Abstract: An engine-supporting structure for a motorcycle, in which a collar can be removed to perform engine maintenance, and can be suitably re-mounted after the completion of maintenance. The engine-supporting structure supports a rear upper mounting portion of an engine, on left and right pivot plates, by providing left and right upper engine-supporting frame portions at central areas of the respective pivot plates. interposing a left upper collar between a left upper engine-supporting frame portion and a rear upper mounting portion formed on an engine, interposing a right upper collar between the right upper engine-supporting frame portion and the rear upper mounting portion formed on the engine, and coupling the left and right upper engine-supporting frame portions, the left and right upper collars, and the rear upper mounting portion by a rod-shaped member.

Abstract: A walk behind powered apparatus having a mobile structure, a work implement drive system coupled to the mobile structure, a power device driving the work implement, and a handle structure coupled to the mobile structure. The handle structure includes a cam slot having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is orthogonal to the first portion. A bail member is pivotally coupled to the handle structure and includes a pin extending therefrom. The pin cammingly engaging the slot such that when the bail member is in a first position the pin is disposed in the first portion of the slot and when the bail member is in a second position the pin is disposed in the second portion of the slot. A switch device is coupled to the work implement drive system and selectively actuates the work implement drive system in response to the movement of the bail member between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A self propelled industrial machine includes a self propelled vehicle body, a transmission installed in the self propelled vehicle body, an operator presence detection switch and a control unit. The operator presence detection switch is provided to generate an operator presence or absence signal relating to an operator on a seat arranged on the self propelled vehicle body. The control unit is provided to set the transmission to a neutral state in response to the operator absence signal.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is disclosed having a frame with front, rear, right, and left sides. An engine and at least two wheel axes are disposed on the frame. A plurality of wheels are disposed on the at least two wheel axes. The engine includes a cylinder disposed adjacent a crankshaft and a generator operatively connected to the crankshaft. An output shaft, separate from the crankshaft, operatively connects to the engine to transmit power from the engine to at least one of the plurality of wheels through at least one of the wheel axes. The output shaft is disposed between the cylinder and the generator in a plane substantially perpendicular to at least one of the wheel axes.

Abstract: A transmission case housing a transmission mechanism for transmitting power to dirigible wheels includes an axle case having a main body and vertical bosses extending in a bent way from opposite ends of the main body, and pivoting cases supporting axles of the dirigible wheels. The axle case (8) is bisected into a first case half (8F) and a second case half (8R) at a split plane parallel to a direction of extension of the transmission mechanism (S) housed therein. The first case half (8F) and second case half (8R) are connected by connecting bolt (38). Each vertical boss (8b) has bearings (26), and each pivoting case (25) is attached to the bearings (26) to be pivotable relative to the vertical boss (8b).

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus (10) includes a steering gear assembly (20) which is connected with a steerable vehicle wheel (12). A first sensor (26) has an output signal which is a function of steering wheel position. A second sensor (28) has an output signal which is a function of steerable wheel position. A controller (30) is operable to provide an output signal when the steerable vehicle wheel position does not correspond to the steering wheel position. A motor (34) is connected with a differential gear mechanism (36). The motor (34) is operable in response to the output signal from the controller (30) to effect operation of the differential gear mechanism (36) to actuate the steering gear assembly (20) and change the position of the steerable vehicle wheel (12).

Abstract: In a current control system for a cylindrical permanent magnet synchronous motor as the drive source of an electric power steering apparatus, proportional gain Kdp and integral gain Kdi of a d-axis current PI control portion 126 are respectively set to K1·Ld and K1·Rd on the basis of d-axis inductance Ld and d-axis resistance Rd of the motor. Further, proportional gain Kqp and integral gain Kqi of a q-axis current PI control portion 128 are respectively set to K2·Lq and K2·Rq on the basis of q-axis inductance Lq and q-axis resistance Rq of the motor (K1 and K2 are optional coefficients). In this case, both of the d-axis resistance Rd and the q-axis resistance Rq have values resulting from adding the external resistance R? including wiring resistance to the internal resistance R of the motor.

Abstract: A gearing radius of a worm wheel is set corresponding to a neighborhood region of a steering neutral position, in such a way as to be relatively large. Thus, backlash is made to be relatively small. This prevents noises from being produced when an automobile travels straight on a bad road. Conversely, the backlash is set corresponding to most of regions of steering angles, which are within the remaining region thereof, in such a manner as to be relatively large. Thus, increase in resistance torque is suppressed. This is realized by a simple configuration in which a bias portion is provided in a part of the profile of teeth. In a case where power is transmitted from an electric motor by a worm shaft and a worm wheel during a steering operation, noises are hard to be produced even when the automobile travels on a bad road.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus comprises a ball nut rotationally driven by an electric motor through a gear train and having a female thread groove formed in the inner periphery thereof, a rack shaft disposed through the ball nut on the axis thereof and having a male thread groove so formed in its outer periphery as to face to the female thread groove, a ball screw mechanism having a number of circulation balls interposed between the female thread groove and the male thread groove, and a housing for holding the ball nut rotatably through the bearing. An elastic member is interposed between the housing and the ball nut in order to permit the ball nut to make a predetermined displacement.

Abstract: A steering unit of an electric vehicle is equipped with an electric motor having a tubular output shaft assembled so as to rotate around its own longitudinal axis, and a steering rod assembled through the output shaft and connected to the same output shaft by means of a screw-nut screw coupling so as to control the steering of a pair of wheels of the vehicle; the steering rod being equipped with a sleeve extending around the output shaft and having an internal thread connected to an external thread of the same output shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing protection earplug, comprising a hard shell (10) having an elasticity of from shore D 85 to shore D 65 and having an outer surface individually shaped according to the measured inner shape of the user's outer ear and ear canal for being worn at least in part in the user's ear canal, the shell comprising a filter cavity (12) having at least one orifice (20, 30, 40) into which a passive acoustic filter element (21, 31) is inserted for forming, together with said orifice, a passive acoustic filter. The invention also relates to a use of such an earplug and a method for manufacturing such an earplug.

Abstract: An easy to manufacture and install sound dampening pad for a printing blanket sleeve is provided. The pad effectively attenuates noise emanating from the sleeve during air pressurized mounting and dismounting of the blanket sleeve to an underlying cylinder. The sound dampening pad is fabricated from a flexible polymeric material and in one embodiment has a generally J-shaped configuration with inner and outer surfaces. At least a portion of the inner surface of the J-shaped configuration includes a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon to secure the pad to the inner surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A clamping member (2) for clamping a periphery of a rear-end open portion of an exhaust pipe (3) is accommodated in a front-end open portion (11) of a tail pipe (1). The clamping member (2) has a pair of plate parts (21, 22) disposed at right and left positions of the front-end open portion (11) and a bolt (4) for connecting the plate parts (21, 22) to each other by reducing an interval between the opposed plate parts enough to sandwich a periphery of the rear-end open portion (31) between the plate parts. A concave surface (21a, 22a) whose configuration conforms to that of a periphery of the rear-end open portion (31) inserted between the plate parts (21, 22) is formed on each of the plate parts (21, 22).

Abstract: A flapper finger valve assembly for use in an exhaust system. The flapper finger valve includes a tube having a plurality of orifices therethrough. The flapper finger valve assembly also includes a plurality of flapper finger valves generally having a C-shape wherein the flapper finger valves are arranged on an outside surface of the tube. The flapper finger valves are capable of radial movement with respect to the tube. A plurality of retainers generally having a C-shape are arranged around the flapper finger valve. These retainers will define a maximum radial movement for such flapper finger valves on the tube. The flapper finger valve assembly also includes a fastener which will secure the flapper finger valves between a tube and retainers in the flapper finger valve assembly.

Abstract: An exhaust volume (20) of the type including a muffler (24) having a casing provided with an inlet (29) and an outlet (30) for passing gases and adapted to enable the muffler to be mounted in an exhaust system (14). The volume further includes an additional enclosure (26) forming an accumulation cavity communicating solely with the casing of the muffler (24) via at least one connection pipe (28), the additional enclosure (26) being placed outside the muffler (24). The additional enclosure (26) is of a structure whose ability to withstand high temperature is lower than that of the structure of the muffler (24).

Abstract: A roof anchor including a pair of blocks positioned side-by-side. The blocks have adjacent, inner surfaces with notches cut therefrom for receiving a standing seam of a metal roof. The blocks also have outer surfaces remote from the inner surfaces. A bracket is positioned over the pair of blocks. The bracket includes a base portion having a pair of legs, each being positioned adjacent a respective one of the outer surfaces of the blocks, and a crosspiece, positioned adjacent the tops of the blocks, joining the legs together. A loop portion is affixed to the base portion for securement of a workman's safety lanyard. A threaded fastener penetrates the pair of blocks and the pair of legs for: fastening the pair of blocks together, securing the bracket to the pair of blocks, and clamping the pair of blocks upon a standing seam of a metal roof.

Abstract: A multistage mast assembly for use on a lift truck and method of operation for staging first and second mast sections of the multistage mast assembly. Each mast section has a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus includes a mast staging hydraulic circuit which diverts hydraulic fluid from the second mast section actuator to the first mast section actuator using a multi-position valve having an open position and a restricted flow position. In the restricted flow position, hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic line supplying the second mast section increases to divert hydraulic fluid to the first mast section actuator before the second mast section reaches its extended position.

Abstract: An embedding typed handbrake operating device is disclosed herein, which mainly contains a positioning seat to which an operating lever is pin-joined. A stopping ring, a spring, and a locking seat are sequentially joined to the positioning seat through a locking bolt. The brake sleeve of a brake cable is threaded into the tubular body of the end section of the handlebar via a cable entrance hole and then into the locking seat. A brake wire is threaded through the operating lever, an axial through hole of the locking bolt, and into the brake sleeve connected to the locking seat, and finally to the handbrake assembly.

Abstract: A disc brake, particularly for commercial vehicles, is provided having a caliper reaching over a brake disc, a brake application device arranged in the caliper for applying the brake, as well as an adjusting system arranged in the caliper for compensating brake pad and/or disc wear by adjusting the distance between the brake pad and the brake disc. The caliper has a two-part construction including an application-side caliper part and a reaction-side caliper part. The reaction-side caliper part is designed such that it frames the brake disc in its upper circumferential area. The adjusting system has at least one or more adjusting devices also arranged on the reaction side of the brake disc, and preferably on each side of the brake disc.

Abstract: A displacement sensor utilizes a Hall effect sensor and a magnet, but has an extended range compared to conventional Hall effect displacement sensors. Relative movement between the sensor and the magnet is defined such that the path of movement is not parallel to an axis between the north and south poles of the magnet. Thus, the total path of movement is greater than in the prior art. One particularly preferred application for this sensor is in a disc brake, and as part of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the disc brake pistons. The displacement sensor is relatively small, and thus can be accommodated in the crowded environment of the disc brake adjustment mechanism. On the other hand, with the inventive large range displacement sensor, the simple and compact sensor can provide adequate measurement of the displacement of the piston.

Abstract: A shock absorber of a built-in damper type is provided with a rod guide portion one end of which is fixed to an end of a cylinder for a damper, the rod guide portion slidably supporting a rod, and an oil lock piece disposed in the other end of the rod guide portion, the oil lock piece and an oil lock case defining an oil lock chamber filled with an operating oil at the maximum compression state of the shock absorber, wherein the rod guide portion is provided with an oil seal in a side of the rod to prevent outflow of the operating oil from the inside of the cylinder, and a seal ring in a side of the rod to control leakage of the operating oil from the oil lock chamber based upon the pressure of the operating oil in the oil lock chamber.

Abstract: In a bottom valve apparatus in which a flow passage is formed in a bottom piece, a check valve opening and closing the flow passage is provided in one face side of the bottom piece, and a coil spring urging the check valve is fastened by a bolt and a nut which are provided in the bottom piece, a thread direction of the nut or the bolt fastening the coil spring is set to an opposite direction to a winding direction of the coil spring.

Abstract: A constrained layer damping assembly for a rigid base member having a substantially planar surface comprises a gas impervious damping layer disposed on the substantially planar surface of the base member, and a load element disposed on the damping layer. The damping layer defines at least one void region extending between the planar surface and the load element, and the load element defines at least one channel for coupling a low pressure to the void region relative to the pressure external to the constrained layer damping assembly to establish a pressure differential between the inside of the void region and the outside of the constrained layer damping assembly. The pressure differential keeps the damping layer under compression and secures the load element and the damping layer onto the base member.

Abstract: Luggage with modular construction permits personalization and customization by interchangeable appearance covers, by interchangeable lids and by interchangeable primary containment perimeters, so that the luggage can be selectively constructed with a hard or soft upper containment perimeter and lid, or such that the aesthetic treatment of the lid or other panels can be changed very easily by means of a releasable fasteners.

Abstract: Transmission device comprising a first rotary member mounted coaxially on a second rotary member. The first rotary member can rotate in one direction independently from the second rotary member, and in the opposite direction is constrained to the second rotary member in order to rotate solidly therewith. The device can assume a first and a second condition of use, wherein the first rotary member rotates in the two directions independently from the second rotary member, and a third condition of use wherein clamping means, integrally associated with the first rotary member, move from a position of non-interference to a constraint position wherein they constrain the second rotary member in order to make the first rotary member and the second rotary member rotationally solid.

Abstract: An apparatus for discriminating valuable papers is provided wherein a validation control circuit 56 (i) drives conveyer device 8 to inwardly move bill along passageway 9 when inlet sensor 13 detects bill, (ii) ceases driving of conveyer device 8 to keep bill in the standby position in passageway 9 when trigger sensor 50 detects bill, (iii) drives a release device 42 to shift a guide roller 40 from the contact position to the separated position, (iv) activates a centering device 10 to centralize bill along the longitudinal central axis of passageway 9, (v) drives release device 42 to return guide roller 40 from the separated position to the contact position, and (vi) again drives conveyer device 8 to further inwardly move bill. When bill is inserted into an inlet 7, inlet sensor 13 detects bill to immediately drive conveyer device 8 and center bill on conveyer device 8 for smooth inserting, transporting and centering of bill with the reduced number of structural components of the apparatus.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter includes a conveying surface, a plurality of pusher shoes capable of traveling laterally of the conveying surface travel direction, a diverting assembly selectively diverting the pusher shoes and a control. The pusher shoes are generally separated from each other and the travel of direction by a shoe pitch. The diverting assembly includes a plurality of diverting rails extending generally diagonally under the conveying surface and a plurality of actuators associated with the diverting rails. The control is capable of controlling at least two of the actuators in a manner that selectively diverts at least two of the pusher shoes that are spaced apart in integer increments of the shoe pitch notwithstanding that the actuators are separated from each other by more than the shoe pitch.

Abstract: A device for feeding a bolt-shaped element having a head and a shank to a processing unit, in particular for feeding a screw to a die head of a press. The bolt-shaped element can be fed along a firing direction of the device and the latter has a conveyer channel, which is configured to line up several bolt-shaped elements and to transport them to the processing unit. The device is equipped with a receiving hopper that tapers in the firing direction. The hopper is configured to receive shaft-end of the bolt-shaped element first and is formed of several hopper segments. One of the hopper segments is formed by a feed element that can be displaced in order to transport the bolt-shaped fixing elements in a linear manner and at least another of which is formed by a blocking element that protrudes into the conveyer channel.

Abstract: A unit for feeding filters to a filter assembly machine, wherein at least one deflecting device receives a respective succession of filter portions in an axial direction, and feeds the filter portions to the filter assembly machine in a transverse direction crosswise to the filter portions; the deflecting device being defined by a fixed frame supporting an input and an output, and by an extractable box fitted movably to the fixed frame and supporting a first conveying device for conveying the filter portions in the axial direction, a second conveying device for conveying the filter portions in the transverse direction, and a deflecting member for diverting the filter portions to the transverse direction.

Abstract: A selection apparatus for grouping articles in predetermined quantities from a moving stream of articles. The apparatus includes a horizontal rotating plate with three equally spaced arms and a lug assembly attached to an end of each arm. The plate rotates at a repeating velocity pattern enabling a lug assembly to be inserted between articles from the moving stream and a group of selected articles to be separated by a predetermined acceleration of the lug assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for transferring substrates by receiving a first substrate at a first substrate receiving station in a first transfer unit capable of holding at least two substrates, moving the first transfer unit containing only the first substrate along a conveying line to a second substrate receiving station, causing the first transfer unit to receive a second substrate at the second substrate receiving station; and transferring the first and second substrates simultaneously to a substrate transfer station.

Abstract: A feed apparatus for isolating and feeding spirals (3) or the like to a binding apparatus has an isolating roll (12) comprising depressions (19), which are distributed over the circumferential surface (11) thereof and are parallel to the axis, for receiving in each case a spiral (3), which circumferential surface (11) is moved under a scraper (20) which comprises a chain (25) which is moved in the opposite direction over two rollers (21, 22) arranged vertically one on top of the other and which carries outward-projecting scraping fingers (27) which are in the form of bundles of resilient bristles. From the circumferential surface (11), the spirals (3) pass via a baffle plate (40) onto a conveyor (30) having drivers (37) which transport them to a slot (43), where they are delivered to the binding apparatus.

Abstract: A finger sweep for use with mail parcel handling systems includes an elongate mounting member for coupling the finger sweep to a drive shaft, and a parcel engaging member disposed on a distal end of the mounting member. In one embodiment, a pair of finger sweeps are coupled at first ends to a drive shaft such that parcel engaging members on their second ends extend in radially opposite directions. In another embodiment, an elongate mounting member is centrally attached to a drive shaft and parcel engaging members on its ends extend in radially opposite directions. The parcel engaging members are formed from polymeric material and may be removably fastened to the mounting member, or formed directly thereon.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor with automatic flow control includes a plurality of curved segments connected to form a spiral for the flow by gravity of articles from an upper level to a lower level. Each of the segments includes freely rotating skate wheels forming a conveying surface and a controlled, powered cylindrical roller. A sensor mounted in each segment senses the presence of an article in the segment. A controller receives the signals from the sensors and activates the associated roller for transport mode to assist articles through the conveyor if the path is clear, or if the downstream portion of the conveyor is blocked, to reverse the roller for accumulate mode to hold articles in the segment until the path is cleared.

Abstract: A carton for carrying containers, such as cans, or other articles in two layers which has an interlocking separator pad between the two layers is provided. This separator pad has two tabs on each end which extend through slots provided on the side end flaps on each end of the carton to hold the separator pad in proper position between two layers of articles or containers. The pad has a leading flap that is folded up or down on one end of the carton between the articles or containers and the side end flaps to assist in holding the separator pad in proper position during the removal of containers from the carton through a dispenser opening formed in the carton. Preferably, the separator pad has a leading flap on both ends to assist in holding the separator pad in proper position. This carton may be provided with a dispenser in the side panel near the end on which the carton is rested to dispense cans.

Abstract: A multiple-pouch package includes a first pouch wherein is fixed a support impregnated with a substance to be applied on the skin and at least a pouch containing a protection for the skin zone treated with the applied substance. The protection can consist of an adhesive plaster, a bandage, a compress or a dressing. Rupture-proof devices are provided to prevent the two walls of a common pouch to be entirely separated when it is opened. Opening facilitators are provided to facilitate the opening of the different pouches. The multiple-pouch package can be produced by fixing the different single pouches one to the other or by folding on itself one strip to form the various pouches.

Abstract: This invention comprises a unique method for the sale of natural stone, special packaging for the stone and a method of doing business to make the stone available in high volume stores to the average consumer. The method comprises prefabricating the stone into slabs at or near the location where it is quarried, into sizes and shapes which are common, and often standard, in household bathrooms and kitchens. The stone slabs may, or may not, include cut-outs for sinks and faucets of various standard size. The pre-fabricated stone is then packaged in a box or carton which is designed to specially protect the stone, especially at the corners where most damage occurs, and shipping the packages to high volume, do-it-yourself consumer outlets.

Abstract: In order to produce a packaging for a sink which has particularly good absorption properties and a low rate of transportation damage there is proposed a packaging for a sink which comprises at least one supporting body that is formed at least partly from a foamed plastic material and comprises at least one seating element incorporating a seating channel for an edge section of the sink, and an outer packaging whose interior accommodates the sink and the at least one supporting body, wherein the at least one supporting body extends over substantially the entire internal height of the interior of the outer packaging.

Abstract: A multiple medication management system and method enables patients and caregivers to accurately track medications on a compact chart. The system and method use a plurality of containers for storage of current medications, medications needing refills, and medications discontinued by a physician. Thus, patients and caregivers are able to efficiently and accurately track medications, including which medications need refilling. Furthermore, discontinued medications can be safely retained in case they are later prescribed again by a patient s physician.

Abstract: The multiple compartment pill dispenser has a rotatable cap mechanism having two holes associated with the cap which are displaceable to be aligned with each of the compartments of the dispenser. There are two standard sized holes, one for small pills and one for large pills. The dial cap mechanism is used to rotate one of the two holes into alignment with a particular pill compartment and allow a pill to be dispensed therefrom. As a closure device, an alignment plate is rotatably mounted in the cap mechanism. The alignment plate also includes two different sized holes, identical in diameter, respectively, to the two holes in the cap mechanism.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for venting pressurized gases generated from within an enclosed package during a heating of the package. The valve assembly has a membrane element, a tubular body and a retaining member. The tubular body has an open end, a closed end and a recess defined therebetween. The closed end has an aperture for venting the pressurized gases therethrough. The recess is operative to receive and support the membrane element adjacent the closed end. The retaining member is operative for snap-fit engagement with the tubular body for retaining the membrane element within the recess.

Abstract: A sealed dispensing apparatus suitable for packaging and dispensing a single service portion of a food product. The food product is contained within an inner container cavity formed by an outer cover and a center member. Draw means are provided for transferring a force from the user to the outer cover, whereby the force peels the outer cover from the center section, thus folding the outer cover over itself as it is removed from the center section. The food product is dispensed when the inner container is opened by removing the outer cover from the center member. An optional outer container seals and holds portions of bread or other sandwich portions while the inner container is located therebetween. Box means holds the combination formed by the inner container and the outer container as well as optional condiments.

Abstract: A fastener for a packaging is disclosed. The fastener comprises a box body, a tray and a fastener having a support arm and an arch-shaped arm, characterized in that the side frame of the box body and the bottom of the box body form into a cavity, and the inner sidewall of the side frame is a semi-dovetail slot and the side edge of the tray is a recessed platform, and the support arm and the arch-shaped arm are engaged at the semi-dovetail slot, and the tray positioned at the upper end of the fastener is pressed against the recessed platform such that the tray is fastened at the cavity of the box body, whereby the loading and unloading of the tray are easy and the packaging is re-usable.

Abstract: A foldable container includes a base panel and a pair of folding panels coupled with the base panel via a folding device, wherein the folding device includes a first load-carrying arrangement positioned on the base panel and a second load-carrying arrangement provided at the folding panels. The first load-carrying arrangement and the second load-carrying arrangement are pivotally connected to ensure the folding panels being folded with respect to the base panel so as to reduce the volumetric space of the container. Since the second load-carrying arrangement is adapted for withstanding substantial force, the foldable container is adapted to be moved by conventional hangers and stacked in a convenient manner.

Abstract: An attrition mill for reclaiming foundry sand from deposited material having lumps of used foundry sand and included material includes a housing defining a chamber for receiving the lumps of used foundry sand and included material. A base is disposed within the housing and has an elevated end defining a reject outlet adjacent a reject end of the mill and a lower end, and a discharge wall is positioned adjacent the base lower end to define a sand outlet adjacent a sand end of the mill. A resilient support is attached to the housing, and a vibratory drive is attached to the housing and includes first and second eccentrically loaded motors.

Abstract: A screening panel 10 comprises a peripheral frame 12 consisting of a pair of mutually laterally spaced side members 14, 16, which are integral with a pair of mutually axially spaced end members 18, 20. The side members 14, 16 and end members 18, 20 define corners of the panel 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and 22.4 and the peripheral frame 12 where they meet. A plurality of mutually spaced ribs 15 extend across the periphery of the panel 10 to define a screening surface. The side members and end members are rectangular in cross-section, thereby defining substantially flat upper peripheral surfaces 12.1, outer peripheral surface 12.2 and lower peripheral surface 12.3 of the peripheral frame 12 and thus also the panel 10. The panel 10 includes locating recesses 24 provided at or near to the corners 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and 22.4 of the panel 10. The panel 10 also has separate securing recesses in the form of semi-circular grooves 30 formed in the lower surface 12.

Abstract: A business card holder having the shape of a lady's high heel shoe includes a rigid, elongated sole having a rigid toe portion, a rigid inclined heel portion, and a rigid intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion. A rigid heel extends downwardly from the inclined heel portion and supports the inclined heel portion when the business card holder is in an operative position. A rigid shoe upper extends over the toe portion and includes a free edge portion. The shoe upper free edge portion, sole intermediate portion, and inclined heel portion define a pocket that is configured to hold a plurality of business cards for distribution therefrom.

Abstract: A shelf mounting bracket has a bracket body with a forward end, a rear end, an upper side, and a lower side. One or more connectors extend from the rear end for mounting the bracket to a support. At least one forward shelf support is provided near the forward end and faces in the direction of the upper side of the bracket body. At least one rear shelf support is provided near the rear end and faces in the direction of the upper side of the bracket body. A locking clip is carried near the rear end of the bracket body. The clip is slidable between a locked position such that a portion of the locking clip is positioned vertically over and spaced from the rear shelf support, and an unlocked position providing vertical clearance to the rear shelf support.

Abstract: A device and method of making a full contact floating roof for use in covering fluid bodies, such as storage tanks containing hydrocarbon fluids, allowing ease of construction, high integrity, and low maintenance cost.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus, such as a vending machine (10), includes a controllably positioned suction hose dispenser (220) for retrieving articles (223) from a storage area (215). In one embodiment, a quick release device (500) coupled to the suction hose dispenser (220), is activated in response to mechanical contact caused by the controllable positioning of the suction hose dispenser (220), said activation facilitating a quick release of the retrieved article to a place (210) associated with an article dispensing area (22).