Abstract: The friction curtain apparatus is for washing a motor vehicle which is moved through an opening in the frame of the apparatus having a longitudinally extending axis between the opening's entrance and exit. A least a pair of swingable scrubbing units are pivotally carried by the frame on each side of the axis and are capable of turning or swinging in alternate directions forward and then backward with respect to the entrance and exit. Each of the units comprises an elongated rack having a plurality of transversely extending slot-defining apertures which are parallel to one another. A pack unit containing fill material is received in each of the apertures and forms a curtain. The racks of each pair of units are connected by tie bars which are pivotally connected to upstanding arms carried at opposite ends of the racks.

Abstract: A clutch having a simple adjustment mechanism permitting adjustment of the gap between the clutch elements, without disassembling the clutch. The perferred clutch includes camming rings which are spread upon actuation of the clutch to engage the clutch elements and compress the clutch spring. The adjustment mechanism includes a nut threadably received on the driven shaft, a cup-shaped slide received on the nut and biased against the camming rings by the clutch spring. During clutching, the slide is moved axially relative to the shaft by spreading the camming rings, compressing the clutch elements and biasing the spring. The clutch is adjusted by axially threading the nut on the shaft, biasing the slide against the camming rings and reducing the gap between the clutch elements.

Abstract: The method of this disclosure relates to the application of a foam layer, in fluid form, to either an impervious or a relatively porous substrate and to the formation of a contoured foam laminate using a relatively rigid foam. The method of applying foam to a porous substrate includes heating the substrate prior to the application of the fluid foam. Upon striking the heated substrate, the foam forms a blow barrier to prevent foam bleedthrough. The method also optionally includes forming the laminate in a die prior to completion of foaming.The laminate includes a flexible substrate, preferably a polyurethane foam layer and an optional lattice skrim located between the substrate and the exposed surface of the foam layer.

Abstract: An integrally formed, interlocking siding or roofing strip assembly for covering a surface of a building. The strip includes a central panel, a lower spacing element, an upper assembly for operatively engaging the lower spacing element of another strip to be installed so as to interlock the strips in a partially overlapping manner, one above the other. The top end portion of the strip is provided with a plurality of generally vertically aligned corrugations having alternate ridge and valley portions. Fastening elements penetrate some of the valley and/or ridge portions to securely anchor the strips to the building surface. The corrugations serve (1) to compensate for expansions and contractions caused by aging and/or weather variations and (2) to continually bias the fastening elements to tightly anchor the strip to the surface in a spring-like manner thereby preventing the strips from becoming loose and eliminating noise and rattling.

Abstract: An artificial hand and forearm comprises an elongated housing open at its rear end adapted to receive the stub of a human forearm and adjacent upper arm, adapted for securing thereto. A plate within the housing pivotally mounts a series of finger assemblies within the housing, with said finger assemblies projecting from the housing. A thumb assembly is spaced from said finger assemblies and pivotally mounted upon said plate, with the thumb assembly projecting from the housing and opposed to the forefinger assembly. A cam shaft is journalled upon said plate and mounts a series of spaced cams respectively registering with the inner ends of the finger assemblies. One cam includes a pair of opposed cam surfaces for simultaneous registry with the forefinger and thumb assemblies. A spring biases said finger assemblies into an open position against said cams. A reversible electric motor within the housing has an output shaft geared to the cam shaft.

Abstract: A windshield carrier has a body frame in which each side thereof includes a spaced row of upright dowels. Each dowel has a sponge rubber sleeve and a medium hard rubber cap. The spacing between adjacent dowels is sufficient to supportively receive a windshield having the greatest curvature expected to be encountered. At least a portion of the lower edge of the windshield rests on the base and a portion of its side rests against one of the sleeves to prevent breaking, scratching and slipping of the windshield. A rotatable locking finger made from a medium hard rubber material is sleeved over each end cap and includes a pair of clamping surfaces. Each clamping surface of a locking finger is adapted to cooperate with an opposing clamping surface on an adjacent locking finger to hold and clamp a windshield therebetween.

Abstract: An automatic slide stainer has a hollow enclosed framework including a base and a cover, the cover having a top annular platform. A dish is mounted upon said platform for containing a stain solution. A dish of increased width is mounted upon said platform adjacent said first dish and adapted to contain another stain solution. A reservoir tank having an outlet is mounted upon said framework and adapted to contain a rinse solution. A rinse tank is connected to said reservoir and projected up through said platform adjacent said stain dish and has an inlet. A pump is mounted upon said framework having an intake and an outlet. Conduits respectively interconnect the reservoir outlet and pump inlet, and the pump outlet and rinse tank inlet. A power-rotated upright hub is journalled upon said framework centrally of said platform and projects above said cover. A disc-shaped slide retainer plate is mounted upon and centrally secured to said hub for rotation therewith radially inward of said dishes and rinse tank.

Abstract: In a door having a connecting link to a door frame of an improved locking mechanism on the closing edge of the door which includes a longitudinal engaging element movably mounted thereon. A corresponding longitudinal counter element is connected to the door frame; is generally parallel to and interlocked with the engaging element. The engaging element extends over at least a substantial part of the door height. Said engaging element is sufficiently movable so that it disengages the counter element so that the door may open relative to the frame. A blocking device is movably mounted on the door and in one position, retains the engaging element in locked position when the door is closed. A grip mechanism is movably mounted on the door and connected to the blocking means for moving it to a release position so that said engaging element can move to disengage said counter element.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading of ships, including a stand pipe on a dock, an inner jib pipe, a beam approximately parallel to the inner jib pipe, and an outer jib pipe whose free end has a pipe line coupling for connection to the coupling device of a ship. The inner jib pipe at one end is connected to and pivotal in a vertical plane on the stand pipe. The inner jib pipe on its other end supports the outer jib pipe, which is pivotal in the same plane. An extension of the outer jib pipe extending beyond the latter pivot is pivotally connected to one end of the beam. The beam towards its other end is connected pivotally to a link which itself is pivotally connected to the stand pipe. The pivot bearings for the beam and inner jib pipe are arranged coaxially on the stand pipe. The beam and the inner jib pipe are extended beyond the pivot bearing with the stand pipe and carry compensating weights.

Abstract: A prosthetic myocardium is disclosed for replacing necrotic or scarred myocardial tissue to positively simulate both myocardial contraction and expansion during systole and diastole. The prosthetic device includes several circumferentially arranged tilting arms which are sutured to the periphery of an opening in the heart formed by a medical excision. The tilting arms are pivotally supported and functionally interconnected with an axially reciprocal drive rod which effects synchronized inward and outward pivoting of the tilting arms to simulate the myocardial functions during heartbeat.

Abstract: A finishing welt, comprised of a reinforcing polyethylene rod surrounded by a fabric scrim and an outer encasing layer of polyvinyl chloride, is formed in an extrusion-embossment method and apparatus.The method includes feeding a composite preform, consisting of the polyethylene rod and the scrim, first through an essentially key-hole shaped passageway in a core pin of an extruder crosshead and then into a chamber within the crosshead where plastic material under pressure flows onto the preform. Immediately thereafter, the preform is conveyed through an essentially key-hole shaped orifice, where the welt is formed by extrusion. Next, the opposed sides of the welt are sequentially embossed as the welt is conveyed over external peripheral embossing surfaces of two spaced rollers.The resultant welt is essentially key-hole shaped in cross-section, with the scrim surrounding the rod within the enlarged head portion of the welt and extending into the smaller depending flange portion.

Abstract: A caulking composition and method, particularly for hermetically sealing coke ovens and the like having high temperature requirements. The composition is adhesive to metal surfaces at elevated oven temperatures, elastic to accommodate expansion, warping, etc. and drys to a crushable powder by the conclusion of the oven cycle. The composition comprises, by weight, 19 to 23% of a high temperature silicone oil, preferably about 20% dimethyl polysiloxane 20 to 34% of a thermally conductive white metal oxide, preferably zinc oxide, 20 to 34% of an inert particulate filler material, such as whiting and 22 to 35% of a hydrated alkaline metal oxide, such as hydrated lime.

Abstract: A tool sharpening fixture for a conventional grinding tool having a base mounted on a table, at least a pair of spaced pulleys on the base, and a continuous flexible abrasive belt mounted on and around the pulleys, with one of the pulleys being power-driven. The tool-sharpening fixture has an upwardly extending leg for mounting the fixture upon a support, such as the grinding tool table. An elongated tool support arm is pivotally mounted at one end upon the leg. A calibrated protractor plate is secured to the arm at its pivotal mounting. A manual fastening device on the leg secures the arm and protractor in a predetermined angular position relative to the leg. A tool anchor plate extends transversely of the arm and is slidably mounted thereon for longitudinal adjustment to receive tools of different lengths. A friction device is provided upon said anchor plate for securing the anchor plate in adjusted position on the arm.

Abstract: A bracking system for tractor-trailer combinations wherein the air delivery time to the trailer brakes is substantially reduced. A boost-air assembly having its own air supply is mounted at the forward end of the air delivery system. The assembly includes a fast-acting amplifying relay valve, a closely-coupled air tank and a bracket for mounting the valve and the tank. In the prime embodiment, the assembly is mounted on the tractor proximate the rear thereof to significantly reduce the time required to transmit a control pressure to the trailer brake actuators because (1) less time is required for the control pressure to reach the amplifying valve, (2) the fast response time of the valve, (3) the amplification achieved by the valve and (4) the proximity of the closely-coupled auxiliary air tank. Alternate mounting loctions are also taught for mounting one or more boost-air assemblies for even further lessening air delivery time to the trailer brakes.

Abstract: A steel alloy composition consists essentially of the following ingredients by weight in the range: Carbon - 0.12 to 0.17%; Manganese - 0.75 to 0.85%; Silicon - 0.15 to 0.35%; Chromium - 1.40 to 1.85%; Molybdenum - 0.40 to 0.50%; Tungsten - 0.10 to 0.15%; Iron - the balance. The method of making nozzles, noses, plungers, and shot sleeves which includes the above composition, for use in zinc and aluminum die casting includes machining the product and heat-treating.

Abstract: A combination security shutter and awning assembly adapted to be secured to a wall of a building such as a store front or the like having one or more wall openings therein such as doors, display windows, and the like. The assembly includes upper and lower sash portions which are positionable to an opened awning position wherein the sash portions are disposed above the wall openings and function as an awning which is pleasing to the eye and which provides an unobstructed passage or view of the various wall openings. The sash portions of the assembly are also selectively positionable to a closed security shutter position whereby access to the wall openings is prevented by relatively burglar-resistant panels. The assembly includes a frame rigidly secured to the wall about the wall openings and is adapted to carry the upper and lower sash portions each of which mounts at least one protective panel.

Abstract: A vibratory plow suitable for laying flexible cable, pipe and the like underground. The vibratory plow assembly includes a frame which supports the assembly on a tractor, bulldozer or other vehicle, a vibrator and a plow. The vibrator includes a housing and a rotating eccentric weight assembly which imparts an oscillatory motion to the vibrator housing about a neutral axis having a varying and reversing moment. The vibrator is supported on the frame by resilient bearings in the neutral axis of the vibrator and the plow is supported on the vibrator housing spaced from the neutral axis to impart vertical vibration to the blade. The first embodiment includes a blade on each side of the neutral axis, such that the blades are vibrated in opposite directions to impart a shearing action. In the second embodiment, only one blade is utilized and a counterweight is supported on the vibrator housing to counterbalance the blade.

Abstract: An electrode for and method of welding cast iron and the like metals utilizing a 99% nickel rod in the presence of an alloying flux containing large amounts (30 to 60%) of iron plus manganese and carbon to yield a weld metal having the general composition: Nickel 60-85%, Iron 15-40%, Manganese 1.5-5%, Carbon 1-3% and Silicon 0.25-2%. The flux is preferably present as a rod coating and comprises from about 40% to about 60% of the weight of the composite coated rod. The coated rod can be used in any generally excepted welding technique including the use of alternating current, direct current straight polarity or direct current reverse polarity welding operations.

Abstract: A method for applying an organic liquid sample such as blood or the like onto an absorbent sample support. The method includes the steps of filling a reservoir with a relatively massive sample, superimposing over the reservoir a sample carrier wettable by the sample and to which the sample adheres by surface tension, then immersing the sample carrier into the sample, withdrawing the sample carrier from the reservoir with the sample adhered to the carrier by surface tension, and, contacting the sample carrier with the sample support to break surface tension between the sample and the sample carrier and to deposit the sample onto the sample support.An apparatus utilizing the method includes a reservoir for receiving a relatively massive sample, a first guide path aligned with the reservoir, and a sample carrier displaceable along said first guide path toward and away from the reservoir with the sample carrier being immersible in the sample.

Abstract: An unloading system for transferring dry bulk particulate material from a first container, such as a barge, into a pressure vessel, and thereafter into a storage container, all transferring being accomplished with vacuum and pressure equipment, and with the particulate material being aerated as it is transferred into the pressure vessel.