Abstract: A trencher includes a frame. Ground engaging wheels and a chain are mounted on the frame. Sleeves are attached to and extend outwardly from the chain. Rotatable and fixed-orientation teeth can be mounted in the sleeves.

Abstract: An ironing board having a table with a top surface to carry out ironing functions and opposing first and second sides bisected by a longitudinal axis and a frame extending form the table for supporting the table above a support surface is provided. The frame extends from the table between the first side and longitudinal axis and defines an open area beneath the table that is sized to receive a person seated in a chair to permit the person to carry out ironing functions on the top surface while sitting. The ironing board also includes a drying rack having a plurality of rungs slidably disposed on the table. A laundry sorter is suspended from the table and includes a receptacle with a plurality of dividers dividing the receptacle into a plurality of compartments.

Abstract: A warning sign, having a vertically elongated housing mounted onto shelving with the housing extending a short distance laterally and perpendicularly from the face of the shelving, the housing preferably having advertising or other indicia positioned on opposing face members and a pocket which receives a pivoting warning arm, where the warning arm is hidden within the pocket in the vertical position but can be pivoted into an exposed horizontal position to extend laterally from the shelving to warn customers of hazardous conditions in the aisle. The sign is mounted with a hinged bracket having a non-vertical pivot axis, such that the sign will automatically resume a neutral position perpendicular to the shelving if it is pushed or pulled to either side.

Abstract: A light box having a pair of retractable flat legs that fit into shallow depressions in the rear surface of the housing for the light box and are pivotable from a storage position wherein they are substantially entirely within the depression and a functional position wherein they project out from the housing and can serve to help support the light box on a flat surface with its translucent surface exposed to the side. The legs, when in the functional position, are helped to be held in place by close fitting adjacent edge wells of the depression and are resiliently bendable so as to be able to be moved between the storage and active positions by being flexibly bent outward by the user and rotated over the non-depression or raised portions of the rear surface and yet snap back into either depressed position.

Abstract: A removable and remountable gun sight comprising a point light viewable through an elongated tubular structure having a anti-reflective coating along the inner surface thereof, and a captive removable low illumination light source, preferably a chemical illuminating capsule, disposed to provide the point light source with illumination in low ambient or darkness. The gun sight is retained by a substantially C-shaped clip which engages the gun barrel, ventilation rib or other available gun portion along a length which requires the shooter to elevate one end apart from the gun portion to effect removal from the gun. Alternate embodiments include ambient light energized luminous rod elements interposed between the captive light source and the distal end of the elongated tubular structure, which provides continuous illumination of the point source to the shooter as he moves from high ambient light to low ambience or darkness.

Abstract: A safe hook protector is disclosed having a hard plastic hook cover capable of engaging, receiving and enveloping the barbed end of a fishing hook. The safe hook protector having a generally J-shaped body having an elongated shank receiving portion and an enclosed hook cleat cover disposed at an end thereof. The safe hook protector is capable of attachment to a fishing rod or a fishing reel where fishermen commonly attach fishing hooks while transporting a fishing pole to a fishing location. The safe hook protector is designed to prevent injuries to people and damage to property by engaging the barbed end of a fishing hook.

Abstract: An aerator as disclosed for use in combination with a live bait bucket. The aerator includes a tank having an interior chamber with an outlet open to the interior chamber. The tank chamber is pressurized while a tube has one end fluidly connected to the outlet and the other end disposed in the bait bucket to thereby aerate the water contained in the bait bucket. The device is also usable as a chumming device in which an absorbent pad is connected to the free end of the tube. The pad may be either immersed in a fish attractant material or the tank partially filled with fish attractant material such that, with the absorbent pad disposed in the water the fish attractant material is dispersed through the absorbent pad.

Abstract: A Floating Fisherman's Accessory which is fabricated of Styrofoam.TM. measuring approximately 3 feet in length, 4 inches in height and 18 inches in width which includes several openings which extend into the water including a large opening for placement of the 5 gallon bucket, two sealed storage areas, one for storing cold drinks, and one for storing fishing equipment and tackle, a pair of metal skids runs along a bottom length on each side of the device allowing the device to be pulled across terrain without damaging the live bait bucket, the device also includes accessory drink holders and fishing pole holders.

Abstract: An insect trap for attracting insects such as roaches and the like formed of a container defining a chamber holding bait. The container is provided with openings for the entry and exit of insects into the chamber, and a bait entry portal for the introduction of bait into the chamber. The bait entry portal is formed of elastomeric material openable upon exertion of a pressure thereon for introduction of bait and closeable upon removal of the pressure to seal said container.

Abstract: A trailer mounted flame cultivator adapted to be towed by a small vehicle such as a garden tractor or an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV). The wheeled trailer supports a fuel tank and boom arms that carry torch assemblies at their distal ends. Control valves are interposed in the fuel line connecting the fuel tank and the torch assemblies. A control panel mounted on the towing vehicle conveniently accessible to the operator is electrically connected to the control valves. Manipulation of the control panel by the operator selectively activates the torch assemblies.

Abstract: A herbicide applicator has a handle and a dispensing end which, in one embodiment may be detachable. Herbicide is introduced into the handle and flows through the handle to the dispensing end. The dispensing end has a plurality openings through which the herbicide flows. An absorbent sleeve is over the dispensing end to control the herbicide flow. The absorbent sleeve has concentric ridges between which the herbicide is dispensed.

Abstract: An adaptable plant protector includes a flexible shield and a pair of bendable supporting rods. The shield is comprised of a springy frame spanned by a flexible sheet, and rings attached around the sheet. The shield is supported over a plant by inserting the top ends of the rods through the rings, and the bottom ends into the ground. Each rod is provided with a stop at an intermediate position for supporting the shield off the ground. The rods may be positioned closer together for holding the shield in an arc shape, or farther apart for holding it flat. The rods can also be bent to support the shield in many different shapes and positions for protecting plants in a variety of landscaping and horticultural situations. Gardening staples may be used instead of the rods for attaching edges of the shield directly to the ground in some situations. In a second embodiment, the shield is comprised of a springy frame spanned by a coarse mesh. The bendable rods are inserted directly through the coarse mesh.

Abstract: A buoyant apparatus is provided for floating plants and other foliage in ponds. It is directed to a floating support or raft for one or more plant pots. Such materials are attractive to fish and other aquatic animals frequently present in such decorative ponds. In the floatable foliage pots herein the floating base or collar is protected so that it cannot be chewed, and ruined by aquatic animals. A mesh screen is adapted to cover exposed surfaces of the collar to prevent fish from biting it.

Abstract: An adjustable shutter assembly having an automated adjustment system including an electronic actuating device, such as an electric actuating motor. The shutter assembly has at least one and typically a plurality of parallel slats rotatably attached at both ends to a frame. The actuating motor is embedded within a self-contained module that can strengthen the shutter frame and be hidden from view. The actuating motor has a spindle that is coaxially connected to one end of an actuator slat selected from among the plurality of parallel slats. The spindle typically includes a tongue that engages a receiving pocket of the actuator slat without additional fastening mechanisms. One or more of the other slats are interconnected with the actuator slat such that rotation of the actuator slat is accompanied by substantially synchronous rotation of the other slats interconnected thereto. Selecting the actuator slat from among the more centrally located slats provides for more reliable and secure closure of all slats.

Abstract: A heated sliding window assembly comprising a fixed portion comprising a circumferential frame and a fixed pane attached to the circumferential frame, with the fixed pane having an electrically conductive heating grid. A sliding pane is slidable within the circumferential frame between an open position and a closed position, and the sliding pane has an electrically conductive heating grid. A first conductive element is mounted on the fixed portion and a second conductive element is mounted on the sliding pane. The first and second conductive elements are routed through a latch assembly, and are electrically connected together when the sliding pane is in the closed position. To connect the heating grid of the sliding pane to the heating grid of a second fixed pane, third and fourth conductive elements are employed, either routed through the same latch assembly as the above mentioned first and second conductive elements or mounted at an end of the sliding pane remote from the latch assembly.

Abstract: A cover apparatus (10) is provided which is easily and quickly installed, is simple to use, and is cost effective for selective closing of an attic opening (14) and for providing a thermal and dust barrier. The cover apparatus (10) preferably includes structure (12), adapted for placement over an opening (14) defined by peripheral wall or ceiling surfaces (16), and a plurality of snap fasteners (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) for detachably coupling the structure (12) to the surfaces (16). The structure (12) includes a panel (20) presenting an inboard face (22), continuous, circumscribing sidewalls (24) extending from the inboard face (22) of panel (20), and a continuous, circumscribing flange (32) extending transversely and outwardly from the outer margin (28) of the sidewalls (24). The flange (32) includes an outermost lip (36) configured for firmly engaging the surfaces (16) when the structure (12) is coupled to the surfaces (16).

Abstract: A modular unit system for constructing a modular structure comprises different modular unit sets each having a identical modular unit. The modular units of each modular unit set has connecting surfaces each for connection to a corresponding connecting surface of at least one other identical modular unit or to a corresponding connecting surface of one of the modular units of another of the modular unit sets to construct a modular structure, such as a building structure, having a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: Wood framed walls of buildings are strengthened against destructive wind and seismic forces by spaced lengths of vertical wire rope having enlarged bulbous portions swagged on each end. A metal sleeve and a metal plate are slipped onto such lengths prior to swagging. Other lengths of wire rope only having bulbous portions are connected to attachments after forming a cross brace, and at least one cross brace is located in each major wall of a one-story building. The cross brace can be attached to a foundation structure of the building below a floor plate and/or to a stud and floor plate. The foundation structure may be concrete or other floor joist or the like. The wire ropes, may be located on a first story with another cross brace on another story thereabove with metal rods therebetween or the wire ropes forming two generally vertical cross braces may be formed from a pair of wire ropes with two metal sleeves between the stories through which the wire ropes extend.

Abstract: A compressible foam draft pad for use at a lower inner portion of dock shelter helps seal against the lower rear side of a truck of an appropriate height and bridges a gap between an exterior face of a building and a laterally extending member of the dock shelter. The draft pad is generally wedge-shaped and has a forward relief surface that leans away from the laterally extending member with a lower forward edge that abuts the laterally extending member. A rear relief surface can lean away from the building as well, and can have a lower rear edge of the draft pad sealingly abut the building. The relief surfaces can minimize wear, especially along the inside surface of the laterally extending member. The unique shape of the draft pad provides a ratio of the pad's weight to a distance between spaced apart mounting points that is sufficiently small to minimize sagging of the draft pad.

Abstract: An energy saving skylight cover system operates selectively in summer and winter to optimize transfer of the sun's radiation through the skylight into an interior space. The skylight cover system comprises optical transmission modifying panels and radiation scuppers that make its functional characteristics responsive to the sun's incidence angle. In summer mode, with high average inclination of the sun, the skylight cover system absorbs or reflects back the undesirable solar heat. In winter mode, the skylight cover system permits majority of the sun's rays to enter the interior space, permitting desirable solar heat gain. The determination of rejecting or accepting solar heat gain is made by the skylight cover system according to a designed-in characteristic angle. The characteristic angle is a function of the orientation of the skylight and the roof, and the geographical location of the building.

Abstract: A multi-window sash comprising: a frame structure; a plurality of sash units, to each of which a panel is mounted which are connected with each other in a panel width direction, each of the sash units comprising bilateral vertical frame members, an upper frame member and a lower frame member which constitute a rectangular frame of the sash unit in combination thereof; and a mullion structure connecting adjacent two sash units and including at least a mullion having an expandable structure.

Abstract: A laminated roofing shingle having staggered shadow lines comprises an underlay and an overlay attached to an underside of the overlay. The overlay has a plurality of spaced-apart tabs. An opening is defined between each one of the tabs. Portions of the underlay are exposed through the openings between the tabs. A layer of granules is disposed on the tabs and the underlay. The layer of granules on a lower portion of the overlay and on an upper portion of the overlay are substantially uniform in color and darker in color than the granules the remainder of the tabs and the underlay. The darker layers of granules produce staggered shadow lines which enhance the three-dimensional appearance of a roof surface upon which the shingles are applied.

Abstract: An expansion joint cover apparatus (10) includes a cover plate (38) in covering relationship with the gap (12) between building sections(14,16). A coupling assembly couples the first edge (46) of the plate (38) to the first building section (14) and the opposed edge (48) is slidably received in a recess (30) defined in the second building section (16) adjacent the gap (12). The coupling assembly includes a bracket having a web and a pair of spaced flanges is configured to mount to the wall face adjacent the gap of the first building section, and a bolt extending through the plate and the flanges in order to couple the plate to the first building section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joining method and a joining structure as well as a form for concrete products. A protruding portion provided at the front end of a seal member of elastic material attached to one concrete product is inserted through an opening formed in a joining face of the other concrete product into an attachment hole of enlarged diameter provided at a depth of the opening, while bringing a closing press contact portion of the seal member into press contact with inner surfaces of the opening to achieve an airtight condition inside the attachment hole, followed by filling grout into a space defined between inner surfaces of the attachment hole and the protruding portion and setting the grout there to join the concrete products together.

Abstract: A molded one-piece flexible plastic strip handle includes a first wall at one end of the strip that extends from the mid-portion of the strip, a second wall attached by one end to the first wall forming a U with the first wall having its apex below the plane of the mid-portion, and a tongue that extends from the apex toward the second end of the strip and makes an acute angle with the first wall. An opening in the first wall is configured to receive the tongue when it is bent toward the opening by inserting the second wall and first wall in a predetermined opening in a container wall.

Abstract: A machine for the automated packaging of armed sutures or; in effect, surgical needles having sutures attached thereto and, more particularly, a package feed arrangement in an automated machine including a package tray supplying carousel arrangement and robotic pivot arm mechanism for the high-speed feed of package trays for the individualized packaging of single or individual surgical needles each having an attached suture into a tray and detachable cover providing a suture package utilized for the packaging of the individual or single needles and attached sutures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering a flower pot by automatically providing a sheet of material and automatically wrapping the sheet about the flower pot.

Abstract: The present invention entails a pull-type tobacco harvester having a mainframe, a tongue projecting from the mainframe, a defoliating unit mounted on the mainframe, and a conveyor assembly disposed adjacent the defoliating unit for conveying defoliated tobacco leaves from the defoliator unit upwardly and rearwardly to where the defoliated leaves are dumped into a trailing trailer. Disposed on one side of the mainframe is a single wheel while mounted to the opposite side of the mainframe is a pair of tandem wheels. The pair of tandem wheels are disposed so as to generally track behind a tractor that pulls the tobacco harvester through the field. In addition, the defoliator unit mounted on the harvester is a knife-type defoliator that comprises a series of bars that include knife elements thereon for cutting leaves from stalks of tobacco passing through the defoliator unit.

Abstract: Wound bobbins of yarn are exposed to constant tensioning treatment to eliminate variances in hot air shrinkage caused by the manufacturing processes used to make the strands.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a gas turbine engine in which a cooling system is utilized to lower the temperature of light hydrocarbon liquid fuel before the fuel is injected into the combustors. Specifically, the fuel cooling system is deployed in the fuel delivery system upstream of the combustors to lower the temperature of the liquid fuel below the flash point temperature, preventing phase change and premature combustion. In the preferred embodiment, the cooling system is a closed loop system comprising a heat exchanger, a containment reservoir, and a refrigeration unit. Brine is circulated within the loop, such that cooled brine is passed into the heat exchanger to act as a heat sink for the light hydrocarbon flowing therethrough. Warm brine exiting the heat exchanger is directed into the refrigeration unit for cooling before being collected and stored in the containment reservoir. The cooled light hydrocarbon exits the heat exchanger and is injected into the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A power plant includes a gas turbine unit having a compressor for compressing ambient air, a burner for burning fuel and heating air compressed by said compressor, and a turbine for expanding air heated by said burner to drive said compressor and produce hot exhaust gases. The plant further includes a combustor for containing particles of solid fuel which are fluidized by the exhaust gases from the turbine to produce hot products of combustion that include coarse ash particulate. Apparatus is provided for generating power from the hot products of combustion.

Abstract: A hybrid rocket motor having a multitude of radially inward directed miniature hybrid secondary combustion chambers within a single solid fuel block being oxidizer-fed by a single centrally positioned distributor and a system of radially outward-directed feed tubes. The feed tubes are sealed at their distant ends and have multiple orifices opening into the secondary combustion chambers to resemble a multitude of secondary conventional-injection hybrid motors within a single main hybrid motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the harmful products of combustion comprises an enclosed vessel adapted to contain a quantity of volatile liquid fuel and a means for extracting gaseous vapors from the fuel and for mixing the vapors with the combustion supporting gas for combustion in an internal combustion engine. A thermal reactor is included into which the combustion exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine are discharged. A flow limiting valve is interposed in the path of the exhaust gases from the thermal reactor for discharging a first portion of the exhaust gases to the atmosphere and returning a second portion of the exhaust gases to the thermal reactor vessel. Also provided is a valve for discharging the second portion of the exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine at a temperature below the boiling range of the liquid fuel into the vessel below the surface of the liquid fuel therein and an ultrasonic generator for imparting ultrasonic energy to the exhaust gases.

Abstract: An engine has a plurality of the cylinders. The cylinders are divided into a first cylinder group and a second cylinder group, and each cylinder group is connected, via a corresponding branch exhaust passage, to a common interconnecting exhaust passage. In the interconnecting exhaust passage, an exhaust gas purifying catalyst is arranged. The air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas of the first cylinder group is made lean to feed oxygen to the exhaust gas purifying catalyst, and the air-fuel ratio of the second cylinder group is made rich to feed fuel for heating to the exhaust gas purifying catalyst, so that the oxygen and the fuel for heating react with each other to heat the exhaust gas purifying catalyst to reactivate the exhaust gas purifying catalyst when the reactivation of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst is must be performed. In each branch exhaust passage, a start catalyst is arranged.

Abstract: In an air supply arrangement for an internal combustion engine, particularly for motor vehicles having devices for cooling the engine and for supplying exhaust gas secondary air to the exhaust system of the engine, a single air pump driven by an electric motor is provided for supplying air to the engine cooling system and to the exhaust system and devices for switching the air flow supplied by the air pump to either the engine cooling system or the engine exhaust system are provided. A control unit is also provided which controls the electric motor depending on the amount and pressure of the air needed for the cooling system and the engine exhaust system.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission having a hydraulic pump and motor for use in a vehicle, including a center section for mounting and operatively connecting the pump and motor, a rotatable output drive shaft engaged to the hydraulic motor, and a running surface and support members integrally formed with the center section to fully support the output drive shaft, and further including a thrust bearing mounted in a housing for the transmission to engage said hydraulic motor, where the thrust bearing is supported by the upper and lower casing sections of the housing.

Abstract: A brake system includes a pedal feel emulator and a master cylinder with a damping mechanism having a damping piston. When the emulator piston is moved from the at-rest position, fluid is displaced from the emulator through a compensation port and through a flow restrictive orifice in the damping piston to the reservoir. Flow rate of the fluid is dependent on the apply rate of the brake pedal. When the brake pedal is applied relatively slowly, sufficient flow volume will occur through the flow restrictive orifice and the damping piston will remain unmoved. As apply rates increase, a sufficient pressure differential will eventually be established across the damping piston to cause it to move. Damping piston movement compensates for rapid fluid displacement out of the variable chamber and enables a desirable pedal feel characteristic where pedal force increases relatively slowly as pedal velocity increases relatively rapidly.

Abstract: A waste-to-energy incineration system, in which the amount and heat value of exhaust gas largely changes in long and short periods, comprises an incinerator for burning waste, a boiler in the incinerator for generating steam with exhaust heat generated by the incinerator, a superheater for superheating steam generated in the boiler, a steam turbine driven by steam superheated by the superheater, a generator driven by the steam turbine, a fuel reformer for reforming source fuel, and a combustor burning fuel gas reformed by the fuel reformer and at least a part of exhaust gas led from the incinerator which is able to stably decompose generated dioxin in waste incineration exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for implementing the method, utilize cryogenic fluids to cool a fluid. The method includes receiving and allowing expansion of a first compressed cryogenic fluid within a chamber; flowing a second fluid past said chamber; and allowing the transfer of heat between the chamber and the second fluid. The method may further include maintaining the second fluid at a predetermined temperature by controlling the transfer of heat between the chamber and the second fluid. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving therein and allowing expansion of a compressed cryogenic fluid. The chamber includes at least one wall formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and high resistivity to low temperature. The chamber may include an insert for receiving cryogenic fluid therein and dispersing the cryogenic fluid through a plurality of holes into the chamber. The apparatus may also include a fluid path component for circulating therethrough the second fluid.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a shutting device for preventing flow of air between an evaporator and a fresh food compartment is disclosed. The shutting device has a shutting member for shutting a space that the evaporator is installed against a cooling compartment, and a motor for driving the shutting member. During a defrosting operation and when the door is open, cool air discharge ports are closed by the shutting member. Thus, the temperature rise of the fresh food compartment due to the heat from a defrosting heater, and the loss of cool air and the generation of frost on the evaporator due to the opening of the door are prevented.

Abstract: A multiplex system is disclosed for maintaining the temperature of a product during a warehouse and distribution process employing a vehicle. The multiplex system may include a plurality of temperature control zones at which it is desired to maintain the temperature of the product. A cargo temperature control zone includes a parking area for a number of delivery vehicles having cargo containers. A primary refrigeration system is utilized to refrigerate a secondary fluid which is a non-compressible fluid that may be pumped over long distances to the cargo temperature control zone, as well as other temperature control zones. The secondary refrigerated fluid is pumped to an air handling unit which advantageously is disposed within the cargo container of one or more parked delivery vehicles. Preferably, at least two handling units are provided in each cargo container for more even distribution of refrigerated air.

Abstract: A refrigerating counter for continuous cooling of bottles containing beverages comprises a cooling apparatus as well as means for supplying cold air to said bottles to be cooled. It is intended to offer the bottles more immediately for sale and to bring the bottles, from a "higgledy-piggledy" stacking rearmost within the cabinet, to move forwardly to a bottle take out place. The refrigerating counter comprises a plurality of vertically staggered drawers (10) for the accommodation of the bottles as a disorderly mass. The drawers (10) in the refrigerating counter (12) each has an upwardly open portion constituting the take out place for the bottles, at the front side of the counter (12). In order not to cover said take out place of one drawer by the overlying drawer (10) in a vertical column of drawers (10), the foremost, upper portion of each drawer (10) slopes downwardly/forwardly.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a heat insulating body having a front with an opening, a left-hand side, a right-hand side and a ceiling, thereby defining a cold storage compartment, a partition member disposed on either side of the body and having a blowout hole through which cold air is supplied so as to flow along the ceiling, a refrigeration unit including an evaporator and supplying cold air produced by the evaporator through the blowout hole into the cold storage compartment, and a cold air guide member mounted on the ceiling of the body widthwise with respect to the cold storage compartment so as to hang down from the ceiling of the body and to be inclined so that the guide member inwardly retreats as it goes toward a lower end thereof.

Abstract: Method of reducing the amount of components having low boiling points in liquefied natural gas comprising passing the liquefied natural gas at liquefaction pressure through the hot side of an external heat exchanger to obtain cooled liquefied natural gas, allowing the cooled liquefied natural gas to expand dynamically to an intermediate pressure and statically to a low pressure to obtain expanded fluid, and introducing expanded fluid into the upper part of a fractionation column provided with a contacting section arranged between the upper part and the lower part of the fractionation column; passing a direct side stream at low pressure through the cold side of the external heat exchanger to obtain heated two-phase fluid; introducing the heated two-phase fluid into the lower part of the fractionation column and allowing the vapor to flow upwards through the contacting section; allowing the liquid of the expanded fluid to flow downwards through the contacting section; and withdrawing from the lower part of the

Abstract: A double post earring system having a retainer bar assembly 17 comprising a bar 18 having end apertures 19a and 19b. The retainer bar assembly is positioned to the earlobe 13 by stud assemblies 21a and 21b, which stud assemblies comprise separate mounting posts 23a and 23b respectively placed through the apertures 19a and 19b, and through pierced holes in the earlobe. This system permits the use of relatively heavy ornamentation to be suspended from the retainer bar assembly without damage to the earlobe.

Abstract: A jewelry system is provided including a necklace assembly having opposed ends that are connectable to one another by releasably lockable primary finding components. The necklace assembly further includes auxiliary findings that are unobtrusive and that enable portions of the necklace assembly to be disassembled. The disassembled portions may be reconfigured to form either a single our double-strand bracelet or for incorporation into a pin. The system further includes connectors for holding adjacent strands of a double-strand bracelet in substantially parallel relationship to one another. The system further includes at least one pin base for connection to portions of the disassembled necklace such that the combined pin base and portions of the necklace function as a pin.

Abstract: A low-E sputter-coated layer system for automotive and architectural purposes of the basic Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 /NiCr/Ag/NiCr/Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 type improved by either an undercoat of TiO.sub.2 or the use of stainless steel in the Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layers, or both. By selection of appropriate thicknesses the layer coatings may be rendered heat treatable. I.G. units are an advantage product in which the coatings may be employed.

Abstract: A process for bend-shaping a glass plate by heating the glass plate to a softening temperature of the glass plate, while the glass plate is transferred along a transferring surface in a shaping furnace. The glass plate is transferred along a complex bending transferring surface having a complex curved face which is upwardly projected with predetermined radius of curvatures along both the axis of the transferring direction and the axis perpendicular to the transferring direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding yarn into a hook or to a predetermined position of a rear face of a needle of a flat knitting machine, and for guiding the yarn without making large horizontal advancing and retracting movements of a yarn guiding member of the yarn guiding apparatus. The apparatus guides the yarn, when a yarn pushing down operating edge at an end of the yarn guide member is engaged with and pushes down the yarn so that the yarn is slidably moved, without applying a high resistance to the yarn and parallel needles and sinkers, on at least one pair of needle beds having head portions opposed to each other with respect to the center of knock-over edge portions. Yarn holding members, each having a yarn pushing down edge operating at an end thereof, are supported for sliding movement toward the knock-over edge portion, with means for moving each of the yarn pushing down operating edges downward during or after sliding advancement of the yarn holding member.

Abstract: A needle selection device in a circular knitting machine, including: needles which are slidingly accommodated in grooves formed in a needle holder and which have pivoting levers provided with heels; needle actuation cams facing the needle holder and forming a path which can be engaged by the heels of the needle levers as the needle holder moves with respect to the needle actuation cams in order to make the levers follow the path for actuation of the corresponding needle along the corresponding groove of the needle holder parallel to the longitudinal extension of the needle, and for each needle the lever oscillates about its pivoting axis, from an active position, in which its heel protrudes from the corresponding groove of the needle holder so as to engage the path formed by the needle actuation cams, to an inactive position, in which its heel is inserted in the corresponding groove of the needle holder in order to avoid engaging the path formed by the needle actuation cams; a reset element acting on the leve