Abstract:
A cleaning cassette (40) for cleaning a tape drive unit having a capstan (16) and a read/write head (22) is disclosed. The cleaning cassettte includes a housing (42), a reciprocating head cleaner (58), and a capstan cleaner (60). The housing is arranged and configured to be received within the tape drive unit. The reciprocating head cleaner is coupled within the housing and includes a drive mechanism that is engageable with the capstan of the drive unit. The capstan cleaner is also engageable with the capstan of the drive unit and is coupled to the housing. The capstan cleaner includes a capstan-cleaning element (106) and a cleaning activation mechanism (108). The cleaning activation mechanism is for selecting a capstan-cleaning configuration, wherein the capstan-cleaning element abuts the capstan, or a head-cleaning configuration wherein the drive mechanism engages the capstan.
Abstract:
Dispositif de nettoyage à cassette destiné à être introduit dans le logement de cassette (118) d'un magnétoscope. Un ruban de nettoyage (92) est monté dans la cassette de nettoyage, et des organes de guidage (48-58) du magnétoscope sortent de la cassette le ruban de nettoyage pour le mettre en contact avec la tête rotative (30, 32) du magnétoscope. La cassette de nettoyage possède un élément stationnaire (106) qui limite le mouvement vers l'extérieur d'une partie du ruban, de sorte que celui-ci entre en contact avec la surface périphérique du tambour rotatif portant la tête magnétique, et ceci sur des zones de contact arquées de longueur relativement réduite. Cet agencement permet de diminuer le frottement entre le ruban et le tambour rotatif.
Abstract:
A rack assembly (100) for attachment to the back of a vehicle is disclosed. The rack assembly includes an upper retaining member (160) and a lower retaining member (180), the upper and lower retaining members being offset vertically and transversely, such that elongate gear, for example, skis or other sports equipment, will be oriented generally at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees, near the rear of the vehicle. Protective sheaths (163, 183) may be provided to protect the retained gear. In one embodiment the upper and lower retaining members are removably attachable to a support assembly (120) that engages the hitch (92) at the back of a vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of upper and lower retaining members (220, 240) attach to a frame (204) disposed near the rear of the vehicle. In another embodiment of the invention a cargo container (310) is attached to the upper and lower retaining members.
Abstract:
A collapsible wheelbarrow is constructed with a pliable bin and pivotally connected handle members. The handle members are pivotally connected to a frame about first pivot axes, wherein the handle members may be moved outwardly away from an imaginary bisecting line of the wheelbarrow to provide easier loading capabilites. The handle members may also be pivotally connected about second pivot axes to allow the handle members to pivot inward to reduce the width of the wheelbarrow for convenient storage. In an alternative embodiment, the handle members are rigidly connected to the frame.
Abstract:
A lubricating and cleaning device adapted to be mounted to a pressurized can of lubricating oil and used to lubricate and clean a drive chain of a bicycle or motorcycle. The device has a generally cylindrical housing with an open slot to receive the chain. A plurality of brushes are positioned within the housing to engage the chain. A tube extends from the pressurized container to the housing to transmit the lubricating oil to one of the brushes so that the chain can be lubricated.
Abstract:
A stake for insertion in soil to support an item such as a plant. The stake includes primary and secondary telescoping shafts and a foot adjustably secured to the primary shaft. The primary shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is configured for insertion into the soil at a first location. The foot has a supporting protrusion for insertion into the soil at a second location removed from the first location. Retractable ties are disposed within the secondary shaft and may be extended to support a plant. An adjustable collar may provide an anchor point for additional support.
Abstract:
A hand-held device (10) for cleaning data-bearing cards (12) includes a housing (16), a fluid applicator pad (18), a scrubber pad (20), a drying pad (22), and a removable panel (14). The housing includes a first surface to oppose the portion of the card to be cleaned. A first recess (30) is disposed within the first surface. The first recess has an aperture (35) extending through the housing. A second recess (32) is also disposed adjacent the first recess within the first surface. A third recess (34) is disposed adjacent the second recess within the first surface of the housing. The first, second, and third recesses are generally lineraly aligned. The fluid applicator pad is disposed within the first recess. The scrubber pad is disposed within the second recess. The drying pad is disposed within the third recess. Each of the pads is thicker than the depth of its corresponding recess such that the pads project partially above the first surface of the housing. The panel is removably coupled to the housing. The panel includes a head portion (24) having a second surface oriented generally parallel to the first surface of the housing. The second surface is directly opposed to the first surface for movement of the card therebetween for cleaning.
Abstract:
An apparatus for cleaning a video cassette player/recorder machine is disclosed. The apparatus is for cleaning a machine that has a recess to receive a tape cassette (12), a rotating head drum (30), a plurality of guide members (46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) movable between a nonoperating position and an operating position, and a spool-brake deactivator pin (78). The apparatus of the invention includes a housing (112), an activation mechanism (138, 140, 142, 162), and a cleaning element (148). The housing is adapted to be positioned in the recess of the machine. The activation mechanism is engaged and moved by the spool-brake deactivator pin when the housing is positioned in the recess of the machine. Engagement with the spool-brake deactivator pin causes the activation mechanism to move the cleaning element into contact with the video head drum. The apparatus also includes two spools (120, 122) rotatably coupled within the housing and a cleaning ribbon (124) attached to the spools. The cleaning ribbon is positioned within the housing to be engaged by the guide members of the machine such that it contacts one side of the rotating head drum when the guide members are in an engaged positioned.
Abstract:
An apparatus for cleaning a video cassette player/recorder machine is disclosed. The apparatus is for cleaning a machine that has a recess to receive a tape cassette (12), a rotating head drum (30), a plurality of guide members (46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) movable between a nonoperating position and an operating position, and a spool-brake deactivator pin (78). The apparatus of the invention includes a housing (112), an activation mechanism (138, 140, 142, 162), and a cleaning element (148). The housing is adapted to be positioned in the recess of the machine. The activation mechanism is engaged and moved by the spool-brake deactivator pin when the housing is positioned in the recess of the machine. Engagement with the spool-brake deactivator pin causes the activation mechanism to move the cleaning element into contact with the video head drum. The apparatus also includes two spools (120, 122) rotatably coupled within the housing and a cleaning ribbon (124) attached to the spools. The cleaning ribbon is positioned within the housing to be engaged by the guide members of the machine such that it contacts one side of the rotating head drum when the guide members are in an engaged positioned.
Abstract:
A lubricating and cleaning device adapted to be mounted to a pressurized can of lubricating oil and used to lubricate and clean a drive chain of a bicycle or motorcycle. The device has a generally cylindrical housing with an open slot to receive the chain. A plurality of brushes are positioned within the housing to engage the chain. A tube extends from the pressurized container to the housing to transmit the lubricating oil to one of the brushes so that the chain can be lubricated.