Abstract: A suspension system for a helmet comprising a crown support assembly having a center portion and a plurality of strap portions extending radially from the center portion. The suspension system further comprises a headband and a plurality of connectors, wherein at least one of the plurality of connectors comprises an anchor portion for attaching the suspension system to a helmet, a first support member extending from the anchor portion and attached to one of the plurality of strap portions, a second support member spaced from the first support member, extending from the anchor portion, and attached to the headband, and a spacing member extending from one of the first and second support members toward the other of the first and second support members. The connector may be a single piece, and may be a molded piece. The connector may also comprise at least one more spacing member extending from one of the first and second support members toward the other of the first and second support members.

Abstract: The chin strap assembly for use with an athletic helmet includes a chin cup member having a flexible strap on each side of the chin cup member, each flexible strap passing through a plurality of slots formed in the chin cup member.

Abstract: A helmet bill safety cover is comprised of a generally crescent-shaped, resilient sleeve with a convex front edge, and a concave rear edge. A slot extends partially into the sleeve from the rear edge. The ends of an elastic strap are attached to opposite sides of the sleeve. The sleeve is slipped over the rigid bill of a helmet, and the strap is wrapped around the back of the helmet. The sleeve is thick and soft enough to cushion the impact and reduce or prevent injury when the bill strikes another person.

Abstract: An extra-ocular laser eye goggle (10) includes first and second eye shields (15) which are adapted to be mounted on and cover the eyes of a subject during a facial laser surgery. Each eye shield (15) is formed from a non-light transmissive material and includes an exterior surface (20) which diffuses a laser upon impact such that the subject is not injured. A seal member (35) is provided on each eye shield (15) which provides a sealing interface between the eye shields and the subject such that light is prohibited from passing between the eye shields (15) and the subject.

Abstract: A technologically advanced portable toilet has a purifying agent producing/supplying device built into a periphery of a toilet bowl. Due to an ozone producing mechanism, a tank assembly, and a bubble generating tank, which are provided by this purifying agent producing/supplying device, when an upper cover of the toilet is opened, a purifying agent that is an aggregate of ozone-containing bubbles is supplied to an inside of the toilet bowl. As a result, a superior odor-extinguishing effect can be obtained.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for automatically raising and lowering a toilet seat including a sensor pad located to be stepped on only by a standing user. The toilet seat is counterbalanced, and a shifting of weight causes the seat to pivot up or down. Various weight shifting arrangements are described, including an electromechanical drive, a liquid transfer system, and a mechanical drive weight positioner.

Abstract: The present invention generally discloses an apparatus for absorbing the impact of a stream of liquid entering a body of liquid so as to minimize splash. More particularly, the present invention discloses such an apparatus that may be used advantageously within a standard commode bowl to minimize or eliminate the amount of splash caused by a stream of urine impacting the body of water contained within the commode bowl. Preferably, such an apparatus is capable of floating substantially upon the surface of the body of water within the commode bowl prior to and during use, easy to use, inexpensive to manufacturer, sanitary, and easily disposable after use by flushing the commode.

Abstract: A flush valve is adapted to be mounted in the tank of a toilet and includes a selector assembly and a flush valve. The selector assembly is accessible from outside the toilet and provides for initiation of the flushing operation and an alternative choice between a larger flush water volume and a smaller flush water volume. A support structure provides for both axial and radial movement of the selector assembly relative to the flush valve in order to facilitate mounting and alignment of the flush valve assembly. A slide mechanism provides for variation of at least the smaller flush water volume.

Abstract: A portable toilet comprising a cabana in which a tank is installed to contain liquid and solid waste and a conditioning liquid for said waste, said tank having, in a substantially central position, a port around which an annular seat is provided. Inside the waste-collecting tank, in correspondence to its port, temporary collection apparatus for the waste are provided, being wide enough to substantially cover the whole extension of port. An operating lever for collection apparatus is provided to drive a displacement which causes the unloading of the waste collected thereon after each use, and the subsequent return in a collecting position for a further use. The collection apparatus is removably connected to tank, to clear port when the emptying and cleaning of said tank have to be carried out.

Abstract: An excrement treating machine of a non-flushing toilet comprises a housing, a breaking and separating mechanism, a power driving unit, and a conveyer device. The housing is provided at the top thereof with a toilet seat provided with an excrement bag for collecting excrement. The excrement bag containing the excrement is dropped into the excrement treating machine in which the excrement bag and its contents are cut and broken into pieces, which are transported to the collection containers in which the excrement pieces are dehydrated to become an organic fertilizer. The entire treatment process makes no use of water.

Abstract: A portable toilet seat which may be removably mounted to a receiver mount towing hitch. The portable toilet seat includes two arcuate seat members each having a first end and a second end. The first end of each is affixed to the outside face of each of two rectangular shaft components which are attached to one another by means of a hinge. The hinge allows the arcuate seat members to fold such that the arcuate seat members rest side by side for easy storage and transport.The present invention additionally provides a portable toilet seat which may be removably mounted to a receiver mount towing hitch, including two arcuate seat members and a shaft. The seat members each have a first end and a second end which are affixed to opposing sides of the rectangular shaft.

Abstract: A portable, foldable toilet apparatus for attaching to a tree trunk, and including a tree trunk gripping frame section and a pair of longitudinal seat members pivotally connected to the gripping frame section for pivotal movement from a folded position within the gripping frame section to an open horizontal cantilevered position extending forwardly of the gripping frame section for supporting the weight of a person sitting thereon.

Abstract: A portable personal toilet facility device that is easily and conveniently carried by one person comprises a case, a seat with an opening, a disposable container detachably attached to the seat effective to receive a waste deposited through the opening, and at least one compartment effective to store the disposable container. The case has a closed configuration that is effective to store the disposable container, the seat, and the waste, without spillage of solids and liquids, and without release of odors, in any orientation position of the case relative to the ground.

Abstract: A swimming pool screen enclosure-supported water misting and cooling apparatus, the screen enclosure including tensioned fabric screen panels held between spaced apart elongated upright and overhead rigid frame members. The apparatus includes a plurality of water misting nozzles each of which discharge water under pressure as a very fine mist. A flexible water tubing is operably connectable to each misting nozzle for delivering pressurized water to each misting nozzle, the water tubing being connectable to a pressurized water source. A plurality of retaining clips are each connectable to an overhead frame member to support the misting nozzles and water tubing overhead of the swimming pool and adjacent deck area within the screen enclosure whereby mist discharging from the misting nozzles is distributed downwardly to cool occupants within the screen enclosure without substantially wetting any of the screen enclosure contents.

Abstract: The rotary hydrotherapy nozzle is a cylindrical tube forming a nozzle with a hand grip sleeve on a first stage tube and having an on-off valve. The tube has a rotary element contained in a discharge end which has multiple discharge ports. The tube intake end is threaded to receive the first stage tube or a water hose. The rotary element is a cylindrical body shaped to rotate in the discharge end. The rotary element has an outlet end with an outlet port shaped to alternately inhibit and allow water flow through the discharge ports as rotation occurs. The rotary element inlet end has a water vane which causes rotation due to the water flow impact thereon from the water inlet disk which has skewed ducts to direct water flow against the blades of the water vane.

Abstract: A bed frame for accommodating a decorative piece is described, the bed frame comprising a first side rail, a second side rail opposite the first rail, at least one cross arm extending from the first rail to the second rail, and at least one upright member in communication with the cross arm, whereby, the bed frame can accommodate variously sized headboards and footboards on the cross arm member.

Abstract: A device for use in providing or receiving massage therapy at home or in the office comprises a portable face rest attached to a support for positioning the device on a supporting surface, such as a bed, table or floor. The face rest may be adjustable relative to the support to selectively adjust the face rest to accommodate individual users. The face rest may be attached to the support in a manner which allows the face rest to be adjusted at an angle to the support. The device may also include arm rests for optionally supporting the massage recipient's arms during massage therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breast orthotics pillow having a head-and-arm rest portion with an open end, a cavity defined by the head-and-arm rest portion, and a core that fits within the cavity and is composed of a material more resilient than the head-and-arm rest portion. During use of the invention, a woman's breasts rest within and are received by the core. Preferably, the head-and-arm rest portion comprises a back and lateral branches and includes a resilient upper portion positioned directly over a less resilient lower portion, both the upper and lower portions, however, being less resilient than the breasts-receiving core.

Abstract: A pillow with incorporated alarm system including a cover portion defined by a front panel and a back panel. The front panel and the back panel are secured together along an outer periphery thereof. The cover portion contains padded material interiorly thereof. An alarm clock is disposed within the interior of the cover portion. A plurality of pressure sensors are disposed within the interior of the cover portion in a spaced relationship. Each of the sensors are in communication with the alarm clock whereby a lack of pressure will subsequently deactivate the alarm clock when activated.

Abstract: A therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.

Abstract: A rake for moving an air bubble entrapped between the surface of the water in and the underside of the top of a waterbed mattress to a vent through the top of the mattress is provided consisting of an elongated member and a handle. The elongated member has a lower surface lying in substantially a single plane and spaced apart beginning and end points. A straight line connecting the beginning and end points defines a geometric area for surrounding the bubble. The handle has one end connected to the member and another end extending above the plane defined by the lower surface of the member. The handle is used for manually urging the member downwardly against an upper side of the top of the mattress to trap the bubble within the geometric area. The handle is also used for guiding the geometric area with the bubble trapped therein into communication with the vent so that the air can be released to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrical T-fastener pliers has jaws (1, 3) with grip bays (8, 9, 39, 40) that are positioned on T-joint fastener jaws (15, 16, 17, 18) to be clamped onto targeted wires (19) by hand-squeezing handles (2, 4) of the electrical pliers. Jaws of the T-joint fasteners (12) are pressured against jaws of the pliers by outward pressure of outwardly sprung T-joint fasteners against designedly opened pliers jaws or optionally by inward pressure of the pliers jaws against jaws of unsprung T-joint fasteners (13). This provides a spring-pressured containment of a T-joint fastener while the pliers are being positioned in T-joining relationship to targeted electrical wiring. The handles can be extended at angles from the jaws to position a bottom handle designedly removed from a working surface in order to provide finger space between a working surface and in order to facilitate positioning the jaws under wires in close proximity to surfaces.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle with a tool attached thereto. The handle includes a compartment defined by a bottom wall and two side walls. A press block includes two ends in guided sliding engagement with the side walls to thereby allow the press block to be slidable relative to the side walls of the handle upon manual operation on the press block. A first wire stripping member is provided on the bottom wall of the compartment and includes a number of first notches of different curvatures. A second wire stripping member is provided on the press block and includes a number of second notches of different curvatures for stripping insulation from electrical wires of different gauges when the first notches and the second notches come together in a closed state as a result of manual operation on the press block.

Abstract: A loading dock includes a dock leveler movable between raised and lowered positions. The dock leveler includes a dock board and a lip assembly that can be horizontally extended and retracted relative to the forward edge of the dock board. The ability of the lip to extend and retract horizontally means that the dock board does not have to be raised as far to extend the lip as in prior dock levelers having a pivotally mounted lip. This eliminates or reduces the need for toe protection structure at the sides of the dock board and enhances manufacturing economy without compromising safety.

Abstract: A load bearing support structure in the form of a traffic-bearing highway bridge including at least one modular structural section. The at least one modular structural section includes at least one beam, the at least one beam containing a pair of lateral flanges and a medial web between and extending below the flanges. A load bearing deck is positioned above and supported by the flanges of the at least one beam. The at least one beam and load bearing deck are preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite material. Each of the flanges of the at least one beam is positioned on and supported by one of a plurality of support members. Alternatively, the load bearing deck containing at least one sandwich panel is suitable for applications such as barge decks, hatchcovers, and other load bearing wall applications. Methods of constructing a support structure utilizing the modular structural section and support members are also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for computer pointer devices having a standard ball contacting input rollers has an abradant ball mounted to a rotary shaft in a manner that the abradant ball may be brought into contact with rollers of the pointer device with the standard ball removed, the position of the abradant ball such that rotating the shaft will rotate the abradant ball in a manner that the abradant ball will both abrade and turn the rollers. The cleaning apparatus may be a hand-held device, built into a free-standing housing, or into a housing as a part of another computer housing, such as a computer or display. In some cases there is a variable speed drive with user settable speed, and in some cases there is a vacuuming system for removing abraded matter from a pointer device while cleaning takes place.

Abstract: An electronic toothbrush construction 10 including a hollow toothbrush member 20 provided with a motion sensor 60 connected to a timer 40 which activates an LED indicator 43 after the motion sensor 60 detects movement of the toothbrush bristles 24 over a predetermined period of time. In addition, the toothbrush member 20 is further provided with a wear sensor 80 and a pressure sensor 70 which are both operatively associated with an alarm 50 and selected toothbrush bristles 24. The pressure sensor 70 will trigger an intermittent alarm signal when excess pressure is applied to the bristles 24 and the wear sensor 80 will trigger a continuous alarm signal when selected bristles 24 are worn down to the point that wear sensor rods 81 are exposed.

Abstract: A scrub brush includes a bristle block having an array of bristles depending therefrom. Disposed over the bristle block and spaced therefrom is a handle that is supported by a pair of spaced apart handle supports that extend between the bristle block and the handle. Disposed on the bristle block is a relatively soft foam knuckle protector for engaging the knuckles of the hand of a user while the scrub brush is moved over a cleaning area or when the hand slips with respect to the handle. Also, in one embodiment, the knuckle protector assumes the form of a removable pad that can be used for scrubbing, cleaning or sponging.

Abstract: The present invention involves a centering system for a polishing pad that is releasably attached to a backing mount. The pad has a generally flat polishing face and may employ a fabric shag pile or foam for buffing, polishing, or otherwise finishing a surface, such as painted sheet metal. The opposite face of the pad is a mounting surface and has an axially aligned centering post projecting therefrom toward the backing mount. The backing mount is a stiff structure that has a socket defined at its axial center. The size and cross section of the socket are configured to conform to the size and cross section of the centering post so that the centering post on the mounting surface of the pad fits snugly into the coaxially aligned socket on the facing side of the backing mount. Mutually engageable layers of flexible, hook and loop fastening material are respectively attached to the mounting surface of the pad and the surface of the backing mount that faces the pad.

Abstract: An improved system for cleaning vertical walls includes a vacuum source to adhere the system to the vertical wall. The vacuum source removes fluid and removed material from the wall, and also adheres the system to the wall. A rotating fluid jet is positioned radially inwardly of the vacuum source and impinges high pressurized fluid off of the surface to be cleaned to remove material. In a preferred embodiment, a central portion mounts both the fluid source and the vacuum source. A base portion mounts motors for driving the system along the wall. The base portion rotates relative to the central portion such that the central portion does not move as the base portion turns on the wall to drive the system along the wall. In a further feature, an additional air flow system is provided to provide supplemental air flow to assist the vacuum when moving the fluid and removed material.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base and a cover secured together and a bellows type housing secured between the base and the cover. The cover includes a cylindrical wall and a hose connector extended through the cylindrical wall for connecting a flexible hose to the housing. A motor is secured on the cover, and a fan device is to the motor for drawing the dust into the housing. The vacuum cleaner includes a simplified structure having decreased weight and volume and includes a structure that may be easily folded to a compact configuration.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. Supply tanks are removably mounted to the handle or base while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the handle or base. An outlet in each supply tank includes a valve to close the outlet when the supply tank is removed from the base. A float valve assembly in the recovery tank includes a first end for covering an air outlet port from the recovery tank and a second end, which is buoyant and elevated by the rising recovered fluid in the tank, for raising the first end to cover the air outlet port.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a wheel housing having at least one axle bracket extending therefrom along a transverse axis and at least one axle bracket-receiving socket formed in a foot of the vacuum cleaner whereby the socket slidably receives and pivotally mounts the at least one axle bracket. The wheel housing is thereby pivotally mounted to the foot. A height adjustment mechanism is provided with the wheel housing having an actuator having a bearing shaft and a bearing sleeve with a longitudinal bore. The longitudinal bore of the bearing sleeve receives the bearing shaft to rotatably mount the actuator. A detent mechanism is provided between the bearing shaft and the bearing sleeve to releasably mount the actuator to the foot. The actuator can be adapted to release upon encountering abnormal forces applied against the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A grommet is provided to prevent water, having entered through a fine clearance between a locking recess of the grommet and the edge of a through hole formed in a panel, from entering a first or passenger compartment. A jaw portion 3 or groove 30 is formed on or in the conical outer surface of a tapered tube portion 2 between an outer panel 6 and an inner panel 7. The jaw portion 3 or groove 30 blocks the water having entered through a clearance between a through hole 6a formed in the outer panel 6 and a locking recess 2a and trying to run toward a narrow tube portion 1 and causes it to fall down. Accordingly, the entered water falls down between the outer panel 6 and the inner panel 7 without entering the first or passenger compartment inside the inner panel 7.

Abstract: A braking mechanism is disclosed for installment between the frame and the casement of a door or window including those that are movable about two axes (combined tilting-rotation action) includes a tube that has at the face a guide opening for passage of a piston rod which slideably extends in the tube, with the guide opening being formed by a formed body secured in the tube. The formed body has a conical shape and has braking surface tapering in direction of the guide opening and in engaging contact with a conical braking body which completely surrounds the piston rod and through which the piston rod moves. The braking body is tapered complementary to the braking surfaces of the formed body and is spring-loaded against a stationary abutment. At least one damper element made from elastic material is lodged between the piston and the stationary abutment within the tube.

Abstract: A hinge and roller assembly for use in a roll-up door including a pair of leaves each forming a portion of a bearing socket, a bushing mounted in the bearing socket, a shaft slidably mounted in the bushing. The shaft mounts a roller on one end and the roller is adapted to roll in a track. A spring is mounted between the shaft and the bushing to bias the shaft axially toward the track. A releasable retainer on the bushing removably retains the bushing in the socket. Preferably, each of the leaves includes a plate through which the hinge is mounted to the door and an integral strap which is bent into a circular shape to define a portion of the socket and is attached at a distal end to the plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a operating device for a telescopic handle of a luggage cart. The handle includes a transverse bar defining an internal chamber therein and an aperture on the right top end, a pair of telescopic tubes with their top ends respectively fixed to opposite ends of the transverse bar. A pair of linkages are respectively and movably received in the internal chamber. Each one of the linkages moves in reversed orientation, such that a pivotal movement is initiated to cause an upward and a downward movement simultaneously while the operating device is activated. The movement of the operating device in reversed orientation will accomplish the extending or folding of the tubes.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for an enclosure for electrical apparatus includes a hinge pin non-rotationally fixed to either the door or the door jamb. A hinge housing is secured to the other of the door and the door jamb and clamps the hinge pin with a compression fit. The housing includes an angle member forming an internal corner and a clamping member having clamping flanges forming at least one, and preferably a pair, of spaced apart, external corners with corner recesses smaller in radius than the hinge pin in which the hinge pin is received and wedged into the internal corner of the angle member. Clamp tabs on the clamping flanges are secured to one of the flanges on the angle member such as by rivets to produce the compression fit. An elongated flat body on the clamp member and a mounting flange on the angle member abut and are secured to the other of the door and door jamb by common mounting fasteners.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge for electronic apparatus which is capable of effecting heat dissipation without having to increase the size of the electronic apparatus. Hinges 1A and 1B for electronic apparatus are provided for the purpose of foldably connecting a first portion 2 and a second portion 3 of an electronic apparatus. Each hinge includes a stationary member 11 which has a strength maintaining portion 11a for maintaining mechanical strength and a heat conducting portion 12 for effecting heat conduction and which is provided on the first portion 2, a movable member 17 which has a strength maintaining portion 17a for maintaining mechanical strength and a heat conducting portion 13 for effecting heat conduction and which is provided on the second portion 3, and a joint portion 30 for joining the stationary member 11a and the movable member 17 to each other while effecting heat conduction between the heat conducting portion 11a of the stationary member and the heat conducting portion 13 of the movable member.

Abstract: In a rapid mounting hinge cup for furniture hinges, comprising a cup body (2) adapted for insertion into a cup bore (4) of a piece of furniture (6) and for being locked in the cup bore (4) by radially extending the diameter of the cup body, it is provided that said cylindrical cup body (2) comprises two mirror symmetric cup halves (8, 9) connected with each other on one side in the peripheral area, the plane of symmetry of the cup halves extending in a plane including the center axis of the cup bore (4), and further comprising a spreader element (14) spreading the cup halves (8, 9) apart and being provided between the cup halves.

Abstract: A traveling flats assembly of a carding machine includes first and second end sprockets; an endless belt supported by the first and second end sprockets; a plurality of flat bars arranged in a series along the belt; a coupling arrangement for connecting the flat bars to the belt for being carried by the lower belt flight through a working zone in which the flat bars cooperate with the main carding cylinder of the carding machine and for being carried by the upper belt flight through a return zone; a supporting component having an arcuate supporting surface; a first concave slide guide extending parallel to one part of a circumference of the first end sprocket for guiding and holding the flat bars as they travel about the first end sprocket; a second concave slide guide extending parallel to one part of a circumference of the second end sprocket for guiding and holding the flat bars as they travel about the second end sprocket; and a convex slide guide extending through the work zone and lying on the supportin

Abstract: The invention concerns a textile machine operating on fiber band with a feeding device for the fiber band and a guide element for the fiber band and further provided with a band monitor for the discovery of band breakage. The band monitor (BW, BW1, BW2, BW3) is placed always in the area of the guide element, in particular one band guide (BF) and another band guide element (FE, FE1, FE2, FE3) in the area of the band monitor (BW, BW1, BW2, BW3). The running time behavior of the fiber band (FB) is directly improved by the guide element (FE, FE1, FE2, FE3), that is, the vibrations of the fiber band (FB) are damped. This will avoid a situation wherein false alarm signals are given because of an originally vibrating fiber band at the band monitor.

Abstract: A belt buckle device includes a frame having an engaging part for securely connecting one end of a belt and a plate extends from the frame and toward the engaging part. Two lugs respectively extend laterally from a rear side of the frame and a rotatable member is rotatably connected between the two lugs. The rotatable member has a protrusion extending radially outward from the rotatable member which is actuated by an actuating device to maintain the protrusion to be engaged with the belt passing between the rotatable member and the frame.

Abstract: An anchor device for use with a security slot in a portable electronic article that provides an anchor for attaching a cable or other security device. The anchor device includes an internal member, an external member, and a securement for securing them together. The internal member includes a right angle portion inside the portable article that is approximately parallel to the inside wall. The external member has a clamping surface that abuts the outer surface of the portable article. The external member has an aperture into which the internal member fits and is secured either permanently or removably. The preferred removable securement is a screw that extends through the external member and into a threaded hole in the internal member. The securing device denies access to the screw when engaged with the external member. The external member provides an anchor for removably attaching the security device.

Abstract: A hook for webbing comprises a metal rod bent in a single piece having an upper cross piece (1) intended for receiving a webbing, said cross piece transforming into two legs (2, 2') which converge from opposite ends thereof so as to form a loop part together with the cross piece, at least one of the legs transforming into a curved portion (4, 4') forming a lower hook part (5). The curved rod portion (4, 4') of the hook part (5) has a height which is larger than the width thereof in a cross-section in the area of the bottom of the hook part and thus a moment of inertia which is larger than the moment of inertia of a conventional round rod. In addition, the cross piece (1) has a cross-section-wise larger height than width and is, with the geometrical normal or major axis thereof, obliquely inclined in relation to the legs, more precisely into a plane of forces extending towards the hook part (5).

Abstract: A belt shortening device intended for use with a vehicle seat belt securing a baby seat in a vehicle is constructed and arranged so that it is easily mounted to the existing seat belt without detaching the belt from its existing connection. The device includes a flat, rectangular housing having spaced slots extending across the top wall, and further includes first and second take up arms slidably mounted within the housing. The take up arms each consist of a body portion having inner and outer ends, and an elongated rack member having a first end pivotably mounted to the inner end of the body portion. The outer ends of the body portions of the take up arms include a transverse slot for receiving the seat belt therein. The take up arms are movable within the housing between an extended position wherein the outer ends of the take up arms extend outside of the housing through the slots, and a withdrawn position wherein the outer ends of the take up arms are withdrawn inside the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening mechanism (1) for shoes, articles of clothing, tents, rucksacks etc. with a lace or tape-like tying element (2) which is inserted into a guiding tab (9) designed as a hook or eye, which at least in an end region (15) which is opposite a fastening tab (4) connected to the guiding tab (9), has a base web (16), which spaces apart the facing inner surfaces (18) of two arms (10) of the guiding tab (9) at a distance (19), whereby the inner surfaces (18) with the base web (16) form a housing chamber (20) for the tying element (2), in which a reversing element (21) for the tying element (2) is arranged, whereby the reversing element (21) is arranged at a distance (24) from the base web (16) in the direction of the fastening tab (4) and has a height (27) which corresponds at least to the distance (19).

Abstract: A resin-encapsulated semiconductor device producing apparatus includes resin encapsulating part for encapsulating, into a unitary structure, a semiconductor-chip holding zone of a lead frame or a substrate which holds a semiconductor chip, this encapsulation being made with an encapsulating resin material. The resin encapsulating part has first and second holding members for holding the lead frame or the substrate such that the first and second holding members are opposite to each other through the lead frame or the substrate. At least one of the first and second holding members has a housing concave formed opposite to the holding zone, the housing concave being capable of housing the encapsulating resin material. A resin thickness regulating member for regulating the thickness of the encapsulating resin material is removably disposed on the bottom of the housing concave.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composite is made of a substantially two-dimensional polymer matrix and a monolayer of sintered piezoelectric ceramic granules dispersed throughout the matrix so that each granule has an upper portion protruding from one side of the matrix and a lower portion protruding from the opposite side of the matrix. The composite is formed by partially embedding a monolayer of sintered piezoelectric ceramic granules in a pliable material, then partially covering the granules with a polymer resin, curing the resin to form a matrix and removing the pliable material. A transducer is formed by flattening the upper and lower portions of the granules to form coplanar top and bottom surfaces parallel to, but not coplanar with the surface of the matrix, then electroding the granule surfaces, attaching top and bottom cover plates, and sealing the transducer around the edges.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a simultaneous operation machine includes a plurality of pulleys and drive belts in a unique orientation to simultaneously drive a plurality of spindles. A first outer spindle is driven about a first axis of rotation to perform a first operation such as machining. An inner spindle is disposed within the outer spindle and is driven about a second axis which is offset from and parallel to the first axis to simultaneously perform a second operation, such as grinding. Additionally, the drive apparatus is capable of rotating the second spindle about the second axis while orbiting about the first axis, and simultaneously rotating of the first spindle about the first axis. Preferably, a single motor is provided for driving both of the outer and inner spindles.