Abstract: A dry sump lubrication system for a four cycle engine is disclosed. The dry sump lubrication system has at least two lubricant storage chambers. A first lubricant storage chamber stores a first volume of lubricant. The first lubricant storage chamber may be located in a lower part of the crankcase. A second lubricant storage chamber is an oil tank and stores a second volume of lubricant. The oil tank may be secured to the output end of the crankcase. The first lubricant storage chamber is capable of storing at least 30% of a total volume of lubricant within the dry sump lubrication system.

Abstract: A lubricant tank for a lubrication system of a snowmobile engine includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is enlarged relative to the lower portion. A recess is defined on an engine side of the lubricant tank by a lower surface of the upper portion and a lateral surface of the lower portion. The recess accommodates a protruding portion or component of the engine. The tank also comprises a sloping surface that extends between the upper portion and the lower portion inside the tank. Lubricant is returned in the upper portion and transferred to the lower portion through a zigzag flow path.

Abstract: An HMT apparatus (T) is mounted on a vehicle (A). In the HMT apparatus (T), input rotational force from an engine (13) is once divided into two systems which are then transmitted by an MT device (23) and by an HST device (24) respectively and are re-synthesized for transfer toward wheels (12) and (16). The HMT apparatus (T) is disposed on the vehicle-body right side of the engine (13) which is sideways-mounted on a vehicle body (1), and its input and output shafts (25) and (26) are disposed in parallel with a crank shaft (13a) of the engine (13) and are disposed to run parallel with each other. The input shaft (25) is coupled directly to the crank shaft (13a) and an input gear (27) of the MT device (23) is mounted on the input shaft (25), and a hydraulic piston pump (30) of the HST device (24) is connected to the right side end of the input shaft (25).

Abstract: A small vehicle features a drive system that directs power from an engine unit to at least one driven wheel. The driven wheel is connected to a half shaft. The half shaft is driven by a ring gear. The ring gear is driven by a pinion gear. The pinion gear is connected to a longitudinally extending drive shaft. The pinion gear is axially adjustable along the rotational axis of the drive shaft relative to the ring gear. The pinion gear is not substantially axially adjustable relative to a cover member the partially defines a gear housing. The cover member is adjustably secured to the balance of the gear housing through a shim. The shim can be exchanged for varied shim sizes to effect proper meshing between the pinion gear and the ring gear.

Abstract: A transmission control system, such as for a self-propelled, walk-behind lawn mower, is provided for controlling first and second hydrostatic transmissions in which each one of the transmissions has a hydraulic dump actuator and a brake actuator. The transmission control system includes a control lever and a linkage. The linkage is engaged with the control lever, the hydraulic dump actuators, and the brake actuators of the first and second hydrostatic transmissions. The control lever and the linkage have a drive position which place both of the hydraulic dump actuators in a drive mode, a neutral position which place both of the hydraulic dump actuators in a neutral mode, and a brake position which place both of the brake actuators in a brake mode. The transmission control system can have a shift slot pattern which defines the drive, neutral, and brake positions of the control lever.

Abstract: In a drive system for tandem axles a prime mover (1) drives a reduction gear (2) in the housing (4) of which one differential (6), service brakes (7) and planetary gears (8) are situated. The output of the reduction gear (2) is connected, via universal shafts, in an easy manner with the drive train of the tandem housing (3). It is thus possible to situate the tandem housing (3) in the vehicle chassis (10).

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a rack shaft having a rack of gear teeth formed at one end portion thereof and an externally threaded screw formed at a portion thereof excluding the toothed one end portion, a pinion meshing with the rack, a ball-screw mechanism having a nut threadedly engaged with the screw via balls, and an electric motor having a hollow motor shaft extending around the rack shaft and connected to the nut such that an assist torque generated by the electric motor is transmitted from the motor shaft via the nut to the rack shaft. The nut is disposed between the rack and the electric motor. This arrangement ensures that the electric motor and the electric power steering apparatus can be assembled easily and efficiently.

Abstract: A transmission ratio variable mechanism (100) varies a transmission ratio between a steering amount of a steering wheel (2) and a turning amount of wheels (7). The transmission ratio variable mechanism (100) includes an input shaft (3) transmitted with a rotational force of the steering wheel (2), a housing (102, 103) unitarily rotating with the input shaft (3), an output shaft (4) connected to wheels side, a motor (160) fixed in the housing for transmitting the rotation to the output shaft (4) via a speed reduction device (150), and a reverse input blocking device (180) for always transmitting a rotational output from the motor (160) to the output shaft (4) and for always blocking a rotational input from the output shaft (4) to the motor (160).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rack assist type electric power steering system, and in particular to an improved rack assist type electric power steering system which is capable of decreasing a processing section of a ball screw by improving an installation position and structure of a ball screw, protecting a connector and sensor of a motor assembly from a heat source and preventing any interference of parts due to a drooping of a rack bar. The system according to the present invention includes a rack bar, an input shaft, a rack housing, a torque sensor which surrounds an upper surrounding portion of the input shaft and is fixed to an upper portion of the rack housing; a second rack housing which surrounds the straight line section of the rack bar and contacts by a bush inserted into an inner diameter portion of the same, and a motor assembly.

Abstract: A stethoscope is described. The stethoscope includes a head assembly, an ear piece assembly, and a tubing assembly. The tubing assembly has a first end connected to the head assembly and a second end connected to the ear piece assembly. The tubing assembly includes a first acoustic chamber and three insulation chambers. The insulation chambers include a first material having a first density and are disposed around the first acoustic chamber. The tubing assembly also includes an outer layer, which includes a second material having a second density. Moreover, the outer layer is disposed around the insulation chambers. In another embodiment, the outer layer is substantially frictionless and the tubing assembly is flexible. In yet another embodiment, the stethoscope further includes a second acoustic chamber and the insulation chambers are disposed around a portion of the first acoustic chamber and a portion of the second acoustic chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for suppressing muzzle pop and/or crack in a Paintball Marker, (also known as a Paintball gun), or other compressed gas gun with an outer shell which connects to a proximal end cap with centered opening to be secured to a muzzle of a Paintball marker by an attachment piece, and a distal end cap with an centered exit opening. An internal structure that is centered along the longitudinal firing axis of the apparatus, between the proximal end cap and distal end cap, and being the bore for the proximal end opening for accepting the paintball marker barrel, and the distal exit opening in the center of the distal end cap for the exiting Paintball. The attachment piece and internal structure will accept a wide range of production paintball barrel diameters, as well as be self centering and aligning along the longitudinal firing axis of the apparatus.

Abstract: For the safety and convenience of personnel working on upper portions of a blowout preventer stack (10), a work platform (25) is supported at the midheight of the stack. The platform has a main support structure (26) which is affixable to central connection flanges in the stack. Auxiliary support members (33) are releasably affixable to arms (27) of the main structure, and to them are releasably affixable separate personnel support deck units (38). Guard rails (42) can be connected to the deck units. The platform is modular for easy mounting and demounting to the stack. The platform's main support structure (26) can be a long term element of the stack if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the rungs of a ladder to securely hold a bucket and other accessories. The apparatus is readily detachable from the ladder rungs for movement along the ladder. The apparatus includes engagement members for gripping the ladder rungs and a spring for biasing the engagement members against the ladder rungs. The apparatus may have a pivotable arm to which a variety of accessories may be attached.

Abstract: A cable is installed in a guide tube by means of blowing (and, optionally, synergetic pushing) and lubricating the cable during this installation. Lubricating the cable is done after the cable has passed the cable blowing equipment and hence takes place in a pressurized airflow passage. A hollow chamber filled with foam-plugs saturated with lubricant forms the cable lubricator. To avoid buckling, cable guide blocks are placed, which also divide the lubricator in different sub-chambers, each with its own foam-plug and content of lubricant. The airflow, needed to propel the cable during blowing, can bypass the lubricator.

Abstract: A method and system for providing advertising effectiveness searching capabilities, predictive modeling capabilities and usage mining in a location-based services system is disclosed. During operation of the location-based services system, usage information for advertising campaigns placed on the location-based services system is stored. Advertisers are provided with the ability to enter a search request form on a remote terminal to mine the usage information. The search request is then transmitted to an application that searches usage information to generate a response to said search request.

Abstract: An elevator system (1) includes a guide rail bracket (10) attached to a single hoistway wall (20). Car guide rails (5) and counterweight guide rails (6) are fixed to the bracket (10). The counterweight guide rails (6) are positioned in between the car guide rails (5) so that the counterweight (11) can translate therebetween. The elevator car (8) is supported by rope (4) and sheave (2, 3) members coupled to a traction drive (16).

Abstract: A method and equipment is provided to allow a stuck elevator lift cage to be moved in situations when the lift cage and passengers is in weight equalization with the lift counterweight. With the lift's safety brake dis-engaged and the lift drive unactuated, the drive brake is released and an additional force is applied to the lift cage from a source external to the lift drive to move the lift cage to a position for passenger evacuation. The additional force may be applied through a cable pull connected to the limiter cable of the elevator's speed monitor system.

Abstract: A brake actuation assembly for a vehicle is actuatable to apply and release tension to one or more elements that connect to a brake system of the vehicle. The brake actuation assembly includes an electrically powered brake actuator, a manually operable control, and a manual brake actuator. The electrically powered actuator includes a motor with a driveshaft for driving connection with the elements. The motor is actuatable to rotate the driveshaft in a brake-applying direction to apply tension to the elements and in a brake-releasing direction to release tension to the elements. The manual actuator includes a handle and a cable. The manual actuator is movable between an operative position wherein the cable connects the handle to the driveshaft to enable rotation of the handle to rotate the driveshaft in the brake-applying and brake-releasing directions via the cable, and an inoperative position wherein the handle is disconnected from the driveshaft.

Abstract: A surge brake actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes an actuator housing and a coupler housing movably engaged within the actuator housing. Upper and lower coupler slide channels formed from a plastic material are releasably connected to the coupler housing and contact the actuator housing. The plastic coupler slide channels reduce frictional loss and provides superior brake actuation output when the coupler housing retracts into the actuator housing during braking. The surge brake actuator includes a push rod assembly that also provides superior brake actuation output to the actuator and can engage the actuator during a breakaway event. The surge brake actuator includes a releasably engagable reverse lock that prevents brake actuation while the towing vehicle moves in reverse.

Abstract: A non-contact electric power supply system for a rail-guided vehicle includes a main line having fixed rails for guiding the vehicle. A movable rail body is provided for changing the course of the vehicle moving along the main line. A first high frequency power supply apparatus supplies electric power to the main line along an electric feed line. A second high frequency power supply apparatus supplies electric power to the movable rail body along an electric feed line. Portions of the electric feed line on the movable rail body may be fixed in place.

Abstract: Hydraulic control system for a vehicle transmission connected to an output shaft from a hydraulic torque converter (1) with a hydraulically operated disc clutch for locking the torque converter and which has two hydraulically operated disc clutches for shifting. The control system has a low pressure circuit (30) with a low-pressure pump feeding fluid through the torque converter, and a high pressure circuit (34) with a high-pressure pump (35), which feeds fluid via valves (38) to the disc clutches. The high-pressure pump has variable displacement, which is regulated by the operating pressure of the disc clutch of the torque converter, so that the high-pressure pump is set to a lower displacement when this last-mentioned clutch is engaged than when it is disengaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for operating an automated change-speed gearbox of a motor vehicle. The control device of the change-speed gearbox communicates via signals with a control unit of an anti-block control system. To allow particularly comforatable operation of the change-speed gearbox, the invention envisages that, as a function of signals from the control unit of the anti-lock control system, the change-speed gearbox is set to a neutral position, an appropriate gear ratio is determined and this gear ratio is engaged.

Abstract: A power transfer system is provided and equipped with a torque transfer coupling which includes a stage 2 clutch and a clutch actuator. The clutch actuator includes stage 1 and stage 2 ball ramp actuators as well as a stage 1 clutch operably positioned between the ball ramp actuators to operatively engage the stage 2 clutch and vary the frictional engagement thereof.

Abstract: The provision of a one-way clutch having a high strength and a small size and manufactured significantly readily. The one-way clutch includes a casing for supporting a rotating shaft, and a clutch mechanism provided inside the casing. The clutch mechanism allows the shaft inserted in the casing to slide in the casing when the shaft is rotated in one direction and locks the sliding of the shaft when the shaft is rotated in the other direction. The casing 22 include a laminate of a bottom plate member 23a and a plurality of intermediate plate members 23b. Each of the plate members has a press-fit recess 31 extending on one surface, and a press-fit height 32 which extends on the other surface and is press-fitted into a corresponding press-fit recess 31 of an adjacent plate member.

Abstract: Starter motor systems are described, wherein the systems include a unidirectional clutch system that cooperates with a pulley system to start an internal combustion engine through the front-end accessory drive system. The starter motor systems are especially well suited for new, high fuel efficiency automobiles in which the engine is shut down (e.g., when the automobile stops) and subsequently started (e.g., when the accelerator pedal is depressed).

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a motor vehicle includes a retainer assembly having an upper and lower portion separable by a separating member. The separable member causes the retainer assembly to contract in response to movement toward a released position. Contracting the retainer assembly in the release position provides for additional clearance between the friction discs and flywheel without a corresponding increase in the length of travel of the retainer assembly. The guide member is stationary relative to the retainer assembly and cooperates with the separating member to cause the retainer assembly to expand and contract during movement to engage and disengage the clutch. Additional movement of the retainer assembly increases clearance to between the flywheel and friction discs without corresponding increase in retainer assembly travel to minimize clutch drag.

Abstract: The synchronizer for a manual transmission ensures a spline-aligned during the coupling of the sleeve to the clutch gear. This prevents collision between the sleeve and the clutch gear and improves shifting motion.

Abstract: An electronic controlled coupling including a wet-type multiple disc clutch, a coupling case, a hydraulic chamber, an oil pump, an electric motor, an electric control unit, and a supply passage for supplying hydraulic pressure. The coupling case accommodates the wet-type multiple disc clutch and contains oil. The oil pump driven by the electric motor is connected to the coupling case. The outlet of the oil pump is connected to the hydraulic chamber of the wet-type multiple disc clutch with the supply passage therebetween. The electric control unit controls the speed of rotation of the electric motor through a motor driver so that the pump discharge pressure is equal to an operating pressure required for the wet-type multiple disc clutch. The electronic controlled coupling performs a complete coupling mechanism increasing the durability as a coupling and a compact and simple structure enhancing the flexibility in designing.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator (10) has a first disconnect mechanism (20) and a second disconnect mechanism (35) wherein either mechanism can be used to cause the output drive of the operator to be disengaged from the movable barrier to allow the movable barrier to be manually moved. In one embodiment, the second disconnect mechanism (35) is located distal to the operator itself such that the disengagement mechanism can be operated from an area external to the operator.

Abstract: A clutch actuator unit comprises a housing (8, 9), a screw mechanism and an actuator head which at one end engages the screw mechanism (1, 2) and at the other end has an actuating end (18), which actuator head (16) can be displaced in axial direction by the screw mechanism upon driving the screw mechanism. The actuating end (18) of the actuator head (16) is displaceable in transverse direction with respect to the screw mechanism as well.

Abstract: A sintered selector or sliding sleeve, or gear shift sleeve, has internal claw toothing. The individual teeth are delimited on their ends with secondary surfaces having ends that extend radially inward and outward from the root circle of the inner tooth surfaces. The novel geometry of the secondary surfaces extending radially outward from the root circle provide advantages in the manufacture of such selector sleeves by powder metallurgy, compared with those having prior art tooth geometries.

Abstract: A shift locking apparatus for an automatic transmission includes a lock cam connected to a shift lock cable and a key lock cable, respectively. The lock cam is positioned between a latched and unlatched state depending on an engaged or disengaged state of the brake pedal. A shift lock pin cooperates with the lock cam via the shift lock cable to lock or release the shift lever in or from a ‘park’ position.

Abstract: A shift lock mechanism for an automatic-transmission operating device includes a base bracket having a side wall with a window hole, a lock member rotatably supported to the outer face of the side wall of the base bracket, a hook formed with the lock member and being able to move into and out of the base bracket through the window hole, and an abutment formed on the shift lever and engaged with the hook in the height direction of the base bracket.

Abstract: A currency validator includes a currency counter, a plurality of cameras, an image processor, a comparing processor, and a threshold processor. The currency counter counts multiple currencies including a test currency. Each of the cameras is located at a unique angle from a characteristic area on the test currency. The cameras record and output multiple images of the characteristic area. The image processor crops and reduces the recorded images. The comparing processor compares the processed images with corresponding references. The comparing processor then outputs the results as error matrices. The threshold processor compares the error matrices with corresponding threshold matrices. The threshold processor then outputs a validation result for the tested currency based on the comparison.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is a need for removal of the controller assembly from its stored location within the escalator pit for the purpose of working on the escalator or the escalator controller itself. The risk for human injury associated with this removal can be eliminated through the use of the present invention, that of a power driven ejection device for the automatic removal of the escalator controller from the escalator pit, with the main components of the automatic ejection device being the mounting base/guide tube, the drive system, the carriage, the main attachment pin and the controller attachment bracket, the automatic pivoter and the optional latch and manual release.

Abstract: An accumulator having a general U-shape includes two parallel endless belt conveyors, communicating through an endless belt conveyor with semicircular trajectory borne by a mobile carriage driven by a translation movement parallel to the parallel conveyors. The accumulator for guiding (20, 21, 22, 23) the upper side of the endless belt (5) of the first conveyor (4) adapted to lower the downstream part of the upper side located beneath the semicircular conveyor (10). The lowering places in the same plane, the transport plane of the first conveyor (5) and the transport plane of the semicircular conveyor (10). The guide is simultaneously mobile with the carriage (16) for manoeuvring in translation the semicircular conveyor (10) so that the downstream end of the transport plane of the first conveyor (5) should follow the displacement of the upstream end of the semicircular conveyor (10).

Abstract: Apparatus for indexing glassware through a series of angularly spaced stations includes first and second arrays of glassware gripping fingers mounted on associated carriers that are rotatable about a common axis, both conjointly and with respect to each other. Each carrier is connected to as associated servo motor, which in turn are connected to a controller for rotating the carriers with respect to each other to grip and release glassware between the fingers, and to rotate the carriers conjointly to index the glassware between apparatus stations. One array of glassware gripping fingers includes coil springs for biasing the fingers toward the fingers of the opposing array for accommodating tolerance variations in the glassware. Drive rollers are located at at least some of the stations, and are pivotal into and out of positions for rotating the containers about their axes for inspection or other purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for container alignment, comprising a transport device (1), for the containers (6), with pivoting arm pairs (2, 3) with pivoting arms (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b), arranged on each side of the transport path, the pivoting arm pairs (2, 3) being arranged in an opposing manner. The pivoting arm pairs (2, 3) may be synchronously driven and the pivoting arms (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) each have the pivoting axis (4, 5, 6, 7) at one end thereof and the free other end can swing out essentially into the middle of the transport device.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the spacing between discrete articles having at least one linear motor disposed radially from a central axis, and a pick-up disposed proximate to the linear motor. The at least one linear motor is capable of adjusting the radial position of the pick-up with respect to the central axis so that an article is transferable from a first surface to the pick-up, the at least one linear motor adjusts the pick-up radially from the central axis, and the article is transferable from the pick-up to a second surface.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus that is composed of a first plurality of zones. The zones are capable of being separately driven in order to accumulate or transport cartons. A sensor is disposed within each zone for sensing the presence of a carton within the zone, and an actuator allows movement of the sensor between an up position wherein the sensor is capable of contacting the cartons and a down position wherein the sensor is not capable of contacting the cartons. The actuators are adapted such that when the conveyor switches from an accumulation mode to a transportation mode each actuator provides a signal to an adjacent, upstream zone to begin conveying cartons only when the zone senses the absence of a carton within the zone. A novel method for using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and software product for moving bulk materials effectively through a path gate in a distribution system provides at least two independently operable conveyors aligned in series such that the end of the first conveyor is adjacent to the beginning of the second conveyor with a pass gate positioned downstream of the two conveyors. In cases where the bulk material has formed into a cohesive block, the first conveyor is operated to bring the block near the second conveyor. Then, the first conveyor is slowed or stopped while the second conveyor is operated at a higher speed than the first conveyor. This action causes the portion of the cohesive block adjacent to the second conveyor to topple or break down, thereby breaking down the cohesiveness of the block and directing a portion of this toppled bulk material forward onto the second conveyor. Then, the second conveyor urges this portion of the bulk material toward the downstream path gate.

Abstract: A reciprocating slat conveyor is composed of laterally spaced apart movable conveyor slats (10) and fix conveyor slats (12) laterally between the movable slats (10). The movable slats (10) are clamped to transverse drive beams (56) by clamp structure that includes an upper clamp member (62) and a lower clamp surface (70) carried by the transverse drive beam (56). Bottom flanges (66, 68) on channel members (60) are clamped between the clamp member (72) and the clamp surface (70). The channel member (60) is connected to a central portion (32) depending from the movable slat top wall (14, 16). Portions (30, 32) carry bottom members (34) having side portions (36, 38). The side portions (36, 38) are in contact with lower bearing surfaces (42, 44). The top wall members (14, 16) of the conveyor slats (10) rest on the upper portions of the bearings (28, 30). An apron (84) extends laterally across the rear end portion of the conveyor.

Abstract: An unloading end frame of a die-loading belt conveyor includes elements about which the belt winds at least partially during motion thereof. The elements comprise a plurality of small-diameter rollers (3) arranged consecutively to one another, each of which is supported at ends thereof by support elements (4). The small-diameter rollers (3) are arranged consecutively to one another is such a way that axes thereof form a broken line.

Abstract: A method is provided for splicing a conveyor belt having vulcanized rubber with steel strands embedded in the vulcanized rubber, comprising the steps of exposing a plurality of strands at two belt ends, and applying a vulcanizable rubber composition to the exposed strands to form a spliced joint between the two belt ends, the vulcanizable rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of rubber, and the rubber comprising from about 1 to about 40 parts by weight of a polyoctenamer.

Abstract: A conveyor system providing for convertibility of existing and new conveyor equipment, incorporating use of a double “T” slot for mounting the conveyor beam to existing equipment and/or connecting existing accessories to the new conveyor beam and for ease of conveyor chain interchangeability while providing for a robust conveyor chain assembly.

Abstract: A fully enclosed carton for containing a plurality of articles such as bottles or cans formed from a blank. The blank includes a top, a base, end flaps, a first side wall and a second side wall. The second side wall provides a strap handle and a secondary side panel which is connected to the second side wall by Z-fold arrangements. In use, the secondary side panels lie between the strap handle, generally with a printed side facing up.

Abstract: A storage package (1) contains a medical device (7) having a coated surface (8 ) which exhibits a reduced friction when wetted with a wetting liquid and a supply of the wetting liquid (9). The package is adapted such that the coated surface of the medical device is maintained contact with the supply of wetting liquid during storage. A good shelf-life for the medical device is achieved an where the medical device is a urethral catheter the catheter is immediately “ready-for-use” after the package has been opened.

Abstract: A plurality of fastening elements are arranged parallel to each other, each of the unit fastening elements having a filament section, an inserting head section equipped with a suitable engagement section at one end, and a socket section equipped with a hole for irreversibly passing the inserting head section located at the other end. The socket sections arranged on one connection bar, and the inserting head sections are arranged on another connection bar. The connection bars are closely arranged to each other so as to be oppositely disposed to each other with a predetermined length displaced to each other along a longitudinal direction of the bars. The filament section of each one of the unit fastening elements is formed in a curved configuration which is in fixed condition, so jamming is reduced when the operator couples the fastening element using a coupler gun.

Abstract: A container for storing elongated articles. The container comprises an elongated base member, a caddy member, and a lid member. The base member has upstanding side walls, a closed bottom portion and an open top portion. The caddy member has upstanding side walls, a closed top portion and an open bottom portion that may be received in covering relationship with the base member. The top portion of the caddy member has a recessed storage portion and a handle member. A lid member is received in covering relationship with the caddy member and includes an opening for receipt of the handle member therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small article case which secures a sufficient engagement strength between a plug-in body and a socket, keeps the engagement strength even if the small article case is repeatedly used, is suitable for containing the small articles, and is easy to use since the plug-in body is easily engaged with and disengaged from the socket from the outside. The small article case is composed of a socket and a plug-in body to be inserted in the socket. The socket comprises a tubular body with a bottom having front and rear wall portions and opposing side wall portions, and a pair of engagement pawl attaching openings cut in arcs from the respective side wall portions to the front and rear wall portions are provided on the bottom side thereof.