Abstract: A grasping device having an elongated stem with manual operating means at one end. At the opposite end are a pair of jaws actuatable by a rod telescoped within the elongated stem. The manual operating means includes a lever that is manually grasped to be pulled towards a fixed handle, the operating lever having connections to a line which has engagement with the actuating rod for moving it to actuate the jaws for grasping.

Abstract: An applicator for contact lenses. A stem having a bore is provided with a flexible neoprene cap or sleeve on the end of the stem, the cap having an end wall forming a diaphragm which is configurated to have the convex side of a wet contact lens placed against it to be held by surface tension. Within the bore of the stem is a manually actuatable plunger. An opening is provided in the side wall of the stem. The lens carried at the end of the applicator can be placed adjacent the eyeball. By manually pushing in the stem, pressure is developed behind the diaphragm holding the lens to deform it and release the contact lens against the eyeball.

Abstract: The invention relates to cooling towers of the type currently in use for cooling water and/or condensing exhaust steam as for example in association with nuclear or fossil fuel type power plants. Typically towers are very large and very high. The invention embodies an original concept for utilization of such towers, for example hyperbolic towers, for the generation of energy from wind and also for improving the efficiency of the cooling tower. In the exemplary form of the invention a large wind driven rotor is provided to be carried by the tower and to rotate around its axis at the position of the narrowed throat of the tower. Pressure is generated by the rotor and discharged through nozzles arrayed on the inside of the walls of the tower to augment and enhance the draft within the tower.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating an open fire having a lamp mounted on a base structure within a shell. The shell is simulative of a pile of burning logs or the like and is at least in part light transmitting. Light masks are included, one of which operates to project the image of a flame on a projection screen mounted at the rear of the apparatus base. Arrangements may also be included for varying the light pattern projected from the lamp, for simulating the heat of a fire and for simulating the burning noise of a fire.

Abstract: A construction technique particularly adapted for constructing furniture. The construction embodies a limited number of modular elements preferably fabricated by a spun metal technique, that is, spinning. The preferred modular elements include flanged tub-like members that can be assembled in a column, the elements opening either upwardly or downwardly. A further basic modular element of toroidal shape is provided and with which a column can be capped to form a dual environment planter having a central main cavity and a perimetrical shallow cavity. The torus element can support a flat platform member to form a table top. A further modular member is provided, which is a smaller member with an opening for providing a single environment planter. This member also can receive a flat platform to form a table. The modular members as described are adapted to construction of a large number of structural units of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: An improved astronomical telescope mount having a polar axis column which is adjustably positionable; a telescope and supporting bracket with universal means at an end part of the column whereby the optical axis of the telescope lies in the plane of the column. The supporting bracket is rotatable about the polar axis and about an axis of declination which is normal to and intersects the polar axis. The mounting permits manuevering of the telescope to any geometrical orientation without interference. The telescope support bracket is mounted on a platform having a stem rotatably mounted in a hub which is adjustably positioned in the column. The column has an hour angle scale on it, the hub having a reference marker and a sidereal time scale on it, and said platform having a reference marker on it. Tracking means are provided as between the telescope platform and the hub by way of a gear on the hub which can be locked to or released with respect to the hub.

Abstract: The invention is an improved clutching means for tapping attachments and particularly adaptable in attachments having free axial float. Direct and reverse drive is provided for by way of planetary gears for driving in direct and reverse drive in the exemplary attachment in which the clutching means is embodied. An adjustment is provided for depth. Spring biased clutch drive members are provided for both the direct and reverse drive providing a narrow, neutral position. Each clutch driver member is in the form of a sleeve having a ball race carrying driving balls interposed between axial splines on a driving part and on the driven spindle. The splines have arcuate side surfaces to confrom to the driving balls providing for substantially frictionless drive in both direct and reverse modes, the balls being free to roll. The splines are especially configurated to facilitate engagement of the balls with them.

Abstract: A cabinet having a lower door which opens outwardly and an upper door which opens downwardly to rest on the opened lower door; thereby the cabinet may be converted into a bar. The lower door preferably has an extension hinged to its outer end which folds outwardly and the upper door is preferably right angularly shaped to overlie the extension when it is folded open.

Abstract: An endless track belt adapted for use on all types of track laying vehicles. The track is constructed to have the capability of utilizing ground material coherence as a primary means of flotation. In the exemplary form, the track is in the form of a grid having longitudinal tension elements, transverse elements preferably fabricated from elastomeric materials, but not limited thereto. It has the characteristic of inherent low mass-to-floatation surface area ratio and to be operable at a high velocity. The grid is an open network, minimizing total quantitative belt section relative to ground area encompassed. The grid has lateral flexiblity allowing for lateral displacement or deviation into a curved configuration for steering.

Abstract: Porous, tubular core sections coated with a semipermeable membrane are joined at their ends by a simplified coupling member. Each coupling member or connector comprises a cylindrical flange member having circularly barbed or serrated nipples which fit tightly into the ends of bores of adjacent core sections. The ends of the cores abut against the circular part of the coupling member. Surrounding the joint thus formed is a flexible, elastomeric sealing sleeve. The nipples on the coupling member are axially slotted and have neck parts of a smaller diameter adjacent the body part of the coupling member providing annular openings between these neck parts and the bores of core members permitting continuous flow of permeate and cleaning solution without there being appendages, cavities, or pockets in which permeate or cleaning solution could be trapped.