Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering control device of the type having a housing, inner and outer rotary slide members disposed in a bore of the housing and forming a reversing switch. The housing has inlet and outlet ports and two motor ports. Four axially adjacent spaced grooves being in the interface between the bore of the housing and the outer rotary slide member with the first and fourth grooves being connected to the inlet and outlet ports and second and third grooves being connected to the two motor ports. A steering shaft is connectable to the inner rotary slide member and a measuring motor which, on actuation of the control device, is connected to the inlet port to cause the outer rotary slide member to follow the inner rotary slide member.

Abstract: A pressure compensated load responsive flow control valve for use in a system controlling a plurality of loads. The system is powered by a single, fixed displacement pump. The flow control valve is equipped with a load responsive control, which during simultaneous control of multiple loads automatically maintains the pump discharge pressure at a level higher by a constant pressure differential than the pressure required by the largest load being controlled and which while system loads are not being controlled automatically reduces the pump bypass pressure to a minimum level lower than the constant pressure differential of the load responsive control.

Abstract: The apparatus is of the type having a tensioning roller, a motor drive for rotating the roller in the direction of the band to tension the hooping band, and a locking device which may be raised or lowered by a thrust drive guided in a casing to press against the portions of the band to lock them together.The improvement comprises a control member associated with the motor drive of the tensioning roller. The position of the control member is determined on the one hand by a reaction force proportional to the tangential force exerted on the tensioning roller, and on the other hand by an opposing force acting on the control member. When the band tension exceeds a particular value, the motor drive of the roller is switched off by the control member and the thrust drive of the locking device is switched on.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for use with a container filling device, in particular jars, which includes a dispensing tube from which the liquid falls downward and outward in a paraboloid bell-shaped stream, and which has a return air pipe and a ball valve sensor to stop filling when liquid droplets coat said ball. The air pipe and sensor are both located in the space enclosed by the bell-shaped stream. A sealing device contacts the jar rim during filling.

Abstract: A potting and repotting machine forming part of an apparatus for filling pots, in particular for filling flower pots and the like with potting soil, is provided with an elongated bin which is open at the top and accommodates an endless chain conveyor fitted with carriers extending transversely to the transport direction, the potting and repotting machine being provided with at least one continuous pot guideway extending longitudinally of the bin and having variable width and depth, the carriers of the endless chain conveyor being designed as pushing members extending in the upper part of the chain above the bottom level of the guideway or guideways, so that the conveyor can be easily adapted to different pot sizes and pot configurations.

Abstract: A hot water bag made of a soft, flexible, rubber-like synthetic material and defining two side walls of a substantially rectangular shape and having a filling neck at a shorter side thereof, comprising a soft flexible coat seam-welded to at least one of said side walls. The hot water bag is manufactured by injection die molding process in assembled outer molds including a core; the bag body with embedded filling neck is first manufactured with a side slit for removing the die core then the pliant coat is seam welded to one side and finally the slit between the side walls is closed by welding.

Abstract: A handbag having two connected receptacle portions which can be folded such that their rear surfaces are adjacent to and in alignment with each other and means for detachably affixing these surfaces to each other. The handbag includes a selectively removable handle associated with a connecting piece between the two receptacles and a selectively removable carrying strap. The handbag can be used without a strap or handle, with only a strap, with only a handle, or with both a strap and handle.

Abstract: A tubeless tire and rim assembly including an annular bead lock in the form of an endless train of lock elements interconnected by flexible joints. The bead lock can have not only a fully expanded circular configuration to fit over the rim base but also a partly folded configuration to lie within the inner peripheral circle of the tire. This particularly facilitates the mounting of such bead lock while effectively preventing any improper positioning thereof. An embodiment incorporating a flat-protector together with the bead lock is also contemplated to further improve the driving safety.

Abstract: A traction device for vehicle wheels is provided comprising spaced traction plates having traction bars extending from both major surfaces thereof, the plates being interconnected by U-shaped tire side wall gripping elements, the device being expandable to span tires of different widths and including a spring biased shoe carried by the bight portion of one of the U-shaped gripping elements adapted to more tightly grip the tires as forces tending to pull the device from the tire are applied, but which shoe is easily manually released to remove the device from a tire.

Abstract: A method of casting is provided which uses boxless moulds. The method comprises the steps of stacking a plurality of boxless moulds substantially horizontally on one another in a frame to form a substantially vertical stack, pivoting the frame with the moulds therein through an angle of approximately 90.degree. so that each mould stands substantially vertically, and filling the moulds with molten metal while they are in the substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A molding machine has a molding table disposed in a lower machine section, squeeze cylinders disposed at a level above the molding table, squeeze plates movable by the squeeze cylinders in vertical direction into and out of squeezing engagement with a sand mold around a pattern on the molding table, and a rapping device disposed in an upper machine section. An open-topped hollow tubular member is operatively connected to the squeeze cylinders and disposed in telescopic relationship with the bottom of a sand-feeding chute. The squeeze plates are pivotally mounted on the tubular member and pivotally moved by a cylinder to open and close the bottom of the tubular member. The squeeze plates when in the closed position and the tubular member cooperate together to define a sand retaining space and to form a squeeze head which is operable by the squeeze cylinders.

Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus comprises a mold and a tundish connected to each other by means of a refractory conduit capable of withstanding several cycles of casting operations. Used on the continuous-casting apparatus is a dummy bar assembly whose head is bevelled on both sides thereof adjoining the mold wall. The bevelled portions of the dummy-bar head and the mold wall define a gap expanding in the direction of the withdrawal of the ingot. A sealing material, such as asbestos string, is placed in the gap and tamped therein by a special means.

Abstract: A heat exchanger fabricated from a plurality of plates arranged in spaced parallel relation with one another and assembled as a stack between pressure plates. The assembled stack of plates have top, bottom, and side cover members with one of the side covers having a liquid inlet and a vapor outlet. The liquid inlet is provided with a float control nozzle mechanism, that under certain conditions, will restrict or limit the flow of liquid to the plate members.

Abstract: A large capacity tank for the seasonal storage of hot water from electrical power-generating thermal and nuclear plants to be used seasonally to heat buildings, consisting of a large basin which comprises partitions dividing the basin into several portions communicating with each other in parallel and/or series relationship, at least one hot water supply input from said plants, leading to the distribution systems which open into one portion of the basin and at least one cold make-up and/or return water supply input for the distribution systems opening into another portion of said basin.

Abstract: A heat pipe contains a getter for gaseous impurities arranged in the vapor space and distributed between the vaporization wall and the condensation wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to assisted flow ventilation heat exchanger systems which comprise heat exchangers disposed at the bottom of a cooling tower with a fan assisted flow and wherein the exchangers are disposed in such a way that they fulfill a distributor function for the fan, i.e. they provide an angular momentum to the cooling fluid which is such as to counteract the angular momentum provided by the fan.

Abstract: A heat transfer surface for nucleate boiling of liquids is formed on the outer surface of a heat exchanger tube. Helical ridges having two fins each encase the tube. A fin at each ridge is angled toward the adjacent fin on the adjacent ridge forming a gapped cavity therebetween. The method of making the tube includes rolling alternating deep grooves and shallow grooves in the outside surface of the tube and then flaring the fins to form the gapped cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling dough in a mixer comprising a multi-section direct expansion jacket provided on the main sheet and both end walls of the mixing bowl, the jacket providing a flow path for liquid coolant progressively increasing in cross-sectional area from the inlet to the outlet, and having flow control and heat transfer maximizing means so that the velocity of coolant flow through and a minimum pressure drop across the flow path remain substantially constant and the liquid coolant is always maintained in contact with the heat transfer surfaces.

Abstract: A passage is provided in a heat exchanger water compartment to permit expansion of a tube following its introduction into the bottom of the compartment. The heat exchanger is constructed so that a parameter K.sub.1 is in the range of 1.2 to 8. This parameter is equal to the length of the surface in contact between the tube and the passage multiplied by the ratio of the thickness of the bottom to the thickness of the tube wall, and the ratio of the tensile strength of the bottom material to the tensile strength of the tube material.

Abstract: A well bore cleaning tool adapted for attachment to a casing tubing or drill pipe or the like which is to be run into a well bore for cleaning the well bore during reciprocation and/or rotation of the pipe, which includes a plurality of collars adapted to be attached in axially spaced apart fashion to the pipe and lengths of cable connected to and extending between each of the collars, wherein the cables spiral about the pipe in a helical fashion and form a plurality of outwardly bowed helical portions to contact the well bore.

Abstract: A gas generator for use in a borehole for generating steam and other hot gases for use in recovering hydrocarbons or other fluids from underground formations. The gas generator comprises a housing forming a chamber with a combustion zone at one end and a restricted outlet at the other end. A second zone is located downstream of the combustion zone and a gas and water mixing zone is located between the second zone and the restricted outlet. The generator has a cooling annulus surrounding the chamber with passages leading from the annulus to the gas and water mixing zones. Methane is burned in the combustion zone with just enough oxygen to maintain the flame temperature below the decomposition temperature of methane to convert substantially all of the carbon to carbon monoxide and to form hydrogen. In the second zone, the carbon monoxide and hydrogen are burned with an additional supply of oxygen to increase the temperature and to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishant mechanism comprising a thick-walled bottle containing pressurized fire extinguishant liquid. Liquid outflow from the bottle is through a poppet valve located at the lower end of the bottle; the valve discharges pressurized extinguishant in one or more preselected directions, depending on the location or application of the bottle system; valve actuation is by means of an explosive squib and/or explosive cartridge (as backup). The bottle is initially filled and pressurized through a multi-purpose fitting at the bottle upper end; a filler tube extends from the fitting downwardly into the bottle to introduce the pressurizing agent below the liquid extinguishant surface. The fitting is specially constructed to mount a charging valve, a pressure gage, rupture disc, and liquid deflection mechanism.

Abstract: An elongated bar soil working apparatus constructed so that a plurality of bars are supported in a parallel relationship for rotation in one or more horizontal planes and positioned closely adjacent each other whereby the corners of one bar will cooperate with the corners of an adjacent bar to effect a severing action on vines or other foliage moving therebetween whereby the bars are self-cleaning. Power drives are operatively associated with the bars for syncronous rotation of the bars whereby the corners of the bars will be simultaneously advanced through a common plane in closely positioned relationship to effect the severing action on the vines and other foliage located therebetween and prevent vine and foliage build up on the bars. The present apparatus includes a frame which will allow the apparatus to be removably supported by conventional tractor operable tool bar whereby the bars can be advanced through the soil to perform plant uprooting or other soil working operations.

Abstract: A cutting bit includes a bit tip and a shaft having a portion tapered toward the tip and having a reduced diameter between the tapered portion and the portion intended to be inserted in a holder. The bit tip has the shape of a body of revolution with convex generatrices.

Abstract: A weighing system is disclosed of the electromagnetic compensation return-to-neutral type including first and second series-connected compensation coils connected with the weighing pan support, a supply of compensating current connected with the compensation coils, a periodically operable position-responsive switch connected in parallel across the first compensation coil for dividing the compensating current into a continuous first current portion which generally corresponds with the preloading effect of the load support, and a second portion that is periodically supplied to the first coil for periods of time that are a function of the magnitude of the load applied to the load support, and an indicating device responsive only to the second compensating current portion for indicating the magnitude of the load as a function of the compensating current required to return the load support to its neutral position, characterized by the provision of an impedance component electrically connected in parallel with, and

Abstract: An improved weighing scale has spring hangers comprising flexure pivots. When the load to be weighed is applied to the coil spring of the scale, the spring tends to uncoil. The flexure pivot spring hangers allow the coil spring to unwind, thus providing the load support to obtain a linear deflection characteristic throughout the weighing range. The flexure pivot spring hangers can comprise either a flexible thin strip member or a flexible wire. The thin strip may be necked about its mid-portion to provide additional flexibility.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrower has a traction unit that includes a generally horizontal subframe in the form of a regular trapezoid, the subframe including transverse front and rear beams and a pair of rearwardly converging side beams connecting the opposite ends of the front and rear beams. The rear beam has a central fore and aft pivot, which carries an oscillating rear axle structure that includes a pair of caster wheels at opposite ends of the axle structure. A pair of drive wheel support housings extend downwardly and forwardly from the opposite ends of the front beam, each housing including a vertical plate that forms the outer housing side wall, the upper end of the plate abutting and being welded to the end of the front beam and also overlapping and being welded to the outer side of the forward end of the side beam. The inner vertical wall of the housing is welded to the under side of the beam a short distance from the end of the beam.

Abstract: An adapter particularly suited for use in preloading bearings in the final drive of a crawler-type vehicle, including a plate adapted to be mounted concentrically with the sprocket shaft of a final drive, securing devices associated with the plate for securing the plate in concentric relation to the sprocket shaft, a stub shaft extending from one side of the plate, an arm rotatably mounted on the stub shaft and having a radial part extending beyond the periphery of the plate and an axial part terminating in an end on the side of the plate opposite of the stub shaft, a jaw mounted on the end of the arm and adapted to engage a bearing adjusting nut on the final drive, and a torque receiving formation on the arm for receiving a rotative force from a torque wrench or the like and being generally concentrically located with respect to the stub shaft.

Abstract: A suspension system for tandem axle vehicles includes resilient suspension members connected between torque arm members and suspension arm members. The torque arm members are interconnected by a torsion equalizer member.

Abstract: A tricycle including a front frame, front wheel provided on the front frame, a rear frame provided with two adjacent and parallel wheels coupled to the front frame such that the center of the front frame is offset to one side of the tricycle relative to the center of the rear frame. Furthermore, if the tricycle is motorized, the motor is coupled to the rear frame such that the center of gravity of the motor is offset to another side of the tricycle relative to the center of the rear frame.

Abstract: A speed control device for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine comprises a longitudinally movable actuator member connected to the accelerator control linkage of the engine, a longitudinally movable abutment member, a device for optionally locking the abutment member against longitudinal movement, a spring and a flexible diaphragm connecting the actuator and abutment members, and means for applying manifold vacuum from the internal combustion engine to the diaphragm whereby to vary the relative positions of the actuator and abutment members. Preferably the device locking the abutment member is controlled by an acceleration responsive device so as to unlock the abutment whenever the vehicle is subjected to more than a predetermined degree of deceleration.

Abstract: A braking assembly includes a carrier for a hydraulically actuated braking piston; a shaft movable axially to also displace the piston, a rotary actuator member, and a coupling responsive to rotation of the rotary member to effect advancement of the shaft toward the piston, accompanied by gripping of the shaft.

Abstract: A safety hydraulic brake system for automotive vehicles which includes a control cylinder having an inlet connected to a hydraulic pressure source, and first and second outlets connected to brake cylinders at front and rear wheels, respectively. A valve is located at each outlet and normally allows pressurization of the front and rear wheel cylinders upon actuation of the hydraulic pressure source. First and second pistons, each having a by-pass valve, are slidable in the control cylinder. The pistons and by-pass valves are operable, when there is a loss of brake pressure in the lines to one set of brake cylinders, to effect closing of the control cylinder valve to that brake cylinder set. This allows brake pressure to be maintained at the other set of wheel cylinders and the vehicle to be safely braked.

Abstract: The rear shock-absorber unit which suspends the rear wheel of motorcycles is provided with a device for adjusting the damping force produced by the hydraulic damper. The said adjusting device incorporates a passage which is provided in the piston rod so as to permit the fluid to flow throughout the upper and lower working chambers of the damper cylinder which are separated by the piston, and an adjusting member which is engaged, rotating freely, with the piston rod and covers one of the ports of the passage. The said adjusting member has a group of orifices, different in diameter, which connect successively to the said passage in the piston rod, and click stops which, at their respective positions, constrain the relative rotary motion between the adjusting member and piston rod. When the hydraulic damper reaches the extreme of expansion, it is pressed against a seal holder or stop rubber attached to the upper end of the damper cylinder to prevent the rotary motion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a bulk material handling system particularly adapted for underground mining and includes a monorail supported overhead and carrying a plurality of conveyors each having input and output end portions with the output end portion of a first of the conveyors positioned above an input end portion of a second of the conveyors, a device for imparting motion to the conveyors to move the material from the input end portions toward the output end portions thereof, a device for supporting at least one of the input and output end portions of the first and second conveyors from the monorail, and the supporting device including a plurality of trolleys rollingly supported by the monorail whereby the conveyors can be readily moved therealong.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus for transporting persons between spaced landings, including a conveyor mounted on a supporting structure, and first and second spaced skirts disposed on opposite sides of the conveyor which are formed of aligned skirt sections. The skirt sections of each skirt are interconnected via expandable splice assemblies which align the interconnected skirt sections, both laterally and vertically, and also lock them in end-to-end relation.

Abstract: In a device for toppling articles of at least approximately rectangular outline while conveying such articles, which device includes a discharge path provided with carrier elements for moving the articles after toppling in a discharge direction lying in the plane of their outlines, at least two input paths are provided above the discharge path for conveying such articles in an input direction transverse to the discharge direction, with the plane of the outline of each article perpendicular to the input direction and the larger outline dimension of each article vertical, and a plurality of lowering and toppling mechanisms are provided, each mechanism being associated with a respective input path and disposed for transferring articles from its associated input path to the discharge path while lowering and toppling the articles, each mechanism including a supporting element movable between a position for supporting articles received from the associated input path and a release position for permitting such articl

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for feeding items (or groupings of items) one after the other to apparatus, such as a flight conveyor, which cycles continuously at a steady cycling rate are disclosed with an item being fed to the apparatus during a portion of each cycle thereof and with the items being randomly delivered to the means feeding the items at an average rate. The method and apparatus of this invention involve feeding a selected number of items one at a time from each of the backlogs of accumulated items and conveying them forward for placement on the apparatus in timed relation to the cycling rate of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically dispensing stacks of cookies into the pockets of cookie packaging trays.The cookies are stacked edgewise on a delivery line which includes a cookie shingler and a cookie separator feeding the cookies one by one onto an accelerating conveyor, in a horizontal spaced-apart disposition. The dispenser assembly includes a stacking chamber into which the cookies are fed by the accelerating conveyor. The bottom of the stacking chamber is normally closed by a rotatable gate controlld by a gate actuating means which on receipt of an appropriate signal rotates the gate to drop the accumulated stack of cookies in the stacking chamber into the cookie tray pocket located therebelow. Cookie detector and counter means prevent actuation of the dispenser gate until a predetermined number of cookies have been deposited in the stacking chamber and then only when the tray conveyor has stopped to locate a tray pocket therebeneath.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring containers of different dimensions along a predetermined path defined by a conveying mechanism provided with camming members at selected points along the path comprising housing means being transportable along the predetermined path, gripping means including at least one pair of first and second gripping elements connected to said housing and being movable between a gripping position whereat a container is firmly and positively gripped, and a non-gripping position whereat the container can be freely moved from between said elements; and actuating means including separate actuating members, each connected to corresponding ones of said gripping elements and being independently and continuously engageable with the camming members for enabling independent and/or simultaneous movement of the gripping members between the gripping and non-gripping positions.

Abstract: A conveyor belt comprising a plurality of like modules on each end of which are an array of link ends. The link ends are of a width substantially less than the spacing between confronting link ends along their pivotal axis. The link ends of each module are pivotally connected to the link ends of adjacent modules by a pivot pin. The pivotally connected modules can be laterally flexed or movable along the pivot axis for exposure to visual inspection of the normally concealed portions of the pivot pins.

Abstract: A plastic packing container for the single packing of goods susceptible to shock, in particular ammunition, wherein the packing container consists of an inner container and an outer container adapted to be closed by a lid, and wherein said outer container is in contact with the inner container in limited areas only so that cavities are formed between the outer container and the inner container, whereby the forces generated upon impact or fall of the loaded plastics packing container, are absorbed by an elastic deformation of the wall portions of the outer container and the inner container which wall portions define the cavities.

Abstract: A shadow display carton and blank for making same with top and bottom portions of a front panel in position to frame the article to be displayed, and die cut folded sections at the top and bottom of the carton to support and restrain the article away from the end panels of the carton. The die cut section of the bottom of the carton is reinforced by a foldable reinforcement panel cut from the section to prevent collapse of the bottom support under the weight of the article.

Abstract: An elongated temperature sensing probe of an electronic thermometer having a movable collar and an elongated probe terminating with a probe tip including a heat sensing element. A disposable cover having an elastic cylindrical side wall mounted on a closed end member is latched to the probe to enclose the tip and surround an elongated portion of the probe. The thin thermal window merges into a closed blunt end having a thickness greater than the window. The closed end member has a thin cone-shaped thermal window which is deformed into surface engagement with the probe tip when the cover is mounted on the probe. The probe collar and open end section of the cover have coacting releasable latch structure holding the cover in assembled relation with the probe.

Abstract: For use in combination with a machine that has an endless conveyor for conveying a file folder to a tang assembly station and thence away therefrom, folder tang assembly apparatus that includes a frame, a feed assembly for indexingly feeding a plurality of webs having folded tangs nearly punched thereoutof, a stationary die plate, a stripper bar above the die plate, a pressure pad for each web reciprocally mounted in a die plate aperture to press the web against the stripper bar, tang punches reciprocally extended in the pressure pad for punching a tang out of a web, through a stripper bar aperture, and against a folder, a cinching device for each web to cinch the tang to the folder when the punches move the tang against the folder, a tang location quill carried by one of the tang punches for each web to properly locate the tang to be punched out of the web, a power operated lower die shoe for reciprocating the punches, and piston cylinders for moving the pressure pads to press the webs against the stripper p

Abstract: A foldable device formed from a blank of sheet material is provided for supporting a reel having a hub opening. The device includes a pair of foldably connected panels between which the reel is sandwiched. The first panel is provided with struck-out elements which are folded into overlapping relation to form a protuberance. The protuberance is adapted to snugly fit within the hub opening of the reel when the latter is sandwiched between the panels.

Abstract: A vending machine adapter to allow items not normally suited to being vended through a particular vending machine to be vended. The vending machine adapter includes a container of substantially the same size and shape as the item normally vended by the particular vending machine and at least one recess provided in the container for holding the item or items normally not vended.

Abstract: A kit for building a retaining device with guide rails for the support of a contact carrier, engageable by a coacting plug-in unit, includes a pair of corner connectors molded integrally with the guide rails as part of an assembly whose elements are initially interconnected by a runner structure. The connectors, designed to engage the plug-in unit, are joined to the extremities of the associated guide rails by rupturable links facilitating their detachment. One connector is divided into a male and female part which are interconnected by a flexible link adapted to be looped about a handle of wire leads, emanating from the plug-in unit, when these two parts are snap-fitted together to engage that unit. Coupling formations on the runner structure enable the attachment of several identical assemblies to one another.

Abstract: A container comprises a plurality of interconnected compartments having rim flanges therearound and being individually sealed by a lid sheet attached to the rim flanges after portions of a product have been placed in respective compartments, the lid sheet being provided with edge slits and the rim flanges being provided with cutout notches which facilitate the prying and lifting of a corner portion of lid sheet and tearing off of a part thereof to unseal and open only a selected one of the compartments without disturbing the other compartments. This container in a preferred embodiment of the invention is housed in an outer box which can be easily opened to expose only parts of the container for selective unsealing of the compartments as stated above, and which can be easily reclosed for further storing of any remaining portions of the product.

Abstract: A pad dispensing device includes a receptacle having a dispensing slot in its top wall and a stack of pads contained in the receptacle, the pads being interconnected by elongated pull tabs having transverse lines of weakness at their junctions with the leading pads. The stack of pads is formed of a continuous web including longitudinally spaced pads which may be circular or other shapes, successive pads being connected by intervening elongated tabs, and the web being accordian folded to superimpose the pads. The pads are impregnated with an active ingredient. The leading tab projects through the dispensing slot and as a pad is withdrawn the next pull tab is exposed.