Abstract: An annular member received in a disposal unit displaces rubber guard members covering the sink opening while establishing an unobstructed central passageway in communication with the grinding hopper of the disposal unit. Lights supported on a lower portion of the annular member illuminate the interior of the disposal unit, which interior is accessed through the annular member central passageway by elongated and slenderized tongs for grasping and removing undesired foreign matter within the disposal unit.

Abstract: A combined filter housing for storing a plurality of filters therein and a combination cover and extractor for the stored filters includes a unitary extractor mechanism with cooperating arms removably disposed within a cover extending above and below the cover into the housing where semi-adhesive resilient members disposed on a pair of distal ends comes into contact with the stored filters. By applying pressure proximate the apex of the arms the filter is engaged by the semi-adhesive resilient member and by removing the combination cover and extractor a single filter may be removed.

Abstract: In order to individually pick up and temporarily hold hosiery permeable articles, especially tubular articles like panty-hoses and stockings, and instantaneously stretch apart their elastic edges their automatic transfer, a holding device with adhesive and an air jet is utilized. The device includes a tape motorized to advance with intermittence between two elements provided for driving and tensioning the tape, and with a block for the support of the holding zone of the tape and an underlying support for more articles in overlapping relationship to form a stack.Nozzles for supplying jets for compressed air are located adjacent and perpendicularly oriented to the holding zone of the article, and in such a way as to act in a direction opposite to that of the retention force of the adhesive tape, thereby to pass through the article stretching out the elastic edge of the article as soon as this has moved away from the relevant support.

Abstract: Device for individually holding textile articles, comprising a structure supporting a plurality of holding elements 6 shaped like coils or plates disposed side-by-side and axially movable, and piston operated levers for moving the holding elements away from and close to each other as they come in contact with the fabric of the article to be picked up.The holding elements may advantageously consist of coils of a tensile spring shaped as a cylindrical helix which is suitably extended, before coming in contact with the fabric, by the piston operated levers, and then is released for resilient contraction movement upon its contact with the fabric.Advantageously, the device comprises controls of the correct holding of the article, thereby allowing the automation of the device for the use thereof in the handling of textile materials.

Abstract: A round, ring-shaped, tubular frame which is to be located within the mouth of a thin walled, flexible bag. The frame includes a pair of handles located in a spaced apart arrangement with these handles being of a cross-sectional configuration larger than the frame. Mounted on each handle is a protuberance with this protuberance to penetrate the wall of the bag for securing the attachment of the bag onto the frame.

Abstract: A bag for collecting and transporting loose debris such as leaves, twigs, grass cuttings and the like in which the bag mouth is held open and positioned to receive the debris by a person, with the top of the bag mouth hung behind the person by a shoulder harness attached thereto and the bottom of the bag mouth being moved along the ground by the person's feet, engaged in stirrups which are secured to the bottom of the bags. A wear strip is provided along the bottom forward edge of the bag mouth to protect against wear and to serve as a guide means to guide the debris into the bag. A handle is provided at the rear end of the bag to facilitate transport, handling and emptying.

Abstract: A passive cassette robotic end effector, without any moving parts, used for directly handling individual wafer cassettes. A pair of opposing arms of the end effector, each a mirror image of the other, secures to an independent external robotic handler mounting plate. The end effector positions about either end of the wafer cassette under cassette wall reinforcement bars located on opposing sides of a wafer cassette. Cavities with ramped alignment walls on the upper inner portion of each arm of the end effector accommodates and engages the cassette wall reinforcement bars.

Abstract: A wafer transferring hand is so constructed that at least three seats made of a soft low-friction material are provided in an integral manner, a groove having a width slightly wider than the thickness of the wafer is formed in the laterally arranged seats, the bottom of the groove being arcuated in a manner conforming to the periphery of the wafer, while a similar groove having an adjustable width is provided in the seat arranged at the center, the bottom of the groove being spaced apart outwardly from the periphery of the wafer, and at least two cut-away portions are provided between the seats so as to provide a gap between the periphery of the wafer and the bottom of the cut-away portion.

Abstract: A coffee filter extractor includes a flat disc-shaped portion having an adhesive surface thereon for contacting a coffee filter. A handle is attached to the disc for easy operation. The adhesive surface can be periodically replaced with new adhesive. A second embodiment of the invention has an adhesive coated portion at the lower end of an elongated strip. The upper portion of the strip may be decorated with an ornamental design.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a longitudinal film strip carrying positive or negative images and having spaced perforations along parallel longitudinal edges of the strip in a longitudinal pocket, and comprising a longitudinal planar member having first and second parallel longitudinal edges and a plurality of spaced, flexible gripping members extending out of the plane of the longitudinal member. The gripping members engage in the spaced perforations along parallel edges of the film strip when the planar member is positioned adjacent the strip in an overlying manner within a longitudinal pocket holding the strip. In a preferred embodiment, the gripping members are triangular and are arranged in spaced parallel row adjacent the first and second edges.

Abstract: Coffee filter selector apparatus includes a housing having a continuous length of adhesive material for contacting a coffee filter and for removing the contacted coffee filter from a stack of nested coffee filters. The adhesive material is manually wound from a supply reel over an idler wheel, which extends out of the housing and onto a takeup reel. The takeup reel includes outer peripheral notches for a ratcheting system and for allowing a predetermined linear length of adhesive to be advanced from the supply reel onto the takeup reel.

Abstract: A stiff cardboard, paper or plastic cutout form folded to make a generally triangular supporting platform for a single slice of pizza, said platform having dependent therefrom a downward projecting keel for use as a handle, the supporting platform having a cutout channel in the broader end to allow the pizza slice to be pushed to the opposite end with a forefinger. The pointed end is truncated with an inwardly curved section to allow a bite to be taken from the pizza end.

Abstract: A carrier for helmets of the type having at least one protective ear portion with a side opening therein comprising an elongated rod having a diameter less than the diameter of said side opening, a base plate fixed to one end of said rod, said base plate having a transverse dimension larger than said side opening, a handle having a width less than the diameter of said side opening pivotably mounted at the other end of said rod and shaped so as to envelop said rod when pivoted into alignment therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lift improvement device comprising a hollow main elongated member, having a forearm support at one end and a handle grip from about 7 to about 18 inches along the elongated member from the forearm support. The hollow elongated member is configured to receive a pole or handle therethrough and the device has particular utility for slidably mounting on poles or handles to allow single handed manipulation of end working devices which, in turn, are mounted on the poles or handles.

Abstract: An extractor instrument for removing a catalytic ring, or the like, normally held by friction at the bottom of a container cavity, enabling the container to be fabricated with an integrally closed bottom wall opposite the open upper end of the container. The instrument comprises an elongate gripping member and a cam structure secured to the gripping member adjacent one end. The cam structure includes a foot dimensioned for insertion through a passageway in the catalytic ring after which the foot is engaged in a camming manner against the bottom surface of the ring allowing withdrawal of the foot and the engaged ring from the open end of the container.

Abstract: Fluted coffee or other beverage filters, generally formed of paper, or paperboard, are so stacked in containers in which they are sold that it is not easy to lift off and remove a single filter paper for application. The practice has been to transfer the filters to a dispenser therefor, but generally such dispensers are fabricated of a polymer material, are reasonably expensive, and are not for disposable usage, or ease of application. Herein, the container and beverage filter dispenser of this invention may be solid and marketed with a supply of filters, and thrown away after application and usage. In addition, the invention contemplates a blank from which the container, and spring for biasing the filters upwardly within the container, may be fabricated.

Abstract: For convenient handling of a core member or a roll of material comprising a core member, a strap is attached to the core member. An intermediate section of the strap is preferably looped and extends outwardly of the core. The strap ends are either fixed to the outer surface of the core or through at least one opening in the core and underlie the winding, or contemplated winding. In the case of a tubular core, such ends cna be fixed to the core's inner surface of a plug element.

Abstract: A novel scoop for use in a garden or lawn for loading and transporting dirt, trash, leaves, weeds, and the like. The scoop has a detachable gate for easing the loading of material into the scoop and for dumping material from the scoop. The scoop comprises a flat rectangular bottom having an upstanding back wall with opposite side walls having a sloping front engaging the detachable gate. Handles are placed on the back wall, gate, and in a position engaging both side walls.

Abstract: Compliant linkage apparatus for providing, in a single stage, three degrees of freedom in a single plane, the apparatus comprising an upper plate, a lower plate under the upper plate, sliding means for allowing the upper and lower plates to slide relative to each other in X, Y, and theta, and orientation means for causing the plates to attract each other in a particular orientation to resiliently resist relative lateral and rotational displacements of the plates.

Abstract: A device for retrieving small items which have fallen into common residential drains and have become lodged between the drain inlet and the distal end of the drain trap. The device consists of a elongate tubular portion having an inflatable pouch or balloon fixed to one end and a resilient squeezable bulb at the opposing end. Manually depressing the bulb after insertion of the pouch beyond the trap causes the pouch to inflate and engage the side walls of piping of the drain. Lifting the inflated pouch upward to the drain inlet carries any loose items in front of the pouch to the drain inlet for retrieval.

Abstract: A device for use in pulling ropes is in the form of an elongated handle having a passage extending between one end and the side thereof. A cleat located in the passage is adapted to grip a rope in the passage and to support a tensional force in a rope emerging from the passage at the side of the handle.

Abstract: A wire handling system removes a reel of wire from a conveyor, presents the reel to a terminal insertion head which grasps a wire on the reel, withdraws the wire from the reel while the reel is allowed to rotate, and inserts an end of the wire into a connector. After insertion of the wire end into the connector, the reel is moved by the handling system and stacked upon or within a group of previously stacked reels.

Abstract: A latching assembly for use in latching a cable to and unlatching it from a given object in order to move an object from one location to another is disclosed herein. This assembly includes a weighted sphere mounted to one end of a cable so as to rotate about a specific diameter of the sphere. The assembly also includes a static latch adapted for connection with the object to be moved. This latch includes an internal latching cavity for containing the sphere in a latching condition and a series of surfaces and openings which cooperate with the sphere in order to move the sphere into and out of the latching cavity and thereby connect the cable to and disconnect it from the latch without using any moving parts on the latch itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and transporting semiconductor material cassettes during processing of the semiconductor material. There is a tray having at least one cassette station thereon. This cassette station comprises a cassette supporting surface, a first pair of substantially parallel cassette guides on the supporting surface, and a second pair of substantially parallel cassette guides on the supporting surface located between and substantially at right angles to the first pair. The first and second pairs of parallel cassette guides form a generally rectangular boundary. A handle neck extends upwardly from the same side of the tray as the cassette guides. A handle crosspiece is connected to the handle neck and has a bearing surface oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the tray. A picker is also disclosed for engaging the handle neck and handle crosspiece, and can be used as the end effector of a robot arm that provides lifting power and transport motion.

Abstract: A cooking device for holding a food pouch to be heated in a microwave oven comprises a molded plastic receptacle formed to provide a bottom wall, have a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls upstanding therefrom. One of the end walls is separated vertically in its central area into two parts, and the bottom wall is bifurcated thereby providing side walls movable away from and toward one another. A food pouch disposed within the side walls and end walls and resting on the bottom wall is positioned so that a marginal portion of the food pouch is disposed in the vertical separation of the one end wall whereby movement of the side walls toward one another will cause the two parts of the one end wall to grip the marginal portion. The pouch holder can be grasped and manipulated to transport and empty the food pouch without the necessity of handling the food pouch directly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for burping a watermattress and for tucking a sheet under the mattress of a waterbed consisting of a tool and its use for such purpose. The tool is a flat, rectangular member made of a self-lubricating plastic material and about 1/4 inch in thickness with rounded edges to prevent damage to the mattress. The tool is used by inserted a corner under the mattress and sliding the tool along the edge of the mattress to tuck the sheet under.

Abstract: A device for engaging and holding an article, such as a wood log, to facilitate moving the same, includes a bolt with a point that may be modified to a smaller than standard conical angle, the point having runout threads thereon, and a handle rigidly secured to the bolt at a location spaced axially from the point and projecting laterally from the bolt axis. A user can wield the device by the handle to strike the article with the point to cause the point to penetrate the article, following which the user can rotate the handle about the bolt axis to force the bolt thread into threaded engagement with the article. The device also has a shackle rigidly secured to the handle at a location in line with the bolt axis with the bolt and the shackle extending in opposite directions from the handle, so that the shackle can be grasped to move the article with the bolt in threaded engagement therewith.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for the collection of refuse includes a sheetlike member for placement upon a surface. The member is devoid of apertures, defines a regular geometric shape, and in some embodiments includes a plurality of disposable securing stakes or adhesive pads attached at corners thereof for affixing the member to the surface during the collection of refuse. The corners are securable to one another by tying for disposal of the member, the securing stakes or adhesive pads, and the refuse collected thereon. Several preferred embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A bag holder comprises a closed loop of generally U-shaped cross-section having an outwardly facing open sided channel. A flexible bag has its open neck extending upwardly through a central opening of the loop and is folded over the loop to cover the open sided channel. An elastic loop is received in the open sided channel to captivate the entire periphery of the sack in the channel. A handle extends from below the free edge of the sack to a radially spaced location where it can be grasped by the user.

Abstract: A coupling device including a male coupling member and a female coupling member, the male coupling member including a shank-like body having three longitudinal slots each receiving a pivot fin, a circular spring normally biasing a first end portion of each fin into each associated slot and thereby automatically placing a second end portion of each fin in its normal coupling position, the female coupling member including a fitting connected by spacer bars to a coupler ring which receives the shank-like body, the ring having an opening which causes the fins to deflect toward an unclamped position during insertion, and after insertion the second end portions of the fins are brought into clamping engagement with the ring by the biasing force of the circular spring.

Abstract: A trash and leaf gathering and pick up tool having two rake like gathering heads pivotally interconnected to close and open toward and away from each other in a jaw like action. One of the rake like gathering heads has a handle adapted to fit a user's arm and is equipped with an arm band for mounting of the tool on an arm. The other rake like gathering head has a handle extending through the pivot interconnect with the handle mountable on an arm to a hand grip equipped end positioned for being grasped by the hand of the arm mounting the tool whereby the tool is manually manipulated in its closing leaf and trash grasping action and jaw opening manipulation to dump trash.

Abstract: The invention comprises a two, three or four short pin engagement system for engaging a wafer carrier for transporting semiconductor wafers by means of a three axis robotic transportation system for the purpose of processing semiconductor wafers in a factory. The multiple pin assembly allows a large reduction in travel distance with respect to prior art long rod engagement supports.

Abstract: A portable hand carried apparatus for positioning plastic leaf bags is illustrated wherein a pair of diverging arms carried by a handle spread the bag in open position between the free ends of the arms and positive means are provided for securing the open edge of the bag along the arms which are secured manually by the user to quickly and positively fasten the bag in open position for the reception of leaves.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping workpieces made from varied materials and complicated shapes comprises a body and clamping member, which are formed by adhesive films which can be used a number of times. These adhesive films can be moved from a position above the clamping surface of the body into a position below the clamping surface. In the first position, the workpiece is e.g. reliably fixed by pressing down. The adhesive film is then lowered into the plane of the clamping surface, so that the workpiece rests thereon and is reliably and firmly supported there for machining purposes. The adhesive film simultaneously secures the workpiece in the machining position. When machining is ended, the adhesive film is lowered beneath the plane of the clamping surface, so that the adhesive connection can be broken and the workpiece removed. The adhesive film can be moved mechanically, e.g. by an eccentric drive, or alternatively by a hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism.

Abstract: A weight lifting device which utilizes a post having a flange fixed to one end of the post to form a base. The post and flange retain disc shaped weights commonly used in weight lifting equipment. A bar is also employed as a gripping mechanism and is rotatable in relation to the post and attached flange.

Abstract: Tinted contact lens fitter having a scissors type support to vary the spacing between pairs of tinted contact lenses mounted in rotatable discs, or in plug-in lens holders, or directly in openings in the support, so that the centers of the tinted contact lenses can be aligned with the centers of a patient's pupils in order for the patient to view in a mirror the combined color of the tinted contact lenses and the color of the patient's irises.

Abstract: A swivel connector includes a ring (1) which is assembleable into a slot (5) in a hoist member (2), with the slot having an open end forming an enlarged bifurcated recess portion (8). The ring and hoist are assembled to an annular housing (9) and a first nut (14) is positioned for sliding movement and relative rotation within the housing and is threaded onto the slotted end of the hoist member. A plug (16) is positioned within the bifurcated hoist slot recess end and a second nut (17) having a threaded axial opening is secured within the housing. A threaded shaft (22) is provided and which is threadably disposed within the second nut opening and in relatively loose engagement with the plug. The shaft extends outwardly for securement to the load or the like. During swiveling use, the ring (1), hoist (2), plug (22) and first nut (14) turn together, with the other elements remaining fixed.

Abstract: A carrier for particulate material, comprising a pair of elongated rigid bars which are attached to opposite side edges of a sheet of planar flexible material. The dimension of one end edge of the sheet of flexible material is substantially less than the opposite end edge thereof, so that when the carrier is in the fully extended position, so that all elements lie in the same plane, the two rigid bars taper toward each other from the wide end of the sheet to the narrow end of the sheet.

Abstract: An air blast device for removing moisture, snow, sleet and the like from the top surfaces of cargo containers. The device is usable with a substantially conventional container lifting device having a frame with extendable and contractable spreader arms. When lifting a container, the frame is disposed in close proximity above the top surface of the container, and detachably connected thereto. Three hollow air blast members are arranged on the frame extending the entire length thereof adjacent the top surface of the container. Two outermost air blast members are movable with the spreader arms of the frame. Each air blast member contains an air discharge opening through the lower portion thereof adjacent the top surface of the container.

Abstract: A pulling bullet 1 comprises, a frangible body having a coupling portion 18 for disconnect coupling to an optical connector 7, a cavity 21 in the body having a depth greater than the projecting length of an optical fiber cable 3 retained by the optical connector 7, the pulling bullet 1 covers the end of an optical fiber 6 of the cable 3, and a frangible web 28 surrounds an eye 25 for securing a hauling rope 27 to the pulling bullet 1.

Abstract: The opening device is for aiding the opening of containers having either the non-detachable, component type opening system or the twist-off type cap. The former system being characterized as having a scored section at the top of the container with an empaling tab in fulcrum alignment attached thereto. The opening device includes a unitary body member which has a leading end portion for sliding beneath the empaling tab and a trailing handle portion for grasping by the user, and tab restraining means for engaging the top of the empaling tab as the leading end portion is placed beneath the tab. The tab restraining means project upward from the side edges of the body member and then projects spacially parallel to at least a portion of the upper surface of the body member.

Abstract: A completely enclosed filter housing capable of storing a plurality of filters therein and a combination cover and an extractor for the stored filters includes a housing and a form fitted cover to seal the housing. An extractor mechanism utilizing cooperating arms is affixed within the cover opening and extends above and below the cover into the housing where semi-adhesive resilient members disposed on one pair of distal ends comes in contact with the stored filters which are urged upwardly by a second resilient member. By applying pressure to the upwardly extending arms the filter is engaged by the semi-adhesive resilient member, and by removing the housing cover a single filter is removed.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for connection to a member to be lifted and to a filter hoist to first do the lifting and then to a second hoist to then do the lifting. The assembly comprises a base plate adapted to be connected to the member, and a lifting plate mounted on the base plate for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, the lifting plate having a first eyelet adapted to be connected to one of the hoists, and a second eyelet adapted to be connected to the other of the hoists.

Abstract: The manually wieldable retrieval tools include a normally tacky frontal probe for adhering to documents or other articles to be rescued from semi-obscured locations. The retrieval tool includes an elongate handle, preferably of telescoping or other selectively variable length, and also preferably somewhat resiliently flexible for negotiating a semi-obscured article. The tacky adhesive frontal probe is protectably coverable, prior to initial retrieval usage and/or between periodic usages. After numerous retrieval usages whereupon the probe adhesive power becomes exhausted, the adhesive probe may be conveniently replaced at the handle forward-end with a fresh adhesive probe.

Abstract: The present invention has a rod with a handle on one end and on the other end a means for dispensing tape. A means for actuating a take-up reel for the tape is also provided. By operating the actuating means, the take-up reel is advanced, tape from the dispensing means is drawn over a roller mounted on the lower end of the rod. Because the sticky portion of the tape is away from the roller, the tape may be pressed against small pieces of litter located on the ground, which small pieces of litter stick to the tape and are wound around the take-up reel. The actuating means controls how rapidly the tape will be dispensed and taken up.

Abstract: A gripping handle on which ice cream and the like can be mounted for storage and consumption includes an elongated, hollow gripping portion with a top end defining a substantially flat annular surface on which a quantity of ice cream can be supported. Projecting up into the ice cream is a hollow head portion which is hollow and communicates with the hollow gripping portion.

Abstract: A scoop for picking up particulate, granular, or penetrable solids. The scoop itself is a rugged one-piece construction that has a bucket member which is pushed into solids to be scooped in a normal "open" position. The scoop is constructed in the shape of a wedge to facilitate entry into the mass of solids and allows the force exerted on the scoop by the solids to assist in closing of the scoop.

Abstract: A device for compacting the containerizing compactible material such as leaves, grass and trash is provided. The device consists of a directing element having a front funnel section and a rear conduit, a rake and plunger element which is used to introduce material into the funnel section and force such material through the conduit; and a tubular netted bag having an open end mounted over the rear conduit. As material is pushed into the bag air is displaced ahead of and out the spaces in the netting material. The device can be assembled on legs to be used in an upright position and can be easily stored on a wall.

Abstract: A means for separating one coffee filter from a pack of filters employing a small device having one or more piercing elements. The handle or holder for the piercing elements fits comfortably in the hand. The strength, length, shape and size of the piercing means should be such that the elements penetrate the thickness of one paper filter without causing undue tearing, cutting or destruction of the filters while being able to withstand the lifting pressures exerted when breaking the suction and fiber adhesion of the top filter from the adjoining filter. A sheath for protecting the piercing elements may be in the form of a scoop or measuring receptacle.