Abstract: A flagpole winch that fits inside the internal hollow space a flagpole and is configured to alternatively wind or unwind a cord spool or to lock the cord spool into a rotational position. The winch uses a release spindle that unlocks an actuator mechanism when turned in either direction, allowing the cord spool to be positively rotated in either direction. Once the positive input or turning ceases, the continuous tension on the cord causes the actuator mechanism to automatically lock to arrest the cord spool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a halyard system configured to suspend a flag to a flag pole. The halyard system includes a holding member, a line member and a weighted-down mass structure. The holding member is coupled to the flag pole. The line member is operatively coupled to an upper side portion of the flag and extends through an upper portion of the flag pole to be removably coupled to the holding member. The weighted-down mass structure is operatively coupled to a lower side portion of the flag and operable to freely hang from the lower side portion of the flag. With this arrangement, the weighted-down mass structure is operable to place tension on the line member and a peripheral side of the flag so as to substantially maintain the peripheral side of the flag in a suspended position along side the flag pole.

Abstract: A power index punch for cutting notches in the fore edge of a book is disclosed in one aspect of the present invention as including a cutting die having a cutting edge forming a substantially closed channel. A vacuum mechanism is used to create a vacuum within the closed channel to remove cuttings produced by the cutting die. A cutting plate is adapted to contact the cutting die to provide a surface for the cutting die to cut against. Both the cutting die and the cutting plate are openly visible to an operator of the index punch to facilitate manual adjustment of the cutting die with respect to a material being cut.