Abstract: A pair of elongate, segmented gripping members are carried by the lifting member of a refuse collection vehicle. Each of the gripping members includes an inner arm movably carried by the lifting member and an outer arm movably extending from the inner arm. The gripping members are movable between a retracted position in which the inner arms extend in generally opposite directions, fore and aft along the side of the vehicle, and an extended position in which the inner arms extend in generally the same direction laterally outward from the vehicle. Each outer arm is inwardly movable relative to the respective inner arm to draw a container into the embrace of the gripping members. A pair of elongate flexible members engage the container to supplement the grip of the gripping members.

Abstract: A handbag assembly is provided with separable inner and outer members which allow easy conversion into a variety of different styles and configurations. Specifically, the outer member comprises an envelope suspended from a carrying strap and having an open top closable by a conventional fastener. The inner member comprises a lining pouch sized to be closely received within the envelope. In one embodiment, the inner member is removably secured to the outer member by strips of hook and loop type fastening material which can also be used to seal the top edges of the inner member to one another when removed from the outer member.

Abstract: A plastic pipe with an insert, to which attachments can be coupled, installed therein, so as to cause the plastic of said plastic pipe to bond to said insert by surface flow and a method of installing a metal insert in a plastic pipe using pressure and friction to cause a surface flow of pipe material.

Abstract: A convertible taco package having a bottom portion receivable within a top portion, and having parallel and medial perforations defining strips which are detachable. Slots are formed from the detachment of the strips, into which taco shells may be inserted. The detached strips are separated to form tabs which support the taco shells in the slots.

Abstract: A variety of fish habitat structures are provided for simulating a natural aquatic environment. A first structure is in the form of a horizonatally extending tube made from plastic mesh. A pair of concrete cinder blocks is placed in the opposite open ends of the tube to weight the tube so that it remains on the floor of the environment. The clearance between the tops of the blocks and the circumference of the tube is sufficient to allow spawning bass to enter the tube while keeping out larger predatory species of fish. A second structure is in the form of a pyramid-shaped stack of solid tubes, each of which is closed at one end and open at the other. The diameter of the tubes is selected to accommodate spawning catfish. A third structure, which simulates a brush pile, is a mesh tube, similar to the first structure, turned on one end so that its longitudinal axis extends vertically. A cinder block at the bottom end of the tube prevents it from going adrift.

Abstract: A remote control wash basin is disclosed having a foot pedal operation. The foot pedal operates a crank to pull a wire cable that operates a lever to open a normally closed push button valve. Depressing the foot pedal latches the valve into the open position where it remains until a release pedal is depressed. The release pedal occupies the portion of the face of the foot pedal and releases the latch to allow the foot pedal to return to its normally non-operational position. The foot pedal operated fluid controlling mechanism can be added to a wash basin cabinet with minimal changes.

Abstract: A protective boot for preventing contamination of the oil in a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly consists of an elongate flexible sleeve having a first end removably securable to the head of the cylinder and a second end removably securable to the distal end of the piston rod. The boot is split along a longitudinal seam which can be closed by a zipper, a hook and loop type fastening strip, or other suitable attachment devices. Several flexible metal or plastic stays encircle the sleeve at spaced locations to prevent the sleeve from contacting the piston rod. Each stay is split to accommodate the seam.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant terminator includes a connector body rotatably encapsulated within a shield. A port in the shield receives a terminal of a cable transmission system therethrough for rotational engagement with a threaded bore within the connector body. Another port in the shield provides access to a socket defined by a smooth continuous cylindrical body. The socket and the threaded bore extend in opposite directions along a longitudinal axis about which the shield is freely rotatable. A tool includes a tubular shaft having a knurled portion at the free end extends from a first handle section. A disc residing adjacent the end of the tubular shaft is carried by a shaft rotatably journaled with the tubular shaft and drivingly engaged with a second handle section.

Abstract: A panel-like lid is secured to a receptacle by a pintle for pivotal movement between a closed position and an open position about an axis whereby the lid remains horizontal at all times. In the closed position, a continuous groove in the underside of the lid matingly receives a bead upstanding from the upper edge of the sidewall of the receptacle. A compression spring encircling the pintle normally urges the lid downwardly against the receptacle. In response to movement from the closed position toward the open position, the lid is cammed upwardly to disengage the groove from the bead.

Abstract: A dispenser for rolled sheet material comprises a base, with a mandrel having a free end projecting from the base. The mandrel is receivable in the core to rotatably support the roll of material. A brake mechanism carried by the mandrel responds to longitudinally inwardly directed pressure on the free end of the mandrel by frictionally engaging the core to retard rotation of the roll.

Abstract: A conveyor, such as a baggage carousel, includes a plurality of transparent panels, each having a thin layer containing visual information affixed to its bottom surface. A series of adjacent panels can produce one complete visual unit such as an advertisement. The transparent panels are shaped to match the configuration of the original metal panels designed for each conveyor.

Abstract: A convertible pillow having two head rolls coupled by a headrest in a spaced-apart relationship, each having a support member coupled thereto allowing for conversion into a variety of configurations. Attachment members are coupled to the head rolls and the support members for holding convertible pillow in a pillow configuration, and in a head immobilizing configuration. The convertible pillow is securely attached to a mattress by placing a mattress sock over the end of the mattress and attaching the convertible pillow to the mattress sock by the attachment members.

Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded-bag profile and a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having numerous moveable arms is controlled by a controller. An edge folding assembly (EFA) of the machine has five arms, including a center arm, two outer blades, and two outwardly facing U-channel forks, which reside between respective outer blades and the center arm. The EFA moves forward so that all of its five arms engage an unfolded air bag. The forks then raise upward to a level at which the outer blades are aligned with a gap between tines in the forks. The outer blades mesh with this gap causing two pleats to be formed in the edge of the bag. Pleat clamps then move inwardly sideways to engage the two pleats and form a third pleat. Then, the EFA is removed from the bag. The pleat clamps clamp top and bottom sections of the bag together while tightly gripping the pleats.

Abstract: A remotely programmable cellular mobile radiotelephone (CMR 12) is configured to select (1300) a cellular system (14-16) with which to communicate while roaming. The CMR (12) utilizes a default system selection process. The system selected using this default process is identified (1302) and a SID list (1402) is checked to see if the system identification number (SID) of the identified system is on the list (1402). The SID list (1402) is maintained in a current state through remote programming sessions (1500). When the default system's SID is not on the list (1402), CMR (12) operation continues normally. When the default system's SID is on the SID list (1402), the default system selection process is replaced with an alternate system selection process (1316-1322). If a new system selected by the alternate process is not available or if a new system is available but listed on the SID list (1402), then the CMR (12) simulates a no service mode of operation (1332-1338).

Abstract: A primary device placed at the upstream end of a duct and a relay device placed at an access point pull a cable through respective duct segments. The pulling speed of the primary device is controlled by an operator. The pulling speed of the relay device is variable in response to movement of the cable by the primary device to maintain equilibrium between the pulling speeds of the devices. The pulling tension exerted upon the cable by each device is monitored and discontinued upon reaching a predetermined maximum value. At the inlet to the second segment, lubricant is supplied to the cable at a quantitative rate which is proportional to the pulling speed.

Abstract: Herein presented is a device for facilitating the installation of protective cages for smoke and heat detectors and other electrical equipment. The device includes a slotted mounting plate. The plate has a centered hole whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the detector's ceiling base hole. The plate also has a slot which extends from the perimeter of this hole to one edge of the plate. The plate can be placed between the ceiling and the mounting base of the detector without removing the wires connecting the detector. The detector hangs suspended from the ceiling by the wires while the wires are passed through the slot of the plate. The detector is reattached to the ceiling and the plate is secured between the ceiling and the mounting base of the detector. A protective cage cover is then attached to the slotted plate.

Abstract: A system for integrating and modularizing wiring within a building is disclosed. A unitized destination terminal integrates a diverse assortment of communication connectivity needs with power distribution. The terminal mounts near a work surface in each one of a multiplicity of work areas within a building. An integrated communication cable transports a variety of different communication circuits away from the work areas toward a common communication distribution area. The integrated cable is routed through an integrated raceway, which manages the placement and housing of communication systems as a unit that additionally includes power distribution systems. Cabinets at the common comunication distribution area and at a central connectivity area for the building terminate communication cabling at a variety of socket connectors. The central connectivity area couples to PBX, mainframe computer controllers, or other connectivity devices.

Abstract: A sampling device for sealed positioning within the casing of a well contains a stripping chamber for stripping a ground water sample of its volatile compounds at or near the point of collection. In one embodiment, the stripping chamber includes a piston which is raised above the top surface of the sample to create a head space, and an injector for injecting inert gas into the sample, causing the volatile compounds to be released into the head space, whereupon they exit the chamber via a vapor outlet duct leading out of the well. In a second embodiment, the stripping chamber includes a tube having a sidewall formed of a semi-permeable membrane, and an injector which injects an inert gas into the bore of the tube. The device may also include a sensor mounted within the stripping chamber, and a valve for directing a calibration gas into the chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for automatically dispersing aggregate material, such as animal feed, is disclosed. The device includes a hopper having a spout at a bottom side thereof. A distributor is positioned underneath the spout so that feed or other material within the hopper flows out of the spout and into the distributor. the distributor is dimensioned and positioned relative to the spout so that the feed cones-up and prevents further feed from flowing out of the hopper. The distributor is further configured to have upright walls located around its periphery. The upright walls prevent unintended unloading of the distributor by wind or bumping. The distributor is attached to a shaft of an electrical motor which activates during a rotational cycle in accordance with a schedule established by a control unit. When the motor activates, the distributor rotates, and feed is broadcast from the distributor through openings within the upright walls.

Abstract: A system (10) for operating a multiplicity of credit card reader-equipped cellular mobile radiotelephones (CMRs 12) as credit card paystations is disclosed. The CMRs (12) incorporate a remotely programmable unit (RPU 48) which controls credit card operation (1400, 1700) and which controls data communication sessions (188, 1900, 2100) with a credit card (CC) host (26) and a remote programming (RP) host (24). The RPU (48) resides between a conventional control unit (CU 42) and a conventional transmit/receive unit (TRU 62) of a conventional CMR. The RPU (48) monitors messages (1200, 1300) transmitted from the CU (42) and from the TRU (62). The CMR (12) powers up in a locked state (1402), within which a credit card (88) may be read. The credit card is locally validated (1421) at CMR 12. If the validation is successful, the CMR (12) is unlocked so that a call may be placed.