Abstract: A toy baseball pitching machine that is particularly adapted to be used by children as an outdoor game. The toy baseball pitching machine of the present invention is capable of "pitching" a plastic ball approximately 15 feet to a "batter". The pitching machine is adjustable to pitch balls through varying trajectories. The present invention includes a ball storage rack for feeding a plurality of balls into the pitching machine seriatim and an automatic shut-off switch that shuts the pitching machine off when all balls are pitched.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recording device to be used by choreographers as a means of forming a visual record of the precise time a cue appears on an audio track and coordinating such visually recorded cues to the audio track for use as an interface between the audio track and the microprocessor or computer devices that control the visual aspects of multi-image presentations. Additionally the present invention relates to a method of using a visual recording device as an interface. An added feature of this invention is a novel charting means that is compact in size yet stores a large quantity of information to assist the choreographer in coordinating the various events to the audio track. The charting means enables the choreographer to consider the time required between activation of the visual display equipment and the occurrence of the display to allow the equipment to cycle.

Abstract: A flow meter is disclosed which is capable of providing a running total of the volume of fluid passing through a tube. The meter includes a vane which is moved along a path to a position corresponding to the rate of the fluid flow through the tube. A sensor is cyclically moved relative to the vane path to produce a pulse signal which is processed to obtain the total fluid volume.

Abstract: A toy block unit having a central hub and at least three attachment arms extending outwardly along non-parallel axes projecting from the central hub. At least one of the axes projects out of the plane defined by the other axes. The attachment arms are dimensioned for interconnection with identical arms on adjacent block units, to allow the construction of three-dimensional structures.

Abstract: The present application discloses an examination pattern for use in conjunction with ophthalmoscopes which provides a light transmissive opening at the pattern center to act as a reference point in the examination of the eye.

Abstract: A front projection screen is disclosed which is especially suitable for wide angle viewing. The screen includes two reflecting layers separated by a light transmissive layer, and a light-diffusing surface coating provided on the frontmost reflecting layer. An embossed pattern is formed on the front surface of the screen which enables it to provide a reflected image of almost constant brightness and neglible distortion over a large range of viewing angles.

Abstract: A temperature indicator adapted to be attached to an object to be monitored consists of a housing containing a temperature responsive material and an embedded indicating object. Upon reaching the appropriate temperature, the temperature responsive material flows, allowing both the indicating object and a portion of the temperature responsive material to descend into the lower portion of the housing. Upon cooling the temperature responsive material resolidifies in the lower portion of the housing, thus providing a permanent record that the desired temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A method of improving the physical characteristics of a conductor paste includes the step of adding ZnO in an amount sufficient to achieve about 1% to 3%, by weight, of the total. Where the conductor paste is adapted to be fired at 850.degree. C., ZnO is added in an amount sufficient to achieve about 2% of the total, and where the conductor paste is adapted to be fired at 985.degree. C., ZnO is added in an amount sufficient to achieve about 3% of the total. Several conductor pastes, based on different conductive metal systems and including ZnO, exhibit unusual and surprisingly beneficial results.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a boarding ladder for use in conjunction with an inflatable boat having an inflated side pontoon and specifically, to an improved boarding ladder including a strap assembly for mounting the ladder to the inflatable boat. The improved boarding ladder includes a rigid ladder portion containing a pair of struts extending from the rigid ladder portion towards the boat. The struts cooperate with a horizontal cross-piece at the top of the ladder portion to mount the boarding ladder in an orientation extending downwardly and outwardly from the side of the boat and prevent the ladder from rotating under the boat when in use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of printing, collating and binding booklets, magazines, pamphlets and similar printed material in one, two or four colors utilizing a novel procedure for assuring precise printing and collating registration. In the printing operation, the present method provides great flexibility whereas the same printing equipment can be used for two-sided printing with full four-color printing on each side and variations thereof. In the collating operation, the present method provides for precise collation of multiple printed pages. In particular, the printing and collating operation utilizes a series of punched holes for orienting the pages during processing which punched holes are removed in a final trimming operation, allowing on-line printing, collation and binding at high production rates and with decreased waste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel collating equipment used in the printing of booklets, magazines, pamphlets or similar multi-page matter. The collating equipment includes a collator and a cooperating combined storage and feeding cart. The collating operation is performed in a collator containing a series of substantially identical work stations. A roll of preprinted material having two web sections or ribbons wound on a common core is placed in the cart and engaged in each collating station. The collator places each ribbon in superposed relationship to the corresponding ribbon at each location. The pairs of ribbons are then directed to the next location in the collator where the first pair of ribbons is placed in superposed relation to a next pair of ribbons. This operation is repeated until the entire printed matter is collated into a continuous stack of collated ribbons.

Abstract: A gauge assembly is disclosed having a casing formed of two separate cup members joined together in back-to-back relationship so as to form a relatively thick partition wall within the casing. The wall acts to reduce the possibility of parts being projected forward toward an observer in the event the gauge actuating mechanism, which is located behind the partition wall in the casing, should fail.

Abstract: A method for curling plastic filaments to produce simulated hair for doll wigs in which the curled plastic filaments are given a permanent set by a heat treatment, in a chamber with a combination of steam and electrical heat. By the use of this combination of heat, melting of the filaments on the mandrel during interruption of the method is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a fluid metering valve that is specifically constructed to provide fine metering at extremely low flow rates while still providing a full shut-off capability. The fluid metering valve of the present invention is specifically adapted to be utilized in conjunction with corrosive fluids or fluids containing suspended solid particles that would otherwise damage or clog a comparable precision needle valve.

Abstract: A printing ink which rapidly dries under the influence of heat, in particular from infra-red radiation, wherein in addition to a hydrophobic phase which is composed of a non-polar solvent, a modified phenol or cresol formaldehyde resin, a crosslinkable unsaturated polyester, a peroxide catalyst for said polyester, and a pigment, the ink moreover comprises an aqueous phase constituting at least 12 wt.% of the total ink.

Abstract: A pump assembly for dispensing fluent material from within a container includes a tank and a piston defining therebetween a pump chamber and movable relative to each other to pump fluid from the container into and out of the pump chamber. A poppet interposed between the tank and the piston extends at one end thereof into the inlet conduit for the pump chamber and at the opposite end into the exhaust conduit. When the tank and piston are moving relative to each other to draw fluid from the container into the pump chamber, the end of the poppet extending to within the exhaust conduit engages against a valve seat defined in the exhaust conduit to close the exhaust conduit. The other end of the poppet extending to within the inlet conduit is frictionally engaged within the inlet conduit and the drag forces thus effected upon this end of the poppet operate to enhance the sealing effect of the opposite end of the poppet to close the exhaust conduit thereby permitting fluid to be drawn into the pump chamber.

Abstract: A press-formed tablet-shape sweet colored only on its outer surfaces by selectively applying a coloring agent after the sweet has been press-formed. The surface to be colored may be land portions or lower portions.