Abstract: In one embodiment, a bowling lane dressing apparatus has a carriage. With a lane buffer roller and a transfer roller in rolling engagement with the lane buffer roller and in fluid communication with a reservoir containing lane dressing fluid for transferring fluid from the reservoir to the lane buffing roller. A variable speed drive is connected to the transfer roller for rotating it at variable speeds to vary the rate of transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the lane buffer roller. In a second embodiment, the transfer roller is separated into independently rotatable roller segments, each of which can be driven by separate variable speed motors. The segments may comprise a center roller segment driven by one variable speed motor, a pair of track roller segments at opposite ends of the center roller segment, respectively, driven by a second variable speed motor, and a pair of outer roller segments at opposite outer ends of said track roller segments, respectively, driven by a third variable speed motor.

Abstract: A drive apparatus and method for continuously transmitting power to an axle to rotatingly drive the axle are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a flexible ratch such as a flexible chain, belt, or cable, and cooperating first and second ratch engaging members for alternatively engaging the flexible ratch to continuously drive an axle. To operate the apparatus, one moves the first and second ratch engaging members in a first direction which causes the first ratch engaging member to engage and drive the flexible ratch which rotatingly drives the axle. One then reverses the ratch engaging members' direction of movement which causes the simultaneous releasing and engaging of the ratch by the first and second ratch engaging members, respectively, which continuously drives the axle.

Abstract: Fastening apparatus and method for forming a rivet-type fastener are disclosed for joining two pieces together that is particularly suitable for use in constructing a building. The fastening apparatus utilizes an actuating rod preferably driven by a hydraulic cylinder with the rod being inserted through a fastening section and holes in pieces to be fastened. A set of dies has one fixed and one pulled by the rod through the holes to form at least one rolled flange or two rolled flanges to form a hollow fastener that secures the pieces together. The rod is automatically returned to an extended position to be ready for the next operation. The fastener has a relatively large inside diameter in relation to the thicknesses of the pieces being fastened to avoid shear of the piece and prevent having the flange deform under load.

Abstract: A dispenser for rolled material, such as rolled towel and tissue, includes a receptacle made as two separable interfitting elements so that the rolled material can be easily replaced. One form has a cup-like member with a lid and a separable interfitting horizontal or vertical dispensing slot is provided in the receptacle through which the material is dispensed. Another form has an inner body member that nests in an outer body member with opposed walls defining a dispensing passage and slot. Two different types of rolled material are dispensed from a single dispenser.

Abstract: A fuel dispersion device has been provided in the form of a vacuum pump in which fuel is injected as macroscopic fuel droplets in metered quantities into a vacuum chamber in the pump where it is converted to a converted fuel in the form of a mixture of a smaller percentage of gaseous fuel and a larger percentage of microscopic liquid fuel droplets. This converted fuel is moved from the inlet to an outlet port by sweeping vanes. A combination of vacuum, expanding absorbed gases, mechanical energy and thermal energy is used to create gaseous fuel and microscopic liquid fuel droplets from macroscopic liquid fuel droplets. An air intake passageway is provided at one end of the mixing chamber at substantially right angles to the outlet from the vacuum chamber. An air-fuel discharge passageway is provided on the opposite side of the intake passageway for supplying the mixture of air and converted fuel to the engine for combustion.

Abstract: A holder device for selectively positioning and retaining a pair of parallels at a selected position against the opposed jaws of a vise found on a milling machine, drill press or the like. The holder device includes stationary and movable retaining members in the form of flat plates and a guide arrangement for maintaining the retaining members parallel during movement between extended and retracted positions. The guide arrangement includes two parallel spaced inner tubes attached at adjacent ends to the stationary retaining member and extending perpendicular to the length of the inner tubes together with a pair of parallel spaced outer tubes attached at adjacent ends of the second retaining member and perpendicular thereto. The outer tubes telescope over the inner tubes to provide parallel positioning for the retaining members. A force applying or bias is provided in each of the inner tubes causing the two retaining members to move to a separated extended position of maximum spacing.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly suitable for detachably mounting articles to a vehicle such as bicycles, and the like articles. A rigid tubular frame structure is fastened to an externally mounted vehicle spare tire. The carrier frame assembly has a vertical telescoping portion that attaches to a horizontal upper support which has two outwardly extending tubular sections that are at right angles to the vertical telescoping portion. Also contained on the horizontal upper support are one or more outwardly extending support members which contact and support the article being carried. The tubular frame assembly is bound in place by cable or cord of sufficient length which passes through the lower portion of the vertical telescoping support and is wrapped around the backside of said vehicle spare tire and attached to the two horizontal tube sections which rest on the vehicle spare tire tread.

Abstract: In a cocking and loading device (3) for self-loading small firearms which are provided with a bolt movable in their longitudinal direction, in particular for an automatic rifle, with a pivoted cocking lever (4) which extends in its rest position in the longitudinal direction of the weapon and can be transferred into an operating position by lateral pivoting, in said operating position a spring (6) endeavoring to pivot the cocking lever forward and to retain it in the rest position exterts pressure on said cocking lever, a simple construction of the cocking and loading device by means of which the bolt can be displcaed in the cocking direction as well as in the opposite direction and greater safety for the rifleman against injuries during shooting are achieved by the fact that the cocking lever (4) is accomodated in its rest position within the exterior conture of the weapon and is arranged at the bolt directly or by means of an intermediate part.

Abstract: A can crusher for flattening cans is provided which has a cylindrical body having a first upstream end and a second downstream end. A fluid cylinder having a piston rod is connected to the first end of the body and a piston rod is mounted within the body and attached to the piston rod for movement from a retracted upstream position to an extended downstream position. A discharge opening is provided in the body adjacent the downstream end thereof. A can receiving opening is provided in the body spaced a distance from the discharge opening at least equal to the maximum can height to be accommodated by the can crusher. A ripper tooth extends longitudinally within the body from the can receiving opening to the discharge opening. A control device selectively supplies hydraulic fluid to opposite ends of the fluid cylinder to move the piston between the retracted position and the extended position to simultaneously drain liquid from the can as it is crushed.

Abstract: A wind-shield blind having a hollow spindle having a first end in which a tubular plug fits and a second end in which a second plug fits, a shaft inserted in the spindle through the tubular plug, a spring having a first end attached to a bifurcate end of the shaft and a second end attached to the tubular plug, a first terminal element connected with a flat end of the shaft, a second terminal element connected with the first terminal element by a connecting element, and a switch. The second plug has a ratchet from which a pole co-axially protrudes. The second terminal element has a wall surrounding a disk defining a slot, a ratchet, and a hole. The second plug is biased toward the second terminal element by the spring, thereby urging the ratchet of the second plug to engage with the ratchet of the second terminal element to retain an opaque film at any desired positions while the pole passes through the hole. A switch has a button from which a cylinder protrudes and defines a rim enclosing a smooth cavity.

Abstract: A deformable sheath for an optical catheter is provided which includes an elongated, deformable hollow body having a normal predetermined shape which is compatible with its intended use in situ in a passageway in the patient. The body has a distal end and a proximate end with a plurality of channels extending therebetween. An optical catheter extends through one of the channels in the body, having a distal end aligned with the distal end of the body and a proximate end extending outwardly beyond the proximate end of the body, the catheter assuming the normal shape of the body. A substantially rigid guide wire is provided which is extendable through a second of the channels to straighten the body during insertion of the sheath into a passageway within the patient. This guide wire is removable from the body after insertion so that the body resumes its normal predetermined shape.

Abstract: A massage device disclosed has a frame portion with a window into which at least the middle and ring fingers will insert for the full extent of the fingers for hand-held movement. At least a pair of laterally spaced outwardly projecting massage portions are rigidly affixed to and project beyond the frame portion so that as the hand is moved over and against the outer surface of a living body the massage portions penetrate the body tissue and perform an effective and efficient deep pressure massage action.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of continuously forming a layered composite material into a rigid structure as the material is moved from an upstream location to a downstream location. The uncured layered composite material is pulled from a supply at the upstream location through a forming die to form the material into a structural member having a desired shape. The member is moved downstream into a heating die where it is at least partially cured. After it leaves the heating die it is cooled and continues to move downstream where it is cut into suitable lengths. The cooling can be accomplished by a cooling die located downstream from the heating die. A liner is provided within the dies having the same shape as the structural member through which the structural member slides as it moves in the downstream location.

Abstract: A heat sterilizable electronic video endoscope is provided in which a lens system is mounted by the use of elements such as metal spacers, which are not adversely affected by heat. Similarly, the electronic circuitry is arranged in the center of the endoscope and is formed of heat resistant material. In addition, glass fibers are provided which surround the lens system and the electronic circuitry to further protect it from the heat of sterilization. The light fibers themselves are made of glass and are not adversely affected by the heat sterilizing process. In addition, a sterilizable sheath may be provided which will extend over the endoscope and has an accordion shaped extension to extend along the electrical cable and light cable for those situations where it is not possible to resterilize the endoscope for a second procedure. In addition, a removable handle can be provided over the sheath which facilitates positioning the endoscope during an operative procedure or investigation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental hygienic pet toy for dental prophylaxis on the teeth of a dog or other .[.carnivore.]. .Iadd.animal .Iaddend.as the toy is chewed by the carnivore. The toy includes an elastomeric body having an outer surface and at least one groove which opens onto the outer surface. The groove is sized and configured so that a functional prophylaxis lip will scrap plaque and other debris from a tooth and gingiva of a carnivore which is repeatedly inserted into and at least partially withdrawn from the groove as the toy is chewed by the .[.carnivore.]. .Iadd.animal.Iaddend.. An oral hygiene substance may be provided along the lip to enhance the benefit to the teeth and gingiva.