Abstract: In a support console with a pivotable support structure for the position adjustable mounting of an apparatus such a minicomputer, a support plate is pivotally supported on a console column which is provided at an end thereof with a base receiving a suction membrane and a membrane operating mechanism is operatively connected to the suction membrane and disposed enclosed in the console column with only an operating lever extending from the interior of the console column to the outside for actuating the suction structure.

Abstract: A mailbox bracket comprises a laminar plate that is generally coextensive with a lower surface of the mailbox and has a pair of flanges for securing the mailbox to the plate. A generally cylindrical sleeve is secured to the plate and extends downwardly therefrom. The sleeve is adapted to receive a generally cylindrical post and includes an aperture for use with a bolt or pin to secure the post within the sleeve.

Abstract: A device for mounting a lamp on a stationary support has a housing and first and second pivots on the housing for securing the housing to the support for pivoting of the housing on the support about first and second nonparallel axes. A first brake on the housing can free the housing to rotate on the support about the first axis or hold it to prevent the housing from rotating on the support about the first axis. Similarly, a second brake on the housing can free the lamp to rotate on the housing about the second axis or hold it to prevent it from rotating on the housing about the second axis. A single actuating element on the housing is connected to both of the brakes for jointly displacing them between the freeing and holding positions.

Abstract: A mount apparatus for an image displaying device is provided. The apparatus includes: a set engaging unit engaged to a rear surface of the image displaying device; a fixing unit fixed to a fixed surface; an upper connecting unit engaged with an upper portion of the set engaging unit to vertically rotate with respect to the upper portion of the set engaging unit, and slidably engaged to the fixing unit, thereby vertically rotating with respect to the upper portion of the set engaging unit depending on an up and down control of the image displaying device while varying an interval between the upper portion of the set engaging unit and the fixing unit; and a lower connecting unit for connecting a lower portion of the set engaging unit with the fixing unit and engaged with the lower portion of the set engaging unit to vertically rotate with respect to the lower portion of the set engaging unit.

Abstract: A mounting system for an interface such as a flat panel display such as a computer monitor or television allows the display to be pivoted about a virtual pivot axis which passes through a center of gravity of the display. The system includes a support which is connected directly or indirectly to a support surface and a mount which is connected to a back side of the display. The support and the mount are slidable with respect to one another through an arc which has the virtual pivot axis as its center.

Abstract: A mounting device for contactlessly-operating proximity switches includes a continuous cylindrical or cuboidal recess for holding the proximity switch which is formed by at least two legs. The mounting device can also include at least one through pocket, connected to the recess, into which an actuating tool can fit. The recess of the mounting device, when in a relieved state, has a smaller diameter than the proximity switch which is to be mounted. Additionally, the recess can be spread into an enlarged state by the actuating tool being positioned into the pocket and turned.

Abstract: An adjustable tension clip selectively retains a tool. The clip includes a pair of resilient clip members positioned in spaced-apart, parallel alignment. Each of the clip members provides in sequence, from a proximal mounting end of the clip member to a distal clamping end of the clip member; a proximal planar section; a proximal C-shaped section; a medial planar section; a distal C-shaped section; a distal arcuate section; and a terminal outwardly-flared section for receiving the tool.

Abstract: This invention is a collapsible panel assembly having a front panel, a back panel, and at least one dry erase sheet carried by said front panel. The invention can have a first position where the collapsible panel assembly is generally a triangular shape and a second position where the collapsible panel assembly is generally arranged in a stacked configuration. Dry erase sheets can be removed from the front panel to reveal underlying sheets.

Abstract: A resin molding die includes: a cavity; a resin inlet through which a liquid resin to be cured is injected into the cavity; and an air vent through which air is released to an exterior space of the resin molding die during injection of the resin, the air vent being provided on an opposite side from the resin inlet with respect to the cavity.

Abstract: A mold used to form a magnetic member includes a mold body having a mold opening, a mold support that supports the mold cavity, and a mold insert. The mold insert is disposed in the mold opening of the mold body to form a mold cavity. The mold insert is coated with a coating to protect the mold body from chemical attack and abrasive wear of the mold material. The coating comprises an electroless nickel layer formed on or over the mold insert, and a chromium nitride layer formed on or over the electroless nickel layer. The mold insert can be formed of beryllium-copper (Be—Cu).

Abstract: A valve or tap for fluids comprises a body, a revolving shutter in the body between a closing position and opening position, and control mechanism for rotating the shutter. The control mechanism can be moved axially between a raised position in which it is locked angularly to the body of the valve and a lowered position in which it is free to rotate. The control mechanism may be normally held in a raised position by an elastic part. The control mechanism may include a first pin joined to the shutter and a second pin constrained in an angular direction to the first pin. The second pin may be movable in an axial direction in relation to the first pin between a raised position for locking to the body and a lowered position for unlocking from the body.

Abstract: A valve uniquely integrates ball valve and throttling valve principals, thus affording quieter stop-and-start operation. A ball held by two seat rings is rotatable ninety degrees and has a diametric bore adjustable between fully closed (0°) and fully open (90°) positions. Oppositely disposed, relative to both the ball and the valve's longitudinal axis, are two plate assemblies each describing a tortuous fluid path. Each ring has conduits communicating with an assembly's tortuous path and communicable with the bore so that, sequentially during the ball's 0° to 90° rotation: the ball seals off the conduits, no fluid passing through the valve; all fluid passing through the valve flows through the plate assemblies and conduits; some fluid passing through the valve flows through the plate assemblies and conduits, some fluid passing through the valve flowing freely; the ball seals off the conduits, all fluid passing through the valve flowing freely.

Abstract: A digital valve positioner is controlled to automatically characterize a valve to provide a linear relationship between the valve control signal and the amount of flow.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, among other things, a valve assembly that includes a body, a valve, a biasing mechanism, and a guide. The body includes a shaped cavity and the valve includes an elongated portion and a shaped valve head that has an exterior surface portion that is configured to engage a portion of the shaped cavity. The guide includes a central axis and a centrally disposed opening that receives a portion of the valve and guides the movement of the valve through at least a segment of the valve's axial motion. The biasing mechanism, which may include a spring, biases the valve head in the direction of the shaped cavity. The invention further includes a method for making a valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end. One end of the valve stem is coupled to the sleeve at a joint. The stem pivot accommodates relative axial movement of the valve stem as the sleeve slides within the fluid passage.

Abstract: A valve stem construction for a manipulable valve member used to control fluid flow through a valve. The valve stem extends externally of the valve housing for engagement by a valve handle used to manipulate the valve member between open and closed positions. The valve is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced concave splines extending longitudinally on the outer surface of the valve stem. The splines are spaced so as to maximize transmission of rotational torque while minimizing flexure and twisting of the valve stem. The spacing and configuration of the individual splines also ensure a strong mating fit with the valve handle.

Abstract: An improved valve assembly (100) includes a primary spring (142) which extends along a valve stem (144). A spring retainer (150) holds the primary spring (142) on the valve stem (144) and has a thread convolution (152) which engages a thread convolution (154) on the valve stem (144). The spring retainer (150) has a force transmitting surface (182) which engages a reference surface (184) on the valve stem (144) with a retainer preload force which is at least as great as a primary spring preload force. Shims (158–162) are provided between the primary spring (142) and the spring retainer (150) to enable a desired primary spring preload force to be obtained.

Abstract: An earth drilling machine includes a mast, a crown block assembly mounted on the mast top for providing a drilling line having front sheaves, a fast line sheave mounted to a crown block sheave for reeving the drilling line, a drawworks drum, and a traveling frame assembly a midpoint of a width of a drawworks assembly aligned with the fast line sheave. The drawworks drum has a drum axis, the front sheaves are all aligned on a front axis, the fast line sheave and the deadline sheave are both aligned on a back axis, and the traveling sheaves are aligned on a traveling frame axis. The front axis, back axis, and traveling frame axis are parallel to the drum axis. The crown cross over sheave defines a cross over axis and the cross over axis is mounted perpendicular to the drum axis.

Abstract: The apparatus is a fixture for mounting wire fence on posts. The apparatus is a channel formed with slots across the web of the channel and the slots angled into the channel walls to form finger like tabs. Holes in lengthwise flanges on the channel sides or holes in the web permit mounting the fixture on a post using screws. The channel can be constructed in long or relatively short sections. The hanging fixture can be used at the top and bottom of the wire fence with the angles of the slots reversed, so that the wire fence can be trapped between them after simple installation by merely bending the wires to fit them into the slots.

Abstract: A stanchion has three tapes arranged in spaced relation along the upstanding post for controlling pedestrian traffic. Each stanchion/post has four guide grooves that extend the entire length of the post. Each stanchion is of annular cross section having an inner or inside surface adapted to receive a cylindrical spool around which is wound the individual tape or line. The free end of each tape has a locking element of triangular configuration adapted to be received in the guide groove of an adjacent post. The spools serve to retract each tape so as to provide continuous tension in the tape that is deployed or extended between its associated stanchion and another such post or stanchion. Each tape extends through a rectangular slot provided for this purpose at vertically spaced locations along the post/stanchion. Corresponding locations in the adjacent guide grooves of each post are provided with fittings that form stops for tapes from other stanchions.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is described which can be assembled by snapping together moldable half-cap pieces about the end of a baluster pierced through by a hole. The baluster turns about spindles formed by the half-caps. The half-caps may be fixed together by press-fit mating surfaces and may be placed within a mating groove defined by a hand rail or shoe rail. The half-cap pieces and the hole are not readily apparent in a finished staircase containing the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly successfully employs pin top balusters, as well as rectangular balusters. Alternatively, a hinge assembly is described which can be inserted into the bore of an end-bored bluster, fastened to the inside of the bore, and pivotally attached to a flange suitable for attachment to a rail. The hinge assembly requires no external modification to the normally exposed surfaces of the baluster. The flange includes an H-shaped foot which may be concealed in a groove defined by a hand rail or a shoe rail.

Abstract: A child safety gate includes a flexible barrier that is retractable into a housing and extendable across a passageway to inhibit passage by a child. An electrically operable extension lock solenoid inhibits barrier extension until activated by a parent. The gate includes a motion sensor, a night light, a child monitor and an interactive audio-visual display.

Abstract: An evaporative element and clip system for supporting the evaporative element in a humidifier includes a humidifier housing having an evaporative element support and an evaporative element having a water retaining media layer and at least one support layer, where the evaporative element is attached to the support layer. This system also has a clip having at least a first and a second wall, a hook and a connecting bridge. The walls removably grip the evaporative element support by friction and are connected to each other by the connecting bridge. The hook is attached to the first wall, wherein the support layer supports the evaporative element when it is removably attached to the hook.

Abstract: An isolator apparatus is described to attenuate or isolate vibration. The isolator apparatus includes a fluid isolator assembly including a flexible diaphragm and a pressure chamber having a flow passage opened to the pressure chamber to provide a fluid spring. A floating isolator body including an elastomeric damping element is floatably interfaced with the flexible diaphragm of the fluid isolator assembly to isolate vibration.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a vehicle suspension component comprising a support housing having an aperture. A rod is partially disposed within the aperture and displaceable relative to the support housing along a line of travel. A rigid core is fixedly mounted to the rod and moves with the rod. An insulator is disposed about the rigid core between the support housing and the rigid core. The insulator has a number of portions separable from each other and separately placed about the rigid core. The portions each have interlocking sections cooperating with each other to couple the portions together and encapsulate the rigid core such that the rigid core is isolated from the support housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rate stiffening jounce bumper assembly, including a cup member having a large-headed mushroom stud which is inserted into the cup-shaped member and overmolded with an elastomeric bumper material. The head portion of the mushroom stud forms a shelf against which the bumper material is compressed such that the head portion effectively shortens the bumper spring thereby providing a stiffer spring rate to be obtained with a taller jounce bumper assembly.

Abstract: The toggle-lever clamping device comprises a box-shaped body provided with a clamping member movable between an advanced and a retracted position in which it disengages and respectively locks a work piece. The clamping member is arranged on a side of the box-shaped body and is operatively connected to a linear actuator by an articulated quadrilateral system and an intermediate toggle-lever connecting link. The clamping member extends from the box-shaped body in a substantially orthogonal direction to the linear actuator, and the articulated quadrilateral system and the intermediate toggle-lever link are constructed and arranged to transform a linear movement of the actuator into a composite racking and linear movement of the clamping member to retain and disengage a work piece.

Abstract: An improved cutting board comprising a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is bounded by a raised edge curvlinearly extending into a channel encompassing a planar worksurface. At one end the channel pools into a reservoir having a spillway with a lip extending sconce-like and coplanar with the raised edge forming a spout. The bottom side is notched serving as a handhold opposing the spout. The work surface recess that serves to decrease mass is ribbed by a lattice of intersecting walls providing a lightweight product while substantially increasing the work surface load capacity.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a post processing apparatus to load a center-folded sheet on a loading member and unload the paper sheets when a number of sheet reaches a predetermined number without damages with sheets. A Post-processing apparatus having a center folding member for making a center folded sheet by forming a folded line on a paper sheet, on which image is formed, a loading member for loading a member of center folded sheets by supporting a valley side of the center folded sheets, a supporting member for supporting a folded part or an adjacent folded part of a valley side of the center folded sheets loaded on the loading member, and a driving-means for moving the center folded sheets loaded on the loading member by moving the supporting member.

Abstract: A device comprising a dancing roller (1) and a stopping means (2) is used for establishing an imbricated stream of flat articles (4), in particular of printed products such as newspapers, magazines or brochures, from a supplied imbricated stream or stream of imbricated stacks or from a stack of the articles (4). The dancing roller (1) and the stopping means (2) co-operate with a conveying surface (3). The conveying surface (3) acts on the imbricated stream from the side of the trailing article edges. The dancing roller (1) and the stopping means (2) act on the side of the leading article edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for accumulating and delivering folded cardboard sheets includes at least a pair of stacking bases moveable along a loop including a stacking position for stacking the cardboard sheets on the stacking bases and a delivering position for delivering the pile of cardboard sheets on the stacking bases. The apparatus receives cardboard sheets fed one by one, accumulates them in a pile consisting of a predetermined number of cardboard sheets, and delivers the pile of sheets. When one of the stacking bases moves away from the stacking position, the other is moved into the stacking position so that the stacking bases alternatively move into the stacking position. Preferably, the loop has resting and ejecting positions and when one of the stacking bases moves from the ejecting to the stacking position, that stacking base ejects the pile of sheets previously formed on the other stacking base.

Abstract: An adjustable goal for use with table top games such as air hockey allows one or both players to independently adjust the width of their respective goals to increase or decrease the difficulty of an opponent to score, i.e., allows a superior player to be handicapped to facilitate more competitive game play. First and second sliding members are slidably attached to a central member. Each of the sliding members may be manipulated to increase or decrease the size of the goal opening. Each sliding member is provided with a linear gear face for engaging a gear mounted on a central member to facilitate equal expansion and contraction of the sliding members. The first and second sliding members may be positioned to selectively define a relatively larger or smaller front opening and rearward opening to compensate for different skill levels of participating players.

Abstract: An air cushion game table is provided with a storage compartment useful for stowing game pieces during periods when the game table is not being utilized. The storage compartment is additionally useful for locating keys, watches, etc., that might distract a player during game play. The air cushion game table of the invention includes a playing surface bordered by side walls and end walls. Corner members are located proximate corners of the playing surface. The corner members define a storage receptacle on an outer surface thereof. Preferably, an outer surface of the corner member is flush with exterior apron segments of the game table to present a smooth and attractive appearance. A sliding door made up of slidably mounted segments may be provided for selectively enclosing the storage receptacle. The storage receptacle is preferably sized to receive playing equipment associated with the game table.

Abstract: This invention is directed to chess pieces for playing chess, more specifically to large three dimensional game pieces that are associated with outdoor game playing surfaces in which oversize game pieces are physically moved about a board representation that the player actually walks on. Each of the game pieces has a plurality of radially positioned interconnected panel elements which are removably secured to a support base and are collapsible upon one another after use for storage and transportation.

Abstract: This invention is an educational game of suspension, balance, construction and strategy. It can be played alone or with others. An initial point of suspension support is set up. One of several ways is used to choose a particular starting game piece. The first player engages a piece in some way with the point of suspension. Play moves to the next player. That player engages their piece anywhere and any way on the suspended structure. Pieces that disengage and are no longer contiguous with the suspended structure during any player's turn become part of that player's stock. If any player successfully engages a piece without it or any other piece falling completely away from the structure then the predetermined value of that piece is added to their score. The game ends when any player runs out of all their stock. At this point all scores are compared and the highest score wins.

Abstract: A seal for a conveyor drive which has an elastomer which is compressed between a cap ring and a housing.

Abstract: A scraped surface heat exchanger includes a seal assembly between a rotating tube and the end housing. The seal assembly is removable by removing the tube.

Abstract: A layer system for the rotor/stator seal of a turbomachine, in particular of a gas turbine, is applied to a metallic component and can be run in with respect to a further component which can move relative to the metallic component, which, in order to improve the service life and run-in properties, is characterized by a bonding layer which is applied to the metallic component and a run-in coating which is applied to the bonding layer and comprises at least two layers, the first layer, which adjoins the bonding layer, being harder than the second layer, and the second layer having run-in properties.

Abstract: A roof weather strip for use in a convertible car is composed of a plurality of weather strip pieces corresponding to the folding of a sliding roof thereof. When the sliding roof is unfolded to form a roof of the convertible car, longitudinal end parts of adjacent roof weather strip pieces contact each other to define a continuously extending roof weather strip for sealing a side edge of the sliding roof. Each of the weather strip pieces has a base portion, a tubular door glass-sealing portion, and a sliding roof-sealing portion. In each of the longitudinal end parts, the sliding roof-sealing portion is formed tubular, and the tubular sliding roof-sealing portion and the tubular door glass-sealing portion are closed with end faces, respectively, which are provided in each of the longitudinal end parts.

Abstract: A closure seal for doors, hatches and the like comprising a pneumatically inflatable sealing element of generally known configuration housed in a specially constructed channel-shaped retainer. The sealing element comprises a flat, relatively stiff base portion of predetermined width and a flexible portion comprising spaced apart side walls, joined with the base, and an outer wall joining with the side walls to form a hollow expandable section. The base forms shoulders where it joins with the side walls. A retaining channel, formed of sheet metal and of generally U-shaped cross section, receives the sealing element and is formed with longitudinally spaced apart, opposed, inwardly projecting elements forming longitudinally spaced apart constrictions of slightly less width than the base of the sealing element.

Abstract: A chuck is composed of a collet sleeve, a sliding member, at least one linkage member, a collet, and a driving member. The collet sleeve includes an axial hole running therethrough and at least one opening in communication with the axial hole. The sliding member is slidably received in the axial hole of the collet sleeve. The linkage member is inserted through the opening of the collet sleeve and connected to the sliding member. The collet is inserted into the axial hole of the collet sleeve and connected to the sliding member. The driving member drives the linkage member and the sliding member to move for drawing in and pushing out the collet with respect to the collet sleeve.

Abstract: A hand cart for lifting and transporting containers that have hand grip apertures or handles in their sides or ends, or have an inverted U-shaped rim surrounding an open top end. The cart has a base with wheels rotatably mounted at respective laterally opposed ends thereof. An elongate telescoping handle secured to the base extends vertically upward therefrom and has a handgrip mounted on the top end thereof. A J-shaped hook mounted on the handle is adjustably positioned along the length of the handle and releasably connected thereto at selected heights relative to a floor surface and has an outer facing upturned portion. The handle is pivoted forwardly and then rearwardly to releasably engage the hook with the hand grip aperture, handle or rim on a proximal side or end of the container and pivoted further rearwardly to engage the base with a lower portion of the proximal side or end of the container to raise the container off of the floor surface and transport it to a desired location.

Abstract: A scooter is described herein having control cables for use in guiding the scooter. In the preferred embodiment a cable is used to straighten the rear wheels which are connected in tandem and a steering column with a t-top is used to steer the front wheels. In an alternate embodiment of the invention a pair of cables are joined to the steering columns and are used on both the front and rear wheels for steering purposes. Both embodiments of the invention utilize a brake assembly connected to a rearward platform extension. When the platform extension is depressed, brake pads engage the wheels to slow the motion of the scooter.

Abstract: A sport board and a shock absorption system therefor, includes a glide board used in snow and aquatic sports or a roller or skate board, a rocker platform mounted in a seesaw fashion atop the sport board, whereupon opposite ends of the rocker platform may alternately move towards and away from the sport board, and a shock absorbing cushion disposed in respective spaces formed between the forward end portions and the rearward end portions of the sport board and platform. The cushions inhibit rocking of the rocker platform, absorb impact, and create a cushion sufficient for the rider to exert extreme pressures for balance, control, and maneuvers on any given terrain conditions. As a skate board, the board is curvilinear, including a center section that is spring-like and downwardly concave opposed end sections that are upwardly concave, and roller assemblies are proximate the opposite ends or end sections. The board includes shock absorbing bumpers.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar for an automotive vehicle is provided having an end link mounted to at least one end thereof. One end of the end link includes a bore in which is received a spherical bearing, such that forces transferred directly from the stabilizer bar to the end link are transferred through the spherical bearing. The second end of the end link is adapted to connect to a component of the vehicle's suspension system.

Abstract: A hollow vehicle suspension beam (1) has opposed side walls formed with recesses (11) in which an axle wrap (2) is located and secured by welded jointing (12, 13) internally and externally of the opposed side walls to provide a strong joint between the beam and axle wrap. The beam may comprise at least one component (5, 6) of a generally U-shaped section the opposed limbs of which provide at least part of the opposed side walls of the beam, and the mouth of the section provides an access opening into the interior of the beam for the internal welded jointing (12) to be made at the axle wrap. One embodiment has the beam comprised of two of the U-shaped components (5, 6) disposed with their mouths opening in opposite directions to provide access to the interior of the beam for the internal welded jointing to be made at the axle wrap (2) before the mouths are closed by closure components (15, 16).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a trailing arm, an air spring, and a shock absorber for providing a smooth ride in a vehicle. A bracket pivotally mounts one end of the trailing arm to the frame of the vehicle while the other end of the trailing arm is joined to the frame by a shock absorber and an air spring. The shock absorber and the air spring both extend from the trailing arm to the frame and mount to the trailing arm at a position rearward of the axle. The shock absorber is mounted to the trailing arm rearward of the air spring.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for use in a automotive suspension system, adapted to be disposed at a linking portion between a body of the vehicle and a suspension member that connects and supports a wheel on the body is disclosed. The vibration damping device comprises a load sensing unit adapted to sense a signal corresponding to a load exerted between the body and the suspension member. A suspension system equipped with the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A speed regulator for motor vehicles, including a standard mode in which the speed is regulated to a desired speed set by the driver, and at least one exception mode in which the speed is regulated to a setpoint speed that may deviate from the desired speed, and a display device for displaying the desired speed. An auxiliary display is also provided that indicates that an exception mode is active.

Abstract: A front suspension (1) for a motorcycle, includes a fork (2) with a headstock (8), a sliding unit (3) that slides on the fork (2) in a substantially vertical direction, the unit (3) in turn supporting the motorcycle wheel (4), and an elastic shock absorbing assembly (5) acting on the sliding unit (3). The assembly (5) is centrally mounted within the headstock (8) and is connected to the latter by a quick-release connection (9) so that the assembly (5) can be easily removed directly from the top or bottom of the headstock (8).