Abstract: An insert for plastic sections is manufactured from a flat strip of metal by high-speed progressive die-stamping, which forms the strip into a threaded female insert. The metal strip is first cut into a flat blank and then thread regions are impressed on the face of the strip, providing a thread pitch profile. During the stamping operation, the strip is folded to form a triangular hollow tube with sharp-edged protrusions extending radially outward from each corner of the triangle. An interlocking side tab and interlocking cutout secure the abutting longitudinal side edges of the strip and ensures axial alignment of the thread regions. As a result of the folding and stamping process, the thread regions lie along the interior wall of the tubular construction and define a thread pitch diameter, which will accept the screw threaded into the center of the insert.

Abstract: A brewer device for brewing single servings of a beverage, while also functioning as a cup closure lid. The lid includes a filter assembly to hold a brew substance, such as coffee grounds, a lip to secure said device to the mouth of a cup, and a frangible tab to allow consumption of the beverage without removing the lid. To enhance the aroma of the beverage while it is being consumed, the brew substance is held on top of the lid just below the position of the consumer's nose. Other brew substances, such as tea, cocoa, bouillon, etc., may be used.

Abstract: A temporary snap-in, hold-down, clip includes two sets of snap-fit fingers at opposite ends of a central sleeve for the purposes of temporarily holding a mirror housing to a vehicle body panel during the vehicle assembly process. One set of snap-fit fingers engages the mirror housing and an opposite set of fingers on the clip engages the inside edge of the vehicle body panel hole which normally receives an electrical wiring tail from the mirror assembly. The locking surfaces of barb-like heads on the two sets of fingers are designed so that the clip is more securely held to the mirror housing than to the body panel. A cylindrical sleeve portion of the clip projects outwardly and extends past the mirror housing gasket interposed between the housing and the body panel. The wiring tail passes through the sleeve unless the gasket is protected from the wiring tail as the wiring tail is pulled to the side by the installer.

Abstract: A handchime includes a main tube with a clapper assembly for striking one of two tines at the end of a tubular body. An elastomeric damper block is fitted in compression between the inside surfaces of the side walls of the tine which the clapper strikes. The damper block is located at a distance approximately one-third the length of the tine from its base. The damper block includes raised portions in contacting relation with the horizontal inside surface of the tine, and is preferably affixed by an adhesive.

Abstract: An accessory for a bending brake is secured to the brake only by the clamping force of the brake jaws. A pressing member is rotatably affixed to the base plate which is clamped between the jaws when in operation. A pressing member is attached to the base plate by hinge joints and a linkage, including slotted links which permit the metal sheet to be forcibly pressed against and rolled over the surface of a curved die, ensuring a smooth and even curve surface in the resulting workpiece. The die form is affixed to the front edge of the base plate. The base plates may be interchanged to include different diameter die forms for varying the radius of the executed bend. The location of the die at the front edge of the base plate permits the formation of accurate, smooth curves in sheet metal workpieces in angles of 90-degrees or greater.

Abstract: A clapper assembly includes circular strikers which can be individually rotated so that a new portion of the surface of the striker is presented in the direction of the clapper stroke. A pair of opposing plates located at the end of the clapper bar retain circular, donut-shaped striking elements. Each striker is secured between the plates by a retaining screw through the axis of the striking element. By loosening the screws, the individual strikers may be rotated. Thus, when a portion of the striker becomes worn, it may be loosened and manually rotated to a new position so that a fresh unused area is presented. In addition, the entire clapper assembly may be rotated so that strikers of different compressibility can be interchanged.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular, vertically-extending divider made of soft compressible material and having a height approximately equal to the height of the rear backrest of a motor vehicle attaches to the rear seat by employing the rear seat center seat belt. A slot at the back of the seat divider receives the center seat belt such that when secured by the seat belt, the soft material of the divider is compressed against the rear seat providing secure retention. The dimension of the seat divider extends forwardly through the interior cabin space between the backrests of individual front seats of the vehicle, and the width of the divider is substantially equal to the space between the front seat backrests. The divider includes a notch at the front bottom corner which receives and rests upon a center console of the vehicle. An internal rigid planar foam core, which extends substantially across the entire side profile of the divider, provides structural integrity to the divider.

Abstract: An eyeglass construction includes a hinge joint and temple bars with spreadable jaws with apertures that receive frame hinge pins. A unique key-and-lock mechanism is provided for spreading the temple jaws and holding them apart while interchangeable temple bars are removed and installed. A separate key having a lobe-shaped shank with an elliptical profile corresponds to a similar aperture through a slot in each temple bar so that when the key is turned, the jaws at the end of the temple bar are spread apart and held in a retracted state. A simple internal leaf spring molded into the temple bar bears upon a cam surface of the eyeglass frame so that a positional biasing of the temple bar is achieved.

Abstract: A garment functioning as a cushion, blanket, or poncho with a hood. The garment includes a small triangular sheet, which functions as a hood, attached to a rectangular main sheet and handles attached to the top and near the center of the main sheet. The sheet assembly may be spread out as a blanket or worn as a poncho such that the triangular portion is fit over a person's head and the remaining main sheet drapes over the person's body. As the main sheet is folded, the handles meet and snap together to form a cushion and easily carried case.

Abstract: A fish leader for pulling terminated cables through conduits or other passageways includes a coupler which attaches directly to the cable connector. The trailing surface of the coupler matches the lateral profile of the mating surface of the connector and therefore minimizes the lateral dimension of the attached connector/coupler pair. The coupler attaches to the connector using the existing connector fastening screws which engage threaded holes in the coupler. A curved and tapered leading front surface of the coupler enables it to deflect around obstructions as it is moved through the conduit. A swivel attachment at the front of the coupler provides attachment for a pulling member, such as a cable string or fish tape. The trailing surface of the coupler includes a recess to enclose the connector pins, protecting them from damage while pulling the cable.

Abstract: An insert for plastic sections is manufactured from a flat strip of metal by high-speed progressive die-stamping which forms the strip into a threaded female insert. The metal strip is first cut into a flat blank and then thread regions are impressed on the face of the strip, providing a thread pitch profile. During the stamping operation, the strip is folded to form a triangular hollow tube with sharp-edged protrusions extending radially outward from each corner of the triangle. A tab and interlocking cutout secure the abuting longitudinal side edges of the strip and ensures axial alignment of the thread regions. As a result of the folding and stamping process, the thread regions lie along the interior wall of the tubular construction and define a thread pitch diameter which will accept the screw threaded into the center of the insert.

Abstract: An oscillating lever arm engine includes rigidly connected opposing pistons moved by a single lever connected to a rotating crankshaft. When applied to a two-cycle internal combustion engine, one piston may function as a pump piston and the second piston as a working piston which delivers power to the crankshaft through a connecting rod. When the pump piston is chosen to be of larger diameter, the volumetric efficiency of drawing in and providing the intake charge to the working piston may be increased. Furthermore, when poppet-type exhaust valves are used, valve timing may be selected so that the exhaust valves close before the cylinder wall transfer ports to achieve a supercharging effect.