Abstract: Micromotors are fabricated with utilitarian features on their rotors. In some embodiments, the features are formed by the molded addition of material on top of a rotor surface. In other embodiments, the features are formed by the provision of an additional layer on top of the rotor, and the selective removal of material therefrom. In yet other embodiments, the features are defined by the selective removal of material from the rotor itself. The disclosure is particularly illustrated with reference to the fabrication of a polygon (nickel) mirror on a polysilicon, electrostatic micromotor rotor for use in scanning applications. However, the principles of the invention can likewise be applied to fabrication of a variety of other features, such as optical gratings, shutters, mechanical actuators, pump impellers and fins, and to a variety of different micromotor constructions.

Abstract: In a binding (19) for winding overhangs (20) of rotors (1) of electric machines, essentially comprising a plastic matrix with fibrous material embedded therein, the binding (19) is formed by winding a fiber tape (15) onto the winding overhang (20). The plastic matrix is composed of a thermoplastic. Furthermore, a method is described for applying the fiber tape to the winding overhang of an electric machine.

Abstract: An inductive write head has a pole tip region between an air bearing surface (ABS) and a flare point, and a yoke region located between the flare point and a back gap. The write head includes first and second pole piece layers, wherein the second pole piece layer has first and second components. The first component extends from an ABS end, which is located at the ABS, to a recessed end which is located in the yoke region. The second component extends from a recessed end, which is spaced from the ABS, to the back gap. The second component interfaces with the first component in a stitched region so that the first component defines a pole tip in the pole tip region and the second component defines a yoke in the yoke region. A first insulation layer extends from a recessed end, which is spaced from the ABS, into the yoke region. The recessed end of the first insulation layer defines a zero throat height. The first component is sandwiched between the first insulation layer and the second component.

Abstract: An inserting device for automated assembling of cone half-bits on the stem of a valve of an internal combustion engine, has an inner chamber at one end which is isolated from outside due to the engagement of the inserting device on the end of the valve when this device carries out the assembling of the cone half-bits. Immediately after assembling, pressurized air is introduced into this chamber and a check is carried out on whether there are any pressure losses in this chamber caused by air leakages due to improper assembling of the cone half-bits.

Abstract: A tool to facilitate latching of an electrical connector to a mating electrical connector comprises a main shaft and a tool head extending at an angle from the main shaft. The tool head includes a wedge which is insertable between a housing and a latch arm of the electrical connector, wherein the wedge can be urged forwardly to facilitate the latching of the electrical connector to the mating electrical connector.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus, kit and method of making roller chain of different pitch are disclosed. The apparatus and kit include a main drive mechanism rotatable about its central longitudinal axis and a plurality of assembly stations. Each assembly station has a movable assembly mechanism to act on a workpiece and a drive train to move the assembly mechanism in response to rotation of the main drive mechanism. Each assembly station has a drive shaft substantially perpendicular to the main drive mechanism axis. One of the assembly stations is movable in a direction parallel to the main drive mechanism axis between a plurality of positions to vary the distance between the assembly stations without disconnecting the connection between the drive train and the main drive mechanism. Each assembly station has a locator unit for moving a workpiece. The locator units have workpiece supports to provide a continuous path between assembly stations.

Abstract: A multilayer circuit board or laminated circuit board includes an insulated mounting area for a surface mount package. The mounting area is provided in a recess or portion of the circuit board where the circuit board is only a single layer thick. The insulated mounting area is provided in a blind via in the multilayer circuit board. The insulating medium associated with the single layer provides a heat conductive yet highly electrically insulative mounting area for a heat sink. The heat sink may be mounted on a side opposite the electrical device. The heat sink may be a standard heat sink or a copper coil directly soldered to the circuit board. The heat sink mounting advantageously eliminates the need for bolts, nuts, brackets, and an additional insulating layer necessary to insulate power semiconductor components.

Abstract: Interconnection elements for electronic components, exhibiting desirable mechanical characteristics (such as resiliency, for making pressure contacts) are formed by shaping an elongate element (core) of a soft material (such as gold) to have a springable shape (including cantilever beam, S-shape, U-shape), and overcoating the shaped elongate element with a hard material (such as nickel and its alloys), to impart a desired spring (resilient) characteristic to the resulting composite interconnection element. A final overcoat of a material having superior electrical qualities (e.g., electrical conductivity and/or solderability) may be applied to the composite interconnection element. The elongate element may be formed from a wire, or from a sheet (e.g., metal foil).

Abstract: A method for mounting a cooling assembly for use in a motor vehicle, with the cooling system including a radiator assembly, a charge air cooler, and a condenser. The radiator assembly is mounted to a chassis of the motor vehicle, the charge air cooler is mounted to the radiator assembly, and the condenser is mounted to the charge air cooler so as to dispose the radiator assembly, charge air cooler and condenser in series flow relationship with one another. The radiator assembly includes a frame having two generally U-shaped portions, and a radiator, or heat exchanger, disposed within and mounted to the frame. A first lateral end portion of the radiator is rigidly attached to one of the U-shaped portions of the frame. The opposite lateral end portion of the radiator is resiliently mounted to the other U-shaped portion of the frame, which is accomplished by coupling a pair of leaf springs to the radiator and the frame.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine component assembly including piston, wrist pin, and cylinder sleeve, all constructed of a matching carbon--carbon composite is disclosed. The piston is a two-piece assembly divided in crown and skirt, each fabricated individually to optimize the most desirable properties in the respective cylinder areas in which they operate. The crown is fabricated by placing the fiber and binder into a compression mold and pyrolizing(heating) the resulting preform at a high temperature in the range of 1500 to 2000 degrees C. to achieve high temperature strength, and high thermal conductivity that continue after machining to the finished crown part. The skirt, a separate piece, on the other hand is fabricated differently to seek higher lubricity and better wear resistance along the cylinder wall with lower thermal conductivity to minimize heat loss.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a turbine comprising a plurality of blades disposed between two end plates and defining flow passages between an inner ring and an outer ring. The turbine is formed by first and second parts, each part made as a single one-piece part out of thermostructural composite material. The first part forms both a first end plate and the blades, and the second part forms the second end plate that is applied against the blades of the first part. The first part and the second part are preferably assembled to each other solely by being clamped together via their central portions.

Abstract: An oil cooler mounting structure includes: a heat exchanger tank main body that is made of aluminum and has an oil cooler mounting hole in a wall surface thereof; an oil cooler that is made of aluminum, has an insertion hole for an oil introducing/discharging pipe formed in a seat portion, and is mounted inside the heat exchanger tank with a plurality of projecting pieces erected around the circumference of the insertion hole; a patch that is made of an aluminum-containing brazing filler metal and is arranged on the outer circumference of the projecting pieces of the oil cooler; and the oil introducing/discharging pipe that is inserted into the insertion hole formed in the seat portion of the oil cooler.

Abstract: A method of making a number of adjacent ducts with a required duct side and duct spacing in a duct plate for an inkjet print-head. The method includes the steps of pressing a non-rotating toothed bit from a starting position into the duct plate, moving the bit and the duct plate relatively to one another in such manner that a first groove is cut in the duct plate and returning the bit and/or duct plate to the starting position. The bit is then moved relatively to the duct in a direction of the first groove in such a manner that a subsequent tooth of the bit situated next to the first tooth comes to lie just above the first groove. These steps are then repeated in such manner that the depth of the grooves correspond to the required duct depth.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite flywheel for energy storage has a plurality of disks in the form of a coil produced of continuous hoop and radial fibers, each disk having a mix of fiber types in the hoop direction, relatively strong fibers disposed about an inner section of the disk, an intermediate section of the disk comprised of relatively strong and relatively lower strength fibers, and an outer portion having a mix of fibers fewer relatively strong fibers. A fiber reinforced composite flywheel, alternatively or in addition, has a higher volume of radial fibers disposed about the intermediate section of the disk, to increase radial strength in a banded area of the disk subject to increased radial stress. Preferably, the disk is composed with a 3-dimensional orthogonal weave architecture which allows the fibers to shear during weaving to provide minimum distortion of the spiral woven disk.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel with a roll-formed rim has an interior rim section and axially spaced first and second beadseat sections. A disc is attached at its skirt flange to the first beadseat section. The first beadseat section has radially outward and radially inward surfaces, both angled radially outward from the wheel axis for example at a fifteen degree angle. A roll-formed groove is formed in the radially inward surface of the first beadseat section, the groove having an inwardly facing cylindrical first surface. The skirt flange has an outwardly facing cylindrical first surface, which engages and is press-fit with the groove cylindrical first surface. The skirt flange and rim are then welded. The groove has a second frusto-conical surface adjacent the groove cylindrical surface. The skirt flange may have a second frusto-conical surface to mate with the groove second frusto-conical surface.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for fabricating wing panels from a plurality of elongated wing planks attached together with splice stringers along adjacent longitudinal edges and stiffened with stringers parallel to each other and to the splice stringers includes a fixture having a series of headers on which the planks can be assembled and held at the desired curvature with attachment devices for holding the planks as assembled on the fixture. An elevator supports the fixture in an elongated pit for precise adjustment in a generally vertical direction of the fixture and the assembled wing planks. A stringer positioning device is mounted along one longitudinal edge of the pit for positioning a stringer loaded thereon against the assembled wing planks accurately in accordance with the wing design. A downwardly opening yoke having two arms depending from a top cross member is suspended over the pit on a support structure.

Abstract: A multi-void structural member is alterable to form separate yet integral strut members extending from the original member. The defined voids are joined by webs which are removed from any or all of the defined voids to form the integral strut members of a desired configuration. The defined voids may be joined to others or separated to an individual extending strut. The multi-void member or any of the integral strut members formed therefrom are formed to a desired configuration by conventional methods to provide an integral structural member of a desired configuration.

Abstract: A shaving system includes a replaceable shaving cartridge and a shaving razor handle. The replaceable shaving cartridge has a housing carrying blades, a guard, a cap, and a camming surface. The cartridge includes an interconnect member having a pivotal support structure that pivotally supports the housing and a base structure adapted to be removably and fixedly attached to the handle. A shaving razor handle has an elongated hand gripping structure and a cartridge support structure extending from an end of the hand gripping structure. The cartridge support structure has an extension with outer side surfaces that mate with inwardly directed surfaces of a recess on the cartridge and an end surface with an opening. The extension has an asymmetrical shape to ensure proper orientation. A spring-biased plunger is retained in the cartridge support structure and extends through the opening of the cartridge support structure.

Abstract: A device for longitudinally cutting tubing is comprised of a block presenting an engaging surface for receiving tubing, blades and protective guards both coupled to the block and both extending beyond the engaging surface, and a handle coupled to the block. When cutting tubing, the device receives the tubing so that each of the blades cuts at an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the tangent line of the tubing at the point where each contacts the tubing. This device may be used in a method for cutting tubing comprised of securing a section of tubing, receiving the tubing with the engaging surface of the device, contacting an end of the tubing with at least one blade wherein the blade is positioned at an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the tangent line of the tubing at the point where the blade contacts the tubing, and cutting the tubing by pulling the block longitudinally along the tubing.

Abstract: A ring razor for persons having finger, hand or arm problems such as arthritis, shaking or the like whereby control of the razor motion is difficult, wherein the razor is mounted on full or partial rings which slide all the way over the fingers to their proximal ends for stability and for allowing the finger ends to be used as sensory feed-back means of hair stubble condition such that the user will know when to shave closer if desired, and to allow user of the finger tips to motionally stabilize and direct the razor strokes in a safe and efficient manner.

Abstract: A knife handle has a handle periphery when viewed in blade elevational view and has a butt end. A blade is attached to the knife handle. A bore extends through the knife handle from a first location on the handle periphery adjacent to the butt end, through an interior of the knife handle, and to a second location on the handle periphery adjacent to the butt end. The bore is preferably curved, with an included angle of the bore axis at its openings of from about 35 to about 45 degrees. A lanyard passes through the bore.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus for measuring a foot's length and width to correspond to a shoe size, utilizing digital distributed sensor arrays The apparatus is a low profile self-contained apparatus comprising a transducing medium, a microcontroller, a reference impedance element, a signal amplifier, digital distributed sensor arrays comprising vertical and horizontal traces and a display to generate and display foot sizing data. The shoe size is then calculated using a sizing algorithm with the results shown on a display which is connected to the output of the microcontroller unit.

Abstract: A post level including a pair of arms pivotally attached to each other at a hinge, each arm defining at least one level face for plumbing a surface, and at least one bubble vial mounted on at least one of the arms on a surface generally opposite to the at least one level face, wherein the arms may be swung about the hinge so as to be positioned generally parallel with each other with the at least one bubble vial being between the arms.

Abstract: A compact level having two spirit level vials visible through either planar face of a triangular body. The vials and triangular body are configured to produce angles including 0.degree., 15.degree., 30.degree., 45.degree., and 60.degree. and their 90.degree. increments. Each of the three edges of the triangle maybe grooved to aid in leveling or truing pipes or other cylindrical objects. Extending along these grooves are magnets. The magnets may be flat or grooved and are used to aid the user when working with magnetic objects.

Abstract: An air-probe structure of an air-gauge nozzle that defines an air-probe bore having an elongated, relatively small-area output tip (e.g., 0.3.times.1.3 millimeters) situated at the air-probe structure's output end. Such an air-gauge nozzle is useful in controlling the distance between the bore's output tip and a rowbar workpiece (employed in an optical microlithographic pole trimming step of the fabrication process for thin-film heads) in accordance with the air pressure measured by the air gauge. The air-probe structure's output end preferably also comprises a relatively large-area protective manifold (e.g., 6.times.7 millimeters) surrounding the elongated, relatively small-area output tip.

Abstract: An article for aligning and establishing fastening points for attachment means, such as nails, pegs and hooks, for the arrangement and hanging of pictures and picture frames, as well as for marking fastening points at either selected horizontal or vertical distances from one another for wall plates and built-in units in building construction, is disclosed. The alignment article includes at least one bubble level mounted in a frame, with a cursor having a first borehole guided along the frame. The first borehole is guided along the frame, with such first borehole lying over a slit designed in the frame and running parallel to the longitudinal edges thereto, and with at least one, further, or second, borehole situated at one of the ends of the frame. The cursor is constructed for grabbing the frame in a C-shape.

Abstract: A self-calibrating position transducer system and method uses the position transducer itself as a position reference during calibration, thus eliminating using an external reference during calibration. The transducer signals are sampled at a plurality of evenly-spaced positions within each sampled scale wavelength, using the transducer itself as a position reference. The calibration values for the DC signal offsets, the amplitudes and non-orthogonality of the fundamental signals, the amplitudes of the signal harmonic components and position offsets are then determined using Fourier analysis techniques. The transducer signals are corrected using the determined calibration values, which are in turn used to revise the stored calibration values in anticipation of the next calibration operation. The self-calibrating position transducer uses the stored calibration values to enhance its accuracy.

Abstract: The combination hair dryer cover and head shield is for use with a hood-type hair dryer and is useful for protecting the forehead, features and neck of the user from excess heat being emitting from the hair dryer. The apparatus comprises a hood cover and a head shield which are stitched together around the perimeter of a common seam. The apparatus will protect uncovered portions of the patrons' head from heat energy from the hair dryer. The shield cover and the hood cover are each made of a clear plastic material. The hood cover is secured onto the hood by an elastic band and the shield is retained onto the head of the patron by another elastic band. The hood cover can be readily separated from the head shield along perforations disposed about the perimeter of the head shield proximate to the head shield elastic band positioned about the hairline of the patron. Once separated, the hood cover is discarded, the head shield can thereafter be used as needed.

Abstract: A machine for producing a sheet, e.g., paper or cardboard, in which the machine may include a plurality of rolls having a bearing pin located at each end and a bearing device retaining each bearing pin. The bearing device may be utilized to guide the bearing pin on all sides, enabling a base of the bearing device to be arbitrary positioned at an angle 0.degree.<.alpha.<90.degree. with respect to a horizontal reference, e.g., the ground or a base surface. The plurality of rolls may include dryer cylinders and/or sheet guide rolls.

Abstract: The bulk material cooler/dryer apparatus of the present invention utilizes an oscillating spreader assembly in conjunction with a reciprocating discharge grate structure to achieve uniform distribution of in-flowing bulk material within a main processing chamber and also to achieve uniform and efficient discharge of the material from the chamber once processing is complete. This uniform distribution of bulk material within the processing chamber is accomplished via a spreader assembly which is mounted to the top of the chamber and which moves along two orthogonal axes. Motion with respect to each of the axes is facilitated by a pair of linear actuators, the actions of which are controlled so as to cause the stream of in-flowing material that is issued therefrom to oscillate in a sinusoidal type pattern when observed from a point above the spreader assembly.

Abstract: A grain drying apparatus uses the heat of an engine to aid in the evaporative process. The grain drying apparatus provides an engine 20 which is used to power a fan 40. Waste heat generated by the engine is transferred to air driven by fan 40 through air duct 70 by three principle means. Air is initially warmed by contact with the engine and its radiator prior to entering the air duct 60. An exhaust pipe 50 and catalytic converter 52, carried by the engine, extends a part of the length of the elongated air duct 70, warming the air flow within the duct by contact. A finned heat exchanger tube 60, also carried within the elongated air duct, transfers heat to the air flow within the duct. An air intake pipe transfers air under pressure into a fuel tank, where the air mixes with fuel vapors. The air and fuel vapor mix is then transferred to the exhaust pipe, where combustion takes place, thereby increasing the heat flow from the finned heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for removal of VOCs from wood products prior to drying the wood products. The method of the invention includes the steps of providing a chamber having an opening for receiving wood and loading the chamber with green wood. The wood is loaded to an extent sufficient to provide a limited headspace in the chamber. The chamber is then closed and the wood is heated in the chamber for a time and at a temperature sufficient to saturate the headspace with moisture and to substantially transfer VOCs from the wood product to the moisture in the headspace.

Abstract: A spin dryer assembly for drying workpieces such as semiconductor wafers includes a workpiece platform for receiving a workpiece to be dried. A motor is coupled to and spins the platform to effect removal of water and particulates from the workpiece. Gripping fingers are pivotally mounted around the platform and securely grip the workpiece during drying. Spring loaded plungers maintain the gripping fingers in a secured position during drying. A cam ring is vertically movable into and out of contact with the gripping fingers to bias the gripping portions of the fingers outwardly to a release position after drying.

Abstract: A system and method using landfill gas to dry wet sludge to inexpensively produce fertilizer or dry waste for disposal, while acting to conserve natural gas resources. The system and method are expected to provide dry sludge as an end product at approximately one-fifth of the cost of conventional methods.

Abstract: A drying treatment apparatus for drying cleaned semiconductor wafers comprises drying gas producing means (41) connected to a drying treating unit (30) through a drying gas supplying pipe line (32). A flowrate controlling diaphragm pump (50) is provided in an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) supplying pipe line (32) that connects an IPA tank (48) and the drying gas producing means (41). An N.sub.2 gas supply source (52) is provided for supplying nitrogen gas into the drying gas producing means (41), and a heater (44) is disposed within the drying gas producing means to produce a drying gas. As a result of this, the amount of the IPA supplied to the drying gas producing means (41) by the diaphragm pump (50) is controllable, thus enabling the concentration of the IPA contained in the drying gas to be maintained at a value within a range of from 3% to 80%, inclusive, and enabling the temperature of the drying gas to be maintained at a value within a range of from 80.degree. to 150.degree.

Abstract: A thong is composed of a sole and a strap attached to the sole for securing a foot. The sole is provided in the upper surface thereof with a breathable body made of a plurality of elastic filaments which are intertwined to form a network body having a number of gaps for driving out foul air and foot perspiration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a safety shoe having improved characteristics of flexibility, weight and style. The shoe, which is of stitch-down construction incorporates a metal toe box retainer which fits within the metal toe box and holds the metal toe box in place. The metal toe box has flanges which fit under the edges of the metal toe box retainer. Durability and comfort are achieved by means of a liner which is lasted to the interior surface of the metal toe box and wraps around and under the retainer.

Abstract: A midsole system for a running shoe or foot prosthesis have a sole spring, a heel spring and/or a forefoot spring stores energy of foot impact and releases it during the running cycle. A preferred embodiment provides bending beam sole systems for shoes or foot prostheses comprising a bending beam heel spring, a bending beam forefoot spring, a two coupled spring sole system, and a three coupled spring sole system. The sole systems of this invention maximize stability, cushioning, and walking or running economy.

Abstract: A sport boot, especially adapted to an in-line roller skate and having an external sole overlaid by an upper including two quarters demarcating an opening which are adapted to be connected to one another by a tightening lace, along a path determined as a function of the position of return elements or guides arranged on both sides of the quarters, wherein each of the return elements or guides is constituted of a base having a flat bottom adapted to be fixed on the edge of one of the quarters of the boot, having a sliding plane, at its substantially horizontal and constant upper portion, beneath which an element is provided for passage of the lace, so as to protect the lace from any external attack.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper for enclosing and supporting the foot. The upper includes a tongueless outer sleeve of flexible woven elastic material, such as spandex, that allows the outer sleeve to expand and contract around a foot of a wearer. A flexible cage of support elements is permeation bonded to the inside or outside of the outer sleeve by welding to provide additional support. Tensioning elements are located at the upper ends of the support elements. A lace is routed through superimposed holes in the tensioning elements and the outer sleeve. Tightening of the lace causes the tightening of the flexible cage to further secure the article of footwear to the foot of the wearer. A breathable inner sleeve provides additional support for the foot of the wearer and protects the foot from pressure points due to the lacing under the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve protects portions of the lace that extend between the inner and outer sleeve.

Abstract: An athletic shoe has a sole composed of an inner layer and an outer layer that comes into contact with the ground surface. In the athletic shoe, a plurality of downward projecting projections are formed on the lower surface of the outer layer as parts of the outer layer, and a ring-shaped flange portion is formed as a part of the outer layer to surround the corresponding projection. The ring-shaped flange portion slants upward from its outer edge toward the inner edge. When a downward pressure greater than a predetermined value acts onto a portion where the projection and the corresponding flange portion are formed, the flange deforms in order to move the projection downward. In another athletic shoe, a plurality of projections is formed on the outer surface of a sole, and a depression is formed in the outer surface of the sole in the vicinity of each of the projections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for constructing bottom pads, or bench pads, as well as for padding a pipeline during construction. To pad the bottom of a pipeline, a padder is removably attached to one end of a conventional excavator or other base machine or vehicle, whereby a portion of the padder is inserted in the backfill and extracts padding material of a maximum predetermined size.

Abstract: A thermostat control device (10), in particular an electric iron thermostat (7), comprising a support (11), an aperture (12) in said support for receiving a mobile control device (13) a first device forming a rack (14) co-operating with said control device, a guide device (19) for said rack and a gear wheel (16) cooperating with the first rack. The invention is characterized in that a second rack (150) is used provided in the extension of said first rack a gear wheel (16) comprising two toothed zones with respectively different primary circle radii, the first toothed zone (17) cooperating with the first rack (14) and the second toothed zone (18) cooperating with the second rack (16), said gear wheel being capable of driving in rotation said thermostat (7) rod (8).

Abstract: A list holder is provided for a shopping cart of the type of which has a transverse handle at the rear of the cart, a rear wall which pivots upwardly in order to facilitate nesting of shopping carts, and which has a rear mini-basket formed with the rear wall, a supplemental rear wall which is pivotable about a bottom portion of the rear wall, and a pivotable seat between the rear wall and the supplemental rear wall. The list holder has a tray with a device for temporarily holding a shopping list, e.g. a clip. The tray is secured to a side wall of the shopping cart so that the tray is above the mini-basket and adjacent to the side wall. The list holder also has an arcuate rod for guiding a rearward path of movement of a top portion of the supplemental rear wall when the wall pivots upwardly.

Abstract: A display arrangement presents sequential graphical data that corresponds to predetermined environmental features or points of interest, such as sequential holes of a golfcourse. The display arrangement is installed on the golf cart and the information that is sequentially displayed is correlated to the features of a golf course, such as the various physical characteristics of the respective golf holes. A user will actuate the arrangement by manipulation of an actuator switch, whereupon the graphical data, which is printed on a web, is sequenced to display subsequent information, such as the information that relates to a subsequent golf hole to be played. An automated indexing arrangement controls the displacement of the web on which the graphical data is printed. The web is installed on a web carrier having associated therewith an alignment arrangement that maintains the web element in predeterminable spatial relation with respect to a predetermined web path and the display region.

Abstract: A retro-reflective sign is provided having a front face member attached to a back member. The face member has a plurality of cube corners disposed along its back surface. The sign can be of any shape or color and provides superior light reflection at night as compared to conventional signs. Thus, the sign can be easily seen while driving at night. In an alternative embodiment, the cube corners are disposed along the inner surface of the back member. The front face member or the entire sign can be coated with a silicone material to provide added protection to the sign from scratching and vandalism. A side wall can be provided between the front face member and the back member to define a gap area therebetween. Several sign to a post attachment embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A sectional photo display cube having six faces for displaying photos thereon. The cube includes two complementary shaped sections each of which includes a plurality of blocks projecting perpendicularly therefrom. The blocks in one of the sections are shaped to interfit with the blocks in the other of the sections to form a cube when assembled and each of the sections includes at least one surface area forming a fractional portion of each face of the cube.

Abstract: A picture frame and method for mounting on a dashboard of an automobile. The picture frame includes a transparent picture holder with a pivotable U-shaped supporting member on the backside of the holder with bent ends at the distal ends of the U-shaped supporting member, the bent distal ends being detachably secured to vertical grill portions of a ventilation grill assembly or to a closed ash tray compartment or to a closed glove box compartment of an automobile dashboard. A spring-tensioned clip attached to a flexible elongated strap which is wrapped around an intermediate segment of the U-shaped support member is optionally included wherein the opposite ends of the flexible strap are joined together juxtaposed the spring-tensioned clip for clipping the picture frame to a convenient location on the dashboard.

Abstract: A conversion cylinder assembly is provided for converting a 44 cal. cap and ball revolver to use with 45 Long Colt ammunition. To maintain authentic appearance and function, the conversion cylinder chambers up to six 45 Long Colt cartridges. To provide clearance for the cartridge rims, each of the chambers is angled slightly relative to the centerline of the cylinder and centerline of the barrel. This provides spacing for the ends of the cartridges while keeping the projectiles aligned with the barrel at the forward end of the cylinder.

Abstract: A firearm holder for removably mounting a firearm on a vertical support is disclosed. The firearm includes a stock and a sling swivel stud mounted on the stock. The stock also has a first end, a second end on which the sling swivel stud is mounted, and a butt. The firearm holder comprises: a plate which is removably mountable on a vertical support, the plate having a first end and a second end; a stock support mounted on the second end of the plate, the stock support provided to engage the first end of the stock; an arm extending at an angle from the first end of the plate; and an engagement piece extending from the arm, the engagement piece being provided to engage the sling swivel stud of the firearm to maintain the firearm in a position perpendicular to the plate and to the vertical support when the butt of the stock is positioned against the plate and the stock support engages the first end of the stock.