Abstract: A refrigerated food preparation table having a food preparation surface, a refrigerated food storage chamber, and a food plenum chamber adjacent to the food preparation surface. An air baffle assembly including a venturi restriction creates a resilient and uniform cool air curtain distributed across the top of food bins disposed within the food plenum chamber. One portion of the returning airflow, which is relatively warmer, having been exposed to higher ambient temperatures, circulates around the food bins and another portion of the returning airflow cools the refrigerated food storage chamber before entering a refrigeration coil/blower chamber to begin the cycle anew. The configuration maintains foodstuffs within the unit between 32.degree. and 40.degree. F.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gripper for flat components (38), in particular for circuit boards and circuit foils. The gripper (10) has a gripping slot (20) for holding the component (38) and a clamping element that is tensioned in the direction of the slot opening (22). The clamping element (26) can be pivoted between a clamping position, in which it protrudes into the gripping slot (20) and clamps the component, and an open position in which it is pivoted at least partially out of the gripping slot (20).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a wheel housing having at least one axle bracket extending therefrom along a transverse axis and at least one axle bracket-receiving socket formed in a foot of the vacuum cleaner whereby the socket slidably receives and pivotally mounts the at least one axle bracket. The wheel housing is thereby pivotally mounted to the foot. A height adjustment mechanism is provided with the wheel housing having an actuator having a bearing shaft and a bearing sleeve with a longitudinal bore. The longitudinal bore of the bearing sleeve receives the bearing shaft to rotatably mount the actuator. A detent mechanism is provided between the bearing shaft and the bearing sleeve to releasably mount the actuator to the foot. The actuator can be adapted to release upon encountering abnormal forces applied against the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A dual cart assembly is provided which comprises a first cart having a frame defining a void and a second cart configured to nest within the void of the first cart. The first cart and the second cart are removably connected to each other at a joint when the second cart is nested within the void which permits limited articulation between the first and second carts so that the first and second carts can be moved as a unit facilitated by the limited articulation of the joint. Further, the first and second carts can be selectively separated for use.

Abstract: A tool storage module adapted to be mounted to the handle of a vacuum cleaner comprising a handle pivotally mounted to a floor supported base. The accessory storage module has a support panel to which is mounted a pliable storage bag. The storage bag is preferably removably mounted to the support panel. The storage bag is also transparent, made, for example, of a mesh material, for viewing of the contents of the storage bag from outside the storage bag. The storage bag can be sized to receive multiple tools and accessories.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator (10), with a large-force compression spring (72) in a spring chamber (101) of the housing, has vent openings (102) in the housing communicating with the spring chamber (101). A gas permeable filter element (104) covers the vent openings (102), and a filter frame assembly (106) is disposed over the filter element. The filter frame assembly (106) defines tortuous air passages from the filter element (104) to atmosphere so that air entering the spring chamber from atmosphere will be substantially free of contaminants.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is provided for a vehicle which incorporates a self-contained magnetic field sensor in the mirror housing. When mounted to a fixed pivot point in a single ball mounting bracket, the mirror housing pivots around the magnetic field sensor. When the magnetic field sensor is mounted within the mirror housing either to the housing or to the mirror, compensation for the rotation position of the mirror about a vertical axis is provided by an empirically predetermined compensation value whereby direct reading of the angle is adjusted by a processor or by mechanically mounting the field sensor at an angle representative of the compensation value. Other ways of rotation compensation are also disclosed. Compensation for tilt about a horizontal axis is provided by an elliptical compensation algorithm in a microprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus for serially making formed parts from a web of deformable material having a plurality of progressive die forming stations for forming multiple parts from the web by advancing the web through each forming station. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a control system for measuring parts formed in the apparatus and adjusting the relationship between first and second die portions of the apparatus to keep the parts formed in the apparatus within predetermined specifications.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided which has a handle pivotally mounted to a foot. The foot has a releasable mechanism pivotally mounted thereto. The releasable mechanism and the handle are provided with abutting protrusions and recesses which can abut one another to retain the handle in an upright storage position, in an angularly disposed position for normal use and a generally horizontal position. The releasable mechanism preferably comprises a foot pedal which has an integral arm spring extending angularly therefrom and biased against the foot so that the protrusion and/or recess on the foot pedal is urged within a corresponding recess and/or protrusion on the handle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprising first and second arms mountable to a vehicle frame for vertical swinging movement adjacent opposite sides of the vehicle frame, each of which mounts an axle for rotatably supporting at least one ground-engaging wheel thereon. Air springs are mounted between the arms and the frame in load-transmitting relation therebetween. An improved axle lift mechanism for lifting the axles and the at least one wheel responsive to relief of air pressure in the air springs is provided which comprises first and second telescoping guide members mountable to the frame, each of which have a distal end adapted to be positioned adjacent opposing sides of the frame and being movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A first lever mechanism is adapted to be mounted to the frame, and is mounted to the distal end of the first telescoping guide member and to the first arm.

Abstract: A sweeper comprising a housing, at least one drawer, and at least one brush rotatably mounted to the housing for sweeping debris into the drawer. The housing forms an opening for removably mounting the drawer for movement between an open and a closed position. The sweeper is rollably supported on wheels which drive the brush. The sweeper incorporates modular features which allow the sweeper to be assembled without the use of tools.