Abstract: A wiper for an automobile rear-view mirror includes a wiper transmission device installed at the rear side of a rear-view mirror. The wiper transmission device is provided with a transmission motor having a driving gear extending outward to be engaged with a speed-change gear unit for driving a driven gear to rotate. The driven gear is provided with a rotating shaft inserted through the front surface of the rear-view mirror, and the rotating shaft has its outer end fixed with a connecting rod having a wiper fitted thereon. When the transmission motor is started, the wiper can be driven to sway upward or downward for wiping out water drops on the surface of the rear-view mirror to keep the mirror surface clear to enable a driver to clearly watch the traffic conditions reflected in the rear-view mirror and drive with safety.

Abstract: A wiper for an automobile rear-view mirror includes a wiper transmission device disposed at the rear side of a mirror base, a connecting rod and a wiper. The wiper transmission device has a transmission motor provided with a drive gear engaged with a driven gear coupled with a worm that is engaged with a worm gear. The worm gear is connected with a driven worm by a support shaft, and the driven worm is engaged with a driven worm gear secured on a rotating shaft, which has its outer end inserted out of the rearview mirror and fixed with a connecting rod having a wiper fixed thereon. When the wiper transmission device is started, the wiper can sway upward and downward for wiping water drops off the surface of the rear-view mirror to keep it clear, enabling a driver to clearly watch the traffic conditions and drive safely.

Abstract: A brushless wire-rope cleaner having a base plate, two side members arranged on a base plate at a distance from one another, and a cover extending from one side member to the other side member so that the base plate, the side members and the cover form a channel. A cleaning element is slideably arranged in the channel and a tensioning mechanism is arranged to slide the cleaning element through the channel.

Abstract: A single action mop wringer which is formed of a housing having oppositely disposed sidewalls therein which have a pair of aligned spaced apart tracks in each sidewall which provide a guide for pins rollably supporting a pair of spaced apart rollers to come together at a desired distance to wring water from a mop on a single pass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blower-vacuum device having means for collecting garden waste, the garden waste collecting means comprising: an attachment part (42) for receiving a garden waste receptacle; and a garden waste receptacle (30) for removable engagement with the attachment part; wherein the attachment part (42) comprises an arcuate groove (44); and the garden waste receptacle (30) comprises a band (33) defining a mouth (35) of the receptacle for sliding engagement with the groove. Thus the receptacle may be easily removed from the attachment part of the blower-vacuum device merely by sliding the band (33) of the receptacle out of the groove (44), whereupon the receptacle may then be emptied of garden waste by tipping it upside-down.

Abstract: A robot cleaning system is capable of performing automatic cleaning and manual cleaning with a minimal number of devices. The robot cleaning system includes a first cleaning unit to perform automatic cleaning while moving by itself in an area to be cleaned, and a second cleaning unit to perform manual cleaning while being coupled to the first cleaning unit as it is moved by a user in an area to be cleaned. Each of the first and second cleaning units contains a blower and dust collector to vacuum. The first cleaning unit has a dust outlet to deliver dust to the second cleaning unit when the first cleaning unit is coupled to the second cleaning unit via the dust outlet of the first cleaning unit, a connector, and the connection port of the second cleaning unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a self-cleaning filter and a sweeper stand that also functions as an electric dustpan when the vacuum is seated within the sweeper stand is provided. The vacuum includes a housing having an air inlet at one end of the housing and a handle at the other end of the housing. An air passageway includes a deflector to direct dirt into a dirt collection tray which is pivotably mounted to the housing. A filter mounted on the motor divider wall and a filter cleaning arch mounted on the dirt collection tray so that the filter cleaning arch strikes the filter to dislodge dirt collected on the filter as the dirt collection tray pivots open. The sweeper stand includes a housing for receiving the hand vacuum, an opening for directing dirt laden air into an air inlet of the hand vacuum. Power switches to actuate the hand vacuum when the hand vacuum is seated in the sweeper stand are provided.

Abstract: A suction brush that includes a body in communication with a dust collection apparatus of a vacuum cleaner and having a main suction port formed through a bottom of the body, and a cover for covering the top of the body, the cover having auxiliary suction ports. A pair of floorcloth support plates are rotatably mounted on the bottom of the body, with floorcloths that are detachably attached to the bottom surfaces of the floorcloth support plates, respectively. A floorcloth rotation unit is mounted in the body so as to rotate the pair of floorcloth support plates. The suction brush also includes a first air suction flow path for guiding air, which is introduced through the main suction port, to the rear side of the body, and a second air suction flow path for guiding air, which is introduced through the auxiliary suction ports to the rear side of the body.

Abstract: A doorstop comprises a unitary body made of a resilient material including an elongate shank having a longitudinal axis, a tip at one end of said elongate shank, and a base at the opposite end of said elongate shank. A flexible wall connects said elongate shank to said base and is designed to flex in response to impact by a door along the longitudinal axis to absorb the impact of said door.

Abstract: A positioning structure for a pivotal shaft comprises a positioning device for use in the pivotal shaft. The positioning structure is located between a base and a lid of an electronic product, wherein an inner sleeve is pivotally connected to an outer sleeve through an elastic device. The positioning device is composed of a rotation ring and a ring cover. A toothed ring is mounted on each side of the rotation ring, and a limit block is protrudent from the edge of the rotation ring. The ring cover has a locking trench, and the toothed rings are inserted into the locking trench. The elastic device is pre-rotated. When the push-button switch is separated from the buttonhole by pressing, the lid is lifted up by the anti-twist force and the lower edge of the lid is exactly stopped by the limit block for positioning the lid to a predetermined angle automatically.

Abstract: Pin apparatuses and methods are disclosed having particular suitability for use with machine handles such as those associated with walk-behind machines such as lawnmowers. A pin apparatus can include a housing defining an opening for receiving at least a portion of a pin. A pin can be provided having an elongated pin body with a proximal end section and a distal end section. The pin body can be adapted for positioning at least partially through the opening of the housing where the pin is movable with respect to the housing according to a method disclosed herein from an extended position where at least a portion of the distal end section extends to a predetermined extent outside of the opening, and a retracted position where the distal end section is in a retracted position from the predetermined extent. A handle can be provided external from the housing for moving the pin whereby movement of the handle moves the pin between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A system for tensioning lines, particularly belts or webs, utilizing a bi-directional tensioning device. The system includes an anchoring tensioning line, the proximal end of which is removably attached to a first end of the device, and a threadable tensioning line, the proximal end of which is threadably attached to a second end of the device. The distal ends of both tensioning lines are fastened to a support surface. A ratcheting system included in the device winds the proximal end of the threadable tensioning line by means of a pivot handle. The threadable tensioning line is tightened when the handle is pivoted in the direction of the second end of the device. The user may change the direction of the power stroke simply by switching the anchoring tensioning line from the first end to the second end and the threadable tensioning line from the second end to the first end of the device.

Abstract: Bracelet provided with a foldable clasp, comprising a first arm (7), at least a second arm (8) articulated with said first arm, a cover (4, 6), under which the arms' free extremities are folded back when the clasp is closed. The cover comprises a locking system enabling the arms to be held in a closed position and to be released by acting manually on the locking system to open the clasp. It further comprises a casing (4) and a base (6) closing the cover's lower side. The casing comprises solid sides of uneven thickness obtained by detach cutting machining or by molding. The casing's sides define between them and with the base an internal volume (45; 95) in which the locking system is at least partially accommodated.

Abstract: A process for preparing a complex sheet including a layer of drylaid glass fibers and a layer of organic fibers. The process includes mechanical needling or fluid entanglement, e.g. hydroentanglement, of a nonwoven fabric of continuous organic fibers and of a veil of non-preconsolidated continuous glass fibers, the nonwoven fabric of organic fibers and the veil of glass fibers being juxtaposed and needles being sent from the same side as the nonwoven fabric of organic fibers, to make a sheet, and then application of a binder to the bilayer. The so obtained complex fibrous structure shows a low tendency to delaminate and can be impregnated with asphalt or bitumen, and can be used in the field of roofing, sealing covering, or membranes.

Abstract: The Dove-Tail Sizing Stock with Solder Pockets includes the technique of increasing or reducing the size of a circular object, such as a finger ring. The sizing stock includes dovetail shaped ends with pockets of solder on each end. The solder that is inserted into the holes drilled into the dove-tail crevices on each end of the sizing stock is of the same color, karat and hardness as the sizing stock. The sizing stock will be of the same material, color, karat and hardness as the circular object or finger ring to be sized. It will be understood that the foregoing description is for illustration purposes only. Other adaptations and uses of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Abstract: The progressive die tooling component carrier is adapted to serve as a hinge connection between the components that it connects. The carrier allows for the reeling of a series of components for storage and transportation without causing the warping or bending of the components. Preferably, the hinge connection is achieved by providing the carrier with a compression, a perforation, or both a compression and a perforation. The carrier is designed to further minimize the scrap resulting from the removal of the carrier from the adjoining components.

Abstract: A telescopic safety shield device includes a carrier movably engaged onto a platform and having one or more guideways tilted relative to the platform, a tool rest movably engaged onto the guideways and moveable inclinedly relative to the carrier and the platform, and a telescopic shielding device having two or more casing members coupled between the platform and the tool rest for shielding the area between the platform and the tool rest, the casing members are pivotally coupled to the platform and the tool rest for allowing the casing members to be pivoted relative to the platform and the tool rest respectively and for preventing dirt or contaminant from entering into the areas between the platform and the tool rest.

Abstract: A punch is provided with a detection system for evaluating crack defects in waste material removed during a clipping operation. The punch includes a clip ring and a clip insert for shearing excess material from a part processed therein. The excess material is engaged around the clip ring when sheared from the part. Frictional resistance between the waste material and the clip ring is evaluated in determining potential crack defects in the waste material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the application of a sleeve upon a tubular, such as a pipe string, used in downhole applications, for example in oil and gas exploration or recovery. A mould is located around the tubular into which a composite material is injected. The material is cured at ambient temperature. Optional heating may then be applied to enhance the properties of the sleeve. The heating temperatures are well below those at which the structural integrity of the metal tubular would be compromised as regards its fitness for downhole use. Embodiments of wear protectors are illustrated for sleeves with and without wear pads.

Abstract: For introducing a weakened line into a component 10, which is rigid per se and does not conform to a supporting mold or a receiving means in correspondence with the true shape, especially into an injection-molded part such as an instrument panel of an automobile, a device is provided comprising a multi-axis machine tool with a CNC-control suited for processing base-oriented programs, and a receiving means 11 for the component 10 to be processed, distance sensors 13 for the CNC-control being assigned to the receiving means to detect the actual three-dimensional position of the component.

Abstract: A method of making an acoustic assembly for use in a transducer includes forming a multi-layer assembly. The multi-layer assembly includes a first layer member and a second layer member. Each member includes a center portion, an edge portion and an aperture separating the center portion and the edge portion. The assembly has an assembly stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of either the first or second layer members. A hinge joins the assembled first and second center portions and the first and second edge portions such that the assembled first and second center portions is free to at least partially rotate relative to the assembled first and second edge portions about an axis. A flexible layer member is coupled to the assembly and provides airtight sealing of the passageway.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a quartz crystal unit, a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is formed by etching a quartz crystal wafer to form a quartz crystal tuning fork base and first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines connected to the quartz crystal tuning fork base. The quartz crystal tuning fork resonator has a piezoelectric constant e?12 within a range of 0.12 C/m2 to 0.19 C/m2 in the absolute value to drive the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator. An electrode is disposed on each of two of side surfaces of each of the first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines so that the electrodes disposed on the side surfaces of the first quartz crystal tuning fork tine have an electrical polarity opposite to an electrical polarity of the electrodes disposed on the side surfaces of the second quartz crystal tuning fork tine. The quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is mounted on a mounting portion of a case.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sticker type antenna, in which a copper foil of 0.017 mm by thickness is stuck to a layer of releasable film in advance, in order that the copper foil can bear the pulling force in a brush electroplating process to thereby substitute the conventional beryllium copper of a larger thickness. The copper foil after brush electroplating undergoes punching and cutting for forming a pattern and is stuck to a semi-finished product of Mylar, hence the copper foil is stuck onto the back side of the Mylar layer; then the Mylar layer with the copper foil is separated from the releasable film, then the back side of the Mylar layer is applied with adhesive and again is stuck to the releasable film; after punching and cutting the Mylar layer for patterning and edging, a sticker type antenna is made.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a coil-embedded inductor provides steps for obtaining uniform density of coil-embedded inductor. The cavity of a first die is filled with dust before being flipped, and then filled with dust a second time. The dust in the cavity is pressed only once for improving the density.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the formation of microprobe tips elements having a variety of configurations. In some embodiments tips are formed from the same building material as the probes themselves, while in other embodiments the tips may be formed from a different material and/or may include a coating material. In some embodiments, the tips are formed before the main portions of the probes and the tips are formed in proximity to or in contact with a temporary substrate.

Abstract: A vegetation trimmer comprising an elongate main handle to which is connected a motor that rotatably drives a trimmer head located at a distal end of the handle. The trimmer head defines a rotational axis and includes a housing and a spool rotatably received in the housing for carrying at least one coil of flexible trimmer line. The trimmer head further includes structure for enabling trimmer line to be wound through housing and onto the spool in a user-selected clockwise or counterclockwise direction without removing the spool from the housing such that trimmer line is dischargeable from the trimmer head in an appropriate clockwise or counterclockwise direction dictated by the direction of rotation of the vegetation trimmer drive shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chain saw which includes chain saw chain tensioning and braking systems. Tensioning and braking are effected by the presence and control of longitudinal slits in an elongated support which provides a continuous chain channel guide in its outer circumference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the angle of a sighting unit towards a target, in particular for a geodesic-measuring instrument. The inventive device comprises a reference base, at least one bearing for mounting the sighting unit thereon in such a way that it is pivotable with respect to said reference base around an axis, a gear for accurately adjusting an angle of rotation around said axis between the sighting unit and the reference base and a coupling unit for limiting or interrupting a torque flux around the axis. The gear and the coupling unit are in series arranged in the torque flux between the sighting unit and the reference base. The torque flux is carried out around the axis between the sighting unit and the reference base by means of the gear and the coupling unit when it is non-interrupted thereby.

Abstract: The pendulum bow sight is a sight apparatus for an archery bow that provides a luminescent sighting element disposed without the use of supporting pins in a field of view of an optic lens without obstructing the field of view used for sighting a target. The sight apparatus provides unobstructed viewing through a pendulum sight regardless of a bow elevation angle. The pendulum sight has a pivoting lens assembly, which is suspended by a supporting structure capable of being mounted to e.g., the riser of a bow. The bow sight lens assembly is freely rotatable about a pivot axis disposed across a region encompassed by the supporting structure. The pendulum bow sight provides independent horizontal and vertical adjustments of the sighting element for calibration that is good for up to thirty-five yards, and with any bow elevation angle.

Abstract: A bow sight having a support member with a sight unit disposed at one end a sight pin disposed within the sight unit, a guide member integrally joined to the sight unit and being detachably joined to the support member, a fixed adjustment bar extending from the guide member, and a flexible cable interconnected to the sight pin at one end and fixed to the adjustment bar at the other end.

Abstract: According to the invention, in order to control the vehicle geometry of a chain or belt driven vehicle, chain alignment of the secondary drive is determined by means of a laser module (1) which is placed on the lateral surface of the chain wheel or the belt pulley and whose the laser beam is directed to the edge area of the chain or belt. Wheel alignment can also be determined, by arranging two pairs of circular segment shaped calibres (11), which are pressed flat against each other by pressing means (12) on each side of the rim of at least one back wheel and on at least one front wheel of the vehicle, and by emitting parallel laser beams (17) on both sides of one of the calibre pairs to the other calibre pair (17), the laser beams impacting measuring devices (13) which are arranged on both sides of the other pair of calibres. The dimensional accuracy of the swing and the front wheel fork can also be determined in a similar manner.

Abstract: A laser marking device including an oscillating mechanism that enables the laser beams emitted from the device to be emitted in either a constant state or in a pulsed state to enhance the visibility of the laser beam in various lighting conditions. The oscillating mechanism modulates the power supplied by the power source into either a constant state or a pulsed state in order to send the power in that state to the laser generator, which consequently emits a laser beam in either a constant or pulsed state. In bright light conditions in which the beam is not readily visible, the beam can be emitted in a pulsed state to be sensed by a separate detector capable of detecting the pulsed beam from the device. The detector provides an indication to the operator of the position of the beam relative to the detector such that the operator can readily determine the location of the beam.

Abstract: A sensor system and method for determining a relative direction to true north is provided. The system comprises at least one angular rate sensor, such as a MEMS sensor, which has an input axis and a rotation axis. The sensor comprises a motor drive structure, a motor signal output from the motor drive structure, a gyroscope, and a sensor rate output from the gyroscope for a sensor rate signal. A frequency divider is in operative communication with the motor signal output, and a spinning device is coupled to the angular rate sensor. A spinning device motor is coupled to the spinning device and is in operative communication with the frequency divider. The spinning device motor has an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the input axis of the sensor. The spinning device motor is configured to be driven by a periodic signal from the sensor. A position of the spinning device is synchronized to the periodic signal to generate a spinning device position signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a sensor such that the sensor touches an object at an arbitrary position in a three-dimensional space, the apparatus including a base member; a rotatable member which is rotatable relative to the base member about a vertical axis line; a first link device including a first stationary link, a first movable link, and two first pivotable links which are pivotably connected to the first stationary link and the first movable link, such that the first stationary link, the first movable link, and the two first pivotable links cooperate with each other to define a quadrilateral, wherein the first stationary link is fixed to the rotatable member such that the first movable link is movable in a plane containing the axis line; a second link device including two second pivotable links, and a second stationary link and a second movable link which are pivotably connected to the two second pivotable links, such that the two second pivotable links, the second stationary link, and the second movable l

Abstract: A method of determining a center of curvature of the spherical outer surface of an object using a computer system is provided. The method includes defining at least one contact region on the spherical outer surface in a plane substantially tangential to a circumference thereof and a first reference axis normal to said plane. Spatial coordinates of at least one of a first and a second geometric parameter are determined, the first geometric parameter including at least two points located on the spherical outer surface and the second geometric parameter including a second reference axis normal to the spherical outer surface. The center of curvature of the spherical outer surface is then calculated using the first reference axis and at least one of the first and second geometric parameters. An associated system and calibration device is also provided.

Abstract: A checking apparatus, for example a plug gauge, for checking diameters and/or geometrical features of mechanical parts includes a support structure (1) and checking means (20,21) coupled to the support structure, with mutually movable feelers (36) for contacting the surface of the part and transducer means for providing electrical signals. The support structure includes at least two studs (11,12) that achieve a guide along a longitudinal axis, and the checking means are coupled to the studs in a removable and adjustable way along such longitudinal axis. Several checking means can be coupled to the studs. A particular embodiment foresees three flanked studs and checking means coupled to pairs of adjacent studs. An adapting system allows the feelers to self-center on the part to be checked, for example the surface of a hole.

Abstract: In a measuring tool, following operations are carried out. In a preset operation, a displacement is detected in response to an instruction from an operating section, and the detected displacement is stored in a storage as a measurement reference value (Xc). In a measurement value computing operation, a measurement value is calculated based on a difference between the present displacement and the measurement reference value (Xc). A judgment operation belongs to the preset operation. In the judgment operation, a movable member is judged to be stationary relative to a stationary member when a variation of the displacement detected by the detector at an interval of a predetermined time (T1) has continuously been within a permissible range for a predetermined time. When the movable member is judged to be stationary with respect to the stationary member in the judgment operation, the displacement is stored in the storage as a measurement reference value (Xc).

Abstract: A template for assessing damaged areas on an object, such as a fan blade or other item, includes a set of marks indicating the maximum areas of damage allowed on the periphery of the object. A guide enables the template to be aligned in proper position against the object for accurate visual inspection of the damaged areas. For example, one or more blend guides are included to allow the inspector to mark a blend area around the damage to enable maintenance personnel to smooth sharp, jagged edges of the damaged areas, thereby relieving stress points and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of a blade in an engine. The template can include a magnifying portion that allows the user to see more detail on the object. Linear and/or curved measurement scales can also be included on the template.

Abstract: The air nozzle attachment (8) for the hair dryer (2) is connectable to the blower opening (7) of the hair dryer and produces a hot-air stream (9) and a cold-air stream (10) that are arranged side-by-side. The air nozzle attachment (8) has a hot-air nozzle (13) and a cold-air nozzle (14) located side-by-side and, on an end connectable to the blower opening (7), has a central conduit entrance (11) and a coaxial conduit entrance (12), which open into the hot-air nozzle (13) and the cold-air nozzle (14) respectively. The air nozzle attachment (8) can be detached again from the dryer (2) and preferably has a snap-on coupling device (18) for connecting the air nozzle attachment to the dryer (2), which permits rotation of the air nozzle attachment.

Abstract: A process for the continuous drying of water-surrounded granulate transported by a screen-type belt conveyor. In a first conveying region in the form of a chute, water is withdrawn under gravity from the plastic granulate at a temperature of > than 100° C., wherein, in a following second region on a belt conveyor, any remaining water is substantially removed by air extraction through the belt conveyor, the air extraction taking place at an air speed of > than 20 m per second and with a dwell time in the second region of < than 2 seconds, there being a following third region, as an evaporation zone, with a dwell time of more than two seconds.

Abstract: A laundry machine includes a cabinet and a laundry holding drum rotatably supported therewithin. The drum includes a wall and a drum hatch comprising a section of the wall. A motor is connected to rotate the drum. A controller is configured to operate the motor to drive the drum through a closing operation. The closing operation includes rotating the drum in a direction to bring the drum opening toward the drum hatch to re-close the opening with the drum hatch and to detect stopping of the drum rotation. The controller may provide user feedback that a closure disruption has occurred. The drum hatch is configured to close circumferentially, with a leading edge of the drum hatch approaching a leading edge of the remaining wall. The leading edges are shaped such that interposition of fabric between the leading edges during closure stops the drum hatch reaching a fully closed position.

Abstract: A shoe traction system may have an attachment element to allow the orientation of a traction device, such as a golf spike or cleat, to change relative to a sole. The system may further include a positioning element made from a resilient material and returns the spike to a neutral position. The density of the resilient material may be selected according to a weight of a user of the shoe traction system. In operation, the shoe traction system may allow each spike secured to the outsole to form a dynamic positioning system for uneven or varying ground surfaces. The spikes may work independently of each other and all spikes may be adjusting at all times to any change in surfaces.

Abstract: A decorative vamp system for shoes. The decorative vamp system allows the appearance of the vamp of a shoe to be changed to match the clothing of the wearer. The decorative vamp system includes the shoe with a fixed vamp, a removable vamp insert, a tongue flap and a receiving lip. The removable vamp insert is held in place by the receiving lip and the tongue flap. The removable vamp insert is removable from the shoe to allow changing of the appearance of the vamp of the shoe. Additional materials can be used between the removable vamp insert and the fixed vamp to provide a frictional force between the removable vamp insert and the fixed vamp to further hold the removable vamp insert in place.

Abstract: A snow mower blade, the blade for use with a rotary type lawn mower having a wheeled housing for movement over a surface of operation, the blade comprising an elongated horizontal, with an angle at each end of the horizontal, a pair of upwardly projecting spaced apart removable wipers disposed on the horizontal, a substantially vertical paddle plate at each end of each angle, a removable flexible paddle extending downwardly therefrom toward the surface of operation.

Abstract: An improved snow moving apparatus has a semi-cylindrical body and side plates that form an inner cavity that is impermeable by snow. The apparatus has a pushing scraper and a pulling scraper. The pushing scraper is in contact with the ground when the apparatus is in pushing mode and the pulling scraper is in contact with the ground with the apparatus is in pulling mode. The scrapers are adjustably attached to either the side plates or the body or both so that the level of the scrapers can be easily adjusted when the blades wear down through use.

Abstract: A demolition claw has a support, a pivot pin mounted on the support and centered on and extending along an axis, and two jaws each having a hole through which the pivot pin extends so that the jaws can pivot on the support about the axis. The jaws have adjacent the respective holes confronting flat faces. An arcuate formation fixed on one of the faces adjacent the respective hole projects axially therefrom toward the other of the faces and is generally centered on the axis. A retaining formation fixed on the other of the faces adjacent the respective hole projects axially therefrom toward the one face, is radially offset from the arcuate formation, axially overlaps the arcuate formation, and surrounds the arcuate formation. Structure is provided on one of the jaws for preventing axial separation of the jaws.

Abstract: A laundry article is drawn over a support surface by a positioning gripper and is set down there so that the rearmost tip comes to rest on an edge plate and the remainder on a transverse conveyor which moves the laundry article to a corner gripping apparatus. The latter is then moved to the edge plate, optical sensors located above said edge plate registering edge points of the laundry article. The position of the corner is determined whereupon the corner gripping apparatus approaches the tip determined and a corner gripper is advanced from the gripping edge so that a lower jaw thereof grips under the edge plate. An upper jaw is then lowered onto the corner of the laundry article. The corner gripper is then withdrawn so that the corner is clamped between the upper jaw and the lower jaw of the corner gripper.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an edge-lit panel for emergency lighting using dual mode illumination. The panel includes active lighting by the own light source of the equipment and passive lighting by photo-luminescent pigments coated on various surfaces of the panel. Thus, this edge-lit panel provides an improved and extended visibility of electrically energized edge-lit emergency signs during power failures.

Abstract: A menu panel for supporting elongated menu strips of varying heights is disclosed having adjustable guide rails supported by a frame. The frame includes vertical side frame members incorporating guide rail locating elements disposed along the length of the vertical side frame members to position the guide rails. The guide rails are selectively positionable along the length of the vertical side frame members to provide adjustable spacing between adjacent pairs of guide rails. The menu strips include descriptive indicia such as product names and pricing information and are disposed between and supported by adjacent pairs of the guide rails.

Abstract: A mounting and framing apparatus and system are disclosed in which displayed items such as graphics, photographs, mattes, paintings or the like are positioned between multiple transparent plates of glass or plastic to impart a sense of depth thereto, clamping bars apply a compressive force to the transparent plates for holding the displayed items in place, and decorative members are provided for adding aesthetic appeal.