Abstract: A conveyor drive and guide chain having links pivotably coupled to each other by a cylindrical socket and trunnion structure, the cylindrical socket being formed by an end member integral with the links and the trunnion being on the end of an offset member integral with another link, the trunnion being engaged in the half cylindrical recess and held in position with a cap clamped over the socket member and having a cylindrical segment surface preventing the trunnion from escaping its pivotal position. For the purpose of longitudinal alignment, the cylindrical socket is provided with a longitudinal ridge engaged in the corresponding longitudinal groove in the surface of the trunnion member.

Abstract: A wheelchair attachment for maintaining the wheelchair in a reduced width position includes an elongate member extending between side frames of the wheelchair and the end portions of the elongate member are looped around the side frames. Both ends are releasably secured in such a manner that the elongate member may be quickly and easily attached to the wheelchair in the reduced width position, and detached from the wheelchair to permit it to expand to its normal width.

Abstract: A polarized signal receiver, transmission and launch probe in a waveguide assembly for receiving a selected one of linearly polarized electromagnetic signals in one of the waveguides and for launching the selected signal into a second waveguide, the axes of the waveguides being disposed at right angle. The probe comprises a signal receiver probe portion disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the first waveguide and a launch probe portion having its axis perpendicular to the axis of the second waveguide. The launch probe portion is mounted in a controllably rotatable dielectric rod, such that rotation of the rod causes rotation of the signal receiver portion for alignment with a selected one of the polarized signals. The transmission line between the signal receiver probe portion and the signal launch probe portion consists of a pair of bifurcated branches forming a rectangle disposed along the axis of the first waveguide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading parts from the end of a first conveyor to holding cavities in an insert in a receptacle travelling on a second conveyor and being indexed by the second conveyor to locate each row relative to a part-loading unit. The insert is located within the receptacle and the holding cavities in the insert are located and sized by expandable probes disposed in a row and introduced simultaneously each in a cavity of a row of the insert and held expanded in each cavity, while an already located and sized row of cavities is being loaded with parts, one cavity at a time.

Abstract: A jig-saw puzzle work board having a frame with a recess formed in one lateral surface of the frame. The bottom of the recess forms a work surface for the assembly of the pieces of a jig-saw puzzle. A padding of resilient foam material is provided which has dimensions permitting the padding to be removably fitted into the recess with a snug fit. A surface of the padding engages the puzzle pieces and applies them against the work surface. A lid retains the padding in the recess of the frame. The lid is removably affixed across the recess-provided surface of the frame by a novel arrangement of Velcro material and complementary Velcro material.

Abstract: A disposable rupturable shipping and installation strap holding in a retracted position the output member of a linear actuator such as a pre-filled pre-bled hydraulic actuator. The strap has a retaining member fitted over the end of the actuator output member and a pair of symmetrically disposed strips or bands integrally formed with the retaining member and attached at their other end to a portion of the actuator housing. The strips or bands have portions of reduced strength which cause the strap to break and free the actuator output member upon first operation of the actuator. Preferably, the strap is molded of relatively thin flexible plastic.

Abstract: A transfer sheet with a color pattern having metallic luster comprising at least a transparent or semi-transparent base film, a mold-removing film layer on one side of the base film, a transparent coloring agent layer in the form of a desired pattern on the mold removing film layer, and an aluminium vapor-coated layer on the transparent coloring agent layer.A method of manufacturing such transfer sheet.

Abstract: A bridge type pneumatic circuit, for pneumatic gauging, having an inlet and two branch passageways through which flow of compressed air from an inlet to an outlet of each branch passageway is controlled by an adjustable orifice. One of the outlets is connected to the nozzle, or nozzles, of an air gauge head, such that the pressure of the air flowing past the corresponding adjustable orifice varies as a function of the distance separating the nozzle from the surface, while the other branch passageway is vented to atmosphere through a calibrated orifice to establish a zero reference. The differential pressure between the passageways downstream of the adjustable control orifices is monitored by a differential pressure transducer to provide a control signal to a measurement display instrument. In the alternative, the outlet of the second branch passageway is also connected to the nozzle, or nozzles of an air gauge head, to effectuate differential measurements.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for monitoring machining conditions in a travelling wire EDM apparatus. The resistivity of the machining fluid in the machining zone is measured and is compared to a reference value. A signal is provided as soon as the measured resistivity increases beyond the reference value and the signal is used for decreasing or interrupting the machining current.

Abstract: A locking gear drive for a protective roll-type shutter or awning device. The gear drive comprises, for example, a housing, a driveshaft coupled to a driving gear, a driven gear meshing with the driving gear and a driven shaft coupled to the driven gear. A socket is mounted at one end of a longitudinally displaceable driveshaft and the socket is slidably disposed within an end cap affixed to the gear drive housing. A plurality of pin-like projections, acting as locking members, are provided around the exterior periphery of the socket. A plurality of interlocking members for engaging the pin-like projections are provided in the form of bores disposed in an end wall of the end cap. A compression spring disposed around the driveshaft and between the gear drive housing and socket urges the locking members and interlocking members into engagement. Inter-engagement of the pin-like projections and bores holds the driveshaft against rotation.

Abstract: A liquid container comprises an outer vessel within which are a plurality of individual liquid holding vessels each one of which has a liquid filling pipe or means and a liquid pouring-out means. Closures for each filling means and for each pouring-out means are provided. The individual inner vessels are spaced apart from each other and from the inner wall of said outer vessel and insulation means is disposed between the inner vessels and the inner surface of the outer vessel. A bail is provided for carrying the liquid container.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a workpiece cut off by electrical discharges in a travelling wire EDM apparatus. The workpiece is supported between support members provided with clamps. One support member is controllably pivotable around a horizontal axis, while the second support member is displaceable vertically and horizontally along crossed axes. In addition, the second support member may be rotated around a vertical axis. Through appropriate sequential operation of the clamps and relative displacement of the support members, the areas of the workpiece clamped by the clamps may be changed at will, and the cuttings from the workpiece may be supported by one of the clamp members to prevent the fall of the cuttings at the end of a cutting operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for threading the electrode wire of a travelling wire EDM apparatus through an aperture in a workpiece. Prior to threading the wire through the aperture in the workpiece, the wire is continuously annealed and straightened and is passed through a nozzle to which fluid under pressure is supplied for forming a jet stream at the outlet of the nozzle. Prior to a threading or rethreading operation the wire, which is continuously fed by pulling by a wire conveyor mechanism, is cut off proximate to the outlet of the nozzle. The jet stream is aimed at the aperture in the workpiece and the end of the wire is fed through the aperture, while being maintained coaxially by the jet stream.

Abstract: A sound attachment for a reed instrument such as a harmonica. A housing is provided having an open end adapted for attachment to the instrument, covering the full width of the portion of the instrument from which sound is emitted, and a closed opposite end. Interior walls of the housing converge from the open end to an area intermediate the length of the housing, defining a sound funnel. A sound absorbing collar is mounted transversely within the housing, located between the intermediate area and the closed end of the housing, and has an electronic sound pick up element mounted therein. The pick up element is located to provide an air chamber on both sides of the collar pick up element assembly, the rear chamber being at least partially filled with sound absorbing material such that virtually total sound from the instrument is received by the pick up element with very little or no distortion, and thus may be amplified without distortion.

Abstract: An improved internal combustion engine valve cover comprises a stamped metal, frusto-pyramidal main body portion having a bottom perforated flange, grooved upwardly tapering sides, and a planar top having an aperture therein. A clear synthetic "window" of plastic material is bolted to the top covering the aperture, and a suitable sealant is disposed between the "window" material and the metal top.The perforated flange has a dependent lip around its peripheral edge and the grooves in the tapered sides are associated with respective perforations in the flange.

Abstract: A clamp in the form of a generally L-shaped bracket or clip made preferably of a single stamping of spring steel or like material and provided with a threaded member, threading through the base of the bracket or clip. The top of the bracket or clip is provided with an angularly inwardly projecting integral portion terminating in a slightly downwardly bent flange forming a hook. The clamp is used principally for holding a sink bowl, or the like, in an opening in a counter top by cooperating with a generally L-shaped angle-iron strip welded to the underneath of the sink bowl flange. For removably holding the sink bowl in the opening in the counter top, the hook end of the clamp bracket body is engaged behind an inwardly bent flange portion of the angle-iron strip and the threaded member is tightened against the lower surface of the counter top proximate the opening.

Abstract: A sensing and monitoring transducer for detecting blood sugar levels of a person, the transducer being in the form of a miniature enclosure implanted in the person's bloodstream. The enclosure has a chamber, filled with a standard osmostic solution, closed on one side by an osmostic semi-permeable membrane and at another end by a flexible impermeable diaphragm carrying an electrical contact.

Abstract: A plug for closing an opening or hole in a panel, plate or wall, comprising a head portion and a shank portion. The head portion has a peripheral flange forming an internal groove in which is disposed the edge of an annular base portion of the shank portion, the annular base portion being split and elastically compressible for engaging, during assembly, the edge thereof within the groove when the annular member is allowed to relax to is original dimension and shape.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Brassaia actinophylla, more commonly known as Schefflera, characterized by the extensive and attractive variegation of the foliage.