Other

Midwest Air Technologies, Inc.

Dacor

Jason J Raasch

Andrey E Frolov

Mark Faulconer

Anthony J Nowakowski

Tim Bowman

Steve J Fritz

David C Barnett

A coupon insertion apparatus configured for sequentially inserting coupons into receiving containers, including a machine frame, at least one pair of opposed rollers mounted to the frame and adjustable between a closed position and an open position. A drive system includes a drive belt for simultaneously driving the opposed rollers in both of the positions. A tensioner is connected to the belt and is movable generally transversely to a direction of the adjustment of the drive rollers to maintain a designated tension on the drive belt.

Belt tensioner for coupon insertion apparatus

An access cover assembly for use in removably covering an access opening of a utility pole, the access opening defined in part by opposing side edges. The cover assembly includes a cover having peripheral edges configured to engage the pole, a threaded fastener and a gripping apparatus. Two interlocking portions make up the gripping apparatus, a first portion is configured to engage a second portion with at least one of the side edges of the pole sandwiched therebetween. At least one of the first interlocking portion and the second interlocking portion have locking formations for creating the interlocking relationship. Each of the cover and both portions of the gripping apparatus have a throughbore for accommodating the fastener, so that upon assembly of the gripping apparatus in the access opening, as the fastener is rotated axially, the cover is pulled toward the apparatus and simultaneously tightened against the pole, and the first and second interlocking portions are drawn more tightly together.

Utility pole access cover with ratcheting attachment

A storm sewer overflow control device for controlling runoff surge flows from a generally vertically oriented storm drain into a generally horizontally oriented storm sewer pipe includes an engagement portion configured for insertion into the storm sewer pipe, a flow control portion attachable to the engagement portion and configured for receiving runoff surge flow flowing down the storm drain and slowing the flow for entry into the storm sewer through the engagement portion. The engagement portion is radially expandable to tightly and frictionally engage an interior surface of the storm sewer pipe, and preferably is configured to expand radially as it is shortened axially.

Storm sewer overflow control device

An access cover assembly for use in removably covering an access opening of a utility pole, the opening having a width, a height which is longer than the width and a pair of side edges; the assembly includes a cover having edges configured for engaging the pole, being provided in a sufficient size to cover the opening, and a claw tool having a central portion and a pair of opposing ends, the central portion having a fastener chamber for lockingly engaging a threaded fastener, the fastener chamber constructed and arranged so that the fastener may be pushed axially into the chamber and held there to secure the cover to the pole to cover the opening, and so that the fastener may be removed by unthreading.

Rapid attachment cover for utility pole access opening

A storm sewer overflow control device for controlling runoff surge flows from a generally vertically oriented storm drain into a generally horizontally oriented storm sewer pipe includes an engagement portion configured for insertion into the storm sewer pipe, a flow control portion attachable to the engagement portion and configured for receiving runoff surge flow flowing down the storm drain and slowing the flow for entry into the storm sewer through the engagement portion. The engagement portion is radially expandable to sealingly engage an interior surface of the storm sewer pipe, and preferably is configured to expand radially as it is shortened axially.

A trampoline convertible for use as a swimming pool includes a substantially rigid frame having a top member, a bottom member and a plurality of posts fixed between the top member and the bottom member to secure the members in spaced relationship to each other. A mat having a perimeter is planarly suspended relative to the top member. Also included is a shell having an outer perimeter and being insertable within a space defined by the frame. A plurality of shell attaching devices secures the shell to the frame. Overlapping the shell, a liner is included which is also positionable within the space defined by the frame. A plurality of liner attaching devices secures the liner to the frame. The trampoline is converted to a swimming pool by inverting the trampoline, securing the shell and the liner to the frame, and introducing water into the space defined by the frame and within the liner.

Trampoline convertible for use as swimming pool

A bracket for a wire shelf having at least one of an inner rod, an outer rod and a middle rod, the bracket extending generally normally to the rods upon installation and including an elongate body having an inner end for mounting to a substrate bracket, an outer end opposite the inner end, and an upper edge. The upper edge is provided with at least one groove for accommodating a corresponding one of the inner, outer and middle rods, each groove having an inner curved wall closer to the inner end, an outer curved wall closer to the outer end, and a floor connecting the inner and outer curved walls, the outer curved wall being vertically displaced from the inner curved wall so that the floor is inclined from the inner curved wall to the outer curved wall.

Shelf bracket for wire shelves

Shelf bracket

A selective vertical locking mechanism is provided for use with a pair of telescoping tubes. A locking mechanism releasably locks the inner tube relative to the outer tube for adjustment of table height. The locking mechanism includes a housing disposed at the lower end of the inner tube. A locking element with the housing is biased against an inclined ramp fixed within the housing and, though an opening in the housing, against the inner wall of the outer tube, thereby preventing the inner tube from moving downwardly within the outer tube. A push rod and arm, actuated by a handle near the platform, pushes the locking element away from the inner wall or the ramp which allows the inner tube to move downwardly.

Selective vertical locking mechanism for telescoping tubes

A variable force clutch for use with a linear actuator power screw assembly including a threaded drive screw with a stop member secured at each end, the screw assembly used in an application apparatus having at least one cable provided with a barreled end for engaging the assembly. The clutch includes a nut configured for engagement in the bore and having a threaded interior surface for engaging the threads of the drive screw, a grooved exterior surface, upper and lower ends each having a stop lug, the nut being vertically movable resulting from axial rotation of the screw. At least one variable force clutch dog has a grooved formation for slidingly engaging the grooves on the nut, and a cable end retainer configured for securely retaining a barreled cable end. Upon a load placed upon the cable, the dog exerts a frictional force upon the nut to be moveable with the nut until the stop lug engages the stop member to stop the linear movement of the nut, the dog is configured to exert a variable clamping force on the nut, the force corresponding to the load on the cable.

Variable force clutch for linear actuator

A multi-part diving fin includes a blade portion having a tip and a shoe end opposite the tip, the shoe end at least partially defining a foot pocket, and a foot plate formed as a separate piece from the blade portion and having a formation for releasably engaging the blade portion, the foot plate configured so that upon engagement with the blade portion, the foot plate provides a bottom of the foot pocket. The present fin also features a vertical adjustment of the height of the foot pocket, as well as stiffness adjustment for the blade portion of the fin.

Multi-part diving fin

A device provides improved kick stroke simulation for the design and development of diving fins. The device includes a mechanical leg which provides the simulated kicking action and a controller for controlling the kicking action. The device is capable of controllable and reliable repetition of kicking strokes as would be used in swimming, thus allowing increased integrity of measured data related to the design of the diving fin itself. Use of the device allows for optimum design of diving fins depending on the environment in which the diving fin is to be employed. Design parameters improved include, inter alia, thrust of the diving fin and the effect on ankle fatigue of the user.

Growing community of inventors

Arlington Heights, IL, United States of America

Jason J Raasch