Abstract: The invention provides wafer handling apparatus for use with a wafer handling mechanism of the type that supports and transports wafers through and during semiconductor processes. Typically, the wafer has a first surface for semiconductor processing and a second surface having a surface finish with microfeatures therein. The invention utilizes at least three prongs extending from the mechanism and arranged to support the wafer. A stylus tip--preferably made from diamond--resides at a distal end of each prong. Each tip has a point that is smaller than at least some of the microfeatures of the second surface of the wafer such that the interaction of the tips with the microfeatures resists lateral movement of the wafer relative to the tips when the wafer rests on the tips by the force of gravity. This interaction is sufficient to move the wafer without substantial contribution from the coefficient of friction between the tips and the wafer.

Abstract: An improved safety hoist ring assembly. Fewer and simpler parts are used in the assembly, as compared with the prior art safety hoist rings. It can be easily assembled and disassembled without the use of tools. The assembly includes a lift stud member, a bushing member, a retainer element, a U-bar member and a clevis pin element. The cylindrical bearing surface of the lift stud member is axially received in and retained within the central bore of the bushing member by the retainer element. The external diameter of the retainer element is less than the external diameter of the bushing member. The retainer element is thus sized to pass through any bore in an object to which the bushing member is to be attached. The external surface of the bushing member is provided with some mounting mechanism, such as a thread, which mounts the bushing to an object which is to be lifted.

Abstract: A method and a probing implement for facilitating searches of hidden areas, such as inside pants pockets, under collars, or under belts is disclosed herein. The probing implement includes an elongated body with a handle portion at one end, a tacky portion at the other end, and a cover enveloping at least the tacky portion. The method includes removing the cover from the tacky portion of probing implement, grasping the probing implement by the handle portion, inserting at least the tacky portion of the probing implement into a recessed area of clothing, moving the probing implement within recessed area so that tacky portion has an opportunity to contact and adhere to any hidden objects, withdrawing the probing implement from the recessed area, and either disposing of the probing implement or placing the probing implement along with any attached objects into an evidence bag.

Abstract: Embodiments of a carrier and methods of its use are disclosed. In one method, a carrier is used with a container having a positioning device to be used with a medical diagnostic analyzer having a container loading device. This method comprises releasably mating a container retaining member disposed on the carrier with the positioning device on the container. The container retaining member on the carrier is substantially aligned with the container loading device on the medical diagnostic analyzer. The container is moved from the container retaining member on the carrier to the container loading device on the medical diagnostic analyzer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a carrier and methods of its use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the carrier is for a container having a positioning device to be used with a medical diagnostic analyzer. The carrier comprises a planar member and a container retaining member disposed on the planar member. The container retaining member has a configuration matable with a positioning device on the container such that the container is releasably retained with the carrier.

Abstract: A pool cleaning apparatus includes a head having a forward portion and a rearward portion, a debris reservoir detachably connected to the rearward portion or the head, a first deflectable blade detachably connected to a lower end of the forward portion of the head, and being movable downwardly to engage a surface of the pool in response to water flow in the direction of the debris reservoir, and a bracket for connecting a handle to the head.

Abstract: A yard waste bagging device, for use in combination with polyethylene, paper, or other bags, includes a sheet of polymer material, cut into a rectangular form, and which may be folded into the cylindrical form, and through the use of a fastener secure the side edges of the sheet into its cylindrical configuration. An upper funnel or coned shaped device is also cut from a sheet of polymer or other material, it includes a band of such material, has a segment cut from its ends, the ends are fastened together through the use of a fastening device, to form a funnel, cone, or the like. A series of integral fasteners extend downwardly from the lower edge of the funnel, and may be formed having a barbed configuration, and then insert or connect to the upper edge of the cylindrical device, to form a funnel shaped cylinder member.

Abstract: A reusable leaf and yard debris receptacle for holding, carrying and emptying the yard debris such as leaves, grass, branches and longer limbs, palm fronds and the like. The receptacle is flexible for ease in holding for storage and in being flexibly opened and deployed atop the ground for being filled with debris. When closed, flexible spaced carrying handles attached to each side panel facilitate carrying and easy emptying of the debris contained within the receptacle so as to be acceptable for use in conjunction with utility trash pickup services.

Abstract: A carrier for a semiconductor wafer has at least three protrusions on which he edge of the semiconductor wafer is supported so that the semiconductor wafer is positioned essentially horizontal. The carrier does not make contact with the front side and the rear side of the semiconductor wafer. The protrusions are shaped so that the edge of the semiconductor wafer is supported exclusively below an imaginary central plane in the center between the front side and the rear side of the semiconductor wafer. The carrier is preferably used in the treatment of semiconductor wafers at temperatures of at least 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A new bag filling device for easily scooping ballast material, such as sand or dirt, into a flexible bag. The inventive device includes an elongate tubular body member formed by a perimeter wall having inner and outer surfaces with the inner surface defining a body member hollow interior. At the top end of the body member is a top edge defining an upper opening into the body member hollow interior. The top edge also includes a scooping portion which is positioned towards the back of the body member. The scooping portion is designed for permitting the scooping of material, such as sand, dirt, and gravel, through the upper opening into the body member hollow interior. The bottom end of the body member has a bottom edge which defines a lower opening into the body member hollow interior. The bottom end of the body member is designed for insertion through the opening and into the interior of a flexible bag to permit passage of material through the body member hollow interior into the interior of a flexible bag.

Abstract: A small flexible device (12) is used in conjunction with various sized elastic bands (18), one of which is attached to a climbing sling (19). The large diameter end (14) of the retrieval device (12) contains an insertion notch (13) to facilitate the entry of a climbing rope. The rope is inserted the length of a longitudinal through hole (16), by use of the retrieval devices' (12) longitudinal slot (15). The retrieval device (12) is constructed with a small diameter end (17) opposite a large diameter end (14). The small diameter end (17) first passes through the large loop (21) of two loops previously formed in a sling (19) using an elastic band (18). The large diameter end (14) of the retrieval device (12) being smaller than the large diameter loop (21) of the sling (19) passes through the loop (21) unimpeded. The small diameter end (17) of retrieval device (12) then enters the small diameter loop (20) in the sling (19), the diameter of this loop (20) having been previously formed with an elastic band (18).

Abstract: A live steam locomotive carrier/portable steaming bay for a miniature train which would include a flat base portion of sufficient width and length to accommodate a standard miniature sized steam locomotive; a pair of parallel slots formed in the base portion from one end to the second end, for allowing the wheels of the locomotive to be placed into the slots so that the locomotive may be rolled along the length of the base portion; a peg member insertable into ports on both the first and second ends of the slot so that after the locomotive is in place the locomotive cannot inadvertently roll off of the first or second ends of the base portion; a pair of handle members extending upward from the base portion and each pair of handle members including a transverse portion for grasping by a person to carry the base portion in a substantial horizontal position with the steam locomotive thereupon; an indexing groove on at least one end of the base portion so that when the base portion is placed at the end of a track

Abstract: The pulling grip includes an elongated, flexible pulling grip housing for use in installing fiber optic cable and, more particularly, for installing a fiber optic cable which contains a number of pre-connectorized optical fibers. The pulling grip housing includes first and second portions which mate to form the pulling grip housing and which open to provide access to an internal cavity for placement of the pre-connectorized optical fibers of the fiber optic cable. The pulling grip housing can secure the connectors within the internal cavity to prevent undesirable tangling of the optical fibers during installation. For example, the pulling grip housing can include an adhesive surface or a number of slots for retaining respective ones of the connectors.

Abstract: A holding and raking apparatus designed to facilitate a one person operation for bagging leaves into a held open bag. The holding apparatus stores flat when not in use in order to minimize storage space. Rigid frame sides and conformable top and bottom frame rails allows the frame to be bowed temporarily into essentially a hollow semi-cylindrical shape which is held in that bowed condition by a retaining or securing strap. The lawn clipping and leaf system is further complemented by specially designed scissors-type rake. These raketongs are attached at a pivot point by a clamp or similar fastening apparatus. The raketongs pick leaves up and place them in a vertically positioned bag held in the frame by a natural spring tension at the open top of the frame. In a horizontal position on the ground the taut end of the open bag acts as a dust pan rail for easy collection of leaves and the like.

Abstract: Cable-clamping device for a synthetic fiber cable. A cable-clamping device for highly loaded synthetic fiber cables for elevator installations, wherein the cables can tolerate only small lateral pressures, the device including at least one retaining drum firmly connected with the elevator car and the elevator counterweight, with the retaining drum having several adjacent cable grooves, whose groove courses end or run out adjacently to the other for the running-off of the cables, with the cable grooves becoming progressively narrower in their cross-section starting at the entry of the loaded cable, with up to four and more retaining drums being arranged, one behind and beside the other, in this manner, wherein the run-off regions of the cable grooves point towards one another in order to avoid a fanning-out of the cables in front of the drive pulley.

Abstract: For lifting loads there is provided an eyebolt with an annular ring swivelly mounted on a stud so as to freely rotate in a horizontal plane through a full 360 degrees. A lifting loop has oppositely disposed pivot pins in swivel engagement with the annular ring to allow the loop to pivot in a vertical arc as well as to rotate about the stud. The stud in turn is adapted to be anchored in fixed position to the load, whatever the load may be. Circumferential grooves are cut in the solid pivot pins adjacent the ends thereof. The pivot pins are received in a diametric bore in the retention ring. Bores in the body of the retention ring are positioned to align with the circumferential grooves. Solid dowel elements inserted in these bores engage with the circumferential grooves and retain the pivot pins assembled with the retention ring.

Abstract: A film leader extractor comprises, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a structural stiffener component or member having a static-cling vinyl component or member laminated thereto by a suitable adhesive. When the extractor is inserted into, for example a 35 mm photographic film cartridge or canister, the static-cling vinyl layer is temporarily bonded to the film leader by electostatic attraction properties whereby the film leader is then able to be extracted or withdrawn from the film canister. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, a tab member is adhesively bonded to the film leader. The tab member is provided with an enlarged aperture to be engaged with a hook-type extractor implement.

Abstract: A server for picking up and discharging strand shaped material, like spaghetti. The invention has the object to provide a server for the easy bringing over of strand shaped material, like spaghetti, from a pot, pan or the like holder into another holder and/or on dishes. Therefore the server according to the invention is characterized by a screw-shaped food engaging portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device with a protected grasping member for separating a flexible porous membrane from a stack of flexible porous membranes. The device includes a housing with a bore extending from one end of the housing and terminating at a cavity located at the mid portion of the housing; a stem reciprocatingly disposed in the bore and extending into the cavity; and a grasping member attached to an end portion of the stem for engaging the membrane.

Abstract: This invention is a device to align objects quickly and efficiently on shelves or display. The device comprises an elongated arm with a handle and extension member in a "C" or "J" configuration. The device is positioned so that the extension member is behind the objects to be aligned, rotated to engage the objects from behind, and, when the device is pulled, move the objects into alignment. The handle or extension member can be movably or pivotably attached at or near the ends of the elongated arm. This device is particularly useful in aligning books and boxes on shelves or display cases. The length of the arm, handle, or extension member can be adjusted, so the device can be used on a variety of different size objects.

Abstract: A universal hoist assembly for lifting large, heavy, structures. The assembly basically includes a housing which captures the base of a lift swivel while permitting free rotation of the base. An upright extension of the base extends out of the housing and has a transverse aperture through which a shackle is fastened. This arrangement permits the shackle to pivot and the extension to freely rotate, so that a lift can be conducted with structures of widely varying configurations without danger from sideloads on the lift assembly. Preferably, the base is either disk-shaped and housed in a corresponding recess for rotation in a plane or has a spherical exterior shape in a corresponding recess to permit rotation plus pivoting in any direction. The assembly may be fastened to a structure by a single central threaded bolt fastened to the housing and threaded into the structure or extending through a structure wall to a nut or by several spaced bolts.

Abstract: A training device for using chopsticks has a pair of parallel, spaced apart plates supported at the edges of the plates by a U-shaped spacer. Two L-shaped members are arranged in a back-to-back configuration and are attached at an edge of the plates, extending into the area between the two plates. The two upright portions of the L-shaped members are flexible and are shaped to support a chopstick. A flexible arm extends from the open end of the U-shaped spacer at an angle toward each upright portion. Once two chopsticks are inserted, the arm holds the chopsticks against the upright portion. Pressure against the edges of the chopsticks causes the arm and upright portion to flex and the tips of the chopsticks to be brought together. A number of features can be included, such as attaching a magnet or suction cup to one plate, printing one plate, or attaching a ring to the edge of the device to act as a key ring. In an alternate embodiment, the holder is associated with collapsible chopsticks.

Abstract: This grip in it's unique design enhances the manipulation of resilient or rope like material in such fields of endeavor as Pruning. Prior to its creation, rope has to be wrapped around a user's hand or knotted around a wood handle to obtain enough tension to activate the cutting blade on the pruner. In the former procedure, the rope could escape from the user's hand and in the latter the wood handle might not be in the right position for a comfortable process. The grip moves along the length with ease as the pole is extended or contracted and with a simple wrist movement and finger pressure locks the rope instantly and places the grip in a position for using the maximum tension possible by the user.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method for collecting leaves and other debris. The apparatus consists of two components, the first of which comprises a chute having a forward-projecting member for scooping and gathering debris, the second of which comprises an apparatus having a housing into which one's hand and arm may be inserted and a tool for gathering debris, the tool of which projects from or attaches to the housing. The two components may be used independently, or, more preferably, in concert with each other for maximum ease and efficiency in the collection of debris.

Abstract: A mounting system and method includes a mounting device for handling an object during treatment or preparation and for mounting the object to a display member for displaying the object. The mounting system and method is particularly suited for use by a taxidermist to handle and mount a fish or other animal prepared by the taxidermist. The mounting device includes a mounting plug adapted to be received in a recessed region in the display member. One or more object engaging members extend from the mounting plug to engage and secure the object. A mounting rod extends from a second end of the mounting plug and includes a gripping region, for easy gripping and handling by a user. The mounting method includes inserting the mounting rod through an aperture in the display member so that the mounting plug is received into the recessed region in the display member. A fastener is then engaged with a fastener engaging region on the mounting rod to secure the mounting device to the display member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a base plate assembly for use in lifting articles having a bore therethrough. The base plate assembly is formed having a base adapted to receive and support the article with its bore extending substantially normally from the base. An annular wall member upstands from the base plate and is adapted to locate in the bore. A load-bearing cross member extends substantially diametrically across the interior of the wall member and is provided with a securing device so that the cross member is positively secured to the wall member. The securing device is disengageable so that the cross member can be demounted from the wall member. A length of load-bearing sling material has one end adapted to be passed up the bore in the article to extend beyond the distal end of the bore and to provide a loop by which the base plate and the associated article can be lifted. The other end of the length of sling material is formed as a loop around the cross member for attaching to the base plate.

Abstract: A hold down incorporating a mounting plate configured with a downwardly opening recess and an elevated retainer collar configured with an aperture. A swivel is configured with an enlarged-in-diameter retainer head received in such recess and an upwardly projecting pivot shank configured with a cross bore which receives a circular retainer ring having an outside diameter larger than such aperture so that such ring and the retainer head cooperate to positively lock the swivel to the mounting plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and aids in the process of handling paper products including page turning, paper and card sorting, paper separating, obtaining a paper coffee filter from a stack of filters and other actions requiring the separation of, moving of or obtaining of a paper or paper sheet product from among a group of such products. Additionally, the present invention will have applications, in particular for individuals with limitations in the use of fingers, hands and arms, related to the lifting of other light weight products. Other applications relate to the anchoring or fixing of certain products to particular surfaces thus providing, for example, eyeglass, pencil, pen and key holders.

Abstract: A method and a probing implement for facilitating searches of hidden areas, such as inside pants pockets, under collars, or under belts is disclosed herein. The probing implement includes an elongated body with a handle portion at one end, a tacky portion at the other end, and a cover enveloping at least the tacky portion. The method includes removing the cover from the tacky portion of probing implement, grasping the probing implement by the handle portion, inserting at least the tacky portion of the probing implement into a recessed area of clothing, moving the probing implement within recessed area so that tacky portion has an opportunity to contact and adhere to any hidden objects, withdrawing the probing implement from the recessed area, and either disposing of the probing implement or placing the probing implement along with any attached objects into an evidence bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probe implement for removing jam debris, including documents, and foreign objects from prescribed document transport track segments of a document processing machine; this implement being constructed of planar, flat elongate thin dielectric material, and being so formed, shaped and constructed as to allow a user to remotely contact and engage such documents, debris or foreign objects and to facilitate removal thereof from the track without disturbing, opening or demounting this track; this implement being further designed, constructed and adapted to be sufficiently flexible in such use to be maneuvered along track segments, to be sized to readily fit into the minimum contemplated track size, while being sufficiently stiff to engage/dislodge such debris.

Abstract: A wafer transfer blade in a wafer transfer arm employed for a semiconductor device manufacturing process, includes a flat region whereon a wafer is loaded; and an end region being integral with the flat region and having a rounded side surface so as to deflect impact on the wafer when colliding with the transfer blade, to thereby reduce wafer edge chipping.

Abstract: An end effector for a transfer robot used in connection with the manufacture of semiconductor wafers is provided. The end effector is designed to handle very thin (0.005"-0.010") semiconductor wafers which tend to bow during processing. The robot blade or end effector includes a deep pocket for receiving a bowed wafer. The depth of the pocket may be varied depending upon the degree of bowing in the wafers to be handled. Unlike ordinary wafer transfer devices, the present invention requires the wafer to be transferred with the surface bearing the devices facing down. The deep pocket allows the end effector to contact only the edges of the wafer, thus minimizing any defects across the wafer due to handling. The pocket opening is provided with arcuately shaped sloped wafer contact surfaces to prevent wafer sliding during robot movement.

Abstract: A hoist device for fixed engagement to a threaded bore on an outer surface of a load member is provided. The hoist device comprises a load engaging stud with a force supporting head, a cylindrical body portion with a lower annular bearing shoulder and a threaded shank depending from the annular shoulder of the body portion. A base member having a body portion with a central passage through the base member and allowing a free swivel engagement of the base member with the load engaging stud is provided. The central passage of the base member, having an upper recess for capturing the force supporting head and an upper annular shoulder for transmitting a force from the base member to the supporting head when the base member is pulled from the load member is also provided. A hoist ring is secured between the support member and the base member while allowing the base member to swivel around the stud. A slot in one of the members captures the hoist ring while allowing the hoist ring to pivot in the slot.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus and method for gathering and removing yard waste. The apparatus includes two parts, a laminar sheet and a plurality of spikes. The laminar sheet is placed on the ground and secured using the spikes. A number of apertures pierce the sheet to allow oxygen to aspirate the plantlife below and to allow water from above to pass through. Clear plastic is preferably used to allow sunlight to reach the plantlife, but other colors and materials are possible if so desired. After leaves, tree limbs, and other yard waste have accumulated on the sheet, the spikes may be removed from the ground and the sheet and waste may be bundled together and discarded.

Abstract: A hand-held portable device to assist in putting on jewelry of the type having a clasp at one end and a receiver at the other and being flexible therebetween. The device is in the form of a rigid elongated member with a stabilizing fin at one end and a clamp at the other. The method of using the device to put on a bracelet whereby the receiver is held in the clamp, the device grasped in the hand to receive the bracelet, the bracelet brought around the wrist and the clasp brought in proximity to the receiver and fastened. The device is thereafter released and removed. The similar method of using the device to put on a neckchain. The device can be used by most persons including those with limited dexterity.

Abstract: An apparatus for grasping and carrying substantially cylindrical objects is disclosed. The apparatus is generally comprised of a self-rolling spring strip with opposing concave and convex surfaces and mating hook and loop fastener portions fixedly attached on the opposing surfaces of the strip such that when the strip is in a coiled position, the fastener portions prevent the strip from uncoiling. The strip is biased to an uncoiled position such that when the strip is subjected to a slapping motion about a substantially cylindrical object, the opposing surfaces flatten out and the strip coils around the object. The strip is preferably elongated and made of metal. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus has an aperture on one end which extends through the strip and fastener portions and a mechanical fastener, such as a bolt, for securing the apparatus to a bulkhead or similar panel. In operation, the strip is initially in an uncoiled position.

Abstract: A lifting device for a steel structure includes a releasable or integrally formed pin to which a shackle or spreader bar assembly can be secured thereby removing the need for conventional bollards or inset sheaves. The lifting device includes stub members, extending from a column member of the device, which secure the device to the steel structure.

Abstract: A concrete artifact handling assembly which includes a threaded socket embedded and anchored in the concrete artifact at least three diameters below the surface thereof, and a safety hoist ring threadably received in the threaded socket and snugged down against the face of the artifact. The thread element of the socket generally having a round thread form.

Abstract: A system for achieving a high degree of location and orientation accuracy and repeatability of a part, such as a semiconductor wafer, for storage of the part in a cassette or placement on a process tool while being able to grasp the part, while maintaining maximally repeatable location, orientation, and cleanliness, while moving it from one tool to another, such as a process tool to a cassette.

Abstract: A bagging apparatus and method utilizes diverging arms (A) which extend first outwardly from a handle and thence downwardly forming a curved free outer end (B) for suspending and maintaining the bag in opened position when supported by the handle (C) for carrying a heavy load of trash or leaves without puncturing or tearing the bag. The attachment of the bag is facilitated through the use of an elastic cord (D) which entraps a cuff portion of an opened bag within converging slots (F) utilizing an enlarged portion of the elastic cord pinching the bag wedged into the slot for securement of a marginal portion of the bag within the slot.

Abstract: A tool for grasping a ratchet socket or other objects such as pipes and rods. The object can be stopped from turning due to the friction of the tool or the object can be rotated when desired. The tool comprises a flexible friction belt connected at one end to an open jaw which may be closed and connected at its other end to a spring biased rod or movable handle. In one embodiment a slidable trigger is connected to the spring biased rod to permit a loop in the flexible belt to be enlarged for slipping around a socket or other object. When the trigger is released the loop grips the socket and frictionally holds the socket while closing the jaw. In a second embodiment the flexible friction belt connects to a handle which is slidably held in an outer housing. The handle may be moved to open and close a loop in the friction belt. An automatic lock is provided in the housing so the friction belt will turn the object being held as the belt loop is enlarged and made smaller.

Abstract: A method of making an assemblage of cargo containers includes use of a self-locking swivel stacking pin tool (10) with an elongated handle (12) having a handgrip (18) at a hand end thereof and a pin-housing engaging member (20) at a pin end thereof. A locking-head actuator (14) having an elongated force-transmittal portion (46) slidably extends along an elongated shaft (16) of the elongated handle, with a trigger (48) at a hand end thereof and a locking-head rotator (50) at a pin end thereof for engaging a bottom swivel locking head (38). By moving the trigger relative to the handgrip an operator can cause a rotatable axle (40) of a swivel stacking pin to rotate and thereby cause a top swivel locking head (36) to rotate and align with a top housing insert section (28) so that the top swivel locking head and the top housing insert section can be inserted into a hole (13a) of a second cargo container (13) by manipulation of the swivel stacking pin tool.

Abstract: A device for emptying trash barrels into a waste collection truck is provided on the lift-and-tip mechanism of the waste collection truck with a grab unit (12) for picking up the trash barrels, several upward pointing claws (14), with recesses (15) between them, provided on the grab unit (12) for insertion under a grip ledge designed essentially as an inverted U-channel protruding outwards from the side wall of the respective trash barrel at or near its upper rim, and a lower stay serving to brace the trash barrel suspended on the grab unit (12).

Abstract: A wafer transfer plate adapted to be disposed on a wafer transfer unit for transferring a wafer within a wafer manufacturing system, which comprises at least one wafer contact portion designed to be held in contact with the wafer as the wafer transfer plate is loaded with the wafer, a coated film being formed of a material which does not contain harmful elements and provided at a region including the wafer contact portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a compressed hay bale. The apparatus comprises a strap surrounding the compressed hay bale and a handle extending from the strap and from an exterior surface of the compressed hay bale. The handle may be secured around the strap or may be integral to the strap. The apparatus may further include additional straps around which the handle is secured, or additional handles may be secured to the additional straps. Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise a handle coupled to a stopper via a coupler. The handle in this alternative embodiment extends from the exterior surface of the compressed hay bale and the coupler is disposed within the interior of the compressed hay bale. The stopper may be disposed within the interior of the compressed hay bale or against another exterior surface of the compressed hay bale that may be opposing the exterior surface from which the handle extends.

Abstract: A tarp which may be pulled along the surface of the ground by hand, or while being attached behind a motorized vehicle, and used for expeditiously carrying a variety of objects which collectively would be too heavy or too awkward to carry in one's arms. The tarp has a hemmed perimeter, corner reinforcing pieces, at least one reinforced area attached to its bottom surface, a plurality of eyelets attached to the hemmed perimeter, and telescoping support bars positioned within the hemmed perimeter to evenly distribute pulling forces along the leading edge of the tarp. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use behind motorized vehicles such as tractors, lawn tractors, all terrain vehicles, snow mobiles, golf carts, truck, and automobiles, for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural purposes.

Abstract: Hoist-line for lifting rifles and shot guns to elevated positions has a snap hook for attachment to a rifle trigger guard and a fixed barrel engagement loop, each permanently attached to an elongated hoist line near its bottom end. The trigger guard snap hook and barrel engagement loop are advantageously sized and spaced apart to maintain an attached rifle in a vertical orientation when the device is hoisted from above, and accommodate rifles of varying barrel length and bore. Modification of the hoist-line has a bow engaging strap and string engaging strap for temporary attachment of an archery bow adjacent to an attached firearm.

Abstract: A tool for releasably holding an object includes a receptacle having an outer sleeve and a rotatable inner sleeve. The inner sleeve is coaxially positioned within the outer sleeve and includes a locking member. An insert which is adapted to be operably associated with the receptacle includes a cam. The cam includes a guide and a slot so that when the cam is inserted into the inner sleeve, the guide aligns the locking member with the slot allowing the locking member to engage the slog thereby holding the receptacle and the insert together.

Abstract: A non-vacuum semiconductor pick-up and transfer apparatus for handling semiconductor wafers. A flat tapered blade, with front and rear arcuate abutment surfaces adapted to hold a wafer, is provided. In use the blade is thrust between spaced wafers supported in a holder, lifted to retain the wafer between the abutment surfaces, and removed from the holder. The thin and tapered blade shape minimizes damage to the associated wafers in the event of a misalignment of the blade with the wafers.

Abstract: A hoist device designed to fixedly engage a threaded bore on the outer surface of a load number as a die. The hoist device includes a low engaging stud having a threaded shank depending from an annular shoulder of the body portion of the stud, a base member having a body portion which supports the low engaging stud and allows for a free swivel engagement of the base member with the stud when the stud is fixed to the load member, a hoist ring which is pivotly connected to the base member.