Abstract: A shopping cart or the like having supporting wheels, each having at least one annular cavity concentric with the axis of rotation of the respective wheel. The cavity is partly filled with weighted balls, and projections extend into the cavity for engagement with the balls to restrain free movement of the cart from a parked condition.

Abstract: An electronic actuator having an armature movable between the legs of a u-shaped structure of magnetic material and guided by a sleeve of non-magnetic material which is held in place by an annular member of the magnetic material. A permanent magnet is located between the legs and is secured between the magnetic structure and the annular member to form a magnetic path through the parts and to magnetically latch the armature in either of two positions. Electromagnetic coils are mounted on the sleeve on opposite sides of the annular member to selectively drive the armature to either of such positions.

Abstract: An electro-optical counter or detecting apparatus for detecting passage of items therepast. A light emitter projects a constantly pulsed beam of light onto the path of the items and light sensors sense the optical energy reflected from such items. One sensor controls the light emitter to so regulate the amount of light emitted by each pulse that the amount of optical energy reflected by the items does not vary as a function of the reflectivity of the surfaces of such items and does not exceed a predetermined level. Another light sensor senses changes in optical energy beyond such predetermined level and thus senses only the passage of an edge of each item past the pulses light beam.

Abstract: A light weight one piece bracket for supporting an outboard motor in rearwardly spaced relation to the transom of a boat, the bracket being formed by U-shaped tubular frame members held in spaced relation to each other by struts and having transom mounting pads united with the free ends of the frame member legs at one end of the bracket and having motor mounting pads united with the opposite ends of the frame member.

Abstract: A balanced valve in which a hollow cylindrical valve element is slideably supported solely by a pair of O-rings adjacent opposite ends of the valve element. The O-rings loosely engage longitudinally grooved sections which are directly adjacent annular valve seats against which the O-rings engage to close the valve. When the valve element is moved to open the valve, fluid will flow through both grooved sections. The valve element is moved between open and closed positions by two solenoid coils operating concurrently and is magnetically latched in each position.

Abstract: A moisture proof switch in which an elastomeric O-ring is interposed between a push button and a switch housing. The O-ring is normally held in partial compression to prevent entrance of moisture, etc. into the housing and to normally hold a switch contact member out of engagement with contacts carried by the housing. Depression of the push button further compresses the O-ring to close the switch.

Abstract: Two nested downwardly diverging frustoconical lamp shades are supported at their upper ends by a base which also supports a lamp bulb. The shades have openings therein which, when aligned by adjustment of one of the shades, passes a beam of light from the bulb to a reading or like area. The intensity of illumination can be controlled by changing the extent of overlapping of the openings. Shade elements extend across the lower ends of the shades and have openings therein. One of the shade elements is adjustable relative to the other to move the openings therein in and out of register with the openings in the other element whereby to vary the intensity of illumination of light projected downwardly by the lamp bulb.

Abstract: An elongate putting strip having a rebound block at one end thereof with a number of rebound faces at different widths arranged therearound. The block may be rotatably adjusted to present any of its faces to the length of the strip to require different degrees of putting skill. The rebound block also effective lengthens the putting path for the ball being driven along the strip. Each face of the rebound block is inclined relative to the vertical and the block has a layer of heavy, dense material positioned high enough to be struck by the ball to enhance the rebound action of the latter. The strip is hinged so that it may be folded into a compact package for carrying or storing purposes.

Abstract: A load of filled containers to be cased is assembled into a caseload by moving the containers in a column to a loading station at one end of a normally stationary conveyor. A control device determines when a complete caseload row is accumulated at the loading station and causes a platen to sweep such row laterally onto the conveyor and to thereafter permit a second row to accumulate at such loading station. A second control device determines when an appropriate number of rows of containers have accumulated on the conveyor to form a caseload and then causes the conveyor to be driven to carry the completed caseload away from the loading station and in spaced-apart relation to other caseloads so that the operator may easily and quickly fit an open case over the caseload.

Abstract: A pair of electrodes formed of silver-copper alloy depend from the bottom wall of a floating container. The latter is arranged to float on the surface of a body of water to be treated and contains a battery which is connected in circuit with the electrodes through a timer switch and a current reversing switch. Passage of a direct current across the electrodes ionizes the water and the silver and copper ions destroy and prevent the growth of bacteria and algae.

Abstract: The diaphragm of a rebound exerciser is supported within a rigid frame by a resilient lacing which is threaded spirally through holes in the diaphragm and around the frame. Padding members of resilient material are mounted over the frame and extend over the peripheral edge of the diaphragm. Slots in the padding members embrace the lacing permitting the padding members to be of low profile and preventing shifting of such members as a result of violetn action imparted to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A device for converting between the metric and English systems of measurement including a circular scale disc having concentric scales on one side graduated according to the English system and correlated concentric scales on the opposite sides graduated according to the metric system. A pivoted cursor straddles both sides of the device and has index windows through which related English system and metric system measurements may be read, the scales being correlated so that one index window exhibits an amount according to the English system and the other exhibits a corresponding amount according to the metric system. Certain scales in the metric system have dual functions. A measuring tape is received in a cavity formed in two facing side discs and is moveable endwise in slots formed in the side discs, the tape being marked off according to both the English and the metric system.

Abstract: The method of forming a simulated weathered antique wood finish on a surface in which the surface is first coated with a dark paint, and while still wet, a second coat of paint of a lighter color is brushed thereover to streak the same while varying the brushing pressure to vary the amount of blending with the first coat. A third coat of still lighter color is thereafter brushed over the second coat while the latter is still wet to streak the second coat while likewise varying the brushing pressure to vary the amount of blending with the second coat.

Abstract: A rotatable device having outwardly extending weighted arms of thermally expandable material is supported for rotation about an axis arranged at an angle to the vertical. The device is exposed to the sun or other source of radiant energy, causing the arms to expand lengthwise. A sun shield is provided over a portion of the area of movement of the arms so that when they move out of the shade of the shield, they expand lengthwise and whey they move into such shade, they contract. The resultant differential lengthening of the arms establishes an unbalance of moments of gravitational force in the arms to thereby apply a continuous torque to the assembly.

Abstract: A volatile liquid is circulated through a normally closed circuit, including expansion tubes within an expansion chamber where the sun's rays are focused on the tubes to heat the liquid, transforming it to an expanding gas to drive a fluid-operated motor, also in the circuit. The motor may drive a mechanical load or an electric generator. The generator drives a pump which compresses the gas back to a liquid state and returns the same to a reservoir and to the inlets of the expansion tubes in the expansion chamber. An air reservoir which is pressurized by a pump driven by the fluid operated motor has its outlet connected to the motor inlet so that during periods of darkness or cloud cover in which the volatile liquid is not expanded into a gas, the pressurized air will be automatically fed into the motor to continue to drive the same.

Abstract: A combined patient support and carrier for body servicing devices, the apparatus having a platform supported by wheels, certain of which are castered. A vertical frame at the rear of the platform carries handles for both steadying an infirm or convalescing patient and for enabling the patient to maneuver the apparatus. The platform and frame provide a mobile support for various servicing devices which are required for servicing the patient at all times, even while he or she is walking. The platform is provided with an attachment for removably attaching an auxiliary carrier thereto for carrying an additional body servicing device. The auxiliary carrier is supported by castered wheels whereby the patient can maneuver both the platform and the auxiliary carrier as a single unit.

Abstract: A conventional sound reproducing device, such as an am/fm stereo radio receiver, including additional speakers and a volume control device, is connected in circuit with the input of a conventional television receiver to enhance the sound reproduced by the television receiver. An impedance element is selectively switchable in and out of the circuit to change the sound level of the speakers of the radio receiver relative to the sound level of the television speaker or to disconnect the radio receiver. Additional impedance elements are switchable in and out of circuit with the volume control device of the television receiver by switch means located in proximity to a person seated before the television receiver whereby to adjust the sound level of the entire system.