Abstract: A lighting assembly includes an on/off source of light and an optical diffuser characterized in that it receives light from the source and emits it in a desired viewing direction, but with underlying surfaces being at least diffusely visible therethrough. Thus, in an automotive or other vehicular application, the surface may be a body panel, the color of which may be visibly evident through the diffuser panel, thereby enhancing desired aerodynamic/styling characteristics. The source of light preferably comprises one or more semiconductor devices such as light-emitting diodes, and the optical diffuser is holographically recorded and provide high transmission and low backscatter to shape the emitted light in addition to its redirection in accordance with a desired beam profile or cross section.

Abstract: A multifunction toilet is shown with a conventional flushing system and auxiliary components which include an odor exhaust system which withdraws gases from the toilet bowl and delivers them to the sewage drain downstream of the toilet water trap. Other auxiliary components include a motor driven retractable nozzle pipe which provides a personal warm water spray rinse and a dryer which supplies warm drying air. The auxiliary components are operated under a switch control system which assures proper sequencing and prevents use unless the user is seated on the toilet seat.

Abstract: A seal between two interlocking components, especially tubes, with a compression lip (3) and a supporting foam rubber ring (12). The rear space as far as the cone surface can be empty or filled with light foam rubber.

Abstract: A package for an article such as a light bulb having an elongated sheet with two spaced ends. A layer of shrink wrap material overlies at least a portion of one side of the sheet and the layer of shrink wrap material is attached to the sheet at spaced intervals therealong. The ends of the sheet are secured to form a loop having an interior side and an exterior side with the shrink wrap layer being attached to the interior side of the loop. With an article placed within the interior side of the loop, upon application of heat to the shrink wrap material, the portions of the shrink wrap material unattached to the sheet at least partially engulf the article to thereby affix the article to the sheet.

Abstract: A head positioning apparatus for a magnetic drive for positioning the head of the tape drive relative to the several tracks on the magnetic tape. The positioning apparatus includes a lead screw driven by a stepper motor, a half nut on a carriage carrying the head and threadably engaging the lead screw, and a spring clip secured at its opposite ends to the half nut and embracing the lead screw and acting to urge the lead screw laterally relative to the rotational axis of the lead screw into positive threaded cooperation with the threads of the half nut so as to preclude lost motion between the lead screw and the carriage during movement of the head between adjacent tracks and so as to preclude movement of the head following arrival of the head at a specific track unless and until the lead screw is again rotated by energization of the motor.

Abstract: A drinks can with a non-resealable ring pull seal includes an auxiliary sealing member supported inside the can by a leaf spring which urges it automatically to seal the opening formed on removal of the ring pull seal, the auxiliary member having an upstanding projection engageable by the user to depress the sealing member into the can for access to the contents.

Abstract: A rotating guard rail assembly formed preferably of steel tubing and sheathed in a polymerized material such as plastic. The assembly generally comprises a vertical stanchion sheathed in plastic and having a rotating jacket assembly mounted about the exterior of the stanchion. The jacket is free to rotate about the stanchion, thereby acting as a cornering or pivoting device to redirect a moving object upon impact of the guard rail assembly.

Abstract: A clip-type fastening device having a deformable and resilient body which is constructed of first and second deformable aperture defining portions which in combination define an aperture within the body. First and second engaging members are integrally formed with the deformable aperture defining portions and are inter-engageable to clamp the body around a fixed member in a step-lock fashion. The aperture defining portions and engaging members may be deformed and separated in a twisting manner to release the body from the fixed member and a deformable clip portion is likewise separable to releasably secure an object such as a length of cord or a flag grommet.

Abstract: A fuel management system for a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine is disclosed in which a mass air flow sensor as well as a mass gas flow sensor provide input signals to an electronic control unit (ECU) which then determines the air/fuel ratio. The ECU in turn generates output signals to a fuel valve to control the mass of fuel flow to the engine and thus the air/fuel ratio. A turbocharger bypass valve, a precooler for the gaseous fuel supply, a pressure accumulator upstream from the fuel valve, as well as a system to calibrate the engine to the specific gaseous fuel is described to enhance the accuracy of the fuel management system. An improved pressure balanced valve for controlling the fuel flow to the engine is also provided as well as a cylinder pressure transducer to optionally provide an output signal to the ECU to determine the air/fuel ratio.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine with a machine is shown bed, a work tank filled with a dielectric fluid and vertically adjustable in which a work table is arranged, a generator and a control unit. All units of the machine are surrounded by a metal structure. Additional units can be integrated into the metal structure.

Abstract: An anchor for a bolt formed of a single strip of sheet metal includes a pair of opposed shell portions having helically aligned connecting strips. The shell portions extend from a bottom end of the anchor having a threaded sleeve for accepting the bolt. The free ends of the shell portions have tabs extending outwardly for engagement into the plate in which the member is being installed. The anchor is formed by first stamping a strip of metal and then bending the ends of the strip to form a cylindrical shell. Axially aligned tabs on the free ends extend into complimentary recesses to join the two shell halves together.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus for use with a vehicle having a rearwardly projecting hitch engaging portion and capable of supporting an elongate article such as a golf bag containing a plurality of golf clubs. A substantially horizontally disposed and planar shaped base supports a lower end of the elongate article and includes an upwardly projecting edge extending around a perimeter of the base. An elongate support is secured at a lower end to the base and extends upwardly therefrom so as to terminate at an upper end. A cross member is secured at a location proximate the upper end of the elongate support and includes a first laterally extending support portion and a second opposite and laterally extending support portion for engaging an upper end of the supported elongate article.

Abstract: A removable, separable rug for the cargo area of a vehicle such as a pickup truck or a van comprises interattachable panels. The panels include a pair of side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a floor. One or more of the panels may be selectively used at a time. The panels may be composed of a resiliently soft material such as an expanded plastic or a closed-cell polyethylene foam or may be a laminated, bi-layered pad comprising an upper layer of carpeting and a lower layer of resiliently soft material such as an expanded plastic or foam. Each of the panels is attached to the other panel by hook-and-loop fasteners or by zippers. The panels are removably attached to the vehicle cargo area by magnets, conventional fasteners such as screws, rivets, or snaps, or by hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: A removable vehicle top assembly for use with a Jeep-type vehicle for attaching a combination hard top and flexible soft top cover. A first hard top cover is fastened over a forward passenger area of the vehicle. A rearward storage area of the vehicle is defined in part by a pair of roll bars which extend to a rear of the vehicle. A first U-shaped and extensible assembly is pivotally secured to the sides of the vehicle and envelops the roll bars. A second generally U-shaped member is pivotally mounted to a rearward end of the roll bars and includes a spaced middle elongated portion. The flexible cover is drapped over the second U-shaped member and is attached to the U-shaped extensible assembly and to portions of the sides and rear of the vehicle. The second U-shaped member includes a pivot mechanism which rotates the second member between a material installing, a material tautening and a rearward non-use position.

Abstract: A yoke assembly for a rack and pinion steering system includes a bearing disc member having a pair of bearing surfaces for slidingly supporting and urging the rack toward the pinion. The bearing disc member is kinematically supported by an elastomeric member. The elastomeric forces are conically applied toward an apex located well within the rack and away from the bearing surfaces. This results in the bearing disc member rotating slightly in a contra-pitch direction and forming a lubrication wedge whenever the rack moves along its axis of translation. The yoke assembly is of a compact design that can be substituted for the yoke assembly of any conventional rack and pinion steering system.

Abstract: A microwave oven with built-in food covering mechanism, the microwave having a body defined by a top, bottom, sides and rear. A door is hingedly connected to the body and is opened to reveal an open interior of the body. A covering member is suspended within the oven interior and is operably connected to an electric motor built into the microwave body. The motor includes a rotating gear head which rotates in one of two directions to either wind or unwind the cord to either elevate or lower the covering member within the interior. A microprocessor energizes and deenergizes the motor and is operated by any of a selection of spring loaded, pressure actuated or sensing switch assemblies within the microwave interior.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the extraction of oil from fried food products, especially thin food products, such as snack products, in which the food product is not damaged and which enables an especially homogeneous distribution of the seasonings.