Abstract: A lid (30) for a disposable beverage container (32). The lid (30) includes at least a region having thermochromic properties which is/are adapted to change color upon reaching a predetermined non-ambient temperature in response to heat transfer from or to contents (40) of the container (32). Also disclosed is a lid (60) including at least one recess (62) having an internal side wall or walls (64) that substantially correspond in size and shape to the external side wall(s) (66) of a container (68). The lid internal side walls (64) are adapted to securely frictionally engage, over substantially their entire surface area, the external side wall(s) (66) of another like container (68).

Abstract: A lid (2) for a container (67), the lid (2) comprising a first plastic layer (15) including a portion having at least one colored pigment and a second plastic layer (14) including at least one thermochromic substance capable of becoming translucent upon reaching a predetermined temperature in response to heat transfer from or to contents of the container so as to reveal the colored pigment of the first layer. Alternatively, there is described a lid comprising a layer with a portion (62,63) that becomes either observable or non-observable at the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Lateral pins (20) are used to provide a tufting machine modular gauge assembly that allows damaged or broken gauge elements (10) to be replaced individually. The modular gauge assembly consists of a gauge bar (25) with a plurality of modular blocks (15) removably attached to the bar. The modular blocks are six sided with a detent (110) and fastener mechanism (65) for attaching the block to the gauge bar. The gauge elements may be attached to the block by dedicated screw-pins (145) or by a lateral pin (20) that passes through all the gauge elements within a block. The lateral pin may either pierce the gauge elements (at 70) or abut the gauge elements. Abutting pins may be malleable and segmented and secured in position by set screws.

Abstract: A needle plate module is provided with fingers having a bent portion received in a lateral channel portion enabling standard screw sizes to the fingers into the module over a wide range of finger gauge spacings.

Abstract: This invention relates to radio frequency identification (RFID) apparatus comprising a reader/writer and transponders (tags) such that 2 or more transponders are capable of operating simultaneously in the same field so that information in the form of data bits may be received from or sent to the tags without corruption.

Abstract: A lid (30) for a disposable beverage container (32). The lid (30) including at least a region having thermochromic properties which is/are adapted to change colour upon reaching a predetermined non-ambient temperature in response to heat transfer from or to contents (40) of the container (32). Also disclosed is a lid (60) including at least one recess (62) having an internal side wall or walls (64) that substantially correspond in size and sharpe to the external side wall(s) (66) of a container (68). The lid internal side walls (64) being adapted to securely frictionally engage, over substantially their entire surface area, the external side wall(s) (66) of another like container (68).

Abstract: A retention device and method for retaining an object, including preferably a gas mask, in position proximate a user's mouth. The retention device includes straps coupled to both sides of the object and having at ends thereof ear pieces. The ear pieces fit over the ears, and are configured to receive the strap at a point proximate the anterior, center portion of the ear, causing pulling forces to be on the posterior center portion of the ear rather than on the top of the ear.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly for supporting a wheel is provided. The assembly includes a spindle defining a rotational axis and a support member for supporting the spindle. A wheel hub has a flange for securing the wheel thereto. The wheel hub is supported on the spindle and is rotatable about the rotational axis. A bearing assembly has first and second bearing members in spaced relationship from one another with a plurality of bearings interposed between the bearing members to permit relative rotation between the bearing members about the rotational axis. The first bearing member is arranged adjacent to the spindle and the second bearing member is arranged adjacent to either the wheel hub or the support member. An inner surface of the first bearing member has an annular counterbore. The spindle is deformed into the counterbore to axially secure the first bearing member to the spindle and prevent relative rotation between the spindle and the first bearing member about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly for supporting a wheel is provided. The assembly includes a spindle defining a rotational axis and a support member for supporting the spindle. A wheel hub has a flange for securing the wheel thereto. The wheel hub is supported on the spindle and is rotatable about the rotational axis. A bearing assembly has first and second bearing members in spaced relationship from one another with a plurality of bearings interposed between the bearing members to permit relative rotation between the bearing members about the rotational axis. The first bearing member is arranged adjacent to the spindle and the second bearing member is arranged adjacent to either the wheel hub or the support member. An inner surface of the first bearing member has an annular counterbore. The spindle is deformed into the counterbore to axially secure the first bearing member to the spindle and prevent relative rotation between the spindle and the first bearing member about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly for supporting a wheel is provided. The assembly includes a spindle defining a rotational axis and a support member for supporting the spindle. A wheel hub has a flange for securing the wheel thereto. The wheel hub is supported on the spindle and is rotatable about the rotational axis. A bearing assembly has first and second bearing members in spaced relationship from one another with a plurality of bearings interposed between the bearing members to permit relative rotation between the bearing members about the rotational axis. The first bearing member is arranged adjacent to the spindle and the second bearing member is arranged adjacent to either the wheel hub or the support member. An inner surface of the first bearing member has an annular counterbore. The spindle is deformed into the counterbore to axially secure the first bearing member to the spindle and prevent relative rotation between the spindle and the first bearing member about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A ball bearing has an outer race, an inner race and a plurality of balls disposed between the races. The balls are spaced on a pitch diameter to provide a rolling medium between the races to accommodate differential rotation between the races. The ball spacing is maintained by a separator having a pocket for each ball. The pockets are distributed around the pitch diameter in a random manner to reduce vibratory impulses which might be imposed by the surfaces of the races.

Abstract: A guard circuit is designed to be inserted in a two wire trunk between a central office and customer terminal equipment for the purpose of reducing the time period that the customer terminal equipment, for example, a private automatic branch exchange (PABX), is subject to glare. Essentially, the guard circuit monitors the various potentials of the two wire trunk from the central office. Upon release of an established connection from the central office, ground is removed from the positive line and negative potential is applied to the negative line. The guard circuit recognizes this change in potential and separates the customer terminal equipment from the central office until the customer terminal equipment is released and reconditioned. Glare cannot occur during the separation interval and thus the time period during which glare could occur is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions comprise a thermoplastic polymer and are reinforced by a mixture of asbestos fibres and glass fibres. The compositions may be granular moulding compositions or moulded articles.