Abstract: Apparatus for automatically acquiring and verifying, relative to pre-established rules, information affixed to relatively flat articles transported along a transport path comprises weighing means for measuring weight of articles being processed, image acquisition means for acquiring a representation of indicia appearing on an article, processing means for recognition of the indicia appearing on an article, and processing means for verifying acquired data against the pre-established rules.

Abstract: A quick release orthopedic limb brace having an upright assembly and a clip member. The clip member is quickly and selectively inserted and removed from a clip housing on the upright assembly, at the convenience of a user. When the clip is locked in the clip housing, the resulting joint connection effectively prevents relative movement between the clip and the upright assembly to prevent injury or harm to a user. In an alternate embodiment, the upright remains pivotal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved centering of a workpiece in a planer machine includes centering sectional shoe assembly positioned in close proximity to opposed cutting heads, between the cutting heads and a centering feed assembly. The shoe assembly includes a plurality of individually movable pressure shoe sets, comprising an upper shoe and a lower shoe. Each shoe set is operatively connected to a closed circuit, double rod end hydraulic cylinder assembly which selectively and independently positions the shoe set responsive to the surface to the workpiece. A pressure device is also operatively connected to each shoe set to provide a centering force. In use, as the upper or lower shoe of a shoe set is forced away from the centerline of the workpiece, the opposing shoe would automatically move the same amount. The shoe assembly thus centers each and every workpiece independent of the amount of stock removal required.

Abstract: A rotary flying device comprising an airfoil having an axis of rotation means for rotation thereabout, a stabilizer disk mounted on said airfoil, a bearing assembly means attached to said axis of rotation means, and a bridle means attached to said bearing assembly means for receiving a support line.

Abstract: A quick set fishing rig and fish hook for live bait is disclosed. The hook includes a main portion, at least one hook portion, and a shank for releasably anchoring the hook into the body of the live bait. The shank extends substantially straight out from the main body portion of the hook and preferably has at least one stabilizing fin provided thereon. The shank is inserted under the skin of the live bait, thus anchoring the hook portions on the live bait. The stabilizing fins of the shank prevent the hook from rotating about the shank axis while in use, and assists the hook to quickly release from the bait when a fisherman or woman sets the hook. The hook is preferably used in connection with a rig providing for the adjustability of the length between a front single hook of the rig and the hook of the present invention.

Abstract: A medication recordkeeping device comprised of a label or sheet with a plurality of characters identifying at least one subject upon which a friably removable mask covering obscures each of the characters. The label or sheet is adapted to be fixedly applied to a medication containing vessel wherein each time an individual unit of medication is consumed, the friable removable mask is removed from a character in order that the underlying subject will be exposed so that a visual record will be kept of the medication consumed. The characters may be dates, numerals or dosage amounts corresponding to a patient's needs or the particular requirements of the medication. The label or sheet preferably also includes an area for recording important information such as a patient's name or medical history. A bar code may be provided for recording relevant information. Further, the label or sheet can be inserted into a housing apparatus which attaches a medicine container thereto.

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 stage and thread assembly is disclosed for use in a high speed envelope packing apparatus. The assembly receives from the side, a single envelope with flap open. The assembly precisely aligns and positions the envelope in a pre-stage area via a plurality of entry ramps, continuously running belts, and back stops, correcting any misalignment. Once positioned in the pre-stage area, the apparatus stages the envelope in a position above the thread roller of the high speed packing apparatus so that the envelope can be threaded on the packing plate for insertion of material into the envelope. The staging of the envelope is achieved via a plurality of rollers including, d-rollers, flipper rollers, and stage rollers. The envelope is staged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of entry of the envelope.

Abstract: A composite gasket comprising a metal flange having graphite sealing surfaces overlaid thereon, has load stabilizing ribs formed in the metal flange in the parallel sides not having bolt holes therein. The ribs provide a more even load distribution in the graphite sealing surfaces such that a more efficient and longer lasting seal is provided, particularly in mis-designed or misapplied applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a continuous flow transfer system designed to transfer the contents of a mail tray into a cartridge for subsequent processing and then, after processing, to transfer the contents of the cartridge back into a mail tray without disrupting the facing or orientation of each piece of mail. The continuous flow transfer system comprises both a cartridge loader and a cartridge unloader, both of which have a tray section, a transfer conveyor and a cartridge section. The tray section, or infeed section, of the cartridge loader is designed to deliver filled mail trays to the transfer section of the loader. At the transfer section, the contents of each mail tray are deposited into an intermediate container that is affixed to the transfer section. The transfer section then delivers the contents of the intermediate container into empty cartridges being fed onto the cartridge section, or discharge section, of the loader.

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 hanging apparatus is disclosed comprising a first end pole and a second end pole with a plurality of middle poles therebetween in axial alignment. Positioned between and pivotably mounted between the end poles and the middle poles are a plurality of hanger bars for receiving an article such as clothing or the like. The hanger bars are free to pivot about the pole axis. The end poles each include an angled bracket which allows the hanging apparatus to be mounted to a door frame between the door and the door frame. In this manner, the hanging apparatus extends away from the door in close proximity to the door frame to allow the hanging of numerous articles without interfering with use of the door. Alternatively, the hanging apparatus and each angled bracket can be mounted directly to a wall to provide for a hanging apparatus to be located in any position on a wall. The hanging bars remain free to be pivoted about the pole axis.

Abstract: A system for locking a hubcap to a wheel comprising a wheel, said wheel having a plurality of bolts extending outwardly therefrom, a hubcap cover having a plurality of holes adapted to fit over said bolts, and a plurality of nutcovers to fasten over said bolts and lock said hubcap to the wheel.

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 separator and sequencing apparatus comprising a first selective document transport means for selective movement of documents and a second selective document transport means for selective movement of documents positioned adjacent to the first selective document transport means, the first and second selective document transport means configured to move at least one of a pair of documents located in said separator and sequencing apparatus.

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.