Abstract: A wheel and overlay assembly employing an overlay configured to more fully control the aesthetic appearance of the assembly. The wheel and overlay assembly employs an overlay that more completely establishes the decorative appearance of the assembly, thereby enabling the use of a standardized wheel whose design and construction considerations are based almost solely on the structural requirements of the assembly. As such, the overlay is adapted to enable the functions of structural integrity and outward appearance of the assembly to be addressed separately, resulting in a more fully integrated appearance in which the two-component construction of the assembly is fully concealed, such that a substantial reduction in manufacturing costs is achieved due to the reduced functional demands on the wheel.

Abstract: A brick veneer assembly having improved accommodation of brick tolerances, simple assembly, and lower cost relative to the prior art. A plurality of bricks having a tapered locating surface are provided. A support panel includes horizontal rows of L-shaped retainers and corresponding rows of holes. Each L-shaped retainer further includes a leg portion extending away from the support panel, and a foot portion that depends downwardly away from the leg portion.

Abstract: In a method of identifying a source of a signal, the signal is recorded and then analyzed in order to determine its spectrum. The method includes the following steps: in parallel with recording the signal, storing parameters significant of the conditions under which the recording is made; after analyzing the signal and determining its spectrum, detecting lines emerging from the background noise of the signal, using a predetermined emergence threshold; comparing each line detected with some or all of a set of signatures of sources identified and inventoried in a database established prior to the recording; and for each line, and where applicable, selecting signatures that may correspond to the line and, as a function of the resulting signature/line pairs, consolidating, resolving ambiguity of, or quantifying the source corresponding to said line.

Abstract: A workpiece ejector and transfer apparatus adapted to automatically extract a workpiece from a tool after work has been performed, and thereby reduce the cycle time for the operation. The apparatus includes a cylinder, a pair of cam plates adapted to convert the reciprocating motion of the cylinder into a rotational motion, and an engagement portion adapted to engage and unload the workpiece. When the cylinder is actuated, the cam plates are initially translated in an upward direction, and thereafter rotated. The initial upward translation of the cam plates is intended to engage and lift a processed workpiece such that it has sufficient clearance from its tool, whereas the rotation of the cam plates acts to transfer the processed workpiece such that the tool can accommodate a new workpiece. The processed workpiece is preferably transferred to a temporary retaining device while the new workpiece is loaded.

Abstract: An alignment device for squarely aligning a conduit within a conduit port of a housing. The alignment device includes a connecting block having a conduit passage therethrough and into which the conduit is trapped. The connecting block has a fastener passage therethrough that is laterally offset from the conduit passage. A fastener is threaded into the housing and is offset from the conduit port. The fastener includes an alignment sleeve that mounts to a portion thereof. The connecting block mounts to the housing and the conduit fits into the conduit port, whereby the alignment sleeve pilots the fastener passage of the connecting block to squarely align the conduit within the conduit port.

Abstract: A distribution device for dense substances, especially concrete, with a distribution boom carrying a concrete-conveyance conduit, with at least one telescopic boom section (4) consisting of a first telescopic component and a second telescope component (6) that can be extended with respect to this first component, as well as at least one reinforcement beam that is arranged on one of the telescope components and carries a section of the concrete-conveyance conduit, wherein a section of the concrete-conveyance conduit in the region of the telescopic boom sections consists of a flexible hose with a compensation loop to accommodate the extension movement of the telescopic motion or of at least one scissor-type conduit assembly made up of swivel elements connected to each other in such a manner than the swivel elements in the two terminal positions of the telescopic boom section are substantially arranged in a crossover position and, together with the articulated joints that interconnect them, move past each other

Abstract: A convertible illuminated display case for drawing attention to an object or image. The display case includes a box having a front opening with a rim extending along at least a portion of its perimeter. The box has a removable front panel with a translucent wall. The display case also includes a support adapted to provide a base for displaying an object, and the support is further adapted for placement within the box. Rear cold light sources are disposed at the back of the box, and front cold light sources are disposed inside the box near the rim. A power supply device is connected to the front and rear cold light sources.

Abstract: A vehicle parking guide apparatus adapted to provide visual indication when a predetermined position is reached. The vehicle parking guide apparatus includes a base and a pivotable contact rod with an indicator attached thereto. The base of the vehicle parking guide is positioned on the ground at a location selected to ensure that a vehicle properly engaged with the contact rod will be longitudinally and laterally aligned. To laterally position the vehicle relative to one or more lateral reference objects, the operator aligns the cross-car center of the vehicle with the indicator. To longitudinally position the vehicle relative to one or more longitudinal reference objects, the operator advances toward the parking guide until the vehicle engages the contact rod thereby causing the indicator to move. The movement of the indicator provides the operator with a visual indication that the vehicle is properly positioned in the longitudinal direction.