Abstract: An operating system for a vehicle transmission has a shifting lever which, for the shifting between gear ratios, can be swivelled in one shifting channel respectively about a shifting axle essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and, for selecting between different shifting channels, can be swivelled in at least one selecting channel about a selecting axle essentially in the transverse direction of the vehicle. A motion transmission connects the shifting lever with at least one transmission control shaft of a vehicle transmission.

Abstract: A controller for the brake of a rolling walkkit includes a controller base, a grip and a connect rod combined together. The controller base has an upper cylindrical portion fixed around a handrest of the rolling walkkit and a lower hollow portion for pivotally connecting the joint member of the grip, and the control rod is pivotally connected inside said grip. When the grip is pushed up, the connect rod is moved to swing to pull forward a brake wire firmly fixed with a lower end of the connect rod to brake the wheels of the walkkit temporarily in moving, and releasing the grip lets the brake wire also loosened to let the wheels to move again. When the grip is pressed down, the connect rod is forced to swing and let the brake wire pulled forward to stop the wheels for a long time, and releasing the grip lets the brake wire recover, permitting the wheels of the walkkit move again.

Abstract: An improved stem for a bicycle comprises a pivot member having a lateral member and a locking member attached to the underside of the lateral member, wherein the pivot member has two free ends each having a pivot portion and the locking member has two free ends as well; a column member having a first connecting mechanism at the top thereof for pivotally connecting to the pivot portion; and a sleeve member securing a handlebar, and being provided with a second connecting mechanism at the free end thereof for pivotally connecting the other pivot portion of the pivot member, whereby the locking member can be operated to move so that each free end thereof is fixedly attached to or detached from the first connecting mechanism and the second connecting mechanism so as to achieve the adjustment of the angle between the column member and the pivot member, and the angle of the handlebar, at the same time.

Abstract: A control knob (1) includes a companion part (2) as a base of the control knob and a control-knob top part (3) having a grip handle (4). The control-knob top part (3) includes a plate (9) having a flexible elastic material coated thereon to form sidewalls (5.1) of the grip handle (4) which can be flexibly deformed when the grip handle (4) is manipulated. This provides improved manipulation and quiet operation of the control knob (1). Additional push-button and switch functions can be included via a flexible facing wall (5.2) on the grip handle (4).

Abstract: A link connecting rod for wiper apparatus is provided with a tubular rod body, a plate portion with a first and a second plane flattened by compressing an end of the rod body, a semicylindrical portion with a third plane having a semicircular cross section and disposed between the rod body and the plate portion, a first brim portion with a fourth and a fifth plane flattened by compressing one side of the semicylindrical portion and a second brim portion with a sixth and a seventh plane flattened by compressing another side of the semicylindrical portion. The plate portion, the semicylindrical portion, the first and second brim portions are formed by pressing the end of the rod body on the base level of the second, the third, the fifth and seventh planes which are all in one plane.

Abstract: The application relates to a chuck (10) with a coupling and a housing (34) for clamping cap-screws and/or studs having a screw spindle (11), a drive spindle (12) fixed axially in relation to the screw spindle (11) with at least one spring-loaded and axially movable coupling (18) which can be drivably secured to the screw spindle (11) by a counter-component (59) and a spring-loaded, axially movable adjusting sleeve (22) which can render the coupling inoperative. The coupling (18) has at least one projection or recess (6) which can be functionally engaged with a mating recess or projection on the counter-component (59).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting pieces of material from a workpiece, such as a web of patterned fabric, which includes irregularities or which is misaligned with respect to a coordinate system of the cutting apparatus. The workpiece is spread on a cutting table where it is cut by a numerically controlled cutter in accord with an electronic marker stored in the cutter controller. The marker is matched to the workpiece and appropriate adjustments are made to the marker before the workpiece is cut. A laser, operatively connected to the controller, projects a match target onto the workpiece at a point corresponding to a selected point on the marker. The marker is then adjusted such that the selected point coincides with a desired location on the workpiece. Adjustment is achieved by electronically displacing the match target from a non preferred location to a preferred one. Software in the controller translates this displacement into appropriate adjustments to the marker.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for separating packages from a line of interconnected packages. The technical problem is to simplify the cutting apparatus and shorten the set-up times and the work cycles. This problem is achieved with a lower knife (4) capable of being moved in between the packages in the vertical direction from below and with an upper roll (12) capable of being moved, together with a discharge gripper (11) for the separated packages, parallel to the conveying section while being pressed against the lower knife.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lubrication device in a vertically functioning bread slicer having several blade bands (3), next to each other and a predetermined width of bread slice apart, continuously circulating crosswise around blade band rollers (2). Both sides of the blade bands (3) have a horizontal lubricating roller (6, 7) with an oil-impregnated felt envelope (63, 73) which lubricates the cutting surfaces (30) of the blade bands (3). At least one of the two lubricating rollers (6, 7) can pivot around a horizontal pivoting axis (6S) to a position (P1) a distance apart from the blade bands (3), the two lubrication rollers (6, 7) can each be displaced by a given length (A) lengthwise along the rollers (L) in relation to the band blades (3).

Abstract: Positioned on a rear portion of a front receiver lug post on a gun so that when the bolt carrier springs forward the impact of the bolt carrier striking and abruptly stopping against the receiver lug post will be minimized. The forward receiver buffer comprises, an elongate attachment member having an attachment arm on a front end portion and, a shock absorption block attached to the rear end portion of the elongate attachment member. In use the receiver buffer is pressed over the lug post on the receiver of the gun so that the shock absorption block covers a rear end portion of the lug post. In a preferred aspect of this invention the gun has a bolt cover and the attachment member comprises a thin strip so that when it is operatively positioned laterally over the lug post the cover may enclose and hold the attachment member.

Abstract: An assembly for reversing a fluid driven motor. The assembly includes a fluid driven motor, and a reversing valve that reverses inlet and exhaust porting to and from the fluid driven motor. An actuation device opens an actuation valve and a fluid supply valve. The actuation valve causes the reversing valve to reverse the inlet and exhaust porting to and from the fluid driven motor when the actuation device opens the actuation valve. The fluid supply valve allows fluid to flow through the fluid supply valve to the motor when the actuation device opens the fluid supply valve. The fluid supply valve also prevents fluid flow through the fluid supply valve to the fluid driven motor when the fluid supply valve is closed.

Abstract: A fluid pressure control system for limiting the torque output of a positive displacement hydraulic motor (21) for rotating a screw anchor (11, 11′) into the ground. A normally closed solenoid operated control valve (76) is mounted in a bypass line (86) between the high pressure supply line (30) and the low pressure exhaust line (36). A plurality of electro-hydraulic switches (72) are arranged for setting at different predetermined fluid pressures and are in fluid communication with a differential pressure sensing chamber (63). Upon turning on of a selected switch (72) having the desired pressure level, the reaching of the desired pressure level activates the selected switch (72) for actuation of solenoid operated control valve (76) to move control valve (76) to an open position as shown in FIG. 3 to bypass fluid from high pressure line (30) to exhaust line (36) to limit the torque output of the motor (21).

Abstract: A brake booster which permits a booster ratio to be changed in two stages. A first spring 25 is disposed between a first plunger plate 24 and the bottom of a stowage 8A of a valve plunger 8. Toward its front end, the outer periphery of the first plunger plate 24 slidably extends through a second plunger plate 26, which is in turn located at its inoperative position shown by a second spring 28 having a greater spring constant than the first spring 25. When the brake booster 1 is actuated, a reaction disc 33 which bulges rearward initially abuts against the first plunger 24, and subsequently, as the first spring 25 is compressed, it abuts against the end faces of the both plunger plates 24, 28. If a brake pedal is released under this condition, a hysteresis is substantially nullified. The invention provides an improved brake controllability in a region of a greater depression (or input) of the brake pedal.

Abstract: The invention is related to a swash plate compressor in which the wear resistance and the lubricating ability of the surfaces of the swash plate which are in contact with the shoes can be enhanced and maintained for a long period of time. In the swash plate compressor, a soft surface coating 21 is formed on sliding surfaces of any of a swash plate or shoes and the coarseness at ten point mean roughness of the surface of the substrate is made to be 8 &mgr;mRz or less, and preferably 5 &mgr;mRz or less, and more preferably 3 &mgr;mRz or less. Even if the soft surface coating 21 is partially worn or exfoliated by a sliding load, since the temperature of the soft surface coating 21 is increased by frictional heat and the soft surface coating 21 is fluidized, the worn or exfoliated portions are repaired. The soft surface coating 21 is preferably composed of a coating layer containing molybdenum disulfide.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser of frothed milk and pre-made liquid coffee received from refrigerated milk and pre-made liquid coffee containers that selectively delivers cold and hot Italian-style coffees, such as, cappuccino, latte, espresso, and other. The refrigeration mechanism is based in Peltier effect and has a chamber to store the milk and pre-made liquid containers which are accessible to a user. The heating mechanism includes a hot water tank and cone-shaped heat exchanger assemblies to heat the frothed milk and pre-made liquid coffee, respectively. The milk and pre-made liquid coffee are drawn by two separate pumps through fluid conduits from the refrigerated containers to the air valves to be frothed. If a user selects hot beverage, the flow is directed to the heat exchanger and then discharged through a nozzle to a cap. If a user selects cold beverage, the flow is directed to the nozzle to be discharged to the consumer.

Abstract: An espresso brewing head unit comprises a potshaped coffee receptacle in which a filter plate with coffee discharge openings is provided. A lateral wall of the coffee receptacle and the filter plate define the filling volume of the coffee receptacle so that portioning is substantially predetermined. For varying the filling volume, the filter plate is additionally arranged such that it is displaceable relative to the lateral wall of the coffee receptacle.

Abstract: A beverage warming device for collecting, temporarily storing, and thermally maintaining an elevated level of a hot beverage which includes a heated drinking container and a mating holding structure for holding the heated drinking container and connecting it to an electrical power source.

Abstract: A grilling appliance has two housing sections provided with heating plates and connected to each other by means of a pivotable/slidable hinge construction at both sides of the appliance. The housing sections can be positioned with respect to each other in several positions in which the heating plates should remain parallel to each other. In order to improve the hinge construction a parallel guiding mechanism has been provided, which mechanism comprises a U-shaped rod (9) having a central portion (10) which can slide in slots (7, 8) of the first housing section (1) and having arms (11, 12) carrying trunnions (13, 14) which are pivotable in the second housing section (2) and slidable in the first housing section (1).

Abstract: An improved contact toaster for heating bagels, muffins and other food items features a housing containing a toasting chamber with an inlet and an outlet. The toasting chamber contains a pair of conveyor belts with a removable platen positioned between them. Two auxiliary heaters are positioned so that they heat both the platen and the conveyor belts. A pair of tensioners engage the conveyor belts so that pathways between the conveyor belts and platen taper inward to a minimum thickness and then expand outward again. As a result, food items moving through the pathways via the conveyor belts are toasted on both surfaces and also absorb heat from both the platen and the conveyor belt surfaces as they are compressed and released. The platen may be diamond shaped to increase the rate and degree of compression and release and removable so that thicker food items may be accommodated.

Abstract: Appliance for grilling a flat slice of food, the appliance being composed of a housing with a slot permitting access to a parallelepiped grilling chamber in the opposite main faces of which are respectively arranged facing each other two heating subassemblies. At least one of the subassemblies having a substantially homogeneous radiation plate heated by heating elements. The radiation face of this plate may be completed by elements which maintain a predetermined spacing of less than 1 centimeter with the slice, this face or this slice being in contact with these spacing elements along surfaces less than 1 millimeter wide. At least one of the subassemblies may be mounted to be relatively displaceable farther and closer with respect to the other in order to be applied to one side and the other of the slice with a predetermined pressure. The plates may be of a material and have dimensions such that they constitute heat storage plates for heating by convection or by radiation at a short distance.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a sink having a basin recessed within a kitchen countertop. The sink is provided with a water inlet, a water outlet and an energy source for heating water introduced into the basin. The cooking system also includes a container that preferably has bottom and side wall portions provided with a plurality of through holes. The container is adapted to house food and to be positioned within the heated water of the basin in order to enable the food items in the container to be cooked.

Abstract: An integrated poultry and meat cooking apparatus is provided having a collecting pan and a vertical steaming tube permanently fixed thereto upon which the poultry or meat is supported in an upright position during cooking. The steaming tube has a well which contains liquid seasonings, such as water, beer or wine. During cooking, the fatty juices in the poultry or meat are secreted out of and away from the poultry or meat because of its upright position and are collected in the collecting pan. The liquid seasonings in the steaming tube are vaporized and enter the poultry or meat to replace the loss of the fatty juices and thereby maintain the moistness of the poultry or meat while adding flavor.

Abstract: A printing drum (12) is supported by a first frame (36) to be rotatable around its central axis (38). The first frame (36) is supported by a second frame (52) to be movable relative to the second frame (52) along the central axis (38) for at least a distance corresponding to a maximum value of an adjustment of a transverse position of a printed image. The second frame (52) is removably mounted to a machine frame (10), wherein the first frame (36) is moved relative to the second frame (52) only for a distance required for an adjustment of a transverse position of a printed image.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus for printing multiple impressions on a substrate carried to and from a printing station wherein the apparatus has a frame for the screen printing apparatus with at least one printing station on the frame holding the printing screen and having an image thereon for printing on the substrate. A series of pallets are used to carry a substrate into the printing station with each pallet carried by a conveyor in an endless path vertically above the central, horizontal axis while keeping the pallets substantially parallel and horizontal as they travel to and from the print station. A cassette carries individual screens with the cassettes being loaded into a storage magazine for transfer to the printing station for successive color printing on the respective substrates.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is an apparatus for microregistering a screen within a screen printing device, wherein the screen printing device has at least one pallet and a pallet drive mechanism for indexing the pallet. The apparatus includes a semi-stationary print head assembly which is selectively movable in an x-direction which is parallel to the path of the pallet and selectively lockable at a desired print location, the print head assembly including: a mechanism for registering the screen in a generally horizontal x-y plane, wherein angular displacement of the screen in a theta direction corresponds to rotation about a substantially vertical axis passing through the x-y plane; and, a mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the screen within the x-y plane with either a linear displacement in the y-direction or an angular displacement in the theta-direction, or both.

Abstract: A spray dampening device for spraying fountain solution on a rotating roller (1) in a printing press has a spray casing (2) to be mounted in the vicinity of the roller and a spray beam (3) with a number of spray valves (7). The spray beam is at each end attached to the spray casing, which is fixedly mounted to the printing press frame (6), by means of a mounting bracket (15) allowing longitudinal adjustment of the spray beams and thus the spray valves in relation to the fixed spray casing.

Abstract: An improved cartridge for dispensing highly viscous fluids in which the nozzle is recessed for ease of packaging, shipping and storing. The cartridge comprises a hollow cylindrical body, a plunger and a dispensing fitment. The cylindrical body holds a supply of extrudable fluid contents such as lithographic ink. The plunger serves as a pneumatically activated piston within the cylindrical body to extrude the contents of the cartridge. The nozzle has an open and a closed position. In the closed position the nozzle does not protrude beyond the top of the dispensing fitment. The dispenser may also include a detachable nozzle extension which, when attached to the nozzle, extends beyond the top of the fitment.

Abstract: Provided is a lithographic printing plate comprising a support substrate having disposed thereon an ablative-absorbing layer and, optionally, a durable, ink-accepting surface layer that is not ablative-absorbing. The ablative-absorbing layer contains a high weight percent of an organic sulfonic acid component. The printing plate may further comprise a hydrophilic polymeric layer interposed between the ablative-absorbing layer and the substrate. The printing plate may also comprise a primer layer underlying the ablative-absorbing layer with an adhesion-promoting agent present in the primer layer. Also provided are methods of preparing such lithographic printing plates, and methods of preparing imaged lithographic printing plates from such lithographic printing plates by imagewise exposure to a laser and a subsequent cleaning step with water or with a cleaning solution.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a heat mode imaging element for making a lithographic printing plate having on a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface a first layer including a polymer that is soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and a top layer on the same side of the lithographic base as the first layer that is IR-sensitive and unpenetrable for an alkaline developer; characterized in that at least one of the first layer and the top layer includes a surfactant.

Abstract: A support cylinder for guiding freshly processed substrate material between printing units or at the delivery end of a printing press is provided with a low coefficient of friction, semi-conductive covering for supporting and transporting the freshly processed substrate material without smearing the ink or causing indentations on the surface of the substrate. Radially projecting surface portions define electrostatic precipitation points and reduce the surface area available for frictional engagement. The low friction and electrostatically neutral properties of the semi-conductive base covering permit free movement of the freshly processed substrate relative to the support cylinder surface. Electrostatic charges carried by the processed substrate are discharged through the semi-conductive base covering into the support cylinder, thus eliminating electrostatic cling attraction between the freshly processed substrate and the support cylinder.

Abstract: A measuring field group for detecting quality data in the multicolor printing of single editions has measuring fields printed on a printed product in an optically scannable manner with at least one color-measuring surface (F) for determining a color density, a surface coverage or a tristimulus value for each of the measuring fields. To obtain register mark as well as shifting and doubling values simultaneously, the measuring fields have at least one lateral color strip (S) each, which is printed in the same print together with the color-measuring surface (F) of its measuring field, is narrow in relation to the dimensions of the color-measuring surface (F) of its measuring field, and extends at a likewise short lateral distance from the color-measuring surface (F) in relation to the dimensions of this color-measuring surface (F).

Abstract: An electro-explosive device (“EED”) having resistors fabricated on a thermally conductive substrate and interconnected by a central bridge element. The resistance of the bridge element is lower than that of the resistors, which have a larger surface area to volume ratio. The conductive bridge of the EED is overcoated with a composite overcoat comprising a metal and an oxidizer, which produce a chemical explosion upon plasma vaporization of the conductive bridge.

Abstract: A proximity sensor (22), which generates an alternating current magnetic field in the direction of a guide rail (B) and detects a detection object by a loss of energy caused by a current which this alternating current magnetic field generates to flow to the detection object, is provided at the front end of each transport mover (V); a rear-end collision prevention detection plate (23), which enters between the guide rail (B) and the proximity sensor (22), is provided at the rear end of each transport mover (V); and a stopping device (W), which faces toward the proximity sensor (22) and forms a resonant circuit resonating at the generation frequency of the proximity sensor (22), is provided at a mover stopping location on the guide rail (B).

Abstract: A hydraulically operated side dump railroad car that operates by utilizing high pressure hydraulic fluid from delivered by a pneumatic to hydraulic converter pump located on the railroad car. On the railroad dump car, the hydraulic fluid is pumped from a hydraulic fluid reservoir to the hydraulic ram assembly of the car, without the use of an accumulator for storing pressurized hydraulic fluid. On the other hand, an existing railroad dump car having existing pneumatic equipment can easily retrofitted with the hydraulic system of the present invention with the use of standard train air brake piston and cylinders.

Abstract: A storage bin for storage and containment of cabling associated with work-related items such as computers, telephones and the like. The storage bin is mountable generally along a terminal edge of a furniture component such as a worksurface, so that cabling can be routed from atop the worksurface downwardly into a hollow interior of the bin. The storage bin additionally includes pairs of overlapping side walls at each end of the bin which are movable relative to one another to enable opening and closing of the bin when mounted on the worksurface.

Abstract: A foldable and surface angle adjustable table device mountable upon a steering wheel, the device including an arch shape support (3) with clamp(s) on it, and a flat table surface (1) pivotally connected to each other. A pair of table angle controls (9) is at the bottom of the table at each side. At each side of the support, there is a corresponding angle-adjusting wheel (11) with a flange plate (12) to change the angle of the table angle control, which in turn changes the angle of the table surface. This device can be easily mounted on and removed from a steering wheel by clamp, and can be folded into a compact unit for carrying or storage.

Abstract: A pallet protector assembly for use with a conventional pallet, e.g., a wooden pallet having a plurality of stringers disposed generally parallel to one another between upper and lower decks formed of plural spaced-apart deck-boards. The pallet has a pair of sides and a pair of ends. The pallet protector assembly comprising plural, e.g., four, elongated bar-like, hollow plastic, guard members, each which has an opposed pair of end portions. Each end portion of each guard member includes a respective connector. Both of the connectors of two of the guard member are bulbous key-like projections. Both of the connectors of the other two of the guard members are mating key-slot shaped recess. The bulbous key-like projections of the two guard members are arranged to be releasably received within respective recesses of the other two guard member to releasably secure the guard members to one another to form a self-supporting frame encircling the periphery of the pallet.

Abstract: A folding table includes a folding table top and a framework typically mounted on casters or rollers. A linkage provides for folding of the table top between a use position wherein the table top is substantially horizontal and a storage position wherein the tabletop is substantially vertical. The linkage includes a table top frame member having a slot and c-channel formed therein slidably mounted on a pivot at a top of the framework. A linkage arm extends between one end of the table top frame member and the frame. A latch pivotally mounts to the table top frame member and moves between an engaged and disengaged position wherein the frame pivot is retained. A latch holder also slidably mounts on the table top frame member and is selectively engageable with a lift surface of the latch member to lift the latch out of engagement with the pivot.

Abstract: An improved collapsible, foldable table including at least two table top sections, at least one hinge connecting the table top sections, a plurality of table legs rotatably attached to the table top sections, and a set up and rigidifying mechanism including a pair of braces, a truss member that extends from at least one of the at least two table top sections, and a central cable adapted to cause the outswinging of the plurality of table legs into an operative position when the table top sections are unfolded. Each brace includes a v-brace member, a central brace member, and a pivoting member for pivotally connecting the v-brace member to the central brace member. Preferably, the central cable extends between pivoting members of the pair of braces, a midportion of the central cable being attached to an end of the truss member.

Abstract: A register for use in conjunction with kraft recovery boilers or bark-fired boilers utilizes a pair of shaped damper foils to reduce turbulence and induce laminar flow of air from an associated windbox through a port in the boiler. The foils are mounted for constant minimal separation from an exit nozzle to reduce transitional discontinuities which induce turbulence. A curved plenum is also provided to reduce internal turbulence within the plenum.

Abstract: An air nozzle for introducing secondary air into a furnace and including a housing provided with an inlet at one end thereof for receiving air and an outlet at the other end thereof for discharging the air. A damper is disposed in the housing in the path of the air for splitting the flow of the air into two flow streams which extend to different areas of the furnace and is adapted for pivotal movement in the housing to vary the amount of air flow in each of the streams and the discharge angle of one of the streams.

Abstract: A debris shield is provided for use with a single furrow planter unit of a multi-row planter. The planter unit comprises a generally horizontally disposed frame including a pair of horizontally spaced-apart frame members which define an opening therebetween. The debris shield of this invention is secured to the frame between the frame members and extends therebetween for preventing debris from passing upwardly past the debris shield.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particles includes a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank and an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism. The air distribution system includes a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes. The apparatus for dispensing particles also includes an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes, a sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal indicative of a value of a flow characteristic, and a controller operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism.

Abstract: The hooks of a cut pile tufting machine have a cam or chamfer surface in the form of an inclined ramp in the shank of the hook adjacent the throat extending to the cutting edge, the hooks being positioned in a hook module with a dual or compound angle relatively to the body of the module. The knife which cooperates with the hook to cut loops of yarn seized by the hook is positioned vertically relatively to the hook but is tilted relatively to the hook. The hook is inclined horizontally toward the knife and is tilted vertically away from the knife. The result is that initial knife tension against the hook is substantially eliminated while additional knife tension is created during the cutting stroke. The vertical positioning of the knife and the angular positioning of the hook away from the knife results in substantially eliminating J-cutting.

Abstract: A push-button on a sewing machine is provided with a bracket rigidly connected to a sewing machine housing. A key member is mounted axially displaceably in a hole of the bracket with a stop for limiting its outwardly directed displacement and with a switch. The switch may be arranged on the bracket and can be actuated by the key member. The key member has a key stop for limiting its displacement directed toward the interior of the housing. An elastic hook-shaped holding mechanism extends into the displacement path of the key stop and fixes the switch supported on the bracket. The elastic hook-shaped holding mechanism is arranged on the bracket.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming and joining large and small hems particularly on denim jeans and other types of trousers. An internally folded large hem is formed mechanically and in a highly accurate manner by engaging the end portion of a trouser leg under circumferential tension and folding a projected hem margin into the trouser leg while supporting opposite sides of the trouser leg in a region immediately adjacent to the desired hem fold line. A full depth small hem may be formed by compressing a limited portion of the large hem into a fold, with the raw edge of the fabric positioned substantially at the fold line of the large hem. The configuration of the compressed limited portion is retained until the sewing machine is in position to grip it and commence sewing. A continuous fold former is brought into position before sewing is commenced to complete the small hem folding initiated by the initial compression.

Abstract: A powered surfboard includes a board defining a stem and a stern. An internal combustion engine is housed within the board closer to the stern than the stem. The exhaust system extends fore of the internal combustion before it bends back on itself and terminates at a position aft of the bend. This configuration acts as a valve in that, under typical operating conditions, water will not pass through the exhaust system to reach the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is connected to a pump which receives the force produced by the internal combustion engine to force water to pass therethrough propelling the powered surfboard forward. The pump and the internal combustion engine are connected to the same interior surface of the hull of the board to reduce the amount of misalignment therebetween.

Abstract: A protective device (10) for protecting the bow (12) of a watercraft (14) from damage caused by collisions of the watercraft with trailers, docks, the shore, other watercraft, debris in the water, and the like, which does not significantly alter the resulting hydrodynamic flow of water over the bow (12) of a watercraft (14). The protective device (10) comprising a generally planar aliphatic transparent deformable urethane member (56) and an adhesive (22) securing the urethane member (56) to the exterior surface of the bow (12) of a watercraft (14).

Abstract: The aerial performance characteristics of a performer using a water sport implement such as a wakeboard is enhanced by a towing apparatus which includes vertical supports rigidly attached starboard and port side gunwales of the vessel at a location generally outboard an operator station. A frame including rigid U-shaped bridging supports transversely extends across the beam of the vessel. The frame is pivotally fitted to a forward portion of the vertical supports for rotation from an operating position to a stored position on the deck of the vessel. The U-shaped bridging supports extend substantially above the level of the operator station. One of the U-shaped bridging supports is readily removably attached to the vertical support. A ball assembly is carried by detachable ends of the frame, while a socket assembly is carried by the vertical support. A shaft extends through the socket and has one end threaded for engaging a threaded bore of the ball.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device, namely a housing, which includes an intake for filtering and collecting water and channeling it into the livewell pump system. The intake is positioned rearwardly of the boat's transom and generally in the same plane as the boat's bottom surface as to contact a body of water continuously and to convey said water, creating a low pressure supply to the boat's livewell pump system. The device is mounted utilizing the boat's existing thru-hull livewell pump stem and nut or thru-hull fitting. The base 1 is positioned over the livewell pump stem or fitting utilizing its adjustable slot 3 and is held secure by the livewell pump or fitting nut. In operation, as the boat is being propelled through the water the intake collects water as the water naturally rises up from the boat's transom channeling a low-pressure water supply to the livewell pump at all navigational speeds.