Abstract: A rescue ramp is provided having a dual lobed, hinged inflatable ramp having two pairs of spaced inflatable tubes and a flexible floor mounted between each and connecting the tubes. A rope ladder is mounted to the floors of the lobes.

Abstract: A field emission display having a base plate which has a focus ring structure substantially planar with the extraction grid. The field emission display base plate is fabricated on a substrate having a cathode including an emitter tip formed thereon by depositing a first insulating layer, a first conductive layer over the first insulating layer, etching the first conductive layer, depositing a second insulating layer over the etched first conductive layer, and depositing a second conductive or focus ring layer over the second insulating layer. A second selective etching may be formed to further define the gate and focus ring structures.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automation system and a method for assembling a workpiece. The system includes a first stocker having a plurality of first substrates with a plurality of grades of defects, and a second stocker having a plurality of second substrates to be paired with one of the first substrates, and having a plurality of grades of defects. The second stocker receives the grade of the first substrate and selects the second substrate with a grade corresponding to the grade of the received first substrate. The workpiece is assembled by receiving one of the first substrates and determining the grade of the received first substrate. The grades of the second substrates in a cassette is surveyed and determined if there is a second substrate with the same grade as the received first substrate. One of the second substrates is selected if it is determined that there is a second substrate with a grade corresponding to that of the received first substrate. The selected second substrate is placed in a new cassette.

Abstract: A novelty candy holding device for holding a lollipop and making croaking sounds by stretching and bending the main housing into various positions. The device comprises a main housing made of a hollow corrugated plastic or a solid material that is flexible, stretchable and bendable. The upper end of the main housing has a figure attached which has an aperture in the top. The aperture has an expandable sleeve to hold a lollipop. The figure can be made to resemble any form desired, for example, a person, an animal, etc. The lower end of the main housing can be made with an open end to enhance the croaking sound when the housing is stretched. A flat base is attached to the lower end of the main housing for a support and to hold the main housing in an upright position. The base can be made to resemble feet or any form desired. The device has also been designed so the lollipop can be replaced with any type of lollipop desired and the device can provide fun for children of all ages.

Abstract: A drip collecting support for frozen confections comprising a drip collecting tray shaped body and a handle means having a removable portion comprising a figurine or a toy.

Abstract: An incoming call reporting toy that visually or aurally reports a call arrival state of a portable terminal to a person around the toy in an amusing fashion. An electromagnetic wave emitted when a portable terminal receives an incoming call is used to activate an incoming call reporting circuit incorporated in the toy body. A signal outputted from a signal controller configuring the incoming call reporting circuit drives a motor to allow the toy body to perform a predetermined operation while emitting a sound and/or light, thereby notifying a person around the toy of the arrival of the call at the portable terminal.

Abstract: An educational and recreational toy system for toddlers including a plurality of toy components having various shapes and sizes. The various shapes and sizes of the components are based upon a unit measurement. Toy structures are provided, including a balance, a stringer, and a pegboard for integrated use with the components. The toy components may be used interchangeably among the various toy structures. According to the invention, the system allows a child to improve motor, coordination, and thinking skills. This is accomplished by using the toy components—in conjunction with the toy structures—for matching, piling, patterning, and balancing exercises.

Abstract: A fiber optic enhanced figurine assembly includes a figurine body having a figurine outer surface, and a bunch of fibers affixed to the figurine body and extending outwardly from the figurine outer surface. The fiber bunch includes a plurality of nonilluminatable fibers extending outwardly at least a first distance from the figurine outer surface. The fiber bunch further includes at least one illuminatable optical fiber that extends outwardly from the figurine outer surface to a second distance less than the first distance of the nonilluminatable fibers. The figurine assembly further includes a light source for selectively illuminating the at least one optical fiber to visually and decoratively enhance the fiber bunch.

Abstract: A walking and rocking toy device has a base seat, a transmission mechanism, a hollow cylinder casing, and an annular cover. The hollow cylinder casing covers the base seat. The transmission mechanism is disposed between the base seat and the hollow cylinder casing. The hollow cylinder casing has a center portion and an annular recess receiving the annular cover. A micromotion switch device is disposed on the center portion of the hollow cylinder casing. A cell box is disposed on the base seat. A cell box cover is disposed on a bottom of the base seat to cover the cell box. A contact starting switch is disposed on a lateral of the cell box.

Abstract: This application is directed to a linkage system which provides continuous rotation to two or more interconnected quadrilaterals. The basic element of the linkage system is a multi-level link which provides firstly, a non-rotatable connection between two sub-links lying, in separate parallel planes and secondly, a rotatable connection for a further link lying in another parallel plane between the planes of the sub-links. By various interconnections between link elements, the quadrilaterals the linkage system will form various geometric patterns as the linkage is rotated. As the quadrilaterals lie in different planes, they may be continuously rotated with respect to each other. The linkage system may be used as a toy, a novelty item and as an educational tool.

Abstract: The manufacturing and wearing benefits of a brassiere having an underwire embodied in each brassiere cup which has a small radius curvature so that it seats within a cooperating infra mammary fold, and provides uplifting support during wearing of the brassiere.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for depositing a dielectric layer to fill in a gap between adjacent metal lines. In preferred embodiments of the method, a first dielectric layer is deposited over the lines and subsequently etched using both chemical and physical etchback steps. After the etchback steps are completed, a second dielectric layer is deposited over the first dielectric layer to fill in the gap.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes two optical systems which are used serially to determine polishing endpoints. The first optical system includes a first light source to generate a first light beam which impinges on a surface of the substrate, and a first sensor to measure light reflected from the surface of the substrate to generate a measured first interference signal. The second optical system includes a second light source to generate a second light beam which impinges on a surface of the substrate and a second sensor to measure light reflected from the surface of the substrate to generate a measured second interference signal. The second light beam has a wavelength different from the first light beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reclaiming used abrasives. This is done by achieving a turbulent levitating fluidized bed in an elongated enclosure which is provided with a porous bottom through which air is blown at a desired velocity. In the upper portion of the enclosure there is provided a plurality of suction hoods to remove airborne contaminants and fines from the fluidized bed, leaving only re-usable abrasives. The elongated enclosure can be vibrated, if desired. Also air may be heated to remove moisture from the used abrasives.

Abstract: The present invention is a vacuum removal system for removing polishing by-products from the surface of a polishing pad in a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) machine used to polish wafers. The vacuum removal system includes a vacuum removal nozzle which is adapted to dislodge and remove polishing by-product particles from a textured surface of a polishing pad through the application of suction. The vacuum removal nozzle is connected to a mounting attachment. The mounting attachment is mounted on the polishing machine and is adapted to maintain close proximity of the vacuum removal nozzle with the textured surface of the polishing pad. A vacuum line is connected to the vacuum nozzle to convey a vacuum to the vacuum nozzle and to receive the polishing by-product particles from the vacuum nozzle. A vacuum source is connected to the vacuum line to generate the vacuum used by the system.

Abstract: A slurry containing abrasive particles and a pH buffering component comprising at least one acid or salt thereof and at least one base is especially useful for polishing surfaces, including those used in microelectronics.

Abstract: A polishing pad for pressing a work to be polished to a surface thereof, includes a structure obtained by being compressed under a temperature which is higher than an operating temperature for polishing the work and/or under a pressure which is equal or higher than an operating pressure for polishing the work. A method for polishing a includes the step of polishing the work by using the polishing pad.

Abstract: A method for creating and maintaining a substantially perfect figure eight polishing pattern for polishing fiber optic connectors and similarly configured industrial components. The method is capable of simultaneously performing this figure eight polishing pattern on the multiplicity of such connectors and components. Moreover, the specific embodiment disclosed includes a computer program that controls the method. By simultaneously polishing a minimum of forty-eight fiber optic connectors, or similarly configured industrial components, with a polish being better than any now capable of being obtained by the prior art, this invention enables the output of polished fiber optic connectors and similarly configured industrial components to be increased three to four fold over currently employed polishing method while significantly reducing the cost of such polishing.

Abstract: A pad conditioner for semiconductor substrates for performing conditioning by slide contact with the abrasive surface of the polishing pad comprises a support member having a surface opposed to the polishing pad, a joining alloy layer covering the above surface of the support member, and a group of hard abrasive grains which are spread out and embedded in the joining alloy layer and supported by the joining alloy layer. At the contact interface between each of the hard abrasive grains and the above joining alloy, the surfaces of the hard abrasive grains are covered with either a layer of metallic carbides or a layer of metallic nitrides. Ag-base and Ag—Cu-base alloys, etc., can be used as the joining alloys.

Abstract: A method for the precision machining of flanks of gear-wheel-shaped workpieces, in particular those with convex teeth, using an internally toothed tool with crossed axes, in which simultaneous relative movements take place not only in three mutually perpendicular axes but also around an axis perpendicular to the cross-axes angle such that not only the tooth flanks of the tool and the workpiece have tangential contact with one another but also the base body of the tool and of the workpiece touch one another at a point of contact IV of which the position changes continuously, and a straight line g orthogonally penetrating the base body of the tool and the base body of the workpiece at the point of contact not only intersects the axis C1 of the workpiece or of its base body and the axis C2 of the tool or its base body (points III, II), but also passes through the center I of an ideal sphere K1 which adapts itself to the base body of the workpiece at the point of contact IV.

Abstract: A universal grinding machine having a plurality of workpiece holders, each of which can be moved independently of each other or jointly, by a separate slide, in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece on a slide guide disposed on the machine bed, or which can be fixed independently of each other or jointly to the machine bed.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus comprises a table having a smooth surface, a polishing pad provided on the smooth surface and a carrier for carrying an article to be polished The carrier brings the article into engagement with the pad under a pressure. The carrier and the table with the polishing pad are repeatedly moved relative to each other in a predetermined direction to thereby polish the article. A pressing device is positioned at a position spaced from the carrier is and adapted to be engaged with the polishing surface of the polishing pad. The pressing device includes a plurality of pressing elements which are arranged across an area of the polishing surface which area is to be brought into engagement with the article carried by the carrier and are adapted to individually press successive corresponding portions in the area to arrange the configuration of the surface of the area under corresponding various pressures.

Abstract: A sharpener assembly for a rotating circular knife blade on a food product slicing machine has an elongate frame mounted at one of its ends for pivotal movement about an axis being substantially in the plane of the knife blade. The elongate frame has mounted for rotation thereon a grinding stone and a deburring stone. The grinding face of the grinding stone is inclined to the knife blade at an angle so as to grind a required angle on the edge of the obverse face of the knife blade. The grinding stone and the deburring stone arc mounted so that in use the obverse and reverse faces of the knife blade are respectively engaged.

Abstract: A hand operated orbital sander having a hand grip portion provided with a fluid supply inlet connected to a source of pressurized fluid and a fluid discharge; a base portion for mounting a sanding pad and having a chamber, a fluid inlet for directing fluid into the chamber and a fluid outlet for discharging fluid from the chamber; a resiliently deformable sleeve portion for connecting the base portion to depend from the hand grip portion and defining a conduit for placing the fluid outlet in flow communication with the fluid discharge; a fluid operated rotor rotatably supported by the base portion within the chamber and mounting an eccentric weight for imparting orbital movement to the base portion; and a flexible conduit for connecting the supply inlet to the fluid inlet to apply pressurized fluid to the rotor to effect rotation thereof.

Abstract: Perforated sheet steel or wire mesh to which tungsten carbide grit is copper braze welded to provide a device which can be cut to a desired size and shaped into or used as a substrate for tools used for sanding, filing, grinding, deburring, deflashing, cutting, sawing, filing and the like. The sheet steel being perforated provides apertures or recesses wherein removed material can collect and/or pass through reducing the clogging of the grit and frequency of cleaning the working surface of the tool or device. The apertures also provide for the flow of air, cooling the device in certain applications. Tungsten carbide gritted wire mesh is particularly good in providing a surface which tends to renew itself due to grit adhering to the side of the wire strands but not such as to clog the holes. Welding the grit to the wire mesh or cloth also causes the strands of the cloth to be welded together providing for a strong, yet flexible device or substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the shells of crabs and other crustacean and shellfish for removal of barnacles and other encrusted debris. A conveyor carries the shells through a cleaning station. The cleaning station features a rotating flail, having chains or other like flexible members for impacting against the shells with hard, smooth members for selectively shattering the barnacle shells while permitting the relatively softer crustacean shells to remain intact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening oysters or clams along the seam naturally occurring between the hinged portions of the oyster or clam shell. The apparatus is composed of a heavy base portion having a vertical column attached thereto, the column having mounted perpendicularly thereto a spreader operated by hand or a biased pivotal foot pedal, the spreader having opposable jaws which, upon depressing the handle by hand or with the foot pedal, are spread apart. A movable anvil is provided with a pivotal lever arm for positioning the oyster or clam relative to the opposable jaws of the spreader.

Abstract: A weasand clip used to close the weasand (oesophagus) of slaughtered animals has a leading edge with a sharply configured knife edge for breaking the sinews and membranes along the exterior length of the weasand in a single stroke of the rodder used to push the closed clip along the weasand to a sealed position protecting against leakage of ingesta into the weasand.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing multiple automated poultry processing operations upon a slaughtered animal or a part thereof via a single machine is described. The machine contains at least two rotary processors in a single frame. A covering surrounds the processors. A venting processor cuts out and removes the vent of a slaughtered animal and in the process removes unwanted fecal or other material from the exterior and the interior of the carcass. The processors integrated into the single machine are coupled by a conveyor line following a preferably generally S-shaped route that carries the carcasses amongst the processors, preferably positioning the carcasses at the optimum registration point for the operation performed by the particular processor.

Abstract: The fixed type ventilator according to the present invention includes: a support at the base with openings at the top and bottom; a first air current guide plate with an inclined surface with an angle of inclination of approximately 120° to 130°, which has an opening therethrough, and is coupled over the support; a second air current guide plate, with an inclined surface with an angle of inclination of approximately 120° to 130°, is coupled over the first air current guide plate with a gap of approximately 5 to 10 cm between the second air current guide plate and the inclined enclosed surface of the first air current guide plate. An air passage for the indoor air is provide through the bottom opening of the support and the gap, and natural outdoor air is allowed to flow therethrough the gap of the ventilator.

Abstract: A rotor used for a combine-harvester includes a cylindrical member having a front end and rear end with a plurality of rub bar members spacedly disposed thereupon and extending outwardly therefrom and with a plurality of outwardly projecting spiral members which are disposed about the rear portion of the cylindrical member and which effectively shed the vines and stalks of the crop plants from about the rotor and with a plurality of short threshing members which are mounted to and project outwardly from the cylindrical member at the rear end thereof for removing any grain left on the vines and stalks before they are removed off the rear end of the rotor.

Abstract: Conventional agricultural combines are equipped with straw walkers for separating grain entrapped in the threshed crop mat. A rotary separator having two transverse rotors arranged one behind the other is positioned above the straw walkers. The rotors can be driven in the same or in opposite directions and are provided with tines for penetrating the crop mat. The tines are rotatively mounted to an eccentric axle located in the rotor housing.

Abstract: A slot machine 20 provides a plurality of rotatable reels 30 carrying symbols 31 is arranged to pay a prize on the occurrence of a predetermined symbol or combination of symbols. As well as the predetermined prize winning combinations listed on the artwork 35 of top box 32, a special symbol display 33 is provided within the artwork panel to display a special symbol for use in determining additional winning combinations. Typically, the special symbol will be used as a wildcard symbol such that when a game is played any occurrence of the currently displayed wildcard symbol in the game display will count as any other symbol when determining if any winning combinations have occurred.

Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.

Abstract: A gaming device and method of operation thereof are provided in which the gaming device receives a loan request, which includes a loan amount, to establish a balance without having received payment therefor. The device sends a request signal to a controller of the gaming device communicating the loan request, and a balance is established with the gaming device. The gaming device in turn receives an approval signal from the controller of the gaming device regarding approval of the loan request. The loan amount may be less than or equal to the requested amount. A cash-out mechanism of the gaming device is enabled in accordance with the approval signal before the approval signal is received.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a 3D graphics generating coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The player controller processing subsystem is used for both controlling player controller input/output processing and for performing game authenticating security checks continuously during game play. The peripheral interface includes a micro-processor for controlling various peripheral interface functions, a read/write random access memory, a boot ROM, a coprocessor command channel interface, a player controller channel interface, etc.

Abstract: A multiple disc torque limiting clutch has an output hub in interference fit upon an output shaft. After being so assembled, as by a heat shrink fit, the output hub and shaft can be received by the remainder of the torque limiting clutch, consisting of interleaved friction discs and separator discs maintained between end plates. A pressure plate urges the friction discs and separator discs toward a fixed friction disc which is secured to the output hub. The force upon the pressure plate is attained by a Belleville spring and circumferentially spaced spring cup assemblies.

Abstract: A steering joint device for a car comprises a first universal joint coupled to a steering shaft, a second universal joint connected to the steering gear device side, and an anti-vibration device connected between the first universal joint and the second universal joint.

Abstract: A tripot-type universal joint includes a drive shaft mounting a spider with three roller elements disposed in three corresponding guide channels of an outer drive housing. The housing is formed with a retention groove on an inner surface thereof in which a stamped metal retainer is disposed. The retainer includes stop portions which extend along the running surfaces of the guide channels for wedging engagement between the drive rollers and drive channels to limit the outward stroke of the inner drive member and prevent the removal of the rollers from the housing.

Abstract: A shaft guard is provided comprising a first guard portion, a second guard portion, and a pair of support legs. The first guard portion defines a first guard body, a first pair of guard portions, and a first pair of flange portions. The first guard body is arranged about a longitudinal shaft guard axis. The first pair of guard portion openings are positioned at opposite ends of the longitudinal shaft guard axis. The first pair of flange portions are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal shaft guard axis. Similarly, the second guard portion defines a second guard body, a second pair of guard portions, and a second pair of flange portions. The second guard body is arranged about the longitudinal shaft guard axis. The second pair of guard portion openings are positioned at opposite ends of the longitudinal shaft guard axis. The second pair of flange portions are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal shaft guard axis.

Abstract: A rolling bearing unit for a vehicle wheel comprising a stationary member fixed to a suspension and having an outer ring raceway, a rotatable member provided to support the vehicle wheel and having an inner ring raceway and a housing which is to be an outer ring of a constant velocity joint, a plurality of rolling members between the outer ring raceway and the inner ring raceway, balls being in contact with the housing having a plurality of outer engagement grooves extending at right angles with respect to the circumferential direction, the opening on both of the circumferential sides of the outer engagement grooves provided with a chamfered portion having a radial size which is larger than the elastic displacement of the area of contact between the balls and the housing adjacent to each other when the surface pressure at the center of the contact portion of the housing with the balls reaches 4200 MPa.

Abstract: A propeller shaft for automobiles includes a cylindrical main body 1 made of FRP and joints 2 that are joined to the ends of this main body by press fitting, the main body 1 having a main layer 1a extending over the entire length thereof and including reinforcing fibers helically wound at an angle of ±5˜30° with respect to the axial dimension of the main body, and sub-layers 1b formed at the ends of the main body so as to be integral with and internally of the main layer 1a and including hooped reinforcing fibers. Each joint 2 has a slope 2c descending toward the joint surface between this joint and the main body 1, an erect surface 2d having an outer diameter not larger than the outer diameter of the sub-layers 1b and abutting the end surface of the associated sub-layer 1b, or a wedge 2f the tip of which is opposed to the interface between the main layer 1a and the associated sub-layer 1b.

Abstract: An angular-position and torque sensor assembly includes a low-hysteresis coupling for an assembly including a plurality of shafts. The coupling comprises an inner member, an outer member, and a base member disposed outside the outer member. The inner member and base member are coupled to the shafts. First rails connect the inner member to the outer member, and the first rails allow the inner member to be readily displaced relative to the outer member only in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first rails. Second rails connect the outer member to the base member, and the second rails are aligned perpendicular to the first rails. The second rails allow the outer member to be readily displaced relative to the base member only in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second rails.

Abstract: A golf ball retrieval apparatus having a shaft containing a hollow portion with an opening to the hollow portion at one end of the shaft, and a first plug located in the hollow portion of the shaft capable of moving longitudinally within the hollow portion and having holes on a side facing the opening in the shaft. A plurality of wires with a first end anchored in said holes in said first plug, and a second end with beads attached, the second end of the wires being oriented in a conical array. A first position for the wires and plug exposing the wires outside the shaft by less than fifty percent of their length and a second position exposing the wires by more than fifty percent of their length outside the shaft. A second plug being fixedly located in the hollow portion of the shaft to prevent the first plug and wires from penetrating into the hollow section more than that which will place the wires in the first position within the shaft.

Abstract: An ergonometric golf putter having a zigzag shaft with an intermediate handle, shaft arms and a handgrip. The configuration better enables the golfer to sight the ball and effect a putt. The same putter is usually adaptable for a right or left handed user.

Abstract: A golf club head for a golf club is provided. The club can have weights to move the club head center of gravity and club head center of percussion to desired locations to yield desired ball control.

Abstract: A golf ball having a polyurethane cover composed of a blend of polyurethane prepolymers is disclosed herein. The blend may be a dual blend with a TDI-based polyurethane prepolymer blended with a second diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer, typically a PPDI-based polyurethane prepolymer. The blend may also be a tri-blend with a TDI-based polyurethane prepolymer blended with two other diisocyanate polyurethane prepolymers, typically two different PPDI-based polyurethane prepolymers. The golf ball has a durability of at least 3.5 on a shear test rating of the cover. The golf ball of the present invention also demonstrates tremendous distance using a BIG BERTHA® HAWKEYE® driver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having soft and good shot feel when hit at not only high head speed but also low head speed, and excellent flight performance by accomplishing high launch angle and low spin amount. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a center, an intermediate layer formed on the center, and one or more layers of cover covering the intermediate layer, wherein the golf ball has a contact area with a club face of a golf club of 4.5 to 5.5 cm2 and a ratio of spin amount to launch angle (spin amount/launch angle) of 120 to 220 when hit by a No. 1 wood club at a head speed of 40 m/second, and has a ratio of spin amount/launch angle of 150 to 250 when hit by a No. 5 iron club at a head speed of 34 m/second.

Abstract: An athletic shooting aid adapted to be detachably mounted directly on the goal of a sporting event to provide a target at which the player aims and strikes with the game piece in order to improve the form and accuracy of the player's shooting. The device comprises a clamp which is removably attachable to the goal having a substantially straight elongated member extending from the clamp with a ball or target of material attached to the elongated member to serve as the target at which the player aims when shooting the game piece. The elongated member is adapted and configured to allow the ball to move when struck by the game piece in such a manner that the game piece deflects the ball without substantially affecting the trajectory of the game piece and to allow the ball to be repositioned after the game piece has passed through the goal.

Abstract: A member (e.g. baseball bat) includes a switch manually operable to obtain the transmission of signals by a transmitter in the member to an apparatus for propelling an element (e.g. ball) toward an individual holding the member. The apparatus includes a receiver for receiving the transmitted signals and includes a housing with a hollow passage. A ramp supported on the housing holds a plurality of the elements for sequential movement into the passage. The element in the passage is supported on one of the fingers of a rotary detainer. The detainer is normally prevented from rotating by a release mechanism coupled to the detainer. The detainer is rotated by the weight of the element when the release mechanism is decoupled from the detainer upon the reception of the transmitted signals. The element then moves downwardly in the passage to a propulsion mechanism which may comprise a pair of rollers for gripping the opposite ends of the element.