Abstract: A modular, self supporting flight of stairs, comprising at least one pair of stringer units for supporting at least one step thread. Each stringer unit comprises a vertical side plate provided with an horizontal, upper flange and a vertical front plate defining with the side plate, a rectangular dihedron. This front plate is also provided with an horizontal, upper flange defining together with the upper flange of the side plate, a rigid, L-shaped support very stable in use for supporting one end of the thread. Each stringer unit also comprises a small, fixation plate integrally extending the side plate in the same plane as, or in a plane parallel to, the plane of the side plate. The stringer units of each pair are fixed to the corresponding units of a pair immediately superior or inferior thereto by riveting or bolting the fixation plates of one pair to the side plate of the other pair through a plurality of holes punched fixation plate and the lateral plate of the stringer units for receiving the bolts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable inductor comprising a first closed magnetic circuit, formed of an anisotropic material, through which flows an alternative magnetic field, and a second closed magnetic circuit, also formed by an anisotropic material, through which circulates an adjustable direct current magnetic field. The first and second magnetic circuits are so disposed with respect to one another as to define at least two common magnetic spaces wherein the respective alternative and direct magnetic fields are orthogonally superimposed to orient the magnetic dipoles in the common spaces according to a direction predetermined by the intensity of the direct current magnetic field of the second circuit and thus to control the permeability of the first magnetic circuit to the alternative field. Arrangements for application of the variable inductance to monophase and three-phase circuits are proposed, which inductance may then operate in self-control with or without an inverse control.

Abstract: A panel for use in a sectional door. The panel which is easy to construct and has improved insulating properties, has an elongated insulating core, a first metallic skin on one face of the core and a second metallic skin on the other face of the core. The first and second metallic skins both have crimped edges that are joined together at the sides of the panel with an insulating member interposed between them. The insulating members on the long sides of the panel may include diverging seal arms projecting outwards for providing a seal between adjacent panels. The invention is also directed toward a sectional door incorporating the panels.

Abstract: A device for use with a tennis ball projecting machine to control the flight of the balls projected from the machine through a flexible tube. The device has a pair of adjacent casings supporting the tube. The first casing is pivotably mounted at its rear end to the machine for swinging about a vertical axis. The second casing is pivoted at its rear end to the front end of the first casing and holds the outlet end of the tube at its free end. The second casing can be moved up or down, and fixed in place, to control the ball trajectory. A power mechanism is provided on the device to oscillate the first casing, and thus the second as well, about the vertical axis to swing the ball projecting tube according to a predetermined angle about a vertical axis.

Abstract: An improved brake for winches. The brake has a main brake and an emergency brake. Both brakes are solenoid operated and brake when the power is turned off or fails. Means are provided for slightly delaying the operation of the emergency brake compared to the main brake so that the braking force is applied in stages in an emergency. The brakes are mechanically linked together so that either of the main or emergency solenoids operate both brakes if one of the solenoids fails.

Abstract: This invention relates to a prosthesis brassiere for use by a woman who has gone through a mastectomy. The brassiere, which comprises one cup provided with a conventional filler and a second cup shaped for receiving and supporting the remaining breast, is characterized in that the cup for the remaining breast is provided along its entire periphery with detachable securing means comprising, for example, a zipper or a set of snap fasteners. The securing means makes it possible to easily and completely detach and remove the cup receiving and supporting the remaining breast from its peripheral carrying strap, and to reattach it to the same, while leaving the cup with the filler in place. Thus, the user can strip or cover the remaining breast, at will.

Abstract: A carrying rack having a quadrangular support base with support legs at the corners. Vertical support posts are detachably mounted to the support legs at the corners of the base and two cross-pieces are provided, one detachably mounted on two of the posts, and the other detachably mounted on the other two posts. The cross-pieces slide down the posts to rest on the load carried between the posts. The rack can also include a set of sidewalls and endwalls for replacing the set of posts and cross-pieces. The sidewalls each comprise two posts joined by panel means. Each sidewall is detachably mounted on the base with its posts inserted into two legs on the base. Each endwall has a cross-piece and panel means depending down from it. The cross-piece is mounted on opposed posts of the sidewalls. The rack can also be provided only with the above sidewalls and endwalls.

Abstract: An apparatus for steaming food at substantially atmospheric conditions. This apparatus comprises a steam chamber means for filling the chamber with steam, which filling means comprises means for introducing water into the bottom of the steam chamber, and heating means outside the steam chamber for heating the water in the steam chamber to produce steam; means for allowing steam to escape from the chamber to maintain substantially atmospheric conditions in the chamber; a condensing chamber for the escaping steam; means in the condensing chamber for spraying water on the steam to condense it; means for draining the water and condensed steam from the condensing chamber; and means for controlling the heating means and the filling means, which control means comprises a sensor for sensing the temperature of the water and condensed steam in the condensing chamber.

Abstract: Support means for use in connecting a circular harrow to a tractor. The support means allow the harrow to pivot about two perpendicular, generally horizontal, axes thus permitting the harrow to more closely follow the contour of the ground being harrowed.