Abstract: A motorized improved winch for raising and lowering, for example, theater scenery by means of cables and which incorporates a tubular support enclosure for supporting and housing a moving drum and the required components for emergency braking and for moving the drum in synchronization with relation to the cable guiding means, preferably mounted on the tubular support enclosure, and for driving the electrical sensors (limit switches and encoder) if desired. The winding and unwinding of the cables on or off the drum does not change the cable runs relative to the cable guiding means. The improved winch can be used in theaters and can be installed at the sides of the stage, up at the stage gridiron, or above the gridiron. With this improved winch counterweights are unnecessary. The improved winch is compact and can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: A motorized improved winch for raising and lowering, for example, theater scenery by means of cables and which incorporates a tubular support enclosure for supporting and housing a moving drum and the required components for driving, emergency braking and for moving the drum in synchronization with relation to the cable guiding means, preferably mounted on the tubular support enclosure, and for driving the electrical sensors if desired. A new feature of this improved winch includes alternate means for supporting the winch unit from the tubular support enclosure through rollers, mounted to the inside of the tubular support enclosure and engaging the support means part of the movable winch unit. Another new feature is an option to use more than one driving means for increased capacity. The improved winch can be installed at the sides of the stage, up at the stage gridiron, or above the gridiron.

Abstract: A motorized fly system winch, drum and carriage combination for raising and lowering, for example, theatre scenery by means of cables and which incorporates functions for emergency braking, for moving the drum in synchronization with relation to the carriage containing cable-guiding means and for driving of a limit switch if desired. The winding and unwinding the cables on or off the drum does not change the cable runs relative to the theatre. The fly system winch can be installed at the sides of the stage, up at the stage gridiron, or above the gridiron. With this combination, counterweights are unnecesary. The fly system winch is compact and can be economically manufactured.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving seated or standing people or objects in a closed path in which the closed path may be other than circular. The apparatus comprises a chain of movable platforms arranged in a closed loop free-form geometrical arrangement and arranged to travel above or below a stationary floor surface. By providing tables and chairs on each platform, one or more diners can be seated at each of the tables and thus will be enabled to view a changing surrounding view while immobile at the table on the moving platform. Preferably, the platforms are constructed on supporting chassis in the form of wheeled vehicles each pivotable about a pivot on an adjacent platform chassis. Each chassis may comprise a cross member positioned generally perpendicular to the direction of travel and rigidly connected to a tie member extending generally perpendicular to the cross member. The tie member preferably forms part of the drive for the chained platforms.

Abstract: A work station in the form of a work table having a fixed working surface and a rotatable working surface, these working surfaces being coplanar. A rigid frame assembly supports both working surfaces and a motor for driving the rotatable working surface by way of a traction wheel. The motor is controlled by a switch situated on the fixed working surface. The working surfaces have hingedly connected side panels to enable the movable table to pass through doorways. Another fixed working surface can be mounted on the rigid frame assembly by way of a post extending through a hole in the rotatable working surface.

Abstract: A rotating truck lift structure integral with a building to facilitate delivery truck accessing of multiple internal loading and unloading docks via a narrow street entranceway.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for transferring nuclear fuel elements between a fluid-filled storage pool and a cask is disclosed. The cask is supported within and is restrained by a tank which is transported between terminal locations of a nuclear facility. Transfer of fuel elements between a storage pool and the cask is accomplished by coupling the tank to a port of the pool. The transporter accurately positions and restrains the tank during transfer. In a preferred embodiment, the cask tank is unweighted from the transporter during transfer and is advanced into a fluid-sealed engagement with a port surface of the pool. In an alternative arrangement, the cask tank remains supported on the transport during its transfer and lifting means mutually engaging the transporter and tank advance the tank toward the port surface for establishing a coupling between the port and the cask.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting wall or roof panel comprises a folded plate-type structural member capable of becoming an integral part of a building and incorporating a solar energy absorbent surface in heat-exchange relation with a fluid, the folded plate being configured to position the absorbent surface to optimize solar energy collection.

Abstract: Nuclear fuel storage rack comprising a rigid honeycomb formed of checkerboard-arrayed, corner-joined elongated tubular enclosures. Each enclosure comprises a structural wall section containing embedded poison material. Additional poison filled tubes may be located in the spaces formed between the connected enclosures.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel storage rack for high density nuclear fuel storage inside a fuel pool is described. The rack is a honeycomb structure built up from modules joined at their corners in checkerboard fashion to form a strong, rigid structure affording good resistance against seismic loads.

Abstract: A towable amphibious structure of the multisectional folding type including a retractable suspension system and is adaptable for both camping and boating purposes. Such structure comprises a base body section and at least one associated end body section hinged together at their upper corners. Each section also includes longitudinally directed fin members located along the bottom thereof which are detachably interconnected. The base section includes the retractable suspension system and a vertically adjustable roof assembly. Additional features include a longitudinally retractable motor mount assembly, and removable tow bar and bumper assemblies.

Abstract: A towable amphibious structure of the multisectional folding type including a retractable suspension system and is adaptable for both camping and boating purposes. Such structure, comprises a base body section and at least one associated end body section hinged together at their upper corners. Each section also includes longitudinally directed fin members located along the bottom thereof which are detachably interconnected. The base section includes the retractable suspension system and a vertically adjustable roof assembly. Additional features include a longitudinally retractable motor mount assembly, and removable tow bar and bumper assemblies.

Abstract: A retractable suspension system adaptable for land, water, or amphibious vehicles substantially comprises: a bottom suspension arm having a wheel-axle assembly associated with its first end; a top suspension arm; spring means for interconnecting the arms; a horizontal suspension beam axle fixedly attached to the vehicle frame; and means attached to the vehicle frame and to the first end portion of the top suspension arm for adjusting the rotational orientation of the two arms about the suspension beam axle whose center is coincident with the second ends of the two arms. The suspension system can be partially retracted to accommodate for uneven load distributions on the vehicle and for levelling the vehicle on nonuniform terrain while it can be fully retracted for water use. Straight carry-through members which are extensions of the vehicle frame can be utilized to form the suspension beam axle.

Abstract: A modular planter panel system comprising a plurality of substantially identical modules forms decorative room dividers, partitions, or the like, by utilizing climbing plants such as ivy or vines. Each module substantially comprises: a frame; a planter box fixedly attached to the bottom portion of the frame and including the climbing plant; and relatively flexible means connecting associated portions of the frame for supporting the growing portions of the plant. Further means are included for supporting the module from the ceiling, from a horizontal overhead track, from a wall, or on the floor.