Abstract: A clock signal synchronization apparatus for decoding self-clocking encoded data generates data signals identical in frequency with the encoded data but progressively offset in time with respect to the encoded data signal. The delayed data signals are responsive to the clock rate of a clock signal generating means so as to be advanced or delayed in time with respect to the encoded data when the clock signal generating means is not synchronized with the encoded self-clocking data. The instantaneous binary states of the encoded data and the delayed data signals are sampled in parallel to detect one of a predetermined number of distinct trigger codes. The signals are continuously sampled to detect a correct following code after the detected trigger code to indicate that the clock signal is synchronized with the encoded, self-clocking data. Error codes will be detected prior to the correct following code for each distinct trigger code when the clock signal is delayed or advanced with respect to the encoded data.

Abstract: A device for increasing the fuel efficiency in an internal combustion engine having a fuel supply conduit connecting a fuel supply and a carburetor, a hollow housing disposed in fluid communication with the fluid supply conduit between the fuel supply and the carburetor or firing chambers. A heat source, such as a heating element is mounted within the tubular member for heating the fuel flowing through the hollow housing. While flowing through the housing, the fuel is in intimate contact with metallized pellets of a metal, such as a noble metal deposited on a substrate. The pellets are disposed within the housing. In an alternate embodiment, hereof, two types of catalyst are disposed within the housing, one richer in metal content than the other. In practicing the present invention, the fuel passes through the housing and issues therefrom at a temperature less than 100.degree. C.

Abstract: An automatic label dispensing apparatus for dispensing a label on an article to be marked is disclosed. The apparatus includes provisions for the mounting of a conventional label ejector mechanism adapted to eject in serial format adhesive-backed labels on articles as the same are positioned thereunder. A horizontal support member is provided for positioning the ejector mechanism in a selected radial position and includes a pivot arm attached thereto which supports the ejector mechanism in position for operation. A pneumatic system is provided for arming the ejector mechanism, and in time relation the arm carrying the mechanism is rotated to bring the ejector label carried by the ejector mechanism in contact with the article to be marked and then return the ejector mechanism to its initial position to recycle the same.

Abstract: A vehicle having a convertible top includes internal body reinforcement members including a belt line reinforcement assembly attached to the upper back panel and the upper portion of the body quarter panels. The belt line reinforcement assembly is connected to quarter panel reinforcements to form a box-like structure having an aperture therethrough which disposes the trunk and passenger compartments of the vehicle in communication. The quarter panel reinforcement members are attached to the body quarter panels and the wheelhouse panels of the vehicle. A cross-support member attached to the rear seat riser portion of the compartment floor pan and rocker panel reinforcement are also provided. A header is mounted to the upper edge of the vehicle windshield and is provided with a recessed rear portion for receiving the front cross-bow of the convertible top in a flush alignment with the upper surface of the header.

Abstract: A holder for solid articles in the form of a body having sidewalls, an integral bottom and an open top. The body is formed of a shock absorbing material. A plurality of spaced, outwardly extending ribs are formed on certain of the sidewalls and bottom of the body resiliently protect articles housed in the body to from damage. The sidewalls are formed with an inwardly extending upper lip portion which overlays a portion of the article within the body to secure the article within the body. A pair of opposed depending apertures contiguous with the open top are in certain of the sidewalls of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for synchronizing movement of a camera with movement of an object to be photographed. The synchronizing apparatus includes a horizontal track which is disposed parallel to the path of movement of the object. A planar platform is movably mounted on the track and supports the camera. First and second pulleys are respectively aligned with the path of movement of the object and the track. An interconnecting cable is connected to the object and to the platform and passes around the first and second pulleys for causing an identical and simultaneous movement of the camera with movement of the object. In another embodiment, hydraulic cylinders and pistons are mounted on the dolly and the object and are connected in fluid flow communication for simultaneous movement in the same direction.

Abstract: A two-position bumper for off the road vehicles is movable from a first position adjacent the vehicle frame to provide maximum ground clearance for cross country travel, to a second position deployed rearward and downward from the vehicle frame to serve as a conventional bumper to meet other vehicle bumpers at a proper level and to provide a trailer hitch at a suitable level for towing trailers. The two-position bumper comprises a cam plate affixed to the vehicle frame having a longitudinal slot formed therein and a pivoting longitudinal member having a front end, and a rear end with a cam follower pin laterally projecting from the front end to slidingly and pivotally engage the cam slot to support the front end of the longitudinal member. A rear pivot support is attached to the vehicle frame a distance rearward from the cam plate. An intermediate support arm is pivotally supported at an upper end by the rear pivot support and pivotally attached at a lower end to the pivoting longitudinal member.

Abstract: An animal and insect exterminator for burrowing-type animals and insects. The exterminator includes an elongated tubular member which is adapted to be inserted within an underground burrow or nest. A shatterable tip member is replaceably mounted on one end of the tubular member and includes an explosive charge, such as jellied methanol or black powder. A detonator is carried by the tubular member for detonating the explosive charge so as to shatter the tip member and propel fragments of the tip member throughout the underground burrow or nest. The detonator includes a primer which is mounted within the tip member in proximity with the explosive charge and a trigger which forceably engages the primer to detonate the primer.

Abstract: A hand held reciprocating mechanism for driving an abrasive tool for finishing dies and the like is disclosed. The reciprocating mechanism of the present invention includes a housing which supports a tool holding assembly, and a drive mechanism including a crank pin which reciprocates a connecting rod which is operatively coupled to the tool holding assembly. The tool holding assembly is supported for reciprocation by a support bushing which is supported by the housing. An internal retaining ring is employed to attach a tool support housing to the tool support bushing and allow rotation of the tool support housing relative to the tool support bushing. The retaining ring allows the use of an enlarged outer end for the tool support housing with a slot formed therein to slidingly support a pair of opposed flats formed on the tool holding assembly. This permits the tool holding assembly to support heavy transverse loads without excessive wear between the tool holding assembly and the tool support housing.

Abstract: A boot cover 10 for enclosing the stowage compartment 18 of convertible-type vehicle 20 when the top is retracted includes a pair of spaced apart rigid section 12, 14 and as intermediate, flexible section 16. Means 26 for removably mounting the boot cover 10 to the vehicle 18, generally, includes a spring-like member 128 or 210 which is retained by a keeper 130 or merely within the well 18. A mechanical actuator 132 may be employed to release the spring from the keeper.

Abstract: A rotary table for holding a workpiece for machining. The rotary table comprises a base, a rotary member supported by the base, a transversely movable member carried by the rotary member, a laterally movable member carried by the transversely movable member, a lead screw device for displacing the laterally movable and transversely movable members, and a worm and worm gear for selectively rotating the rotary member relative to the base. The rotary table includes a thrust bearing for supporting the rotary member against the base, and a biasing means abutting the thrust bearing at one end and abutting the rotary member at another end to allow a slight contact between the rotary member and the base to exclude dirt and allow rotation of the rotary member relative to the base with a minimum amount of friction.

Abstract: A device adapted to mount a metal jamb or frame, more particularly a door jamb 3 having a U-shaped cross-section into a wall opening, said device comprising a fixing plate 6 to be mounted against the reveal 2 of a wall opening and an adjustable bracket 8, connected to the fixing plate in a slidable and fixable manner.The fixing plate 6 consists of an oblong plate extending over almost the entire width of the reveal and comprises at each end relatively short side flanges 9 projecting from the wall, while the adjustable bracket 8 has a U-shape with two legs 14 embracing the wall in a mounted position said legs being engageable with the side flanges of the fixing plate, while said legs are also provided with means 16, 20 for receiving end flanges of a frame to be mounted.

Abstract: A joint for assembling planar members of a knock down chair and a box made from an assembly of interlocking pieces requiring no fasteners is disclosed. The various members can be made from a single sheet of commercially available plywood. When the last planar member is assembled in place the other planar members remain assembled in interlocking relationship preventing unintended disassembly.

Abstract: A fishing rod is disclosed as comprising a handle having a rod portion extending from one end thereof. The extended end of the rod portion is provided with a movable electrical contact which carries a fishing line. The contact is responsive to the presence of a fish on the line for closing an electrical circuit which, in turn, is adapted to actuate a signaling device disposed in the handle of the fishing rod to indicate to the fisherman when a fish is tampering, or otherwise biting, the bait at the end of the fishing line.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes opposed side walls hingedly connected along their upper and lower edges respectively to the bottom of a rectangular peripheral upper rim and to the bottom of the container along opposed side edges of the rim and bottom. End walls are hingedly connected along their upper edges to the rim along its opposed end edges. Webs along the end edges of the side walls and bottom engage the end walls to locate the end walls in their vertical erected position relative to the bottom, and projecting tabs on the end walls are received in mating recesses in the web to maintain the bottom and side walls against flexing when the container is erected. The upper rim is adapted to receive a stacking rail formed on the container bottom to enable stacking of the containers either in their erected or collapsed configuration.The container may include a pair of cover panels hinged along their respective outer side edges to the tops of the side edges of the rim.

Abstract: A composite interlocking siding panel includes an elongate sheet metal or vinyl outer panel having a nailing strip along one longitudinal edge and mating interlocking means extending along each longitudinal edge. An elongate boardlike member of insulating material is bonded to the back of the outer panel. The insulating member is so configured that it may be of any selected thickness without interfering with the installation of the composite panel on a building wall. The insulating member includes a projection extending along one longitudinal edge which projects beyond the nailing strip and is configured, when installed, to snugly fit within an undercut recess in the mating longitudinal edge of a like interlocked panel with the rear surfaces of the insulating members lying in a common plane in their finally installed position.

Abstract: A roller for a roller conveyor has a circular outer article engaging surface and a transversely extending through bore. A rotatable drive shaft extends through the bore for rotating the roller. The bore in the roller is offset from the transverse center of the roller to cause an eccentric rotational movement of the outer surface of the roller.