Abstract: The invention relates an electric sharpener, comprises a main frame, a main shaft, a motor, a transmission wheel, a grinding stone, and an electric control circuit. The motor is mounted on an angular frame which in turn is mounted on the main frame. The transmission wheel is fixed to an end of the main shaft, and the output shaft of the motor is tightly pressed against the periphery of the transmission wheel so as to drive it. A tool rest is fixed onto the main frame in a vertical or horizontal mounting orientation. A water vessel is fixed to the main frame, and the lower portion of the grinding stone dips into the water contained in the water vessel. Special clamps and attachments for grinding different tools are provided. The electric sharpener can be used for grinding various woodworking or household tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel-immobilizing device that does not require holes or indentations in the wheel in order for the device to be secured around the wheel or caster being immobilized. Additionally, a wheel-immobilizing device according to the invention is configured such that it may be placed on the ground in front of a cabinet, and the cabinet simply rolled into position with one of its casters between side walls of the device. The wheel-immobilizing device is then secured around the caster by passing a cross member or, in some embodiments, two cross members through the side walls on either side of the caster stem and then securing the cross member or members in position, thereby locking the wheel-immobilizing device to the caster of the cabinet and hampering rolling movement of the cabinet.

Abstract: Display apparatus comprises a support frame having elongate frame members (1) pivotally interconnected at nodes (2) and at their crossing mid points so that the apparatus is capable of being transformed between a compact condition for storage or transport and an erected condition in which display panels (3) can be attached to the frame. The nodes (2) are arranged in vertically spaced groups and the uppermost node (2) of each group carries a reel (9) in which is wound a metal tape (8) withdrawable from the reel (9) to support the display panels (3) on the frame by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the enveloping patient carrier of the present invention has a flexible top surface connected to a flexible bottom surface. The flexible top surface defines a re-closable torso opening, a face opening and a plurality of re-closable medical attention openings. The enveloping patient carrier also includes a plurality of carrying handles attached to the sides of the patient carrier. This type of patient carrier aids in the protection of emergency personnel from hazardous fluids (gas and liquid) and also enhances the medical attention and treatment of patients.

Abstract: A closer device for a gate such as a swimming pool gate has relatively rotatable arms (for connection respectively to a gate and gate post), the arms being connected to a closer body having an axis parallel to the hinging axis of the gate on the gate post. The closer body has an elongate piston mounted within cylindrical gas chambers on respective sides of the piston and a relief profile on the exterior of the cylinder to engage with respective mounting elements for the arms whereby, upon relative rotation of the arms responding to gate movement, the piston moves axially within the gas chambers and a spring within the body urges the piston towards the position corresponding to a gate closed position. A gas controller permits unrestricted opening of the gate and control of closing speed.

Abstract: An electronic wire-based safety device for the detection of a theft of an object to be protected, the device including at least one detector connected by a wire-based electric link to a signalling unit, the detector being arranged in relation with an object to be protected, the detector exhibiting at least a first electrical status in relation with the object and a second status when the object is detached from the detector, the unit including at least one threshold voltage comparator with inputs/outputs whereof one input is connected to the detector by the link and whereof at least one output indicates by signals at least the presence or the absence of the object in relation to the status of the detector.

Abstract: A security support for display article, in particular wrist-watches, designed to be integrated in a display unit includes a sensor fixed on the base and connected by a conductor were to a connector linked to an alarm central station. The support consists of a globally cylindrical block whereof the side surface is truncated along a chord to form a plane whereon is fixedly mounted a mechanical locking member adapted to co-operate removably with corresponding parts of the sensor fixed at the base of the watch, such that the latter thus equipped with the sensor, can be mechanically locked on the cylindrical block by the locking member and can be locked on that same block by winding of its own bracelet and by closure of its clasp.

Abstract: The present invention includes a card memory device (20) comprising a microprocessor (2), a plurality of memory units (5-12) for storage of digital data, the memory units (5-12) being embedded in the card memory device (20). A selecting device (3, 4) is provided for selecting one of the memory units (5-12) and for routing address information and data to the selected memory unit (5-12), both the microprocessor (2) and the selecting device (3, 4) being embedded in the card memory device (20). The card memory device integrates components into a thin flexible memory card with surface contacts (1) so that the components can cooperate as a compact unit providing environmental sealing and secure access to several Mbytes of digital data. A specially designed set (1) of contacts (21-25) are also described which reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge. The card memory device (20) may be used for secure control of a personal computer.

Abstract: A control device for earth moving equipment comprising a bucket pivotal about a bucket pivot between a closed position and an open position, a thumb pivotal about a thumb pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein the thumb pivot is separate from the bucket pivot, and an extension plate fixedly attached to the bucket and attached to the thumb pivot, wherein rotation of the bucket urges the thumb pivot to rotate around the bucket pivot and urges the thumb to move. A retrofitting kit for retrofitting earth moving equipment so that the thumb is movable in response to movement of the bucket.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an elbow rest device for use in the field of dentistry. The elbow rest device is connectable to an object. The device has a pad for supporting a user's elbow, an elongated member having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to the pad. The device further has a pivot mechanism for allowing the elongated member to be movable in a plane defined by a cone-like motion. The pivot mechanism is coupled to the lower portion of the elongated member. Finally, the device has a connecting assembly for connecting the elongated member to the object.

Abstract: A gravity latch for a gate has a front unit having a key operated lock accessible from its front face and a latching tongue mounted in a housing and adapted to capture and retain a striker pin for use with the latch and mounted on a gate, the front unit having a locking element adapted to be displaced by the lock when key operated and a connection arrangement for, connecting to a separate rear unit adapted to be mounted on the opposite side of the gate post. The rear unit has a similar key operated lock and connects through a connection element of an elongate form. A lost-motion connection is provided in association with each lock so that each lock can be actuated independently and either can lock or unlock the latching tongue, and when the tongue is unlocked the rear unit, through a push-button can displace the tongue to release the striker pin.

Abstract: An oral cavity spreading apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of mouth corner hooks capable of being inserted into the oral cavity to spread the corners of the mouth, wing portions protruding individually outward from the mouth corner hooks and capable of spreading the inner part of the oral cavity, and a substantially U-shaped spring arm portion connecting the mouth corner hooks. The mouth corner hooks are adapted to be pressed toward each other against the urging force of the spring arm portion so that the respective end portions of the mouth corner hooks engage each other and the wing portions are steadily rotated inward and toward each other around the point of engagement between the end portions as a pivot as the mouth corner hooks are inserted into the oral cavity.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an elbow rest device for use in the field of dentistry. The elbow rest device is connectable to an object. The device has a pad for supporting a user's elbow, an elongated member having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to the pad. The device further has a pivot mechanism for allowing the elongated member to be movable in a plane defined by a cone-like motion. The pivot mechanism is coupled to the lower portion of the elongated member. Finally, the device has a connecting assembly for connecting the elongated member to the object.

Abstract: Games of skill or chance which provide a player, who has received a wild indicia during one game, with the opportunity to reserve that wild indicia for use in a subsequent game.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparation and/or purification of clavulanic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof including removing solids from a clavulanic acid containing fermentation broth by microfiltration to form a first filtrate, further removing solids from the first filtrate by ultrafiltration to form a second filtrate, concentrating the second filtrate by removal of water, and treating the concentrated second filtrate to isolate clavulanic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.