Abstract: A device for crimping synthetic bundles or slivers of yarns, the device has a stuffing box provided with an inlet for a yarn bundle or sliver and including a movable press plate and a stationary counter plate opposite to the press plate, two axially parallel rollers disposed at the inlet for the yarn bundle or sliver and forming a gap through which the yarn bundle or sliver enters the stuffing box, a pivot arm pivotally mounted on a stationary pivot bearing, one of the two axially parallel rollers being rotatably mounted at a fixed position in a machine frame, another of the two axially parallel rollers being seated on the pivot arm so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis thereof and the press plate being pivotally connected to the pivot arm by means of a rocker so as to be pivotable about the rotation axis of the roller seated on the pivot arm or another rotation axis parallel with the rotation axis of the roller seated on the pivot arm, whereby the gap between the rollers is varied, a contact pressure d

Abstract: A device for constructing a laminated article, in particular for electrical use, having mutually superposed metal laminations provided with elements or clips for connecting the laminations together. The clips project from the surface of the laminations and are formed by deforming the laminations. The laminations include cavities, each arranged to house a clip, whereby the cavities and clips constitute coupling elements of male-female type. The clips are punched from a metal strip in a first station, die-cut and stacked in a second station and coupling cavities are formed in a third station which may be the same as the first station.

Abstract: A new brake chamber assembling device for reassembling truck air brake systems after maintenance. The inventive device includes a pair of jaws extend outwardly from the vise grip pliers. The pair of jaws include an upper jaw section and a lower jaw section. The upper jaw section has a notch cut out of an outer end thereof for supporting an upper end of a casing shaft of a brake chamber. The lower jaw section has an aperture through an outer end thereof for receiving a lower end of the casing shaft therein.

Abstract: A drive line conversion process that utilizes the same drive and driven components for a full time all-wheel drive as a selectable two-wheel/four-wheel drive. A coupler or clutch ring which connects a drive member to a driven member is retained in position to maintain full time engagement with the drive and driven member. A retainer is provided to secure the clutch ring in full time engagement with both the drive and driven member. This reduces engineering and production costs by using the same drive train for both drive applications.

Abstract: A cable re-entry assembly and method for feedthroughs and the like is provided. The preferred embodiment includes an expansion mandrel positionally secured on the conduit with a heat shrinkable locking ring, a transition boot with a heat shrinkable sleeve portion and a rigid body portion which couples to a feedthrough nut, and a sealant between the conduit and the sleeve. Upon re-entry and re-use of the assembly, the mandrel mechanically expands the sleeve, when the sleeve is re-heated above its crystalline transition temperature, the expansion mandrel is translated against the sleeve and both the conduit and expansion mandrel are withdrawn from the sleeve. Following repair, the conduit is reinserted into the dimensionally unstable sleeve which is then heated to shrink about and reseal the conduit.

Abstract: A method of detecting thread wear for drill pipe and drill casing that are connectable end-to-end at threaded joint connections includes the providing of a pair of pipe joints to be joined coming each having end portions with threads that engage upon assembly. A projection is place on a first of the pipe joints near the joint end portion, the projection facing a second pipe joint during assembly of the pair of pipe joints. The joints are connected together and observed after assembly to determine weather or not the projection has become mechanically deformed or has scratched the surface of the opposing joint to thereby indicating worn condition of the threads.

Abstract: A technique of attaching a thermally conductive metal plate or sheet to a flat surface of wood holders in a process of fabricating modular unit radiation panels for mounting in a floor or a wall of a room of a building heated by a hydronic heating system that pumps hot water through tubing that is held by said modular units for RFH or RWH, respectively, wherein the modular unit is an assembly of the thermally conductive metal plate or sheet having length, width and thickness and the wood holders are two fiat wood boards evenly spaced apart to provide a slot in which said tubing is inserted and held against said metal plate or sheet, using a tool having a base and a point so configured that, the tool point thrust into the modular unit through the metal plate or sheet into the holder makes a hole in the holder and cuts a tab of the metal from the sheet that is embedded into the hole, the free end of the tab being wider than the end thereof attached to the metal plate or sheet and the free end of the tab being w

Abstract: An apparatus and method for closing a perform shell about a wound film spool or similar object has a jaw assemblage having a pair of jaw members. The jaw members have a predetermined configuration for receiving and then closing a preform shell about the object. Jaw members are connected by a series of pivot members and connecting drive links. The drive link precisely controls the movements of connecting links supporting the jaw members.

Abstract: A tool and method for enabling substantially uniform and tight crimping of an intravascular stent onto a balloon catheter assembly. The crimping tool is constructed from a rigid cylindrical chassis sealed at both ends, having a hollow interior containing an elastic tube that partially occupies the interior. A piston abuts the elastic tube and forms a hermetically sealed chamber behind the piston and a closed end ofthe chassis. A port connected to an indeflator and positioned on the chassis provides an inlet into and out of the chamber. A stent that is loaded onto the balloon portion of the catheter is inserted through a central opening in another end of the chassis to position the stent catheter assembly within the axial space inside the elastic tube. The indeflator injects a fluid into the chamber thereby increasing its pressure which in turn displaces the piston into the elastic tube compressing the tube longitudinally.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator (10) suitable for the operation of electric circuit breakers which uses a laminated yoke structure (12) to increase permanent magnet flux holding forces. The actuator comprises a magnetic yoke (12) which forms both low and high reluctance flux paths with at least one permanent magnet (30) and an armature (40) axially reciprocable in a first direction within the yoke (12). The actuator is configured to provide a first low reluctance flux path and a first high reluctance flux path when the armature (40) is in a first position and a second low reluctance flux path and a second high reluctance flux path when the armature (40) is in a second position. A pair of electromagnetic coils (60, 61) are used to drive the armature (40) between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method of making a heated injection molding nozzle with an integral tip insert. First, an inner portion, an outer collar portion, and an electrical heating element are made and integrally brazed together in a vacuum furnace using a first nickel alloy brazing material. Then a tip insert is made having a desired configuration and seated in the front end of the inner portion and a second nickel alloy brazing material is applied around it. The second brazing material has a melting temperature which is substantially below that of the first brazing material. The tip insert is then integrally brazed in place by heating them to a temperature above the melting temperature of the second brazing material and below the melting temperature of the first brazing material. In addition to not affecting the metallurgical bonding between the other components, this allows the tip insert to be easily removed for replacement by again heating the nozzle to this same temperature.

Abstract: A computer keyboard assembling apparatus includes a holding plate, a support plate and a pushing mechanism all mounted on a work table. The holding plate is movable relative to the support plate to hold the a metal plate and an insulation pad that are received within a keyboard support tray positioned on the support plate in position. The movement of the holding plate also triggers a micro-switch to actuate the pushing mechanism to apply a force to the metal plate through a side opening formed on the keyboard support tray so as to horizontally move the metal plate relative to the insulation pad to have engaging members thereof engaging and secured to each other.

Abstract: A stator coil winding is produced by supplying a wire to a winding frame from a nozzle, holding a terminal end of the wire with a holding device, rotating the winding frame with a driving device to wind the wire around the winding frame while the nozzle is moved by a nozzle-moving device parallel to a rotary shaft of the winding frame, holding a terminal end of the wire wound around the winding frame with the holding device after the wire is completely wound around the winding frame, and carrying the completely wound winding frame to a coil insertion jig with a transferring device. The winding frame is separated into winding frame elements at a face orthogonal to the rotary shaft of the winding frame, and the winding frame elements are rotated about a fulcrum in a vicinity of the face to thereby hold the separated winding frame elements so that rotary shafts of the separated winding frame elements are parallel to each other, by a handling mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic circuit card and a process of manufacturing the electronic circuit card. The process includes the steps of providing the electronic circuit card with external electrical circuits. A photoimageable dielectric layer is formed on the electronic circuit card. A metal foil layer is laminated on the photoimageable dielectric layer and the metal foil layer is patterned to form a wire and a component add land pattern. The photoimageable dielectric layer is patterned and the wire and the component add land pattern are electrically connected to the electronic circuit card.

Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate wherein fill material is forced into the substrate's holes to thus provide additional support for conductive circuitry or the like thereon, thus increasing the final product's circuit density. The fill is provided in a substantially uncured state, following which partial cure occurs. Thereafter, the fill is substantially fully cured and the aforementioned circuit elements may then be provided directly thereon. Alternatively, a dual fill process is used with both quantities of uncured fill being disposed in each hole and then cured by a singular UV exposure step.

Abstract: A multicore cable includes a plurality of cables in parallel and is formed by fusion-welding the plurality of cables with a resin jacket. Each of the plurality of cables is formed by winding a shield around a signaling core wire, which is covered with an insulating material, and a grounding core wire. The resin jacket and the shield are stripped so that a stair portion is formed. The stair portion is coated with an electrically conductive adhesive. A vibration is exerted on the grounding core wire, thereby connecting the shield with the grounding core wire with the electrically conductive adhesive. Eventually, the shield and the grounding core wire are bonded with the electrically conductive adhesive. This allows an electrical connection between the shield and the grounding core wire to be maintained in a desirable condition, thus making it possible to suppress a characteristic impedance variation of the signaling core wire caused by an external factor.

Abstract: A razor cleaning device adapted for use in association with a conventional disposable razor having a blade and a shaft, the razor cleaning device comprising: a housing formed in a hollow configuration with a front face, a rear face, an upper end and a lower end, the front face and upper end including a contiguously formed recess; and a front block extending frontwardly from the lower end of the housing, the front block having an inboard region, an outboard region, two side edges and an upper surface, the upper surface of the inboard region including at least one water hole extending therethrough, in an operative orientation a user submerging the apparatus and razor in water and squeezing, this action causing water to be forced through the water holes of the inboard region thereby dislodging hair fragments from the blade of the razor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wet shave shaving system which contains an in situ sensor within the razor cartridge or razor handle. The sensor preferably comprises either a piezoelectric or a piezoresistive material which produces an electrical signal or resistance change when it is strained. In an active feedback system, the signal would be transferred from the cartridge to the razor handle where an electronically-active actuator would extend or retract as necessary to position the cartridge to produce a shave with a constant shave force. In a passive feedback system, the signal would be transferred from the cartridge to the handle where an electronically-activated element, such as an indicator light, would be activated to produce an indication to the user that he or she should reposition the razor to produce a constant shave force.

Abstract: A razor cartridge comprising a housing having an elongated blade receiving region defined between two side walls spaced from each other along parallel first axes and between a guard and a cap spaced from each other along parallel second axes that are transverse to the first axes, the housing also having blade-receiving slots in the side walls that face each other and extend along third axes that are transverse to both the first and second axes, and elongated blade members having blades with cutting edges that are parallel to the first axes and bent supports that extend downward from the blades and have support ends at the ends of the blade members that are mounted for movement in the slots along the third axes, the slots being defined by front stop portions and back stop portions of the housing on opposite sides of respective first and third axes, the front stop portions being located underneath the blades, the back stop portions being located along respective first axes outside of the front stop portions in

Abstract: A hand tool combination is useful for punching various sized holes in the sidewall of irrigation tubing to discharge water onto crop-growing soil. The tool combination comprises an elongated handle member including a hand grasping section at one end thereof and carrying a cutter element assembly at the other end thereof. The cutter element assembly includes at least one hole-forming cutting element removably mounted to a cutting element carrier module. A plurality of cutting elements each includes a cutting edge effective to penetrate the sidewall of the irrigation tubing when thrust against the tubing by an individual gripping the hand grasping section and swinging the cutter element assembly toward the sidewall.

Abstract: A tool for cracking ice and frost includes an outer tubular member, a T-shaped handle fixedly mounted on an upper end of the outer tubular member, a cylindrical sleeve having an axial through hole and an end formed with a flange, a conical head having a conical portion at one end thereof, a neck portion adjacent to the conical portion and a threaded portion at another end thereof, an inner tubular member being formed an internally threaded portion at one end thereof, an externally threaded portion at another end thereof, and an inner neck portion at an intermediate portion thereof, a striking pin provided with a sharp point at a lower end thereof and a flange at an upper end thereof, a guiding pin formed a cylindrical portion, an enlarged bottom at a lower end thereof, a rod portion having a smaller diameter than said cylindrical portion, and a conical portion between the cylindrical portion and the rod portion, a first helical spring provided with an eccentric lower end and arranged between the inner neck po

Abstract: A saw blade clamping arrangement particularly for power reciprocating saws and similar tools having a reciprocating shaft connected to a cutting member includes a biasing member preferably in the form of a spring clamp member. The biasing member is interconnected with the drive shaft and operative for providing a biasing force to retain the cutting member in operative connection with the drive shaft. A release lever is pivotally mounted to a housing of the saw for movement between first and second position. In the first position the release lever is spaced apart from the biasing member. In the second position the release lever engages the biasing member and opposes the biasing force of the biasing member to permit quick and easy removal and replacement of the saw blade. The spring clamp member biases the saw blade into operative engagement with the drive shaft. In a second preferred embodiment, the spring clamp member biases a locking member into engagement with the saw blade.

Abstract: The present invention is a sundial having first and second spaced parallel planar projection surfaces, the first projection surface defining a summer projection surface and the second projection surface defining a winter projection surface. A gnomon extends perpendicularly between the summer and winter projection surfaces. The gnomon is positioned relative to the summer and winter projection surfaces so that with the sundial in an operative alignment with the parallel projection surfaces parallel to the equatorial plane of the earth, on sunny days a shadow is cast by the gnomon on the summer projection surface during those days when the sun rises above the equatorial plane in the northern hemisphere and a shadow is cast by the gnomon on the winter projection surface during those days when the sun does not rise above the equatorial plane in the northern hemisphere.

Abstract: A method for determining the direction of the Earth's magnetic field, which may be interfered with by magnetic materials built into equipment and by electric currents, using an electronic magnetic compass which contains three magnetic field sensors and two devices for measuring inclination is provided. The electronic magnetic compass is arranged in N different spatial positions, in each of these N positions, the inclination sensor signals and the magnetic field sensor signals being measured and inclination values and magnetic field values being determined from these signals. On the basis of these inclination values and magnetic field values, the magnitude of the Earth's magnetic field vector is determined using the vector equationconst=b.sub.g =b.sub.E sin(i)=g.sup.T L(b.sub.E)=g.sup.T m(b.sub.mes -b.sub.o)with ##EQU1## N having to be at least equal to the number of parameters to be determined in the vector equation.

Abstract: A tool resembling a carpenter's level is used in establishing a precise level line and projecting an existing line using a visible laser beam projector in the same instrument. A manual selector device is provided for switching from a laser beam parallel to a reference surface to one which self-levels in one axis. Methods for switching between modes are described as well as a tilt compensator.

Abstract: This gauge measures change in the length of the perimeter of stems and branches of trees and plants. The principal elements of the gauge are a band, concentric tubes, one mechanism to exert constant tension on the band and a second mechanism to press the gauge against the perimeter. The tubes are connected to the band such that changes in the length of the perimeter change the position of one tube with respect to the other. Readout of the position of the tubes is accomplished visually from scales located on the tubes or with a caliper inserted along a guide in the outer tube.

Abstract: An analyte testing meter is provided with a template for facilitating assembly during the manufacturing process. The template aligns the electro-optics components on the printed circuit board and aligns the optics block containing light directing elements such as lenses, waveguides and beamsplitters with the electro-optics elements. Other alignment features are provided which improve precision of the assembled product and obviate the need for expensive alignment equipment.

Abstract: A caliper jig for use with a caliper, the caliper having a fixed measuring blade and an opposed moveable measuring blade, includes a caliper jig body having a first blade engaging device, a second blade engaging device, and a biasing device, the first blade engaging device for selectively, fixedly engaging the caliper fixed measuring blade, the second blade engaging device for selectively, fixedly engaging the caliper moveable measuring blade, the second blade engaging device being translatable with respect to the first blade engaging device, and the biasing device for biasing the second blade engaging device to a disposition displaced from the first blade engaging device.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a fiber web, in which apparatus the fiber web (5) is dried between two tight bands (1, 2) moving in the same direction and turning around turning rolls (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b). The first band (1) is heated by means of a pressure chamber (9) and the second band (2) is cooled by means of a water chamber (10). The fiber web (5) is led together with at least one felt or wire (3, 4) through a drying zone defined by the bands (1, 2) in such a way that the fiber web is in contact with the surface of the first band (1) and the felt or wire (3, 4) is between the fiber web (5) and the second band (2). At least one band (1, 2) is guided by a shoe (11a, 11b) in such a way that the fiber web substantially immediately upon coming into contact with the first band (1) is exposed to the effect of the compression pressure of the pressure chamber (9).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a generic method for producing void and gas occlusion free materials, as well as apparatuses for batch and continuous production of same. This generic method can be utilized in the production of a wide variety of polymeric compounds and composites and specifically encompasses the two ends of the polymeric composite spectrum, that is, polymer concretes on the one hand, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the other. The composite materials of the present invention are characterized by visual count as being void and gas occlusion free to the level of 1 micron at 1250.times. magnification. Concomitantly, the invention produces useful polymer concrete materials which exhibit substantially improved integrity for easy machining at high speeds, and high dielectric and mechanical strength, as compared with composite materials produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: A shoe for running, cross training and the like includes a base member including a raised front portion and a rearwardly extending rear portion. A U-shaped spring is disposed beneath the raised portion. The spring has transversely extending ends engaging the front portion at respective longitudinally spaced locations. The front end of the spring is preferably unconnected to the raised portion such that a projection on the latter cams against and flattens the spring when the user's weight is put on the raised portion. A sole spring element is affixed to the front portion of base member and includes a flexible part overlying, and extending rearwardly beyond, the sole portion of the base member. The flexible part of the rear spring element is disposed at an acute, non-zero angle with respect to the sole portion of the base member.

Abstract: The Helium filled modules as described are simple and reliable. It includes an exterior surface, the body of the module itself, which will hold the helium. Within each module are partitions, with gaps in the walls. The purpose of the gaps is to equalize the pressure within the module, so that helium will be equally distributed within. The partitions will also provide structural support. The size of the modules which will occupy the sole of the shoe will vary according to shoe size. The modules will be placed throughout the sole, at the places where the instep, ball of the foot and heel will rest. The modules are designed to fit in the sole of the shoe. The sole of the shoe will be made of rubber. The rubber sole is inserted in a mold. The helium modules are placed on the rubber sole with adhesive to hold them in the desired place. Then, either polyurethane, phylan or EVA foam will be poured into the mold. Upon the foam hardening, the Helium modules will be held in place permanently.

Abstract: A snowboard boot for use with a snowboard boot strap that is attachable thereto. In one aspect, the boot comprises a foot-shaped outer surface; and a strap mounting member that includes an attachment feature adapted to mount a portion of the strap to the snowboard boot, the strap mounting member including a raised portion that protrudes beyond the foot-shaped outer surface of the boot, the raised portion including the attachment feature. In another aspect, the snowboard boot includes a boot upper having an outer surface, a sole, and an adjustable strap that is mounted to the outer surface of the boot upper, the strap being adjustable so that the strap can be selectively tightened and loosened over the outer surface of the boot upper. The outer surface of the boot upper is formed from at least first and second materials, the first material having a lower coefficient of friction than the second material, the first material being disposed to underlie a portion of the strap that is movable to tighten the strap.

Abstract: The sport boot has a relatively rigid collar surmounting an upper and whose rearward pivoting motion is restricted. A damping support zone matches up with the rear part of the wearer's lower leg and has gradually-increasing flexibility by virtue of the combined use of a flexible vertical tongue and elastic padding on a portion of the rear upper edge of the collar.

Abstract: The invention is a replaceable golf shoe cleat or spike 10 for use in place of a standard metal spike 4. Winter golf shoe spike 10 preferably has a main cleat body 11 molded from a durable plastic type material in single unitary fashion. A threaded stud 13 is formed on the upper surface of generally concavo-convex flange 12 and protrudes axially therefrom. A plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12. While the ribs 15 may be present in a variety of configurations, they are preferably triangular ridges arranged in a radial fashion emanating from the center of concavo-convex flange 12.

Abstract: A cycling shoe includes an external frame for supporting the upper, the frame having a forefoot portion, a heel portion and a bottom member connecting the heel and forefoot portions, having torsional flexibility, the heel portion being axially rotatable relative to the forefoot portion responsive to vertical out of plane movement of the cyclist's leg, a medial side member extending between the forefoot portion and the heel portion, a lateral side member extending between the forefoot portion and the heel portion, and having a resistance to horizontal and vertical displacements of the heel portion relative to the forefoot portion.

Abstract: This method provides various high-power-ratio snow removal devices which clear paths narrower than the motor vehicles. We use small, light, low-priced, yet also safe, durable devices to clear the narrow swaths. High power ratios result from applying motor vehicle horsepower to small snow removal devices similar to those found on lawn tractors. Such devices may comprise moldboard plows (FIGS. 3, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16), snow throwers (FIGS. 7 and 13), or combinations of both types (FIG. 12 and 17). Quick-connect and quick-release fittings (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 6, 8, 9A, 9B, 14) position each device for temporary propulsion by a vehicle. The connectors allow quick conversion of the family car to a plowing machine, and when plowing is done, quick re-conversion. A moldboard plow of about half the car's width (FIG. 3) is our preferred embodiment. The mini-moldboard (FIG. 10) is least expensive. Deepest snow can be handled by our tall, narrow moldboard (FIG. 15).

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator includes a cab disposed on a front portion of a revolving upper structure. An internal combustion engine is mounted in a rear portion of the revolving upper structure, and an directional control valve is disposed in the front portion of the revolving upper structure at a position spaced laterally from the cab. The directional control valve is arranged longitudinally of the revolving upper structure. A hydraulic oil tank and a fuel tank for the internal combustion engine are disposed on either side of the directional control valve. By virtue of a space provided between the directional control valve and the cab, transmission of heat and operation noise from the directional control valve to the cab is greatly suppressed.

Abstract: A wedge assembly (10) to cooperate with a wedge element (11) to secure a tooth (12) to the projection (13) of a bucket of an earth-moving machine or ripper. The assembly (10) includes a pair of wedge halves (22, 23) which have external wedge surfaces (24, 25) which converge towards an end (21) of the assembly (10). Located internally of the wedge halves (22, 23) is a wedge member (33) having external converging wedge surfaces (24, 25) which engage converging internal wedge surfaces (30, 31) of the wedge halves. The wedge member (23) has a threaded end (38) which can be engaged by a "puller" to aid in moving the wedge member (33) to release the pressure on the wedge halves (22, 23) to facilitate removal of the wedge assembly (10) from engagement with the wedge element (11).

Abstract: A steam iron with spray mist includes a water tank for storing water, a vaporizing chamber for vaporizing water in the water tank so as to generate steam, a base for forming the vaporizing chamber, a heater for heating the base, a base cover for covering an upside of the base, a first passage for guiding water from the water tank into the vaporizing chamber, a mixing chamber in which water in the water tank is formed into fine particles by the action of flow velocity of steam generated in the vaporizing chamber, a second passage for guiding water from the water tank into the mixing chamber, a steam passage for guiding steam from the vaporizing chamber into the mixing chamber, and a spray nozzle for spraying water from the mixing chamber by the action of steam so that the sprayed water can be sent out from an upper portion of the base to the front.

Abstract: An apparatus for tying a bale of material with a baling wire comprises an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and opposite ends, and a leg extending from each end of the body and including a forked portion. A retention clip is rotationally mounted about an axis proximate each of the forked portions, and the axis of rotation of each clip is oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. The clips are operable to rotate automatically in a first direction on said axes when wires, oriented along the longitudinal axis of the body, are directed against the clips, and are further operable to automatically rotate in a second direction to capture wires directed thereagainst for maintaining wires along the body between the clips.

Abstract: A display device consisting of a plurality of rotating segments each carrying elements of a message or sign, each rotating relative to each other, the center of rotation of each being concentric to each other. These segments are driven by a series of planetary gear systems or their equivalent, arranged in layers, each driving the next. To these segments may be attached a plurality of auxiliary devices, all driven by the same mechanism, which can enhance the attraction of the device, carry elements of the message, etc. Each segment or auxiliary device can be of a variety of shapes, colors, graphics, etc. Segments can be nested or overlapping, totally or in combination in any relation to each other. Message can be continuously or intermittently scrambled and unscrambled.

Abstract: A changeable display element is edgewise mounted on an insulating board and carries to rotate through about 180.degree. to show one color face or the other to a viewer. The board provides a similarly colored face for each face to form a pixel. The element carries a permanent magnet and is driven by a switchable magnetic field provided from the board. Soft iron pads on the board cooperates with the magnet on each position to retain the element against incidental displacement between application of the field. The board may support arrays of such elements.

Abstract: A promotional amusement device including a handle element which includes a grip portion at its lower end, and a spherical globe portion at the upper end. A series of three telescopically arranged tubular members are arranged to be nestled within the handle member, and including a spring member associated with the tubular members in order to extend the tubular members into a fully extended position. A transparent stretchable boot is provided and arranged to be nested within the upper spherical globe portion of the handle, and includes a top cap mounted on the inner most tubular member and which also provides a rest point for the transparent stretchable boot. Upon release of the spring member, the tubular members are fully extended to the open position and carry with it the transparent stretchable boot to its fully extended position. The boot, spherical globe portion and handle member are all adapted to carry promotional indicia thereon which are displayed when the boot is fully extended by the tubular members.

Abstract: A school bus is equipped with a stop sign mechanism that includes a sealed electrical actuator assembly and bezel that are mounted on the street side of the school bus and an illuminated sign assembly having integral arms that are hinged on the actuator assembly for pivotal movement. Illuminated sign assemblies of two general types are disclosed. In one, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are disposed in hollow letter shaped embossments of a translucent lens to illuminate the word stop. In the other lamp assemblies are disposed above and below the word stop.

Abstract: A modular display sign having a base section with a base support rail secured to the base section. A first display section is removably attached to the base support rail in a plane perpendicular to the base section. At least one second display section is removably attached to the first display section in a plane perpendicular to the base section. This arrangement enables the vertical stacking of display sections thereby increasing the display area and adjusting the height of the display sign.

Abstract: An outdoor sign construction comprising an inverted U-shaped wire frame and a rectangular corrugated plastic face panel. The sign face panel is retained on a horizontal header section of the frame between vertical frame legs by a resilient extruded plastic channel assembled around the header and out the top edge of the panel. The panel can be allowed to swing on the frame header or can be fixed against such movement by optional brackets. A secondary header and auxiliary sign panel can be assembled on the frame.

Abstract: A graphic material display device having a baseball bat-like shape. A centrally located shoulder and a second shoulder located adjacent one of the ends are connected by a web portion and support a transparent, hollow, cylindrical tube. Graphic material placed adjacent the web portion and within in the tube may be viewed through the tube. A sleeve selectively locks the tube in position or permits the tube to be removed to change the graphic material.

Abstract: A tamper resistant safety gun lock (20) utilizes a case (22) having opposing sidewalls (24, 26) and at least one lateral wall (42, 48, 62) to inhibit access to crucial components of a firearm (28). A plurality of gun anchor posts (34) are selectively positionable inside of the case (22), so that the case (22) may be adapted for different types of firearms (28). The gun anchor posts (34) are held in a perforated plate (74) and have a flat disk (68) at one end which is held between the perforated (74) plate and one of the sidewalls. Because the flat disk (68) is held between the perforated plate (74) and one of the sidewalls the gun anchors (34) are generally inaccessible from the exterior of the case. The tamper resistant safety gun lock (20) is provided with a lock mechanism (32) which utilizes a catch (100) extending inwardly from a lateral lock wall. (48). The catch (100) is covered to make the case (22) difficult to pry open.

Abstract: An arm stabilizer apparatus is attachable to a belt and includes a base assembly which includes belt connectors for connecting the base assembly to the belt. A hinge is connected to the base assembly, and an adjustable-length arm stabilizer assembly is connected to the hinge. The apparatus can be used in three modes: an in-use orientation; one non-use orientation in which the apparatus is oriented above the belt; and another non-use orientation in which the apparatus is oriented below the belt. The in-use orientation is adjustable, and the apparatus returns to an adjusted in-use orientation from a previous non-use orientation. In the in-use orientation, the apparatus is oriented in an arm-reception orientation, whereby a portion of a person's upper arm can be supported by the adjustable-length arm stabilizer assembly for aiming a weapon, such as a rifle or bow. An adjustable-length arm stabilizer assembly is pivotally connected to the hinge pin.