Abstract: A method for and apparatus for the transfer of valuables from a collection point through an area accessible to the public to an armored vehicle is disclosed. A mobile security containment apparatus comprising a relatively heavy, handleless, and slow speed apparatus is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the directional and turning control movement of the apparatus is provided by a voice-actuated, computer-controlled drive mechanism. The mobile security containment apparatus may be combined with an armored vehicle to provide secured containment of the mobile security containment apparatus while en route to a collection point to a permanent depository such as a bank vault.
Abstract: A drapery support system includes an adjustable length traverse rod assembly and a plurality of movable members each adapted to include a hanger portion for connection to a pleat or fold of a drapery panel. Each of the movable members is interconnected with an adjacent movable member by an elongated elastically stretchable traverse member so that, as the panels are extended or stacked back, the pleats or folds are maintained evenly spaced by the uniform deflection of the elastic traverse member. The movable members are rotationally attached to the elastic traverse member and provided with leading edge surfaces which function to gather the elastic traverse member in predetermined arrangements and out of the way of the movable members so as to allow close stacking of the pleats of the draperies.
Abstract: Apparatus for magnetically treating a fluid is disclosed. The magnetized fluid may comprise a hydrocarbon fuel or water. The apparatus is arranged to maximize the magnetic fields generated by magnets within the apparatus and to cause the fluid to flow therethrough in a manner to maximize the exposure of the fluid to the optimized magnetic fields.
Abstract: An orthotic for controlling the motion of and supporting the foot of a person is disclosed. The flexural strength of the orthotic is variable or adjustable. The means to achieve the variable flexural strength is primarily located under the medial arch portion of the orthotic. A thinner rigid orthotic and a thinner semiflexible orthotic are thereby achieved, neither of which rely upon the arch portion of the shoe of the wearer for support. The thinness of the orthotic provides for a low fit within the shoe resulting in a proper fit of the person's foot within the shoe. In one embodiment, a formed shell of two layers of plastic of contrasting colors is machined to remove a substantial amount of the bottom layer primarily along the lateral side thereby leaving a thickened portion at the medial arch portion. Heel and forefoot posts are machined into the bottom layer. In another embodiment, thin strips of plastic are heat welded to the medial underside of a formed shell of plastic.
Abstract: A stake for anchoring a beach blanket, towel or other like fabric is disclosed. An elongated body is provided with tapered vanes. A planar upper end is provided with an arcuate slot within which is located a rotatable ring. A vertical slot, a curved edge and a recess provide for engaging the fabric when the fabric is applied thereto and the ring is rotated into the recess. The arcuate slot allows for downward sliding of the ring into a locking location which may be provided with a detent.
Abstract: An escapement mechanism for an automatic screw feeding machine is disclosed. A rotor within a housing receives a fastener from a track feed arrangement and delivers the fastener to a delivery opening in communication with a conduit leading to the driver head of the automatic screw feeding machine. A cutout within the rotor is specially sized and positioned and the motion of the rotor is arranged so that no edges are presented which may cause the fastener to hang up or cause jamming of the escapement apparatus. A reed valve is used to open and close the delivery opening so that pneumatic apparatus may be used to drive the fastener to the driver head.
Abstract: Bag holding apparatus is disclosed comprising a foldable structure which permits the attachment thereto of reusable plastic or paper bags. A planar member is foldable into a back member, side members hingedly rotatable into a perpendicular position with respect to the back member on each side thereof, and a top member hingedly rotatable down onto the top edges of the side members. Alternative means are formed into the side members to allow the attachment of the reusable bags to the foldable structure. One alternative means comprises contoured cutouts in the side members whereby a reusable bag having handles attached thereto may be secured to the cutouts in the side members. Another alternative means comprises snap means whereby a handless bag may be secured to the side members with the thickness of the bag being captured between a raised protrusion which snap fits within a hole.
Abstract: A combination which in sequence utilizes a singulator, an orientor, a decapitator, and a separator. The singulator is a vibratory scoop-like device which causes shrimps delivered to the processor to begin to move single file towards the exit of the singulator. Thereafter the shrimp move into the orientor which has a V-shape with a slot at the lower edges with the slot progressively widening down the length of the orientor. The shrimp will invariably hang tail down, and finally when the slot becomes wider than the shrimp they drop in tail-down fashion into the upper portion of the decapitator. The decapitator, in turn, has a vertical velocity head formed in a vertical feeder tube which intersects with a transverse flow of fluid and the shrimp "turns the corner" at a fulcrum, and is decapitated at that point. Thereafter the tails and heads are directed to a seaprator by means of a decelerator pipe.
Abstract: Electrically-operated hydraulic and mechanical apparatus is disclosed for opening and closing a large door, for example, on a cargo airplane. Door latching or locking apparatus is also disclosed, which serves to prevent the door from being inadvertently opened at any time. The hydraulic and mechanical apparatus are sequentially activated so that, for example, before the door latching operation can begin, full closing of the door is required. Conversely, before opening of the door can occur, full unlatching of the latching mechanism must first occur.
Abstract: Decorative wall covering panels are disclosed which sealingly fit against a wall and thereby protect the wall surface from the deteriorating effects of weather. Horizontally and vertically abutting panels which simulate real shingles, such as cedar shake shingles, overlap each other on all edges when installed. Sealing surfaces are provided around the periphery of the inside surface of the panels. The fitting arrangement of the overlapping edges between panels serves to make and maintain the seals between the panels and the wall.
Abstract: Driver jaws for a driver head of an automatic screw feeding machine are disclosed. A pair of cantilever springs are oppositely disposed on a mandrel or housing. The springs are arranged such that the tips thereof form an opening therethrough which comprises the jaws for holding a fastener during the insertion process. The cantilever springs allow the jaws to open to permit the head of the fastener to pass therethrough after the fastener is fully inserted and to be released from the driver jaws. The cantilever springs permit an exceptionally small clearance spaced around the head of the installed fastener. The tips of the jaws spaced the movable portions of the apparatus away from the work surface so that marring or scratching of the work surface is avoided.
Abstract: An implantable compression hip screw is disclosed. A unique antirotational/locking device used in combination with axially aligned grooves in a barrel plate and a lag screw prevents the fractured portion of the femur from rotating during the postoperative period. The antirotational/locking device comprises elongated rods which fit within the aligned grooves and thereby allow sliding of the lag screw relative to the barrel plate during the postoperative period.
Abstract: An artificial fishing lure to be attached at the end of a fishing line so that a streamlined lure is provided that penetrates a body of water with a minimum of disturbance. The weight is mounted at the head end of a flexible worm member thereby providing maximum pendulum arm and being disconnected completely from the hook member and the line. The worm then rests on its head end providing a lure that resembles more a life worm and has the desired characteristics of a projectile that facilitates accurate casting.
Abstract: Personal hygiene apparatus is disclosed comprising a base having control apparatus and nozzle apparatus attached thereto. The inventive apparatus fits on the back upper surface of a toilet bowl and under the toilet seat. The control apparatus is used to move a flow nozzle from a nonuse position under the toilet's rim, to a center position. Further operation of the control apparatus opens a valve which allows a fluid to flow through and out of the nozzle apparatus. Further operation of the control apparatus shuts off the fluid flow and then returns the nozzle to its original nonuse position.
Abstract: A computer controlled fluid spray control system for spraying a plurality of different fluids is disclosed. The control system provides for the individual setting, sensing, adjustment and control of spray fluid pressure, atomizing air pressure, fan control air pressure and traversing speed of the spray gun which sprays the fluid to be applied to workpieces arranged on a moving conveyor line. Plant ambient conditions are monitored to allow and effectuate spray control setting adjustments. The preselected spray control settings may be temporarily or permanently changed as required.
Abstract: Improved navigational apparatus which interfaces between a Loran C receiver and a ship's auto pilot is disclosed. Output information from the Loran receiver is taken from a standard NMEA jack and is input to the inventive apparatus. Steer and steer correction signals output from the inventive apparatus are input to the auto pilot. The receiver's serial output data is converted to a parallel output and temporarily stored or held by a data latch. A timer releases the data to a logic circuit which supplies steer correction signals to the auto pilot. The timer, in conjunction with the logic circuit, inputs the steer signals at predetermined time spaced intervals to prevent circling of the ship. A data subtractor in conjunction with the timer reduces the ship's rate of return to the predetermined course setting.