Abstract: A step assembly for use on step bumpers of automotive vehicles includes a pair of mounting brackets adapted to be secured to a bumper, a lower step supported by said brackets and an upper step hingedly connected to and superposed on said bumper. Each of the brackets has a slot substantially in the form of an inverted J. The lower step has laterally extending pins which are received in the slots, thereby mounting the step for sliding and swinging movement between an operative position in which the tread of the lower step is disposed in close proximity to the bottom of the bumper, and an inoperative position in which the tread is disposed in overlying relation to the bumper. The lower step may be easily assembled with or removed from the brackets.

Abstract: A trim and molding strip is formed of a plywood substrate covered by an overlay film of flexible decorative material and includes a longitudinally extending V-shaped groove the apex of which terminates at the overlay film which functions as a hinge to facilitate bending of the strip into and around corners. In the method of fabricating the strip pressure is applied to the groove by a roller to reform and size the groove to obtain accurate registration of the sides of the groove when the strip is bent.

Abstract: A shuttle device provided with a rotating hook comprises a rotatable race secured to a verticle driving shaft. A bobbin carrier is journalled in the race and has a pair of spaced abutment faces on opposite sides of the path of the needle. The abutment faces cooperate with two spaced beaks on an oscillating escapement so that one of the beaks is always in contact with one of the abutment faces to prevent the carrier from rotating. The oscillation of the escapement permits a space to be left alternatively for each pair of cooperating beaks and abutment faces for the passage of the upper thread loop. The escapement is resiliently yieldable to prevent injury to the beaks or abutment faces, in the event of thread jamming between the sliding contact faces of the shuttle race and the bobbin carrier.

Abstract: Long-life multilayer photoconductive members of the ZnO type are obtained when the successive layers are deposited using solvents, drying temperatures, etc. which do not affect the layers previously deposited. In such fashion, at least 4,000 cycles of use are possible.

Abstract: A typewriter and the like utilized as an instructional aid device has control means for teaching alphabetical letter recognition, the sequence of letters in forming words and the association of a word to the picture of an object. A coded card, the preferred control means, carries the word related to the object, and optionally the picture of the object, and includes a series of perforations related to the word, which perforations are adapted to be penetrated by attachments carried on the key bars only when a key is struck in proper sequence. If an incorrect key is struck the device does not function. Card advancing means are provided to advance the card after each correct key is struck in proper sequence. In the absence of a control card, the typewriter and the like can be operated in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A presser bar has a presser attachment for holding fabric placed on a machine bed and a shoe is attached to the presser attachment in such a manner as to be slidable in the fabric feed direction. A first slidable variable resistor is fixed to a lateral surface of the shoe, with its slider connected to the presser bar so as to be displaced. A recess is formed in the machine arm or bed at a certain position and a second slidable variable resistor is mounted in the recess, with its slider projecting therethrough. This slider of the second variable resistor is adapted to be displaced, for example, by a button inserted in the recess and confined between the slider and a wall of the recess. The first variable resistor provides a voltage substantially corresponding to the amount of fabric feed, while the second variable resistor provides a voltage corresponding to the button size.

Abstract: A process for developing a latent charge image on a repeatedly usable charge image carrier and for cleaning the carrier after transfer of the developed charge image by means of a single magnetic brush having a layer of magnetic one-component toner and a thickening of the layer of toner in the region of contact of the magnetic brush with the charge image carrier.

Abstract: A multi-purpose convertible seat construction including a back section and a seat section interconnected and supported so that they may be selectively positioned to constitute a forwardly facing seat, a rearwardly facing seat or a sleep surface in which the back and seat sections are disposed in coplanar relation.

Abstract: Liquid developer formulations adapted to colored toners suitable for trichromatic processes in electrophotography, the toners being lightfast organic dye pigments with substantially no photoconductivity which are mixed with a paraffinic material as a protective polymer (a dispersing liquid being used if the protective polymer is a solid) and suspended in an insulating hydrocarbon carrier medium together with a metal soap and a phenol derivative soluble in the carrier.

Abstract: A modular shelf system formed of injection molded structural elements including shelf modules and column modules. The shelf modules have through openings and the column modules have interlocking ends which are received in said openings so that the column modules extend from both sides of a shelf module when assembled.

Abstract: A bumper mounted spare wheel carrier for a vehicle is foldable downwardly to afford access to a trunk or door of the vehicle. The carrier includes a spring biased latch element which secures the carrier in vertical position. A resilient operating lever secured to the latch element is deformable under stress and when maintained in stressed condition provides a positive safety lock for the latch element independent of the spring biasing means. Novel wheel retaining means cooperating with the carrier selectively secure different sizes of wheels on the carrier.

Abstract: A sewing machine driven by a motor which is adapted to be energized by an alternate current power supply and is phase controlled by means of thyristors. In a normal operating mode the conduction phase of the thyristors is made variable as a function of the extent of the depression of a foot controlled pedal, whereas in a low constant speed mode the thyristors are made conductive at a predetermined phase. The motor is coupled to a main shaft which is provided with a magnet located at a predetermined position, while a bracket arm is provided with a reed switch located at a predetermined position, such that if and when the foot controlled pedal is released, the reed switch is actuated to trigger the thyristors for reverse braking of the motor as a function of the counter electromotive force of the motor. Preferably, a timer is provided for interrupting the power supply after the lapse of a predetermined time period after the foot controlled pedal is released.

Abstract: A low-cost accessory for a conventional tank-type wet-pickup vacuum cleaner which converts such a vacuum cleaner into a self-contained hot water extraction type of carpet shampooer and floor cleaner suitable for use by homeowners. The accessory includes a reservoir which attaches compactly to the vacuum cleaner. The reservoir is intended to be filled with a cleaning solution of hot water and detergent and includes means for feeding the cleaning solution to a spray nozzle located behind the vacuum pickup nozzle. A hand-controlled valve permits the operator to dispense cleaning solution and to interrupt the flow of solution while vacuuming the wetted floor or carpet. In a preferred embodiment the reservoir is a pressurizable toroidal shaped tank which fits around the vacuum cleaner. The reservoir is pressurized by an integral manual air pump. An indicating pressure relief valve provides a measure of air pressure and prevents over pressurization of the reservoir.

Abstract: A platform rocker structure for supporting a chair seat and back for rocking motion includes two or more flexure members formed of epoxy-glass laminates which have unusual flexural characteristics and high resistance to flexural fatigue.

Abstract: A sewing machine cabinet for use with a free-arm type sewing machine in which the sewing machine is maintained at the same level when used either in a free-arm or flat bed mode of operation. The cabinet includes a hinged sewing machine support panel having a pair of depending brackets arranged to cooperate with rotatably notched dogs mounted on walls of the cabinet. The movement of the brackets influences the positions assumed by the dogs so that, in one position of the dogs, the support panel and sewing machine are secured in operating position and, in another position of the dogs, the support panel and sewing machine may be moved downwardly to storage position within the cabinet.

Abstract: A loop taker mechanism and bobbin carrier for a sewing machine in which the bobbin carrier is formed of three components and is journalled in a rotary hook casing. An oscillating escapement yoke has two spaced beaks which cooperate with abutment faces on the carrier to prevent the carrier from rotating. One of the beaks carries an over-hanging guide plate which is wider than the beak and serves to prevent a thread loop from moving behind the beak and fouling the operation of the machine.

Abstract: A vehicle step which includes a pair of pivotally supported levers or links to which are pivotally connected a pair of pivotally connected tread supporting members. Said members engage a transverse bar which together with the levers guide the tread in its movement so that it may be easily moved to extended or retracted positions with fingertip ease.

Abstract: Electrophoretic image generation involving a conductivity pattern and a field produced by electrodes which are shunted in the process of image formation, the shunting being interrupted for a predetermined time to minimize background.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a sewing machine in a cabinet includes means for adjusting the attitude of the machine in relation to the table top of the cabinet, in order to compensate for variations in structural tolerances of the hinge assembly and the cabinet, so that the machine when used either in a free-arm or flat-bed mode is disposed in accurate registration with the table top.