Abstract: A trough bridge is provided with a plane roadway and upward extending side walls. Top chords are arranged on the upper ends of the side walls. The bridge can be divided along the roadway into an arbitrary number of modules, the length of which may be adapted to the available transport length. The individual bridge modules may be nested in each other for transport such that a stack with a very small transport height results.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which enables effective and rapid cleaning of computer mouse balls. The assembly includes a generally planar member, have a smooth low friction upper surface with a recessed well being formed at the member within the lateral periphery of same. The bottom of the well defines a plane which is parallel to the upper surface of the planar member and which is coated with an adhesive film. The planar member thereby defines a frame for the well so that the computer mouse may be positioned with its ball in the well in contact with the adhesive film, while the adjacent underlying body of the mouse is supported upon and slides freely upon the planar surface of the frame. This enable effective rolling of the ball in contact with the adhesive film to enable cleaning of the ball surface.

Abstract: A headlight cleaner for a vehicle including a brush head; a brush handle having a tip end coupled to the brush head, a base end, and a bend therebetween to thereby define a straight short segment and a straight long segment; a straight squeegee handle having a tip end and a base end coupled to the base end of the brush handle; and an elongated squeegee coupled to the tip end of the squeegee handle.

Abstract: Hairbrushes are disclosed having an array of bristles for grooming either humans or animals. Loose strands of hair that become trapped among the bristles during the brushing strokes are collected and relocated for quick and easy removal from the brush. The foregoing is achieved by either sliding a hair collecting plate axially along the bristles or by moving a bristle carrying plate to which the bristles are connected through a hollow brush head so that the bristles slide axially through holes formed in the top of the brush head.

Abstract: An improved windshield wiper blade assembly is disclosed. The improvement is comprised of the ability of the device to allow a controlled and virtually noise free rotation of the blade with respect to the long axis of the blade. The center of such rotation is not critical but it has been found to be most effective to allow the structure to pivot at the joint of the primary yoke and the secondary yoke of the wiper assembly. In doing so, the wiper blade is allowed to be pulled across the windshield surface and not pushed into the windshield thus increasing the wear life and wiping efficiency of the blade. A spring device is disclosed that causes this device to be center seeking to an angle of perpendicular to the surface of the windshield, thereby allowing rotation in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Cleaning cloth supply and take-up spools are mounted by rodless supports for rotation about spaced, parallel axes in a frame that is connected to a pneumatic cylinder for reciprocation between opposite ends of a rotating process roll the surface of which is to be cleaned. The cleaning cloth passes over an opening in the frame, and a sponge pressure pad, which is saturated with cleaning fluid, is mounted in the frame to reciprocate toward and away from the opening between an advanced position in which it engages, saturates and urges the registering portion of the clean cloth into contact with the surface of the rotating processing roll, and a retracted position in which the sponge is drawn into the frame completely to disengage the cloth, which therefore disengages the processing roll. The sponge pad retracts and a clean section of cloth is advanced over the frame opening each time the frame reaches one of its limit positions.

Abstract: The flexible hose of the vacuum trash collector is supported by a leaf spring boom secured to the trash collector canister by the boom height adjustment mechanism. A nozzle at the end of the hose picks up the trash. A hand crank, driving a threaded reciprocative coupling, changes the angle of attachment of the boom to the canister, to raise and lower the boom and thereby allow the operator to set the nozzle height to a comfortable operating position while in the field and without the need to use tools or to dismantle the boom attachment mechanism.

Abstract: In a wheel and brake assembly for a wheeled cart, such as a shopping cart or a luggage cart, a horn is mountable to the cart so as to extend downwardly from the cart. A wheel defining a wheel axis and including a hub is journalled to the horn at the hub. A pin projects from the hub but clears the horn when the wheel is rotated. A bracket is mounted pivotably to the horn so as to be pivotable over a limited range, between an inoperative position and an operative position, with a tang projecting axially from the bracket. The tang is arranged to engage the pin so as to brake the wheel against further rotation in one rotational sense, once the bracket has been pivoted to the operative position, if the wheel is rotated by less than one full revolution in the same rotational sense. The pin is arranged to engage the tang so as to pivot the bracket from the operative position, and so as to release the wheel, if the wheel is rotated by less than one full revolution in the opposite rotational sense.

Abstract: A handle (12) mounted to a support bracket (34) underlying a headliner (10) through two mounting devices (11). Each mounting device (11) includes a T-shaped end section (24) of a U-shaped spring metal strap (22) of the handle having a T-end that engages a T-shaped aperture in the support bracket (34). The body (20) of the handle includes a tab (23) that extends beyond end 51 of the body (20) and into the T-shaped aperture to abut an abutment shoulder (44) adjacent the T-shaped aperture in order to interlock with the T-shaped end section (24) of the strap. The tab (23) is removable from the aperture (40) and disengageable from the abutment shoulder (44) to allow the handle to be removable from the bracket (34).

Abstract: A multifunctional spring-grip dumb-bell including a fist base frame and a second base frame symmetrically disposed in a diagonal manner, each base frame comprising an axle and a supporting bar extended from one end of the axle at right angles; a first locating member and a second locating member symmetrically disposed in a diagonal manner, each locating member having a first end connected to the axle of the first base frame and a second end linked to the supporting bar of the second base frame; first spring means connected between the supporting bar of the first base frame and the second end of the second locating member; second spring means connected between the supporting bar of the second base frame and the second end of the second locating member; two barrels respectively turned round the axles of the first and second base frames for the holding of the hand; two locking means respectively mounted on the locating members and controlled to lock the barrels in position, prohibiting the barrels from rotary mo

Abstract: A handle includes two rods slidably engaged in two tubes each having two openings formed in the upper and lower portions. A earth is engaged in the lower portion of one of the rods and has a projection engaging through the orifice for engaging with either of the openings. A pawl is pivotally coupled to the rod for disengaging the projection from the openings. A button has a column for engaging with the pawl and for moving the catch in order to disengage the projection from the openings. A frame is pivotally coupled to the tubes and movable out of the tubes for carrying objects.

Abstract: A hinge for holding two components, such as a cabinet and its door or the like, that are supported so as to pivotable relative to one another about the axis of the hinge. The hinge has a hinge support that is disposed on one of the components and has two aligned eyelets. A hinge bolt is connected to the other component and extends through the eyelets in order to connect the components. To be able to displace the components relative to one another, the hinge bolt is fixedly connected to its component and the eyelets are attached to the hinge bolt via pivotable connected rods such that the eyelets are displaceable along an axis of the hinge bolt, with the hinge bolt having such a configuration that rotation of the hinge bolt effects displacement of the eyelets.

Abstract: When ropes, lines and cords are used to tie down cargo there is a requirement that the slack be removed to create the tautness necessary to totally secure the cargo and that the loose end of the rope, line or cord be absolutely and totally held in place. A device is necessary that is mobile, easy to use and provides the facilities to do both. The device of the present invention is designed to not be permanently attached to another object or structure, but to be temporarily anchored to the rope, line or cord itself for as long as the tie down is required. It also has special hooks designed to be used for leverage to remove the slack from the rope, line or cord prior to securing the loose end.

Abstract: Tubular knitted fabric is circularly spread and simultaneously squeezed for removing treatment liquor. Spreader components are separated from squeezing components in order to relieve the spreader components from the squeezing forces. For this purpose, pairs (23) of squeezer rollers (23A, 23B) are mounted on brackets (24, 25) which are rigidly secured to the outer pipe section (19A) of the central carrier column (19). The brackets (24, 25) are so arranged that they do not interfere with the spaced struts or braces (20, 21) of the spreader rollers (12). Each pair of squeezer rollers (23) cooperates with a revolving single squeeze roller (26) that is radially adjustable by a power drive such as a piston cylinder device (27) relative to the central column (19) to thereby adjust the squeezing gap between the pair of squeezer rollers and the single squeeze roller and thus also the squeezing force.

Abstract: The combination of a casket and non-invasive externally removable hardware for lifting the casket. The combination comprises a casket shell including a socket in a wall thereof, a plate, a handle operably connected to the plate for lifting the casket, a stud passing through the plate, means for translating the stud relative to the plate, a retainer connected to the stud, and resilient material surrounding the stud and disposed between the plate and the retainer. The handle, when the stud is inserted into the casket shell wall socket, is removably securable to the casket shell upon actuation of the translating means to translate the stud and retainer toward the plate compressing the resilient material therebetween and causing the resilient material to swell to fill the socket.

Abstract: A non-contact type high-temperature heating apparatus for false twisting of synthetic fiber to provide increased efficiency and energy savings. The apparatus includes a main body defined by a metal tube, and end walls connected to the main body. The main body includes one or more grooves and/or passageways through which filaments pass along the length of the main body. Further, a heat-conductive powder and heating member are contained in the main body.

Abstract: Denim fabric suitable for use as apparel is made from about 40-100% fibers produced from denim waste (pre-consumer and/or post-consumer). The denim waste is collected, starch and size are optionally removed, and it is subjected to garnetting to produce denim fibers, the vast majority of fiber lengths greater than about 0.4 inches, and an average length greater than 0.5 inches. The denim fibers are then opened, and subjected to low-tension carding, as by using a Rieter C-4 type card with conveyor belt. The carded denim fibers are spun into filling yarn having a yarn count between about 4.0/1 to 16.0/1, and/or a warp or knitting yarn having a yarn count between about 4.0/1 to 16.0/1. The warp or knitting yarn may be plied with like reclaimed warp yarn, or with virgin fiber warp yarn.

Abstract: An installation tool installs multi-pieced fasteners having fastener components including a pin and a collar and/or sleeve by applying a relative axial force therebetween by a nose assembly which has a jaw structure for gripping the pin and an anvil for engaging the collar or sleeve. A first resilient spring structure is provided to exert an actuating bias on the jaw structure for gripping the pin while a second resilient, spring structure is provided to absorb shock loads experienced by the nose assembly during installation; the first and second resilient, spring structures are constructed to operate substantially independently of each other. A series of openings are provided at the forward end of the nose assembly to define a structure for expelling dirt and debris which would otherwise be trapped therein.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool for use with double headed blind rivets comprises a collet assembly adapted to engage a pulling head of the rivet mandrel and support segments for engaging the rivet. A single piston drive pulls the collet assembly and the mandrel rearwards relative to the support segments and rivet to set the rivet. Continued movement of the piston further retracts the collet assembly and the support segments to permit delivery of a new rivet at the front of the tool and returns the collet assembly and support segments to a forward position in engagement, respectively, with the mandrel head and the rivet.

Abstract: A dental press apparatus for removing and installing a dental handpiece component includes a press having a frame and a driving member supported on the frame for pushing against items placed on the press. A jig is mounted in the press frame and has a base for supporting a dental handpiece thereon and has a push plate located above the base plate and slidably mounted for sliding towards the base plate responsive to actuation of the press to move the driving member against the push plate. The first ram member attaches to the jig push plate for removing a dental handpiece member and a second ram member is attached to the push plate and is used to install a bearing onto the dental handpiece turbine. The jig base plate and push plate are held together with rods having coil springs thereover and attached to the base plate and having the push plate sliding on the rod.

Abstract: A tool for removing a compression gasket from a pipe generally comprises a sleeve and a rod; the sleeve having a cylindrical rear end for fitting over the end of the pipe and rear threads adapted for threadably engaging the front threads of a compression nut and a front end including internal threads; the rod passing longitudinally through the sleeve and having a rear end including a bearing adapted for bearing against the end face of the pipe, a central portion including threads threadably engaged with the internal threads of the front end of the sleeve and a front end including a nut or handle for turning the rod. Screwing the rod such that it moves rearward moves the sleeve and the compression nut forward such that the rear shoulder of the compression nut bears against the rear side of the gasket and pushes the gasket forward off the end of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembling an inner tube into a hollow outer tube is disclosed for forming a tampon applicator. The apparatus includes a first member configured to mate with the outer tube and a second member configured to mate with the inner tube. A vacuum is intermittently supplied to the first and second members to hold the inner and outer tubes in coaxial alignment. The apparatus also includes a push rod which is designed to contact and move the inner tube off of the second member and into the outer tube. The movement of the push rod is activated by a control mechanism which can reciprocally move the push rod a predetermined distance at a set time to permit the inner tube to be inserted into the outer tube. The control mechanism also enables the push rod to be separated the inner tube after the two tubes are assembled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.

Abstract: A press and assembly machine has a die set which has guide posts securely mounted on a base plate, and a cylinder plate securely mounted on top portions of the guide posts, and a movable plate slidably mounted on the guide posts. A cylinder is mounted on the cylinder plate. A piston rod of the cylinder is connected to the movable plate. A pick-and-place device is mounted on the base plate. The pick-and-place device comprises a pair of guide rails mounted on the base plate at opposite sides of the lower die, opposite sliding members slidably mounted on the guide rails, a connecting member connecting the sliding members, a reciprocating cylinder for reciprocating the connected sliding members, and a plurality of gripping actuators provided on the opposite sliding members. The gripping actuator has opposite gripping cylinders, opposite gripping fingers operated by a piston rod of the corresponding cylinder for gripping a work. A parts-feeder is provided for feeding works one by one to the pick-and-place device.

Abstract: A method permits the use of a low-cost bearing and by which a bearing unit can be manufactured without requiring lathe turning or any special kind of compression, pressure application, etc., that experiences low loss and which assures high precision in the perpendicularity of the rotating shaft to be supported by the bearing. The process for manufacturing a bearing unit in which bearing that supports a rotating shaft in a freely rotatable manner is secured to mounting member. The process includes at least the following three steps: the first step for providing sizing bar in hole in bearing into which the rotating shaft is to be inserted; the second step for working an end portion of the bearing, thereby forming in an end portion of the hole a small-diameter portion that is equal in size to the outside diameter of the sizing bar; and the third step for securing the bearing to the mounting member.

Abstract: Method for the local forming of material tending towards brittle fracture, such as certain aluminum alloys, in which during the forming tensile loads are exerted on the material, such as for example in joggle joining. Brittle fracture is avoided if the material is subjected to a pressure load in the region which is to be formed.

Abstract: A machine and method for attaching a plurality of preassembled connectors to a length of ribbon cable. The machine has at least one separating module in which the connectors are disposed in a selected orientation. Each connector is separated into a cover member and a connector housing member within the respective module. The modules are indexed and transferred to a press where the connector is terminated on the length of ribbon cable. A preassembled connector is disposed in a lead module and is terminated on the first end of the length of ribbon cable. The ribbon cable, with the attached spaced apart connectors, is cut to a desired length and tested electrically.

Abstract: An electronic package which includes a rigid support member, e.g., copper sheet, to which is bonded both the package's semiconductor chip and circuitized substrate members. The chip is bonded using a thermally conductive adhesive while the circuitized substrate, preferably a flexible circuit, is bonded using an electrically insulative adhesive. The chip is electrically coupled to designated parts of the circuitry of the substrate, preferably by wire, thermocompression or thermosonic bonding. An encapsulant may be used to cover and protect the connections between the chip and substrate. This package may in turn be electrically coupled to a separate, second substrate such as a PCB.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guiding method and device for the automatic introduction of a male piece into a female piece. The pieces are of general cylindrical or prismatic shape of given axis and are mounted on supports permitting their displacement with respect to each other according to three orthonormal axes of translation, one of which is parallel to axis and constitutes the introduction axis. The male piece is mounted so as to be flexible in rotation about two other axes with respect to its support and the device comprises a guide for guiding in relative movement and along a plane perpendicular to the introduction axis above the socket of the female piece, so as to cover part of the opening thereof, and when the male piece is brought into abutment against said guide, the piece is inclined of a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A fin assembly for use as a heat sink and production thereof are disclosed. The fin assembly comprises a plurality of heat dissipating plates formed by means of a multi-wire saw, and the heat dissipating plates each has a thickness of no more than 1 mm and being spaced apart by a gap of no more than 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A manual hair cutting implement for enabling a person to cut his or her own hair. The implement includes an elongated handle having a brush rotatably mounted thereon, and two combs and two cutting blades. The brush, combs, and blades are mounted on a working head which is pivotally adjustable with respect to the handle, so that the angle therebetween is adjustable. The brush is cylindrical, and has an axis of rotation longitudinally disposed with respect to the handle. The combs and blades are arranged to intersect the periphery of the cylindrical brush, so that hair is appropriately lifted from the head by the brush, maintained in place by the combs, and cut by the blades. The blades are located in a protected position between the handle and brush, and inside the comb, so that exposure of the blade is minimized for safety. The working head is also adjustably mounted to the handle, so that the effective length of the latter is adjustable.

Abstract: A device for defining the profile of a basketball foul lane and key on a surface such as asphalt or concrete. The device is comprised of a plurality of panels wherein each panel has opposing side walls which define a section of the profile therebetween. Connecting ribs are disposed between the side walls for the purpose of connecting the side walls. The plurality of panels is arrangeable so that the sections of the profile align to form the profile of a basketball foul lane and key. The device may be conveniently supplied and sold as an apparatus which includes the device, tape to temporarily attach the device to the solid surface, paint to paint the profile exposed on the surface by the device and a plumb bob to properly align the device on the surface.

Abstract: A sight is provided for a weapon or other device requiring manual alignment with a target along a viewing line, the weapon having a barrel with front and rear sights. The sights are structured to provide sufficient visual cues to the shooter to enable effective aiming while focusing on the target rather than the sight. The rear sight closer to the shooter has a standing planar member perpendicular to the gun barrel. The rear sight has a rounded outer periphery and a substantially circular central opening joined to the top edge of the rear sight along a discontinuous edge forming rounded wings, and corresponding to a tangent of the circular opening. The front sight has a solid cylinder whose axis is parallel to the axis of the gun barrel. The front sight cylinder is dimensioned relative to the rear sight opening to substantially fill the rear sight opening when the shooter's view is aligned along the barrel to the target.

Abstract: A device for performing levelling and transit functions is disclosed herein having an elongated member with parallel spaced-apart top and bottom flat surfaces separated by a thickened web. The web includes several cutouts exposing bubble indicators arranged in a variety of orientations and includes a rotary module at one end movably mounting a laser beam generator. The module has a passageway conducting a laser beam to a selected one of several slots or passageways provided in the end of the member in response to manual rotation of the module by the user whereby the beam exits the device in a linear path. The web includes a housing adjacent to the module enclosing electrical circuits, battery power supply and button controls for operation of the laser. A pivoting panel is coextensive with the top flat surface in a stored position while pivotal to a position normal to the top flat surface when used as a corner square.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to aid a craftsman in producing an eight-sided geometrical object, preferably an octagon, from a square object or rectangular object. The apparatus of the invention comprises a rule with a first edge and a first scale along the first edge, and a second edge and a second scale along the second edge. The second scale is preferably fractionally proportionate to the first scale by a factor of about 29.289322 percent. The first scale may be any standard measuring scale such as inches or centimeters. The method of the invention comprises measuring a length of the square with the first scale, using the second scale for easily measuring and marking a plurality of points on the square, and drawing a plurality of lines between the points for marking portions of the square which are to be cut off in producing an octagon or other geometrical object.

Abstract: A device for measuring the straightness of a conductive object includes a plurality of capacitive distance sensors which are aligned along an axis of a ruler to be placed on the object. Circuits are provided for indicating the measurements provided by each sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the surface of a backing roll in a coater or a calender roll. The roll is cleaned by injecting steam from a steam injection chamber against the roll surface at a 15.degree. angle counter to the rotational direction of the roll. Steam impinging on the surface performs effective removal of accumulated dirt and the detached dirt is carried away on the web without a deleterious effect on the quality of the web. Steam injected against the roll is vacuumed away from the roll surface via a suction chamber, whereby the cleaning steam is prevented from escaping to the surroundings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shelf for a freeze dryer which includes a pair of first and second flat plates spaced apart from one another, and a plurality of ribs located between the first and second plates and spaced from one another so as to define flow channels for circulating a diathermic fluid. The ribs are preferably formed of hollow tubes that are brazed to the first and second plates and the hollow tubes and plates are stress relieved so that the first plate presents a flat surface at which heat is transferred from articles to be freeze dried and the diathermic fluid. A freeze dryer shelf constructed in such manner has less thermal mass than prior art design which have solid ribs and plates welded to the ribs with a thickness sufficient to prevent the formation of surface deformations that would interrupt the flat surface of the first plate.

Abstract: The process involves improved route for expressing volatilizable components from a mixture containing such components. The improvement involves providing a sample having a mixture of volatile organic compounds and a microwave absorbing compound therein, contacting the mixture with the microwave energy to vaporize the microwave absorbing compound and subsequently volatilizing at least one volatile organic compound contained in the mixture by absorption of energy from the vaporized microwave compound.

Abstract: A process for the production of pourable, free-flowing granules which are suitable for use as wetting agents, detergents or cleaning products from aqueous solutions or suspensions of such materials in a fluidized-bed spray granulation apparatus employing a hot fluidizing gas. The aqueous selections or suspensions are dried with superheated steam as the fluidizing and drying gas wherein the drying step is carried out in a closed-loop system comprising a steam circuit from which the water evaporated from the aqueous solutions or suspensions of starting materials is removed as a partial stream and the thermal energy released is returned to the steam circuit. The granules are discharged from the granulation apparatus before they can be damaged by heat.

Abstract: An improved clothes dryer includes a heated drying chamber, a drum mounted for rotation in the drying chamber to tumble articles of clothing, and a door which is opened to permit placement and removal of articles in the dryer and is closed during the drying process. The improvement is tumble-preventing means for positioning an article in the drying chamber for drying without tumbling. The tumble-preventing means includes a clothes bag for being trapped between the dryer door and the drying chamber for restraining in the drying chamber the article to be dried. The clothes bag positions the article at a height within the drying chamber sufficient to prevent rotation-causing contact between the article and the rotating drum. A locking clip is located outside of the dryer for being attached to the clothes bag. The locking clip prevents the clothes bag from being dislodged by rotation of the drum from its trapped condition between the dryer door and drying chamber during the drying process.

Abstract: A structure for engaging a heel to a shoe, the heel having a tongue disposed to an underside thereof and the tongue having a first opening defined therein, the heel having a projection extending upwardly from a top thereof and a recess defined in the top, the projection having a groove defined in an inner portion thereof, a mediate element engaged to an underside of the tongue and having flanges extending laterally therefrom for being inserted into the groove, the mediate element having a second opening defined therein through which a hook element passes which is pivotally engaged between two inner sides defining the second opening and a hook portion of the hook element inserted into the recess of the heel.

Abstract: A ski boot having a rigid shell base including an overlying upper equipped with a front cuff and rear collar, both these elements pivoting with respect to the shell base, one in the front zone of the boot, the other in the zone of the malleoli, wherein the front cuff at least partially covers the front slitted upper portion of the shell base, from the tibial support zone of the boot by passing through the zone corresponding to the flexion fold to the zone of the foot corresponding to the metatarsus, where it is pivotably mounted with two journal hooks extending vertically from each side of the boot, each of the two journal hooks being connected to the walls of the shell base by a journal axis localized in a zone demarcated, on the one hand, longitudinally by two transverse vertical planes with respect to the plane of the sole of the shell, and on the other hand, by a plane parallel to the plane of the sole and separated from the latter by a distance approximately equal to the distance of the height of the ins

Abstract: A marketing indicator arrangement for application to a belt comprises a strip member having first and second opposed ends, an adhesive layer disposed on a first side of the strip member at the first end thereof, the strip member supporting belt marketing indicia on a second side thereof opposite the adhesive layer and at a location distal from the first end thereof, and a further layer adhered to the second side of the strip member. The marketing indicator arrangement preferably includes a protective layer disposed on the adhesive layer. Further, the marketing indicator arrangement has an additional layer comprised of a material less susceptible to tearing upon perforation thereof following stitching through the marketing indicator than is the strip member.

Abstract: An alarm system for distinguishing between an empty and a malfunction condition for a firearm having a breech block catch lever operated by the magazine follower to lock the breech block in the open position when the firearm is empty may include an indicator device and a switching system responsive to the catch lever being operated by the magazine follower to lock the breech block in the open position for setting the indicator device to a first state to represent that the magazine and chamber are empty and the breech block is locked open and not malfunctioning and responsive to the catch lever being unoperated and the breech block being free for setting the indicator device to a second state to represent that the firearm has stopped firing because of a malfunction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved retaining and release mechanism for the magazines of automatic and/or semi-automatic firearms, in particular to a type of magazine which is provided with a lateral securing slot. A tooth (52) of lever (54) is designed to engage lateral securing slot (34) of magazine (30). Said lever (54) is provided with a deflecting surface (55) which abuts to a pair of deflecting edges (57a,57b) of protective ears (56a,56b). Said lever (54) is pivotally connected to said protective ears (56a,56b) of a base (38) by means of a pin (58). A slide (62) is connected to a "T" shaped guide (60), of said lever (54), by means of a "T" shaped channel (64). Said lever (54) is urged towards a body (16) of the firearm by energy exerted through a plunger (82) from a plunger spring (80) contained within said shaft (36).

Abstract: A muzzle loading rifle has a cocking member which is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the barrel of the rifle and has a cam mounted on the distal end thereof. When the cocking member and the cam are rotated, the cam will move the hammer from a fired position to a cocked position. Second, a cylindrical primer holder having a transverse hole therethrough is provided to retain a primer charge. The primer holder may be rotated from a firing position to a safety position while retaining the charge enclosed within the receiver of the rifle. Third, a safety lever rotates about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hammer sear from a first locked position to a second unlocked position. Movement of the safety lever to the second position unlocks the sear and allows the weapon to be fired.

Abstract: A firearm which alloys center fire cartridges, rim fire cartridges of different sizes and types, as well as, black powder loads of different sizes to be fired from the same firearm. The aforestated is accomplished by the present invention entailing three firing pins which are selectively controlled by setting the triple mode selector located on the hammer to the desired setting. The aforementioned firearm has an internal firing mechanism lock which locks the internal firing mechanism and renders the firing mechanism inoperative. The internal firing mechanism lock is actuated by a key which can easily be carried on one's person.

Abstract: A comb and coil assembly for a shoulder firearm, the firearm having a stock with a butt end and a barrel end, includes a cheek piece which is connected to the upper surface of the stock. The cheek piece is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A recoil mechanism is located in the interior of the stock and has a moving member which moves relative to the stock in response to the recoil of the firearm upon firing. The moving member and the cheek piece are connected by a cam and cam follower arrangement to substantially maintain the cheek piece in the extended position when the moving member is at rest and to permit the cheek piece to move to the retracted position upon the motion of the moving member in response to the recoil of the firearm.

Abstract: There is an ice fishing rig and a kit for the same. The rig is selectively adjustable between `tip-up` and `rod-and reel` configurations. The kit comprises a handle, an elongated reel securable to the handle, and a rod selectively securable to the handle in a forwardly projecting position or a rearwardly projecting position. The rod includes a fishing line guide, eg. a hole. There is also means cooperative with the handle for selectively supporting the rig in the `tip-up` configuration over an ice fishing hole. The latter means preferably includes a pair of rods, each having a length greater than a width of a typical ice fishing hole. Preferably the rig also includes a spring indicator cooperatively adapted to alert an fisherman when a fish pulls on a fishing line extending from the rig operatively in the `tip-up` position.