Abstract: The specification discloses a linear actuator including a quick-release mechanism enabling the actuator to be successfully commercially utilized in a variety of applications including a vehicle speed control. More specifically, the actuator includes an axially reciprocable rod, a mechanism for angularly shifting the rod about its axis between first and second angular orientations, and a quarter-turn coupling for releasably coupling the rod to an element, such as a throttle cable, to be driven thereby. Angular shifting of the rod couples and releases the rod and driven element through the quarter turn coupling. Also disclosed is a vehicle speed control responsive to vehicle acceleration and/or vehicle tilt to deactivate the speed control when either the acceleration or tilt falls outside of acceptable parameters.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable stock race and yard including a stock race supported on wheels and a plurality of wings swingably connected to the stock race and arranged to be folded out to form a stockyard. A tongue is pivotally mounted to the race so that the tongue can be moved out of the stock passageway defined by the race. Wing supports are pivotally connected to the sides of the race to support the wings when folded against the race. Further included are shields releasably mountable below the wings, when the wings are folded out to form the stockyard, to prevent small animals within the stockyard from passing under the wings. A wheel support assembly is provided to shift the wheels on either side of the trailer between transportation and retracted positions. A lever assembly is releasably mountable on the wheel support assembly to provide a mechanical advantage in moving that assembly.

Abstract: A torque fitting is molded onto a visor rod end which has a support flange which engages one side of a mounting plate and includes at least one locking tab spaced axially from the flange. A locking clip fits over the torque fitting from an end opposite the flange and includes a locking dog which engages the locking tab on the molded-on torque fitting. The clip includes axially spaced pairs of locking legs having corners which wedge against a surface of the mounting plate opposite the torque fitting flange to provide a tensile force between the locking tab on the torque fitting and the flange to securely hold the torque fitting in position.

Abstract: A drop-in type shifter for an automotive transmission is provided that is spring biased with relatively flat washer-like springs. The shifter comprises an elongate shift stick having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end is manually actuable and the lower end is adapted for insertion in an automotive transmission for changing the drive ratio of the transmission when the shift stick is pivoted. A base is provided for mounting the shifter on the transmission and a spherical socket is disposed on the base. A spherical ball is disposed on the shift stick between the upper and lower ends of the shift stick and the ball is received in the spherical socket for pivotally mounting the shift stick on the base. A channel is provided which bisects the socket. The ball is provided with a rocking shaft having first and second ends disposed on adjacent sides of the ball and extending into the channel for stabilizing the pivotable shift stick for pivotable movement about first and second orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A wire coiling machine for pattern forming resistance wire coils with controlled spacing of the turns, one of the two forming rolls being axially shiftable relative to the other by an actuator motor, the coiling rolls each having a surface configuration specially grooved to retain the coiling wire during axial shifting of the roll, but still allowing escape of the wire as it is formed into a coil.

Abstract: A device for measuring a linear dimension of an article for quality control and fabrication purposes includes an elongated, wheeled support having a stationary anvil secured adjacent an end of the support. A carriage is positionable along the longitudinal axis of the support. The carriage slides on spaced, parallel tracks and supports a movable anvil. A digital display is electrically connected to an encoder or reader mounted on the carriage which generates an output indicating the displacement of the movable carriage and anvil with respect to the fixed anvil. Support bars may be placed on the track to support the article being measured.

Abstract: The specification discloses a neon light fixture for use in ceiling coves to provide indirect decorative lighting. The fixture includes a channel-shaped housing having a pair of snap-fit sockets, a C-shaped neon tube snap-fitted within the sockets, and a reflector/cover removably mounted on the housing between the body of the tube and the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fifth wheel hitch having a set of jaws removably retained in a pocket on the underside of the bearing plate, replaceable by like jaws or jaws accommodating a different size kingpin. The hitch can be of forged aluminum, for on-highway or off-highway usage. A swinging jaw is pivotally connected to a fixed jaw, and has a lower closure finger contacted by the head of a properly elevated kingpin to close the jaws. The jaws are locked closed by a locking plunger actuated with full jaw closure, by means of a trigger release mechanism. The trigger and plunger are retracted by a slide cam having actuators extending from both sides of the hitch. Adjustment of the jaws for wear is from the hitch exterior, and effectual whether the hitch is coupled or uncoupled.

Abstract: A package is made of a foldable, relatively thin material such as fiberboard folded to define an open sided envelope surrounded by a decorative ribbon secured to at least one of the side panels of the container to sandwich and hold planar objects such as cards.

Abstract: A tubular structure particularly but not exclusively useful as a window shade support roller comprises a convolutely-wound tube structure having a number of closely-wound wraps or layers of paper stock, preferably Stress Kraft paper coated with adhesive over all or most of its surface and wound into close layer-upon-layer surface adhesion, approximately six such layers providing high beam strength with low wall section or thickness. In addition, the tubular structure has readily-removable segmental lengths provided by use of "tear strips", i.e., tear strings, tear tapes, etc., which are placed upon the paper prior to winding thereof so as to be wound into spiral form during the convolute winding of the layers of paper, whereby pulling of such a tear strip around and around the tube progressively severs the tube at that point.

Abstract: A thermal decomposition furnace in which waste tires having original shape, not broken up, can be laid horizontally and be thermally decomposed. The furnace is constructed by providing a feeder above, forming downward a fluidized bed-forming section having inlets for air, forming beneath a sealing bed-forming section of right cylindrical shape having a diameter smaller than that of fluidized bed-forming section, and installing a conveyor below said sealing bed-forming section. At the lower end of sealing bed-forming section, an oblique opening is formed so as to keep a progressively increasing clearance to the conveyor in the direction of advance of conveyor.

Abstract: A garment hanger has upper and lower bars joined at one end by a hinge of a construction which biases the lower jaw into an open position but resists a significant further opening movement even under the weight of a garment draped over it. The two bars are vertically superimposed with the lower bar being longer than the upper bar. A garment clamp is supported on the end of the upper bar distal from the hinge. The clamp has a pair of jaws forming a pocket between them centered over the lower bar. The jaws, when closed, embrace the lower bar and any garment draped over it for holding the garment against displacement from or along the lower bar.

Abstract: A circuit and method for interrupting power applied to an electrically conductive panel such as a vehicle windshield or window upon cracking of the conductive coating or element thereon. The circuit includes structure for (1) monitoring the resistance of the conductive element and (2) interrupting power applied thereto when the resistance of the conductive element assumes a value indicative of element cracking.

Abstract: A shaped polymeric composition, for surgical or dental use, can absorb liquid and thereby expand or contract in one direction, substantially without similar expansion or contraction in another direction. Embodiments of the invention are breast implants, tapered dental inserts, and tubular bodies for use as nerve approximation sheaths.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing portions of the wings of a poultry carcass includes an elongated conveyor having a plurality of spaced carcass supports thereon for sequentially moving a poultry carcass through first and second cut-off stations. Spaced guide rails or bars extend along an upper run of the conveyor to engage the wings and guide them through the stations. The first cut-off station includes rotating knives which sever the wing tips. The second station includes a pair of pivotally mounted or swinging blades which sever the intermediate portions of the wings from the wing stubs. A wing positioning and holding assembly positions and holds the wing in position for cutting at the second station. A cam assembly moves at least a portion of the wing positioner from an operative position to an inoperative position to permit the carcass to move out of the second station.

Abstract: A transfer for conveyors has a spiral shaped sweep which is rotated to cause it to engage selected articles on a conveyor and push them off laterally. The sweep is supported on and rotated by a shaft which is inclined to the vertical and toward the conveyor whereby the circular path traced by its outer end is in an inclined plane and as it moves to its retracted position it moves upwardly. As it moves across the conveyor it has a zone of maximum approach to the conveyor surface which moves across the conveyor surface and outwardly along the sweep as the sweep rotates to its maximum extended position.

Abstract: A track for conveyor chain is provided by a plastic member having sides and a flat cross web supported by a U-shaped channel to provide a low friction guide way for both the upper and return runs of the chain. The plastic guide way for both runs can be a pair of identical members or a single extrusion. The guide way and channel can be factory assembled in units of suitable length and mounted to the conveyor track at the point of installation with use of simple tools and without requiring any special skills.

Abstract: A modulated vehicle cruise control system includes a source of vacuum, a servo transducer or control unit connected to the source of vacuum, an engine throttle position servo connected to the servo, a speed sensor and a logic circuit or command module. A modulator is disposed in series with and between the control unit and the source of vacuum. The modulator limits opening movement of the engine throttle by modulating communication of vacuum to the servo to prevent inefficient engine operation.