Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus whereby the intake pipeline running between the production chamber of a natural gas well and the suction inlet of an associated wellhead compressor is completely enclosed, in airtight fashion, within a jacket of natural gas under positive pressure (i.e., higher than atmospheric). Being enclosed inside this “positive pressure jacket”, the intake pipeline is not exposed to the atmosphere at any point. This allows gas to be drawn into the compressor through the intake pipeline under a negative pressure, without risk of air entering the intake pipeline should a leak occur in the pipeline. If such a leak occurs, there will merely be a harmless transfer of gas from the positive pressure jacket into the intake pipeline. If a leak occurs in the positive pressure jacket, gas therefrom will escape into the atmosphere, and entry of air into the positive pressure jacket will be impossible.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of expanding tubular members are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a vibrating device that is capable of imparting a longitudinal and/or lateral and/or oblique vibration to a tubular member or string as it is being run into a borehole or wellbore. In another embodiment, the vibrating device imparts a longitudinal and/or lateral and/or oblique vibration to a tubular member and/or expander device, as the tubular member is being radially expanded by the expander device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure. The tubular member is anchored to the preexisting structure and an expansion member is pulled through the tubular member to radially expand the tubular member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars are disclosed. The tubulars may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.

Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is provided, including a body having an output orifice and a flange and a seal cap to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice. A thermally-responsive element is positioned to releasably retain the seal cap. Housing members extend through and from the flange of the sprinkler body, and contain rods, each of which extends through the flange. A deflector is connected to ends of the rods.

Abstract: A sprinkler system includes a control panel including a processor, a power supply source, and a memory including software instructions for automatically toggling the system between operating and non-operating modes. The control panel includes controls mated to the processor that generate and transmit a user input control signal thereto. The processor executes a control algorithm for enabling the user to override the system. Sensors are spaced along a perimeter of the building structure, are camouflaged and shaped as an outdoor ornamental lawn art such as insects and amphibians, and generate and transmit an RF detection signal to the control panel, identifying an ambient temperature. Lawn and fire sprinkler assemblies are positioned about the building structure. The lawn and fire sprinkler assemblies are mated to the control panel and are independently operable.

Abstract: A rotatable drilling shoe attachable to a section of casing that allows for drilling and casing of a well bore in a single trip. The drilling shoe includes a fixed section and a rotatable section that has a drillable bit attached thereto. The drilling shoe further includes a mechanism for inhibiting rotation of the rotatable section after the casing is cemented into place so that the drillable bit can be drilled out by a subsequent drilling operation.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a strainer based upon a four-way, two-position rotary cylindrical plug valve having a hollow plug. The normal entry port for the sealing plug of the plug valve is a circular radial hole passing from the exterior of the plug into the interior cavity of the plug. The normal exit port for the sealing plug is a regular array of small holes across from and coaxial with the normal entry hole. The ports for the valve body are in two pairs positioned at 90° from each other, with the axes of the ports lying in the same transverse plane as the ports of the valve plug.

Abstract: A controller for providing user input of a desired direction of motion or orientation for a transporter. The controller has an input for receiving specification by a user of a value based on a detected body orientation of the user. User-specified input may be conveyed by the user using any of a large variety of input modalities, including: ultrasonic body position sensing; foot force sensing; handlebar lean; active handlebar; mechanical sensing of body position; and linear slide directional input. An apparatus that may include an active handlebar is provided for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor-driven vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a driving device. The vehicle frame includes a main body and a retaining unit. The main body has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The retaining unit includes a retaining plate disposed pivotally on the first connecting portion and having a free end rotatable to close and open a groove in the first connecting portion. The driving device includes a support frame that has a first engaging portion disposed within the groove, and a second engaging portion connected to the second connecting portion by a tongue and groove engagement. When the groove is closed, removal of the vehicle frame from the driving device is prevented. When the groove is opened, removal of the vehicle frame from the driving device is allowed.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle includes at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. Further, the chassis is configured for automatic engagement of its body connection components with complementary connection components on a vehicle body when a body is sufficiently positioned against the chassis.

Abstract: A control system and control method for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having an engine, an electric motor and an electric generator with gearing for effecting split power distribution from separate power sources. Power delivery to vehicle traction wheels is coordinated to meet a driver's demand for power as much as possible without violating predefined maximum and minimum powertrain limits, including the limits of the battery subsystem.

Abstract: An aerodynamically constructed covering part for the underside of a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car, is provided with an inflow opening and an air guiding element arranged adjacent to the inflow opening. In the driving operation, a partial flow of the cooling air flowing through between the covering part and the roadway is guided through the inflow opening and the air guiding element situated at least in areas above the covering part to an assembly and/or a chassis part situated above. In order to simplify the fastening between the covering part and the air guiding element, it is provided that the air guiding element is inserted into a receiving opening of the covering part and is separably connected with the covering part by way of slide-detent connections.

Abstract: A sealing member is composed of upper and lower holders which are molded members formed of rubber or resin. The upper holder has a stopper having a tubular shape with a flange inserted on its inner periphery. The lower holder has an inserted nut and outer threaded member on its inner and outer peripheries. In fixing a battery, after the outer threaded member of the lower holder is secured to a seat of a body frame by being screwed therein, the case is attached so that an expanded portion covers the lower holder, and then the upper holder is attached in a hole of the expanded portion. Subsequently, a bolt is presented through a battery holder, and is tightened by being screwed into the nut of the lower holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic unbuckling seat belt system adapted to easily buckle and unbuckle the seat belt, wherein the system comprises a seat belt tongue formed with a groove and a seat belt buckle with a latch for suspending in the groove and maintaining the coupled state with the seat belt tongue. An ignition key detecting switch detects whether the ignition key is inserted. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) controls the latch of the seat belt buckle to be removed from the groove of the seat belt tongue if the ignition key detecting switch detects that the ignition key is taken out. A first relay provides power by being activated according to the control of the ECU. A first electromagnet generates the magnetic force via the power provided through the first relay and pulls the latch from the groove.

Abstract: According to a pedal support structure, the slide comprises two slide portions constituted of the first and second contact points and the first and second guide faces. Further, these contact portions and these guide faces are respectively located longitudinally separately from each other, and are located so as to be offset from each other in the vehicle width direction, whereby the first and second contact portions and the first and second guide faces can be located substantially horizontally. Accordingly, there can be provided the pedal support structure which can improve flexibility of a layout of the guide face to guide a position change of a pedal bracket and to make the structure compact.

Abstract: A walk-behind self-propelled apparatus having a mobile structure and a handle assembly coupled to the mobile structure. The handle assembly includes a pair of grip portions. A ground engaging traction member is rotatably coupled to the mobile structure and imparts traction movement to the mobile structure for movement on the ground. A power source outputs drive power and a drive system, coupled between the power source and the ground engaging traction member, selectively transmits the drive power to the ground engaging traction member. A speed control actuation system is then coupled to the drive system and includes a control member pivotable about an axis. The axis is generally parallel to a plane extending between the pair of grip portions of the handle assembly to permit an operator to operate the control member merely through thumb actuation without removing their hands from the pair of grip portions.

Abstract: A combination propulsion and control handle for a work machine, including an elongate control stalk having a mounting end, an opposite free end, and an internal cavity in connection with an opening in the free end, and a hand grip disposed in overlaying relation to the free end, the hand grip including at least one input device in a position so as to be operable by a finger of a hand grasping the hand grip for causing a change of state of the input device, the at least one input device including at least one elongate conductive element extending therefrom through the opening and the internal cavity of the control stalk, the hand grip being mounted so as to allow simultaneous limited rotation thereof about the control stalk and rotation of the elongate conductive element within the stalk, for allowing varying the positioning of an operator's hand, without twisting of the conductive elements.

Abstract: In an electrical power steering apparatus, steering shaft reaction torque is estimated by a steering shaft reaction torque estimation unit, and a reference road reaction torque is estimated by a reference road reaction torque estimation unit. The estimated steering shaft reaction torque and the reference road reaction torque are weighted, and, in response, a target steering reaction torque is set by a target steering reaction torque generation unit, hysteresis width and slope of the target steering reaction torque are respectively adjusted, and steering feeling is thereby easily improved.

Abstract: To provide an electrically driven power steering apparatus with a simple structure, which can prevent overloading of an electrical motor and a power transmission system, an absorbing member (121) is attached to a rack shaft (112), and is brought into contact with a rack housing face at a stroke end of the rack shaft (112). The absorbing member (121) at least partially has a material having a Young's modulus of 100 to 900 Mpa, and thus it is possible to effectively relieve an impact at the stroke end.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes: a first rotation detection section including a first sensor section and outputting a signal corresponding to a rotation of an input shaft; a second rotation detection section including second and third sensor sections and outputting signals corresponding to a rotation of an output shaft; and a control unit detecting the respective rotational angles of the input and output shafts and a torque applied to a torsion bar based on the output signals from these rotation detection sections, and providing a driving control of an electric motor. The control unit makes determination on the occurrence of failure at the first to third sensor sections, and provides the driving control of the electric motor as shifting the driving control, based on results of the determination, between a torque control mode using the detected value of the torque and a steering angle control mode using the detected value of the rotational angle of either one of the input and output shafts.

Abstract: A square speaker is disclosed having a novel surround with a novel rounded corner design and with a magnet assembly and former sized, shaped, and arranged to exploit the increased excursions enabled by the novel surround. The arcuate portion of the rounded corner features smoothed trapezoidal circumferential undulations of the radially outer portion and an extension pad forms the arcuate portion of the radially inner portion of the rounded corner. An apex groove separates the inner portion from the outer portion. Tapered protrusions of the outer portion flank the smoothed trapezoidal circumferential undulations. The rounded corner is bounded by edges making angles of between 20 degrees and 40 degrees (preferably about 35 degrees) with straight sides of the square surround. Most of the outer perimeter of the entire inner flange adjoins the inner portions of the rounded corners. Significant increases in volume displacement per speaker size are achieved.

Abstract: A horn including a substantially flat coupling flange defining a coupling flange plane, a substantially planar mouth defining a mouth plane, an elongated throat extending between the coupling flange and the mouth, a transducer for generating a sonic output operationally connected to the coupling flange, and a major axis extending through the elongated throat. The coupling flange plane and the mouth plane are nonparallel and define a horn angle. The major axis connects the coupling flange and the mouth and the elongated throat is characterized by a substantially steadily increasing sectional area along the major axis from the transducer-connecting end to the mouth connecting end.

Abstract: A back-up power system for a traction elevator includes a power sensing device to sense a power loss or irregularity of the normal control power. An inverter timing system is connected to the power loss sensing device. The inverter timing system receives a power sensing signal from the power sensing device. A back-up power generating system communicates with the inverter timing system and generates an output to provide back-up power to the elevator system.

Abstract: An elevator group control method for the allocation of calls, in which method a given service time of the elevator group is assigned a target value. The service time may be passenger waiting time, call time, traveling time, riding time or an average value of one of these quantities. The method aims at fulfilling the assigned target value in such a way that the energy consumption of the elevator system is minimized. Optimization is implemented using a model of the elevator system, by means of which the desired service time can be predicted. This prediction is utilized in a controller controlling the optimizer. This makes it possible to improve the construction and operation of the controller and optimizer so that the energy consumption of the elevator system can be reduced while the condition regarding the target service time is fulfilled at the same time.

Abstract: To provide a motorcycle disk brake that can ensure brake force and also enable miniaturization. A motorcycle disk brake unit (10) has a part (105) of a piston (56) which projects outwards from an outer edge (35) of a brake disk (33), and by forming parts (67), within an outer back plate (65) and an inner back plate (75), corresponding to the piston (56) following the piston (56) so that an outer pad (90) and an inner pad (95) do not project out further than the outer edge (35) of the brake disk (33), another part (68) following the outer edge (35) of the brake disk (33), and a bridge section (53) following respective back plates (65), (75), a part (54) of the bridge section (53) can project further inwards than the piston (56) resulting in miniaturization of disk brake unit (10).

Abstract: A disk brake pad controls rotation of a disk rotor by pushing a friction surface against the disk rotor while it is rotating. The disk brake pad is formed with respective chamfered portions at respective end portions of the disk brake pad at the incoming and outgoing disk-rotor-rotation sides thereof. An edge of an end portion of the friction surface of the disk brake pad at the incoming disk-rotor-rotation side, and an edge of an end portion at the outgoing disk-rotor-rotation side are formed in a stepped bending shape such that a length of the friction surface in a circumferential direction of the disk rotor becomes shorter in a center of rotation direction of the disk rotor.

Abstract: A damper device includes a check valve operated to apply braking force to a rotary shaft having wing portions when rotated in a cylinder in one direction and, when the rotary shaft is rotated in the opposite direction, the check valve is not operated. Movement restricting flow passages for restricting the movement of a viscous fluid between front and rear-side oil chambers divided by the wing portions are formed between an inner wall of the cylinder and the wing portions, and a selective communication passage having the check valve is formed between the wing portions and one of two side walls forming the oil chambers, such that the side wall and the check valve can be rotated along with the rotation of the wing portions, thereby avoiding rotation of the check valve in contact with the inner wall of the cylinder, for pronged service life of the damper device.

Abstract: An active vibration suppression apparatus includes a rotating actuator which is fixed to a vibration suppression target and generates a torque in a rotational direction, an inertial load which is connected to the actuator and moves in the rotational direction relative to the vibration suppression target in accordance with a torque of the actuator, and a driving circuit for generating a driving command signal for controlling the inertial load and driving the rotating actuator in accordance with the driving command signal. The rotating actuator rotates/drives the inertial load with a generated torque, and reduces vibrations produced in the vibration suppression target by applying a drive reaction force generated upon rotating/driving the inertial load as a control torque to the vibration suppression target.

Abstract: An overrunning coupling assembly having improved shift feel and/or noise reduction is provided. The assembly includes planar first and second members rotatable about a first axis. In a locked position, torque transfer is permitted between the first and second members in a first direction about the first axis. In a disengaged position, the first and second members are permitted to free-wheel relative to each other in a second direction opposite the first direction. A compliant retaining device retains the first and second members together and absorbs axial impact loads. The retaining device is less compliant in the locked position than in the disengaged position to decrease axial force at time of axial impact and improve shift feel and/or noise reduction. In a first embodiment, the retaining device includes a wave spring. In a second embodiment, the retaining device includes a stepped weir plate.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for a movable member of an automobile comprises a housing, a drum for driving the movable member, the drum being rotatably supported on the housing, and a clutch for selectively transmitting a driving torque to the drum, wherein the clutch is accommodated in a space of the drum.

Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly interconnects an output shaft and an input shaft. The flexible coupling assembly includes a first hub operatively coupled to the input shaft for rotation therewith. A second hub is operatively coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith. A flexible element in the form of a coil spring interconnects the first and second hubs for transferring rotational torque between the first and second hubs while continuously compensating for axial misalignment between the first and second hubs. A retainer is disposed between the flexible element and the first and second hubs for limiting radial deflection of the flexible element during rotation of the flexible coupling. A one-way clutch is operatively coupled between the coil spring and one of the first and second hubs for transferring torque in one rotational direction while allowing the output shaft to decelerate relative to the input shaft in a direction other than the one rotational direction.

Abstract: There is disclosed an engaging/disengaging fail-safe door closing device for a rolling fire door, provided between a power device and a speed reducing device of a door machine, including an electromagnet fixed inside a housing of the door machine and disposed around the outside of a shaft of the power device; a brake device including a shaft sleeve, loosely embracing around the outside of the shaft of the power device and being capable of sliding between the shaft and the electromagnet, on one end of which, there is provided an attracted plate facing the magnet and coming off the magnet by way of the biasing force of an elastic element, while on the other end there is radially formed a brake disk; a driving plate fixed on the shaft of the power device and facing a position where the brake disk is allowed to contact; and a circuit used to control the electromagnet to be electrified to excite in order for actuating the brake when the door reaches a predetermined position, or to release the brake when the power

Abstract: A roller conveyor roller for furnace-heated metal strip has a roller shell journaled on a shaft with bearings providing thermal and electrical insulation of the shell from the shaft. The shell can be divided into shell segments each of which can have two bearings. One of these bearings can be a conical bearing with conical rings and with rollers which are thermally and electrically insulating.

Abstract: A device for changing a direction of conveyance of flat postal items and a position of the postal items relative to their direction of conveyance includes a driven carousel tray to which one or more gripper arms whose lengths are modifiable in a controlled manner are fastened. At free ends of these arms controlled joint ends having two or three degrees of freedom are provided and grippers are attached thereto. The gripper arm lengths, the spatial orientations of the grippers during rotation and the rotation speed can be controlled in such a manner that the grippers carry out linear movements along the conveyor tracks of the conveyor means to be supplied and carried away at approximately the same speed of conveyance as the respective conveyor means. During the linear movements, the joint ends and the grippers are oriented in the same spatial orientation relative to the respective conveyor tracks.

Abstract: An improved belt scraper assembly for use in a conveyor belt system to scrape debris off of a conveyor belt comprises a support bar having scraper blade attached thereto that is biased against the conveyor belt by a spring at both ends of the support bar. Ends of the support bar pivotally attach to brackets mounted on spaced apart frame members. A second bracket is mounted on a side of each frame member. One end of each spring attaches to an end of the support bar. The other end of the spring attaches to the second bracket to bias an edge of the scraper blade against the conveyor belt. When this edge wears down, the operator flips the support member over to utilize the opposite edge of the scraper blade without stopping the conveyor system. When both edges are worn down, the operator replaces the blade without stopping the system.

Abstract: A free flow conveyance system includes a plurality of linear conveyance apparatuses each having a plurality of unit conveyors linearly arranged, and a pivot conveyance apparatus having a unit conveyor which is arranged between the linear conveyance apparatuses being so arranged as to form a predetermined angle, wherein product sensors are arranged at the conveying-in side as well as at the conveying-out side of the respective unit conveyors of the linear conveyance apparatuses and the pivot conveyance apparatus, when a product is conveyed to a unit conveyor of the upstream side along the conveyance direction and product sensors of the unit conveyor become of the sensing-product state, in case respective product sensors of a unit conveyor of the downstream side along the conveyance direction are of the not-sensing-product state, these unit conveyors are driven respectively to convey the product, and when the product is consequently conveyed to the unit conveyor of the downstream side along the conveyance direc

Abstract: A transport roller suspension mechanism for supporting at least one transport roller of a sample transport mechanism for introducing a substantially planar sample carrier to a chemical analysis device, the transport roller mechanism comprising: a suspension block arranged to be pivotally connected to a fixed portion of the sample transport mechanism and being arranged to rotatably receive one end of a transport roller shaft; and a biasing member arranged to be resiliently urged against the suspension block.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the condition of magnetically permeable reinforcing cords of a conveyor belt is disclosed. The cords are longitudinally magnetized with a substantially unidirectional magnetic field. The conveyor belt is then moved relative to a plurality of magnetic sensors spaced apart and extending transversely relative to the conveyor belt. Then the sensors are interrogated at spaced apart intervals of time and used to detect the presence of a north polarity fringing magnetic field, a south polarity fringing magnetic field, or no fringing magnetic field, the output of each of the senses being recorded. Alternatively, a wave form of the voltage or current induced in the sensors can be derived therefrom and the waveform used to represent a north polarity fringing magnetic field, a south polarity fringing magnetic filed, or no fringing magnetic field, the waveform being recorded.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a bent curve element and a blank for manufacturing a bent curved metal element for an endless chain conveying track are disclosed. The bent curve element has a support flange intended to constitute a guide rail for a first side of chain elements forming part of the chain conveying track, and a web from which the first flange extends. The web is intended to provide torsional rigidity to the bend element. A bend element is used to make bend unit which in turn is used to make a conveying track.

Abstract: An ammunition clip protector for protecting a gun from being scratched by an ammunition clip includes a first panel and a second panel. Each of the first and second panels is flexible and each has a bottom edge, a top edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge of the first panel is attached to and extends along the first side edge of the second panel, and the second side edge of the first panel is attached to and extends along the second side edge of the second panel so that a sleeve is defined. The bottom edge of the first panel extends along and is attached the bottom edge of the second panel. The sleeve has an open upper end. An ammunition clip may be removably extended through the open upper end so that the ammunition clip is positioned within the sleeve.

Abstract: Packaging for medical devices that impart anti-microbial properties to the surfaces of a medical device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first compartment stores a medical device and a second compartment stores an anti-microbial agent. When the medical device is ready to be used, the anti-microbial agent from the second compartment flows into the first compartment to impart anti-microbial properties to the surface of the medical device. In another embodiment, components of the package are treated with an anti-microbial agent, which are then transferred or imparted to the surfaces of a medical device stored within the package.

Abstract: An organizer for securely retaining hand tools and other miscellaneous small items particularly in environments where space for working is limited and the tools must be organized and conveniently available. The organizer includes a container defining an interior in which is disposed a support plate having openings adapted for the insertion and support of various items such as hand tools and a bottom wall for supporting the lower ends of those items that extend through the support plate and are long enough to reach the bottom wall. For even longer items the bottom wall is provided with one or more openings of sufficient size to allow the item to extend through the bottom wall. The support panel may be hinged for pivoting to an open position to provide access to the interior for tool storage. Either the top wall or the front wall of the organizer are adapted to be opened and retracted for access to the interior and support plate of the organizer.

Abstract: A cosmetic case including a case body and an associated lid opening and closing the same, is adapted to have an ornamental exchangeable cover replaceably attached to at least either of the lid and the case body to cover them, and hence, the cosmetic case satisfies users' demand that all or even part of decorative portion would not peel off nor drop off the case body and its lid and enables customers to take greater initiative in choosing their favorite appearance of the case.

Abstract: An environmentally safe composition of matter for use as a promoter chemical in flotation separation of carbonates from industrial sand is disclosed. The promoter chemical replaces the standard petroleum sulfonate, glycol ether and nonphenol used in promoter chemicals with biodegradable substitutes permitting the waste from flotation separation to be disposed without fear of contamination of ground water. The biodegradable promoter is technically sound and causes little change to the flotation process.

Abstract: An apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. The fluidized bed also includes an opening for receiving a first fluidizing stream, an exit for fluidized particulate and at least one exit for non-fluidized particulate. A conveyor is operatively disposed in the fluidized bed for conveying the non-fluidized particulate to the non-fluidized particulate exit. A collector box is in operative communication with the fluidized bed to receive the non-fluidized particulate. There is a means for directing a second fluidizing stream through the non-fluidized particulate as while it is in the collector box to separate fluidizable particulate therefrom.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adapting two-post rack systems to support four-post rack mounted equipment. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a coupling member for modifying a two-post equipment rack. The coupling member may include a vertical support member having a first and second lateral end, and a first and second longitudinal end. A first torsion member may be coupled to the vertical support member at the first longitudinal end, and a second torsion member may be coupled to the vertical support member at the second longitudinal end. A coupling feature on the torsion members may be included to allow coupling to adjacent coupling members. An equipment attachment flange may be coupled to the first lateral end, and may further be adapted to emulate a vertical upright in a four-post rack. A rack attachment flange may be coupled to the second lateral end, and may be adapted to provide a load transfer path from the vertical support member to the two-post equipment rack.

Abstract: The spice rack of the present invention comprises a rotatable carriage having elongated tracks with opposite ends for frictionally engaging the sidewalls of spice containers so as to grip and hold the containers in the tracks. A plurality of containers can be received in each track. The carriage includes a central tube which is adapted to be rotatably mounted upon a spindle or upon the arms of a paper towel rack. The spindle is supported at opposite ends by boards or plates. In one embodiment, a back wall extends between the end boards so that the carriage can be mounted on a wall in a horizontal or vertical orientation, or be hung beneath a kitchen wall cabinet.

Abstract: A single formed rack of rectangular shape with a length substantially greater than its width is attached to a stud, the rack having a plurality of raised sections defining spaced unobstructed slots across its width, each slot having a hole therein for attaching the rack by nails or screws to the stud. To provide the racking system, a second rack is attached to an adjacent stud and the slots of the two racks are aligned horizontally between the two studs. One or more boards may be inserted into the horizontally opposing unobstructed slots.