Abstract: A method for manufacturing an air-gap-insulated exhaust manifold, including exhaust-conducting inner tube sections and an outer shell divided into an upper shell and a lower shell, with the inner tube sections, of which at least one is designed as a curved tube, being plugged into one another. The inner tube sections plugged into one another are inserted as an assembled component into the lower shell, centered relative to the outer shell that is formed later, with the upper shell then being placed on the lower shell and pressed against the latter. Then the upper and lower shells and the inner tube sections are welded to the outer shell at those points at which they pass through the outer shell.

Abstract: A method for producing wooden segments for steering wheels for motor vehicles. In the process a plurality of wood veneers are bonded to form segments in a heated steel mold having the predetermined radii of the steering wheel. The segments are then profiled and bonded onto the core profile of the steering wheel. Variations of process provide segments with root grain veneer and differently colored veneer layers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tie rod bar for a steering linkage of a motor vehicle. Between both end portions of a steel pipe material, through a multistage cold forging, there are formed a spherical section, a neck section, a first shaft section, a second shaft section smaller in diameter than the first shaft section, a hexagonal section, and a third shaft section smaller in diameter than the second shaft section, to thereby constitute the tie rod bar. Secondly, the neck section is formed at a portion of the first shaft corresponding to a proximal end portion of the spherical section, a boot groove is formed at a given position on the second shaft section, close to the spherical section, and a screw section is formed on the third shaft section. Subsequently, a heat treatment is performed to remove the residual stress from the formed components concurrently with increasing the strength and improving the ductility. Finally, a coating is made for rust prevention.

Abstract: A pivoted hand tool, such as a scissors, includes a pair of blades having non-rectilinear cutting edges to form various cutting patterns on a sheet of paper. The scissors also include at least one guide to control the angular presentation of the paper to the blades and limit the amount of paper presented to the blades. The guide may also include a pair of ridges spaced apart from a pair of abutting surfaces, thereby providing a way to further limit the amount of paper presented to the blades. The scissors preferably have identically-shaped handles and oppositely facing guides to enable a user to create several complementary patterns on the sheet of paper simply by reversing the position in which the scissors are held.

Abstract: A portable pruner for cutting limbs comprising a hollow handle assembly having a longitudinal axis, a lower end and an open upper end. The slidable grip portion is slidable along the longitudinal axis between a first and a second position. The cable runs through the hollow handle assembly to the outer engagement with the shearing mechanism. A shearing mechanism is attached to the upper open end of the hollow handle and includes a body having a hook adapted to receive and hold a limb. A cutting blade is pivotally attached to the body and selectively pivots against the hook to cut the selected limb. The pruner includes means for pivoting the cutting blade with respect to the hook wherein the pivoting means is responsive to movement of the sliding portion between the first and second positions. In one embodiment, the overall pruner length is adjustable with two clamped telescoping handle assembly segments and a mechanism for adjusting the operative cable length to accommodate the length variation of the pruner.

Abstract: Apparatus for trimming grass around a sprinkler head. The apparatus comprises a body rotatable about a vertical axis and having a bore for fitting over a sprinkler head during rotation thereof and a peripheral portion surrounding the bore. At least one cutter attached to the peripheral portion and comprising a wire having an end portion defining a cutting blade and preferably an intermediate portion formed into a coil defining a spring which allows protective movement of the cutting blade when an obstacle is encountered. The cutting blade extends downwardly at an angle relative to the rotational axis, preferably radially inwardly.

Abstract: A chainsaw foot for supporting the weight of a chainsaw during substantially vertical use and for fixing the angular orientation between the chainsaw guidebar and the material to be cut. One side of a hinge is attached to a substantially flat baseplate having a rectangular aperture therethrough. The other side of the hinge is attached to a U-shaped clamp. The chainsaw guidebar is removably fixed between the legs of the U-shaped clamp by set screws. A slotted adjusting bracket is fixed to the baseplate proximate to the U-shaped clamp. A locking means attached to the U-shaped clamp engages the slot of the adjusting bracket to thereby allow a user to set and lock the angle of the chainsaw guidebar with respect to baseplate and, consequently, the material to be cut.

Abstract: An operator separates pressure rollers 14, 16 from the corresponding drive rollers 12 for a predetermined distance prior to his drawing work on the paper and allows the paper 18 to be inserted between the drive rollers 12 and the pressure rollers 14, 16 from the front of the platen 2. An optical sensor 28 detects the paper 18. A controller drives a fan after a lapse of a predetermined time to operate a vacuum power in a vacuum chamber 4. Thereafter, the paper 18 on the platen 2 continues to be held on the platen 2 by the vacuum power. In this condition, the operator sets the paper to a mark 20 drawn on the platen 2 which indicates a set position of the paper to adjust the position of the paper 18. When the operator completes the positioning of the paper 18, he manipulates the lever to lift down the pressure rollers.

Abstract: A sight reduction apparatus includes a sextant, a processor, and a nautical almanac, preferably all provided in an unitary housing. The sextant includes a fixed telescope which is pointed at a known celestial body, and a radial arm is moved against an arc graduated in degrees until a mirror mounted on the sextant reflects an image of the horizon down the telescope to coincide with the known celestial body. The angular elevation of the celestial body, corrected for the exact time and date, gives the position of the user on an imaginary circle. The nautical almanac provides essential data for determining the location of a predetermined list of celestial bodies relative to a fixed location. The processor is programmed to determine the position of a user based upon measurements made with respect to two celestial bodies using the sextant and information provided in the nautical almanac and to further provide the position of a user in terms of latitude and longitude.

Abstract: A ruler for aiding in packing a stuffing box surrounding a shaft having a measurement scale comprising at least one mark for delineating the optimal compressed height of a compressible set of packing rings, each packing ring having about the same optimal compression and dimension, and a linear series of graduation marks of repeat basic measurements units for delineating by the distance between the graduation marks the height of non-compressible bushing rings of about the same dimension.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring thickness and a method therefor are disclosed, in which the precision is improved, the measuring time is shortened, the reliability is upgraded, and the flatness of thickness also can be precisely measured. The apparatus for measuring thickness according to the present invention includes a test piece retaining part for retaining a test piece and for moving it along X, Y and Z axes. The apparatus further includes a sensing part having a sensor retaining part for retaining an upper sensor, and having a test piece retaining part supporting table for supporting the test piece retaining part and having a lower sensor fixed thereon. The test piece retaining part includes: an X axis carrying part capable of moving in the direction of X axis, a Y axis carrying part capable of moving in the direction of Y axis, and a Z axis carrying part capable of moving in the direction of Z axis.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an arrangement for the remote sensing and recordation of information about a body component. The arrangement includes a stylus held within a support head. The support head has an electrode therein for the detection and recordation of stylus contact with a body component. A plurality of parallelogram linkages articulably support the stylus. The linkages have a first or input end and a second or output end. A motion tracking generator is attached to the output end of linkages. A sensor is arranged to receive and record signals from the tracking generator in a plurality of orthogonal planes, so as to permit the generation and recordation of contours, location and domain of the body component being sensed by the stylus.

Abstract: The assembly includes a plurality of flexible and inflatable bags 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 56 and 58, each having a rectangular cross section with an open end for receiving air from various ducts 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 62 and 66, and extending vertically to a nozzle end 52. A plurality of first starboard bags 43 overlap a plurality of second starboard bags 44 in the horizontal direction and a plurality of first port bags 46 overlap a plurality of second port bags 47 in the horizontal direction. Also, the second starboard 44 and port 47 bags are spaced downstream from the first 43 starboard and port 46 bags. The nozzles 52 of the first starboard bags 43 are disposed in a first horizontal V.sub.a.

Abstract: In one embodiment a blow dryer includes a barrel having an opening. A deflector, having an aperture, positioned within or substantially within the barrel. The hand-held blow dryer can be utilized in at least a first or open mode in which air flow is directed through the barrel opening of the barrel, and a final or fully deflecting mode. Thus, in the fully deflecting mode most of the air is deflected by the deflector so as to diffuse the airflow. Additionally, the shape of the deflector allows the airflow to be maintained while the deflector is in any position, thus, allowing the airflow to flow past the heating coils in the barrel so that potential overheating of the blow dryer is reduced. In another embodiment, a gap is provided between two flaps which comprise the deflector so as to achieve the same result. In still another embodiment, rings are provided around the circumference of a barrel having holes in the barrel. The rings diffuse the air emanating out of the holes and also guide the hair for styling.

Abstract: A hard-shelled portable hair drying apparatus 10 including a hood unit 11 including a generally rigid hood member 20 having an upper portion 21 and a lower portion 23 divided by an apertured partition 26; wherein, at least a portion of a drying unit 12 is disposed in the upper portion 21 of the hood member 20 which is further provided with a three-point support unit 13 which includes a pair of shoulder engaging support members 40 and a relatively elongated third support member 50 which is operatively associated with the user's back and upper torso.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect.

Abstract: A vacuum dryer panel for a leather drying machine wherein a dryer panel comprising a porous screen is mounted over a perforated plate on the underside of a vacuum chamber positioned above a heated drying table on which leather skins are dried. The dryer panel comprises a layer of fine mesh screen preferably formed of a synthetic resin material mounted on a porous backing preferably formed of a synthetic resin material. The backing material is adapted to be mounted adjacent an outer side of the perforated plate and provides porosity between the screen and adjacent openings of the perforated plate. The backing material is sufficiently rigid to prevent the screen material from being pulled into openings in the perforated plate by a negative pressure on the upper side of the plate, so as to prevent marks in the dried leather. The edges of the dryer panel are folded over and incorporate reinforcing strips. Threaded fasteners fit through spaced openings in the edges for mounting the dryer panel to a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A wall-mounted hand dryer provides a heated pulsating or modulating air stream to break down a boundary layer of moisture on a user's hands to reduce the drying time. The hand dryer accomplishes this by quickly generating a heated air stream at a maximum temperature that is tolerable to the user, increasing the air stream velocity and turbulence to blow off loose water droplets and break down the boundary layer disposed on the user's hands. The hand dryer includes a blower, heater, a modulator and/or a turbulator for blowing heated air through an air duct. The modulator and turbulator break up the laminar flow of the air stream to provide a modulating or pulsating turbulent flow of air to retard the formation of the boundary layer and dry the hands quickly. The hand dryer further includes an infrared heating source for heating the surface of a user's hands to replace the heat lost as a result of the evaporation of the water from the user's hands.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improved means of cleaning paint brushes and paint rollers. The device consists of a base with at least two pliable longitudinal extensions which are held together by a series of ring segments. This combination of extensions and ring segments define a cavity that is capable of receiving and releasably securing the handle of a paint brush. The base is capable of receiving a paint roller, the roller fitting over the longitudinal extensions. An attachment rod extends from the base, opposite to the extensions. The attachment rod can be received by a drill chuck, or other rotary device and thereby rotated, including the brush received therein. As the brush rotates the flexible nature of the extensions allow the brush to orbit about the axis of rotation imparted by the drill. This allows rotation and translation of the brush so that no bristles of the brush are consistently in line with the center of rotation.

Abstract: A wafer transfer apparatus used during the processes of manufacturing semiconductor devices has a chuck assembly which includes at least a pair of retainers for accommodating a group of wafers, each wafer retainer having a wafer guide with a plurality of slots formed at regularly spaced intervals and a guide supporter for supporting the wafer guide. At least one nozzle is formed on the wafer guide and is connected to a gas supply member for supplying gas. When the chuck assembly moves downwardly so as to load wafers into a quartz boat, the nozzle sprays the gas so that quartz particles deposited in the slots can be blown off, thereby preventing contamination.

Abstract: A method for controlling the curl of paper in which steam treatment and/or moistening of the paper web is/are carried out after the calendering process being performed in the calender. In processes in which calendering is not employed, the curl is controlled in connection with a machine reel-up or in process steps carried out after the machine reel-up. A paper or board machine applying the method includes a headbox, a former, a press, a dryer section and steam boxes, moistening devices, an IR dryer and/or equivalent curl control devices. The steam boxes, moistening devices, IR dryers and/or equivalent curl control devices for the control of the curl are arranged after the calender or, if no calender is employed, in connection with a machine reel-up or a finishing process carried out after the machine reel-up.

Abstract: A shoe sole has cushioning in ball and heel regions of the sole. The sole includes an insole which has openings in the ball and heel regions which increase the flexibility of the insole. The insole openings are filled in by a soft insole pad so that the insole does not form a barrier to cushioning the ball and heel of the foot. The outsole also has openings in ball and heel regions which are closed by clear covers. The openings provide for good flexibility of the outsole. A soft cushion is held in the cover for further cushioning of the ball and heel of the foot.

Abstract: A cuff buckling apparatus to ease the buckling of an in-line skate or other boot having a cuff is provided. The in-line skate includes a boot having front and back portions corresponding to the front and back of a skater's leg, and medial and lateral portions corresponding to the medial side and lateral side of the skater's leg respectively. A leg cuff encases the back, medial and lateral portions of the boot, and includes a cuff flap originating proximate the medial portion of the boot. The cuff flap has sufficient length to cross the front portion of the boot when folded over the front of the boot. A buckle lever is coupled to the leg cuff proximate the lateral portion of the boot, and a buckle strap is mounted to the buckle lever. A buckle strap latching mechanism attaches to the cuff flap, and engages the free end of the buckle strap. The leg cuff is tightened around the skater's leg upon actuating the buckle lever.

Abstract: A soccer shoe cover includes a rubber membrane formed to stretch over the exterior surface of a soccer shoe. The membrane covers the laces, the heel and a kicking portion of the soccer shoe while leaving the toe uncovered. The membrane has a rear opening for inserting the soccer shoe and a front opening for exposing the toe. The membrane provides a kicking surface that remains substantially smooth over shoe laces when the membrane is fitted over the soccer shoe.

Abstract: An orthotic system includes a combination partial insole, heel cup and metatarsal pad. The combination partial insole is comprised of the heel cup, a modified metatarsal pad, a midfoot support and a longitudinal arch support. The heel cup and metatarsal pad may be used separately or in combination. Each of the structural elements of the system are designed to control the motion of a human foot during gait, as well as to attenuate shock to the foot during gait. Each of the structural elements of the system are self-adjustable for variations in foot and shoe size and are formed of a compression-resistant, deformable material without rigid components.

Abstract: A snow broom (10) includes a scraper element (12) and multiple sweeping elements (26, 36) positioned on opposite sides thereof. The scraper element (12) is in the preferred form of a sheet of relatively stiff plastic and includes serrations (22) formed on its lower edge (16). The lower edge (16) of the scraper element (12) is divided into a plurality of tines by cuts (24) extending from the lower edge (16). The inner sweeping elements (26) positioned adjacent to and on opposite sides of the scraper element (12) are formed from a sheet of foamed plastic of a flexibility to conform to the surface being swept and having a lower edge (30) parallel to and spaced slightly above the lower edge (16) of the scraper element (12). The outer sweeping elements (36) are formed from a sheet of extruded plastic to which snow does not have an affinity to stick. In addition to providing a sweeping function, the outer sweeping elements (36) provide protection and stiffening for the inner sweeping elements (26).

Abstract: A dredge having substantially a box-like shape, with an open front face and an open rear face, the rear face having a door hinged thereto and a lock member to hold the door in a locked position. An A-shaped frame member is pivotally secured to the front end of the dredge. Pivotable motion of the A-frame raises the front edge of the dredge over an obstruction. A pulley assembly is secured to the rear top end of the dredge, and a cable from the A-frame is placed over the pulley when the A-frame is to be pivoted to raise the dredge. A door is hinged to the rear side of the dredge. A locking hinge is secured to the rear of the dredge to lock the door in a closed position. The locking hinge includes a pivoting edge, which engages the top edge of the door, and a rectangular bar secured under the locking hinge. The rectangular bar has a width greater than the height so that rotation of the bar produces a pivoting motion of the locking hinge to unlock the door.

Abstract: This invention is formed such that the pressing table is formed by a pair of front-side pressing table and rear-side pressing table. This invention is also formed such that the pressing iron is formed by a pair of front-side pressing iron corresponding to the front-side pressing table and a rear-side pressing iron corresponding to the rear-side pressing table. Then, this invention is constructed such that the front-side pressing table and the rear-side pressing table are arranged side-by-side with a clearance being applied to arrange the overlapped portions of cloth. Further, this invention is provided with an operating mechanism for making a slight rearward positional displacement of both the rear-side pressing table and the rear-side pressing iron so as to make a taught state of the trousers during pressing of the trousers.

Abstract: A display arrangement device for displaying information about items being offered to the public includes a generally box-shaped main body, and at least one formation secured to and extending along one of the top, bottom, and side portions of the main body. This formation includes a front wall having a front surface carrying information to be brought to the attention of the observer, and a bracing wall connected to the main body at a back wall and extending therefrom to the front wall to hold the front wall, in a deployed condition of the formation, in substantial parallelism with a vertical plane to present the information to the observer's view. The bracing wall includes two sections and a hinge portion connecting the two sections to one another for folding into juxtaposition with one another in response to the application of external collapsing forces. A shipping container that holds the main body in its entirety has a wall that confines the collapsed formation between itself and the main body.

Abstract: An internal rotary structure of a crystal ball seat having a base plate, a rotary disk, gears and other components; characterized in that: a circular platen is formed on the center of the upper surface of the base plate; a rotary disk is installed on the periphery of the platen of the base plate; circular teeth formed on the inner rim of the rotary disk, and a driving gear of longitudinal axis is installed below the driving gear of the music bell rolling wheel. By this structure, in a small space, the rotary disk may be used to drive the music bell.

Abstract: An indexing system for signs consisting of a plurality of indicia bearing vane faces wherein the vane faces are sequentially exposed to view in the manner of a "wave", such sequential revealing of the sign vane faces generating interest in the sign's message. Each sign vane is rotated by a transmission and the transmissions are interconnected in such a manner as to sequentially operate the vanes to produce the "wave" action and detents associated with each transmission lock the sign vane in the desired position.

Abstract: An advertising display device and method of manufacturing such which takes the form of a cylindrical housing which has an internal chamber. A sheet member is wound on a roller and is contained within the internal chamber. This sheet member is to be manually extendable from the housing with advertising indicia that is located on the sheet member to then being capable of being read by a human. The housing is to be attached to the front end of a product supporting shelf within a store. During manufacturing of the device, a mechanical tool is to be attachable to the roller for the purpose of winding the sheet member on the roller producing bias in a windup spring.

Abstract: A sticker display system for displaying a sticker in the rear window of a vehicle includes a display member and a pair of mounting brackets opposedly mounted in spaced relation adjacent the rear window of a vehicle. The display member is removably retained in the mounting brackets and a sticker is attached to the display member so as to be visible through the rear window of the vehicle.

Abstract: A display/screen system which is positionable upon a floor and is cooperable with a vertical support surface, such as a wall, includes a sheet of flexible material having an edge and a collapsible frame from which the sheet of material is suspended in a spread condition for use. The frame includes a horizontally-disposable section having two opposite ends and a pair of leg sections which are connectable to the horizontally-disposable section at the opposite ends thereof so as to depend generally downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for decorating a picture holder having an original picture, with a removable decorative display. The system includes a picture holder having at least one original picture and a decorative covering. The decorative covering has front and rear surfaces. The front surface of the decorative covering has a decorative display formed thereon in conformity with a particular seasonal or special event. The front surface of the decorative covering is opaque so that when mounted over the original picture, the original picture cannot be seen. The decorative display includes a border area and a pictorial area. The border area has a uniform appearance so that the size of the decorative covering can be readily adjusted to fit at least two different size picture holders. The decorative covering is formed from a material exhibiting static cling thereby permitting the decorative covering to be readily mounted over the original picture.

Abstract: A scent dispenser for use when hunting comprising a member shaped to fit under the sole of a hunter's boot. The member has a reservoir for carrying liquid scent and an inlet opening for filling the reservoir. Closure means close the inlet opening. Attaching means on the member are used in attaching the member to a hunter's boot. There is an outlet opening from the reservoir in the bottom of the member. Distributing means lead from the opening downwardly and rearwardly for distributing the liquid coming out of the reservoir, through the opening, onto the ground when the member is in use worn on a boot. The member has ground contacting means on its bottom for protecting the distributing means. The ground contacting means preferably imitate a deer's hoof.

Abstract: A scent steamer with collapsible upper and lower sections. The upper section holds bottles of liquid scent which are heated from the lower section, thereby causing the scents to vaporize in a slow manner into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A fish hook with bait holder for receiving and holding a live bait fish, the fish hook comprising a fish hook having an eye on one end for attaching a line, a shank terminating in a bend with a barb on a second end and a rod attached to the fish hook. The rod having a bent portion with a first end and a linearly straight portion with a pointed portion on a second free end, for receiving the live bait fish and barbs for holding the live bait fish. The fish hook with bait holder is adaptable to being selectively mountable on various body locations of the live bait fish, as well as being usable with other types of natural and artificial baits.

Abstract: An underwater fishing line cutter includes a housing with forward and rearward sections and a slot extending along the side thereof. A line support is mounted in each forward and rearward section of the slot, and a cutter carrier is mounted within the hollow interior of the housing. A control line is connected to the cutter carrier such that a rearward pull on the control line will move the cutting edge to sever a fishline journaled within the slot.

Abstract: A fishing hook removing tool having a hollow outer casing with an outer length measurement scale and an inner movable scale. Length measurements on the inner scale, when extended from the outer casing, are additive to those on the outer casing. This allows the length measurement of fish greater than the total length of the outer casing measurement scale. The rear end of the outer casing has a V shaped hook remover with one side of the V being greater than the other. In addition, the inner scale may have weight measurement units on one side and a compression spring within the outer casing to permit the weighing of a fish.

Abstract: A new body gripping trap setting system for safely enabling a trapper to compress the spring of any size of body gripping trap without exposing a leg or foot to harm. The inventive device includes a base member, an elongated tube with a vertical slot secured to the base member, a shaft slidably positioned within the elongated tube, a handle secured to the end of the shaft opposite of the elongated tube, a top hook secured to the elongated tube which engages an upper ring of a body gripping trap, and bottom hook secured to the shaft projecting through the slot which engages the lower ring of the body gripping trap, wherein the hooks are positioned diametrically opposite the base member.

Abstract: A plant enclosure for outdoor use has a hollow body with open upper and lower ends and ventilation and drainage openings. In order to permit a desired amount of water to be conserved within the base of the enclosure, the openings are positioned such that a portion of the body may be buried in the soil, with the openings spaced above the soil surface. The base of the body has plant root openings, positioned to be buried beneath the soil surface. These openings are sized to permit plant roots to grow laterally outwardly close to the soil surface, beyond the perimeter of the enclosure. A lid is engageable to the upper rim of the body. The lid have a recessed portion on its upper surface to that capture rain or sprinkler water. Apertures within the lid permit the captured water to drain into the enclosure. Preferably, the body and lid are clear or translucent to create a greenhouse effect during daylight hours.

Abstract: A lawn edging system and methods for edging a lawn are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of individual, integrally formed lawn edging units. Each unit includes a first portion and a substantially perpendicular second portion. The second portion includes a central section, having a length equal to the length of the first portion, and two end areas, which, when combined with the length of the central section, define a length greater than that of the first portion. The end areas are preferably rounded, but may be boxed, pointed, or scalloped. In use, an end area on one unit overlaps an end area of an adjacent unit while the first portions of the adjacent units abut. The second portion preferably includes an aperture for accepting a stake to anchor the unit into the ground. The aperture may be centrally located, or there may be a plurality of evenly spaced apertures. The design of the lawn edging device enables a plurality of lawn edging units to be nested compactly and packaged for sale or storage.

Abstract: A vase or similar container which includes a display support is formed by a tubular member having an open upper end, a closed lower end, a base support included in the closed lower end and an upper support disposed within the upper region of the tubular member. A vertically disposed elongated support rod is supported in the lower end of the tubular member and extends upwardly through the upper mounting aperture to support an electric motor for driving an active display.

Abstract: A first outer container is formed with a side wall and a bottom wall. The bottom of the first container has a support structure or raised area to define a water reservoir in the bottom of the container. An overflow drain is provided in the container and preferably in the raised area to limit the depth of the water reservoir. A second inner container including a drain hole and having a live plant is placed in the first container at or above the water level in the first container. The water in the first container has a depth to inhibit excessive root growth from the drain hole of the second container. Roots which grow through the drain of the second inner container contact the standing water in the reservoir and die and rot at the point where the roots contact the water to limit growth in the first container. The water in the first container is particularly effective in controlling root growth from the inner container through the drain holes in the first outer container.

Abstract: A container for cultivating and then displaying ornamental plants and flowers comprises an outer vessel essentially divided into two parts, namely a lower part for containing water and an upper part for receiving the soil and the plant roots, said parts being separated by a horizontal wall through which clay elements extend into said parts.

Abstract: A gate movement drive comprises a motor movement unit (11) with linear-movement actuator and a sensing device (14) for detection of an angle which is a function of the gate position. The linear movement actuator (11) has its ends pivoted to respective supports (24,32) designed for fastening of the actuator between a fixed part and a wing of a gate which is pivoted to a rotation axis (23). The sensing device (14) is connected between the actuator and one of the supports (24,32) for detection of the angle of rotation between the actuator and the support.

Abstract: A blinder includes main frames spaced apart from each other with a predetermined distance. Each of the main frames has an internal empty space. Support frames are perpendicularly interposed between the main frames to support the main frames. A plurality of shutting members is arranged parallel to each other between the main frames inside the support frames. A motor is fixed to each of the main frames within the internal empty space. A driving shaft is movably connected to the motor within the internal empty space. A plurality of rotating members is fixed to the driving shaft to rotate upon receipt of a rotational power from the motor via the driving shaft. A pulling member is held between each of the opposite rotating members to keep each of the shutting members at its proper place. The pulling member is partially wound around the opposite rotating members in such a manner as to move with the rotation of the rotating member and control an opening or closing operation of the shutting member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Bowden tube window winder with compensation for cable length, which also compensates using simple means for a comparatively high level of cable elongation without excessive twisting of the cable loop. Said Bowden tube window winder is characterised in that a common locking member (10) is associated with the cable sockets and links the force of the two cable sockets (110) with the result that a movement to compensate for play of at least one cable socket can only occur when both cable sockets are substantially unloaded.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a powered sliding door system for an automotive vehicle. The actuator assembly includes a housing having a cavity and a first cable reel and a second cable reel disposed in the cavity. The first cable reel is operatively connected to one end of a cable and the second cable reel is operatively connected to another end of the cable. The actuator assembly includes a transmission assembly being disposed in the cavity and operatively connected to either the first cable reel or the second cable reel. The actuator assembly includes a motor operatively connected to the transmission assembly for rotating the first cable reel and the second cable reel. The actuator assembly further includes a motor bracket operatively connected to the transmission assembly and enclosing the motor. The motor bracket is adjustable relative to the housing to form either a right-hand assembly, left-hand assembly or intermediate assembly for a right-hand and left-hand sliding door for a powered sliding door system.