Abstract: A stand for supporting a computing device is provided. The stand may support the computing device at a height such that a screen of the computing device is capable of being at or near eye-level of a user. The stand may include a frame member and a gripping mechanism attached to an end of the frame member. The gripping mechanism may secure the computing device to the stand.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a computing device is provided. The stand may support the computing device at a height such that a screen of the computing device is capable of being at or near eye-level of a user. The stand may include a frame member and a gripping mechanism attached to an end of the frame member. The gripping mechanism may secure the computing device to the stand.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a computing device is provided. The stand may support the computing device at a height such that a screen of the computing device is capable of being at or near eye-level of a user. The stand may include a frame member and a gripping mechanism attached to an end of the frame member. The gripping mechanism may secure the computing device to the stand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handle for attachment to luggage, vacuum cleaners, or another object to be moved. The handle includes a ball with a smooth surface surrounded by a hollow socket. A hole in the socket provides a passage way for a rod or other attachment mechanism to extend from the ball to the object to be moved. The socket freely moves in all directions with respect to the ball and the attachment mechanism, limited only by contact between the attachment mechanism and the edge of the hole in the socket which surrounds that attachment mechanism. Multiple ribs protrude from the interior of the hollow socket toward the ball, decreasing potential friction between the socket and the ball, thus facilitating free movement of the socket. In this manner, the socket automatically moves into a position which is ergonomically desirable for the user grasping the socket to move the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handle for attachment to luggage, vacuum cleaners, or another object to be moved. The handle includes a ball with a smooth surface surrounded by a hollow socket. A hole in the socket provides a passage way for a rod or other attachment mechanism to extend from the ball to the object to be moved. The socket freely moves in all directions with respect to the ball and the attachment mechanism, limited only by contact between the attachment mechanism and the edge of the hole in the socket which surrounds that attachment mechanism. Multiple ribs protrude from the interior of the hollow socket toward the ball, decreasing potential friction between the socket and the ball, thus facilitating free movement of the socket. In this manner, the socket automatically moves into a position which is ergonomically desirable for the user grasping the socket to move the object.

Abstract: An improved inking apparatus is provided that omits the use of the bull gear generally known in the art. More specifically, bull gears have traditionally been used in inking apparatus to rotate pinion gears that rotate shafts interconnected to plate cylinders. Plate cylinders in turn apply ink to a blanket that ultimately applies indicia to a container such as a beverage can. The rotating shaft also communicates with a plurality of gears that operate the inking stations that transfer the ink onto the plate cylinder. One embodiment of the present invention omits the bull gear and the pinion gears and provides an electro-mechanical driver that rotates the shafts to allow a controller to monitor and individually control the timing of plate cylinder rotation and inker station gear rotation thereby increasing efficiency and maintenance personnel safety.

Abstract: A gravity actuated protective cover assembly to be secured upon the upstanding exhaust stack of an internal combustion engine overlying the open end of the stack. The cover assembly includes a clamp member for securement of the assembly to the stack and a pair of support straps connected to the clamp member on which a pivotal cover member and support arm are mounted. A bumper member is mounted on the support straps to absorb the energy of impact at the fully open and closed positions of the cover member on the stack.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted cover assembly for the end of an upstanding exhaust pipe has a pivot structure constructed to include a plastic sleeve-type bearing pivotally mounted directly on a pivot shaft; the plastic bearing provides a seat for a flange member formed on the pivotal support arm of the cover member. A cover support arm including a pair of the aligned annular flanges mounted on separate, aligned plastic bearings facilitates assembly and replacement of the pivot structure and eliminates the need for an inner bearing. The cover assembly can further include notches on a pivot support member to receive locking tabs formed on a plastic bumper member which is engaged by stop members formed on the cover support arm to absorb the impact and reduce the noise as the pivotal cover reaches open and closed positions on the end of the pipe stack.

Abstract: A cover assembly is provided to be secured to the upper end of an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine maintained outdoors in such a manner such that a cap forming part of the assembly will cover the end of the exhaust pipe when the engine is quiescent. When exhaust gases exert pressure in the pipe during operation of the engine the cap will be raised against gravity off the end of the pipe to permit the gases to escape. The movement of the cap between open and closed positions is a rocking movement about a pivot and normally results in considerable clatter as the parts strike metal. Means are provided by the invention to reduce the clatter.

Abstract: A topper unit is disclosed which may be utilized for opening, applying and locking a pre-glued open ended carton to the top of a bottle which is being progressively moved through the machine employing the topper unit. The topper unit may be used either singly, doubly, or in greater multiples in a packaging machine and comprises a hopper for receiving the pre-glued and folded cartons. Located below the hopper are means for removing the cartons one at a time from the hopper while opening the cartons so that they can later be applied to the top of the bottle. When the cartons have been opened one at a time, they are then pressed onto the bottle while they are squared up and are then ultimately locked onto the bottle. Also disclosed is a new and novel method for withdrawing a pre-glued open ended folded carton from a hopper and opening the carton and applying it to the top of a bottle or a plurality of moving bottles.