Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for labelling containers such as bottles and for placing groups of the containers in a crate. A labelling station includes an arm having at least two label-engaging portions separated by resilient neck portions which permit flexing as labels are placed on the container by the label-engaging portions. Also a bottle delivery system is provided having guide elements for grouping in fours. Each group guides a bottle into a pocket of a crate.

Abstract: A trailer for elongated loads, especially for torsionally-sensitive loads, such as a crane boom, consists of a channel cross-section body having a plurality of wheels at each side to the rear. Each wheel is independently mounted on the trailer frame by a cranked arm pivoted to the frame and carrying the wheel on a stub axle. Normal road shocks are accommodated by helical compression springs mounted around the piston rod of a respective cylinder and piston assembly mounted above the wheel between the arm and the trailer frame, the assembly permitting the height of the trailer frame above the ground to be adjusted. The cylinders of each plurality are connected to one another for equalization and all of the cylinders are connected together for slow travel over rough terrain so that the trailer stays relatively level if any one wheel encounters an obstacle. For rapid travel on smooth roads the cylinders of one plurality are isolated from those of the other plurality by a valve in the hydraulic supply system.

Abstract: A guideway for use for example as an elevated roadway is constructed by forming guideway units comprising a massive elongated metal channel having one or a plurality, usually at least three, tubular metal tension void members running lengthwise down its interior and connected to its inside walls along its entire length. The void forming members are connected to the channel walls via longitudinal web members. Transverse shear connectors may also be provided above the void-forming members. The ends of the channel are closed and after hoisting each unit into position on spaced supports which engage beneath its ends it is filled with settable material, usually concrete, which encloses the tubular members to form a composite structure. The side walls preferably are inclined inward between a bottom sheet and the top vertical portions of the side sheets to give an aesthetic appearance, provide streamlining and reduced unwanted dead weight.

Abstract: A safety device for mechanically-operated apparatus, such as a flywheel-driven punch press, consists of a hook-providing coupling member for mounting on the press crank shaft, and a cooperating coupling member for connection to the apparatus body via a power-absorbing member. The coupling members rest in the coupled position and are moved momentarily to the uncoupled position upon initiation of an operation by the operator. If therefore the movable member of the press continues to move after the normal termination of the cycle the coupled members connect the movable member to the power-absorbing member so that the movable member is brought to a stop before the press die parts can close. A third coupling member is provided for engagement with the second coupling member to brake the movement of the operating member if it should move in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A die for the extrusion of a tube of plastic polymer consists of at least two coaxially mounted die parts forming one or more annular die gaps between them from which the tube is extruded. The die parts have two respective axial cylindrical surfaces. There is provided between these surfaces an annular member of material of higher coefficient of expansion than the material from which the die parts are made. As the die becomes heated this annular member also becomes heated and its additional expansion causes its outside diameter to expand and its inside diameter to contract into forcible engagement with the surfaces thereby stabilizing the radial gap between the die lips.

Abstract: A roller entry guide for a rod mill consists of a body with a funnel shaped entrance leading to a through bore for the rod. The exit is provided with two guide rollers each mounted on a rocker arm for adjustment of their spacing. Each guide roller has a ring of fluid reaction recesses at which a nozzle directs a stream of pressurized fluid, usually air, to keep the rollers rotating at operative speeds and prevent excessive wear and possible bearing failure, which can lead to cobbles in the rod. Each roller includes an annular outer members mounted on a central member by two spaced bearings, the outer races of which have radially projecting flanges engaged in counterbores in the annular outer member to automatically locate the parts together for rapid assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: Metal catalysts for use in known heterogeneous catalysis processes are prepared by vaporizing a metal in a low pressure environment in the vicinity of an organic liquid polymer, so that the metal contacts and becomes anchored to the polymer. The resulting products have the metal in the form of small clusters, anchored to the polymer, this form of the metal being the catalytically most active form. The organometal polymers are stable at temperatures in the -40.degree. C..fwdarw.+40.degree. C. range. Suitable polymers include poly (methyl-phenyl siloxanes) and poly (phenyl ethers). Suitable metals include titanium, chromium, molybdenum, etcetera.

Abstract: A means for connecting together sheet metal ducts, e.g. forced air heating ducts, in end-to-end relationship, comprises hollow, roll formed flange members which extend along the edges of adjacent duct ends, and L-shaped corner pieces the limbs of which can be inserted into the ends of the flange members to complete the joint at the corners. A sealing agent or gasket is located between sets of flange members and corner pieces. The flange members have planar side end surfaces for sealing reception of the gasket, and lower protuberances, into which the ends of the metal ducts fit, the protuberances being arranged to bite into the gasket to improve the seal. The corner pieces have laterally offset portions, allowing the raw edge of the duct, at the corners, to project forwardly of the side surface of the corner piece, and hence to bite into the gasket at the corners to improve the seal. Channel shaped cleats are provided to assist in the attachment of pairs of profiles on adjacent end arranged ducts.

Abstract: A sled for transportation of passengers or cargo, especially small children and infants, comprises a passenger receiving enclosure having a base and a cover, and a laterally presented side access opening. The enclosure can swivel about a vertical axis relative to the runners of the sled, so that the access aperture can be presented in any chosen direction, e.g., away from the wind, to afford additional protection to the rider.

Abstract: An elevating device consists of a base frame, usually mounted on running wheels, a turntable on the base frame, a vertical first post on the turntable and first and second arm means mounted on the post. The first arm means is a parallelogram linkage connecting the first post and a second post, so that the second post stays vertical as it moves up and down. The second post is skewed along its length so that the two arm means can move alongside each other into the stored position; it is therefore exceptionally compact in that position. The second arm means telescopes and a man-carrying platform is pendulously suspended at its outer end. A linkage including a telescoping shaft connects the second post and the platform to hold the platform against inadvertent movements; the linkage includes a spring connection to prevent damage thereto under accidental impacts.

Abstract: A larynx replacement for installation in a patient's trachea comprises an air passage controlled by a valve. The valve is gas operated and sensing means are provided for detecting the presence of food or liquid in the patient's throat to close the valve, and in this way to prevent the passage of food or liquid beyond the replacement larynx.

Abstract: An illuminated sign comprises a casing having a front wall comprising a frame supporting a light-transmitting panel. The front wall is pivoted about its upper edge where it is connected to the top wall of the casing. The front edge of the top wall has a C-shaped groove extending along it which opens to the front of the casing. The upper frame element of the front wall has a generally L-shaped flange extending towards the groove, the distal limb of that flange being directed upwardly and terminating in a longitudinally extending bead which, cooperating with the interior surface of the C-shaped groove of the front edge of the top wall, constitutes a hinge about which the front wall can be swung to allow access to the interior of the casing. The L-shaped flange of the top frame element of the front wall provides a drainage channel along which rain water, which might otherwise stain the panel, is conducted.

Abstract: A collapsible, foldable ladder of use as an emergency escape means such as a fire escape ladder, has a plurality of channel section rungs extending from side to side across the width of the ladder, and side support means extending between adjacent rungs at ends thereof. The side support means each comprise two pivotally connected, rigid sections, pivotally connected to the ends of upper and lower rungs. The ladder can be collapsed, whereupon the side support members fold inwardly and fit within the channel sections of the rungs, so that the rungs rest upon top of one another, and extended e.g. under its own weight when suspended by one end, whereupon the side support members are extended perpendicularly to the transverse extent of the rungs.

Abstract: The invention provides a new air ring for use with a die in a blown film process line to apply cooling air to the exterior surface of an extruded tube of film-forming material passing through the air ring. Air is discharged from a first downstream gap in the air ring radially outward from the path of movement of a tube in unexpanded state so as to create a vacuum force that urges the tube outward and causes the cooling air to flow along the surface, permitting the use of much higher velocities than hitherto, the increased cooling permitting increased output for a given size of die. A second upstream gap delivers a tubular stream that precools the tube and prevents it from sticking to the structure between the upstream and downstream gaps.

Abstract: A band clamp device of the invention employs a U-shaped housing for the drive worm screw, usually formed by progressive stamping from sheet metal. The separate arms of the U embrace the band edges and the respective separate arm ends extend beneath the band. The housing can have a single ear only on one of the said separate arm ends extending through a respective cooperating slot in the band to connect the housing to the band. Usually the housing will have a single ear at each end, and the single ear adjacent the screw head end is provided on the said separate downside arm end, which is the arm end that receives the maximum force tending to spread the housing arms apart as the band is tightened about an object. It is found that such a structure is able to resist the forces tending to spread the housing arms and to separate the housing from the band, and it permits a wider ear to be used, or alternatively a narrower band for the same width ear.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-terminal flasher device, particularly for flashing automobile lamps, that can replace the thermal devices predominantly currently in use. An electro-mechanical relay is used to flash the lamps, while an electronic circuit controls the flashing rate. The power for operating the relay and the electronic circuit is maintained by means of a capacitor that is charged from the power source (the battery) and then discharged while the power source is not available, the electronic circuit being supplied from the capacitor via a constant voltage source. Preferably the charging of the capacitor is arranged so as to give an "instant-on" type of operation. The lamp current is measured by a voltage measuring means including a resistor formed by part of the copper of the board on which the circuit is mounted, and the temperature coefficient of the circuit is arranged to be as close as possible to that of the copper.

Abstract: A system for the so-called "cube" storage and retrieval of a large number of items, such as loaded pallets, employs a frame providing a plurality of parallel storage paths arranged in one-upon-the-other rows and side-by-side tiers. Each path provides a plurality of stations each able to store an item, and is provided with a motor-operated reciprocating advancing member which extends substantially the full length of the path. The advancing member carries for each station a driving advancing apparatus engagable with the item therein to move it to the next successive station as the member moves; it also carries a detector apparatus, which may be constituted by the respective driving apparatus, to detect the presence of an item at a station and prevent the feeding of an item to an already occupied station. The entry and delivery ends of each path are provided with respective detectors to control movement of the advancing member to ensure that the delivering station is always occupied.