Abstract: An apparatus for high speed packing of envelopes is disclosed. The apparatus includes an envelope flap opening assembly which facilitates the opening of each envelope by a finger of an opening element as the envelope passes through packing apparatus. Each envelope may then be conveyed into a first staging assembly where the envelope is stopped, allowing a freely rotating conveyor to force the envelope into contact with an ejection conveyor to direct the envelope from the first staging assembly. The envelope is then transported to the packing assembly by an intermediate conveyor having a plurality of distinctly and selectively driven conveyors to allow staging of the envelopes along the intermediate conveyor. A quick and efficient envelope packing assembly then packs the envelopes and ejects the envelope to an exiting conveyor which seals each packed envelope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for local provisioning of a network interface unit. The local provisioning is performed by depressing a pushbutton on the front panel for an extended set determined time, at which time the NIU enters into the local provisioning mode. During this mode, a plurality of LEDs, corresponding to specific provision options, are sequentially lit. When the desired LED provision option is lit, the button is pressed to achieve the desired provisioning. The local provisioning mode is automatically exited after scrolling through all the LEDs.

Abstract: A drinking device comprising a cup and a straw selectively attached to the said cup at an upper end along the rim thereof, thus allowing a plurality of the cups, with attached straws, to be stackable. The straw can be selectively removed for use.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for scenting a bucktail type fishing lure in the area of the hair-like skirt of the bucktail, approximate the hook. The device includes a body of absorbent material that is suitably fastened or affixed to the lure. Fish scent is applied to the body, which retains the scent and prevents the scent from soaking and clumping the bristles of the bucktail skirt. The body could take various shapes and sizes, including for example a tab or disk shape, a cone or bullet shape, a rectangular strip-like shape, or one or more spherical shapes. The absorbent material is preferably wool or wool-like material, or an absorbent porous material. The body further assists the bristles of the bucktail skirt to assume a conical shape.

Abstract: A debris catching insert configured to be placed in a debris catching bag which is adapted to be removably attached to a debris discharging device, the debris catching insert comprising a first side and a second side connected to the first side by a top and a bottom, wherein at least one of the first side, second side, top and bottom comprise an air permeable panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for high speed packing of envelopes is disclosed. The apparatus includes an envelope flap opening assembly which facilitates the opening of each envelope by a finger of an opening element as the envelope passes through packing apparatus. Each envelope may then be conveyed into a first staging assembly where the envelope is stopped, allowing a freely rotating conveyor to force the envelope into contact with an ejection conveyor to direct the envelope from the first staging assembly. The envelope is then transported to the packing assembly by an intermediate conveyor having a plurality of distinctly and selectively driven conveyors to allow staging of the envelopes along the intermediate conveyor. A quick and efficient envelope packing assembly then packs the envelopes and ejects the envelope to an exiting conveyor which seals each packed envelope.

Abstract: An improved method and device for performing setup and adjustment of pressure shoes used in an abrasive finishing machine. The setup of the pressure shoe stop limit device is performed automatically and remotely. The stop limit is hydraulically locked in place and limits subsequent shoe rotation. This automatically positionable travel limit stop takes into account the natural spring of the various machine components, including the innate springiness of the surfacing head elastic covering which wears and deforms over time. The pressure shoe is adjusted relative to the surfacing head, and accounts for the undefinable characteristics of the overall machine.

Abstract: A device for facilitating access to a car seat takes the form of a multi-laminate plastic, rotating seat device or disk having a plurality of fold lines defining a plurality of segments. The disk is placed upon the seating area of a car seat and substantially covers the entire seating area, preferably with overhang. The fold lines and segmented nature of the disk allow the disk to generally assume the contour of the car seat, when in use, and to be folded into a compact, portable size when not in use. The outer surfaces of the disk preferably have differing coefficients of friction to allow the disk to be reversible for use on different type car seat upholstery. Further, the disk is provided with an indicia to serve as a decorative cover for the car seat. The device could take the form of an oval and be provided with a crimped perimeter and hand grip cutouts.

Abstract: A fishing lure hook holder is disclosed and comprises generally a body 20, a first securing element 40, and a second securing element 60. Body 20 generally includes a first loop end and a second end. First securing element 40 is slidably positionable along body 20. Second securing element 60 can be fastened at a second end or can be slidable along body 20. In use on a two hook fishing lure, the first loop end engages one of the fishing hooks while the first securing element is positioned around the second fishing hook to securely hold the fishing hooks against the fishing lure in proximity thereto and to prevent movement of the fishing hooks during storage. In use on a three hook fishing lure, the first looped end engages the first treble hook. The first securing element engages the second treble hook. The second securing element engages the third treble hook.

Abstract: A folding carton or box is provided with a detachable panel preferably in the form of a business reply card. An informational brochure or pamphlet is suitably secured between the outside front panel of the box and the detachable panel or business reply card. The detachable panel is folded over the informational material and the open end of the detachable panel is secured down to the box by seals. To gain access to the information an end user need simply to break the seals. The detachable panel or business reply card can then be simply removed from the box and returned to the manufacturer or company.

Abstract: A vending machine system is disclosed for vending computer storage media and specifically a computer floppy disk. The vending machine includes a housing having a disk carousel therein. The disk carousel holds a plurality of disks in a vertical position. Upon a user selecting a disk to be purchased, a signal is sent to a motor which rotates a carousel positioning the selected disk in front of the dispenser opening at which time a pusher element is actuated pushing a disk out through the dispenser opening.

Abstract: An icon based DMIS program allows for simplified and enhanced use in a coordinate measurement machine environment. Each listed icon is associated with an underlying DMIS code. Double clicking on a DMIS icon will open a window which shows the underlying DMIS code for that icon, allowing changes to be made to that DMIS code. Both the Iconized DMIS list as well as the DMIS window allow for full editing capabilities such as deletions, insertions, change of numerical values and copy/paste facilities.

Abstract: A weed removal tool is provided with an ergonomic handle shape which improves user comfort and reduces user fatigue and risk of injury. The handle is provided with a compound gripping surface which has been engineered and shaped to form a flattened egg-elliptical profile when viewed from the side, and a generally widened egg-shaped profile when viewed from the top or bottom. A strong, non-root cutting or severing, engineered shank is provided for gently loosening surrounding soil for removal of weed roots and is provided with a blunted tip for penetrating the soil without severing underlying roots. The shank is carefully engineered, shaped and proportioned to automatically relocate its operating fulcrum point so as to target, create, maximize and concentrate its soil and root loosening and lifting actions directly within the selected plant's root system.

Abstract: A rotary flying device comprising an inflatable airfoil having an axis of rotation for rotation thereabout, an inflatable stabilizer disk mounted on the airfoil, a bearing assembly attached to the axis of rotation, and a bridle attached to the bearing assembly for receiving a support line. The airfoil is provided with one or more ribs for providing rigidity thereto. Alternatively, or simultaneously, the airfoil is provided with end caps or a periphery cage member for providing the necessary rigidity thereto.

Abstract: A neutral pH foamed glass article is produced from a mixture of pulverized glass particles, foaming agent, binder, and water, wherein the glass article is heated to remove excess moisture and organic materals, then further heated to cause the foaming agent to emit a foaming gas, thereby causing foaming of the glass article. The foamed glass article is annealed in a controlled cooling fashion to avoid thermal stress, cracking and devitrification. The foamed glass articles may be used as artificial pumice stones in the stone-washed garment industry. Preferably, the mixture contains an amount of lignosulfonate to produce foamed glass having substantially neutral pH values in a range of from about 7.0 to 8.4.

Abstract: A continuous sheet folder apparatus is disclosed that can fold any size paper in half with nested inserts inside the paper. The apparatus can also function in an intermittent mode. The half folding apparatus is accomplished by a set of lifting fingers and stationary fingers which interact to curl the sheet leading edge upwards and over until it registers with the trailing edge, passing beneath it. The sheet is then creased in a presser unit. The lifting fingers are spring mounted and biased toward the oncoming sheet.