Abstract: A shaving razor utilizes a trailing blade aligned along the longitudinal axis of the razor's shaving head for trimming and at least one leading blade for primary shaving. The cutting edge of the leading blade is aligned diagonally to the cutting edge of the trailing blade and therefore slices through the hair or beard at a different angle of attack than does a conventional blade, thereby reducing drag and yielding a smoother shave.

Abstract: An attachment for use with automated pool sweeper systems attaches coaxially to the sweep hoses of such system and is carried thereby over the walls and floor of a pool to brush and buff these surfaces. The attachment is a tubular member of a porous foam-like material that is resistant to deterioration in chlorinated water and is resistant to shedding due to wear. The attachment may be snugly secured between wear rings on the hose and may be further secured by an elastomeric member encircling the attachment and the hose.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking the apparent motion of the sun utilizes a plurality of solar cells to generate an electrical signal when exposed to solar radiation. The solar cells are mounted inside a plurality of trough-like shadow boxes which permit exposure of the solar cells to solar radiation only at predetermined angles. The shadow boxes are mounted for concomitant rotation about a vertical and a horizontal axis and are driven by a pair of reversible motors. The motors are controlled by the output of the solar cells and reposition the shadow boxes to shade the solar cells responsive to the apparent motion of the sun.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a trolling motor utilizes a rotatable pedestal to support a boat occupant seat. The seat is detachably connected to the pedestal for rotation therewith and the pedestal is connected to the trolling motor by a control cable for changing the direction of the motor.

Abstract: A locking thread saver for use in connecting a rotatable member such as a length of steel drill pipe to a power transmission utilizes an internally mounted locking plate powered by an internally carried actuator to prevent the premature disengagement of the drill pipe from the transmission when attempting to break the lengths of steel pipe as when the pipe is retracted from a bore hole. The locking member is retained within an internal slot and moves into a cooperative locking position with a slot formed in the end of the drill pipe section connected to the to the thread saver. The locking member may be moved selectively to and from such engaging position to facilitate the removal of the drill pipe section adjacent the thread saver or the removal of a drill pipe section distal the thread saver and connected thereto by an intermediate drill pipe section.

Abstract: A batch-type centrifugal system utilizes a gimbal-like suspension at the end of a rotating shaft distal an attached bowl at the other end of the shaft. The shaft rotates within an elongated bearing which is supported proximal the bowl by a support which is selectively variable in resiliency. This variation in resiliency changes the natural radial frequency of the system whereby operation of the system at rotational speeds which correspond to the natural radial frequency may be minimized, thereby effecting smooth loading, drying, and unloading operations.

Abstract: A method for centrifugally drying solid fines and the like limits the freedom of movement of a high speed batch-type centrifuge to radial excursions and varies the natural radial vibration of the system in accordance with the rotational frequency of the system to prevent operating the centrifuge at resonance conditions. Use of the method allows for high speed loading, drying and removal of the fines in a centrifuge.

Abstract: A rivet press for sequentially compressing rivets to assemble a plurality of disc-like or ring-like members utilizes a movable and rotatable carriage to position the rivets of the assembly beneath a suspended hydraulic ram. The carriage can position the assembly for compressing the rivets at any radius and in any pattern desired. The hydraulic ram provides constant and consistent pressure at an invariant compression angle to insure uniformity of spacing and compression of the elements.

Abstract: An improved fishing rod holder uses a spring loaded tubular receptacle within which the rod is placed. A fixed locking element extends within the tubular receptacle and provides a fulcrum on which the rod pivots such that force applied to the rod tip increases the gripping force applied to the rod. Removal and insertion of the rod is accomplished by pivoting the tubular receptacle relative to the locking element.

Abstract: A garment portion loader utilizes a plurality of photo-electric sensors to determine the positions of garment portions at selected stations including a delivery assembly which supplies garment portions for loading, a pick-up assembly which removes garment portions from the delivery assembly and places them on an alignment conveyor, a smoothing device which removes wrinkles from the garment portions when positioned on the conveyor, and an alignment assembly which aligns the garment portions with a pre-established standard relative to the alignment conveyor. A rejection assembly is provided to remove garments which are not properly aligned. The loader may be controlled by a microprocessor receiving input from the sensors and controlling the various assemblies.

Abstract: An improved line stringing block utilizes a double gate mechanism to transfer a lead line from the exterior of the block frame to the interior of the block frame. An outer gate is held open until the line is received within a passageway in the block frame. A non-load bearing inner gate is held closed to maintain alignment of said frame until the line is received in the passageway. A spring loaded trigger within the passageway releases the inner gate and closes the outer gate which becomes a load bearing gate.

Abstract: A load cell fixture utilizes a supporting frame to support a load cell in a position that it is not susceptible to torsional or longitudinal forces displacing the load cell from its initial positioning. A pair of link members connect an upper pin which rests atop the load cell to a lower pin beneath the load cell, with the lower pin supporting the weight of the element to be weighed. The links and pins are arranged to allow the upper pin to provide a constant direction of force to the load cell and eliminates inaccuracies due to movement of the load. A suspension support is also provided to reduce rebound shock from the sub-structure into the load cell.

Abstract: A single cylinder pump for circulating cleaning fluids through a radiator or like cooling system applies positive and negative pressure to the fluid to create a pulsating agitation of the fluid through the radiator through the use of a thin washer-like plate which is reciprocatively driven within the cylinder. The washer-like plate is slightly smaller than the cylinder and is separated from the inside of the cylinder by a small annular clearance thereby eliminating the need for lubrication and permitting the pump to be self-priming and to release gases generated by the agitation of the fluids.

Abstract: A mine roof bolt expansion anchor utilizes a plurality of transversely bent elongated leaves which are compressed within a bail by the rotation of the roof bolt. The compression results in movement of the leaves toward a flattened position whereby the outer edges of the leaves engage the bore hole walls to anchor the bolt. Downwardly extending flanges on each end of the leaves increase the bearing surface which engages the bore hole wall, while spacers near the center of the leaves act as a spine to evenly distribute the compression to all the leaves so that they all engage the bore hole wall simultaneously and with the same pressure.

Abstract: An extendible merchandise shelving display embodies an elongated, stationary shelf support which extends laterally from and is connected to at least one vertical support. An elongated, movable shelf support extends alongside and is slidably connected to the stationary shelf support. The movable shelf support is adapted for sliding movement relative to the stationary shelf support selectively to an extended position spaced from the vertical support and to a retracted position adjacent the vertical support. Cooperating locking members are carried by the movable and stationary shelf supports in position to engage each other and limit sliding movement of the movable shelf support while in its extended and retracted positions.