Abstract: A device for the dampening of the transfer of vibrations to a light fixture from a structure. The device which connects to a light fixture can connect to a structure at a place where a light fixture would otherwise connect. The dampening component of the device can be configured to dampen structural vibrations of many directional orientations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a headlamp for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing enclosing a light source, fixed on a chassis, together with means for connecting the housing to the chassis, these means being deformable in a plastic way and capable of absorbing at least part of the energy of an impact on the headlamp.

Abstract: A display comprises a panel, a light-guide plate, a lamp, and a back-bezel. The light-guide plate has a back-end, a front-end, an upper-surface, and a bottom-surface. The upper-surface faces the panel. The lamp is disposed at the back-end. The light generated from the lamp enters the light-guide plate through the back-end and leaves for the panel through the upper-surface. The back-bezel is used for housing the lamp, the light-guide plate and the panel, wherein an adhesive tape is disposed between the back-bezel and the front-end of the light-guide plate. Also, a cushion is disposed on the light-guide plate and the back-bezel, to carry the panel.

Abstract: A headlamp adjuster which includes a housing, an expandable member on the housing, and an adjuster member which is extendable and retractable relative to the housing. One end of the adjuster member is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly, and the other end of the adjuster member is receivable in the expandable member. The expandable member is configured to expand to accommodate retraction of the adjuster member. The expandable member may be a bellows which is, for example, molded to the housing. The housing may be molded over the bellows, or vice versa. Alternatively, the bellows may be attached to the housing using, for example, a snap ring, adhesive or some other suitable means.

Abstract: An assembly for a projector include a lamp having a base portion, a lamp mount coupled to the lamp, and a unitary compliant member. The unitary compliant member may be coupled between the lamp mount and the lamp with substantially evenly spaced points of contact about the base portion of the lamp. The unitary compliant member supplies an axial force through a center of mass of the lamp to couple the lamp to the lamp mount.

Abstract: An anti-shock flashlight comprising a body, where there is an empty compartment inside. There is a male component on the top of the body. There is an anti-shock system comprising a holder, a headpiece and a spring. The holder slides onto the body, the headpiece is suspended on the top of the body; and the spring is fixed between the holder and the headpiece. There is also a light head device comprising a head screw and a light head. There is a female component, which is screwed onto the male component on the front of the body, on the head screw. The light head comprising a light bulb and a base is placed on the top of the interior of the headpiece. The base is suspended on the top of the interior of the body, in order to reduce recoil.

Abstract: An automobile lamp assembly that exhibits improved energy absorption characteristics as compared with known automobile lamp assemblies having a resiliently deformable flexure member positioned between a lens member and a housing member includes a flexure member that is configured to dynamically change its energy absorption characteristics during impact. More specifically, various geometries and/or materials are utilized to dynamically control deformation during impact and reduce damage and/or injury during an impact.

Abstract: An illumination device comprising, in combination an elongated housing, an elongated lamp or lamps extending in the housing, a magnetic ballast or ballasts carried in the housing to selectively energize the lamp or lamps, and switch means carried by the housing to control energization of said ballast or ballasts, the housing having a forward illumination portion, a rearward grip portion and an intermediate portion. A cushioning cover is receivable over two of said housing portions.

Abstract: A tubular Electro-Luminescent panel(s) light device offers superior bending characteristics with super brightness by integrating a predetermined width of panel with a proper circuit system. The panel(s) have narrow width to fit within tube means while enabling the panel(s) to be bent in any direction and angle because the panel(s) may freely move within the tube. The said panel(s) can be twisted within the tube means, and the tube means may have a desired colored, transparency, coil number, density, wall thickness, diameter, shape, and length, and be designed so that the light beam can be visible 0-360 degrees around the tube. The device may be incorporated with non-elastic means, magnetic means, a tube holder, inner tube(s) ,outer tube(s), conductive bus means, sensor means, and integrated circuitry to add a lot of desired features.

Abstract: A body subassembly for a vehicle that is designed to be mounted substantially flush with the surrounding vehicle body panels and an impact-absorbing bumper, and that is capable of deflecting with the stroke of the impact-absorbing bumper during impact. The body subassembly is preferably formed with at least one deformable resilient deflection member selectively located between an exterior member and a housing, between an inner lens and an outer lens in a dual lens system, or between the housing and the body of the vehicle or a member attached or molded thereto. Further, the resilient deflection member may be the exterior member itself or the housing itself. The resilient deflection member permits the exterior member or other components of the body subassembly to move upon impact without damage to itself or any other surrounding assembly components, and may be used as a styling element to enhance the aesthetic effect of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighting system is provided including an illumination member, a housing and a resilient element. The illumination member has an electricity conductive portion and a light-emitting portion. The housing defines a chamber for receiving therein the illumination member and includes a socket portion adapted for engaging the electricity conductive portion of the illumination member. The resilient element establishes a contact between the illumination member and the housing for biasing the electricity conductive portion against the socket portion. In a variant, the housing has a light receiving portion defining the chamber and a passageway to the chamber. The housing includes a cap adapted to be removably connected to the light receiving portion for sealing the passageway. In this variant, the illumination member includes a handle portion enabling the removal of the illumination member from the chamber through the passageway.

Abstract: A lamp structure including a lamp housing, and a circular ring piece, a lamp holder, and a lamp locking-collar all assembled in the lamp housing sequentially. The lamp housing has holes on a surface for extending a wire through and has a stepped portion on an inner wall. The circular ring piece is placed in the lamp housing supported and fixed by the stepped portion. The lamp holder has a space for receiving a lamp bulb, and a protrusion on an external periphery engaging a notch provided on an adjustable compressible portion when the lamp holder is mounted. The lamp holder abuts against and is fixed on the circular ring piece. The lamp locking-collar and the lamp housing both have grooves for an elongated member (spring). The lamp locking-collar has gaskets for a waterproof seal.

Abstract: An automobile lamp assembly that exhibits improved energy absorption characteristics as compared with known automobile lamp assemblies having a resiliently deformable flexure member positioned between a lens member and a housing member includes a flexure member that is configured to dynamically change its energy absorption characteristics during impact. More specifically, various geometries and/or materials are utilized to dynamically control deformation during impact and reduce damage and/or injury during an impact.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement of the light-source mechanism for an optical scanner. Its comprising structure mainly includes a chassis, a lamp, and a lamp holder. A buffering device is provided between the chassis and the lamp holder. When the buffering device is subjected to an external force of impact and vibration, it may effectively absorb the influence of the external force, such that the lamp will not be damaged and the completeness of the lamp may be maintained.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted light has a vibration isolator configured to support a reflector within an interior of a light housing. The vibration isolator is formed from a resilient, vibration-absorbing material and includes generally annular front and rear sections spaced apart and interconnected by a generally cylindrical central section. The vibration isolator may be snugly fitted over a radially extending rim of the reflector such that when the reflector and vibration isolator are inserted within the housing, the vibration isolator forms a vibration absorbing interface between the housing and the reflector.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted light has a vibration isolator configured to support a reflector within an interior of a light housing. The vibration isolator is formed from a resilient, vibration-absorbing material and includes generally annular front and rear sections spaced apart and interconnected by a generally cylindrical central section. The vibration isolator may be snugly fitted over a radially extending rim of the reflector such that when the reflector and vibration isolator are inserted within the housing, the vibration isolator forms a vibration absorbing interface between the housing and the reflector.

Abstract: A body subassembly for a vehicle that is designed to be mounted substantially flush with the surrounding vehicle body panels and an impact-absorbing bumper, and that is capable of deflecting with the stroke of the impact-absorbing bumper during impact. The body subassembly is preferably formed with at least one deformable resilient deflection member selectively located between an exterior member and a housing, between an inner lens and an outer lens in a dual lens system, or between the housing and the body of the vehicle or a member attached or molded thereto. Further, the resilient deflection member may be the exterior member itself or the housing itself. The resilient deflection member permits the exterior member or other components of the body subassembly to move upon impact without damage to itself or any other surrounding assembly components, and may be used as a styling element to enhance the aesthetic effect of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lamp protection device of an optical image scanner is disclosed. The lamp protection device comprises a chassis having a lamp holder and a lamp therein and buffer means for absorbing shock on lamp. The chassis moves under a transparent sheet of the optical image scanner and scan a document places on the transparent sheet. The buffer means for absorbing shock on lamp contact and provides the lamp with damping when said chassis end scanning and is locked.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for illuminating of objects or equipment including, for example, vehicles, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper to help provide a level of protection to the objects and/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a lamp unit which is arranged on the outwardly facing end of a supporting structure of the vehicle, the arrangement of the lamp unit including an energy-absorbing deformation element which surrounds the circumference of an associated reflector and as a consequence of being supported axially on an opposite surface of the supporting structure collapses, with a reduction in length, when subjected to excessive impact stress, and the reflector forming a constructional unit together with a transparent lens and a lamp housing. The lamp housing itself is designed as an energy-absorbing deformation element.

Abstract: A lighting device which is arranged on motor vehicles and/or in interiors of motor vehicles is proposed. It includes an electroluminescent layer assembly comprising at least one first electrode layer, a dielectric layer, an electroluminescent luminous layer and a transparent second electrode layer, wherein the electroluminescent layer assembly is arranged on a support and/or in a frame and the electrode layers are connected to an a.c. voltage control device. Preferably the electroluminescent layer assembly with the support and/or frame as well as the a.c. voltage control device with components and wiring arranged on a printed circuit board which is connected to the support and/or simultaneously constructed as a support for the electroluminescent layer assembly, and if necessary a transparent cover covering the electroluminescent layer assembly, form a compact structural unit.

Abstract: Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), associated devices and methods of use, and more specifically, exit signs, traffic signals, informational and other signage and lighting devices utilizing CCFL-type devices are provided with novel connectors, mounting brackets, housings, associated electronics and other accessories to provide new and unique lighting devices and methods of using them, all of which offer significant savings in cost, operating expense, power consumption and retrofit convenience.

Abstract: A light bulb housing, method of making same and method of replacing a light bulb within the light bulb housing wherein the housing has an internal chamber which is almost completely closed except for a single access opening. A light bulb is mounted within the internal chamber. A biasing device, such as a coil spring, is mounted within the internal chamber and located between the light bulb and the access opening. A lens is then mounted within the internal chamber against the coil spring and while compressing of the biasing device a O-ring seal is installed within a groove formed in the sidewall of the access opening. Upon manual release of the lens, the coil spring forces the lens into watertight, airtight, dustproof engagement with the O-ring seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution to where many types of vehicle lamps used on and off roads is subject to considerable vibration and impact, which the lamps shifts, rotates, come loose or pop out of the mounting fixture, flange or application where they are secured to. With the use of the Lamp Alignment-Locking Assembly features will secure the lamps to the fixture or direct to the application and can also secure to the fixture to the application if a fixture is used, which will solve the many problems when vehicle lamps are subject to vibration or impact in vehicle or non-vehicle applications used on and off the roadways.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a container for receiving the same and a liquid crystal display device having the container. The lamp includes a lamp tube, a first electrode having a first end disposed inside the lamp tube and a second end disposed outside the lamp tube and a second electrode plated on an outer surface of the lamp tube. The cold cathode fluorescent lamp is easily coupled/separated to/from the container having a clip type power-supplying module in a clip-coupling manner. In addition, a shock absorbing member is installed at the clip type power-supplying module so as to absorb an impact applied to the cold cathode fluorescent lamp. A brightness non-uniformity between cold cathode fluorescent lamps can be prevented, a power consumption of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp can be reduced, and an assembling work and productivity are remarkably improved.

Abstract: A novel light wherein the source of illumination is an array of light emitting diodes mounted on a printed circuit board. The board is contained within an impact resistant housing. Several different embodiments are disclosed for the housing, including injection molded and extruded variants.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle includes an inner casing, a lamp socket located within the casing for positioning a light bulb, and a pivot support mounted within the casing and supporting the lamp socket. The support includes a hinge member engaging a part of the socket such that the socket is pivotable upwards and downwards about the hinge member. A vibration absorber is connected between the socket and the casing for damping upwards and downwards movement of the socket when a vehicle on which the lamp is mounted moves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting system for a motor vehicle, said lighting system comprising a frame (20) suitable for supporting at least one lighting lamp (4, 5), a housing containing the frame and its lamp, and a structural piece (3) of the vehicle, which piece is suitable internally for supporting parts of the vehicle, and externally for supporting elements of the bodywork of the vehicle. The housing is an integral part of the structural piece (3), which, for this purpose, is provided with a bowl-shaped recess that can receive the frame and its lamp directly.

Abstract: An aircraft landing light assembly having a resilient vibration dampening mounting system for absorbing propeller and engine induced fuselage vibrations and the like for preventing premature vibrational induced lamp failure. Light assembly includes forward and rear rings that engage opposite faces of the rim of a sealed beam lamp located between the two rings. A resilient O-ring sits in the forward ring. Four cylindrically-shaped shock damper mounts sit in tapered wells on the back of the rear ring for protecting the sealed beam lamp from premature vibrational lamp failure, as well as for fastening the light assembly together and to the aircraft mounting bracket. Shock damper mounts include an enlarged cylindrically-shaped resilient damper material having a threaded headless screw located on each end.

Abstract: To replace an old lamp unit, first, resilient projections are pushed outward through engaging holes of a resin frame with some tool and the lamp unit is pulled out through a lamp unit guide hole. Then, a new lamp unit is inserted with the resilient projections deformed to the lamp side by utilizing their resiliency. When the lamp unit is inserted to the regular position, the projections are opposed to the respective engaging holes of the resin frame and return to their original shapes because of their resiliency to go into the respective holes. As a result, the lamp unit is positioned with respect to the resin frame and fixed to the latter. Even when external impact acts on the liquid crystal display device, the lamp unit does not fall off.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly for mounting a headlamp structure on a vehicle frame in a manner to minimize the vibration transmitted to the headlamp. The assembly includes an annular base member that is mounted to the vehicle frame with an opening sufficiently large to receive and surround the base of the headlamp structure without touching the base of the headlamp structure. A plurality of flat metal springs are attached by one end to the annular base at regular spaced intervals and the headlamp structure is attached to the other end of the shaped, flat springs. The springs hold the headlamp structure within the annular base substantially isolated from vibrations that would injure the filaments.

Abstract: Headlamp, in particular for motor vehicles, with a headlamp housing that can be inserted into a housing receiver from the front, whereby—in the event of a defined impact in a longitudinal direction that exceeds a specific force opposite to the driving direction—the headlamp housing is displaced within the housing receiver a predetermined energy-absorption path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting structure of automobile headlamp which can cope with the current Safety Rule for Pedestrians in Europe by properly absorbing the impact during automobile accident with inserting and mounting a bellow spring to conventional mounting boss divided by two and a bellows spring bracket to conventional bolt and snap fitting pin.

Abstract: A work lamp comprises a protective sleeve, a cap, and a lamp device received in the protective sleeve including two sockets and an auxiliary shell member all supported by a plurality of elastic members, thereby ensuring the work lamp to be non-fragile while operating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle lamp device capable of relieving the impact acting from the vehicle lamp device to an obstacle, and thereby achieving a simple and relatively spaceless structure. The vehicle lamp device comprises a thin grooved portion 17 (a displacement allowing structure) for allowing the housing 3 to be displaced. The displacement allowing structure is provided in an interfering portion of the housing 3 interfering with a front side frame 16 (a vehicle body member) which locates in the displacement area where the housing 3 is displaced and interrupts the housing 3 to be displaced when the vehicle lamp device collides with an obstacle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting structure of automobile headlamp which can cope with the current Safety Rule for Pedestrians in Europe by properly absorbing the impact during automobile accident with inserting and mounting a bellow spring to conventional mounting boss divided by two and a bellows spring bracket to conventional bolt and snap fitting pin.

Abstract: The radiation source is provided with the lamps 3 for irradiating the inner walls 2 of the long hollow cavities 1 with continuous movement of the radiation along the axis 4 of the cavity 1, in particular for curing radiation-curable synthetic-resin laminates in conjunction with the restoration of pipes and sewer ducts by means of UV-radiation, comprising a chassis having a plurality of lamps 3 arranged on its circumference, whereby the chassis has a central support extending in the direction of the axis, the support being supported by means of the guide wheels 5, 6 on the inner wall 2 of the cavity 1 on the shock-absorbing struts 7. The chassis has an axial, centrally arranged threaded spindle 8, and the guide wheel 5, 6 are mounted with a lamp 33 and the temperature sensors 9 on a chassis frame, whereby the one end of the shock-absorbing strut 7 is pivot-mounted on the guide wheel 5, 6, and the other end on a receiving block 11 running on the threaded spindle 8.

Abstract: A self contained lighting apparatus releasably supported by a conventional translucent basketball backboard. The lighting apparatus includes a translucent front panel and a back panel defining an interior chamber. A reflective surface is disposed within the interior chamber and a plurality of substantially uniformly distributed light sources are supported proximate the reflective surface. The light generated from a plurality of light sources reflects off the reflective surface and is directed toward the front panel. The front panel preferably diffuses the light which then passes to the translucent backboard panel for providing a substantially uniform illumination of the backboard and adjacent rim.

Abstract: A lamp assembly (10) for a vehicle, comprising a casing (2), a lamp socket (8) provided within the casing (2) for locating a light bulb (7), and a pivot support (5) mounted within the casing (2) and supporting the socket (8). The support (5) includes a hinge member (5-2) engaging a part (5-3) of the socket (8) such that the socket (8) is pivotable upwards and downwards about the hinge member (5-2). Vibration absorbing means (6) is connected between the socket (8) and the casing (2) for dampening down upwards and downwards movement of the socket (8) when the vehicle is in movement.

Abstract: In an inset light 1 comprising a cylindrical base 3 installed in a PC pavement 2, and a lamp body 5 held in the upper part of the base 3 for emitting light outside of the pavement surface, protruded deformations 6 are formed on the outer circumference of the base 3 so as to receive the load applied on the lamp body 5 from above at the PC pavement 2 around the base 3. As a result, concentration of load in the lower part of the base 3 is prevented. Further, to alleviate the prestress shortage of the PC pavement in the lower part of the base 3, a shock absorber 7 is provided in the lower end outer peripheral edge of the base 3. As a result, lowering of strength of the PC pavement 2 in the lower part of the base 3 is suppressed. Accordingly, if a heavy load of aircraft or the like is applied, the inset light capable of preventing sinking while suppressing brittleness of the PC pavement in the lower portion of the base can be presented.

Abstract: A lamp system for a vehicle having an impact-absorbing bumper that is designed to be mounted substantially flush with the surrounding vehicle body panels and bumper, and capable of deflecting with the stroke of the impact-absorbing bumper during impact to obviate the need for the lamp to pivot about an anchor point or to be mechanically displaceable with additional hardware. The lamp system is preferably formed from resilient, impact-resistant material, with a deformable resilient deflection member selectively located between the lens and the housing, between the inner lens and the outer lens in a dual lens system, or between the housing and the body of the vehicle or a member attached thereto. Further, the resilient deflection member may be the lens itself. The material for the resilient deflection member must have a yield strength that is adequate to sustain a predetermined degree of deformation, corresponding to the amount of deflection required to deflect with the bumper stroke.

Abstract: A flashlight including a housing with an internal groove, a contact spring resting within the groove, a lamp assembly disposed within the housing, and a power source in electrical contact with the housing. The contact spring provides an electrical contact between the housing and the lamp assembly.

Abstract: An external mirror assembly for an automotive vehicle has a shell having an aperture. A mirror is carried by the shell, substantially occluding the aperture. The mirror assembly has a lighting element having an electroluminescent film electrically connected to a triggering device for energizing the film and illuminating the mirror assembly. The triggering device includes first and second switches for generating a series of high and low frequency pulses and a control device connected to each of the switch for triggering each of the switches to illuminate the lighting element in either a flashing or continuous pattern.

Abstract: A light emitting diode light strip that uses a rigid hollow tube (20) sized to accommodate a printed circuit board (22) which has a positive and negative bus extending the full length of the board. One or more resistors (38) are in contact with the positive bus on one end and a series of light emitting diodes (44) on the other. The diodes are mounted through holes (34) in the board and the anode of the diode is in communication with a resistor while the cathode of the diode contacts an adjacent diode anode connecting them in linked series through traces on the bottom of the circuit board. The end cathode in each series, engages the negative bus forming a predetermined group of diodes electrically coupled to a single resistor on one end and the negative bus on the other. A pair of end caps (50) enclose the tube and an electrical cable (60) is connected through the caps to the busses on the circuit board.

Abstract: A signaling lamp allows improved serviceability and dependability. The lamp includes a light source, housing, backing and removable sealing mechanism. The housing includes a casing for coupling the housing to the backing, and a lens with a plurality of convex nodes along the interior surface for more efficiency collecting light from the light source. The modular structure and a pigtail socket achieve improved serviceability by allowing components to be individually replaceable and by increasing connectivity. Gaskets and an o-ring in conjunction with an o-ring slot formed in the backing of the lamp enhance sealing of the components. A heat sink on the backing operates to remove heat from the interior of the lamp. A current draw circuit and LED-based light source reduce the current draw to allow the lamp to use the standard battery from the primary vehicle as a power source.

Abstract: A lighting unit includes a housing, a light-conductive-panel and a fluorescent lamp, and has a space between the panel and a side wall of the housing. The lamp has electrodes on both its ends and a curved-corner. The space has different widths at sections where the electrodes are rested and at a section where the curved-corner is rested, and accommodates the lamp therein. The lighting unit is compact in size and has better shock resistance, as well as vibration resistance. The lighting unit and an LCD are integrated into a compact and highly reliable LCD device.

Abstract: A headlamp and/or taillamp system having an impact-absorbing bumper that is designed to be mounted substantially flush with the surrounding vehicle body panels and bumper, while also being capable of deflecting with the stroke of the impact-absorbing bumper during impact to obviate the need for the headlamp and/or taillamp to pivot about an anchor point or to be mechanically displaceable with additional hardware. The headlamp and/or taillamp is preferably formed from resilient, impact resistant material, such as a high impact plastic, in combination with a deformable flexure member that is located selectively between the lens and the vehicle to resiliently respond to impact. The material for the flexure member must be selected to have a yield strength that is adequate to sustain a predetermined degree of deformation, corresponding to the amount of deflection required to deflect with the bumper stroke.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable lamp which can be fitted into a wall such as the, wall of a swimming pool or other water tank the bulb of the lamp can be positioned so that it is parallel to the horizontal, or have with a downward slant, typically between about 3.degree. to about 8.degree.. The lamp can include an elbow duct for receiving electric cables to the lamp. The lamp can be directed in at least eight different angles relative to the point on the wall where these cables reach the lamp by positioning its lighting axis so that it is parallel to the horizontal, or with a downward slant, while the elbow duct for electric cables to the lamp, can be directed in eight different angles, towards the point on the wall where these cables reach the lamp.

Abstract: A shock absorbing protector for work lamp mainly includes a polygonal protective framework defining an inner space and two sets of shock absorbing means separately provided at two ends of said protective framework. Each set of the shock absorbing means includes a central member and a plurality of elastic members radially and elastically extended from said central member. The central members are fixed two sides of a work lamp positioned inside the polygonal protective framework and the elastic members are connected at their outer ends to two end frames of the polygonal protective framework, making the work lamp suspended in the protective framework while a buffer distance is left between the work lamp and the protective framework. The polygonal protective framework and the shock absorbing elastic members protect the work lamp therein from tilting over or crushed while allow the work lamp to emit light at any angle of elevation.

Abstract: A motorcycle forward lamp comprising a housing having an optically transmissive lens and an opening, an elastomer member mounted to the housing, and a light source assembly mounted (e.g., detachably) to the elastomer member and positioned within the opening. The light source assembly is isolated from the housing by the elastomer member. A shield is detachably mounted and positioned within the housing between the light source and the lens. A fastener and a washer are secured to the housing and positioned to maintain the light source assembly in the opening, and a dust cap is detachably mounted over the opening. The dust cap includes a notch in which the washer is positioned to thereby maintain the dust cap in position over the opening.