Abstract: A spool for winding filiform elements and the like, comprised by two parallel rings joined by means of a plurality of U-shaped braces, including diametrally opposed accessory elements fixed at least to some of said braces and which, in turn, support a central nucleus allowing rotation of the spool.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an article into sheets includes an upper jaw pivotally mounted to a lower jaw. The lower jaw includes three coplanar cutting edges, and the upper jaw includes three cutting edges which cooperate with those of the lower jaw. Longitudinal cutting edges of the upper jaw are curved along their lengths, and the end element of the upper jaw is slanted with respect to the end element of the lower jaw. The apparatus may be attached to existing mounting points of a backhoe.

Abstract: A dual wavelength fiber optic monitoring system utilizes the principle of conservation of throughput to permit the use of a plurality of transducers illuminated by a single source unit. Redundancy is provided by using a plurality of sources and detector units and by the use of optical couplers to transmit the light beams between these elements.

Abstract: A method for obtaining Global Positioning System (GPS) information for a required point on the earth's surface, the method comprising: positioning a GPS receiving antenna on a known point, beginning to record received GPS signals and thereafter continuously recording the signals, removably mounting the antenna on a rotary wing aircraft, moving the aircraft to a position proximate the required point, removing the antenna from the aircraft and positioning the antenna on the required point.

Abstract: Non-cariogenic sugar composition comprising 2 to 10 ppm fluoride, and preferably 50 to 400 mg/100 g each of calcium ion and phosphate (calculated as P) and 5 to 50 mg/100 g magnesium. The composition is made by blending a composition deficient in fluoride ion with a composition superabundant in fluoride ion, preferably obtained by selection of a superabundant fluoride ion containing fraction of cane sugar containing molasses, such as raw cane sugar, molasses, affination syrup, dried solids of molasses or of affination syrup or a blend thereof with refined sugar, or by evaporation of a mineral water to obtain a concentrate.

Abstract: A control system for longwall face support frames as used in mines, the system comprising pushing rams which are adapted to be actuated at two different pressures (for example, a low pressure of about 70 to 120 bar for non-defined cutting and a high pressure of 120 to 350 bar for defined cutting) with each pushing ram being individually actuatable by a respective non-return valve arrangement, the pushing rams being connected by a common pressure line to an hydraulic pressure unit.

Abstract: A pad for a saddle includes a number of layers of compressible material. Uppon layers fill the space between the saddle and the spine of the animal formed by the gullet of the saddle. Lower layers of the compressible material are contiguous with the upper layers and evenly distribute the load of the saddle over the back of the animal.

Abstract: A protector for the under finger of a quilter is made from flexible vinyl having a slightly roughened upper surface and a thickness of about 13 mil. The back of the protector is provided with an adhesive so that it may be attached to the under finger easily. In the preferred embodiment, a number of protectors are provided on a strip from which a single protector may be detached.

Abstract: There is provided a device for printing an impression of both postal codes and postage stamps on envelopes which comprises a frame having a slot to receive an envelope so that the envelope is in position to be appropriately printed with an impression of a postal code and postage stamp. Sensors are provided within the slot to indicate when the envelope is appropriately positioned for printing an impression of the postal code and postage stamp. A printer is provided within the frame to print an impression of a predefined postal code in machine readable form and a variable postage amount subtracted from an electronic fund of stored postage on an envelope appropriately positioned within the slot. A keyboard on the frame enables the selecting of both a postal code and a postage amount.

Abstract: A suspension system for an automobile includes a compound torsion bar arrangement. The compound arrangement has a first bar which acts as a sway bar and a second bar which provides an output torque opposite to that of an input torque. The two bars are arranged to operate together and to be attached to the same location of respective wheel support structures. Variation of the torsional characteristics of the two bars of the compound arrangement allows the roll stiffness to be varied while also varying the forces which tend to lift the inside wheel when the automobile is moving in a curved path.

Abstract: A device for protecting a structure from scorching during heat-producing operations such as welding includes a silicon bonded board about 1/2 inch thick, a metal channel frame surrounding the board and a hanger for hanging the device from the structure. The board is interposed between the heat-producing source and the structure to be protected, whereby the structure is protected from scorching or burning.

Abstract: A notch filter having increased pass band characteristics is provided by insertion of an inductor between a normally-grounded capacitor and ground, the capacitor being connected to an inductive-capacitive filter network. By this construction, the equivalent capacitor of the high-frequency equivalent circuit is not connected directly to ground, but rather has the inductor interposed between it and ground. This significantly increases the pass band of the circuit.

Abstract: A connector for securing a leash to a sports board includes a plate having a substantially planar upper surface for receiving graphics. The plate is hinged to a flange, molded integrally with the plate, which receives the leash. The connector is inserted through the board so that the plate is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of the board and the flange extends upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A safety device for a firearm such as a rifle includes a first attachment device for securing an end of a cord just below the breast of a user. A second attachment device secures the other end of the cord to the lower part of the stock of the firearm. The cord is of such a length that it is not possible for the firearm to be pointed at the head or torso of the user while the normal use of the firearm is unhindered.

Abstract: An insert for a shoe or a shoe interior comprises a central portion which prevents excess pronation, a front portion which extends arcuately and transversely across the foot to support the transverse metatarsal arch, a rear portion which extends transversely across the foot and contacts the forward edge of the heel, a lateral, slanted edge which is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arch and support the fifth metatarsal shaft of the foot, and a fourth portion which slopes medially. The device is designed to fit the area of void on the plantar side of the human foot to support the structure of the foot to prevent excess pronation and to substantially reduce foot morbidity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for permitting conferencing in an automatic telephone information system by utilizing shared circular memory buffers incorporated in voice processing boards inserted in expansion slots in a PC to transfer speech from one line to another in a timed sequence controlled by the PC.

Abstract: A container for collecting and storing newspapers and periodicals comprises a lower base, a cross-shaped support that rests on the lower base, and an intermediate base that rests on the cross-shaped support. Between the lower base, the cross-shaped support and the intermediate base, two receiving compartments for receiving balls of twine are defined. The container as a whole is made as a folding cardboard box and is distinguished by great stability as well as simple handling.

Abstract: A bi-focal or multi-focal lens element or blank of synthetic plastics material is supported by a lens location block releasably moulded on to the front face of the lens element or blank, the material of the block being comparatively inexpensive non-metallic material so that the block can be thrown away after the element or blank has been released from the block.