Abstract: Said floating group comprises: a drum (20) aligned with a center line (M) which rotates within a wrapping bin (10) driven by a motor (32), and when it rotates it creates, by an effect of masses unbalance, an actual rotation axis (N) different from said center line (M); a counterweigh (40) of mass mCE associated to a front part of the bin (10) and a counterweigh (42) of mass mCT associated to a front part of the drum (20), where the ratio [mCT/(mCE+mCT)]×100≧55, said mass mCT either a given magnitude centered with said center line (M) or a very lower magnitude and in the form of one or more fluid rings (60), the stresses the floating group sustains resulting substantially reduced, it being for it made in a light construction.

Abstract: A leak proof lid for a beverage container has a rocker arm which may be moved between open and closed positions by one hand. The lid is provided with drinking and venting apertures and respective basins within the lid. The rocker arm includes venting and drinking seals for sealing the respective aperture when the rocker arm is in the closed position. The rocker arm is easily removable from an upper side of the lid to facilitate cleaning the venting and drinking aperture and seals on the rocker arm.

Abstract: A high precision, small volume fluid processing system employs open ended capillary tubes to meter, aliquot and mix small volumes of sample fluid and reagents. The system has an automatic mechanism for moving the capillary tubes as well as automated sub-systems for incubating and mixing fluids within the capillary tubes.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a supplementary unit for a travelling fork lift truck used for picking up platelike mounting elements. The platelike mounting elements are picked up by a pick-up means of the supplementary unit, said pick-up means being secured to a frame via a carrier arm and a guide rod. The frame is adapted to be lifted by the forks of the fork lift truck. When the carrier arm is pivoted through an angle of 90.degree., the pick-up means, which is guided by the guide rod, will be turned through an angle of 180.degree.. The pivoting movement of the carrier arm is carried out by a hydraulic lifting cylinder.

Abstract: A removable projectile magazine for paintball guns has a cylindrical, spring loaded housing with an opening at one end for receiving and ejecting paintballs. The end also has a one-way valve consisting of a plurality of flexible fingers subtending a hemispherical shape. The fingers permit insertion of paintballs into the housing but prohibit removal of the paintballs therefrom when the housing is not received on a gun. When received on paintball gun, a de-activating member forces the resilient fingers apart allowing the paintballs to exit from the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting integrated circuit probe cards in which the probe points of the probe card are scanned across a checkplate having a conductivity transition border. The impedances between the probe points and the checkplate as they cross the conductivity transition border are measured to determine when the probe points cross the border. The positions of the probe card when each of the probe points crosses the border are measured to determine the positions of the probe points relative to each other. In one embodiment, the checkplate is formed by a square conductive plate having three quadrants of insulated material and a single quadrant of conductive material mounted on its upper surface. These conductive strips connected to the conductive plate are positioned between the quadrants of insulative material to form the conductivity transition border. In other embodiments, multiple parallel strips or a single dot of conductive material are surrounded by insulative material.

Abstract: An item of swimming wear (10) arranged to be worn closely to the body of a user to provide or enhance buoyancy, which item (10) comprises a piece of flexible closed-cell foam material (12) combined with a piece of textile or plastics material (11).

Abstract: A system for irrigating plant bedding environments comprising a helically threaded spray fitting adapted for insertion into standard plant bedding irrigation conduit. The spray fitting is adjustable in terms of flow direction and flow rate, and different embodiments produce distinct, leaf-shaped spray patterns. A special housing for the spray fitting allows the unit to be converted to a drip fitting.

Abstract: Reusable, washable feminine napkins and panty liners have multiple absorbent layers encasing a fluid imperiable layer. The napkin has a side opening pocket for an extra absorbent filler pad. Both the napkin and the panty liner employ a centrally located mounting device which is not connected to the fluid imperiable layer.

Abstract: An E-field sensing apparatus detects the energization of high voltage utility transmission and distribution lines. An external housing substantially shields internal components of the apparatus from the detected E-field. A conductive wire extends from the housing where it is exposed to the E-field. A signal is induced onto the exposed wire and sensed by the apparatus. The length of exposed wire and the distance of the apparatus from the high voltage line attenuate the E-field so the induced signal is within operational parameters of internal sensing components. Adjustments to the wire length and apparatus distance enable detection of E-fields surrounding power lines carrying voltage levels of a predetermined voltage level (i.e. approximately 2000 volts and higher). In response to the E-field the apparatus generates an analog output signal and a line isolation control (one-bit digital) signal. The analog output signal drives a meter, LED or other indicating device serving to aid maintenance engineers.

Abstract: A novel fixture (8) for securing personal computers has a tether cable (10) connected to a loop portion (13) which is in turn connected to an expansion slot cover plate (12) for a personal computer. Once the fixture (8) is installed in an expansion slot opening (15) of a personal computer, the computer is secured if the tether cable (10) is attached to a fixed location such as a table (16) using a padlock (17).