Abstract: A bifurcated rack bearing assembly for a steering system includes a bearing member having a pair of bearing surfaces and which is pivotable within a base. The bearing member has a pair of curved riding surfaces which slide on a curved saddle surface of the base to permit the bearing surfaces to pivot into alignment coaxial with an axis of translation of the rack. The bifurcated rack bearing assembly can be substituted for the rack bearings of conventional steering systems.

Abstract: A microwave oven with built-in food covering mechanism, the microwave having a body defined by a top, bottom, sides and rear. A door is hingedly connected to the body and is opened to reveal an open interior of the body. A covering member is suspended within the oven interior by a length of cord which extends through the top of the oven and is connected to an electric motor built into the microwave body. The motor includes a rotating gear head which rotates in one of two directions to either wind or unwind the cord to either elevate or lower the covering member within the interior. A microprocessor energizes and deenergizes the motor and is operated by either a key entry and a program memory or by a lever arm switch and limit switch assembly within the microwave interior.

Abstract: A merchandising display assembly mounted to a vertical support surface, the support surface having a number of apertures formed therethrough. At least one horizontally extending member is mounted to and extends from the support surface. The horizontally extending member includes first and second elongated portions and axially adjusting means for establishing a length between the elongated portions. An elongated display member is secured to an outer end of the at least horizontal member and extends in parallel fashion relative to the vertical support surface at a spaced distance. The axially adjusting means permit the display member to be adjusted to a desired spaced position relative to the vertical support surface and the display member is capable of supporting large volumes of small sized merchandise without obscuring additional merchandise located on the vertical support surface.

Abstract: A centralized computer system in communication with a measurement system including a multi-point probe is programmed to analyze a plurality of conductor formations on a particular substrate, store information relating to an electrical characteristic of each conductor formation analyzed, and generate a report including information as to the variance in the electrical characteristic as a function of substrate position. To step through all of the conductor formations on a particular substrate, the computer may either be programmed to move a chuck holding the substrate under test relative to the points of the probe, or the system may include switching means disposed in an electrical path between the points of the probe and the resistance measurement system, enabling the computer to step through all of the conductor formations on a particular substrate by instructing the switching means to select points associated with only a single conductor formation for connection to the resistance measurement system.

Abstract: An adjustable extension assembly for a downspout includes a fixed piece attachable to the lowermost end of a downpipe, a rotatable collar attached to the fixed piece, and at least one extension pivotally attached to the rotatable collar. Additional slidable members may be telescopingly attached to the extension. The extension members are channel-shaped in cross-section. The extension may be composed of a polymerized material or a metal. In addition to being easily attached to a downspout, the adjustable extension of the present invention may be selectively adjusted for fitting, for selective water deflection, and for proper lawn maintenance.

Abstract: A boat hull is disclosed having a bow and a stern. The hull includes a pair of elongated sponsons, each having a lower surface adapted to contact a water body having a water level. The sponsons are spaced apart and generally parallel to each other and form a channel therebetween. An aerodynamic member is positioned within this channel. The aerodynamic member includes an air compression section which slopes downwardly from the bow to a midpoint of the hull. Similarly, an air decompression section slopes upwardly from the midpoint of the hull and towards the stern. In operation, the aerodynamic member is dimensioned such that, upon forward movement of the hull through the water body, the compression of air flow through the channel by the air compression section and subsequent decompression of the air by the decompression section is sufficient to elevate water in the rear portion of the channel above the water level of the water body.

Abstract: A multi-configurable floodlight assembly may be configured to provide suitable lighting in a multitude of situations. The assembly includes a housing having top portion, side portion and bottom portion. The portions define a substantially hollow volume therebetween. Three threaded recesses are formed in the top portion of the housing, and at least one threaded recess is formed in the bottom portion. A plurality of knockouts are extend circumferentially around the side portion of the housing. Two light holders are provided each of which having a light socket for receiving a light bulb, a threaded base portion, and an universal joint disposed between the base portion and the light socket to provide for the movement of the light socket about the base portion. The threaded base portion is releasably insertable into any of the threaded recesses in the housing.

Abstract: A lift and carry accumulating conveyor is disclosed having a frame and a pair of elongated stationary rails attached to the frame such that the stationary rails are spaced apart and parallel to each other. A transfer rail assembly having a pair of elongated transfer rails is positioned in between the stationary rails and are movable relative to the stationary rails between both a raised and a lower position as well as between a forward and a retracted position. A pair of longitudinally spaced drive arm assemblies are pivotally disposed between the frame and a lower end of the transfer rail assembly. The upper end of each drive arm assembly abuts against the lower end of the transfer rail assembly so that, as the driver arm assembly is pivoted between a lower and an upper position, the drive arm assemblies simultaneously move the transfer rail assembly between its lower and raised positions.

Abstract: A floor construction of wood panels (12) overlying a base support (11) with a layer (13) of yieldably resilient materials (14, 15) sandwiched between the panels (12) and the base support (11). The materials (14, 15) are of mutually different stillnesses, one being a relatively large main panel area of an open-cellular material (14) and the other being a relatively small area of a closed-cellular material (15) in the form of strips bordering the main panel area. The open-cellular material (14) provides a large degree of vibration isolation, whilst the closed-cellular (stiffer) material (15) stabilizes the panels in the vicinity of panel-to-panel joints and/or the floor periphery.

Abstract: The lawn mower cleaning device includes a base portion having a front portion, a rear portion, and two opposing side portions extending between the front and rear portions. A spraying member extends between the front and rear portions. The spraying member has a plurality of spaced orifices arranged in three rows facing outward from the member. A hose coupler is in fluid connection to the front portion of the device so that fluid can flow from the front portion, through the side portions and rear portion, through the spraying member, and then out through the orifices. A handle is further provided within the front portion for easy handling of the device. The device is manufactured by laminating two sheets of plastic together, such that when coupled together, the sheets form a passageway therein whereby fluid can flow.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for testing the integrity of tubing formed by extruding material through an extrusion die. The apparatus includes a source of helium gas which is fluidly connected to the extrusion die so that helium gas is continuously introduced into the interior of the tube as it is formed during the extruding process. The extruded tubing is passed through an elongated inspection housing open at each end. The inspection housing has a cross-sectional inside shape greater than the cross-sectional shape of the tubing thus forming an annular chamber between the tubing and the interior of the inspection housing. A helium detector constantly monitors the atmosphere within the annular chamber and, whenever helium is detected, indicative that the tubing has a leak or the fault, activates an alarm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hassle-free artificial Christmas tree that eliminates the time and frustration of assembly and storage of previously known artificial Christmas trees. The artificial Christmas tree of the present invention is preferably formed of a central pole having a sleeve concentric with the central pole and slidable along the central pole between an upper and lower position. At least one arm is rotatably coupled to the central pole and forms a limb of the tree. The sleeve is provided with an opening, including a flange framing the opening, for urging the arm between an upper and lower position when the sleeve is slid along the central pole. A base is provided for supporting the central pole in an upright position. A storage tube is also provided for storing the artificial tree when not in use. The storage tube has an opening for receipt and retrieval of the tree. The tree is readily slidable within the storage tube and is closed on either end by end caps.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a receptacle member in the form of at least one row of receptacles for receiving cell samples, each having a closed end and an open end, and a holder adapted to receive the receptacle member in a predetermined orientation and having an abutment for determining the position of a microscope slide relative to the receptacle to allow use of the receptacle member in a centrifuge for sedimentation of the samples through the open ends of the receptacles onto the microscope slide at predetermined positions. The preferred material for the receptacle member is one having a high degree of optical transparency whilst being substantially non-adherent to cells especially tumour cells and several suitable materials are described.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes a plurality of fuel cells. Each cell has a solid electrolyte plate, an oxygen electrode attached on one side of the electrolyte plate, a fuel electrode attached on the other side of the electrolyte plate and an electrically conductive flow-channel forming member disposed in opposition to the oxygen electrode for forming an oxygen-bearing gas channel or in opposition to the fuel electrode for forming a fuel gas channel. The fuel cells are stacked one on another with a predetermined space therebetween for forming the oxygen-bearing or fuel gas channel, in which an elastic electrically conductive member is provided for allowing electrical conduction as well as elasticity and gas permeability between the adjacently stacked fuel cells.

Abstract: An access box for providing controlled electrical communication with a wiring harness has a first compartment accessible to a consumer, and a second compartment generally inaccessible to the comsumer. A series of power feed studs pass between the two compartments. Electrical contact between the wiring harness and the studs is made in the second compartment, and a consumer can electrically tap into the wiring harness via the exposed studs in the first compartment.

Abstract: In a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated valve, in particular, a diaphragm valve, that comprises a valve body that can be actuated via a coupling rod (14), the coupling rod (14) is held in the corresponding position for adjusting a minimum flow cross section via an adjustable limit stop. The coupling rod (14) passes through the housing cover (12) of a valve housing (10) and serves as an indicator for the valve position.The coupling rod (14) is guided in a sliding fashion inside a sleeve (16), with said sleeve (16) engaging with a threaded bushing (20) that is connected with the housing cover (12) in a fixed manner via an external thread (18), and with said sleeve being able to be displaced in its axial direction (z) by means of a screw-turning motion. A limit stop part (22) that can be brought into contact with the face side (26) of the sleeve (16) situated opposite the valve body is fixed on the free end of the coupling rod (14).

Abstract: A collapsible mantel assembly for use with a fire place opening. A horizontally extending member includes a breast board and a mantel top. A first vertically extending support member and a second vertically extending support member are provided and are located relative first and second ends of the breast board by tongue and groove arrangements extending between the support members and the breast board. Recessed portions are formed in the support members and the breast board and are in alignment upon positioning of the support members and the breast board. A fastener assembly is applied within the recesses at each end of the breast board and secures the support members to the breast board.

Abstract: A construction assembly for closures, including awnings, canopies, boat coverings, signs and displays having a frame composed of aluminum and the like including channelled, joinable members preferably for assembly by welding into a frame, a covering material formed from a textile, and flexible trim pads for interlocking the covering material into the channels of the joinable members. The assembly includes staples to act as anchors to hold the material into place before forced insertion of the flexible fasteners. The joinable members may have a square, rectangular, round, or triangular shape when viewed in cross section. In one embodiment, the joinable members may have one or more cantilevered flanges suspended therefrom for framing or to provide for attachment to another structure or to provide support for other structures such as a light diffuser. This construction also improves the overall integrity of the member. In cross section, the joinable members have a round or a multi-sided configuration.

Abstract: A firing system for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine propagates combustion between cylinders by the use of a valve located between an outlet port of one chamber and an inlet port of a second cylinder.