Abstract: A self-propelled articulated vehicle having two vehicle modules pivotally attached at their ends. Steering of the vehicle is obtained through hydraulic steering components attached between the first and second vehicle modules and pivotally attached at a common end. A single load container is carried across the two vehicle modules at pivotal support mountings, with one of the support mountings cooperating with a linear track device to displace the load container a desired direction and distance when the articulated vehicle is steered. Utilization of independent power drive for each of the two vehicle modules increases the maneuverability of the overall articulated vehicle and minimizes the miring down of the vehicle in slick, muddy, or staggered terrain. Through elimination of conventional steering techniques, increased power and lower fuel consumption is obtained through such an articulated steering technique.

Abstract: A self-propelled articulated vehicle having two vehicle modules pivotally attached at their ends. Steering of the vehicle is obtained through hydraulic steering components attached between the first and second vehicle modules and pivotally attached at a common end. A single load container is carried across the two vehicle modules at pivotal support mountings, with one of the support mountings cooperating with a linear track device to displace the load container a desired direction and distance when the articulated vehicle is steered. Utilization of independent power drive for each of the two vehicle modules increases the maneuverability of the overall articulated vehicle and minimizes the miring down of the vehicle in slick, muddy, or staggered terrain. Through elimination of conventional steering techniques, increased power and lower fuel consumption is obtained through such an articulated steering technique.

Abstract: A steering system for articulated vehicles having two or more pivotally connected vehicle modules. The invention provides for such a vehicle a dual hydraulic power steering system cooperating with a plurality of telescoping hydraulic cylinders to initiate steering about the pivot point connecting the two or more vehicle modules. Auxiliary, emergency, and back-up steering capabilities are imparted through the use of independently operated double-acting cylinders on both sides of the vehicle pivot attachment, with one hydraulic power system supplementing or replacing the other in case of failure. A series of pumps, accumulators, reservoirs, and other associated hydraulic elements cooperate with the synchronized valve metering construction to accomplish steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: An expandable door features vertically telescoping door sections, having flexible wire guides to insure engagement of the door sections during raising and lowering operations, with a minimum of physical contact and force exerted between adjacent sections. The wire guides are uniquely shaped to assure engagement of the door sections, even when said sections become misaligned; this unique shape also allows ease of constructions and repair. The door sections may be either generally U-shaped or L-shaped, and nest one within the other when the door is opened.

Abstract: A press brake plate lifter has horizontally extending lift rails pivotally mounted to a supporting framework, for supporting and lifting sheet stock during press brake operations. The lift rail pivot axis is coextensive with the bending axis of the press brake die. The material support lift rails are horizontally adjustable to accommodate sheet stock of varying dimensions, while plate clamps mounted on the lift rails hold the sheet stock firmly during the bending operation.

Abstract: An improved quilt construction and method for making quilted articles, such as sleeping bags, jackets and bedspreads, in which baffles are interposed between the upper and lower quilt surfaces of the article. The baffles themselves are formed from portions of the upper or lower surface itself through various patterns of folding. Pre-notched surface materials further facilitate the formation of the folds and locate the positions for the fold which are restrained in place to form compartments in which quilt filler material is positioned.

Abstract: A dual zipper construction provides a double closure to discourage opening of the zippered enclosure. The zippers co-extend, one above the other, with the upper zipper closing in a direction opposite that of the lower zipper. Each zipper has its engaging surface mounted on a pair of flaps, with one flap being longer than the other. When assembled, the longer flap on the upper zipper overlies the shorter flap on the lower zipper thus offsetting the opening and closing tabs of the two zippers, facilitating closure.

Abstract: A universal spray can holder is longitudinally adjustable to securely hold an aerosol spray can and features an integral trigger mechanism to actuate the can valve. A built-in safety hood protects the spray can operator from missprayings, and from inhaling either can contents or can propellant.

Abstract: A tire stud puller which includes a pivotable element for increasing the leverage of the puller when it is in operation. The pivotable element is pivotable to a position adjacent to the body of the stud puller for storage.

Abstract: A radiation energy calibrating device and method which uses measurements of radiation intensity from x-ray tubes to determine the peak voltages across the tubes. The device includes radiation energy absorbers placed between the radiation detectors and the x-ray source. The detectors convert the radiation energy to electrical signals. Electronic circuitry determines the signal peaks and uses the signal peaks either to automatically provide a readout of the peak kilovolts or to provide a reading to enable table-assisted conversion to peak KV.

Abstract: A telephone switching system utilizing matrices composed of monolithic chips which include a plurality of cross points and controls therefor. The lines and trunks attached to the unique matrices include unique circuitry, such as two-way amplifiers, which compress the signals going into the matrices, but amplify the signals coming out of the matrices. The unique combination of the matrix signal amplitude compressing two-way amplifiers and monolithic chip matrices enables effective utilization of micro-processors for controlling the selection of paths through the matrix on a space division system.

Abstract: A modular welding screen apparatus for shielding welding work locations. The apparatus is fabricated from a series of easy-to-handle panel sections which incorporate independent welding curtains within their framework respectively. The sections which are constructed of square tubular material, pivot relative to one another through a series of rotatable connections which further permits the separate panel section to be arranged to more effectively seal off the welding work location. Interchangeable parts lend to the invention the ability of constructing an individual apparatus as desired, together with the ability of rotating the securely restrained foot supports relative to the welding shield, as necessary.

Abstract: A lounge for recreational vehicles comprises a pair of bench-type seats with backs adjustable to upright, reclining or horizontal positions. The seat frame portions are mounted on telescoping sliding tube assemblies cooperating with the base frame to enable each bench-type seat to be moved horizontally together to form a bed, with the seat backs in the horizontal position. The telescoping tube portion of the seat frame is normally latched in place in the unextended position, and a single control lever selectively adjusts the seat back rake or releases the latch holding the telescoping portion in place.

Abstract: An improved smoking device enabling the smoker to fill a bag with smoke at one end of the smoking device. The smoke is obtained from smoking materials, such as tobacco. The tobacco is loaded into the pipe and lit, when a valve in the smoking device is turned to a first position. In a second position the stem of the smoking device is coupled to the bag through the smoldering tobacco, enabling the smoker to blow the smoke into the bag. When the valve is in a third position, the stem of the smoking device is connected directly to the smoked filled bag. The smoker can thus inhale the smoke and exhale it back into the bag. The smoke is thereby reused many times and thus maximizes the utilization of flavor in the smoke, while minimizing pollution of the environment. A fourth position may be provided wherein the flame of a match or lighter is used to single clean screens.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of bag-like toy constructions assembled from individual vinyl panels. Designs, comprising the artwork on each individual panel, are printed continuously on vinyl sheets in precisely reproducible and spaced sequence. Each vinyl sheet has indexing and registration marks printed along opposed edges. After printing, a plurality of said vinyl sheets are stacked and fastened together in registered alignment. Templates are then utilized to outline each individual panel on the uppermost vinyl sheet. A cutting tool is then used to cut all sheets simultaneously along the template lines. The resulting panels are then seamed together with the printed design face of each panel facing outward, forming a completed toy construction.

Abstract: An adjustable carrying tray apparatus for transferring articles to and from an automotive vehicle. The tray supports articles, such as groceries and the like, for transferring such articles from outside the vehicle to the vehicle itself and for unloading the vehicle in a facilitated manner. Additionally, the adjustable tray has means by which the tray is securely restrained within the vehicle while the vehicle is moving, means for facilitated carrying of the tray by a user, and a series of apertures for secure placement of standard size containers to enable the transfer of a plurality of containers and packages in a minimum of unloading operations.

Abstract: A method for fabricating fiber-filled articles in which a single emanating column of continuous synthetic crimped tow is produced, cut and utilized to form the article without conventional processing and treatment. The invention includes the method for fabricating these articles as well as an apparatus for forming fiber-filled articles in which columnar bundles of continuous crimped tow are either wrapped in fabric sleeve tubes or are used independently of sleeves. The continuous crimped tow of synthetic fibers is used as a filler directly as it emanates from the tow processing equipment, without the need for layering, spraying, or pre-cutting between an article's outer material layers. The "modular" independent columns of restrained tow are attached in combination to form filber-filled products such as quilts, c;omforters, and sleeping bags imparting to the apparatus and process the advantages of high production fabrication.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly and method and apparatus for making the assembly in which an outer tire rim and wheel center are fabricated into a secure one-piece unit. Secure attachment and restraint of the two components into one unit are accomplished through a dimpling process in which both components are nested together at a plurality of points through stamping. While very applicable to a steel rim or steel center wheel construction, the invention is adapted for use on several metallic wheel constructions to avoid pneumatic leakage associated with riveting or problems arising from welding of the two components. A fixture and hydraulically operated tool construction utilizes male and female tooling to accomplish the dimpling process in which regions of the wheel rim and center are deformed by force to nest together.

Abstract: An acupressure treatment device including a custom made ear mold having precisely located acupuncture nodules fixed thereto for depressing points on the ear which control or act upon the known auricular acupuncture points.

Abstract: An improved consumer safety container for the storage and dispensing of flammable liquids, formed as a hollow chamber having a continuously closed inner surface, the chamber having formed therein a number of tubular extensions with openings for filling, pouring and venting the container. A spring-loaded compression closure device is mounted in these openings to provide an effective seal of the container. Closure attachment means position and protect the spring loaded compression closure means within the container. Flammable liquid may be filled into or dispensed from the container by release insertion means which disengage the compression closure device.