Abstract: A locking plier type of device which is provided with very large gripping jaw surfaces movable into face to face apposition, with each being provided with arcuately curved rows of arcuate teeth or serrations which interfit with one another when the jaws are brought together. The arcuate teeth or serrations are angled so that oppositely directed pulls on the tool and the sheet metal clamped between the jaws of the tool tends to cause the serrations to penetrate slightly into the surface of the sheet metal to thereby increase the grip of the tool on the sheet metal. Platen type jaws on the order of an inch and three eighths to an inch and a half square produce quite satisfactory results and permit the exertion of very strong pulling forces on sheet metal panels of substantial size.

Abstract: A device for locking sheet metal standing seam roof panels of the type where a male leg portion of the seam is lifted up into a female leg portion of the seam in order that a partially punched and extending outward locking button on the male leg engages a turned-up hook on the female leg portion, the device comprising a pair of elongated means attached to the jaws of a duck bill toggle type pliers for urging the male leg portion into the female leg portion for locking, one of the pair of elongated means comprising a right angle iron piece adapted to encompass the apex of the rolled over female leg portion which forms the cavity, and the other of the pair of means a square rod adapted to engage a downward extending lip on the male leg portion forming the protrusion, each of said elements attached to different jaws of the duck bills of the vise grips, such that the toggle type pliers being placed into position and closed results in the square rod engaging downward extending lip and pushing upward into position

Abstract: A sleeve grip for a pipe is radially expandable by axial compression from a bolt-nut system. One of the elements 8 of the bolt-nut system 13 is connected to a bidirectional drive motor 23 inducing rotation in the cylindrical pipe 2 and the other element 24 to the movable disc 25 of a brake 14. Thus, by simple tightening or slackening of the brake 14 and activation of the motor 23 inducing rotation in the pipe, it may be held by the expandable sleeve grip 12 or released.

Abstract: An elongated stamped sheet-metal slider member facilitates the alinement and support for the guiding pulley of a band saw. The slider member has several integrally-formed portions. A first portion depends within the housing, and the pulley is rotatably supported thereon about an axis substantially perpendicular thereto. A second portion of the slider member is bent away, forming an obtuse angle with the first portion, and extends through a slotted opening formed in the housing. This second portion has a pair of ears projecting laterally of the slotted opening for preventing the slider from passing completely into the housing. The ears have respective side edge portions engaging the outer surface of the housing and forming therebetween a fulcrum for pivotal movement of the slider member and hence the pulley about an axis which is above the pulley axis and transverse thereto. A jack screw is carried by the housing for engaging the first portion of the slider member below the pulley axis.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument comprising a multiplexed keyboard and a programmable microcomputer interfaced between the keyboard and a system of capture tone generators, and including means for causing phase locking between the tone generators. The loading circuitry for the microcomputer monitors the serial data stream and transmits only key change information to the microcomputer. The microcomputer controls the assignment and the assignment of tone generators for the accompaniment, solo and pedal manuals based on the key change information transmitted to it. In order to avoid cancellation between tones which are in octave or multiples thereof apart, the tone generators for each manual are phase locked with the other tone generators for that manual. Not only are the top octave synthesizers for each tone generator phase locked, but the divider strings are uniformly loaded so that they operate in identical states.

Abstract: There are provided a circuit for producing a fundamental wave and harmonic components thereof, an amplitude coefficient generator for generating amplitude coefficient respectively corresponding to the harmonic components, a multiplier for multiplying an output of the synthesizer with an output of the amplitude coefficient generator to obtain products, and synthesizing means for synthesizing the products for forming a musical tone. The synthesizer comprises an increment component generator, and an accumulator for accumulating the increment component, thereby forming amplitude coefficients for the harmonic components.

Abstract: A shoulder rest (1) for a string instrument having a support plate (2) including a belt-like strip (7) and a padding plate (6) is disclosed. A support bracket (3) extends along the longitudinal axis of the support plate (2) and is attached at one end (8) to the support plate (2). The other end of the support bracket (3) is connected with the support plate (2) only by means of a spacing adjustment mechanism (21, 22, 23, 24) acting along the longitudinal axis. A height adjustable clamping device (5) is mounted on the fixed end of the support bracket (3), and a second height adjustable clamping device (4) is mounted on the free end of the support bracket (3) by means of a longitudinally extending, sliding support arm (18) telescopically contained within a casing (19).

Abstract: A special effects mallet for production of a variety of unique sound effects when used with percussion instruments. An ellipsoidally shaped mallet head of semi-rigid material having a high coefficient of friction when in contact with a percussion instrument such a drum head or the like, produces sounds imitative of an extremely uniform drum roll when drawn across the drumhead or the like. The frequency of the roll may be varied by varying the speed of movement or the angle of orientation of the mallet head.

Abstract: A digital rectangular wave musical tone generator (10) activates a speaker (12) to produce sounds of aural quality similar to musical instruments, while varying the intensity of light output from a light-emitting diode (13). The intensity variations of this light controls the resistance of a photoresistor (16), which varies the power supplied to decorative lights by a power control device (19), thus varying the intensity of the decorative lights in synchronism with the sound.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simultaneously teaching a plurality of students how to play a musical instrument including programmed audio-visual instruction by pre-recorded audio inputs, prearranged note combinations displayed on a student light strip, confirmation of right or wrong answers on periodic quiz questions, seqential pictures projected on a screen and correlated printed lesson materials, which programmed inputs may be stopped by the teacher in order to selectively instruct certain students by broadcasting oral instructions, and by playing a master keyboard which activates the student light strip. A teacher's console for collectively monitoring the student quiz results, and for selectively listening to individual student musical performances during the programmed instruction period.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator is disclosed of the piston and cylinder type, in which an internally mounted transducer is incorporated for providing an electrical output signal corresponding to the position of the piston in the cylinder. The transducer is disclosed as a rotary potentiometer having a disc or drum element provided with conductive plastic tracks and a rotary wiper element rotated in correspondence with the linear travel of the piston in the cylinder by a connected cam rod slidably mounted within the piston rod and caused to rotate in one embodiment by means of a cam bushing engaging the cam rod, and in other embodiments by three converging spring biased plungers carried in the piston engaging respective sides of a hexagonal shaped cam rod.

Abstract: A control system 54 for a doser type hydraulic actuator 56 is disclosed. The doser actuator includes a pair of unequal area pistons 18, 20 on a common shaft 16 which are moved incrementally by injecting into or removing from a control pressure chamber metered quantities or doses of fluid. The doses are metered by timed openings of solenoid valves 32, 34 connecting the control pressure chambered to a supply 44 or return 48 pressure sources. The control system includes a base pulse width signal generator 106 which pulse modulates the solenoids as a function of the error between a requested position and an actual position. The base pulse width is modified by a correction means 108, 110, 112 when the error is within a predetermined band width. The correcting means compensates for the reaction of the actuator when its response is uncertain with respect to the base pulse width.

Abstract: A brake booster of stroke-enlarging type which includes a power piston moved in accordance with the difference of pressure on opposite sides thereof, a control piston having therein a control valve for controlling the pressure difference and slidably fitted in a central bore of the power piston, an anti-backdown transmission mechanism disposed between the two pistons, a reaction lever abutted at an output portion thereof on an output member and, at a pair of input portions located on opposite sides of the output portion, on the control piston and the anti-backdown transmission mechanism respectively, and a return spring backwardly biasing the power piston.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a hydraulic cylinder with an improved cushion device thereon to enhance the operational characteristics thereof. A cushion pin is affixed to the cylinder piston by a cap screw in such a manner that the cushion pin can float about the screw relative to the piston. Optional orifices in the cushion pin provide an additional fluid flow passage whereby the metering action between the pin and a fluid flow port to the cylinder is different for retraction and extension of the piston.

Abstract: A coffee maker is comprised of a container having a pneumatically sealed, thermally insulated storage vessel arranged to receive brewed coffee from the brewing apparatus of the coffee maker through a reservoir located in the container and interconnected with the vessel by means of a passageway. Pressurized air can be introduced into the vessel by actuation of a pump mechanism located in the container to force coffee out of the vessel through a spout which extends from near the bottom of the vessel and projects outside of the container. A check valve located in the passageway prevents the pressurized air from the pump mechanism from escaping through the reservoir. The container is removable from the coffee brewer for remote serving and cleaning and the coffee maker is indexed to provide for locating the container relative to the coffee maker so that the reservoir is in the proper position to receive the brewed coffee from the coffee brewing apparatus.

Abstract: A precooked, frozen waffle heating apparatus including first and second metallic castings or molds having opposed confronting faces conforming to the reciprocal of a waffle pattern and contained within upper and lower portions of a housing defining a hollow chamber surrounding the upper portion of the molds. A timer is disposed externally of the housing but affixed thereto for indicating the residence time of a waffle within the molds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a commercial convection cooking equipment having an outer casing and inner food cooking chamber forming channel(s) therebetween with air intake vent and fan to force air through such channel(s) to cool portions of the outer casing and then when such air is heated, to redirect the hot air back into the food cooking chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for continuously preparing a partially-fried, batter-coated, frozen comestible product, such as a fish filet, having a novel ridged batter topography. The apparatus has an infeed conveyor belt with support elements and a means for providing a hot cooking oil bath that is maintained at a level that does not exceed 1/2 inch above the top of a batter-coated comestible resting on the support elements. Preferably, the hot oil does not cover the top of the comestible placed on the support elements. The support elements of the infeed conveyor belt have a defined size and spacing which provides a controlled physical environment to support a batter-coated comestible in the hot cooking oil bath while batter begins to droop from the comestible and is irreversibly heat-set in a desired ridged topography. After the ridged batter topography is formed, the comestible is transported deeper into the hot cooking oil bath to completely heat-set the batter-coating.

Abstract: A spiral meat slicer is provided which operates to form a continuous spiral slice on a piece of meat such as a ham or roast which has a central bone structure of non-uniform diameter. Included in the slicer is an improved elevator and oscillator which provide the necessary cutting action in a manner to avoid unnecessary vibration and further permits ready access for servicing as well as increased durability.

Abstract: A tying mechanism for a cylindrical baler is comprised of a twine guide movable across the baler chamber throat on a screw. The guide includes a pulley mounted on a screw such that the pulling of twine through the guide rotates the pulley and moves it across the chamber throat.

Abstract: A printing system for printing coded bar elements on a record member include a rotatable drum member having slidably mounted print elements disposed about its periphery. An actuator member positioned adjacent the drum member engages one of the print elements upon movement of the drum member to position a print element adjacent a record member. The actuator member is operated to slide the engaged print element to a printing position enabling the print element to print a coded bar on the record member.

Abstract: In an impact printer system in which various hammer springs mounted in side-by-side relation along a reciprocating hammer bank are selectively released to cause an impact tip mounted at the upper end of the hammer spring to impact a paper or other printable medium, the hammer springs are divided into two different groups and the release of the hammer springs in the different groups is staggered. Alternate ones of the hammer springs comprise a first group of hammer springs which are selectively released at the beginning of each of a succession of cycles as the hammer bank sweeps across the printable medium. The remaining ones of the hammer springs comprise a second group and are releaseable at a midway point through each cycle.

Abstract: A serial printer wherein a print head is reversibly displaced transverse to a print medium by an open looped grooved rotating cylindrical cam is provided. A unidirectional drive shaft is operatively coupled to the cam by a drive gear engaged with planet gears mounted on a clutched rotary member for rotating the cam when the rotary member is stationary. An intermediate gear is intermittently engaged with the drive gear for changing the rotating direction of the cam upon engagement of the intermediate gear between the drive gear and planet gear. The rotary member includes geared regions adapted to be engageable with a print medium advancing assembly for advancing the recording medium during rotation of the rotary member when the drive of the print head is stopped and the direction of the cylindrical cam is about to be reversed.

Abstract: A printer of the needle or hammer impact type prints by release of spring-stored energy, driving the needle or hammer against a platen or character ring. A rotating cam restores the printing member to a locked standby condition after impact, and an electromagnet attracts a moveable core to allow release of the printing member at selected times for printing. The gap between the moveable and fixed cores of the electromagnet is periodically closed mechanically and electrical energization of the electromagnet only maintains the attracted state of the fixed and moveable cores.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for a demountable printing cylinder, the assembly including a tube receivable within the cylinder and having journals joined thereto at either end. Encircling each journal is an expansible sleeve, the sleeves fitting within the end heads of the cylinder when it is mounted on the mandrel assembly. Below each sleeve on its journal is a relieved zone defining an annular hydraulic chamber. An axial inlet section which opens into the free end of each journal receives a piston and a tool-operated piston screw, the inlet section leading into an internal duct in axial alignment therewith having a lateral branch communicating with the hydraulic chamber, the duct and chamber being filled with hydraulic fluid. When the piston screw is turned in to advance the piston, the resultant hydraulic pressure is applied through the hydraulic chamber against the inner wall of the sleeve, causing the sleeve to expand and grip the cylinder head, thereby locking the cylinder to the mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A combination percussion-electric primer operable in a percussion mode or an electric mode, which includes the elements of a primer cup, in which an electrically-conducting contact button is disposed at one end thereof, and a booster charge supporting cup is disposed within the other end of the primer cup. A space between the contact button and supporting cup is adapted to receive a supply of priming composition.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of detonator assembly comprising a pair of face to face opposed, longitudinally aligned and spaced apart detonators, and an initiator disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A propellant grain for improved ballistic performance of guns, the grain prising a cylinder of generally hexagonal cross-section being provided with a plurality of perforations, preferably 37, passing therethrough. The perforations are disposed such that the interstitial distance between adjacent perforations is substantially equal and the extrastitial distance between peripheral perforations and the surface of the outer wall is substantially equal to the aforesaid interstitial distance. The novel shape of the solid propellant grain improves ignition and burning characteristics such that higher average pressures are maintained during projectile acceleration without increasing the maximum pressure within the gun barrel.

Abstract: A method of re-levelling railway track of the kind having rails fastened to sleepers supported on a ballast bed is disclosed. The method comprises lifting the sleepers off the ballast bed and pneumatically placing ballast stones by an air stream in the gap formed between the underside of a lifted sleeper and the underlying ballast bed using a tool which is driven into the ballast bed adjacent a side face of the sleeper to a depth such that an outlet for the ballast stones propelled by the air stream is provided at the level of the gap. The tool used comprises a spade-like member having a channel along which the air stream and the ballast stones are fed into the gap, the member being disposed so that its channel extends generally downwardly with its mouth facing the sleeper side face and the length of the channel being greater than the depth of the channel.

Abstract: An adjustable spark arrester for a chimney flue is provided wherein the arrester hood is held by adjustable means permitting the arrester to be installed without the use of tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for displacing the color-change carriage on multiple-head embroidery machines having a plurality of embroidery needles per head which can be coupled alternatively with the needle bar drive for change in color or thread, the needle bar carriers of all embroidery heads being laterally displaceable jointly by a displacement bar which is connected with the color-change carriage. In order to create a dependably operating as well as easily mounted displacement device with the use of only a few individual parts, a control bar (10) which is provided in rack-like manner with incisions (10a) is arranged on the color-change carriage (6), a crank pin (11) driven by a servomotor engaging in said incisions (10a) and upon its engagement in an incision (10a) swinging a locking lever (12) on which there is arranged a locking member (14) which cooperates with the incisions (10a) and, via the control bar (10) positions the color-change carriage (6) in its corresponding position.

Abstract: An embroidery attachment for a sewing machine having electronic controls influencing the stitch forming instrumentalities. The attachment work holding frame is shifted by operative connections with the stitch forming instrumentalities. Alternative constructions are disclosed utilizing electronically controlled sewing machine needle bar and feed dog movements to drive the embroidery attachment.

Abstract: A sail assembly of variable profile, reversible and collapsible, comprising a mast on which are mounted ribs set apart one from the other, each one being constituted of two flexible laths joined together by hinge members, the ribs being covered with a supple material, such as for example sail cloth. Each rib includes a slide piece on which are pivotally mounted the two flexible laths and on which a mast is slidably mounted, the mast being fast in rotation with the slide and being adapted to be driven in rotation, the slide piece being provided at the back with a first cam which is fast with a shaft driven in rotation and comprising two arms connected together by transmission members pivotally mounted on the rear portion of the flexible laths. The invention finds an application in the production of sail assemblies of variable profile.

Abstract: A dynamic anchor composed of two laterally positioned anchor flukes for facile penetration into the bottom structure of a water course, and a retractor to withdraw the flukes from the bottom. The retractor is mounted for relative reciprocal movement along the longitudinal axis of between the flukes. Two anchor cables are employed. The first cable is connected directly to the fluke plate and is used to anchor the craft. By pulling the first cable, the fluke plate is pulled forward to dig in and hold the craft. The second cable is reaved around a pivot carried by the retractor and is secured to the fluke plate. Thus when the second cable is pulled in, there is created a force to pull the retractor and fluke plate in opposite directions in order to cause the flukes to be removed from the water course bottom.

Abstract: A dripless, easily cleaned glue applicator for a machine for making two-piece paper cups comprises an outer body member in which there is a cavity that opens to a slot in a flat bottom surface of the member. The slot has a shape and size conforming to an area of glue to be applied. An inner member in the body member forces the longitudinally central portion of a resilient foam pad to bulge down through the slot and clamps the pad to the outer body member. The inner member also provides a glue chamber that is communicated with a pressurized source of glue and from which numerous bores, spaced along the length of the inner member, open downwardly to the pad. A top plate on the outer body member closes its cavity, holds the inner member in clamping relation to the outer body member, and provides for mounting the applicator.

Abstract: A developing device for electrophotography includes a developer supporter faced to an image bearing member with a constant space maintained therebetween, a magnetic field generator for limiting the thickness of developer on the developer supporter. An element is provided within the magnetic field generated by the generator and in the vicinity of the developer supporter to limit the thickness of developer which is rendered erect by the magnetic field. The element is effective to limit the thickness of developer supported on the supporter to a value not causing contact of the developer with the non-imaged area on the image bearing member.

Abstract: A vacuum deposit device for use in producing thin film depositions. A metallic mass is accelerated along a pair of rail-type electrodes. The discharge current passing through the mass during acceleration is controlled as to magnitude and time duration to insure that the magnetic pinch pressure produced by the current exceeds the thermal expansion pressure of the mass thereby maintaining the mass in a solid, non-vapor state during acceleration. The device permits control over mass exit velocities and permits deposition areas of well defined shoulders.

Abstract: An animal litter for absorbing and deodorizing animal waste material consisting of an absorbent soil and particulate cedar wherein the latter provides a discrete foundation for the soil, being in unbound, unmixed relationship thereto.

Abstract: A method is provided for deodorizing and absorbing the excreta from animals, and particularly from pet animals. The method utilizes dried citrus pulp or sugar beet pulp which both coats the animal feces and absorbs urine. The residual acids and sugars left in the dried pulp serve to neutralize the odor of the excreta.

Abstract: An animal breeding conveyor house has a stationary part and two independent conveyors of which one conveyor is a main conveyor and is formed as a spatial vertical frame, and the other is a secondary conveyor arranged so that said conveyor can rotate independently of or together with one another.

Abstract: An animal feeder for cattle, horses, and the like has an opening along the peripheral wall, and a buoyant feeder wheel extending through the opening. A molding about the opening positions the wheel with a first portion extended through the opening and the remainder extending into the liquid feeder, the wheel being supported free of any mechanical connection to the housing to permit vertical movement responsive to pressure from feeding animals.

Abstract: A moisture separator reheater apparatus having a shell member and a plurality of tube members situated therein with the shell member having a plurality of cycle steam inlets and a plurality of cycle steam outlets disposed on opposite sidewalls. The tube members are disposed longitudinally in the shell member and include an inlet pass and an outlet pass with the inlet pass receiving a heating fluid on its interior while being exposed to cool cycle steam on its exterior. The outlet pass is situated between the inlet pass and the cycle steam outlets, with the outlet pass receiving on its interior heating fluid which has previously flowed through the inlet pass while being exposed to heated cycle steam from the inlet pass on its exterior. All inlet passes receive heating fluid from a common source.

Abstract: The thermostatically controlled valve is of a type wherein the flow of fluid is increased when the temperature of the fluid is in a low to medium range and decreased as the temperature of the fluid exceeds a desired range. In a preferred embodiment, it makes use of a poppet valve assembly. It is particularly useful to control the temperature at which vaporization occurs in a liquid propane vaporizer utilized in the fuel system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A liquid friction coupling is provided for driving a fan wheel in connection with the cooling system of an internal combustion engine. The liquid friction coupling is manufactured as a pre-assembled unit. The unit comprises a shaft, a rotor fastened on the shaft and a shear liquid housing rotatably mounted on the shaft and enclosing the rotor. A partition wall defines two working spaces within the housing. This partition wall is provided with an opening. A valve lever is associated with said opening for selectively closing or clearing said opening so as to vary the torque transmission between the rotor and the housing. The valve lever is actuated, e.g. by a bi-metallic actuator member, subject to external temperature. The shaft is provided with a central bore. A fastening screw passes said central bore for fastening said shaft to a rotating member driven by the engine. The end of the screw which is remote from the engine is easily accessible for a tightening key.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manifold on a six-cylinder in-line engine for the conduction of the exhaust gases between the engine block and the exhaust piping, the manifold comprising pipe lines which are formed by half shells consisting of sheet metal and which are welded together in their common separation plane said half shells also forming wall portions between said pipelines to provide support against thermal stresses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for decreasing fuel consumption in a variably loaded, two cycle internal combustion engine. Fluid communication is provided between the working cylinder and air chamber during the upward stroke of the engine up to about 85.degree.-105.degree. BTDC, during which time the cylinder gases can flow back into the air chamber reducing engine friction as a result of a delay in the rise of the cylinder gas pressure during compression and a reduction in the peak compression pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a canister retainer assemby for holding an aerosol canister of starting fluid in an upright position against a mechanical or an electrical valve. This canister retainer assembly is comprised of an adapter and a canister holder. The adapter is securely attached at one end to the mechanical or electrical valve and is opened at the other end. Located near the open end of the adapter is an attachment means, such as internal threads. The canister holder, which is comprised of a hollow tubular member with an open end and a closed end, is designed to be joined to the adapter by external attachment means. Such an assembly is capable of both holding an aerosol canister in an upright position against a diesel engine and of being inverted to seal off the inlet opening of the mechanical or electrical valve when no canister is present.

Abstract: A single cylinder internal combustion engine has a piston which drives a crankshaft and flywheel through a connecting rod and has a counterweight arrangement which balances forces produced by the moving engine elements. The counterweight arrangement includes a weight on the crankshaft and two weights on the flywheel which fully balance the forces produced by rotating motion of the engine parts and partially balance the forces produced by reciprocal motion of the engine parts. Two balance shafts are provided which are parallel to and driven synchronously with the crankshaft. The balance shafts have respective first weights thereon which complete the balance of forces produced by the reciprocating motion of engine parts and have respective second weights thereon which balance the moment of the first weights with respect to the axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having valve train operated intake and exhaust valves for each cylinder and a valve control system adding the capability of automatic selection as to whether or not given cylinders are to be in operation.The application of the system to a V-8 engine, for example, to permit selection between four cylinder operation or eight cylinder operation may be summarized as follows:The cylinders that are to be controlled are identified and movable interposers are installed for both the intake and exhaust valves of the selected cylinders. Control rods interconnect intake interposers to each other and exhaust interposers to each other. A combined actuation arm and interconnection link is provided to transfer motion from a selection actuator to the control rods. A mechanical interlock ensures that exhaust valves are not deactivatable until deactivation of the intake occurs.

Abstract: The sectional area of an air bypass passage which is bypassing a throttle valve in an intake passage of an internal combustion engine is increased or decreased depending upon the difference between the actual rotational speed of the engine and the variable desired rotational speed. The variable desired rotational speed is slowly changed with respect to time according to an increment rate or to a decrement rate, when the operating condition of the engine and/or the load condition of the engine changes.