Abstract: Automatic control means for the coordinated steering of front and rear pairs of individually steerable ground engagement means supporting a construction machine are disclosed wherein signals from front and rear steering sensors following a grade reference extending along the path of travel are fed to a panel readout/amplifier unit which sends error signals to a servo-valve system and feedback signals from potentiometers are produced to coordinate the degree of steer and the magnitude thereof with that of the sensed signals. In one embodiment the control means coordinate the parallel steering of the pairs of ground engagement means of a machine in the paving mode through the use of individual steering rams for each of the ground engagement means without the necessity of using steering linkages.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer combination includes an auxiliary hydraulic drive motor for driving an axle of the trailer and a hydraulic coupling for coupling and uncoupling the hydraulic drive motor and the axle depending on the speed of movement of the trailer tractor combination.

Abstract: A power plant for prime mover-equipped bicycles wherein a bicycle running and engine running can be changed over to each other. The running speed can be changed over to a low speed and high speed. The power transmitting system, including the speed changing mechanism, can be made simple and compact in structure, and a jointless change having no neutral position in the speed changing operation is possible. It is further possible to feed and interrupt the fuel and to switch the current source on and off with the jointless change.

Abstract: A system providing auxiliary power to the non-driving steerable wheels of a four-wheel vehicle utilizing hydraulic power in a parallel circuit from the existing hydrostatic drive system. The steerable wheels are driven by hydraulic motors connected in parallel through a flow divider valve and supplied by the variable displacement pump of the existing drive system through a selector valve which has a free-wheeling position allowing the steering wheels to free-wheel with the return oil from each motor flowing in a closed loop back through the flow divider valve while providing charging pressure to that closed loop circuit.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is fixed to the frame of a powered vehicle of the type driven by a trojan bar. An extension coil spring extends downwardly from the bracket. Attached to the lower end of the spring is the upper end of a spring tension adjustment chain. The lower end of the chain is attached to a second mounting bracket, which is fixed to the trojan bar. The device partially supports the weight of the trojan bar.

Abstract: A lubricating and cooling system for disc type brakes operatively positioned within a vehicle drive wheel, the system including means to increase oil flow to, through, and around brake disc packs situate in a region of restricted oil flow, the means including a vaned pump ring, partially submerged in oil, mounted for rotation with the wheel, and functionally operational to assure adequate pumping in each direction of rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A rough terrain mobile crane in which the operator's control cab is mounted on a rotatable superstructure has all the controls grouped in the cab including a mechanical, preferably power assisted, steering system mechanically engagable when the cab is in a road travel position, an hydraulic steering system is alternatively engageable for on-site use and includes a separate directional control valve for steering road wheels on one of the axles, and utilizing the power assisted part of the mechanical steering.

Abstract: A control system for operating a plurality of controlled devices forming part of a vehicle that has an operator's seat which includes an arm rest which is pivotally supported on the frame and is movable in the fore-and-aft direction to operate at least one of the controlled devices. The arm rest pivotally supports a control lever which is movable about a fixed axis on the arm rest for actuating a second controlled device and the control lever is positioned so that the forearm of the operator can remain resting on the arm rest during operation of all of the controlled devices. The system is also designed so that the upper portion of the arm rest which has the control lever supported thereon can be pivoted with respect to a lower portion without effecting operation of any of the controlled devices.

Abstract: A braking system for the front wheels of a motor vehicle. A first reducing valve is interposed between the driver's master cylinder and the brake acting on the front wheel on one side and a second reducing valve is interposed between the master cylinder and the brake acting on the front wheel on the other side. The valves are arranged so that they do not restrict braking in a straight line but a resilient linkage connected to the vehicle suspension controls braking during cornering so that the pressure to the brake on the inboard wheel is reduced. The valves give improved braking to cornering characteristics compared with previously proposed systems.

Abstract: In an electronic speed responsive system for a motor vehicle, a first voltage proportional to an actual speed of the vehicle is compared with a reference voltage representing a desired cruise speed in order to produce an output error signal related to the difference between said first voltage and said reference voltage, the desired cruise speed is stored in a memory, and a control logic and safety circuit for rendering the system operative and inoperative has a memory cancel facility which cancels the previously memorized cruise speed stored in the memory when a driver of the vehicle makes an action associated with bringing the vehicle into, or preparatory to driving the vehicle from, a parked condition.

Abstract: An acoustic diaphragm has a substrate of either a hard resin film or cloth of an organic material, and at least one side of the substrate is laid with a polyurethane elastomer layer. In the case of a cloth substrate, the cloth is optionally metallized by evaporation deposition of Al or Ti and/or impregnated with a thermosetting resin. The elastomer is a copolymer given by condensation of bifunctional polymeric alcohol and a glycol with a diisocyanate. This diaphragm features a flat response curve at medium to high frequencies on account of its relatively large value for Young's modulus and adequately great internal loss, and accordingly is particularly useful for tweeters.

Abstract: There is disclosed a muffler for an internal combustion engine, particularly an automobile engine, which includes a heavy steel outer casing formed from a section of cylindrical tubing together with an internal baffle structure of two sections of smaller diameter cylindrical steel tubing at least one of which is perforated to create a plurality of louvered openings extending along and around the tubing section. Each of the tubing sections has an end that is offset by reason of a pair of opposite-direction bends in the tubing, and the offset ends of the two sections of tubing are overlapped and joined together by welding or other suitable means to produce an extended baffle structure of approximately the same length as the outer casing. The offset ends of the sections of tubing which are joined together are preferably flattened on the sides adjacent to each other to reduce the maximum dimension of the baffle structure along the portion thereof where the two tube sections overlap.

Abstract: A safety release boat trapeze hook for use on sailboats with conventional trapeze equipment. The safety release hook includes a harness frame to which a hook assembly for attachment to a trapeze line ring is selectively latched by means of a latch release mechanism. A retaining strap is also provided for holding the ring on the hook.

Abstract: A collapsible wheel chock constructed entirely of plastics material is comprised of a wheel engaging element and a ground engaging element detachably secured to each other for pivotal movement relative to each other. A support element is detachably secured to the opposite end of the wheel engaging element for pivotal movement relative thereto with the opposite end detachably engaged with the base member for slidable movement relative thereto to allow the wheel chock to be erected and collapsed.

Abstract: A reversible cable connector to connect a lanyard to a vertically suspended cable of the type which combines a U-shaped shoe to hold the cable in the crotch of the shoe with a lever arm pivotally mounted upon a pivot pin between the side plates of the shoe, the lever having a cam surface at the inner end of the lever arm engaging the cable when the lever is pulled downwardly and a connecting means at the outer end of the lever arm connecting with the lanyard.

Abstract: A speed-responsive engaging mechanism adapted for use in a hydrodynamic device to couple turbine and impeller members including a disc secured to the turbine member having a series of convexly curved cam surfaces thereon formed in apertures in the discs with a series of friction shoe assemblies mounted in the apertures in engagement with the cam surfaces. The friction shoe assemblies engage with the impeller at a predetermined speed of rotation of the turbine member, and the curved cam surface induces a wedging engagement of the shoes with the impeller member. Spring means are provided to retain the shoe assemblies in the apertures, and a roller mechanism is provided in each shoe assembly to provide relatively frictionless relative movement between the cam surfaces and the shoe assemblies. Each shoe in the assembly is made of a sintered metal material and has a spring retaining structure cast in the shoe.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a motor driven chain saw having a first clutch element driven by the motor shaft and a second clutch element normally engaged with the first clutch element but disengageable therefrom and a centrifugal clutch between the second clutch element and the drive sprocket for the saw chain. The second clutch element includes a spring disc and is axially yieldable between clutch engaged and clutch disengaged positions. A lever is provided moveable for disengaging the clutch elements and a brake member connected to the lever is operable for braking the drive sprocket when the clutch elements are disengaged.

Abstract: A speed-responsive engaging mechanism adapted for use in a hydrodynamic device to couple turbine and impeller members including a disc secured to the turbine member having a series of cam surfaces thereon formed in apertures in the discs with a series of friction shoe assemblies mounted in the apertures in engagement with the cam surfaces. The friction shoe assemblies engage with the impeller at a predetermined speed of rotation of the turbine member, and the cam means induces a wedging engagement of the shoes with the impeller member. Spring means are provided to retain the shoe assemblies in the apertures, and a roller mechanism is provided in each shoe assembly to provide relatively frictionless relative movement between the cam surfaces and the shoe assemblies. Means are provided in the apertures which in cooperation with the spring means, tilt the shoe assemblies to eliminate the viscous drag effect.

Abstract: The track of the loading chute 105 of FIGS. 6 and 7 in U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,685 is provided with a stop mounted on a leaf spring so that the stop moves aside readily if a workpiece (thermoplastic preform 2B) is misaligned during feeding by the lifter assembly 106, thus reducing malfunctions.

Abstract: A simplified, essentially maintenance-free yet highly efficient distillation tower and method for waste oil rerefining is provided which allows direct vacuum distillation of additive-supplemented waste oils without chemical pretreatment thereof and yields a highly refined intermediate oil suitable for immediate use or final polishing, along with a valuable bottoms fraction usable in greases or asphalts, for example. The tower includes an upright, cylindrical chamber with a tangential waste oil inlet and cooperating internal baffle for creating a whirling oil flow pattern therewithin, along with means for maintaining the proper temperature conditions within the tower for maximizing vaporization and recovery of hydrocarbons from the waste oil while also preventing undesirable decomposition or cracking of the oil.

Abstract: An induction system for a sortation conveyor includes a single infeed conveyor adapted to supply two separate loading stations. In a preferred embodiment, the infeed conveyor is operatively connected with a reversible turn conveyor interposed between the infeed conveyor and the two separate loading stations, one loading station receiving articles from one end of the reversible turn conveyor and the other loading station receiving articles from the other end of the reversible turn conveyor. The reversible turn conveyor may be automatically or manually controlled to operate in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction as required to supply articles from the infeed conveyor to both loading stations.

Abstract: At least one pair of vertically superimposed conveyors are located in the bottom region of a bunker in order to discharge the bulk material. The conveyors are spaced apart to create a void or at least a loosened zone free from horizontal pressures in the bulk material between the conveyors. The void prevents the bulk material from bridging over so that gravity flow is not impeded.

Abstract: A vibratory vertical lift conveyor including a vertically elongated, tubular lift assembly having an inlet at its lower end and an outlet at its upper end. The assembly is provided with generally L-shaped projections extending from end to end within the interior of the assembly to provide for material lifting action when the assembly is vibrating in a vertical direction. Additionally provided is a yieldable connection between the vibrator and the lift assembly to accommodate startup of the conveyor; a mulling sphere within the tubular assembly received therein for limited movement between the projections to mull particulate material passing upward in the assembly; a backflow preventing device at the inlet to preclude backflow of material within the inlet when the vibratory conveyor is moving downwardly; and a manifold and inlet for a treating gas for treating material as it passes upwardly within the assembly.

Abstract: Ribbing configuration for use on a tracking roller for positive belt traction in which the roller's cylindrical surface has shallow V-shaped grooves defining lands which spiral oppositely outward from the center of the roller.

Abstract: A dust seal for a material conveyor belt and material chute includes an elongated body of a polygonal configuration. The body includes an axial bore defined within the body and extending the length thereof. An attachment device is included for securing the dust seal at a point upstream of the chute and on the belt to allow gravity and friction developed between the moving belt and the dust seal to move the dust seal to a position adjacent the chute so as to provide a seal to prevent the escape of material from around the chute.

Abstract: A display wrapping of a single fiberboard type of sheet formed into an open-ended tubular type carton with display apertures in the sides thereof for displaying polygonal prism or annular disc-shaped articles such as wheels, tires, automobile air filters, and other cylindrical or tubular shaped objects. The wrap comprises one or more wrappings which have cut-out portions in at least two opposite side panels, and may have central apertures in two opposite side panels aligned with the aperture in the annular article being wrapped. These two opposite side panels are joined by straps at their four corners to expose the associated opposite segment sides of the article being wrapped. Opposite ends of the wrapping sheet are anchored together on the front or back panel either by dovetailed interfitting ends, or a flap with parallel opposing locking tabs that fit in corresponding parallel slots on the back panel.

Abstract: A protective storage case for tape cassettes or other spooled tapes is formed by a rectangular parallelepipedic box with two perpendicular open edge faces adapted to be opened or closed by a pivoting flap member which carries protuberances on resilient integral tongues, these protuberances serving to elastically grip the cassette and prevent it from falling out when the flap member is opened and closed.

Abstract: A color recognition system is used to distinguish between objects of various colors. A plurality of light sources are arranged at a sensing station to reflect light from the object as it passes the sensing station to a plurality of cooperatively mounted light detectors. The signals produced by the plurality of detectors are compared with a reference voltage and the comparison utilized to differentiate between objects of different colors passing the sensing station. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the color recognition system is incorporated in a ball separator for a pool table to separate the entirely white cue ball from the partially or wholly differently colored object balls and to divert the cue ball into a first storage station and the object balls into a separate storage station.

Abstract: A publication display rack is provided in which a plurality of wire baskets of uniform breadth are provided and are stacked in a vertical array at separated intervals to provide opposing pockets disposed in back to back relationship. Latching links are provided to extend from rear mounting bars forward for engagement with laterally extending cross bars parallel to the mounting bars. The latching links selectively subdivide the pockets in the baskets into subsections of ideal size to accomodate travel brochures such as are used in travel agencies. The display racks mount the travel brochures in overlapping fashion, but in a vertical arrangement to minimize the required floor space. End panels on the rack are provided for aesthetic appearance and the rack accomodates a sign mounted overhead. A plurality of racks may be mounted about a central upright pole in cantilever fashion to form a publication display.

Abstract: A display holder, useful as a children's dental hygiene teaching aid and adapted to hold three or more different but related functional articles, such as toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste and dispensers for dental floss, includes a display surface having a scene depicted thereon such that parts of the scene relate to and are adapted to include the functional articles, when held in place therein, to participate in and complete the scene, and has means for holding the functional articles in place with respect to the display surface so that they participate in and complete the scene depicted.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a support base having a detachably attached segmented upright structure of serially arranged rod members having pivotally-rotatably mounted therearound a multiplicity of tiers of pigeonhole structures, each pigeonhole structure forming a plurality of separate recess spaces each with its respective flat support surface and outer edge thereof located adjacent the insert opening to the recess space thereof, and for each flat support surface there being a set of at least one pair of upwardly-extending abutments including at least a first abutment positioned a first distance from the outer edge and a second abutment positioned a second distance from the outer edge, respectively preventing the sliding inwardly and outwardly of a spice can having a bottom peripheral downwardly-extending flange, and each recessed space extending along a first direction to its insert opening with the first direction substantially at right angle to a line along a second direction having the line of the second

Abstract: A shelf protector and tag assembly is provided for use on a shelf surface which supports merchandise. A shelf protector is provided having a planar surface which is receivable on the shelf surface to be protected and a lip portion which overhangs an outer edge of the shelf being protected. A tag holding member is attached by a support member to the lip portion of the shelf protector for displaying removable tags containing merchandise related indicia.

Abstract: A storage rack suitable for maintaining sheet material free of surface scratches, dents, dings, etc. caused by handling and moving. A rectangular frame as large as the largest sheet to be stored is suspended from an overhead monorail. A channel member forming the lower edge of the frame supports the sheets which lean against the frame and are held in place by diagonal straps. A plurality of parallel overhead rails each of which supports a single frame provide the storage area. The overhead rails are at least twice the overall length of the frames to allow a selected frame to be moved from its storage position into the open where a desired sheet may be removed or added and the frame pushed back to its stored position without chance of damage to the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial robot with a boom having a clasping member at its front end. The boom is connected with two levers wherein one lever is connected via rotary joints with the boom and with a support plate carrying the boom and the levers. The other lever is connected via rotary joints on the one hand with the boom and on the other hand with a pivoting lever wherein the latter is pivotally carried on the support plate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transporting pipe between spaced locations comprising a cable disposed in proximity of the two locations which supports a pipe receiving trough so that the trough can be moved by the cable to enable a pipe supported therein to be transported between the two locations. The tension in the cable is adjusted to enable the trough to be moved in a vertical plane. In one of the embodiments, the trough is directly attached to and moved with the cable. Longitudinal motion imparted into the cable causes the trough to move from one location to the other carrying the pipe therewith. The cable is slackened to vertically move the trough so as to enable the pipe to be placed within or removed from the trough. In another of the embodiments, the trough is attached to spaced carriages which are slidably supported from the cable. A pilot cable attached to the trough enables the trough to be moved longitudinally of the cable to enable transportation of the pipe between the spaced locations.

Abstract: This invention provides a solids feeder for feeding dry coal to a pressurized gasifier at elevated temperatures substantially without losing gas from the gasifier by providing a lock having a double-acting piston that feeds the coals into the gasifier, traps the gas from escaping, and expels the trapped gas back into the gasifier.

Abstract: A reclaimer apparatus is positioned in an elongated bulk material containing hopper or cargo hold of the type having opposed side walls which slope downwardly and inwardly toward the hopper bottom, the latter having a series of longitudinally extending discharge openings therein for discharging the bulk material on to a conveyor running lengthwise of the hopper. The reclaimer apparatus includes a rigid frame adapted to be located above the discharge openings and means for propelling the frame along the hopper bottom. The reclaimer has cutters thereon adapted to cut through bulk material, such as coal, in planes lying generally parallel to and adjacent the sloping side walls whereby to undercut the bulk mateial and to cause same to cascade downwardly and along the side walls and through the discharge openings.

Abstract: A powered loading platform for mounting upon opening-defining walls of a vehicle to facilitate loading of objects, such as wheelchairs, from the ground into the interior of the vehicle and including support means which pivotally supports a horizontal platform and is carried by a powered parallelogram linkage which moves the support means in an arc between a lowered and outwardly disposed position upon the ground and an inwardly disposed elevated position within the body of the vehicle. Upon reaching the elevated position, the wheelchair may be rolled into the interior of the vehicle and the platform may be collapsed and then pivoted to a vertically extending position entirely within the confines of the vehicle. The support means is pivotable about a vertical axis to permit the collapsed platform to be then swung to non-blocking position relative to the vehicle opening.

Abstract: A vehicle, especially a wheeled vehicle, for transporting and placing bridge parts of a portable bridge. The vehicle has a frame, on the forward end of which is mounted a cab. Behind the cab is mounted a support unit for use in placing the bridge parts. The support unit is pivotal about vertical axes and, during the placement process, is spaced from and in front of the cab and is located, in part, on the ground.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted slide rail assembly for an earth-working machine. The assembly includes an upper and a lower vertically spaced rail, each rail having an upper and a lower outwardly extending flange forming an acute angle with a base portion. A carrier having flange-engaging lips mounted for slidable movement is secured to the upper and lower flanges of the upper and lower vertically spaced rails. A releasable clamp is mounted on the carrier for restraining slidable movement of the earthworking machine along the assembly. The flange-engaging lips on the inner flanges between the rails may be adjusted for improved carrier travel. A safety retaining hook is provided for engaging the assembly in the event the flange-engaging lips disengage.

Abstract: A load skidding vehicle including a vehicle frame and front and rear wheels on the frame. A grapple mechanism is mounted on the frame and includes a grapple outside of the periphery of the frame for partially lifting a load to be skidded across the ground. A force applying member is carried by the frame for applying a force having a substantial downward component to a load grasped by the grapple at a point spaced from the point of engagement of the load with the grapple and remote from the frame to thereby provide a reactive force tending to equalize the weight distribution on the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a turning mechanism for article orientation, as in a compensating stacker of printed signatures, which is characterized by a three link system including a stationary mounting block having mounted therein for rotation a turnable shaft, a rotating lever arm attached to the turnable shaft, and means for selectively moving the lever arm through 180 degrees of rotation.

Abstract: A two-part closing arrangement for packing containers of plastic material comprises an internally threaded tubular body of a soft plastic secured to an inturned lip at the mouth of the container and into which is screwed a stopper-like cap also of plastic material and which is provided with a down-turned flange overhanging the mouth to be gripped by the user for applying and removing the cap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a hollow plastic article having a separate full ring-shaped member bonded to the article within the blow mold, and the article so made.

Abstract: A container of the kind having a cover, preferably an impermeable flexible cover, sealed to a base, an improved seal is provided comprising an endless slot or groove in the base into which the periphery of the cover fits adjacent a removable tube holder of resilient material carrying one or more inflatable sealing tubes, each extending around the slot or groove adjacent the cover. Each sealing tube, when inflated, protrudes out of an aperture in the holder to seal against the cover and, if the cover is flexible, to force it into sealing engagement with a wall of the slot or groove. The holder serves to locate the tubes, thereby enabling two or more tubes to be located at different depths in the slot or groove.

Abstract: A nozzle shut-off valve for injection molding machine for plastic material, especially thermoplastic material, has two pneumatic cylinder-and-plunger units. One such unit has its plunger mounted to reciprocate so as to block the passageway of the plastics through the nozzle. The first such plunger and cylinder unit is provided with a pilot passage in the valve nozzle so that the pressure of molten plastic can be used to open it. The second such unit is much smaller diameter and has its plunger mounted to block the pilot passage so that the second unit in effect becomes a pilot valve and controls the application of fluid pressure through the pilot passage to the first unit plunger or blocking plunger.

Abstract: A re-usable experimentation crucible comprises a cylindrical side wall, a base, an opening, an internal support surface located adjacent and directed towards the opening, a removable stopper supported and centered on the support surface, and an annular groove located in the side wall between said support surface and the opening. A ring of plastic material may be inserted between the side wall and the stopper and driven by extrusion in the direction of the bottom of the crucible. This causes the ring to deform and fill the annular groove and ensure sealed closure of the crucible.

Abstract: A closure for a pipe or pressure vessel comprises a door adapted to fit into an aperture in a pipe or pressure vessel and an arcuate locking member disposed around the periphery of the door for locking the door to the pipe or pressure vessel, the ends of the locking member being movable towards and away from each other to cause radial expansion and contraction of the locking member, whereby the locking member is brought into and out of locking engagement with the pipe or pressure vessel. A seal for the closure comprises a rigid, usually annular, support having first and second flanges for engaging respective opposed faces on the closure and the pipe or pressure vessel, the first flange having a greater surface area and being less flexible than the second flange, and a flexible lining carried by the support and extending beyond the terminal edges of the flanges.

Abstract: A two-piece can wherein the can body is of a drawn and wall ironed construction having an integral bottom with the bottom being in the form of a reinforced structure including alternating projecting ribs and recessed areas. The top of the can is closed by a conventional end unit. In use, the bottom becomes the top and the bottom is provided with a dispensing opening which is closed by a sealing tape. There are several embodiments of the end structure with there being different positions for the dispensing opening therein and different relationships of the sealing tape with respect to the end structure.

Abstract: A single-copy, coin operated, newspaper and periodical vending machine, specifically including a mechanism for regulating the size of the dispensing opening according to the thickness of the newspaper or periodical being dispensed, said mechanism being manually adjustable when the dispensing machine is loaded, further including a self-compensating spring-loaded mechanism for feeding a stack of newspapers or periodicals to the dispensing opening, and a display panel to permit viewing of the newspaper or periodical dispensed from the machine.