Abstract: A system (10) for processing veneer is provided. The system (10) includes a compression apparatus (12) having a first set of rollers (20) turning at a first rate and has a first clearance (96) therebetween, and a second set of rollers (22) turning at a second rate and has a second clearance (98) therebetween. The first and second roller rates are substantially equal. The system also includes a feeder (16). The feeder (16) includes a hopper (62) for holding a plurality of veneer slats (82) and a feeder mechanism for feeding the slats one at a time into the compression apparatus. The system may have a first drive mechanism (14) for turning the first (20) and second (22) rollers and a second drive mechanism for driving the feeder mechanism.

Abstract: A header rail is provided for mounting an awning having an awning rope and rafter arms to a building wall having siding with outwardly extending laps. The header rail includes an extrusion having a front wall and a pair of legs extending from the front wall. The legs have generally co-planar building wall engaging surfaces and space the front wall from the building wall to form a longitudinally extending interior space sized for accepting one or more of the siding laps. The front wall forms in cross-section a longitudinally extending awning rope retainer and a longitudinally extending guide way. Rafter extensions are provided to slide into the guide way and pivotally connect the rafter arms.

Abstract: A slide system for interconnecting the outer end of a rafter arm to an associated support arm in a retractable awning includes a slide member pivotally connected to the outer end of a rafter arm and also pivotally and slidably connected to the associated support arm to permit the two arms to become skewed during extension and retraction of the awning. The system further includes an automatic catch system to releasably secure the slide member to the outer end of a support arm in a manner such that it can be quickly released for retraction of the awning.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment of a panel connector system, the connectors are channel-shaped in cross section. Each of the connector's legs includes an inwardly extending lip, and the connector's base includes two inwardly extending studs. Each of the panels for the system includes a frame including upper and lower horizontal members and two vertical faces attached to the frame. The edges of the horizontal members include two orifices located near the vertical edges of the panel and adapted to engage a connector stud. When a connector is installed on two adjacent panels, one stud engages an orifice in the first panel and another stud engages an orifice in the second panel. When installed, the inwardly extending lips on the connector legs engage horizontally extending grooves in the vertical faces of the panel. The system includes connectors for connecting two aligned panels, two panels at a right angle, three panels, and four panels.

Abstract: A cord connector for releasably connecting multiple operating cords for a window covering. The cord connector has at least two side members supported for pivotal movement relative to each other between a closed condition in which the side members are in sidewise adjacent relation and an open condition in which at least upper portions of the side members are laterally spaced apart. Jaws on side members provide downwardly facing shoulders for engaging cord stops on the operating cords and the jaws have jaw edges operative when the side members are in the closed condition for laterally confining portions of the operating cords superjacent the stops to positions in which the cord stops engage the downwardly facing shoulders. The side members have lateral cord abutment portions spaced above the cord retaining means and arranged to form segments of a closed cord abutment loop dimensioned to loosely surround the operating cords at the upper end of the cord connector when the side members are in the closed condition.

Abstract: A protective panel for the work area of a machine tool, consisting of a plurality of segments which are movably interconnected by connection elements. The segments are formed as frames which are nested into each other and shiftable with respect to each other by means of connection elements, the maximum displacement path of the single frame being smaller than the bridge width of the nearest greater size frame.

Abstract: A shutter for a cabinet includes a plurality of juxtaposed slats with front and rear sides. Each of the slats has longitudinal first and second portions, a longitudinal intermediate portion between the first and second portions, and a pin-and-eye assembly provided on the rear side at the first and second portions for connecting pivotally adjacent ones of the slats. Each of the slats further has a transparent part. The intermediate portion of the transparent part has a convex surface.

Abstract: A two-piece drapery traverse rod master carrier comprising a carrier body having rod guides for supporting the carrier body for movement along a traverse rod, and a drapery support arm having lead and trail ends and a mounting stem extending laterally from one side of the support arm at a location intermediate the lead and trail ends of the arm. The carrier body has an arm guide supporting the mounting stem for horizontal movement in a direction perpendicular to the path of movement of the carrier body when the lead end of the drapery support arm extends from the arm guide to adjust the lateral position of the support arm relative to the slide body. The drapery support arm can be positioned on the carrier body with the lead end extending in either of two opposed directions generally parallel to the path of movement of the carrier body.

Abstract: An attachment bar is removably mounted on a partition panel at any position along the length of the panel. The attachment bar permits another panel, or a shelf or other accessory, to be mounted on the partition panel. This invention avoids the need to install a 3- or 4-way connection when adding an intersecting panel to a linear arrangement of partition panels.

Abstract: In a pressure-casting method and apparatus, wherein a metal melt is fed in a mold cavity and then an oscillating squeeze pressure is applied to the melt by a squeezing plunger of a hydraulic cylinder moving with an oscillating stroke varying to compensate for shrinkage of the melt while being solidified, the hydraulic cylinder is feedback-controlled, using a control unit including a detector for detecting information on an actual squeeze pressure, so that a pressure converted from the actual oscillating squeeze pressure to have a mean value of zero copies a desired alternately positive and negative impulsive pressure pattern or locus representing a pressure oscillated to have a mean value of zero with a given amplitude and frequency versus an elapse of time.

Abstract: A process for casting a hard-faced cylindrical product such as an automobile camshaft includes the steps of: (a) preparing a composition formed from a molten base metal and an additive in particle form and having a hardness value greater than the hardness value of the base metal; (b) introducing the composition into a flask containing a meltable pattern of a cylindrical product such as an automobile camshaft to be manufactured and encased in sand to allow the composition to melt the pattern and assume the shape of the pattern within the sand; and (c) rotating the flask containing the pattern about the longitudinal axes of both the flask and the pattern as the molten base metal containing the additive in particle form is introduced into the flask to cause particles of the additive entrained in the molten base metal to migrate by centrifugal action to the radial extremities of the pattern and thereby provide a cylindrical product having a hardness value greater at it's radial extremities than at its center when

Abstract: A twin drum type continuous casting apparatus is provided for continuously feeding molten metal into a cast portion defined by a pair of water cooling drums that are rotated in opposite directions to each other, thereby continuously casting a plate-like cast piece. A thin portion is formed close to an outer circumferential portion of each of opposite end portions, in a width direction, of each of the water cooling drums. A thin annular member having a hot water flow passage therein is formed in between the thin portion and a shaft with a space relative to an end face of each of the water cooling drums.

Abstract: A controller for an air conditioner is provided wherein an operation mode is not unnecessarily changed in accordance with variations in temperature. When room temperature t is in a range of T+3.0>t.gtoreq.T+1.5, and when a timer expires (steps 212, 214), it is determined whether the room temperature has a tendency to fall (step 218). When the room temperature has a tendency to fall, it is predicted that the room temperature will be in an observing region although the operation mode is not changed. For this reason, the current operation mode is kept. On the other hand, when the room temperature does not have a tendency to fall, a cooling mode is set (step 210). Further, when the room temperature t is in a range of T-3.0<t.ltoreq.T-1.5, and when the timer expires (steps 222, 224), it is determined whether the room temperature has a tendency to rise (step 228).

Abstract: A heat pipe which is flexible and thus conformable to the space in which it is to be deployed consists of two or three layers, namely, a relatively thin, highly conductive plate as a bottom layer, a plastic sheet as a top layer and wicking as an optional middle layer. The bottom plate has a relatively high modulus of elasticity and it is stiff, yet ductile. It is preferably made of metal, such as aluminum, or a plastic sheet or plate. To manufacture the heat pipe, the bottom and top layers are aligned, with the wicking between them, and sealed together around three edges. Liquid coolant is then added and the fourth edge is sealed. The sealing is preferably performed by heat sealing. The heat pipe may include heat-dissipating fins or ridges on the end of the pipe that operates as a condenser. The opposing end of the pipe, which acts as the evaporator, is positioned proximate to a heat-generating component.

Abstract: An inner fin, which is formed of a thin plate of an aluminum alloy having a corrugated section in a widthwise direction, includes a plurality of crest surfaces extending parallel in a lengthwise direction, and a plurality of trough surfaces extending parallel in the lengthwise direction. The crest surfaces and the trough surfaces are connected together by inclined surfaces. The crest surfaces are provided with concavities, which are shifted form each other in the lengthwise direction so that the concavities formed in the adjacent crest surfaces are not aligned on the same line in the widthwise direction. The inner fin inserted into the tube partitions the passages which communicate with each other through the concavities.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of the multi-flow type is provided with baffle members which are adapted to impart a zigzagging flow to the heat-exchange fluid in motion inside a flat tube and define, in conjunction with the inner wall of the flat tube, a flow path of a cross-sectional area having an equivalent diameter in the range of 0.4 to 1.5 mm. This heat exchanger excels in heat exchange ability and in facility of manufacture and assemblage.

Abstract: The invention relates to actuation of a downhole tool by hydraulic forces in a structure that does not employ lateral openings through the wall of the tool. By a variety of mechanisms, the tool wall is urged to flex preferably within its elastic limits. The wall flexing either signals a sensor which senses such motion to create a corresponding signal which can unlock a piston. Thereafter, hydraulic pressure differences are employed to move the piston to operate the downhole tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fracturing and propping a fracture interval wherein a workstring is lowered into the wellbore and a fracturing slurry comprised of a fracturing fluid and proppants is flowed down the workstring to a downhole slurry splitter which separates a portion of the fracturing fluid from the slurry and delivers it to the bottom of the fracture interval to initiate and propagate a fracture in the interval. The remaining slurry including the proppants is at the same time delivered to the top of the interval to prop the fracture as it is being formed. Alternate flowpath(s) deliver fracturing fluid and/or slurry to different levels within the interval to by-pass any sand bridges which may be formed during the fracturing operation.

Abstract: A horseshoe includes a basic part and a replaceable sole. The basic part is provided with a basic body and fastening elements. The basic body is horseshoe-shaped and has an abutment surface that is affixable to a hoof of a horse. The basic body also includes two legs, each leg having nail holes spaced along its length. The nail holes are positioned between and offset from a series of first cut out portions. The sole is insertible into the basic part and has protrusions that engage the first cut out portions and fastening openings for receiving the fastening elements. The solid basic body permits the horseshoe to be hot-shoed and provides a foundation for mounting other components, including, e.g., calks and a snowguard insert.

Abstract: A collapsible fire fighting bucket assembly to be suspended from an aircraft for fighting wild fires, the bucket being made of pliable material and having an open upper end for filling from a body of water. A tubular extension extends from an opening in the bottom of the bucket and has a free end formed with a discharge port provided with resilient sealing lips which are brought into sealing engagement with each other to close the port to minimize water leakage from the tubular extension. A harness suspends the bucket from the aircraft and a releasable support releasably supports the free end of the tubular extension within the bucket body extending upwardly from the opening to close the discharge port. The releasable support cooperates with the openings to allow the tubular extension to be rapidly lowered so as to extend downwardly from the bottom to open the discharge port for dumping the water.

Abstract: An adjustable stopper for a fusible link sprinkler head comprised of an elongated upper rectangular plate. The device includes an elongated lower rectangular plate. A rocker assembly is positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate. A hemispherical stopper is secured to a proximal end portion of the upper rectangular plate. The stopper is dimensioned to fit into a sprinkler head orifice. An adjustment assembly extends through the upper plate and the lower plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically controlling the position of an earthmoving implement of an earthmoving machine in response to varying ground profiles.

Abstract: A steering clutch assembly attached between an axle and a wheel of a rear-tined rotary tiller allows the implement to be steered. The clutch assembly comprises three coaxial tubular elements, the inboard-most of which is affixed to one of the driven shafts and the outboard-most of which is affixed to a stub axle projecting from a wheel. The inboard and outboard tubular members are connected at a joint that allows the outboard member to freely rotate about the axis of the shaft. An intermediate tubular member rotates with the inboard tubular member and is translated between and engaged and a disengaged position. In the engaged limiting position a portion of the intermediate tubular member bears on a portion of the outboard tubular member and rotationally locks those two tubular members together so that the outboard tubular member is prohibited from rotating with respect to the inboard tubular member.

Abstract: An earth working implement including a frame having at least one earth working tool mounted thereon. A spring biased linkage assembly connects the tool to the frame to allow for vertical "floating" and "tripping" movements of the tool. The linkage assembly includes upper and lower generally parallel links which are pivotally connected to the frame and to a generally vertical standard having the tool connected to the lower end thereof. The upper link is formed from a pair of toggle elements defining a pivotal connection between opposite ends thereof. A spring assembly normally maintains the toggle elements in non-collapsible relation relative to each other and inhibits floating movements of the tool as it is drawn through the soil. The spring mechanism furthermore allows the toggle elements to move to a collapsed position relative to each other thereby allowing the tool to move to a tripped position.

Abstract: A cutting hoe and method wherein a handle is connected to a cutting head that has a cutting surface along a substantially 360 degree cutting portion circumscribing the cutting head thereby permitting cutting in any direction. In one embodiment, a star configuration is provided for the cutting head which is, for example, a four pointed star-shaped configuration. In other embodiments substantially circular and rectangular (i.e. square) shaped cutting head configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for drilling multiple offshore wells from a single conductor casing string. A guide member is provided for securing to a standard casing string, and running downhole and setting within a lower section of the conductor string. The guide member includes multiple guide bores through which standard casing strings are run. A first one of the standard casing strings i secured into one of the multiple guide bores for lowering the guide member into the lower section of the conductor string. A multibore low pressure wellhead housing is mounted to the conductor string as the guide member is being lowered downhole within the conductor string. Once the guide member is set, the first one of the standard casing strings is released from the guide member and passed downward through the guide member for receiving a drill string and guiding the drill string in drilling a first one of the multiple offshore wells.

Abstract: A single drilling guide base for subsea oil wells includes two parts, namely a lower part (1) and an upper part (2), which are bolted together (at 7). The whole arrangement is provided with a seating indicator (5) connected to the lower part and holes in a funnel shaped portion of the upper part for the discharge of gravel.

Abstract: A telemetry system for obtaining loggings by an independently guiding logging probe provided with a sensor includes the logging probe ejected in a drill string, so that the sensor projecting through a drill bit of the drill string has an access to the bottom and walls of the drill bore, a pick-up probe injectable into the drill string to form a wireless connection with the logging probe and connected to a portable computer which initializes the logging probe, loggings stored in the logging probe are readable from the portable computer upon recovering the logging probe from the bore string.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for maximizing the chemical integrity and, if desired, maintaining the mechanical integrity of a core sample during transport from a subterranean formation to the surface. The method involves cutting and encapsulating the core sample as it enters the core barrel with an encapsulating material that either (a) inherently is capable of protecting the chemical integrity of the core sample, or (b) is capable of increasing in viscosity and/or solidifying in response to natural decreases in temperature to maintain the mechanical integrity and maximize the chemical integrity of the core sample during transport.

Abstract: A pair of stabilizers are placed in a string of drill pipe having a drill bit or a coring bit at its lower end, the placement of the stabilizers being such that the distance (d1) between the midpoint (mean transverse section) of the gauge surface of the bit and the midpoint (mean transverse section) of such first stabilizer bears a relationship to the distance (d2) between the midpoints of the two stabilizers. The ratio of d1 to d2 (d1/d2) should be between 1/1.5 to 1/5, and preferably between 1/2 and 1/3, with d1 being maintained less than five feet, preferably less than three feet. In one embodiment, the drill bit and the two stabilizers are formed in a monoblock.

Abstract: A rotary bit for drilling subterranean formations. The bit includes a separately-fabricated bit body and cutter support structures, the latter of which may be designed as blades, ribs, pads or otherwise, depending upon the bit style. The body and one or more cutter support structures are assembled and secured together after fabrication. Separate fabrication of the cutter support structures permits more precise cutter positioning, as well as orientation, and promotes the use of stronger and more diverse cutter affixation means. The cutter support structures may be adjustably radially movable with respect to the bit body, so as to provide the ability to fabricate bits of various gage sizes within a range using a single bit body and single size of cutter support structure.

Abstract: A winch device for snowmobiles, having a tensile member (34) and a centering harness (36), with tensile member (34) being configured to be removably attached to the track (24) of a snowmobile and centering harness (36) being configured to be removably attached to the front end of the snowmobile. In use, the centering harness provides support for a guide (38) that receives and guides tensile member (34). One end of tensile member (34) attaches to a track (24), and the other end attaches to some solid and secure object. When power is applied to the snowmobile, track (24) rotates, thereby propelling the snowmobile forward along the length of tensile member (34) and toward the solid and secure object to which the tensile member is attached.

Abstract: An electrically motorized wheel, particularly useful for bicycles, has a hub with an electric motor housed therein. The motor is fixed with respect to the axis of rotation of the wheel and has a drive shaft perpendicular to the wheel axis which engages a crown wheel inside the hub through freewheel mechanisms and at least one gear reduction mechanism so that the motorized wheel may operate at two different gear ratios in one direction upon reversal of the motor direction and operate in a freewheeling mode when no power is supplied or when the bicyclist applies manual power.

Abstract: A self-propelled hovercraft having a body or hull around the periphery of which is a segmented skirt. The segmented skirt of the hovercraft comprises a plurality of bags, one adjacent to another, completely encircling the hovercraft body. Each of the bags has front and side portions and, in one embodiment, at least some of the bags at the forward end of the hovercraft are provided with semi-rigid lower front surfaces constructed of material less flexible than material of other bags and which may be provided with internal cushion devices which support the front semi-rigid material against water surface contact.

Abstract: A position locking feature for an expandable trailer by which the trailer may be automatically locked in either an expanded or a retracted position. A stop block having a transverse striking plate is mounted to an expansion box beam carrying the expandable portion of the trailer. A locking assembly is mounted to a fixed box beam carrying the fixed portion of the trailer. The locking assembly biases a plunger toward the expansion box beam such that the plunger abuts the transverse striking plate, thereby preventing relative movement of the fixed and expandable portions in one direction. A pair of such stop blocks may be used to lock the trailer in either of the expanded or retracted positions.

Abstract: A vehicle lock device having an approximately U-shaped fixing portion is contained so as not to be seen from the exterior. An approximately U-shaped fixing portion is disposed within a containing portion formed on a rear fender so as to be longer in the longitudinal direction. A lock portion longer in the vehicle width direction is overlapped on the fixing portion so as to cross the fixing portion. The fixing portion and the lock portion are fixed to a hook of a cross-plate and stays of seat rails by means of a fixture. A seat is then mounted on the seat rails. The vehicle device can be thus contained so as not to be seen from the exterior.

Abstract: A motorcycle is disclosed with an air intake chamber having a fresh air suction port (that is, an opening through which fresh air is initially sucked into the air intake system) which is connected to the upstream side of an air cleaner and goes in a concavity formed under a fuel tank and is provided at a position across a main frame of the body.

Abstract: A vehicle drive transmission includes a hydrostatic transmission (14) which comprises a hydraulic motor (16) of a variable displacement type. Swash plate (29) of this motor is displaced from its neutral position in one direction in a stepwise manner to plural angular positions. The motor is used for setting one of plural speed ranges or low-speed and high-speed ranges of vehicle within which vehicle speed can be changed in a non-stepwise manner by a hydraulic pump (15) having a non-stepwisely displaceable swash plate (28). Output shaft (18) driven by the motor is connected to rear wheels (2) for a constant drive thereof through a mechanical transmission mechanism (21) and to front wheels (1) for a selective drive thereof through a clutch mechanism (26; 126; 226). The clutch mechanism preferably includes a one-way clutch (85) for providing a selective drive mode in which front wheels are additionally driven automatically when slipping of the rear wheels is caused during the two wheel-drive condition.

Abstract: A folding sawhorse including two bases, each of the two bases having a top and at least one leg, a first plurality of spaced U-shaped coupling elements connected to or formed with the top of the first base, a second plurality of spaced U-shaped coupling elements connected to or formed with the top of the second base, complementary to and staggered relative to the first plurality of coupling elements, the tops of the two bases adjoining one another, with the first and second pluralities of U-shaped coupling elements in interlocking relationship, a rod engaged by the first and second pluralities of U-shaped coupling elements, and cover member extending over the first and second pluralities of U-shaped coupling elements and engaged by the rod to retain the tops of the two bases adjoining one another.

Abstract: An adjustable sawhorse for contemporaneously adjusting both the height and angle of inclination of the support member. The sawhorse utilizes a disk-jaw slip clutch composed of a shaft carrying a pair of inner and outer disks in slideable and rotational relationship. The shaft extends through a transverse cavity in the support member and the support member is interposed intermediately of the disks. A plurality of radially extending jaws extend from the transverse cavity openings in the support member sidewall surfaces for engagement with corresponding radially extending jaws on the inner disks' engagement surface with the support member. Similarly, the outer disks have radially extending jaws which couple with like constructed jaws on the engagement faces of the outer disks. By exertion of a lateral compressive force, the disks and support member may be releasably locked in fixed rotational relationship.

Abstract: A self-scanning checkout device includes a stationary scanner for reading an article code affixed to an article, and a cash register disposed adjacent to the stationary scanner, for performing a settlement process based on article codes sequentially supplied from the stationary scanner. The cash register has a printing unit for printing a result of the settlement process. In particular, the cash register has a housing section having an article table which is exposed at a top of the housing section and on which an article whose article code is difficult to read by the stationary scanner is placed. The housing section is provided for receiving the printing unit below the article table and permitting the printing unit to be freely exposed.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with forklift vehicle and in particular with a shock absorber device for use with such vehicles to reduce the severity of damage caused to pallets by the forklift vehicle. In accordance with the invention, the forklift vehicle has a conventional post structure with a carriage structure movable up and down the post structure. The carriage structure includes vertically spaced, horizontally extending carriage beams to which the forks of the vehicle are attached. The shock absorber device has an elongate shock absorbing body and a backing plate on which the shock absorbing body is mounted. The backing plate is connected to and supported only by the lowest carriage beam with no attachment between the backing plate and any upper carriage beam. The shock absorbing body extends horizontally across and in front of the lowest carriage beam, between the forks, in a position to impact upon the internal cross-bearers of a pallet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcement device for reinforcing the open slots of a carbon brake disk. According to the invention, each slot is provided both with a U-shaped insert whose two lateral limbs are disposed to face the lateral faces of the corresponding coupling bar, and with two channel-section caps that extend towards each other so as to surround the two lateral limbs of the insert completely, each cap having a free end edge that occupies a plane that is parallel to the corresponding inside face and that, on initial assembly, stands slightly projecting relative to said face, thereby enabling said free end edge to be brought exactly into the plane of said inside face after the brake has been used during a running-in period.

Abstract: A brake shoe key of the spring-type for affixing a brake shoe to a brake head, the key being formed from a flat strip of spring metal including a shank portion having a generally curvilinear profile and a head portion that is integral with the shank portion and is characterized by an open-loop configuration to provide a space in which a pry bar may be inserted, the open-loop configuration being formed by a stop leg that is outturned from one face of the shank and a pry leg that is spaced-apart from the stop leg on the opposite side thereof from the shank.

Abstract: The incorporation of a unidirectional flow regulation valve into the piston of a damper provides continuously variable real time damping with passive compression damping. The valve is housed within the piston thus incorporating into a single component the flow passages for both the variable and passive valving. An electrical circuit is provided through componentry of the damper and regulation valve.

Abstract: A structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material adapted for high temperature brake use is disclosed as used for the entirety of components of a brake system and as brake pads which can be used in the normal manner for brake pads. Also disclosed is a method of integrally molding the brake pads to the surfaces of metal brake parts.

Abstract: A hydraulic strut for a motor vehicle for providing a movement guiding and dampening function can generally have a cylinder, with a piston disposed in the cylinder to divide the cylinder into at least first and second chamber portions, with a piston rod extending from the piston out of the cylinder. The cylinder can be sealed at both ends, and can preferably be filled with hydraulic fluid. The piston can preferably define a flow connection between the two fluid chambers, and this flow connection can typically have some sort of valve arrangement therein for controlling flow of fluid between the first and second chamber portions.

Abstract: A bleeder screw for use in a disc brake assembly including a caliper provided with at least one cylindrical recess formed therein and at least one aperture formed therein. The aperture in the caliper includes a non-threaded portion and a threaded portion. A piston is slidably disposed in the recess, and a pair of brake shoes are carded by the disc brake assembly and disposed on opposite axial sides of an associated rotor. Each of the brake shoes includes a backing plate and a friction pad. An actuation system is carded by the caliper for selectively moving the brake shoes between a non-braking position, wherein each of the friction pads is spaced apart from the adjacent side of the rotor, and a braking position, wherein each of the friction pads frictionally engages the adjacent side of the rotor. The bleeder screw is threadably disposed in the aperture of the caliper. The bleeder screw includes an elastomeric seal disposed about a portion thereof.

Abstract: A handle and restraint assembly is for carries and maneuvering a main luggage case having wheels. An extendable handle is moveable into a fully extended position, a fully retracted position, and a selected intermediate position. A restraint device is operatively connected to the handle to selectively restrain the handle in the extended and retracted positions. The restraint device includes a selectively extendable elongated flexible belt by which to connect an auxiliary luggage case for carrying on the main case. The elongated flexible element is extendable for connection to the handle, and may restrain the handle in an intermediate position for carrying the case or for pulling the case on the wheels. A first clutch controls the extension, retraction and retention of the belt, and a second clutch controls the extension, retraction and retention of the handle. The first and second clutches are separately operable independently or they are interconnected to operate simultaneously.

Abstract: An internal frame for supporting a wheeled suitcase comprises a base, a U-shaped frame mounted on top of the base and a modular central frame comprising an L-shaped head set having an L-shaped brace and all extension board connected to the front end of the L-shaped brace, two rectangular tubes slidably connected to the lower end of the L-shaped brace, and two sockets connected to the lower ends of the two rectangular tubes. The upper end of the central frame is mounted to the top panel of the U-shaped frame and the lower end of the central frame is mounted to the rear end of the base so that the structure of the internal frame is greatly strengthened by the central frame. The modular central frame design not only can strengthen the structure of a wheeled suitcase, but is also flexible for change.