Abstract: A beam of infrared radiation encompassing the absorption band of the hydrocarbon alkanes is passed through an unconfined sample of test gas after which the beam is chopped before it impinges upon an interference filter. The filter restricts radiation passing therethrough to the spectral interval corresponding to the absorption band of the hydrocarbon alkanes. The filtered radiation impinges on an infrared detector which produces a signal that on being amplified, detected and demodulated is an analog signal of magnitude functionally related to the product of concentration and carbon number of the n-alkanes (flammability index) of a mixture of hydrocarbons irrespective of their individual carbon numbers. The apparatus is unitarily arranged in an elongated rod-like housing adapted for convenient hand-held use.

Abstract: A test arrangement for non-destructive defect testing of metallic test pieces includes test probes which contactingly move across the surface of a test piece. Resilient members act on the testhead carrying the probes, one at each side of the testhead center of gravity, enabling the testhead to extend beyond the test piece edge while maintaining good contact between the probes and test piece. The testhead is adjustable with respect to the test piece surface and is maintained at a constant spacing from the test piece irrespective of test piece surface irregularities.

Abstract: A flat, plate-like member of resilient synthetic plastic has one end pivotally connected to a stud affixed to the inner end wall surface of one luggage shell. One of a pair of elongated, parallel curved slots formed in the plate is received onto a second stud affixed to the other luggage parts such that when the two luggage parts are opened or closed on each other, the stud will slide along and be guided by the slot. The second stud has cross-sectional dimensions larger than the slot width which distends the plastic material between the two slots producing a resilient clamping action on the stud.

Abstract: A luggage case with a pair of wheels located at the lower edge has a handle assembly that can be folded into a side wall or swung outwardly into pulling (or pushing) relation. A two-part brace maintains a quasi locking of the handle assembly when in the open position such that it may be closed by merely applying a significant rotating force to the assembly about its pivotal interconnection with the case. A latch operates to secure the handle assembly within the case recess when closed or during nonuse and includes a finger actuated button for releasing the latch.

Abstract: The described rotating head effects A.C. field stray flux defect testing process using a rotating magnet yoke for high magnetizing field strength. The unit is compact and replaces a great number of conventional stationary devices in which the test article must be moved along a helical line past the magnet yoke. A speed of the rotating head of 900 revolutions per minute with an effective width of the probe support of 10 cm, achieves a testing speed of approximately 1.5 m/sec. This high testing speed makes the use of A.C. field stray flux testing at high magnetizing field strength possible from the economical point of view.

Abstract: A selectively adjustable buoyancy float for a pool cleaner is provided in order to suspend the cleaner below the upper surface of the water such that the pool cleaner can operate without being impeded by a pool cover.

Abstract: A tool with a body member which can be braced between the engine block and an adjacent wall of the automobile has a sharp-pointed member movable under the control of a hand operated lever arm to penetrate a freeze plug in the engine block and become wedged in the plug so on reverse movement of the lever arm the plug is removed from the engine block. For use in inserting a new plug, the sharp-pointed member is replaced by a flat headed one which drives a new freeze plug into the appropriate block opening on appropriate operation of the lever arm.

Abstract: This invention is a handle assembly for luggage. It includes an elongated, hollow, complaint handgrip portion having a pair of parallel grooves on its upper surface. A rigid end member is received in each end of the hollow handgrip and extends away from the same side of the handgrip at a divergent angle. Openings in the distal ends of the rigid end members engage co-operating means on the luggage case. A metal U-shaped member engages the two inserted rigid end members and the parallel grooves to hold the handle parts in proper assembled relation.

Abstract: An upstanding generally rectangular enclosure is received upon a wheeled base via which it can be readily moved to any desired location and position in any desired orientation. A wall of the enclosure is hinged at its bottom edge forming a door that may be swung downwardly and outwardly to rest on a ground plane. Pedestal means hold the door canted to the horizontal. The door includes a foldable extension which forms a ramp to the ground plane. A second ramp extends from the door outer end inwardly onto the door. Peripheral edge walls form a shallow pan on the door. A pipe frame holds flexible wall members about the sides and back. The interior of the enclosure includes a tank of a cleaning liquid (e.g., water), a heater, a pump connected to the tank and a length of hose with nozzle via which heated cleaning liquid is emitted. A further pump communicates with the door pan for pumping fluids therein through a filtering system and into a storage tank within the enclosure.

Abstract: A thin shell of hard plastic has a cavity within which a polyurethane foam is received. Each panel includes an upper, relatively straight-line edge, two side edges at substantially 90 degrees to the upper edge, and a lower, irregular edge having the appearance of a plurality of individual roofing shakes. The upper edge is canted upwardly for receipt within a groove in the underside of an upper overlapping panel. In addition, immediately adjacent the canted upper edge, there is a bandlike section through which roofing nails may be applied for securing the panel to the roof. The undersurface of each panel includes a stepped arrangement, not unlike that encountered in a roof constructed of individual shakes, which arrangement enables a pair of such panels to be fitted together with the top surface of one panel contacting the lower surface of another panel and forming a substantially parallel surface package for storage and shipment.

Abstract: A luggage case has one or more grooves in its sidewall. First and second mutually spaced mounting apparatus are affixed to the same sidewall. A vehicle mounted rack includes parts of such geometry and dimensions as to enable fitting receipt within the luggage case groove. First retention apparatus has an open groove within which the first luggage case mounting apparatus is slidingly received. Second retention apparatus is located spaced from the first and has a spring-loaded member for resiliently receiving the luggage case second mounting apparatus.The spacing and location of the various parts on the case and rack are such as to enable them to be simultaneously cooperatively engaged. In this manner, the luggage case is secured to the rack and preventing its movement in any direction. A key operated lock insures against theft of the case from the rack.

Abstract: A scanning test head is provided which maintains a constant speed over the scanning path with the constancy of the speed in the scanning zone being dependent solely on the drive motor characteristics. An endless belt received on a pair of spaced rollers carries a pin which, on being driven around the closed path, serves to define the head scanning path.

Abstract: There is provided a beauty case having a pair of case halves hinged together along a common edge for closing and opening. Each case half includes a metal frame edge with molded plastic shell or cover mounted thereon. An organizing tray is received within the case and disconnectably attached to the inner surface of the end walls for removal and hanging onto the front sidewall of the lower case half. A mirror is provided on the inside top surface of the upper case half which is adjustable to a different angular position and has a finger actuated latch for securing the mirror in an out of the way position against the inside cover wall. The mirror is mounted in a one-piece molded plastic frame having a flexible thin-wall section which serves as a hinge between a part of the frame secured to the inside case cover and the frame part carrying the mirror.

Abstract: A tidy box made entirely of polypropylene consists only of two parts fitted together after moulding. One part, the lower part, forms the base of the box together with a lid provided on one side with a catch or fastening lug and on the other side with a pull handle. The lid is made integral with the base by a polypropylene hinge so that the whole forms a single piece. The other part, the upper part, forms side parts, a top, back and front, the latter forming a fixed frame for the lid without any bottom cross-member, and the top has a notch and retaining edge for co-operating with the lid catch or fastening lug, the whole again forming only a single piece.