Abstract: Apparatus and methods of utilizing the same to prevent accidental medical needle sticks are disclosed, characterized by use of a raised locking member coaxially mounted upon the needle approximately midway between a body member mounting the needle and the needle tip which presents an exterior contour to engage complementary features within the interior channel of a tubular sleeve which slides coaxially along the needle. The slidable sleeve is held at a first position proximate the body member and exposing the needle tip by a mechanical detent formed from frictional engagement of complementary surfaces upon the sleeve and the locking member and/or the body member. After medical use, the spent and contaminated needle is sheathed by sliding the tubular sleeve to a second position wherein it is securely held by a detent resultant from engagement with the locking member. The sheathing guards against accidental needle sticks transmitting disease.

Abstract: A novel fiber drafting system disclosed according to which a textile fiber strand is passed through a plurality of pairs of drafting rollers wherein one of each pair of drafting rollers includes a circumferential groove for receiving the fiber strand and the other roller includes a circumferential rib for compressing the strand in the recessed groove to a cross-sectional shape substantially conforming to the groove. The plurality of pairs of rib and groove rollers are rotated such that each successive pair along the drafting pathway of the textile fiber strand has a greater circumferential speed than the preceeding pair of drafting rollers. In this fashion a textile fiber strand is compressed into a cross-section configuration which substantially equalizes the pressure on all fibers being drafted and thereby provides a more uniformly drafted strand.

Abstract: A hunting blind comprising an elongated frame assembly of sufficient length to extend over a hunter lying under the blind incorporates a pivotal canopy frame with ground engaging, side support flaps. The canopy frame is hingedly connected to one end of a top frame segment of a base frame supported on foldable legs. An elongated spring is connected between the canopy frame and the base frame. A hunter lying under the frame assembly may exert slight upward force on the canopy frame as he sits up, so as to thereby cause the spring to rapidly pull the canopy frame to an open position over the top frame segment. An unobstructed field of vision and fire is thus presented to the hunter as he sits up.

Abstract: An envelope feeder for a printing press providing a unique feeder arrangement that allows multiple parallel feeding of stacks of differently sized and shaped envelopes to be fed into the press simultaneously. An envelope vacuum pick-up arrangement is coordinated with a feed roller that grabs the envelopes from the bottom end of open-ended, independently adjustable feeder trays, that can be fed with unprinted envelopes continuously without interrupting the printing process. Electronic logic sensing and control apparatus monitors the envelope feeding process such that, in case of misfeeds, the next following printing cycle is inhibited to avoid smearing of wet ink. Timing apparatus with manual control insures precise registration of the printed image even at high speed operation. Manual switches coordinated with the electronic control allows feeding from a single or from all feeder trays.

Abstract: After the piston, in a piston/cylinder type fluid pressure motor, has moved past the fluid discharge port during termination of the stroke, fluid is forced to flow through a circuitous conduit formed into the outer surface of the piston. The rate of deceleration of the piston is proportional to the length, cross-sectional area, and surface finish of the channel forming the conduit.

Abstract: A gravity flow rack particularly adapted for stocking and vending liquids such as milk and frut juices. The shelves comprise a bent wire frame and triangular bent wire divider-track members are adjustably mounted thereon to form parallel rows. The merchandise containers in each row are supported by only two thin, low friction wires so that accumulations of leaked liquids are reduced to a minimum and the racks are easily cleanable. The shelves are readily adjustable, both in angle of slope and spacing of merchandise rows.