Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing cream products such as deodorants and the like from a concealed product tube. A rotatable propeller drives a threaded spindle having a piston elevator mounted thereon. As the spindle rotates, the piston elevator rides upward, pushing the product toward an application surface.

Abstract: A power assist steering system is provided for use on a vehicle that has a steering implement and a steering mechanism operatively connected to a first wheel. The power assist steering system includes first and second vacuum actuators or a double acting vacuum actuator, vacuum source for providing a vacuum to the first and second vacuum actuators, a first disc powered relative to second disc for selectively activating the first and second vacuum actuators and a gear and gen plate for assisting the steering mechanism in turning the first wheel in first and second directions.

Abstract: A bearing grease fitting for directing grease into an interior portion of a wheel hub. The bearing grease fitting is an integral piece having a protrusion with a nippled end. The grease fitting has a first portion, which seats within a wheel hub. Grease is transferred from a grease gun through the protrusion to an interior portion of a wheel, such as an axle. A bearing grease fitting assembly consists of the grease fitting together with the wheel hub.

Abstract: A method of producing synchronous belts having two or more tracks of teeth extending obliquely from the belt. The method includes forming an internal drum mold from a series of concentric rings, building a belt sleeve around the drum mold, vulcanizing the belt assembly, cutting the belt sleeve into widths and removing drum rings from the belt sections.

Abstract: A device for retaining articles, such as hosiery, is disclosed. A method of retaining the articles using the device is also disclosed. The device generally comprises a first member and retaining means. The article to be retained upon the device is positioned upon the first member, such as by being wound around it.

Abstract: A brake mechanism is provided for use in braking an axle within an axle housing on an associated vehicle. The brake mechanism includes a brake stack, an actuation plate, a pressure plate, gears means for operatively connecting a brake pedal to the actuation plate and for indicating the wear condition of the brake mechanism.

Abstract: An air bag door assembly having a multi-layered construction including a rigid underlying substrate is provided. Disposed around the perimeter of the substrate is an inwardly directed flange having a plurality of flange extensions which function as locking tabs. The locking tabs deflect inwardly toward the undersurface of the door assembly as the assembly is seated in an opening in a vehicle trim panel. The locking tabs remain slightly deflected and press against the edge of the opening to retain the door assembly in a seated position. Upon deployment of the air bag, the locking tabs are disengaged by the force of the inflating air bag pushing outward against the undersurface of the substrate.

Abstract: A dynamic drive and brake system is provided. To accelerate the mower in a forward direction, the operator depresses the acceleration pedal, overcoming the biasing force of the acceleration spring. This causes the double idler pulley system to pivot from an inoperative or de-clutched condition to an operative condition. The farther the accelerator pedal is depressed, the more the double idler pulley system pivots and, correspondingly, the more tension is applied to the first belt. The increased tension in the first belt causes the middle pulley member to move in a downward direction and therefore decreases the diameter of the first belt about the double pulley shaft. The movement of the middle pulley member simultaneously increases the diameter of the second belt about the double pulley shaft. This increases the tension in the second belt which tension is absorbed by the idler spring that permits the idler pulley to pivot in a clockwise direction as seen in FIGS. 2-3.

Abstract: A rubber-processing additive for use in bridging rubber grind and virgin rubber. The rubber-processing additive consists of a zeolite, a high molecular weight fatty acid, and a starch. The compound binds the rubber grind to the virgin rubber. The inventive compound is also composed of components that are non-toxic. The compound does not significantly affect the physical properties of the virgin rubber. A method for using a rubber-processing additive to bind rubber grind to virgin rubber is also provided. The method includes the step of adding the inventive compound to a mixture of rubber grind and virgin rubber.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire 10 for use in aircraft landing applications is provided. The tire includes a breaker assembly 20, 20A, 20B having circumferentially extending layers of cord fabric and wear strips to enhance performance. In one embodiment, the wear strips are rubber and are provided as central portions 26, 44 of breaker layers 24, 40 with cord fabric extensions 30, 48 on either side. In a second embodiment, the wear strips are thin, narrow rubber strips 72 imposed between adjacent cord fabric breaker layers 56, 60, 64, 68. In a third embodiment, the wear strips are narrow cord fabric strips 92 imposed between adjacent cord fabric layers 80, 84, 88.

Abstract: An organo-metallic compound for use as a chemical aid in using scrap plastics in rubber formulations. The organo-metallic compound includes a zeolite, a starch, and a high molecular weight fatty acid soap. The compounds are in powder form and mixed together by a high-speed blender. The inventive compound creates a bridge between the scrap plastic and the rubber formulation allowing a blend between the two compounds. The compound accomplishes this while using a non-toxic substance. A method for using scrap plastics in rubber formulations is also provided. The method includes the step of adding the inventive compound to the scrap plastic and the virgin rubber.

Abstract: A belt tension mechanism for tensioning an associated belt drive system on an associated vehicle is provided. The associated belt drive system includes a double stacked pulley, a first belt for providing power from a power mechanism to the double stacked pulley and a second belt for providing power from the double stacked pulley to an associated implement. A first tensioning mechanism is provided for tensioning the first belt and a second tensioning mechanism is provided for tensioning the second belt. A tension arm selectively simultaneously tensions the first and second belts from an inoperative condition to an operative condition or from an operative condition to an inoperative condition. A balancing mechanism is also provided for balancing tension on the first and second belts as the implement is selectively height adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor and pump which operate completely submerged in the pump fluid which uses surrounding fluid to cool the heat generated within the motor. The motor is also built with the intention that it can run in non-submerged applications by placing a cooling jacket around the stator portion of the motor and passing a cooling fluid through the jacket to absorb the motor heat. The cooling system disclosed is such that it can be filled with a fluid circulated within the system but not in direct contact with the fluid being pumped within the pump. Preferably the cooling system includes a flow control tube for use in controlling the flow rate of the cooling liquid and an expansion tank for use in limiting the pressure of the cooling fluid in the cooling system.

Abstract: A lawn tractor has a pivoting shaft mechanism and a tilt steering mechanism. The lawn tractor includes a frame, a first wheel, a steering implement for steering the wheel, and a power steering pump for use in providing power for the steering of the first wheel. The pivoting shaft mechanism includes a steering shaft having a first end that is connected to the steering implement and that is pivotable about its second end. The pivoting shaft mechanism also includes a pin operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft, a connecting shaft having a first end operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft and a second end operatively connected to the power steering pump, and a pivot coupling for translating rotational motion from the pin to the first end of the connecting shaft.

Abstract: A lens cover system is provided. The lens cover system includes a sheet of material suitable for use in covering a first lens, a pin suitable for use in making a first plurality of holes in the sheet of material around the perimeter of the first lens, and a pair of scissors for cutting the sheet of material along the first plurality of holes thereby creating a first lens cover. The lens cover system also includes a storage apparatus for storing each lens cover. In one embodiment, the storage apparatus includes a card having first and second sides and an envelope. Each lens cover adheres to opposite sides of the card. The card and lens covers are then placed within the envelope for protection. In another embodiment the storage apparatus includes a book having a plurality of pages including first and second outer pages and a middle page. Each lens cover adheres to opposite sides of the middle page. The outer pages are then closed around the middle page for protection.

Abstract: A horizontal impact member for use with a rear impact guard on a semi-trailer truck is disclosed. The horizontal impact member is connected to a standard rear impact guard by a hinge. This design is for use with a liftgate that is mounted to the rear of the semi-trailer truck. As the liftgate travels in a downwardly vertical direction it contacts the horizontal member which rotates along its hinge point. The addition of a roller to the horizontal member reduces the amount of wear upon the horizontal member and the liftgate.

Abstract: This design utilizes spherical balls that function as pumping members and also function as bearing loads. The housing includes channels that are used to convert rotary motion to true linear reciprocating motion relative to the center of operation by use of modified involute profile curves. The channels have an enlarged radius of curvature, four (4) contact point designs, and an arch design depending upon application and loads, etc. A variable vane shaft and variable seal plug have a make-before-break design that eliminates damaging high pressure spikes due to the trapped fluid. The vane is used to vary and control pumping arc by directing the high and low pressures. A rotor disclosed has an angle and slots that are designed to align with tangent of the involute curve. The variable displacement disclosed herein is varied by varying the pumping arc thereby causing more or less fluid to be pumped from inlet pressure to inlet pressure which actually affects displacement and input power required.

Abstract: Crossbow bowstring drawing mechanisms which are integrated into or secured in the crossbow handle and which provide a straight and balanced draw to the crossbow bowstring to cock the crossbow bowstring in position in the crossbow trigger mechanism ready for firing. The cocking system can be manually operated or motorized, and can be manufactured as part of a crossbow or retrofit into a crossbow. An internal or external source of rotational power, such as hand crank, power screwdriver or an electrical motor, is preferably utilized in conjunction with a claw member including a bowstring engaging portion to translate rotation of the input source to longitudinal movement of the claw member to draw or release the crossbow bowstring resulting with minimal effort being expended by the user.

Abstract: A load indicator for a battery powered lawn mower is disclosed, which load indicator indicates to the operator when the power train of the lawn mower is being operated out of its designed parameters. A control circuit also reduces the initial amperage through the contacts between the battery and motor for the lawn mower appliance.

Abstract: Control circuitry causes a fluorescent lamp to flash by cycling the primary of the lamp ballast reactor at a desired cycle rate. This results in the average lamp wattage output being generally about 40% to 60% Go its normal wattage rating. This results in a correspondence reduction in lumen output. In such flashing, the intensity or light output of each flash is approximately the same as its normal, continuous light output.