Abstract: A strip with an exterior sticky surface is judiciously selected for its ability to entrap dust and other loose debris without interfering with the operation of moving parts contacted thereby. The strip is attached to the sides of a magnetic tape cartridge, with the sticky surface facing outward, in places contacted by rollers and/or belts during the process of handling the cartridge in an automated system. Thus, any loose debris in the rollers or belts is retained by the tacky surface of the strip as the cartridge passes through the rollers and belts of the robotic system. The strips of the invention may be removably adhered to the data cartridge, or may be permanently attached. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the strips may be incorporated into a cleaner cartridge for the periodic maintenance of loading equipment.

Abstract: A device facilitates adjustment of a sight on each of a variety of firearms having different calibers by providing a visible mark on a target when the device is placed within a chamber of any of the firearms. The device includes a housing, and a laser module energizeable within the housing to produce the mark at a position along a laser axis extending through the firearm's barrel. An outer sleeve fits snugly around at least a portion of the housing, and has an external shape sized to fit snugly within a chamber of predetermined caliber for one of the firearms. A power supply situated either within the housing or within the sleeve electrically energizes the laser module.

Abstract: A container for transporting articles that transforms into a ballistic protection unit includes a bag and a detachable panel. The bag includes a first compartment for containment of at least one piece of ballistic shield material. The detachable panel also contains at least one piece of ballistic shield material and is coupled to the bag by at least a first strap. The detachable panel is detachably coupled to the bag. During use, the user may detach the detachable panel from the bag and the bag may be placed over a shoulder of the user, protecting the user from high speed projectiles.

Abstract: A circuit and method for generating a variable frequency clock signal that uses a first, lower frequency oscillator, to modulate and vary the frequency of a second, higher frequency oscillator to generate a variable frequency clock signal. The circuit includes a first oscillator, a control circuit, and a second oscillator. The first oscillator generates a first signal having a substantially fixed-frequency magnitude. The control circuit is coupled to receive the first signal from the first oscillator and outputs control signals based on the received first signal. The second oscillator is coupled to receive the control signals from the control circuit and generates the variable frequency magnitude clock signal in response to the received control signal.

Abstract: A quill spindle includes a quill assembly within which a spindle assembly is rotationally mounted. The quill assembly includes a coolant flow path, and the spindle assembly includes a plurality of coolant flow paths. The quill assembly flow path and one of the plurality of spindle assembly flow paths provide cooling to bearings that allow the rotation of the spindle assembly within the quill assembly. Another of the plurality of coolant flow paths within the spindle assembly provides cooling flow to a cutting tool installed on an end of the quill spindle.

Abstract: An elevated toy train track is formed from multiple platform sections (12, 14, 16, 18) and a stabilizing ring (48) that are attachable together to form a ring-like structure (10). Each platform section has at least two lateral sides (34, 36), where one lateral side (34) has ridges (42) and the other lateral side (36) has slots (46). During assembly, the ridges (42) on one platform section are placed in snug engagement with complementary slots (46) of an adjacent platform section, until all platform sections are joined together. The stabilizing ring (48) is attached, using threaded fasteners (60), to the joined platform sections (12, 14, 16, 18) to form the ring-like structure (10). A train track (20) is attached to the ring-like structure, or can be integrally molded to the platform sections. The structure is attachable to the central pole (64, 66) of a Christmas tree, thus providing an elevated toy train track.