembly for attaching to the stock portion of the firearm, a cover for being placed over the muzzle end of the barrel portion of the firearm and an elastic cord connected to the cover and to the harness assembly for biasing the cover toward the stock. More specifically, the harness assembly includes a strap for wrapping around the stock, a fastener for releasably maintaining the strap on the stock and a connector fixed to the strap for attaching to the elastic cord and to a hoisting line.

Abstract: A Wire Rope Spreader comprised of a wire rope member with sufficient size to spread two steel wire rope slings to a safe and convenient work position. The preferred embodiment is attached directly to the hook of a crane or like mechanical hoist. The working slings will pass through each of the eyes at either end of the wire rope member and attach themselves to the hook of the crane or at the top lifting ring of the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A hand held bag holder (10) for maintaining the mouth of a bag in an open position typically for use in collecting garden debris. The bag holder (10) comprises a circular frame (12) and a plurality of clips (16) which are generally U-shaped and secured on the frame (12) in a snap fit arrangement. In use, the upper edge of a bag is folded over the circular frame (12) and held in position by the clips (16).

Abstract: A hoist assembly having a swiveling head with a pivoting shackle. A lift swivel is captured by a housing and is rotatable relative to the housing. A shackle assembly including a hoist ring is fastened to the lift swivel. A lift bolt is threaded into the housing opposite the shackle assembly. The lift bolt includes an axially extending shaft for threading into a corresponding hole in a structure to be lifted. The end of the shaft in the hole is expandable to lock the shaft in the structure hole. A retainer such as a snap ring, or a jam ring and setscrews may be provided to securely lock the lift bolt to the housing. The lift bolt is threaded into the housing by a tool extending through the lift swivel or from the opposite end.

Abstract: A chute shovel that facilitates manual pushing of garbage down a garbage chute in a wall, and which is replaceably mounted to the wall adjacent the garbage chute in the wall. The chute shovel includes a handle and a push plate affixed to the handle. The push plate has a center with an aperture therein that perpendicularly receives the handle, which is maintained therein by a nut. The push plate further has corners that are bent downwardly in opposition to the handle so as to prevent the push plate from sliding laterally on the garbage when the chute shovel is in use, wherein the corners of the push plate are generally semi-circular-shaped so as to prevent puncturing the garbage when the chute shovel is in use.

Abstract: A bag holder for facilitating placement of leaves, trash, laundry or the like into the open mouth of the bag includes a circular or oval-shaped frame having first and second supports connected to the frame and having first and second bag fastening members connected to the supports. The frame defines first and second bag-receiving notches, and the fastening members and notches are positioned at four corners of an imaginary rectangle or trapezoid. A handle is connected to the frame, and a clamp and stop are connected to the handle. A bag mouth can be placed over the circular or oval frame and pulled tightly around the rectangle or trapezoid formed by the fastening members and notches with an excess, gathered portion of the bag held between the clamp and stop so that the bag mouth is held open in a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal configuration for easy access to the interior of the bag.

Abstract: A magnet positioning apparatus is provided for positioning a magnet or magnets through a hole in a surface, such as a road surface, a cabinet surface or a curved surface, and into a subsurface region therein. The magnet positioning apparatus includes a main body portion made of a non-magnetic material. The main body portion may be any shape, a hollow cylindrically shaped or plate-/block-shaped with a lower surface shape complementarily corresponding to the shape of a flat or curved surface in which the magnet is to be positioned. If the main body portion is a hollow cylindrical member, the outer periphery of the hollow cylindrical member includes a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly therefrom. In a case where there are three arms, two of the arms may extend outwardly rectilinearly with the third arm extending perpendicularly outwardly from the other two arms.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for attachment to heavy loads in material handling systems such as overhead conveyors where the hanger must be angularly aligned with the conveying element such as an attached cable. The hanger includes a base, a threaded stud for load attachment, and a hanger such as the eye in an eyebolt assembly, an example of a hanger assembly. A washer positioned around the threaded stud between the base and the load is hardened substantially less than the hanger itself enabling the hanger to be rotated up to 180 degrees after initial tightening without over torquing the threaded stud. The washer has a plurality of radial slots in one face that maintain the structural integrity of the washer under high rotational and compression loading.