Abstract: A tool for tensioning and severing elongate objects such as cable ties. The tool includes an angular frame having an extended nose, with a pivotally mounted lever. The lever is forwardly biased by a tension assembly including a tension link and expansion spring, while the cable tie is engaged between a flange and rotatable pawl at the forward end of the tension link. The nosing of the tool includes parallel blades having a user-adjustable separation, for severing cable ties of a wide range of strap thicknesses. The user tensions a cable tie by squeezing the lever toward a grip portion of the frame which is maintained stationary, and may sever the tie after tensioning using a simple twisting motion. The tool is simple, durable, and easy to operate, and is effective for tensioning objects within confined spaces.

Abstract: A driven, rotatable cylinder (11-1) spaced from a counterstructure (11-4, 11-2&3, 11b-2,3&4, 11c-2&2', 11B-2, 11C-2, 11-5, 11-6) to permit parts or connectors (P or C) to fall between the rotatable cylinder and the counterstructure. A continuous drive belt (16) is employed with an idler (14-6) to permit adjustment of the separation between the cylinder and the counterstructure while the cylinder is in motion.

Abstract: Dispensing of fasteners by a device which receives an assemblage of the fasteners and is able to expel them individually through, for example, a slotted hollow needle. The dispensed fasteners can be used generally in the attachment of items to one another and, in particular, for the labeling of textile goods and the like with information bearing tags. The device includes a trigger operated feed mechanism and a simultaneously operable expulsion mechanism. Both mechanisms are controlled by the tip of a lever which is proportioned and disposed in the device to execute linear motion. The feed mechanism is disengageable from the remainder of the device to permit clearance of the inserted assemblage or the removal of jams. The feed mechanism additionally is operated by a planar pawl having a tooth that extends into contact with indentations on the periphery of a feed wheel.

Abstract: A snowblower for use particularly with wet and heavy snow formed by a precutting device (8) which rotates about the axis of a blower wheel (4) and is situated in front of the blower wheel in the snow clearing direction. Also included are worm gears (2,3) which rotate about vertical axes and are disposed on both sides in front of the blower wheel (4). The precutting device (8) has radial cutting arms (9) with radii corresponding to the radius of the blower wheel (4). The rotational bodies formed by the precutting device and the worm gears interact with one another without contact.

Abstract: Bundling of objects using a harnessing device with a locking head and a strap with teeth that are controlled by stretching. The locking head contains a pawl or tang that engages the teeth of the strap by wedging. A wedging tooth is desirably on the locking tang as well, and a further tooth to promote locking is desirably included in the locking head. The strap is advantageously molded of stretch reorientable material which is subsequently stretched to control the profile of the teeth which are engaged by the locking tang and head.

Abstract: Thermal imprinting for example of one or more surfaces, using a heat transfer carrier and a release layer of pigmented, low molecular weight polyolefin. The imprint is made by bringing the transfer layer into contact with the surface of an object and applying heat. This releases the transfer layer to the surface being imprinted. When the transfer layer is required to have any significant thickness, it desirably includes a low melting point wax or resin to provide flexibility. The release characteristic can be improved by the inclusion of a further crystalline wax layer between the transfer layer and the carrier.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for continuous plasma CVD deposition in and through a vacuum system, box carriers are provided to carry both the substrates and the plasma exciting electrodes through the system. Contamination of the system and cross doping of the applied coatings are reduced.

Abstract: Flexible, reinforced paneling produced by molding a sheet of stretch reorientable plastics material including a plurality of reinforcing ribs and stretching the sheet along one axis to elongate it and simultaneously bring the reinforcing ribs into a reinforcement configuration with respect to the sheet.

Abstract: Selective incision of metallic layers overlying semiconductors by laser ablation (evaporation) of selected regions of a dye sensitized coating on each such metallic layer, followed by etching of the metallic layer to avoid objectionable alloying by laser scribing of the metallic layer to provide the desired incisions.

Abstract: A fastener formed by an elongated member with an apertured tip, such as a filamentary string, that is attached to a bi-directional locking head with longitudinally opposed openings. The elongated member is inserted into either of the opposed openings of the head, where it is engaged and locked in place by an internal, at least partially circumferential ring. Once the apertured tip is inserted into the locking head it remains in its locking position even if the filamentary string becomes separated from it as a result, for example, of pilferage.

Abstract: A tool that is particularly suitable for the installation of objects that require tensioning and severing. A tensioning member is operated through a toggle linkage that collapses when a pre-determined level of tensioning is reached and actuates a cutoff lever. The result is severance of the tensioned object with reduced shock loading. In addition the tool is easy to operate; the tensioning level is accurately and reliably adjustable; and the severed object is controllably ejected from the tool.

Abstract: Multishafted, continuous mixing and kneading of plastifiable compounds using mutually engaging worm elements which rotate in the same sense, at a constant axial separation. Along the direction of advance, the worm elements have successive zones with different numbers of threads. Each zone with the smaller number of threads follows a zone with a larger number of threads. The worm elements mesh with one another in successive zones so that the worm element of one zone has a self-cleaning action upon one another, and the zone with the smaller number of threads has a housing with a larger interior bore and larger corresponding worms than the zone with the larger number of threads, so that, in the zone with the smaller number of threads, the free cross-section is larger than in the preceding zone. Both zones have fill openings that can be charged independently of one another.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the dispensing of attachments. The attachments are fed from a continuous roll of stock into position where an individual attachment is separated from the stock. Thereafter the stock and the separated attachment are advanced so that the attachment enters a movable slide and the stock occupies the prior position of the severed attachment. The slide is then moved with respect to one or more output needles so that a plunger may force the attachment from the slide through the needle or needles and dispense it into the material with which the attachment is being used. When the dispenser has dual needles, the attachments severed from the stock can be used as plastic staples for securing objects and items.

Abstract: Extrusion apparatus for extruding plastic filaments and having a trough for cooling filaments, the trough being pivoted about a horizontal pivot means such that the upper end of the trough can pass from the collecting position through the fall line of the filaments to a position where the filaments fall behind the trough.

Abstract: Product and process for heat transfer labeling employing a release layer that is resistant to discoloration, cracking and crawling. The release layer is formed by a blend of oxidized and unoxidized polyethylenes in proportions that prevent objectionable discoloration and hold a superimposed design in situ in order to relieve stresses that could otherwise produce cracking and crawling during heat transfer labeling. Viscosity can be suitably controlled by the addition of a minority amount of paraffin.

Abstract: Feeding of molten plastic strands into a discharge trough. At its upper end the discharge trough includes a slidably movable segment that can be extended behind the fall line of the strands as they emerge from nozzles. In its operating position, the extended segment catches the strands, and can be moved into a fore-running or non-operating position permitting free passage of the strands at the side of the discharge trough. A separational element is associated with the movable segment. As the segment is moved through the fall line of the strands, the separational element acts upon the strands and effects the desired separation. The strands which enter the discharge trough are cooled and ultimately fed to a granulator.

Abstract: Immunoassay detection of bacterial diseases, bacteria, and microorganisms using a deionized water collection medium. The preferred enzyme immunoassay is of particular use in clinical or home testing application for detection of bacteria such as gonococcus, antigens derived from such bacteria, and antibodies against the bacteria. A colorimetric detection technique may be employed using chromogenic solutions containing tetramethylbenzidine or water soluble derivatives of tetramethylbenzidine.

Abstract: Coating methods and compositions for products and transfer media, such as carbon papers, in which the major constituent is a filler such as clay, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, or the like. The filler replaces a substantial amount of, and extends, the wax or wax-like material which ordinarily forms the principal part of a transfer coating, while providing improved transfer characteristics. The coating is prepared as a dispersion of the filler or extender, with wax or a wax-like material and colorant, in a low viscosity medium such as water. The coating can thereafter be applied to a substrate to provide a desired product by using suitable equipment, such as a trailing blade coater, which may be incorporated into a paper making machine or used separately.

Abstract: Dielectric sealing of porous anodized aluminum, in which moisture in the pores of the oxide coating formed by hardcoat anodizing is removed, and the porous anodized surface then impregnated with a dielectric wax. Suitable wax sealants include Carnauba and Montan waxes. The anodized member is preliminarily heated to a temperature in the range 120.degree.-180.degree. C. in order to drive off moisture and other substances from the pores. This heating process may be continued for the purposes of impregnating the pores with the wax sealant, which is applied as a hot melt. Alternatively, the preliminary dehydration is achieved simply by heating the member to the impregnating temperature, with no separate dehydration stage. Any excess material remaining on the member's surface is removed. The resulting product has excellent resistivity and dielectric properties, and maintains these properties at elevated humidities.