Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure closing device for joining the edges of plastic sheets, comprising a shaped strip fastened by heat-sealing in the vicinity of each of the edges to be joined, each of the strips comprising a hooking element able to work with the corresponding hooking element of the shaped strip fastened in the vicinity of the other edge to be joined and a flap by which the shaped strip is fastened to the corresponding sheet.The flap of each shaped strip has at least one intermediate longitudinal rib protruding from one of its faces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of solder and heat in metallic members. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving a portion of the metallic member in which the flow of solder and heat is to be controlled. A second portion of the metallic member in which the flow of heat and solder is desired is allowed to project from the housing. An inlet for a cooling medium is provided in the housing. According to the method of the invention, a cooling medium is directed into the housing, whereby molten solder and/or heat which is applied to the unenclosed portion of the metallic member is allowed to flow across the unenclosed portion but is terminated substantially at the point where the metallic member is enclosed by the housing.

Abstract: A method and system for updating a digitized map. An operator-controlled vehicle provided with an onboard computer and a navigational transmitter unit is dispatched to a location provided on the map near to an unknown location. The vehicle would then traverse the segment between the known intersection and an unknown intersection while it is being tracked by the navigational tracking unit. When the unit reaches the unknown intersection, the address range as well as the street names of the intersection are verbally inputted into the system. The information collected by the computer is then inputted to the central computer which edits this information and updates its central file to produce a new updated version of the digital map.

Abstract: A plate cutting device is provided which is capable of being used to cut a plate along a curve. It is a design directed to the disadvantages such as labor-consumption, awkwardness, incapability of cutting along a curve, and incapability of cutting a large size plate of conventional cutting tools.The device is characterized in that it comprises a body associated with a curved frame, a toothed rolling wheel, and a cutting wheel. The two wheels are arranged slantly and are at a small distance from each other.In plate work, a plate with a line drawn on it is put between the wheels and the ratchet rotating wheel above the rolling wheel is swung such that the toothed rolling wheel is rotated in the same direction and the teeth thereon grab into plate and cooperate with the cutting wheel to cut the plate. The cutting direction can be controlled simply by moving the plate in a suitable direction.

Abstract: A communication system for connecting a telephone switching office to a data processing center is described. A telephone trunk line from the switching office carries data which is digitally encoded and may be in a compressed format, for example mu-law PCM, and which is derived from remote data terminals. A novel type of modem is connected between the trunk and the data processing center. This is a direct synthesis device which converts the modulated digital data directly to a non-modulated digital format readable by the data processing center and, for digital data originating at the data processing center, produces modulated digital data which is transmitted along the trunk to the switching office. The direct synthesis modem is a single, purely digital device which replaces many separate digital/analog modems which are required in conventional systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying negatives in photographic laboratories, characterized in that in the finishing station (1), after a tab (5) has been applied to the continuous strip of negatives (7) but before inserting the tabbed strip cut into portions into its envelope, order identification data are printed on the tab in synchronism with the cutting operation.

Abstract: A holder for dispensing stretch film from a roll comprises a cylindrical body and an arbor rotatably supported on the body. A flexible grip having internal ribs covers the body and the arbor, so that one can, by applying finger pressure to the grip, brake rotation of the arbor and thus control film tension. A snap-assembly construction is provided between the arbor and the shaft upon which it is installed.

Abstract: A multilayered ceramic capacitor includes glass melted layers and adhering layers containing conductive patters in which the combination of two or more different species of dielectric materials are used for ceramic layers in the stack of the multilayered capacitor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for three-dimensional determination of the relative movement between the upper and lower human jaws by affixing at least one reference element to each of the jaws, one of the reference elements having four spatially staggered reference marks and the other having at least three spatially staggered reference marks. The position of each reference marks is optically detected along at least two viewing axes. The relative movement of the jaws is then determined from the change in the mutual position of the reference marks.

Abstract: A brushless direct current (DC) motor operating on the interaction of a permanent magnet rotor with an electromagnetic torque-inducing stator coil. Current applied to an electromagnetic torque-inducing stator coil is controlled by a magnetically influenced reed or leaf switch.

Abstract: A spanner wrench for tightening, or loosening, of pipe coupling assemblies, particularly in tight quarters. The wrench comprises a semi-cylindrical base, an arcuate aligner, and a handle that is secured to the base for applying rotational torque to the tool. The base has a plurality of notches defined in its leading edge so that the tool may be slipped into engagement, in an axial fashion, with the lugs on a pipe coupling. The arcuate aligner possesses a radial dimension of sufficient size that the combined height of the aligner and base is equal to the distance that the pipe coupling rises above the run of the pipes to be joined together.

Abstract: A continuous building basement wall and floor cavity, formed by the foundation wall and floor enclosure on the outside, and an attached inner air and vapor barrier structure, insulated as appropriate, is drained and ventilated to inhibit and prevent soil moisture and gases, such as radon and methane, from entering the basement living space. The air exhausted from the cavity can be drawn from the basement living space, as well as from the surrounding soil and the outdoors. This ventilation of the cavity serves to thermally condition the basement enclosure structure and, coincidentally, to beneficially augment the ventilation rate of the living space. Cavity exhaust air can be used for combustion air supply and heat recovery pruposes. Such a cavity can be economically constructed, using novel modifications to current construction practices, in both new and existing building structures.

Abstract: An electrical capacitor comprises a dielectric sleeve having a first conductive outer coating, and a core with a second conductive outer surface secured within the sleeve. One end of the core is enlarged, and provides a contact surface for the second conductive surface.

Abstract: A universal head for fitting to a machine tool slide comprises a spindle head supporting a spindle and a head carrier interposed between the spindle head and the slide in order to transmit torque from the machine tool drive shaft to the spindle. The carrier is rotatable with respect to the slide and the spindle head is rotatable with respect to the carrier along mutually oblique axes. Ordinarily, relative rotation between the spindle head, carrier and machine tool are prevented by hydraulically-actuated brakes and only the spindle is driven by the drive shaft; however, when it is desired to reorient the spindle axis, rotation of the spindle is prevented while the brakes are selectively released so that drive shaft rotation results in movement of the spindle head.

Abstract: A fiber optic device for the transmission and lateral irradiation of laser energy, particularly for angioplasty, comprising at least one optical fiber (1), to the inlet end of which there is coupled a laser source (4) and to the outlet end of which, after removing its coating (3), there is applied a microcapsule (5) which is transparent to laser radiation and has a substantially toroidal thickened portion (6) surrounding said end and arranged to give rise to a "corolla-shaped" output laser beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for covering of submarine elements of elongated shape, in particular conduits laid on the ocean floor.It comprises at least one closed flattened tubular element (1), the element or each of the elements comprising at least one orifice (4) for injection of a hardenable material, particularly cement.

Abstract: An earthmover having a bowl for transporting earth includes an elevating loading apparatus pivotally attached to the bowl. The loading apparatus can be raised or lowered with respect to the bowl; in addition, the bowl can be tilted about the longitudinal axis of the machine in order to provide cross-slope control during both loading and spreading operations.

Abstract: A device for pickling meat by mixing under vacuum comprises a tank (1) suitable for being rotated on its longitudinal axis by drive means (7,8), the tank being provided at one of its ends with an opening (4) for filling/emptying suitable for being closed by a cover by which the vacuum is generated and, if necessary, brine is injected, the tank being mounted on a support frame (11).The device comprises, near the rear edge of frame (11) for support of the tank, at least one elastic element (16) inserted between frame (11) and the support surface of the device (12) and made in such a way as to be gradually compressed from a rest position corresponding to the empty state of the tank to a filled position, the elastic element(s) gradually returning to their rest position when the tank is emptied.

Abstract: A surface of an article of clothing is provided with a transparent pouch for holding a liquid representative of a beverage. The article has indicia thereon whereby the indicia is visible through the pouch.

Abstract: A multi-layered ceramic capacitor characterized by a structure containing glass material layers imposed between adjacent ceramic layers and conductive layers which sandwich the glass material therebetween. The conductive electrode layers and/or glass material layers bind the thin ceramic film pieces during firing at lower temperatures resulting in a strong bonded capacitor having numerous electrical applications.