Abstract: An apparatus has means for containing a level of flowable hardenable material therein, and means is selectively operable for carrying a predetermined amount of the hardenable material from the level thereof in the containing means to a preselected position beyond the level of the remaining hardenable material in the containing means. Means is associated with the carrying means in its preselected position for extracting therefrom another amount of the hardenable material predeterminately less than the predetermined amount.A method of operating the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for controlling the flow of a liquid from a container into a receptacle is described. Such valve is designed to terminate liquid flow automatically when the liquid level within the receptacle reaches a predetermined height. It includes a cap to be secured hermetically on the mouth of a liquid container and a stud to project axially from the cap into the interior of such container. At least two passages extend through the stud, one of such passages being a liquid passage for the flow of liquid from the container and the other being an air passage for the flow of air in the container to replace the liquid. A conduit projects outwardly from the cap to have its free end immersed by liquid within the receptacle being filled when the liquid therein reaches the desired height. Such conduit has an air inlet in its free end which communicates with the air passage extending through the stud.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for holding the lever of a nozzle assembly in a position to open a valve controlling the flow of fuel through a passageway in the handle of the assembly.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention an elongated support frame is provided including inlet and outlet ends. The inlet end includes an inclined loading conveyor and a winch is supported by an upper point of the frame and has a drag cable connected thereto for lengthwise winching logs toward the loading conveyor. Shear structure is supported from the frame adjacent the upper end of the loading conveyor whereby end portions of logs being advanced along the conveyor may be cut therefrom and an elongated trough is provided for receiving cut log end portions. One end of the trough includes stationary wedge structure and a power ram is provided for forcing cut log portions along the trough into engagement with the wedge structure, whereby the cut log portions may be split into multiple log sections.

Abstract: An automatic machine for forming bee box components from wooden stock members by grouping the members in a single row and indexing them past several work stations at which the members are formed into the box components. The row of engaged members pass by the first cutting station where end grooves are cut in opposite ends of the individual members as they pass by. Guide bars then are received within the grooves and support the members as they are moved along to a second cutting station. At this station, angularly oriented milling heads form grooves along the longitudinal side edges of the stock members. The row is moved along in increments by an indexing mechanism that receives successive individual stock members from a feed mechanism. The indexing mechanism also includes a drilling assembly that functions to form longitudinally spaced holes through the members as they are received and indexed forwardly.

Abstract: A firewood splitting device comprising a holder for the log and a ram having a wedge-shaped end. The ram is mechanically driven by a small power unit turning a large flywheel and using the inertia of the flywheel to power the wedge. The device also uses a sliding plate on which the ram is mounted to form a shear with a wall of the device for shearing small branches.

Abstract: A chuck for a hand or automatic tool has a shank adapted for torque-transmitting engagement with the head of a screw or like component which is to be inserted in a workpiece and a plurality of locking elements, such as balls, radially displaceable from an inoperative position to prevent inadvertent release of the component from the chuck.

Abstract: A flexible tubular casing article having an end closure comprising a base portion and a series of triangular flaps extending from said base portion, each of said triangle flaps having a common vertex and being folded, preferably in a common direction, over a portion of an adjacent flap, and anchor means for anchoring said flaps against at least a part of said base portion.A method of forming the end closure is also included.

Abstract: A shield with a body of optically clear flexible material in the basic shape of a rectangle slightly larger than a camera. The body has an elongated side with an elastic enclosure surrounding a round opening through which one's hand may be inserted to manipulate a camera. The front contains a round opening with an attached extension containing a peripherial elastic enclosure that surrounds the lens of the camera making the interface essentially water tight. Openings in the top of the invention provides penetrations through which carrying straps may be contained and the bottom and remaining side are provided with an opening through which a camera may be installed.

Abstract: Tread stock is partially cured by irradiation before assembly in the tire, so as to shorten the curing time of the tire in the mold and thereby create substantial savings.Tires are retreaded by applying ribbons of tread stock over the carcass prepared in any conventional manner, and then completing the cure without the use of a mold.Curing or partial curing may be effected by electron irradiation or other irradiation which changes the molecular structure of the rubber. Progressive irradiation is disclosed by which an object is repeatedly irradiated to attain a desired cure. Shielding of one or more portions of a green tire or tire element is disclosed to prevent the irradiation from curing the shielded rubber. Other methods of curing may be preferable in some operations.Curing (1) a portion of the area of tread stock and (2) curing a portion of the thickness of tread stock are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a lug pattern is disclosed. The tire comprises a breaker composed of a plurality of plies superimposed one upon the other and each having an offset projected from the equatorial plane of the tire and a textile cord cover layer superimposed about the breaker and extending across two sidewalls. The cords of the breaker plies are disposed along two directions crossed through the textile cord cover layer at an angle of a range between 50.degree. and 130.degree. with respect to the axial direction of the lug.

Abstract: Provided is a novel emergency traction device adapted for use on all vehicles which use circular rubber tires or the like for movement. The traction device disclosed, by virtue of its design, takes advantage of inherent physical forces to maintain the device on the tire during forward motion and rotation of the tire, rather than depending on conventional securing devices. By doing so, the present device can be mounted entirely from one side of the tire in a snap-on motion without having to remove the tire from the vehicle, or elevating the vehicle, as was required by past traction devices.

Abstract: A composite cord used in the reinforcement of pneumatic tires is composed of a plurality of twisted steel strands cabled around a multifilament core.

Abstract: The specification discloses a tooth-shaped member including a central insert which is removable from a facing in order to make the supporting framework for a dental bridge. An appropriate size and shape of a tooth-shaped member is selected and aligned in a gap between built up wax crowns of abutment teeth. The insert extends across the facing and is adhesively bonded at the ends thereof to the adjacent wax crowns. The facing is then removed from the insert. The wax crowns are cut down to the desired shape and the insert and crowns are removed as a single unit. The unit is then cast to form a bridge framework which is coated with porcelain to form artificial teeth.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for continuously casting a steel strand with a mould having a closed bottom molten steel is cast from a casting container into the mould, and the mould is moved away in a substantially horizontal direction to form a strand with a solidified skin and a liquid core, which strand is longer than the mould. Then the strand outside the mould is supplied with heat to maintain a uniform temperature of the liquid core, which temperature is higher than the liquidus temperature of the steel over most of the longitudinal extension of the strand.

Abstract: The invention comprises apparatus for flushing debris from a liquid circulation system such as the cooling system of a water-cooled vehicle. The apparatus includes an inlet conduit for flushing liquid, a series of branch conduits connected to points on the circulation system, a drainage conduit for used water, and a valve or series of valves settable between various positions dictating different flow paths for the flushing liquid through the conduits and the circulation system.

Abstract: A stack-type heat exchanger having a complementary fan section in attached communication with a heat exchanger tube section, the fan section forcing incoming air through heat exchanger tubes having a damper plate at or adjacent their output ends to generate a positive air pressure in the tubes at a value above and in excess of the pressure of vented stack gases passing through the heat exchanger tube section chamber from and to lower and upper portions of said stack.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor containing a heat exchange apparatus for conveying a heat transfer medium comprising at least one pipe which extends in a vertical direction from the top of the reaction chamber into the fluidized bed with one end of the vertical pipe which points in the direction of the gas flow having a conical tapered end and/or a jacket on the outside of the reactor wall in the form of a serpentine conduit having a rectangular cross section and a domed cover.

Abstract: There is provided an improved heating apparatus of the multiple condensing-vapor substantially air-free type used for uniformly heating moving threadlines of yarn up to 350.degree. C. and which includes a pressurized boiler containing a vaporizable liquid, means for heating the liquid in the boiler to generate hot vapor, means for distributing the hot vapor to the inside of multiple plates where the vapor condenses and thereby heats threadlines of yarn separately moved in frictional contact with an outer yarn-contacting surface of each hot plate, and possibly means for returning the condensate to the boiler, wherein the improvement comprises having a coating on the inside surface of each said hot plate, said coating having a contact angle with said vaporizable liquid of at least 90.degree..

Abstract: There is provided an improved heating apparatus of the multiple condensing-vapor substantially air-free type used for uniformly heating moving threadlines of yarn up to 350.degree. C. and which includes a pressurized boiler containing a vaporizable liquid, means for heating the liquid in the boiler to generate hot vapor, means for distributing the hot vapor to the inside of multiple plates where the vapor condenses and thereby heats threadlines of yarn separately moved in frictional contact witn an outer yarn-contacting surface of each hot plate, and possibly means for returning the condensate to the boiler, wherein the improvement comprises having a coating on the inside surface of each said hot plate, said coating having a contact angle with said vaporizable liquid of at least 90.degree..

Abstract: At least three heat exchange plates which are press-formed from sheet metal are arranged in a row and have a fluid-guiding body each, which is formed with a plurality of corrugations which have ridges that define two parallel ridge planes on opposite sides of said plate. Spacing means which are rigid with each of said plates and flush with one of said ridge planes thereof extend between said ridges only in part of the length of said corrugations of said plate and contact the ridges of an adjacent plate. Said plates comprising first and second types of plates. Said corrugations of said plates of said first and second types, respectively, extend at equal and opposite, oblique angles to a center plane of said body which is normal to said ridge planes and have the same cross-section so that the center spacing of said plates equals the height of said corrugations. At least two adjacent ones of said plates have adjacent corrugations which are parallel to each other.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use to interconnect the polish rod of an oil well with the pumping unit in which the pumping unit includes a hanger bar having an opening therein receiving the polish rod, the shock absorber employing a tubular body axially receiving the polish rod, the body being supported on the hanger bar, and the body including a plurality of discs of elastomeric material, each having openings therein, and including a top plate secured to the polish rod with a polish rod clamp so that on up stroke of the pumping unit the elastomeric members are pressed and the openings therein form an air cushion to assist in alleviating shock transition from the polish rod to the pumping unit.

Abstract: A well packer has a casing engaging slip mechanism and a packing element carried on a tubular body which is released from the slip assembly enabling setting of the slips and packing by an upward pull on a running in string of pipe. The body and the expander for the slips are locked to hold the packer set. A length of tubing extends through a seal in the body and is released to be slideable in the body enabling temperatue change responsive elongation and contraction of the running pipe, without affecting the packer. A shearable release enables retrieval of the packer assembly by pulling on the running pipe. An emergency release of the running pipe is accomplished by releasing a guide on the end of the slideable tubing.Well bore packers are frequently used in well casings, with a tubular string of running and retrieving pipe or tubing associated with the packer and held in tension. In the presence of high temperatures, the resultant expansion of the tubing tends to relieve the tubing tension.

Abstract: A method of tapping groundwater and an apparatus therefor are disclosed. A probe is driven to a water bearing stratum to determine the depth thereof. Then a riser tube is driven to the thus determined depth and a riser conduit with a foot valve is lowered into the riser tube, whereupon a suction-producing device, (e.g. pump) is connected to the upper end of the conduit.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for cementing the bore hole of oil and gas wells and the like is provided. The apparatus provides a cementing collar threadedly attachable at each end to a well liner and having an inner sleeve slidably positionable within an outer sleeve. The two sleeves are each provided with openings and ports, respectively, which when radially aligned in register permit fluid to flow from the interior of the inner sleeve to the exterior of the outer sleeve. Radial alignment is effected by means of a series of fingers disposed circumferentially at each end on the inner sleeve and receivable at predetermined locations on the interior surface of the outer sleeve. Means are provided for axially moving the inner sleeve to align the openings with the ports and for thereafter disaligning the same.A method of utilizing the cementing collar apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An anti-lodgement bail or guard is positioned on the strut of a sprinkler used in a fire extinguishing system to prevent the strut and lever from undesired lodgement against the deflector of the sprinkler as may otherwise occur when the sprinkler fuses.

Abstract: A heat sensitive release device, for example a sprinkler, comprises two relatively movable components, for example a yoke and valve member. A collapsible strut system is located between the relatively movable components. The collapsible strut system includes a catch element having opposed wings between which is held a heat sensitive element, for example a double ended heat sensitive cartridge. The collapsible strut system also includes a lever fulcrummed on one of the components and a strut engaged between the other component and the lever adjacent the fulcrum. The strut or the lever bears against the heat sensitive element while the lever or strut is connected to or integral with the catch element.

Abstract: A process for cementing a string of pipe in the permafrost region of a borehole of a well wherein aqueous drilling fluid actually used in drilling the wellbore in the permafrost region of a wellbore is employed. The drilling fluid contains or is adjusted to contain from about 2 to about 16 volume percent solids. Mixing with the drilling fluid (1) an additive selected from the group consisting of lignosulfonate, lignite, tannin, and mixtures thereof, (2) sufficient base to raise the pH of the drilling fluid into the range of from about 9 to about 12, and (3) cementitious material which will harden in from about 30 to about 40 hours at 40.degree. F. The resulting mixture is pumped into the permafrost region of a wellbore to be cemented and allowed to harden in the wellbore. There is also provided a process for treating an aqueous drilling fluid after it has been used in drilling the wellbore in permafrost, and a cementitious composition for cementing in a permafrost region of a wellbore.

Abstract: A depth control device is attached to agricultural implements such as cultivators, seed drills, discers and the like, in order to control, within pre-determined limits, the depth of penetration of the earth working components. It comprises firstly a ground or surface engaging sensing member extending forwardly of the framework and secondly, a sensor that is connected to the earth working components. Both of these sensors are connected to mechanism to raise and lower the earth working components which controls the depth of penetration thereof so that, for example, if uneven ground is encountered, the depth penetration is corrected and if the density changes of the ground being worked, thus affecting the suction, then once again depth penetration is corrected. Structure is provided to average out the effect of conditions changing the depth of penetration so that the desired average depth of penetration is maintained particularly in relatively wide machines.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling a well at a location submerged below a body of water includes a buoyant foundation structure. The foundation structure is floatable on the surface of the body of water and is subject to vertical motion in response to waves and the like. A riser handling and tensioning mechanism is mounted to the foundation structure and is operable for moving a riser pipe along a substantially vertical line from and to the foundation into and out of connection with the submerged location. The riser handling and tensioning mechanism is also operable for applying tension to a riser pipe connected to the submerged location. The handling and tensioning mechanism includes vertically disposed hydraulic rams mounted to the foundation structure. Holding means are releasably engageable with a riser pipe adjacent its upper end and are connected to the rams for movement along the riser line by the rams.

Abstract: A diamond drill bit construction for drilling bores in earth formations and the like, according to the present invention, comprises a drill body that is adapted for connection thereof with a drill stem and defines internal fluid passage means through which drilling fluid flows during drilling operations. A plurality of spaced stabilizer pads are formed on the drill body defining a portion of the external surface area thereof and defining a plurality of fluid courses between adjacent stabilizer pads with the fluid courses being in communication with the fluid passage means of the drill body. A plurality of diamonds are supported by the drill body and are arranged on each of the bearing pads such that a portion of each of the diamonds is positioned at the trailing edge of a respective one of the fluid courses and such that the cutting depth of each of the diamonds is controlled by the bearing pads.

Abstract: A rotary rock bit is described having a plurality of legs extending downwardly from the main bit body. Each leg further includes an inwardly extending journal pin for rotatively supporting a cone-type cutter. An annular thrust member is provided for axially retaining the cutter onto the journal pin. In one embodiment the thrust member is adapted to extend into an annular groove formed in the journal pin with the other radial surface thereof engaging an inner annular surface of the cutter. The radial surface of the thrust member is then welded to cutter by an electron beam process. An access aperture is provided in the journal pin and leg to enable the electron beam to pass therethrough and strike the thrust member and cutter. During this operation, the cutter is rotated along with the thrust member across the access aperture to create a 360.degree. weld therebetween. In another embodiment, an annular groove is formed in the cutter cavity for receiving the thrust member.

Abstract: An earth boring apparatus includes individual cutting elements positioned within corresponding individual sockets in the cutter member body of the earth boring apparatus. Each socket has a socket wall and bottom. Each cutting element has a lower body portion positioned in the socket with a surface that contacts the socket wall and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a conical taper. This causes compressive loads to press the lower body portion against the socket wall enhancing retention and reducing cutting element loss.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle including an undercarriage having pairs of front and rear primary wheels, a vehicle body mounted on the undercarriage, a propulsion device operable while the vehicle is afloat and including drive wheel means mounted on arms pivotally secured to the rear of the vehicle so that the height of the drive wheel means may be adjusted by pivoting the arms about a horizontal axis, the drive wheel means having a ribbed pattern thereon.

Abstract: A device for automatically coupling an implement to a vehicle comprises a rigid frame pivotally mounted on the chassis of the vehicle and extending generally horizontally therefrom. A hitching frame is pivotally mounted on the horizontal frame and carries upper and lower pairs of hitching jaws engageable with horizontal support bars of the implement. A double-acting ram is operatively connected to the hitching frame to pivot the hitching frame relative to the rigid frame during coupling and uncoupling operations.

Abstract: A system for combined automatic and manual control of the motion of a vehicle comprises at least one manual control device and automatic equipment with at least one executing device. The executing device is coupled to the manual control device in such a way that a counterforce is generated in the manual control device to the force supplied by the driver. This counterforce is a function of the deviation, produced by the driver, from the intention of the automatic equipment. The automatic equipment is such that, over the whole control range, this counterforce is less than the force that the driver is able to apply on the manual control.

Abstract: A connecting element for attaching fingers of a hovercraft skirt to its loop is formed from two identical pieces of elastomer-coated fabric which are bonded together over part of their faces to form a portion to which adjacent side faces of adjacent fingers are secured and which are left unbonded over part of their faces to provide a pair of flaps which are out-turned in mutually opposite directions at right angles to the bonded portion to be secured to the material of the loop.

Abstract: A speaker cabinet comprises an enclosure having a top, bottom, front, back and two side panels, each panel being contiguous with an adjacent panel along its four edges, and the front panel having a sound port and interiorally of which is mounted a speaker, an improvement comprising a sound post extending and wedged between the front and back panels, an elongated bass bar secured along its length to the front panel, a pair of elongated blocks, each extending between and contacting the front and back panels, one of the blocks being secured to the top panel along its length and the other block secured to the bottom panel along its length, and a support plate secured along the back panel and extending between the side panels.

Abstract: An acoustical horn suitable for use in conjunction with an acoustical driver to form a loudspeaker has a first section between its throat and a predetermined point therealong which has a first exponential flare rate, and a second section between the predetermined point and the mouth which has a second flare rate. The flare rates are chosen to afford improved frequency response over a single section exponential horn with the same length, mouth area and throat area.

Abstract: An elevator comprising a self-propelled truck and a cab secured thereto and for use especially for transporting invalids and convalescents, the cab being adapted to be selectively lowered or raised relative to ground level by means of a vertical two-stage mast assembly. Electric motors within the truck hydraulically power the mast assembly, front wheels and the steering mechanism of the single rear wheel. Further electrically operated are interior lights, a courtesy light, windshield wiper and defroster fan and a bell effective to provide a warning when the cab is lowered or when the truck is moved in reverse. The square-shaped cab is further provided with all-around tiltable windows, a vent in the cab ceiling, wide sliding doors to facilitate easy access and exit, and bumpers in the cab lower contact areas. A manually positionable ramp aids a wheelchair passenger while boarding or leaving the cab, and an inner foldable safety railing further affords additional safety and support for such passengers.

Abstract: A combination no-back brake and torque limiter assembly including an input shaft and an output shaft and with a brake including interleaved brake plates associated with the output shaft and with the brake plates normally spring-urged into pressure engagement, when there is no drive of the input shaft, to prevent rotation of the output shaft to provide the no-back brake operation. Torque-responsive structure connected between the input and output shafts senses input shaft torque to initially cause release of the pressure engagement of the brake to permit rotation of the output shaft and also senses a maximum torque condition to re-engage the brake for torque limiting operation.

Abstract: A frame structure for soft-shelled luggage has at least two steel wires maintained at a parallel spacing. Spacing members keep the steel wires in the parallel spaced relation. Fasteners secure the parallel spaced wire structure inside the luggage shell. The steel wires are inserted or premoulded in the passage of the spacing member in at least part of the full length of the structure. The wires extend continuously along the inner top wall surface, both end walls and for a distance inwardly of the end walls onto the bottom wall and are riveted to the wall through the fastening members having wire retaining grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus for off-winding thread which comprises a driving shaft, a drive means for rotating the driving shaft, a driven shaft, an electrically operated clutch interconnecting said driven and driving shaft, an electrically operated brake connected to said driven shaft, and an electronic control circuit. The control circuit comprises three parts connected to the said clutch and brake. The first part of the control circuit is connected to the said clutch and incorporates an integrating circuit for producing gradual engagement of the clutch. The second part of the control circuit is connected to the said brake and incorporates a pulse generating circuit for producing a large temporary braking force. The third part of the control circuit is also connected to the said brake and incorporates a constant signal generator for producing a small constant braking force.

Abstract: An improved, blocked, change gear transmission having an input shaft normally driven by a one-way prime mover and an output shaft normally connected to a driven device is provided. The transmission utilizes at least one improved blocker and jaw clutch assembly which allows engagement of a selected ratio gear under static conditions, i.e., when the driven device is at rest and the blocked transmission is in neutral.

Abstract: A thermally responsive clutch for connecting a driving shaft to a driven pulley including cylindrical clutch surfaces on the shaft and the pulley with a wrapping coil spring in engagement with both surfaces. An engaging pawl is mounted adjacent said spring clutch element and a pair of thermally responsive bimetallic washers in contact with said pawl act to cause said pawl to cause said spring to connect said shaft and pulley only within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A piston stroke adjusting arrangement disc-type friction clutches or brakes used most advantageously in forging machines and presses where rapid engagement and disengagement of clutches and brakes is essential. The arrangement includes a housing and a cylinder flange, fast with each other, the cylinder receiving the piston reciprocating therein. Axial displacement of the piston is limited by a washer arrangement in a groove made in the housing and having radially running recesses of different depths. The flange of the cylinder carries an abutment engageable in one of the radial recesses of the washer. The disclosed construction simplifies the structure of the arrangement, as a whole, and provides for both rapid and reliable adjustment of the piston stroke value.

Abstract: Electro-mechanical apparatus is disclosed which includes a coin actuated timer electronically linked to an audio output to provide an audio output at the end of a pre-determined time period selected by the user and responsive to coins inserted into the apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic coin-operated stamping mailbox having a coin collector which activates a first switch. A letter to be mailed is inserted into a slot which activates a second switch in series with the first thereby operating a motor driving a set of rollers which mark the letter. A third switch following the rollers keeps the motor going until the letter clears the rollers and drops into a letter cabinet. A gear system coupled with the coin controller deactivates the first switch; since the second and third switches are normally open, the motor shuts down as soon as the letter clears.

Abstract: Article transfer mechanism for changing the direction of movement of articles while maintaining the orientation of the articles, including an infeed conveyor conveying articles in a first direction while in a predetermined orientation, a transfer conveyor having a continuous belt with a plurality of groups of rollers thereon with windows therebetween receiving articles from the infeed conveyor, a plate disposed below the lower reach of the transfer conveyor and closing at least one of the windows to provide a container for an article deposited thereon, structure for rotating the groups of rollers to cause the rollers to move an article deposited thereon into the adjacent window, an article conveyor having a plurality of pockets open at the top for receiving articles from the plate of a transfer conveyor for conveying the articles in a different direction from that of the infeed conveyor; there also is shown conveyors for equally spacing randomly spaced articles and for laterally aligning articles.

Abstract: A matches-carrier including a support for the matches arranged in rows thereon and a friction-strip carried on the support. The support includes resilient bearing means arranged to bear on the matches and press the same against the friction-strip. Withdrawal of a match from the support causes the match to slip against the friction-strip to kindle the same.