Abstract: In a construction machine including a control unit for receiving operating signals from operating members and outputting operation commands to actuators, by using a monitor and control levers, correlations between the control levers or switches and the actuators, i.e., an input/output relationship between any of the control levers and corresponding one of electro-hydraulic conversion valves, can be freely set. The set input/output relationships are registered in a memory in a rewritable manner.

Abstract: A wine bottle ring of a continuous unbroken form for accepting a neck of a wine bottle so the ring may be supported on the wine bottle. A plurality of wine glass rings, are formed of spring steel in a loop having a pair of opposing and abutting ends. The loops are of a size for accepting a stem of a wine glass, and further, for being supported on a base of a wine glass. The wine glass rings each provide a distinctive ornamentation so as to distinguish the wine glasses from each other. The method includes serving the wine bottle with the wine glass rings attached to the bottle ring so that the decorative elements are immediately visible. When the wine glasses are distributed to guests, each has one of the wine glass rings engaged on its stem so that one glass may be distinguished from the next.

Abstract: A bracket for securing a sign to a post, includes a clamp formed as a flanged open substantially cylindrical body having facing arms adapted to be brought together by a bolt for holding the sign, the tightening of the bolt being both effective for attaching the sign to the bracket and the bracket to the post. The sign defines a slot having an open end for allowing the sign to be inserted between the arms of the body without having to completely unscrew the bolt.

Abstract: In an information cassette for receiving exchangeable information carriers including a carrier housing, the carrier housing has bent over top and bottom end walls and a T-shaped center web so as to form two information carrier sections covered by hinge lids on which the information carriers can be mounted and which have bottom walls with springs on which the hinge lids are seated in the carrier housing and which resiliently bias the hinge lids upwardly such that the top ends of the hinge lids are engaged behind the front edges of the bent-over carrier housing top end wall or the T-shaped center web, respectively.

Abstract: Acrylic, self-adhesive postage stamps are provided and include a flexible facestock bearing an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), protected by a release liner. The acrylic PSA is a tackified or inherently tacky polymer formed from a plurality of monomers comprising, based on the total weight of monomeric composition, essentially of (i) 9 to 40% isobornyl acrylate and (ii) 50 to 91% of one or more alkyl acrylates.

Abstract: A frame system for holding a normally flat picture and bending it into a concavo-convex shape for adding a three dimensional effect and/or eye movement effect to its display. This concavo-convex shape can be created by either urging the picture toward a pre-curved transparent plate or placing the picture in a pre-curved holder. In this frame system an arch-shaped void space is provided for housing a complementary three dimensional article and/or reinforced picture supported by magnetic means. A top edge glass and bottom edge glass are placed in the present frame system perpendicular to the pre-curved transparent plate. A top edge picture sheet and bottom edge picture sheet can be displayed through said top edge glass and bottom edge glass, respectively, for complementing the main picture on display, and for creating a 3D feeling toward the main picture in the mind of the viewer.

Abstract: A pistol has a locking mechanism that locks the trigger mechanism of the pistol if an unauthorized person attempts to fire the pistol. The locking mechanism includes an identification unit to detect an identification signal and a control unit that compares the inputted signal with a stored identification pattern. An electromechanical actuator device actuates a locking element that can be moved into a locked position and into an unlocked position, which in the locked position locks the trigger tongue of the pistol. The pistol locking mechanism has a plurality of display elements that display the operating status of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An interchangeable upper receiver assembly for use with a hand held weapon and the interchangeable upper receiver assembly in combination with the hand held weapon, where the interchangeable upper receiver assembly includes an integral, unitary breech block and barrel that is operably removably couplable to the lower receiver assembly of the hand held weapon in an engaged disposition. A bolt assembly is slidably disposed within a bolt recess defined in the receiver breech block and barrel. The bolt includes a firing pin slidably disposed therein, the firing pin being selectively actuatable by the trigger assembly when the receiver is in the engaged disposition.

Abstract: The present invention involves a rifle rest which is particularly suited for competitive long distance range shooting. The rifle rest has a rifle vise mounted on a vise support resting upon a base which has adjustable legs. In a preferred embodiment, the rifle vise is mounted on a vise support which is a sphere or partial sphere. The convex curvature of the sphere is slidably received by an aperture in a planar base allowing for the movement and rotation of a rifle secured in the vise about a variety of axes.

Abstract: Decoy wings include a connector with a central hub and arms projecting forwardly, rearwardly, and out the opposing sides thereof. The connector is removably connected to a decoy body with a pair of elastic bands encircling the body and engaging the forward and rearward arms of the connector. Each decoy wing includes a frame member with a hook portion on the inward end which will engage a hook-shaped channel formed in the bottom of the connector hub and side arms. A flexible fabric sheet is connected to each frame member to provide an animated appearance to the decoy.

Abstract: Fish strike alarm and fishing rod holder (10) comprises sleeve (16) for receiving handle (101) of fishing rod (100), housing (20), electrical alarm circuit (60) mounted to housing (20) for sounding an audible alarm when closed, and trigger (40). Trigger (40), adapted to close alarm circuit (60) in response to tension in fishing line (104), is both pivotal between an open position and a closed position and reciprocally slidable between a temporary-alarm setting and a continuous-alarm setting. In the temporary-alarm setting, tension in line (104) causes trigger (40) to move to the closed position, line (104) is released, and trigger (40) returns to the open position. In the continuous-alarm setting, tension in line (104) causes trigger (40) to move to the closed position, the line is released, and trigger (40) remains in the closed position. Support stake (12) supports alarm (10) such that rod (100) is supported in an operable position.

Abstract: Switchable mosquito expelling/killing device including a box body having a clip for hanging the box body on a user's body. The box body is disposed with a pushing block, an electric mosquito incense mat insertion hole, gas releasing slots and a switch. An oscillating circuit and a heater fixing seat, an electric heater and a cell for supplying power are disposed in the box body. By means of switching the switch, the mosquito expelling/killing device can be switched between a mosquito expeller using the oscillating circuit to generate a sound wave simulating the sound wave of male mosquitoes for expelling fertilized female mosquitoes and an electric mosquito incense device using the electric heater to heat electric mosquito incense mat for releasing mosquito-killing incense to kill the mosquitoes.

Abstract: Mulch mat comprising an air and water-permeable, light-impermeable, open celled, composite of granular material and biodegradable fibers in a binder matrix prepared from a foam precursor. Disclosed biodegradable fibers include cellulosic fibers such as shredded wood, straw, shredded paper, wood pulp, cotton fiber, shredded corn stalks and moss; protein fibers such as hair and gelatin; and synthetic polymer such as vinyl polymer fibers and polyamide fibers. Disclosed granular material includes milled hard vegetation such as corn cob, nut shells, seed hulls, seeds, bark and gourds; soil builders such as vermiculite, perlite, sand, diatomaceous earth and gypsum; nutrients such as nitrate compounds, potassium compounds and phosphorus compounds; soil conditioners such as limestone, sulfur and iron sulfate. Useful binders include polysaccharides, polyglycosides, vegetable gums, vinyl polymers, waxes and crosslinkable oils. Useful surfactants include saponin, e.g. extract of Yucca shidigera, and amine surfactants.

Abstract: Landscape edging comprising a plurality of elongated border sections each having end portions which are disposed proximate to each other, and, a cover disposed over the top of a seam created by adjacent border sections. Another aspect comprises decorative elements movably positionable along a visible portion of the landscape edging allowing users of this landscape edging, whether landscapers or consumers, to create their own decorative design.

Abstract: A mineral composite consists essentially of a naturally occuring glacial deposit comprising not more than 20 weight percent Si-containing compounds, 10-20 weight percent Ca-containing compounds, 2-10 weight percent Mg-containing compounds, 2-10 weight percent Fe-containing compounds, 1-10 weight percent K-containing compounds, 1-5 weight percent Al-containing compounds, 0-3.0 weight percent Na-containing compounds, 0-5.0 weight percent Ti-containing compounds, 0-1.0 weight percent Mn-containing compounds, 0-0.5 weight percent P-containing compounds, 0-0.01 weight percent Ba-containing compounds and 0-0.005 Cr-containing compounds; and wherein the mineral composite is in powdered form with a mean particle size of 2-20&mgr; and with a surface area of least of 0.8-1.5 m2/cm3 of the composite. Other additives may be added to the mineral composite to make it even more effective for treating soil. Methods of making and using the mineral composite are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying an aqueous liquid for plants utilizes a reservoir having inside walls. There is a conduit for discharging the liquid so the liquid flows along walls of the reservoir. There is a cooler for cooling the walls so the liquid flowing along the walls is thereby cooled. For example, the reservoir may comprise a converted chest-type freezer unit. There may be an opening in the walls of the reservoir and the fan located in the opening to direct air into the reservoir and aerate liquid therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a window assembly (10) is disclosed. The window assembly (10) includes a window frame (12), an upper (14), and an upper sash support (80). The window frame (12) includes two vertical jambs (18) and (20), a frame head (22), and a frame sill (24). The upper sash (14) includes two vertical stiles (26) and (28), an upper rail (30) and a lower rail (31). Each vertical stile (26) and (28) has an upper end and a lower end. At least one vertical stile (26) lower end has a web (41). The upper sash support (80) is adapted to receive the web (41) and support the upper sash (14). The method for installing a window assembly (10) in accordance with the present invention includes six steps.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatic opening of a motor vehicle rear door which can be pivoted about a horizontal swivel axis contains a pneumatic spring-and-ejector combination in which a pneumatic spring is pivotally connected to the vehicle and the rear door so that it exerts a closing torque on the door when the door is in a closed and a predetermined partially open position, and exerts an opening torque when the door is opened beyond the predetermined position to swing the door fully open. An ejector is arranged to pivot the door from the closed position to a position past the partially open position, thereby reducing the energy requirement of the ejector and avoiding high frictional forces in the door lock.

Abstract: An automated hatch for a bulk transport vehicle includes a cover and a locking assembly. The vehicle includes a container and at least one upstanding annular flange defining a fill opening for the container. The cover is adapted to pivotally mount on the vehicle, with the cover moving between an open position and a closed position for extending over the annular flange and closing the fill opening. The locking assembly includes a driver assembly and a plurality of locking members. The driver assembly includes a plurality of pusher members, with each of the pusher members being pivotally mounted to a respective locking member. The locking members are mounted to the peripheral portion of the cover for engaging the annular flange of the vehicle for locking the cover in the closed position.

Abstract: A multifunctional complex incorporates multiple uses and comprises a series of upright wall members including a first interior wall dividing the complex into at least a concert hall. The concert hall includes a stage structure excavated below ground level, a truncated annular dance floor surrounding the stage structure also excavated below ground level and a series of truncated pie-shaped audience seating sections radiating upwardly from the dance floor in which the lowest tier of open seating is above the dance floor by a height (H) where (H) is between 4 to 10 feet. The stage structure includes a rotatable central stage defining an axis of rotation and a plurality of pie shaped stationary platforms radially about the rotatable central stage. In one aspect, the central stage has a top surface a distance (H) above the dance floor where (H) is as defined, a circumferentially extending side face and an axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power system for extending and retracting a telescopic row seating system, comprising a drum operably anchored to a drum frame, wherein a drum has at least two drum shafts rotatably engaged thereto. Further, it includes a plurality of interconnected drive carriages adapted for connection to a telescopic seating system to extend and retract the telescopic seating system, drive carriages being configured to selectively mateably wind onto and off from the drum as the drum is rotated. The power mechanism comprises a motor, a motor frame, at least two motor shafts extending from each side of the motor. The drive shaft is connected by the plurality of coupling means, a drum shaft one side and a motor shaft on the other providing motion to rotate the drum.

Abstract: Gutter liner apparatus having a perforated upper platform surface that extends the width of the gutter and is supported by two sidewalls that extend down from the front and back edges of the upper platform so that the platform is situated in the lower half of the gutter upon installation therein. The perforations in the upper platform surface exclude leaf type debris from blocking the drainage flow of the gutter. The sidewalls can vary from being perpendicular to the upper platform to being flared outwardly away from an axis perpendicular to the upper platform to cause them to bias against the inner surfaces of the gutter. Other geometries provide additional advantages under selected circumstances. Perforations can be only on the upper platform surface or also on the sidewalls.

Abstract: A combined bed and shelter device is disclosed. The device is anchored through a plurality of parallel spaced joists to a base for protecting a user in the event of a natural disaster or the like. The device includes a housing defining an enclosure of generally rectangular configuration, the housing including a container having a floor defining a peripheral edge and a wall extending angularly relative to the peripheral edge. A lid is pivotally secured to the container and cooperates with the wall such that the container and the lid define therebetween the enclosure for occupancy by the user in the event of the disaster. A mattress is supported by the lid such that when the lid is disposed in a first location thereof, the mattress supported by the lid serves as the bed for the user thereof and when the lid is disposed in a second location thereof with the lid pivoted about the container, access to the enclosure is permitted so that protection of the user within the enclosure is afforded.

Abstract: A plurality of utility distribution system elements such as cables, wires, pipes or ducts are supported in the space existing between a suspended ceiling and the upper adjacent floor by a plurality of support brackets. The support brackets include elements having a shape corresponding generally to an inverted L which are secured to the undersurface of the upper adjacent floor and thereby provide downwardly extending vertical elements. A plurality of slots are formed in the support brackets and a plurality of elongated straps are securable to the support brackets using the slots and bending tabs formed in the straps. The straps cooperate with the support bracket to secure various utility distribution system elements such as pipes, cables, wire bundles or ducts. In an alternate embodiment, the support brackets are arranged in pairs and are joined by horizontally extending braces therebetween to form ladder-like support structures which receive and support various utility distribution elements.

Abstract: A Lightweight Pre-engineered prefabricated modular Building System comprised of prefabricated structural members and three prefabricated spacer plates which create the entire building main frame system. A multiple use principal structural member is utilized as top and bottom cords as well as end rungs for trusses and truss legs. The spacer plates are used to construct steep pitch building frames. Trusses are interchangeable anywhere in system. Eave peak members, purlins and girts are used to attach sheathing to the structural frame.

Abstract: A support system of brackets and rods designed to be removably attached to a building stud. Used in pairs, the system can hold sheets of building material within the holing bracket and supported by a back rod so that the builder has the materials within easy view and reach and can replace partial sheets with the brackets.

Abstract: A system for protecting a window or other opening to a building against hurricane-force winds, including: (a) four or more bolts, screws or rods; (b) four or more wedge brackets, each wedge bracket having a longitudinal slot along its centerline, and an aperture at the base of and continuous with the slot, the aperture having a diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt head, sloped sides along the slot, the slope along the sides decreasing from the top of the slot to the aperture at the bottom of the slot; and (c) one or two rectangular-shaped protective panels, each panel being of slightly larger length and width than the opening to be covered, each panel having an aperture in each corner area.

Abstract: A door frame has hinge and latch jambs extending from opposite ends of a header jamb. Each jamb has an inside section for extending into a doorway opening in a wall and having a molding section extending laterally outwardly from the respective inside section for overlying a face of the wall adjacent the doorway opening. Each molding section includes an inner end extending from the inside section, an outer face extending generally perpendicularly from the inner end and an outer free end extending generally perpendicularly from the outer face. A jamb securing and sealing flange is joined to a jamb. The flange has first and second end sections coupled by a centered section. The first second is substantially parallel to and affix to a inner surface of the outer face of one jamb. The second end section extends substantially parallel to the first end section and laterally outwardly beyond its outer free end.

Abstract: A door jamb that can be installed in a wall has an inward face facing inwardly toward the door and a peripheral face facing away from the door. The system has, in combination, a spaced plurality of clips each with an external arm and a transverse internal arm. The external arm is adapted for longitudinally directed, surficial attachment to the wall. Being adapted for its purpose, the internal arms are separately attached along the peripheral face of the jamb. Thereafter, with the jamb positioned in the wall, the jamb is plumbed and the external arms of the clips are surficially attached to the wall longitudinally.

Abstract: An incombustible fireproof network elevated floorboard in which the flanges of the cover boards are fitted into multiple grooves of the leg supports of the floorboard. In addition, the cover boards are partially locked with the leg supports by screws. The floorboard is made of metallic material and achieves enhanced fireproof effect to meet the strict requirement for incombustibility of skyscraper building. In addition, the present invention can be easily and quickly manufactured and assembled. The cover boards can be assembled with the leg support by various angles.

Abstract: A pre-cast concrete form for cast-in-place beams and columns and a method of forming the same. The form includes a form body having a channel through a length thereof and a shear bonding key along the length, the channel being adapted to receive cast-in-place concrete therein to form a beam or column. The shear bonding key is integrally formed in the body and has a grooved portion and a ribbed portion for bonding the cast-in-place concrete to the form body. The form body may further include a reinforcing stirrup tie cast therein and extending into the channel, adapted to secure the form body to an opposed form body. The form body may include a plurality of shear bonding keys and reinforcing stirrup ties spaced apart along the length thereof.

Abstract: A moisture management system for installation over doors and windows in buildings that included exterior, stucco-covered, curtain walls comprising an integrally formed, three sided, elongated track including a base having weep holes therein, an upright front wall and an upright rear wall at opposing elongated edges of the base, and, extending angularly downward from the outside of the base, and integrally formed therewith, a drip plate that permits ready drainage of water entering the moisture management system through the weep holes in the base. Elongated striations in the front faces of both the front and rear upright walls as well as holes in the front upright wall provide adherence of sealants and adhesives used in the installation process.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a high strength porous concrete structure which is preferably applied to a water permeable pavement, a draining pavement, a sound insulating board, a sound-proofing barrier, a sound absorbing block for acoustic, a block for plants, a riverbed block, a water purifying matrix, a gas absorbing matrix, a decorative board for building, a fish reef, a block for fish reef or a block for breeding algae and to provide a method of manufacturing the high strength porous concrete structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expansion joint guide for constructing a multi-course masonry block wall. The guide has an elongated flat planar base of a rigid material and an elongated planar leg the length of which is less than the thickness of the blocks of the wall to be constructed and the thickness of which is the desired thickness of the joint between laterally adjacent blocks of the wall. The leg extending substantially perpendicular to the base to serve as a locator for the masonry blocks forming the sections of the wall on either side of the guide and means preferably in the form of fasteners or adhesives are used to secure the base to an underlying wall.

Abstract: A system of preparing a form for the pouring of concrete for foundations and the like. The system includes a series of tracks for holding of forming insulation material or the like. The tracks are held by ties having ends readily attachable to ribs on the tracks for rapid and convenient assembly. The tracks are formed to hold insulating panels in a spaced parallel relationship. The ties and tracks mate together in a holding relation easily engageable.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall forming structure for constructing reinforced concrete walls employs insulating foam plastic panels that are interlocked into two parallel concrete impervious walls by connectors having two I beam channels that are spaced apart by tie elements having an arcuate cross section. The tie elements support reinforcing bars. The I beams may have striated outer faces to hold stucco and plaster. The web of at least one of the I beams may have an elongate channel or raceway for wires and pipes. Connectors may be applied vertically and horizontally to seal all edges of the panels and resist the hydraulic forces of the poured concrete. The connectors and panels remain in place after concrete is poured to create an insulated concrete wall. A method of extruding the connectors uses an intermittently opening and moving die passage to create the tie elements and the I beams in one continuous process.

Abstract: An insulating structure comprises a board of insulating material having two major surfaces, two side edges and top and bottom edges, and facing sheets on each of the major surfaces, and a generally rectangular closure strip having two equal and integral side portions. One side portion is bonded to one of the facing sheets and extends over said facing sheet from the top edge to the bottom edge and inwardly a short distance from one of the side edges of the board. The other side portion extends outwardly away from the board a short distance from said side edge. A plurality of the insulating structures are positioned in abutting relationship to form an insulating envelope covering a wall or roof of a building.

Abstract: Cladding for a domed structure bridges gaps between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding preferably utilizes adjustable cladding panels and bridges to bridge the gap between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding is particularly suited for doubly curved surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention refers to stirrups for reinforcement of load bearing structural elements, and in particular for reinforcing concrete load bearing building elements, such as columns, shear walls, beams, slabs, footings, lintels, piles. The invention refers also to a method for reinforcing structural elements as well as to these elements. A stirrup for reinforcing load bearing elements according to the invention consists of a plurality of consecutive windings (7a, 7b) disposed along the longitudinal direction of the stirrup, so that the stirrup has a spiral form, whereby the windings of the stirrup form a plurality of discrete cages (5a, 5b) to house the main reinforcement bars (1a, 1b) of the load bearing element. The stirrups may be used for the reinforcement of load bearing elements of various cross sections such as orthogonal, T-shaped, L-shaped, Z-shaped etc.

Abstract: Trim bands for buildings having at least one trim element and one or more spacer elements which may be separate from or integral parts of the trim bands. The trim bands can be fabricated from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, wood, polymers, concrete, and other composites. The trim bands can be used to trim off siding, to dress a window or door, or as a corner treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sealed pouches, and apparatus and processes for producing the same. The pouch includes contoured first and second lateral edges, with each lateral edge having concave and convex surfaces. The concave surface of the first lateral edge is substantially opposite the convex surface of the second lateral edge and the convex surface of the first lateral edge is substantially opposite the concave surface of the second lateral edge. Accordingly, a distance between the first and second lateral edges is substantially the same for all elevations of the pouch.

Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is attached to a retainer to hold the leading end of the packaging material as the retainer moves toward the load. The retainer is positioned adjacent the load and packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material is released from the retainer in response to force applied to the retainer to withdraw it from the wrapped load.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a package of a plurality of side-by-side stacks of continuous strips of material without intervening rigid container walls. Each strip is folded back and forth about first and second fold lines to form a stack of a plurality of folded overlying strip portions. The fold lines are transverse to the strip and arranged at opposite ends of the stack. The strip portions of each stack are arranged side-by-side so that the side edges are aligned. The strips are fed simultaneously through a guide slot in a movable carriage that is parallel to the stacks end upon which the stacks are arranged.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically positioning a plurality of suction devices over the throat of envelope to lift the throat.

Abstract: A riding mower has a deck attachment mechanism for use in attaching a mower deck to the mower frame and a deck lift mechanism for use in lifting the mower deck. The deck attachment mechanism forms a four-sided parallelogram and includes a first side formed of a first link and a second side formed of second and third links. The second and third links together form a split link and the third link may be pivoted about the second link into first and second positions. The first link has an effective length L1 and the split link has an effective length L2 when the third link is positioned into the first position and an effective length L1 when the third link is positioned into the second position. The effective length L2 is less than the effective length L1. The deck attachment mechanism also includes a lock bracket and a lock lever to lock the third link into the second position. The deck lift mechanism includes a lift cylinder mounted to the frame and connected to the third link.

Abstract: A narrow row harvesting unit for harvesting a crop planted in closely spaced rows. In a cotton picker, the crop removing portion of the unit includes a tandem drum arrangement. The unit includes first and second row receiving areas spaced on the order of twelve inches (30 cm) apart and separated by a narrow stalk lifter. The crop removing portion of the row unit provides transverse movement of a first row of the crop towards a second row of the crop behind the stalk lifter. In the cotton picker unit, a forward upright drum includes spindles projecting through a grid bar arrangement intercepting the first row of crop to move the plants laterally along grid bars into the main crop removing zone which is aligned with the second row. A cutter offset just ahead of the forward drum severs the plants in the first row, and a rotating column with plant engaging projections cooperates with the drum to direct the severed plants into the standing second row.

Abstract: A hollow spindle, in particular for the manufacture of elastic twisted yarns, has a thread channel (9) extending coaxially with respect to the axis of the spindle (A), through which thread channel is axially moved a yarn (6), in particular an elastic core yarn. The thread channel (9) has ribs (10) on its inner surface (8a), which extend in peripheral direction or helically and project inwardly over the surface (8a), so that the yarn (6) running through the thread channel (9) rests only pointlike on the ribs, otherwise, however, is supported at a distance from the inner surface (8a).

Abstract: A sewing thread for a leather product composed of fibers attached with a highly water absorbing powdery material on the surface of the fibers, in a ratio of 5 weight % or more based on the weight of the fibers, and a leather product, with excellent water-proof property, prepared by using the same thread.

Abstract: A mark sensor and methods for detecting a core mark disposed on a fiber optic cable core having a core receiving area for receiving the fiber optic cable core. The mark sensor includes emitter/receiver sensor devices that can be disposed about the core receiving area for observing a portion of the core for detecting the core mark. The mark sensor can include a sensor positioning system for moving the sensors relative to the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system is operative to move the sensors upon insertion of the cable core in the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system can include a linkage to another mark sensor for transmitting sensor motion to the other mark sensor. Alternatively, the mark sensor can include stationary sensors that sweep the core with radiation, for example, a bar code reader. Methods for using the foregoing sensors can result in the direct or offset marking of reverse oscillation of lay areas in a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The spinning aggregates, arranged in a row, of an open-end spinning machine are each provided with an opening device, which comprises a removal opening for trash particles. A channel extending in a longitudinal machine direction takes up the expelled trash particles. A sliding carriage traverses to and from in the channel and pushes the trash particles collected in the channel to a suction point. The sliding carriage comprises a cleaning element, which can be pressed to the side wall of the channel under the action of a transverse force.