Abstract: A combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser with incorporated remaining use counter including a toothbrush portion comprised of an elongated hollow handle having an incorporated head portion. The elongated hollow handle includes an internal channel. The head portion has a plurality of openings in communication with the internal channel. The head portion has a plurality of bristles extending outwardly thereof. The handle holds a quantity of toothpaste within the internal channel. An internal plunger is disposed within the internal channel of the elongated hollow handle. The internal plunger will force the toothpaste out of the plurality of openings of the head portion and onto the bristles. A counter is disposed within the elongated hollow handle of the toothbrush portion. The counter is in communication with the plunger for determining a remaining amount of toothpaste disposed therein, and displaying the same on a rotary dial.

Abstract: A ring binder includes a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of hinged leaves. A plurality of ring members are secured to the hinged leaves for engaging corresponding holes in sheets of material retained by the ring binder. An actuating lever is located at each end of the curved upper plate for actuating the hinged leaves to open and close the ring members. Each actuating lever includes a tab with a cushion member thereon. The actuating lever includes a toothed groove therein for engaging and retaining a tongue of the cushion member on the actuating lever. The cushion member is engaged by the fingers of a user to pivot the actuating lever in order to move the ring members between the open position and the closed position. The cushion member is a soft pad of resilient material such as rubber or soft plastic. The cushion member provides improved tactile characteristics to the actuating lever, making the actuating lever comfortable to use.

Abstract: The spring rod end retention clip includes a detent head with retention arms spaced a first distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively lesser thicknesses and a snap fit prong spaced a second distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively greater thicknesses. The retention arms include tapered interior edges so that the retention arms can flex inwardly when a rod is engaged within the detent head and a panel of the range of relatively greater thicknesses is engaged by the detent head.

Abstract: An airless spray pump has a drive train is comprised of a motor having an output gear thereon which drives a combination gear assembly comprised of two gears mounted on a shaft which in turn drives a crank assembly which is comprised of a one-piece eccentric end gear molded together and mounted on a shaft which is supported at both ends to prevent cantilevering and attendant stresses. The crank assembly is offset from the vertical axis of the displacement pump in order to reduce side-loading thereon. A connecting rod is mounted via a pin directly to the top of the displacement rod of the reciprocating pump. Retainer pin clippingly retains the pin in the connecting rod and enables the pin to be removed for servicing without the use of tools other than potentially a screwdriver or other generic tool.

Abstract: A 180-degree folding support joint includes a pair of joint members each including an outer wall and an inner wall and defining an engaging slot therebetween for disposing the inner wall of the other joint member therein, wherein a frame leg is adapted to affix on each joint member in such a manner that in a folded condition, each frame leg is adapted for pivotally rotating 180 degrees from each other in order to pivotally fold the frame legs together, and in an unfolded condition, each joint member is biased against each other in order to lock up the rotation of the joint members, so as to align the frame legs with each other.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly for pivotally interconnecting a first member and a second member includes a housing defining a cavity. The housing is adapted to be coupled to the first member. The ball joint also includes a ball stud having a ball segment retained in the cavity and a post segment adapted to be coupled to the second member. An elastomer is positioned within the cavity between the ball segment and the housing. The ball segment is rotatably coupled to the elastomer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ball joint, in particular for motor vehicle steering, comprising a housing (1), a spherical mounting (2) engaged inside the housing, formed by a spherical mounting head integral (20) with a rod (2a) emerging through an opening (16) of the housing, a lower bearing (3) defining a lower supporting surface enclosing the spherical head on the housing opening side and an opposite upper mobile bearing (24) defining an upper supporting surface, said upper bearing being urged by spring (5) against the, spherical mounting head (20), so as to be able to move towards the lower bearing (24) while the spherical mounting head (20) or the lower bearing wears away, wear indicating means (7, 7′, 7″) being adapted to provide information concerning wear according to the movement of said upper mobile bearing (24) or of the head.

Abstract: A joint for metallic members including a body portion and extending portion in one member and an opening in a second member. The body portion of one member at least partially overlaps the opening in the second member to create a joined opening. A bonding agent, e.g. adhesive, is applied in the joined opening to create a strong joint relying on the sheer strength of the cured bonding agent rather than its peel strength. Slot-to-slot and tab-to-slot joints using joined openings are provided. A drum and mechanical structure constructed using laser cutting techniques on metallic plates and utilizing the disclosed joints are also provided.

Abstract: In a case where a welding of a member is performed through a friction stir welding, to restrain the generation of a clearance in a portion to be joined by the welding and to provide a joint having a good joining portion, abutting faces of members are formed with slanting surfaces. A friction stir welding is carried out from an upper portion. The welding is carried out with the slanting surfaces resisting the forces produced in forming the welding bead. Since the slanting surfaces are provided, a flow-out of the material in the welding bead can be restrained, and further a bending of the joining portion can be restrained. Further, a tab is arranged at a beginning end and a finish end of the welding and then the welding is carried out starting at one tab and ending at the other tab.

Abstract: A transducer mounting device comprised of a monolith of moldable material overlying and supporting a self-tapping screw at one end for coupling to a target such as a machine casing or bearing housing and a fabricated insert at an opposite end for mating with a monitoring transducer. In a further preferred form a transducer mounting device is comprised of a preform including an internal cavity overlying a magnetic component, an adhesive interposed between the magnetic component and a target such as a machine casing or bearing housing at one end for magnetically and adhesively bonding said preform to the target and a threaded member disposed at an opposite end of the preform for mating with a monitoring transducer.

Abstract: A deformable panel member is provided for absorbing the energy of a moving object impacting the panel member. The panel member is adapted to be connected to a rigid member and has a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls extending between and interconnecting the front and rear walls. A support member in panel member extends between and interconnects at least two of the walls. The side walls are adapted to be angled relative to the rigid member in a direction of movement of the object when the panel member is mounted to the rigid member. An impact on the panel member will tend to deform the panel member toward the rigid member in the direction of movement of the object. This deformation allows the panel member to absorb the energy of the object for decelerating and redirecting the object subsequent to impact. An energy absorbing barrier is also provided comprising a plurality of the panel members mounted at spaced intervals along the rigid member.

Abstract: A water circulation apparatus for desratifying a body of water such as in a lake or reservoir is disclosed. Broadly, the apparatus (1) comprises ducting in the form of a draft tube (2) having an upper end (3) positioned towards the surface of the body of water and a lower end (4) positioned towards the bottom of the body of water, and a pump assembly (5) for pumping water through the tube (2). Broadly, the pump assembly (5) comprises an impeller (20) having six to fourteen blades (21) having a diameter of 3 m-5 m driven by an electrical motor. Typically, the apparatus (1) also includes a support in the form of a platform (13) mounted on buoyancy elements (12). Water enters the draft tube (2) through the upper end thereof and is pumped outwardly through the tube (2) and out through the outlet spaced above the bottom of the body of water.

Abstract: An assembly for forming a trench comprising a frame having two elongated members that define a support surface and at least one opening. The assembly also includes a removable grate that is disposed on the support surface and includes a hook that is disposed proximate the opening defined by the elongated frame members. The assembly also includes a removable pin that is slidably inserted through an opening defined by an elongated member and is mechanically engaged by the hook of the grate to secure the grate to the frame.

Abstract: A headwall structure constructed of lightweight reinforced composite and incorporating a rigid polymer concrete core in selected portions, for use with standard culvert or drainage pipes in infrastructure water management systems in substitution for conventional concrete headwalls. The headwall structure has a vertical back wall with an integral spigot or pipe stub surrounding a central orifice. The pipe stub is preferably cross-sectionally dimensioned and configured to be identical to a selected standard pipe section end so that such pipe section can be connected to the pipe stub without an adapter. A tray is joined to the lower edge of the back wall. A pair of outwardly flared sidewalls are joined to the back wall and to the tray. Angled brace panels extending from the sidewalls to the tray reinforce the sidewalls. The tray, sidewalls and brace panels define the water channels. Front and side brace panels define a recess into which earth enters and against which earth bears to provide stabilization.

Abstract: A liquid remediation system is disclosed comprising a reaction chamber having an inlet in communication with a source of liquid. A pump directs the liquid through the reaction chamber. A reactive medium, that chemically reacts with a contaminant is dispersed throughout the reaction chamber. At least one discharge loop may direct the liquid back to the source from the reaction chamber after the liquid has undergone a level of remediation. Also disclosed is a method of remediating a liquid. In the method a reaction chamber is provided, having an inlet in communication with a source of liquid. The liquid is directed through the reaction chamber by a pump. A contaminant in the liquid is chemically reacted with a reactive medium that is dispersed throughout the reaction chamber. The liquid is then directed back to the source from the reaction chamber through at least one discharge loop after the liquid has undergone a level of remediation.

Abstract: A method for reducing frictional loss in unlined tunnels or other tunnels with a rough wall surface and/or irregular cross section. A flexible or rigid pipe with a cross section similar to or somewhat less than the largest circular open cross section of the tunnel is introduced into the tunnel and attached continuously or at certain points to parts of the tunnel wall. Apparatus for ensuring that a superpressure occurs within the pipe relative to its outside during flow are also introduced.

Abstract: A foundation comprising one or more layers or mattresses of tires, and a fill material provided within and/or between tires of each of the mattresses. The fill material is preferably a relatively coarse aggregate and provides a porous bed having relatively high drainage capacity. The lowermost mattress is cloth which is designed to allow the passage of water across the lowermost mattress whilst preventing the ingress of relatively finer material into the fill material and which can otherwise lead to degeneration of the foundation. At least some of the tires typically also have an upper sidewall removed therefrom.

Abstract: A system for the determination of pile parameters includes at least one structure for measuring pile data. The structure for measuring pile data is disposed within a measurement range from a pile. A wireless transmitter is communicably connected to the structure for measuring pile data, the wireless transmitter for transmitting the pile data to at least one remotely located receiver. Pile data is preferably encoded in the transmitted data signal. The remotely located receiver is communicably connected to a device for determining at least one pile parameter from the pile measurement data. A method for driving piles includes the steps of wirelessly transmitting pile data to at least one remote receiver, determining at least one pile driving process parameter from the pile data, and driving the pile using the determined pile driving parameter.

Abstract: A mortar composition, curable by frontal polymerization after heat initiation, is described, wherein are contained a) at least one polymerizable monomer and/or at least one curable resin, b) at least one polymerization initiator, which can be activated and/or released thermally at a temperature above 30° C., for the polymerizable monomers and/or curing accelerator for the curable resin and c) optionally at least one filler, the nature and amount of polymerizable monomer or curable resin and polymerization initiator or curing accelerator being selected so that a polymerization front velocity of at least 10 cm/min results after the polymerization is initiated, as well as a method for fastening tie bars, reinforcing steel or the like in solid substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for sending bottle caps to a remote elevated location has a first hopper for temporarily storing bottle caps. The first hopper receives a supply of bottle caps. A feeder has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the feeder is coupled with the first hopper to receive bottle caps. A second hopper for receiving bottle caps from the feeder is situated beneath the lower end of the feeder. A tube is coupled to the second hopper to receive the bottle caps. A vacuum pump has an input coupled to the tube and an output for delivering the bottle caps at the remote elevated location.

Abstract: A deburring tool capable of removing burrs and placing chamfers on circumferential edges surrounding both front and back side openings of a borehole, wherein the tool includes an elongated cylindrical arbor, a resilient arm section, and a replaceable cutting insert. In use, the rotating deburring tool is steadily advanced in a forward axial direction until the replaceable cutting insert encounters the circumferential edge of a front side opening, whereby the tool removes any burrs and creates a chamfer on that opening. Continued forward axial movement causes the replaceable cutting insert to retract within the arbor such that the tool continues through the borehole without damaging its interior surface. As the tool emerges from the back side opening of the borehole, the replaceable cutting insert is again allowed to extend out of the arbor and into a deburring position.

Abstract: A hollow milling tool which is adjustable through a wide range of cutting diameters while maintaining a constant radial rake angle, constant axial rake angle, constant axial clearance angle, and a constant radial clearance angle. The tool includes at least one slot, and preferably three or more slots, disposed at a negative axial rake angle with respect to the centerline of the tool for receiving and mounting a cutting member. Each slot intersects the front axial face of the tool at a location ahead of a plane including the centerline of the tool. A cutting member is a holder for a formed carbide cutter insert. The insert is mounted in the holder such that the forward face of the insert forms an angle with the forward surface of the insert holder which is at least equal and opposite to the negative axial rake angle of the slot so that the face of the insert has either zero or positive axial rake.

Abstract: A spindle tension testing kit designed to allow mill operators to quickly and easily determine the gripping or holding force of the coupler and drawbar assembly on a spindle against the tool holder used with a milling or other machine using this method of tool retention. In one embodiment, the kit includes a tool holder, an upper frame member, a transfer rod, a clevis member, and a modified pull stud, and a hydraulic piston. The upper frame member threadingly connects to the transfer rod that is longitudinally extended into the central bore formed in the tool holder. The frame member includes a central opening with a lower horizontal member designed to receive a clevis member. The clevis member is a U-shaped member disposed in an inverted, longitudinally aligned position over the lower horizontal member on the frame member so that its legs are adjacent to the top surface of the tool holder when assembled.

Abstract: A machining device (6) for machining a workpiece by relatively rotating the workpiece and a tool (1) which comprises a revolving shaft (8) held for rotation on its own axis that is parallel with the center axis, a main shaft (4) that is eccentric with respect to the center axis of the revolving shaft (8) and that rotates on its own axis that is parallel with the center axis of the revolving shaft (8), the main shaft having either the workpiece or the tool (1) mounted on the front end thereof, and rotation drive mechanisms (M1, M3) for rotating the revolving shaft (8) and main shaft (4) at different rpm's.

Abstract: A tool holder unclamp mechanism for a milling machine eliminates compressive forces upon the coolant seals conventionally installed in integral tool and workpiece coolant systems for such machines. The present mechanism is particularly well adapted for installation in Haas and similar milling machines, and comprises a conventional Deublin union modified for installation atop the drawbar actuating piston of the machine, with the drawbar actuating mechanism imparting its forces peripherally around the concentric Deublin union. The Deublin union includes an internal coolant bypass, thereby eliminating coolant leakage past the conventional seal location and into the spindle bearings. As the carbide coolant seals between non-rotating and rotating components are contained within the Deublin union, no impact forces are imparted to those seals during tool change operations when the present invention is installed in the machine, thereby greatly prolonging seal life and reducing seal and spindle bearing replacement.

Abstract: A highway trailer carrier has a support base, front and back lift braces attached to the support base, and at least one trailer support attached to the support base for supporting part of the trailer. The support is attachable to the trailer and collapsible so that it does not interfere during loading and unloading. The support base further has wheel wells and anchors for securing the trailer to the support base. Both the support base and the lift braces include mounting fixtures for securing the carrier to other carrier(s) and/or cargo containers, for instance, using a stacking device(s) with twist locks that engage and lock onto the mounting fixtures.

Abstract: A movable container lock slides into and out of position laterally and is held in a secure position by the combination of longitudinal and lateral stop blocks coacting with a gravity lock and is further tethered to be moved from one selected position of a vehicle to another so that the need for multiple locks can be minimized and flexibility in selection of containers sizes for lading can be maximized.

Abstract: The present inventive relates to a quick-detachable device for attaching ropes thereto, including a first rope with a hooked end and a second rope with a plain end. The device includes a hollow body having a front opening, a clasp and a chuck both received in the hollow body. The clasp has a ring operable to be turned outward from the front opening of the body for hitching the first rope thereto, while chuck has a first jaw and a second jaw operable to be moved outward from the front opening through the ring for holding the second rope therebetween. In addition, a first actuator is provided for controlling the outward turn of the ring of the clasp from the front opening, and a second actuator is provided for controlling the outward movement of the jaws of the chuck from the front opening. The actuators have respective buttons available from a front face of the hollow body for operating the actuators.

Abstract: A device for securing to a surface of a container for restraining cargo within the container. The device comprises a receptacle and a pair of lateral flaps disposed about the receptacle for engaging the surface. The receptacle includes a base and defines a cavity for receiving an end of the elongated support member. Each lateral flap has a rear side for engaging the surface and a front side. Desirably, the receptacle includes a pair of opposed first walls defining the cavity and extending generally perpendicular to the opposed first walls, and the lateral flaps are associated with the opposed first walls. The receptacle may include a ramp wedge adjacent the channel for facilitating engagement of the elongated support member with the device. The device is secured to the surface of the container by the elongated support member and, if desired, an adhesive tape or other fastener may be associated with the rear side for engaging the lateral flaps and surface of the container.

Abstract: A tension indicator for use with a fastener that is formed from a stack of conical washers confined in the stack by a cage having a longitudinally extending slot formed therein provides readily discernible visual indication of tension or loss of tension in the fastener joint. The indicator includes a body configured for receipt over the stack of conical washers. The body can include at least one stanchion extending inwardly of the body from the interior surface to define a stanchion end longitudinally spaced from the body end. At least one detent extends inwardly of the body and is longitudinally spaced from the body end. When the stack of conical washers is placed under tension with the uppermost washer in a planar condition, the stanchion lies adjacent the uppermost washer at the interior region.

Abstract: A fastener including a body and a looking pin is disclosed. The fastener body includes an apertured base and conjoined flexible arms extending from the base and defining a passage therebetween. The locking pin is arranged for movement relative to the fastener body along a predetermined path of travel and within the aperture and the passage defined by the flexible arms. The locking pin has a predriven position and an extended driven position. A resilient lock is provided in conjunction with the fastener body and resiliently extends into the predetermined path of travel of the pin, when said locking or drive pin is in the predriven position, thereby inhibiting movement of said locking pin toward said driven position. The lock remains in position to inhibit inadvertent linear shifting of the driving pin until the flexible arms are inserted through an opening in an article with which the fastener is arranged in operable association.

Abstract: An interlocking shim system having interlocking grooves and teeth. The interlocking shim does not require extraneous tools for the process of installation. The system also includes magnets for placing a shim pack in an uneven environment. Since the interlocking shims can be attached to each other through the interlocking groove members the user can manipulate a connected shim pack, by removing the first interlocking shim. There is also a magnet system in the present invention for aligning the bottom shim in mechanical applications without having to scribe the position for correct placement. The shims interlock for easy removal of shim packs.

Abstract: Sealant is applied onto or into a folded-seam closure of a metal can. Instead of introducing sealant into the U-shaped lid flange and drying, according to the invention the compound or sealant is applied to the base flange, the base of the metal can being dipped into a current of fluid sealant or at least brought into contact with it at the surface. This substantially improves the precision of dosing and the exact amount of applied sealant.

Abstract: Ends for cans are made in a single press, eliminating the need for separate shell and conversion presses, balancers, track work, and other equipment, as compared to existing can end manufacturing systems, while reducing floor space and capital investment requirements for installation of a new can end line. A sheet of end material or stock is introduced into the press and fed to a series of work stations. The sheet is maintained in a substantially continuous and void free state as the work stations perform forming operations on the sheet of material to form one or more ends therein. After the forming operation is complete, the end is ejected from the press. The maintenance of the sheet of material in a substantially continuous and void free state permits precise movement of the sheet through the press, and registration of the sheet relative to the tooling in the press.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for transporting a joint of pipe between a position adjacent a pipe storage rack and a rig floor elevated above the pipe storage rack is provided. The pipe handling apparatus includes a support frame, substantially horizontally disposed platform supported by the support frame having a pipe receiving groove formed therein for receiving the joint of pipe, a carriage member, and a pusher member. The carriage member is movable from a lowered position wherein the joint of pipe which is positioned in the pipe receiving groove of the platform is supported in a substantially horizontal position and a raised position wherein the carriage member supports a first end of the joint of pipe at an elevated position relative to an opposed second end of the joint of pipe. The pusher member is movable along the pipe receiving groove between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A bale lifter (5) suitable for lifting bales of hay etc. onto a vehicle (1). The bale lifter (5) includes a bale holder (6,7), the movement of which is prescribed by a transporting mechanism (9,12,15 and 18) so that a bale impaled by prongs (6) may be rotated onto the chassis (2) of a vehicle. When a bale (8) is just above the chassis (2) of a vehicle a release mechanism (16, 17 and 21) is actuated to allow the bale lifter (7) to rotate about a pivot point (11) to facilitate the removal of the prongs (6) from the bale.

Abstract: Access to the interior of a substrate storage pod in which substrates such as semiconductor wafers are stored is gained using an access device provided within a micro environment enclosure. The access device has a telescoping enclosure door which serves to control access to the interior of the storage pod from the interior of the enclosure. A pre-aligner is mounted to the enclosure door, and substrates are passed through the pre-aligner as they are retrieved from the storage pod. The pre-aligner detects and adjusts the orientation of the substrates as necessary for processing. The level of the pre-aligner is incrementally adjusted to match that of a current substrate by incrementally adjusting the level of the enclosure door.

Abstract: Bi-directional magazine and trays are disclosed. The bi-directional magazine and trays are used in double-picker automated storage library in which the double-pickers can never collide. The bi-directional magazine enables a double-picker to retrieve storage cartridges from either side of a magazine. The bi-directional magazine includes a tray for supporting a storage device removably mounted in a magazine, the storage tray being removable from a first end of the magazine and from a second end of the magazine, opposite from the first end. The storage tray may include a plurality of such storage trays. Each tray includes an engagement configuration on opposing ends of the tray for engaging with a picker mechanism for allowing the picker mechanism to pull the tray from the magazine at the first end or the second end of the magazine.

Abstract: A wheelchair system for transferring a handicapped person onto an automobile seat includes a wheeled chassis whose front end is rolled beneath an automobile door opening, a horizontally extending base member, and a rotatable mounting mechanism for the base member. The rotatable mounting mechanism includes a first actuating linkage and a first driven member therefor. The wheelchair system also includes a chair supporting frame located centrally of the chassis and removably mounted on the base member. This chair supporting frame includes an adjusting mechanism for vertically adjusting a support thereof. A handle assembly is removably mounted to the chassis and includes a second linkage for rotating the first driven member. This second linkage includes a removable driving member which removably connects to the first driven member as the handle is removed and connected to the chassis, and a second driven member at an opposite end thereof.

Abstract: A lift dolly is provided for lifting and transporting stand-mounted power tools and the like, with little effort. The dolly includes a pair of platforms and a wheel system having at least three castors extending downwardly from the platforms. The dolly is designed such that one step onto a latching or locking mechanism by the operator causes the wheel system to be forced downward relative to the stand thereby slightly lifting the power tool and stand off of the ground and enabling transport of same via the castors. Another step on the locking or latching mechanism disengages the wheel system and permits gravity to return the stand and tool firmly to the ground for use.

Abstract: An extendable loading floor for a motor vehicle has a supporting element which is fitted to the loading floor and can be adjusted along an associated supporting rail which extends in the pull-out direction and is connected to the vehicle. The loading floor is adjustable between a retracted position and en extended position. In order to simplify the design of a loading floor of this type, lifting apparatuses are connected to the vehicle and support the loading floor in the vicinity of the loading edge. The lifting apparatuses are designed to carry out a lift. In addition, the supporting rail rises, by a difference in level corresponding to the lift of he lifting apparatus, between a first rail section which faces away from the loading edge and in which the supporting element of the loading floor is supported in its retracted position, and a second rail section which faces the loading edge and in which the supporting element of the loading floor is supported in its extended position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a displacement device mountable on a fork lift rack for allowing displacement of a lift member in a substantially vertical direction. The displacement device has a body with at least one elongated opening having its longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, a pin moveably received in the opening, and at least one coupler for connecting to the fork lift rack. A coupler of the fork lift member can be connected to the pin. Accordingly, the lift members can be inserted under an object that is placed on an inclined surface without having to tip the entire fork lift rack.

Abstract: A boom and boom cylinder quick coupler includes a body defining at least one bore about a transverse boom pivot axis, and the bore is adapted for selective alignment with a transverse bore defined in an associated boom. A first transversely extending open recess is defined in the body about a first transverse axis that is parallel to the transverse boom pivot axis. The first recess is adapted for selective receipt of a first pin affixed to an excavator. A second transversely extending open recess is defined in the body about a second transverse axis that is parallel to the first transverse axis. The second recess is adapted for selective receipt of a second pin affixed to the excavator. A boom cylinder quick coupler can also be provided.

Abstract: An implement support frame or holder is mounted to an end of a boom for swinging about a horizontal, transverse axis. A pair of transversely spaced, tapered locating pins are mounted to a horizontal, transverse member of the support frame. The pins are each provided with a front surface that is curved on a radius about the transverse pivot axis and a gradually tapering rear surface. The pins are symmetrical about a fore-and-aft extending vertical plane with the curved forward surface acting to aid in guiding the pins into circular receptacles provided in an upper rear horizontal member of the implement.

Abstract: An adjustable coupling connector apparatus for accommodating a range of mating excavator couplers. The connector apparatus includes two parallel bars upon which an excavator coupler clamps. One of the bars is fixed in position to risers extending from a connector base. Each end of the other bar is attached to a point off center of a circular plate so that as the plate is rotated, the bar moves laterally relative to the bar axis. The plates are rotatably positioned in holes in the risers, and captivating side plates are welded to the risers for covering a portion of each plate, securing the plates from movement parallel to its axis but allowing the plate to rotate. Holes in the circular plates and side plates are provided, and a bolt is placed through each of the side plates and circular plates for securing each circular plate in a fixed position.

Abstract: A wafer transferring robot capable of restraining the vibration of wafers during the transfer. The robot comprises a rotating base (2) rotatable on a base (1), two horizontally extensible robot arms (3A, 3B) arranged laterally symmetrically to each other on the rotating base (2) and comprising first arms (32A, 32B), second arms (33A, 33B), and third arms (34A, 34B), respectively, and chucks (4A, 4B), fixed to the third arms (34A, 34B), respectively; wherein the lower surface of the second arm (33B) of one robot arm (3B) is higher than the upper surface of the wafer (WA) held over the third arm (34A) of the other robot arm (3A) via the chuck. Accordingly, the rigidity of transferring parts can be so enhanced that the vibration of wafers (WA, WB) can be prevented.

Abstract: A wafer handling device includes a platform having a plurality of movable grippers. A driver is mounted on the platform and selectively couples to at least one of the plurality of grippers to selectively move at least one of the plurality of grippers with regard to the platform. The driver may be magnetically coupled to at least one gripper to move it between a first proximal position and a first distal position. The driver may be mounted on the platform with a track assembly that effectuates a linear magnetic propulsion field to move the driver between the first axial position and the second axial position.

Abstract: An object-carrying system for facilitating object transportation over various ground or floor surfaces includes a transport frame and a hoist means, which transport frame is adapted to be carried by a user such that articles loaded onto such frame may be easily transported. In a particular embodiment, the transport frame may be removably attachable to an object-carrying means for improved transportation of such object-carrying means over various ground or floor surfaces.

Abstract: A pick and place device includes a lift head and a build platform. Both the lift head and the build platform include flexible aprons. An item layer is constructed on the build platform and the lift head is moved into position over the build platform. By slipping the lift head apron under the layer while concurrently pulling from under the layer the build platform apron, support for the layer passes from the build platform to the lift head. The lift head then moves to a place site and the lift head apron is pulled from under the layer and the layer falls from the lift head onto the place site. Under one form of the device, the layer may be constructed directly upon the lift head apron and then moved to a place site and deposited thereat by pulling the lift head apron from thereunder. Tower configurations illustrated define a vertical column of space including a layer pre-build table, layer transport and layer stacking occurring therewithin.

Abstract: For increasing the rate with which a workpiece is treated in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method and thereby lowering for coating treatment exposure of the coating to ion impact, there is maintained a non-vanishing dust particle density along the surface to be treated with a predetermined density distribution along this surface. The density distribution may be controlled by appropriately applying a field of force substantially in parallelism to the surface to be treated and acting on the dust particles entrapped in the plasma discharge.