Abstract: A contact switch for a kinetic activity amusement game has a base, a universal joint connected to the base and a contact bumper connected to a ball of the universal joint. A electrically conductive coil spring has one end connected to the ball of the universal joint and a second end retained by the base. An electrode has contact portions disposed radially around the coil spring. A power source is connected between the coil spring and the electrode forming a potential electrical circuit. Displacement of the contact bumper by kinetic energy of a game ball causes displacement of the coil spring and contact of the coil spring with the contact surfaces of the electrode closing the circuit.

Abstract: A chain drive mechanism, especially for a construction toy system, is assembled with individual U-shaped chain link elements. The chain link elements are notched at their open ends and provided with bearing portions at their closed ends. The notched open ends are arranged for snap-fit attachment over the bearing portions of adjacent links, enabling a flexible chain of any length to be easily assembled. Drive pins, preferably coaxial with the bearing portions, project outwardly from each side of the chain links and are engagable with grooves of spaced-apart drive wheels, collectively forming a sprocket assembly. The drive wheels can be individual gear elements otherwise used in a toy construction system for gear drive mechanisms. The base portions of the U-shaped link elements are grooved transversely for the snap-fit attachment of construction toy connector parts, allowing the chain elements to carry other components.

Abstract: A core sleeve for a roll of toilet tissue is provided with longitudinal and arcuate fold lines. After the toilet tissue has been removed from the core sleeve, the core sleeve is folded along the fold lines to reform the core sleeve into a disposable pouch.

Abstract: A device for locking a cover on a container body, particularly a wheeled barrel, having a locking piece mounted to pivot between a position assuring the locking of the cover in the closed position on the body and an unlocking position releasing the cover, and an operating member cooperating with the locking piece to bring the locking piece to an unlocking position for a predetermined inclined position of the container. The operating member is a movable weight (13) mounted for guided sliding movement, and the locking piece (11) and the operating member (13) comprise cooperating projecting means (24, 23) arranged so that a translatory movement in one direction (20) of the operating member produces a rotation of the locking piece (11) in the unlocking direction (21).

Abstract: A paddle wheel, bulk-goods pick-up and moving device is disclosed, which picks up bulk goods from a storage container and deposits the same into the paddle wheel's interior. The device is provided with a motor-driven driving gear provided with a coaxially extending drive shaft immediately adjacent the driving gear. The shaft is provided with external serrations, and the interior central bore of the paddle wheel is provided with complementary internal serrations which matingly engage with the serrations of the drive shaft. The drive shaft, which causes the paddle wheel to rotate, is provided on the end opposite to the driving gear, with a connecting shaft portion which passes through the central bore of the paddle wheel. At the free end of the connecting shaft, a fastening mechanism is provided to secure the paddle wheel in close-coupled relation to the driving mechanism. A torque support connects the driving gear to the main structure.

Abstract: A process for preparing methoxyacetic acid by reacting monochloroacetic acid with sodium methylate, in a methanolic solvent at increased temperature. Methanol is distilled off and methoxyacetic acid methylester is added to the residue. The stirrable mixture is contacted with dry hydrochloric acid gas. The methoxyacetic acid methylester is distilled off after removing the precipitated sodium chloride, to recover the desired product.