Abstract: Reaction torque of a planetary gear type torque multiplier assembly is measured in apparatus which includes multiple stage torque multiplying apparatus and a torque readout meter which is operated by the reaction torque sensed. A reaction coupling arrangement operatively associated with a planetary torque multiplier includes a ring gear around which the planetary gears traverse. The ring gear is attached to a pivotable reaction torque cup. The reaction torque cup is biased by a pair of parallel extending deflection beams. As torque is applied, the ring gear deflects in accordance with reaction torque, and the amount of deflection is operatively coupled to the torque readout meter where an indication of torque is registered. The torque readout meter includes a stay set feature to maintain torque indications after the applied torque is terminated.

Abstract: Reaction torque between a drive shaft of a drive motor and the stationary housing of the drive motor is measured by apparatus which includes a torque readout meter and a torque multiplying arrangement. The apparatus includes a pivot sleeve member which is operatively connected to and pivots with the drive motor housing. A single deflection beam extends from the sleeve to the housing of the apparatus. The beam deflects when the sleeve pivots under the application of torque from the drive motor. The amount of deflection of the beam is operatively coupled to the torque readout meter where an indication of torque is registered. The torque readout meter includes a stay set feature to maintain the maximum readings after the applied torque is terminated. Two output shafts supply output torque. One output shaft applies multiplied torque and reduced rotational speed as compared to the other shaft which is directly connected to the drive motor.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises a gear puller assembly with removable jaws adapted to be extended around the teeth of the gear to be pulled from a shaft, and screw means capable of exerting pressure required to pull the gear.The method of the invention includes the steps of positioning a first puller jaw affixed to the gear puller assembly around a portion of a gear press-fitted onto a shaft, positioning a second puller jaw around a remaining portion of the gear and affixing the second puller jaw to the gear puller assembly, then applying the force necessary to pull the gear.

Abstract: Radial and axial bearings support an axle shaft attached to a flywheel apparatus to provide rotational support and limit axial movement during rotation of the flywheel. A cage generally surrounding the flywheel and receiving the flywheel within its hollow interior includes a cylindrically shaped side wall positioned adjacent to and concentric with the outside surface of the flywheel to rapidly absorb energy should distortion or shattering of the flywheel occur due to centrifugal force. Means for connecting the flywheel cage to a source of vacuum such as the intake manifold of a thermal engine is utilized to at least partially evacuate the interior of the flywheel cage and thereby increase the ability of the rotating flywheel to store and maintain kinetic energy. A plurality of lubricant passages and reservoirs supply lubricant to the bearings associated with the axle shaft of the flywheel.

Abstract: A syringe is disclosed for taking blood samples which includes a tubular body, a plunger, a sealing member and a needle. The plunger and sealing member in combination are slideably received in the tubular body with the plunger receiving the sealing member for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis. The sealing member has two longitudinally spaced circumferential sealing locations with a cylindrical space between the sealing locations. Two closeable openings through each seal location are established in the sealing member at 180.degree. opposition to each other by a thread extending across each seal. The thread is attached to the plunger so that after blood passes through the seal nearest the needle end of the syringe, the plunger can be rotated to remove the thread from both seal locations thereby sealing the blood sample in the tubular body after all gases have been purged from the tubular body.

Abstract: A light conductive element comprising a portion of the outside visible surface of an article of furniture deflects light from the interior of the article to the exterior of the article. Deflecting the light can be achieved by light reflecting surfaces formed at the interior of the light conducting element. The light conductive elements are positioned adjacent assembly members having different light conducting characteristics to assemble the article of furniture. The light conducted through the light conductive elements in conjunction with the assembly members of the article of furniture create a unique and attractive visual effect.

Abstract: A portable earth drilling apparatus adapted for helicopter transportation has been designed in light modular form and particularly adapted for use at high elevations under circumstances where prior art drill rigs are not capable of efficient operation.

Abstract: A system for dynamically and automatically balancing vehicle tires includes a plurality of mobile mass elements loosely positioned within the tire of a wheel-tire assembly so as to be mobile therewithin. Inherent physical characteristics of the mass elements in the form of variations in the shape and composition of the mass elements and/or the interior of the wheel-tire assembly inhibit movement of the mass elements after they have been automatically positioned through rotation of the wheel-tire assembly to balance the wheel-tire assembly.

Abstract: The quantity of fluid utilized in flushing a conventional closet-type toilet bowl is reduced by a water saving device. The water saving device is adapted to be positioned within the trap of the toilet, and includes a supporting frame with a movable gate operatively connected therewith to open and close the fluid flow passage through the trap to the sewer access opening. After the toilet flushing operation is effected, the gate remains in a closed position until the level of fluid in the toilet bowl reaches a predetermined level, at which time the gate opens to allow the fluid to flow into the sewer access opening by a natural siphoning action. After the flow of fluid through the trap diminishes, the gate returns to a closed position. As a result, the needless flow of fluid from the toilet bowl prior to the time the natural siphoning occurs is eliminated and a water savings is effected.

Abstract: Magnetic flux from a plurality of permanent magnets interacts between a drive disc and a driven disc to transmit selected power in infinitely variable ratios from the drive disc to the driven disc. Control means operatively connected between the drive disc and the driven disc position the discs to vary the amount of magnetic flux coupled between the discs, thereby infinitely varying the transmitted power and the speed differential between the input and the output of the transmission. The magnetic flux may be selectively coupled from the driven disc to a stationary brake means to restrict movement of the driven disc and to absorb energy from the output of the transmission.

Abstract: A display unit having a plurality of light emitting segments is directly attached to a circuit board, thereby avoiding use of a separate encapsulated display device. The circuit board is provided with a plurality of electrical conductors permanently attached to its component mounting surface. Electrically conductive leads extend between the light emitting segments of the display unit and the electrical conductors attached to the circuit board. The display unit includes a base supporting member to which the light emitting segments are attached in a desired configuration. The base member is preferably glued with an electrically conductive glue to an electrical conductor attached to the circuit board, thereby simultaneously physically connecting the base member directly and permanently to the circuit board and electrically connecting a common terminal of the light emitting segments to the electrical conductor on the circuit board.

Abstract: A thermal engine and energy accumulating flywheel are operatively connected to propel a vehicle, and a regulating means regulates the thermal engine to generally produce a limited constant maximum quantity of energy marginally in excess of that energy necessary to propel the vehicle under a constant desired operating condition. Sufficient energy accumulates in the energy storage flywheel to provide intermittent quantities of energy in a excess of that available from the thermal engine for propelling the vehicle. In this manner, fuel consumption by the thermal engine is significantly reduced and the amount of pollutants emitted is reduced, since the thermal engine is operated in a relatively constant condition to supply energy slightly in excess of that necessary for propelling that vehicle at a constant desired operating condition.

Abstract: A mouse trap includes first and second telescopically related housing members which are movable between extended and retracted positions. A door opening is provided in one of the housing members which provides access to the interior of the housing when the housing is in its extended position but which is blocked by the other housing member when the housing is in its retracted position. A spring biased striker arm is mounted within the housing members and is adapted to be held in a cocked position by a trigger arm when the housing members are extended. Actuation of the trigger arm causes the striker arm to deliver a lethal blow to a mouse who has released the trigger arm and also causes the housing members to be simultaneously moved to their retracted position.

Abstract: A handgrip member and back reference bar are part of an improved apparatus for aiding conditioning of muscles in th head and neck, the shoulder girdle and the pelvic girdle to position those body parts in relation to a centerline or gravity line through an erect individual to improve the posture of the individual through an erect spinal column. With the improved apparatus, certain key muscles and various body manipulations are used in conditioning an erect spinal column and in conditioning advantageous muscle control prevalent in a cross-crawl movement by the method of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying jewelry includes a plurality of vertically spaced horizontally disposed display rings retained in a concentric orientation by a center support rod and a plurality of connecting members extending between adjacent rings. At least one of the rings has a plurality of outwardly protruding fingers adapted to support ring-type jewelry while other of the display rings include hook means for supporting bracelets, necklaces and the like and openings therethrough for receiving earrings. The center support post may have a mirror there around for decorative purposes and the entire apparatus can be suspended from a supporting surface or supported on a support stand.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for hanging a wall hanging from a wall surface causes the wall hanging to return to a desired orientation if it is disturbed. The apparatus and method generally involves a pair of knob members mounted at a wall surface in a spaced apart and generally protruding relation, a suspension cable means having its center portion looped in at least one complete loop around the knob members for attachment to the lower marginal border area or frame of the wall hanging, and a connecting member extending between the looped center portion of the cable suspension means to the upper marginal border area or frame of the wall hanging.

Abstract: The safety device of the present invention comprises a longitudinally extensible element adapted to be placed in one chamber of a revolver type gun so that the cylinder can be closed and the device positioned to extend through the chamber into the bore of the barrel to prevent the cylinder from rotating thus preventing the gun from being operated. The device is designed so that it must be rotated within the gun barrel to remove it from the gun so that individuals not knowing how the device operates cannot easily remove the device from the gun.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting plate as part of an assemblage of the plates is adapted to be used in a solar heat collector for solar furnaces and the like and is designed so that the solar collector can be oriented at any angle relative to the angle of the sun. Several embodiments of the heat collecting plate are disclosed but principally each includes an inner plate portion adapted to protrude generally perpendicularly away from a back support wall of the solar collector and an outer plate portion forming an obtuse angle from the outer edge of the inner plate portion. One surface of the outer plate portion is reflective to solar radiation while the other surface of the outer plate portion and both surfaces of the inner plate portion and the back wall of the solar collector are absorptive of solar radiation.