Abstract: A tire bead seating tool for tubeless tires that initializes a sealing contact between the beads of a tire and the flanges of a wheel rim to enable inflating the tire through a valve stem of the wheel rim. The tool utilizes a valve controlled large volume, high pressure jet of air that is injected into the cavity of a deflated tire that has been mounted on a wheel rim. The jet of air is directed into the cavity through the space between the tire bead and the wheel rim flange. The large volume, high pressure jet of air will, due to the increased pressure generated within the cavity, force the sidewalls of the tire outward to move the beads of the tire into sealing contact with the wheel rim flanges.

Abstract: A sunshielding curtain includes a pressure adhesive sheet unit adapted to be adhered to a glass window and a sunshielding sheet heat-sealed to the adhesive sheet unit. The adhesive sheet unit includes one horizontal row of adhesive subunits each of which has a central portion that is heat-sealed to the shielding sheet. Each of the adhesive subunits is further heat-sealed to the sunshielding sheet along a horizontal seal line which is located at the intermediate portion of the top side of the sunshielding sheet. Two top corners of the top side of the sunshielding sheet are not heat-sealed to the adhesive sheet unit.

Abstract: A multi-functional plastic board is adopted to be attached to inside or outside of an automobile. The shade comprises a single piece of board with four folding panels. The board is a rigid, lightweight and durable corrugated plastic board which has smooth surfaces on both sides of the board and fine channels therebetween. The four panels are divided by three cutting lines, while adjacent ones of the panels are connected with integral portions therebetween. Each of the cutting lines are divided by the integral portions into segments. Two scoring lines are formed near each of the integral portions on respective adjacent panels so that the panels can be folded along the cutting lines. A plurality of holes are provided respectively at each corner of the board and the panels. Ropes with steel wire core are provided for attaching the shade to inside or outside of the automobile in association with the holes.

Abstract: A process for continuously casting steel slabs employing a molten steel containing an oxygen concentration of 30 ppm or less, preferably, 20 ppm or less, using a straight immersion nozzle to which an inert gas is not injected, and disposing a static magnetic field generator on the back surface of the mold for applying the strong static magnetic field to the molten steel within the mold, thereby restricting the flow of the molten steel. With this process, it is possible to prevent the nozzle blocking, and hence to obtain the steel slabs excellent in the internal and surface qualities.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has tubes inserted in headers easily to a given depth, and also has brackets which are readily attached to the headers. Each of the headers (3, 4) is divided into an inner half (5) and an outer half (6) facing the inner half in which apertures (5a) for receiving ends of the tubes are formed. The bracket (12) having a fastenable rib (12c) is fitted on the header over its halves (5, 6) so that these halves are made immovable relative to each other. Alternatively, the outer half (6) of the header may have a pair of embracing portions (12a) which fit on lateral sides of the inner half (5) so as to hold it in place.

Abstract: A radiator assembly for use in a motor vehicle, comprising a frame attached to a chassis of a motor vehicle and a radiator disposed within the frame. The radiator includes a core and first and second lateral end portions attached to opposite ends of the core. The first lateral end portion is rigidly mounted to the frame so as to position the radiator relative to the frame, while the second lateral end portion is resiliently mounted to the frame so as to accommodate lateral thermal growth of the radiator relative to the frame. The second lateral end portion is resiliently mounted to the frame by coupling a pair of vertically spaced spring members, each comprising a leaf spring, to the second lateral end portion and to the frame. A pair of multi-pronged mount brackets are attached to the frame, with each of the leaf springs having a first end attached to one of the brackets and a second end attached to the second lateral end portion of the radiator.

Abstract: Anti-vibration spacer elements are located between adjacent elongated heat exchanger tubes for operation at temperatures above ambient in a tubular type heat exchanger. The spacer elements are formed of metal alloys having a shape-memory characteristic and are placed between adjacent rows of elongated tubes in the heat exchanger, such as a steam generator or feed water heater, and are supported from a girth ring in the casing of the heat exchanger. When the heat exchanger operating temperature is increased above a transition temperature (TT) for the spacer metal, such as a temperature between -100.degree. F. and 1000.degree. F., the spacer element increases in its overall effective thickness dimension so as to provide a lateral loading force against the adjacent tube pairs, and thereby dampen and prevent undesired vibrations of the elongated tubes. The invention also provides a method for providing vibration dampening for elongated tubes in heat exchangers operating at -100.degree. to 1000.degree. F.

Abstract: The built-in cooling system (12) is located centrally in the cabinet enclosure (10) and includes at least one plenum (22) having an interior chamber mounted in a roof area (24) of the enclosure (10). The plenum (22) is in fluid isolation from the air within the enclosure (10), but has at least one vent (66) being in fluid association with the ambient air outside of the enclosure (10). The plenum (22) is coupled to a heat exchanger column (20) located centrally in the enclosure (10) with an internal air passageway (78) with intake and exit ports (70, 72), and having an external air passageway (76) with intake and exit ports. The external air passageway (76) is in fluid association with the chamber of the plenum (22). At least one heat sink (40) is mounted above the electronic equipment in the plenum (22) between the external air passageway exit port (48) and the vent (66) of the plenum (22).

Abstract: Water compartment for a heat exchanger (1) for cooling hot gases, with a jacket (5) and a thinner pipe slab (6) that rests on a thicker pipe slab (7) by way of the jacket and of anchor pipes (8), whereby the anchor pipes are accommodated in the jacket and fastened to the slab and whereby gas pipes (13) extend through the anchor pipes leaving a cylindrical space, characterized in that the gas pipes are elongated and extend beyond the thinner pipe slab, in that their elongated ends (14) are reversed outside, in that the reversed ends (15) are fastened tight to the thinner pipe slab radially remote from the anchor pipes, and in that bores (17) extend through an annular area of the thinner pipe slab between the reversed ends of the gas pipes and the anchor pipes.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for tubular members has a pattern of scratching elements arranged on the outside of an elongate member such as a mandrel. The mandrel is coated with a rigid or resilient polymeric material or a combination of both. The scratching elements are affixed in the polymeric material in an arrangement to allow fluid flow around the mandrel.

Abstract: A continuous multi-component slurrying process at an oil or gas well comprises flowing at least three separate streams of different essential materials directly into a predetermined mixing unit at the oil or gas well, wherein each of the essential materials is required to obtain a predetermined defining characteristic of the slurry.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon fluid production wells and similar process flowstreams have a spiral baffle-type separator interposed in a surface flowline for separating fluids of different densities, such as gas from oil or gas from oil and from water, for example. Particulate solids may also be separated from the fluid flowstream. The separator includes a spiral baffle of single or multiple diameters interposed in an elongated cylindrical casing connected at its opposite ends to suitable fittings whereby the separator may be connected to conventional fluid flowlines on the surface just downstream of a wellhead or otherwise in a process flowstream. Multiple spiral baffle separators may be connected in series to provide multiple stages for separation of fluids of different densities. The separator is particularly compact, mechanically uncomplicated and may be easily adapted to be interposed in well production fluid flowlines or conduits for process flowstreams.

Abstract: A relocatable sprinkler assemblage can be safely relocated while pressurized and operational and does not effect the temperature sensitivity of the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A turf aeration device is provided, comprising a wheeled frame having a journalled drive shaft, wherein the frame is attachable to a pulling vehicle having a power take-off capability. Balanced chain and sprocket assemblies are used to transfer power from the power take-off to the drive shaft, and a plurality of aerator mechanisms are attached to the drive shaft and the frame. Each aerator mechanism comprises a link member which supports a pivotable tine holder having at least one tine, a stop member attached to the link member for contacting the tine holder and maintaining a minimum predetermined angle between the tine holder and the link member; a means for adjusting the predetermined angle between the tine holder and the link member; an elastomeric band pivotally connected between the frame and the tine holder for urging the tine holder against the stop member; a drive link attached to the drive shaft; and a connecting rod pivotally attached between the drive link and the link member.

Abstract: Described is a device for driving into the ground which includes a drive point, a fluid passage section, an annular seal and an annular drive rod. The annular seal is the widest member and fits snugly in a borehole formed after the device is driven into the ground to form a seal. Specially configured drive points are also described.

Abstract: A drill bit (10) for drilling geophysical exploratory holes using a non-rotating drill approach is disclosed. The bit (10) includes a tubular body (12) threaded at one end for engagement with a pipe stem. The elements (16a -b) of a divided conical tip (14) are hinged to a second end (20) of the bit body (12). The wall thickness of the bit body (12) gradually increases from the first end (18) to the second end (20) to create, when the divided elements (16a-b) of the tip are closed, a generally diamond-shaped cross section facilitating burrowing when forced into the soil. An O-ring (36) installed in a groove (34) about the outer circumference of the tip (14) biases divided elements (16a-b) closed until a selected tool is loaded through the interior of the bit body (12), whereupon the divided elements (16a-b) are forced to rotate radially outward. The bit (10) can then be raised and removed from the borehole as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing and treating hydrocarbon-contaminated drill cuttings suspended in drilling mud so that the cuttings are made environmentally acceptable while the hydrocarbon contaminants are contemporaneously captured and returned for use in said drilling mud is disclosed. Using one or more shakers to make a first separation of the cuttings from the mud, a mud stream and a first slurry containing cuttings are produced. The mud stream is fed into a mud pit, while the first slurry is fed into a classifier/grit dewatering unit to separate the cuttings from the slurry to obtain a drill solids discharge. The drill solids discharge is passed into a rotating, heat-jacketed trundle for a time and at a temperature sufficient to vaporize the hydrocarbon contaminants to obtain processed solids and hydrocarbon vapors. The hydrocarbon vapors are captured and condensed to obtain a liquid hydrocarbon, which is delivered to the mud pit for admixture with the mud stream.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit for forming a borehole having a bit body with an upper end portion adapted for connection to a drill string. A number of angularly-spaced support arms formed to extend from the bit body. Each support arm has an inside surface with a spindle connected thereto and an outer shirttail surface. A number of cutter cones equal to the number of support arms are rotatably mounted on respective spindles. Each of the cutter cones includes an internal cylindrical cavity for receiving the respective spindle. A gap with a generally cylindrical portion is formed between the spindle and the cavity with a seal element disposed within the gap. The gap has an opening contiguous with the bottom edge of the shirttail surface and extending outwardly from the spindle. A shirttail ring is disposed on the exterior of each spindle between the cutter cone and the inside surface of the respective support arm with a portion of the shirttail ring extending from the respective shirttail surface.

Abstract: An air intake system having a housing and an air filter. The housing has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air conduiting path therebetween. The path includes changes in air flow direction and velocity at least four times each along the path.

Abstract: An improved electric power assisted bicycle including a electric motor and planetary transmission arrangement constructed to permit ease of assembly and maintain a low cost and an improved one-way clutch that eliminates the need for bearings for rotatably aligning the elements of the clutch.

Abstract: A motorcycle utilizes a support frame upon which an engine and transmission are supported in an in-line front to back relationship. The engine and transmission cases are coupled by a primary engine case on one side. A torque resisting arm configured to be fitted to the opposite sides of the engine and transmission cases from that which the primary engine case occupies is secured to underlying faces of the engine case and transmission case to provide a torque resisting member therebetween. The torque resisting arm includes a generally planar engine attachment plate configured to be received upon the engine case and a generally planar spanning plate configured to be received upon the transmission case. The torque resisting arm further defines an offset wall and curved wall extending between the engine attachment plate and the spanning plate.

Abstract: A tractor and a trailer are designed for operation in tight spaces, The tractor's wheels can each be powered and steered under user control. Preferably the frame is less than nine by nine feet, can support at least ten thousand pounds, can change direction in place, and can be operated by remote control. In some embodiments the trailer's hitch connector is a fifth wheel. In others it is mounted at the end of a powered, telescoping, horizontally swinging arm. The tractor can include connections for supplying hydraulic or electric power to one or more external devices, such as ones which can be mounted on the end of its rotable arm, instead of the hitch connector. The arm can have a double-jointed, hydraulically powered extension for extra flexibility. The tractor's engine can be non-polluting so it can be used inside. The wheel of the trailer can each be powered and steered, so the tractor-trailer combination is highly maneuverable. The trailer can receive power for its wheels from the tractor.

Abstract: A system for the control of couplings in the locking mechanisms or differentials of a drive train in an all-wheel-drive vehicle is disclosed. The drive train of a vehicle having at least two drive axles (4.times.4 vehicle) comprises, starting from the engine and transmission block 1, a power take-off with switchable coupling 2, a front axle differential with locking coupling 3, a rear axle differential with locking coupling 5, steering angle sensor 10, rotational speed sensors 11, status sensors 12 and actuators 13, 14, 15. The rotational speed sensors 11 are installed in proximity to the wheels 4, 6. To be able to automatically switch all the couplings in keeping with terrain conditions, a control system 18 having individual modules (21,24,25) for each coupling (2,3,5) is provided. The control modules (24,25) of the hierarchically lower couplings (3,5) also emit control signals for one or several hierarchically higher coupling(s) (2,5) before they actuate their own couplings (3,5).

Abstract: A vehicle security system for immobilizing a vehicle to prevent theft and other unauthorized movement of the vehicle. The system includes a brake blocking valve for selectively preventing fluid communication between the vehicle wheel brake cylinders and the vehicle brake master cylinder. The brake blocking valve is activated after the vehicle is brought to a stop, the service brakes are applied, and either an activation pushbutton is pressed to engage the system while the engine is running, or, alternatively, the system is automatically activated by turning off the ignition switch while foot pressure is maintained on the service brake. In addition to blocking vehicle movement by locking the service brakes in the brake engaged condition, the system also disables the starter by opening the starter circuit, and it disables the ignition coil by opening the ignition circuit, thereby further deterring and preventing unintended vehicle movement.

Abstract: A car is disclosed having a chassis, an engine, a drive axle assembly, and an engine mounting system. The engine mounting system includes a front engine mount and a rear engine mount. The front engine mount has a first load bearing tie member pivotably connected to the chassis and directly rigidly attached to the engine block. The rear engine mount has a second load bearing tie member directly attached to the drive axle assembly and directly rigidly attached to the engine block. The engine block and two tie members form a rigid unitary assembly.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus is provided, in particular a lifting platform, in which a lifting carriage, upon which the load to be lifted can be placed, can be displaced along an arrester rod which is provided with screw threading and on which there is driven by the lifting carriage an easily moveable arrester nut. The arrester nut is supported on its top and bottom by the lifting carriage in such a way that it can rotate, and in this connection the lifting carriage has a braking element which can be brought into a working relationship with the arrester nut in order to prevent any further rotation of the arrester nut. In order to improve the functioning of this arrester apparatus so that it always leads surely to a catching of the falling lifting carriage, even under particularly adverse conditions, an additional safety element is installed which can be actuated either automatically or from the outside.

Abstract: Braking device, particularly for skates including a shoe associated with a frame having wheels. The device includes a rod member associated with the shoe and with a support for a brake that interacts with the ground. The rod member is hinged to the shoe and to the support through frustum-shaped seats for compensating for the axial offset of the frame with respect to the shoe or the quarter.

Abstract: A hub brake for bicycles including a cylindrical hub in which is fitted a screw rod extending therethrough, a driving device including a driving screw, a bearing, an adjusting nut, a bearing and an arm, a recovering device including a torsion spring, a helical spring and a nut, and a braking device including a brake block and a positioning plate, and a cover fixedly mounted on the positioning plate, whereby the hub brake for bicycles can effectively reduce speed or stopping motion of a bicycle.

Abstract: A fluid actuated friction damper having telescopically movable inner and outer bodies, the outer body having an elongated, continuous friction surface. The inner body includes a first set of friction shoes engageable with the continuous friction surface, a fluid pressure responsive device for exerting a normal force to urge the friction shoes against the continuous friction surface, and a shuttle device supporting the friction shoes for limited axial movement between end stops on the inner body. The inner body also provides fluid pressure communication between an external source of pressurized fluid and the fluid pressure responsive device when the shuttle is at one of the stops and for isolating the fluid pressure responsive device from the external source when the shuttle is moved from the one stop.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper of the monotube type in which the floating piston includes a first valve allowing fluid flow from the compression chamber to the compensation chamber when fluid pressure in the compression chamber exceeds that in the compensation chamber by a predetermined amount, and a second valve allowing fluid flow from the compensation chamber to the compression chamber when fluid pressure in the compensation chamber exceeds that in the compression chamber by a predetermined amount. Provides improved high speed damping.

Abstract: A suspension strut comprising a tube substantially closed at both ends and containing fluid; a piston assembly slidably mounted in the tube and making a sealing fit therewith, the piston assembly separating a compression chamber and a rebound chamber within the tube; a piston rod attached to the piston assembly and extending through the rebound chamber and out of one end of the tube; and a rebound stop mounted on the piston rod between the piston assembly and one end of the tube, the rebound stop comprising a substantially rigid ring and an annular bumper, wherein the rebound stop is engageable with one end of the tube and with the piston assembly.

Abstract: A roller wheel assembly for use with golf bag covers or other types of luggage is disclosed. The roller wheel assembly (10) includes a housing (12) and a wheel (14). The housing (10) has an exterior surface (34) and an elongate recessed channel (36). The wheel (14) is elongate and rotatably mourned in the channel (36) of the housing (10) so as to partially protrude beyond the surface (34) of the housing. The wheel (14) includes two circular end plates (42), each having an inner surface (44) and an outer surface (46). A rigid transverse webbing (50) extends radially between the inner surfaces of the end plates, maintaining a planar relationship between the end plates. The webbing includes longitudinal dividers (52) that lie perpendicular to the inner surface of the end plates and run the length of the wheel.

Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly for a machine having a rotating output shaft and a fixed mounting plate which includes an input disc coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith and moveable axially relative thereto, an output disc moveable axially relative to the output shaft and rotatable relative thereto and a brake member fixed to the mounting plate and adjacent the output shaft. A high friction pad is mounted on the output disc for coupling the output disc to the input disc and for arresting the rotation of the output disc upon engagement with the brake member. Springs urge the input disc axially away from the output disc the output disc axially into engagement with the brake member.

Abstract: An end bearing for one-way clutch which is preferred for use in an automatic transmission is disclosed. The end bearing comprises a body formed of a steel plate, a hard coating applied to the surface of the body, and a soft coating applied to the surface of the hard coating. The steel plate of the body assures a sufficient rigidity. Regions of the end bearing which provide sliding surfaces are covered by a soft coating and a hard coating, which improves the anti-seizing resistance and the durability of the end bearing.

Abstract: In a drum member (1) having a tooth system (6) for receiving multiple discs (7), which is formed as a one-piece, cold-worked sheen steel member and which, on at least one tooth system of an internal and/or an external tooth system, is provided on part of the tooth system (6) with longitudinally extending recesses (22) of V-shaped cross section, formed during manufacture, for the removal of lubricating and cooling medium, the part of the tooth system (6) on which the longitudinally extending recesses (22) are formed is the foot or the base of the tooth gap.

Abstract: The clutch cover assembly comprises a clutch cover, a pressure place, a fulcrum ring, a diaphragm spring, and a diaphragm spring posture maintenance mechanism. The maintenance mechanism includes an adjustment mechanism which is composed with a pair of wedge mechanisms inclined surfaces of which extend in the circumferential direction and keep in contact with each other, and a spring for urging one of the wedge mechanisms against the other in the circumferential direction so as to move either one of the wedge mechanisms in the axial direction. Since adjustment mechanism functions by the circumferential wedge mechanisms, it is possible to accurately maintain the diaphragm spring posture without being affected by the engine rotation speed.

Abstract: A rotary actuator and a linear actuator are combined to provide an output shaft with independent linear and rotary motion. The linear actuator causes the rotary actuator to move linearly, and there is a guide which restricts the movement of the rotary actuator to linear motion and a bearing which receives the output shaft of the rotary actuator to prevent orbiting and deflection of the rotary output shaft.

Abstract: An arrangement for collision prevention is provided for an apparatus, in particular an x-ray examination apparatus, having components that can be moved by drive means. A collision is detected by way of detecting the speed of a relevant moving part and detecting the current and/or power supply to the drive means. Reference values for current and/or power supply at normal operation in dependence of the speed acquired by moving components are provided from a memory means and actually required current and/or power supplies are compared to said reference values. In addition, actual positions of components are detected and compared to computed expected positions of said components. A collision is detected when the required current and/or power supply exceeds a relevant reference value and the detected actual position deviates from the corresponding calculated expected position.

Abstract: A parking meter system comprising a low-current drain electronic parking meter and a mobile transceiver. The parking meter includes a housing including a slot for the introduction of at least one coin in the interior of the housing. Within that interior are coin detectors for providing electrical signals indicative of the presence of an inserted coin and its denomination, a slug detector, and a coin jam detector. Also within the housing is a sonar transducer for detecting the presence of a vehicle in an adjacent parking space and an infra red transceiver for communicating with the mobile transceiver. A microprocessor and an associated liquid crystal display are also provided with the meter's housing. The microprocessor responds to electrical signals provided by the various detectors to produce data which is displayable on the display and transmittable by the IR transceiver to the mobile transceiver. A touch button system is provided as an alternative to the introduction of coins into the meter.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching a coin separator to a coin stacker, wherein the coin stacker has a plurality of coin storage boxes for storing coins therein, and the coin separator assorts the plurality of sorts of coins supplied from outside and then delivers the assorted coins to the corresponding coin storage boxes. The assembly capable of attaching the coin separator to the coin stacker with ease comprises a main frame which is fixed to the coin stacker; a subframe which is movably coupled to the main frame, which holds the coin separator so as to be detachable, and which guides the coin separator between an engagement position where the coin separator and part of the coin stacker are held in engagement and a non-engagement position where they are not held in engagement; and a fixing member which fixes the coin separator and the subframe to the main frame at the engagement position.

Abstract: An automatic system for sorting items, such as small parcels, into groups bound for different geographical locations is described. The system includes a carriage for traveling along a track, the carriage having an adjustment feature such that it may continuously be held against the track. The carriage also provides a tilt tray in which packages are presented on a convex surface. The convex surface causes the package to be destabilized, so they may be quickly discharged from the tilt tray.

Abstract: The polyurethane scraping blade for a conveyor belt scraper is wound into a spiral coil around a spindle. End plates attached to the spindle have inward-facing flanges, which catch the edges of the coil, thereby preventing the coil from unwinding inadvertently. Even though the flanges keep the main body of the coil from unwinding, the free end of the coil is easily drawn from between the flanges.

Abstract: An endlessly driven belt extends around a drum and carries a product. Removal of the product from the belt is effected by a doctor blade which bears against a portion of the belt traversing the drum. The doctor blade is fixedly connected to the drum for movement therewith to remain parallel to a surface of the belt. The doctor blade is attached to shafts that are mounted in respective bearing assemblies that permit movement of the shafts along their mutually aligned axes. The doctor blade can be positioned between upstanding ribs formed on the belt whereby the ribs can displace the doctor blade in response to pivoting of the drum in order to keep the doctor blade parallel to the axis of the drum.

Abstract: A switch arrangement, particularly for a router, is provided with a switch and a pivotable trigger element in a handle arrangement, which can be pivoted against spring force from a release position into a switch operating position and on which is held in a displaceable manner a locking element which in an end position prevents the displacement of the trigger element in the direction of the switch operating position and which by engagement of a gripping area by hand can be displaced against spring force into a first position, in which the trigger element can be pivoted into the switch operating position so that the locking element in a second position locks the trigger element in the switch operating position. The trigger element is substantially L-shaped and is pivotably held at the free end of one of its legs.

Abstract: A switch integrally formed with a printed circuit board includes pairs of conductors printed on the board, a switch lever and a conductive sphere. The sphere is located in a hole in the lever and is held down against the conductors by a leaf spring which is riveted to the lever. The lever pivots relative to the board about a stud staked to the board. Each pair of conductors terminate at a depression within which the sphere rests to close the circuit between the pair of conductors.

Abstract: An electrical rocker switch having a clam-shell like housing in which a rocker is pivotally mounted. A unitary multi-function operating assembly fabricated from spring stock materials operates as an over-center spring to establish two rest positions for the rocker. A trifurcated second end of the operating assembly provides springs to urge the contact assembly into intimate engagement with the boss on the underside of the rocker. Cross-members of the operating assembly bear movable contacts which selectively engage fixed contacts on the housing to complete external electrical circuits connected to the operating assembly and fixed contacts. An additional housing can be placed about the clam-shell like housing to seal the switch from the environment.

Abstract: Step-shaped innerframes and blanks for forming such innerframes are provided to permit shorter than conventional cigarettes to be packaged in a conventionally sized hinged lid box. A front panel is foldably connected to a substantially perpendicular step bottom panel which in turn is foldably connected to a substantially perpendicular back panel, such that the front and back panels extend in opposite directions and lie in substantially parallel planes to form an integral step configuration. When the inner frame is located within a hinged lid box, a receptacle is formed for a short cigarette bundle. A lower receptacle is defined below the step bottom panel to store discarded cigarettes which are inserted into the lower receptacle via a hole located in one of the box walls and any associated underlying innerframe panel.

Abstract: A carrying case for a portable computer or other instrument requiring protection from injury during transport includes a body defining an interior recess, a lid for closing the recess, a bladder assembly in the recess including cushioning bladders and a cushioning and displacement bladder at the bottom of the recess and a sheath overlying the bladder. Insertion of an instrument into the recess collapses the cushioning and displacement bladder to pressurize all of the bladders in the assembly to engage and protect the computer from injury due to inertial shocks. The lid includes an insertion member which engages the computer when the lid is closed to move the computer to the final inserted position and increase the pressure in the bladder assembly.

Abstract: A disc support structure formed from a sheet material having at least one pair of opposing side walls separated a fixed distance by a back wall. At least one pair of laterally aligned, opposing slots are located on the opposing side walls for receiving and retaining edges of a media disc. The pair of opposing slots may be angled relative to the back wall so that a surface of the media disc is visible through a display plane. The disc support structure may be inserted into an outer housing for packaging purposes.

Abstract: A disk cartridge case is disclosed which has improved durability and which enables hanging for display or storage purposes. The disk cartridge case includes a case body and a cover for covering a cartridge inserting port provided on the case body. The cover has a cover back member superposed on a case body back member of the case body, a cover front member, a front forming plate, a closing member and a bottom member. The cover back member has a non-adhesion portion located on a side of the closing member and being capable of contacting and separating from the case body back member and an adhesion portion located at an opposite-side of the closing member and being adhered to the case body back member. Furthermore, the cover front member includes an insertion tab having a locking tab. The insertion tab and locking tab are received by a slot formed in the front forming plate. Then, by hooking the locking tab on edge of the slot, the cover front member is secured to the front forming plate.