Abstract: A filtering apparatus suitable for being cleaned by backwashing includes an outer housing (11) and an inner filter (13) disposed in the outer housing defining an outer annular flow passage (16) and an inner flow passage (17). The outer housing is tapered in relation to the external shape of the filter to provide a substantially uniform liquid velocity through the filter in both forward flow and backflow directions. The filter is made up of a plurality of ring-like segments (38) stacked end to end on which a filter medium (37) is mounted.

Abstract: The problem of stringing power transmission lines via a line-holding structure that has an upper cross support and no side access, such as the center strand under a cross support on a tower, is solved by the methods and apparatus disclosed. The stringing apparatus is carried in a depending manner from the aircraft by a hoist line and enables the insertion of a sock line through the line-holding structure, followed by the pulling of the line therethrough. Different forms of the stringing apparatus enable an insertion with a needle-type structure, a pull-push structure, a pivoting gate structure, and a rotary annular carrier or ring segment structure. After the sock line has been strung, one end is secured to a power line which is then threaded through the line-holding structure to complete the stringing of a center strand of power line.

Abstract: A combined telephone index and switch arrangement for memory stored repertory for dialing data for automatic dial telephone systems, having a plurality of light sensitive diodes each keyed to a card in a card selector which selects a corresponding individual card of a multiple card index. A light source with a fiber optic secured to the selector transmits light from the light source to the card selector and to the diode for each card. Individual buttons corresponding to individual index lines of the displayed card can be manually activated to retrieve a telephone number stored in the memory for automatic dialing thereof.

Abstract: A telephone number index and switch device has a series of magnetic switches which are located in fixed positions with corresponding surfaces disposed along a preestablished path of movement of a card finder associated with cards having names and telephone numbers. A magnetic actuator is carried by the card finder but is not in physical contact with the magnetic switches for successively actuating the magnetic switches. A second switch separate and independent from the magnetic switches is used to complete the automatic dialing once a number is selected from the index and a magnetic switch has been actuated.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus and method is provided that is particularly suited for restocking store shelves with a variety of articles. The articles (16) are supported in a plurality of like trays (17) that are arranged side by side. A caddy shelf (18) has a rear portion that slidably inserts at different lateral positions into a slot formed between a display shelf (13) and shelf cover (39) to be supported in a cantilever manner. A forward portion of the shelf caddy supports one or more of the trays after they have been removed from the display shelf, permitting the user to inspect the removed articles, face the articles forward and easily rotate articles of merchandise for freshness in restocking the removed tray, and then slide the tray back onto the display shelf and remove the caddy shelf.

Abstract: Solar energy collecting apparatus (21) includes a one-piece collector panel (25) having a flat collector plate (27) with an absorber surface (28) provided by an intermediate wall portion of the collector panel. The collector plate forms both a weather membrane over and a part of an airflow passage (26) with support structure having a channel-shaped exterior surface. The collector panel has upper side edge flanges (31, 32) for connecting adjacent edges together along a continuous seam structure and to the support structure so that the collector panel is an integral part of the support structure. A cover assembly includes an outer sheet (51) and an inner sheet (52) with an air space (53) therebetween, together with side edge connecting members (57) that hold the sheets apart and attach to the seam structure formed by connected collector panels.

Abstract: A dispenser for shotgun shells includes an upper supply housing (16) and a lower ejecting housing (41) arranged transverse to the supply housing and, when mounted on a belt, located directly opposite the hand of the user. An ejecting member (61) is moved through the ejecting housing by the depression of a forwardly projecting actuator (71) advantageously located directly opposite the heel portion at the rear of the palm of the hand of the user. Shells (14) are dispensed one at a time through a release opening (49) in the bottom upon each depression of the actuator, and springs (73) in the ejecting housing automatically return the ejecting member after each dispensing operation to load another shell for dispensing. The housings (16, 41) are made as a one-piece body and a waterproof lid (71) closes the shell fill opening in the supply housing to prevent the shells from becoming wet.

Abstract: The problem of limited arm and wrist motor capabilities in certain persons as they relate to producing works of art such as paintings is solved by the art aid devices of the present invention. These include two forms of hollow cylindrical bodies (12, 32) adapted to be releasably connected to a table top (16) adjacent a wheelchair (24) for supporting a work sheet and limiting arm movement, a sheet of material (42) with a slot (43) of a selected shape above a table top supporting a work sheet, and a sheet of material (62) with a slot (63) in which a flanged arm-receiving roller (64) is moved forwardly of a work sheet to guide the arm through a selected but limited range of movement.

Abstract: Tilling apparatus disclosed has a rotor shaft with axially spaced multiple tine and hub assemblies having hoe portions of adjacent tines overlapping one another. The apparatus is constructed as a central section and has wing sections pivotally connected to the central section. A first pivot axis for each wing section is the same horizontal plane as the rotor shaft. A first link connects at its lower end to the wing section at the first pivot axis and at its upper end to the central section at a second pivot axis. A thrust link driven by a two-way cylinder moves the wing section about the first pivot axis and then about the second pivot axis. Each tine hub is made in two half-bodies supporting two tines at 90 degrees, with a recess to turn adjacent hubs 30 degrees to one another. Each tine has a bevel on the outer side and a smooth hard surface on the inner side.

Abstract: A thermal-gravity engine is driven by a changing of the temperature of a vaporizable working fluid (55) in a closed-loop fluid system and the force of gravity operates on a reciprocating lever (12). One or more weight chambers (21), a storage chamber (24), and flow lines (25 and 26) therebetween are arranged in a closed-loop fluid flow system through which the working fluid is pumped. A temperature differential is produced between the two chambers to pump liquid from the storage chamber into each weight chamber in an up position to increase the weight of the weight chamber on an end of the reciprocating lever to move it down in response to the increased weight. The storage chamber is located below each weight chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for enumerative display and disposal of surgical sponges comprising a circular one piece molded plastic article adapted to be fit over the rim of a standard surgical kick bucket and a bag placed in the kick bucket. The article bears a predetermined number of notches in its upper portion for display of sponges draped over the notches, so that when each notch bears a sponge, the number of used sponges on the article is known. The article contains a number of other features including a circumferential fluid receiving portion, shoulder portions, and a tapered annular channel portion to receive a bucket handle, and tapered projections in the notch portions to improve retaining engagement of the sponges. The article is designed to be nestable by easy packaging, sterilizable, inexpensive, and disposable.

Abstract: A novel panel and panel assembly for use in building-type structures, together with panel forming apparatus are disclosed which are especially suitable for using portable, point-of-use, continuously operable, roll-forming techniques. The panel is characterized by upwardly diverging inclined sidewall portions (26, 27), wing portions (28, 29) of substantial lateral extent in relation to an intermediate wall portion that forms the bottom thereof, and centered edge fastening structure (31, 32). This panel provides a greater panel width per sheet stock width, ease of assembly, spacing and tracking surfaces for continuous edge seaming, and balanced strength with respect to loading. The panel assembly has continuous seam structure (54) with abutting inclined side sections (41, 47) and centered interlocking lateral flange portions (46, 53).

Abstract: Game apparatus includes a fold-up board (12) including a lateral bar (28) dividing the board into opposite playing areas on opposite sides. A longitudinal center strip (17) divides the playing area into two parts on each side. These playing parts have contrasting colors on each side which match diagonally with the same colors on the other side. The top playing surface has a layer of granules (21) distributed substantially uniformly throughout to provide spin enhancement of playing balls (31) that are thrown by the hand over and around the ends of the bar and onto the playing areas. The balls have a high degree of resiliency and are matched with the size of the board to provide a highly competitive game.

Abstract: An improved broadband mixer includes a first balun (11) with a first signal port (12), a second balun (14) with a second signal port (15), a third balun (17) with a third signal port (18), and a frequency converter (19) coupled between the first, second, and baluns. The first balun means, which preferably receives an RF signal via said first signal port, includes two juxtaposed ground plane baluns 31 and 32 each having opposed, spaced, strip conductors in different planes. The second balun, which preferably receives an LO signal via the second signal port, has a coplanar balun (44) including three strip conductors in the same plane which in turn connects to two juxtaposed ground plane baluns (45 and 46) each having opposed, parallel spaced, strip conductors.

Abstract: The problem of readily picking up a load using an aircraft without requiring ground personnel is solved by a coupling device (15) and a method of coupling a load using same. The coupling device includes a pivot member (17) pivotally mounted on the load having a disposition and configuration that is readily engaged by a hoist line (42) with an end or weight member (43) from above and guided into a retainer portion (22) so that as the hoist line is raised a connection is formed between the hoist line and the load. The pivot member serves as a load-bearing member during suspension. Upon deployment and relief of the weight of the load from the hoist line, the pivot member automatically returns to the starting position and the hoist line and end member are slid therefrom.

Abstract: The problem of stringing power transmission lines via a line-holding structure that has an upper cross support and no side access, such as the center strand under a cross support on a tower, is solved by the methods and apparatus disclosed. The stringing apparatus is carried in a depending manner from the aircraft by a hoist line and enables the insertion of a sock line through the line-holding structure, followed by the pulling of the line therethrough. Different forms of the stringing apparatus enable an insertion with a needle-type structure, a pull-push structure, a pivoting gate structure, and a rotary annular carrier or ring segment structure. After the sock line has been strung, one end is secured to a power line which is then threaded through the line-holding structure to complete the stringing of a center strand of power line.

Abstract: A clip-on book end which includes a clip-on base portion connected at an offset location to the bottom corner of a book support portion with the two portions formed as a one-piece molded plastic unit. The clip-on base portion has a resilient clip section opposite and in spaced relation to a bottom surface of the support defining a shelf-receiving passage with an opening at one end through which the end portion of a bookshelf is passed and received with the resilient clip section spreading apart to accommodate shelves of different thicknesses. The clip section has a gripping surface opposite a surface extending along the bottom of the support portion which is constructed and arranged such that laterally directed side loads on the book support portion, as would occur with a tipped row of books, tend to bind the base portion to the bookshelf and maintain the book end in an upright position.

Abstract: A cartridge housing (12) having a liquid inlet (14) at one end and an outlet (16) at the opposite end carries in an intermediate volume a spiral rolled exchange mass (18) of flexible, resilient, fibrous material forming a matrix that is self-supporting and non-reactive with the type of solutions with which the cartridge is intended to be used. Within the exchange mass is carried a dispersed array of finely divided particles of replacement metal (19), adhesively attached to the fibers. At each end of the cartridge adjacent to the inlet and outlet is a cavity (20) communicating with a spiral end (38) of the exchange mass, and the inlet cavity (20) houses an inlet nipple (26) that has a discharge opening (30) facing generally away from the spiral end face (38) of the mass. As flow through the mass produces precipitated precious metal, the mass is able to flex and thereby avoid clogging. Fiberglass is the preferred material for the exchange matrix.

Abstract: Apparatus for enumerative display and disposal of surgical sponges comprising a circular one piece molded plastic article adapted to be fit over the rim of a standard surgical kick bucket and a bag placed in the kick bucket. The article bears a predetermined number of notches in its upper portion for display of sponges draped over the notches, so that when each notch bears a sponge, the number of used sponges on the article is known. The article contains a number of other features including a circumferential fluid receiving portion, shoulder portions, and a tapered annular channel portion to receive a bucket handle, and tapered projections in the notch portions to improve retaining engagement of the sponges. The article is designed to be nestable for easy packaging, sterilizable, inexpensive, and disposable.