Abstract: An expandable drill bit for use with earth drilling equipment. The bit includes arms held in a closed position, so that the bit may be inserted through casing or a small bore hole. The arms are expandable to create an expanded drill bit having a crown profile common to a solid crown bit. The arrangement of the arms provides a short gauge length so that the expanded bit is steerable downhole. Embodiments of the expandable drill bit are detailed to show mechanisms for actuating the arms between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A reaming tool including a body adapted to couple to a drill string at both axial ends thereof, the body including a plurality of reaming blades affixed at azimuthally spaced apart locations around the circumference of the body, wherein selected ones of the plurality of reaming blades including at least one cutter attached at a selected position and orientation. Additionally, a pilot hole conditioning section including a plurality of azimuthally spaced apart pilot blades affixed to the body longitudinally ahead of the reaming blades. Furthermore, at least one of the reaming blades formed as a single structure with an azimuthally corresponding pilot blade.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanical apparatus for gripping and manipulating tubular members, such as drill pipe. The apparatus is essentially an automated slip puller, which generally comprises a slip base, a pulling mechanism pivotally attached to the slip base, and at least one cylinder or spring attached to the pulling mechanism. The entire apparatus is releasably connected to a rotary table located over a borehole. In a typical well drilling operation, the automated slip puller is attached to a slip assembly, which is thereafter placed around a drill pipe and positioned in the rotary table bushing. When the automated slip puller is activated, the pulling mechanism removes the slip assembly from the rotary table bushing and from around the drill pipe, thereby allowing the drill pipe to be manipulated in or out of the well bore. During operation, no portion of the automated slip puller is located outside the boundary of the rotary table.

Abstract: A front-wheel motor powered golf trolley comprised of a compact backward tricycle-wheel arrangement and a lightweight stiff open truss chassis. Left and right front wheel assemblies, driven by common drive axle, motorized through silent motor speed reduction, pull the trolley in an easily guided walk-along fashion. The driven front wheels are compliantly isolated from the chassis by sprung front axle support arms. Trolley stance stabilization and steering are by an independently sprung rear wheel/pivot assembly, the pivot being located between the front drive and rear wheel axles. A steering handle is the user-guiding interface and location for all hand operated controls. Upper and lower golf bag supports fold out from the chassis. Stow-ability is compact and without bulkiness. This trolley is adaptable to remote control of power, steering, and braking functions. The trolley also accommodates multiple other user conveniences.

Abstract: A front wheel stabilizing device includes a mount adapted to be secured to a main frame of an electric motor-driven wheeled vehicle, and an axle disposed between two side plates of the mount. A wheel mounting member has a tubular head which is rotatably sleeved on the axle, and a cantilever arm which extends from the tubular head forwardly to terminate at a wheel-carrying end for mounting a stabilizing wheel thereon. The stabilizing wheel can yield under a jolting force that arises as a result of movement of the stabilizing wheel over an uneven ground so as to displace from a more tractive position to a less tractive position. A torsion spring has a coiled segment which is wound on the tubular head, and two urging ends which abut against the mount and the cantilever arm, respectively, so as to bias the stabilizing wheel downwardly, thereby restoring the stabilizing wheel from the less tractive position back to the more tractive position.

Abstract: A drive system with at least one power storage device and at least one motor intermittently energized and de-energized through coupling to the at least one power storage device. The drive having at least one weighted drive member coupled to the at least one motor. An at least one energy recovery device returns energy to the at least one power storage device when the motor is energized or when the motor is de-energized by intermittently engaging the at least one drive member. The system also comprises a drive unit coupled to said at least one weighted drive member such that the motor drives the at least one weighted drive member which in turn drives the drive train wherein when the at least one weighted drive member is disengaged from the drive train. The motor can remain in an energized state or become de-energized and energy recovery through the at last one energy recovery device can continue to return energy to the power storage device so long as the weighted drive member is driven.

Abstract: A weight-controlled, motorized vehicle can be accelerated in either direction, steered, or decelerated without hand controls and without repositioning of a rider situated atop the vehicle. Like a skateboard, the vehicle is normally ridden by a rider standing upon a platform on top of the vehicle with one foot in front of the other. The vehicle is propelled forward when the rider increases weight on the front portion of the platform and backward when weight is increased on the rear portion. The vehicle is steered like a skateboard, by tilting the platform from side-to-side. An improved drive system utilizes a single front drive wheel to power and steer the vehicle. The drive system eliminates need of a flexible power transmission coupling such as a U-joint or constant-velocity joint. It also eliminates need of the differential mechanism normally required for two laterally spaced drive wheels.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a wheelchair and a reclining cycle part which are connectible to each other with the aid of a coupling, the reclining cycle part comprising a wheel and at least one pedal with which the wheel is drivable, so that the assembly in a coupled condition in use can be propelled by a person present in the wheelchair with the aid of a cycling motion of a leg making contact with the pedal, the reclining cycle part being further provided with a handlebar which is connected with the wheel of the reclining cycle part for steering the assembly, the assembly being provided with an electric energy source for electrostimulation, in use, of the cycling motion at the at least one leg of the person present in the wheelchair.

Abstract: A flip-up type hood for a vehicle, includes a vehicle body forming the vehicle, a hood body pivotally supported by the vehicle body through a pair of hood hinges attached to a rear end of hood body, and actuators provided in the vehicle body to apply a flip-up forces on rear portions of the hood body 10 and wires for connecting a designated part of the hood body with the vehicle body. In the hood, a length of each wire is established so as to allow the wire to be strained on condition that the hood body is flipped up. In operation, the strained wires operate so as to constrain the hood body to the side of the vehicle body, it is possible to suppress the rear portion of the hood body from being flipped up excessively and also possible to prevent an occurrence of flip-flop action of the hood body when the rear portions of the hood body is raised by the actuators.

Abstract: At the front end of an operating lever constituted as a joystick lever, a grip that is not allowed to rotate relative to the operating lever is attached. At the front end of the grip, a rotary operating member to be used for prime mover rotation speed adjustment is rotatably mounted. The operator rotates the rotary operating member with his finger tip while holding the grip and moving the operating lever to adjust the prime mover rotation rate and drive an actuator at the same time.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle may include a load displacement system allowing transient loads of the steering mechanism to be displaced. The steering system may also include a first coupling mechanism coupling an electric motor to a rack housing, and a second coupling mechanism coupling a ball nut to a rack. A method for providing an actuation force to a rack of a vehicle includes isolating non-axial loads from an electric motor of a steering system and isolating non-axial loads from a linearly actuatable member of a rotary-to-linear conversion device in the steering system. An actuator for a steering system may include a rotary to linear actuator, a movable linear section, and an interface between the rotary to linear actuator and the linear section.

Abstract: An active exhaust muffler for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, having a housing through which a pipe system passes, the pipe system designed to be permeable for airborne sound in a first space, having an antisound generator which is arranged in a second space and antisound acting upon a third space through a wall opening during operation, the wall opening being provided in a partition that separates the second space from the third space, whereby airborne sound is transmitted from the first space to the third space through a sound outlet. To increase the lifetime of the antisound generator and thus the exhaust muffler, a labyrinth is provided in the third space, blocking a direct path between the sound outlet and the wall opening, and providing at least one indirect bypass for the propagation of airborne sound between the sound outlet and the wall opening.

Abstract: A cylindrical shell main body constituting a muffler main body is formed of two layers of an inner shell and an outer shell and has a cylindrical shape with a cross section that is not a perfect circle but is defined by alternated small arc portions and large arc portions similarly to an oval, or the like. The outer shell of the shell main body has, in each of their small arc portions, four radially projecting beads continuously extending in a circumferential direction along the small arc portions and being a predetermined distance apart from one another in an axial direction, thereby allowing an upper and lower gaps between the inner shell and the outer shell in the respective large arc portions of the shell main body to communicate with each other through passages formed by the beads.

Abstract: An exhaust apparatus has an exhaust pipe that receives exhaust gas from an engine and a muffler attached to the exhaust pipe. The muffler has an exhaust portion that discharges exhaust gas received by the exhaust pipe. A tubular member is attached to the exhaust portion and has an exhaust inlet portion for passage therethrough of the exhaust gas discharged through the exhaust portion and an opening portion formed oppositely from the exhaust inlet portion. A filter formed from metal fibers is disposed in the tubular member to reduce an exhaust noise created by the exhaust gas. A cap member is attached to the opening portion of the tubular member and has an exhaust outlet portion that discharges the exhaust gas from the muffler.

Abstract: Stabilization devices for use with folding and/or extension ladders and methods of stabilizing ladders are disclosed herein. A stabilization device of one embodiment includes an upper shaft for operative coupling to a ladder's upper end. An outer leg has a lower end and an upper end with an aperture for receiving the shaft. An inner leg is configured for telescoping extension relative to the outer leg, and means are included for maintaining the inner leg at various positions. A foot is at the inner leg's lower end. A lower bracket selectively attaches to a ladder leg. A lower coupler selectively attaches to the outer leg. A lower strut has a first end attachable to the lower bracket and a second end attachable to the lower coupler to operatively couple the outer leg to the ladder leg and maintain a distance between the outer leg and the ladder leg.

Abstract: There is provided an machineroom-less elevator which can reduce the pit depth in a bottom part of an elevator shaft, mostly perform maintenance work on an upper space of a cage, and reduce a top clearance. A pair of right and left cage-side sheaves are disposed in the upper space of the cage, and the rotational axes of the traction sheave and the cage-side sheaves are extended in the longitudinal direction. A sheave supporting beam to rotatably support cage-side sheaves is disposed in a space between and upper beam of the cage frame and a ceiling of the cage, and disposed below rotary shafts of the cage-side sheaves.

Abstract: In a brake-equipped retracting mechanism, rotational force of a motor is used to open a liquid crystal display device from a retracted position to an open position, a power spring is wound up in conjunction with this opening operation, and elastic restoring force thereof is used to return the liquid crystal display device from the open position to the retracted position. A rope for developing a greater or smaller tensile force in conjunction with opening and closing of the liquid crystal display device is wound around a slip clutch linked to a reducer input shaft, whereby braking force for preventing the liquid crystal display device from an abrupt return is applied to the reducer input shaft. The braking force gradually decreases as the liquid crystal display device returns to the retracted position, and the liquid crystal display device can therefore be returned at a substantially constant speed.

Abstract: A controlled damper assembly includes a controlled-damper-assembly piston, a controlled-damper-assembly piston rod attached to the piston, an insulated wire, and an electrical connector. The insulated wire is positioned in the piston rod, has a first end operatively connected to the piston, and has a second end. The electrical connector has a first connection terminal electrically connected to the second end of the insulated wire and has a second connection terminal electrically connected to the piston rod. An example, without limitation, of a controlled damper assembly is a magnetorheological damper assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber comprises a cylindrical chamber (3), which is closed at one end and in which is axially slidably guided a piston member 85), supported by a piston rod (8) and at its peripheral surface carrying a surrounding non-slotted elastic ring element (6), the peripheral piston member surface being conically converging in a direction away from the closed chamber end and the inner surface of the ring element also conically converging in the same direction, the ring element (6) furthermore being axially reciprocably mounted on the piston member (5) between a first rigid abutment 84) at the end of said member (5) closest to the closed and (10) of the chamber (3), and a second rigid abutment (7) on the piston member (5) at a spacing from the first abutment (4) exceeding the axial length of the ring element (6).

Abstract: Travel bag for organizing computer and other items has a computer compartment that includes pockets for small items and a dual-entry pocket. Flat pockets are provided on two large sides of the dual-entry pocket. An opening on the outer body of the bag provides access to contents of the dual-entry pocket and flat pockets. The flat pockets are made of elastic material for securely holding small items and devices that are frequently retrieved, such as cell phone, travel tickets, sunglasses, etc. A briefcase style includes a retractable flap that covers the top of the bag and slides down into the bag to provide unfettered access to contents. A tote style has deep pockets in expandable side gussets, for holding water bottle, umbrella, shoes, etc. Straps are rope-filled tubular leather. A cord kit, a tool kit, and a purse may be included.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled viscous fan drive in which the output drive to the fan is electronically controlled by the movement of viscous fluid from a fluid reservoir and into the operating and working chamber of the coupling during normal operation. A radially balanced valve disk coupled to a spring controls the relative movement of viscous fluid from a fluid reservoir to the working chamber by sealingly engaging and disengaging a fill hole fluidically coupling the fluid reservoir to the working chamber. The clutch plate and cover and body, along with the features defined between the clutch plate and cover and body are cast to the desired size and shape, therein allowing easier and more precise manufacturing and more cost effective manufacturing as compared with traditional designs that are stamped and having machined-in features.

Abstract: An assembly for transmitting power from two power sources, such as an internal combustion engine and an electric motor having a rotor, to a transmission input shaft includes a clutch hub driveably connected to the rotor, a first clutch secured to the clutch hub for alternately closing and opening a drive connection between the input shaft and clutch hub, and a second clutch secured to the clutch hub for alternately closing and opening a drive connection between the engine shaft and clutch hub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orientation unit for a fruit sorting and grading machine, for rolling apples around their major axes at a fixed rpm depending upon the imaging and processing speed so as to make it possible for the camera to scan the entire periphery of each apple. This orientation unit of the present invention consists of a pair of rollers, wherein each of the rollers has a conical profile on one side and a flat laminar surface on the other side to orient an apple of any shape with its major axis aligned along the axis of rotation. This set of rollers is spring loaded to make it possible for the rollers move to and fro to accommodate apples of size ranging from 60 mm to 100 mm. A rotating belt is provided underneath the rollers to rotate the fruits at a desired rpm so that a camera with an image processing system can scan the entire periphery of the fruit, including the size and shape, and surface bruises, and grade them into multiple categories in terms of quality.

Abstract: A case rotating system configured to rotate cases, such as boxes, in a case management system such that the cases are oriented in a consistent manner upon leaving the case rotating system. In at least one embodiment, the case rotating system may be configured to cause a case in a case rotating module to be rotated such that a short side of the case leads the case as the case leaves the case rotating module. The case rotating module may be formed from one or more conical rollers configured to rotate cases into a consistent orientation. The case rotating system may rotate cases that are in an incorrect orientation into a correct orientation. In addition, the case rotating system may operate such that cases entering the case rotating system in a correct orientation may not be rotated but may remain in a correct orientation upon leaving the case rotating system.

Abstract: A discharge conveyor for an elongated truck or trailer body which includes a plurality of relatively long conveyor belt sections having leadings ends which are bolted to support members which extend between a pair of spaced-apart chains. Each of the conveyor belt sections are secured to a plurality of the support members in such a manner so as to provide a freely movable flap at the trailing end thereof. When the conveyor is moving through its discharge section, the trailing end of the conveyor belts overlap the leading end of the trailing conveyor belt section. When the conveyor is moving through its return section, the flaps of the conveyor belt sections hang downwardly from the chains.

Abstract: In a belt driving mechanism, an endless belt is wrapped around a driving roller and a driven roller. The endless belt runs between the driving roller and the driven roller. The axis of the driven roller is placed so as to form a certain angle of torsion to a plane containing opposite ends of the driving roller and a middle point between opposite ends of the driven roller. Rotation of the driven roller is decelerated or stopped with the driving roller keeping on rotating to run the endless belt. Resistance is thus offered to between the endless belt and the driven roller while keeping the driving roller rotating to run the endless belt, so that the endless belt is slipped on the driven roller.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, a first conveyor system is provided that is adapted to deliver substrate carriers within a semiconductor device manufacturing facility. The first conveyor system includes a ribbon that forms a closed loop along at least a portion of the semiconductor device manufacturing facility. The ribbon is adapted to (1) be flexible in a horizontal plane and rigid in a vertical plane; and (2) transport a plurality of substrate carriers within at least a portion of the semiconductor device manufacturing facility. Numerous other aspects are provided, as are systems, methods and computer program products in accordance with these and other aspects.

Abstract: A plate link chain in the form of a conveyor chain comprising at least two chain strands that are disposed parallel to one another and are comprised of a sequence of inner plate members and outer plate members, wherein the inner plate members are provided with openings for receiving at least one sleeve for connecting the inner plate members of oppositely disposed chain strands, wherein the outer plate members are provided with openings aligned with the openings of the inner plate members to receive a link pin that extends through the sleeve and is fixed on the outer plate members, and wherein the inner plate members are comprised of at least two individual plates, one of which, of at least the inner plate members of one chain strand, is provided with angle brackets for the mounting of further chain components.

Abstract: A side-flexing conveyor chain module that distributes chain tension across the width of the belt module includes a first module member and a second module member. The first module member has first link ends extending in a direction of conveyor travel and arcuate first fingers extending in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of conveyor travel. A second module member is pivotally coupled to the first module member about a module vertical axis. The second module member has second link ends extending in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of conveyor travel and arcuate second fingers extending substantially in the direction of conveyor travel which interdigitate with the first fingers. Cam surfaces on the first fingers engage cam surfaces on the second fingers to transfer forces between the first and second module members.

Abstract: While clean, disinfected hands are widely recognized as a principle means for controlling the spread of infections, disease, and similar health problems to both self and others, the prompt and repeated application of such materials as soap and water or waterless gels is necessary to maintain sanitary hands. So well recognized is this fact that many professional and governmental guidelines backed by regulations have been drawn to enforce compliance. This invention relates to compliance monitoring of hand sanitizing fluids and gels used to reduce the hand-borne transmission of pathogens. Disclosed is a simple, low-cost method of which a key aspect is the employment of a wristband dispenser with plural individual applications of hand sanitizing fluid in a convenient dispensing form. Inclusion of a use activated timing device provides a means of monitoring an individual's elapsed time since last use.

Abstract: A plural-chamber container capable of indicating whether or not a peelable partition wall is peeled and hence a medical professional can quickly become aware of a state of communication among respective chambers when using the plural-chamber container, wherein the plural-chamber container formed of a synthetic resin film and a plurality of chambers compartmentalized by a peelable partition wall formed by thermally welding part of the opposed films, characterized in that a means capable of indicating the peeling of the partition wall is provided on a surface of the plural-channel container.

Abstract: A case for retaining and transporting small electronic media storage devices. The case includes a first portion and a second portion, connected by a hinge or hinge member about which the two portions may be opened and closed. Each portion of the media case forms a recess preferably configured to securely hold a plurality of media storage device of different size and type.

Abstract: An insulated equipment cover combined with a glove-like extension for use with various types of equipment enables use in cold temperatures and adverse weather elements. The equipment cover generally conforms to the shape of the equipment and is made of flexible insulated material. The equipment cover provides sufficient room for an operator's hand to operate the equipment within the interior of the equipment cover. The equipment cover also extends down to the operator's wrist and a portion of the forearm, providing insulation and protection from adverse weather elements. The equipment cover is formed from a custom sewn sheet of insulated material with one or more elastic or cinching openings to allow access to, or for parts of the equipment to extend out of, the equipment cover. Various equipment specific openings allow the operator to view and access equipment controls and displays. Interior pockets may hold chemical heat packs.

Abstract: A carrying case or bag that includes a soft pouch portion that is supported with a more rigid support structure. The soft pouch portion is supported by a cross-brace support system that allows limited movement relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A tape cassette storage case includes: a case body provided with a bottom plate having a rectangular shape and a side wall along a periphery of the bottom plate so that the tape cassette can be encased therein; a lid portion having a connecting portion connected to one side of the case body with a hinge so that the lid portion covers an opening side enclosed by the side wall; and a bumper portion provided at a periphery of the case body and the lid portion including an opposite side of the connecting portion so that the bumper portion projects to an outside from the side wall when the lid portion is a closed position, wherein the bumper portion has thick-walled portions at each corner of the bumper portion, the thick-walled portions being formed thicker than any other portions of the bumper portion.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and a method (M) for packaging, displaying, and storing an electronic product having a front portion (10) including a complementary contour (11), a back portion (30) including a complementary contour (31), and an inner portion (20) including a complementary contour (21), the inner portion (20) being disposed between the front portion (11) and the back portion (30), and the front portion (10), the back portion (30), and the inner portion (20) being fitted together via their respective complementary contours (11, 31, 21).

Abstract: An assembly for packaging a product includes a carton having a top, a bottom, and a side extending between the top and the bottom. At least one of the top, the bottom, and the side includes a movable section that is movable between a first position and a second position. The movable section is biased to the first position. The assembly also includes a heat-shrunk layer overlapping at least a portion of the carton for sealing the carton. The heat-shrunk layer holds the movable section in the second position against the bias.

Abstract: The invention relates to a primary package unit for a plurality of separated film laminas as administration forms, having a bottom layer and a top layer sealed thereto, between which layers individual compartments, surrounded by sealed areas, are formed for the administration forms in the region of which the top and bottom layers are unsealed. The invention achieves the object of configuring such a primary package unit in such a manner that the same makes possible a more densely packed package for, in particular round, film laminas as administration forms. To this end, the primary package unit is provided with at least two rows (I, II) of compartments (4, 8), and said compartments (4, 8) and the administration forms (1) of neighboring rows (I, II) are offset from one another.

Abstract: A sterile, compact packaging is provided to present components in order of preferred or required use in a medical procedure. Pockets are arranged along one or more endsections of the packaging, and an absorbent material is at least partially adhered to the moisture proof sheet at a workspace thereon. Components are placed in the pockets in order of use, and the packaging is folded up. The folded packaging is sealed in a gas-permeable pouch, which maintains the components in a sterile condition until use. In use, the packaging is unfolded to expose the medical components.

Abstract: A revolutionary single piece organizer for storing or shipping objects without damaging the object. The organizer having a unitary, one piece stiff, bendable and deformable blank having a thickness. The blank having a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels connected to each one of the top panels and the bottom panel, two end panels connected to each side panel, and at least one flap connected to each one of the top and bottom panels. Each flap includes at least one folding section separated by scoring lines. In addition, each folding section includes multiple perforations lines that can be easily broken. The single piece organizer is assembled as a box, and the flaps, when folded, will then lock the objects to be stored or shipped. The configurations thus formed would prevent the objects from moving inside the organizer. The organizer may be preformed or customized with pre-cut holes or perforations in order to secure fragile or high-priced objects or goods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sorting containers commonly referred to as bottle unscrambler. The apparatus has a bowl assembly consisting of a base and an upstanding generally cylindrical sidewall, a support disc, and an actuator disc overlying the support disc. A plurality of pie-shaped disc segments are disposed in a circular array between the support disc and actuator disc, operatively connecting the actuator disc and support disc so that relative rotation of the support disc and actuator disc effects radial movement of the pie-shaped disc segments between inner and outer limit positions thereby providing a means for selectively varying the channel to accommodate containers of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone and method for separating and classifying solids in which a slurry is introduced into the cylindrical inlet section of the separation chamber of the hydrocyclone so that the slurry rotates about the axis of the chamber, then passes through a first conically tapered section of the separation chamber, and thereafter through a second conically tapered section which has a smaller cone angle than the first conically tapered section. The finer solids are removed through an overflow outlet toward the upper end of the separation chamber, and the coarser solids are removed through an underflow outlet toward the lower end of the chamber.

Abstract: A drum filter assembly comprising a hollow drum filter having a longitudinal axis and an outer filter screen or mesh material, the drum filter being supported on external rollers for rotation about its longitudinal axis and an inlet for introducing liquid to be filtered into the interior of the drum filter. Rotation of the drum filter is effected by the liquid flowing into the drum filter. Alternatively, the drum filter may be driven by an external motor.

Abstract: A drum structure for corrugated type rotary filters has relatively high filtering efficiency and relatively low manufacturing and/or installation costs. More specifically, a corrugated deck section is rigidly connected to a rotary drum structure by means of solid non-apertured divider grids which establish a drain channel. The drain channel is subdivided into respective compartments by means of intermediate solid non-apertured grids which are unconnected to the corrugated deck, but provide subjacent radial support thereto. Drainage slits are provided in the corrugated deck in alignment with each of the compartments. Plug dams are provided in the corrugation spaces between the upper edge of the intermediate grids and the lower corrugated deck surface so as to prevent substantially filtrate flow between individual compartments.

Abstract: A filter device includes four couplers attached to four sides, and a casing attached to bottom. A filtering material receptacle may be attached to the casing for filtering the water. A valve member is rotatably received in the housing, and includes six openings and four spaces and to communicate the openings of the valve member with each other, and includes two passageways for communicating with two openings of the valve member. The filtering material may be flushed with the water, and may be forced to change ion or to be cleaned with cleansing agent simply by rotating the valve member relative to the housing.

Abstract: Granules comprise binder-agglomerated active particles for liquid treatment or filtration. Each granule has a center core of a material that itself has binding properties without the addition of other binders or sprays or adhesives, or, alternatively, each granule comprises a matrix of active materials stuck together with the binder. The binder structure preferably ranges from a non-uniform matrix of binder formed by heat-deformed binder particles, to a clump of binder particles generally retaining the original shape or the binder particles, to non-continuous connectors of binder between active particles. The invented two-part media has high surface area per volume of media, which, because the outer surface and inner void surfaces of the particles are preferably substantially covered with active particles, translates to high activity for the preferred treatment process.

Abstract: A hanging shoe rack for a closet door or other vertical surface. Frame sections have opposite sides provided with support arms that taper from top to bottom for reduced material requirements. The sections are connected by bars and feet having L-shaped tongues fitting in L-shaped slots with long curved surfaces in contact for enhanced strength. The bars that receive hanger brackets have strong curved connections with the frame sides. The tongues on the bars that hook to the brackets are reinforced by tabs that fit closely in notches in the brackets to resist side to side sway.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for increasing the utility and attractiveness of a literature display are provided. The improved apparatus include a literature rack that automatically advances the remaining copies of literature to the front of the literature rack when copies of literature are removed from the rack. Further, a sloped ramp may be provided to prevent the copies of literature from flopping forward and a lifting portion may be provided to lift the front-most copy of literature above the remaining copies. Multiple energy storage devices may be used in parallel to power the self-advancing feature and may possess reduced-friction properties. Additional signage cards may also be provided to denote that all copies have been purchased from the rack and to provide further space for advertisements or information. Additionally, all of these improved functionalities may be achieved by modifying a pre-existing traditional literature rack with a rack insert possessing the improved apparatus.

Abstract: Shelves or trays for displaying merchandise are mounted on spaced-apart suspension strands depending from overhead ceiling structures. The trays are attached to the suspension strands with brackets which have tabs supported in apertures in the suspension strands and mechanical attachments which secure the tray to the bracket. The mechanical attachments are adjustable to accommodate orientation of the tray to permit gravity flow of merchandise forward or rearward in the tray. Promotional graphic displays may also be supported on the suspension strands.

Abstract: A canning implement sterilization rack includes a canning jar receiving grid, a ring or band receiving receptacle and a water bath which is supported in a cradle. The rack is adapted to be supported in an oven and is adjustable in width so that it can be used with a variety of oven sizes. In use, the rack's three areas each receive their intended ones of the canning implements. The rack is placed in an oven and is heated for a time sufficient to sterilize the components.