Abstract: A universal joint for use in a pitch cone rotor system in a helicopter is comprised of crossed lift beams, one beam of which is coupled to the rotor hub and the other beam of which is coupled to the driven rotor shaft. The two crossed lift beams are coupled to each other through a cruciform case. The cruciform case in turn is coupled to each of the crossed lift beams by means of a plurality of flexures. The flexures and cruciform case are made of composite fiber materials and the flexures are soft enough to permit angular and translational deflections of the crossbeams with respect to each other thereby tending to smooth out and reduce sudden changes in rotor speed between the shaft and rotor system and thereby tending to make rotor speeds more uniform. The crossed lift beams are further coupled together at the center of their crossing by a flexible elastomeric tension link which conducts rotor loads between the two beams when the rotor develops negative lift loads on the ground and in flight.

Abstract: A jarring device for use in drilling comprises first and second members longitudinally relatively movable between a locked position and a released position said device comprising control means including a pair of locking devices each arranged to prevent relative movement between said members until a predetermined force is applied to one of said movable members in either of two longitudinal directions. The control means includes two locking devices each of which locks in one of the two directions.The locking devices may comprise pivotable bolts pivoted on a sliding member so that the free ends of the bolts contact an abutment on one of the movable members to effect locking, the bolts being retracted from engagement with the abutment by movement of the sliding member.

Abstract: A releasable connector having a male member with spaced prong ends and a tubular female member having an open end for receiving said prong ends and divided at said open end into legs by axially extending slots and a unitary locking means removably interposable between the prong ends and an annular portion for bridging the joint interface between the interlocked male and female members.

Abstract: A hand-held pistol grip jacket holds an electric heater provided with a heat-absorbing core from which a threaded shaft projects outwardly beyond the jacket. One or more disc-like applicator assemblies are each provided with a metal mounting plate having a centrally located complementarily tapped recess for removably mounting the applicator assembly on the threaded shaft. Each applicator assembly comprises a doughnut-shaped permanent magnet anchored to the mounting plate. A smooth surfaced face plate covers the magnet and, with the aid of a finish plate, serves to engage the body of the subject being massaged.

Abstract: An electric lamp unit for projecting light to subjects which are being photographed features a housing having an elongated chamber with a lens at one end and a shielded vent at the other end. In the chamber is a carriage on which is mounted a socket for the light bulb and a reflector. The carriage travels in the chamber on parallel rails, one of which is adjustable by a knob outside the housing at the rear to change the location of the carriage. An upper half section of the housing is hinged as a cover section to the lower stationary section for ready access to the chamber. Abundant vent openings are provided, some of which are coincident with adjoining edges of the cover and the stationary sections.

Abstract: A panel rail system which features tampered glass panels of moderate thickness makes use of supporting rails at upper and lower edges of the panels. The rails are of round, tubular cross-sectional configuration with slots for reception of edges of the panels. A modular type system is utilized wherein posts for supporting the rails can be set in advance and are of such construction that they can accommodate in the field all of the varied mounting requirements of rails and panels.

Abstract: A roller cone bit may be used as a rotating drag bit by treating the roller cones as carriers for a plurality of distinguishable types of drag cutters. The roller cones are each coupled to a mechanism which selectively allows rotation of the roller cones. The roller cones are otherwise fixed and as the bit is rotated, the drag cutters are brought into engagement with the rock. However, where the roller cones are selectively allowed to rotate, rotation of the drag bit rotates the roller cones to bring a second set of drag cutters into a configuration for cutting the rock formation. A mechanism then selectively locks the roller cones to prevent further rotation, keeping the second set of drag cutters fixed in place. By selectively permitting and preventing rotation of the roller cones, a plurality of sets of drag cutters can be brought into a configuration for cutting the rock.

Abstract: The basic play value of predictability of rebound of a thrown or bounced object is combined with an element of unpredictability in the rebound to provide a plaything from which complex play sequences can be built. The plaything comprises a ring with an axis of symmetry about which a preferential spin can be defined. The surface of the ring includes at least one annular edge characterized by relatively small radius of curvature compared to the ring so that impact of the ring against a flat surface can, in appropriate circumstances, result in an unpredictable rebound when the annular is at or near the point of impact. Complex play sequences can then be developed by attempting to catch the rebounding ring in flight on the first rebound. Play sequences are developed which can accomodate one or an arbitrary number of players.

Abstract: Thin-walled structures of substantially uniform wall thickness are made by rotating a heated mold surface about a horizontal axis and depositing powdered thermoplastic material onto the mold surface at a rate such that the deposited powder melts on contact with the mold surface and adheres thereto. A high degree of uniformity of the wall thickness is ensured by depositing the powder onto a relatively small portion of the overall mold surface and reciprocating the powder deposition means in the direction of the axis of rotation of the mold surface to thereby uniformly cover the entire mold surface.

Abstract: A cooling system for engine exhaust gases includes a engine block mounted exhaust manifold connected to a heat exchanger by a conduit and gas distribution header, the exhaust manifold, conduit and distribution header being continuously water jacketed to shield all hot exhaust system surfaces for engine operation in flammable or explosive environments. The exhaust gas flows through parallel gas tubes in the heat exchanger having thin, corrugated walls which aid heat transfer to the surrounding water and are axially expandable to relief thermal stress.

Abstract: A reciprocating sander particularly adapted for sanding remote surfaces such as ceilings and walls is provided by concentrating a substantial part of the weight of the sander in a motor assembly. A lightweight extension tube extends from the motor assembly to a universal joint which in turn is coupled to a sanding attachment. The sanding attachment includes clips which secures a piece of sandpaper in an mechanism for converting angular rotation of the universal joint into relative reciprocating motion of a sanding plate and sandpaper with respect to the sanding attachment. By bringing relative force between the sanding attachment and the motor assembly, a resiliently retained driving rod within the extension tube, which is coupled to the universal joint and sanding attachment, is forced downwardly in the extension tube toward the motor assembly. This ultimately causes two clutch parts to engage thereby permitting the transmission of the motive force to the sanding attachment.

Abstract: A recoil shock absorbing cushion for attachment to a gun stock makes use of a jacket of yieldable material having a chamber in which is lodged a shock absorbing filler. The chamber has an opening which faces the gun stock. A plate covers the opening and has its side edges bonded to complementary edges of the opening. Screws are employed to fasten the pad to the end of the gun stock.

Abstract: A process for preparing ceric sulphate in solution. A saturated solution of cerous sulphate is electrolyzed at a high anodic current density in the range 100 to 400 mamp/cm.sup.2, high cathode current density in the range 1000 to 4,500 mamp/cm.sup.2 and with vigorous agitation in the presence of dilute sulphuric acid. The process permits the production of concentrated ceric sulphate solutions at commercially viable current densities and efficiencies.

Abstract: A portable lightweight folding parabolic reflector antenna for reception of microwave signals includes an axial waveguide tube which constitutes the main structural supporting member of the antenna, a ten- to fifteen-foot diameter dish mounted to the waveguide and a sub-reflector supported at the forward end of the waveguide. A low noise amplifier may be mounted to the rear end of the waveguide for amplification of the received signals. The folding dish includes a single sheet of resiliently elastic reflecting mesh supported by a radial framework of normally straight resiliently flexible spokes of tapering cross section. The spokes are pivotable by a lever system between a folded axial position and a deployed radial position.

Abstract: An aerosol dispensing system includes a container having a valve-controlled opening for dispensing the container contents, which include hydrocarbon-adsorbent solids such as silica, hydrocarbon propellant adsorbed on such solids, and a weight ratio of hydrocarbon propellant to adsorbent solids ranging up to about 65 parts by weight of the contents, and a liquid composition that may include water, organic oils, alcohols, dispersed and dissolved metals, and metal salts.Water-encapsulating silica permits use of water in aerosol compositions, but prevents mixing of water with other substances in the composition until the composition is dispensed as an aerosol.Aerosol systems including containers with a valve-controlled opening and a valve for dispensing the container contents benefit from the addition of a capillary dip tube extending from the valve into the container contents where the contents are highly viscous.

Abstract: A drill bit having thermally stable PCD cutting elements includes a matrix body element having a plurality of spaced cutting elements supported in a body of matrix material such that a substantial portion of the cutter is above the body matrix and a minor portion is received within the body matrix. The cutters have side surfaces exposed and are so positioned that at least in some of the cutters more surface area of one side face is exposed as compared to the other side faces. The cutter support may include a small pad of matrix material to reduce the loading directly on the PCD. In a preferred form the PCD elements are mounted on pads or blades formed by spaced channels. The hydraulics are straight radial flow and improved hydraulic flow is achieved through the use of waterways which concentrate the fluid flow near the face of the cutters. In one form, improved hydraulics are obtained by having one fluid discharge port for each of the radially disposed fluid channels.

Abstract: An improved dispenser for fluent masses such as toothpaste, lotions, chemicals and the like, includes a body member having a chamber which receives a collapsible and flexible pouch. Associated with the body member is a pumping chamber preferably comprised of a lower and upper housing. The pump chamber, pouch and discharge aperture of the dispenser are at essentially ambient atmospheric pressure, and there is provided a check valve mechanism which sequentially permits flow of material from the pouch into the pump chamber as material is discharged from the discharge spout. The discharge spout is configured and arranged to inhibit flow of air through the discharge spout back into the pump chamber. Various structures and arrangements are described.

Abstract: To ensure the safe operation of an electronic circuit, for example an amplitude modulated carrier signal generator, an output of the circuit is analyzed to prove the presence of predetermined signal characteristics, for example the carrier signal, or a modulation frequency. The predetermined signal alternatively may be superimposed on an input to the electronic signal and proved subsequently to be present in the output. The output of the circuit is passed inhibited, according to whether or not the signal characteristics are proved present, by means of an output enable gate which is self-latching providing the output continues to be proved correct. A start-up circuit delays a possible inhibit for a limited period following initial power connection to the circuit in order that the output can become established.