Abstract: Apparatus (20) for automatically closing a sliding door (40), comprising a pneumatically controlled weighted piston (1) within a vertical tube 5' for operative connection to a sliding panel (13) forming part of a sliding door assembly such that sliding the panel into the open door position lifts the piston which then falls again under its own weight with pneumatic control once the sliding panel is released, thus closing the door.

Abstract: An infinite door check mechanism for enabling a door to be moved from a closed position in a door frame to any one of a plurality of different open positions including a clevis adapted to be mounted to the frame, an elongate strip member mounted to the clevis and directed outward from the frame, a door check housing adapted to be mounted on the door, the strip member extending at least partially through the housing, and a support member arranged in the housing. A movable locking member is arranged in the housing such that the strip member is interposed between the locking member and the support member. A biasing member such as a spring is positioned in the housing for selectively pressing the locking member against the strip member to force the strip member against the support member and thereby retain the strip member in a fixed position and releasing pressure of the locking member against the strip member and thereby enable movement of the strip member.

Abstract: A tapered shear stop has rigid tapered shear stud and tapered polyurethane overing that both have rounded outer surfaces. The tapered shear stop is mounted in a bracket to withstand steady state and impacting loads from a boom and to shear through a reduced section in the stud that is located next to the bracket to prevent bending or transmitting other damage to the bracket when excessive loads are encountered. Differently sized shear stops, or more than one shear stop can be used to protect associated mechanical structure from damage.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (2800) for a wireless communication device (100) having a body (104), and a cover (102) including a barrel (216) integrally formed thereon. The hinge assembly (2800) includes a follower (2802), a cam (2804) coupled to the follower (2802) and a spring (2806) coupled to the cam (2804) and coiled around a segment of the follower (2802). The hinge components can be fully assembled and self contained apart from manufacture of the wireless communication device (100).

Abstract: An elongated handle for a kitchen utensil is shaped for easy gripping having a slightly bulbous rear section and a forward and intermediate section of a rounded rectangular cross sectional shape, the intermediate section smaller than either the forward or rear sections to create an overall stretched hourglass handle shape. The bulbous rear section is inclined downwardly from the top of the handle to be positioned in the crook of the three encircling fingers gripping the handle, while the thumb rests on the flat surface of the depression formed by the intermediate section and the index finger wraps around the intermediate section to the rear of the enlarged forward section.

Abstract: A handle for transporting carts having wheels and used in transporting various articles, equipment, components, and other items. The cart handle includes an upper central generally horizontally disposed portion and hand grip sections extending generally downwardly therefrom at an obtuse angle from each end of the central portion. At the lower end of the hand grip sections attachment sections extend between and connect the hand grip sections to a back wall of the cart. The central horizontally disposed portion and hand grip sections are coplanar and are in a plane located at an acute angle with respect to a vertical plane. The hand grip sections extend downwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the central horizontally disposed portion. The central portion, hand grip sections and attachment sections are made by bending tubing material and are integrally connected with one another.

Abstract: A carding machine has a cylinder (3), stationary, self-cleaning flats (2) fixed at a chain (45) and guided and adjusted by a flexible bend (48). Additional active trash, dust and short fibre extraction units (1) are placed in the main carding zone. The units (1) are constructed as separate units, removable and placeable, instead of stationary flats (2), between adjacent flats (2). The units (1) have the same principal width gauge as the flats (2) or a multiple of it. The units (1) are fixed and held the same way as the flats (2) by the chain (45) and the flexible bend (48). The machine achieves an excellent carding quality and is readily adjustable to different needs.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing a leading end of a first sliver deposited in a coiler can and a trailing end of an out-running second sliver fed into a fiber processing machine, includes a device for tapering the leading and trailing ends to obtain gradually tapered length portions thereof; a device for positioning the tapered length portions side by side to obtain a juxtapositioned relationship thereof; a pressure-applying constriction through which the first and second slivers pass for splicing together the leading and trailing ends by pressure; and a device for introducing the first sliver, spliced to the second sliver, into the fiber processing machine.

Abstract: A zip-fastener in which the hollow lower face of each of the interlocking teeth, which are directly molded on the zipper tapes, has two recessed retaining portions at two opposite vertical lateral sides, top and bottom transverse thread grooves disposed at top and bottom sides and respectively connected between the recessed retaining portions, and stitches are sewn on zipper tapes around the recessed retaining portions and transverse thread grooves of each tooth to fixedly secure the teeth to the zipper tapes.

Abstract: A burial casket having an image receiving surface includes a container, a cover and a coating applied to the exterior surface of the casket for receiving images. The image receiving surface includes at least one layer of stain applied directly to the exterior surface of the casket, a shading toner applied on top of the stain, a lacquer sealer applied on top of the shading toner, and at least one layer of gloss lacquer applied on top of the lacquer sealer. The container has a rectangular central portion which forms the bottom of the casket, opposed end walls which form the ends of the casket, and opposed side walls which form the sides of the casket. The cover overlies the ends walls and the sides walls and is hingedly connected to one of the side walls for moving between an open position and a closed position. The casket also includes media for introducing the images on the image receiving surface. The media include ink, dye, plastic, chalk, paint, charcoal, decals and transfers.

Abstract: An apparatus for needling a fiber fleece web has a plurality of needle bars, the drive means thereof being individually associated to the individual needle bars or a group of closely adjoining needle bars which belong to one of a plurality of needling zones, and wherein said drive means are connected to a common control means which enables an individual control of the movement of the needle bars or needle bar groups. The needle bars or needle bar groups can in particular be moved in three directions orthogonal with respect to one another, and the needles can possibly be supported rotatably, and can perform a controlled rotary movement during the stitching movement.

Abstract: A method for making ink jet print head base elements which includes the steps of making a sacrificial mold of the ink jet print head, binder coagulation casting a ferroelectric, piezoelectric ceramic slurry into the sacrificial mold to form a green ceramic base element, and sintering the green ceramic base element while in the sacrificial mold to thereby burn off the sacrificial mold and yield a sintered, net shape, molded ink jet print head. complex shapes to thereby reduce the numbers of complex manufacturing steps. A three dimensional jet printing process can be used to form the sacrificial molds. Once the sacrificial mold has been made, a ferroelectric material (and preferably a piezoelectric material) is prepared using a binder coagulation process. The slurry of the ferroelectric material, preferably lead zirconium titinate (PbZrTiO.sub.3 hereinafter referred to as PZT) is poured into the mold. Once the ferroelectric material is poured into the mold, a chemical initiator is added.

Abstract: The piezoelectric layers of a laminated piezoelectric transformer include outermost ceramic layers having first openings defined therein for connection to inner electrodes. The inner electrodes comprise full-face electrodes, each of the inner electrodes having a second opening defined in a corner thereof and filled with an electrically conductive electrode and a third opening defined in another corner thereof and filled with an electrically conductive electrode surrounded by an electrode-free gap. The piezoelectric layers are stacked such that the inner electrodes are alternately electrically interconnected through the-second and third openings which are alternately superposed one on another. The electric generator comprises piezoelectric layers and web-shaped inner electrodes. Each of the web-shaped inner electrodes has a fourth opening defined in at least one end thereof and filled with an electrically conductive electrode.

Abstract: The present invention realizes spreading a sheet on a frame member by a simple structure and a simple process, and prevents uneven tension charged against the sheet. In the sheet spreading method of the invention, a core member for a backrest of a chair which is heated to around 200.degree. C. in a furnace is put into a flow dipping tank filled with powder resin. As a result, a resin coating is formed on the surface of the pipe constituting the core member. Also, a mesh is placed on a metal mold and clamped. Since a recess corresponding to the shape of the core member is formed in the top side of the metal mold, the mesh is spread on the core member with a tension charged against when the core member having the above-mentioned coating is pressed into the recess.

Abstract: A sealing element which forms a seal between a groove and an outer end of a crankshaft is installed by the use of a guide plate, an adapter and a press. The sealing element can be stretched over a frustoconical wall of the guide plate and slid along the cylindrical wall thereof on the outer end of the crankshaft. An adapter is then secured to the outer end of the crankshaft so that the press may be engaged over the adapter in sliding contact therewith to move the sealing element along the outer end of the crankshaft and into the groove. The sealing element may be removed from the groove by a puller. A rim of the puller is aligned with the sealing element as a drill is extended through passages in the rim of the puller to form holes in the sealing element. Screws are extended through the passages and self-tap into the holes formed in the sealing element. The puller is then withdrawn to withdraw the seal from the groove.

Abstract: A station for assembling motor-vehicle bodies or subassemblies thereof comprises an integrated system for detecting the micro-deflections of the side locating gates which engage the body during the assembling operation, with the resulting possibility of calculating the forces along a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the assembling station, to which the assembled structure is subjected.

Abstract: A method for assembling body parts wherein at least two originally separate elements are brought to an assembly station, where they are held stationary with respect to one another and with reference to the assembly station. Supports, uniquely adapted to handle a plurality of models of parts grip the elements and are used to bring the elements to the assembly station and are thereafter transported to further assembly stations for the addition of additional elements as appropriate. The elements are joined together, for example, by welding.

Abstract: A method of transferring conductive balls via a suction head without picking up errors and mounting errors includes moving a suction head with pores towards the conductive balls located in a case and applying a vacuum pressure to the pores to suck and pick up the conductive balls. While the suction head is moved away from the case, the suction head is vibrated by oscillators at different frequencies changed within a predetermined frequency range, thereby dropping redundant conductive balls from the suction head. Further, the suction head is moved to a position above a work piece and moved towards the work piece. The pores are communicated with atmosphere to mount the conductive balls onto the work piece. While the suction head is away from the work piece, the suction head is vibrated by oscillators at different frequencies changed within a predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: A deposit removal high pressure spray apparatus for removing heat conduction inhibiting deposits on U-tubes at the top of a shell and tube type of nuclear steam generator (10) tube bundle (16) by crawling along flanged outboard support beams (18) above the U-tubes bundle. The apparatus includes: a crawler (66) with motive means 68 for "inch worm" movement; a rotationally driven base 62 provides movement of the sprayhead to either side of the outboard support beam; a rotationally driven extension arm 60 on rotating base 62 has an elongated reciprocally driven elevator 58 thereon; and, a wrist 52 reversibly and rotatably driven by motor 54a sweeps sprayhead 52 with nozzles 56 to clean the top of the bundle 16 tube lanes of 90.degree., 45.degree. and 135.degree. efficiently.

Abstract: A method of fabricating very small diameter deep passages is provided. The method of fabricating very small diameter deep passages may include fabricating a recess (206) in a first side (202) of an article (200). An article passage (216) may be fabricated between a second side (204) of the article (200) and the recess (206). An insert (220) may be provided sized to fit the recess (206). An insert passage (230) may be fabricated in the insert (220). The insert (220) may then be secured in the recess (206), with the insert passage (230) and the article passage (216) aligned.

Abstract: A system and a method for forming, storing and loading slot cell insulators into slots in a stator core of a dynamoelectric machine. The system includes a forming assembly for forming slot cell insulators and a loading assembly for storing the insulators and loading the insulators into the stator core. The system also includes a transfer mechanism for moving the insulators from the forming assembly into the loading assembly. In the process, these elements cooperate to align end portions of the insulators before they are inserted into the stator core, thereby improving the efficiency of the loading procedure. When the stator core is ready to receive the insulators, the loading assembly simultaneously loads all of the insulators into the stator core.

Abstract: A placement apparatus for co-planar placement of electronic components on a component carrier using a rotational placement arm in which the electronic component is moved between the base or loading position of the placement arm and the near-placement position substantially on a circular path, and in which the component is moved linearly between the near-placement position and the placement position.

Abstract: A method of making a surge protection system for use on sectionalized electrical busway distribution system housings. The surge protection system includes a number of surge clamps; each cut to a particular length from an extruded rawstock. The extruded rawstock is of a length easily manipulated by one person. The extruded rawstock defines at least one generally flat longitudinal surface and a passage extending along its longitudinal axis. When each surge clamp is installed the generally flat longitudinal surface engages a generally flat surface of a top or bottom of the busway housing. Each end of the surge clamp engages one of two generally parallel sides of the busway housing. Apertures are defined in the sides at the point of engagement with the surge clamp ends. Fastening devices such a screw pass through the apertures and into the passage defined by the surge clamps thus providing a means for attaching the surge clamp to the busway housing.

Abstract: A composite insulator includes an insulating rod, end fittings crimped to opposite end portions of said insulating rod, and an elastic insulating material molded around the outer periphery of the insulating rod, wherein each of the end fittings has a flange around the outer periphery of an end fitting body on an axially external side thereof, and the elastic insulating material is molded around the outer periphery of the insulating rod and those of the end fitting bodies such that the elastic material extends up to and between the flanges. A process for the production of such a composite insulator is also disclosed.

Abstract: To achieve the above-mentioned objects, and other related ones a method and apparatus for cooling of an electronic assembly is suggested. The electronic assembly is placed in thermal contact with a monolithic, non-jointed flexible coolant conduit housing a coolant. A plurality of cold plates are then slipped over the conduit, through their indentation like opening along a peripheral edge of each plate. The conduit with plates is then bend so as to complement the contour of the assembly to be cooled.

Abstract: Multi-lateral wells include one or more connections between a larger diameter well casing and liner-equipped branch-wells of smaller diameter initiated with a small angle deviation from the casing axis, so as to facilitate the sequential insertion of the directional drilling string and of the liner string, used respectively for drilling and for completing each lateral branch. Each such insertion requires, in the casing string, an elliptical window cutout presenting a vertical axis of more than ten feet and a horizontal axis of only a few inches, corresponding to the diameter of the branch-well.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetotherapeutic back massager. A roller blank having a central cylindrical core circumscribed by a pair of spaced apart circular projections receives magnets in the circular projections to provide magnetic properties to the resultingly constructed magnetotherapeutic back massager. Preferably, the magnets are arranged so as to alternate polarity and a magnet-supporting strip holds the magnets together prior to and during the association of the magnets with the circular projections. The circular projections may have indentations or grooves to accommodate the magnets. Once the magnets have been associated with the circular projections, the magnets are more permanently attached by applying additional material to the circular projections so as to seal the magnets to the circular projections. The sealing material may be the same as that used to construct the roller blank, preferably latex rubber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a part in the shape of a hollow profile is disclosed, with a hollow profile made of light metal being expanded by high internal pressure deformation. In order to be able to manufacture parts in the shape of hollow profiles based on light metals, even with high degrees of deformation, in simple fashion in a safe process, a sleeve made of a material with a greater ductility than the light metal, especially a steel material, is slid onto the hollow profile. The sleeve is located on the hollow profile in such fashion that a predetermined area of the hollow profile is covered that is to be deformed during subsequent expansion with a high degree of deformation that exceeds the expandability of the light metal.

Abstract: A tube cutter and process for cutting tubes, including a housing with a gear cluster therein and with the cluster providing for two separate drive controls to the cutter and the supporting rollers, both of which engage the tube to be cut. The drive controls are arranged to be relative one to the other so that the feed of the cutter against the tube to be cut can be regulated. Regulation may be achieved by different motor speeds or by a brake mechanism. The cutter automatically adjusts radially to the tube and revolves therearound in the cutting process.

Abstract: A folding scissors of a type suitable for inclusion in a compact multipurpose tool, in which an operating lever securely engages one of the scissors blades to move it with respect to the other, and in which a spacer takes up excess clearance to keep the operating lever drivingly engaged with one of the scissors blades and to keep the sharp edges of the scissors properly close together during use of the scissors. Inclined mating surfaces are provided on the lever arm and on a hook on one of the scissors blades to keep the operating lever engaged with the scissors blade. A cavity is provided to receive the spacer when the scissors is in its folded configuration in order to facilitate relative movement of the parts of the scissors during the process of folding and unfolding the scissors.

Abstract: A braking device of a portable trimmer according the present invention comprises a cylindrical brake drum portion provided around a cutter blade retainer, an anti-rotation device, and a brake shoe provided inwardly of the brake drum portion and supported by a support shaft. The brake shoe extends along an inner surface of the brake drum portion so that the distance between the support shaft and the line tangent to the middle portion of the brake shoe exceeds the radius of the inner wall surface of the brake drum portion. An anti-rotation device is installed in a vacant space within a gear case and inwardly of the brake drum portion.

Abstract: A cutter wheel which can form a deep slit on an article to be cut so that the article can be broken easily along the slit and a perpendicular cut surface can be formed reliably when the article is broken along the slit. The cutter wheel is a disk-shaped member having a cutting edge along the outer edge and formed with a mounting hole extending therethrough along its axis. The mounting hole has an irregular shape so that the cutter wheel vibrates when it rolls due to steps between adjacent sides of the polygonal hole. The edge of the wheel can thus penetrate more deeply into the glass plate so that a deeper and smoother slit can be formed in the glass plate. This in turn makes it possible to more easily break the glass plate along the slit and to form a perpendicular cut surface.

Abstract: A pneumatic power tool for reciprocating a blade to cut a workpiece. The power tool includes a body having a hollow interior and a passage extending through the body between the hollow interior and an opening in an exterior surface of the body. The interior has first and second ports spaced apart at first and second positions along a central axis of the interior for alternately admitting air into the interior. The tool also includes a connector to connect a pneumatic hose to the tool for delivering pressurized air to the tool. A throttle is positioned along the passage for selectively permitting pressurized air to flow through the passage, and a valve is also positioned along the passage for alternately directing air through one of the first and second ports to pressurize the interior at a corresponding one of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A laser crossline device suitable for construction includes at lease a first and a second laser beam produced by diode modules. The diode modules revolve around a horizontal axis so as to form a 360.degree. laser scanning plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the module. The plane can be adjusted with a bubble level and an adjustment screw. The two modules are situated so as to generate planes that intersect at a right angle. The line of intersection forms a plumb line. If desired, a third orthogonal plane can be added to the device. A single rotary motor drives all of the diode modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a logging method and apparatus adapted for use in non-circular boreholes which, in one embodiment, comprises the use of a first and a second sonde, each sonde having: a pad adapted for contact with the borehole wall, at least a sensor on each pad, and an extendable arm for keeping the pad against the wall of the borehole. The first and second sonde produce measurements related to the same property of the formations, and the first and the second sonde are connected so as to keep the pads aligned with a 90.degree. azimuthal spacing therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for estimating the cross-sectional shape and orientation of an earth borehole and the motion of a tool therein. The method and apparatus involve measuring the distance from the tool to the borehole wall at a plurality of locations around the periphery of the tool and fitting those measured distances to a predetermined shape function using a nonlinear parameter estimation technique to minimize the error between the estimated shape of the borehole and the measured distances. The method and apparatus may be used to estimate elliptical and higher order borehole shapes. Additionally, the method and apparatus may be used while drilling the borehole.

Abstract: A body 1 placed thereon with a table 35 put thereon with an object to be measured W, and a portal frame 41 supporting both ends of rail 43 to the body through pillars 42A and 42B, the rail being placed above the table 35 and extending along a moving direction of a pair of probes 91A and 91B, are provided. A pair of sliders 51A and 51B are movably supported by the rail 43. The pair of the probes are extended downward from the sliders 51A and 51B to be abutted to the object W put on the table 35. The flexural deformation of the probes 91A and 91B is decreased due to the shorter length of the probes 91A and 91B, so that the high accurate measurement is achieved and a relative measurement is omitted.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an optical ruler structure. It includes a first guide seat and a second guide seat. A flexible stopper plate is disposed on outer side of the slide section of the second guide seat. The stopper plate is a thin sheet and formed with a central slot parallel to a long side. Each end of the slot is formed with a stopper section. The stopper plate is flexible and firm, so that the abrasion of the slide seat during sliding can be reduced and the dirts are prevented from getting into the first guide seat to damage the internal circuits.

Abstract: A dryer section of a paper machine which is provided with at least one intermediate calendering nip and includes several successively arranged wire groups. The dryer section primarily or exclusively has groups with single-wire draw in which heated drying cylinders are arranged in an upper row and reversing suction cylinders or reversing suction rolls are arranged in a lower row below the upper row. The groups with single-wire draw also have a drying wire which runs along a meandering path over the drying cylinders and reversing suction cylinders or rolls so that the reversing suction cylinders remain inside the loop of the drying wire. A calender roll is arranged in opposed relationship to a drying cylinder in one or more of the single-wire draw groups in a sector which the first face of the web is exposed to thereby define a calendering nip therewith.

Abstract: A device utilizing solar energy, including four supporting-moving mechanisms moving and adjusting collectors in more than one direction connected to a frame, the supporting-moving mechanism is also connected to a fix base surface, an absorbing plate black colored and with pyramidal or wedge shape is placed on an insulating plate laying on the base plate of the plane collectors placed on the frame, translucent covering plate covers all the surface, baffles between the base plate and translucent covering plate perpendicular to the base plate and parallel to each others provide an air current path, the farthest baffles form side walls, opposite to the inlet of the air current path installed with filter an outlet is provided, the inlet of the air pump house is connected to the outlet to which a device utilizing the heat energy is connected.

Abstract: A device for the aerobic treatment, conditioning and/or drying of moist, substantially solid or paste-like, at least partly organic material, has a vessel containing paired, Venetian-blind-like walls, with adjustable blades, forming at least one reaction chamber, at least one air inlet chamber and at least one air discharge chamber, and containing supports which are in spatially staggered array inside the reaction chamber in such a way that they provide the best possible pressure relief for the filling. The invention also relates to a process using said device.

Abstract: A method and a device for drying workpieces that have been provided with a fresh surface coating and are conveyed through a drying zone in a housing wherein hot air is applied to the workpieces to dry them. At least a fraction of the walls and/or built in component in the region of the housing to which the workpieces are conveyed have hot air applied to them for preventing formation of condensate. A hot air barrier may be provided at the inlet or the outlet of the drying zone. A material for bonding and storing liquid may be provided on at least a fraction of the walls and/or built in components.

Abstract: An exhaust particle and particulate containment system for a coffee roaster comprises a filter chamber for exhaust coffee roasting by-products including chaff and smoke particulates and oils is comprised of a screen for separating chaff from the exhaust coffee roasting by-product effluent and a filter for containing chaff and removing smoke particulates and oils when the screen is in a closed position.

Abstract: A waterproof foot covering has a breathable upper enclosure of an upper, a waterproof inner lining sleeve to line the upper enclosure, and a waterproof lower enclosing shell of a lower. The bottom open end of the upper enclosure, the bottom open end of the inner lining sleeve and the upper open end of the lower enclosing shell are interconnected together by sewing, thereby forming a stitched seam. A waterproof seam-sealing member is disposed inwardly of the stitched seam. The seam-sealing member is attached to the inner surfaces of the inner lining sleeve and the lower enclosing shell, whereby water-permeation through the stitched seam from a location between the inner lining sleeve and the upper enclosure to the exterior of the upper enclosure is permitted while water-permeation through the stitched seam to the interior of the inner lining sleeve and the lower.

Abstract: A sport boot that can be converted to adapt to a variety of sports, especially gliding sports. The sole of the boot is constituted of an irremovable base affixed to the shell, and on which front and rear vertical retention zones are obtained, on the one hand, and of front and rear sole portions that are distinct, interchangeable and complementary to the sole base to which they adapt to constitute the tip and the heel, respectively, and being selected by the user among at least two sets of front and rear sole portions whose profiles and dimensional characteristics are capable of allowing, relative to the front and rear zones for the axial retention of the fixed base and complementarily with the latter, to recontitute and adapt a sole from the same boot, conforming to one binding standard or another.

Abstract: A multiple-part foot-support sole having a cork support with a thickness that is minimal under a heel and under a ball of the wearer's foot. A wedge is arranged under the foot support so that a front edge of the wedge lies approximately under the ball of the wearer's foot and encloses an angle between 75 and 80.degree. relative to the longitudinal center line of the sole. The wedge has a substantially flat upper and lower side and is made of a lightweight and flexible material. An outsole is provided under the wedge in the cork foot support so as to be sharply raised in a toe region of the sole while the cork foot support is only slightly curved in the toe region.

Abstract: A shoe having improved sole component composed of a closed cell foam mid-sole which is adhered to at least a portion of the shoe's upper component. The mid-sole component has multiple thickened zones which are separated by multiple flex grooves between the zones. The thickened zones are provided in a fore foot and rear foot portions and underlie only the high impact regions of a wearer's foot during a wearer's gait cycle. An outer sole is attached to the outer bottom surface of the thickened zones of the mid-sole with the thickened zones being between the out sole and a portion of the upper component.

Abstract: There is disclosed a synchronous motor drive in which in a record disc drive of an information recording device a quantity of generated excitation noise is reduced to a small level to which a reading/writing signal is not influenced and a substantial motor generation torque is prevented from lowering. An absolute value of a maximum voltage gradient of a coil excitation voltage waveform is set to a certain value or less. The waveform alternates at a synchronous frequency which is determined by the number of poles of a rotating magnetic field produced in an air gap by a stator winding and the number of revolutions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a drive mechanism of a panel display system includes a rotary member attached to a drive assembly, the rotary member having indicators located at known intervals that are detected to ensure that the drive assembly starts and stops at precise locations. In a preferred embodiment, the control system is applied to a panel display system that displays different scenes using an array of elongated three-sided display elements. The preferred control system includes an aluminum disk that is attached to rotate in connection with rotation of the drive assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying merchandise, the apparatus having a base, a pole, and a means for securing the pole in a substantially vertical orientation on the base. A sign holder is preferably attached to an upper end of the pole. A bracket member is preferably secured adjacent the upper end of the pole. The bracket member has at least one prong for supporting one or more sets of disposable receptacles for umbrellas. The means for securing is preferably an insert detachably engaged within a generally cylindrical opening of the base. The insert comprises a generally cylindrical body having a generally cylindrical opening passing through at least an upper portion thereof. A plurality of longitudinal ribs extend radially outward from the body. Outer longitudinal edges of the ribs are sized to tightly abut against the generally cylindrical opening of the base to thereby maintain the insert in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the base.