Abstract: A card reader for reading data cards of the type having columns of machine-readable information thereon and transmitting data outputs representative of this information to an interface, includes a read station for sensing the information in each column and generating corresponding data outputs. A latching circuit receives data outputs from the sensing means and transmits the data outputs to the interface responsive to a strobing signal. A timing wheel is employed to detect the velocity of the cards during transport through the read station to provide an output proportional to velocity. A train of pulses is generated for each column responsive to the velocity output, and the period of the pulse train is adjusted to compensate for increases or decreases in the velocity of the card through the read station, by employing a phase-locked loop circuit.

Abstract: A shower door or enclosure for a shower stall, bathtub or the like comprises an extrusion frame rigidly positioned between opposing walls of the bathing compartment. A foldable door is suspended from the extrusion and is adapted to be drawn between the opposing walls. At least one drying arm is carried in a top track of the frame and is attached thereto by a pivot which allows the arm to be moved toward and away from the frame and into the bathing compartment, whereby wet garments and the like may be hung upon the arm for drying.

Abstract: A variable density polarizing attachment for spectacles having polarizing lenses therein is provided along with a method of making variable density polarizing spectacles. A pair of polarizing lenses are attached to standard spectacles or eyeglasses already having polarizing lenses therein utilizing posts attached to the lenses. The posts are grooved to rotatably hold a polarizing lens adjacent an existing polarizing lens on a pair of spectacles so that existing spectacles can be converted to variable density polarizing spectacles.

Abstract: Apparatus for making flanges for large diameter pipe from bar stock of the type having a generally rectangular cross-section includes a substantially flat work surface for supporting the bar stock, a rotatable die position adjacent to the work surface and a drive shaft coupled to a motor for rotation of the die. A bonnet surrounds the die for applying pressure against the bar stock in directions toward the work surface, the bonnet being rotatable with the die and the drive shaft. One end of the bar stock is pinned to the peripheral edge of the bonnet such that the bar stock is bent about one short side thereof and wrapped around the die. The wrapped bar stock, in the form of a helical coil, is severed along a line substantially normal to the long sides thereof to form a plurality of C-shaped members, and the ends of the C-shaped members are joined into an endless loop so as to form the desired flange.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting machine for harvesting citrus fruit has a plurality of booms mounted to a vehicle. The booms are mounted to pass through fruit trees as the vehicle moves along for picking fruit on the trees. Each boom has fruit picking devices mounted thereon for collecting the fruit and conveying it to the vehicle and each boom has a breakaway mechanism allowing the boom to individually swing towards the vehicle responsive to contact with large tree limbs to allow individual booms to clear the tree limb and then be restored to its normal position to prevent damage to the larger limbs. Each boom has a plurality of fruit picking members and stationary discs mounted on a rotating shaft mounted to the boom for twisting fruit from limbs.

Abstract: A sole includes an inflatable envelope formed of a flexible material having a first surface adapted to conform to a foot of the wearer. A valve stem extends through the envelope along the first surface for inflating the envelope, the valve extending substantially above the first surface and being positioned such that the valve is engagable between adjacent toes of the wearer.

Abstract: A solar heating assembly including a radiant energy collector having a casing where fluid conduit is mounted therein in substantially suspended fashion relative to the interior space of the casing and angularly oriented, reflective wall surfaces disposed to essentially concentrate the radiant energy on the fluid conduit so as to heat the interior space of the casing and the fluid within the conduit. A brace frame is mounted on the ground or other surface and comprises a plurality of support columns wherein the casing is adjustably mounted adjacent the upper portions of the support columns and brace frame in spaced relation to the ground. A plurality of exercise devices such as children's gym set are mounted in substantially suspended relation wherein the collector assembly of the solar heating assembly is used in combination with the brace frame which is specifically in the form of an exercise device or gym set.

Abstract: A burglar alarm apparatus is provided with a housing adapted to slide over a door knob for actuation upon rotation or attempted rotation of the door knob. An insert is provided for insertion into the housing which has a protruding suction cup so that the door knob burglar alarm can be converted for use on windows or sliding glass doors or the like. The burglar alarm has a sensor switch of the platform and ball type, which is resettable and may be turned off by a single switch knob.

Abstract: A snap-on shield for a helmet is formed having a flat, transparent surface which can be shaped to fit onto a helmet, or a molded pre-curved surface, to protect the face of a wearer. The shield is injection-molded of a polymer material having a molded female center snap portion for engaging a male snap portion on the helmet and a pair of groups of female polymer snaps are molded for one snap portion to engage each male ear stud snap on the helmet. Each group of female snap portions is positioned so that one snap portion fits the ear stud male snap portion of at least one helmet. The shield may also have additional male snap portions molded therein for engaging female snaps on a visor. The face shield with snap fastener portions is molded in one piece to fit a large variety of helmets having variations in the positioning of the helmet snap fastener portions thereon.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve of the type primarily designed to regulate the flow of fluid generally in the form of air and its rate of flow and capability of being utilized in combination with a sphygmomano-meter assembly whereby flow of fluid from the sphyg head is accomplished at a predetermined rate and is selectively regulated by manual manipulation of the valve assembly. A valve housing is movably mounted therein and a valve block which is disposed to establish fluid communication from a sphyg head or point of use of the fluid through a metered port so as to establish a flow path for the fluid exiting from the valve assembly at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A window locking mechanism includes a flanged bracket in which the flange is attached to the window so that the remainder of the bracket protrudes over the window frame. The locking bracket is in a shape to support a disc shaped locking member, loosely supported on a center pin and adapted to wedge between an angled side of the support bracket in the window frame at all times except when the disc is lifted to prevent wedging.

Abstract: A core sampling device of the type utilized in forming concrete test cores in situ including a double-walled sleeve which is placed into the wet, fluid concrete in combination with an insertion tool whereby the sleeve, due to its configuration, may be pressed or "screwed" into the fluid concrete. By virtue of the double-walled construction of the sleeve, once the concrete has cured, the test core may be easily removed therefrom.

Abstract: An auxiliary hub device for use in combination with a propeller of an outboard drive marine engine, the device basically comprising a sleeve which is attachable in interconnecting relation between the engine's drive shaft and the outboard propeller. The auxiliary hub device is used as an emergency connector so as to enable an outboard drive marine engine whose propeller has sheared from the drive shaft to make way in the water.

Abstract: A lighted message board includes a border of an insulating material with a plurality of conductive layers deposited thereon, and with a plurality of individual lighting elements carried by the border and interconnected with selected ones of the conductive layers. A sequencing and timing circuit is connected with the conductive layers for energizing the lighting element, and for intermittently operating the lighting elements. A transparent layer overlies the border and the lights, and a message panel is bonded to the face of the transparent layer.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first conveyor for carrying dough portions in a first direction, and a second, endless conveyor for carrying the dough portions in a second direction out of plane with the first direction, the second conveyor having a pickup end immediately adjacent the first conveyor and a discharge end for delivering the dough portions to the pans. The cross-sectional dimension of the second conveyor at the pickup end is relatively thin, in order to insure that all of the dough portions are conveyed onto the second conveyor. A third conveyor is provided having a pickup portion underneath the discharge end of the second conveyor, such that pans fed onto the third conveyor receive the dough portions from the discharge end of the second conveyor.

Abstract: An orienting device or more specifically a tilting mechanism designed to be used primarily with selectively maneuverable pick-up heads of the type used to handle large baskets in the loading and general harvesting of citrus products and the like. The orienting device comprises a frame having a fluid activated piston and cylinder assembly interconnected between the frame and a lever arm attached to the rotary shaft of the pick-up head whereupon activation of the piston and cylinder assembly, rotation of the lever arm and attached rotary shaft causes tilting or predetermined orientation of the pick-up head. The entire frame and the attached rotary shaft pivots about a pivot shaft serving also as the point of interconnection of the supporting boom, and located above and spaced from the rotary shaft of the pick-up head.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for use in a motor vehicle for securing a CB radio or the like to the dashboard by means of a housing member having mounting means and locking means operatively associated therewith to provide the necessary clamping force against the dashboard, and readily released to remove CB radio.

Abstract: A rack for hanging clothes includes a double tubed slotted storage container which can be attached to the side of a clothes dryer or washing machine or to a laundry room wall. The container contains a telescoping support rod and a clothes hanging bar attached to the telescoping support rod. The rod may be telescoped from the container and locked in position and a clothes hanging bar pivoted to a horizontal position to hang clothes as they are taken from the clothes dryer and placed on the hangers.

Abstract: A flap positioning assembly of the type primarily designed to dispose the inner flap in substantially conventional containers into a position relative to the exterior flap so that stapling or otherwise securing of the flaps may be facilitated. A support frame includes a base plate and outwardly extending support arms having a clamp arm movable relative thereto by means of an orienting shaft capable of being manipulated to allow the clamp arm to be positioned in a clamped and non-clamped relation to the flaps of the container.

Abstract: An underwater marine protection system for preventing or retarding marine growth on vessels, pilings and submerged structures, in which a boat slip, or the like, has a series of gas diffusers placed under water located to direct gas towards the bottom of a marine vessel. The gas diffusers are connected to an ozone source for directing ozone gas through the diffusers towards the bottom of a boat. Skirts or curtains are connected to the pilings in the boat slip to prevent the free flow of water into and out of the slip where the water has been treated. A special top extends across the slip and around a vessel therein to increase the effectiveness of the ozone. An alternate embodiment has the gas diffusers formed in the bottom of the boat or submarine structure.