Abstract: The invention relates to climbing chocks such as would be used by mountain climbers. Hitherto simple wedge shapes have been extensively used, the climber carrying a wide variety of sizes to fit into the various cracks in the rock surface. While the sizes have varied the taper angles have tended to be constant and while this is perfectly adequate in an instance where the taper of a crack is substantially the same as the taper on the chock, this does not always follow and particularly in irregularly shaped cracks contact is frequently reduced to two-point contact between the wall of the crack and the chock. The object of the invention is to improve the effectiveness of a climbing chock in irregularly shaped cracks while maintaining a high degree of effectiveness in a smooth tapered crack. This objective is met in a climbing chock having a generally wedge shaped body (1) two opposite side faces (6, 7) of which are respectively of concave and convex configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling and applying formed flanged lids to a carton is disclosed. Inverted lids drop on an upper conveyor belt directly from a forming machine for travel in a first direction. The lids subsequently drop and flip to the desired upright position on a lower conveyor belt for movement toward a lidding station. To prevent over-flipping, the trailing edge is guided by a vertical guide plate. An idler belt is positioned downstream of the second conveyor belt and above the feed path. A lug on the idler belt engages the leading edge of the lid being transferred from the second conveyor belt. The lug holds the lid in proper alignment for driving forwardly by abutting engagement of the carton intersecting with the leading edge of the lid. The idler belt is carried by a pair of idler rollers. An adjustable brake on one of the rollers controls the drag on the belt to restrain the lid and assure positive lidding action on the carton.

Abstract: In the walking beam furnaces, in order to heat metallurgical materials such as billets, bars and the like, having different temperatures of introduction into the furnace and/or different cross sections, so as to discharge materials at uniform temperatures from the furance, said materials are selected according to their temperature and/or cross section, and are introduced into the furnace through a plurality of side inlet doors while said materials are conveyed along the furnace by means of an external side conveyor, and/or they are discharged from the furnace through a plurality of side outlet doors and are then advanced outside along the furnace by means of an external side conveyor.

Abstract: A weighing system for making a predetermined weight of a product comprised of individual articles having variable weights by selecting the product stored in a combination of a predetermined number of storage cups. Quantities of the product having targeted weights are distributed to a plurality of scale-controlled hoppers for accurate weighing. The weighed product is fed from each of the scale-controlled hoppers to a plurality of storage cups associated with each of the hoppers, and the product weight associated with each storage cup is registered. Specific combinations of storage cups are tested to determine whether the combined product weights therein add to make the desired weight, within acceptable limits. The first combination found to make the weight is used, and the appropriate storage cups are emptied to a container for receiving the product. The appropriate storage cups are refilled from the scale, and the process repeats.

Abstract: A generalized signal processing device for use as a hearing aid generates and modifies signals representative of acoustic patterns in a physiologically compatible manner which enables persons suffering from various auditory pathologies to recognize sound patterns including human speech.

Abstract: A step motor comprising a stator made by bending a bar-shaped and magnetically highly permeable material into a substantially U-shape which is straight in one leg and curved in the other leg so that the magnetic flux distribution accompanying the curved leg will have a single ridge and the nearest and second nearest distances g.sub.1 and g.sub.2 of the curved leg from a rotor and the distance g.sub.3 between the straight leg and the rotor will maintain such relations as 1.2.ltoreq.g.sub.2 /g.sub.1 .ltoreq.1.8 and 2.1.ltoreq.g.sub.3 /g.sub.1 .ltoreq.3.5, the stator being secured to a main plate as inserted at the curved leg partly into a groove made in the main plate. A part of the curved leg defining the distance g.sub.1 is made to be a tip end part of the curved leg, the width at a part of the groove in which the tip end part of the curved leg is inserted to be secured to the main plate is made to be of the stator width and the groove width at other parts is made comparatively larger than the stator width.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerobically thermophilically processing organic waste material utilizes a series of movable process cars which enhance the environment for thermophillic bacteria growth. The process cars are designed to receive material at a first location and discharge it at a second location after maintaining the material for a predetermined time and promoting it decomposition.

Abstract: An installation and retainer cap is disclosed for making a secure connection between an annular internally splined collar member and an externally splined shaft end. The cap includes a cap body, a threaded driving shaft extending from the inner side of the body engaging a threaded bore in the end of the shaft, and an outer flange engaging the annular collar member. When the cap is driven in to make the completed connection, the outside face of the flange is substantially flush with the outside face of the annular collar member. Recesses are provided in the end of the shaft and in the outside face of the annular collar member to accommodate the body and the flange, respectively. A washer cooperating with the outer flange allows relative turning movement during the driving of the collar into position. An indicator pin provides an indication when the annular collar is fully installed on the shaft. An alternative embodiment utilizing a separate cap and driving bolt is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible sheet of material such as plastic film is attached to a supporting surface by a two-piece retainer strip assembly including a bottom strip member and a top strip member extruded from a semi-rigid plastics material and having the same width. The bottom strip member has a recess with undercut portions defined by opposing inwardly projecting protuberances, and the top strip member has an inner portion with outwardly projecting protuberances, one of which is formed with a cam surface. In one embodiment, the bottom strip member has projecting bottom corner portions which assure an air-tight seal between the bottom strip member and the supporting surface.

Abstract: A mine system comprises at least one mining machine 4 adapted to haul itself, in a reciprocable manner, along a mineral face 3, and a control box 17 housing means to control the various electrical elements of the machine(s) 4, the box 17 being located in a mine roadway 2 at one end of the mineral face 3 along which the machine(s) 4 is reciprocable, and the box 17 being electrically connected to a terminal box 15 housed in a body of the machine(s).

Abstract: An edge protector 7 for electrodes 1, comprises first and second elongate elements 8, 9, both of superficially electrically insulating material, the first element 8 having a generally "H"-shaped cross-section so as to provide open slots on opposite sides, one slot defined between a pair of outer jaws 12 and the other slot defined between a pair of inner jaws 10, a bare or suitably gasketed edge 6 of an electrode 1 being insertable into and located within the inner jaws 10, and the second element 9 being constituted by a member so dimensioned as to be an interference fit within the outer jaws 12, whereby the outer jaws 12 are forced further apart with the result that the outer jaws 12 endeavour to close the inner jaws 10 to form a seal to prevent electrolyte from wetting the edge 6 of the electrode 1.

Abstract: An impact apparatus responsive to a time rate of change of velocity of a housing is used to activate a system. A specific application of the invention fixes the housing to an aircraft body with an inertial member movably contained within the housing and uses the relative movement between the housing and inertial member upon impact to inflate and elevate a balloon above the aircraft.

Abstract: A magnetic tool retaining device for supporting wrench sockets or other ferrous tools on an upright mounting board or other surface is disclosed. The device includes a holder having a front mounting surface and rear attachment surface. A mounting post projecting outwardly from the front mounting surface includes resilient threadlike ridges for engaging and mounting a disc magnet on the front surface. The magnet has a magnetic mounting surface projecting outwardly from the holder. A lower lip projecting outwardly from the holder, beyond the magnetic face, prevents the wrench sockets from slipping off the face. Two projections project outwardly from the rear attachment surface and are dimensioned and spaced apart to engage corresponding holes in a mounting board. With the projections removed a screw received in a central opening of the mounting post can also be used to attach the device to a solid surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to metallurgical lances. Normally such lances are formed by a heavy metal tube encased in a refractory sleeve and because of their relatively long length such lances flex in use thereby propogating cracks in the refractory and encouraging the growth of cracks that are otherwise formed during shock loading of the lance as it enters the bath of metal and because of differential expansion that occurs between the refractory and the tube. The object of the invention is to provide a lance of high rigidity and reduced tendancy to cracking and spalling which objective is met by a metallurgical lance having a tubular member for the passage of gas or the mixture of gases and solids, said member being encased in a sleeve of an appropriate refractory, there being arranged around the periphery of the tubular member, and spaced therefrom, a number of longitudinal reinforcing members also encased in the refractory sleeve.

Abstract: A furnace air volume control apparatus for controlling the volume of furnace air to achieve efficient burning is disclosed. The apparatus includes regulating valves positioned within supply air inlets and exhaust gas outlets of the furnace. A measured data receiver positioned on the exhaust gas side transmits a measuring signal to a control unit connected to the regulating valves. The control unit includes a storage unit for storing valve positions assigned to respective burner loads. By monitoring various exhaust gas parameters with the measured data receiver and control unit valve position, adjustment in response to changes in the burner load is possible by comparing a previously stored valve position recalled from the storage unit with a characteristic curve. The valve adjusting value stored in the storage unit is essentially congruent with the change in burner load. After exhaust gas stabilization has occurred in response to different burner loads precise correction of the valve position value occurs.

Abstract: A non-destructive loose leaf binder for securing and protecting loose leaves of paper is provided with a pressure member affixed to one of a pair of flexibly connected rigid panel members proximal to the flexible connection between the panel members. When the panel members are moved to an overlaying relationship, the pressure member applies a compressive force to the adjoining panel member to selectively secure paper sheets interposed between the panel members.

Abstract: A mining machine 1 of the shearer type comprises an elongate machine body 2 housing inter alia a power unit 11 for powering at least one rotary, mineral cutting head 10, and at least one haulage unit 12 mounted on the outside of the machine body. The haulage unit includes a variable speed motor 16, such as an electric AC motor. The motor is connected via speed reduction gearing 19 to a machine haulage sprocket 13 adapted to progressively engage rack bars 14 or a chain extending along the mineral face 5. A brake unit is also provided in the haulage unit. By locating one or more haulage units outside the machine body, the units can be located at appropriate locations, on either the goaf or face sides of the machine, or both sides, to suit particular operating conditions.

Abstract: Metal flow control for a continuous casting process is provided by providing a gas back pressure bubble to block the flow of molten metal above the casting nozzle. Pressurized gas is provided to a cap positioned upstream of the nozzle and including a depending skirt that cooperates with a dam. When the gas pressure offsets the head pressure of the molten metal, the flow of molten metal into the nozzle is blocked. By terminating the control pressure, the flow of metal over the dam may be reestablished. The cap including the skirt and the dam form a weir assembly defining a channel along one side or around the periphery of the nozzle. The cap may be supported and fed with gas pressure through a duct from the side, or along the center of the crucible.