Abstract: The invention provides a razor having a retaining mechanism adapted to receive a blade longer than the mechanism for retaining the blade so that one or both wings of the blade extend past the retaining mechanism to provide a small straight razor. Additionally, the blade is positionable within the retaining mechanism so that its wing can be extended from one or the other side of the retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism for the blade has a pivotably-attached handle to allow ergonomic adjustment of the shaving angle. The blade and retaining mechanism have associated mechanisms for retaining and aligning the blade in the retaining mechanism.

Abstract: A manual apparatus for facilitating railway track alignment and/or track profile measurements. The tool consists of two fastening units, each having a cord positioner designed to engage the rail head and to properly place a cord for measuring, a reel for storing and using the cord, and a direct reading ruler for measuring profile and alignment. Wherein, this manual tool can be used by a single person to quickly, effectively and accurately measure track profile and/or track alignment deviations.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coordinate measuring apparatus wherein the drives (3, 5, 6) for the measuring sleds of the apparatus are controlled on circularly-shaped paths to machine-control adjust the spatial orientation of the probe pin 9. The probe pin is attached to a passive rotation-pivot joint and has a probe ball which is driven into one of several centering gaps of a body 10. In this way, a separate drive for the rotation-pivot joint 8 is not needed.

Abstract: A template for use in the installation of water faucets and spouts adjacent to a sink or tub upon a plywood support. The plywood, acting as a support for mortar and tile, is opened to the approximate dimension of the template upon which suitable valve and faucets stems are appended and fixedly attached.

Abstract: A bore gauge centralizer comprising a frame having a pair of parallel legs connected by a cross piece. One end of the frame is pivotally mounted to the gauge head so that the legs are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gauge and the ends of the legs pivot in unison away from the head. A spring biases the leg ends away from the head. A roller is rotatably attached to the each leg end. The roller is a truncated solid oval so that a single contact point is made with the bore wall regardless of the position of the frame.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning and supporting parts for measurement on a measuring machine, the fixture presenting a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each presenting a first portion positionable on a reference surface of the measuring machine, a second portion positionable in relation to the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface, and clamping members for clamping the first portion in relation to the reference surface and the second portion in relation to the first portion; and a gripping tool movable automatically by the measuring machine and cooperating with the second portion of a supporting element in a position of mutual engagement to set the supporting element in a predetermined position; the gripping tool presenting control means, which, in the aforementioned position of mutual engagement, provide for simultaneously releasing the clamping members clamping the first portion and second portion of the supporting element to enable the supporting element to be reposition

Abstract: A combination square and tape measure comprises a square having first and second legs arranged perpendicular to each other and a tape measure including a housing encasing a flexible measuring tape. A mounting structure attaches the tape measure to one leg of the square. The mounting structure supports the tape measure for pivotable movement about the square; wherein the tape measure may be rotated about the square from at least a reclined position where a plane bisecting the housing of the tape measure is parallel to the plane of the square to a fully inclined upright position where the plane bisecting the tape measure is orthogonal the plane of the square. The mounting structure maintains the outer surface of the tape measure at an elevated spaced apart position relative to the plane of the square when the tape measure is maintained in the reclined position.

Abstract: The invention is a shoe cleat assembly which when incorporated into the outsole of a shoe will provide a shoe cleat that may be conveniently and easily changed by lifting out the installed cleat and pressing in the replacement. In the preferred embodiment the cleat assembly comprises a cleat body and a cooperating receptacle. The cleat body has a cleat surface and an attachment stud having an axial longitudinal bore. The receptacle is incorporated into a shoe outsole and has an elongated cavity with a central post. In operation, the cleat body is pressed into the receptacle wherein the attachment stud enters the cavity and the axial longitudinal bore of the attachment stud receives the post within the cavity. In this manner the cleat body is removably and resiliently received and frictionally engaged by the receptacle. The cleat assembly may be fabricated from a broad variety of materials that provide the required strength, durability, friction and resiliency properties.

Abstract: A veneer drying apparatus comprises a pair of upper and lower hot plates connected to a heating unit and a plurality of steam escape grooves formed in the opposing press surfaces of the upper and lower hot plates. The apparatus further comprises intermittently driven endless belts and driving and driven rollers on the unloading and loading ends, respectively, of the lower hot plate. The endless belts are trained over the driving and driven rollers for transferring veneer P over the upper surface of the lower hot plate. Each endless belt has numerous apertures formed in the entire surface thereof in a regular pattern. The driving rollers have numerous protrusions formed on the periphery thereof for engaging in the apertures formed in the endless belts. The endless belts are smoothly driven by rotation of the driving rollers due to the protrusion-aperture engagement.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is convertible from a low-top shoe to a high-top shoe. The convertible shoe includes a sole portion, an upper attached to the sole portion, and a detachable high-top. A securing strap secures the high-top to the upper. Both the upper and the detachable high-top include a series of slots through which the securing strap extends. To secure the high-top to the shoe, the securing strap is fed through each of the slots in the high-top and the upper respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for accurately determining the position of a tool, for example an earthmoving bucket, mounted at the end of an arm which has a plurality of pivot points and is pivotally attached to the base of a machine, for example a piece of construction equipment like the platform of an excavator or other earthmoving machine. The present apparatus includes a plurality of reflectors mounted on the machine for indicating movement of the arm and the tool. Each reflector is operatively adapted for reflecting light back toward a light source. A light transceiver is mounted on the machine in a known relationship to the reflectors. The light transceiver is operatively adapted for transmitting a beam of light to illuminate each of the reflectors, thereby generating reflective light. The light transceiver detects the reflective light and the angular orientation of the reflective light it detects.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method controls a heating device in a laundry ironer. The apparatus includes a frame and an ironer cylinder. The ironer cylinder rotatably connects to the frame and has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior and exterior surfaces extend substantially from a first end to a second end of the ironer cylinder. A line of sight temperature sensor connects to the frame near the first end wherein a line of sight of the sensor is directed at a portion of the interior surface of the cylinder. As the ironer cylinder rotates and is heated by a heating element, the temperature of a portion of the interior surface is sensed. Based on the temperature and a threshold, the state of the heating element is changed.

Abstract: A display apparatus is attachable to a fluid pump filler gun. The display apparatus comprises a lower member and an upper member, releasably engageable to one another to enclose the head portion of the filler gun. The upper member has an upper surface and a frame attached to the upper member. A replaceable message card is held between the frame and the upper surface. An indentation is included in the upper surface of the upper member. The indentation defines a space below the replaceable message card, allowing for easy removal and installation of the replaceable message card from the display assembly.

Abstract: A sign adapted to be quickly and easily attached to and removed from a rope. The sign has a split-T portion defining flexible arms. The arms are bent to allow the rope to slide through transition slots to ultimately enter rope engaging channels. The arms are then released so that the transition slots have a width which restricts passage of the rope, thereby confining the rope to the rope engaging channels. The deflecting portions of the arms are located near the center of the sign to correspond with the natural position of a person's thumbs when holding the sign. The sign allows a new method for attaching a sign to a rope to be used, in which both arms are simultaneously bent from the center of the sign to insert the rope in the rope engaging channels.

Abstract: A frame includes a hanging surface adapted to be adjacent a wall when the frame is hung, and a front surface generally opposite the hanging surface. A level indicator is recessed within the frame and is visible when viewing the front surface of the frame. A removable cover plate is configured to conceal the level indicator from view. In another embodiment, the level indicator is visible when looking upward at the frame from below the frame when the frame is hung on a wall.

Abstract: A portrait displaying receptacle comprising a transparent covering and a base, wherein a portrait is affixed to the base with a plurality of fastening members and the transparent covering is affixed to the base over the portrait, thereby fully enclosing the portrait. The plurality of fastening members each comprises a main fastening member which is affixed to the base, a screw connected to the main fastening member, and a securing pad which holds the portrait in place.

Abstract: The equipment comprises a rear fixing member with a peg whose head is pierced to receive a sling swivel, the head bearing against the outside and the top of the butt, its shank passing into the butt and being retained, free to rotate, in a spacer carried by the rear end of the tube supporting the butt, between the tube and the buttplate, the equipment also comprises a front fixing member fixed to the rear limb of the frontsight support, and formed by ahead pierced by a hole to receive the other sling swivel.

Abstract: Methods for treating plants and fields in agricultural applications are provided by selective delivery of superheated steam. Particularly preferred applications include delivery adjacent to grape vine leaves in order to defoliate basal leaves and to kill localized insect pests, and by injecting superheated steam in strawberry beds prior to planting to kill nematodes. The superheated steam is delivered at temperatures in excess of about 250.degree. F.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a flower to a Christmas tree includes a container that defines an aperture at an upper end. An attaching mechanism projects from the container and attaches the container to the Christmas tree. The apparatus keeps the flower fresh while attached to the Christmas tree by maintaining a stem of the flower immersed in water that is held in the container.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus is for controlling water supply to a potted plant and has a main valve responsive to weight of the potted plant. The apparatus comprises a main body to support the load of the plant, a valve body adapted to be suspended from a support, and a resilient member cooperating with the main body and valve body to be responsive to load of the plant acting on the main body. A delivery conduit receives water under relatively low pressure and flow of the water is controlled by the main valve. The main valve has a first valve portion, e.g. a valve seat on the valve body, and a second valve portion, e.g. a poppet valve. A valve adjuster, a critical valve area, and water pressure determine actuation of the main valve. Preferably, the main valve closes when load acting on the apparatus is a pre-determined load reflecting weight of the fully watered plant, and as the plant becomes lighter, opening of the valve is delayed to ensure delivery of a relatively large amount of water.

Abstract: Window lifter for vehicle door, comprising two rails which are mutually parallel and parallel to the travel of the window glass (3), a rider mounted so that it can slide on each rail and secured to a window glass support clamp device (14) including a part (15) fixed to the rider and a part (16) which can move, articulated to the fixed part, as well as a system of cables which are connected to the riders and provided with means for driving the said cables and the riders; the mobile part (16) of each clamp has a bearing surface (23) for the window glass, situated substantially along the axis of sliding of the rider, this surface being formed by a bent end (24) extending a lateral lug (25) of the mobile part (16). This arrangement makes it possible for the weight of the window glass (3) to be borne on a bearing surface situated on the axis of sliding of the rider along the rail, which eliminates any cantilever effect and therefore any parasitic forces in the mechanism during travel of the window glass.

Abstract: A cluster desk assembly is provided in which a desk top which is symmetrical about a center point is provided with a plurality of extension tops radiating outwardly to provide a plurality of work stations. The work stations are separated from each other by screen panels which also radiate outwardly from the center point to provide work stations, each of which includes a part of the desk top itself and at least part of one or more extension tops. The desk top may be either circular in peripheral shape or polygonal.

Abstract: A casket display structure has a back wall and wing walls that are removably-attached to the back wall to form an alcove. A double-tiered display rack is mounted between the wing walls. The display structure includes a lower casket rollout rack connected to the fixed double-tiered rack by a scissors unit.

Abstract: A cable-stay retractable skylight roof and method of constructing the same wherein a large clear span is built over an existing or new athletic stadium or arena or other structure. The principal feature of the roof structure is that it is supported by Cable-Stays to towers standing outside of the stadium and places no vertical weight on the existing stadium. The structure includes a beam framework and roof covering installed over the framework. The covering is fabricated of a clear skylight material to allow sufficient light transmission to permit a natural grass playing field and retracts open to create an open air stadium.

Abstract: In a light-tight enclosure, elongate members and joint connectors are joined to one another to form a framework to which panels having projecting ribs with right-angled corners are mounted. Each elongate member is extruded from aluminum so as to have open ended grooves. Each joint connector is fabricated from aluminum so as to have open ended grooves, some of which have right-angled corners conforming to right-angled corners of the projecting ribs. At each joint where elongate members and a joint connector are joined, the open-ended grooves merge with one another so as to define continuously extending grooves receiving the projecting ribs of the panels mounted to the framework at the joint. Some joint connectors are employed as corner connectors while other joint connectors are employed as edge connectors.

Abstract: A modular portable stage and floor system uses a small number of standardized modular components to construct a temporary or permanent platform that is easily adaptable to a wide variety of platform designs. The modular standardized components include a series of modular vertical and horizontal supports and a light-weight modular deck panel. The modular vertical and horizontal supports can be detachably coupled together in a slidably interlocked manner using a universal connector mechanism in to a support frame structure for supporting a plurality of modular deck panels. By using a small number of modular supports and a universal connector mechanism that is similar for all structural interconnections required to build the support frame structure, the modular portable stage and floor system is strong and stable, yet easily transported, assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A system for mounting road signs and other posts which is simple to use, has few parts and is tamper resistant. The system also allows for the easy dismounting of the post for maintenance and changing of signs. The system uses a metal base driven into the ground, a non-square post with at least one flat side and a bifurcated wedge to lock the post into position in the base. This system also prevents rotation of the post due to winds or other forces.

Abstract: A constructional building set has a plurality of building elements (1) with rows of coupling studs (2) arranged in modular measures (M) on one side and complementary coupling means on another side. Also included is an electric conductor (7) having a plurality of mutually insulated wires (4) to establish electric connection between a plurality of electric elements (6) incorporated in the building set. The electric conductor (7) is formed with a transverse dimension which is slighlty greater than the distance (A) between two coupling studs (2). Further, the conductor (7) with the electrically conducting wires (4) is resilient.

Abstract: An industrial floor, comprising at least one covering layer on a new or existing concrete base, said covering being not bound to the concrete base and obtained from a composition based on at least one hydraulic binder, said floor further comprising, between the concrete base and the covering layer, from the upper face of the concrete base: (a) a smoothing layer enabling the flatness/roughness of said upper face to be less than 2 mm under a 2 meter rule; (b) on the smoothing layer, at least one separating layer for preventing the first covering layer from adhering to the smoothing layer on the base; (c) on the separating layer, at least one covering layer having a maximum of 30 mm.

Abstract: A surprisingly durable, strong, outdoor window shutter without functional louvers or slats, which is substantially comprised of polyvinyl chloride, is described. The shutter preferably has a center panel onto which is laminated two back vertical members. This is preferably in the shape of a rectangle with two opposite edges into which stepped projections have been cut. The shutter preferably also has two vertical side members, each having a channel containing a strengthening rod. The vertical side members have stepped arms which fit closely over the stepped projections. Mortise and tenon joints are formed at the point of connection between the stepped projections and the stepped arms. The strengthening rods and the mortise and tenon joints serve to strengthen the shutter. Additional strength is provided by horizontal members affixed to the top, middle and bottom of both the front and the back of the shutter. These shutters have excellent structural rigidity and can last for many years.

Abstract: An access floor system comprising (1) block panels made up of one or more panel units, (2) a groove structure defined by adjacent block panels, the groove structure capable of containing wiring, (3) lid panels for covering the groove structure, and (4) central locking plates to cover the spaces remaining at the juncture of lid panels and to lock the assembly together.

Abstract: A railroad bungalow having a roof, a floor and adjoining walls forming vertically extending corners. An elongated guide sleeve is mounted on the exterior surface of each corner forming a guide slot. A support leg in the shape of an angle iron is movably mounted in each guide slot. The legs are provided with spaced openings and corresponding openings are provided in the sleeve and wall so that a pin or bolt can be inserted to hold the leg at a selected position to adjust the height of the bungalow above a supporting surface.

Abstract: A core for a patio enclosure wall includes a first layer formed of polyisocyanurate material and a second layer formed of plasterboard bonded to the first layer. The core may be sandwiched between a weather resistant exterior panel and an interior surface to form a panel/core assembly for a patio enclosure wall. The core of the present invention provides fine thermal insulation. The plasterboard components serve to prevent the spread of flames. Furthermore, the core serves as an efficient sound barrier.

Abstract: Encapsulated glass fiber insulation includes a non-woven covering material over the top surface of a mineral fiber core, with the formed covering material extending adjacent the side surfaces. The covering material is greater in width than the sum of the widths of the top and two side surfaces, so that the edges of the formed covering material extend beyond the mineral fiber core.

Abstract: An improved base sheet for a roofing assembly wherein the base sheet is perforated with a plurality of apertures characterized by non-cylindrical cutouts in the shape of a closed figure or a polygon having at least two sides or boundaries of unequal length which aperture configuration permits strong attachment of the sheet to a substrate without the aid of auxiliary attachment means and without weakening of the base sheet structure.

Abstract: A cast cementitious block for constructing a low-rise interconnected ornamental wall having a first course of the blocks placed side-by-side and a second course of the blocks stacked in side-by-side relation on the first course and off-set relative the first course. The blocks define a bottom surface and an opposing top surface, a front face and an opposing back face, and two opposing sides that each define side faces between the front face and the back face. The top surface defines a recessed cavity having an alignment point, and the block further defines a bore extending therethrough and open at the top surface and the bottom surface. The longitudinal axis of the bores of the blocks in the second course align with respective alignment points of the recessed cavities of the blocks in the first course. Adhesive fills the aligned recessed cavities and at least a portion of the respective bores. The adhesive cures to define rivets interconnecting the blocks in the first and the second courses.

Abstract: A structural member for use in securing a wallboard to an existing wall. The structural member is constructed a single piece of extruded plastic formed into an I-beam shape with a hollow center. The hollow center eases passage of a fastener mechanism, yet provides structural rigidity with the reinforcement by the fastener. Passage of water pipes and electrical wires transversely is possible by use of predefined spacer wall openings.

Abstract: A box beam incorporating an I-joist. A set of such box beams makes up a portion of the base for a shelter and provide receivers in which prefabricated wall partitions are slidingly engaged. The I-joist or I-beam includes an elongate web, two opposite flanges, and at least a first outer elongate plate member which runs parallel to the web and is fixed to and between faces of the flanges. With a single outer plate member extending beyond the upper flange, an L-shaped receiver is formed for receiving outer wall partitions which may be placed into such receiver from a horizontal direction, without manipulating the wall partition up and over and down into the receiver. With a pair of outer plate members extending beyond the upper flange, a channel receiver is formed. I-beam structures having the channel receiver are placed in the interior of the base for interior wall partitions. The I-beams support a floor and such outer and inner wall partitions which may interlock with each other.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products such as contact lenses in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes an intermittently indexed, linearly driven endless conveyor which includes a plurality of identical support pallets, equally spaced apart along the endless conveyor. Each support pallet is designed to support and align an array of individual package bases. The arrangement is such that each support pallet with an array of individual package bases thereon is sequentially stopped at a plurality of spaced work stations along the endless conveyor.

Abstract: A bottling plant is described wherein a bottle feed line and a plurality of specific function groups are each provided with selectively operable devices acting on the bottles moving along the feed line. Each special function group includes one or more motors for actuating the selectively operable devices and a walled sterile chamber through which the bottles pass. The sterile chambers are kept slightly pressurized and contain at least a portion of the selectively operable devices of the specific function group. The wall structure of each sterile chamber separates the sterile chamber from the motors and from at least some of the selectively operable devices.

Abstract: A toner bottle for containing powder toner includes a toner supply opening at one longitudinal end; lateral recesses or projections extending in a direction crossing with a longitudinal direction of the bottle; and a plurality of longitudinal recesses or projections extending substantially in the longitudinal direction in both sides of the lateral recesses or projections.

Abstract: For use in forming a web W into a tubular shape, and heat-sealing an inner surface of outer edge of the web and an outer surface of inner edge of the web to provide a lap, a web heating device for heating the outer edge inner surface of the web with hot air before heat-sealing comprises transport means for transporting the web W along a predetermined path, a nozzle 27 having hot air outlet openings 67 directed outward as opposed to the outer edge inner surface of the web W to be transported by the transport means, and a baffle plate 32 so disposed as to be opposed to the hot air outlet openings 67 with the outer edge of the web W positioned therebetween.

Abstract: An envelope throat opening mechanism for an envelope inserting machine includes a pair of envelope throat opening claw assemblies mounted adjacent an envelope inserting position for opening the outer ends of an envelope disposed in the envelope inserting position to permit insert material to be inserted into the envelope. An envelope throat opening tongue assembly is also disposed adjacent the envelope inserting position and in substantial alignment with the center of an envelope, the tongue assembly having a tongue mounted therein for movement into the throat of the envelope adjacent the center thereof to ensure that the center portion of the throat is opened sufficiently to permit the insert material to be inserted into the envelope.

Abstract: In the event of the transmission of forces or movements of drive members with a circular cross-section and connection members, in particular actuating levers (11), provided on said drive members, a non-round configuration is provided, in order to secure a precise relative position of the members, in a region where the actuating lever (11) is mounted on a shaft or the like. The shaft or a shaft end is provided with a flattened portion A bore (13) in the actuating lever (11) has a mating flattened portion (19) which corresponds therewith. This produces a precise relative position between the actuating lever (11) and the shaft or the like, said relative position not requiring any adjustment or measuring work and also being ensured in the event of repeated assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle having a hydrostatic transmission is provided with a main speed control lever for governing the vehicle's maximum forward speed and an independently adjustable tracking control mechanism for coordinating output of left and right hydraulic wheel motors.

Abstract: In a scattered objects collector, air which has inducted scattered object is extracted and treated to minimize the release of dust into the ambient. The scattered objects collector has a power source driving an induction fan, a scattered objects induction portion through which scattered objects are inducted by the fan, a scattered objects collection vessel, and an air discharge duct through which, for enhanced induction efficiency, extracted air is directed from the collection vessel back to the induction portion. A cutter can be installed at the induction fan.

Abstract: A product and method for increasing the yield of quality fruits and vegetables by gathering fallen produce above the ground in a simply constructed enclosure thereby reducing the incidence of spoilage. A plurality of arms having holes therein and hooks, a stake and a step as parts thereof, said stakes being forced into the earth surrounding the plant by stepping on said step. A net is hooked onto the arms in an imaginary frustoconical shape so that fallen fruit can be held in place where fallen and can be urged to the stem of the plant where a shield encircling the plant surrounds the stem for collecting the fallen produce. Tying means threaded into the holes of the arms encircles the net to provide support therefor and to ensure that all fallen fruit is gathered on the shield for subsequent collection. A method for the assembly of the fruit and vegetable saver is presented.

Abstract: A large round baler includes a crop feed arrangement for taking up crop deposited on the ground and for delivering it to the inlet of the baling chamber of the baler. The baling chamber has a width less than that of a pick-up forming a forward portion of the crop feed arrangement and the arrangement includes a pair of augers respectively mounted at its opposite sides for narrowing the flow of crop to a width matching that of the baling chamber. These augers are mounted on a shaft also used for supporting a plurality of dogs, of a rotary crop conveying apparatus, in laterally spaced relationship to each other along the shaft. The shaft is located below the conveying surface of the crop feed arrangement. The dogs are in the form of diametrically opposite pairs of tines which sweep the crop in an overshot fashion to move the crop towards the baling chamber inlet.

Abstract: A twisted yarn structure includes constituent fibers which extend between a surface and a core of the yarn structure so that at least one portion of each fiber is trapped and bound within the yarn structure by portions of other fibers. The fibers can extend cyclically or in random fashion between an inner region and an outer region of the yarn, and can be twisted in subgroups along the length of the yarn structure to be locked in position therein. To produce the yarn structure having fibers which cyclically extend between the inner and outer regions, the fibers of a drafted strand of fibers from front drafting rollers are spun and passed through an oscillating guide before being wound on a spindle.

Abstract: A fuel manifold staging valve is provided for use with aircraft engines. A first set of fuel nozzles is associated with a primary manifold, and a second set of fuel nozzles is associated with a secondary manifold. The valve opens on the basis of a constant ratio of fuel flow divided by compressor discharge pressure. The valve detects fuel flow by sensing the pressure drop across the fuel nozzles. This pressure drop is biased by a spring and compared to the compressor discharge pressure. When the ratio is correct for the geometry of the valve, the valve begins to open, allowing fuel to flow to the secondary manifold and associated fuel nozzles.