Abstract: The neural interface system of one embodiment includes a cylindrical shaft, a lateral extension longitudinally coupled to at least a portion of the shaft and having a thickness less than a diameter of the shaft, and an electrode array arranged on the lateral extension and radially offset from the shaft, including electrode sites that electrically interface with their surroundings. The method of one embodiment for making the neural interface system includes forming a planar polymer substrate with at least one metallization layer, patterning on at least one metallization layer an electrode array on a first end of the substrate, patterning conductive traces on at least one metallization layer, rolling a portion of the substrate toward the first end of the substrate, and securing the rolled substrate into a shaft having the first end of the substrate laterally extending from the shaft and the electrode array radially offset from the shaft.

Abstract: A sheet winding mechanism includes a detachable winding core, a rotating body coupled to a first end portion of the winding core to rotate the winding core, and a non-rotating body against which a second end of the winding core is pressed. The winding core includes a winding core main body, a first portion which is located at the first end portion and is coupled to the rotating body, a second portion which is located at the second end portion, is movable in the axial direction, and presses against the non-rotating body, a first elastic body which urges the second portion outward along the axial direction, and a sheet holding portion configured to hold an end portion of a sheet. When the rotating body rotates the winding core while the sheet holding portion is holding the end portion of the sheet, the sheet is wound around the winding core.

Abstract: A stepless adhesive film dispenser includes a first tube and a second tube fitted on the first tube, and two operating rings are respectively fitted on the circumferential side of the first tube and the second tube and able to rotate freely along the outer circumferential side of the first tube and the second tube. Thus, an adhesive film reel fitted on both the first tube and the second tube can be restrictedly positioned by the operating rings, which can be rotated together with the adhesive film reel. By so designing, when the stepless adhesive film dispenser is used, a user's hands that hold the first tube and the second tube can be avoided rubbing against the adhesive film reel, hence facilitating operation and use of the stepless adhesive film dispenser.

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline is provided. In one embodiment, the self-retracting lifeline includes a housing, a drum, an activation assembly, a lifeline and a connector, the drum is received in the housing. The activation assembly is received in the housing. Moreover, the activation assembly is operationally coupled to the drum to selectively rotate the drum. The connector is coupled proximate an end of the lifeline. The connector has a connector passage. The connector passage is configured and arranged to selectively couple the lifeline to the drum.

Abstract: A spool device for unwinding fishing line from a reel is disclosed. The spool device is intended to be attached to a power drill which rotates the spool. The spool device is made from two spool portions. Each spool portion has a shaft with a central end and a distal end. A flange extends from the distal end of the shaft. The two spool portions are joined at their central ends and form a groove in the middle of the resulting spool. A bolt and fastener are used to mate the two spool portions together and form a single unit that rotates. The groove grips the fishing line during rotation. The spool portions can be separated to remove the unwound fishing line.

Abstract: A wire spool is disclosed that includes an elongate barrel that has a first end and a second end that are separated by a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. A key is disposed on the inner surface of the barrel, wherein a recess is created within the key. A hook slot is disposed within the outer surface of the barrel, the hook slot is located above the recess and receives a start end of a wire to provide insulation thereof. The hook slot also directs a length of wire to be wound out of the hook slot for placement against a spool flange.

Abstract: A device for winding a length of wire into one or more flat coils, with the device having a winding component onto which the wire is wound, a wire guide to contain the coils of the wire into a single width flat coil, and a drive engagement component adapted to be engaged by a drive means such that the drive means operates the winding component of the device. In one embodiment of the device the winding component is a cylindrical capstan having a receiving slot adapted to engage the end of the wire, the drive means is an electric hand drill, the drive engagement component is a shaft integrated with and extending from the capstan and adapted to be inserted into the chuck of the electric hand drill, and the wire guide has two spaced apart parallel members adapted to accommodate the capstan in the space between them, whereby the parallel members guide the coil of the wire into a single width flat coil onto the capstan as the capstan is rotated by the electric drill.

Abstract: A support comprising a handhold in the center with two ends extending straight out in opposite directions away from the handhold for winding and storing a rope or cord in a secure condition in a figure-8 configuration around the ends of the support using a flexible tie affixed at one end to the center of the support to wrap around and secure the rope or cord to the support when the other end of the tie is fastened to a cleat located in the center of the support. A method of winding and releasing a line on the support.

Abstract: A bag dispensing apparatus is described that comprises a container that includes a series of bags. The core comprises a number of hingedly connected plates that are biased to a first position. The core receives and connects to the terminal end portion of a last bag of the series of bags. A line of weakness is constructed between each pair of adjacent bags to permit ease of separation between adjacent bags. A first position of the last bag includes that the attachment of the last bag and core removes the container with the last bag when the last bag is removed from the trashcan. The last bag is optionally movable to a second position that includes separating the last bag from the container. Once the container is separated from the last bag, the container is suitable for refilling with the series of bags.

Abstract: A label dispenser unit comprising a dispensing reel for supporting a roll of labels attached to a backing strip. The dispenser unit also includes a label releasing station for separating the label from the backing strip and a central take-up hub for receiving the backing strip thereon. The take up hub is formed of a hub portion and a plurality of radially extending spokes extending from the central hub portion. The backing strip extends from the roll of labels around the label releasing station such that an end of the backing strip is secured to the take-up hub between at least two radially extending spokes.

Abstract: A yarn grasping device for grasping one or more ends of continuously advancing yarn (5) at the start of the winding operation on an empty bobbin mounted on a spindle (3) of an automatic turret type winder having at least two spindles (3) is disclosed. Said device comprising a support element (10) and a steering element (9), said steering element (9) being provided with at least one slit (11), said device being attached at the free end of each of said spindles (3) such that said steering element (9) and said support element (10) are positioned coaxially with their open faces being offset from each other, and characterized in that at least one grasping element (12) is mounted on said steering element (9) such that said slit (11) is partially covered to form a wedge, and in which wedge said advancing yarn (5) is securely grasped during the automatic changeover of said yarn (5) from the bobbin under winding (3a) to an empty bobbin (3b).

Abstract: A strap and cord winder is adjustable for different width straps and reconfigurable for cords. The winder includes a handle assembly with a center shaft and an offset pin for engaging and winding a strap. The center shaft adjustably passes through a face plate creating an adjustable width between a handle arm of the handle assembly and the face plate for winding different width straps. A cylindrical grip is attached to the face plate opposite the handle arm and the face plate attaches to a chest plate. A spool may be positioned on the center shaft between the handle arm and face plate for coiling cords and hoses and the offset pin engages a notch on one end of the spool to couple rotation of the handle to rotation of the spool. The spool includes disks at each end including open ended slots reaching radially to capture cord ends.

Abstract: A strap and cord winder is adjustable for different width straps and reconfigurable for cords. The winder includes a handle assembly with a center shaft and an offset pin for engaging and winding a strap. The center shaft adjustably passes through a face plate creating an adjustable width between a handle arm of the handle assembly and the face plate for winding different width straps. A cylindrical grip is attached to the face plate opposite the handle arm and the face plate attaches to a chest plate. A spool may be positioned on the center shaft between the handle arm and face plate for coiling cords and hoses and the offset pin engages a notch on one end of the spool to couple rotation of the handle to rotation of the spool. The spool includes disks at each end including open ended slots reaching radially to capture cord ends.

Abstract: A cable spool that has a body including a perimeter façade. An opening extends a thickness of the body. A track structure is formed with the perimeter façade to retain a cable. The opening is dimensioned to retain a terminal that connects to one end of the cable.

Abstract: A multiple hose rolling device is provided that is readily attachable to a vehicle and rolls multiple hoses of different flattened widths simultaneously. The device includes guides that adjust to accommodate the widths of the hoses, a closed dual-spindle system to prevent inadvertent displacement of the coiled hose from the spindle, a mechanism for assuring the pre-drainage liquid and air from hose portions about to enter the coil, and a mechanism for preventing the final end hose coupling from inadvertently being coiled. The device may be positioned to the side of the vehicle with the spindles extending outwardly from the vehicle and includes an electric motor for rotating the primary spindle, which can be powered by its own battery or the vehicle's battery. Precisely positionable guides are provided for carefully separating and guiding several hoses of different flattened widths as they approach the spindles.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cable/cord storage device. The cable management device includes first and second expanded regions, a medial region, and at least one channel with a resealable slit. The first and second expanded regions are respectively wider than the medial region. The at least one channel includes an opening on the first region, an opening on the medial region, and an internal cavity therebetween. The internal cavity may be intentionally exposed via a resealable slit to allow a cable to be routed through the internal cavity between the openings. Upon release, slit automatically reseals, thereby reliably supporting the cable. A second embodiment includes two such channels, one in each expanded region. An improved embodiment features transition zones at the origin and terminus of each channel, a rounded edge to each slit, and transitioning curvature of the medial region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cable storage device. Stored cables may be of any type, form electrically conductive wires to curtain drawstrings. The cable management device includes first and second expanded regions, a medial region, and at least one channel with a resealable slit. The first and second expanded regions are respectively wider than the medial region. The at least one channel includes an opening on the first region, an opening on the medial region, and an internal cavity therebetween. The internal cavity may be intentionally exposed via a resealable slit to allow a cable to be routed between the openings. Upon release, slit automatically reseals, thereby reliably supporting the cable in the internal cavity. A second embodiment includes two such channels, one in each expanded region.

Abstract: A roller tube has a tubular wall and a longitudinal axis. A channel runs longitudinally in an exterior surface of the tubular wall and is configured to receive an attachment insert for sheet material such as a solar shade, movie screen, decorative shade or the like. The channel has first and second side walls that extend from an interior portion of the tubular wall toward the exterior surface. The second side wall extends further away from the longitudinal axis of the roller tube than the first side wall. This creates a lip in the exterior surface of the roller tube, enabling the attachment insert to be mounted flush with the exterior surface of the roller tube and avoiding any bumps from being formed in the sheet material as it is wound around the tube. The tube wall varies in thickness and has a relatively thick section to accommodate the channel being formed therein.

Abstract: A modular dunnage system for the transportation, storage and dispensation of electrical wire and cable. Embodiments of modular cable dunnage system generally comprise at least two flange portions and at least two hub portions. In some embodiments, the system has two reel-hub halves that each comprise a flange portion and a hub portion. In other embodiments, the system has two flange portions and two or more hub portions that interlock and connect with the flange portions.

Abstract: A spool for a fishing reel is disclosed to include an axle, which has a surface and a recess curved inwards from the surface, two sidewalls radially extending from the two distal ends of the axle, and a pin, which is disposed in the recess with the topmost edge thereof kept in flush with the surface of the axle for the fastening of a fishing line for allowing the spool to take up or let off the fishing line smoothly.

Abstract: A spool for gathering and bundling a wire and/or a cable, such as a computer cable, is provided. The spool includes a central portion having a generally cylindrical shape, and could include conical top and bottom portions. Locking slots are provided on the top and bottom portions of the spool and releasably lock a wire and/or a cable on the spool. Retention prongs could be provided on the central portion of the spool for retaining the wire on the spool.

Abstract: A device is provided for the management of multiple lines attached to a bar, of the type used in power kites for kiteboarding. The device is formed of an elongate body having a shaft region, a spool region adjacent the shaft region and distal thereto, and a line retaining region distal to the spool region. The shaft region has a hollow body having a longitudinal groove running from a proximal opening to a distal end point, and a bar retaining means for retaining a bar against rotational or axial movement. The spool region has a spool shaft defined by proximal and distal containment means for retaining spooled lines wound about the spool shaft. A line retaining region has a means for separately retaining one or more lines of a plurality of lines.

Abstract: Winding machine for rolled or drawn wire/rod with turn clutch device for automatic winding of the type comprising a reel with a mandrel and base flange and an external mobile containment counter flange, wherein the counter flange is openable to allow the axial extraction from the mandrel of the reel of the completed coil, the flange of base comprising a recess to receive the head of the wire/rod to be wound, with an overturned trapezoidal annular recess with corresponding reduction towards the base for auto-clamping the wire/rod to start winding without requiring pincers.

Abstract: A tightly rolled sleeping bag. The tightly rolled sleeping bag is rolled using conventional equipment, but pressure is applied to an end of the sleeping bag so as to cause the sleeping bag to be more tightly rolled than previous sleeping bags. Rolling tines for a rolling machine for rolling the sleeping bag are tapered so as to aid in removal of the tightly rolled sleeping bag. A storage sack is provided for holding the sleeping bag. The storage sack is configurable between a first arrangement where the storage sack holds the sleeping bag in the tight configuration, and a second arrangement where the storage sack may be released and expands to hold the sleeping bag in a less tightly rolled configuration. To provide such a function, an expansion section is provided on the storage sack. A closure is provided on the expansion section.

Abstract: A yarn carrier is provided in the form of a yarn winding tube having a yarn catch insert. The yarn winding tube is a hollow cylindrical tube having a longitudinal axis extending lengthwise between its first and second opposite ends. The tube has a hole through its surface for receiving a yarn catch insert. The yarn catch insert includes a first member and a second member, each having an inside surface. When positioned within the hole, the inside surfaces of the first and second members face each other and form a string-up groove therebetween. After a yarn winding and unwinding process, the yarn catch insert may be removed from the hole in the tube, the first and second member may be separated, and the string-up groove may be cleaned. The yarn catch insert may then be re-inserted into the hole and the tube may be reused for winding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon anchor including a spool having opposing sides, a pair of flanges, one flange extending from each opposing side of the spool, at least one of the flanges having a cutout section, the cutout section having a first side and a second side; and a hook extending from the second side of the cutout section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a detachable fastening of a cable (2) on a cable drum (1), especially a wire cable, with an opening (1a) arranged in the cable drum (1), with an enlarged cable end (2a) on the cable (2) and a connection piece (4), by which the cable (2) with its end thickening (2a) is detachably secured to the cable drum (1) in the region of the continuous opening (1a). The connection piece (4) may be detachably secured in the continuous opening (1a) and the enlarged cable end (2a) be detachably secured to the connection piece (4).

Abstract: A device that is adapted to wind a web of material includes a winding body to which a start of a material web can be connected. The material web is wound by rotation of the winding body which includes two clamping elements that can be displaced with respect to each other. A clamping gap is defined by these two clamping elements and the start of the material web can be placed in this clamping gap. These two clamping elements of the winding body are pressed against one another while clamping the start of the web. A guiding element, such as a plate is provided to guide the material web start to the clamping gap. A method for preparing a material roll is also disclosed.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge rotatably accommodating, within a case, a reel on which a recording tape is wound. A leader portion is provided at a distal end of the recording tape. The leader portion has a leader tape connected to the recording tape, and holding blocks provided at vertical direction outer sides of a distal end of the leader tape. In a state in which the holding blocks are held so as to face an opening of the case, the holding blocks are exposed from cut-out portions. Due to the holding blocks being nipped and held by a guiding mechanism of a drive device and the guiding mechanism moving, the holding blocks are separated from the case.

Abstract: A take-up mechanism for a read/write recording apparatus includes a hub with an outer surface about which a tape medium is to be wound. A recess is formed in the outer surface, and a receiver block is reciprocally movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When retracted, an end surface of the receiver block registers with the outer surface of the hub to form a smooth winding surface for the tape. The receiver block has a bay sized to engage the leader block on the tape such that the leader block is enclosed within the hub when the receiver block is retracted. A rotatable drive rotates the hub to wind the tape thereon. This mechanism may be incorporated into a read/write apparatus including a read/write recording head, bearing members to support the tape during transport and a threading assembly to thread the tape through the device.

Abstract: A spool design for fishing reels is discosed, allowing for the reversible separation of the spool into different parts for the easy removal of old fishing line and wherein a specially configured aperture is exposed upon separation of the spool parts, allowing for the introduction of one end of the line into the interior of the spool. The line can be attached to the inside of the spool, providing for a secure fastening of the line without exposure of the knot to the exterior of the spool.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method of a take-up shaft used in the cleaning of a cylinder of a printing press. The take-up shaft includes features that allow the securing of a cleaning fabric from a supply roll without the need to physically fix or mount the fabric to the supply roll with screws or other fasteners that could cause the fabric to tear.

Abstract: A new spool design for fishing reels is disclosed, allowing for the reversible separation of the spool into different parts for the easy removal of old fishing line and wherein a specially configured aperture is exposed upon separation of the spool parts, allowing for the introduction of one end of the line into the interior of the spool. The line can be attached to the inside of the spool, providing for a secure fastening of the line without exposure of the knot to the exterior of the spool.

Abstract: A coil bobbin structure comprising a series of axially spaced bobbin members including integrally formed tubular base portions supported on a tubular support member. The base portions each have edges facing one another and including stepped edged portions cooperating to provide interlocking structure for resisting relative rotation of the bobbin members and the tubular support member. The bobbin members each include radially extending flanges arranged to receive entering and exiting coil lead wires and to route the lead wires along a longitudinal path extending across a coil wound on the structure.

Abstract: A hole center detecting apparatus for positioning the hole of a spool and a cord accurately by determining the coordinates of two points of intersection between the inner circumference of the spool hole and a virtual straight line to compute the coordinates of the center of the hole and by moving the cord according to the computed coordinates of the hole center. A straightness measuring apparatus for measuring the curvature of a cord automatically by detecting the coordinates of three longitudinal points of the cord. A measurement apparatus for measuring a residual torsion automatically by measuring the rotation angle of the end portion of the cord before and after clamped, electrically.

Abstract: A pinch spool has a core rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The core has a recess sector and adjoining chock sector. The chock sector has a greater radial dimension than the recess sector. A sheath is mounted coaxially over the core and is rotatable with the core about the axis. The sheath has an outer face, an inner face, and a longitudinal slot extending between the faces. The-slot narrows to a throat at the inner face. The inner face includes a grip surface spaced apart from the throat. The grip surface is longitudinally aligned with the sectors. The sheath is pivotable about the axis between first and second angular orientations relative to the core. The slot is radially aligned with the chock sector at the first angular orientation. The grip surface is radially aligned with the chock sector at an intermediate angular orientation relative to the core. The intermediate angular orientation is between the first and second angular orientations.

Abstract: A floor cover removal tool having a rigid roller of substantially cylindrical shape with an internal clamp for holding the end of the floor covering being removed.

Abstract: A take-up reel assembly for use with a tape cartridge in a cartridge-based tape transport includes a take-up reel and a leader block. The take-up reel is configured to receive tape from the cartridge and including an annular hub. The hub has an axis of rotation, an annular hub surface, and a hub slot extending from the hub surface toward the axis of rotation. The leader block is adapted to be attached to a free end of the tape and has a body disposable in the hub slot. The body has an arcuate end surface that is disposed proximate the hub surface when the body is disposed in the hub slot. One of the take-up reel and the leader block includes a cushioning member disposed on one of the hub surface and the end surface, respectively. The cushioning member is adapted to receive the tape thereon.

Abstract: A tape drive wherein a tape leader from a tape cartridge is urged through a tape path, into a take-up reel, and secured therein without the use of a buckling mechanism or a take-up leader. The take-up reel includes a locking slot defined along the central hub for receiving and locking the leader thereto. As the tape cartridge is inserted into the tape drive, an idle roller moves into position to push the leader against a motorized roller, pinching the tape leader therein between. As the motorized roller rotates, friction between the leader and rollers urges the leader through the tape path and into the take-up reel locking slot. A slight predetermined rotation of the take-up reel secures the leader with a locking member further defined within the locking slot.