Abstract: A detachment jig is placed on a printed circuit board. Advancement of an inclined surface of the detachment jig is received on a solder bump of solid state disposed between the printed circuit board and an integrated circuit chip package. The solder bump melts to remove restraint to the advancement of the inclined surface, so that the inclined surface advances into a space between the printed circuit board and the chip package in response to the melt of the solder bump. A force to lift the chip package in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board acts on the chip package after the solder bump has completely melted down. Detachment of an electrically conductive pad is thus reliably prevented on the printed circuit board. The chip package can solely be removed without inducing detachment of the electrically conductive pad on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A pre-slit cannula diaphragm is integrated into a peripheral venous catheter to provide a cannula ready intravenous catheter with a cannula chamber closed to the environment, thereby reducing the risk to health-care providers from blood borne diseases and the risk to patients from airborne hazards. The cannula ready intravenous catheter includes a cylindrical housing that provides an uninterrupted smooth surface, for reducing skin irritation. A proximal end of the cylindrical housing provides a luer-type connector site, and a distal end of the cylindrical housing provides a catheter hub. The catheter hub supports a catheter tube, which extends from a distal end of the catheter hub.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of employing a porous container for sealing, baffling, reinforcing or a combination thereof. According to the method, a porous container having one or more openings is provided. An expandable material is associated with the container and is preferably placed within the container. Thereafter, the expandable material is expanded to contact and adhere to a structure of an article of manufacture (e.g., an automotive vehicle).

Abstract: A base framework for a manipulating apparatus which can be constructed in a modular manner, in particular for an automation cell which is designed for being combined with at least one machine tool, comprising a front wall, a rear wall and side walls which enclose a control space for a control device, a process platform being set up above the control space, the front wall having at least one mechanical interface for fixing a supply module which serves to supply workpieces, and the rear wall having a top rear-wall part which projects beyond the process platform and, on its front side pointing towards the process platform, has a first plurality of mechanical interfaces for the locally variable fixing of a process module for manipulating and/or processing supplied workpieces, the top rear-wall part also having an opening which is arranged above the process platform.

Abstract: A method for making a diaphragm unit of a condenser microphone includes the steps of: forming a liftoff layer on a substrate; forming an insulator diaphragm film on the liftoff layer; and removing the liftoff layer from the diaphragm film and the substrate so as to separate the diaphragm film from the substrate.

Abstract: An electronic control pedal assembly includes a fixed support structure and a pedal arm. The pedal arm has a lower end carrying a pedal and is pivotable relative to the support structure. A potentiometer is at least partly carried by the fixed support and operable to generate an electric control signal that varies in magnitude in proportion to the extent of movement of the pedal arm relative to the fixed support structure. The potentiometer has at least one resistive track trimmed after assembly of the potentiometer to the fixed support so that the potentiometer provides a first fixed electric control signal at a idle position of the pedal arm and the potentiometer has at least one resistive track trimmed after assembly of the potentiometer to the fixed support so that the potentiometer provides a second fixed electric control signal at a full throttle position of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A method for making a dual actuator pivot, wherein the need for adhesive bonding is eliminated and assembly time is minimized. An upper sleeve assembly includes an upper and lower ball bearing press fitted therein and a lower sleeve assembly includes an upper ball bearing press fitted therein, the first and second sleeve assemblies being press fitted to a shaft having a ball bearing press fitted at the base of the shaft. A predetermined axial load that is tuned to select a desired resonance frequency for the first and second actuator bearing assemblies may be applied during the press fitting of the first and second sleeve assemblies. The shaft may be chilled to shrink the shaft. Alternatively, the components may be heated.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a performance parameter of a head suspension for positioning a read/write head in a disk drive. The suspension includes a beam and flexible element for carrying a read/write head extending from the beam. The flexible element has one or more adjustment portions. The beam has one or more openings adjacent to the adjustment portions of the flexible element to provide access to the adjustment portions through the beam. The method comprises acting upon one or more adjustment portions of the flexible element through one or more of the openings in the beam to change a performance parameter of the head suspension. A laser beam is used to irradiate the adjustment portions of the flexible element in one embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: One illustrative method of fabricating a read sensor of a magnetic head includes the steps of forming a plurality of read sensor layers on a wafer; etching the read sensor layers to form a read sensor structure with a trench in front of the read sensor structure; forming a highly porous material within the trench; and slicing the wafer and lapping the sliced wafer through the highly porous material until an air bearing surface (ABS) of the magnetic head is reached. Advantageously, the highly porous material in front of the read sensor structure reduces mechanical stress on the read sensor during the lapping process. This reduces the likelihood that the amplitude of the read sensor will be degraded or set in a “flipped” or reversed orientation, as well as reduces the likelihood that electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to the read sensor will occur.

Abstract: A method of temporarily protecting an electrically sensitive component from damage due to electrostatic discharge is disclosed. The method includes the steps of defining a first shield that forms a first lead for both a component and a shunt; depositing a conductive material on the first shield to form the component and the shunt; defining an edge of the component and an edge of the shunt together in a single masking step; refilling with insulation adjacent the component and the shunt to their respective edges on the first shield; defining a second shield on both the component and the shunt that forms a second lead for both the component and the shunt to form a shunted assembly that electrically protects the component; lapping the shunted assembly; and removing a portion of the shunted assembly to remove the shunt and form an electrical open for an unshunted assembly.

Abstract: A perpendicular write head includes a main pole comprising a Durimide/Alumina hard mask formed over a laminate layer process to form the main pole without using a liftoff or chemical mechanical polishing process, thereby avoiding rounding corners of the pole, the main pole being controlled in shape for improved control of critical dimension of track width and angle of the bevel to avoid undesirable adjacent track writing.

Abstract: A read/write head for a disk drive having a shorting conductor from a shield of the read element to a conductor that runs from the write element to an external electrical contact pad. This allows for the measurement of the electrical isolation between the read sensor and the read shield via the external contact pads. Such a capability allows the electrical isolation to be measured both during the lapping process and subsequent to the heads being diced into separate sliders. This shorting conductor may be in the form of an internal shorting stud or in the form of an interim conductor that passes through the parting zone between adjacent heads. In the latter case, the shorting conductor is broken when the heads are diced so that a head of this embodiment can only be measured for electrical isolation prior to dicing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coil component and a method for making the coil component that includes: a coil section having a through hole and composed of a plurality of ring sections formed of a metallic flat plate disposed in a plane, connected to each other at ring connecting sections, having slits formed by cutting part of the ring sections, and bent at the ring connecting sections and placed one on top of another, terminals connected to the coiled section, and a package member covering the coil section and projecting the terminals therefrom. With this structure, the coil component operates in a high-frequency region, ensuring an inductance and infinitesimal direct-current resistance while being adaptable to a large current, and can be miniaturized.

Abstract: A cable comprises at least two cores stranded together, an expanded inner jacket layer, a substantially circular metallic armor partially contacting the inner jacket to form unfilled interstices outside the inner jacket, and a polymeric outer jacket. The expanded inner jacket substantially takes the shape of the periphery of the stranded cores, providing a non-circular cross section for the expanded inner jacket. A method of producing a cable comprises providing at least two cores, expanding a polymeric material, extruding the expanded polymeric material around the cores, and allowing the expanded polymeric material to collapse onto the cores. A substantially circular metallic armor is applied, resulting in a plurality of unfilled voids between the inner jacket and the metallic armor. An outer jacket is extruded on the metallic armor.

Abstract: A work-assembling auxiliary device for carrying out the matching of phases in the spline-coupling of a main shaft Sm of a transmission T to a crankshaft Sc of an engine E includes an output shaft 40 radially movably connected through an Oldham coupling 41 to an input shaft 30 connected to and rotated by a drive source. A chamfer 61a is provided at a tip end of a socket 61 mounted on the output shaft 40, and in inserting the socket 61 into a socket hole h in a crank pulley Pc, the output shaft 40 is smoothly aligned with the crankshaft Sc by the action of the chamfer 61a. Further, when the output shaft 40 is reciprocally rotated, the phases of the socket 61 and the socket hole h are smoothly matched with each other, whereby the engagement of the socket 61 and the socket hole h is achieved.

Abstract: A coupler device for fluid transport that includes a body with an outer sidewall. The body defines a slot disposed proximate one end, and extends in a direction transverse to and through the outer sidewall. A latch assembly is connected with the body. The latch assembly includes at least one outer member being disposed on the outer surface of the body, and is externally exposed of the body. The inner member is connected with an inner member being disposed through the slot. A soft overmold portion is formed over the outer sidewall of the body. The overmold portion includes a shroud portion that extends outward from the outer sidewall, and partially covers the outer member of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly line locator assembly (16) includes locators (18) driven by horizontal longitudinal X, horizontal sideways Y and vertical Z power operated actuators (50. 58. 72) and having locator pins (82) received by vehicle body positioning holes (84) upon upward movement to provide accurate positioning. As the locator pins (82) are moved upwardly and initially move into the vehicle body positioning holes (84 ), the horizontal power operated actuators (50,58) are back driven. The upward movement is continued so that vertical rest surfaces (80) of locator heads (78) contact the vehicle body (20) and provide lifting thereof upwardly off a system conveyor, and the power operated actuators then move the vehicle body to the proper positioning for further assembly.

Abstract: A method of making a component (2) of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis, which has a bearing surface whose shape corresponds approximately to a part of a sphere and is symmetrical about its polar axis, involves use of a cutting tool (6) which has a circular cutting edge (12) and which can be rotated about an axis (8) which is perpendicular to the plane containing the said cutting edge (12). The method involves (a) rotating the component about its polar axis (4) and rotating the cutting tool (6) about its axis (8), with the cutting edge (12) of the cutting tool (6) in contact with the surface of the component (2); (b) moving the cutting tool (i) in a direction parallel to the polar axis (4) of the component (2) while leaving the angle between the axis of the cutting tool (6) and the polar axis of the component (2) unchanged, and (ii) along its axis (8); and (c) repeating step (a).

Abstract: A safe knife sheath comprising a sheath body is mounted inside the sheath body movable in a sliding motion and a movable blade support. The front part of the sheath body has a push button, the lower part of which is connected to a positioning element. A positioning groove corresponding to the positioning element is disposed in the lower part of the blade support. A positioning channel is disposed inside the sheath body on the top. A positioning lobe corresponding to the positioning channel is disposed on the top of the blade support. A first reset spring is connected to the top of the push button at one end, and the other end of which is fixed in the upper end of the sheath body. A trapezoidal piece is disposed in the back of the blade support. A second reset spring is disposed on the lower side of the trapezoidal piece. One end of the second reset spring is fixed in the lower end of the sheath body and the other end is fixed on the inner side of the sheath body.

Abstract: A folding knife having an improved locking mechanism that keeps the knife in an open extended use position until specific close actions are initiated. The improved locking mechanism provides a safety pin that is secured within the frame elements so as to be positioned between the knife blade and the free end of a locking bar that is spring urged thereagainst imparting improved force transfer locking structure thereto with wear adjustably pivot engagement points of the locking mechanism under spring urged locking engagement.

Abstract: A razor assembly is provided that includes a razor cartridge with one or more razor blades, a shaving aid body, a handle, and a linkage pivotally connected to the handle. The linkage is connected to the razor cartridge and the shaving aid body in a manner such that the razor cartridge and the shaving aid body are moveable relative to the handle. Movement of one of the razor cartridge or the shaving aid body in a first direction causes the other of the razor cartridge or the shaving aid body to move in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction. As a result, the positions of the shaving aid body and the razor cartridge are continuously adjusted to maintain the contact surface of the shaving aid body approximately co-planar with the cutting edges of the razor blades within the razor cartridge.

Abstract: A coupling is for the connection, that is radially elastic but torsion resistant, of two component parts. The coupling includes base elements and a plurality of tabs formed integrally with the base elements at node areas. Each tab has two support points that are at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction. The node areas form the connection of the tabs to the base elements. Both the node areas and the tabs are configured such that they are flexurally softer than the base elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring tracks in relation to a measuring plan of the track which contains the actual position of the track, in relation to an absolute coordinate system. A measuring platform (2) is guided along the track (1), whereon an inertia platform (6) is arranged, which is initialised, respectively, calibrated to the beginning of the measurement and is aligned in relation to the coordinate system. The inertia platform (6) detects the respective positions of the measuring platform (2) in relation to the coordinate system during the journey of the measuring platform (2). Positional data of the inertia platform (6) is periodically examined based on fixed points (9; 9?) which are arranged in the vicinity of the track and deviations in relation to the coordinate system are corrected by novel calibration, respectively, alignment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laser liner that may be utilized in the craft of scrapbooking. The laser liner of the present invention may comprise an elongated arm and at least one moveably mounted laser. The elongated arm may have a substantially straight longitudinal edge in which a user may line up a piece of media against it. The moveably mounted laser may be adapted to travel longitudinally along at least a portion of the elongated arm, and when powered, projects a beam upon the media in an orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal edge of the elongated arm.

Abstract: A line generating device generates two fan-shaped beams of light at an angle to each other, and projects the beams onto an adjacent surface, where the beams are visible as lines on the surface. A user has access to the intersection of the lines, so that the intersection can be marked or otherwise used in combination with the lines, such as in aligning objects.

Abstract: A chalk line apparatus for marking regularly spaced locations. The apparatus comprises a casing for powdered chalk containing a rotatable reel, line wound on said reel, and an exit opening for the line at one end of the holder. The line has evenly spaced short segments disposed thereon so that when the line is tensioned to a predetermined level of about 10-15 lbs, the segments reside at precisely placed predetermined intervals. When the line is snapped, chalk marks are placed on the wall surface in a pattern that identifies the appropriate locations of underlying wall studs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a single or multiple piece precision geometric device for performing a variety of geometric functions such as locating the precise center of circular member and projecting the determined center to a distant surface, performing squaring functions (inside corners and outside corners), drawing numerous types of polygons, constructing perfect 45 degree angles, right triangles, squares of various sizes, perfectly formed rhombuses and perfectly symmetric isosceles triangles. The device may be in the shape of a cross with arms that extend outwardly from a center hole. Such arms may be foldable and/or removable to allow the geometric device to be better configured for a particular task.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for centrally tightening rotatingly drivable parts. The device comprises at least three units for clamping and adjusting a part, wherein at least two of the units comprise an actuator allowing controlled adjustment in radial direction according to a control value. A measuring device is provided to detect deviations of the part from concentricity with respect to a rotary drive axis. A computer is used for controlling the actuators to effect concentricity of the part, the computer being responsive to deviations from concentricity detected by said measuring device.

Abstract: Apparatus having four pivotably interconnected sides of slidably adjustable length is provided for conforming to the size and configuration of quadrilateral shapes to permit replication of the shapes upon a flat surface or within an aperture. Threaded bolts equipped with wing nuts permit adjustments in the lengths and angular relationships of the sides.

Abstract: A drying apparatus has a heat pump comprising a compressor (31), a radiator (32), a throttle apparatus (33) and an evaporator (34), and also includes a structure in which drying air heated by heat of the radiator (32) is introduced to a subject (37) to be dried is dehumidified by the evaporator (34). The drying apparatus also includes a bypass circuit (39) through which a portion of dying air heated by the radiator (32) flows to an inlet of the evaporator (34) without coming into contact with the subject, a super heat detecting device (43, 44) for detecting super heat of the heat pump apparatus, and a throttle apparatus control device for controlling flow path resistance in the bypass circuit (39) using a value detected by the super heat detecting device (43, 44).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drying shoes, gloves or garments comprising a fan which produces an airflow and which is accommodated in a housing. The housing comprises two openings that are connected to two tube sockets which are arranged opposite one another and which are fastened to said housing. The tube sockets are connected to tubes for guiding the airflow. To this end, the tube sockets are angular and one end of each tube socket is rotatably connected to the housing while forming a swivel joint.

Abstract: Spray dried particles having specified aerodynamic characteristics are produced by atomizing a liquid feed and contacting the liquid feed with a drying gas, such as, for example, air or nitrogen. The humidity of the drying gas is controlled to a value, expressed, for instance, as dew point, which is known to produce particles having a specified tap density or aerodynamic diameter. Particles having a volume median geometric diameter greater than about 5 microns and a tap density less than about 0.4 g/cm3 are preferred.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method relating to the operation of a burner and/or cooler (3), wherein gases are caused to flow through an inner pipe (7), out into an outer pipe (5) which surrounds the inner pipe (7), and back through that part of the volume of the outer pipe (5) not accommodated by the volume of the inner pipe (7). The invention is characterised by placing an inner bottom plates (8) in the outer pipe (5) in spaced relationship with the closed bottom (9) of said outer pipe (5), whereby the gases flowing through the inner pipe (7) and out into the outer pipe (5) are caused to turn back and pass between the outer pipe (5) and the inner pipe (7), thereby creating a gas pocket (12) between the bottom (9) of said outer pipe (5) and the bottom plate (8).

Abstract: This invention discloses an adjusting device used to adjust the size of a sliding sports shoe, which is composed of an adjusting member for shoe size and a driving spring. With this adjusting device the size of a sliding sports shoe can be adjusted in a step manner by pressing directly a button on its side and can be automatically locked by itself.

Abstract: A digital communications transmitter (100) includes a digital linear-and-nonlinear predistortion section (200, 1800, 2800) to compensate for linear and nonlinear distortion introduced by transmitter-analog components (120). A direct-digital-downconversion section (300) generates a complex digital return-data stream (254) from the analog components (120) without introducing quadrature imbalance. A relatively low resolution exhibited by the return-data stream (254) is effectively increased through arithmetic processing. Distortion introduced by an analog-to-digital converter (304) may be compensated using a variety of adaptive techniques. Linear distortion is compensated using adaptive techniques with an equalizer (246) positioned in the forward-data stream (112). Nonlinear distortion is then compensated using adaptive techniques with a plurality of equalizers (226) that filter a plurality of orthogonal, higher-ordered-basis functions (214) generated from the forward-data stream (112).

Abstract: An electric steam iron includes: a shell, in which other parts are assembled, includes a hand handle for holding device. A soleplate, of which ironing flat is formed on the bottom, is fixed on the lower side of shell. A steam chamber for forming steam, which is positioned above soleplate, has a water inlet and steam nozzles in the ironing flat. A heater is provided on the soleplate. Water tank, which is fixed in the shell, has a water intake and water outlet, and the water outlet connects to water inlet of steam chamber by a pipe. A water pump is fixed in pipeline of pipe. A motor for driving water pump is fixed in the shell.

Abstract: A stretched painting canvas having a stretcher bar structure and a canvas wrapped across the stretcher bar structure so as to create a display surface, wherein at least two opposing sides of said stretcher bar are angled inward relative to said display surface such that a sum of said opposing sides' inward angles is equal to the angle formed by two intersecting walls, where each said inward angle of said opposing sides is greater than 0 degrees and said angle formed by two intersecting walls is greater than 0 degrees but less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A system and method for reading Torah text, which includes a light table on which notation sheets which are in the form of individual sheets or a scrollable web are placeable, is so structured that a Torah scroll can be opened by being placed over the light table and the notation sheet and the Torah text can be aligned with the notation sheet to allow a Cantor or a Rabbi to read to a congregation the text of the Torah with the proper cantilations and pronunciations by observing the notation marks as they are visible by their being projected through the parchment of the Torah.

Abstract: A folding display apparatus includes: first and second forms; and at least one flexible connector strip interconnecting the first and second forms and carrying indicia thereon in a preselected pattern. The apparatus is moveable between a first position in which the first and second forms collectively define a face bearing a first image composed from the indicia; and a second position in which the first and second forms collectively define a second face bearing a second image composed from the indicia.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to improve the functioning of a firearm includes a simplistic, condensed extractor mechanism that is easy to manufacture. Two symmetrical extractors mounted on the sides of a sliding breech block rotate around a pivot point and navigate forward to connect to the rim of a cartridge in the barrel of a firearm. Spring arrangements force the extractors upward and forward in an extraction/ejection cycle that begins with the extractor arms grabbing the rear end of a cartridge, moving rearward with the cartridge or spent case on a horizontal plane relative to the rifle barrel. The extracted case is rotated upward at an angle, then moved forward and fed into an ejection chute just above the barrel. Concurrently, another round is fed into the chamber of the barrel and the extractor arms cam down thereby engaging the rim of a new cartridge; thus completing the cycle.

Abstract: A fishing lure assembly has a first multiple hook device, a second multiple hook device attached to follow behind and articulate relative to the first hook device, and a pliable dressing arranged to cover the points of the hooks of the two hook devices to resist snags. The pliable dressing can be a plurality of narrow pliable members arranged to span from a leading end of the fishing lure assembly across the points of the hooks, or a single member having an integral head portion with a plurality of long narrow bodies protruding from the head portion and spanning across the points of the hooks. A sharpened leading point or barbed head is provided at the leading end of the lure assembly for attaching the pliable dressing at the leading end. Variations in the hook devices, pliable dressings, and barbed heads for holding the dressings are also described.

Abstract: A fishing line release system is disclosed. The fishing line release system includes a fishing line quick release mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a planar device for trolling or may alternatively be used with a down rigger cable and weight when used in down rigger fishing. When used in conjunction with the planar device, the system may be used for directional trolling. The planar device comprises a planar body, the fishing line quick release mechanism attached to the planar body, and a line locking assembly for securing a portion of a fishing line to the planar body. When used in conjunction with a down rigger cable and weight, the quick release mechanism may be used either on the down rigger cable or may be attached to the down rigger weight.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an insect trap using attractant light displayed on a projection surface are disclosed. The insect trap can be mounted on a vertical surface or on a ceiling surface. The wall-mounted housing forms an upwardly facing opening for facilitating entry of flying insect pests and for the reflection of light onto the vertical surface. The ceiling-mounted housing has a lateral opening for facilitating entry of pests and for reflection of light onto the ceiling and/or opposite wall. Insects that enter the trap are immobilized on an adhesive surface within the trap. A method of trapping insects is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for nematode extermination in lawns using an array of insulated heat blankets (2) placed on the lawn, and energized in a controlled sequence to raise the soil temperature to an effective degree and depth to exterminate nematodes. An electric current controller such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) activates a first subset of the blankets (2) until they reach an upper setpoint temperature, then maintains the blanket temperature within a desired range with reduced current while activating additional blankets. The heat penetrates the soil over a period of about 20 to 50 hours to raise the temperature to at least about 52° C. (125° F.) at a sufficient depth such as at least 12 cm (4.7 inches) to kill at least most nematodes.

Abstract: A device and method for capturing a live or dead insect on a surface and disposing of the captured insect while the user's hands are remote from the insect and the insect is covered from view and captured by an adhesive sheet. A handle is at one end of an elongate tube. The adhesive sheet is removably held by a support at a second end of the tube with the adhesive surface exposed for capturing an insect. The device is operable with just a single hand on the handle. The adhesive sheet is remote from the handle. The sheet is positioned on the insect to adhesively capture the insect. The operator can then position the sheet at a suitable waste receptacle, and pressing the end of the handle releases the sheet with the insect into the waste receptacle.

Abstract: This is a storm shutter device, which is lightweight, portable and easy to install and un-install. A series of protective panels will extend from the interior of the device to seal the area around the outside of the window. Appropriate tension will be maintained around the window frame through a series of interior gear teeth and a plurality of exterior adjustment knobs. A pawl in the interior of the device insures that the device will remain in place once the device is installed in the area around the window frame.

Abstract: A wind redirecting and environmentally sealing gasket for use with a handle actuating mechanism associated with a vehicle door. The gasket includes a main body located over an aperture defined perimeter in the vehicle door and which is secured by a portion of the handle mechanism. A non-linear and generally three-dimensional tongue shaped portion extends from the body at a junction defined between an extending portion of the handle and the door. The tongue portion is impinged by air flow resulting from movement of a vehicle and, as a result, is redirected about the body and away from the handle and perimeter defined aperture in the vehicle's sheet metal. An engaging portion extends separately from the tongue and contacts a perimeter defining edge location of the metal.

Abstract: A pair of counter-wound spring-like members are placed in a gutter above an opening communicating with a downspout. A cord joined to the spring-like members extends through said downspout and out of an opening in the downspout. The cord is pulled and released to contract and expand the spring-like members to grind and/or crush debris collected in the gutter.

Abstract: A decorative snow guard assembly attachable to raised portions of a building surface such as a standing seam roof. The assembly includes a decorative snow brake plate integral with a base, means spanning between adjacent bases, and means connecting said spanning means to said bases.

Abstract: A retractable cover for a surface includes a first section configured to be movably coupled to the surface and covering at least a first portion of the surface. The first section is movable relative to the surface between an open orientation in which said first portion of the surface is uncovered and a closed orientation in which the first portion of the surface is covered. The retractable cover further includes a second section configured to be movably coupled to the surface. The second section is movable between a lowered orientation relatively closer to a second portion of the surface and a raised orientation relatively more remote from the second portion of the surface.