Abstract: A recoiler/uncoiler for use in a line processing sheet material includes a segmented drum that is expandable from a contracted position to an expanded position. To enable the drum to accommodate coils of sheet material having different internal diameters, a sleeve consisting of sleeve segments which match the segments of the drum is installed on the drum and is expandable and contractible therewith. A cradle moved by a coil cart is transportable to a position circumscribing the sleeve. The cradle includes magnets which hold the sleeve in the expanded position after the sleeve is disengaged from the drum, to thereby permit removal of the sleeve. When the sleeve is reinstalled on the drum, the cradle transports the sleeve to its position circumscribing the drum, the drum is then expanded, and the sleeve is secured to the drum, whereupon the cradle is transported away from the drum and sleeve.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a gage for measuring shot blast intensity having an indication mounted on a platform adjusts the calibration of the indicator to compensate for variations of positioning of the Almen test strip supports on the platform. After verifying that the test strip supports are within tolerance by use of “go-no go” gages, the indicator is mounted on the support and calibrated by using a notch calibration block to first set the zero datum of the indicator and then to make a calibration reading of the depth of the notch. If the reading is within specifications, the notched calibration block is removed, and a calibration block having a curved surface simulating the curvature of an Almen strip to be measured by the Almen gage and having a known maximum deflection is installed on the gage and the indicator used to measure the deflection. If the measured deflection is within tolerance limits of the known actual deflection, the indicator is recalibrated to read the actual deflection.

Abstract: A barbecue mechanism according to the present invention includes a lower casing member enclosing the heating medium for the cooking process. A gear driven spit arm is located above the cooking area, and is movable from a rearward position over the cooking area outwardly by way of linkage arms, to a position proximate outer side of the lower casing member. In this manner, food to be cooked can be loaded on the spit arm for the cooking process. A multi-part cover is also included, which includes a fixed portion mounted to the lower casing member, and a pivotable portion which pivots relative to the fixed portion and defines an opening into which the spit arm rotates when it is in its fully forward position.

Abstract: A towable recreational vehicle includes main living quarters having solid side and end walls with panels pivotably mounted on each of the end walls supported by removable light weight support rods engaging sockets on the end walls and on the vehicle frame. A flexible fabric enclosure is supported on a frame carried by the panels which includes a removable component which may be snapped out of a socket in the main living quarters and stored when the panels are folded to the closed position. A mattress includes portions supported on the panel and on a shelf within the unit, the portion on the shelf being flipped over to rest on the panel and secured in place before the panel is closed against the unit. Accordingly, auxiliary living space is provided by unfolding the panels from the main living quarters, but the panels may be easily closed when the unit is moved.

Abstract: A recirculating batch peanut drying apparatus including a drying station for heating the peanuts, a tempering station for cooling the peanuts after heating, and a recirculating device which transports the peanuts in a continuous flow between the drying station and the tempering station.

Abstract: A refrigerant composition for use in vapor compressing type freezer and the like is disclosed for substituting the refrigerant of CFC series which destroys the ozonic layer. The refrigerant composition of the present invention includes: 65 weight % of liquified nitrogen, 15-20 weight % of propylene glycol, 8 weight % of ethylene glycol, 2 weight % of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, and 10-5 weight % of a surfactant. The refrigerant composition of the present invention gives a solution to the problem of the destruction of the ozonic layer.

Abstract: A room heating hot water boiler is disclosed in which a plurality of longitudinal rectangular hexahedral water tank groups and a plurality of lateral hexahedral water tanks are disposed in four steps above a combustion chamber in such a manner as to communicate with each other, and guide projections are formed so that an exhaustion gas discharge conduit should be provided in a zig-zag form. Consequently, the heat transfer area is increased, and convection occurs through small and large paths, so that the water of the boiler can be speedily heated, thereby improving the heat efficiency of the boiler. A lower water tank 3 and a recovering tank 3A are formed around a combustion chamber 2 of the boiler body 1. A motor pump 4 is connected between the two water tanks 3 and 3A, and a plurality of longitudinal water tank groups 3a and 3c and a plurality of lateral water tanks 3b and 3d are alternately stacked in four steps.

Abstract: A rake attachment for use on a skid steer, which can be used for multiple lawn and grounds preparation activities, such as grading, filling, leveling and scarifying. The rake attachment of this invention combines several useful attachment functions into a single compact design. The rake attachment includes a support frame that has spaced side support members to define an opening through which a skid steer operator may view the soil being worked.

Abstract: The present invention involves an ergonomic stern seat for a utility boat. The seat extends rearwardly at an oblique angle from the sides of the boat towards the center to form a generally V-shaped seat. The point of intersection of the V-shaped seat is the part of the seat closest to the stern wall. Upright walls extend from the side walls and support a top wall. In the preferred embodiment, those upstanding walls extend at about a 30.degree. angle from the side walls.

Abstract: A baseball bat which includes a handle part formed of metal, metal alloy or filter composite material, and a hitting part formed of wood. The hitting part may be of single-piece construction or may be formed of two or more pieces of wood connected by finger joints.

Abstract: A socket for carrying an integrated circuit (IC) package. The socket, which is particularly useful for burn-in testing, includes a base 18 which houses a plurality of conductive contacts 46 and a movable top 108 which is shiftably connected to the base. A table 32 is connected to the base 18 and supports the IC package after insertion. The socket also includes a contact actuation plate 72 which is operably connected to the movable top 108 and is shiftable with the top. Latches 96 are shiftably connected to the base 18 and shift with the top 108 between latched and unlatched positions to secure the IC atop the table during testing. The actuator plate 72 may also include retractable location pins 82 to insure proper IC alignment in the socket.

Abstract: An sterilization tray and mat used in combination for the sterilization of surgical instruments. The tray includes raised ribs protruding from the tray floor for supporting a sterilization mat above the tray floor and a plurality of holes for permitting the ingress and egress of sterilants and for permitting drainage of condensation. The mat includes a plurality of raised parallel ribs with rows of projections extending from and between each rib for supporting the instruments.

Abstract: A hydrogen-occlusion alloy electrode consisting of a hydrogen-occlusion alloy whose composition is expressed by a general formula Ti.sub.x Zr.sub.1-x V.sub.y Fe.sub.z Ni.sub.2-y-z, wherein 0.1.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.0.9, 0.3.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.0.9 and 0.05.ltoreq.Z.ltoreq.0.5, or a hydride of said alloy. When made in accordance with this invention, such a hydrogen-occlusion alloy electrode has a large discharge capacity and a long cycle life.

Abstract: A faucet strainer for preventing debris carried by a dispensed fluid from clogging or jamming the faucet assembly. The faucet strainer includes a strainer body and a debris receptacle. The strainer body includes a straining mechanism which allows fluid to pass therethrough but prevents debris carried by the fluid from passing therethrough. The debris receptacle, which is disposed along a fluid dispensing flow path downstream of the straining mechanism, collects the fluid carried debris prevented from passing through the straining mechanism.

Abstract: A device for controlling the height of a blade of a tracked vehicle includes a blade height position detector, a blade height controller for raising and lowering the blade, and a device for setting an initial height of the blade. When the transmission of the vehicle is shifted from the reverse to the forward position, the height of the blade is lowered to the target value. A switch selects between the target value set by the initial height setting device and a manually selected height depending whether or not the switching device selects the automatic operation or manual operation of the blade height controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling various level sensitive devices. The leveler including a base and a tray supported on the extensible lift rods of three leveling pods. The leveling pods are responsive to the rotation of three handles located on the front side of the base for raising and lowering tray in relation to the base. The tray is biased against the lift rods by a set of four springs and carries three sight glasses for determining the tray's level position. The base has end openings for ready access to the leveling pods. The base also includes suction cups for mounting the leveler to a countertop.

Abstract: A staircase that is collapsible and hinged to the side of a vehicle allowing it to be folded up against the side of the vehicle for travel on roads. A pair of guide rods are connected at one end to the vehicle and at the opposite end to staircase for stabilizing the staircase when it rests upon an uneven ground. A pin is attached to the vehicle and can be inserted through a hole in the staircase locking the staircase when folded up.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a headrest assembly to a vehicle seat frame. The headrest bracket includes a pair of spaced housing parts connected by one or more cross members to define a central recess part. The cross members may be integral parts of the top and bottom walls of each housing part. When mounted to the upper cross bar of the seat frame, the cross member overlies the cross bar. The recess part allows the center springs or other support members to be connected to the upper cross bar through. The recess part may have an opening to allow the supports to be connected directly to the cross bar.