Abstract: An apparatus and method for a metal clad facade includes a thin metal cladding having at least one edge. The facade or the object with which it is associated has at least one edge around which the metal cladding edge can be wrapped. The wrapped edge could optionally be crimped. Optionally, exposed edges of the cladding could be covered by raised bosses or ribs on the façade. Optionally, a projection or extension of the cladding, oblique to other parts of the cladding, could extend into an opening in or near a surface of the facade or its underlying object. Wrapping of at least one edge with the metal cladding provides the appearance of a more substantial metal part than if the edge were not wrapped and provides for a more securement and durable attachment between the cladding and the underlying object.

Abstract: A shopping cart storage station for installation in a parking lot or other large area has an end frame and a first elongate side wall assembly connected to the end structure's first side leg, and a second elongate side wall assembly connected to the end structure's second side leg. A plastic bumper panel is mounted on each of the first and second side wall metal frames for minimizing damage caused by impact with a moving object. Upwardly projecting frames are located at the front of the station, coplanar with each bumper. The upwardly projecting frames bear signs at the top, and are joined by an overhead front cross bar.

Abstract: An improved self-cleaning drive mechanism for driving a conveyor belt including a rotatable drive gear having a plurality of receiving grooves adapted to engage and drive the conveyor belt, the plurality of receiving grooves being disposed along a periphery of the rotatable drive gear, and a rotatable cleaning wheel having a plurality of cleaning members positioned to engage the plurality of receiving grooves as the rotatable drive gear is rotated. The plurality of cleaning members are sized to engage the plurality of receiving grooves and displace debris in the plurality of receiving grooves when the plurality of receiving grooves are engaged by the plurality of cleaning members. In one embodiment, the plurality of cleaning members may include a plurality of cleaning teeth disposed along a periphery of the rotatable cleaning wheel, the plurality of cleaning teeth extending radially outwardly from the rotatable cleaning wheel to engage the rotatable drive gear.