Abstract: The present invention provides a balance assembly (10) for use with a sash window assembly (104) slidable within a master frame (110). The balance assembly (10) generally includes a plate (20), at least one coil (40), and a shoe or pivot brake assembly (60). The plate (20) is adapted to be attached to the master frame (110). The spring (40) has a coiled portion (42), an intermediate portion (43), and a free portion (44). The coiled portion (42) of the spring (40) is rotatably supported by a support member (30) extending from the plate (20). The free portion (44) of the spring (40) has a curved configuration with a curved end (46). The pivot brake assembly (60) has at least one slot (76) adapted to receive and retain the free portion (44) of the spring (40). The slot (76) defines a protrusion (83) that engages the free portion (44).

Abstract: A pivot hinge for a portable electronic device is disclosed. A base plate with a pivot tube is fixed on the main unit of the portable electronic device, and a locating bracket is fixed on the movable display panel. A shaft is inserted through the pivot tube, exposing the angular section from the other end of the pivot tube. A locking piece, a spring, and a ring are sequentially inserted over the angular section to complete the spring assembly. The interlocking of the tooth and notch enables the movable display panel to be placed in the horizontal direction over the main unit. A middle section of the shaft and the pivot tube are closely mated only when two plain facets respectively formed on the shaft and the pivot tube are matched up in the rotation of the shaft, thus abrasion damage is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A device for perpendicular stratification of planary fibrous shapes, above all of fibrous web, comprising two synchronously moving elements, connected with the driving mechanism according to the invention consists in that the reciprocating moving elements are connected with their driving mechanism indirectly by the intermediary of at least one robust shaft rigidly fitted in bearings in a rigid framework of the machine, while one element is connected with the shaft rigidly or over flexible joints, and a second element is coupled by means of flexible joints with the same shaft or with another shaft. The driving mechanism can consist of one driving shaft with two crank assemblies arranged with a phase shift to one another. The flexible joints consist of flat steel springs with a width-to-thickness ratio more than 10.

Abstract: Different improvements of a spinning preparation machine are proposed to measure the fiber sliver thickness or the fiber sliver cross-section of at least one fiber sliver by means of one or several microwave sensors. One improvement is characterized by compressing means and special mechanical guiding elements that can be installed before, after and/or in the microwave sensor. It is also proposed to install a pair of conveyor rollers after a microwave sensor that can be designed in particular as an input roller pair of the subsequent drafting equipment. Furthermore, proposals are made for the calibration of the (at least one) microwave sensor.

Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises two hook portions. The hook portions each include a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the two hook portions are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The head elements of the hook elements are formed of a material that provides a change in directional orientation of the head elements. In this manner, the directional orientation of the head elements of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces.

Abstract: A buckle for belts comprises a first shell unit having a releasing piece, a second shell unit connected under the first shell unit, a locking element pivotally connected to a seat of the second shell element, and a moving element movably installed behind the locking element. When a strap-connecting element is inserted into the buckle from a front end thereof, the locking element is pushed and is pivotally rotated by the strap-connecting element to make the locking element lock the strap-connecting element. Simultaneously, the moving element is moved to support the locking element so that the state of the locking element firmly securing the strap-connecting element is maintained. When the releasing piece of the first shell unit is actuated, the moving element is cooperated by the releasing element and no longer supports the locking element to release the state of the engagement between the locking element and the strap-connecting element.

Abstract: In a texturing system with a texturing nozzle and a first drum (22) connected thereto and a further drum (23), a thread is guided on the outlet side of a texturing nozzle (10) at the circumference of a drum (22) in the form of a strip (1?) by friction and at least in part in positive manner, so that the longitudinal speed of the strip (1) at the circumference of the drum (22) corresponds with the circumferential speed of the drum in the area of the guide (220), whereby, by means of a pressure difference in an air guidance system, the effect is achieved by pressing the strip (1?) onto the surface of the drum (22). Further, the thread is guided in relation to its conveying speed and packing density, by positive and friction guidance under the imposition of air, as far as an outlet point on the first drum, and is transfered onto a second drum (23), on which the strip is cooled, extended if appropriate, and passed on to further guide or conveying rollers (22?) respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an absorbent composite from continuous tow is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes the steps of or means for spreading a crimped tow; de-registering the crimped tow; shaping the de-registered tow to a substantially rectangular cross-section; and distributing a particulate onto the shaped tow. The method and apparatus also include the step of or means for introducing a crimped tow from a bale, wherein the tow's travel through de-registering, shaping, and particulate distribution, defines a vertical plane and the bale is located off the vertical plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a strain element. In one aspect, the method of the invention comprises forming a coating film of titanium or a titanium compound on a surface of a cylindrical mold, and shaping the coating film like a coil. The method invention further comprises forming a crystal film of a strain element having a property of a piezoelectric inverse effect by hydrothermal synthesis on the coating film shaped like the coil, and removing the strain element from the cylindrical mold.

Abstract: An exchange device for grip heads comprising a plurality of clamping jaws, consisting of a carrier plate having a borehole. Pivoting arms are axially staggered in relation to the carrier plate and are concentrically arranged in relation to the borehole. The pivoting arms are articulated by a joint in such a way that they can be pivoted in a plane containing the axis of the borehole. The pivoting movement is thus carried out radially in relation to the axis of the borehole. Coupling elements are arranged on the pivoting arms, by which the exchange device can be coupled to the clamping jaws of the grip head and detached from the same.

Abstract: A leveraging tool for disconnecting a control arm from the remainder of an automotive front wheel drive suspension system. The leveraging tool includes angularly disposed first and second portions, a pivot point located therebetween, and, optionally an anchoring member attachable to the automobile. A chain, cable, or hook member attaches the second portion to the control arm. The control arm is detached when an input force is applied to the first portion.

Abstract: A canvas framing system and method for attaching canvas to an extruded aluminum frame to achieve a taut mount painting surface, including forming the frame of aluminum material, rounding selected corners and edges of the frame, temporarily securing a first portion of the canvas to the frame and attaching the canvas to the frame, preferably with staples using a modified staple gun, stretching the canvas on the frame and temporarily securing an opposing portion of the canvas to an opposing side of the frame, which is then stapled thereto, and stretching and attaching remaining portions of the canvas to the frame with the staple gun. Cross bracing can be installed on the frame to prevent bending when the canvas is stretched taut thereon.

Abstract: To align the edges of plates prior to joining them, a generally cylindrical anchor member is spot welded at one location on one of its rims to a plate. A mounting element of a clamp body member slidably engages the anchor member. A force applicator element of the clamp body member is generally laterally spaced from the mounting element. The mounting element includes a generally arcuately extended semi-cylindrical socket portion of such a diameter that it slidably and snugly mounts the socket portion thereon. The rim portions of the anchor member provide a plurality of spot mounting locations for breakably spot welding, brazing or otherwise temporarily attaching the anchor member to a plate or other substrate. At least one of the force applicator or mounting elements is adapted to the incremental application of aligning force on adjacent plates. The body of the clamp bridges between the respective plates that are to be brought into line with one another.

Abstract: A latch restraint and safety anchorage system for securing a child safety seat in an automotive vehicle behind the vehicle's seat is provided. One or more latch wires are generally mounted to a cross member of the anchorage system comprised of a pair of spatially separated legs joined at one end by a transverse latch bar. Each leg includes a tapered portion and an end portion. The end portion is exposed to allow the legs to be retained by the cross member.

Abstract: Gripping unit for automated machining of parts and device and process integrating such a unit. The gripping unit comprises a pallet (16) that supports gripping systems (18) through orientation systems (22). The pallet (16) also supports at least one control box (28) capable of activating orientation systems (22), and possibly gripping systems (18) to modify the position or orientation of the block of material to be machined when the gripping unit is placed in a machine tool (12). The control system (28) takes actions in response to orders issued by the control system (40) of the machine tool (12).

Abstract: A method for winding a stator for a brushless direct current motor, which has a stator body (9) with a predetermined number of to be wound stator teeth (3) with the stator teeth (3) respectively being wound with two coils (W1, W3; W2, W4) which are magnetically coupled and which facilitate by supply of current with variable directional orientation the generation of opposite magnetic fields, whereby each of the two coils (W1, W3, W2, W4) comprises a predetermined number of in parallel arranged conductors.

Abstract: A stator assembly for an electric motor includes a stator housing, an expandable flux ring inserted into the stator housing and a plurality of magnets on an inner surface of the flux ring. Overmold material is molded around the magnets in the flux ring, such as by injection molding. The pressure of the overmold material as it is being molded expands the flux ring pressing the flux ring into engagement with the stator housing. The overmold material secures the magnets to the flux ring and the flux ring to the housing. One of the flux ring and stator housing has a dimple that engages a hole in the other of the flux ring and stator housing to align the flux ring and stator housing. In an aspect, the overmold material is molded to form at least one of a commutator end or rear bearing support, front bearing support and fan baffle. In an aspect, the overmold material is molded to form a keying feature. The keying feature can be slots of different widths between magnetic poles of the stator assembly.

Abstract: A dual GMR or dual spin valve sensor has a self-pinned layer which has its magnetic moment pinned perpendicular to an air bearing surface by sense current fields from conductive layers in the dual spin valve sensor when a sense current is conducted therethrough. This scheme eliminates one of the antiferromagnetic pinning layers which is typically employed in a dual GMR or dual spin valve sensor. The self-pinned layer is thin so that its demagnetization field will not be greater than the sense current fields acting thereon. Because of the thinning of the self-pinned layer the spin valve effect of the spin valve sensor is degraded by scattering of conduction electrons at the boundary of the self-pinned layer.

Abstract: A GMR read head is described. The device comprises a spin valve stack whose top layer is a first capping layer. On the first capping layer are two additional layers, a lead overlay layer and a second capping layer. These are divided into two opposing portions, separated from each other by a trench that is filled with a dielectric. A bias layer and a conductive lead layer contact the stack on its sidewalls.

Abstract: An in-line programming (ILP) system and method for programming and testing programmable integrated circuit devices (PICs) and performing the assembly of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). Printed circuit boards enter and leave the ILP system on a conveyor system. PICs are loaded into the ILP system, and the ILP system automatically programs and tests the PICs and places them onto the PCBs as the PCBs arrive on the conveyor. The programming and testing operations are performed by the same piece of equipment that performs the PCBA assembly operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a fixture for assembling an optical component. The fixture includes a substantially rigid base member having an upper surface and a lower surface with a base aperture connecting the two surfaces and a component mounting plate positioned on the upper surface and having an aperture formed therein corresponding to the base aperture. The fixture further includes at least one pivotally mounted component disengagement member positioned on the upper surface and being configured to disengage a component from the mounting plate and a component securing member slidably positioned on the upper surface and being configured to secure a component to the mounting plate. Additionally, a differential press screw assembly is positioned on the lower surface, wherein the differential press screw assembly is configured to press a lens into a component mounted on the component mounting plate via extension of a press nut through the base aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process and an apparatus for partially exposing conductor tracks in fully insulated laminated cables according to specifiable parameters selectable in accordance with the subsequent conditions for use. The object of the invention is to insert windows in exactly predetermined parts above/below individual/all flat conductors of a multiconductor flat cable, which windows are distinguished by clean and accurate contours and furthermore ensure good positional stability of the conductors. The flat cable (1) is first fed to an apparatus and fixed on it in such a way that an individually feedable and individually movable peeling tool (5) can be coordinated in a defined manner with each flat conductor, both from above and from below, which peeling tool effects first an incision in the insulation layer, then peeling off down to the flat conductor and finally separation of the chip (10).

Abstract: A method for reducing the impedance of a reference path in a printed circuit board includes forming a printed circuit board having a plurality of conductive layers including first, second, third, and fourth layers. The printed circuit board includes two or more vias interconnecting two or more of the conductive layers. A first via is part of a signal path configured to carry a signal from the first layer to the second layer. A second via is part of a reference path configured to carry said signal from a third layer to a fourth conductive layer. The method further includes embedding an electrical component, such as a capacitor, in the second via between two of the conductive layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating known good semiconductor dice are provided. The method includes the steps of: testing the gross functionality of dice contained on a semiconductor wafer; sawing the wafer to singulate a die; and then testing the die by assembly in a carrier having an interconnect adapted to establish electrical communication between the bond pads on the die and external test circuitry. The interconnect for the carrier can be formed using different contact technologies including: thick film contact members on a rigid substrate; self-limiting contact members on a silicon substrate; or microbump contact members with a textured surface. During assembly of the carrier, the die and interconnect are optically aligned and placed into contact with a predetermined contact force. This establishes an electrical connection between the contact members on the interconnect and the bond pads of the die.

Abstract: A plastic package base, an air cavity type plastic package, and their manufacturing methods, which are capable of realizing the advantages of a ceramic package in that it has a compact size, makes less noise, and is highly thermally resistant, are provided.

Abstract: A method of mounting a component on an electrode on a board. Mounting coordinates for mounting the component are calculated. A determination is made of printing positions where solder for the component is situation on the electrode. The printing positions of the solder are stored. Mounting position data for where the component is to be mounted on the solder is prepared based on the previous steps. The component is mounted using the information gathered in the previous steps.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, a laser beam propagates directly through bulk material of a TAB tape or base, to heat and form a bond between electrical leads formed on the base and aligned contact bumps. In another form, a chromium seed-metal layer is formed on a TAB tape or base, and leads are in turn formed on the chromium; the chromium absorbs a laser beam to heat the leads. In both forms, an optical fiber preferably presses copper leads and gold bumps together with over 300 g force, without aid by a gas stream—and then also conducts the beam to the bond site, forming a bond of shear strength over 200 g. Also preferably gold contacts are plated on the leads; and the method makes an inkjet printhead—with the bumps formed on a die or other printhead component, and nozzles formed through the base.

Abstract: A liquid mixture containing a liquid polymeric material and a granular filler is injected into a mold (11) for centrifugal molding and subjected to centrifugal molding, thereby preparing a cylindrical body including a homogeneous dispersion layer (2) having the filler homogeneously dispersed in the polymeric material and a high-density packed bed (1), formed on the outer peripheral surface side or on the inner peripheral surface side of the homogeneous dispersion layer (2), containing the aforementioned polymeric material more densely filled with the aforementioned filler. The high-density packed bed (1) is removed for exposing the surface of the homogeneous dispersion layer (2). According to this structure, the yield of the elastic cylindrical body can be improved.

Abstract: A utility knife has a handle and a replaceable blade fixed to the handle. The blade has a cutting edge extending from the handle along an axis for a distance. The utility knife includes a movement mechanism, which may be at least partially enclosed by the handle. The movement mechanism is adapted to provide reversible motion along relative to the blade. A shield is connected to the movement mechanism and disposed adjacent to the blade, whereby the shield is movable between an extended position covering the cutting edge and a retracted position exposing the cutting edge. When in a retracted position, the shield may be inside or closely adjacent to the handle, so as to not interfere with handling of the knife.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item, fabricated primarily from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. The plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using traditional injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of solid metal cutlery or tableware. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded from a light-transmitting grade of Polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the surfaces.

Abstract: A head for a string trimmer machine includes a housing member having a central axis. The housing member is adapted for attachment to a string trimmer machine and includes a serpentine guide path in the housing for a length of trimmer line, with the guide path being located in a plane including the central axis of the housing and terminating in exit openings on opposite sides of the housing.

Abstract: A rectangular transparent sheet 15 is printed with black dotted density patterns 21 and 22. Each dot of the patterns 21 and 22 is 30 ?m in size while dotted area occupied rates of the patterns 21 and 22 range from 3% to 45%. The density patterns 21 and 22 are used for density level assessment of unevenness on a flat panel display device as standard references. Such density level assessment is carried out by comparing the unevenness with the patterns 21 and 22 or by visual inspection with the latter placed on the former.

Abstract: A manipulator of a compass for drawing a circle or a compass-cutter for cutting an object in circular configuration is provided with a mechanism for transmitting the force from the user's hand only in one direction. With such the construction, a user can smoothly draw a complete circle at 360 degree, or can cut a paper, a cloth and so on in circular configuration, without re-pinching the manipulator during operation, in a manner for a ratchet which is a commercially available tool.

Abstract: Device for determining the size of a blind void comprises an elongated rigid rod, an actuator slidably movable relative to the rod, the actuator having a distal end for insertion into the void, a distal flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod, a second flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod and proximally removed from the distal flexible element. Movement of the actuator is operative to cause equal movements of the distal end portions of the distal and proximal elements, to cause the distal element to bulge outwardly from the rod to engage interior walls of the void and to cause the proximal element to bulge outwardly in a configuration duplicative of the distal element bulge, the proximal element being outside of the void and subject to observation.

Abstract: A goniometer includes a base, a compound member supported by the base, a light-directing element operably mounted on the compound member, optically connected to a coherent light source, and disposed toward an optical filter, a first actuator disposed along a first axis and operably coupled to the base for translating the light-directing element along a first arcuate path disposed in a first plane; and a second actuator disposed along a second axis and operably coupled to the compound member for translating the light-directing element along a second arcuate path disposed in a second plane, wherein the first plane is orthogonal to the second plane, and wherein the first and second axes are co-planar, for directing coherent light at an angle that is normal to the optical filter.

Abstract: The invention is a foot measurement apparatus suitable for mailing to individuals. The measurement apparatus includes a base with a scale, a first abutment attached to the base, and a second abutment that is movably-attached to the base. In an assembled configuration, the first and second abutments extend outward from the base and contact the foot to measure, for example, the length or width of the foot. In a collapsed configuration, however, the first and second abutments collapse against the base in order to decrease the size of the measurement apparatus, thereby facilitating mailing.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed that measures the angular orientation of one surface to another. The device consists of two frames with defined measuring points. The relative distances between the points are measured and then used to determine the angular orientation of the surfaces relative to each other. The measuring method is adapted for the accurate measurement of very small angular differences. The frames can be adapted to measure the angular orientation of many surfaces that are otherwise difficult to measure. The device is particularly suited to measuring small parallel angular differences between two rolls.

Abstract: A gas hot air gun includes a main body, an ignition device, a switch set and a safety switch. The main body includes a blower, a nozzle, a barrel and a handle. A heating chamber and a mixing chamber are on the inner front of the barrel. A gas can is inside the handle. One end of the nozzle is connected to the gas can. The switch set includes a power switch, with the safety switch closing power of the battery set or gas flow of the gas can under some pre-set conditions. Users press the power switch and have gas spray out from the nozzle into the heating chamber to generate heat. The blower sends hot air in the heating chamber out of the main body. A metal slice regulating the direction of air and a catalyst for avoiding flame extending out of the nozzle area are inside the heating chamber.

Abstract: Interconnecting substrates used in the manufacturing of microelectronic devices and printed circuit assemblies, packaged microelectronic devices having interconnecting substrates, and methods of making and using such interconnecting substrates. In one aspect of the invention, an interconnecting substrate comprises a first external layer having a first external surface, a second external layer having a second external surface, and a conductive core between the first and second external layers. The conductive core can have at least a first conductive stratum between the first and second external layers, and a dielectric layer between the first conductive stratum and one of the first or second external layers. The conductive core can also include a second conductive stratum such that the first conductive stratum is on a first surface of the dielectric layer and the second conductive stratum is on a second surface of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A laundry drier and control method thereof are provided, by which a new reference voltage is set to perform a next drying procedure if, upon a determination of a completion of a current drying procedure, there is a difference between a voltage representing a sensed level of water content (moisture) present in laundry and a sensed-moisture value at the end of the drying procedure, thereby compensating for the presence of contamination on and around the electrodes of a moisture sensor. The laundry drier includes a heater for performing a drying procedure; a moisture sensor for sensing a level of moisture in laundry during the drying procedure and outputting a voltage signal; a memory for storing a reference voltage value and a voltage value according to the sensed moisture level; and a microcomputer for controlling the heater based on the voltage signal output of the moisture sensor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to cushioning systems for athletic shoes that can be adjusted by a wearer. The systems include one or more cushioning inserts having anisotropic properties and are lockable in place in the shoe sole. The systems may also include structural support elements that provide additional stability and support to the wearer's foot. The wearer can adjust the degree of cushioning by rotating the insert within the shoe. The wearer can also remove the insert and replace the insert with a new and/or different insert.

Abstract: Scrap material having both a thermoplastic polyurethane and a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol is recycled by blending the scrap material into a thermoplastic polyurethane composition and preparing a barrier membrane from the blended material. The virgin thermoplastic polyurethane and the thermoplastic polyurethane of the scrap material are polymerized using at least about 60 percent by weight, based on the weight of the polyurethane produced, of a polyester diol having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 500 and having from four to five carbon atoms between substantially all of the ester [—O—C(?O)—] groups. The blend material containing the virgin thermoplastic urethane and the scrap material is formed into a layer of a barrier membrane. The resulting membrane has a haze of no more than about 12%.

Abstract: A shoe sole is described that provides both cushioning and stability. The sole has a plurality of layers, including a transition layer which allows relative motion between the layers adjacent to the transition layer. The relative motion between the layers of the sole reduces the impact of horizontal shear stresses on the wearer's feet and ankles. One such transition layer includes pliable material and deformable holes within the pliable material. Another transition layer includes at least two rigid plates held together by less rigid grommets or sidewalls. The transition layer may be disposed beneath the entire shoe or only portions of the shoe, with either a more conventional sole structure or rigid support members completing the sole.

Abstract: A shoe cleat includes a cleat receiver with a cleat engaging section, a cleat including a receiver engaging section suitably dimensioned and configured to releasably engage with the cleat receiver, and a latch member suitably dimensioned and configured to releasably engage with the cleat engaging section and the receiver engaging section. When the cleat engaging section, the receiver engaging section and the latch member are engaged with each other, the cleat is releasably secured to the cleat receiver. Upon securing the cleat to the cleat receiver, the cleat is limited or substantially prevented from rotationally, laterally and axially moving with respect to the cleat receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding element for a shoe sole. The sliding element includes an upper sliding surface and a lower sliding surface, wherein the lower sliding surface is arranged below the upper sliding surface so as to be slideable in at least two directions. The upper sliding surface can form a lower side of an upper heel cup and the lower sliding surface can form an upper side of a lower heel cup, wherein the upper heel cup and the lower heel cup have corresponding substantially spherical shapes. Complex multi-dimensional sliding and cushioning movements between the upper sliding surface and the lower sliding surface are made possible by the corresponding three-dimensional shapes of the two substantially spherical surfaces.

Abstract: A lightweight, adjustable snowplow, able to be lifted, carried, and manipulated by one person (adult or teenager) of normal strength, designed to remove new-fallen or otherwise soft snow or slush. It has a minimum number of parts. A plurality of struts attaches the plow to any kind of towing vehicle, providing horizontal stability. No brackets, hitches, or lifting devices are needed on the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A gripper to hold a fish upright during hook removal has a pliers-like body. This body includes a first member having an outer handle portion joined to an upper jaw portion and a second member having an inner handle portion joined to a lower jaw portion. The lower jaw portion is pivotally carried in an opening between sidewalls of the upper jaw portion. Bottom edges of outer segments of the upper jaw portion sidewalls have tooth-like abrasions. These abrasions mate with like abrasions on a top wall of a swivel element pivotally attached to the lower jaw portion. When the handle portions of the gripper are squeezed togther so that the jaw and swivel element abrasions compressively engage a lower jaw of a fish, downward movement of the swivel element is inhibited by a locking action between complementarily formed offsets on a bottom surface of the swivel element top wall and on the lower jaw portion.

Abstract: A collapsible fishing accessory apparatus including an accessory support having a plurality of accessory stations and a base. The accessory support collapsibly attaches to the base allowing a user to move the accessory support from a collapsed position to an operational position. Additionally, the fishing accessory apparatus dimensionally adjusts for use in various boat and shore fishing situations.

Abstract: A vertical plant stand that is free standing or can be supported by burying its lower end in a base plant pot or in the ground. Pots can be angularly stacked along a central elongate member or hook style appendages can protrude from the central elongate member to mount tilted plant pots. Multiple vertically and/or radially spaced-apart appendages can be included to mount tilted pots like tree branches. The stand can also be configured for mounting a table top to the stand for making an end table, coffee table or other table design. Instead of a table top, a top plant pot may be provided at the upper end of the central elongate member.

Abstract: A device for the delivery of nutrient solution to plants, comprised of an air-lift pump and a vessel which surrounds a portion of the air-lift pump. The vessel is of adequate size and shape to contain a supply of nutrient solution for operation of the air-lift pump. The vessel is replenished with nutrient solution from another, larger source of nutrient solution (external reservoir) with tubing, pipe, or other means of fluid communication. This device allows an air-lift pump to be supplied with nutrient solution, while attenuating plant roots, growing media, and other matter, thereby increasing air-lift pump reliability. Also, this device makes possible the operation of air-lift pumps at a variety of locations relative to a nutrient solution reservoir.