Abstract: An acoustic coupler adapted for use with an intracanal receiver module can be deeply inserted into the ear canal of the user while making minimal contact with the walls of the ear canal. The minimal contact feature of the invention allows the acoustic coupler to seal the ear canal acoustically and anchor a hearing device at an optimal depth within the ear canal, while maximizing the user's comfort. The acoustic coupler is manufactured from a soft, pliable elastomer that allows it to conform readily to the shape of the ear canal. The acoustic coupler incorporates structural supports that allow the coupler to maintain an acoustical seal and withstand the inward pressure of the ear canal wall while making minimal contact with the ear canal. The invention incorporates a cerumen-protecting feature that prevents damage to a hearing device from infiltration of earwax into the sound port of the receiver. A vent pathway for control of occlusion effects is also provided.

Abstract: An acoustical control earpiece comprised of non-foamed polyvinyl chloride plastisol. The earpieces may be acoustical hearing protective earplugs as well as overmolds and covers for audio sound reproduction devices such as headphones, speakers, and hearing aids, and may be used alone or in conjunction with hearing protector bands or eyewear. The earplugs may have an open or closed internal void therewithin, are adapted for receipt into the concha and ear canal of a wearer. The earpieces may be formed by injection molding, roto-molding, or slush molding. The hardness of the earpieces has a 00 Durometer hardness value of about 10 to 90 and preferably ranging 40 to 60.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump-motor having an end shield which deadens the sound generated by the pump-motor do thereby result in a quieter unit. The present invention provides a conventional hydraulic pump-motor having an electric motor coupled to a pumping mechanism wherein the motor includes an improved sound attenuating end shield design. Through the use of acoustically deadening materials such as cast iron and polypropylene plastic, the end plates of the present invention deaden the sounds stemming from the vibration of the pump-motor. In addition, the present invention provides an end shield design which allows the stator to be secured to the motor housing and the air gap between the rotor and the stator to be precisely measured prior to the installation of the end shield. The present invention therefore results in not only a quieter pump-motor but also a pump-motor with higher machining tolerances, improved efficiency, and lower production and maintenance costs.

Abstract: A tuned vibration absorber and vibration-reduced pipeline system utilizing same. The tuned vibration absorber includes a support frame, a tuning mass mounted for pivotal movement relative to the support frame about a pivot; the tuning mass including a lever, and a spring contacting the lever. In the vibration-reduced pipeline system, the absorber's support frame is preferably secured atop of the pipeline section, preferably by at least one strap, to absorb vibrations thereof. In a preferred aspect, the tuning mass includes an arm extending from the pivot in a first direction and a weight repositionably mounted thereon. The lever extends from the arm along a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. Preferably the line of action (along A--A) of the spring extends substantially parallel to the first direction. An adjuster is provided for readjusting a position of the tuning mass relative to said support frame due to drift in the spring.

Abstract: An escape ladder and housing assembly adapted to be attached to the framework in the wall of a structure below an escape opening comprising a housing, a ladder construction adapted to be stowed within the housing, and a connection assembly mounted in the housing connected to the ladder construction so that, when the ladder construction is deployed through the escape opening, loads on the ladder are transmitted to the housing and the wall framework.

Abstract: A laterally extensible ladder comprises first and second uprights having a plurality of adjacent rung assemblies mounted therebetween. Each rung assembly includes a first hollow rung element that defines a rung axis and a second rung element received in the first rung element. The second rung element is movable along the rung axis for adjusting the length of the rung assembly, hence adjusting the width of the ladder. At least one rung assembly includes a structure for releasably holding the rung assemblies at a selected width configuration.

Abstract: A sawhorse provided with a pair of supports supporting a horizontal member wherein the supports are angled toward the respective ends of the horizontal member and where the ends of the supports are within the space of the ends of the horizontal member and the supports themselves are made of leg portions and portions which support the underside of the horizontal member and are connected therethrough, the latter section being flat and being at an obtuse angle with said legs.

Abstract: A constant force actuator transforms applied heat to an applied force on an output device. Strips of shape memory alloy are coiled into spirals and trained to have this configuration as a static state. The shape memory alloy springs are attached to the output device to apply a directional force. When one of the springs is heated, the modulus of elasticity within the spring material changes. This change in modulus increases the force which the spring exerts in returning to its static state, which in turn increases the force applied to the output device, upsetting the balance of forces and resulting in a rotation.

Abstract: When a reference cage is designated at the time of determining the parameters which distinguish hall devices, reference cage determination device 1 determines as the reference cage the designated cage out of upper and lower cages, and the reference cage determined by the reference cage determination device is raised/lowered to and stopped at a designated terminal floor by reference cage travel device 2. Then, parameter determination device 3 determines parameters based on the floor at which the reference cage determined by reference cage determination device 1 has stopped, and parameter transmission device 4 transmits the parameters determined by parameter determination device 3 to the hall device of the floor at which the reference cage is positioned.By so doing, the setting of hall device parameters can be readily performed at the time of installation or the time of maintenance/replacement of double-deck elevators which do not possess projecting floors.

Abstract: A brake lining wear monitor is disclosed for a brake assembly having a body and a friction lining having an operative face adapted to be applied to a brake rotor. The monitor includes an actuator which applies the brake lining to the rotor, an adjuster driven by the actuator to maintain the linings in close proximity to the brake motor, and having a wheel, and a wear sensor responsive to actuation movement of the brake which is housed within the body of the brake itself without increasing the overall package size of the brake. The wear sensor is driven from the wheel of the adjuster with an end of the sensor remote from the wheel being formed into a connector to provide a compact and integrated unit which can be removed from the brake for service without dismantling the brake assembly itself.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a variable-torque braking device. The device is characterized in that it includes a secondary control (14, 17) which allows exertion on a friction-lining pad (9) of an additional moving-system braking torque as a function of a variable command parameter which exerts on the friction-lining pad (9) a movable-system braking force or torque capable of linear variation, in addition to the constant braking torque or force furnished by a main control, as a function of the variable control parameter. The invention finds an application notably to braking forklifts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration damping and isolation apparatus having a passive damping mechanism. The passive damping mechanism includes a piston and first and second elements of magnetic material with a shaft extending therebetween. The piston and shaft are linearly movable relative to one another upon application of forces to the damping apparatus. The shaft is spaced from an axial bore of the piston by a restrictive fluid flow annulus that is filled with a viscous fluid. A resilient seal mechanism, having a static stiffness, couples the first and second elements to the piston to define first and second viscous fluid filled chambers in fluid communication with the annulus. Shearing of the fluid as it is displaced through the annulus dissipates the forces. A magnetic mechanism generates magnetic forces that act on the first and second elements to destiffen the static stiffness of the resilient seal mechanism to improve vibration damping and isolation at low frequencies.

Abstract: A rotational dampening apparatus 10 includes a cup-shaped housing member 12 and, mounted for rotational movement in the cup-shaped housing member, a rotor member 14 and a dampening member 16, the dampening member being held compressed between the rotor member and the cup-shaped housing member. The cup-shaped housing member includes a substantially planar annular end wall 32 and a cylindrical side wall 34 extending from the end wall. The rotor member and the cylindrical side wall respectively define cooperating first and second circular connection areas 38, 36 for snap-lock connecting the rotor member 14 to the housing member 12. The first and second circular connecting area form a bearing surface upon which the rotor member rotates. A first dampening interface A is created between a set of ribs 60 disposed on the end wall of the housing member and the bottom face surface 52 of the dampening member.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system for a tractor having a power-take-off (PTO) shaft comprises inductive sensors (9, 11) associated with toothed wheels (8, 10) on the input and output shafts respectively of a PTO gearbox (5). Each type of PTO shaft will carry a toothed wheel having a different number of teeth, and thus the ratio between the frequencies of the signals generated by the sensors (9, 11) is indicative of the type of PTO shaft and the ratio engaged in the PTO gearbox. This information can then be displayed on a control/monitoring unit (14) and also used to automatically control the engagement rate of a PTO clutch (6).

Abstract: A transmission for use in the power train of a motor vehicle has a rotary first component (such as a shaft), a second component which may but need not be rotatable, a fluid-conveying conduit having a first end portion extending into a first socket provided in the first component and a second end portion extending into a socket of the second component, a split-ring piston packing located in an external groove of the first end portion, and an O-ring received in an external groove of the second end portion. The O-ring prevents the conduit and the second component from rotating relative to each other.

Abstract: A spiral-type one-way clutch suited for use in an accessory drive system for an internal combustion engine, in one of the pulleys (P1-P6) (e.g. on the engine crankshaft, the alternator, a hydraulic pump) to isolate oscillations from the engine is provided. The clutch preferably has roller bearings (5) in a saw tooth spiral channel (23), defined by an inner and/or an outer slipper member (3, 105, 106) which/each of which engages a cylindrical bearing race (4a, 15, 29) of an adjacent inner or encircling member (2, 4). The slipper member (3, 3a) may be split and elastically sprung against the adjacent bearing race (4a, 15, 29) or segmented. A single spring means (6a, 110) is interposed between the rolling bearings (5, B1 to B11) which fill the spiral channel from end to end.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch assembly including first and second ring-shaped clutch members with face surfaces disposed in opposing relation and with at least one rigid strut disposed therebetween for movement to engage recessed pockets in the opposed surfaces upon rotation in one direction and for movement out of engagement with the pockets in at least one of the face surfaces upon relative rotation in the opposite direction. A retaining member permanently retains the clutch in assembled relation and cooperates with the ring-shaped clutch members to form a lubricant reservoir maintaining the struts in a lubricant bath during operation. The retaining member forms a weir over which the lubricant flows from the reservoir at a radial location to assure that the struts remain submerged during operation.

Abstract: A friction clutch for a motor vehicle includes a cover, a pressure plate, a biasing member and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a first annular cam, a second annular cam and a torsional spring and housing assembly. The cover has an axis of rotation. The pressure plate is coupled to the cover for rotation therewith about the axis. The pressure plate has a frictional engagement surface substantially normal to the axis. The pressure plate has a plurality of cooling blades extending from the pressure plate on a side opposite the frictional engagement surface. The blades are located at a first radial distance from the axis. The biasing member is interposed between the cover and the pressure plate, and biases the pressure plate toward an engaged pressure plate position. The adjustment mechanism is centered about the axis and is located at a first radial distance from the axis. The adjustment mechanism is operably disposed between the biasing member and the pressure plate.

Abstract: The centering unit for the primary and secondary flywheels of a torsional vibration damping apparatus for use in the power train of a motor vehicle employs a radial bearing with a sleeve which is or can be a press fit on or in one of the flywheels, and the still accessible internal or external surface of the sleeve is calibrated simultaneously with or following the press fit. The calibrated surface of the sleeve is thereupon inserted into a socket or receives an extension of the other flywheel. The centering unit further utilizes an axial bearing wherein the function of the sleeve in the radial bearing is performed by an annular collar which can extend radially inwardly or radially outwardly of the sleeve. One of the bearings can be installed radially inwardly of the fasteners which secure the primary flywheel to the output shaft of the engine, and the other bearing can be installed radially outwardly of such fasteners.

Abstract: A magnetic slip clutch system that can be used tin a number of different applications where a slip clutch is desired to be used; and particularly, to applications where the clutch is desired to be fully disengaged, i.e., free-wheeling, fully engaged to transmit 100% of the power, or coupled in a modulated or slip manner for transmission of a variable amount of power. The torque transfer is modulated by controlling the electric power to the clutch.

Abstract: An armature assembly for a selectively engageable and disengageable electromagnetic coupling is provided. The armature assembly includes a hub having a central axis that is disposed radially outwardly, and mounted for rotation with, a shaft used to drive an air-conditioning compressor. The assembly also includes a resiliently flexible spider disposed radially outwardly of the hub. The spider is fixed against rotation relative to the hub, but is able to flex axially relative to the hub at a hinge. The armature assembly further includes an annular armature disc disposed radially outwardly of the hub and connected to a first side of the spider. Finally, the armature assembly includes a counterweight disposed on a second side of the spider. The counterweight may be integral with the spider or connected to the hub.

Abstract: A ball transfer deck facilitates movement of heavy loads across the deck over an array of ball transfer units while reducing attendant operating noise. An annular elastomeric sleeve isolates the upper flange of each individual ball transfer unit from direct contact with the deck, thereby reducing noise generated by the contact between the ball transfer unit and deck. An associated pin stop mechanism is also installed in the ball transfer deck and can be selectively engaged to prevent the movement of a particular load across the deck. To decrease the probability of damage to the deck and increase the stability and strength of the pin stop mechanism, the preferred pin stop mechanism includes a wide upper flange that allows the pin stop mechanism to be easily attached to an upper surface to the deck.

Abstract: Highway safety regulations generally limit the length of trailers to 75'. Most large conveyors generally have two top folds, one at each end of the conveyor. This format facilitates a trailer which is balanced on a wheeled support both in an unfolded operative position and a folded towing position. The mono-fold trailer conveyor comprises: a main conveyor section having a feed end portion; one and only one folding discharge conveyor section having one end hingably attached to the main conveyor section and having a length exceeding one half of the length of the main conveyor section; and, a counterweight positioned on the feed end portion of the conveyor, necessitated by the otherwise unbalanced folding discharge conveyor section, and sized to stably maintain the discharge end of the conveyor in an elevated position when the conveyor is in an operative unfolded position.

Abstract: A guard element having a deflector (8, 10) for covering the gap between an escalator step (48) and an escalator side wall (46). The guard element comprises an elongate body portion (2) which supports the deflector (8, 10) and an elongate mounting portion (24, 28, 30, 38) which is adapted to abut the escalator side wall (46). The body portion (2) is provided with a formation (18, 20) which interengages with a corresponding formation (22, 36) provided on the mounting portion (24, 28, 30, 38).In a preferred embodiment, the formation on the mounting portion (24, 28, 30, 38) comprises a T-shaped rib (22, 36) and the formation on the body portion (2) comprises a T-shaped recess (18, 20, 26).

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway is constructed to absorb oscillation and lateral displacement of a first story relative to a second story between which the escalator or moving walkway extends such as which may occur in the event of an earthquake. End mount devices are provided to serve as fulcrums for the elevator and as dampers. Lateral recesses for the reception of additional damping elements may be provided in recesses formed into the building construction.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for controlling the channeling of parceled goods to be delivered via a delivery conveyor, which includes at least one buffer conveyor, a call-up conveyor, and a channeling conveyor, to free locations on an acceptance conveyor running at a constant speed. The acceptance conveyor and the delivery conveyor are arranged to encompass an angle .alpha., and the delivery conveyor is provided with a parcel measuring device. The process includes measuring a length of a parcel to be channeled, determining a length of time t2 utilized in measuring the length of the parcel, and determining a momentary parcel speed; a speed of the channeling conveyor to which the parcel will be transferred; a distance on the call-up conveyor on which acceleration of the parcel occurs prior to a transfer of the parcel to the channeling conveyor; and a position of a next free space on the acceptance conveyor.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl is provided having a number of predetermined attachment locations defined therein. A number of parts orientation units define an equal number of attachment locations which align with the attachment locations of the vibratory bowl. Any of the number of parts orientation units can thus be detachably mounted to a single vibratory bowl having a common configuration. An air supply unit is further provided for directing pressurized air across a parts orientation channel of a parts orientation unit attached to the vibratory bowl. The angle of air supply relative to the parts orientation channel, as well as the height above the parts orientation channel at which the air is supplied, are each adjustable.

Abstract: A curved element for a magnetic conveyer having a chain movable along a guide. The curved element including a first piece on which the chain moves, a second piece, and a separate third piece for housing the magnets.

Abstract: A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.

Abstract: In a flip-chip mounting equipment, there is provided an IC removal device by which ICs (4) which have been recognized to be removed in error in spite of their faultlessness can be removed in a manner such that they are lined up in a row without being scratched on the surface and without incurring electrostatic destruction. Also the device allows an easy visual checking of the ICs with the objective of reuse. The device comprises a glass plate (2) for carrying ICs (4) and a mechanism for rotating this glass plate (2) at fixed angles, whereby if a recognition error occurs, a bonding head (1) with an IC (4) sucked thereby is moved to an IC removal position on the glass plate (2) and is then lowered until the IC (4) contacts the glass plate (2), thereby removing the IC (4). As a result, the ICs (4) can be lined up in a row without being scratched on the surface and without incurring electrostatic destruction, allowing an easy visual checking of the ICs with the objective of reuse.

Abstract: A machine including a single power source for asynchronously operating dual indexing conveyors. The single power source is a reversible servo unit operatively connected to gear sets and one-way clutches to drive the conveyors. Alternately, the power source is a uni-directional rotating driver with linkage means to reciprocally move a rack operatively connected to gear sets with one-way clutches or ratchets and pawls.

Abstract: An improved conveyor belt is provided including an overlay element with a variable loop count over at least a portion of a transverse width of the belt, and preferably with a variable loop count from one side edge of the conveyor belt to the other side of the conveyor belt, thereby minimizing the frictional contact between the overlay elements and minimizing the excess loop density on the side of the belt defining the inner radius of the turn. The conveyor belt includes a plurality of overlay elements, each of the overlay elements including a plurality of linking bends, and a plurality of transverse rods extending laterally across the conveyor belt. Each of the overlay elements are positioned relative to one another such that their linking bends are intermeshed with linking bends of immediately adjacent overlay elements and the intermeshed linking bends receive one of the transverse rods thereby operatively connecting the adjacent overlay elements.

Abstract: A unitary, plastic clip of fasteners comprises a plurality of individual fasteners which are disposed in a substantially parallel, stacked, spaced relationship. Each fastener comprises an elongated flexible filament and a pair of transverse cross-bars which are disposed on opposite ends of the filament, the pair of transverse bars being disposed in perpendicular relation to the filament. The plurality of individual fasteners are maintained in its substantially parallel, stacked, spaced configuration by a plurality of thin, severable connector posts. One thin, severable connector post interconnects the approximate midpoint of the transverse bars of each pair of adjacent individual fasteners.

Abstract: A package for a trash bag rod which is flexible and resilient for opening a trash bag and for forming a hoop shape for holding the trash bag open while it is being filled with fallen leaves, lawn clippings, and other trash, comprises a trash bag rod which is normally straight but which is wound into a coil that springs back toward straight position when released from the coil, an enclosure holding the trash bag rod in coiled position with at least one end portion of the rod being held in straight position to form a straight end portion of the rod within the enclosure, whereby after the coiled rod is released from the enclosure the straight end portion is more easily threaded through a perimeter portion of the open end of a trash bag than a rod with a curved end portion. The method includes preforming a series of openings around the top perimeter portion of the trash bag.

Abstract: A plant flat-collapsible-container made from a first panel of thin heat-sealable film, a second panel of thin heat-sealable film, a first decorative panel and a second decorative panel. The first panel, second panel, first decorative panel and second decorative panel are joined together along a first longitudinally-extending seam and a second longitudinally-extending seam. The first longitudinally-extending seam forms a first angle with a transverse axis of the container. The second longitudinally-extending seam forms a second angle with the a line drawn transverse to the axis of the container. The first and second angles can be the same, or, alternatively, the first angle can be between 55.degree. and 65.degree. and the second angle can be between 85.degree. and 90.degree.. The container can include a protruding portion which extends beyond a transversely-extending edge of the container. The protruding portion can have perforations.

Abstract: A sleeve apparatus for retaining cut stems of several different types of plants, where the stems each having a stem cut end, includes a tube of sheet material having a tube upper end and a tube lower end; at least one substantially longitudinal divider formed of sheet material extending across the interior of the tube and joined to cross-sectionally spaced apart points on the tube, defining at least two plant stem longitudinal compartments each having an open compartment upper end and an open compartment lower end, so that at least one plant stem may be fitted longitudinally through each of the compartments to an extent that each stem cut end protrudes out of the tube lower end for immersion in water. The tube preferably is longitudinally tapered to define a truncated cone. The sheet material preferably is flexible. The divider optionally defines compartments of equal size, or alternatively defines compartments of differing sizes.

Abstract: A storage and carry wrap for a plurality of storage containers of relatively rigid material comprises a generally rectangularly shaped base panel having an inner face, an outer face, and opposed ends. A handle is affixed to the base panel midway between the ends. A plurality of pockets or receptacles are affixed to the base panel and are longitudinally disposed along the inner face thereof for releasably receiving the containers. The portions of the base panel on each side of the handle are foldable along spaced-apart transversely extending fold lines to each assume a generally U-shaped configuration with the receptacles being disposed in confronting relation. A cover affixed to the base panel proximal the handle includes first and second cover panel sections extending in opposite directions from the handle, and connects to the base panel portions when folded in their U-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A rectangular folding box comprises at least four side walls (1 to 4 inclusive), which are connected to one another by fold lines, and a bottom wall (5 to 8 inclusive) comprising flaps. In order to provide the folding box with a display function, one of the side walls (1) has in the center a tear line (14) which runs perpendicular to the bottom wall (5 to 8 inclusive). Furthermore, the bottom wall has in the center a tear line (16, 17) which adjoins the tear line (14) of the said side wall (1). The side wall (3) which is situated opposite the side wall (1) provided with a tear line (14) can be folded along a line (15) which adjoins the tear line (16, 17) of the bottom wall and runs parallel to the tear line (14) of the first side wall (1) mentioned.

Abstract: The flotation process for separating particulate impurities from fibrous suspensions in a flotation tank. Upon or after entry into the flotation tank, the fibrous suspension added to the flotation tank may be mixed with a portion of the suspension already in the flotation tank. The portion of the suspension already in the flotation tank may be drawn into the added suspension. After mixing, the mixed suspensions enter a mixing element. The mixed suspension is expelled into the flotation tank and a circular flow pattern is generated within the flotation tank as a result. A flow speed may be limited at a top end so that an optimal mixing with the gas bubbles required for flotation may occur with a desired energy savings.

Abstract: A trash container lid facilitates easy disposal of food scraps while inhibiting inadvertent disposal of tableware. The trash container lid includes a cover configured to cover at least a portion of an opening in a trash container. A chute is formed in the cover and is configured to receive food scraps and to direct the food scraps into the trash container. At least one magnet is disposed proximate the chute to catch tableware inadvertently introduced thereinto. A scraper blade is formed to the cover proximate the chute such that food scraps scraped from plates and the like with the scraper fall through the chute and into the trash container.

Abstract: The invention in the simplest form is a passive method and apparatus for filtering motile sperm from a sperm sample. The invention passively filters the motile sperm using a nucleopore membrane that is contained within a membrane assembly, wherein the membrane assembly is disposed in a container. In operation, a medium is placed in the container so the membrane contacts the medium. A sperm sample is placed one side of the membrane assembly, and the motile sperm migrate through the membrane leaving the non-motile sperm behind, where they can be easily extracted.

Abstract: A programmed bar screen cleaner removes debris from a screen positioned in a channel to prevent the flow of the debris to a liquid treatment. A rake has tines for engaging the screen to move the debris toward and past an upper end of the screen to remove the debris from the screen. Automatic and controllable raking operations are provided to handle the situation in which there is debris jammed in the screen. The jammed debris resists the movement of the rake along the screen, which is sensed via rake motor overloaded, indicated by motor current in excess of a limit. The existence of a jammed rake causes positive release of the rake from the face of the bars, and further movement of the rake is controlled according to the nature of the problem which caused the jamming.

Abstract: An article including; a support member with a plurality of apertures therethrough; and a plurality of gate members attached by at least one end to at least one side of the support member, wherein each gate member is situated in close proximity to at least one of the apertures.

Abstract: Hydrocyclones for use in separator assemblies, which have stationary wall members or at least one removable wall member and contain a plurality of hydrocyclones, include a tubular body having an under flow end and an overflow end. The hydrocyclone has an interior defined by an axially-extending frusto-conical separating chamber which extends from an inlet chamber nearer the overflow end to an underflow outlet opening at the underflow end. The body also has a rectangular tangential inlet to the inlet chamber. The hydrocyclone further includes a tubular vortex-finder member which fits through the overflow end of the body into a cooperating seat therein. The vortex-finder member is seated in a predetermined position in which a portion thereof extends through the inlet chamber to define the axial overflow outlet from the separating chamber. The portion has a helical guide surface to guide the inlet flow from the tangential inlet towards the separating chamber.

Abstract: A surface mounted display device for serially stacked products, the display device including a first support member, a second support member and at least one divider member removably mounted between the two support members. The divider member has a web to which a pusher plate is movably attached. A guide arrangement is provided on the web for guiding the pusher plate. A spring biases the pusher plate toward one end of the display. Products are stacked between the pusher plate and the first support. When a product is removed, the pusher plate, being biased toward the first support member, advances the next product to the front of the display.

Abstract: For use with a drawer of a type including a continuous sidewall and a closed end having a supporting surface, the continuous sidewall and the supporting surface cooperating to bound a compartment having a length and a width, a support assembly comprising a first support member supportable by the supporting surface, the first support member including a first end, a second end, an engagement element and at least one trough carried intermediate the first and second ends for receiving and supporting one or more items, and a second support member supportable by the supporting surface, the second support member including a first end, a second end, a complemental engagement element and at least one trough carried intermediate the first and second ends thereof for receiving and supporting one or more selected items, the first and second support members engagable in overlapping relation to conform substantially with one of the width and the length of the compartment and to detachably engage the engagement element with

Abstract: A multi-station organizer and sports bottle holder for storing handles, straps, and bars that are used to perform different exercises on a multi-purpose exercise machine includes a section of peg board having a generally rectangular configuration. A mounting bracket is secured to a back surface of the section of peg board for securement of the section of peg board to a frame of a multi-purpose exercise machine. A set of pegs and hooks couple with the peg board for hanging equipment on the peg board. A sports bottle holder is adapted for coupling with the peg board for holding a beverage container on the peg board.

Abstract: A wall mounted equipment storage rack system having a wall mounted anchor, and a number of different rack modules with a common interface for mounting to the anchor. The anchor includes a fastener for securing it to a wall. The anchor may have a flat oblong profile with rounded ends for mating with a similar oblong hole in each rack module. The anchor may include a spring latch for securing the rack to the anchor, and for releasing the rack to enable removal and replacement of the rack.

Abstract: A display and storage device includes a first storage portion and a second display portion pivotally and removably secured to the front of the storage portion. The storage portion includes a vertical side and a bottom. The width of the bottom is at least one-half the width of the product to be stored. The display portion is constructed to receive and display a single item to allow a consumer to examine it. Once a buying decision has been made, the display portion is opened relative to the storage portion to permit the consumer to remove one or more fresh, saleable products. Both portions may be made from wire rods. Also included is a system comprising a plurality of the display and storage devices arranged together, so that the side of the storage portion of one device acts as a containment wall for product stored in an adjacent device.

Abstract: A push-back rack storage system has a pair of spaced apart rack rails having lower outside rail flanges. A first cart has front and back wheels which roll on the lower outside rail flanges. A second cart has front wheels which roll on outside rail flanges on side rails of the first cart. The back wheels of the second cart roll on the lower rail flanges of the rack rails. A third cart has front wheels which roll on outside rail flanges of side rails of the second cart. The back wheels of the third cart roll on the lower rail flanges of the rack rails. The carts may be provided with a strut deck, a solid deck, or a wire mesh deck, without interfering with rolling operation of the carts.