Abstract: There is provided a ground sensor assembly adapted for deployment from air to a selected ground location. The ground sensor assembly comprises an aerially deployable sensor housing which has upper and lower housing ends defining a longitudinally elongated aperture therebetween. A plurality of connected sensor modules are longitudinally inserted into the aperture between the upper and lower housing ends. Furthermore, an aerodynamic module is connected to the sensor modules and is disposed adjacent the upper housing end outside the aperture. This aerodynamic module has a plurality of stabilizers which radially extend outward therefrom and form a generally parallel relationship with the upper housing end. Such stabilizers provide aerodynamic stability during the deployment of the ground sensor assembly from the air to the selected ground location.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting mechanical vibration on a down-hole drilling system including a body, first and second couplers and a rotating member. The body includes ports configured to pass fluid through the body, and the first and second couplers are configured to couple the body to the down-hole drilling system. The rotating member is located at least partially in the body and is rotatable about an axis of rotation in response to flow of the fluid such that rotation of the rotating member generates mechanical vibration imparted on the down-hole drilling system.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning and/or forming holes, the tool having a shaft, the shaft having a lower end and at least two buckets attached adjacent to the lower end of the shaft, each bucket having an open mouth which extends radially from the axis of the shaft, consequently rotation of the shaft about its axis causes rotation of the buckets, causing dirt to pass through the mouth of each bucket.

Abstract: A modular drive unit for a gurney including a control/handle module, a cord reel/charger module, a drive module, and a chassis assembly, plus all needed electrical wiring harnesses and pneumatic tubing to connect them. The modules mount to any existing gurney and to each other without making permanent modifications to the gurney. The gurney is controlled by a handle assembly containing all necessary controls and indicators to allow the operator to select forward or reverse direction, increase or reduce speed of travel, observe the state of battery charge, and energize or deenergize power from the various modules. In addition, the handle may be swung down through 180 degrees to facilitate loading and unloading the gurney.

Abstract: A hybrid engine including an electric motor, a rotary internal combustion engine, and an electric generator incorporating a clutch and translator unit to drive the generator at a ratio greater than 1:1 during vehicle slowing and at a 1:1 ratio rate at other times in providing increased braking and fuel efficiency—along with a programmable central control module and vertical control lever in effectuating steering and vehicle operation without the use of a steering wheel or foot gas and brake pedals.

Abstract: A power transmission system for a hybrid vehicle includes a motor/generator and a torque converter. The motor/generator and the torque converter are disposed in series between a crankshaft of an engine and a main shaft of a transmission. A side plate of the torque converter and a rotor disc of the motor/generator are connected via a drive plate having heat shielding properties and heat releasing properties.

Abstract: A running motor for assisting an engine in driving a vehicle or singly driving the vehicle and an auxiliary unit motor for driving a compressor for an air conditioner are controlled by a common inverter via a changeover switch. According to this construction, the running motor and the auxiliary unit motor can be driven by the single inverter, and this can contribute to the reduction in the number of components, costs, space and weight, when compared with a case where inverters are provided to be used exclusively for the running motor and the auxiliary unit motor, respectively.

Abstract: A thermal management system has a high temperature heat transfer circuit and a low temperature heat transfer circuit for modulating the temperature of heat-generating components having different operating temperatures. The heat transfer circuits are in flow communication and are interdependent so that a single circulating pump can be used to pump a liquid heat transfer medium through both circuits. One of the heat transfer circuits comprises a continuous loop and the other heat transfer circuit comprises an open loop having a first end and a second end at which it is in flow communication with the first heat transfer circuit. Each heat transfer circuit is provided with a heat exchanger to modulate temperature of the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A driving apparatus comprises an electric generator driven by an engine and a motor for driving driving-wheels by using electric power from the electric generator, wherein an engine-side input axle is linked to a crankshaft and an motor-side input axle is linked to a motor rotor and these input axles are linked to an output axle for transmitting power to the driving-wheels. In an engine-power transfer channel constituted by the engine-side input axle 18 and the output axle, there is provided a transmission for changing a revolution speed of the engine-power transfer channel to a plurality shift ranges. When a vehicle is engine-driven, the revolution speed of the engine-power transfer channel is changed, thereby allowing a drive force of the vehicle to be changed.

Abstract: A latching device and operating mechanism are provided suitable for controlling the opening or closing of a tilting cover such as the hood of a car or truck. The latching device operates to prevent accidental closure of the cover when the cover is open. The operating mechanism is coupled to the latching device for releasing the latching device when the hood is to be shut. The operating mechanism is located on the vehicle near a location from which an operator typically opens or closes the hood.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle is disclosed where that vehicle includes at least one disk, i.e. wheel, and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed around that wheel. The vehicle further includes a frame, where the wheel is rotatably connected to that frame. The vehicle further includes a source of electric power, and one or more electromagnet assemblies, each assembly comprising a first electromagnetic pole and a second electromagnet pole, where the first electromagnet pole and the second electromagnet pole are separated by a gap, and where one or more electromagnet assemblies are disposed on the frame such that each of the plurality of permanent magnets sequentially passes through the gaps in each assembly as the wheel rotates. The vehicle further includes a control unit capable of receiving power from the power source and selectively providing power to the one or more electromagnet assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for externally controlling one or more brakes on a vehicle having a pressurized fluid braking system. The apparatus can include a pressurizable vessel that is adapted for fluid-tight coupling to the braking system. Impact to the rear of the vehicle by a pursuit vehicle, shooting a target mounted on the vehicle or sending a signal from a remote control can all result in the fluid pressures in the braking system of the vehicle being modified so that the vehicle is stopped and rendered temporarily inoperable. A control device can also be provided in the driver's compartment of the vehicle for similarly rendering the vehicle inoperable. A driver or hijacker of the vehicle preferably cannot overcome the stopping action from the driver's compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing an erroneous operation of an electro-motion pedal device in an automobile and methods of use thereof, wherein an engine starting condition, positions of a shift lever and a parking brake activated condition are detected. When a safe condition of a non-moving automobile is detected, power is transmitted to an electro-motion pedal device to allow the pedal to be electronically adjusted, such that an erroneous operation of an electro-motion pedal device that might occur during an automobile in operation can be prevented to thereby avoid an accident in advance.

Abstract: A steering device in which a steering wheel which a driver operates and wheels which are steered are not mechanically connected has a target turning angle determination device which determines a target turning angle of the wheels according to an operation amount of the steering wheel, a turning angle sensor which measures an actual turning angle of the wheels, a steering motor which turns the wheels according to a deviation between the target turning angle and the actual turning angle, a target steering reaction force setting section which determines a steering reaction force to be applied to the steering wheel, and a steering reaction force motor which applies the steering reaction force, in which a rate of increase of the steering reaction force is raised when the actual turning angle approaches a maximum turning angle.

Abstract: There are two basic methods of steering a wheeled vehicle. One method is to turn one or more steerable wheels. The other is to drive one or more left hand wheels independently of one or more right hand wheels. Traditional vehicles address the potential conflict between the two steering systems by either disabling one system or by causing one to overpower the other. This leads to skidding or scuffing problems respectively. In the present invention both steering systems are enabled but are integrated by means of an on board computer so that they always act in unison. This mutual reinforcement will allow the invention to operate safely on steep or slippery slopes while minimizing fuel consumption and ground damage. The invention will also be more maneuverable than traditional vehicles since it is capable of both pure rotation and pure translation or any combination of rotation and translation.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a speed reducing mechanism for decelerating the rotation of a rotatable shaft in an electric motor and a converting mechanism for converting the output rotation of the speed reducing mechanism into the axial movement of a steering shaft extending toward the right and left sides of a vehicle. The speed reducing mechanism includes an input pulley driven by the electric motor, an output pulley arranged with the steering shaft enclosed thereby, a belt for connecting the input pulley and the output pulley to each other and a belt tension adjuster.

Abstract: In a hearing aid device wearable in the ear with a housing, the battery loader is exposed to high mechanical stresses. In order to improve the attachment of the battery loader to the housing of the hearing aid device, the invention provides for the battery loader at the housing in the area of the housing opening a stabilization element that prevents deformations and in particular distortions of the housing in the area of the housing opening given high mechanical stress.

Abstract: A silencer for silencing exhaust gases includes an acoustic resonator chamber that serves as a spark arrester to trap burning carbon particles and prevent them passing to the atmosphere. The silencer has an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet. Exhaust gases pass from the inlet to the outlet through a first passage and into a first chamber. The first chamber communicates with an acoustic resonator chamber by means of a connecting passage. The connecting passage is positioned adjacent the first passage so that sparks in the exhaust enter the acoustic resonator chamber where they are trapped. The silencer thus avoids the need for a separate spark arrester, as required by prior art silencers.

Abstract: An inflatable slide to aide in the evacuation of people from multi-storied buildings and a method of using the slide. The slide has three principle elements: an inflatable bag (10); a container (60) for the inflatable bag; and a pressurized gas source (20) to fill and deploy the bag. A deployed bag sits atop the stairs between landings in a stairwell and has a top surface (70) suitable for sliding down the steps. The container (60) stores the inflatable bag when not inflated and releases the bag when the pressurized gas source (20) is activated.

Abstract: A breather apparatus for a power train of vehicle is presented, which has a motor and a gear box connected to the motor, including a common case wall, first and second breather paths formed within the common case wall and a third breather path provided for communicating with both the first and second breather paths at an upper portion of the common case wall, and further communicating with the atmosphere. The apparatus has a feature that a blocking device is provided so that the lubricant coming through the second breather path can be prevented from entering the first breather path.

Abstract: A sub-gallery for leading oil to a cylinder head side of an engine is provided in a crankcase in such a manner as to be connected to an outlet of an oil filter and in parallel with a main gallery. A lubricating device is also provided to equally feed oil to each of portions to be lubricated in the engine, including the main gallery connected to a discharge port of an oil pump via the oil filter. This lubricating device sufficiently feeds oil to even the cylinder head side of the engine while avoiding increased pressure loss of the oil.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle including a truck body and a fork assembly adjacent the truck body. A link arm extending between the truck body and the fork assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. A first pivot pin is fixed to the body and pivotally links the proximal end of the link arm to the body. A second pivot pin is fixed to the fork assembly and pivotally links the distal end of the link arm to the fork assembly. At least one of the first and second pivot pins includes an eccentric body interposed between ends. The eccentric body defines a first axis, and the ends define a second axis, wherein the link arm pivots about the first axis and rotation of the pivot pin about the second axis moves the first axis relative to the truck body to change the position of the fork assembly relative to the truck body.

Abstract: For fire fighting and emergency rescue in high-rise buildings the building can be equipped with rails on the outside of the building. The rails have elevators, which travel on the rails on the outside face of the building. Two elevators traveling in unison and supporting a platform extending therebetween can provide a corridor and or a scaffold for reaching anyplace on the face of a building. Other elevators or elevators with cranes can be used on the rails in combination with the elevators with the platform to fight fires, rescue people from the upper floors of buildings or perform maintenance or construction tasks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carrying apparatus that prevents an elevating motor and the like from projecting from a stacker crane to hinder the stacker crane from interfering with walls of an automatic warehouse. A traveling vehicle 2 of a stacker crane comprises traveling driving means 20, 20 for wheels 9, and elevation driving means 35 for elevating and lowering a platform 4. Both driving means 20, 35 are arranged so that a longitudinal direction of both driving means 20, 35 is almost parallel with a direction in which the traveling vehicle 2 runs. The traveling vehicle 2 comprises a pair of frames 17, 17 spaced at a predetermined distance from each other and a plurality of connecting members that connect both frames 17, 17 together. Both driving means 20, 35 are arranged outside the respective frames 17. Wheels 9, 9 are arranged in the front and rear, respectively, of the traveling vehicle 2. The traveling driving means 20 is connected to each wheel 9.

Abstract: A disc brake includes a piston seal made of rubber that is shaped to fit into a seal groove on the inner surface of a cylinder of a caliper for a brake piston. To prevent braking effectiveness from being impaired, even if the temperature of a caliper rises in a disc brake for a vehicle, the piston seal and/or the seal groove is shaped to control and contain the effects of thermal expansion due to the heat of the disc brake. The clearance between the piston seal and the seal groove is removed and clearance is provided between parts of the periphery of the piston seal and the seal groove.

Abstract: The rotation-retarding device includes a first element and a second element having a rotary motion to be retarded relative to each other. The first element includes a block of flexible material (106), the second element (107) is able to locally deform the block of flexible material (106) throughout the rotary motion in order to retard this motion, and anti-adherence means are provided at the interface of the two elements. The block of flexible material (106) may also have a dimensional variation able to permit progressive retarding of the rotary motion.

Abstract: Shock absorber components, such as a radial bypass damper, an anti-cavitation valve (ACV) and an incremental flow metering valve IFMV. The damper is of a continuous, unitary construction with a main hole and auxiliary holes interconnected by passageways. The ACV has openings that angle obliquely relative to entry surfaces of valving shims and extend at an incline continuously through the valving shims. The metering valve linearly regulates flow, substantially independent of piston displacement.

Abstract: A luggage includes a main body, a pull bar mounted on the main body, a positioning member mounted on the pull bar, and a handle rotatably mounted on the positioning member. Thus, the luggage has a horizontally rotatable handle, so that the handle is rotated relative to the pull bar so as to adjust the angle between the handle and the pull bar arbitrarily.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for a motor vehicle, including a hub designed to link in rotation an output shaft and a turbine wheel a clutch for locking the coupling between the input shaft and output shaft. A locking piston is axially mobile between a wall integral with the turbine wheel and a wall for locking a crankcase designed rotatable link the input shaft and an impeller wheel. A female member of sealing mechanism, linked to the piston axially about a male member of the sealing mechanism, linked to the hub. A damping mechanism is clamped between the piston and the wall and an output member linked to the hub. The male member and the damping output member are each mounted on the hub or born by a member mounted on the hub.

Abstract: The over-running clutch pulley (10) of a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a sheave member (20), a hub member (22) located substantially concentrically within the sheave member, and a clutch member (24), which cooperate to rotationally engage an input device (12) and an output device (14). The sheave member preferably includes a sheave input section (26) adapted to engage the input device, and a sheave clutch section (28) defining a sheave clutch surface (30). Similarly, the hub member preferably includes a hub output section (32) adapted to engage the output device, and a hub clutch section (34) defining a hub clutch surface (36). In the preferred embodiment, either the sheave clutch surface, the hub clutch surface, or both, have a surface microhardness greater than the hub output section.

Abstract: To achieve reduction in manufacturing costs of a one-way clutch device and to improve handleability of a motorcycle. A one-way clutch device includes an inner clutch and an outer clutch with rollers which are provided between the clutches. Weight members include weight main bodies coming into contact with the rollers with arm parts rotatably supported by the inner clutch. If the inner clutch rotates at a rotational speed above a predetermined rotational speed, the weight member moves the roller to a position where the roller allows a connection between the inner clutch and the outer clutch. Moreover, in a motorcycle, the inner clutch of the one-way clutch device is connected to an output side of a power transmission medium, and the outer clutch thereof is connected to a drive wheel.

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus which can reduce the number of parts in the apparatus and simplify the structure of the apparatus and thus reduce the manufacturing cost of the apparatus as well as reduce the size of the apparatus when compared with its torque transmitting capacity. The apparatus has a clutch housing (2), a clutch member (4), a pressure plate (5), stopper portions (5b) each fitting in a recess (4a) formed on the inner peripheral wall of the clutch member (4) and limiting the rotation of the pressure plate (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid friction coupling comprising a drive shaft (2) and a drive disk (4) which is rotationally fixed thereon, in addition to a drive housing (5) which is rotationally arranged on the drive shaft (2). The drive disk forms a working area (7) and a storage area (9) enabling a fluidic connection for a viscous medium via a feed hole (11) and a return channel (8). The feed hole (11) is controlled by a valve lever (12) with an anchor plate (14) by means of an electromagnet (19) arranged on the near side of the coupling. According to the invention, the valve lever (12) is arranged between the drive disk (4) and the electromagnet (19) and the anchor plate (14) is arranged in the magnetic flow area of the electromagnet (19, 20).

Abstract: A bicycle hub is provided with a hub axle, a hub shell, a freewheel, a first hub axle ball bearing and a second hub axle ball bearing. The freewheel is operatively mounted between the hub axle and the hub shell. The freewheel includes a driven member, a drive body, an inner freewheel ball bearing and an outer freewheel slide bearing. The driven member is fixed to the hub shell to rotate therewith, while the drive body is operatively coupled to the driven member by a one-way clutch mechanism. The inner freewheel ball bearing is disposed between the driven member and the drive body to rotatably support an inner end of the drive body on the driven member. The outer freewheel slide bearing is disposed between the driven member and the drive body to rotatably support an outer end of the drive body on the driven member.

Abstract: In a friction pairing for clutch systems of two materials and processes for producing the pairing, one of the materials is a fiber-reinforced ceramic or metallic material A reinforced by carbon or ceramic fibers or whiskers. Material B acting against the material A in the friction pairing is selected from the group consisting of ceramic materials B11 and metallic materials B12, sintered metals B2, sintered oxidic ceramics B3, sintered nitridic ceramics B4, sintered carbidic ceramics B5 and organic sintered materials B6.

Abstract: An actuating drive for transmitting drive torque to a power takeoff, comprising a drive unit; a braking device comprising a cylindrical surface; and a wrap spring having a plurality of turns which are concentric to the cylindrical surface, a pair of ends, a first actuating area on one of the ends, and a second actuating area on one of the ends. When the drive unit exerts a drive torque in a first direction, the first actuating area is nonrotatably connected to the drive unit, the turns undergo a diameter change away from the cylindrical surface, and the second actuating area is nonrotatably connected to the power takeoff for transmitting drive torque. When the drive torque is interrupted, the turns undergo a diameter change toward the cylindrical surface and frictionally engage the cylindrical surface to block transmission of restoring torque from the power takeoff to the drive unit.

Abstract: A locking security cover which provides means for locking a depository cassette or receptacle to the currency validator mechanism limiting unauthorized access to the collected currency in the depository cassette, the locking security cover nests the depository cassette to the currency validator by means of key holes located on either side of the cover, cooperable with corresponding studs associated with the validator, thereby securing the locking security cover in a downward position and locked in position by a shackle secured to the rear face of the depository cassette cooperative with a downwardly extending back face of the locking security cover for receipt of a padlock, thereby securing the locking security cover.

Abstract: A movable belt conveyor system for a leach pad for use for sulfidic copper ore, where favorable conditions are to be generated for leaching out the copper by a slight compaction of the ore piled up into a dump for the microbiological leaching technology. The movable belt conveyor system of a length of up to several km is composed of a plurality of smaller belt segments, comprising a tail segment (70), standard segments (711-n) and a head segment (72), as well as a traveling tripper (8). To prevent the loading by these individual components from being excessively compacted by the weight of the device during multiple travel over the dump during the moving process, the belt drives with the driving drum are accommodated in the tail element (70), which is supported on the soil next to the leach pad.

Abstract: A remote controlled swing auger system for efficiently manipulating a position of a swing auger. The remote controlled swing auger system includes a swing auger connectable to a main auger, a swing hopper connected to the swing auger, a plurality of front wheels and a plurality of rear wheels rotatably attached to the swing hopper, a drive motor mechanically connected to the front wheels, a control unit in communication with the drive motor, and at least one controller in communication with the control unit. The controller may be comprised of a manual controller and/or a remote controller. The user is able to pivot the swing hopper with respect to a main auger by using the remote controller while in the tractor or in a remote location away from the augers.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway with a handrail and a handrail entryway has a finger contact protection cover, wherein the finger contact protection cover includes corrugated bristles. The corrugated bristles allow the gap between the handrail and the entryway to be minimized. The bristle construction also provides improved tactile feedback when a user's hand contacts the bristles, allowing the hand to be more quickly removed from the handrail and contact with the bristles, avoiding potential injury.

Abstract: Device for moving products from a loading station to an unloading station. Carriers on which containers for the products are arranged move along a guide in the direction of transport. The drive is implemented with the aid of a toothed belt and each carrier is provided with a locking pawl that is hingeably fixed thereto and that can come into engagement with the toothed belt. The locking pawl is furthermore provided with a tab on which an operating element, such as a cylinder, firmly fixed to the transport device is able to engage. A second set of teeth constructed as a toothed belt is present and this is arranged in a stationary position. The carrier is provided with a wheel running in this toothed belt. This wheel is provided with a non-return clutch.

Abstract: In an apparatus for transferring products from a first conveying line to a second line conveying line operated stepwise in a feeding direction and particularly for feeding a boxing machine a plurality of compartments are aligned along the feeding direction. Each compartment has a bottom and a pair of lateral boards. The compartments receive products released by a manipulator and taken from the first conveying line. An actuator rotates the compartments from a loading configuration for receiving the products, to an overturned configuration, in which the compartments face corresponding, dwelling seats of the second, feeding line. A holding element closes the upper part of the compartments, moving from the loading configuration up to the overturned configuration. A pusher moves into the compartments in the overturned configuration, to push the products into the facing seats of the second, feeding line.

Abstract: A unit (1) for transferring articles (1a) from a machine (MI) for producing the articles to a packaging machine (MA) includes a plurality of hoppers (4a) for receiving the articles (1a). The hoppers (4a) are situated between an outlet station (3) of the producing machine (MI) and an inlet station (6) of the packaging machine (MA). The hoppers (4a) are arranged at a variable distance from one another and move alternatively between a first working configuration (A), in which the hoppers (4a) are moved closer to each other, in order to be situated in the region of, and in registry with, an outlet station (3) of the producing machine (MI), so as to receive the articles (1a), and a second working configuration (B), in which the hoppers (4a) are moved far from each other, in order to be situated in the region of, and in registry with, an inlet station (6) of the packaging machine (MA), so as to transfer the articles (1a) to the inlet station (6).

Abstract: A conveyor constructed of a single belt or a plurality of abutting belts arranged side by side in the conveyor, in which the belt or belts have rollers arranged to rotate on axes oriented at multiple angles oblique to the direction of belt travel. A gradual or monotonic, stepped change in the axes of the rollers across the width of the conveyor can be used to make a conveyor capable of converting a mass flow of articles into a single stream of separated articles.

Abstract: A conveyor system, such as an induction subsystem for supplying articles to a sortation subsystem, and method of conveying articles includes providing a conveying surface for conveying a series of articles and at least one sensor for sensing the articles on the conveying surface. A control is provided which establishes at least one parameter for each of the articles and controls the conveying surface as a function of the at least one parameter of each of the articles. The control includes a computer and a program for the computer. The program includes at least one probability estimator. The control determines the at least one parameter of each of the articles at least in part by the at least one probability estimator. The control controls gaps between articles or synchronizes arrival of articles at the sortation system.

Abstract: A spiral accumulator apparatus is disclosed for controlling the flow of articles. The apparatus includes an infeed conveyor driven in a first direction to convey articles therealong in the first direction along a first path that is at least partially curved, and an outfeed conveyor driven in an opposite direction to convey articles therealong in the opposite direction along a second path that is at least partially curved. The infeed and outfeed conveyors are spaced apart and generally parallel along at least a portion of the first and second paths so as to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed generally across and movable along the space, and an article transfer member is carried by the transport member and operably disposed between the infeed and outfeed conveyors to transfer articles between the infeed conveyor and the outfeed conveyor.

Abstract: A container for a sanitary brush has a cylinder container with a cover affixed thereover. The cover has a handle extending outwardly therefrom and a brush positioned on an interior of said container. The container has internal edge bondings at an upper end and a lower end thereof. The cover has a bottom that is positioned in surface-to-surface contact with an exterior wall of the container. A plastic cylinder is received within a hollow interior of the container.

Abstract: A case for holding multiple saw blades includes an upper shell and a lower shell which collectively enclose a volume, with multiple pockets contained within the volume. Each of the pockets is adapted for holding a saw blade such that the saw blade is protected from contact with saw blades in adjacent pockets, and such that each saw blade may be individually accessed.

Abstract: A disc cartridge storage case has a clam-shell type construction with front and back panels and a middle panel connected between the front and back panels by integral hinges. The front and back panels are pivotable relative to the middle panel between respective open and closed positions. A holder is provided on the middle panel for holding a disc cartridge perpendicular to the middle panel. The holder has a rigid support and a flexible support with a slot therebetween for receiving the disc cartridge. Pins with beveled ends are provided on the flexible support and extend into the slot for engaging corresponding holes in the disc cartridge. The flexible support allows the pins to be flexed outwardly away from the first rigid support to facilitate inserting and removing the disc cartridge from the slot. The back panel prevents the flexible support from flexing outward when the case is closed.

Abstract: The invention is a medical guide wire containment and dispensing device. The device is of unitary construction and defines a single, generally annular opening that receives the guide wire. Preferably, the device includes a mount for retaining a guide-wire torque device.