Abstract: A plate material 1 and piezoelectric ceramics 2 are bonded together through an alloy layer 3 formed by an alloy forming reaction due to the mutual diffusion phenomena between a liquid metal including at least galium and the plate material 1 or the piezoelectric ceramics 2, or the mutual diffusion phenomena between the liquid metal and metal powder. The alloy layer 3 may include at least one or more of indium, tin and zinc and at least one or more of copper, silver, gold, and palladium. Further, a metal may be provided on at least one of the bonded surfaces of the plate material 1 and the piezoelectric ceramics 2. This metal may include one or more of copper, silver, gold, tin and palladum. In addition, a metal layer may be formed on the bonded surface 1a side of the plate material 1. Still further, an amorphous layer may be formed on at least one of the parts between the plate material 1 and the alloy layer 3, and between the piezoelectric ceramics 2 and the alloy layer 3.

Abstract: A hand-held blind rivet riveting tool includes a housing and a drawing element mounted within the housing. The drawing element is movable in a drawing direction relative to the housing. A first grip lever is pivotable about a first pivot point relative to the housing. A second grip lever is connected to the housing. A connecting rod mechanism is disposed between the first grip lever and the drawing element. The connecting rod mechanism has a variable transmission ratio.

Abstract: A tool fittable to a spindle of a machine for assembling motor reducers; the machine assembling a pinion onto a shaft of the motor reducer by exerting compression, force from the spindle, to force the pinion onto the shaft and form an interference fit. The tool has a tubular body with a cavity for housing the pinion; and a number of lock devices housed inside the tubular body, each having a movable stop member which projects inside the cavity and against which rests a shoulder of the pinion to directly transmit the compression exerted by the spindle to the pinion downstream from the shoulder which separates the toothed end portion of the pinion from the rest of the pinion.

Abstract: A method of inserting a threaded fastener having a threaded portion into a fastening element having a threaded recess. The method includes the steps of positioning the threaded portion of the threaded fastener at an entry point of the threaded recess and rotating the threaded fastener in a counterclockwise direction causing the thread on the threaded portion to ride up the thread within the recess. The counterclockwise rotation is continued until a termination point of the thread on the threaded portion has passed a termination point of the thread within the recess, detection of such passing is determined by axial movement of the threaded fastener into the recess.

Abstract: A laundering implement is provided for cleaning an external surface of a vehicle. A plurality of spacers are supportable with respect to a path of travel for a vehicle to be cleaned and are arranged in first and second stacked or sandwiched groups of spacers for oscillating or rotating movement about a common axis of rotation or axial shifting oscillation along a common axis. Each spacer in a group moves in unison with adjacent stacked spacers of the same group. Each spacer has opposite complimentary faces matable with an opposing face of an adjacent spacer. A plurality of cloth elements are interposed between adjacent stacked spacers for movement in concert therewith. At least a portion of a cloth cleaning element is interposed between adjacent spacers. The interposed portion of the element is anchored on an anchoring pin extending between the adjacent spacers, and the cleaning element and adjacent spacers are compressively sandwiched toward one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a zipper for a reclosable thermoplastic bag having opposing rib and groove profiles wherein at least one of the opposing zipper profiles has an longitudinally extending part interlockable and substantially free of interdigitation with the opposing profile and wherein the part is structurally discontinuous along its length. When the rib and groove profiles are interlocked, an audible clicking sound and/or a vibratory or bumpy feel perceptible to the touch is imparted. Further disclosed is a process and apparatus for making the zipper wherein a zipper profile is extruded and indentions are formed within and along it.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed abut the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped wherein the sheet is held about the pot by the crimped portion.

Abstract: A master mold suitable for use in the manufacture of retroreflective sheeting is disclosed. The master mold comprises an array of cube corner elements formed by two intersecting groove sets. The cube comer elements comprise a tetragonal base, three tetragonal optical faces that mutually intersect at a point to define a cube corner apex, and two non-optical faces. Also disclosed is a method for making a master mold suitable in the manufacture of retroreflective sheeting is disclosed. A first groove set including a plurality of parallel grooves is formed in the working surface of a suitable substrate. Each groove in the first groove set forms a first optical surface and a second non-optical surface. Adjacent grooves in the first groove set are separated by a distance sufficient to define therebetween a structure defined by a first optical surface on one side, a top surface, and a first non-optical surface opposite the first optical surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a table operating device for a machine tool having a table on which a work is mounted and a table lifting means for supporting the table and for vertically moving the table. The table operating device according to this invention has a vertically extended clamping member disposed underneath the table, a first reference plane provided on a side to the clamping member for positioning the table in a first direction on a horizontal plane; a second reference plane provided on a side to the clamping member for positioning the table in a second direction on the horizontal plane; a first pressing member for pressing the clamping member to the first reference plane; and a second pressing member for pressing the clamping member to the second reference plane.

Abstract: A connection pin handling device has first and second sleeves mounted on a common axis and having corresponding first and second inlets disposed respectively at first and second opposite sides of the device, each inlet alignable with a selected connection pin on the corresponding side of the device. First and second push rods are slidably mounted for movement along the common axis in the first and second sleeves, respectively, to engage, by a selected one of the first and second push rods, a selected, aligned connection pin disposed at the respective, corresponding side of the connection pin handling device. A spring is disposed between the first and second push rods and exerts an insertion force on the selected push rod which applies a force to, and moves, the selected connection pin engaged thereby for performing an insertion or an extraction operation thereon.

Abstract: A new tooling for use in a progressive die machine for the installation of self-clinching fasteners onto a sheet of material is provided. It is a complete tool easily mounted into the die during its construction and easily removed for service. Its compact size provides a minimal space between working stations on the die, and its height and stroke are minimized so as not to interfere with other operations on the die. It may be easily configured to allow for insertion of fasteners from either the top or the bottom, and is capable of correctly providing a fastener for insertion upon every cycle of the press. This is accomplished by use of a special bisected bushing which securely holds and positions each fastener in place prior to and during insertion. A replaceable force-limiting material is incorporated in the tooling above the anvil in order not to disrupt the progressive die press should fasteners or materials of excessive thickness be encountered.

Abstract: A method for marking poor quality printed circuit board units of a printed circuit board strip for ball grid array semiconductor packages wherein at least one degradation-indicating hole is at least partially formed in a poor quality printed circuit board unit of the strip at a region defined between an outer edge of the resin seal molding region of the unit and a cutting line formed on the printed circuit board strip to separate the unit from the strip. Even when a plurality of printed circuit board strips are packed in a vacuum under the condition in which they are stacked, there is no phenomenon that those strips in the pack are permanently deformed, for example, permanently bent. Also, there is no phenomenon that melt resin is leaked from the mold, thereby causing it to be bled out onto the upper surface of the printed circuit board strip. Since no paint is used to mark poor quality printed circuit board units, there is no problem associated with the use of the paint such as a contamination.

Abstract: A method of making a low inductance conductive via in a laminated substrate by providing a first conductive layer. A first dielectric layer is formed on the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed on the first dielectric layer. A first conductive path is formed in the first conductive layer extending along a first route between a first node and a second node. A first conductive blind-via is connected to the first conductive path at the second node, with the first-blind via being formed in the first dielectric layer at the second node. Lastly, a second conductive path is formed in the second conductive layer that is connected to the first blind via. The second conductive path extends between a third node and the first blind via along a second route. The second route corresponds identically to at least a portion of the first route.

Abstract: A wire connecting structure for connecting covered wires to terminals is provided. The wire connecting structure includes a connector housing body having grooves and a cover body having projections for engagement with the grooves. In arrangement, the terminals are accommodated in the grooves and the covered wires are disposed on the terminals, respectively. The connector housing body has engagement projections formed on opposing sidewalls, while the cover body has engagement holes formed on opposing sidewalls, for engagement with the engagement projections. Owing to the provision of the engagement projections and holes, the connector housing body is detachably united with the cover body on condition that the wires are electrically connected with the terminals. Therefore, it is possible for an operator to dissolve the structure and watch the inside even after the connecting structure is completed.

Abstract: Both ends of a plurality of parallel electrical wires are respectively connected to the connectors with pressure by a pressure-connecting and wiring machine into which the plurality of electrical wires are introduced, and the thus introduced electrical wires are sent to the electrical wire pressure-connecting section via the electrical wire cutting section. At this time, the connectors are successively fed to the electrical wire pressure-connecting section of the pressure-connecting and wiring machine in the direction parallel with the arrangement of the pressure terminals. After the electrical wires have been connected to the connector with pressure, the pressure-connected electrical wires of a predetermined length are drawn out from the pressure-connecting and wiring machine. Then the pressure-connecting and wiring machine is turned round the vertical axis by an angle of 180.degree., and the electrical wires, which have been drawn out before, are connected to the other connector with pressure and cut.

Abstract: An insulation displacement terminal of a high quality and high performance can be produced by designing the terminal in accordance with data measurement under a condition similar to an actual insulation displacement connection. An extent of insertion of an insulation sheath electric cable 6, a distance between a pair of metal blocks 11 and 12 spaced in parallel to each other, and a reaction force and a contact resistance acting between the cable 6 and the spaced metal blocks 11, 12 are measured, respectively, while inserting the cable 6 into a gap between the metal blocks 11 and 12 having a tapered portion on an end of each block. Then, an extent of insertion of the cable .DELTA.2, a gap distance WS2, a reaction force F2, and a contact resistance R2 after completing the insertion are obtained and at the same time an occurrence of broken wires in the cable is judged. These steps are repeated while changing an initial gap WS between the metal blocks 11 and 12.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an insulation displacement contact dimple comprising the steps of. (a) positioning a metal element between a first concave upper die and a first convex lower die having a radius to form a dimple shape in the medial element; (b) positioning the dimple shaped metal element formed in step (a) between a second concave upper die and second convex lower die having a radius smaller than the radius of the first convex lower die to reform the dimple shaped metal element formed in step (a); and (c) positioning the dimple shaped metal element formed in step (b) between a third concave upper die and a third convex lower die having a radius larger than the radius of the second convex lower die. A contact dimple manufactured by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a power generation system having a coal-fired steam boiler, a steam turbine system, and a condenser comprising installing a hydrogen-fired combustion system therein having the step of replacing the coal-fired steam boiler with a hydrogen-fired combustion system such that a steam flow generated by the hydrogen-fired combustion system is directed to the steam turbine system. Another method of retrofitting a power generation system has the steps of installing a hydrogen-fired combustion system to receive the steam flow, a hydrogen stream, and an oxygen stream, and to produce a super-heated steam flow therefrom; and installing a new steam turbine system capable of receiving and expanding said super-heated steam flow and directing said expanded super-heated steam flow to at least a portion of said original steam turbine system.

Abstract: Present combustion liners are used to form combustors in which fuel and air are burned and heat energy is directed to a turbine. The construction of the present combustion liners reduces manufacturing cost by reducing assembly time and processing time. An inner and outer liner portion is formed from a single sheet into a generally cylindrical tube. The tube is formed, by a spin forming operation to include a plurality of generally axial portions being interconnected by a plurality of transition portions. The transition portions have a plurality of openings therein to be used for cooling the combustion liner portions. The transition portions also act as stiffeners to support the generally cylindrical configuration of the tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns apparatus for forming collars in workpieces, where said apparatus comprises a bending former having an inner forming segment (16) and an outer forming segment (12) receiving a workpiece (96), further a plunger (24) for drawing through the bending former and an actuator (50) for the plunger. The actuator (50) comprises a draw bar (62) driven by a drive means (28) and fitted with a system (52) automatically receiving, locking and unlocking the plunger (24).

Abstract: The invention is a hand-held self defense weapon having a protected stabbing point. The stabbing point is covered by a retractable cover. The cover may be slidably retracted into a body cavity by the pressure of the contacting object on a cover thrusting surface. The stabbing point, which is rigid to a grippable handle, is exposed by the retracting cover. An alarm is switched internally by the motion of the cover, eliminating manually switching by the user during emergencies. After use, the stabbing point is retained in a point guide which also acts to retain body tissue captured from the body penetrated. The configuration and dimensions of the weapon are such as to be comfortably carried in a person's hand and naturally employed in natural self-defense actions.

Abstract: An in-line oscillating cam assembly which includes a housing, a cam shaft having a longitudinal axis, and a pair of eccentric drive cams longitudinally spaced apart from each other and mounted on the cam shaft eccentrically out of phase. The pair of drive cams have opposed circumferential chamfered surfaces oriented at an inclined angle relative a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cam shaft. The cam shaft is supported upon the housing and is also rotatable about the longitudinal axis. Further included in the assembly is a follower shaft spaced apart from and parallel to the drive shaft, and a cam follower longitudinally fixed to the follower shaft and extending between the pair of drive cams. The cam follower has a pair of opposed frustoconical follower-surfaces engaging the chamfered surfaces of the pair of drive cams. Thus, rotating one of the cam shaft and follower shaft causes the other one of the cam shaft and follower shaft to axially oscillate.

Abstract: An improved stylus assembly for replacing state of the art compressed air powered scribing tools, said stylus stem and point being monolithic and capable of operation indefinitely without failure of the stem, requiring only infrequent sharpening of the scribing tip.

Abstract: A new tracing system for tracing complex profile shapes. The inventive device includes a right triangular base comprising a vertical side portion and a horizontal base portion. A diagonal connecting brace extends between the vertical side portion and the horizontal base portion. An elongated guide bar is secured to the vertical side portion of the right triangular base. A spring-loaded marker holder is coupled with an open lower end of the elongated guide bar. A marker is secured to the spring-loaded marker holder.

Abstract: A trailer trammel is provided including a pair of feet assemblies for being rested on a recipient surface. Also included is a trammel releasably connected between the feet assemblies whereby a toe-in of wheels of a vehicle may be determined. During use, the trammel is removable from the feet assemblies for checking a center-to-center axle alignment of the wheels.

Abstract: A borehole survey is conducted at a drilling site S by a so-called Interpolated In-Field Referencing (IIFR) method in which: (a) absolute local geomagnetic field data is obtained by spot measurement of the earth's magnetic field at a local measurement site R which is sufficiently close to the drilling site S that the measurement data is indicative of the earth's magnetic field at the drilling site S but which is sufficiently remote from the drilling site S that the measurement data is unaffected by magnetic interference from the drilling site and other man-made installations; (b) time-varying geomagnetic field data is obtained by combining the absolute local geomagnetic field data with data indicative of variation of the geomagnetic field with respect to time obtained by monitoring variation of the earth's magnetic field with respect to time at a remote monitoring site P1, P2; (c) downhole magnetic field data is obtained by monitoring by means of a surveying instrument the magnetic field in the vicinity of th

Abstract: The tool of this invention comprises a collar which may be attached to a pivot rod extending from the underside of the upper pivot assembly of a swinging or revolving door, the collar having a recess in the top surface of the collar for receiving the upper pivot rod, said recess being dimensioned to snugly fit the pivot rod without substantial lateral movement of the collar, so as to align the central vertical axes of the collar and upper pivot rod, the bottom of the recess having a central aperture, a means for rigidly but removably attaching the collar to the pivot rod, and means associated with the collar for generating a marker in vertical alignment with the central aperture in the bottom of the recess to thereby designate the center point of the bottom pivot.

Abstract: A mechanism capable of achieving an arbitrarily specified spatial compliant behavior is presented. The mechanism is a parallel connection of multiple individual elastic components that connect a support body to a single compliantly floated body. Each elastic component is, in itself, a low friction 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) mechanism that provides compliant constraint along and/or about a single axis. The elastic components are of three functional types: 1) a "line spring" which resists only translation along its axis, 2) a "torsional spring" which resists only rotation about its axis, and 3) a "screw spring" which resists a specified combination of translation along and rotation about its axis. Through proper selection of the connection geometry, spring constant, and functional type of each elastic component, a spatial compliant mechanism capable of passive force guidance is realized.

Abstract: The instrument comprises two rigid yokes 1 and 2 capable of sliding one with respect to the other in the direction of the clearances to be measured between two components (R, 5) and 8. First of all, using an operating member 3, enough force to bring the ball R against the stop b1 of its socket is exerted on the component 5 by means of a spring 10. The comparator 9 is zeroed. Enough force is then exerted on the component 5 to bring the ball R to rest on the opposite stop b2 of its socket, this being done using an operating member 4 that acts in the opposite sense, the clevis mount 8 still being held between two resting faces 6, 7 of the yokes 1, 2. The clearance of the ball R in its socket is then read directly off the comparator 9. Application to measuring clearances in ball joints.

Abstract: A method of drying a fiber web in a paper-making machine includes the step of providing a heated dryer roll which carries the fiber web. The dryer roll has a shell consisting essentially of compacted graphite cast iron. The dryer roll is rotated such that the dryer roll has a peripheral speed which is greater than approximately 6000 feet per minute.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing Parylene AF dimer powder includes a vaporizer having a housing, a cooling coil surrounding the housing and an isolation valve coupled to an outlet end of the housing. During use, the vaporizer and a valve and manifold assembly coupled to the vaporizer are heated by an oven. The Parylene AF dimer powder inside of the vaporizer is initially maintained below its sublimation temperature by flowing a cooling fluid through the cooling coil while the oven heats up. After the oven and valve and manifold assembly reach the operating temperature, the cooling fluid flow is decreased and correspondingly the vaporizer temperature increased thus producing Parylene AF4 dimer vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a cellulosic fibrous structure. The apparatus comprises a micropore medium having pores therethrough. The pores are the limiting orifice in the air flow used in the drying process. The micropore medium has a relatively low wet pressure drop therethrough. This relatively low wet pressure drop advantageously reduces the energy costs used in drying, and/or allows for greater drying to be obtained at constant energy costs.

Abstract: A nozzle, for use with a power air blower or the like, to direct a high velocity sheet of air onto a surface, such as that of a motor vehicle's body, in order to displace water or other loose matter from the surface. The nozzle includes a longitudinal air outlet gap which produces a high velocity sheet of air to be directed by the operator onto a surface, in order to displace water or other loose matter therefrom.

Abstract: A slippage-resistant sandal includes a sole, a heel strap, and a main strap. The heel strap is non-adjustably and fixedly secured to the sole. It extends rearwardly to form a loop for engaging the wearer's heel. One end of the main strap is secured to the forward portion of the sole. The other end is adjustably and releasably secured with securing means to accommodate different size and shape feet. The main strap extends through a channel in the sole to form a forward loop for engaging a forward portion of a wearer's foot and an ankle loop for engaging the wearer's ankle. The ankle loop is interconnected to the heel strap.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper, a sole and an adjustable heel assembly including a first heel member connected to the sole at a rear portion thereof and a second heel member arranged at least partially within the first heel member. The second heel member is movable relative to the first member between a first position in which the first and second heel members provide the heel with a first height and a second position in which the first and second heel members provide the heel with a second height greater than the first height. In the first position of the second heel member, the second heel member is arranged partially within the first heel member whereas in the second position of the second heel member, the second heel member is arranged below the first heel member.

Abstract: A shoe insole is composed of a toe portion, a sole portion and a heel portion. The insole has a thickness of 2 mm or more. The toe portion and the sole portion have a hardness value ranging between 20 and 45 degrees in the Asker Type C, whereas the heel portion has a hardness value ranging between 30 and 50 degrees in the Asker Type C. The hardness values of the toe portion, the sole portion and the heel portion are decreased by at least 5 degrees for an increase in the thickness of the insole by 1 mm.

Abstract: A shoe assembly is described which is designed and constructed to permit and enhance the normal action of a human foot received in the shoe assembly during a stride and while standing. Among other things, the assembly includes a heel shaped to approximate the lower and rear shape of the calcaneum bone of the human foot, and separate relative moveable pads underlying the lateral arch and various contact points in the forefoot area of the human foot. Also, the thickness of the heel area is substantially the same as the thickness of the toe area, thereby to maintain the skeletal and muscular structure of the body above the foot in its natural position.

Abstract: A boot comprising a supple upper (1) in the form of a bootie, a brace (2) in the form of a cradle having a triangular structure (14) in the malleolar region, such that a rear bearing surface (8) and a front bearing surface (10) are formed to receive the binding elements. The brace has a partially perforated sole and perforated lateral parts. It is immovably fixed to the supple upper by a plastic material (20) injected around the brace and traversing the perforated portions mentioned above. Such a boot combines comfort and lightness with good control of the foot and a secure fixing of the boot in the ski binding.

Abstract: A spike for a sole is provided with a pin and a receiving portion for receiving a rear end portion of the pin, an elastic member is provided between the rear end portion of the pin and the receiving portion, a sports shoe having elastic spikes is also provided with the sole, and the rubber spikes being arranged in combination with the elastic spikes each including the pin, the receiving portion and the elastic member.

Abstract: Cover (10) for steam iron (11) of the type having an outside tank, whether incorporating a boiler or not, associated with a base (16), wherein the cover (10) is able to be associated temporarily with the base (16) in order to cover the iron (11) when the latter is not in use and defines at least a closed volume (12) to temporarily contain water (13) which can be selectively connected to the tank or boiler by an adduction device (23) which can be selectively activated when a predetermined minimum level of water inside the tank or boiler has been reached.

Abstract: An ear tag for marking an animal includes a first tag part and a second tag part having an accommodation opening. A pin has a conically pointed head at one end for passing through the accommodation opening, and the pin connects to the first tag part at its other end. A shank extends between the head and the first tag part. The head includes a cutting body having cutting edges extending generally away from the conical point toward the shank. The cutting body is embedded in the head with the cutting edges defining an outer surface of the head. The cutting body is harder than an embedding material of the head. Forces required to attach the ear tag are reduced by cutting action of the cutting edges.

Abstract: A new outdoor advertising sign for displaying advertising letters in a secure manner. The inventive device includes a sign portion including a wooden back portion. The wooden back portion has a metal peripheral frame secured around an outer periphery thereof. The metal peripheral frame has incremental markings on opposed side members thereof. The wooden back portion has hook and loop surface disposed on a front surface thereof. A plurality of letters are provided with each having hook and loop fasteners disposed on a rear surface thereof for mating with the hook and loop surface of the sign portion.

Abstract: A four-legged female wild game decoy for attracting like male game on the ground includes a vertical support, which may simulate a forward leg, mountable to the ground. A body is pivotally mounted to the vertical support and is appropriately biased in a substantially upright horizontal posture. The body has a rear hip portion supporting a pivotally mounted tail and a foldable rear leg suspended therefrom. A body posture adjustment mechanism is provided for raising the tail and lowering the hip portion to simulate a squatting urination posture for the game decoy.

Abstract: A bait for fishing is disclosed wherein the bait is attachable to lines of various diameters. The attachment means is integral to the elongated body of the bait made of a resilient plastic material and comprises at one end a slot with successive internal perpendicular grooves of different dimensions for receiving and maintaining the line. The bait is hollow and produces light resulting from a chemiluminescent reaction of two components originally stored in two separate compartment.

Abstract: A wind dependent jigging device for ice and dock fishing with a jigger rod (22) mounted on a bucket (20) that uses wind gusts to oscillate jigger rod (22). Wind gusts hit wind catch (42) on crank rod (26) from the rear side of wind catch (42) to cause pivot rod (28) to rotate in oscillation guides (34A) and (34B) to lift jigging arm (32) to cause hook (58) attached to fishing line (56) attached to line clip (52) on jigging arm (32) to move up and down randomly in frequency and degree depending on wind gust strength. Translational pivot guide (34D) adds another component to the up and down jigging stroke by creating a pull stroke and a bump as pivot rod (28) moves in translational pivot guide (34D). Balance weights (46A) and (46B) help balance and adjust the jigger rod (22) and create bumps that make hook (58) jump to create unique jigging action. Jigger rod (22) is detachable from bucket (20) by removing from oscillation guides (34A) and (34B) through jigger rod removal slots (36A) and (36B).

Abstract: A connection device for a segmented pole having a line and at least a first pole section (104) and second pole section (106), such as a fishing rod, for interlocking pole pieces during use and during transport including, a first connector section (26) having a first end, a second end and a side (32), a second connector section (50) which is seated on the second piece of the pole and which has a first end, a second end and a side (58), a means for securing the first end of the first section to the second end of the second section, and a means for securing the side of the first connector section (24) to the side of the second section (56). When aligning the rod for use, the side of the first section is twisted to interlock with the side of the second connector section. When the rod pieces are separated for transport and/or storage, the rod tip piece is rotated 180.degree.

Abstract: A pourable, granular paper mulch product including a granular solid comprising at least about 85% paper by weight and at least about 6% water by weight, and having a settled density of at least about 15 pounds per cubic foot is prepared by comminuting paper, mixing the comminuting paper with water to form a pulp, extruding the pulp through a die orifice, chopping the extrudate to a length of less than about 1/8 inch to form granules, and drying the granules to achieve a final moisture content of from about 6% to about 13% by weight. The granular paper mulch product exhibits excellent flow characteristics, and can be easily applied to a damaged area of lawn such as by pouring the patch composition directly from a box.

Abstract: The instant invention is a lawn and garden edging system which provides for a border device positionable adjacent walks and plant beds with provisions for the attachment of watering and lighting components. An insertion structure is provided which is inserted into the ground by use of a wooden handle placed into an aperture allowing an individual to stand on an upper end of the structure allowing the installer's weight to force the structure into the ground. The upper portion of the structure forms a passageway with apertures available for positioning watering components, electrical components may also be attached for connection to lighting products used to highlight trees, bushes or a home. A second embodiment of the invention provides a conduit for attachment to conventional extruded plastic edging dividers, the conduit provides the formation of a passageway for placement of the aforementioned watering components and electrical connections.

Abstract: A one piece steel device is provided to hold landscape lumber, such as railroad timbers and the like, in fixed proper relationship. The body is triangular in shape, to be driven into the ground by the point of the triangle. The opposite end extends in two flanges which are separated by a support shelf. The support shelf and the center line of the triangular body may be bent through any angle, the support shelf preferably comprising two pieces meeting at the center line extending outwardly from the base of the triangular portion. The triangular body is driven into earth, after bending the article along its center line to the angle two adjacent pieces are desired to be held at. Each timber piece is secured to one of the flanges by driving retaining members through holes provided in the flanges in or through the lumber.

Abstract: An anchor comprising a curved picket is provided. The picket has a first end and a second end and an attachment element, for receiving a trainer, positioned proximate to the first end of the picket. The second end of the curved picket is penetrable into a surface of a soil or other penetrable substance, in a manner that anchors the picket. The picket penetrates the root system of the plant. The root system provides additional anchoring support for the picket and the attached trainer. A trainer is attached near the first end of the picket and a plant is trained to grow along the trainer. The anchor is a simple and inexpensive device that firmly anchors a trainer near the ground while preventing the trainer from directly contacting the ground. The anchor is more resistant to winds and erosion when compared to conventional anchors. The tension on the trainer is adjustable after the anchor is set into the soil.