Abstract: A microfiche reader transport system permitting the automatic and selective accessing of one of a plurality of microfilm frames mounted on a microfiche card. The transport system is independently actuable in the X and Y directions via stepper motor means which are, in turn, selectively controlled via an operator keyboard and a programmable microprocessor controller responsive thereto. The transport system further has the capability of accommodating microfiche cards of various frame formats, and includes means for adaptively adjusting to different magnification ratios of the reader optics and for audibly prompting and verifying operator selections and error conditions.

Abstract: A carpet handling tool for facilitating the gripping and pulling of carpeting by its edges. The tool comprises two arcuately curved handle members which are pivotally coupled together to form a fulcrum. Individually attached to each handle member is a gripper jaw in the form of a generally flat plate having its leading edge bent at a right angle and arranged such that the leading edge of one jaw member overlaps that of the other to define a predetermined space therebetween. When a segment of carpet is placed between the jaw members and the arcuate handles are squeezed together, the carpet is tightly gripped by the jaws and a substantial, two-handed pulling force may be applied to the handle members to manipulate the carpet.

Abstract: A sanding and polishing machine for individual workpieces having an infeed conveyor for carrying workpieces along a predetermined path through one or more tandemly arranged working stations for exposure to a series of endless abrasive belts. The abrasive belt contacts the workpiece under the influence of a multi-segmented platen, with each platen segment being arranged for adjustable positioning relative to the plane of the surface of the workpiece. Positioning of each individual platen segment is accomplished by virtue of the combination of a workpiece sensor together with an adjustable selected input supplementing the workpiece sensor so that one or more platen segments disposed adjacent to those segments actuated by the workpiece sensing units are also actuated, thus increasing the number of segments responding to the presence of workpieces in the working station and either symmetrically or asymmetrically enhancing the sensed width of the workpiece.

Abstract: A horizontal wrapping machine which includes a former for shaping a continuous film of packaging material drawn past the former into a continuous tube, a film drive for drawing the continuous film of packaging material past the former and past a cutting and sealing station, a product infeed drive for feeding products to be packaged through the former into the continuous tube of packaging material so that the products are spaced apart from one another in the tube, and a pair of motor-driven cut-heads at the cutting and sealing station for cutting and sealing the continuous tube of packaging material as each product moves past the cutting and sealing station. The horizontal wrapping machine further includes independent closed loop servo control circuits for the film drive, product infeed drive, and cut-head drive, each of which are responsive to a desired velocity control signal.

Abstract: An electrical switch for use as a safety switch for doors of lifts or elevators, the contact push rod of which is actuated by a switching roller when the roller is turned by means of an inserted actuating member. The switching roller comprises two axially spreadable switching roller portions that can be spread against the force of a spring by a pin specially provided for that purpose on the actuating member; if there is no pin on the actuating member, the roller strikes a stop before the switch is closed.

Abstract: A mechanically-driven, low-profile, portable turntable for use in cooking ovens, especially microwave ovens, for rotating food stuffs while cooking. All moving parts, except the power spring used to drive the turntable are formed from low loss plastic and the spring is contained in a microwave reflective case to preclude overheating thereof. The low profile is achieved by providing a unique drive mechanism for the turntable in which the power spring driven gear is made to partially surround and envelop the spring case. Further, the gear train cooperating with the main power spring driven gear and with a speed-controlling governor is effectively "wrapped" about the spring case in a concentric fashion with the individual gears in the gear train being vertically overlapped.

Abstract: A brake arrangement for a snowmobile vehicle of the type having a so-called mono-body suspension system. In this arrangement, the snowmobile's engine shaft is coupled through a conventional variable speed drive system to a jack shaft which is journaled for rotation with respect to the frame of the vehicle. Pivotally coupled on one end of the jack shaft is a chain case which encloses a sprocket wheel. A support arm on the other end of the jack shaft extends parallel to the chain case. Extending between the sprocket wheel on the jack shaft and a further sprocket wheel associated with the snowmobile's track drive shaft is an endless chain. That track drive shaft is journaled for rotation between the spaced-apart rails defining an orbital path of motion for the ground-engaging track of the vehicle. The rail system defining the orbital path is joined to the frame proximate the rear of the snowmobile vehicle by means of shock absorbers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a tube from a web of paper or film. A perforated endless belt has at least one vacuum box applied to the underside of one run. The web is fed onto the belt and held down by it. The leading portion of the web is folded rearwardly and the longitudinal edges of the web are folded inwardly to create a tube. The thus formed tube is continuously withdrawn rearwardly while product is inserted into the opening which is continuously being formed in the tube. The tube is longitudinally sealed and thereafter transversely sealed and transversely cut to form individual pouches.

Abstract: A high-voltage, non-destructive inspection system for detecting nails, and/or cuts and holes in vehicle tires. The system employs a high-voltage head mounted within the tire and a reference head outside the tire opposite to the high-voltage head. The high-voltage head and reference head span the tire tread axially. The inspection is performed in one revolution of the tire.High-voltage pulses are impressed upon the high-voltage head, and the amplitude and pulse widths are variably selected, commensurate with the type of tire being tested. When a cut, hole or a nail in the tire passes between the high-voltage head and the reference head, an electric arc forms and current passes through the tire. This arc can be visually observed and also electronically detected. Upon detection, via an electronic detection circuit, a lamp lights and the tire rotation is stopped, thus facilitating location of the flaw, via a manual mode.

Abstract: A strip nozzle assembly containing a detachable, pressure regulating inlet coupler and a plurality of pressure regulating outlet nozzles, whereby agricultural sprays may be strip applied. The assembly having particular application in a modular spraying system adaptable to either broadcast or strip spraying. Compatibility with system pressure and desired flow rates are achieved via flat plate, sharped edge orifices that in one embodiment are arranged in a series/parallel configuration.

Abstract: A portable turntable for use in microwave ovens which is used as a supporting base for a container of food which is cooked within the oven and adapted to gradually rotate the same, the apparatus including an electric motor which is mounted in and enclosed by a metal housing which housing has cavities tuned to capture the microwaves in the oven to power the turntable. The metal housing is enclosed by an outer enclosure of non-metallic material to prohibit electrical arcing between the metal portions and the oven walls.

Abstract: A system for providing a refrigerant to an ice rink, the system including a compressor means for compressing a refrigerant, means for delivering the compressed refrigerant to a low pressure receiver vessel, and means for passing refrigerant condensate from said low pressure vessel to a pair of pumper drum vessels. The rink is provided with a plurality of refrigerant transmitting conduits extending from one end thereof to the other, and with a high pressure header extending across one end of the rink and a low pressure header extending across the opposed end of the rink. The high pressure header is provided with a balance header which couples the opposite free ends of this header element together, and an intermediate line or conduit is also provided which couples the central or mid-portions of the high pressure header and the balance header together.

Abstract: A vacuum/pressure liquid waste application system for vacuum loading a distribution tank with liquid waste treatment materials and distributing the liquid matter via a pressurized tank and flow-forming and directing sludge gun. Clog-free directional surface application is thereby achieved over relatively rugged or inaccessible terrain.

Abstract: A sailboard rig has a mast and a boom running aft from the mast for holding and moving the sail. The boom is more specially in the form of a wishbone boom with the sail in its opening. The mast has a mast foot joint such that it may be turned and heeled over on the board. The sail is joined to the mast at its luff and the aft end of the boom is joined with an aft limit of the sail.In order to make possible better use of the wind and for increasing the top speed of the rig, the sail is made up of a lower panel and two upper panels and the mast is branched so as to have two upper arms spreading outwards towards leeches of the two upper panels of the sail. These upper panels are joined with the lower sail panel at a seam and are joined to the mast arms along luffs so that all in all there is a generally Y-like mast and a sail with a Y-like form of luff.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the working force and relative disposition of the work-contacting surface of a driven endless abrasive belt while in contact with the surface of a workpiece held in a working station. The controlling apparatus includes a rigid belt back-up pad which is normally biased in a direction toward the working station, and linear cams are provided which include inclined relatively movable ramps for movably positioning the belt back-up pad into predetermined spaced relationship to the working station. Also, because of the relatively high forces involved, guides are provided for controlling the movement of the belt back-up pad along axes which are normal to the axis of the working station.

Abstract: In a packaging machine, a folder assembly for folding the tops of bags as part of a ceiling operation wherein the folder assembly can accommodate irregularities in the bags without jamming. A first folding station includes a stationary support member to which is hingedly affixed a first and a second folder plate, each having predetermined profiles formed along a working edge thereof. These folder plates are resiliently biased by springs toward their associated support member such that limited freedom to yield in a vertical plane is achieved. Associated with the working edge and spaced slightly therefrom is a front fold blade which, too, is spring mounted to allow a limited yield in a horizontal plane. In the event a jam should occur, the assembly may be readily opened to facilitate the clearing of that jam.

Abstract: An improved hypodermic jet injector system in which specifically designed adapters are used for joining conventional medicament supply vials to the hypodermic jet injector during the filling of the medicament chamber thereof whereby the valving structure may be greatly simplified and the ready substitution of one medicament for another facilitated such that there is no need to purge the injector device of the previously used medicament. The adapter comprises a relatively low-cost attachment for a medicament supply vial including a stopper-piercing needle having both a liquid passage and an air passage therein. The adapter also includes a hollow recess of a predetermined shape which has a stretchable membrane forming one wall thereof, the membrane having a zero diameter hole formed through it when the membrane is unstretched. The liquid passage of the piercing needle leads to the hollow recess.

Abstract: A horizontal wrapping machine which includes a former for shaping a continuous film of packaging material drawn past the former into a continuous tube, a film drive for drawing the continuous film of packaging material past the former and past a cutting and sealing station, a product infeed drive for feeding products to be packaged through the former into the continuous tube of packaging material so that the products are spaced apart from one another in the tube, and a pair of motor-driven cut-heads at the cutting and sealing station for cutting and sealing the continuous tube of packaging material as each product moves past the cutting and sealing station. The horizontal wrapping machine further includes independent closed loop servo control circuits for the film drive, product infeed drive, and cut-head drive, each of which are responsive to a desired velocity control signal.