Abstract: A spreader bar assembly has a middle spreader bar having a nose-shaped link at opposite ends to which is pivoted pivotal end pieces which comprise about half of the structural weight. The pivotal end pieces have a rounded tip portion which is pivotally connected to the nose-shaped link by pin members which are secured by keepers. The pivotal end pieces have upper and lower transverse openings for pins in order to connect the chains of a hoist which also connect an excavator bucket. Greatly increased life before failure results from the three-piece construction.

Abstract: A resonator mounting apparatus for use in a circuit (10) captively secures and positions a resonator (40) within a resonator cavity (15). The resonator mounting apparatus uses a pedestal (60) attached to the base (12) of the resonator cavity and a web support (50) attached to a cover (30) for the resonator cavity. Both the pedestal and the web support slip fit into corresponding holes in either the base or the cover. The distance between the pedestal and the web support is chosen to secure the resonator therebetween. The pedestal includes a resonator engagement means such as a peg (70) which extends into the resonator cavity to engage a complementary hole (42) in the resonator. Alternately, a circumferential lip (64) extends from the pedestal to engage the resonator. The web support is designed to flex when engaging the resonator. The resonator mounting apparatus is preferably assembled by an automated assembler without the use of glue or epoxy.

Abstract: A downhole chemical cutting tool for use in a well bore to cut large diameter conduits including an elongated tool body having a chemical section adapted to contain a chemical cutting agent and a cutting section adapted to receive the cutting agent from the chemical section. The cutting section has a plurality of externally upset cutting heads extending circumferentially outwardly from the cutting section and terminating in outer cutting surfaces. Each of the cutting heads has a plurality of cutting ports extending radially inwardly from the outer cutting surface and in fluid communication with an internal chamber within the cutting section. The tool further comprises expansible slip and bow spring means in the elongated tool body for centering and anchoring the tool during cutting. The cutting heads are of a configuration having an inner spoke section which has a central bore opening into the interior chamber of the cutting section and a disk section secured to the outer portion of the spoke section.

Abstract: A baby bather has an open mesh coated fabric envelope filled to a soft cushion shape with lightweight buoyant foam plastic beads for supporting a baby floating in a tub or over a sink. The center portion of the cushion has a gradual depression having a centrally located panel for free flow of water. The cushion facilitates bathing, provides support and protection for baby's head, and is completely non-absorbent, machine washable and quick drying. Methods of manufacture are provided.

Abstract: A portable system for on-site batch mixing of cementitious materials, such as mortar and grout, includes a batch mixing machine for metering and mixing cement, sand and water, a cement storage silo sized to hold at least one commercial delivery truckload of cement, and a pair of sand supporting ground pads. The large cement storage silo significantly reduces the manpower and equipment costs associated with the overall batch mixing process, and the sand support pads operate to prevent dirt contamination of the cementitious mixture. A specially designed pressurized shaft bearing/seal structure provided on the batch mixer portion of the mixing machine reduces grease seal and bearing maintenance by essentially precluding entry of cementitious material into the seal and bearing. The pressurized system utilizes either a spring or air under pressure to establish a higher pressure in the grease supply than that in the mortar.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting vegetation with a rotatable head carrying a non-metallic cutting line extended into a cutting plane. As the line extension decreases from an established preset length an actuator in the head permits additional line to be extended automatically from a supply source within the head. The actuator imposes a back pressure against the line of magnitude correlated to the sensed pull tension wanting to extend the line outward of the head. After the cutting line length is extended to its restored original preset length, the actuator in response to the operational forces imposed thereon secures the cutting line against further extension until a subsequent decrease in line extension is incurred. In one embodiment an inertial drag brake is activated during the course of line feedout and is deactivated after the length of cutting line has been fully restored.

Abstract: A truck frame (100) for use hauling heavy loads in a dump body (14) pivotally attached thereto utilizes a first beam (102) as a central spline for the truck (10). The first beam (102) is constructed by welding steel sheeting together around a plurality of support gussets (124). A pyramidal structure (102) connects this first beam (102) to a second beam (106). A pair of outriggers (110) extend from the second beam (106). The front suspension attaches the front wheels (16) of the truck (10) to the frame (100). The rear wheels (18) attach to the distal end of the first beam (102c) by the rear suspension (24). A cab support structure (120) extends across the proximal end of the first beam (102a). The monobeam construction allows for the use of two engines (30) mounted on either side of the first beam (102). If two engines are used, a second pair of outriggers (130 ) are utilized for support.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held blower/vacuum unit has a housing structure defined by an upper engine shroud removably connected to the top wall of a lower impeller housing. Disposed within the shroud is a small internal combustion engine having a vertical crankshaft which extends downwardly through a depending well section formed on the top wall of the impeller housing, the lower shaft end being drivingly connected to a centrifugal fan impeller positioned within the impeller housing and operative to force a flow of ambient air therethrough. The engine is resiliently and floatingly mounted within the shroud by a resilient support system which prevents rigid contact between the engine and the shroud or the impeller housing to thereby substantially reduce engine vibration transmitted to the housing structure, and permit deflection of the engine relative to the housing structure to lessen the possibility of engine damage caused by impeller impact from ingested objects.

Abstract: A nonreusable syringe is provided having an automatically retracting hypodermic needle to prevent accidental injury after injection or undesirable reuse of the syringe. The needle is retracted by a spring located behind the syringe piston and disposed to prevent re-extension of the needle after use. A locking mechanism holds the needle in position for injection. The piston includes means to release the locking mechanism as injection is completed to automatically retract the needle into the syringe. The syringe tip seal is not in frictional contact with the needle, eliminating drag on the needle during retraction. A safety indicator is provided to indicate previous use.

Abstract: Fuel additive compositions for improving the combustion efficiency of an internal combustion engine, and thereby substantially reducing undesirable motor vehicle exhaust emissions as well as fuel consumption. The composition is composed of a bicyclic aromatic component selected from the group consisting of naphthalene, substituted naphthalene, biphenyl, biphenyl derivatives, and mixtures thereof, zinc oxide, and at least one Group 8-11 metal oxide selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, copper oxide, cobalt oxide, ruthenium oxide, osmium oxide, and palladium oxide, all dispersed in a carrier liquid selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon fraction in the kerosine boiling range having a flash point of at least 100.degree. F. and an auto-ignition temperature of at least 400.degree. F., a C.sub.1-C.sub.3 monohydric, dihydric or polyhydric aliphatic alcohol, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment the composition also contains magnesium oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a folded food product having an exterior food wrap folded about an inner filling in a two-stage operation. In the first stage, the food wrap is automatically filled and partially folded in one direction. The partially folded food product is transferred to a second stage having folding platforms which are advanced by a conveyor to one or more folding stations which activate a plurality of folding plates to make a series of folds in the other direction. The first stage is indexed by a reciprocating operator in combination with a one-way clutch and the two stages are integrated to operate synchronously so that a filled and partially folded product is deposited on each of a plurality of foldable support platforms on a continuously moving second stage container having the folding stations which actuate the subsequent folding operation.

Abstract: The present coaxial traction detachment system improves intravascular occlusion by providing a means for greater control in the placement of endovascular devices. The detachment apparatus (10) includes a guide wire (16) slidably disposed within a sheath (14). An endovascular device (18) is attached to the distal end of the guide wire (16). The sheath (14) is guided through a catheter (12) to a device detachment location. The device (18) is attached to the wire (16) either by a glue or solder or by mechanical means such as the intertwining of the device (18) to the guide wire (16). Following device placement and prior to detachment, the operator is able to observe the position and configuration of the device. If the position is unsatisfactory, he need only withdraw the sheath to remove the device. If placement is satisfactory, the system utilizes a coaxial detachment method such that the operator places traction on the guide wire and the device is pulled against the outer sheath, causing it to detach.

Abstract: Prefabricated handrail fittings are disclosed which contain preformed internal slots which accept simple fasteners for quickly making mitered and butt joints without hand working in the field. A plurality of interconnected slots are arranged internally along a longitudinal axis to provide fittings which are adjustable in length with only a simple transverse saw cut and which adjustably cover the entire range of angular inclination of an inclined handrail to which the fittings may be joined. A single angular fitting can be used to make either left or right turning connections between an uprising easing section and a post. A universal uprising easing is provided. Short extensions can be connected to surfaces while working from upper side without hand working.

Abstract: A plurality of notches are formed in one or both ends of long pieces of sheet metal by means of a notched template and a notching tool. The notches establish the break lines on the pieces. The side edge of a sheet metal bending brake is provided with an attachment having a pointed notch receiving and locating edge intersecting the bending axis of the brake which automatically positions the stock for bending. After a bend is made on a break line, the stock is repositioned and another notch used to self-align the stock on another break line. By turning the stock over, notches in the other end can be used to position and locate a break line to perform breaks in an opposite bending direction. Labor cost is greatly reduced, waste due to improper positioning is reduced, and more accurate reproducible bends produce greater uniformity in the finished pieces.

Abstract: A positive-type, non-return valve (10) primarily for use with an injection molding machine utilizes a frame (12) which surrounds a first bore (34) and a second bore (32). The second bore (32) is accessed by inlets (30). Outlet passages (40) are located downstream of said inlet (30) and connect second bore (32) with an accumulation area (6). A piston (60) is dimensioned to slidably fit within the first bore (34) and extend into the second bore (32). In a downstream position, the piston (60) allows positive flow of material from the inlet (30) to the outlet (40). In an upstream position, the piston (60) positively blocks flow of material from the inlet (30) to the outlet (40). The piston (60) can be forced to its upstream position at the beginning of the injection step or can be preclosed by maintaining back pressure on the screw (2) prior to injection.

Abstract: A measurement device (10) is disclosed that uses the actual hydraulic cylinders of the aircraft landing gear to weigh the aircraft. The device (10) comprises a pressure-weigh sensitive transducer (12) with a flow-through passage (14) and adaptors (20a, 20b) to attach the device to the standardized service valve on the aircraft landing gear. The transducer (12) measures the pressure in the landing gear's hydraulic cylinder. This measurement signal is converted into an aircraft weight and center of gravity location. These determinations are displayed on a converter/display (50). The transducer (12) has a flow-through passage (14) to allow servicing of the landing gear's hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A void fill material (10) can be formed from ordinary scrap cardboard into an interlocking packaging material. Each piece of the material (10) has a primary section (20) defining a primary plane. The void fill has at least two limbs extending from the primary section. The void fill can be in any geometric shape, such as a block Y (10), a block H (62), an angled Y (80), an X (100), and a cross (120). Scoring can be applied to the void material at any location, thereby facilitating the deformation of the void fill.