Abstract: A tent clip design for coupling with similar adjacent clips comprises a C-shaped upper portion (11) that can be snapped onto a tent pole (12), a webbing slot (19) at the bottom for attaching a loop of webbing (20) extending up from the tent (21) below, a laterally extending tongue (14) with a toothed lower surface (15) near its distal end, and a corresponding tongue slot (16) immediately below the tongue with a toothed upper surface (17) on its lower edge to join in locked engagement with the toothed lower surface (35) of tongue (34) of a similar adjacent tent clip (30) when two or more similar clips are aligned and pressed together. The portion of the clip below the tongue slot is made of flexible material and comprises flexible portion (18) of the clip.

Abstract: Connection of two longitudinal sections (10, 22) that are at an angle to each other, each longitudinal section (10, 22) having two connecting sides (12) and two wall sides (14), where at least one connecting side (12) of each section (10, 22) exhibits a groove (24) that is undercut on both sides and on both sides of the undercut groove (24) an integral longitudinal flange (30). The first longitudinal section (10) exhibits a transversely cut section face, the end face (16) of the first longitudinal section (10) which is secured at an angle to a connecting side (12) of the second longitudinal section (22). The first longitudinal section (10) exhibits a recess (18) at its end (16) in which a connecting element (60), introduced into the groove-like recess (34) between the longitudinal flanges (30) in the second longitudinal section (22), engages--as a result of which the connecting element (60) forms a mechanical joint by virtue of fit with the end recess (10).

Abstract: A method of making and self-aligning a disk data storage read/write head that uses a catadioptric focusing device (or lens) having a high numerical aperture (NA), which does not introduce significant spot aberration on a storage medium. The manufacturing process of the head is carried out at a wafer level, and is facilitated significantly by the flatness of the focusing device. An exemplary manufacturing process is implemented as follows: A lens coil/plate is formed by molding a flat optical substrate to form the desired lens shapes. Coil cavities or depressions are formed simultaneously with the lens to accommodate a coil. Conductive plugs are formed in proximity to cutting lines for wire bonding attachment to the coil. A slider wafer is formed and bonded to the lens/coil wafer. Coils and pedestals are also formed on the lens/coil plate using thin-film processing techniques, and reflective surfaces are deposited on the bottom surface of the substrate, opposite the lens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically correcting the dynamic imbalance of a disc pack of a disc drive, the disc pack conveyed to a first selected position in a balance correction assembly station where a rotary positioner lifts and rotates the disc pack to a reference position for the attachment of weighted shims to the disc pack. A shim selector assembly delivers a selected shim, and an end effector transfers the selected shim to a shim attachment assembly. The shim attachment assembly rotates and spreads open the shim so that the disc pack can be receivingly engaged thereby, and the shim attachment assembly releases the selected shim to lockingly engage the disc pack. A flipping assembly reverses the disc pack for placement of another selected shim to the other end of the disc pack, as required.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic head which includes the steps of overlaying a resist sheet which is provided with an organic resist film on a supporting body on the air bearing surface of the magnetic head; transferring the organic resist film on to the air bearing surface and then removing the supporting body from the organic resist film; through a patterning process partially removing the organic resist film to achieve the pattern required for machining; and performing machining on the air bearing surface via gaps in the organic resist film and then removing the resist film.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a dual element head is disclosed. One embodiment includes first depositing a first head element upon a substrate and second depositing a second head element upon the first head element. Each of the depositing steps includes a tolerance that is independent of the other. In the second depositing step, the functional width of the second head element (i.e., the write width if the second head element is a write element) is made wider than a desired functional width for the second head element. The second head element is then trimmed to substantially achieve the desired functional width while using a portion of the first head element as a reference to reduce errors associated with the independent nature of the first and second tolerances. For instance, the portion of the first head element used as a reference can be an edge of a magnetoresistive (MR) read element that defines the read width of the read element.

Abstract: A lacing mandrel for use when lacing a stator has an elongate shaft with an enlarged head, or sizing plug, proximate an upper end. The sizing plug permits an operator to easily and readily determine whether the bore of the stator is obstructed, both before and after the lacing operation. The mandrel employs an annular slip ring, having a plurality of radially extending ribs, during the lacing operation. Each radially extending rib extends into a corresponding channel of the stator, which channel opens into a corresponding slot of the stator. The annular slip ring rotates with the stator during the lacing operation, such that each rib remains positioned in its corresponding channel. Thus, slot liners, or wedges, utilized on the stator are retained in their respective slots during the lacing operation, and are not forced out by the lacing needles so as to obstruct the stator bore.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus for sucking up an electronic component and placing it onto a board with a suction nozzle, includes a step of switching over air pressure switching timings for the suction nozzle when the component is sucked with the suction nozzle and when the sucked component is mounted on the board. The air pressure switching timings are switched according to a velocity of up and down movement of the suction nozzle and independently for each of when the component is sucked with the suction nozzle and when the sucked component is mounted on the board.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle wheel includes the steps of providing a wheel rim and a spider and holding the spider inside the wheel rim. The wheel rim and the spider are positioned in a high capacity forming machine. At least one of a portion of the wheel rim located adjacent an outer periphery of the spider and a portion of the outer periphery of the spider is permanently deformed towards the other of the wheel rim and the spider thereby securing the wheel rim to the spider. An apparatus for securing the wheel rim to the spider includes a bottom die, a bottom inside rim stabilizer supported on the bottom die, a spider supported on the bottom inside rim stabilizer, a top inside rim stabilizer and a wheel rim supported by the bottom rim stabilizer and the top inside rim stabilizer. A high capacity forming machine encircles the wheel rim. The high capacity forming machine includes a workpiece which at least sometimes contacts the wheel rim and an electric circuit located adjacent the workpiece.

Abstract: A device for separating at least one item from a housing part includes a gripping device, a pushing-out means and, if appropriate, a sensing device for identifying the item. The separating device can be used expediently for installations for the disassembly of cassettes or cartridges for audio, video, data or film applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a central electric system for a motor vehicle, having at least two pressed screens arranged parallel to one another with a distance between them, said pressed screens having web conductors formed by punching. For simple manufacture of the central electric system, the disclosure proposes that each pressed screens be extrusion coated with a holding frame of plastic; then the web conductors that are connected to one another at separation points are separated from one another; terminal contacts are bent at a right angle so they project away; the holding frames are assembled, and bent sections of web conductors of a pressed screen, cropped as web conductor connectors, are electrically connected to web conductors of another pressed screen e.g., by ultrasonic welding. The disclosure makes it possible to manufacture central electric systems with complex wiring and cabling with a few pressed screens by a simple method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing semiconductor circuits or electronic packages is provided. The step of splitting up wide metal areas into metal stripes is included into the physical design step of such devices. This method does not increase the data complexity significantly and guarantees correctness of the design. Furthermore, the method allows to solve the dishing problem that is inherent to copper wiring technologies.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission connector for interconnecting circuits provided inside and outside an automatic transmission, there are provided a plurality of terminals, a housing for receiving the terminals, and a rear holder engageable with the housing. The housing has a plurality of cavities for receiving the terminals, respectively, and the cavities are separated from one another in such a manner that the cavities communicate with one another through partially-notched wall portions. The housing has terminal passage holes into which the terminals are press-fitted, respectively. The rear holder has wall piece portions, and when the rear holder is engaged with the housing, the wall piece portions cooperate with notches, formed in the wall portions of the cavities, to separate the cavities from one another, and also retain the terminals within the respective cavities.

Abstract: A method of servicing an engine cylinder head having a cam sprocket mounted for rotation on a cam shaft includes the general steps of providing a sprocket mounting member, removably attaching the sprocket mounting member to the engine cylinder head, radially supporting the cam sprocket on the sprocket mounting member, removing the cam shaft from the engine cylinder head and maintaining a radial position of the cam sprocket.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a rotor, which is capable of manufacturing a sufficiently high-strength and well-finished rotor at a reasonable price. A continuous cast rod is out into a billet having a predetermined length. The billet is heated and then fitted in a die assembly. A plurality of vane slits and a shaft hole are formed in the billet fitted in the die assembly, by the use of a press.

Abstract: Plastic tube-type heat exchanger structures are made with partially crystallized partially aromatic polyamides of high glass transition temperature. The structures are then annealed to further crystallize the polyamides, causing shrinkage and building up residual tensile stresses. These stresses counteract the swelling caused by water absorption and temperature rise during use of the heat exchanger and keep the structures dimensionally stable.

Abstract: Method of filling a silencer with a sound insulating material includes inserting a nozzle into a silencer and feeding sound insulating material, preferably continuous texturized glass, or basalt, or mineral fiber, through the nozzle into the silencer. The nozzle reciprocates linearly and retracts from the silencer while the fibers are being fed into the silencer. The silencer may be rotated while the sound insulating material is fed into the silencer. The nozzle is reciprocated into and out of the silencer and the silencer rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise to control the density and distribution of fill.

Abstract: A process for producing a vibration isolator includes the steps of preparing an axial member, an outside member, the outside member including a cylinder-shaped portion and a bracket having a hollow, and a cylinder-shaped rubber elastic member, and drawing the cylinder-shaped portion by inserting a stationary mold, with which a drawing apparatus is provided, into the hollow of the outside member so that an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder-shaped portion contacts with the stationary mold, by disposing the rubber elastic member and the axial member inside the cylinder-shaped portion, and by pressing the cylinder-shaped portion onto the stationary mold and simultaneously diametrically reducing the cylinder-shaped portion to plastically deform the same. The production process can obviate the conventional pressed-in construction in which metallic members contact with each other, can make the manufacture of the vibration isolator easy, and can reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacture of a slider of a rectilinear guide unit for guiding a movable body such as a work table of a machine tool, an industrial robot or the like by moving along an orbital rail arranged on a stationary section such as a bed, column or the like as it bears a load thereon. This method comprises a first step in which a metallic block main body as a core of the slider is machined to a predetermined shape and to form ball load rolling contact surfaces in the block main body and a second step in which the block main body machined in the previous step is inserted into a mold so as to allow a die-molding material to be padded thereon to thereby form an endless ball circulation path wherein in the first step, chamfered sections are formed on the corners of the block main body corresponding to a portion where the above-mentioned endless ball circulation path is formed.

Abstract: A blade unit for a razor comb which can be used equally in two hair cutting directions is disclosed. The blade unit comprises a blade and a blade holder partially housing the blade. The blade holder has two edges, both of which are provided with a plurality of protrusions for combing hair. The protrusions partially cover the blade edge, leaving a plurality of uncovered blade edge portions for cutting hair. The covered blade edge portions and uncovered blade edge portions have an equal length and are provided alternately. The blade unit can be additionally provided with an appropriate blade sliding means for exchanging the covered and uncovered blade edge portions to refresh the cutting portions of the blade.

Abstract: A wire stripping apparatus for stripping insulation material (48) from an insulated electrical conductor (50) includes a first stripping blade (40) having a first cutting tip configuration (44, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72) and a second stripping blade (42) supported in opposing relation to the first stripping blade (40) having a second set of cutting tip configuration (46, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74) different from the first set of cutting tip configuration (44, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72) encompasses and uniformly strips an insulation slug from a periphery of the insulated conductor (50).

Abstract: A hedge clipper is provided that has an internal combustion engine that is to be started by hand. By means of a clutch and a gear mechanism, the engine drives cutting blades in a reciprocating manner; the cutting blades are guided and held in a cutter bar. Disposed on the output side of the clutch is a brake drum around which extends a brake band. The first end of the brake band is fixed to the housing, and the second end of the brake band is held on a pivotable brake lever that is acted upon by a brake spring that urges the brake band into engagement against the brake drum. The brake lever can be moved into an inoperative position of the band brake by a release lever against the force of the brake spring. The release lever cooperates with an adjusting cam that is disposed directly adjacent to the brake lever and in the inoperative position of the band brake forms a rest stop for the brake lever, receiving the force of the brake spring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a string trimmer head assembly is disclosed. The head assembly includes a head and one or more flails. Each flail includes at least one deformed portion and at least one undeformed portion and the head includes a flail holding portion adapted to mate with the deformed portion for securing the flail to the head.

Abstract: A rotary cutter has a handle, a rotary blade having a cutting edge, a protective member for covering the blade, a lock mechanism for locking the protective member, and a brake mechanism for applying rotational resistance to the blade. The blade is rotatably supported by the handle. The protective member moves between a first position, in which the protective member is held to prevent exposure of the cutting edge of the blade, and a second position, in which the protective member permits exposure of the edge of the blade. The lock mechanism moves between a lock position, in which the protective member is positioned in the first position, and an unlock position, in which the protective member is positioned in the second position. The control element is common to both the lock mechanism and the brake mechanism for operating both the lock mechanism and the brake mechanism.

Abstract: A cutting assembly adapted for use in line trimmers that employ either a spooled filament or a fixed filament. The cutting assembly comprises a cutting filament consisting of a stainless steel filament coated with a polymeric elastomer, steel tube-type collar stops, and allen head set screws. The cutting performance and capabilities of commercially available vegetation trimmers can be substantially improved by replacing their cutting assembly with the instant cutting assembly. The cutting filament does not have a point of attachment within the rotating housing hub located on the bottom of the trimmer, thereby enabling the cutting filament to better follow the rotation of the hub, and thereby improve the overall cutting ability of the trimmer.

Abstract: This invention is a tool for plunge cutting comprising a motor, a transmission connected to the motor and a blade assembly connected to the transmission, wherein the blades move in an oppositely reciprocating and sliding manner to provide plunge cuts of variable depth with closed ends and a continuous perimeter. The tool of the invention may be held and operated with one hand.

Abstract: A power tool has a body with a motor disposed therein. The motor has a saw blade coupled therewith. A guard covers at least a portion of the saw blade. A window is pivotally mounted to the guard and movable between an open position and a closed position. The window has an abutment surface. A deformable elongated member has a first end fixed to the guard and a second end that is free to move with respect to the first end due to the deformable nature of the elongated member. The elongated member has a first position wherein the second end rests adjacent the abutment surface to prevent opening of the window. The deformable member is in a generally linear configuration when in its first position such that attempted opening forces are transferred along the axis of the elongated member.

Abstract: An improved outer wall can opener includes a retractable and extendable traction wheel which selectively grips a can to be opened between it and an outer seam wall cutting wheel. The cutting wheel is a ring which is supported by a generally cylindrical stepped bearing which steps outward in increments and also mounts an abutment ring with an outside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the cutting ring. The stepped bearing with the attached cutter ring and abutment ring rotates around a stationary shaft, thus preventing overwear of the cutting ring and allowing wear that does occur to the cutting ring to be uniform and gradual.

Abstract: A laser sight with automatic angle compensation for bow hunting from tree platforms, comprising a box with open front and back ends attached to a bow handle. A laser pointer is pivotally mounted in the sight box. A cam operated by a pendulum moves the laser pointer to compensate the laser beam direction for different shot distances by detecting the vertical angle of the bow. The higher the bow is aimed, the lower the laser beam is aimed relative to the bow to compensate for the greater drop of the arrow over greater distance. A second pendulum in the sight box operates a peep pin for use with a conventional peep sight on the bowstring. The peep pin maintains an angle via its pendulum that guides the archer's line of sight to the laser spot, allowing the archer to visually acquire the spot quickly even during daylight. The laser beam and peep pin are coordinated via adjustments that are independent of each other and independent of cam or pendulums.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compass comprising an at-least-partially-transparent housing having a top and a bottom, a vertically orientated, conical pivot bearing, and a magnetic detection means which is mounted on the vertically-oriented conical pivot bearing. The magnetic detection means thereby is capable of rotating in a substantially-horizontal plane. The magnetic field detection means is provided with a radially-extending, tilt-compensating, indicator device. The indicator device has at least one spacer element which is spaced from the magnetic field detection means, the spacer element projecting from the indicator device and being directed towards one of a top of the housing of the compass and a bottom of the housing of the compass.

Abstract: A method and a laminated member for measuring the dimension of a gap for passing a card therethrough are provided. A pressure measuring film is superposed on an elastic mat that gradually becomes thinner in the card-inserting direction, and passed through the gap so as to determine the dimension of the gap from the position where the pressure measuring film has started to develop a color. As the elastic mat, one that has a thickness changing in steps may be used. An alternative embodiment uses a pressure measuring board in place of the pressure measuring film, the pressure measuring board having plural pressure sensors for electrically detecting pressures applied in the direction of width.

Abstract: Solder paste is deposited using a solder stencil with an aperture having a concave edge in order to reduce the formation of solder balls. The solder deposit may be formed on a pad such that the paste has a concave edge. Solder paste deposits may be made on adjacent pads with the concave surfaces facing one another.

Abstract: A tape blade level that includes a housing that has an attaching means that secures the level to a tape measure blade. The attaching means includes an arcuate opening that conforms in shape to a typical tape measure blade. The opening is constructed in such a manner that the device can also be readily affixed to a string line. The housing allows the level vial bubble to be viewed from both the front and the rear of the level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a drying section of a paper machine, the arrangement comprising a fine wire (5a) and a coarse wire (5b) that are arranged to pass between metal bands (2, 3) of a band dryer (1) together with a web (4) to be dried. The fine wire (5a) comprises at least three interwoven textural layers, wherein the outermost layers, in other words a surface (10) and a bottom (11), have a finer texture than the middle section (12) situated between them. According to a preferred embodiment, the surface layer (10) is provided with a denser texture than the bottom (11), which, in turn, has a denser texture than the middle section (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the evaporation and moisture removal from moisture laden products in a dryer. The invention combines the inventor's prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,761, with a rotating drying drum having filters at the output area, and a separate pump for allowing condensation from a chilled coil to drain off, while a desiccant formed from pads or a rotatable wheel is part of a continuous feedback loop for recycling moisture. A condenser is positioned between the desiccant and the drying drum and is used as a heat exchanger for both the air inlet to the drum and the air outlet from the drum. Additionally, the evaporator drain pipe can form an additional heat exchanger when the pipe is used in the pathway of air passing from the desiccant to the evaporator coil. The invention is useful for drying various items such as clothes, agricultural products, wood, vegetables, fruit and electric components such as wafers.

Abstract: An air dryer having dual, spin-on canister assemblies. The unit also includes first and second valve bodies, each containing a moist air inlet valve, a dried air outlet valve and an exhaust and drain valve assembly. A single control valve assembly allows the exhaust valves to open in response to air pressure and close in the absence of pressure. The moist air inlet valves are responsive to high external air pressure for biasing the valves open. The dried air outlet valves have a small orifice therein to allow air to bleed therethrough when the valves are closed. The canisters each include inner and outer imperforate sleeves, and passages arranged such that incoming air passes between the sleeves, through the desiccant and out the dry air outlet valve. When the control valve shifts, the air flow is reversed and the desiccant is regenerated.

Abstract: A multifunctional hand-held hair dryer is provided having a body section containing a motor and fan for generating a stream of air, a handle attached to the body in an essentially gun-type configuration, and a barrel attached to the body at a substantially right angle to the handle section, the interior walls of the barrel defining a central chamber through which air is transferred from the body to an end opening of the barrel and wherein there is attached to the exterior of the barrel styling attachments which together with the barrel surface form a chamber which may communicate hot air through holes in the styling attachment, the attachment and the holes together serving to facilitate styling of the hair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting the curl in drying and dried paper is presented wherein high velocity hoods are used in combination with drying cylinders. In addition, the use of impingement drying hoods provide a means to correct for variations in the moisture profile of the paper. High velocity hoods can be located in the drying section of a paper machine to compensate for uneven drying by paper cylinders.

Abstract: A footwear drying apparatus, comprises a housing having vertical front, rear and side walls, a top section, a drying section, and a base section. A fan is mounted within the top section, so that to blow air to the drying section. A heater is mounted adjacent to the fan, so that to heat air. A thermostat is mounted adjacent to the heater. At the top of the apparatus is mounted a control console having a timer, a fan switch, a heater switch and a thermostat knob. Air inlets are formed in the top section. An air outlet is mounted within the base section. A mud screen is fixed at the entrance of the air outlet, so that to prevent from mud entering into the air outlet. An air filter is mounted at the exit of the air outlet. A door is secured to the front wall, so that to provide access to the drying section. A mud collector is removably mounted at the bottom of the drying section, so that to collect mud from unclean footwear.

Abstract: A method for the heat treatment of textiles, particularly advantageous for textiles wound on cops or bobbins, comprises applying a vacuum to a steamer chamber in which the textiles have been placed. When a sufficient vacuum has been reached a treatment liquid is introduced and the vacuum source shut off maintains the vacuums. The treatment liquid is then heated to generate a saturated steam treatment for the textiles. The liquid and steam are then pumped out of the chamber and a vacuum re-instituted for evacuation, cooling and drying, after which the chamber is returned to ambient. Subsequent cycles may be performed with other liquid treatments. An apparatus for carrying out the method may be in the form of a closed system in which the vessels from which the liquid treatment are drawn are coupled to the treatment chamber to allow return of the liquids when the liquids are pumped out. Liquid loss is thus minimized and efficiency increased.

Abstract: Footwear with single or double vamp sections comprising a split tongue including a rearward tongue portion which is firmly attached along one side thereof to a medial vamp section of the shoe. While the rearward tongue portion is firmly connected to a medial vamp section, the connection may be permanent or replaceable. A forward tongue portion may be integrally formed with the forward upper, or be an extension of the forward upper, or be secured to the forward upper along a transverse edge and/or to one or both of the vamp sections, or be secured to one of the vamp sections only. One or both tongue portions may be formed to have pockets for receiving cushioning members and/or saddle members to reduce pressure on the instep. The forward edge of the rearward tongue portion overlies the rearward edge of the forward tongue portion in the working position.

Abstract: A sports boot of the type that includes a rigid frame constituted by at least one heel reinforcement and a rigid collar for the retention of the lower part of the leg connected to the heel reinforcement for forward and rearward angular movement, the angular movement of the collar being unimpeded at least forwardly when the sport is practiced. The transverse inclination device is associated to at least one portion of the collar, and an elastic return structure is associated to the transverse inclination device for a return into the neutral position.

Abstract: A footwear cleat of flexible plastic includes a central hub portion and a series of resilient protrusions cantilevered from and extending radially outward and downwardly beyond the central hub portion. The protrusions are capable of horizontally engaging turf under the footwear for providing secure footing.

Abstract: A shoe pocket, formed within the sole of footware such as a shoe, for storing objects such as keys, credit cards, matches, cigarettes, money clips, change, or specialized inserts. The shoe pocket comprises one or more recesses formed anywhere on the sole of the shoe, but preferably under the arch of the shoe, and with an opening to one side of the sole of the shoe. In one embodiment the object to be stored is placed directly in the recess in the sole of the shoe. In another embodiment, a housing is permanently affixed within the recess to receive the objects desired to be stored. In further embodiment, the housing is configured to receive an insert. The insert may itself be an object desired to be stored, such as a pedometer, a small computer, a calculator or other similar device, or the insert may be used to hold smaller objects such as keys, credit cards, etc., before being placed in the housing. In another embodiment, the housing is formed of a rigid material and provides arch support for the shoe.

Abstract: This invention concerns a snow-handling trail-grooming device. The invention comprises a sled including at least one runner member, a sled front end, a sled back end and an open-ended longitudinal cavity therethrough open at opposed longitudinal ends thereof. The sled is connectable to a snowmobile by a towing or hitching member joined with the sled for hitching and unhitching the sled to and from the snowmobile. A tunnel structure is joined with the runner member and positioned over the open-ended longitudinal cavity. Finally, a handling-grooming member can be joined with the runner member, wherein the handling-grooming member is positioned in an extended direction away from the tunnel structure during snow-handling and trail-grooming.

Abstract: A single wheel caster apparatus is disclosed for supporting a plow. The apparatus includes a wheel and an axle, the axle extending through the wheel such that the wheel is rotatably supported by the axle. Additionally, a first and a second fork are provided with each fork having a proximal and a distal end. A head which defines a plurality of detents is rigidly secured to a cross member and extends therefrom in a direction away from the wheel. A tube has a first and second extremity and defines a bore for the reception therein of the head. The tube defines a first radial passageway which is disposed in the vicinity of the detents. A flexible tubular lining is disposed within the bore of the tube. A first member is slidably disposed within the first passageway with the first member being disposed adjacent to the lining such that the lining is located between the first member and one of the detents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning beaches or other similar sandy areas which includes a digger chain and an associated sweeper chain for capturing debris and other articles and conveying the same to a collection box or separation conveyor.

Abstract: A display chip and a method for displaying an article are provided. The display chip includes a display card and a display card and product holder. The display card is provided for displaying information. The display card and product holder is provided for receiving and holding the display card within a display card receiving area. The display card and product holder includes a hanger for supporting the display chip on a rail; a frame body including a display card receiving area for receiving the display card; a retaining arm which moves between an open position for allowing insertion and removal of the display card, and a closed position in attachment to the frame body for securing the display card within the display card receiving area; and a product attachment location for providing attachment of products to the display chip.

Abstract: An edge-lit sign comprises a light-transmitting sign board 10 bearing sign information 13 adapted to be illuminated by light entering the board through an edge. At least one strip of electro-luminescent sandwich material 11 is provided which extends along at least a part of the length of the edge of the sign board and is arranged and energizable to illuminate the sign. If the sign is viewable from both sides, it may be formed as a laminate having an opaque central ply. The sign board may alternatively be constituted as a shelf.

Abstract: An automatic cartridge monitoring and indicator system for a firearm having a magazine and a chamber for monitoring the level of a predetermined number of cartridges in the magazine and in the chamber includes: a magazine for storing at least the predetermined number of cartridges; a follower mechanism for feeding the cartridges from the magazine into the chamber; an actuator moveable with the follower mechanism; a monitoring device disposed along the path of the follower mechanism; the monitoring device including a number of magazine switch elements corresponding to the predetermined number of cartridges in the magazine and an additional chamber switch element corresponding to a cartridge in the chamber; the switch elements are operable by the actuator to monitor the level of cartridges in the magazine and chamber; and an indicator device, responsive to the monitoring device, for providing a representation of the level of cartridges in the magazine and in the chamber.