Abstract: A goggle having a close fitting interface with the wearer's brow, cheekbones and nose bridge, comprises a set of detachable foam strips for easy and rapid substitution or replacement. Foam strips of various thickness and density are permanently bonded to a carrier band removably attachable to inner portions of the goggle frame.

Abstract: A platform assembly for elevating a conventional toilet includes a base platform section having a substantially rectangular opening for receiving an insert platform section. Both the insert and base platform sections include a plurality of extensions removably attached thereto allowing the size of the sections to be varied according to the size of a toilet and the orientation of the toilet outlet piping. The insert section includes a centrally located bore and an annular recess on its lower portion for receiving a flange on a bathroom floor. The upper surface of the insert section includes a second flange for providing a liquid tight seal between the insert section and the toilet. The toilet is mounted to the upper surface of the platform assembly thereby elevating the toilet for handicapped or elderly persons.

Abstract: A flush valve has a valve ring defining a downwardly open valve port and an overflow tube centered on an upright axis and having a lower end seatable on the port. The tube is displaceable relative to the port between a lower closed position and an upper open position. Mechanism inside the tube can lift the tube into the open position and thereby allow water in the tank to move down and out through the port. A lower float vertically fixed in the tank is displaceable between a latching position and a releasing position and is constructed such that when submerged it normally assumes the latching position. A latch on the lower float engageable with the tube can hold the tube in the open position and can release the tube for movement into the closed position and ending of a flushing cycle. An upper float in the tank above the lower float has a part engageable with the lower float for displacing same into the releasing position on downward displacement of the upper float toward the lower float.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet assembly includes a resilient grommet and a jet valve body. The grommet has a lip, a body having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a raised bead running the inner surface circumference. The inner surface includes a tapered portion tapering away from the lip. The jet valve body has a water entry port, an air conduit, a lip, and an external circumferential groove for interlocking with the raised bead of the grommet, and a water fitting. According to a method of the invention, the grommet is inserted from the inside of the tub through a hole drilled in a tub wall until the lip of the grommet seats flush with the tub wall. The jet valve body is inserted from the inside of tub until the bead of the grommet interlocks with the groove of the jet valve body and the lip of the jet valve body abuts the lip of the grommet.

Abstract: A rectangular base strip and a pliable magnetized strip are of substantially equal dimensions. An end portion of one side of the base strip is connected to an end portion of a side of the magnetized strip. Double-sided tape is used to adhesively connect the other side of the base strip to a wall of a bath facility. Because of a magnetic attraction between the strips, an edge of a shower curtain is self releasably maintained between unconnected portions of the strips. In other words, the edge is released by opening the curtain.

Abstract: A shower chair for permitting a user to take a shower without their legs becoming wet. The shower chair includes a platform front and back edges. A plurality of legs downwardly depend from the platform. A seat is rotatably mounted to the platform. The seat has a generally U-shaped cutout defining a spaced apart pair of forward extents and a rear portion connecting the forward extents of the seat together. A backrest is pivotally coupled to the seat. A pair of foot rests each have an elongate rod outwardly extending therefrom. The rod of a first of the foot rests is pivotally coupled to a first of the forwards extents. The rod of a second of the foot rests is pivotally coupled to a second of the forwards extents.

Abstract: A threshold assembly adapted to be mounted at the threshold of a conventional barrier free shower in order to reduce the amount of water from the shower contacting the floor of the bathroom. The threshold assembly includes cooperating catch and cap members extending longitudinally across the threshold of the shower. A locking device extends between the catch and cap members for facilitating retention of the cap member on the catch member.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress system for boats and, in particular, to a waterbed system for a boat having a cabin at least partially below a deck which includes a waterbed mattress which can be filled from a body of water surrounding the boat through the hull of the boat or from an internal or external supply through a series of tubes and a pump.

Abstract: An improved blanket is formed from two pieces of 100% polyester fleece material. The two pieces of polyester fleece material are secured together by an outer overlock stitched edge and loosely sewn-in fold lines, so as to be easily folded into predetermined shapes, having approximately equal dimensions. The secured-together pieces of 100% polyester fleece material include soft velour outer surfaces, which are always on the exterior of the blanket whether it is folded or rolled.

Abstract: In a treatment bed system for radiation therapy a rotation drive mechanism (relative isocentric rotation drive mechanism, rolling rotation drive mechanism, and pitching rotation drive mechanism) for rotating the bed independently around three axes (i, r, and p) perpendicular with respect to a patient each other and a parallel transfer mechanism (X-axis direction transfer mechanism, Z-axis direction transfer mechanism, and Y-axis direction transfer mechanism) for transferring the bed independently in parallel in the directions of three axes (X, Z, and Y) perpendicular with respect to a floor surface each other are provided. Thereby, the irradiation from arbitrary directions and distances to a patient held stationary on the bed can be performed.

Abstract: A disposable backboard for carrying a patient is formed from a folded blank. The blank is stored flat and can be folded to form the backboard. The backboard has a planar center panel and a pair of tubular shaped strengthening support members extending along the bottom face of the center panel adjacent the longitudinal side edges. The strengthening support members have a substantially triangular-shaped cross-section and extend the length of the center panel. A support panel is connected to each of the strengthening members and are positioned along the bottom face of the center panel. The support panels are generally attached to the center panel to further strengthen the backboard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to comfortably support a patient on an inflatable chamber. The support apparatus includes an inflatable mattress and a pump to correct the pressure of the mattress. An inflatable chamber is provided below the mattress to act as a pressure transducer. When the difference in pressure between the inflatable mattress and the inflatable sensor reaches a predetermined value, a controller actuates a correction device including a pump and a release valve to correct the pressure of the inflatable mattress. The apparatus allows the mattress to be automatically maintained at a desirable pressure.

Abstract: In the method for unloading items of laundry from a spin-dryer or washer-dryer (20) which has a perforated operating drum (21) and a drum housing (22) with an end-side unloading opening (26) which can be closed by means of a door (27), after the spin-drying process is finished, the operating drum (21) is set to a speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the items of laundry is still somewhat greater than the force of gravity. The door (27) of the drum housing (22) is opened. The pipe of a suction conveying system is connected to the unloading opening (26) of the drum housing (22). The suction conveying system is activated, and on the drum housing (22) the closure member (29) of an air inlet opening, which is arranged on the peripheral wall, is opened. The method can also be used analogously in tumble-dryers. The device for carrying out the method has the device parts mentioned.

Abstract: A pool cleaner is provided of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source, such as by connecting the pool cleaner via a vacuum hose or the like to the suction side of a conventional pool water filtration system. The pool cleaner comprises a compact housing carried on wheels for rolling movement along a submerged pool surface. A debris intake nozzle is formed at a lower end of the housing in close proximity with the pool surface, and communicates through a turbine chamber in the housing to the vacuum hose for water-borne vacuuming of debris from the pool surface. Water draw through the turbine chamber rotatably drives a turbine which in turn powers a drive train to rotatably drive the cleaner wheels together with a downforce fan for improved wheel traction. In addition, the drive train operates at least one timer cam for periodically actuating a reverse clutch assembly to drive at least one of the cleaner wheels in reverse for a brief time interval.

Abstract: A device for cleaning toilet bowls and other drains which consists of a rod of a specific configuration. At one end of the rod is located an angled prong which is maneuvered into a passageway of a toilet bowl or any type of drain to engage and remove obstructive objects. At the other end of the rod is located a handle for grasping the rod for the purpose of firmly holding this device in the process as outlined.

Abstract: The present invention is a personal hygiene product for use upon the skin of a person and a process for forming the same. In one embodiment, the personal hygiene product comprises a buff portion having an abrasive and textured lower surface. The personal hygiene product further comprises a first foam layer impregnated within the buff portion and a second foam layer chemically bonded to the combination of the first foam layer and the buff portion. The first and second foam layers may comprise a variety of agents, including a foam agent and a cleansing agent.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head, a light source and a light guide. The cleaning head has a flexible contact member including photo-activating catalyst (photocatalyst). The light source emits short wave light rays to activate the photocatalyst. The light guide transmits the light rays from the light source to the contact member(brushes). The cleaning head may have a transparent brush supporter to support a group of brushes with many photocatalyst particles. The light guide may preferably include a transparent rod and/or an optical fiber. The cleaning apparatus may be applied for a vacuum cleaner. Therefore, such dirty component can be cleaned as bacteria, molds etc. by use of the cleaning apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: The invention features a so-called transversal toothbrush to ensure greater brushing efficiency between the teeth and at the neck level of the teeth. It is characterized in that the direction of the handle (2) is preferably perpendicular relative to the longitudinal direction of the brush body (1). The handle is either connected fixedly with the brush body but with a deformation region (6) for transversal or longitudinal use, or it is mounted movably on the brush body. A mechanism for blocking it in position are provided on the brush body by a truncated cone (10) topped by a shaft (13) and opposite, on the handle, by an apertured hood (16) comprising two lugs (17) and part of a cylinder (18).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bristle (1) for a toothbrush, in particular for an electric toothbrush, which is comprised of a monofilament (2) made of plastic. The monofilament (2) is of a non-circular cross-section, is twisted about its longitudinal axis, and is fixed as a result of the action of chemical agents. In this manner, the bristle (1) is provided with a three-dimensionally structured surface which effects an improved cleaning action, in particular with regard to the removal of plaque.

Abstract: A scouring device for manual use has a support formed by folding two longitudinal parts about an axis of symmetry to provide a pad support having a handle which support mounts a pad for cleaning.

Abstract: The WC cleaner has a wipe (3) which takes the form of a disposable wipe which is detachably retained on handle (1), off which it can be pushed. To this end the handle (1) has an internal push-rod (14) which is disposed displaceably in a continuous longitudinal bore in handle (1). After using the WC cleaner, the wipe (3) can be pushed off by pushing the push-rod (14) inside handle (1) down so that it pushes the wipe (3) out of the device holding it on the handle. The disposable wipe (3) is flushed through the WC into the drainage system in the same way as WC paper. The storage device (7) for the disposable wipes (3) consists of a container (8) which is open at the top and has a weighted base (9). The disposable wipes (3) are stored stacked inside the container (8).

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for cleaning windshields and back lights of motor vehicles includes a windshield wiper arm assembly that can be attached to an oscillatory derivable wiper shaft by way of a mounting head. The wiper arm has a retainer which is essentially U-shaped in cross-section engaging an arm rod with its planar walls. Furthermore, the wiping system is provided with a fluid line, which is guided along the wiper arm in order to supply a washing nozzle with washing fluid. The washing nozzle is mounted upon a bracket which is integrally formed from one of the walls of the wiper arm retainer.

Abstract: A utility device useful for cleaning mountain bikes or other similar items which may get muddy or dirty at a location remote from the user's home. The cleaning device has a water pump which can selectively be connected through a needle valve to a chamber containing degreaser or soaps or similar material. An air compressor is also provided to supply compressed air for filling bike tires or spraying compressed air. A vacuum motor can be provided also to provide a vacuum function along with the sprayer portion of the device. An electrical outlet provided on the device can be used to power small dc utilities when the cleaning device is plugged into a car or similar vehicle through the cigarette lighter adapter. An override switch prevents the electrical outlet from powering devices while the air compressor or pump is being used. A utility case made of neoprene or similar material provides pockets for tools or hoses for use with the other devices.

Abstract: A suction cleaner comprising a motor which operates a blower in such a manner that the blower blows a flow of air out into a motor chamber that delimits a volume which extends at least radially around the motor, and then out through outlet openings arranged in said motor chamber, and wherein the motor chamber is provided with a silencer element made of a silencing material, such as foamed plastics, said silencer element enclosing the motor radially and forming a silencing chamber around the same, and wherein the silencer element is provided with flow passages which substantially constitute the flow connection from said silencing chamber to the outflow openings in the motor chamber. The fact that the flow passages in the silencer element according to the invention extend axially along the motor in substantially the entire length thereof provides an optimum silencing effect.

Abstract: The multifunctional vacuum cleaning appliance has a lower housing part provided with an electrically driven brush. A further housing part is allocated to the lower housing part. The further housing part incorporates the operational parts for vacuum generation, dust filtering and dust collection. The lower housing part can be coupled to the suction circuit of the further housing part. In addition to vacuum sweeping work with the complete assembly, the appliance can also be used for normal vacuuming work without spatial limitations because the further housing part is a pull-along cylinder vacuum cleaner which is detachably coupled to the lower housing part.

Abstract: A removable brush spacer assembly for attachment to the lateral edge of a vacuum cleaner nozzle in order to support an edge brush and to space the brush with respect to a surface is shown and described. The brush spacer assembly incorporates an elongated main body having a base, a plurality of bristles collectively forming an edge brush, and a spacer. The brush is attached at one end to the main body, with the bristles projecting toward the surface being vacuumed. The spacer is attached to the main body and projects below the base to control the relationship of the brush with respect to the surface.

Abstract: A suction head for a floor cleaning machine is provided, comprising a housing (7) and at least one package (1) consisting of a squeegee blade (2) and a clip element (3), whereby the size and shape of said clip element (3) and the housing (7) are such that this package can be removably fixed into the housing, and whereby the squeegee blade contains one or more holes (4) of which the size and shape are such that they fit to clipping parts (5) present at the inner surface of clip element (3) so as to removably fix the squeegee blade into the clip element.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaner for attaching to a can of compressed gas having an output for creating a suction. The cleaner includes a body, a nozzle attached to one end of the body, and a receptacle attached to the other end of the body. The body includes a cap for attaching to the can of compressed gas, and which has a throughbore. The body further includes an external tube that has an intermediate portion, a forward portion, and a rear portion. The receptacle includes a tube and an air permeable bag. The body further includes an internal tube, a valve, and a trigger, which when pressed, opens the valve which allows compressed gas in the can of compressed gas to exit through its output and flow through the internal tube into the rear portion of the external tube and thereby create a suction in the external tube which causes dirt to be drawn through the nozzle, through the external tube, through the tube of the receptacle, and be captured in the air permeable bag.

Abstract: A roller bracket apparatus includes a roller assembly which includes a carriage portion and a link portion projecting from the carriage portion. A push/pull assembly is provided, and a pivot assembly is connected between the link portion of the roller assembly and the push/pull assembly. The carriage portion includes a wheel-support portion and a plurality of axle/wheel assemblies supported by the wheel-support portion. Each of the axle/wheel assemblies includes an axle and a roller wheel connected to the axle. The link portion extends from the carriage portion at an acute angle with respect to a plane common to the top surface of the carriage portion. In an alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention, the push/pull assembly includes a first side portion connected to the article being moved (e.g. an overhead door panel) and an integrated gusset plate portion orthogonally connected between the first side portion and the pivot assembly.

Abstract: An ergonomic tool handle (21) which is useful for a terminal insertion hand tool, gardening hand tools, knives, box cutters, screwdrivers and other pushing or pulling type hand tools. The tool handle (21) of the present invention is contoured to promote neutral posture between the hand and wrist as well as complementing the shape of the closed hand to distribute longitudinal tool forces evenly throughout the hand and arm of the user. The tool handle (21) accomplishes this neutral posture and contoured fit by featuring a humplike crown (28) which fits snugly into the pocket of the palm, a relatively flat underside (29) around which the user's finger tips (55-57) are wrapped and two sides (51, 52) with convex regions (30, 31) in diagonally offset relation. By moving one's hand up or down the tool handle (21), one size of tool handle (21) can ergonomically fit approximately 95% of male and female hand sizes.

Abstract: A handle for tools such as screwdrivers where an end region is shaped as a smooth rounded surface and made by injection molding in multiple steps from at least two differently colored plastic materials, which are tactilely indistinct, to form a visible marking for identification of the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding clasp having at least one folding arm (1, 2) articulated with respect to a base plate (3), with a locking means (4) located on the base plate (3), permitting a locking of said at least one folding arm (1, 2) by pressing said folding arm (1, 2) onto said locking means (4), said locking means (4) being compressible and/or deformable in a first plane (TT') parallel to a base surface of said locking means (4).

Abstract: A multipurpose rope clamp may be attached to a support or suspended from a rail as desired. The clamp provides clamping channel in an open channel between a back plate and a front tongue. Rope is prevented from slipping out of the mouth of the channel by rope guides defining open rope guide channels which open in a direction opposed to the rope gripping channel to form a partial cover for the rope gripping channel. The guides may be lugs spaced to either side of the front tongue so that a bight of rope may be manipulated behind the lugs into the rope gripping channel. Preferably another rope guide channel is provided to form a bight of rope in the clamp into a U-shape.

Abstract: A securement system includes a hook having a retaining clip, and an end cap that attaches to an end of a tubular structural member. The hook has a base with at least one channel having a lateral opening thereto. The clip is assembled with the hook such that the clip closes the lateral opening into the channel to define a longitudinal passageway through the hook. An elastic cord extends through the structural member, through the end cap and through the longitudinal passageway through the hook. A knot or some other stop is placed on the cord to prevent the end of the cord from moving through the passageway. The end cap includes V-shaped notches that receive and anchor the cord at desired positions to facilitate securement of cargo to the structural member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snap arrangement comprising snap hooks (208) associated with a first housing (200) that snap over corresponding protrusions (111) in a second housing (100). The snap hooks preferably include an inclined portion (212) such that a finger (504) of a certain width of a removal tool (502) will force them apart to the deflection required for disassembly. Once the tool has been inserted beyond the elbow (213), the snap hook is not deflected any further regardless of the motion of the tool. This enables the tool to continue moving the front housing apart from the rear housing without further deflecting the snap hooks. This ensures that the snap hooks are never overstressed, that the front housing comes completely off of the rear housing every time, and that repeated disassembly will only minimally affect the strength of the snaps.

Abstract: In a die-casting slide fastener slider having a plastically deformable, cantilevered pull-tab attaching lug on a slider body, the lug projects from an upper end of a guide post over an upper wing toward a rear end of the upper wing and terminates in a downward end projection spaced from the upper wing by a gap through which an attachment ring of a pull tab is threaded. The lug has a longitudinal hollow through its base to facilitate plastically deforming the lug to reduce the size of the gap after threading. In this structure, since first and second slide cores of a mold for die-casting the slide fastener slider can be inserted from the front and rear sides, it is possible to mold the lug without generating any parting line on its overall appearance.

Abstract: A fastening device for repeatedly loosenably fastening a lace without detachment, including a panel body and at least one engaging block. Two ends of the panel body are formed with cut sections each having a locating shaft. The locating shaft is formed with a concave. The central portion of the panel body is formed with multiple lace holes through which the lace is passed. The engaging block is formed with a central recess in which the locating shaft is fitted to define a lace access gap. The wall of the recess of the engaging block is formed with stopper projections. A resilient tongue plate is formed on outer edge of the recess. When the engaging block is forcedly outward turned by a lace passing through the gap, the tongue plate and the stopper projections provide resilient restoring pressure due to the change of distance between the centers of the locating shaft and the recess. The restoring pressure acts as a clasping force for clamping and tightening the lace.

Abstract: A method of making a double layer capacitior includes first and second flat stacks of electrodes adapted to be housed in a closeable two-part capacitor case which includes only a single electrolyte seal. Each electrode stack has a plurality of electrodes connected in parallel, with the electrodes of one stack being interleaved with the electrodes of the other stack to form an interleaved stack, and with the electrodes of each stack being electrically connected to respective capacitor terminals. A porous separator is positioned against the electrodes of one stack before interleaving to prevent electrical shorts between the electrodes. The electrodes are made by folding a compressible, low resistance, aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth, made from activated carbon fibers, around a current collector foil, with a tab of the foils of each electrode of each stack being connected in parallel and connected to the respective capacitor terminal.

Abstract: A casket comprises a shell including a floor, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. A pair of caps are closable upon the shell. At least one of the walls is constructed of at least two panels having adjacent abutting edges forming a joint between the panels. A decorative feature disguises the joint to create the appearance of the two panels being a single panel. Each cap has a crown, a longer dimension and a shorter dimension, and is constructed of a plurality of boards extending parallel to the longer dimension and including a center spine board. The center spine board is fabricated from a single full-length board sawed in two; remaining ones of thee cap crown boards are non-full length boards. The gap between the head and foot end caps when closed in combination with the matching grain of the spine boards creates the appearance of the cap crowns being constructed of full length boards. Also, by utilizing at least one full length board in the cap, current tooling may be used.

Abstract: In the production of multicolored yarn from differently colored filament bundles, the individual bundles may be texturized collectively. Then they are separated again into crimped part-threads 11.3 through 11.5 and are compacted individually in after-compacting means 8 before these part-threads are jointly compacted in a collective compacting means 9 and subsequently are wound up as a yarn 12 in a winding device 10.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus, in which a reinforcing fiber bundle consisting of a plurality of paralleled single fibers is or a plurality of mutually paralleled reinforcing fiber bundles respectively consisting of a plurality of paralleled single fibers are driven to run through a plurality of rolls while being bent to open the fiber, and in which the opened reinforcing fiber bundle is impregnated with resin to produce a prepreg, comprising vibrating at least one of the rolls in the axial direction of the roll, to open the reinforcing fiber bundle(s), pressing the reinforcing fiber bundle(s) to the peripheral surface of a roll located immediately downstream of the vibrating roll without vibrating the roll, and bringing the opened reinforcing fiber bundle(s) into contact with the peripheral surface of the non-vibrating roll with a contact length of not less than twice the contact length of the reinforcing fiber bundle(s) on the vibrating roll, for retaining the opened state of the rein

Abstract: A cover installation apparatus installs continuous lengths of flashover protection covers around energized electrical power lines. The apparatus includes a cover assembly housing that takes a flat, extruded length of material and forms the material into a closed circular shape surrounding a power line. The cover assembly housing includes opposite first and second ends, with an inlet port in the first end and an outlet port in the second end. An interior passageway extends along a longitudinal direction from the inlet port to the outlet port and is configured to receive the power line therethrough. The interior passageway also provides a path for the flexible panel to follow from an uninstalled configuration to an installed configuration surrounding the power line.

Abstract: An intelligent fixture system has the ability to clamp and machine a family of nonidentical parts without requiring the use of separate dedicated fixtures for each part. A first part sensing system identifies a part to be machined and configures the clamps on a fixture in accordance with the size and shape of the part. A second part sensing system determines the exact location of the part after it has been clamped into the fixture and develops error signals representative of position and orientation of the actual position of the clamped part relative to the intended position and orientation of the clamped part. X, Y, and Z position errors signals and roll error signals of the clamped part are provided as offsets to the machine tools which will machine the part in order to compensate for the errors.

Abstract: A billiard cue repairing machine includes planing device, an edge cutting device, a micro-cutting device, and an end cutting device to allow for repair of a billiard cue in an automated fashion. The billiard cue is held in position by a cue clamping mechanism. A drive element drives is used to rotate the billiard cue and the micro-cutting device. The planing device and the edge cutting device are respectively disposed on both sides of a to-be-repaired end of the billiard cue, with adjacent sides provided with a plane knife and a cutter, respectively. The planing device is manually controllable by means of a first axial gear mechanism to cause its cutter to cut the to-be-repaired end of the billiard cue to form a rod adapted to receive a plastic sleeve. The edge cutting device has a second axial gear mechanism and an elastic transverse displacement mechanism that displace in directions substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A slow speed, high torque shear technology is disclosed having optional configurations and attachments for its construction and methods for reconfiguring existing shears to improve performance, and maintenance economics. A method is provided for the readily replacement of individual cutters and tooth modules, reconfiguration of cutter and tooth assemblies in a mix and match manner, in combination with matching anvils having replacement cutting elements with multiple cutting faces. Alternative embodiments are provided illustrating methods of configuration of various types of cutting elements and material feed systems. Methods for converting a rough cut shear to a fine particle shear and then to a granulator as well as a method for rejecting unprocessable material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing process includes mitering each end of a central member and mitering a single end of each of two end members formed, along with the central member, from a single piece of extruded stock having an inner surface including upper and lower attachment slots and an outer surface including upper and lower trim receiving slots. An "L"-shaped corner bracket is placed to extend within the upper and lower attachment slots at each end of the central member and between such slots at the mitered ends of the end members. A heat forming process is then applied to form corners of a decorative trim strip which is then placed to extend between the upper and lower trim receiving slots of the end members and the central members.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing a starter-generator on an aircraft engine includes a key device for coupling the starter-generator to the engine in coaxial relation and uncoupling the starter-generator from the engine.

Abstract: A component, particularly for land vehicles, preferably a car body component for motor vehicles, consists of a metallic foam material with a foamed porous layer comprising a metal powder and a blowing agent and possibly at least one solid metal sheet, there being metallic bonds between the solid metal sheet and the foamed porous layer. The component has at least one stamped contour which is raised from its surface, the angles, occurring in the region of the transitions between the three-dimensionally molded contour and the surface region being of the order of 100.degree. to 180.degree.. To produce the component, an essentially flat, metallic foam material, which is provided with solid metal sheets as covering layers, is initially shaped into a semi-finished molded product, which is end-contoured on one side, and the semi-finished molded product, so formed, is placed into a foaming mold, one wall of which is adapted to the end-contoured side of the semi-finished molded product, and foamed therein.

Abstract: A compound shalt coupling having a flexible disk shaft, with two flexible disks or diaphragms, and a tie bolt shaft connecting two rigid or stiff shafts. One flexible disk diaphragm of the flexible disk shaft is coupled with an interference fit to the first stiff shaft, while the other flexible disk diaphragm of the flexible disk shaft is coupled with an interference fit to the tie bolt shaft which removably mounts the second stiff shaft. A quill shaft connects the two flexible disk diaphragms of the flexible disk shaft. The first stiff shaft can be a hollow sleeve with a magnet mounted therein and the second stiff shaft or power head shaft may include a compressor wheel, a bearing rotor, and a turbine wheel removably mounted on the tie bolt shaft.

Abstract: A method is provided which permits easy, in-the-field installation of an earthquake damage control mechanism. In particular, the mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.