Abstract: An item of footwear which functions as a foot protector for dancers is disclosed. The inventive protector comprises a pad. The pad has its periphery at least partially surrounded by an elastic member. A plurality of other elastic members secure to the pad to the underside of a dancer's foot, in particular the ball of the dancer's foot. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, that portion of the periphery of the pad which is likely to be position over that portion of the ball of the foot on which the dancer rotates and/or slides is left without elastic in order to minimize discomfort which would be caused by the presence of a piece of elastic material.

Abstract: Footwear intended primarily for outdoor use, wherein a variety of ground conditions are likely to be encountered, has a sole with traction elements inspired by the hoof of a mountain goat. In several embodiments, an interior region of the sole is provided with a plurality of pairs of relatively soft protruding pods, while a perimetric region surrounding the interior region includes a plurality of relatively hard lugs provided on opposite sides of the pod pairs. The pods extend downwardly below the lugs such that they will make initial ground contact and compress. The compression cushions initial impact and increases the area of ground contact to improve traction on firm smooth surfaces. The compression also brings the lugs into ground engagement, following initial contact, to improve stability and traction on irregular and soft ground surfaces. Other embodiments of the invention implement similar principles, in soles having a more conventional (less goat hoof-like) appearance.

Abstract: This shoe fastening device particularly for conventional shoes such as sneakers and similar footwear comprises a actuating lever (2) rotatably secured to one flap (26) of an associated shoe (14). Since the fastening of most conventional shoes is effected by laterally directing together their parallel and opposing flaps, the tensioning effected by lever is directed laterally across shoe and is perpendicular to the length of the flaps. This is achieved by orientating the axis of rotation of the lever so that it is parallel with longitudinal median of shoe. Pivotally secured to the actuating lever is an tie element (4) whose axis of rotation is parallel to that of said lever, and where tie element acts as an extension of the lever. An adjunct hook element (12) is attached to tie element. Secured to the opposing flap (27) of shoe is a catch element (6) whose function it is to engage with the adjunct hook element.

Abstract: A shoe construction is described in which a molded cup is provided with a flange extending outwardly from a top edge of the molded cup. A lasting margin of the upper of the shoe is wrapped around the outwardly extending flange and terminates on an exterior surface of the molded cup. The shoe is constructed such that the wearer's foot rests on an upper surface of a base of the molded cup. The outwardly extending flange is located some vertical distance above the bottom of the wearer's foot. The outwardly extending flange improves lateral stability by resisting the torque created by the horizontal component of the wearer's weight acting against a friction or other force acting at the bottom of the shoe. The variable location of the outwardly extending flange also provides a variety of aesthetic designs for the shoe.

Abstract: An internal collar device for an article of footwear. The internal collar device includes ankle wraps, a pivoting spine and a heel cup. The pivoting spine is a relatively narrow portion of the internal collar device which is flexible so that it pivots with the wearer's movement. The internal collar device is disposed in an external boot of the article of footwear so that the internal collar device pivots about a pivot axis near the wearer's malleoli. The article of footwear is configured so that internal collar device pivots almost entirely independently from the external boot. As such, the internal collar devices controls the forward and rearward flex of the wearer's ankle and provides support to the wearer's foot and ankle within the article of footwear. Further, forward and rearward flex of the wearer's ankle does not result in a crease or wear area forming in the external boot so that the present invention prevents premature wear of the boot material.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is including an outer sole having at least one notched cleat of resilient material molded integral or removable to the lower surface of the shoe sole. In one embodiment, a plurality of notched cleats are disposed throughout the shoe sole. In a second embodiment, a plurality of notched cleats extend outwardly from and are disposed along the perimeter of the sole. Both embodiments provide an improved measure of lateral stability. The notch defining surfaces of the cleat act as teeth to cut through and displace the ground to provide good traction under wet or dry conditions on soft or hard surfaces. A plurality of other cleats of different shapes and ground-engaging surface areas than the notched cleats may also be molded integral or removable to the outer sole. The athletic shoe is for use in sports such as football, soccer, baseball, or ultimate frisbee played on natural grass, dirt, or other soft or hard surfaces.

Abstract: A user-friendly roof rake is provided to readily remove snow from a roof. The lightweight roof rake has a special plastic blade with a rounded contour to pull, curl and rapidly remove snow from a roof. The roof rake-blade can be reinforced with a series of curved ribs and can have an array of downwardly extending ribs that provide rounded teeth to prevent the lower leading edge of the blade from digging into the shingles or otherwise damaging the roof. The convenient roof rake has an expandable multi-piece handle, which preferably comprises a set of snap-fitting interlocking metal tubes that can be readily assembled and expanded for use, and can be easily dissembled for storage. The metal tubes of the handle can be thermally insulated and more easily gripped with a ribbed plastic sleeve. The outer portions of the roof rake-blade can be reinforced by stabilizing struts or braces.

Abstract: A power machine includes a pair of traction motors to provide for travel of the machine. The power machine also includes a boom, an arm and a tool (such as a bucket). The power machine includes a hydraulic power circuit which has a valve stack that enables the boom and at least one of the arm and tool to be operated simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is a coupling device for locking an excavation tooth onto an adaptor. The adaptor and tooth have a passage extending therethrough. The device includes a pin and retainer. The retainer is inserted into the adaptor. The pin includes a retainer seat for engaging the retainer. The retainer seat has a front wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the passage and a back wall which slopes away from the front wall. As the pin is inserted into the passage, the retainer engages the pin until it enters the seat. The front wall then prevents the pin from being retracted from the passage. To remove the pin, force is applied to the driven end of the pin. The pin will continue through the passage while the retainer slides along the sloped back wall of the retainer seat. This arrangement allows for the easy insertion and removal of the pin with a relatively small amount of force.

Abstract: A mini electric iron includes a housing made of non-metallic material and having a lower portion provided with a receptacle and two openings, a metal base having a flat bottom, a T-shaped mounting having three depending legs secured to an upper side of the metal base thus forming a space between the T-shaped mounting and the metal base the T-shaped mounting being provided with a lug at an entrance of the space, the T-shaped mounting being formed with three threaded holes, a sleeve fitted inside the space, a ceramic heating member fitted inside the sleeve and electrically connected with the receptacle, the ceramic heating member being provided with a sheet of metal at a top and bottom thereof and inserted within an insulating high temperature resistant enclosure, a first screw extending through one of the threaded holes to bear against a top of the sleeve, two second screws extending the two openings and other two of the threaded holes to bear against the top of the sleeve, and a detachable electrical connecto

Abstract: A message display element, and a message display jacket utilizable with the element (and a plurality of identical or similar elements) allows a message to be effectively displayed, yet the message changed in a simple and effective manner. A message display element comprises a piece of sheet material (such as polyvinyl chloride or polyolefin having a thickness of between about 8-20 mils) that may be more easily folded than conventional constructions even when made of stiffer material, and which lays flatter when folded. The message display element is particularly suited for displaying pricing information, and positioning and orientation indicia may be provided on individual panels of the element to facilitate proper location within the jacket.

Abstract: A rotating display, particularly for use as a point of purchase inducement to customers in a retail environment, includes a two-sided display panel with fluorescent printed indicia or graphics on at least one side which are illuminated by ultraviolet light. The panel is rotated about its central longitudinal axis at a rotational velocity of at least approximately 300 RPM. The spinning fluorescent indicia, when illuminated in this fashion, create the illusion of a solid through the persistence of vision.

Abstract: The device has an articulated plate (1) which swings about an axis (3) on the trigger mechanism casing (2) when a lever (4) extending therefrom is driven, its opposite end having a knurl (5) through which movement is conveyed to a second swinging plate (6), which receives the movement of the knurl (5) through a slotted hole (7), said plate having a double crank defining a middle stop (10), and being joined to the mechanism casing at its end opposite the slotted hole (7) through an axis or pin (9), which stop (10), depending on the two positions the swinging plate (1) is able to take up, can lie opposite the top end (11) of the trigger (12) or otherwise, causing the same to be locked or otherwise. The articulated plate (1) is at the same time provided with a cranked extension (13) which locks the rifle safety (14) when the stop (10) locks the trigger (12).

Abstract: A fishing lure having an elongate rotary tube member for rotation about a wire harness is provided. The wire harness is generally v-shaped with first and second wires. The first wire rotatably receives an elongate rotary tube member having a longitudinal bore therethrough. A spinner blade is coupled with the rotary tube member via a clevis to rotate the rotary tube member about the wire harness as the lure is drawn through water. The second wire receives a lure body and a hook.

Abstract: A multi-layered iridescent reflective coating for a fishing lure and the method for applying the coating to the surface of the lure. The coating preferably comprises a base layer, an optical stack comprising at least 3 layers of refractive material, and a protective layer. The layers of refractive material are vacuum deposited on a lure pre-coated with an ultraviolet cured polymer base layer. The optical stack can be applied to painted lures, pre-colored lures, or undecorated lures. The substrate, or lure surface, does not affect the process but can yield varying iridescent effects, depending on the texture and color of the substrate surface. The relative thickness of each optical layer and its relation to the other layers in the optical stack combine to achieve a variety of iridescent effects. A protective layer having a low refractive index is applied over the finished optical stack.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a fishing line to a position under the surface of a body of water includes a diving plane slidably connected to a guide line. The plane can be tilted between two positions to move the diving plane up or down the guide line. A movable weight on the diving plane stabilizes the diving plane in the desired tilted position and increases the angle of tilt of the diving plane when the diving plane slides up the guide line.

Abstract: A vermin-protective foot piece mounted on the bottom of an apparatus to support the apparatus on a flat surface and to prohibit vermin from entering the apparatus, which produces an electric shock when a vermin creep up a cylindrical base of the foot piece and touches two adjacent naked wires on the foot piece, causing the vermin to be killed.

Abstract: A corn rootworm/kairomone insect trap for capturing corn rootworm and other similar insects. A corn rootworm/kairomone trap comprises a capture top dome, a capture reservoir and a container containing a kairomone lure or bait. The trap is useful for corn, peanuts and leafy vegetables crop protection from corn rootworm or other insects.

Abstract: A mushroom bed includes open grate as the center section of the floor with wood on each of its sides to complete the floor and with vertical wooden sides. A plastic grid type glider is mounted over the floor. Such glider could be used over the novel grate/wood floor or over conventional all wood floors.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of a liquid chemical treatment to plants in a field. The apparatus includes a movable framework and first and second spaced-apart depending portions mounted upon the framework for providing a space extending longitudinally of the framework. First and second air displacers are carried by the first and second depending portions for creating first and second opposed streams of air in directions at an angle to the longitudinal axis. The air displacers are positioned on the depending portions so that the first and second opposed streams of air are longitudinally offset from each other. Nozzles are carried by the framework for introducing the liquid chemical treatment into the streams of air produced by the air displacers. The streams of air caused the plants to bend to and fro as the plant passes through the space so as to permit the chemical treatment to reach the underside of the plants. A method for using the apparatus is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a variable shape device, with or without a base, for presenting all types of bouquets individually, vertically and without water. The device (1) is made of water- and deformation-resistant materials, with an adjustable attachment means having a male (3) and a female portion (4). The assembled device has a tapered portion (5) with tabs (11), which adapts to every type of bouquet, and a stable base (2). The openings (6) enable the bouquet to be initially retained in the device, for individual presentation, by any fastening means inserted in the openings. A water-tight decorated sheet (8), extending towards the top (5) of the outer walls (1) and adhering to members (7), is retained by a ribbon (21) on blade members which holds together the sheet, the device and the bouquet, the sheet providing water-tightness to the device (8). Water (10) introduced into the device collects at its base (2), thus providing stability to the bouquet and converting the device into a disposable flower-pot.

Abstract: Soil profiles of sports fields, such as those in stadiums and golf courses, are treated by injecting or suctioning gases and water by means of buried horizontal pipe arrays or by vertical penetrators. The extent of soil treatment is controlled by measurement of subsurface gas composition and pressure at locations remote from the point of gas injection or removal, preferably by using a special probe. Penetrators and probes form seals within shaped holes in the soil profile, to control the depth of the layer at which gas is exchanged, and to inhibit atmospheric air flow vertically along the bodies of the devices. For example, a conical penetrator section forms a seal within the hole by compacting the shoulder of a stepped hole and it forms a second seal at the surface of the soil by means of a plate and gasket. In other penetrator installations, a radially expansible material forms the seal. Penetrators of one or two part construction may be removably installed in fields, to facilitate re-treatment.

Abstract: A knockdown planter box frame composed of two basic components in the form of frames and posts which may be easily releasably joined together. The frame is intended to secure non-wooden internal panels which contain solid nutrients such as soil and fertilizer. The wooden framework receives protection from direct contact with decay-causing micro-organisms in the growing medium. Panels are removable in such a way as to facilitate pruning a rootball without removal of the plant.

Abstract: A multi-purpose window frame with a shutter of the jutting and bascule type is disclosed, which comprises: a fixed framework (2) internally having horizontal (6) and vertical (7) borders, a mounting opening (3) delimited by said borders (6, 7), a shutter (4) insertable in the mounting opening (3) and externally having horizontal (10) and vertical (11) sidepieces to be positioned adjacent to the fixed framework borders (6, 7), and connecting structure extending between the shutter (4) and framework (2) and comprising pivot pins (15) and seatings (20) for the pins, the connecting structure comprising two pairs of pivot pins (15), each projecting from one of the vertical sidepieces (11) of the shutter (4) and each insertable in an adjacent vertical border (7), and guide channels (16) formed in the vertical borders (7), to be traveled over by said pivot pins (15) and internally forming pairs of seatings (20) defining steady positions of the shutter (4).

Abstract: The counter balance system for a vehicle liftgate includes a pair of gas cylinders in combination with a torsion rod. The gas cylinders urge the liftgate toward an open position but due to a short moment arm do not exert sufficient force to open the liftgate until the liftgate has pivoted about one third of the distance from the closed position toward the open position. The torsion rod also urges the liftgate toward an open position. Maximum force is exerted by the torsion rod when the liftgate is closed. As the liftgate moves toward an open position, the force exerted by the torsion rod decreases until the liftgate is midway between closed and open. The torque rod does not exert any force on the liftgate during the last portion of its movement to an open position.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly having a guide track and sliding pane geometry which ensures that the sliding pane maintains a vertical, untilted orientation when it is slid along the guide track to a closed position. The sliding pane is retained along its lower edge in the guide track for sliding horizontal sliding movement between open and closed positions. The pane has a projection extending downwardly from its lower edge adjacent its trailing edge when the pane is sliding toward the closed position, and the upper surface of the guide track along which the pane slides is generally horizontal except for an inclined section which slopes upwardly toward the closed position of the pane. The inclined section is located along the length of guide track so that it is immediately beneath the projection of the pane when it is in the closed position.

Abstract: A flexible tubular manhole liner soaked with a curable liquid resin is inserted into a manhole; this liner is already equipped with a number of bolts or sleeve nuts protruding or exposed from the liner surface, so that it is possible later to attach to the inner wall of the tubular liner a number of ladder steps and a hose for injecting liquid filler to the gap created between the manhole wall and the liner; there is provided a method to line the manhole with such an inventive liner.

Abstract: A wall panel assembly includes a track upon which a wall panel can travel for guiding movement of the wall panel, at least one moveable panel entrained on the track for movement thereon between a privacy position wherein information is hidden by or hidden on the moveable panel and a non-privacy position wherein the information is exposed and a locking mechanism for locking the moveable wall panel in either of the positions.

Abstract: A door and window frame adjusting shim sized to fit all common interior or exterior prehung doors and framed windows, preferably factory pre-mounted to the prefabricated door or window casing, comprised of a flat mounting plate and two attached interlocking nested wedge shaped portions, to provide a carpenter or homeowner with a functional, reliable and inexpensive installation shim method, the adjusting shim permits rapid positioning of the door or window, and is especially useful when installing multiple doors and windows into a building.

Abstract: A method for anchoring a specialized structural member having an internal cavity to a foundation to resist uplift forces imposed on the structural member. Structural members having interior cavities with external openings are anchored to foundations by way of an anchor member embedded in the foundation and received and enveloped by the internal cavity. The anchor member is connected to the structural member by a plurality of fasteners. The anchor member is formed to provide multiple point-to-point contact with the structural member.

Abstract: An improved concrete wall structure is provided with an insulation layer sandwiched between concrete layers. The insulation layer includes a vapor film on at least one side. An extruded channel member is fit onto the edge of a sheet of insulation and has a vapor film fit into a longitudinal groove extending along the channel member. The vapor films on the channel members of adjacent wall panels cooperate to bridge the gap between adjacent panels and thereby provide a vapor seal in the space between the adjacent panels.

Abstract: The invention is a wall finishing system which is a sheet material designed to cover an entire wall, requiring minimal seams. The wall material has the characteristic of shrinking after application causing surface irregularities to pull out to a smooth plane. The sheet material can be applied to various substrates including finished or unfinished drywall, paneling, cement block, etc.

Abstract: The present invention covers a modular panel assembly for the manufacture of a wall system from a plurality of thin modular wall panels of generally rectilinear configuration joined to one another. Each panel has an upper and a lower corner with a first corner block arranged on at least one of the corners of the modular panel. A tensile rod is pivotably disposed on the first corner block, and a cammed surface is arranged on the first corner block, so as to enable the first corner block to engagingly receive a tensile rod from a further corner block arranged on a further modular wall panel. One tensile rod from either one of two adjacent corner blocks on adjacent modular panels may secure the adjacent panels together in a secure and aligned manner.

Abstract: An improved transverse truss is disclosed for cooperating with a first and a second longitudinally extending beam of a building structure. The transverse trust comprises a lower transverse member. A first and a second truss portion is secured to a first and a second end of the lower transverse member. A first and a second upstanding member are secured to the lower transverse member adjacent to the first and second truss portions for defining a first and a second slot therebetween. The first and the second slots receive the first and the second longitudinally extending beam. An upper transverse member is secured to the first and second truss portions for entrapping the first and second longitudinally extending beams within the first and second slots.

Abstract: An improved mounting for attaching a facing material to a wall. The wall comprises a plurality of interlocking foam blocks with each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks having an inner and an outer block surface for defining an inner and outer wall surface. Each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks has a vertical aperture being filled with a curable material. A plurality of grooves are defined in the one of the inner and outer block surface of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The plurality of grooves are aligned with the plurality of grooves in an adjacent layer for providing a plurality of continuous wall grooves. A plurality of mounting strips are insertable within the plurality of continuous wall grooves. Fastening devices fix the plurality of mounting strip within the plurality of continuous wall grooves to provide a mounting for attaching the facing material to the wall.

Abstract: The present invention is a clip used in the construction of suspended ceiling grid systems for the hanging of drywall or other panels. The clip provides a versatile means of joining two suspended grid beams at points of transition in the ceiling surface in many different intersecting orientations, thus eliminating the need for a different means of joining in each situation.

Abstract: An adjustable reveal is set forth for use in wall construction. In a framed wall, a first and second panel are positioned on the wall to define parallel edges. The spacing between the edges is adjusted so that a sight area is seen between them. A back panel parallel to the two edges is positioned adjacent to the frame and supports an integrally made extending J-shaped slot which is adapted to clasp around and along the edge on one of said panels. A movable J-shaped slot encloses the other edge, thereby defining the visible site area between the two edges. The back panel is integral with one of the J-shaped slots, and the other is preferably positioned in front of the back panel.

Abstract: An elongated flooring member includes an array of pyramid-shaped tread members to form an anti-skid surface. Longitudinally extending features of the flooring member are formed by an extrusion process which is followed by an embossing process to cut extruded flutes into the pyramid-shaped tread members. A first version of the flooring member includes a pair of channels extending downward from an upper web on which the tread is formed, for attachment to a substrate. A second version of the flooring member has an adhesive layer fastened under the upper web for attachment to a single plank.

Abstract: An improved banner pole structure includes a first cylindrical tube, a pole head, a second cylindrical tube, and a bias frictional assembly. The pole head is threadedly coupled to the first cylindrical tube and the first cylindrical tube is telescopically received within the second cylindrical tube. The bias functional assembly is coupled to an end of the first cylindrical tube and frictionally engages an interior wall surface of the second cylindrical tube, responsive to rotation of the first cylindrical tube relative to the second cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A structural, load bearing panel is fabricated with twin-sheets of thermoformed polymer material to provide-substantially equal bending strength about each of substantially normal polar moment axes. Parallel rows of generally rectangular depressions in the top sheet surface are fused with a corresponding row pattern of depressions in the bottom sheet surface oriented substantially 90.degree. to the top sheet rows. End walls of top sheet depressions are fused with side walls of bottom sheet depressions. Conversely, end walls of bottom sheet depressions are fused with side walls of top sheet depressions. An orthogonal matrix of interconnected gas flow channels vent substantially all void spaces between the top and bottom sheets.

Abstract: In machinery panel and mounting system therefore, a shaped panel shell is provided that includes a finished outer surface, and an inner surface that defines an interior area. A reinforcing member defining at least one recess is positioned in the interior area and attached to the inner surface of the shaped panel shell. At least one bracket adapted to be mounted on a machine surface, includes a protrusion receivable within a recess defined by the reinforcing member to support the panel on the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and packaging a photographic film has a film supply unit for unreeling and cutting off a film roll of an elongate photographic film, and supplying a sized film, a film winding unit for winding the sized film around a spool thereby to produce a roll, a cartridge production unit for crimping a cap on an end of a rounded barrel plate thereby to produce a one-end-open cartridge, an assembling unit for inserting the roll into the one-end-open cartridge and thereafter crimping a cap on an opposite open end of the one-end-open cartridge thereby to produce a film-contained cartridge, and an encasing unit for placing the film-contained cartridge into a case and attaching a case cap to an open end of the case thereby to produce a packaged product. The film supply unit, the film winding unit, and the assembling unit are accommodated altogether in a dark chamber.

Abstract: The catches (10) of the brackets (5) which can be made inactive by the elevator when the elevator is in the low position are designed to interact with corresponding cams (20, 21, 22) of different angular extents, keyed to a shaft (17) which is driven by a motor (22) whose speed and phase are electronically controlled and which is supported rotatably by the base of the machine. When a product is fed onto the elevator and its dimensions are measured by known means which then determine the travel of the film unwinding gripper in the packaging station, if necessary the cam shaft is made to rotate through a distance capable of causing the oscillation of the catches of the brackets which are to be disengaged, so that when the elevator rises the unnecessary brackets are already disengaged and oscillate slowly downwards.

Abstract: A method and a support for supporting a package in a steam sterilizer, featuring support members configured and positioned to support only at least a portion of at least two opposed side edges, but not a side face, of the package. A diamond shape is particularly preferred for the support members as, when rotated at an angle, its facets provide line contact with appropriate side edges of the package.

Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging a first gas contained in a sealed container for a second gas. The apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber for receiving the container and for maintaining a controlled pressure about the container, a gas exchange head for exchanging gas in the container while maintaining a seal between the container and the chamber, and a vacuum source coupled to the gas exchange head and to the vacuum chamber for evacuating the first gas from the container and air from the chamber. The apparatus further has a gas source for supplying the second gas, the gas source being coupled to the gas exchange head for supplying the second gas to the container, and a sensor for monitoring the pressure in the container during gas exchange.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing a row of vertically arranged, wrapped disposable articles, by pushing on three sides of a six-sided row of the articles, while confining the other 3 sides of the row with a confining surface. One of those confining surfaces, a gate, is movable into and out of its confining position, and prevents blow-out of the middle portion of the row that otherwise occurs in the absence of the gate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing covers to protect picture frame corners from damage during shipment utilizes thin cardboard preforms having symmetric, left and right-side, right-triangular cover flaps joined at vertical sides thereof to opposite vertical sides of a vertically elongated, rectangular spine flap, the left-hand triangular cover flap having depending downwardly from its base a horizontally elongated rectangular side cover flap, and depending downwardly from the lower lateral edge of the side cover flap a trapezoidally-shaped securement flap. The preform is positioned below a picture frame corner, with intersecting side members of the frame vertically aligned with the sides of the left-hand right-triangular cover flap, which serves as a lower face cover flap.

Abstract: An apparatus for enrobing tablets in a gelatin layer includes a pair of die assemblies with each assembly including a rotatable, cylindrical die support and a series of die blocks mounted on this support for movement along a circular path. Each block has recesses formed in a top surface thereof and each recess of one assembly cooperates with a similar recess in the other assembly to form a cavity at a nip formed by the two assemblies. Each cavity is dimensioned to receive loosely therein one of the tablets. Two casting drums deliver gelatin strips to the die assemblies and each strip is pulled by one assembly into the nip. A time tablet dispensing mechanism is used to dispense tablets onto one of the strips at a feeding location. The preferred die blocks are made of hard plastics material. The tablet dispensing mechanism employs vacuum applying members operatively connected to a vacuum source and air cylinder transfer mechanisms for moving these members from a tablet pick-up position to the feeding location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tape tightening mechanism for an automatic packer including a conventionally structured tension arm and a rail having an upper end pivotally connected to a top rear end of the tension arm and a lower end leading to an upper end of a tape-feeding channel, so that a tape for packing can be fed from the tape-feeding channel to a tape-operating unit of the packer via the rail and the tension arm. A vertical section extends downward from the lower end of the rail and forms a stop wall to a top rear side of the tape-feeding channel. When the tension arm is swung backward to tighten the tape around a package, the rail connected thereto is pushed to move backward, causing the vertical section to separate from the top rear end of the tape-feeding channel to provide a widened path between them for the tape to pass therethrough and enter the rail without becoming bent.

Abstract: An electric working machine having an electric motor and batteries for providing power to the motor is provided. Power for charging the batteries is provided to the working machine through a connector. A key member is provided which comprises a key body having one end for insertion into and removal from a switch, and an operation portion which is integrally or removably provided at the other end of the key body extending sideways from the key body. The connector is positioned to the side of the switch at a location where it is covered by the operating portion of the key member at a turned position of the key member when the switch is in a first state, such that the connection of the connector with an external power source is made impossible.