Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner having an improved assembly to optimize the assembly and operational characteristics of the vacuum cleaner. The floor engaging unit of the vacuum cleaner has a two-piece body including a base and a hood which are snap-fit together. A motor is rotatably mounted within the body at the end of a handle assembly. The handle assembly, which also functions as a conduit for dirty air to travel to a disposable filter bag, carries an electrical connector which connects the motor to power. The handle further provides a stop which engages a hose hook that slidably fits over the top of the handle, the stop being located such that the hose hook is properly positioned to support a hose during storage thereof. A filter bag, which is mounted to the handle at a location downwardly spaced from the top of the filter bag, is provided with a wire frame to help support the weight of the disposable filter bag.

Abstract: The monomer cis-5,6-bis(trimethylsiloxy)-1,3-cyclohexadiene can be polymerized with certain catalysts, such as bis(allyltrifluoroacetato nickel (II)) and bis(allylpentafluorophenoxy nickel II). The resulting polymer is a precursor to poly(para-phenylene). Other substituted cyclohexadienes may also be polymerized by these catalysts to form useful polymers.

Abstract: The monomer cis-5,6-bis(trimethylsiloxy)-1,3-cyclohexadiene can be polymerized with certain catalysts, such as bis(allyltrifluoroacetato nickel (II) and bis(allylpentafluorophenoxy nickel II). The resulting polymer is a precursor to poly(para-phenylene). Other substituted cyclohexadienes may also be polymerized by these catalysts to form useful polymers.

Abstract: A small and compact operator held shoulder support to stabilize small video cameras.The major elements of this invention are: a camera mounting body which attaches to, and fits directly beneath, a camcorder, and a shoulder support member designed to retract within the mounting body for maximum compactness. The stabilizer includes a self-executing retentive mechanism utilizing a leaf spring and a cam which automatically and securely holds the support arm in either the extended or retracted position. This self-acting retentive feature relieves the operator from fumbling with locking screws or other devices common in other collapsible stabilizers. The camera mounting body includes finger grips on each side to facilitate the use of the operator's second hand to further steady the camera. Further, the stabilizer includes an adjustment screw to raise or lower the elevation of the extended shoulder support for better eye-to-eyepiece alignment.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved waterproof case for padlocks and, more specifically, to a means for sealing the apertures in such a case at the points where the legs of the shackle enter the latter, such means comprising a self-centering flexible tube loosely fitting the shackle and with the ends thereof engaging either the lid of the case directly or an O-ring seal interposed therebetween to maintain a continuous annular fluid-tight seal around the aforementioned shackle-receiving openings when the shackle is closed and locked. In those versions where the tube ends engage the lock case lid directly to effect the seal, an upstanding annular rib terminating in a feathered edge that functions to enter and flare the tube end and, in so doing, form a fluid-tight annular seal therewith.

Abstract: This invention relates to a watertight seal for padlock shackles to be used in combination with a waterproof cover therefor, such seal comprising a pair of continuous annular downwardly-facing abutments on the legs of the shackle cooperating in the closed position of the latter with the opposed surfaces of the lock cover to define an annular gap sized and adapted to receive and compress an O-ring seal encircling the shackle legs. In one form of the invention, annular grooves in the shackle legs receive inturned annular ribs on removable collars to maintain the latter in fixed position whereas, in a second form, this same objective is achieved by ear-like stops on the shackle itself. In yet another form, the shackle-receiving openings in the lid of the lock cover are bordered by annular grooves sized to receive and retain the O-rings. In the preferred form of the invention the shackle-receiving openings in the lock cover lid are oversized to loosely receive the shackle legs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a theft-proof sign of the type which is stuck into the ground and in which one post is formed to provide a corkscrew that is screwed into the ground while the other is eliminated altogether and replaced by a corkscrew stake chain locked or otherwise detachably fastened thereto.

Abstract: An ink temperature control apparatus having an enclosed heat conducting structure with ink circulating therein is provided in a ink jet printer. The temperature control apparatus includes a heating element attached to the structure and thermally engaged with the ink contained within the ink structure. A temperature sensing device is also located on the structure and is thermally engaged with the ink contained within the structure. A control system is provided to respond to the temperature sensing device and actuate the heating element in response to the temperature information communicated by the temperature sensing device. The ink is maintained at a certain predetermined temperature by the control system. Ink under pressure enters the structure from a sump after being pressurized by a pump. Subsequent to leaving the structure, the heated ink proceeds to a nozzle of the ink jet printer.

Abstract: In the process of assembling long, large diameter cylinders by welding together two or more relatively short cylinders of the same diameter, apparatus for facilitating the butt welding of the two cylinders comprises, a substantially horizontal boom which is supported by a horizontal trolley attached to a first vertical wall. Two circular cylindrical shells are rolled from sheets of the same width and to substantially the same diameter. They are supported on a plurality of pairs of rollers, which are adapted to coaxially support the two cylinders end to end. The boom includes at its outer end a hydraulic cylinder and piston, with the piston carrying a face plate, with the face concave and of the same radius of curvature as the cylinders. There is a second support wall on the side of the cylinders opposite to the boom, so that a force can be exerted by the piston against the cylinders, to reduce the horizontal diameter of one so as to match that of the other.