Abstract: A disposable stapler apparatus adapted to be disposed of after a set of staples contained therein have been individually dispensed. The apparatus includes a staple magazine having a set of staples predisposed therein, the magazine being adapted to be substantially closed so as to be non-refillable. The staple magazine is adapted to cooperate in a conventional manner with a base so as to perform a conventional stapling operation on sheet material placed between the base and the magazine.

Abstract: The present development is directed to a method for joining metal at relatively low temperatures by solid-state bonding. Planar surfaces of the metal workpieces are placed in a parallel abutting relationship with one another. A load is applied to at least one of the workpieces for forcing the workpieces together while one of the workpieces is relatively slowly oscillated in a rotary motion over a distance of about 1.degree.. After a preselected number of oscillations, the rotary motion is terminated and the bond between the abutting surfaces is effected. An additional load may be applied to facilitate the bond after terminating the rotary motion.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a tamper-proof tubular container, which comprises: a tubular body including a detachable or removable body wall portion contiguous with one end, a plug for the opposite end and a removable closure member mounted on the inner surface of the removable portion. Frangible means permits detachment of the removable portion. The closure member has a threaded portion in contact with the inner surface of the tubular wall, to facilitate removal and replacement of the closure member. The container of the invention is particularly advantageous in that it is lightweight, tamper-proof, secure after opening and replacement of the closure member and is easier to employ for multiple opening and reclosures. The disclosure is also of a self-threading closure member for use in association with tubular-type containers.

Abstract: A one-piece carton for receiving an insert of air freshener material or the like includes a front panel and flanking back panels having a continuous curved lower edge. The common side edges of the front panel and back panels are defined by straight fold lines which converge as they extend away from the lower edge. Each of the panels includes a top flap which is shorter than the upper edge of the panel from which it extends. The free edges of the back panels are secured in overlapping relationship by an adhesive strip on one of the panels. The top flaps are folded inwardly and secured in overlapping relationship to form a rectangular top closure. An insert of air freshener material may be loaded into the carton through the generally circular, open bottom.

Abstract: A 2:1 compensating rotor is used in a continuous-flow centrifuge system, thereby allowing the dynamic loading and unloading of biological suspensions and processing solutions in a "closed" fashion without resort to rotary seals. Improved high speed performance is obtained by utilization of an inherently symmetrical load sharing epicyclic reverted gear train. The effective lifetime of the component gears is increased due to the load sharing feature of the symmetrical epicyclic reverted gear train.

Abstract: An air-assisted electrostatic round-spray nozzle for liquids, wherein, except for the charging electrode(s), the diffuser, as also the whole of the outer part of the nozzle, is made of electrically insulating material, and whereon the said electrode(s) is/are formed by one or more points or pin-point zones located substantially in the atomizing plane, on or very near the axis of the nozzle.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine has an inlet member provided with an enlarged transverse opening which receives a tubular nozzle body having a peripheral shoulder to locate the inlet member longitudinally on the nozzle body. A shallow annular groove is formed around the periphery of the nozzle body in alignment with the fuel feed passage of the inlet member to provide a restricted annulus for delivering fuel to the interior of the nozzle body. The tubular nozzle body includes a plurality of inlet ports which communicate with the restricted annulus and are angularly spaced from the fuel feed passage so that the restricted annulus serves as a filter to remove solid particles entrained in the fuel. The inlet member is shrunk or press fit on the nozzle body without welding and a cap member provides a spring chamber to mount a spring which biases the valve against its seat and the inlet member against the shoulder.

Abstract: In an improved oscillating arm mechanism including a fluid engaging member for contact with a fluid sprinkler stream to move a distal portion of the member into and away from the fluid stream. The fluid engaging member includes at least two surfaces on its distal portion for moving the member into and away from the fluid stream. A walling surface is used to wall the member onto the stream and for driving the member further into the fluid stream. A repelling surface is used to provide a disengaging or repelling force to drive the member out of the stream and to begin another cycle of operation. Further, the fluid engaging member provides an exit channel means on the side opposite the two or more surfaces of the device to allow maximum fluid flow of the fluid stream to continue its original direction during engagement and disengagement of the member and the fluid stream.

Abstract: A multi-color paint dispensing system for one or more paint guns wherein a small, simple, color changing valve mechanism is disposed proximate the dispensing gun. The color changing valve mechanism comprises a body carrying a plurality of pressure responsive check valves which are connected to individual paint supply lines. A remote valve bank responds to selection signals to individually pressurize the paint supply lines, the line selected for pressurization being operative to unseat the check valve in the color changing valve mechanism and permit paint to flow to the dispensing gun or guns. The illustrated check valves employ annular seats having radially expansible O-rings disposed thereon, the O-rings normally closing the radial paint passage but being responsive to paint pressure to expand outwardly to permit fluid flow.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting and feeding foliage material from a stack, the apparatus comprising a wheeled vehicle, for example a wagon pulled by a tractor, capable of being displaced along the ground, a tiltable bed thereon disposed in a parallel position between ground engaging wheels and a powered conveyor so that a stack of foliage may be loaded onto the bed from a position on the ground (or unloaded from the bed back to the ground) and also may be successively advanced along the conveyor bed to provide an overhang beneath and forward of a rotating angularly disposed variable cutter which travels horizontally and then vertically downward in a zig-zag pattern to successively cut slices of foliage from the overhang of the stack.

Abstract: A device for evacuating blow-back steam in a pulp refining apparatus in which lignocellulosic pulp stock is ground in an environment of superatmospheric steam in a grinding space defined between a pair of grinding members which rotate relatively to one another in a closed housing having a feed-in opening into which the pulp stock is advanced by means of a feed screw which rotates within a feed-in passage. A jacket having a perforate wall is arranged about the feed-in passage for receiving the blow-back steam separated from the pulp stock, and which steam is evacuated therefrom through a conduit connected to the jacket. The feed screw rotates in close proximity to the perforate wall to maintain it free of pulp stock particles.

Abstract: In computerized tomographic apparatus, in which a radiation source orbits through several revolutions about a patient, handling of cables can present a problem. This invention provides an arrangement for cable handling in which two cable stores have relative rotation. The cable is transferred, during rotation, from one to the other by a transfer means which also moves around the rotation axis.

Abstract: A control device for a continuous processing line which is fed material from a coil utilizes information regarding the outside diameter of the material on a coil having a constant inside diameter as a basis for its control functions. A typical application is in the control of a strip accumulator (15) in a strip processing line wherein strip(s) on a revolvable coil is drawn from an uncoiler (10) by the revolvable pinch rolls (16) of the accumulator at which point a certain quantity of material is stored so that when the end of a coil is reached a new coil may be attached to the old coil without stopping the line. In such instances it is highly desirable that the accumulator be substantially filled so that a maximum time is available to attach the new coil. The control device includes means (31) providing a signal proportional to the revolutions of the pinch rolls and means (30) providing a signal proportional to the revolutions of the supply coil.

Abstract: A spinning reel for fishing in which a ratchet for inhibiting reverse motion of the rotor and a click gear are provided separately in a sleeve mounted with a rotor, and a holding piece designed to hold both sides of said ratchet is provided to a pawl engaged with said ratchet so that when the rotor rotation reverses, said pawl is automatically engaged with the ratchet by dint of said holding piece connected to said ratchet, and when the rotor rotates forwardly, said pawl separates from the ratchet owing to the holding connection of said holding piece to the ratchet, thus allowing engagement of the pawl and ratchet to prevent rotor reversion with no need of using any spring means therefor. Also, an elastic click pawl is provided engageably with the click gear provided separately from the ratchet, whereby it is possible to optionally select the number of teeth, material, shape, hardening treatment, etc.

Abstract: A non-rotating axially-paying-out ski-rope bobbin comprises a molded-plastic body shaped to define a vertical-axis circumferentially-open annular space for receiving a ski-rope manually wound therein. A plurality of suction cups are fixed to the under face of the body for quickly and easily detachably fastening the bobbin to the rear deck of a motor boat. A bail-shaped element is swingable from a storage position in a plane close to and parallel to the plane of the suction cups, to an upright use position in which its crest overlies the bobbin adjacent its axis. A ski-rope guide is fixed to, or formed in, the crest of the bail-shaped element to change the vertical-conical over-edge rope-paying-out to a horizontal rearward paying-out. The guide is vertically open so that the rope, whose boat end is to be tied to the boat transom, will pull free from the bobbin when fully unwound therefrom.

Abstract: Rollers are opposingly disposed at a drawing-out port for a seat belt webbing which is drawn out from a retractor. When an impact load has occurred, both the rollers are turned to tightly hold the seat webbing therebetween. Thus, a surplus length which is ascribable to the elongation and tight winding of the webbing is prevented from being drawn out.

Abstract: Apparatus for winding coils of wire on a bobbin is disclosed. The coil winding apparatus comprises a support structure, a drive shaft arranged for axial rotation carried by the support structure, a carriage carried by the support structure, the carriage being arranged for movement in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft, the carriage including a wire feed guide arranged to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft and spring means connected to the guide for regulating the pivoting of the guide. A drive wheel coupled to the carriage is in rotational tangential contact with the drive shaft, with the rotational axes of the drive wheel and drive shaft being offset in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the drive shaft and drive wheel at their point of tangency, the axes of rotation of the drive wheel and the drive shaft forming an angle, whereby the rotation of the drive wheel causes the movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A speed sensing roller is mounted in position on a digital tape cassette apparatus for frictional contact with a length of magnetic tape within a cassette housing through that one of the apertures in the cassette housing which is located closest to one of the cassette hubs operating as the takeup hub during tape travel in a forward direction. Utilizing a tape speed signal generated by a speed sensor driven by the speed sensing roller, a closed-loop servomechanism controls a pair of motors coupled directly to the respective cassette hubs to afford constant tape speed. The servomechanism is associated with a tape tension control circuit which causes controlled energization of a supply side one of the hub motors during tape travel in either direction in order to maintain proper tape tension. Various other circuit means are provided for optimum tape transportation in the digital tape cassette apparatus.

Abstract: A tape cassette having supply and take-up reels rotatably disposed in a housing and a supply of tape wound on the reels and extending between the latter is provided with a one-piece, molded-plastic braking member for each reel which is urged to an engaged position when the cassette is not in use by means of a spring of springs formed integrally with the braking member, and which is operative in such engaged position to securely hold the respective reel against rotation in the direction for unwinding the tape therefrom, while permitting substantially free rotation of the respective reel independently of the other in the direction for rewinding the tape on the reel.

Abstract: A vehicle has two pairs of transversely oriented rudders and duplex nozzles; three motors pivot the rudders and nozzles for yaw, pitch and roll steering whereby each motor drives the requisite rudder(s) and pivots one or two nozzles so that thrust vector and aerodynamic steering is provided always in unison.

Abstract: An unmanned helicopter capable of controlled free flight comprises a plurality of separable modules arranged in a substantially vertically stacked assembly symmetrical about a vertical axis. The modules include an uppermost propulsion module, a central fuel tank module and a lowermost control and payload module.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting carrying out exact hand movements, especially those performed by a surgeon during complex micro-surgical operations, comprising at least one support accommodated to the human arm or the hand. There is provided only a single upright column, one end of which is supported in a hinge joint equipped with a first brake device in order to obtain a free, braked mobility throughout a predetermined spatial region or zone with regard to the position and orientation thereof and at the other end such upright column carries the arm support. This arm support is mounted to be freely rotatable about the lengthwise axis of the upright column and is equipped with means located in the upright column for the continuous or infinite elevational adjustment of the upright column and thereby the arm support. There is also provided a second brake device for fixing the desired elevational position of the adjusted upright column and its arm support.

Abstract: The structure comprises uprights constituted by cylindrical sectional elements with grooves parallel to the axis of the sectional element and distributed regularly at the periphery. Connecting members comprise a part engageable and lockable in said grooves at the desired height and a projecting part on which the end of a cross-piece is fixed supporting various constituent modular elements for desks of various configurations. The structure is applicable to the production of conventional desks, passaged or partitioned desks.

Abstract: The invention comprises a hinged joint mainly for use on beam mounted rotatable platforms for counteraction of torsional twist in the beam so that the c. of g. of an article mounted on the platform traverses a horizontal path when the platform is rotated about its pivot point on the beam.

Abstract: A reading rable utilizes a pair of curved leg members to which is affixed a pair of upstanding posts. The posts are provided with an elongated notch having a plurality of circularly shaped openings therein. A flat sheet is utilized having a pair of outwardly extending shafts disposed residing in selected openings in the upright post. A locking nut-like apparatus is threadingly engaged with outwardly extending shafts so as to position the sheet at preferential angular locations relative to the longitudinal axis of the upstanding posts. The sheet is provided with a pair of adjustable arm mechanisms which are selectively positioned at locations along an upper marginal edge of the sheet and locked thereto by a telescopingly locking device utilizing a locking screw therefor. The adjustable arm mechanisms are provided with a pair of racks threadingly engaged with adjusting gears which dispose the racks along lines perpendicular to the plane of the sheet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the ejection of molded materials using a deflector that acts between the face of a mold and a structure being molded by applying angular thrust to the molded structure to free it completely from the mold.

Abstract: A mold for casting a resin ophthalmic lens is comprised of a glass disc defining a principal casting surface on one face thereof. The casting surface is a portion of a surface of revolution which has a first axis of symmetry and which has, at a location along such axis, an effective center of curvature. The principal casting surface has, in a selected portion thereof, a bottom surface defining in the mold a minor casting surface which is a portion of a surface of revolution having a second axis of symmetry. The first and second axes, if they intersect at all, intersect at a location on the first axis other than at substantially the center of curvature of the principal casting surface.

Abstract: Undesired images and reflections are eliminated in an in-line infinity display system by tilting the bi-refringent package of the display system at an angle with respect to a plane normal to the optical axis of the curved mirror in the display system and the observer's location so that the undesired images and reflections are directed outside the observer's field of view.

Abstract: An air control valve for a vehicle emissions control system has an inlet connected to the output of the vehicle air pump, a first outlet connected to exhaust injection passages in cylinder head, and a second outlet connected downstream into the exhaust manifold. A vacuum actuated valve element is responsive to engine manifold vacuum to divert the output of the air pump from the downstream injection point to the upstream injection point during cold engine operation. However, the air supply from the air pump is diverted from the upstream injection point to the downsteam injection point for a few seconds when a sudden increase in manifold vacuum occurs, such as during engine deceleration when the engine is cold. After the engine warms up, the air supply from the air pump is continuously communicated to the downstream injection point.

Abstract: A valve seal includes inner and outer concentric seal rings located side by side in a groove with the inner seal ring against the groove inner wall and the outer seal ring against the groove outer wall. Interfitting surfaces are provided on the seal rings to hold them together and prevent longitudinal movement between them. The groove and the seal rings cooperate to hold the seal rings in the groove. One of the seal rings is relatively soft and has good low pressure sealing characteristics while the other seal ring is relatively hard and has good high pressure sealing characteristics.

Abstract: A cattle guard having a plurality of substantially parallel, longitudinally extending rails arranged on and transversely of a plurality of substantially parallel, longitudinally extending support beams. The rails are prevented from rocking on the support beams by wedge elements disposed between the rails for stabilizing the rails on the support beams.

Abstract: Our improved nozzle mounting comprises a support member for the nozzle secured to the projecting end of the innermost or granular material carrying conduit. The nozzle is mounted on a horizontally disposed pivot, carried by said support member. Granular material is conveyed from the lower end of the granular conveying pipe to the nozzle through a flexible member and water is supplied to the mixing nozzle by means of a flexible water pipe or hose. Our improved mixing nozzle mounting is simpler in construction than the one shown in our aforesaid patent and hence is cheaper to construct and maintain inasmuch as we have eliminated various rotary seals, gears and the like.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for use in assembling a picture frame as described herein comprises an anchoring corner block and a plurality of secondary corner blocks and a flexible cable. The cable has one end secured in the anchoring corner block and extends through the secondary corner blocks so that its other end may be releasably secured to the anchoring corner block. When the corner blocks are located in a position supporting an assembled set of picture frame members arranged in the required configuration a clamping load may be applied thereto by the corner blocks by applying a tensile load to the flexible cable. The various corner blocks are adapted to support the flexible cable in one or other of several predetermined planes selected to provide support for the particular frame moulding configuration which has to be clamped.

Abstract: A method of lapping webs to provide a product suitable for zig-zag folding or rewinding wherein a web is advanced from each of a pair of parent rolls, the web transversely severed into discrete identical sheets which are then lapped no more than one-third the length of each sheet, and thereafter the lapped sheets from each parent roll are combined in staggered reverse relationship whereby all exposed edges face one direction.

Abstract: This specification discloses improvements in a separating belt disposed between an image-bearing member such as a photosensitive medium or the like and a transfer medium to which the image on the image-bearing member is to be transferred. In the device of the prior art, the separating belt has been fatigued by being subjected to localized friction with respect to the image-bearing member and/or a rotating member for effecting the separation. In the present invention, the separating belt is gradually moved in accordance with the operation of the device incorporating the separating belt therein, whereby the separating belt may be prevented from localized friction and need not be replaced by another belt for a long time.

Abstract: A pressure roll assembly for applying pressure forces to sheet material articles being driven by a conveyor. A pressure roll is mounted for rotation about a central axis. A longitudinally extending leaf spring has a first portion which supports the pressure roll for rotation about its central axis, and a longitudinally spaced second portion which is fixedly connected with a support member so that the leaf spring supports the pressure roll in a cantilevered condition. An axially extending shaft is disposed normal to the longitudinal axis of the leaf spring and is fixed to the support member. Means are provided for guiding the shaft for axial movement and for restraining movement of the shaft transverse to its axis. Means are further provided for adjusting the axial position of the shaft for adjusting the pressure in the nip between the pressure roll and the conveyor surface.

Abstract: There is provided a practice box for pole vaulters, which defines a wedge-shaped recess converging in the forward direction, open upwardly and open rearwardly. The practice box has side edges defining the convergence, which side edges are provided with means for retaining the inertial weight in such a way as to oppose a forward thrust in the practice box. In use the inertia of the practice box allows the vaulter at least to lift-off the ground, but the forward thrust exerted by the pole allows the vaulter to return to the ground without completing the jump. The purpose is to permit practice of the lift-off without requiring a full jump.

Abstract: Apparatus which indicates various stages of forehand or backhand strokes which are practiced by a tennis player with or without a ball, with or without an opponent and without supervision has a disk-shaped support which is mounted on the innermost part of the handle of a tennis racket, a circumferentially complete rail at the periphery of the support, a carriage which is freely slidable along the rail, and a set of adjustable bells mounted on the support radially inwardly of the rail to be struck by an elastic prong on the carriage in selected angular positions of the carriage, namely, in those positions which designate important parts of the stroke practiced by a tennis player. The carriage can be tied to an elastic band so that the support and its rail normally move relative to the carriage, or the carriage is free to slide along the rail by inertia and/or under the action of gravity.

Abstract: A tennis racket head is strung with string sections between frame support points formed into zig-zag segments which have multiple junction points with other string sections to hold the strings in the zig-zag pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the segments are arranged in parallel tiers, and weave over and under intermediate strings between junctions. An apparatus and method for stringing the racket is included. A simple tension adjustment can be added to the racket, which adjusts the tension over the entire playing surface.

Abstract: A golfing putter for putting in a modified croquet style includes an elongated shaft having an upper grip portion and a lower grip portion and a putter head at the lower end having a striking face. The shaft is joined to the head by means of a connecting neck portion and the primary longitudinal axis of the shaft which diverges from the vertical axis of the head is also at an angle to the striking face. Due to this arrangement and the elongated shaft, the user is able to stand in a substantially upright position with the golf ball out in front of the user's body. By holding the upper grip portion as a pivot point with one hand, the other hand draws the clubhead back in a pendulum swing type of motion. Release by this other hand allows the club to swing downward thereby striking a golf ball.

Abstract: An improved slot car game is provided having a roadway with at least one slotted track and at least one electrical contact strip positioned adjacent to said track. At least one slot car vehicle is adapted to travel about the track deriving electrical power from said at least one electrical contact strip. Means are provided to realign a misaligned vehicle, said means including a guide secured to the underside of each of the vehicles and a continuous chain positioned below each of the slotted tracks with engaging means at fixed positions thereon. The chain may be moved in a horizontal direction to permit the engaging means of the chain to engage the guide means of the vehicle and, upon further horizontal movement of the chain, to realign the vehicle relative to the track.

Abstract: A game mechanism is described in which a plurality of tracks are advanced by pawl mechanisms. Associated with each track is a program ring which modifies the rotational advancement of the track which would otherwise be obtained through advancement of the pawl.

Abstract: A projector apparatus has a lamp and magnifying lens located therein with appropriate reflective mirrors for projecting a patch of light onto a screen. Inside of the patch of light is a dark spot created by a non-translucent material on the magnifying lens. A motor with a special cam moves one of the reflective mirrors to cause the patch of light and dark spot to sweep across the screen at a constant speed. A special gun electrically connected with the projector apparatus has a gun firing power unit for creating a short duration, high intensity flash of light upon the pulling of the trigger of the gun. The flash of light is reflected through appropriate mirrors onto the screen. By adjustments in the projector apparatus, compensation can be made for lead and drop of a normal cartridge which an individual is simulating firing in the gun.

Abstract: A vibratory game apparatus for use with a plurality of game pieces movable over a playing surface in response to vibration thereof comprises an open top enclosure or arena for containing a group of said game pieces during play. The enclosure includes a floor which comprises a vibratory playing surface and an upstanding sidewall or fence formed around the outer periphery of the playing surface which is vibrated by means of one or more elongated elements having teeth along one edge adapted to be manipulated longitudinally back and forth with the teeth in engagement with an upper edge portion of the sidewall thereby imparting vibratory action to the playing surface via the vibrating sidewall structure.

Abstract: A novel card game with novel rules is disclosed as well as a utility package therefor. The package includes a bottom divided into separate compartments for a deck of cards, kitty and play money. The top of the package has indicia thereon to allow use thereof as a playing board for travel and serves also as a display sales package for the game and the game accessories.

Abstract: A board game comprising playing pieces each consisting of a body having a plurality of distinct orthogonal projection shapes and a board having sets of recesses, each set consisting of at least one recess of a shape corresponding to one of said projection shapes so that any playing piece has a like plurality of unique orientations, in each of which, it can be inserted into and retained by any recess of a particular set, and at least one die whose faces respectively display the shapes.

Abstract: A novel, fatigue resistant fitting of the joint ring type used between bolted, flanged sections of high pressure tubing is provided which safely and durably serves the dual functions of high pressure joint sealing and convenient instrumentation tap access. The fitting comprises two concentric, thick-walled cylindrical shells with the outer shell shrink-fitted onto the inner shell which is free of threaded portions or other stress concentration points except for one or two radial bores at about its midlength, and in axial alignment with each of said radial bores, a cleanly threaded aperture of substantially larger diameter through said outer shell. For maximum fatigue resistance under difficult service, the compound shell fitting is also subjected to an autofrettage treatment.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inflatable packer comprising a tubular mandrel having a port extending radially therethrough. An elastomeric valve element is resiliently urged against the exterior of the mandrel to cover the port. A generally tubular packer body surrounds the mandrel and comprises a pair of longitudinally spaced apart heads, one of which is longitudinally slidable on the mandrel, and a tubular radially expandable packer element interposed between the heads. Fluid communication is provided between the radially outer side of the said port and a fluid reception chamber. The packer body is operatively associated with the chamber and responsive to fluid pressure therein to radially extend the packer element.

Abstract: A split-ring radially expandable under centrifugal force for damping vibrations of a rotary annular bellows by pressing against the inner surfaces of at least some of the convolutions of the bellows as the speed of the bellows increases. Preferably, the split-ring is positioned in a channel for rotation with the bellows and for radial expansion as a function of the rotary movement, while restrained from axial movement with respect to the bellows.

Abstract: A shopping cart having wheels is also provided with an attachment having skis allowing the same to be pulled over snow or other soft surfaces. The attachment comprises a pair of skis movable between a sliding position and a stowed position whereby the shopping cart may travel over snow or sand.