Abstract: A sash lock apparatus which includes a keeper disposable on a first window sash and having a keeper aperture therein for lockingly receiving therein a selectively retractable element from a sash lock and the sash lock having the selectively retractable element disposable on a second window sash wherein the first and second window sashes are disposed for movement in a direction parallel to each other. The sash lock includes a rotatable lever having a tab extending therefrom and a spring slide deformable by rotation of the rotatable lever and movement of the tab against the spring slide for selectively causing a portion of the spring slide to enter and retract from the aperture to cause locking and unlocking of the first and second window sashes relative to each other.

Abstract: A shieldable winged needle assembly includes a hub and a cannula projecting distally beyond the hub. A spring is telescoped over the cannula and engages with or into distal portions of the hub. A hub guide projects radially out from the hub. A first wing includes a center sleeve rotationally mounted on the hub and axially movable along the hub when a slot formed in the center sleeve aligns with the hub guide. A second wing has proximal and distal sleeves mounted at opposite ends of the center sleeve. The proximal and distal sleeves each are rotationally mounted relative to the hub and each include slots that enable sliding movement of the hub guide when the slots of the second wing align with the slot of the first wing. The spring propels the cannula and hub into a shielding position when the slots of the wings are rotated into alignment with one another.

Abstract: Cables and an apparatus and methods for making cables having at least one messenger section, transmission sections, and at least two series of connecting webs. At least one series of webs can be intermittently formed. The messenger section can include a messenger wire for supporting the cable, and the transmission sections can include electrical/electronic and/or optical transmission components.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly has a hub and a needle cannula that projects distally from the hub. A shield is mounted on the needle cannula and can move from a proximal position adjacent the hub and a distal position for shielding the tip of the needle cannula. A fin projects from the hub to facilitate digital manipulation of the needle assembly. A proximal arm is hinged to the hub and a distal arm is hinged to both the proximal arm and the shield. The proximal arm is releasably engaged with the fin when the shield is in the proximal position. However, digital forces on the arms enables the shield to be propelled to the distal position.

Abstract: Cables and an apparatus and methods for making cables having at least one messenger section, transmission sections, and at least two series of connecting webs. At least one series of webs can be intermittently formed. The messenger sectioncan include a messenger wire for supporting the cable, and the transmission sections can include electrical/electronic and/or optical transmission components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making a reconsolidated or reconstituted wood product from a charge of wood components and binder using steam injection pressing to consolidate and bind the charge into a mat in which the wood components are bound to each other to form the wood product. The charge is compressed into the mat by operation of at least the one pressing member in the form of a heated movable platen. The method and apparatus are characterized by the pressure being applied to the charge or mat from the steam injection pressing being independent of the compressing force applied to the charge or mat by the pressing member. The invention is particularly adapted to form beams of relatively large cross section, such as for example in excess of 30 mm, preferably larger than 40 mm.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing tape, with the tape having an adhesive on at least one face. The applicator includes a shell with a pivotably attached door. A tape cartridge is received within the door. The cartridge supports a roll of the tape, and a leading edge of the tape extends outwardly from the roll. A partial cylindrical cover member is connected to the first end of the shell for pivotable movement thereabout along a predetermined path to cover the first passageway. A slider having a first end which is pivotally connected to the cover member and having a button which extends through a first slot in the shell is movable between a first position, in which the cover member covers the first passageway, and a second position, in which the cover member is removed from the first passageway. A cutter actuator is located on the slider and is movable in response to inward pressure on the button when the slider is in the second position. A cutting tool is pivotally connected to the shell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module that serves as a shingle, tile or other building material that may be placed onto the exterior of a structure. The photovoltaic module generates a voltage when exposed to light and this voltage may be directed onto transmission lines of a power utility and/or into an external battery that may serve as a source of power for the building on which the photovoltaic shingles are laid. The practice of the present invention provides for a variety of mechanical and electrical connectors for securing together the photovoltaic modules and/or for connecting the photovoltaic modules to the exterior structure. Furthermore, the structure of the modules is such that the modules are automatically electrically connected together when laid on the building.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing tape is disclosed. The applicator comprises a shell and a cover that is used as a knob for moving an instrument of a cutting tool for cutting the tape. In operation, the cover is rotated and moved in a counterclockwise direction to cause one of its ends to find its way into a passageway allowing it to contact a lever member which, in turn, contacts an arm member of the cutting tool thereby causing the adhesive tape to be severed thereat. The applicator is shaped, contoured, and sized so as to be manipulated by a single hand of a user and the cover member is mechanized so that the applicator only exposes the tape to the outside environment during the usage of the tape and, thereby, retards the tape from being subjected to contaminants.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing tape, with the tape having an adhesive on at least one face. The applicator includes a shell with a pivotably attached door. A tape cartridge is received within the door. The cartridge supports a roll of the tape, and a leading edge of the tape extends outwardly from the roll. A partial cylindrical cover member is connected to the first end of the shell for pivotable movement thereabout along a predetermined path to cover the a first passageway. A slider having a first end which is pivotally connected to the cover member and having a button which extends through a first slot in the shell is movable between a first position, in which the cover member covers the first passageway, and a second position, in which the cover member is removed from the first passageway. A cutter actuator is located on the slider and is movable in response to inward pressure on the button when the slider is in the second position. A cutting tool is pivotally connected to the shell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module that serves as a shingle, tile or other building material that may be placed onto the exterior of a structure. The photovoltaic module generates a voltage when exposed to light and this voltage may be directed onto transmission lines of a power utility and/or into an external battery that may serve as a source of power for the building on which the photovoltaic shingles are laid. The practice of the present invention provides for a variety of mechanical and electrical connectors for securing together the photovoltaic modules and/or for connecting the photovoltaic modules to the exterior structure. Furthermore, the structure of the modules is such that the modules are automatically electrically connected together when laid on the building.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting documents is provided. A document transport on the apparatus conveys documents along a selected path of movement from an input bin to a series of output bins. An optical scanner, such as a video camera, is positioned along the selected path to capture images of the documents. The captured images are displayed on a display monitor to permit an operator to inspect portions of the documents for a desired characteristic. The operator activates a push button on a selector switch depending on the presence of the desired characteristic. Bins are provided for stacking and separating documents having the desired characteristic from those documents lacking the desired characteristic. Gates are provided for directing the documents to the appropriate output bin.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing tape is disclosed. The applicator comprises a shell and a cover that is used as a knob for moving an instrument of a cutting tool for cutting the tape. In operation, the cover is rotated and moved in a counterclockwise direction to cause one of its ends to find its way into a passageway allowing it to contact a lever member which, in turn, contacts an arm member of the cutting tool thereby causing the adhesive tape to be severed thereat. The applicator is shaped, contoured, and sized so as to be manipulated by a single hand of a user and the cover member is mechanized so that the applicator only exposes the tape to the outside environment during the usage of the tape and, thereby, retards the tape from being subjected to contaminants.

Abstract: For a level having a platform with an opening, a caddy supporting a level vial so that the vial can be replaced. The caddy includes a keeper body and a latch body which mutually support the vial and which are positioned respectively on opposite sides of the opening. Latch and keeper means hold the bodies in tight engagement with the platform and can be released to allow the bodies to be separated for vial replacement.

Abstract: For a level having a pair of arms nested together but which are pivotally connected so as to be angularly separable from the nested condition and also moveable together from the separated condition to the nested condition, a hollow carrier for carrying the level constructed of flat panels one panel of which can be folded to permit the carrier to be slipped over one of the arms when the arms are angularly separated and then be refolded to provide for the separated arms to be moved into the nested condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compensating cable adapted to be used in combination with an elevator cab, counterweight, hoist rope and traveling cable. The compensating cable is composed of a sheath, at least one elongated strength member such as a link chain or stranded wire rope, made from metal or other materials of high tensile strength disposed in the sheath and the volume of the sheath not otherwise occupied by the strength member substantially occupied by a mixture of metal particles and plastic.