Abstract: A serving utensil, used for serving food on a salad bar, is attached to a retractable tether device. The retractable tether device is coupled to the under surface of a sneeze shield extending over the food on a salad bar, effectively elevating the retractable tether device and the serving utensil above and/or over food on the salad bar.

Abstract: An overhead storage system for efficiently and conveniently stowing items such as bicycles at ceiling level. The overhead storage system includes a motor connected to a spool unit, a frame supporting the motor and attachable to a ceiling, an extended member extending from the frame, a pulley attached to a distal portion of the extended member, a first cable and a second cable attached to the spool unit with the second cable extending through the pulley, and a support member attached to the distal portions of the first cable and the second cable. The support member is comprised of an elongated structure capable of supporting one or more items such as but not limited to bicycles. A control unit controls the operation of the motor and is in communication with a controller operated by a user for raising and lowering the support member.

Abstract: Display apparatus comprises a support frame having elongate frame members (1) pivotally interconnected at nodes (2) and at their crossing mid points so that the apparatus is capable of being transformed between a compact condition for storage or transport and an erected condition in which display panels (3) can be attached to the frame. The nodes (2) are arranged in vertically spaced groups and the uppermost node (2) of each group carries a reel (9) in which is wound a metal tape (8) withdrawable from the reel (9) to support the display panels (3) on the frame by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A tire carrier assembly for storing a spare tire on a vehicle which includes a carrier adapted for supporting the spare tire and a winch operatively connected to the carrier to raise and lower the carrier between a stowed position wherein the carrier is inaccessible and a deployed position wherein the carrier is accessible. The winch has a flexible member secured to the carrier and one of an electric motor and a manual device which selectively raises and lowers the carrier between the stowed and deployed positions. A monitoring device is located adjacent the winch and a control module is operably connected to the monitoring device to monitor movement of the carrier from the deployed position toward the stowed position.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for supporting a flag comprising a housing (26) having an opening (24) in a side face. A passage (30) extends trough housing (26). The housing (28) has a lower tubular part (40) that is mounted to the top of a flagpole (10). A cable (16) is attached to an arm (14). The cable extends from a winch (22) up through the flagpole and through the passage (30) in the housing (26). The cable is attached to the arm (14). In order to attach a flag to arm (14), winch (22) is operated to extend cable (16) and to lower arm (14) to the ground. Once a flag is attached to arm (14), the winch (22) is operated to retract the cable (16). This draws the arm (14) into the housing (26). Continued retraction of the cable (16) results in the arm (14) adopting an essentially horizontal position. The apparatus may rotate.

Abstract: A computer unit holder for supporting a computer unit under a desk or other work surface is disclosed. The computer unit holder includes a cable that extends downwardly and underneath the computer unit to support it. The cable may be supported by two side panels, one of which includes an adjustment mechanism for changing the length of the exposed cable. One of the side panels may be adjustable toward and away from the other side panel. A movable mount may also be included so that the load of the computer unit will always be centered under the mount.

Abstract: A remote-controlled motor-driven drum is provided to wind and unwind a cord which holds a self-balancing sign carrier. The sign carrier, which has telescoping rails, is adjustable in width. Its center rail includes two sheaves to receive the cord and lead it from the drum back to an end secured to the ceiling. Rotation of the drum raises and lowers the sign carrier and a sign carried by it. The sheaves on the carrier also serve to make the unit self-balancing. The motor responds to actuating signals for raising and lowering the sign and to safety features. Safety features include a limit switch which stops the motor when an object gets in the way, an overload control which stops the motor if excessive weight is detected, and the use of the motor for braking.

Abstract: A force multiplying device is provided for use in conjunction with a balancing system for moving a load from an elevated position and to a predetermined lower position. The balancing system includes an extendable cable with a free end adapted to be secured to and exert an upward force on the load. The device includes a base which is secured to the load and a first lever pivotally secured at an intermediate point to the base about a generally horizontal axis. A fixed length flexible member has one end secured to a first end of the lever and a second end fixedly secured to a support position above the load. The length of the flexible member is such that the flexible member is in a fully extended position when the load is in the predetermined lower position. An elongated rocker arm has a first end in abutment with the base while the cable from the balancing system is secured to a second end of the rocker arm.

Abstract: A bicycle-lifting system and method for storing a bicycle above the ground in an enclosure such as a storage house, or a garage comprises a reel and a pair of straps mechanically attached to the reel. A bicycle may be lifted and stored above the floor in the enclosure when the pair of straps are wound around the reel. The system may be operated either mechanically with a crank or electrically with a motor.

Abstract: An integrated plant device is illustrated and described that has a multiplicity of compartments for storing plant propagating equipment, for storing gardening tools, and for storing plant flats. The compartmentalized plant device assembles into a transportable storage chest on wheels.

Abstract: A projector installing device for installing a projector pendant from a ceiling, which enables easy and quick horizontal angular adjustment of the projector and which is also excellent in durability. A rotary member rotatable around a vertical axis of a pin is installed on a supporting member fastened to a ceiling, the rotary member is provided with fixing screws for unfixably fixing the rotary member at a desired rotary position to the supporting member from its horizontal direction, and the projector is fastened to the rotary member.

Abstract: An apparatus prevents damage to a fuel pump filler gun. An arm pivots above a gas pump. A retractable wire extends from the arm and attaches to the filler gun. The length of the wire is less than the height at which the arm pivots above the ground. If the filler gun is dropped, it will hang suspended from the wire, and will not strike the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting and dismounting an overhead bowling scoring monitor. The method includes positioning a support member at the overhead location for the bowling scoring monitor and providing a lifting mechanism having an elongated lifting member and a force-producing member for extending and retracting the lifting member. The lift mechanism is attached to the bowling scoring monitor and to any stationary member above the monitor and the force-producing device is operated in order to retract the lifting member to raise the overhead bowling scoring monitor into proximity with the support member, or to pay out the lifting member to lower the overhead bowling scoring monitor from the support member. Preferably, the support member is a rigid frame which is substantially horizontally planar. The rigid frame may include at least two spaced apart parallel tubular members in a manner that the elongated lifting member extends from the elongated body between the two tubular members.

Abstract: A ceiling mounted projector lift system for moving audio/visual equipment between a lowered position and an operating position secured to projector lift.

Abstract: A remote-controlled motor-driven drum is provided to wind and unwind a cord which holds a self-balancing sign carrier. The sign carrier, which has telescoping rails, is adjustable in width. Its center rail includes two sheaves to receive the cord and lead it from the drum back to an end secured to the ceiling. Thus, rotation of the drum serves to raise and lower the sign carrier and a sign carried by it. The sheaves on the carrier not only allow it to be raised and lowered, but also serve to make the unit self-balancingThe user attaches a sign to the carrier when it is in its lowered position and then raises the sign and carrier to the ceiling. The motor, which is reversible, is remotely controlled either by wires leading between the motor and a switch or by radio control (with a control similar to that used on a garage door).

Abstract: A mount than secures a projector or monitor to a ceiling or wall is disclosed. The mount uses struts that form channels which support the projector/monitor and provide alternate channels for video and AC cabling to reduce interference. The mount may include a hook connector such that the projector or monitor can easily be detached from the ceiling or wall for installation and repair. An optional winch may be used to lower and raise the projector/monitor. Seismic cables may be added for extra support in case of earthquake.

Abstract: A suspension device for the suspension of an article (10) of low weight at a variable distance below an attachment point for said device on a suitable support comprises a body (1) provided with attachment means (4), a flexible string (6) and an article holder (2). In order to avoid various drawbacks of such devices belonging to the prior art, the article holder (2) is formed integral with but easily separable from the body (1).

Abstract: A portable plant growing cart that can accommodate one or more plant trays thereon, This cart is constructed of a plurality of rigid frames which preferably are pivotally connected together so as to aid in the storage of the cart when not in use. A movable light source is supported from these separate frames above the trays at any desired elevation, Additionally, a fabric-like reflective shroud is supported over both the light source and the cart so as to reflect light back towards the plant trays when desired.

Abstract: A method and system for supporting a test article or structure in a gravity environment for the purpose of testing the article in a simulated weightless condition includes at least one support assembly attached to the article for suspending the article from an overhead support. The support assembly includes three cables each having an end attached to the article. The cables are capable of being actuated to cooperatively maintain a constant resultant vertical force on the test article which is equal to the weight of the article. The system includes a controller which is capable of adjusting the force in each cable to continuously maintain the constant resultant force on the article as it moves from position to position. The controller can calculate the new position of the test article as it moves from position to position.

Abstract: A remote control, ceiling mounted lifting device is provided for concealing, supporting and providing floor level access to audio visual objects such as color video/data projectors. The overall height of the lifting device is extremely shallow to allow the device to be mounted and concealed within the ceiling clearance area. The device has an outer frame with an open inner section. A support carriage is provided which is sized to fit and nest with the open inner section of the support framework. The carriage has an inverted U-shaped structure which allows the projector to be recessed upwardly within the confines of the carriage. A scissor-like stabilizer mechanism is mounted on each side of the carriage and support structure. These stabilizer mechanisms are located on the outer edges of the device to minimize the overall height of the device.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a television mounting frame with a removable lifting assembly for facilitating the installation of heavy equipment, particularly large televisions. A television or the like is affixed to a lower frame yolk. An upper frame yolk, which complimentarily engages with the lower yolk to form a complete frame, is mounted to an overhead structure via a hanger pipe attached to a mounting bracket. A lifting assembly is removably affixed to the hanger pipe and disposed so that the winch cable may unwind from the winch and through the hanger pipe for attachment to the television mounted on the lower frame yolk. Once attached to the cable, the television may be lifted into engagement with the upper frame yolk without the use of large and cumbersome scaffolding systems or many assistants. The winch assembly may then be removed for use in the installation of other equipment to different mounting brackets.

Abstract: A remote control, ceiling mounted lifting device is provided for concealing, supporting and providing floor level access to audio visual objects such as color video/data projectors. The overall height of the lifting device is extremely shallow to allow the device to be mounted and concealed within the ceiling clearance area. The device has an outer frame with an open inner section. A support carriage is provided which is sized to fit and nest with the open inner section of the support framework. The carriage has an inverted U-shaped structure which allows the projector to be recessed upwardly within the confines of the carriage. A scissor-like stabilizer mechanism is mounted on each side of the carriage and support structure. These stabilizer mechanisms are located on the outer edges of the device to minimize the overall height of the device.

Abstract: A removable winch assembly for facilitating the installation of heavy equipment, particularly large television systems. A television or the like is affixed to a lower frame yolk. An upper frame yolk, which complimentarily engages with the lower yolk to form a complete frame, is mounted to a ceiling via a hanger pipe attached to a mounting bracket. A winch assembly of the invention is removably affixed to the hanger pipe and disposed so that the winch cable may unwind from the winch and through the hanger for attachment to the television mounted on the lower frame yolk. Once attached to the cable, the television may be lifted into engagement with the upper frame yolk without the use of large and cumbersome scaffolding systems or many assistants. The winch assembly may then be removed for use in the installation of other equipment to different mounting brackets.

Abstract: A motorized apparatus to raise and lower a ceiling light fixture, such as a chandelier, to facilitate cleaning and bulb changing. A hoist mechanism, mounted above the ceiling between two joists, includes a drive motor with a drive shaft, and a take-up shaft coupled to the drive shaft, upon which is wound a single hoist cable which raises and lowers the light fixture. A ceiling junction box includes a first set of contacts for supplying electricity to the light fixture when the light fixture is raised, and one or more switches for preventing the light fixture from being hoisted past the raised position and for removing power from the first set of contacts when the light fixture is lowered. A canopy junction box, attached to the light fixture, includes a second set of contacts for receiving electricity from the first set of contacts. When the light fixture is raised, a ceiling canopy protects the first and second set of contacts from access.

Abstract: A holding device in which a plate is provided with two extreme perpendicular wings with resilient tendency to close to each other, laying between both these wings a shaft with stems to mounting the same under pressure to respective holes formed in the wings and large heads to obtain a friction effect on the inner face of the wings, which effect can be increased by means of corrugations or ribs formed in the said face, bearing the shaft a winding thread from which the mobile hangs to the desired height, being the plate on its rear side provided with an adhesive layer for fitting the device to the ceiling from which the advertising mobile is designed to hang.

Abstract: This relates to a portable abrasive throwing wheel device or abrasive blasting device which is utilized for blasting castings and the like to effect the cleaning thereof. The portable device is of such a construction whereby its total weight is on the order of 100 pounds and is so suspended wherein it is very little thrust reaction on an operator so that it may be readily manipulated. Further, the principal thrust of the device is carried by the suspension for the device and otherwise is directed towards the operator so that is may be readily counteracted. The portable device includes a fixed motor and a fixed abrasive supply with a throwing wheel carried by the motor and only the housing portion being movable. The housing is rotatable about the axis of the motor and serves to permit the discharge opening of the device to be tilted to the desired angle for directing the abrasive blast where desired.

Abstract: A "hanger support" suitable for use or reuse in hanging a receptacle or planter, the support comprising: a hanger from which the "hanger support" may be secured, the hanger having a plane or zone disposed or oriented in the vertical direction; a take-up reel having an endless channel defined between a pair of walls extending from either end of the reel, said reel secured to the hanger for accumulating material supporting the planter or other item, and said reel incorporating a plane or zone disposed in the vertical direction when the hanger support is secured for use; a lock vertically below the reel and hanger offset to the plane or zone of the take-up reel but in vertical alignment with the plane or zone of the hanger.

Abstract: A remote-controlled motor-driven drum is provided to wind and unwind a cord which holds a self-balancing sign carrier. The sign carrier, which has telescoping rails, is adjustable in width. Its center rail includes two sheaves to receive the cord and lead it from the drum back to an end secured to the ceiling. Thus, rotation of the drum serves to raise and lower the sign carrier and a sign carried by it. The sheaves on the carrier not only allow it to be raised and lowered, but also serve to make the unit self-balancing The user attaches a sign to the carrier when it is in its lowered position and then raises the sign and carrier to the ceiling. The motor, which is reversible, is remotely controlled either by wires leading between the motor and a switch or by radio control (with a control similar to that used on a garage door).