Abstract: Methods and apparatus for grasping and moving workpieces are disclosed. A device in accordance an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a disk including an outer edge. The disk has a generally planar resting shape in which the disk has a first diameter and a first edge length. A apparatus for holding the disk in a folded shape in which the disk defines a cavity is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the disk is in an unstretched state while the disk is assuming the folded shape so that the disk may assume the resting shape by unfolding without unstretching. Also in a preferred embodiment, the disk has a second diameter and a second edge length while the disk is assuming the folded shape, where the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter and the second edge length is substantially equal to the first edge length.

Abstract: A method for repairing an insulating glass unit and apparatus to facilitate such repair. A bore is drilled through a frame encasing an insulating glass unit to expose the peripheral spacer of the unit, and a hole is drilled through a wall of the spacer to enable air to enter the space between the panes. The hole in the spacer is then sealed, for example, with a rivet, and the bore in the frame is then filled and sealed as well.

Abstract: A snowmobile providing an enhanced riding experience is disclosed. A snowmobile in accordance with the present invention may include a frame defining a tunnel and a track rotatably supported by the frame. The snowmobile may also include an engine connected to the frame and operatively coupled to the track by a drivetrain. A seat may be fixed to the frame for receiving a rider of the snowmobile. A pair of handle bars may be rotatably coupled to the frame and adapted to receive the hands of the rider. A pair of floor boards may be fixed to the frame and adapted to receive the feet of the rider. In some embodiments, the floor boards include toe stops which intersect the floor boards at an intersection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for manufacturing insulating glass units. In apparatus and method of using the apparatus is provided by which adhesive is applied to the end regions of the insulating glass unit with one or more nozzles while a separate side arm extends from the device and alongside the insulating glass unit having a nozzle that delivers adhesive bead to the side of the pane to be adhered to the frame or sash. Methods are also provided for applying a deposit forming material to the periphery of the panes of an insulating glass unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to the suspension and steering of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are disclosed. An ATV having a frame and a wheel carrier for rotatably supporting a wheel is provided. A tie rod is coupled to the wheel carrier at an outer joint. An inner joint of the tie rod is preferably located in a desirable location. A method for identifying the desirable location may include the steps of defining a first reference plane associated with a full compression position of the suspension, defining a second reference plane associated with a full extension position of the suspension, identifying a reference line formed by an intersection of the first reference plane and the second reference plane, and selecting a location proximate the reference line as the desirable location for the inner joint.

Abstract: Protective helmet comprising a two piece shell, an electric motor and impeller useful for creating a positive pressure environment in the head space, and a filter for removing particulates and other substances. The impeller introduces atmospheric air into an air channel defined by two detachably attached shell pieces. The air is pushed through a particulate filter in the air channel and then through at least one aperture into the head space. A heating element may be used to heat the air flow.

Abstract: Adjustable length punch assemblies are disclosed. An adjustable length punch assembly in accordance with present invention may be used with a punch press including a tool holder adapted to receive punch assembly and a ram adapted to move longitudinally along a ram axis. An adjustable length punch assembly in accordance with present invention preferably includes a punch body assembly disposed in threading engagement with a drive body assembly having a surface adapted to be struck by ram of punch press. The length of punch assembly may be adjusted by rotating of one body relative to other body. The adjustable length punch assembly preferably includes a lock mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the punch body assembly relative to the drive body assembly. The lock mechanism preferably comprises a lock shaft coupled to one of bodies and a lock key slidingly coupled to other of bodies such that lock key slides along a lock key path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for propelling snowmobiles are disclosed. A snowmobile in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a chassis defining a tunnel, a drive shaft at least partially disposed in the tunnel, and at least one drive sprocket fixed to the drive shaft. A drive track overlays a portion of the at least one drive sprocket. A bearing is disposed within an interior of the drive track for rotatably supporting the drive shaft. The drive shaft is preferably operatively coupled to an engine by a drivetrain. In an advantageous embodiment, the drivetrain comprising a reduction mechanism that is substantially disposed within the tunnel defined by the chassis. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the reduction mechanism is disposed within a projection extending from a drive sprocket fixed to the drive shaft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assembling muntin bar lattices and spacer frames for use in insulating glass units are disclosed. One method of assembling a muntin bar lattice in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of providing a muntin bar segment and a keeper dimensioned for piercing a wall of the muntin bar segment. A keeper in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongate body including a tip portion that is dimensioned for piercing a wall of the muntin bar segment to create an opening therein. A spacer for the separation of panes in an insulating glass unit in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a tubular member comprising a wall defining a lumen and a mounting flange defining a plurality of mounting holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for applying adhesive to the end seals and/or the side glass surface of an insulating glass (IG) window unit to be mounted in a frame or sash. An apparatus and method of using the apparatus is provided by which adhesive is applied to the end regions of the insulating glass unit with one or more nozzles while a separate side arm extends from the device and alongside the insulating glass unit having a nozzle that delivers adhesive bead to the side of the pane to be adhered to the frame or sash.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for handling material for the insulating glass industry are disclosed. One method of handling material for the insulating glass industry in accordance with the present invention includes the step of arranging a plurality of bars into a plurality of stacks with adjacent stacks defining spaces dimensioned to receive a bar engaging member. The stacks of bars may then be transported to a desired destination. A bar engaging member may be inserted into a space defined by the stacks, and one or more bars may be grasped using the bar engaging member. A container for handling material for the insulating glass industry is also disclosed. The container may advantageously include a plurality of prearranged bar locating members configured to hold a predetermined type of bar stock.