Abstract: An electronic parts mounting method in which chips in a plurality of parts feeders are picked up respectively by at least three nozzles, and a lowered mounting efficiency is avoided when any of the nozzles becomes bad, thereby mounting the chips on a board with a good operation efficiency. In a normal condition, the chips in the parts feeders are simultaneously picked up respectively by the first, second and third nozzles, and are transferred to and mounted on the board. When any of the three nozzles becomes bad, the mounting of the chips by this bad nozzle is stopped while the mounting of the chips by the other normal nozzles is effected as scheduled in a program, and thereafter those chips scheduled to be mounted by the bad nozzle are mounted by the normal nozzles. Therefore, the number of the pick-up operations is reduced as much as possible, so that the mounting efficiency can be enhanced.

Abstract: A method of making piston rings includes the following steps: forming a base body on a mandrel by thermally spraying a metal on the mandrel; applying a low-friction coating to the base body; removing the base body from the mandrel; and cutting rings from the base body.

Abstract: A method of refurbishing turbine engine vanes in which an alloy blend of a cobalt based superalloy and a nickel based superalloy corresponding to the base material of the turbine vane cobalt platform and the base nickel material of the replacement turbine vane airfoils is laser clad to the gaspath surfaces of the turbine vane platform. Laser cladding with the alloy blend allows the use of replacement airfoils with improved castings in the form of improved nickel based superalloys, and allows a coating to be uniformly applied to the gaspath surfaces of the vane. According to the method, the platforms are separated from the airfoils and laser clad with a blend of cobalt based superalloy and nickel based superalloy. The vane is then reassembled using the laser clad platform and at least one replacement airfoil.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the brazeability of a heat exchanger manifold block (110) by promoting the braze metal flow in and around the manifold block (110) during brazing within a braze furnace. The invention is particularly directed to enhancing a brazement between a manifold block (110) and a jumper tube (124) that fluidically connects the block (110) to another component of the heat exchanger system. The method entails increasing the rate of convective and radiative heat transfer to the block (110) during brazing within a braze furnace by providing fins (116, 128), grooves (118, 130) or similar features on one or more surfaces of the block (110) that increase the surface area of the block (110), and consequently increase the heating rate of the block (110) to something closer to that of the tube (124). In effect, the surface features increase the heat transfer rate of the block (110) to compensate for the disparate thermal masses of the block (110) and tube (124).

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a water hammer arrester having an endurance against pressure of a fluid as well as excellent productivity. There is provided Methods for manufacturing a water hammer arrester comprising steps of: deforming plastically an end of a work piece for a housing to close it by pressing the end toward a center thereof while the work piece is rotated at high speed, the work piece is a brass pipe having predetermined length; forming a housing by cutting a closed part in prescribed thickness; filling up a gas and inserting a piston within the housing to prevent the gas from leaking; forming a connecting part having smaller diameter than the housing by pressing an outside of an open end of the housing provided with poured gas and the piston; and mounting a connector to the connecting part.

Abstract: A head for attachment to the body of the electric shaver. The head comprises a guard comb that attaches to the body of the electric shaver, a rotary shaft that extends axially in the guard comb, a plurality of blades that are individual, parallels inclined, and extend in, and to, the guard comb. The plurality of blades have centers through which the rotary shaft extends for rotation therewith, and when rotated by the rotary shaft, the plurality of blades traverse an elliptical path, in a sweeping back and forth motion, by virtue of their incline. The head further includes a sliding trimmer that is slidably mounted in an axial slot in the guard comb, and is operatively connected to a periphery of a blade for axial sweeping back and forth motion as the blade rotate, by virtue of their incline.

Abstract: A saw guide for a cable having an annularly corrugated outer conductor is provided. The saw guide includes an inner partially cylindrical surface and a gripping rib extending radially inward therefrom. The saw guide further includes a pair of stabilizing members disposed on each side of the gripping rib. Each stabilizing member forms a cutting face that is configured to position a cutting instrument generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cable.

Abstract: A hose cutter tool includes scissor arms joined at a pivot point having opposed jaws, one of which includes a cutter blade and the other of which defines an arcuate support surface to hold tubing material. As the arms are manipulated, the blade descends through and cuts the tubing material.

Abstract: A knife of which the blade is brought into or out of a haft by revolving against the haft, having a locking system fixing the blade to the haft in usable condition by a hand, is provided with a function that not only bringing the blade into or out of the haft but also the action and the release of the locking system can be done only by one hand. The operation knob 11 is attached to a part of the blade 9 where a thumb of a hand holding the haft 2 can operate the operation knob 11. The action and the release of the locking system are determined in accordance with a direction of the force added to the operation knob 11 toward the direction of the blade 9 being brought into or out of the haft 2. The operation knob 11 is added force by a thumb of a hand holding the haft 2 toward the direction of the blade 9 being brought into or out of the haft 2.

Abstract: A manual cable cutter includes a pair of fixed and shaking handles joined mutually in the upper part sides thereof, a spring for urging the pair of handles in the expanding direction, a fixed cutting blade disposed continuously in the upper part of the fixed handle, a turning cutting blade having a row of teeth formed on its arcuate outer face and having a basal end part turnably supported on the leading end part of the fixed cutting blade, a holdback claw rotatably disposed in the upper part of the fixed handle and adapted to be meshed by the spring with the row of teeth, a feeding claw rotatably supported on the shaking handle and adapted to be meshed by the spring with the row of teeth, a switch device for switching the range of motion of the shaking handle between a first opening position during the course of cutting motion and a second opening position during the course of releasing motion, and a release lever rotatably formed on the fixed handle for retracting the holdback claw and the feeding claw sync

Abstract: A tool is described as including a pivotable guide member through which a rotatable cutting blade extends. As the cutting tool is advanced over the object to be cut, the guide member pivots in response to contacting the object which allows the object to be compressed under the guide member if desired. The guide member includes rounded first and second ends which accommodate using the cutting tool by either dragging the tool rearwardly or pushing the tool forwardly over the object.

Abstract: A compact viewing frame is described for use by artists to change the size and shape of viewed subject area. The viewing frame includes an opaque frame having a central opening, and an opaque panel which is slidable within the frame to change the size and shape of the opening in the frame. By moving the panel inwardly and outwardly relative to the frame, the artist can easily determine the most desirable composition of the subject to be painted, sketched, etc. It can also be used by photographers or cinematographers.

Abstract: A holding assembly for holding spectacles, having an adjustable grip for fitting around a pair of spectacles. The adjustable grip is slidably mounted to allow alignment one after the other of each lens along a single predetermined axis perpendicular to the plane of the lens, such that the aligned lens has a clear line of sight to a lens measuring device.

Abstract: A method of sensing the axle geometry, in particular the toe-in, camber and caster, on motor vehicles with independent wheel suspensions. The inclination of certain links of the wheel suspensions is measured in at least one arbitrary motor-vehicle position, or the inclination measurements are carried out in the case of certain links of the wheel suspensions and one specific location of the vehicle body in at least one arbitrary motor-vehicle position. The measured values sensed are sent via a data line or wirelessly to a computer and either compared with vehicle-type-specific setpoint values or setpoint value ranges adapted in the computer to the currently applicable motor-vehicle position or are converted in the computer to a neutral motor-vehicle position and compared with the vehicle-type-specific setpoint values or setpoint value ranges based on a neutral motor-vehicle position.

Abstract: A sight for use with a weapon for aiding a user to fire a projectile toward a target, the sight including a fixture carried by the weapon, a crosshair carried by the fixture and a plurality of sight elements immovably carried by the crosshair.

Abstract: A measuring machine includes a probe mounting portion, a probe mounted on the probe mounting portion, for contacting a measuring surface of a workpiece, and a detector for detecting an amount of displacement of the probe as the probe moves in contact with the measuring surface of the workpiece. A cleaning device is provided at the probe mounting portion, with a nozzle for ejecting gas upon the measuring surface of the workpiece when the probe is positioned close to the measuring surface. A rotative driving device is provided for rotatively driving the cleaning device about the probe.

Abstract: A method for correcting the track geometry of a track, includes measuring an initial track position of the track following lifting of the track and tamping under the track, and so computing a final desired track position as to eliminate long-wave alignment errors of the track geometry. Subsequently, corrective values are determined commensurate with a difference between the final desired track position and the initial track position, and the track is stabilized by lowering the track in a controlled manner into the final desired position and controlling in response to the corrective values the static load and/or transverse vibration acting on the track, thereby eliminating during track stabilization in particular long-wave geometrical track errors.

Abstract: An inexpensive and highly-accurate photosensor scale to be disposed in opposition to a reflex-type photosensor for detecting a position of a mobile body moving within a predetermined region, comprising: a base film composed of an industrial photographic film; a slit pattern formed on a surface of said base film; and a reflecting film formed on said slit pattern.

Abstract: A measuring cable travel sensor for detecting the position of a movable body and operable under differential pressure comprises a cable drum for winding on and off a measuring cable, a spring for prestressing the cable drum to wind on the measuring cable and a rotary position sensor for detecting the position of the cable drum. The sensor has a differential pressure chamber which is under the differential pressure and in which a cable eye for connection of the cable to the movable body is arranged, a cable chamber in which the cable drum is arranged and a spring chamber in which the spring is arranged. The differential pressure chamber communicates at least with the cable chamber and the spring chamber.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a measuring device which is capable of improving anti-vibration property and anti-impact property. The measuring device comprises a case 1, a spindle 11 displaceably provided to the case 1, a sensor on stationary side attached to the case 1 through a base 33 and a sensor on movable side formed on a scale 35 attached to the spindle 11, and a relative displacement amount of the two sensors 32 and 34 opposing at a predetermined gap G therebetween. A gap enlargement limiting pin 41 is provided on the side of the spindle 11 to restrict a fluctuation of the gap G caused by vibration of the spindle 11 and the like within a predetermined allowance, and a gap reduction limiting film 42 is provided to the sensor on stationary side 32.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying cylindrical and/or parallelepiped bales of moist forage including an assembly of horizontally extending balanced isobaric ventilation chambers in overlying relationship. A lower ventilation chamber has blowing apertures on an upper face and is able to withstand the weight of the bales positioned directly on it in correspondence with the relative blowing apertures. The upper ventilation chamber has corresponding blowing apertures on a lower face whereas the intermediate ventilation chamber has corresponding blowing apertures on an upper face and a lower face and is able to withstand the weight of the bales positioned directly on it in correspondence with the relative upper blowing apertures. The ventilation chambers are movable vertically in two directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming the initial conditions of a clothes dryer prior to the start of the drying cycle is provided. The clothes dryer comprises a drying chamber with air inlet and outlet ports. A blower powered by a first motor is arranged in the outlet port to draw air into the drying chamber through the inlet port. A burner for heating the air before it enters the drying chamber is arranged in the inlet port. Also arranged at the inlet port is an air proving device for measuring the air flow through the drying chamber. A second motor is provided for the drive system which creates the tumbling action in the drying chamber. The air flow proving device must be enabled before the second motor is started.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the removal of liquid from particulate material by evaporation through the supply of heat, said heat being transferred substantially by superheated vapours or steam of the liquids existing in the particulate material, and where said method is executed in a substantially closed system. The particulate material is supplied continuously to a process chamber which is configured as an annual or partly annular chamber (1) which lies in a substantially horizontal manner, where the superheated vapours are introduced from below and up through openings (11) in a bottom (10) in the annular chamber, so that the particulate material is brought into movement by the superheated vapours, and such that a transport of the particulate material takes place through the annular chamber (1).

Abstract: A low pressure dryer for granular or powdery material includes a plurality of hoppers rotatable about a common vertical axis serially among material filling and heating, vacuum drying and material discharge positions; pneumatic piston-cylinder means for rotating the hoppers about said axis among said filling and heating, vacuum drying and discharge positions; means for heating contents of a hopper at said filling and heating positions; means for sealing a hopper at said vacuum and drying positions; means for drawing vacuum within a hopper at said vacuum drying position and means for selectably permitting downward flow of dried granular or powdery material out of a hopper at said discharge position where said hoppers move collectively and unitarily one with another.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for improving the drying capacity of a hood covering a Yankee cylinder (10), when drying a web with a Yankee cylinder while conveying the web over the cylinder by blowing hot air jets against the web at the region of a first hood (12), said hot air jets having a temperature mainly <550.degree. C. The drying capacity of the drying hood is increased by blowing hot air jets against the web conveyed over the cylinder at the region of a second hood, a so called hot air hood (14, 14', 14"), said hot air jets having a a temperature which is higher than the temperature of the hot air jets blown against the web at the first hood, or mainly >550.degree. C.

Abstract: A footwear attachment device for releasable mounting on primary footwear, e.g., a boot or shoe, to provide enhanced traction. The primary footwear has an upper including a toe portion and a heel portion, a sole including a fore-foot portion and a heel portion. The attachment device comprising an integral member having been formed of an elastic material and having an upper portion and a sole portion. The sole portion is a generally planar member having a forefoot section, a heel section and a longitudinal axis extending therealong. The upper portion includes a toe-box section and a heel counter section. The toe box section is formed of at least one strip of elastic material and is secured to the forefoot portion of the sole to receive the toe portion of the primary footwear.

Abstract: A shoe and an improved method of shoe construction comprising an upper, an insole, a midsole, and an outsole, that are coupled together to form a housing for receiving a foot, and wherein the midsole is enveloped by the bottom ends of the upper, the insole, and the outsole to provide a more secure and stable fit of the shoe to the foot. The shoe is constructed to have the midsole of the shoe enveloped by the combination of the upper, insole, and outsole. This method of shoe construction results in a shoe having an improved fit because the midsole is pulled from the top and the bottom to provide improved fit, support, stability, and cushioning characteristics.

Abstract: A three-piece cleat assembly for use on athletic shoes which have, embedded in their soles, an interlocking receptacle, such as that used in the Q-LOK R system. Molded of plastic, the cleat assembly includes a connector, a traction-enhancing member and a T-shaped member. The latter includes a stem from one end of which arms project outwardly. Distal from these arms, the stem is bifurcated into two branches. During assembly, the stem of the T-shaped member is inserted through a center hole in the traction-enhancing member; and the branches are squeeze-fitted into et square bore within the connector. Upon being released, the branches spring apart, pressing against the connector. Simultaneously, the arms nest snugly within troughs formed in the base of the traction-enhancing member; and a barb on the tip of each branch is caught on a shoulder rimming the square bore.

Abstract: A device is disclosed, for use with a snow blower being of the type having an auger, and allow it to operate while moving backwards. The device principally consists of a concave blade mounted on a snow blower, which pivots between an operative position where the blade extends close to ground and the concave surface of the blade extends in front of the auger in such a way that the blade scrapes the snow and directs it towards the auger when the snow blower is lifted up to let the snow pass under it and moves backwards, and an inoperative position where the blade is raised to a height sufficient to let the snow reach the auger when the snow blower moves forwards. A snow blower equipped with a device as defined above, for operating while moving backwards, is also disclosed as well as a method for blowing snow with a snow blower equipped with that device.

Abstract: An articulated snow plow system for use with a vehicle includes a blade center section having a moldboard section and left and right plowblade sections which are wider than the blade center section. The plowblade sections each include a moldboard section and are mounted to the blade center section at opposite sides thereof and pivotable relative to the center blade section about a substantially vertical pivot axis, to swept forward and swept backward positions. The snowplow assembly includes a support frame, the blade center section being coupled to the support frame through an intermediate pivot assembly which permits a limited amount of float to allow the blade center section, and the plowblade sections pivoted thereto, to follow the contour of the ground.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cutting tooth for a trencher chain. The tooth includes a base portion aligned along a first plane. The base portion includes structure for allowing the cutting tooth to be connected to the trencher chain. The tooth also includes a distal portion that is generally obliquely aligned with respect to the first plane. A curved transition is located between the distal portion and the base portion. The curved transition curves away from the first plane and at least partially forms a cupped portion that extends from a leading end to a trailing end of the cutting tooth. The tooth also includes a hardened tip positioned at a region of the leading end that is located farthest from the first plane.

Abstract: The present invention is for a machine for digging under pipes, wherein the machine comprises a frame having a caterpillar drive traction device mounted thereon, as well as left and right end effectors. The end effectors are each made in the shape of a mount which is attached to the frame and capable of forced rotation about the vertical axis. These end effectors also comprise a cylindrical endless-screw-type driving cutters as well as a cylindrical blade attached to the mount coaxially behind the cutter. The cutter is mounted at a lower end and on the side of the mount so that its rotation axis is horizontal. The machine further includes a transversal stabilization device comprising two stabilization mechanisms, wherein each mechanism comprises an adjustable-height support member that rests on the bottom of the trench. The traction device includes a frame as well as a caterpillar that comprises rigid brackets and flexible support members.

Abstract: A bracket and frame assembly permits attaching and removing a bucket or other tool to and from an arm of an excavator, backhoe, or the like. The bracket and frame assembly comprises two portions, a bracket and a detachable frame. The bracket mounts onto the arm of the implement. The bracket carries a latch member. The bracket can be moved onto a frame on a bucket or other tool, and is latched in place without dismounting from the backhoe, excavator or the like. The latch member can be released, either manually or under power, and then by manipulating the arm, the tool and frame can be removed from the bracket and a new tool mounted. The engaging portions of the frame and bracket are such that as wear occurs, the parts will compensate and remain secured without play or slop.

Abstract: An automatic ironing machine for ironing the neck and shoulder portion of a cloth article having a bearing framework defining a fixed bottom shaping element, two supporting arms articulated to the framework and a supporting a plate for a top movable shaping element, the supporting plate being rotatively driven, vertically and transversely with respect to the supporting arms.

Abstract: A fabric workpiece holder is described for holding workpieces for various craft activities such as quilting and embroidery. The workpiece holder consists of a rigid hoop having a circumferential groove on its outer surface, an elastic cord that wraps around the fabric workpiece after it has been draped over the rigid hoop, and engages the circumferential groove on the hoop, and a novel clamp that allows the user to securely tighten the elastic cord, and maintain the tension therein, holding the fabric workpiece to the hoop. A unique feature of the clasp is an indexing ridge on the back surface that engages the groove on the hoop through the fabric. The ends of the elastic cord slide into holes on either side of the clasp and when the cord is tightened the clasp, including the ridge, are pulled toward the hoop.

Abstract: A photo frame apparatus capable of being mounted on a wide variety of surfaces and that provides for interchangeability of the photograph or other item being displayed. The invention comprises an outer frame, a transparent cover, a backing frame and means for attaching the outer frame to the backing frame whereby a photograph or other like item is disposed adjacent the transparent cover. The apparatus can be mounted onto a variety of surfaces to display a photograph or other like item on headwear, clothing, bags, toys or the like.

Abstract: A leafable program table for use in a music box includes a frame having opposed end and side peripheral strips and a plurality of intersecting strips forming a row of rectangular fields and a row of approximately square fields. The square fields are larger than the rectangular fields. Title pages of content booklets for compact discs may be held in the square fields, and lists of song titles may be held in the rectangular fields. Each rectangular field also includes a recessed field into which a numbered label corresponding to a compact disc may be adhered.

Abstract: A portable lightweight illuminated sign assembly for either carrying on one's person or placing on a window for advertisement and the like. The plastic housing is rectangular in shape to support a rectangular transparent plastic face plate which carries a message illuminated by at least one fluorescent light source and energized by either a D.C. source when portable and by either D.C. or A.C. current when affixed to a window. Suction cups attachable to loops or hooks are provided on the housing adjacent to the face plate for affixing to a window. A hook element positioned on the housing on both sides and centered between the attachment loops or hooks enables the use of body straps for supporting the portable sign assembly on one's torso.

Abstract: The trigger cover includes a housing having a clamp for secure attachment to the trigger guard of a firearm. Within the housing is an electrical circuit having a receiver energized by movement of a motion sensor. The receiver is coupled to a central processing unit which, upon receiving a signal from a remote transmitter, will energize a motor or solenoid to permit the spring-driven motion of a pair of guard plates which normally block access to the firearm trigger. The transmitter of the predetermined radio code may be worn as part of a piece of jewelry.

Abstract: A locking device for locking into the bolt cavity of a firearm for making it non-functional, comprises a housing (1) which contains a lock cylinder (3) operable by means of a key which is introducible through a drilling protection (4) in the housing. The cylinder arm (8) of the lock cylinder (3) is non-rotatably connected to a follower (7), which has a flattening (9) which upon rotation of the follower pushes a wedge member (15) in the form of a steel ball between two blocking members (14), also in the form of steel balls, so that they are brought to extend partly from opposite sides of the housing (1). The locking device may be introduced into the magazine well of the firearm and located such that the extending blocking elements (14) will cooperate with e.g. the locking piece or receiver rails of the firearm in order to prevent the extraction of the locking device in its locked condition.

Abstract: A magazine pouch has a backing plate with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a channel oriented longitudinally along said backing plate. A retainer is slidingly disposed in the channel and fixable in several preselected positions. The lower portion has a magazine box in which a magazine may be disposed. The magazine box includes a front wall and an opening facing the channel. The front wall includes a tab adjacent the opening. The tab is resilient, and, in the manner of a spring, keeps a magazine secured under the retainer, yet enables the magazine to be quickly removed from the pouch.

Abstract: A fishing rod allowing a fishline to pass through which has a fishline lead-in guide member so configured as to provide a larger opening, to perform smoothly the operation of guiding and passing a fishline therethrough and as to be lightweight and simple in structure. A fishline lead-in guide member 4 has laterally symmetrical arm portions 4a installed on the fishing rod 1 and extended forward above a fishline lead-in hole 3a provided in the fishing rod 1. The arm portions 4a form an opening whose width .alpha. is greater than the lateral width .beta. of the fishline lead-in hole. The fishline lead-in guide member also has a fishline guide portion 4e positioned in the rear of the arm portions and provided with a guide hole 15 situated at a level higher than the surface of the fishing rod in the rear of the fishline lead-in hole. The fishline lead-in guide member is mounted in such a manner that at least one of the end portions 4c, 4f of the fishline lead-in guide member is held on the butt grip 1.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a substantially flat, elongated body portion having a generally rectangular outline and having a dorsal side and an underside and a front end and a tail end and being formed of highly flexible fabric material such as to be wiggly deformable by small water currents generated when pulled thru water. A head portion is provided on the front end and has a forwardly facing insect-like bulbous nose section integral with a rearwardly directed shank section. A forwardly facing hook is affixed to the head portion and depends outwardly and downwardly from the underside. Several pairs of fine, insect-like, semi-rigid, resilient legs are mounted on the body portion and protrude outwardly therefrom. A throat-like segment of fibrous fuzzy material is affixed to the underside of the shank section, and a line eye is mounted on the underside of the nose section.

Abstract: A snag-resistant or weedless fishing lure visually simulating two aquatic creatures swimming one above the other while emitting a fish attracting rattling sound. The lure comprising a lower weighted ballast aquatic creature body with hook, and an upper symmetrically shaped rattle body resembling a baitfish and which includes at least one rattle chamber containing shot or rattle members. The lure bodies are attached to a "V" wire harness to which a fishing line is attached, the attachment of the rattle body includes the use of anti-spin structuring preventing spinning but allowing side to side swinging. As the lure is pulled through the water, the rattle body moves in a side to side swinging motion causing the rattle member(s) to impact the walls defining the chamber and make vibration detectable by fish.

Abstract: A device allowing a person to carry a plurality of ice fishing traps. The device has two end pieces connected to each other by a plurality of sizing straps. Each end piece has a number of pockets capable of receiving the end of an ice fishing trap. The pockets on the respective end pieces are aligned so as to receive opposite ends of a trap. The device is then rolled in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the traps to form a cylindrical shape. Fastening means located on the outer surface of each end piece prevent the cylindrical shape from unrolling. A detachable shoulder strap enables the user to carry the device by slinging it over his/her shoulder, thereby leaving the hands free to perform other tasks.

Abstract: A folding insect trap which uses an adhesive layer on only the inner side, leaving the outer surface clean and available for handling. A decorative, or camouflage, pattern is printed on the outer surface to disguise the appearance of the trap. A pattern may also be printed on the inner surface to aid in attracting insects. The colors of the two patterns may be modified to attract individual, or several, target insects. The design of the trap is such that manufacturing waste is minimized and packaging is reduced. The trap may be extracted from the package, set in place, used, and disposed of without coming into contact with the adhesive. Alternate forms provide tabs for easier opening of the trap; provide an elongated, pointed form for insertion into the soil around a plant; incorporate a stick for insertion into the soil; and incorporate a chemiluminescense stick for attracting insects.

Abstract: A vehicle storage building having upstanding side walls and a single door opening providing access to the interior of the building. The building having upwardly facing and generally planar interior vehicle support surface on which the vehicle may be stored and a turntable adjacent the door having at least one vehicle stall thereon flush with the airplane support surface. The building has both the one stall on the turntable and a plurality of storage positions within the building remote from the turntable from which stored vehicles may be taken from or delivered to the storage positions by way of the turntable through the door without repositioning any of the other vehicles within the building.

Abstract: A plastic shim or other workpiece useful in the construction industry. The shim or workpiece is an elongated tapered hard plastic body incorporating qualities of a shim lacking in wooden shims. Each shim has transverse break lines so that segments can be broken off to adjust its length. For handling, a plurality of such shims are molded in a sheet with adjacent shims being spaced along their thinner sections but separably joined by longitudinal, break lines extending along their thicker sections, whereby the shims can be detached from the sheet either individually or in multiples. The shims may have pockets defining nailing portions of reduced thickness which minimize the grasp of nails by the shim and allow removal of nails without damage to the shim or adjacent wood and etching to avoid uncontrolled slippage.

Abstract: A lift-assisted entrance to provide ground-level access to an external basement entryway to a building. The lift-assisted entrance has a pivotable roof vertical, rectangular side walls, and a front face with vertically oriented, outward opening double doors, all fabricated from lightweight visco-elastic material. The roof section opens upward and tilts away from the plane of the front face and is supported by two actuators. Doors located on the front face open outward to provide full access to the basement entryway. The roof is shaped to reflect the architectural features or the style of the building to which the lift-assisted entrance is attached and may be a gabled roof The side walls and front face may also include architectural features--such as windows--that emulate those features found on the building. The visco-elastic material can be molded with a relief pattern that emulates the appearance of house shingles or clapboard siding, or roof shingles.

Abstract: A roof in which an upper-end engaging portion of a downstream roof panel is seam-jointed with a lower-end engaging portion of an upstream roof panel, wherein at least the lower-end engaging portion has flexural rigidity enough to disengage the seam joint.