Abstract: An array of display tiles and a load levelling mechanism is described that can be used with the array of display tiles including at least one truss, the at least one truss having at least one first and one second suspension point, from which display tiles can be suspended, further including first and second actuators adapted to modify the vertical position of the at least one first or the at least one second suspension point in a vertical direction, in function of a force applied to the at least one first suspension point and a force applied to the at least one second suspension point.

Abstract: A portable lifting pole device for elevating items while camping or the like. The device includes a pole having a plurality of segments including a medial segment and a top segment. A lower aperture extends through the medial segment and an upper aperture extends through the top segment. A boom arm is coupled to and extends from the top segment. A line extends from a winch coupled to the pole under the lower aperture. The line extends into the pole through the lower aperture and out of the pole through the upper aperture. The line extends through a boom pulley coupled to the boom arm.

Abstract: A lift system configured to lift an article (e.g., a batten). The lift system includes a first cable configured to be coupled to the article, a second cable configured to be coupled to the article, a drive mechanism coupled to the first cable and the second cable and operable to raise and lower the article, a first loft block including a first loft sheave to redirect the first cable from a first substantially horizontal axis to a first substantially vertical axis, and an idler sheave to direct the second cable along a second substantially horizontal axis. The lift system further includes a second loft block including a second loft sheave to redirect the second cable from the second substantially horizontal axis block to a second substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: A line guiding structure comprises a round guiding shaft, a fixing unit, an elastic element, a linear bearing and a wheel set. The round guiding shaft comprises a fixing and an open end. The fixing unit is used for fixing the round guiding shaft and comprises a fixing base and a bearing. The fixing base is disposed on mechanical equipment, and the bearing is disposed in the fixing base. The elastic element is sleeved on the round guiding shaft and comprises a first end and a second end. The linear bearing is sleeved on the round guiding shaft. A connecting piece is disposed on the linear bearing. The wheel set comprises a fixing plate, a supporting frame and two pulleys. The fixing plate is connected on the connecting piece. A slide hole is formed between two opposite pulley surfaces of the two pulleys for a line to pass through.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable combination neckwear and jewelry storage device comprised of a head rail assembly, a jewelry rail assembly, and a plurality of neckwear rods operatively connected together such that jewelry rail assembly and the plurality of neckwear rods vertically adjust with respect to the head rail assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle hood opening and closing device including a slideable assembly with a linear separator bar that has a first end affixed to a first end support and a second end affixed to a second end support, a first intermediate carriage between the end supports, a second intermediate carriage between the second end support and first intermediate carriage, a first pneumatic cylinder with piston affixed to the first end support and cylinder affixed to the first intermediate carriage, a second pneumatic cylinder with cylinder affixed to the first and second intermediate carriages and piston affixed to a flexible element, wherein the flexible element slideably passes through a pulley assembly affixed to the second end support and attaches to a lift assembly that has a lift plate and at least two vacuum cups, and pneumatic control system pneumatically connected to the two pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: A horizontal hinged closure with a large diameter track ring attached directly to the rear of a female threaded head. The threaded female head is designed to removably attach to a male threaded structure. A bearing ring with cam followers that engage the track ring to allow the threaded head to be rotated relative to the male threaded structure to attach and remove the threaded head there from. The bearing ring is attached to a hinge arm that allows the removed threaded head to be moved away from the male threaded structure and then rotated about a vertical axis. Direct attachment of the large diameter track ring to the rear of the threaded head moves the center of gravity forward, resulting in the threaded head remaining essentially vertical when it is removed from the male threaded structure and thereby making it easier to reattach to the male threaded structure.

Abstract: A cable anchor utilizes a spring assembly to reduce tensile stresses on a cable over a wide range of tensile forces. Some examples utilize a plurality of springs, with each spring sequentially acting to reduce tensile stresses on the cable as the tensile force increases. Other examples utilize a reel that permits movement of the cable through rotation of the reel to further reduce stress on the cable.

Abstract: The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide.

Abstract: A tilting device is disclosed. The tilting device may include: an arm, on which a tilt-shaft is formed; a tilt-base coupled to the tilt-shaft in a manner that allows tilting; a pulley rotatably coupled to the tilt-base; a wire, which is wound around the pulley, and of which either end is coupled to either side of the arm on opposite sides of the tilt-shaft; and a driving unit, which drives the pulley. An embodiment of the invention enables tilting operations using a smaller driving device, and also allows manual operations.

Abstract: A portable manway cover handling apparatus comprises a lightweight support unit having a mounting tab secured to a manway stub flange within stub flange bolt holes by stud bolts projecting from expandable mandrel sleeves. A structural support beam is cantilevered from the mounting tab for attachment of a force line pulling machine. A force line from the pulling machine is attached to the manway cover and all manway flange bolts removed except a single loose hinge bolt proximate of the flange bottom. The pulling machine is operated to control the rotation of the manway cover about the hinge bolt to a stable suspension position whereat the manway portal is open.

Abstract: An elevating billboard and control method thereof, which includes a hollow column, a billboard stent, and a windlass controlling a motor, forward relay and back relay, wherein a hollow cylinder is fixed with the billboard stent and rings the column so as to slide along the column up and down, a fixed pulley disposed on the top of the column, a free end of a guy cable of the windlass connecting with the hollow cylinder by the fixed pulley. By using the motor of the windlass and the fixed pulleys, the elevating billboard is easy to assemble, disassemble or maintain, and is capable of completing the up and down movement easily and quickly. And using the real-time monitor of the anemoscope, the elevating billboard completes the up and down movement easily and quickly by wind scale.

Abstract: A device having a liftable strap supply reel includes a housing, a liftable mechanism and a pushing force generator. The liftable mechanism is pivoted on the housing and it has a first arm that is disposed with a rotatable strap supply reel. The liftable mechanism contains a home position, a critical position, and a lift-up position. When this lifting mechanism is positioned at the lift-up position, the pushing member generates a force to create a torque so that the strap supply reel stays at a height near a waist of a human. So, the strap supply reel can be lifted up to a height approximately near a waist of a human. It can be operated by one hand. In addition, it is convenient to repair or replace the strap.

Abstract: A portable manway cover handling apparatus and method comprises a lightweight support unit having a mounting tab secured to a manway portal flange within portal flange bolt holes by stud bolts projecting from expandable mandrel sleeves. A structural support beam is cantilevered from the mounting tab for attachment of a force line pulling machine. A force line from the pulling machine is attached to the manway cover and all manway flange bolts removed except a single loose hinge bolt proximate of the flange bottom. The pulling machine is operated to control the rotation of the manway cover about the hinge bolt to a stable suspension position whereat the manway portal is open.

Abstract: A gravity compensation device partially or completely compensates a force exerted by a basic mass (10) on a balancing device (12) at a first distance from an axis of rotation (13) by using a force generating device, such as spring (14), exerting a counterforce on the balancing device at a second distance from the axis of rotation. The first distance, the second distance, or both are selectable for providing the desired gravity compensation. One or more pulleys with an angle-variable radius may be used. The gravity compensation device does not add substantial mass to the basic mass, and is simple in design.

Abstract: A ceiling-mounted bicycle storage hoist including a first elongated structural member (36) and a second elongated structural member (38). The first elongated structural member is connected to the second elongated structural member, forming a V-shaped structural assembly spanning at least 1220 mm in one direction, to enable attachment to ceilings comprising wooden joists spaced at 305 mm, 406 mm, 488 mm, or 610 mm intervals. A first, second, and third rope and pulley system are attached to the first and second elongated structural members. The first, second, and third rope and pulley systems converge at a location near the connection between the first and second elongated structural members, enabling a user to control the first, second, and third rope and pulley systems simultaneously. A bicycle may be attached to the first, second, and third rope and pulley systems and hoisted in a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A banner is displayed about a tower structure, such as a water tower, by a system that enables ready substitution or replacement of the banner, without the use of high-lift equipment. The fabric banner is segmented, of wind permeable stretchable fabric, and mounted on rings that are carried on cables, suspended from a capstan atop the tower. Cable guidance pulleys, mounted on trolleys that run on a peripheral track about the top of the tower, enable the banner to be reoriented about the tower. The capstan and trolleys may be remotely controlled.

Abstract: A holding device is designed to compensate for the weight of a tool using a non-vertical length of an elastic rope. The elastic rope may be redirected using a pulley mounted to a carrier that is mounted to a support structure. The user is able to use the tool without supporting the entire weight of the tool during use.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a sign suspended from a ceiling, comprising a reversible motor adapted to be mounted to the ceiling at a first location; a sign carrier for holding a sign to be suspended from the ceiling; and a line running from the motor, to the sign carrier, and back to the ceiling at a second location spaced from the first location. The line is mounted to the ceiling at the second location. The motor is controlled to turn in opposite directions to raise and lower the sign carrier in relation to the ceiling, to allow a sign held by the sign carrier to be positioned relative to the ceiling.

Abstract: A container (10) having a plurality of panels (12–18) joined together to form a sleeve (64). The panels (12–18) each have an end edge that cooperate to define an imaginary plane (P) at one end of the sleeve (64). The container (10) further has an end panel (20,22) connected to the panels (12–18) at the one end of the sleeve (64). The end panel (20,22) has at least one portion extending beyond the imaginary plane (P). The supporting box (100) is provided to support the container (10). A hanger system (150) is provided and is attached to the box (100). The hanger system (150) supports an upper portion of the container (10) within the box (100). The container (10) is also provided with a port closure (300) that provides both a sterile and gas permeable barrier.

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 container (10) having a plurality of panels (12-18) joined together to form a sleeve (64). The panels (12-18) each have an end edge that cooperate to define an imaginary plane (P) at one end of the sleeve (64). The container (10) further has an end panel (20,22) connected to the panels (12-18) at the one end of the sleeve (64). The end panel (20,22) has at least one portion extending beyond the imaginary plane (P). The supporting box (100) is provided to support the container (10). A hanger system (150) is provided and is attached to the box (100). The hanger system (150) supports an upper portion of the container (10) within the box (100). The container (10) is also provided with a port closure (300) that provides both a sterile and gas permeable barrier.

Abstract: A container (10) having a plurality of panels (12-18) joined together to form a sleeve (64). The panels (12-18) each have an end edge that cooperate to define an imaginary plane (P) at one end of the sleeve (64). The container (10) further has an end panel (20,22) connected to the panels (12-18) at the one end of the sleeve (64). The end panel (20,22) has at least one portion extending beyond the imaginary plane (P). The supporting box (100) is provided to support the container (10). A hanger system (150) is provided and is attached to the box (100). The hanger system (150) supports an upper portion of the container (10) within the box (100). The container (10) is also provided with a port closure (300) that provides both a sterile and gas permeable barrier.

Abstract: A container (10) having a plurality of panels (12-18) joined together to form a sleeve (64). The panels (12-18) each have an end edge that cooperate to define an imaginary plane (P) at one end of the sleeve (64). The container (10) further has an end panel (20, 22) connected to the panels (12-18) at the one end of the sleeve (64). The end panel (20, 22) has at least one portion extending beyond the imaginary plane (P). The supporting box (100) is provided to support the container (10). A hanger system (150) is provided and is attached to the box (100). The hanger system (150) supports an upper portion of the container (10) within the box (100). The container (10) is also provided with a port closure (300) that provides both a sterile and gas permeable barrier.

Abstract: A system of suspending a tree includes a hook secured to an overhead support such as a ceiling joist or beam or structure dedicated to this purpose. A swivel is then secured to the hook. A tree grip is secured to the swivel and then to the main leader of the Christmas tree. The tree will then hang plumb due to the force of gravity. Optionally, a pulley may be employed to assist in the raising of the tree. The pulley is secured to the hook by a loop. The tree grip is secured to the top of the tree. A cable is securely attached to the trunk of the tree below the apex of the tree. The cable is threaded through the sheave of the pulley and may be pulled to raise the tree until the tree grip can be attached to the hook. The free end of the cable may then be attached to the trunk of the tree to provide additional security of attachment.

Abstract: A collapsible pinata hoist to eliminate the need for finding a large tree or other pinata rope support structure when it is desired to have a pinata at a gathering such as a birthday party or other celebration. The collapsible pinata hoist includes a V-shaped base assembly, a vertical support pole assembly, a horizontal support pole and pulley assembly, two brace members each having an element locking pin receiving aperture at both ends thereof, a number of element locking pins and a flexible pinata pulling tether member. The flexible pinata tether member is threaded through pulley assemblies provided at each end of the horizontal support pole and has one end attached to a pinata and the other end free to be pulled on by a pinata handler to allow for lifting and lowering of the pinata while a person is trying to break the pinata open with a stick.

Abstract: A hanging device is characterized, by comprising a base frame to be mounted to a ceiling beam, a second frame to be lifted to the base frame, a base body hung from the second frame, a means for lifting up the second frame together with the device body to the base frame through a hole formed to a ceiling board under the ceiling beam, a flange mounted to the device body so as to fit the ceiling board, and a means for engaging the second frame in the base frame at a position in such that the device body is set up to the ceiling board and simultaneously, the flange fits to the under surface to the ceiling board.

Abstract: A method to enable a single individual to raise a payload and store the payload at an elevated height above the ground comprises providing first and second flexible elongate line members, each of the line members having a first and, a second end and an intermediate portion and the first flexible line member having a pulley secured to the first end thereof. A support member at an elevated height is located. The first line member is passed over the support member so that the intermediate portion of the first line member passes over the support member and the pulley and the second end of the first line member are each positioned adjacent the ground. The second flexible elongate line member is passed through the pulley. The pulley is raised to an elevated position and secured in that position. A payload is secured to the first end of the second flexible member. The payload is raised to an elevated position and secured in that position. The invention also comprises a kit for performing this method.

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: The present invention relates to a system, teaches a technique, and provides apparatus eminently useful for the installation/removal, from a remote and protected location, of nozzle dams onto and from nozzle holddown rings within the channel heads of certain steam generators, including the types typically used in conjunction with the operation of pressurized hot-water nuclear power plants.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stand for an x-ray examination apparatus comprising a telescoping column that, for example, guides an x-radiator adjustably in the direction of its longitudinal axis and comprises at least three tubular telescope parts joined inside one another, whereby the telescope parts are coupled such to one another that, given adjustment of the x-radiator, the same relative displacement occurs between respectively two telescope parts adjacent to one another and whereby respective stops are provided between telescope parts adjacent to one another. Adjustment devices are thereby provided with which the position of the telescope parts is adjustable such relative to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the telescoping column that all stops take effect essentially simultaneously and the adjustment devices are fashioned and arranged such that they are actuatable without dismantling the telescoping column.

Abstract: The invention concerns an article suspension system and is provided for raising, lowering and suspending an article (such as display materials, botanical specimens, electrical, video or electronic gear, and the like) on a cord, e.g. overhead or across open spaces, at selected positions of static and dynamic suspension such as display or monitoring positions or service and maintenance positions. The invention includes novel article hook means, locking handle means, and cord lock means for suspension from one or more pulley supports.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus (10) for suspending articles (14) from an overhead member (12) includes an elongated support member (20) attachable to the overhead member (12), first and second pulleys (22, 34) supported by the support member (20), an abutment (28) radially spaced from the first pulley (22), and a pivoting lock member (30) coaxial with and operably independent from the first pulley (22). A cord (32) passes over the first pulley (22) inwardly of the abutment (28) and extends further over the second pulley (34). One end of the cord (42) which is proximal to the second pulley (34), is attachable to an article (14) to be supported from the cord (32, 42). The cord (32) is normally freely movable over the pulleys (22, 34) to allow the height of a suspended article (14) to be adjusted, but may be restricted from movement in one direction by clamping engagement of the cord (32) between the lock member (30) and the abutment (28), thereby fixing the height at which an article (14) is suspended.

Abstract: A medical examining lamp includes a first tubular standard mounted on a base and extending upwardly therefrom and a second tubular standard telescopingly received within the first standard and having a lamp socket mounted at its upper end. A spring assembly is mounted on the lower end of the second standard and includes first and second leaf springs mounted in and diverging outwardly from one end of the second standard. The leaf springs are retained in position by deforming the end of the second standard inwardly into engagement therewith. An arcuate tip is formed on the outer end of each leaf spring for resilienly engaging the inner surface of the first standard.

Abstract: An apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the movable member in a precision instrument includes a resilient member which is coupled, by way of a non-elastic member, over an eccentric surface of a rotatable member to the movable member. Rotation of the eccentric member causes the resilient member to deform an amount proportional to the eccentricity of the member and a nearly constant counterbalancing force may be applied to the movable member.

Abstract: An improved safety system or apparatus for raising, lowering, and supporting in an elevated or lowered position a weighted article from an overhead support. The system or apparatus includes a safety pulley member having a pulley sheave over which a link chain passes, the link chain having one end connected to the weighted article and the other end connected to an attachment means positioned within reach of a person so that the person may pull the link chain downwardly to raise the weighted article to a desired elevation out of reach, the link chain then being locked to the attachment means. The weighted article may be a clothes basket, other receptacle, or any other article in which it is desired to suspend overhead.

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).