Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a nozzle body (10) having a nozzle opening (13) facing a surface to be cleaned and one or more scraper blades. The scraper blades have a single, strip-shaped piece (16), made from rubber, plastic or some other elastic material. The blade has a first edge part (18) resting on the surface (19) to be cleaned and a second, opposite edge part which is secured in a holder (17) in the nozzle body. The distance (A) of the holder from the surface being cleaned is mainly constant when the scraper blade is moved forwards or rearwards on a hard surface. The length of the blade (16) extending toward the surface from the holder under free conditions is larger than the distance (A) from the holder to the surface so that the first edge part (18) during forward and rearward movement will trail behind the holder, as seen in the direction of movement of the nozzle.

Abstract: Removably attachable roller components provide an article of luggage or other objects with a rolling capability. The roller components are economical to manufacture, easy to attach to an article of luggage, and strong enough to resist detachment under high impact forces. Further, the assembly of components, while particularly useful for an article of luggage, are adaptable to provide other types of articles with a rolling capability. The roller components include a first coupling member attachable to a selected location on an article, and a second coupling member attached to a wheel subassembly and engageable with to the first coupling member. The first coupling member has one side adapted for attachment to the selected location on the article, and a plurality of hook or loop fasteners extending away from the other side. The second coupling member supports a wheel structure on one side and a plurality of hook or loop fasteners extending away from an opposite side.

Abstract: An energy storing spring joint (100) for use between two parts movable with respect to each other and joined by the energy storing spring joint is capable of storing energy in such a way that energy is stored in a displacement path and is released in very precise and predetermined manner, with a variable force over the path of displacement, when the parts move in the opposite or backward direction in the path of displacement. At least one energy storing member (50) or at least two energy storing members (50) connected sequentially or at least two different energy storing members (50) connected in parallel are mounted in or on the energy storing spring joint (100) and may be moved by or loaded with energy when one of both parts (30, 40) is moved relative to the other part. The energy storing member(s) (50) may be locked against releasing their energy.

Abstract: A furniture hinge (10, 110) has a wing (11, 111) and a cup (12, 112) interconnected with each other by a lower link rod (14, 114) and an upper link rod (15, 115). A torsion spring (25, 125) is wound round a pin (21, 121) inside the wing and parallel to the pivots of the link rods so as to have a thrust arm (22, 122) which acts upon a protrusion (20, 120) of the lower link rod facing towards the pin of the spring to push the hinge towards the closed position during a last section of the movement. The pivoting of the lower link rod (14, 114) to the wing is substantially between the pin (21, 121) of the spring and the pivoting of the upper link rod (15, 115) to the wing. The torsion spring advantageously has a reaction arm (123) which rests on the lower link rod (114).

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a non-woven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers delivered from a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber preparation process and then through a fiber cleaning process where the fibers are individualized, opened, aligned and cleaned. A selective delivery system which is capable of moving the fibers through a multiple of stations during the precleaning process is provided. From the precleaning processes the fibers are processed into a fiber web and fed to a web stabilizing and bleaching apparatus which forms a stable bleached web. The bleached web is then passed through a drier unit. The dried bleached web is slit into a plurality of web strips or slivers which are fed to carding machines. The carding machines reform the fibers into a web which is hydroentangled and dried.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting clasp for beaded chains, which include a cord and bead bodies, wherein two sleeves, a socket sleeve and a plug sleeve, have an at least geometrical longitudinal axis, and can be plugged one into the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the sleeves respectively have a sleeve shell with a sleeve head integrally connected to it, and at least one respective bead body can be received in the sleeves, wherein the internal diameter of the sleeves is greater than the external diameter of the bead bodies, and the sleeve shell of the socket sleeve has a shell internal surface and the sleeve shell of the plug sleeve has a shell external surface, respectively with releasably interengaging profiles. A bore is passed through the sleeve head along the longitudinal axis, to receive the cord, and a slot is formed on one side through the sleeve shell to the bore, for the introduction of the cord into the bore.

Abstract: A fastener having a first member and a second member, each member having structured surfaces thereon. The first member has two major surfaces oppositely disposed, at least a portion of each major surface having structured surfaces. The second member has at least one major surface having a structured surface. The first member is fastened to the second member when the two major surfaces of the first member are disposed between the structured surface of the second member and the elements of the structured surfaces bend and twist as well as frictionally adhere during attachment.

Abstract: A snap swivel hook assembly includes a hook subassembly having a hook body nd an elongated stem portion extending therefrom, and a swivel subassembly having a swivel collar and swivel ball seated thereon and being coupled with the elongated connector stem of the hook subassembly such that swivel subassembly can undergo concurrently rotational movement about and a limited degree of pivotal movement relative to hook subassembly. The hook subassembly also includes a hook latch release mechanism adapted to secure a latch member of the hook subassembly at a closed position relative to a cavity defined in the hook body so as to prevent pivotal movement of the latch member from the closed position to an opened position. The hook latch release mechanism also is actuatable to release the latch member from the closed position so as to permit pivotal movement thereof to the opened position.

Abstract: A puffing assembly forming a part of a dish assembly for installation into the underside of a burial casket cap comprises at least two puffing members having adjacent ends adapted to form a miter corner thereat when secured together. One of the puffing members has an arcuate score line traversing a respective end thereof to define a first elongated portion and a second tab portion of the one puffing member. The puffing member adjacent ends are secured together with fasteners outboard of the arcuate score line. When the secured together puffing members are pivoted away from one another by about 90.degree. a miter corner of about 45.degree. is formed and the fasteners are not visible through the miter corner. The end of the other puffing member folds the tab portion of the one puffing member to form an angle of about 90.degree. with respect to the elongated portion of the one puffing member. This positions the fasteners at an angle of about 45.degree.

Abstract: There is provided a method for forming a round, hemispherical shape at the forward insertion end of a tampon pledget after the pledget has been assembled within a tampon applicator. The pledget is assembled within the applicator so that a portion of its fibers is exposed at an open insertion end of the applicator. After assembly, an insertion end formation tool is applied to the exposed fibers to form a depression in the middle of the insertion end and a full periphery cushion that flares peripherally outward from the depression. The insertion end formation tool has a reverse-donut shaped curvature with a central projection or spike. The central spike reduces the axial force necessary to form the full periphery cushion by radially displacing the fibers in the central location or middle of the insertion end of the pledget.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for simultaneously drawing and interlacing partially oriented thermoplastic yarns. The process is carried out in a single apparatus by maintaining the yarn under drawing tension and simultaneously contacting the tensioned yarn with a gaseous fluid at an angle, temperature and pressure such that the yarn is simultaneously drawn and interlaced at the point it is being drawn.

Abstract: A hobbing accessory is disclosed for a vertical milling machine of a type comprising a column, a knee mounted to the column so as to be vertically positionable with respect to the column, a saddle mounted to the knee so as to be horizontally positionable with respect to the knee, toward and away from the column, a table mounted to the saddle so as to be horizontally positionable with respect to the saddle, in opposite directions across the column, a head projecting from the column, an arbor mounted operatively to the head and rotatable about a generally vertical axis, and a motor for rotating the arbor about the generally vertical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a crimped hem between two flanged components supported in a nest. The apparatus including a translational drive assembly configured to translate the nest and a wiper assembly along a longitudinal axis such that the wiper assembly is simultaneously directed transverse to the longitudinal axis. In this manner, the wiper asembly engages and bends the flange of one component over the flange of a second component forming a hem.

Abstract: A tubing attachment apparatus is provided which automatically severs a preselected tubing segment from a continuously fed length of tubing, moves the tubing segment toward an operative position, slits the tubing to form an axial slit along its length, spreads the opposing edges of the axial slit and pushes the tubing segment to cause it to move over a wire portion of a component. The tubing segments are moved, along a first path defined by a guide rod, through the action of a carriage that is reciprocally movable relative to a support structure. A gripper and a pusher attached to the carriage move sequentially seared tubing segments along the first path and through the slitter and spreader to dispose the tubing segments over wires of components.

Abstract: A shield for use in connection with a workholding apparatus that has a base having a longitudinal slot and at least two jaw members operably supported on the base for selectively clamping a workpiece therebetween. The shield comprises a plate member adapted to be removably received on the base and configured to permit at least one jaw member to move relative thereto. The plate member may be sized to provide the workholding apparatus with a worksurface that is wider than the base, the plate member having an opening to permit movement of the jaw members such that it is completely covered by the cooperation of the jaw members and the plate to prevent debris from entering the longitudinal slot of the base. Alternately, the opening is provided with grooves for slidably guiding a telescoping cover plate which is attached to movable support members and is cooperated with the cover plate to completely cover the longitudinal slot during the clamping operation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ring for swaging from a continuous metal strip includes stamping strip ends to about one-half the thickness of the metal strip. Studs are formed on the ends of the strip. The displaced metal is trimmed from the ends to maintain a uniform width. The strip of metal is cut between adjacent strip ends. The strip is then rolled until the ends of the metal strip are abutted, the compressed strip ends forming a housing for receiving a plate. Plates are fabricated to fit in the housing. Each plate includes corresponding holes for receiving the studs on the strip ends. The studs are riveted in the holes to secure the ring. The holes may be formed on the strip ends and the plate can be formed with studs to secure the ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically welding and handling mash welded tailored blank composites. The method comprises the steps of transferring first and second sheet component parts from respective input stacks to an assembly table of a mash welding machine. The sheet components are disposed in an overlapping lap joint configuration and the lap joint is welded along a linear weld seam thus defining a welded blank. The welded blank is conveyed in a timed step manner from the welding machine to an output stacking machine via a magnetic stepping conveyor and the blank is transferred from the conveyor to an output stack of completed blanks with a stacking machine. An apparatus is provided to carry out the method.

Abstract: A thermally insulating flask having two containers of flow-pressed aluminum, wherein an inner container is placed inside and at a distance from an outer container. The inner container forms a flask neck at the top of the inner container, which is connected in an air-tight manner with the outer container. Both containers are connected at the top by a material of low thermal conductivity, for example chrome-nickel steel, in an air-tight and rigid manner. The connecting piece can be constructed from a composite-plated chrome-nickel steel laminate, in which the aluminum layer has been removed by a lathe, leaving two collar rims, to allow welding to the aluminum containers, while the remaining chrome-nickel steel layer forms the mechanical connection which has low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: By rolling a slab with a thickness of 80 mm or less in a plant including a continuous casting machine and a hot strip rolling mill directly combined with each other, low-speed rolling can be achieved while suppressing a drop of the strip temperature and the occurrence of scales. After a slab 2 cast by a continuous casting machine 1 and being 80 mm or less thick is heated and descaled, it is rough-rolled into a bar with a thickness of 20 to 60 mm by a roughing mill 7 constructed as a 4H-twin mill. After being heated and descaled again, the bar is finish-rolled by finishing mills 19 to 21, each of which employs small-diameter work rolls having a diameter not larger than 500 mm, into a thin plate with a thickness in the range of 1.6 mm to 15 mm or a thick plate with a thickness in the range of 3 mm to 40 mm.

Abstract: In a method for forming the coils passed through the core slots of a motor rotor so as to keep the coils fully received in the core slots, a motor rotor, in which coils are wound around the core thereof, is received in a metallic mold die which has a die surface spaced from the outer circumferential surface of the core by a certain gap, and resin material is injected from an injection inlet provided in an axial end of the upper metallic mold die. As the resin material is injected into the cavity of the metallic mold die, the resin material first fills the gap, and then flows into the core slots from the outer periphery thereof. The flow and the pressure of the resin material causes the coils to be pushed toward the bottom regions of the core slots, and once the filled resin material is cured, the coils are firmly secured well inside the core slots.

Abstract: A thin-film element is formed at an end of a core slider, at which end air exits, and a protective film is formed on the thin-film element. A step-like recess is formed in the protective film near the thin-film element so as to extend longitudinally toward an end at which air exits.

Abstract: An improved magnetoresistive device and method for fabricating the same which results in improved Barkhausen noise suppression. A generally coplanar device is described having an MR structure conductive region longitudinally biased by opposing permanent magnet layers separated therefrom by a non-magnetic metal or dielectric separation layer. Significant reduction of the demagnetization energy near the MR-to-permanent magnet junction is achieved, particularly in the use of an elliptically shaped conductive region and the resultant generally coplanar device is readily fabricated and reproducible using a self-aligning process. The longitudinal bias technique described can be used in conjunction with all known transverse bias techniques.

Abstract: The fixing process according to the invention of a winding to one or more electronic circuits permits elimination of an important manufacturing step of the processes according to the prior art, whether the positioning, then the gluing or the precise fixing of the winding or of the core to be wound on the electronic circuit or circuits. By a suitable arrangement of the electronic circuit or circuits and of the possible core, independently of one another, on a holding tool according to the invention, a semi-finished product is obtained, also according to the invention, made up of said circuit or circuits and said winding, the mechanical connection between them being ensured solely by the copper wires producing, moreover, the electrical connecting between the two elements. The finished component according to the invention will be obtained by disposing the preceding semi-finished product on a support ensuring a permanent mechanical connection between the two elements.

Abstract: An easy to assemble transformer for use in an electronics module of an electric vehicle. The transformer can be assembled from the "top down," thus alleviating the need to build the transformer as a subassembly unit. During manufacture of the transformer, windings are wound onto a thermally conductive coil form. Next upper and lower E-shaped core members are inserted into openings in the top and bottom of the form so that the side legs and the center legs of the E's touch and are in alignment. The thermally conductive coil form has a portion that touches a cold plate when the transformer is mounted on the cold plate. The transformer is further secured to the cold plate by a mounting bracket.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing relatively complex permanent magnet structures uizing sheets of permanent magnet material. Different permanent magnet structures such as rings, cylinders, spheres, oblate and prolate forms are made from cut or stamped sections of the sheets of permanent magnet material. In one embodiment, toroidal sections having a uniform magnetic orientation are cut or stamped out. The sections are rearranged to form a "magic" ring having a desirable substantially uniform magnetic field in the center thereof. In another embodiment, the "magic" rings are stacked together to form a "magic" cylinder. In another embodiment, the "magic" rings are divided and beveled to form wedges, slices, or spheroidal segments that are used to assemble a "magic" sphere having a central working cavity with a desirable relatively strong uniform magnetic field.

Abstract: A riveting apparatus which includes an elongated mandrel, a mandrel gripping mechanism, a mechanism for feeding rivets forwardly along the mandrel, and an abutment provided by a plurality of members, and a control system including an actuation device such that, upon actuation by an operator of the actuation device, the control system controls the riveting apparatus so that the rivet feeding mechanism is activated and deactivated, the abutment members are closed or opened, and the mandrel gripping mechanism is activated or deactivated, with a time delay between each step, to enable rapid removal and replacement of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically interconnecting various electronic elements, including circuit components, assemblies, and subassemblies. A particle enhanced material metal contact layer, having a surface, formed on the electronic elements, includes particles of greater hardness disposed on and/or within the metal contact layer, which particles form protuberances that concentrate stress when said contact surface is brought into contact with an opposing surface under pressure, to thereby penetrate the opposing surface and form a metal matrix between the two surfaces.

Abstract: A method of making a dielectric chuck for securing a semiconductor wafer on a pedestal having multiple apertures for the introduction of cooling gas beneath the wafer. The wafer is held by electrostatic force against a laminate of an electrode layer sandwiched between two dielectric layers in accordance with the method, such that the laminate presents a planar surface to the wafer for a substantial distance beyond the outer edge of the electrode layer. The laminate construction method ensures that a large wafer area beyond the outer edge of the electrode is in contact with the laminate, to minimize cooling gas leakage near the edge, and provides a longer useful life by increasing the path length of dielectric material between the electrode layer and potentially damaging plasma material surrounding the chuck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating known good semiconductor dice are provided. The method includes the steps of: testing the gross functionality of dice contained on a semiconductor wafer; sawing the wafer to singulate a die; and then testing the die by assembly in a carrier having an interconnect adapted to establish electrical communication between the bond pads on the die and external test circuitry. The interconnect for the carrier can be formed using different contact technologies including: thick film contact members on a rigid substrate; self-limiting contact members on a silicon substrate; or microbump contact members with a textured surface. During assembly of the carrier, the die and interconnect are optically aligned and placed into contact with a predetermined contact force. This establishes an electrical connection between the contact members on the interconnect and the bond pads of the die.

Abstract: A structure and a method is disclosed for making a laminated circuit carrier card for the purpose of making a Direct Chip Attached Module (DCAM) with low cost and high reliability. The carrier is made using an organic or an inorganic laminated carrier having at least one surface available for direct chip mount. The chip has at least one solder ball with a cap of low melting point metal. The surface of the carrier has electrical features that are directly connected to the low melting point metal on the solder ball of the chip to form the eutectic and this way the chip is directly attached to the carrier.

Abstract: A thin plastic-film heat exchanger element for apparatus, such as absorption chillers, is provided, having improved strengthening in the turning regions of the fluid passages, for enhanced resistance to bursting. A method of manufacture, for reduced wrinkling or pleating in the turning regions, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly (10) includes a pair of tanks (16, 18) with a plurality of flat-sided fluid tubes (20) extending between the tanks (16, 18). Fins (22) may be located externally between adjacent fluid tubes (20), and may be located internally within each fluid tube (20) for increasing heat exchange. The fins (22) are formed by a plurality of undulations (32) establishing lengths of walls (34) between peaks (36) of the undulations (32). The walls (34) include a plurality of slits (44) therein forming panels (42) between adjacent slits (44). The panels (42) are "randomly" deformed of various contours to extend at various distances from the walls (34) to increase heat exchange.

Abstract: An automotive wheel and a method for manufacturing, in which a center hub is formed using drawing and stamping methods, is disclosed. A mounting foot is spin forged onto the edge portion of the formed center hub, and the center hub is then polished and mounted into a separately formed cylindrical rim. The resulting automotive wheel has the look of a machined billet-type automotive wheel but with a substantial reduction in wasted material and corresponding cost.

Abstract: A nut can be pierced with a device employing an upper member having a manually engageable surface. The device also has a base with an underside adapted to stably rest atop a horizontal support surface. The upper member has a free end, a pivotal end, and a manually engageable surface. This member is mounted at the pivotal end to articulate atop the base. The cutter is mounted on the member proximate the free end and opposite the manually engageable surface. A retractable element is mounted adjacent to the cutter to reciprocate with respect thereto. This retractable element can retract relative to the member to expose and give the cutter clearance for piercing the nut.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide bar (9) for a saw chain (10) having a sword-shaped base body (16). A peripheral guide groove (11) is introduced into the periphery (17) of the base body (16). an oil-feed channel (22) is provided which opens into the guide groove (11) in the region of the groove bottom (23) and is fed from a transverse channel (21) lying below the groove bottom (23). The inlet opening (20) of the transverse channel (21) is at an outer side (9.1, 9.2) of the base body (16). The position, shape and size of the oil-feed channel (22) as well as the transverse channel (21) can be freely configured. This is achieved by arranging the transverse channel (21) in an insert part (25) separate from the base body (16). The insert part has the oil-feed channel (22). The insert part (25) is mounted in an open cutout (24) of the base body (16). The cutout (24) is open to an outer side (9.1, 9.2) of the base body (16) and extends substantially below the groove bottom (23).

Abstract: A ventilating device in a power driven tool has a fan driven by a motor for cooling the motor and has an air flow channel for the air to flow to the outside after passing around the motor. The ventilating device includes an air passage member disposed in the air flow channel on the downstream side of the fan to form a part of the air flow channel. The air passage member includes a plurality of blow windows and a plurality of partition walls for separating the blow windows from each other. The blow windows are positioned in series in the rotational direction of the fan. The partition walls have different heights relative to and in the direction toward the fan such that the heights increase in the rotational direction of the fan.

Abstract: This invention combines the nail clipper and the tweezer into one unit. The tweezer part of the Twipper is in the space between the opposing metal parts of the nail clipper, and is held in place by the post that anchors the lever in between the opposing metal parts. The tweezer does not effect the operation of the clipper unit it is rotated 180.degree., extending through the jaws of the clipper. At this position, exerting force on the lever, which compresses the jaws of the clipper, forces together the jaws of the tweezer (scissor, etc.).

Abstract: The invention herein relates to kind of improved structure high branch pruning shears that is structurally comprised mainly of the shears, a convex blade, a pull rod, an adjustment rod, a handle mount, a saw blade, and a pull rope. The handle mount is installed at the lower end of the shears and at the lower section of the handle mount is a roller wheel ensconced in an U-shaped component. The convex blade is hinged to the shears and is supported in operation by the concave blade. There is a fastening pin on the concave blade provided for the installation of the saw blade. One end of the aforesaid concave blade is utilized as a conjoinment and pivot point inside the slide slot of the pull rod and the front end of the pull rod is riveted to the shears with a recoil spring seated on the fastening rivet.

Abstract: A cutting tool such as jigsaw generally comprises a main body, a plunger provided for the main body to be reciprocally movable in an axial direction thereof, the plunger being provided with an opening and a cutout axially formed to a portion opposing to the opening, a cutting blade to be mounted to the plunger, and a blade mounting mechanism for mounting the blade to the plunger.

Abstract: A bow sight includes a housing which is mounted on an archery bow and carries electronic circuitry including a series of aligned target LED's which may be programmed by an archer to correspond to different respective target distances. The housing mounts a color separating dichroic filter sight glass positioned at an angle between upper and lower housing walls. The LED's are positioned to overlay an elongated slot in the top wall so that a lighted LED reflects onto a surface of the glass and may be viewed for sighting a target. Two other LED's, one on each side of the target LED's, are included in the circuitry and may be programmed to light when the bow is tilted to a selected side-wise position, apertures in the top wall of the housing permitting reflection of each of these LED's onto the sight glass. After each target LED have been programmed, the archer may sight through the sight glass and align the reflection of the lighted target LED onto the target.

Abstract: An orientation apparatus for planar-surface-mounted items includes a base assembly and a first right triangle unit connected to a first end portion of the base assembly. A first pivot assembly pivotally connects the first right triangle unit to the first end portion of the base assembly. A first lock assembly locks the first right triangle unit at a selected orientation with respect to the base assembly. A second right triangle unit is connected to a second end portion of the base assembly. A second pivot assembly pivotally connects the second right triangle unit to the second end portion of the base assembly. A second lock assembly locks the second right triangle unit at a selected orientation with respect to the base assembly. The base assembly can include a first telescopic member connected to the first pivot assembly and a second telescopic member connected to the second pivot assembly.

Abstract: A measuring probe has a stylus carrier supported on a fixed member in a rest position when no force acts on the stylus, the stylus carrier being deflected from its rest position to produce a signal when an external force is applied to the stylus. The support for the stylus carrier comprises two concentric rings of ball bearings of different pitch circle diameters and arranged that each ball on one of the members contacts two adjacent balls on the other member. An additional annular surface is provided on one of the members and is contacted by each of the balls on the other member. The arrangement provides that the force required to deflect the stylus is substantially equal in all directions of the force, and that the movable member is properly guided during its deflection to the point where a signal is produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying moist solid or semi-solid materials, such as sewerage sludge, municipal waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste, and the like, includes a dryer unit having a plurality of stacked heating chambers, each of the heating chambers above the lowest heating chamber having a conveyor belt for transporting the material through the associated heating chamber and depositing it on a lower heating chamber, the lowest of the stacked heating chambers including a conveyor belt for transporting the material therethrough and discharging the material from the dryer unit. The apparatus utilizes a combination of convective heat transfer, in the form of a heated gas which rises upwardly through the dryer unit through successive heating chambers, and radiative heat transfer, provided by radiative heating units disposed above the conveyor belt in each heating chamber.

Abstract: A system for the solid phase polymerization of polymers comprising a crystallizer, and wherein cold amorphous polymer is introduced to the crystallizer. A source of infrared radiation is associated with the crystallizer, and the polymer is heated by applying infrared radiation thereto. The degree of heating is controlled so that the polymer reaches the crystallization or polymerization temperature without exceeding the polymer melting point.

Abstract: A resilient, all-surface sole for footwear in which metal studs are mounted in the sole and extend beyond the bottom surface of the sole to such an extent that when footwear embodying the sole is worn, the metal stud is depressed within the sole until the tips of the studs are substantially at the plane of the bottom surface of the sole.

Abstract: A footwear device (2000) comprises a rigid base (2100) for supporting the foot (2001) of a user thereon, a heel counter (2300) on the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user in a first area of the foot posterior to the posterior aspect of the heel of the foot, a medial forefoot counter (2201) associated with the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user in a second area of the foot medial to the medial aspect of the head of the first metatarsal of the foot, and a forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user in a third area of the foot located on the dorsum of the foot for exerting a downwardly and rearwardly directed force on the dorsum of the foot. The footwear device (2000) further includes a sports implement interface member (2101) on the rigid base (2100) for interfacing with a sports implement, such as a snow ski, or an ice skate blade or an in-line skate wheel system.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for protecting a base edge of a ground engaging implement of a work machine from wear. The apparatus includes a base edge cover and retaining apparatus of a construction adapted for time saving removal and installation. A mounting base is carried on the upper face of the base edge and has an opening therein. An upper flange element of the base edge cover has a bar projecting inwardly therefrom toward the upper face of the base edge. The bar is positionable within the opening of the mounting base and is captured in such opening by a detachable lock. The construction results in a reduction of waste of materials that must be discarded after the base edge cover is worn out.

Abstract: An improved display sign (10) comprising an extruded frame (12). A rear panel (14) is provided. An element (16) is for mounting the perimeter of the rear panel (14) in a removable manner to a back portion of the extruded frame (12). An inner transparent panel (18) is placed within a front portion of the extruded frame (12), so that the perimeter (18) will butt against an inner portion of the extruded frame (12). A front transparent panel (20) is also provided. An element (22) is for mounting the perimeter of the front transparent panel (20) in a removable manner to the inner transparent panel (18), so that a sign (24) can fit between the inner transparent panel (18) and the front transparent panel (20). A facility (26) within the extruded frame (12) between the rear panel (14) and the inner transparent panel (18) is for producing light, so as to illuminate the sign (24) therein.

Abstract: A sign (10) includes a sign housing (16) defining an internal cavity (32). The sign housing (16) includes front and rear faces (18, 20) having indicia or an instruction thereon and slotted apertures (22) defining the indicia. A lens housing (60) is secured within the cavity (32) and includes raised surface portions (26) which protrude through the slotted apertures (22). Light emitting diodes (28) are positioned within the lens 15 housing (60) to illuminate the indicia. The sign housing (16) and lens housing (60) are sealed to protect the LEDs (28).

Abstract: A replacement gas tube for an SKS rifle features unitary construction to provide increased rigidity and improved vibrational and heat transfer characteristics. The gas tube also features at least one area of increased wall thickness in the handguard region in which is formed a mounting hole to permit the detachable mounting of a hand guard or other accessories.