Abstract: An improved belt retractor assembly for use in a seat belt safety mechanism having a frame, a belt spool rotatably mounted on the frame, a pawl mounted for rotation with the spool, the retractor assembly including a calibration plate for mounting on the frame and a ratchet wheel mounted on the calibration plate by interference fit for engagement with the pawl. During an accident event, the belt retractor assembly will allow the spool to dispense belt webbing when the belt load goes above a predetermined range, thus allowing an occupant to incur lower overall loads.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for a portable electronic device case including: a sheath portion capable of sheathing a portable electronic device, wherein the sheath portion includes at least one window that allows a user to interact with the portable electronic device; and a cord-winding portion capable of being integrated with the sheath portion, the cord-winding portion capable of receiving a cord portion of an accessory for the portable electronic device, wherein the cord-winding portion is capable of maintaining the cord portion in a substantially stable and a substantially tangle-free disposition, and wherein the user may continue interaction with the portable electronic device while the cord portion is stored in the cord-winding portion. Thus, cord storage encasement of the electronic device, and interaction with electronic devices are achieved in a convenient manner, which simplifies rather than complicates portable electronic device operation.

Abstract: Buff tapes for smoothing the surface of a magnetic disk substrate are produced by using a slitting device to receive a mother tape having a backing film with a polishing layer formed on its surface and slitting it longitudinally. A guide roller is provided for guiding these buff tapes from the slitting device to take-up rollers for individually winding up the buff tapes and a compression roller serves to compress the buff tapes onto this guide roller with a wiping tape in between to contact the buff tapes from the side of the backing film. The wiping tape is advanced while contacting the buff tapes at a specified depending on the feed speed of the mother tape and the compressive pressure between the guide roller and the compression roller such that 50% to 80% of loose particles of 0.3 ?m-5 ?m in size can be removed.

Abstract: A belt reeler has a reeling nip (7) formed by a reeling core (6) or a growing machine reel (4) and at least one endless supporting member (3) traveling at least via a first wire guiding roll (1), and a second wire guiding roll (2). Several parameters of the belt reeler are adjusted simultaneously to adjust the reeling process, of which parameters at least the first parameter and the second parameter are one of the following: web tension (P1), wire tension (P2), distance of the machine reel from the wire turning roll (P3), depression of the wire/machine reel (P4), surface draw (P5, P5?, P5?), and peripheral force (P6).

Abstract: A method for producing logs of paper comprises: feeding a continuous paper web along a fixed path; transversely perforating the paper web such that the paper can be subdivided into various lengths and detached by tearing; feeding tubes such that a preset number of sheets are wound onto said tube to form a log, the tubes being guided in a tube-guiding channel extending between a tube-feeding station and a log-forming station, the channel being delimited in part by a fixed guide and in part by a roller for feeding the paper; and applying glue within the channel such that the last sheet is glued to the log being formed and the paper web is glued to the next tube.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser that is configured to retain and subsequently dispense a plurality of toilet paper rolls. The toilet paper dispenser further includes a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls that are configured to create a container that is generally rectangular in shape having an interior volume. Contiguously mounted to the front wall proximate the upper portion of the container is a door hingedly mounted to allow access to the interior volume for loading of toilet paper rolls. An access flap is mounted generally beneath the door contiguous with the front wall and is hingedly mounted to provide access to the interior volume for retrieval of depleted toilet paper rolls. The access flap further includes a slot that is configured to dispense sheets of toilet paper from the adjacent toilet paper roll substantially disposed within the interior volume of the container.

Abstract: A combination toilet paper dispenser with replaceable fragrance comprises an upstanding elongated decorative container of suitable dimensions for storing a plurality of regular or jumbo size toilet paper rolls stacked one on another defined by a peripheral wall with a base portion at a bottom end, the peripheral wall and base portions are of the same color print with a pattern to coordinate with the container and cover portions and a removable decorative cover portion of the same dimensions is at an open top end of the elongated container to permit insertion and removal of toilet paper rolls. The cover portion comprises a void to hold a fragrance-emitting device with a releasable attachment to replace the fragrance-emitting device when dried out and when attached permits the attachments and the fragrance-emitting device to be hidden from view.

Abstract: A system for dispensing paper hand towels comprises a universal frame installed in a fixed location, a first modular paper towel dispenser detachably mounted on the universal frame, and a second modular paper towel dispenser having a dispensing mechanism distinct from a dispensing mechanism of the first modular paper towel dispenser. The second modular paper towel dispenser may be detachably mounted on the universal frame in place of the first modular paper towel dispenser. In another embodiment, a damaged modular paper towel dispenser may be replaced with another modular paper towel dispenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for constructing, operating, and marketing a vehicle that is alternatively adaptable for controlled, powered operation on the ground as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or in the air as a powered parachute, or for controlled, powered operation on both the ground and in the air as a flying ATV. On the ground, the vehicle is configured for controlled, powered operation over both smooth and rough terrain, as a true all-terrain vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of gun-launched guidance systems and to a navigation system based on inertial sensors mounted in a spinning projectile using at least one rotation sensing device with input components perpendicular to the spinning body's longitudinal axis, and an appertaining method for upfinding. The phase of the sinusoidal angular rate as detected by a phase-locked loop or correlator is used to determine the local vertical orientation. This invention may be used to align the inertial navigation system in spinning projectiles in ballistic trajectories, which can include artillery shells, satellites or underwater torpedoes.

Abstract: A system for slowing an air vehicle, including an independently supported aerodynamic drag device designed so that, after contact is made between the flying air vehicle and the aerodynamic drag device, one or more parts of the aerodynamic drag device are carried along by the air vehicle thereby decelerating the air vehicle, so that a majority of a kinetic energy dissipation of a combination of the air vehicle and the aerodynamic drag device is due to an aerodynamic drag of the aerodynamic drag device

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that rotate a first member about a first point relative to a chassis, wherein the first member is rotatably coupled to a second member at a second point. A second member is counter-rotated at a ratio of the rotational speed of the first member wherein the second member is rotatably coupled to the third member at a third point. The third point is translated in response to the counter-rotating second member in oscillatory motion along a path. The third member is pivoted at a third point and fluid is moved in response to the motion of the third member. A force is applied to the chassis due to the interaction of the third member and the fluid.

Abstract: An aircraft attack interdiction system using an unmanned interdiction aircraft piloted using a remote control system. In-flight refueling system, weapons launcher systems and intelligence gathering equipment are mounted on the interdiction aircraft. A remote flight control operator to remotely fly the interdiction aircraft can be based on a remote flight control commander aircraft that can be flown at safe distances from targets that are attacked by the interdiction aircraft.

Abstract: A blended wing aircraft reduces forward, aft, and sideline flyover noise and heat energy by reflecting it upward using the wing and vertical stabilizers positioned just outboard of the engines. The engines are located on top of the wing and forward of the trailing edge of the wing with the aft portion of the engines located over the wing. The nozzle exit perimeter is increased and shaped to increase shear and create vortices to move noise generation over the wing to cause the noise to be reflected upward off the wing and upward off of the canted vertical stabilizers. Engine thrust reversers cause the forwardly mounted engine's thrust to be directed toward the front of the aircraft in such a way as to create a download forward of the main landing gear to also secure the front landing gear.

Abstract: The fuselage according to an exemplary embodiment is conceived in such a way as to prevent the spread of flames produced by a source of fire and acting on the fuselage from outside the aircraft environment. The fuselage concept takes into account materials or material combinations that will scarcely allow protection of the cabin area of an aircraft (upon emergency landing) to be violated by flames spreading from outside the aircraft environment, which may facilitate an evacuation of passengers from the aircraft. An aircraft fuselage, whose fuselage structure, in addition to other structural elements that are components of the mechanical strength bracing of the fuselage and help absorb its forces, encompasses an exterior skin consisting of various respective materials, which are designed to be resistant to shear, and incorporated as a bearing element into the mechanical strength bracing to absorb and transfer the forces and torques acting thereupon.

Abstract: An aircraft wing that may be used in large transport aircraft comprising a first wing portion that, in use, forms an inner portion of an aircraft wing, and is attached to a readily replaceable second wing portion comprising a wingtip. The second wing portion may be readily replaceable by a third wing portion comprising a wingtip, the third wing portion having a different functionality from the second wing portion.

Abstract: A vision system and method for use on a refueling tanker to assist a boom operator in performing an airborne refueling operation on a receiver aircraft. The system includes a digital camera system, a sensor subsystem and a processing system that receives information from the sensor system and the camera system. The processing system includes video processing capability and a graphics generator that generates a two dimensional graphics symbology set that is displayed on a display terminal along with a real time image of the boom and the receiver aircraft. The graphics symbology set includes a plurality of graphic symbols that indicate the position of the refueling boom and the position of the receiver aircraft relative to a desired contact zone within which physical contact between the boom tip and a refueling receptacle on the receiver aircraft can be made. The graphics symbology set also makes use of various colors to indicate warning conditions to the boom operator.

Abstract: A vision system and method for use on a refueling tanker to assist a boom operator in performing an airborne refueling operation on a receiver aircraft. The system includes a digital camera system, a sensor subsystem and a processing system that receives information from the sensor system and the camera system. The processing system includes video processing capability and a graphics generator that generates a two dimensional graphics symbology set that is displayed on a display terminal along with a real time image of the boom and the receiver aircraft. The graphics symbology set includes a plurality of graphic symbols that indicate the position of the refueling boom and the position of the receiver aircraft relative to a desired contact zone within which physical contact between the boom tip and a refueling receptacle on the receiver aircraft can be made. The graphics symbology set also makes use of various colors to indicate warning conditions to the boom operator.

Abstract: A positioning system, device, and method are provided to facilitate the in-flight positioning of two aircraft relative to one another such that a second aircraft is guided to an in-flight refueling position relative to a first aircraft. The system, device, and method of the present invention provide a signal emitted from a positioning device carried by the first aircraft, wherein the signal defines a signal envelope containing the in-flight refueling position. The signal is adapted to be receivable by the second aircraft such that the signal may guide the second aircraft to the in-flight refueling position relative to the first aircraft.

Abstract: A modular, on-board, inert gas generating system for aircraft is disclosed in which main components such as a heat exchanger, filter, air separation module, and turbocharger are provided in a modular unit sized to provide a variable flow of nitrogen-enriched air to the aircraft spaces to be inerted. For different inert gas requirements, for example in larger aircraft, multiple modular units may be provided without redesigning the basic system. A method for inerting fuel tanks, cargo holds and other void spaces using the modular approach and turbocharged engine bleed air is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable aircraft evacuation slide system includes a primary valve, a bust disk and a valve leakage trap operatively disposed between the primary valve and the burst disk. The valve leakage trap comprises a small exhaust vent opening into a flow restriction orifice in the gas path between the primary valve and the burst disk. In operation, when the aircraft emergency exit is opened in the armed condition, the primary valve opens and pressurizes the chamber until the burst disk ruptures allowing inflation gases to pass through the flow restriction orifice to inflate the inflatable evacuation slide. Because there is a substantial pressure drop across the flow restriction orifice, the presence of the valve leakage safety vent in the orifice does not result in significant loss of inflation gas needed for inflating the inflatable evacuation slide. In the event of leakage past the primary valve, however, the valve leakage trap safely vents the leakage pressure to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of controlling attitude of a spacecraft during a transfer orbit operation is provided. The method includes providing a slow spin rate, determining the attitude of the spacecraft using a unified sensor set, and controlling the attitude of the spacecraft using a unified control law. The use of a unified set of sensors and a unified control law reduces spacecraft complexity, cost, and weight.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reaction wheel (RW) assemblies for spacecraft. The apparatus comprises a M/G coupled to an inertia wheel and a controller coupled to the M/G that, in response to commands it receives, couples power to or from an M/G of another RW assembly over a shared transfer connection (VXFR), so that one M/G acts as a generator powering another M/G acting as a motor. The controller compares generator voltage VGEN to the BEMF of the motor on VXFR and reconfigures a multi-winding M/G or steps-up the generated voltage to maintain VGEN>VXFR to maximize direct energy transfer from one RW to the other as long as possible. When VGEN declines sufficiently, the controller can couple the motor to the spacecraft power bus and/or the generator to a power dump so as to continue to provide the commanded torque if needed. Operation is automatic.

Abstract: An omni-directional aircraft with flight capabilities surpassing those of a regular VTOL or helicopter, being able to take full advantage of the simultaneous six degrees of freedom of motion possible in the atmosphere, undergoing any desired combination of translational and rotational movement, and keeping station in the air in any arbitrary attitude. In the preferred embodiment, the flying object comprises a cubic body on the six faces of which are mounted six propulsion units, such that the propellers on each pair of opposite faces are coplanar with each other and with the main axis passing through the centers of these opposite faces, and their thrusts act along the direction of another main axis, each of the three pairs of propellers acting along a different one of the cube's three main axes.

Abstract: A small, reusable interceptor unmanned air vehicle (UAV), an avionics control system for the UAV, a design method for the UAV and a method for controlling the UAV, for interdiction of small scale air, water and ground threats. The UAV includes a high performance airframe with integrated weapon and avionics platforms. Design of the UAV first involves the selection of a suitable weapon, then the design of the interceptor airframe to achieve weapon aiming via airframe maneuvering. The UAV utilizes an avionics control system that is vehicle-centric and, as such, provides for a high degree of autonomous control of the UAV. A situational awareness processor has access to a suite of disparate sensors that provide data for intelligently (autonomously) carrying out various mission scenarios. A flight control processor operationally integrated with the situational awareness processor includes a pilot controller and an autopilot controller for flying and maneuvering the UAV.

Abstract: A railway system with at least one track having at least two rails and a method for encoding data for this railway system are disclosed. Railway signaling systems are located proximate to the tract for controlling railway cars moving along the rails. The railway system also includes safety systems associated with the railway signaling systems for exchanging data between the safety systems for safely controlling the railway signaling systems. The data are exchanged bidirectionally by signal pulses, whereby digital electrical signals are transmitted via the two electrically conducting rails. For encoding the data, each data point is formed from one or more signal pulses within a predetermined cycle time which is divided into time intervals. The encoding capacity can be enhanced, without significantly increasing the complexity, by using electrical signals that contain the encoded data in each time interval in form of at least one of three different signal states.

Abstract: A railroad safety device is provided having a generally rectangular substrate, on which is disposed a plurality of indicator stripes, and at least two illuminated regions, wherein at least one of the illuminated regions is disposed at a terminal end of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bracket (110) that has at least one retainer (136) disposed on a first side of the bracket (110) and a mounting mechanism (134) disposed on a second side of the bracket (110) such that the mounting mechanism (134) grips a fluid rail (104). The at least one retainer (136) retains wires (112) adjacent to the bracket (110) and away from the fluid rail (104). The bracket (110) is disposed between the wires (112) and the fluid rail (104).

Abstract: A harness clamp tie includes a locking head and a flexible strap extending outwardly from the locking head. The strap is insertable through the locking head to form a loop that can be used at least one item. A pawl in the locking head secures the strap. Nonslip rails formed along the outer edge of the strap face and clamping rails formed on the locking head aid in securing small items. Conic friction points are formed on both sides of the strap surface to provide a mechanical grip for pulling the strap through the locking head. A mounting fastener extends from the locking head in the opposite direction. The fastener secures the tie to a mounting structure such as an aperture in a panel. The fastener includes a pair of flexible winged springs which help to stabilize the tie and hold the tie perpendicular to the panel.

Abstract: An I.V. support stand (10) includes a support section and a base (20). The base (20) includes a base body and a plurality of wheel assemblies (24), each wheel assembly including a wheel support (26) operatively mounted to the base body for pivotal movement relative thereto and at least one wheel (28) operatively mounted to the wheel support. The wheel supports are pivotally movable relative to the base body between an extended position in which the wheels rest on a support surface and retracted position, the arrangement being such that when the base is disposed on the support surface the wheels are caused to adopt the extended position and when the base is moved clear of the support surface the wheel assemblies are caused to adopt the retracted position.

Abstract: A temporary, dismountable or reusable portable post (2) for a closure (21), such as a gate, comprises a base (1) for carrying the post (2), wherein the post has at least one pivotal connector (13) for connecting to the closure (21). The pivotal connector (13) is axially adjustable along the post so that it is possible to align a pair of adjacent closures (21) even if the base (1) of one is at a different level from the other. This may be achieved by the post including a threaded bar (12) on which the pivotal connector (13) is provided.

Abstract: A rolling bracket assembly for use in transporting loads of various size and shape. The rolling bracket assembly comprises at least one base assembly. The base assembly is adapted for engagement with at least a portion of an underside of a skid and comprises a wheel assembly adapted to ambulate the load being transported. The bracket assembly may also comprise two base assemblies connected by an elongate connector.

Abstract: A leveling system for household appliances comprises appliance feet which are arranged at the underside of the household appliance and which are adjustable in height at least partly by an actuation member and therefore make it possible to adjust the height of the household appliance and/or to adapt to unevenness in floors. According to the invention, the actuation member is a traction element and the appliance feet which are adjustable in height by the traction element have, in each instance, a cylindrical housing which is fastened to the underside of the household appliance and in which there is arranged a piston which carries the appliance foot plate, and the piston has a receptacle for the height-adjustable arrangement of the shaft of an appliance foot plate.

Abstract: An automatic height adjustment leg of a laundry handling apparatus according to the present invention comprises a cylinder mounted to a base of a laundry handling apparatus; a piston movably arranged inside the cylinder; a elastic member installed in the cylinder so as to elastically support the piston; and a leg penetrating the cylinder and fixed to the piston. There are provided advantages that the horizontality of the laundry handling apparatus may be automatically adjusted as the piston and leg move on and vibration may be absorbed and reduced by the elastic member.

Abstract: An improved device for mounting and support of window air conditioning units is disclosed along with a method of installation. The device consists of two support assemblies, one located directly beneath, and another, directly above, an air conditioning unit. The lower support assembly also has additional legs that bear on the external window sill, thus providing additional load bearing capacity for the lower assembly. Each of the assemblies is anchored to the interior side of the window frame via tabs located at the ends of each assembly, and secured with self-tapping screws. Two or more vertical rod assemblies anchor the lower and upper support assemblies to each other, and provide additional support to keep the air conditioning unit from pivoting and falling out of the window, as well as serving to resist loosening due to vibration encountered during operation of the air conditioner.

Abstract: A display mounting apparatus and system can be adjusted in differing ways, separately or in combination, including tilting, panning, and translational movement vertically, horizontally, and perpendicular to the wall or other mounting surface. The apparatus comprises two mounting assemblies spaced at variable distances from each other, each assembly comprising a mounting bracket, a scissors mounting assembly attached to the mounting bracket at a plurality of points, and a tilt bracket to which the scissors assembly attaches at one point, the tilt bracket being configured to swivel around the scissors assembly attachment point. Each tilt bracket can be moved perpendicular to the wall by varying the attachment locations of the scissors assembly to the mounting bracket. A horizontal cross member is slidably attached to the tilt brackets, and vertical attachment members configured for attachment to the display at a plurality of points are slidably attached to the horizontal cross member.

Abstract: The vacuum fixer includes a hat-shaped pressing plate made of rigid synthetic resin, a disk-type suction plate made of soft synthetic resin and covered with the pressing plate, a screw shaft mounted on the upper end of the center of the suction plate and perforating the center of the pressing plate, and a screw tightening member coupled to a protruding front end of the screw shaft.

Abstract: A hanger adapted to support a wall hanging. The hanger includes a first bracket substantially T-shaped and adapted to be mounted to a wall. The T-shaped bracket includes a channel. The hanger also includes a second bracket adapted to be secured to the wall hanging. The second bracket includes a protrusion adapted to engage the channel of the T-shaped bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus intended to assist in retrieving toys and other objects that have fallen off a table and to prevent such objects from coming in contact with the ground. The apparatus comprises a bar clamp having a fixed portion and a movable portion mounted on a slide bar for clamping to a table or other flat surface. Affixed to the bar clamp is at least one attachment cord with a fastener adapted to grasp the toy or other object to be retrieved. The movable portion of the bar clamp has a trigger handle and a braking lever which work to tighten and disengage the bar clamp thus enabling a parent or other adult to fasten and unfasten the apparatus to a table or other flat surface with one hand so that the person is free to simultaneously use their other hand for an alternative purpose.

Abstract: The Ampstand is a compact device that allows a guitar amp to be leaned back, toward and past its center of gravity. The amplifier rests in this position. The resulting angle of the amplifier allows the loudspeaker to face the performer in a more direct position. Two wedged shaped feet are positioned behind the amplifier, each one positioned just inside the corners of the bottom edge. The amplifier is slightly lifted and placed into each wedge. A nylon rope extends along the plane of the floor from each wedge, and connects to the base of a dowel rod. The dowel is then angled back toward the handle of the amplifier, where a Velcro fastener at the top of the dowel is wrapped around the amplifier handle. The result is a very stable amplifier-tilting device, which is lightweight and compact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support device for a monitor for use in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which enables a user to displace a monitor easily and diversely according to his or her posture, thereby providing convenience in use. The support device comprises: a base frame rotatably mounted to the main body; a pair of arms hingedly jointed to the base frame at respective one ends thereof; a connecting member for interlocking the pair of arms, the connecting member being hingedly coupled to the other ends of the pair of arms; brackets for supporting the monitor, the brackets being rotatably connected to the connecting member; and means for maintaining the monitor stationary at a certain position by providing the arms and the brackets with a force for restraining the arms and the brackets from being rotated with respect to the base frame and the connecting member against a moment due to a weight of the monitor.

Abstract: An embodiment of an adjustable display mount apparatus and system comprises a mounting bracket for attachment to a mounting surface, a display attachment apparatus for attachment to the display, a first arm attached at one end to the mounting bracket and at the other end to the display attachment apparatus, and a second arm attached at one end to the mounting bracket in sliding engagement and at the other end to the display attachment apparatus. The arms cross each other at a pivotal cross point, enabling the arms to move relative to each other and the mounting surface, thus moving the display toward or away from the mounting surface. The first arm may articulate to enable tilting of the display.

Abstract: A stand for a display device, such as a flat-panel display, selectively accommodates mounting surfaces having disparate orientations with improved stability and durability, to facilitate viewing of the flat-panel display in either of at least two physical states of orientation as necessary or desired, specifically, with respect to both horizontal and vertical mounting surfaces.

Abstract: A system for mounting taxidermy animal trophies on mounting devices comprises a support platform having a rod protruding therefrom. The rod is a ribbed member having a large plurality of features for securing an animal mount, such as a skull, thereto. For example, the ribbed member may comprise a concrete reinforcement bar that may be sized in diameter and length according to the size of the mount. The rod uses the natural occurring or existing hole or holes in the back of the skull for support thereof. The rod may extend straight from the support platform, such as for wall mounting purposes, or may comprise a bent portion at a distal end thereof for surface display of the mount.

Abstract: An elevating transporter for lifting and transporting an object includes a base from which depends a plurality of casters for engaging a surface over which the base is rollable. An elongated post supported by the base has upper and lower ends and is externally threaded along at least a portion of its length. An internally threaded collar rotatably carried by the base includes a set of internal threads configured for threadable engagement with, and support of, the external threads of the post such that, when the post does not rotate with respect to the base, and the collar is rotated about a rotation axis with respect to the base, the post is vertically displaced toward one of an uppermost and lowermost elevation. Attached to the post is a load-bearing platform including an upwardly facing load-bearing surface for supporting an object to be elevated and transported.

Abstract: A mounting system is adapted to couple to the back side of a flat panel monitor to adjust the viewing angle of the monitor. The mounting system includes a plurality of motorized arms that are communicably link to a processor. Based on an input signal from a remote control, the processor extends or retracts each of the plurality of motorized arms to adjust the viewing angle of the monitor.

Abstract: A slide seat adjusting device for adjusting positional relation between a slide seat and a base, comprises a pair of identical adjusting blocks each having an abutting surface and a slant surface opposite the abutting surface. The slant surfaces of the pair of adjusting blocks abut against each other and have identical gradient values, the pair of adjusting blocks are slideably disposed between the slide seat and the base, the abutting surface of one of the pair of adjusting blocks abuts against the slide seat in a surface-to-surface manner, the abutting surface of another one of the pair of adjusting blocks abuts against the base in a surface-to-surface manner, and the abutting surfaces of the pair of adjusting blocks are parallel to each other.

Abstract: A picture-hanging device, method, and kit enable a user to effectively mark a select vertical location and quickly hang a picture at the select vertical location. The device comprises a hanger portion and a handle portion. The hanger portion comprises an anterior surface, an elongate hanger slot, and a hanger hook, all of which depend from the handle portion. The hanger slot extends through the hanger portion adjacent the end of the hanger portion. The hanger hook extends from the anterior surface and is designed to receive and support a picture-hanging cord and its load. The anterior surface comprises certain indicia for marking the select vertical location of a superior picture portion. Together with the hanger slot, the indicia enable the user to mark the select vertical location, after which the user may hang the picture at the select vertical location upon a fixed picture anchor.

Abstract: A clamp actuator engages a moving jaw at one end of a sliding bar. A fixed jaw is immovably mounted in opposition to the moving jaw. A lever presses a drive gate against the bar to move it forward with each stroke of the lever. Clamping surfaces are vertically staggered and engage a tree trunk or similar workpiece to clamp it in place. The action is horizontal so as to avoid interference with workpiece elements above the clamp. The clamp may be established within a basin or bowl containing water so as to accommodate a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A stand for holding and displaying a food item, such as a cupcake or muffin, includes a generally vertical trunk and at least one branch having an arm portion and a spiral portion with the arm portion connected to the trunk so that the branch extends radially outwards from the trunk. The spiral portion features coils sized to support the desert item. A base is attached to the trunk so that the stand may be supported on a generally horizontal surface. The inner coils of the spiral portion of the branch are bent downwards at an angle so that the food item is tipped for facilitated viewing.