Abstract: An electric iron includes a soleplate and a housing connected to the soleplate. The housing forms a water reservoir. An opening is formed in an outer wall of the housing. A valve seat is formed adjacent the top of the opening. A float valve having a specific gravity less than one is movably disposed within the reservoir. The valve moves into engagement with the valve seat to prevent the flow of water through the opening when the water level in the reservoir raises the valve into engagement with the valve seat.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a dispersing device which can disperse filaments uniformly and widely on a moving collector surface by suppressing the turbulence of an air flow as a carrier medium for the filaments to thereby reduce the disturbance of the filaments.The dispersing device (1) of the present invention is formed as a dispersing pipe consisting of a pair of dispersing plates (2) vertically extending so as to be opposed to each other and a pair of side plates (3) connecting the dispersing plates. The dispersing pipe has an upper end formed with a filaments inlet and a lower end formed with an oblong filaments outlet (5) surrounded by the dispersing plates and the side plates. The dispersing pipe has a shape such that a space t between the dispersing plates is decreased with an increase in distance z from the filaments inlet toward the filaments outlet (5), and that a space w between the side plates is increased with the increase in the distance z.

Abstract: A protective helmet for bicycles has a skeletal outer body of impact-resistant and impact-absorbing hard synthetic resin and a cushion cap within this body which substantially completely encloses the cranium of the wearer and bridges spaces between the relatively narrow bands from which the skeletal outer body is constituted. The bands include a chin band forming a ring with a occipital band, a frontal band bridging across the chin band and a saggital band centrally connecting the frontal band and the occipital band.

Abstract: A semiautomated sewing station includes an improved frame in which the stationary bed of the x-y positioner is mounted directly on coplanar machined members. The x-y positioner has a vertically movable sewing clamp which eliminates angular readjustment of the clamps when they are changed. The x-y positioner also includes a redesigned sewing clamp arm which is considerably more rigid than the prior art arm and which allows very rapid stitching, even when moving the sewing clamp arm in a non-linear manner. A quick change sewing clamp and quick change workpiece preparation group, such as a folding group, allow the operator to change the operation of the device in a rapid, convenient manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to break in new and old softball and baseball gloves. A glove tool includes a head portion for pounding into the glove pocket and a handle portion for holding the tool. An elongated body portion joins the handle portion to the head portion. The head portion, handle portion, and body portion may be formed separately and connected together with mechanical fasteners. In the preferred embodiment, the tool is an integral piece with the head portion, body portion, and handle portion formed as a single unitary tool.

Abstract: A heat resistant suit includes an inner garment designed to circulate cooling air against the wearer's body. The inner garment is connected to the cool air output of a vortex carried in a pocket in an outer, heat reflective coverall. A safety bottle is carried in another pocket of the coverall, with the safety bottle connected to a pressure valve which is also connected to an external source of breathing air. The vortex unit is connected to an external air compressor which can also be used to supply filtered, pressure regulated breathing air which is cooled by a second vortex unit. A safety harness is sewn into the coverall, with the safety harness connected to a pull ring attached to the rear of the coverall. The outer coverall is preferably constructed of KEVLAR cloth to which an external aluminum reflective coating is applied.

Abstract: A hanger composite include, a first hanger having a hook portion for releasable securement to a display rod and an elongate foldable tail portion, the tail portion defining a latching opening therethrough and a projection extending outwardly of the tail portion to a given extent for latching disposition in the latching opening, and a second hanger assembled with the first hanger and defining a compartment for containment of an article, the second hanger having an opening therethrough configured complementally with the tail portion of the first hanger and enabling the assembly of the first and second hangers.

Abstract: A bathing suit includes a pocket, a waterproof pouch disposed in the pocket and a tether having a first end attached to the suit and a second end attached to the waterproof pouch. The tether is flexible and of sufficient length such that the waterproof pouch can be removed from the pocket for inserting therein items for safekeeping. The pouch is made of pliable waterproof material and has a sealable opening such that, when sealed, liquids may not enter. Preferred embodiment, the pocket is constructed such that the tether can be anchored to the suite's waistband. Preferably, also, the pocket is constructed such that the tether is concealed entirely within the pocket during storage of the pouch. With use of a rear pocket, the tether is sufficiently long such that the pouch can be removed from the rear pocket and held to the front of a wearer for inserting therein items for safekeeping.

Abstract: An infant sac which completely, consistently, and conveniently wraps the infant's body, leaving no undesirable exposed areas such as feet, hands and collar area. The sac is comprised of loose fitting sleeves with optional mitts (10), and two broad overlapping front panels. These panels are opened and closed through the use of some form of attachment such as hook and loop fastener fasteners at two given opposite points (20, 22). No zippers, snaps nor laces are required, essentially rendering the garment free of any potential sources of discomfort and/or injury to the infant. Furthermore, the design provides for optional separate leg compartments (24) for use with infant car seats, heretofore not possible with infant sacs.

Abstract: An emblem bearing cap attachment has a substantially planar, relatively stiff body defining a forward surface and a rearward surface. A primary crease extends centrally across the planar body defining an upper facing panel and a lower backing panel. The primary crease facilitates folding of the body about and capturing the adjustable straps of a baseball style cap to position the rearward surface of the facing panel in confronting relationship with the rearward surface of the backing panel whereat are fastening means to secure the panels together. The facing panel completely closes the semicircular opening at the rear of the cap and allows the display of emblems or other indicia thereon.

Abstract: Telescoping slot nozzles for use with a rail assembly are disclosed. Each nozzle includes a fixed portion and at least one telescoping portion slidably guided in the fixed portion. Metal-to-metal contact in the nozzle is avoided, thereby allowing the nozzles to operate at high temperatures. The configuration of the nozzle discharge opening can be easily modified to form an air knife, depending upon the particular application. Each nozzle is independent of the others, thereby facilitating retrofitting existing ovens and maintenance of individual nozzles.

Abstract: A carding machine casing (1) is connected with a suction device (15) for preventing uncontrolled release of fibers and dust into the environment adjacent the machine, and the casing is provided with large suction openings (9, 10) having a combined area of not less than 0.5 m.sup.2 for admitting conveying air to the interior of the casing. The air is sucked in through the large openings at a substantially lower flow speed so that a considerably lower proportion of the airborne particles and fibrous particles occurring in a spinning mill are sucked into the suction device (15). In many cases it is no longer necessary to provide for precise sealing of the casing (1), and it is sometimes feasible to omit the use of a filter cloth over the suction openings (9, 10) or to simplify the maintenance (e.g., cleaning) of the filter.

Abstract: A wristband, particularly suitable for athletic use, comprising an elastic moisture absorbing sleeve having a high friction surface located over a major portion of the wristband whereby a ball, such as a football, gripped between the wristband and the wearer's body resists removal or dropping.

Abstract: A portable garment finishing machine (30) includes a hollow gripper (102) for gripping an edge portion of a suspended garment such that the gripper closes the edge portion upon itself in a spread condition. Treating fluid forced through the hollow gripper treats the gripper clamped garment portion while a longitudinally extendible conduit (32) conducts treating fluid interiorly of the garment. One of several embodiments of a fluid distributor (31, 316, 600), connected to the conduit, vertically traverses the garment interiorly and directs the fluid at interior garment surfaces. The treating fluid includes steam produced by vaporizing a water mist generated by ultrasonic means (450). A shoulder-shaped form (330) is provided to serve several functions including prevention of fluid escape through garment neck openings. The form is upwardly openable for receiving a garment hanger (344) such that the form can close over the hanger to avoid fluid loss.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping continuous tow of textile material and application of the finish to the crimped continuous tow, including a pair of rollers and a stuffer box chamber having two regions therein. In particular, the stuffer box chamber has a first region for crimping the tow and a larger second region for application of a finish to the tow. Using the novel apparatus to crimp the tow and apply finish thereto, improves adherence of the finish to the tow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automated assembly of sleeves onto the body of the garment. In the present invention, the garment body is placed on a first fixture resembling a mannequin. The sleeves are placed inside facing out on a second conical fixture. Automatically, each sleeve is positioned and sewn onto the garment body and the finished garment is removed from the first fixture. Through the use of sensors, each sleeve is precisely and consistently sewn to the garment body. The result is a high quality garment produced at a lower cost.

Abstract: A sun shield or nose guard for eyeglasses, such as sunglasses or goggles, which is readably attachable and removable from the glasses. The sun shield is formed from a thin, semi-stiff but flexible sheet material, such as a suitable plastic, to the general shape of a human nose. A small piece of hook-and-loop fastener material of the sort available under the Velcro trademark, is secured to the upper, outer, edge of the sun shield, preferably by an adhesive. A corresponding piece of the complementary hook-and-eye material is secured to the glasses between the glasses' nose pads, preferably by an adhesive. Such pieces can be attached to a number of different glasses so that the sun shield can be selectively used with any of them. The sun shield can be easily attached for use when needed and detached when not needed or when it is desired to attach the shield to a different pair of glasses. A rounded bead is provided around the periphery of the sun shield for maximum comfort wherever the edge may contact the nose.

Abstract: The machine comprises two knitting beds (2, 3) and at least one pair of opposed cam carriers (4, 5). These cam carriers are independent and are driven individually, for example by notched belts (10, 13) and motors (12, 15). The elimination of the bow of the carriage makes it possible to provide a large number of bars (17 to 22) for yarn guides driven individually. The yarns arrive at the yarn guides along the shortest path, and the working speed can be increased considerably.

Abstract: A unified, low-profile, lightweight and strong component mounting system an aircrew member's helmet is disclosed. The system includes a substantially rectangular mounting bracket that carries necessary power, communications, and optical inputs to the components, mounting hardware and specially designed interface pieces for each component. The system is designed to securely and easily snap-lock onto the helmet and is positioned to stay balanced while attached to eliminate crewmember discomfort.

Abstract: In a sprigger a tiller aligned with a plow and weighted to disks. The tiller breaks the ground forming narrow grooves into which fertilizer may be distributed and a plow following behind, preferably at a depth less than that of the tiller, forms a substantially flat bottomed furrow in the path of the groove. A plurality of chutes are aligned, one over each of the furrows, and a separator mounted above the chutes loosens the sprigs and distributes them through the chutes into the furrows. Weighted disks shift the ridges of loose soil over the sprigs and trailing tires on the sprigger transport carriage compact the earth over the sprigs. Each of the plows operates in a three-stage fashion, with V-shaped blades cutting the horizontal path through the earth, a lifting wedge raising the cut earth at a modest angle above the furrow and a pair of curling plates having convex surfaces curling the uplifted earth into ridges on either side of the plow to provide a clean, consistent furrow.