Abstract: An ignition key switch mechanism for a vehicle having an automatic or semi-automatic gearbox comprises two solenoids and arranged at right angles to each other between which a slider or lever is disposed. The mechanism locks to prevent turning of the ignition key to the off position and removal of the key. Locking is effected by activating one solenoid to pull the shaft of that solenoid inside the armature of the solenoid. That in turn pulls the slider towards the solenoid and enables a locking pin on the slider to lock the mechanism. As the slider moves toward the solenoid a notch in the slider is brought into line with the shaft of the second solenoid. This shaft enters the notch under spring force to hold the mechanism in the locked position. Unlocking is effected by activating the second solenoid to withdraw the shaft from the notch allowing the first solenoid and the locking pin to return to unlocked positions which in turn permits the key to be turned to the off position and removed.

Abstract: A bonding device for providing an electrical ground to a plurality of remote devices from a main junction box with a main ground cable. The bonding device includes an elongated electrically conductive housing having a through passage for receiving therethrough the main ground cable. The electrically conductive housing further includes a plurality of passage holes that each extend substantially transverse to the elongated through passage, and with each of the passage holes for receiving a ground wire associated with one of the remote devices. Fasteners retain the ground wire in each corresponding passage hole.

Abstract: A combination name badge and compass includes a substantially planar substrate having a front surface that has name indicia thereon, and a rear surface and a clutch bar that includes spaced pins. The clutch bar is secured to the rear surface of the planar substrate with the pins extending away from the planar substrate. A magnetic circuit includes a pair of opposite polarity magnets mounted at the substrate. The magnetic circuit further includes a metal arrow that is coupled with the opposite polarity magnets to form the magnetic circuit. When the name badge is floated on a liquid surface the metal indicator points to magnetic north.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow sensor having a measuring chamber to which a fluid whose volume and/or rate of flow is to be measured is supplied and then drawn off. Inside the measuring chamber elements of a measuring mechanism are mounted so as to freely rotate. The sensor is also provided with a magnet which produces a magnetic field inside the measuring chamber and in close proximity thereto. At least one sensor device measures the magnetic field and/or changes in the magnetic field. The sensor device for measuring the magnetic field is provided with at least one giant magnetoresistance sensor.

Abstract: A post-foaming personal cleaning composition in the form of a gel for use in an aerosol container. This composition includes a base material of a surfactant in an amount not less than 7 % by weight and a thickener that is a blend of at least one of glyceryl ester, and a glyceryl ester derivative with at least one of a betaine and a gum. The base material preferably has a viscosity greater than 9,500 cps. The composition also includes a foam forming material, above 9 % by weight of the composition with at least a part of the foam forming material being maintained in suspension in the composition until after the composition is dispensed from the aerosol container. The foam forming material is preferably a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 4 to 5 carbons and the composition is in the form of a gel prior to inclusion of the foam forming material.

Abstract: A method for increasing the strength, thickness and surface smoothness of a finger nail composed primarily of keratin but also containing small amount of calcium.

Abstract: A web section and a round sling constructed from the web section. The web section includes elasticized weft yarns that facilitate an improved method of constructing the round sling. The round sling includes inner and outer jackets and a plurality of load bearing yarns.

Abstract: A score-keeping product for an anagram game that has a pouch for storing a plurality of anagram game cubes therein; a pair of slide members that each can be linearly moved between open and closed positions with each slide member, in an at least partially open position, enabling access to the interior of pouch so that the anagram game cubes can be stored or removed therefrom for the purpose of playing the game cubes with each of the slide members including a scoring pointer; and a pair of scoring indicia on the pouch and each disposed along a linear locus that extends respectively along side of a corresponding slide member with each scoring indicia provided with a series of score markers. The slide members are selectively movable so that the corresponding scoring pointer can be progressively moved to align with one of the series of score markers in scoring the game.

Abstract: A visual indication of an intermediate position is provided on an applicator (10) to enable an operator to correctly position the trigger (14) of the applicator to achieve a defined intermediate position.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that includes a bar member having opposed ends with each end being a closed end and having adjacent to the closed end an open channel defined by an elongated slot. An elastic member with handles attached to respective ends of the elastic member and a cap member disposed about the closed end of the bar member for retaining the handle in place. A method of attachment is also illustrated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical connector for connecting a contact pin to an electrical conductor. It is proposed that the insulator housing of the connector provide a connecting space, in which the contact pin and the electrical conductor can be plugged in opposite direction in roughly parallel alignment and overlap by their axial lengths, the conductor being able to move crosswise to its conductor axis within a range of movement permitted by the construction and the leaf springs of the conductor clamp connection pressing the conductor in the direction of the contact pin.

Abstract: A rest for a vehicle for supporting the feet and/or legs of a passenger comprising a housing (2) having an electrically powered pivotal lid (3) and defining a storage. The lid may be pivoted between an open position in which access to the storage is permitted and support provided for the feet and/or calves of the passenger and a closed position. The rest is mounted for movement in a passenger footwell on a pair of rails and a motorised pinion (11) runs on a rack (10) to move the rest up and down the rails (9). The arrangement provides a comfortable adjustable leg/foot support which is especially beneficial on long journeys. At same time accessible and convenient extra storage is provided.

Abstract: A sound muffling material for use in combustion engine exhaust mufflers is provided. The material includes volumized fibers retained in compressed form by a material of lower softening temperature than the fibers. When the material is heated by exhaust gases, the material of lower softening temperature is softened allowing the compressed fibers to expand. The fibers may be formed into a knitted fabric retained by a sacrificial thread. The material may be used to support catalyst bricks.