Abstract: An apparatus for rotating substantially flat articles being transported along a production line is provided. The apparatus is configured so as to rotate the articles, about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport of the articles, through a desired number of degrees of rotation, while permitting the articles to be transported along the production line in a substantially uninterrupted and unimpeded manner.

Abstract: A container tray apparatus of the wraparound type is provided with reinforcing corner support members. The tray apparatus features internal minor flaps which have been split to create inner and outer flaps which can be folded and aligned on the inside and the outside of the corner areas of the tray apparatus to provide vertically extending corner support structures in addition to the corners formed by the end and side walls of the container tray apparatus, to provide enhanced stacking strength without requiring additional container material in the blank.

Abstract: A sidetone level reduction circuit for reducing the sidetone level in digital cordless telephones incorporating continuously variable slope delta modulator/demodulator (CVSD) digital to analog technology is disclosed comprising a CVSD encoder for converting an analog voice signal to a digital signal, a CVSD decoder for converting a digital signal to an analog signal voice signal, and coupling means connecting the coincidence output of the CVSD encoder and the coincidence output of the CVSD decoder in a manner such that the coincidence output of the CVSD decoder can affect the CVSD encoder but the CVSD encoder cannot affect the CVSD decoder.

Abstract: The container that converts into a copyholder of the present invention is formed from a one-piece blank (1) of paperboard or the like and comprises integral folding tabs (21 & 22) attached to side flaps (15 & 17) respectively which are inserted into tab receiving slots (19 & 20) located on the same edge end of the front panel (2) thereof. The bottom panel (18) contains a tab (29) attached to the free end thereof. The top panel (16) contains two tab receiving slots, one slot (30) located along the opposite edge from the free edge and the other tab (31) located midway between the free edge and the folded edge. The container is used for packaging, storing or mailing by folding the side flaps (15 & 17) upwardly, inwardly and downwardly and folding the top panel (16) and the bottom panel (18) upwardly, inwardly and downwardly, inserting tab (29) into the tab receiving slot (30).

Abstract: The invention comprises a replaceable power unit and transportation system for a dual-mode vehicle, such as an electric car which can operate on built-in batteries and by way of power supplied by a running rail. The vehicle moreover comprises road wheels for moving on a roadway as well as rail wheels for moving on a railway. The railway is a substantially triangular profile wherein the vehicle includes a downwardly facing rail interface extending in the longitudinal direction. The power unit forms an elongate unit which is adapted to be mechanically and electrically connected to the vehicle by mounting it in the rail interface.

Abstract: A walking mechanism for a toy doll or character having at least one pair of legs. Each leg has a hip end and a foot end. A pair of elliptical idler gears are mounted for rotation about a common shaft, 180 degrees out-of-phase. A second pair of elliptical gears, each in driving relationship with a respective one of the elliptical idler gears are also 180 degrees out-of-phase. The hip end of each leg is mounted for movement with a stub shaft that is in a driven relationship with a respective one of the 180 degree out-of-phase elliptical driving gears to produce a varying speed, generally elliptical orbital movement of the legs to simulate walking.

Abstract: A container apparatus is deployable from a substantially flat, collapsed configuration to a substantially rectangular-bottomed configuration. The container apparatus includes a front panel, a back panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. Each panel has a first transverse score line forming a peripheral edge of the substantially rectangular bottom upon the deployment of the container apparatus. This first transverse score line is scored in a first direction, extending substantially from the front panel towards the back panel of the container apparatus. Each panel further includes a second transverse score line substantially congruent with the first transverse score line. This second transverse score line is scored in a second direction, extending substantially from the back panel towards the front panel of the container apparatus.

Abstract: A substantially recyclable shipping platform apparatus for supporting and transporting loads, in which the apparatus is easily disposable and recyclable after use. A plurality of substantially elongated pylons are attached between a top platform and a bottom panel to increase the integrity of the apparatus to more effectively support the load material placed upon the platform. The bottom panel is constructed with articulateable flaps which are used to secure the pylons to the bottom panel. Each of these flaps are configured to maximize contact with, and stability of, the pylons, and are further configured to correspond to the specific shape of the interior region of each respective pylon they are attached to. A tear strip may be embedded within the platform and/or bottom panel for purposes of reducing the overall size of the apparatus when disposal is desired.

Abstract: A collapsible point-of-purchase display apparatus articulable from a single unitary blank of foldable material, and upon articulation, positionable and free standing on a support surface, without formal assembly at the point of purchase location. The apparatus includes a frame and at least one shelf for the display of goods thereon. Furthermore, the apparatus is capable of being reversibly further articulated from its substantially upright, rigid three dimensional display configuration to a substantially flat, planar collapsed configuration for efficient shipment. The apparatus may further include a header board attached to the back panel of the apparatus to further promote and advertise the goods displayed.

Abstract: A thermal conditioning system is provided which is configured for setback operations. The source of thermal conditioning is preferably a gas driven heat pump. Control is provided such that during the recovery process, the operation of the heat pump is varied to accommodate changes in loading on the system. In addition, the control apparatus is configured to vary the start time of the recovery period as a function of recent system performance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for attaching at least one carrying handle to a bag, such as a shopping bag, grocery bag, or the like. Individual handles are severed from a continuous web of handle material. Bags are conveyed at a predetermined velocity, with a longitudinal axis of each bag substantially perpendicular to the bag's direction of travel. Each carrying handle is transported proximate a front or back surface of an associated bag, and in a direction of travel wherein a longitudinal axis of the carrying handle is substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the bag, and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bag. The handle is transported at a velocity substantially equal to the predetermined velocity of the bag. The handle is applied to the bag when a handle accepting region of the bag contacts an attachment panel portion of the carrying handle.

Abstract: A universal vacuum cleaner comprising an inlet aperture, cylindrical top cover, a cylindrical liquid container, a centrally placed outlet pipe, a nozzle, a detachable pick up tray, an air pump, and a central outlet pipe. The cylindrical top cover is positioned on the cylindrical liquid container and includes an elbow member positioned therein, where the elbow member is positioned in association with the inlet aperture. The outlet pipe is positioned in the cylindrical top cover and includes a filter. The nozzle is positioned within the elbow member. The nozzle directs liquid tangentially into the cylindrical top cover. The detachable pick up tray is positioned within either the cylindrical top cover or the cylindrical liquid cover and includes a coarse filter. The air pump is associated with the centrally placed outlet pipe. The air pump is capable of pulling air and foreign matter through the universal vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A transport system comprises a number of dual-mode vehicles (11) and a number of station systems (31). Each of the dual-mode vehicles (11) accommodates a number of passengers, such as, for example ten passengers. Each station system (31) comprises a number of platforms (32) each with a roadway section (36) configured as a ramp on which vehicles are guided forward by electronic control. Each of the platforms (32) are raised above the roadway. The roadway includes barriers (34) with an opening (35) on each side for the admission of a stationary vehicle (11) which has openable doors on each side of the vehicle which can provide admission to all seats simultaneously.