Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for facilitating biometric security in a smartcard-reader transaction system by proffering a biometric. The biometric may be proffered to a biometric sensor communicating with the smartcard-reader system. Proffering the biometric initiates verification of the biometric sample and facilitates authorization of a transaction.

Abstract: A noncontact information medium includes a coil formed by a conductor, a capacitor that forms a resonance circuit together with the coil, an IC chip that controls information transmitted to and received from a reader-writer. The coil has a cutoff part formed by cutting off at least a part of the conductor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling contactless communications with a contactless card are disclosed. A contactless card may include a contactless interface activation mechanism that includes one or more sense contacts, a processor, and a processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor. The processor-readable storage medium may contain programming instructions for performing one or more applications. The processor may be in a protected state in which the processor is prevented from performing the instructions for at least one application in the processor-readable storage medium unless a load is placed on at least one sense contact.

Abstract: Identification and authentication procedure without specific reader of a three-dimensional identifier (1), (9), (10), (11) attached to an object or living being by using sensory capabilities of the human being notably its stereoscopic vision capabilities (A) and its tactile sense (A?) permitting the appreciation of the particularity of the identifier which renders the latter difficult or impossible to reproduce which are, for example, heterogeneities mixed in a transparent material or surface ridges and/or cavities. The identification or reading is then carried by the visual comparison (B) of a two-dimensional representation image (2) of the identifier (1) (9) (10) (11) stored in a database (4) accessible by a network (5) and the identifier himself.

Abstract: The injector includes a nozzle, a needle, a control chamber, a working fluid supply passage, an electric switching valve, a high-pressure gaseous fuel supply passage and a lubrication liquid fuel supply passage. The nozzle has an injection hole, through which high-pressure gaseous fuel is injected. The needle is axially reciprocably received in the nozzle to open and close the injection hole. The needle includes a sliding portion and a valve portion. The control chamber applies a pressure to the needle. The working fluid supply passage supplies liquid fuel to the control chamber. The electric switching valve controls an inflow/outflow of the liquid fuel to/from the control chamber. The high-pressure gaseous fuel supply passage supplies the high-pressure gaseous fuel to the injection hole. The lubrication liquid fuel supply passage supplies the liquid fuel from the working fluid supply passage to the sliding portion and the valve portion.

Abstract: A fire-fighting piercing nozzle device having two chambers for extinguishing and monitoring fires within a storage unit. The fire-fighting piercing nozzle device includes a dispensing system for dispensing fire-fighting materials onto a fire, a temperature measuring system for measuring the temperature within a storage unit to determine the location of a fire, and a combustion gas extraction system for extracting a sample of combustible gas from a storage unit to determine the location of a fire or to determine whether the fire has been properly extinguished. The fire-fighting piercing nozzle device includes a nozzle tip, a plurality of extenders (if necessary), and a head connector.

Abstract: A hand-held sprayer includes an at least partially hollow shaft section, a liquid dispensing section and a hollow connecting plug element for connecting a hose extension to the hand-held sprayer. The connecting plug element is arranged within shaft section and can be fastened by a fastening element plugable through at least one opening from the outside into the shaft section and the connecting plug element has a groove running circumferentially around its outer periphery which the fastening element engages when the connecting plug element is fastened to the shaft section.

Abstract: A nozzle for a low pressure fuel injector that improves the control and size of the spray angle, as well as enhances the atomization of the fuel delivered to a cylinder of an engine.

Abstract: A fuel injector having an injection nozzle; an injection valve having a movable pin for regulating fuel flow through the injection nozzle; an electromagnetic actuator for moving the pin between a closed position and an open position respectively closing and opening the injection valve; and a tubular supporting body, which has a central channel for feeding pressurized fuel to the injection nozzle, and houses the electromagnetic actuator, the injection valve, and the pin; the supporting body is formed by joining a one-piece tubular top member housing the electromagnetic actuator and made of high-tensile steel with poor magnetic characteristics, and a one-piece tubular bottom member housing the injection valve and made of a low-thermal-expansion alloy.

Abstract: A tie-down anchor for a self-propelled irrigation machine comprising an anchor embedded in the ground adjacent one or more of the drive units on the irrigation machine with the anchors being connected to the main frame of the drive unit by means of a chain and chain tightener connector. If the machine is subjected to high winds, the tie-down anchors securely hold or tie down the drive units to the ground, thereby preventing the overturning of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating contaminated plastic material from various types of contaminants, including paper, includes a grinder for reducing the size of the contaminated plastic material to a reduced size of pieces and an eductor for receiving the pieces of contaminated plastic material from the grinder. The eductor has a nozzle portion at one end for producing a turbulent flow of compressed air and an intermediate portion with a mixing chamber for receiving the turbulent flow of air and the reduced size of pieces whereby the pieces are pulled into the eductor by the compressed air flow and the contaminants are separated from the plastic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a milling and classifying apparatus, adapted to produce toner fine particles, comprising a collision mill, and an air classifier, wherein the collision mill comprises a jet nozzle room, a path, a collision plate, and a collision member mounted to a support of the collision plate at downstream of the collision plate, the air classifier comprises a dispersion room and a classification room, the classification room is disposed below the dispersion room, and a flow stabilizer is arranged at a central suction of the separator core to control swirl stream generated within the classification room so as to centrifuge the powder into coarse particles and fine particles by action of the swirl stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a runner crushing device which is capable of breaking runners of complicated shape, with no broken runners sticking to its blades, and which has an advantageous effect that broken runners can be completely recovered. The device is constituted of a receiving blade and a hydraulically operated pushing blade. The receiving blade includes a plurality of plate-like longitudinal receiving blades having a predetermined height, and a plurality of transverse receiving blades each disposed between adjacent plate-like longitudinal receiving blades in a substantially orthogonal relationship thereto. The pushing blade includes cross-shaped pushing blade single bodies having a predetermined height juxtaposed in a plurality of rows, with each pushing blade single body being capable of entering a blade space defined between the longitudinal receiving blades and the transverse receiving blades in the receiving blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite milling roller, produced by casting, comprising peripheral inserts of a high wear-resistance and high hardness material, sealed in a ductile material on said casting. The roller comprises first zones subject to high wear and second zones subject to low wear, characterised in that said first zone of said roller comprises inserts on the peripheral face thereof with adjoining parts and, in said second zone, a non-adjoining part. The gap between the non-adjoining parts is filled with said ductile material of the cast matrix permitting an adequate mechanical anchoring of the inserts.

Abstract: A modularized fishing reel spool comprises a drag adjust knob, a brake device having two springs and washer stacks, a front lid, a core and a skirt. A turning support system of the spool comprises a two bearing system, a main shaft and a core shaft. Compared to conventional fishing reel spools, this invention provides a spool having advantages such as better structural design, wider adjustable brake range, superior line-loading force application, well-functioned water drainer system, low manufacturing cost and lower material usage.

Abstract: A recording medium cartridge and producing method thereof, such that slidability of resin-fabricated members of different materials against one another can be assured even in conditions in which impacts are successively applied. The recording medium cartridge is provided with a recording medium T and a plurality of resin-fabricated components. A mixture C of perfluoropolyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene is interposed at boundary surfaces at which the resin-fabricated components of different material slide against one another and/or at boundary surfaces at which the resin-fabricated components of different material slide against one another.

Abstract: Among the several aspects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of an improved portable hose reel cart having a low-entry point for recoiling a hose in conjunction with an elevated hand crank for use in rotation of the reel. In an additional embodiment, the elevated hand crank is also used for movement of a level-wind hose guide for positioning of the flexible hose around the hose reel. The present invention also provides an enclosure that includes injection molded panels having integrally formed connectors adapted to cooperate with injection molded as well as extruded panels for assembly of a hose reel enclosure.

Abstract: A web tensioning device utilizes a dancer arm which can be positioned by a controlled servo motor. In a preferred embodiment, the controller for the servo motor receives an input signal based on the acceleration (positive or negative) of the dancer arm and implements a torque component necessary to maintain predetermined web tension, for example, an applied torque component that changes the position of the dancer arm. The controller may also receive additional input signals indicative of the acceleration of the web itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to a winding device (1) for winding up and unwinding goods (2) in web form, in particular a conveyor belt, whereby the wound goods (3) are supported on a substructure (4). The substructure has at least two support rollers (5, 6), which are disposed at a distance (A1, A2, A3) from one another, whereby the support rollers are adjustable, changing the distance, in order to adapt themselves to any winding diameter (D1, D2), whereby the movement sequence of the support rollers takes place in such a manner that the wound goods are furthermore securely supported. It is practical if the winding device (1) is provided with lateral supports (7), which have a wheel that is adjustable in height, which is set to the center (M1, M2) of the wound goods (3). Lateral migration is prevented in this manner, for the purpose of optimizing a secured position.

Abstract: A base of a spool support system has a central extent with a first leg and a second leg. A cylindrical rod is secured to the second leg and has a free end facing toward the first leg. A spool retention component supported on the rod has an interior end adapted to contact the spool. A cylindrical aperture in the first leg is axially aligned with the rod and is adapted to receive and guide thread fed to a sewing machine from a spool. A guide rod fabricated of a relatively stiff material has a looped end and a short bent end. A short recess extends laterally into the base frictionally supporting the short bent end of the guide rod.

Abstract: A wind-off assistance device for coreless film rolls comprises two receiving element being insertable into a coreless film roll. The receiving element are connected to each other via a cylindrical connection element. The two receiving element are surrounded by a ring-shaped bearing so that the film roll is rotatably connected to the receiving element. A second bearing ring is located between the cylindrical connection element and the receiving element so that the connection element can be rotated on the receiving element.

Abstract: A wall mounted holder to support a standard toilet tissue roll, and within a suspended hollow axle contain an auxiliary tissue roll. The suspended axle dynamically alters position dependent upon the outside diameter of the supported standard toilet tissue roll. The suspended axle has means for manipulation of the supported standard toilet tissue roll and the contained auxiliary tissue roll. The axle outer diameter is slightly less than the inner diameter of the supported standard toilet tissue roll center tube. The hollow compartment of the axle provides the maximum space for the auxiliary tissue roll. Auxiliary tissue is tightly rolled and contained in the hollow compartment of the axle.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises an apparatus for holding and dispensing rolled products comprising a rigid linear core with a spindle attached to the exterior of the rigid linear core with at least one fin fixedly attached to the spindle. The fins are attached parallel to the spindle, are constructed of an elastomeric material, and extend outwardly and radially from the spindle. Removably attached to the rigid linear core is a head. Also, a base is fixedly attached to the rigid linear core distal to the head. Alternatively, the base can be replaced by a bracket that is capable of being attached to vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing roll material is described that substantially prevents toilet paper runaway and is useful in reducing irritation caused by using dry toilet paper. In one embodiment, the dispenser has a structure that has a thin, but strong curved, rigid arm with a tooth that is biased to engage the toilet paper roll in such a manner that it will only permit the roll to turn only in one direction. If the roll is attempted to be turned in the opposite direction, the tooth, which is disposed toward the roll, will engage the roll and prevent rotation in the second direction without substantially damaging the toilet paper on the roll. In a second embodiment, the toilet paper dispenser will dispense a predetermined amount of toilet paper into a receiver that has a sufficient size that it will fold over onto itself a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A reel device includes a spool unit and a handle unit. The spool unit includes a tubular winding body and a pair of first and second flanges. The winding body has opposite first and second open ends, each of which has a peripheral edge. Each of the first and second flanges extends radially and outwardly from the peripheral edge of a respective one of the first and second open ends of the winding body. The handle unit is disposed in and is coupled rotatably to the winding body. The spool unit is rotatable relative to the handle unit in a first angular direction, and in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction.

Abstract: The Invention is a control system for a compound aircraft. A compound aircraft has features of both a helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft and provides redundant control options. The control system allows an authorized person to select any of plurality of control biases each which is designed to achieve an overall operational objective. The control system applies the selected control bias in allocating the control function among the redundant control options.

Abstract: A vertical take-off aircraft is disclosed. Looking at the aircraft it can be seen that the aircraft consists of a main rotor assembly 1 at the top of the aircraft which consists of an assembly of blades 2, 3 and a rotor 4. Rotation of the main rotor assembly 1 is achieved by using an engine assembly 5. The main engine assembly is connected to the main body 6 of the aircraft by a tilt enabling joint 7. The tilt enabling joint 7 allows tilting of the main engine 5 relative to the main body 6 of the aircraft to occur in a controlled manner during flight. A universal joint 8 is used to allow tilting to occur. The tilt enabling joint 7 is fitted with a combination of hydraulic actuators 9, 10 and springs 11, 12 and 13 that allow the tilting of the tilt enabling joint 7 to be controlled. When the main engine 5 is tilted, the main rotor assembly 1 is tilted with it.

Abstract: The high-altitude balloon has a skin made of nearly evacuated electrostatically inflated cells which provide thermal insulation to minimize heat loss from the gas in the balloon, while transmitting heat from the sun to heat the gas. The lower surface of the balloon is reflective to microwave or laser beams. A stable array of the balloons is maintained at a high altitude and is used to facilitate communications in a world-wide communications system. Ascent of the balloon is well controlled and weight is minimized by starting with lighter-than-air gases in liquid form, releasing a lifting gas into the craft, and then using the empty containers to store the remaining gas when the balloon is aloft.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine mounting arrangement for attaching a gas turbine engine to a support structure, such as a pylon of an aircraft, comprises a main mounting member adapted to interconnect the engine with the pylon and transmit loads therebetween under normal engine operating conditions, and an auxiliary mounting member which is capable of interconnecting the engine with the pylon and transmitting loads therebetween in the event of failure of the main mounting member, the auxiliary mounting member being arranged to be substantially unloaded under normal engine operating conditions. The main mounting member includes a first primary load transmission means for transmitting vertical loads between the engine and the pylon and a second primary load transmission means for transmitting thrust and lateral loads between the engine and the pylon.

Abstract: A window for a subsonic passenger aircraft that provide maximum optical visibility while minimizing the amount of exterior acoustic noise transmitted through the windows to the passenger cabin during flight of the aircraft includes at least one substantially transparent window pane having the shape of an ellipse. The ellipse has a major axis and a minor axis, and the major axis is about twice as long as the minor axis and is disposed generally perpendicular to the direction of flight of the aircraft. In one exemplary embodiment, the window has a height of about 20 inches and a transparent area of about 141 square inches, and includes a pair of substantially similar window panes disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship circumscribed by a mounting bezel. A plurality of the windows are each mounted with the bezels in spaced-apart rows in each of the opposite sidewalls of the aircraft fuselage.

Abstract: This invention is a method and supporting apparatus for autonomously capturing, servicing and de-orbiting a free-flying spacecraft, such as a satellite, using robotics. The capture of the spacecraft includes the steps of optically seeking and ranging the satellite using LIDAR; and matching tumble rates, rendezvousing and berthing with the satellite. Servicing of the spacecraft may be done using supervised autonomy, which is allowing a robot to execute a sequence of instructions without intervention from a remote human-occupied location. These instructions may be packaged at the remote station in a script and uplinked to the robot for execution upon remote command giving authority to proceed. Alternately, the instructions may be generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) logic onboard the robot. In either case, the remote operator maintains the ability to abort an instruction or script at any time, as well as the ability to intervene using manual override to teleoperate the robot.

Abstract: The Single and Double Electrical Cable Holder Strip was devised to facilitate a need for efficiency in an industry that continues to increase the amount of cables needed in the modern day buildings. With the advancement of computers and technology, more and more cables are being introduced into buildings than ever before. Today's technicians take an excessive amount of time when dealing with a jumbled mass of cables that need to be unscrambled, located and then replaced, added to and/or repaired. This invention will allow technicians to get in and out of work sites quickly and effortlessly. Most cable and wiring jobs are done with staples and one misplaced staple can ruin the entire line of cable. This cable holder strip solves all of these problems. The benefits to society by using this invention are reduced labor hours, non-staple applications allowing the work to be efficient and well organized.

Abstract: An expandable musical instrument stand where the components of the stand are constructed with tubular sections. The tubular section are extruded to include dovetail cross sectional areas that can be stacked and a semi-circular locking collar slides into the dovetail guide and locks the tubular sections together. The expandable construction allows the musical stand to be broken down into smaller sections to make it easer to transport and simple to erect. The expandable section is ideally used with the center tube with a three or four leg stand where the legs can be collapsible on the center tube or the legs can be constructed with the same or similar construction as the center tube where they can be stacked and clamped with a collar.

Abstract: A ladder rung hook (122) and upper horizontal frame (124) intersect to create an embodiment for a gripping vertical handle (126). This handle makes it faster, safer, and easy for a user to move a can of paint from rung to rung on an extension ladder. Left or right-handed painters can maneuver their can of paint with our unique easy to grip handle. A lower spring snap hook (138) will easily hook to a can of paint. The ladder hook (122) will simply be hung to the ladder rung through the easy to grip handle.

Abstract: A display bar assembly for mounting on spaced apart slotted uprights on a merchandising gondola or the like. A tubular display bar of polygonal cross section is fitted with a pair of mounting brackets, which are slideable along the bar to enable spacing of the mounting brackets to agree with the spacing between the slotted uprights, which can be somewhat variable. The mounting brackets are formed with openings which closely and non-rotatably receive the display bar and are provided with hooks which engage slots in the uprights. Flanged end plugs are received tightly in each end of the display bar to prevent removal of the slideable brackets, such that the display bar and brackets form a permanent assembly. The mounting brackets may have multiple slot-engaging hooks for installation on uprights of different thicknesses in different rotary positions of the assembly.

Abstract: A mounting system for an interface such as a flat panel display such as a computer monitor or television allows the display to be pivoted about a virtual pivot axis which passes through a center of gravity of the display. The system includes a support which is connected directly or indirectly to a support surface and a mount which is connected to a back side of the display. The support and the mount are slidable with respect to one another through an arc which has the virtual pivot axis as its center.

Abstract: A horizontal mounted hanger holder is provided. Said mounted hanger holder includes a protective cover, an elongated member and a means for attaching therein, to a surface. Said elongated member within said protective cover, said elongated member, including a first and a second lip, said second lip contacting a second panel of a first and said second panel of said protective cover, mounted by a means, to said surface. Said horizontal mounted hanger holder provides for articles, including hangers, to be hung. Said hangers contact a channel of said elongated member, over said first lip, said hanger and said article are angled as to lie flat against a surface. Said protective cover, including a zipper, protects said articles from the outside environment.

Abstract: A holder and wringer for a sponge, that includes a sheet of material holding the sponge and resting in a soap dish having a liquid soap dispenser thereon. The sheet of material is microwavable allowing sanitizing thereof and springy allowing squeezing thereof for wringing out the sponge held therein. The sheet of material is bent so as to have an N-shaped lateral cross section. A front wall and an intermediate wall define a V-shaped lateral cross section forming a cradle for holding the sponge, and when the front wall is pressed towards the intermediate wall, the sponge is squeezed therebetween and wrung out. The front wall and the intermediate wall meet at a fold having a pair of terminal ends. The fold is concave for directing drainage towards the terminal ends thereof to facilitate draining.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for avoiding inattentive-fall of a legged furniture article, comprising a support means having a cavity for passage of a leg member of the furniture article; and at least one roller rotatably attached to the support means, wherein the roller and the cavity are arranged vertically in a staggered mode. In the device of the invention, a simple one-way roller structure is used in order to enhance greatly the stability of the furniture article as well as impart the advantages of easy installation and convenient use to the device of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention describes an anchor for securing an object the ground. The anchor is especially useful for securing, either temporarily or permanently, fixing objects to the ground, such as signs, poles, mailbox posts, tent or net supports. Placement of the device requires no digging and few or no tools, and visible damage to the landscape is reduced. Advantageously, subterranean obstructions can be detected and avoided while securing the device to the ground, thereby protecting utility lines from damage. Typically, little strength and low torque is needed to secure the anchor to the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable foot for setting up equipment in alignment. The adjustable foot comprises an annular element provided with an axial bore with internal screw thread. The adjustable foot furthermore comprises a shaft element provided with external screw thread matching the internal screw thread. When screwed into the bore, this shaft element can be adjusted in the axial direction with respect to the annular element by turning with respect to the annular element. The adjustable foot furthermore comprises a support part, provided on the annular element or shaft element as well as a washer. The washer and the support part are each provided with a convex respectively concave surface having essentially the same radius of curvature, such that the angle of the washer with respect to the support part can be adjusted. According to the invention the top surface of the annular element is made to slope downwards in the radially outward direction.

Abstract: A ball valve (10), in particular for controlling the amount of medium supplied to a heating or cooling system, is adapted such that the characteristic of the valve may be determined so that it may be adapted to its use in the heating or cooling system. The ball valve consists of a housing having a ball valve body (4) which is rotatable in two cups (3, 5) of a corresponding ball shape. An insert (7) is arranged at the discharge side of the housing, said insert having a concave ball face which corresponds to that of the ball valve, and which is provided with a slot or recess (10) which, together with the through bore of the ball, defines the outlet opening of the valve. A desired characteristic of the valve may be provided by imparting a suitable shape to the slot (10). The insert is fixed in a holder (6) in the valve housing by means of axially extending teeth (13) in the face of the housing which receives the insert.

Abstract: In a pressure increase control valve, the size of a gap G between a plunger and a guide is 0.2 mm or greater, or a ratio between a diameter of a restriction and a seat diameter ds is 0.9 or less. Setting the size of the gap between the plunger and the guide to 0.2 mm or greater can decrease variations in an electromagnetic force with respect to a stroke of a valve body. In addition, setting the ratio between the diameter do of the restriction and the seat diameter to 0.9 or less can increase variations in a fluid force with respect to the stroke of the valve body. Therefore, it is easier to achieve a relationship between the electromagnetic force and a resistance force that is required in order to enable linear control of a differential pressure amount generated between upstream and downstream flows.

Abstract: The present invention features a sleeve valve comprising an elongate body having an outer surface and including a lumen for receiving a fluid and an associated fluid pressure therein and for defining a flow path of the fluid; at least one fluid flow port formed through the outer surface that is in fluid connection with the lumen; and a sleeve slidably disposed about the outer surface of the body and configured to displace across the fluid flow port to precisely regulate fluid emission through the fluid flow port. The sleeve and elongate body are operably related in a manner so as to provide some degree of fluid force compensation, such that the forces necessary to displace the sleeve across the fluid flow port are substantially unaffected by the fluid pressures acting within the body and at the fluid flow port. In other words, the fluid pressures do not substantially contribute to the resistance in the sleeve during actuation.

Abstract: A hand operated tool for extracting an embedded elongated object, includes: a) an elongated, movable first handle member with a first, upper end portion divided into two matching legs separated by an opening; b) a corresponding second handle member with a first jaw member and a first, upper end extending through the leg opening, the second handle member being pivotally attached to both legs; c) a floating head portion pivotally attached to the first and second legs, the floating head portion including a second jaw member and an adjacent, upper curved edge; and d) two matching lever bars facing one another from opposite sides of the tool, each being pivotally connected to the second handle member and to the floating head portion; and wherein the second jaw member is engaged against the first jaw member in a closed tool position, and disengaged from the first jaw member in an open tool position.

Abstract: A pulling tool for pulling nails, screws, rivets, pegs, or other protrusions includes a jaw which may be opened to receive the head of the protrusion. The jaw is then at least partially closed against the protrusion, and when the handle of the tool is pulled, the jaw is both urged shut and also away from the surface from which the protrusion extends. Thus, as the protrusion is pulled, its shaft is also more tightly grasped, which helps to pull the protrusion from the surface without stripping off its head/cap. The pulling tool can be provided as a part of a hammer, crowbar, or other conventional tool.

Abstract: A wireline cable winch drum is provided that includes a core having a longitudinal axis; a pair of flanges spaced apart and extending radially outwardly from the core; and a wireline cable wrapped around the core in the space between the flanges. In one embodiment, at least one of the flanges includes an inner surface that contacts the wireline cable and forms an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core.

Abstract: A pulley for assisting in the deployment or take-up of a heterogeneous system including modules configured to be placed or being placed in an environment. These modules are connected via connecting members and the pulley is configured to be mounted rotatably on a shaft placed above the environment. The pulley includes first cooperating members configured to cooperate with the connecting members and second cooperating members configured to cooperate with the modules. The first and second cooperating members are configured to produce two successive operating states, namely, a first state during which the pulley is substantially stationary in rotation around the shaft and a second state corresponding to the passage of the modules, during which the pulley is driven in rotation around the shaft.

Abstract: A deck and stair railing has top and bottom rails joined to upright posts and upright tubes extended between the rails. Ball knobs mounted on plates or the rails are secured with deck screws to the rails to retain the tubes in assembled relation with the rails. The ball knobs have circumferential ribs located in force fit relation with inside surfaces of the tubes. The tubes have projections that engage the ball connectors to prevent the tubes from rotating relative to the ball connectors.

Abstract: A heavy net is used with an optimally sized mesh that provides an easy gripping surface for a toddler's hands with no choking or entrapment hazards. A tension securement to a carpeted surface is provided by the use of deep-machined hook surfaces. A net is fastened to an existing banister by the use of hook and loop fasteners. A carpeted stair gripper allows objects to be attached and custom fitted to the edges of carpeted stair steps with great strength and with no tools or defacement of the stairs.