Abstract: Device and methods are provided in which a motorized suction device is suctionally mounted to a static surface, and an article supporting portion other than a handle is employed to support one or more articles above the ground. The vacuum is preferably provided by a battery operated electric vacuum pump, and the article supporting portion preferably comprises a shelf, a channel, a magnet, a ring, a hook and loop fastener, or a hook.

Abstract: A releasable suction cup is formed with a tab formed integral with its rim, and with a release filament attached to the tab. On assembly of the suction cup with a panel to be mounted to a smooth surface by the suction cup, the release filament is threaded through a hole in the panel so that an end of the release filament is accessible adjacent the panel surface that is opposite from the suction cup. When the panel is mounted with the suction cup to the smooth surface, the suction cup can be released by pulling on the accessible end of the release filament. A second embodiment of the invention consists of a double-sided suction cup wherein each cup member has a tab with a release filament attached to its tab and threaded through a hole in the panel to be mounted to a smooth surface. With one side of the double-sided suction cup attached to the smooth surface, the release filament connected to that suction cup side remains accessible through the panel to be pulled to release the suction cup.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum holder for securing workpieces, such as flexible media or printed circuit boards, through a suction force. Pressure responsive, one way flow valves are incorporated between chambers under suction openings to control the application of suction. This results in a restraining force that is uniform in time and space, resulting in a vacuum holder that has reduced pumping requirements.

Abstract: A wide format thermal printer for printing a multicolor graphic product on a printing sheet; a vacuum workbed for supporting a sheet material for performing work operations, such as cutting, printing or plotting, thereon; a replaceable donor sheet assembly, which includes a memory, for use with a thermal printer; methods and apparatus for improved thermal printing, including methods and apparatus for conserving donor sheet and reducing the amount of time required to print a multicolor graphic product; a thermal printhead including a memory; methods and apparatus for the alignment of a sheet material for printing or performing other work operations on the sheet material; and methods and apparatus for controlling the tension of the donor sheet during printing with a wide format thermal printer. The wide format thermal printer can include provision for the automatic loading of cassettes of donor sheet from a cassette storage rack.

Abstract: A connection device for supporting one of a plurality of accessories with respect to a support surface includes a two piece suction cup. The two piece suction cup has an outer shell and a flexible inner member attached to a plunger which extends through the shell. The plunger terminates in a connector configured to engage with a connection feature on each of the accessories. The connection device acts to support a generally universal connector with respect to a support surface.

Abstract: A transfer pad for assisting in transferring a container body between work stations in a press has a flat planar guide surface extending between a pair of spaced guide rails for receiving the container body therebetween. A plurality of air holes are formed in the guide surface and extend along each of the guide rails. A vacuum is applied to peripheral edges of the container body through the air holes to maintain the container body in a secure position on the pad until being transferred to the succeeding work station. The ends of the guide rails are tapered to assist in guiding the container body between the rails.

Abstract: This window covering cord tie-down device permits a cord to be wrapped out of reach of a small child or pet. The preferred embodiment includes a base with two cleats to enable the wrapping of a window covering cord, two suction cups for holding the device in place on a glass window pane, and two side clips to prevent the cord from unraveling. The key aspects of the invention include a removable, reusable, and universal cord tie-down device that is hidden when the window covering is lowered and is neat in appearance and relatively unobtrusive when the covering is raised; that can be mounted directly on a glass window pane without the need for tools; and that effectively secures the window cord.

Abstract: A sucking disk support comprises a base and a sucking disk in front of the base wherein base includes a cone-shaped body with rear side attached to a sleeve. The sleeve has a front end attached to body, a central engagement portion on front end. A rear post of sucking disk is received in sleeve. Press protruded actuation member to engage head portion thereof with the rear of engagement portion such that a push forward force is exerted on sucking disk by base for pushing sucking disk to strongly adhere to a fixed object through a spring biased therebetwen.

Abstract: A bracket for securing a solenoid to a vehicle transmission includes a clamp portion adapted to reach over and engage an outer end of the solenoid to releasably attach the bracket to the solenoid and secure the solenoid to the transmission. The bracket also includes an anchor portion adapted to attach the bracket to the transmission, and a support structure connecting the clamp portion to the anchor portion.

Abstract: A computer docking station for a portable computer has an enclosure to mate physically and electrically with the portable computer. The docking station has an anti-slip mechanism to hold the enclosure to a surface. The anti-slip mechanism has at least one suction cup with a stub portion hidden within the enclosure and a cup portion that extends out through an aperture in the enclosure. A shaft with an eccentric cam section is connected to the stub portion to cause the stub portion to move in opposing first and second directions when the shaft is rotated. A knob is connected to the shaft and exposed externally of the enclosure so that a user can turn the knob to rotate the shaft. When the user moves the knob to a lock position, the mechanism moves the stub portion in the first direction, drawing the stub portion inward relative to the enclosure aperture, thereby causing the cup portion to cup and form a cavity between itself and the surface.

Abstract: A one-piece, dual-material suction cup includes an inner face having a concave shape when the cup is inactive (that is, unattached to a surface) and an outer portion having a convex shape when the cup is inactive. The inner and outer portions are formed from different elastic materials. The characteristics of the outer material are selected to exhibit relatively high memory, elasticity and recovery to provide a biasing force on the inner face of the cup to increase the vacuum and enhance attachment. The characteristics of the inner material are selected to exhibit conformity, compliance and softness as compared to the outer material. Such characteristics enhance mating and sealing with a surface to which the cup is to be attached. The inner and outer portions are permanently bonded together to form the one-piece suction cup.

Abstract: A loading table for flexographic printing plates is disclosed wherein pneumatic suction is employed to secure the printing plate to the loading table and pneumatic pressure is employed to reduce the friction when conveying the printing plate from the loading table to an imaging cylinder. The loading table comprises a plurality of openings connected to a reversible pump. Pneumatic suction or pressure from the pump is transferred to the printing plate via the openings in the loading table. While immobilized on the loading table with pneumatic suction, the flexographic plates can be prepared for imaging by peeling the protective coating from the active layer. The coupling of the plate to the loading table surface facilitates such preparatory steps without excessive handling of the plate. After preparation, the pneumatic pressure is reversed and a thin layer of air is created underneath the plate reducing the friction and permitting simple transfer of the plate to an imaging cylinder for further processing.

Abstract: A body of soft, pliable material is used to form a mounting support for securing objects to a substantially flat surface. The body has substantially parallel inner and outer major faces. The inner face is formed to have a slight concavity but is sufficiently soft and pliable to conform to and thus secure itself to roughened surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing mechanism to be used for mounting a flagpole for advertisement having a flag. The fixing mechanism according to the present invention comprises a suction part and adjustment handle wherein the mechanism can be simply and easily fixed on or separated from a show window or a display stand having a smooth surface by the simple suction of a suction part formed at the back, a fixing mechanism of a flagpole being integrally constructed on the upper side of a fixing hole enabling to rotate in both directions. As this fixing mechanism can be attached on the surface of a display stand or a shop, it can be mounted without giving any inconvenience to passersby on a sidewalk.

Abstract: A floor installation clamp comprising a clamp used for joining floorboards. The clamp includes a tension member with a first end and a second end. The tension member is connectable to opposing counterstays. One or both counterstays of the clamp may comprise suction devices removably attachable floorboard surfaces. Alternatively, the opposing counterstay may comprise an end piece that is removably attachable to a floorboard edge.

Abstract: A suction chamber is provided in the rear portion of a pad body remote from an external pad supporting surface. The fore end portion of the pad body facing the pad supporting surface is divided into a plurality of sucking compartments for communication with the suction chamber. An air flow passage is provided for communication with the suction chamber. Valve mechanisms are provided in air flow paths between the respective sucking compartments and the suction chamber and are closable by a sucked air flow occurring during vacuum suction. Further, an automatic switching valve is provided in a part of the air flow passage in such a manner that the switching valve is caused to open in response to abutment against the pad supporting surface of the pad body. The air flow passage is formed in such a manner that a direction of force acting to cause the automatic switching valve to open differs from a direction of counteractive force against a spring structure that normally urges the switching valve to close.

Abstract: A vacuum table system for assisting in the weeding of non-desired material from cut decal sheets is disclosed. A vacuum chamber having a perforated top is provided. A porous work surface is provided which communicates a vacuum present in the vacuum chamber to the surface of the work surface. Thus, objects placed on the work surface are held in place by the vacuum. A negative mask, corresponding to the desired portions of the decal, is placed on the work surface and the decal is aligned over the negative mask. The non-desired portions of the decal are drawn to the work surface by the vacuum from the peel-off paper backing while the desirable portions remain separated from the work surface by the negative mask. The decal is then lifted and the non-desired portions separate from the peel-off paper backing because of the vacuum. The desired portions remain on the paper backing due to their separation from the vacuum by the negative mask.

Abstract: A suction chamber is provided in the rear portion of a pad body remote from an external pad supporting surface. The fore end portion of the pad body facing the pad supporting surface is divided into a plurality of sucking compartments for communication with the suction chamber. An air flow passage is provided for communication with the suction chamber. Valve mechanisms are provided in air flow paths between the respective sucking compartments and the suction chamber and are closable by a sucked air flow occurring during vacuum suction. Further, an automatic switching valve is provided in a part of the air flow passage in such a manner that the switching valve is caused to open in response to abutment against the pad supporting surface of the pad body. The air flow passage is formed in such a manner that a direction of force acting to cause the automatic switching valve to open differs from a direction of counteractive force against a spring structure that normally urges the switching valve to close.

Abstract: A clamping device (2) adapted to be used to grasp an article or to clamp a tool to a workpiece, comprising: (a) a substantially flat or curved vacuum chamber (21) having a lower surface contained or comprised in a vacuum body (14, 15); (b) a compressible seal (18) located at or adjacent the perimeter of the vacuum body, the compressible seal being located in a groove (19) in the vacuum body, the groove being so dimensioned that the compressible seal, when pressed against an article or workpiece, expands and/or moves into a space in the groove thus stabilizing the position of the compressible seal and improving its airtight qualities; and (c) a source of vacuum (23) for connection to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: There are described an improved vacuum suction pad and a method for manufacturing such suction pads, in which, in addition to reductions of contaminant components, the material of vacuum suction pads is subjected to an improved surface treatment which prevents deposition of pad marks on work surfaces and reduces frictional resistance of suction pads on work surfaces to lessen their fatigue. Suction pads of synthetic rubber, to be connected to a vacuum source, are each formed with a thin halogenation-hardened layer at least on a sucking surfaces to be held in contact with a work surface.

Abstract: A clamp holds a wall panel against an adhesive bead on a wall frame as the adhesive bead cures. The clamps are automatically actuated to first secure the clamp to the structure adjacent the panel, and then hold the panel against the adhesive bead as the bead cures. In a first embodiment, the clamp is placed across the abutting edges of two adjacent panels, and a vacuum is drawn on both of the panels to draw edges of the panels against a reference surface. The reference surface insures that the edges of the panels an in abutting aligned relationships as the adhesive cures. In other embodiments of this invention the clamp may include a pusher member that receives a fluid pressure to drive the pusher member against the panel and hold the panel as the adhesive cures. With these embodiments there is also securement structure for holding the clamp against the panel. The securement members may be threaded screws driven by motors into the floor and ceiling.

Abstract: A suction device includes a suction cup and a flexible hanging member attached to the suction cup. The suction cup has a pivot unit projecting integrally therefrom and a periphery located in a plane which is spaced from the pivot unit at a predetermined distance. The hanging member includes a socket unit which receives rotatably the pivot unit therein and which exposes the suction cup to an exterior of the socket unit, and a plurality of pressing claws connected securely to the socket unit. Each of the pressing claws has a planar abutting surface which is substantially parallel to the plane and which is spaced apart from the pivot unit at a distance that is larger than the predetermined distance. The socket unit is generally U-shaped and is provided with a pair of tongues which permit entry of the pivot unit into the socket unit and which prevents removal of the pivot unit therefrom.

Abstract: A structure of a stand for liquid vessels is provided. The stand has an elastic bottom surface having a central portion which is displaceable by means of a lift apparatus to form a base with vacuum securement between the bottom surface and a base surface. The lift apparatus raises the central portion of the bottom surface of the base to form a suction holding force. A receiving cylinder controls positions and operations of the base and the lift apparatus. A support cylinder connects to the receiving cylinder. The configuration of the support cylinder may be adapted to fit various kinds of liquid vessels.

Abstract: A suction cup, having a centrally located boss for penetrably engaging an aperture in a sheet of material, has a cap mounted upon the boss to retain the sheet of material in place. A lever extends from the cap and supports one end of a strap, which strap has its other end in engagement with and extending from the perimeter of the suction cup. Upon pivotal movement of the lever and commensurate bending of the edge of the suction cup, the vacuum maintained by the suction cup adjacent to a supporting surface is relieved.

Abstract: In a device for splicing two thin film web portions comprising a roll supplying a web of film material, a roll for winding a web of film material and a splicing table adapted to be subject to sub-atmospheric pressure and having a first groove therein defining a cutting line and a reel for applying a splicing tape to unite said first and second webs of film, the splicing table includes a second groove that is parallel to the first groove, both grooves being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the webs of film, the vacuum table being thus split into three regions each individually adapted to be put under sub-atmospheric pressure, the device being useful for highly accurate splicing of webs of ultra-thin film material.

Abstract: A vacuum holding device is provided for a veneer slicer, comprising a vacuum source, a platen having a flat surface comprising a plurality of vacuum compartments, wherein each compartment contains at least one port connected through a vacuum line to the vacuum source, sealing means within each compartment, wherein the sealing means surrounds each compartment and also extends outwardly from the compartment beyond the flat surface of the platen such that a flitch to be sliced contacts the sealing means when the flitch is moved proximate the platen, wherein the compartment, sealing means and flitch create a vacuum chamber which holds the flitch in place during slicing; and, a ball valve connected in each vacuum line between each port and the vacuum source, wherein each ball valve is operatively arranged to open to create a vacuum to exist in its respective compartment.

Abstract: A vacuum holder for holding articles by suction includes a vacuum chamber divided into a plurality of interconnected sub-chambers each communicating via a control a passageway with a plurality of suction openings extending through an outer holding surface, and a valve member for each control passageway integrally formed with a mounting section mounted to the housing, and an elastic juncture section normally biassing the valve member to open its respective control passageway to permit the application of suction to its plurality of suction openings. Each valve member is displaceable by the suction force applied from its respective vacuum sub-chamber, when its plurality of suction openings are not covered by the article to be held by the holder, to thereby close the control passageway to its respective suction openings.

Abstract: A container or carrier for securely carrying a substrate such as a reticle, mask, wafer, or the like during a semiconductor manufacturing process or during the transport of the substrate. The container includes a housing having an opening through which the substrate may be inserted and removed. The housing includes an open box and a lid, the lid securely held in place by a unique latching mechanism. A door that is hinged upon the lid and held in place by biasing springs substantially seals the housing opening. Within the housing are a plurality of suction cups upon which the substrate rests and which apply suction to firmly engage the substrate on only one side when the substrate is in a contained position. The suction cups hold the substrate in the contained position thereby preventing relative motion between the container and the substrate.

Abstract: A multiple layer suction holder is disclosed in which a lower attaching layer is made of a soft, flexible material having a neck extending therefrom. A shell is fitted on top of the lower attaching layer where the shell is made from a flexible material which is harder than the soft, flexible material of the lower attaching layer. The suction holder is further provided with connecting devices which force the shell against the lower attaching layer in order to provide an internal pressure in the lower attaching layer directed toward the mounting surface. Hence, air cannot readily pass under the lower attaching layer. The multiple layer suction holder provides maximum contact with the mounting surface and maximum memory that results in longer life of the suction holder.

Abstract: The sensing head of a coordinate measuring machine includes sensing pin combinations or sensing pins which are changeably fastened with high precision in respect to their spatial position. The receiver contains an isostatic three-point bearing against which the connecting body of the sensing pin is drawn by a pneumatically operated clamping arrangement. In the preferred embodiment the clamping arrangement consists of a suction cup and arresting elements for maintaining attachment of the receiving device to the connecting body when there is no subpressure acting upon the suction cup.

Abstract: A magnetic rubber suction disc for detachably securing an alarming device to a metal surface, comprising a rubber seat having a raised portion at the top for holding an alarming device, and a suction disc made from a magnetic rubber and attached to the rubber seat at the bottom. The suction disc has a raised portion defining a vacuum formation zone which, when the suction disc is attached to a metal surface, forms a vacuum chamber to produce a suction effect.

Abstract: A sucker being diversified and/or improved and/or more endurable and/or more effective and/or convenient and/or multi-functional and/or more efficient is provided. The sucker includes a downwardly concave sucking body to be pressed against an attaching surface to vacuumize the room defined therebetween, a downwardly concave resilient member superimprosed above the sucking body and having an outer periphery and a plurality of grooves not beginning from the periphery, and a connector connecting together the sucking body and the resilient member in the manner that after the sucking body has been pressed against the attaching surface, the resilient member will tend to urge the sucking body away from the attaching surface which will in turn result in that the sucking body is more securely attached to the attaching surface.

Abstract: An apparatus having a vacuum track, and a vacuum pallet for use therewith. The apparatus comprises a vacuum duct having a single vacuum pump and a plurality of ports which individually open when said vacuum pallet passes thereover. The pallet has a shoe which fits snugly over the port to facilitate evacuation of the pallet, and has small holes in the article-supporting surface through which the vacuum acts to hold an article in place thereon.

Abstract: A vacuum chuck includes a lower base with vacuum plenums, a permanent metal plate with vertically extending holes which communicate with the plenums, a panel of particle board with vertically extending holes disposed in registry with the holes in the metal plate, and a sheet of open cell foam covering the particle board and defining the top surface of the chuck. When a vacuum is drawn in the plenums, it is disbursed beneath the foam sheet via the holes and acts through the foam sheet to clamp the workpiece tightly with respect to the metal plate. During cutting of the workpiece into individual piece parts, a cutting tool cuts through the workpiece and the foam sheet but is prevented by the particle board from cutting into the permanent metal plate.

Abstract: A sucker being diversified and/or improved and/or more endurable and/or more effective and/or convenient and/or multi-functional and/or more efficient is provided. The sucker includes a downwardly concave sucking body to be pressed against an attaching surface to vacuumize the room defined therebetween, a downwardly concave resilient member superimposed above the sucking body and having a periphery and a plurality of grooves, and a connector connecting together the sucking body and the resilient member in the manner that after the sucking body has been pressed against the attaching surface, the resilient member will tend to urge the sucking body away from the attaching surface which will in turn result in that the sucking body is more securely attached to the attaching surface.

Abstract: The suction device includes a chamber having a closed end, an open end and an annular fringe connecting the closed end and the open end. The closed end has a securing device centrally extended into the chamber and two parallel bracket supports being formed on the closed end. A slot is formed between each of the bracket support and the closed end. A suction cup has a holding device at the top portion thereof and is connected to the securing device of the chamber by a screw joint, in which condition the annular fringe of the chamber presses tightly against the suction cup.

Abstract: A suction cup assembly is provided for securing a utilization device to a surface. The suction cup assembly includes a suction cup and a core member. The core member has a generally cylindrical outer surface, and is secured to the suction cup. The assembly also has a cone member which has an outer periphery generally co-extensive with the outer portion of the suction cup, and which has a generally cylindrical inner opening closely enclosing the cylindrical outer surface of the core member. The cone member and the core member constitute a pair of mating members. The assembly further includes a cam member for axially shifting the core member outward relative to the cone member by pulling the center of the suction cup away from a surface to which the suction cup may be adhered. The cam member has generally cylindrical camming surfaces, and is mounted onto and closely engages either the core member or a camming flange on the cone member, depending on the embodiment.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably securing an article on a flat surface. The article is supported at its bottom surface by a first upper supporting surface of a supporting plate; that has at least one first through hole, and a blocking portion in a first lower surface. A vacuum sucker is provided for releasably attaching to the flat surface and is provided with a second through hole on a second lower surface and being adapted to be blocked by the blocking portion of the supporting plate.

Abstract: An improved suction cup made of a light transmissive material is provided having a head and a cup portion a concave interior surface adapted to contact a window and an exterior surface opposite said interior surface. A ridge of material is provided along the outer portion of the exterior surface, so that, when the suction cup is in a sealing position, the ridge of material is generally parallel to the mounted surface. In such an arrangement, light passing through the ridge of material continues in a straight path and does not converge at a focal point. Alternatively, surface deformations, such as grooves, circular ridges, dimples, and roughing, may be provided on the exterior surface of the suction cup. These surface deformations diffuse the light passing therethrough, preventing all of the light from converging at a focal point.

Abstract: A vacuum cup construction designed to support large items includes a planar outer plate, and a planar, generally coincidentally shaped inner plate which is smaller than the outer plate. A generally flat coincidentally shaped compressible unmolded, non-preferred sealing member, which is larger than the inner plate, is retained between the outer and inner plates by a threaded stud and an associated nut. The tightening of nut on the threaded stud compresses the sealing member between the outer and inner plates. Compression of the sealing member causes the periphery to deform and form a sealing edge. A vacuum passage passes through the outer plate, the sealing member, and the inner plate to permit a vacuum to be drawn when the assembly is placed against the surface of an item or object.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a transparent platen including a relatively rigid plate of transparent material. In use, an original document sheet from which data are to be acquired by examination of the document through the plate is retained against the bottom side of the rigid plate of transparent material, by suction, which is applied to the interface between the original document sheet and the plate about the perimeter of the original document sheet, near the outer the edge of the relatively rigid plate. Alternatively, the original may be placed on an exchangeable, elastic support plate of transparent material retained to the relatively rigid plate by suction. Since the support plate is removable, it can be mounted on a light board, thus allowing a digitizer to determine the area to be scanned. The support plate is preferably rather thin so that it can sealingly abut originals of varying thickness.

Abstract: A luggage securer which uses the vacuum of an engine in order to steadfastly hold an article to a predetermined location on a vehicle. The luggage securer includes a vacuum receiving chamber, and a conduit which extends from the vacuum source to the vacuum receiving chamber. At least one valve is disposed within the conduit. At least one other conduit extends from the vacuum receiving chamber to the predetermined location on the vehicle where the article is to be steadfastly held.

Abstract: Apparatus for suction mounting to a curved surface, such as a section of pipe, is disclosed. The apparatus is particularly suited for securing a container of industrial articles, such as tools and supplies, on a curved surface. The suction mounting apparatus includes a housing having a diaphragm assembly carried thereon. The diaphragm assembly includes a curved backing plate structure having a centralized opening therein to the interior of the housing. The assembly further includes a pad of pliable material disposed adjacent the backing plate and being of a configuration conforming to the periphery of the backing plate. The pad further includes an upstanding lip extending about its periphery, the lip being disposed in an overlapping relationship with the peripheral edge of the backing plate. A crankshaft is carried in the housing and connected to the diaphragm pad.

Abstract: A bellows clamp actuator (10) is provided for holding a semiconductor slice cassette (14) within a container (12). The bellows clamp actuator (10) has a V-bar clamp (40), a hollow bellows (38) and a mounting device (56). The bellows clamp actuator (10) is mounted to the door (18) of the container (12). A hole (72) connects the chamber (67) with the atmosphere external the container (12). When a vacuum is drawn within the container (12), the pressure difference causes the bellows (38) to extend and the V-bar clamp (40) to contact and secure the cassette (14) against the vertical guide posts (36).

Abstract: This invention relates to a support for an infant feeder. The infant feeder itself comprises a hollow receptacle formed by an endless side wall extending in a longitudinal direction and having caps disposed at first and second ends thereof. A floating wall is disposed within the hollow receptacle and divides the interior of the hollow receptacle into a strained food receiving chamber and an air receiving chamber. A nipple is mounted on one of the caps at the first end of the receptacle. Food is supplied from the strained food receiving chamber to an infant through the nipple. A peg is molded or otherwise rigidly affixed to the other of the caps at the second end of the hollow receptacle. The peg extends substantially perpendicularly to a flat base portion of the other of the caps. A suction member forming the support for the feeder is removably secured to a surface on which the feeder is to be mounted.

Abstract: A vacuum cup construction designed to support large items includes a planar outer plate, and a planar, generally coincidentally shaped inner plate which is smaller than the outer plate. A generally flat coincidentally shaped compressible unmolded, non-preformed sealing member, which is larger than the inner plate, is retained between the outer and inner plates by a threaded stud and a threaded nut connecting the outer and inner plates, the tightening of which compresses the sealing member. Compression of the sealing member causes the periphery to deform and form a sealing edge. A vacuum passage passes through the outer plate, the sealing member, and the inner plate to permit a vacuum to be drawn when the assembly is placed against the surface of an item or object.

Abstract: A sunshine dot shield is provided in the form of a circular disc of pliable darkened or colored yet transparent plastic formed integrally with a depressible suction cup at its center whereby the dot shield can be quickly and easily windshield mounted and demounted for reposition mounting conveniently to block direct harsh sunlight radiation from the face of a driver.

Abstract: A cup-holder stabilizer includes an upper holder portion adapted for the insertion of a cup or glass and formed with plural inner cylinders under the holder portion each formed with a valve inside the inner cylinder, a supporting base correspondingly formed with plural outer cylinders each reciprocatively engaged with each inner cylinder, and a plurality of suction cups each formed a central hole on the bottom portion of the suction cup, so that upon the gravitational retraction of the inner cylinders into the outer cylinders, the valves will seal all suction cup bottom holes so as to form vacuum for stably gripping the cup holder on a supporting surface and upon the raising of the cup with the upper holder, the valve will open the suction cup bottom hole to release vacuum for their easy removal.

Abstract: A holding device using a vacuum clamp arrangement has a suction box closed by a suction plate having a holding surface provided with a plurality of suction bores extending from the holding surface into the suction box. Each of the suction bores has an enlarged expanded bore portion inwardly spaced from the holding surface to form a valve chamber which valve chamber is closed by an inner section of the suction bore between the chamber and the suction box and each of the valve chambers loosely receives the shaped valve reed which will close the inner section of the suction bore for each of the suction bore arrangements which is not covered by the sheet placed on the holding surface. This simple structure keeps vacuum losses low and, therefore, enables utilizing a relatively small vacuum pump for the device.

Abstract: Self-contained apparatus able to move along a non-horizontal surface and comprising a first train and a second train (48) connected to the first train by devices allowing to obtain a relative displacement by translation and rotation in a plane parallel to the surface, and first and second holding devices (2) carried respectively by the first and the second trains and able to fix removably the apparatus on the surface, wherein the holding devices carried by at least one of the trains are connected to the train through devices capable of displacing said train with respect to the holding devices in a direction perpendicular to the surface. Preferably, the holding devices (2) of the first train are comprised of a plurality of adherence devices forming a polygon and arranged outside the center of the holding devices of the second train, and the apparatus further comprises a processing or inspection tool (60) mounted so as to pivot with respect to the first train.