Abstract: The invention is a small, maneuverable, tracked vehicle capable of being equipped with a tool such as, but not limited to, buckets, diggers, tree spades, trenching devices, and augers. The vehicle is small and light enough to enter and be used in places, such as residential yards, in which traditional vehicles with buckets and digging tools, because of their size and weight, cannot be used or other places where flotation is a concern. The preferred vehicle has four outriggers to stabilize the vehicle during use, the outriggers arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved storage battery and method for manufacture. The battery includes a case with first and second walls, surrounding wall structure and partitions forming first, last and at least one middle cells, each containing a group of positive and negative plates and electrolyte. The first wall inner surface forms positive and negative lead-containing wells in alignment with the wells of adjacent cells, and an intercell connector across each partition and held in fluid-tight engagement with the case in position to electrically connect the lead in one well of a middle cell to the lead in a well of the adjacent cell.

Abstract: The disclosure involves an improved asphalt roof-coating composition which includes asphalt, clay, and a novel ether amine-acid-complex surfactant. The surfactant comprises an alkyloxyalkylamine, preferably having an alkyl chain with from 8 to 20 carbon atoms and an acid present in an amount in excess of the amount required to neutralize the amine. The composition is less expensive than prior art formulations and has improved viscosity and gel stability.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit has a first PV pump connected to a valve group for powering a plurality of hydraulic mechanisms connected to the group, and a second PF pump connected in the circuit. In the improvement, a hydraulic line extends between the second pump and the valve group and there is a conductor sensing a mechanism load pressure. A valve network directs flow from the second pump to the valve group when the difference between the pressure in the hydraulic line and the load pressure declines below a predetermined value. Such decline "signals" that the mechanisms require more fluid than is available from the first pump alone. A new method for supplementing the flow of a first pump with that of a second pump is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying granular material includes a first conveyor (such as an auger) feeding a second conveyor. In the improvement, the first conveyor feeds granular material into a cone-like converging member. Such converging member defines an area which generally decreases in the direction of material movement. Such converging member may have any of several shapes and a truncated cone shape is preferred for effectiveness, ease of fabrication and the like. In specific applications of the new apparatus on a grain combine, the volume of corn conveyed by the apparatus increased 15% or more when using the converging member.

Abstract: A gymnastic apparatus has an elongate beam member which includes first and second articulated beam portions coupled to one another by a coupling mechanism. The portions may thereby be oriented angularly to one another to permit simultaneous use of the apparatus by two gymnasts. Such portions may also be separated from one another for independent use. Either beam portion includes an indicium, e.g., the letter L, the letter R, or the word LEFT or RIGHT, corresponding to a "hand" of a gymnast standing on the other beam portion. Such indicium also preferably includes a color component.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for supporting a group of sheet-like articles such as photos or documents for binding. The apparatus includes first and second holding members defining a first slot therebetween. This first slot has a first fixed dimension. The apparatus also includes a third holding member spaced from the second holding member and defining a second slot therebetween. The second slot has a second fixed dimension. The holding members preferably extend away from a base member. Additionally, the apparatus can include a back member extending across the holding members. The apparatus can be used to align the edges of the articles and support the articles for binding.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a crane having a main hoist drum and an auxiliary hoist drum for handling a load under normal and emergency (the latter actual or simulated) conditions, respectively. The latter condition involves a main hoist which is inoperative because of a failure or by intent. The auxiliary hoist drum is wrapped with about twice the length of cable as the main drum and can move the load up or down, irrespective of load position if and when the main hoist becomes inoperative. Also disclosed is a novel method for moving a load. Steps include maintaining one drum in a non-rotating mode and rotating the other drum. An improved crane load block is also disclosed to have "floating sheaves" which help prevent excessive fleet angles.

Abstract: A new chipper-shredder machine has a number of features selected with the user in mind. Such machine includes a laminated lightweight fan and comminuting assembly to accommodate the characteristics of an electric drive motor. The assembly drive shaft has exposed wrench "flats" for reverse-rotating such assembly to remove clogging obstructions. In recognition of the possibility of user abuse or negligence which might cause breakage of grinding rotor parts, such rotor is arranged and configured to direct broken parts away from the machine prime mover and toward the fan chamber. And the machine fan discharge port has increased area for improved air flow and reduced clogging.

Abstract: Disclosed is a procedure for filtering out the lower one of the upper other sideband of a double sideband oscillation consisting of a mix of several double sideband oscillations, the lower one and/or the upper other sideband of which is interfered with by the upper other, respectively the lower one by the upper other, respectively the lower one sideband turned toward it and partially overlapping, in telecommunication systems, in particular multi-channel telephone systems and short wave radio receivers. By means of mixing, demodulation and/or multiple mixing the interfering sidebands of the double sideband oscillation are brought into the frequency position of the interfered with sidebands and are canceled by adding with the opposite sign.

Abstract: Disclosed is a particle sensor having a light beam with a beam long axis and an air flow tube with an inlet end and a particle exit mouth. In an aspect of the invention, the cross-sectional area of the flow passage at the inlet end is greater than the cross-sectional area of the exit mouth. This enlarged area dramatically reduces pressure drop along the tube. The exit mouth is in registry with the light beam and is elongate in a direction substantially parallel to the beam long axis. Thus, particles flowing through the mouth pass through the beam. In another aspect, the invention includes a centrifugal blower which is light in weight and which may be battery powered.

Abstract: A new method for analyzing an electrical waveform of the type portrayed on a graph includes the steps of selecting a waveform to be analyzed, establishing the boundary of a window-like area and generating a signal if the waveform is in a predetermined position with respect to the area. For example, a signal such as a failure signal is generated if the waveform is to be out of the area but, in fact, is in the area. The method also includes features for determining certain parameters, e.g., rise time, period and the like, for the waveform. The steps include selecting first and second points on the waveform and determining the time lapsed between points. Details regarding the structure of a new waveform analyzer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid vial assembly comprises a liquid-containing vial having a seamless cylindrical wall and a transparent outer sleeve extending along the wall. The resistance of the vial to breakage is dramatically improved. The sleeve may be made of a resilient material capable of being slightly stretched (PVC tubing, for example) or of a hard material such as polycarbonate or tempered glass. Either material is preferably non-shatterable. A new method for making a liquid vial assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for amidation of carboxylic acids using a supported transition metal catalyst. The amides prepared by this inventive method are available in high-yield and excellent purity, without catalytic residue.

Abstract: The new table locking apparatus has opposed bolts, each connected to a rigid link for axial bolt movement. In the improvement, each link is pinned to an operating rod and the operating rod is coupled to a hand-operated toggle mechanism for bolt movement. The toggle mechanism provides positive control of bolt position. The apparatus is particularly useful with tables of the type stored in wall pockets and used in schools and other institutions.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a digging bucket has a clevis device pivotably connected thereto by a pin held in place by a pin-retaining structure. The clevis includes a plurality of arcuate, lip-like, outwardly-radially-projecting first retention members and the structure includes a cap portion having a plurality of arcuate, lip-like, inwardly-radially-projecting second retention members. Each second retention member engages and "locks" to a separate first retention member. The cap portion, which interferes with free axial travel of the pin, is well secured so that the pin is retained in engagement with the clevis without welding the pin. Avoiding pin welding permits using a substantially-harder pin, resulting in significantly better wear characteristics. A new method for retaining a pin is also disclosed.

Abstract: The new drive arrangement involves a machine having upper and lower decks with respective upper and lower openings through them. The drive arrangement includes a flanged bearing housing attached to the lower deck. The upper opening and the bearing housing are configured to permit the bearing housing to pass through the upper opening. The flange is attached to the upper surface of the lower deck member and so configured and arranged, the drive arrangement may be installed through the upper opening. The new drive arrangement may be fully assembled with bearing, bearing housing, grease trap and pinion gear for mounting "top down" onto the deck members, thereby eliminating the need for bottom access and greatly simplifying initial installation and later repair.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic breadmaker of the type having an oven chamber for baking bread. The chamber is formed by a floor and wall members, including top, front, rear and side wall members. The breadmaker also has a pan in the oven chamber for containing a bread product. The improvement comprises a lamp secured to the top wall member, whereby light is directed downwardly to illuminate the bread product during baking. Preferably, the lamp is over the pan and the breadmaker includes a barrier interposed between the lamp and the region from which a user views the contents of the pan. Unreflected light from the lamp is thereby substantially prevented from entering the viewing region and impairing the user's view of the bread product.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to boxes and containers for stowing boxes. An aspect of the disclosure involves a hinge structure having a pair of flexibly-connected channels, each of which has a pair of substantially parallel side panels extending from a rib. An edge of a box wall member is received in at least one of the channels. The side panels extend substantially the same distance from the rib so that the side panels simultaneously engage the edge upon edge insertion. When the hinge structure is used as device to affix the top cover to a box, the "coextensive" channel side panels make it easy to fit the top cover to the box walls. Also disclosed are a box bottom member having new features, a new container, a new family of containers for stowing boxes and a new hinge structure for attaching segments of a split wall member.