Abstract: A method and apparatus for sewing cover halves together around a baseball core or the like. The method includes the steps of advancing first and second needles in one direction over an edge of a first cover half and under and through an edge of an adjacent second cover half. The needles carry first and second double threads through the second over half. The ball cover is then indexed forward and the first and second needles are advanced in an opposite direction over the edge of the second cover half and under and through the edge of the first cover half for carrying the first and second threads over the edge of the second cover half and through the edge of the first. Prior to the second step of advancing, the second thread is positioned between the first and second needles and above the first needle so that a regular herringbone stitch pattern between the first and second cover halves is achieved as the steps are sequentially repeated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flotation mattress comprising (a) a planar, flexible bag (10) adapted to hold water during use of the mattress, (b) a hollow, annular compartment (12) surrounding the bag (10) in the plane of the bag, the compartment (12) being collapsible in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the bag (10), and (c) a plurality of springs (14, 42, 56) disposed in the compartment (12) with their axes of resiliency perpendicular to the plane of the bag (10), the springs (14, 42, 56) biasing the compartment (12) towards its uncollapsed position, and (d) means (20, 34, 36, 38) for maintaining the horizontal stability of the planar, flexible bag (10) while the mattress is in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flotation mattress comprising (a) a planar, flexible bag (10) adapted to hold water during use of the mattress, (b) a hollow, annular compartment (12) surrounding the bag (10) in the plane of the bag, the compartment (12) being collapsible in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the bag (10), (c) a plurality of springs (14, 42, 56) disposed in the compartment (12) with their axes of resiliency perpendicular to the plane of the bag (10), the springs (14, 42, 56) biasing the compartment (12) towards its uncollapsed position, and (d) means (20, 34, 36, 38) for maintaining the horizontal stability of the planar, flexible bag (10) while the mattress is in use.

Abstract: An optical wavelength division multiplexer mixer-splitter wherein a precision formed substrate chip is fabricated with a first traversing groove and at least a second intersecting groove. A first input/output optical fiber lies upon one end of the first groove and at least a second input/output fiber lies upon the at least a second groove. An output/input optical fiber is aligned upon the other end of the first traversing groove and terminates at a position adjacent the intersection of the first and second grooves upon the substrate chip. The output/input optical fiber is terminated with an angled end face in optical alignment with the first and at least a second input/output optical fibers. The end face is provided with an integral optical coating whereby the unit may serve as a wavelength division mixer, splitter or optical power tap for two or more optical wavelengths.

Abstract: A heat exchange interface apparatus for installation between a conventional working fluid unit such as an air conditioner or heat pump and a distribution system such as finned heat exchange tubing installed around the perimeter of a domestic or commercial building. The interface apparatus includes a variable, self adjusting valve which controls and regulates the amount of cooling fluid delivered to the heat exchange tubing in accordance with the temperature of the working fluid at the outlet end of the heat exchange tubing.

Abstract: A method and system for whole picture image processing achieves automatic texture and color analysis in a rapid and economical manner. The method involves the generation of texture parameters as a result of processing image data for a whole picture at a time. The system comprises a plurality of image memories for storing digital image data, and a high speed video processor which obtains whole picture image data and processes same so as to analyze such whole picture image data at high speeds. The system also includes a video crossbar switch, master and slave timing control units, and a transformation unit associated with each image memory.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for transforming polluting gases into non-polluting gases. The converter comprises an open-ended elongated shell of rust-resistant alloy; a transverse partition member comprising a metallic grill coated with silver, palladium or mixtures thereof, within said elongated shell, proximate to and spaced from the open inlet end of the elongated shell; and a metallic mesh, coated with silver, palladium or mixtures thereof in a first open-ended container having its inlet end affixed to the downstream transverse surface of the partition member, and forming a first gas passageway between the elongated shell and the outer surface of the container. A metallic mesh coated with chromium in a second container removably attached to the outlet end of the first container, forms a second gas passageway contiguous with said first gas passageway. The open outlet end of the second container is spaced from the open outlet end of the elongated shell.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infrared dryer which comprises at least one infrared heater and a pair of mutually parallel air troughs which guide ambient air from an intake end of the dryer, along the top of the dryer, and empty air into a collector box of the air plenum at the downstream end of the dryer. One of the air troughs runs along the top of the infrared heater and is ported to accept effluent air from the heating chamber, and the other of the air troughs extends along the upper surface of the dryer and serves to continually cool the upper surface or cover of the dryer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle frame comprising at least two closed, planar, continuously non-concave, at least generally oval, centrally open structural members positioned transversely to the axis of a vehicle, inclined towards each other, and joined into a triangular truss. Additional whole or partial structural members of this type may be added to increase the length of the vehicles in cellular fashion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a loading and unloading apparatus for a load-carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes a plurality of cables which are laid on the floor of the vehicle and which support loads placed thereon. The cables can be moved in either longitudinal direction on the vehicle floor whereby loads supported on the cables are moved along the vehicle floor to facilitate loading and unloading of the vehicle. The cables are for all practical purposes endless and have a load supporting run and a return run. The return run is so arranged as to not interfere with the understructure of the vehicle and the fifth wheel connection, in the case of a trailer of a tractor-trailer rig. The cables are driven by means of a driven bulkhead which is connected to the cables and which is, in turn, driven by a chain drive mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously grinding a peripheral shape and edge surface upon a pair of ophthalmic lenses including an abrading wheel and first and second floating heads for rotatably supporting a pair of ophthalmic lenses on either side of the abrading wheel. The lenses are biased toward the wheel and are incrementally rotated about mutually parallel axes which lie parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the abrading wheel. An electronic control system is operably connected to each of the lenses and serves to control incremental rotation of each of the lenses as well as lateral engagement of the lenses with the central abrading wheel.

Abstract: A combination lock having a box inside which is located a sliding latch having a ratchet operated by a pinion operated from outside. The pinion being slidable to enter a round hole in a plurality of rotating members operating as a coding device, the pinion being adapted to rotate only when it is in said round holes. The combination members have the remaining holes of a section that blocks the pinion rotation so that only when all the combination members offer their circular holes is possible to rotate the pinion and so operate the latch.

Abstract: Disclosed are two embodiments of a locking cylinder. In both embodiments the locking cylinder comprises a housing, a working piston, a pilot piston, and a counter balance valve to substantially smoothen the operation of the working piston, particularly when an induced pressure is applied to the working piston. In the first embodiment, the pilot piston slides as a unit, although it may be formed in two axially separate parts. In the second embodiment, the pilot piston is formed in two axially separate parts, communicating bores are formed in the two parts, a ball valve is located in the bore in one of the parts, a free floating pin is disposed in the bores between the ball valve and an abutment surface in the other part, and the ball valve is biased shut. The pin is sized to unseat the ball valve when the two parts are in contact, but the two parts are biased apart by the action of the biasing means, which is transmitted through the pin to the abutment surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydraulically driving and controlling a cooling fan.The apparatus includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover and a hydraulic motor connected to the pump and being driven thereby. The motor in turn is connected to a fan which serves to cool fluid passing through an associated heat exchanger. A temperature/force transducer monitors the temperature of fluid flowing from the exchanger and serves to control a pilot relief valve associated therewith. A pressure regulator is connected to the pump and acts in cooperation with the relief valve to control fluid pressure from the pump and thus torque of the motor and speed of the cooling fan.The method includes the steps of pumping hydraulic working fluid to a motor and driving the motor with the full hydraulic output of the pump to power a fan associated with a cooling system heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed are modular, multi-floor buildings wherein each floor comprises a plurality of semi-boxes which are cast from concrete as independent, rigid units and which are basically rectangular in shape, comprising mutually perpendicular walls but no floor or ceiling. The semi-boxes are arranged between horizontal concrete slabs, which function as both floors and ceilings, and a plurality of vertical posttensioning tendons pass through the semi-boxes and the slabs to bind the building together.

Abstract: Disclosed are two improved container alloys for radioactive nuclear waste. Radioactive nuclear waste can be contained over extended periods of time by encapsulating the waste materials in containers composed of these alloys and burying the containers underground in an impervious, stable rock formation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved hydraulic control comprising a fail-to-neutral module. As is conventional, the hydraulic control comprises a main spool and a fluid flow path comprising a bridge circuit including a driver stage. The fail-to-neutral module comprises means defining a fail-to-neutral orifice which (a) is located in the fluid flow path upstream of the bridge circuit and (b) has a relatively large flow area but a maximum dimension smaller than the smallest orifice in the pilot stage. Preferably the means comprise a pin positioned through a hole, the pin and the hole both being circular in cross-section and coaxial, and the fail-to-neutral orifice is the clearance between the pin and the boundary of the hole.

Abstract: A golf ball tee comprising a horizontal "T" shaped support, downwardly extending legs at each extremity of the support operable to stably engage a ground surface and a golf ball supporting stanchion projecting upwardly from the "T" shaped support to support a gold ball to be driven.

Abstract: A conveyor, preferably of the roller type, for receiving palletized loads arranged in two parallel rows. The conveyor is arranged in association with a vehicle whereby the palletized loads to be placed on the vehicle are prestaged on the conveyor and the entire load is moved into the vehicle. Palletized loads are placed on the one end of the conveyor by means of a forklift truck or the like and then the palletized loads are aligned and compacted on the conveyor by means of a movable gantry which straddles the conveyor. The gantry is provided with expansible side walls which move laterally inwardly toward the palletized loads to compact and align the loads laterally. Rear gates are swingably mounted on the gantry between open and closed positions. When the gates are closed, they act as a bulkhead to advance the palletized loads on the roller conveyor as the gantry is advanced relative to the conveyor.