Abstract: A male undergarment for wear by a bowel incontinent user. The male undergarment includes an undergarment having front portion, a back portion, a bottom crotch portion, an upper waist opening, and a pair of lower leg openings. The undergarment has substantially inner and outer layers. The undergarment has a pair of generally parallel opposite longitudinal side slits therethrough separating upper regions of the front and back portions from one another. The back portion of the undergarment has a pair of attachment straps coupled thereto which are detachably attached to the front portion of the undergarment. A generally hourglass-shaped flexible shield is interposed between the inner and outer layers of the undergarment and positioned in the bottom crotch portion of the undergarment. The shield comprises a water-impermeable material to prevent the passage of water therethrough.

Abstract: A crash-helmet with a device for locking and releasing movable parts comprising a helmet body and a part which is associated with the helmet body and is movable with respect to the helmet body along a movement path. The device for locking and releasing the movable part comprises a first member, which is associated with the movable part and is provided with engagement regions which are mutually spaced along the movement path, and a second member, which is associated with the helmet body and is provided with at least one retention element which engages at least one of the engagement regions. The retention element is flexible in order to allow the movement of the movable part with respect to the helmet body, sequentially engaging the engagement regions when the movable part moves with respect to the helmet body.

Abstract: A protective system including a garment-shaped inflatable member for surrounding at least upper portions of the body of a rider of a non-enclosed vehicle, and apparatus for exposing the interior of the inflatable member to the pressurized gas source for rapidly inflating the inflatable member in response to a sudden separation of the rider from the vehicle by at least a predetermined distance. The inflatable member has a garment-shaped configuration when in a non-inflated orientation, and when inflated, has an expanded, generally bulbous configuration such that large magnitude concentrated forces experienced thereby on impact with an object subsequent to the sudden separation of the rider from wherein the vehicle are prevented from transfer directly to the rider, thereby protecting the surrounded upper portions of the rider's body from serious injury.

Abstract: A floor mounting system for toilet stools has a retaining nut to stabilize the vertical mounted flange bolts to facilitate the lowering of a toilet stool into the vertical bolts. When in position, caps are screwed into a retaining washer on the upper ends of the mounting flange bolts to stabilize the caps, and to protect the bolts against contact with exterior moisture. Internal threads within the cap are threadably mounted on exterior threads on the retaining washer.

Abstract: An extension member is attachable to a trailer hitch and extends away from the vehicle and is connected to a seating frame supporting a toilet seat. This extension member serves to provide distance between the toilet seat and the vehicle. The seating frame consists of a background which is perpendicular to extension member and two arms which extend from the back rail. The back rail and arms create a generally "U" shaped frame. In the top surface of the back rail are two mounting apertures. These apertures are 51/2 inches apart which is the standard different distance of the two mounting bolts commonly found on standard toilet seats. The toilet seat can be used by hunters, fisherman, campers, construction workers, boaters and other people who find themselves away from conventional bathroom facilities.

Abstract: A swimming pool management system that is adapted for use with a dispenser connected to a pool for dispensing a substance into the pool upon the actuation thereof. The swimming pool management system includes a sensor positioned downstream of the dispenser for monitoring a level of the substance within the pool. A controller is connected to the dispenser and the sensor for actuating the dispenser only when certain conditions are met.

Abstract: A handwash station comprises a wall mounted cabinet which contains soap and water dispensing means, a proximity sensor and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry controls the dispensing of soap and water in response to signals from the proximity sensor. A count of valid handwashes is incremented only if a user's hand is detected by the proximity sensor at certain key points. The key points comprise at least the start of a last soap dispensing step and the start of a last rinsing water dispensing step. Differential valid handwash count values are stored periodically by the processing circuitry and can be downloaded to a central station for analysis.

Abstract: A playyard system having an upper rail assembly with two parallel upper long side rails and two parallel upper short end rails. Each of the upper rails has a hinge with horizontal pivot pins adjacent to the midpoint thereof. The upper rail assembly also includes four upper corner brackets with hinges coupling the remote exterior ends of the four upper rails for rotation thereabout. In association with the upper rail assembly is a lower rail assembly with two parallel lower long side rails. Each of the lower rails has a hinge with vertical pivot pins adjacent to the midpoint thereof. The lower rail assembly also includes four lower corner brackets with pivot pins coupling the exterior remote ends of the lower rails to the lower corner brackets for oscillation of the lower rails about their axes and for pivoting with respect to the corner brackets. A pair of lower cross bars is included as part of the lower rail assembly.

Abstract: A modular bed frame is disclosed which includes one or more pairs of complimentary side-rails, with attached cross-bars, that may be linked in a manner so as to support a plurality of box-spring and mattress sizes. The advantages of the present invention include an inventory reduction of different components than currently necessary, and elimination of a majority of separate fasteners. The bed frame incorporates an inverted L-shaped cross-section which permits a box-spring to be supported on a pair of bed frames attached side-by-side. Along the side-rails are disposed a set of flanges which are rotatable so as to enable side-by-side bed frames to be slidably attached to each other in one orientation, or inhibiting lateral movement of a box-spring in another orientation.

Abstract: An ambulance cot having a wheeled base, a horizontally oriented patient litter support disposed on the base and having an elongate guide extending lengthwise thereof. A support mechanism is provided for supporting the patient litter support for vertical movement relative to the base while being maintained in the generally horizontal orientation. A device for selectively locking the patient litter support at selectively different vertical elevations is provided.

Abstract: A seat for treating and reducing the occurrence of prostatitis. The seat may be adapted to or formed into any chair, vehicle seat, or any other like device. In particular, the adaptation of the seat in a rough-riding vehicle would reduce perineal trauma. The seat comprises an inflatable tube having a hole therethrough that is surrounded by a shoulder and with a cushion in the hole. Although the shoulder is very firm, the cushion is soft and provides relatively no resistance. The user sits in the tube and as a result pressure to the perineum is avoided and pressure is supported by the legs, hip or rear area.

Abstract: A cushion supports an infant on a support surface, especially as an aid in changing the infant's diapers and garments. The cushion includes an inner elongated pad that is preferably formed as two sections of foam material. The upper surface of the pad is trough-shaped to provide an infant receiving channel, and a casing extends around the pad. Where the pad is in two sections, the casing has a single top panel that supports two pockets that respectively receive a pad section so that they can be pivoted between a folded state and an extended state wherein the pad sections are aligned. This folding occurs about a central transverse line relative to the top panel. When in the extended state, confronting edges of the pockets have fasteners that connect to one another to secure the cushion in the extended state. A restraining strap of elastic or other construction extends transversely across the top of the cushion at a central location, preferably alongside the transverse line.

Abstract: A corner guard configured to attach to and protect the corner of a mattress foundation, as well as to receive selected ornamentation. The corner guard includes an impact-resistant core and a cover that overlies at least at portion of the core. In one embodiment of the invention, the cover is constructed of fabric and may be ornamented with patterns or indicia by a variety of techniques. The cover ensures that the ornamentation will not be damaged even if the corner guard must be bent to match the shape of the mattress foundation. Optionally, a foam layer may be positioned between the core and the cover to impart a quilted texture and appearance to the corner guard, and to provide additional padding for the mattress foundation.

Abstract: A combination food and beverage tool includes a housing, at least one of a blade and a can opener slidably mounted within the housing and a slide mechanism for slidably moving the at least one of the blade and can opener between a first position in which the at least one of the blade and can opener is recessed within the housing and a second position in which at least a portion of the at least one of the blade and can opener is exposed outside the housing. At least one container has a first end, and a second end, and a removable lid. The first end of the container is mounted within the housing, the lid covering the second end of the container.

Abstract: An automatic washer including an automatic liquid temperature control system having a control panel which includes selector means for selecting between a normal wash cycle and a soak cycle. The control panel further includes means for selecting a desired wash water temperature in the soak cycle and means for selecting a desired wash water temperature during the normal wash cycle. The temperature selection means for the normal wash cycle is independent from the temperature selection means for the soak cycle. The temperature selection means for the normal cycle limits the maximum temperature setting during the normal wash to less than the maximum temperature setting for the soak cycle. The reduced temperature wash system is further combined with a spray rinse process. Specifically, after the wash step, the clothes load is rinsed by a plurality of recirculating spray rinse steps.

Abstract: A dock leveler has a deck pivotally mounted to a frame. A counterbalance mechanism uses a pair of pivoting links connected together at a common point with a tension spring that is coupled at the other end to the deck. The links together with the frame and the deck form a four-bar linkage biased by the spring to counterbalance the weight of the deck.

Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaning device (10) includes a flexible cleaning member (12) which is designed to contact an underwater surface of the swimming pool. A tube (14) is coupled to the cleaning member (12) for connecting the cleaning device (10) to a water vacuum hose via hose adaptor (19). Water and pool surface contamination is drawn from underneath the cleaning member (12) up through the tube (14) by suction to a water filter system before being returned to the pool. A flexible valve member (20) is mounted proximate a throat region (22) of the tube (14) wherein as water is drawn up through the tube (14) a decrease in pressure in the throat region (22) causes the valve member (20) to flex and momentarily interrupt the flow of water. The interruption to the flow of water through the tube (14) results in a momentary differential of ambient pressure underneath the flexible cleaning member (12) which enables the device (10) to move forwards incrementally along the underwater surface of the pool.

Abstract: A combination barbecue grill brush and mitt includes a barbecue grill brush and a heat-protective mitt. The grill brush comprises a body having a hand-fitting hand grip (10), an intermediate section (12), and a head section (14). The head section comprises a scraping edge (20) and a bristled surface (22). The intermediate section is angled so as to dispose the head below the hand grip. A mitt (16) is positioned about the hand grip, the mitt including a first end (28) having an opening to permit insertion of a hand of a user, a second end (30) having an opening for insertion of the hand grip of the grill brush, and an optional inner lining (24).

Abstract: A self-wringing mop for removing liquid from the strands of a mop head which includes a handle member, a tubular wringing member disposed over a lowermost portion the handle member, a ratchet mechanism for longitudinal and rotational movement of the tubular wringing member, and the mop head attached to one end of the handle member just below the tubular wringing member. The tubular wringing member has a plurality of protruding ribs which are integrally formed with the interior surface. The longitudinal and rotational movement of the tubular wringing member allows the plurality of protruding ribs to engage the strands of the mop head to remove an amount of liquid from the mop head.

Abstract: A tubular type brush for use in a cleaning machine includes a generally cylindrical driver tube adapted to be rotated about its axis for use in cleaning an adjacent floor surface. The driver tube has an exterior surface with circumferentially and axially located bristles extending outwardly therefrom. The bristles extend, when the driver tube is in an at rest position, in a direction which is closer to parallel with the driver tube exterior surface than perpendicular to the driver tube exterior surface. The bristles have tips which move outwardly from the driver tube exterior surface as the tube rotates, with the degree of the outward movement being dependent, at least in part, upon rotary speed of the driver tube.

Abstract: A cleaning pad and roller assembly for cleaning semiconductor wafers. The pad may be a felt sheet with a pair of tabs located at opposite ends. The roller may be polyvinylchloride and may have a drive gear at one end and a clamp at each end. Each clamp is a clamping lever mounted on a shelf and may be locked in place by a clamping screw. Each clamping lever may have a pivot at one end and a serrated surface at an opposite end. The clamping screw may pass through the clamping lever into the shelf.

Abstract: The device comprises a flat, disc-shaped main body 10 having cleaning apertures 11a,b,c, and d located thereon. Cleaning apertures 11a,b,c, and d have diameters suitably smaller than the outside diameter, including the nap covering, of various popular roller sizes and nap thicknesses, such that a friction fit between the nap covering of such a roller and a cleaning aperture 11a,b,c, or d is provided. Four access notches 12a,b,c, and d extend from the circumference of cleaning apertures 11a,b,c, and d respectively, to the circumference of main body 10. To operate the device is placed over the handle end of a roller, with the wire portion of the handle passing through one of the access notches 12a,b,c, or d and into the center of one of the cleaning apertures 11a,b,c, or d. The device is then drawn down over the nap surface of the roller, and the friction fit between the cleaning aperture 11a,b,c, or d and the nap surface of the roller acts to wipe paint or solvent from the roller.

Abstract: A handheld liquid extraction cleaner includes a recovery tank mounted to the forward end of a cleaner housing with a suction nozzle and conduit on a front face of the recovery tank connected to an inlet opening in the recovery tank. A vacuum source is connected to the recovery tank through an exhaust conduit, integrally formed in the recovery tank, for drawing liquid and debris through the suction nozzle and the suction conduit and into the recovery tank A removable cleaning fluid supply tank is mounted to a rear portion of the cleaner housing, an adjustable spray nozzle is mounted to the suction conduit and a pump is positioned in a supply conduit between the spray nozzle and the cleaning fluid supply tank for supplying pressurized cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid supply tank to the spray nozzle The pump includes an impeller which is positioned in an outlet opening of a reservoir in which the cleaning fluid is deposited from the cleaning fluid supply tank.

Abstract: A lightweight portable steam carpet cleaning machine comprised of two main structures, a handle assembly and the recovery tank. Connected to the machine are two hoses, the supply hose which supplies clear water to the machine and the discharge hose which takes dirty water away depositing it in a sanitary disposal. A capacity spray jet is used to apply a high volume of clear water to the carpet. A recovery tank which is less than a cubic foot in volume is used to transport the vacuum from the vacuum motor to the water pick-up. During the cleaning process, a channel is used to direct extracted water to the bottom of the recovery tank. A float switch is used to automatically activate or deactivate the discharge pump during the cleaning process.

Abstract: A new Combination Broom and Vacuum Cleaner Assembly for easy pickup of dirt piles. The inventive device includes an upper handle, a lower handle, a broom portion, a means for creating suction, a vacuum manifold, and an attachment head. In use, the Combination Broom and Vacuum Cleaner Assembly is used to sweep up dirt and the like using the broom portion. After gathering the debris up into a pile, the vacuum manifold is lowered and used to pickup the pile easily and swiftly. After picking up the pile of debris, the vacuum manifold is again raised to enable sweeping once again.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body having an inlet and an outlet and an internal path for air from the inlet to the outlet, a fan in the path, and an electric motor for driving the fan to create a flow of air along the path. The vacuum cleaner includes first and second apertured support members in the path at a position upstream of the fan for supporting a sheet of flexible filter material between them in a substantially fixed manner.

Abstract: A suction pipe for a suction cleaner comprising an elongated pipe having at its lower end, in the in-use position, a coupling stud for a suction mouthpiece, and opposite this end, a flexible suction hose facing to one side relative to the elongated pipe, and wherein the suction pipe further has an upper operating handle arranged above the flexible suction hose in the in-use position. The upper operating handle in the in-use position of the suction pipe is arranged at a distance above the flexible suction hose that exceeds the length of the forearm of the operator, and the upper operating handle is so arranged that it allows it to be seized from that side of the suction pipe on which the flexible suction hose is arranged.

Abstract: A device for promoting safe, comfortable, economical, and timely use of all currently manufactured, new in stock and used backpack blowers, by using this retracting rotational backpack blower air discharge tube unit (1) that utilizes one section of blower air discharge tubing, wherein the retracting rotational backpack blower tube unit (1) being larger in inside dimension than the outside dimension of a modified backpack blower straight tube, while the retracting rotational backpack blower tube unit (1), will retract in effect over a modified backpack blower straight tube when the upper longitude end of said is attached to a backpack blower discharge air flex tube, as to become a ridged fixed means, thus allowing the retracting rotational backpack blower tube unit (1), to retract and extend by longitudinal means over a modified backpack blower straight tube as to the full length of said when controlled by the hand of the operator while a modified backpack blower straight tube becomes a ridged fixing axis poin

Abstract: A universal caster cover that can be used with just about any caster used on furniture such as chairs and tables is made of a flexible material, such as plastic. The cover has an end that may be opened to place the cover around a caster, and then sealed to close the opening. An adhesive tape is mounted on the inside top of the cover and is used to attached the cover to a non-rolling part of the caster. The cover protects objects such as a person's shoes or furniture from being damaged when the cover engages the shoe or furniture when the chair or other object on casters is moved.

Abstract: A door closer and mounting bracket for attaching the door closer to either the door or the door frame. The door closer includes a lip at one end for engaging a corresponding hook on the mounting bracket and a screw passageway at the other end for engaging a screw on the mounting bracket. A unique mounting hole pattern is used to prevent installing the mounting bracket in the wrong orientation.

Abstract: A roller shield apparatus and method for shielding a support roller of a sectional door against a finger being inserted between the support roller and the support track. The roller shield is configured as a disc that is mounted to the axle of the support roller so as to be supported in a plane parallel to the support roller and outside of the support track. The support track includes a single hem to eliminate a sharp edge from the support track.

Abstract: In order to provide a closing device for a covering member, which is smaller than a conventional device, can stably hold the covering member at a predetermined open angle, and is manufactured at low cost, the closing device comprises: a rotary shaft having a flange part and a means to be fixed to the covering member side; a guide plate which is rotatably retained by a side facing the flange part of the rotary shaft and has means to be fixed to the device body; a first click plate fixed to the guide plate so as to be rotatable around the rotary shaft together with the guide plate; a second click plate which is in contact with the first click plate and is attached to the rotary shaft so as to be non-rotatable and slidable in the axial direction; and a compression means compressedly arranged between the second click plate and the flange part in order to press toward the first click plate side.

Abstract: A snap-action hinge for the opening and closing of a furniture door includes: a cup part designed to be embedded in a recess of the door, a hinge arm designed to be fixed to the furniture unit with and having one end connected to the cup part by a hinge pin, a rigid component supported by the hinge arm in such a way as to lie parallel to the hinge pin at a defined limited distance from it measuring away from the abovementioned end, and spring means housed in the cup part and acting with a pressing action on the rigid component to allow snap-action closing of the hinge. The rigid component is advantageously made of a wear-resistant material.

Abstract: An electronic device (10) has a foldable housing (11) including a base unit (12) and a cover unit (14). The cover unit is rotatably joined to the base unit by a hinge mechanism. Within cover unit is a frictional hinge mechanism including a cam member (30), a cam follower (32) and an o-ring (34). The cam member has an attachment post (38) connected to an attachment gear on base unit such that the cam member is fixed to the base unit. The cover unit rotates against noticeable friction produced by o-ring rubbing between cover unit and cam member while cover unit is at angles of rotation larger than a pre-set angle, and cover unit rotates against minimal friction at angles of rotation smaller than the pre-set angle. The friction allows cover unit to maintain a multiplicity of positions with respect to base unit within a preselected range of angles larger than pre-set angle.

Abstract: A mounting plate for a furniture hinge includes a hinge plate which is adapted to be pivotably connected to a hinge component, such as a hinge cup, at least one pair, and preferably two pairs of opposing legs, depending from the hinge plate, and a fastener opening formed in the hinge plate between the opposing legs. The opposing legs are spaced apart from one another and depend from the hinge plate parallel to one another. Further, the opposing legs extend from the hinge plate a distance which is at least as great as or equal to the distance by which the opposing legs are spaced from one another.

Abstract: A handle piece (15) for application to the cross bar handle (14) of a domestic hose cock comprises a unitary plastics moulding comprising an open bottomed shell (16) having an upper surface sized to fit into the palm of the hand. Formations within the shell define a recess adapted to receive the cross bar handle and comprise opposed pressure pads (19,20) at or near each end of the recess adapted to bear against respective end portions of a cross bar handle when homed in said recess. Two opposed resilient flanges (22) resiliently clasp the cross bar handle intermediate its ends to retain the handle piece in position upon and shrouding the cross bar handle.

Abstract: In an effort to facilitate the dumping of a load from a wheelbarrow the present invention provides pivoting hand grips attached to the ends of wheelbarrow handles, which enable an individual handling a wheelbarrow to maintain a constant grip on the handle while dumping. Moreover, the pivoting hand grips enable the arms of the individual to be consistently in a position of strength proximate his hips. The risk of injury, particularly back injury, is minimized by eliminating the arm extension required to dump a standard wheelbarrow. The awkward and strenuous exercise of dumping a wheelbarrow is thereby replaced by a smooth flowing action. The present invention also includes a locking mechanism for preventing the hand grips from rotating during normal stationary or travelling usage and a releasing mechanism which can be easily manipulated by the fingers of the handler while gripping the hand grips when the load is being dumped.

Abstract: A portable device having a multi-function belt clip assembly includes a leaf spring 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20; a housing 14 which has a recess 22 to engage the first end 18 of the leaf spring 16; and a belt clip 12 which has a recess 24 which is used to engage the second end 20 of the leaf spring 16, wherein the leaf spring 16 is adapted to hold the belt clip 12 in a closed position. The leaf spring 16 further allows opening the belt clip 12 from the closed position to engage a belt, and to spring closed when the opening of the belt clip 12 is constrained below a predetermined angular displacement 34. The leaf spring 16 enables the belt clip 12 to remain latched in an open position when the opening of the belt clip 12 exceeds the predetermined angular displacement 34.

Abstract: A safety clamp, which includes a link for connection to a crane or the like, a steering mechanism, the steering mechanism including a casing, a ratchet wheel mounted in the casing and connected to the link, and steering control means for controlling the direction of rotation of the ratchet wheel, a supporting bar connected to the casing, a movable bar connected to the ratchet wheel and turned with the ratchet wheel and the link relative to the casing and the supporting bar, and a clamping bar connected to the movable bar and worked with the supporting bar to hold an object between the clamping bar and the supporting bar for enabling the object to be lifted with the safety clamp.

Abstract: A method for winding elastomeric fibers at a predetermined beam-stretch by stretching the fibers to 35-75% of their elongation-to-break value.

Abstract: An item of hollow jewelry having at least one precious stone which is fitted into the galvanically produced wall thereof and which is held fast by galvanically applied material, wherein a setting (2) of metal sheet which surrounds the precious stone (1) is arranged between the precious stone (1) and the wall (4).

Abstract: A pair of pliers for loading-unloading E-type clamping piece mainly comprises a clamping operational strip in shape of a long flat board, wherein a C-opening is formed at one end and a crotched opening at the other; and a handgrip that can be inserted with those two ends of the clamping operational strip alternatively. The handgrip is further provided with a movable pin, which can move up or down, fastening to the clamping operational strip. By virtue of abovesaid construction, the clamping operational strip can hold an E-type clamping piece to clamp at a circular groove on a target article, or vice versa. The C-opening can be used by the way to select a required E-type clamping piece by comparing its opening width with outer diameter of the circular groove on a target article.

Abstract: A setting tool for anchoring a spreading anchor having an anchor rod (1) and an expansion sleeve (4), the setting tool including a sleeve-shaped body (8) having an axial blind bore (11) opening at an end surface (13) and a lead-in surface (10) for receiving axial impacts, and provided at a rear end of the sleeve-shaped body (8) remote from the end surface (13) at which the blind bore (11) opens, and a marking element (17) arranged in a bottom (15) of the axial blind bore (11) of the sleeve-shaped body (8) for forming a permanent mark in a rear end surface (3) of the anchor rod (1) at the end of a setting process.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for forming parts from a sheet of metal stock material so that they can be separated by a shake-and-break operation, elongated holes are punched in the sheet to separate the first part from the second part except at at least one shake-and-break location. At the shake-and-break location, a frusto-conical shape punch and die punch an opening on either side of a center tab connecting the parts. The wider ends of the frusto-conical shape holes face the tab, and the narrower ends adjoin the elongated holes and have the same width as such holes. In such a manner, the points where ends of the tab connect to the first and second parts are located in recesses located to the outside of the edges of the elongated holes. When the pieces are subsequently separated in a shake and break process, any residual burrs from where the tabs separate from the parts are located in the recesses, rather than along the edges of the part, and do not need to be removed.

Abstract: A method of making an office chair by stretching a membrane in a stretching machine and retaining the stretched membrane on a loom. The loom, with the retained stretched membrane, is removed from the stretching machine and positioned between molds of a molding machine, wherein the molding machine is used to form a carrier member to hold a portion of the stretched member by injecting a material into a cavity formed between the molds to form a part of the chair.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for manufacturing an electrostatic deflector comprising multiple electrodes. The electrostatic deflector is of a type not tending to generate large eddy currents during use. The electrodes are arranged as electrode-members relative to each other in a desired angular relationship with high precision around an optical axis. Each electrode is formed by adhering a conductive film to portions of the surface of an insulative electrode-member material except an outer surface of the electrode-member, and a conductive film is adhered to at least some of the inner surface of an insulating outer casing. The electrode-members are inserted into respective grooves in a jig; then the outer surface of each electrode-member is attached to the inner surface of the outer casing. Lead wires can be attached to the electrodes, and the jig is removed by dissolution or melting.

Abstract: A hand held tool for crimping a stent onto a balloon of a catheter is disclosed. The stent crimping tool is operated in one hand by squeezing two plates together while simultaneously displacing the plates linearly to crimp and roll the stent held between the plates. Specifically, the crimping tool includes a base plate with two bosses through which respective pins pass linking the base plate to a compression plate. The compression plate has elongated diameter openings at opposite sides thereof to receive the pins. With the elongated diameter openings, the compression plate can pivot at the pins and translate linearly relative to those pins thus enabling the rolling action during the crimping process. A compression profile pad and a tapered profile pad are attached to the crimping areas of the plates to grip and together apply pressure to the uncrimped stent held therebetween. The pads may include specific contours in order to impart a desired profile to the crimped stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rivetable element or fastener which comprises a shaft or barrel portion and an integral head portion which can be permanently affixed in a sheet metal part or panel by riveting, an assembly comprising a sheet metal part or panel and the riveting element, a method for the manufacture of the assembly, and a die specifically designed for forming the fastener and panel assembly. The underside of the head portion adjacent the shaft or barrel portion includes an out annular contact surface and an inner riveting portion which includes a plurality of spaced shallow pocket or closed fields which entrap the panel metal during installation. The shaft or barrel portion includes at least one depression based from the plane of the contact surface which, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a spiral thread.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal screen guard clip for projection type television sets. These clips are extruded and can be inserted between the projection screen and the front frame in various manners, depending on the configuration of the particular television on which the screen guard is being placed. The screen guard clip of the present invention is arcuate shaped in cross-section and is curved back on itself along one edge. A longitudinal locking tab is also provided to make the screen guard clip even more universal.

Abstract: A method of fastening a first member to a second member. The first member has a first opening with first left handed threads that extend from a first surface to a second surface. A stud having a shaft with a first section having right handed threads that extend from an end to a first groove, a second section with second left handed threads that extend from the first groove to a second groove adjacent a head and a radial surface that extends on an angle from the second groove toward a peripheral surface on the head is obtained from a supply source. The shaft is inserted into the first opening to engage the first and second left handed threads and an initial torque is applied to the head to bring the radial surface into engagement with the first left handed threads. Thereafter, additional torque is applied to the head to cause the radial surface to engage and deform a portion of the first left handed threads as the peripheral surface is moved into engagement with the second surface.