Abstract: Clamps for a separating portion of a roll processing line are provided. The clamps include a pair of flattened cylinders which contact the roll to be separated.

Abstract: A tool 10 and method for its use with a vibratory car shaker mounting bracket 40 that includes a cross bar member 12, a pair of first bar members 14, an engaging means 22, a pin member 24, a retaining means 26 and at least two threaded jacking means 34. each of the threaded jacking means being carried by the cross member 12, A male blade portion 52 of the mounting bracket 40 being removably seated in a female pocket portion 50.

Abstract: The automatic pallet collar apparatus comprises a frame that has a fixed rail and a movable rail to adjust the width of the frame. A rotatable driving member is in operative engagement with the frame to move forward a set of wood members. A downstream cutting station cut the wood members into a precise length. The drilling station drills holes into the wood member and rivets are dropped into the holes at the rivet mounting station. A downstream turner station turns each wood member downside up and a hinge is positioned onto the rivets at the hinge mounting station. The rivets are then fastened to firm hold the hinge to the wood member. A suitable logo may be printed in the screen printing station and the finished pallet collar components are then stacked at the stacker station.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for partially embedding a biocompatible material, such as a titanium coil, in the surface of a polymer bone implant to provide a porous coating for bone cells to grow through thereby promoting long term stabilization of the implant. In one embodiment, the coil is wrapped around the implant and placed in a manifold where rollers biased by springs press against the coil. The coil-implant is rotated and heated by a hot gas stream, the rollers-springs pushing the coil into the surface of the implant. In a second embodiment, the coil is compressed and placed onto a needle wire which is placed against the surface of the implant. The point of contact is heated and the implant is rotated with the needle wire creating a channel in the softened polymer and feeding the coil, which is simultaneously stretched, therein. The needle wire then pulls the polymer over a portion of the coil as it passes.

Abstract: A clutch drum is formed from a single piece of material. The clutch drum includes an inner surface having a plurality of spline portions interspersed with inner wall spaces. Each spline portion includes at least one slot to form at least one snap ring groove within the clutch drum. The outer surface of the clutch drum is smooth and continuous and adapted to receive a brake band. The clutch drum does not include any perforations or breaks through the single piece of material forming the cylindrical portion of the clutch drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a workpiece on a processing surface includes a first locator arm assembly, a second locator arm assembly, and a pivotal member. The first locator arm assembly includes a first surface disposed for lateral movement and mating engagement with a first portion of the workpiece. The second locator arm assembly includes a second surface disposed for lateral movement parallel to the first surface, the second surface further for mating engagement with a second, opposite side, portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A micro motor is manufactured by slipping the parts (24a, 24b) of a stator (24) on the mandrel (60) which is placed into an injection mold (50). The motor housing is made by injecting polymer material (63), the stator parts (24a, 24b) being encapsulated in the housing. During injection, a bearing (27) is contained in the injection mold (50). Subsequently, the mandrel (60) is drawn from the stator and a prepared rotor is inserted. Thus, a cost effective and high-precision manufacture of an electric motor with very small dimensions is made possible.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an electric motor comprising a stator with an internal permanent magnet and a tubular magnetic return sleeve surrounding said permanent magnet whereby an annular air gap is formed therebetween, said magnetic return sleeve being held at its axial and radial positions relative to said permanent magnet by a frame of plastic material injected around these two components and being connected to said permanent magnet by said plastic frame. The present invention aims at improving the manner in which the two structural components are attached to and positioned on one another.

Abstract: Armature start and finish wires are trimmed after connection to their associated commutator tang by use of a knife edge carried by an otherwise conventional lead guide mechanism. The lead guide mechanism moves the knife edge into position against the coil lead, and the coil lead is drawn across the knife edge by pivotal movement of a wire gripper holding the lead. The knife edge preferably comprises a blade removably secured to a portion of the lead guide mechanism, but the knife edge may alternatively be formed, by machining for example, on a part of the lead guide mechanism itself.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an induction motor rotor lamination includes using an indexed notching die to punch a plurality of closed rotor slots at different distances from a center point of rotation by punching a first rotor slot, changing the position of a center point of the rotor lamination with respect to the notching die, and punching a second rotor slot. In another embodiment, a plurality of rotor slit patterns are punched using a variable depth indexed notching die including at least two rotor slit punching portions, one being deeper than another, by punching a first rotor slit pattern, changing the depth of closure of the notching die, and punching a second rotor slit pattern with the second rotor slit pattern having a different number of rotor slits than the first.

Abstract: An electronic device mounting apparatus prevents an error at the setup time prior to startup of the apparatus and enables mounting of proper electronic devices without a mistake. A cartridge and a lane of a cartridge mounting rack have a cartridge side connector (upper electrode portion, connection plug, lower electrode portion) and a lane side connector (fixed plug) which are electrically connected when the cartridge is installed on the lane. An error detecting circuit is formed by employing these connectors as part thereof. The error detecting circuit determines whether or not the installation position of the cartridge is appropriate depending on the conductive state or non-conductive state from a power supply to a warning buzzer when the connectors are connected.

Abstract: A control system for an assembly tool includes sensors which monitor the status of the tool at each step of operation and a controller receives signals from the sensors to ensure proper status in any given step. The tool includes a collar transfer device which receives a fastener collar from a remote collar sending unit and transfers the collar to a collar-swaging assembly which moves the collar to a cooperating fastener pin and swages the collar onto the pin. The sensors of the system monitor the position of the collar transfer device, the presence or absence of a collar in the collar transfer device, the position of the swaging assembly, the presence or absence of a collar in the swaging assembly, and the presence or absence of a fastener pin of proper length in a position to be engaged by the collar.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus having first and second supply areas juxtaposed to the working area so that components may be selected from either supply area while replacement is being made of spent components at the other supply area.

Abstract: A tool for wire termination is disclosed in which the tool is fabricated from a pair of stamped tool ends, each with a working end and a tongue at the opposite end. The tongues are shaped with non circular, e.g., semi octagonal cross sections such that when the tongues are overlaid, they present a generally non circular, e.g., octagonal cross section region between the two working ends of the tool. A series of washers each with corresponding non circular shaped bores are strung on the tongues before the two tongues are overlaid. The assembly is then staked or otherwise secured together into a rigid structure. The method for producing the double ended tool as described above is also disclosed. The tool is to be secured in a bore of a handle by bayonet fastening using grooves in the washer stack. The tool is double ended for reversibility. The staking step may include use of a punch press die to upset the ends of the tongues to secure the washers.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembly of fence panels from a plurality of longitudinal backing rails and a plurality of transverse pickets includes a conveyor for supporting and moving the rails in a direction along their length with the rails at spaced transversely positions across the conveyor and a plurality of rail dispensing hoppers, each for receiving a stack of the backing rails and arranged to dispense the rails one at a time onto the conveyor in parallel spaced relation along the conveyor. A picket dispensing hopper dispenses pickets one at a time onto the aligned rails so that the pickets are positioned at right angles to the rails and side by side. Ends of the pickets are aligned on the rails. The pickets are compressed in a direction at right angles to the rails onto the rails and parallel to the rails and at right angles to the pickets so as to squeeze the pickets edge to edge. A nailing assembly applies nails to connect the pickets to the rails.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic encapsulated integrated circuit (IC) package has steps for placing a diamond substrate in a lower cavity of an encapsulation mold such that the diamond substrate in the finished package underlies the die attach pad and a portion of the leads in close proximity to each. Pins are provided in lower cavities of molds to support and/or position diamond substrates to lie close to both die attach pads and leads to facilitate efficient heat transfer from an operating IC, through the die attach pad, into and through the diamond substrate, and finally to the leads leading from the encapsulated package. Apparatus is disclosed for positioning and supporting diamond substrates, and combination heat slugs for the purpose are disclosed, having diamond substrates bonded to metal slugs.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-metallic, corrosion-resistant strength systems for underwater power and communications systems and methods for terminating such cables. The strength system comprises two non-metallic strength members; each strength member is comprised of at least one glass strand, and each strand is comprised of a plurality of glass filaments that are bound together with a polymeric material. The first strength member is applied in a helical lay over transmission media which forms the core of the cable, and the second strength member is applied over the lay of the first strength member in a helical lay having a circular direction opposite to the lay of the first strength member. The invention further embraces a method of terminating such cables involving the use of an inner termination cone, an adhesive used to secure the strength members onto the inner termination cone, and an outer termination cone which is secured over the inner termination cone and adjoining strength members.

Abstract: A cable constructed with insulation displacement connectors produces cables which connect data storage devices to a host system. The cable allows automatic address selection of data storage devices depending on the presence or absence of a CSEL terminal pin on a corresponding connector and the location of a data storage device along the cable. Address selection by connector configuration simplifies cable construction. The end connector of an ATA cable is configured to identify an attached data storage device as the first device (drive 0), while an intermediate connector is configured to identify an attached data storage device as the second drive (drive 1), thus making installation more intuitive.

Abstract: A process for forming angled trim lines on vehicle frame cross members to mate and secure the ends of the cross members with frame side rail members with a high degree of accuracy and in a cost efficient manner. The process includes the steps of removing portions of the end of a rectangular tube to form angled trim lines and connecting the angled trim lines with the frame side rail member. A cam trimming die is used to form the angled trim lines. The die includes substantially symmetrical drivers, slide cams, and filler cams. The drivers move the slide cams and filler cams in opposing directions. The slide cams carry cutting steels that form the angled trim lines as the slide cam moves. The filler cams support the rectangular tube and produce a sheering effect with the cutting steels as they move past one another.

Abstract: A device for use with a cable including a body having an opening to receive the cable. A cutting element is movable within the body between a first position and a second position. When the cutting element is in the first position, the cutting element does not extend into the opening such that the cable may be displaced into the opening. When the cutting element is displaced into a second position, the cutting element extends into the opening by an adjustable amount such as to engage a cable positioned within the opening. A manually operable adjustment device adjusts the amount that the cutting element extends into the opening when the cutting element is positioned in the second position. The manually operable adjustment device includes a further member that secures the cutting element and allows for motion of the cutting element in a direction towards and away from the center of the opening between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An automatically retractable utility knife includes a housing and a blade carrier having a molded return spring, which may be integral with the blade carrier. The return spring is serpentine shaped and constructed of a resilient thermoplastic. The housing includes front and rear guide slots, with the blade carrier having a thumb piece extending through the front guide slot and a thumb piece extending through the rear guide slot for enabling the cutting device to be used by right or left-handed persons. The blade carrier may include a snap-off extension for limiting forward travel of the blade carrier with the snap-off extension in place. A method of manufacturing a utility knife includes the steps of providing a housing having an interior adapted to receive either an indexed blade carrier or an automatically retractable blade carrier, and assembling the housing with either an indexed blade carrier or an automatically retractable blade carrier therein.

Abstract: The present invention encapsulates a razor blade in a relatively thick and durable plastic. In the plastic there are provided a number of comb-like projections which extend beyond the blade edge while still leaving the edge exposed between the protrusions. These protrusions serve to guard the blade from accidental contact, thereby enabling the present invention to be safely carried, even in a person's trouser pocket. Other features are molded into the plastic at the time of manufacture which allow the invention to be hooked onto a key ring and which further enable line of indeterminate length to be wrapped longitudinally about the invention. Due to low cost of manufacture, the present invention may be disposed of when the blade dulls. The plastic serves as a protective guard even after disposal, offering environmental resistance comparable to that of the blade.

Abstract: A knife holder includes two transparent plates, a plurality of partitioning blocks, a plurality of securing blocks, and a plurality of larger securing blocks. The partitioning blocks are spaced equi-distantly apart between the plates such that the plates define a receiving space. Upper ends of the plates are provided with a plurality of pairs of opposite indentations. The receiving space and the indentations are sized to receive knives. The knives are divided by the partitioning blocks so that they do not overlap. The partitioning blocks have front and rear ends forming bolt portions that pass through corresponding through holes in the plates for screwable engagement with the securing blocks so that the plates can be screwably secured on the partitioning blocks. The larger securing blocks are secured at two lower corners of each plate so that the knife holder can stand on a planar surface.

Abstract: A simplified cutter for providing decorative pieces to enhance the visual appearance of various dishes. The cutter comprises a hallow cylindrical member secured to a disk shaped lip member. A series of shaped cutter elements are secured to the inside surface of the cylindrical member. In operation, the cutter is positioned on the top portion of the item being cut, such as carrots, and the user presses down on the lip, or collar, portion. The vertically extending cutter surfaces cut the item along the length of the item, remainder of the item having a center portion with the circumference having a shape corresponding to the mirror image of the cutter surface.

Abstract: A knife is described including a handle with a blade mount. An elongated blade with a handle mounting surface is releasably engageable with the blade mount on the handle to enable selective attachment and detachment of the blade to and from the handle. The blade mount includes a blade back configured to receive a length of the blade and a tang disposed within the handle. A blade release is formed integrally with the tang and includes an integral elongated bar spring extending longitudinally within the handle from an end joined integrally with the tang, to a laterally movable free end. A blade lock is located on the elongated bar spring adjacent the movable free end, laterally positionable by deflection of the elongated bar spring to selectively engage and lock the blade in an extended operative position, and a release position clear of the blade.

Abstract: A power tool is provided including a motor for operating upon the actuation thereof. An elongated power cord has a first end with a plug mounted thereon for releasably connecting with a power receptacle and a second end coupled to the power tool. At least one outlet is mounted on the power tool and connected to the power cord for supplying power to a plug that is releasably inserted within the outlet.

Abstract: A manually operable can opener of the rim-cutting type comprises a rotatable traction wheel (22) of generally cylindrical configuration and a freely rotatable circular cutter blade (48) wherein the rotational axis of the cutter blade is inclined to the rotational axis of the wheel at an angle of substantially 6.degree.. In their operative position, the cutter blade (48) penetrates a radially outer thickness of metal material comprising the rim but does not cut completely through the rim whereby the can end (62) may be cut leaving a smooth edge both to the end (62) and the side wall (68) of the can. Complete separation of the cut end from the can body is facilitated by gripper jaws (70, 72) movable by the user to grip that part of the rim attached to the can end to hold and detach it from the remainder of the rim attached to the can body.

Abstract: A supporting frame supports a measuring head which has mounted thereon a measuring element which abuts with a reference surface of a wheel mounting member so as to be inclinable about a camber axis and a toe axis. A plurality of holding arms which can be opened and closed are provided on this supporting frame. Each of the holding arms is provided with a roller. The wheel mounting member is held by these rollers in a diametrically aligned condition. Each of these rollers is made of an elastic member and is rotatably supported by fitting onto a roller axis which is parallel with a tangential line of the wheel mounting member at a point of abutment of each of the rollers with the wheel mounting member. The wheel mounting member is thus made free to incline. A suspension is moved up and down by vertically driving the supporting frame.

Abstract: Gun sights have a general cross-sectionally semi-circular support member provided with a lengthwise extending arcuate concavity; and a rod-shaped light guide positioned within and fixed to the arcuate concavity of the support member. The semi-circular support member may itself be provided with a generally rectangularly shaped lower channel which is especially adapted to being attached to a gun's vent rib. The semi-circular support member may alternatively be provided as a domed protuberance from a longitudinally split cylindrical band which is adapted to being sleeved over a gun's barrel. One or more of the rod-shaped light guides may be affixed within individual lengthwise concavities, in which case there is most preferably provided a central lengthwise extending concavity therebetween.

Abstract: An aiming device for handheld firearms comprises a rear notch sight and a front sight, in which case the rear notch sight (1) has an essentially trapezoidal rear notch sight cutout (6) which diverges downward from an upper edge (5), and the front sight (2) has an essentially triangular outline whose upper tip (10) bisects the upper side (7) of the trapezoidal rear notch sight cutout (6), so that an unobstructed gap (15, 16) is formed in each case between the sides (8, 9) of the trapezoidal rear notch sight cutout (6) and the sides (11, 12) of the triangular outline of the front sight (2). This provides an aiming device which quickly and unambiguously points the eye at the target while aiming.

Abstract: An electronic level is provided including a central member having a rectilinear configuration and an electronic level indicator mounted thereon.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is disclosed having improved manufacturability and low cost while maintaining high performance standards. The CMM includes a polymer composite gantry-style base incorporating a three-point support configuration in the X, Y, and Z axes. The X-beam is hollow, has a horizontal cross-sectional orientation, uses a passive ventilation technique, and is attached to the bearing at one end by a compliant mount. The Z-axis probe shaft incorporates a combined counterbalance/drive assembly and a compliant secondary rail guide mechanism. The X-axis and Y-axis drive screws have angular alignment capability using a spherical washer configuration. This combination of features serves to minimize non-repeatable errors and enhance the manufacturability of the CMM, providing substantial improvements in CMM design and construction.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for drying material, particularly sludges, with indirectly heated driers includes a system for the thermal decontamination of exhaust air from the drier. Excess exhaust air from the drier loop is fed as secondary air to the heating boiler or furnace separately from the primary air for combustion of the fuel and to thermally clean the exhaust air from the drier. The exhaust drier gas from the drier remains in the furnace for a period to decontaminate the drier gas, after which it is mixed with the flue gases. The mixture is then removed from the furnace. The system is suitable for operation under normal operating temperatures and at low, below normal operating temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for the rapid drying of crockery, cutlery, glasses, and similar objects using the passage of a drying material. Inside of a body or housing there is included a loading plate (11) for the objects to be dried; a tank (13) of drying material; and some ducting (14) for the conveying and blowing of the drying material from the tank to the objects on the said loading plate from different directions.

Abstract: A drying apparatus and method utilizes radiant heat and forced air to provide for rapid drying of photosensitive material without emulsion side contact. The forced air is supplied through air passages formed between cover members that partially surround radiant heating bars, and is directed onto the photosensitive material where it impinges upon the photosensitive material. As the air passes through the air passages, it is heated by radiant heat from the heating bars. The heated air increases the drying effect of the drying apparatus and at the same time, impinges on the photosensitive material in a manner which assists in holding the photosensitive material firmly against, for example, drive rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the wetting or providing moisture throughout a container of a powdery dry material such as an emission control baghouse dust. A collection hopper container is provided which usually comprises a box like structure with a sealable cover or top. A supply of low-pressure steam is provided to a plurality of conduits that extent through the cover and extend downwardly into the collected powdery material. By the injection of low-pressure steam through the plurality of conduits and outwardly into the powdery material through openings in the conduits, moisture is provided throughout the powdery material to lessen the dusty nature of the material to enable further processing to be accomplished more readily.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for removing volatile components from a composition utilize a dryer having an inlet chamber and a plurality of channels. A flow restriction is disposed immediately upstream of the inlet of each channel with respect to a direction of flow of the composition through the dryer. The process includes the step of heating the composition at a location upstream of the flow restriction to a temperature above the flashing temperature of at least one of the components at a pressure of the channel inlet and applying a pressure to the heated composition to avoid such flashing. The process further includes the step of passing the pressurized, heated composition through the dryer inlet chamber, the flow restriction, and through the channels.

Abstract: In fluidized spray drying of a feedstock to produce an agglomerate product by means of at least one spraying device (7) arranged in the upper part (2) of a vertically disposed drying chamber (1), in a lower part of which a fluid-bed is accommodated, a drying gas introduced into a processing zone (16) of the chamber (1) is exhausted through an integrated arrangement of filter elements (11) in the upper chamber part (2) to retain and allow agglomeration of the particles carried by the flow of drying gas on the filter elements (11).By intermittent supply of reverse flow gas pulses to the filter elements (11) the retained particles are released and returned to agglomeration zones (16, 17).The drying gas is introduced at a rate producing at the filter walls (13) a flow rate amounting to at least 150 cubic meters per hour per square meter of filter wall surface.

Abstract: A dryer for use with chemical compounds employs controlled vacuum, elevated temperature and dry, inert gas to dry the chemical compounds. The dryer includes a vacuum chamber into which trays containing the compounds are placed. The chamber includes heating elements which elevate the temperature of chemical samples placed within the chamber. Supplying and evacuating manifolds, each with a plurality of orifices for supplying and evacuating dry inert gas, provide a substantially laminar flow of dry inert gas just above the trays of chemical compounds which are to be dried. The laminar gas flow removes the unwanted vapor which tends to form above the tray of chemical compound, thus accelerating the drying process.

Abstract: A dryer for material webs for supplying heat to at least one side of a material web, the dryer having a dryer housing formed with an inlet opening and an outlet opening for material webs, and at least one ventilator and at least one heating device for producing heated gas, includes a burner unit shielded against the atmosphere in the dryer, and a supply system for supplying the burner unit with process gas formed of a large portion of exhaust gas of the dryer, the process gas being maintained for a dwell time and at a temperature level adequate for complete combustion of volatile solvents before it is supplied once again as heated gas to the interior of the dryer.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a cavity formed therein and a plurality of holes extending from the cavity to the bottom surface of the sole. A spike is disposed in each one of the holes, and each spike is translatable between an extended position wherein a first end of the spike protrudes from the bottom surface of the sole and a retracted position wherein the first end does not protrude from the bottom surface of the sole. A slide member is slidably disposed in the cavity and has a plurality of recesses formed in a first surface thereof which is oriented towards the spikes. The slide member is translatable in a lengthwise direction between a first position wherein the recesses are aligned with the spikes so that the spikes assume their retracted position and a second position wherein the recesses are not aligned with the spikes so that the spikes assume their extended position.

Abstract: A machine for distributing ballast in a track bed comprises a machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages for mobility in an operating direction, a ballast plow adjustably mounted on the machine frame for distributing the ballast in the track bed, drives for adjusting the ballast plow relative to the machine frame, a contactless sensor arranged ahead of the ballast plow in the operating direction for detecting an existing track bed profile extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, a position indicator for indicating a change in the position of the ballast plow relative to the machine frame, and a control for the drives comprising a memory storing a desired track bed profile.

Abstract: A snow chute assembly for use with a snowblower. The chute assembly includes a snow chute having a rotatable base to be attached to the snowblower and presenting a circumference with spaced apart notches formed therein. An arc of notches extends around the circumference from one end, through a mid-point, through a second end preferably through an arc of 180.degree.-210.degree.. A gear member as driven by a drive shaft, preferably a worm gear, engages the notches. A limit switch limits the rotation of the chute on the base, the limit switch being substantially at the mid-point of the arc notches. The limit switch will engage limit arms extending from the base. One arm being at each end of the arc of notches. A base activation member includes a drive motor for rotating the drive shaft connected to the gear member, the drive shaft rotation ceasing upon engagement of the limit switch with either limit arms.

Abstract: A suction, or vacuum, is created by the coupling of two sections of tubing of dissimilar size. The larger section of tubing has an open ended reservoir attached to one end thereof. The smaller section of tubing has an end plate attached at a point approximately one third of its length. The longer portion of the smaller section of tubing is inserted into the larger tube until the end plate mated to the reservoir. A fluid medium such as water or air is pumped into the reservoir under high pressure filling the reservoir and encompassing the inner section of tubing. The space between the smaller section of tubing and the larger section of tubing is fluidly coupled to the reservoir. The application of the pressurized fluid medium from the reservoir to the space between the sections of tubing creates a low pressure within the inner tubing resulting in a vacuum or suction being effected at the intake of the inner tubing.

Abstract: A trench cleaning apparatus for attachment to a tractor, the trench cleaning apparatus for extricating crumbs from a trench into control of the tractor. The trench cleaning apparatus utilizes a rigid member having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. When the rigid member is inserted into a trench at an angle to horizontal and propelled, the first edge and the second edge engage the sidewalls of the trench and the bottom edge of the rigid member engages the bottom of the trench. As the rigid member is propelled, crumbs flow from the bottom of the trench to the top of said rigid member such that crumbs are extricated from the trench and the trench is cleaned. A bucket can be utilized in cooperation with the trench cleaning apparatus such that crumbs above ground level can also be removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing work by advancing a tool against a resistance thereto, and in particular, an excavator attachment or a rock concrete or engine crusher in which a pivoted jaw member (16) is advanced by a hydraulic ram (30) against a fixed plate (22) includes percussion device in the form of a hydraulic hammer acting against a fixed anvil (46,50) to assist the ram. Hydraulic fluid can be diverted from the ram to the hammer as required.

Abstract: A quick coupling device for quickly and easily coupling and decoupling a work implement to and from a stick assembly is disclosed. The quick coupling device includes a hook member defined in the stick assembly. The hook member defines a recess. An implement pin secured to the work implement is positionable within the recess. The quick coupling device further includes an over-center spring which biases or otherwise secures the implement pin within the recess. The quick coupling device yet further includes an actuator which selectively loads the over-center spring so as to secure the implement pin within the recess, or alternatively removes the load from the over-center spring so as to allow the bucket to be decoupled from the stick assembly. In one embodiment the actuator includes a operator controlled fluid cylinder, whereas in another embodiment the actuator includes a lever assembly having a lever with a cam lobe secured thereto.

Abstract: Light emitting artwork that includes a printed circuit board, at least one least one LED disposed on the printed circuit board, a surface material disposed on the printed circuit board and having an image thereon that together with the at least one LED produce customized light emitting artwork, and a backboard displaced from the printed circuit board. The at least one LED is at least one tri-color LED connected in parallel with each other and with a programmable logic control circuit and with a DC power source having a polarity, with a current limiting resister connected in series with each of the at least one tri-color LED.

Abstract: A door frame construction 10 including a hollow generally inverted U-shaped door frame member 20 having a pair of side channels 21, 22, and an overhead channel 23 provided with a plurality of illuminated exit sign units 12 and an emergency light unit 13. The exit sign units 12 and the emergency light unit 13 are electrically connected to one another by electrical wiring 101 disposed within the hollow door frame member 20 to provide integrated exit signage into the door frame member 20.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a closed lid on a water cooler containing potable water, and for labeling the water cooler, the apparatus comprising a safety seal tape and a safety tag. An outer side of the safety seal tape is imprinted with repeating indicia indicating that the lid is not to be removed from the cooler. An outer side of the safety tag is imprinted with indicia indicating that the cooler contains potable water. Inner sides of the tape and tag have a pressure sensitive adhesive which is capable of removably bonding the tape and tag to the water cooler. The tape is wrapped around the closed lid to secure the lid on the cooler, and the tag is adhered to the cooler, the tape and tag together providing notice that the cooler contains potable water and that the lid is not to be removed. The safety tag can be provided with various features which can be incorporated into a record keeping system for verifying compliance with applicable regulations.