Abstract: A method for cold forming a metallic billet into an article having divergent members with a single hit comprises depositing the billet centrally within a die cavity between a first member and a second member. The first and second members are hydraulically urged toward one another at an equivalent velocity until the divergent portions of the die cavity are filled. The forming velocity is between about 30 percent and about 60 percent of the normal forming velocity for the material comprising the billet.

Abstract: A weight lifter's belt fabricated from leather which is lined with a thin layer of foamed flexible plastic having a Shore A Durometer hardness of between about 10 and 25, the liner being attached to the inner surface of the belt by a flexible adhesive. The liner, as outlined above, provides added comfort to the wearer and effects heat retention in the back and back muscles of the wearer and enhances blood circulation in the lower back to improve lifting performances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the movement of a reciprocatory hydraulically driven element of a metal forming machine between extended and retracted positions. Two piston members, having different sized working areas are slidably mounted in two reservoirs which are in communication with one another at a location other than their respective inlets. The system provides fast and slow movement of the element utilizing a single source of pressurized hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A device for measuring lengths of yarn and the like has an elongated base member with a first fixed position post and a second movable post. The second post is moved toward and away from the first post to a preselected position for measuring lengths of yarn and the like. A complete turn of yarn encompassing both posts measures the desired length of yarn.

Abstract: A system is provided for loading concrete blocks, carried on pallets, into a kiln. The kiln includes a front end wall and a rear end wall and a plurality of guideways extending from the front end wall to the rear end wall. The guideways are arranged in a grid pattern of horizontally aligned layers and vertically aligned tiers. The pallets are inserted into a selected guideway. A laterally movable main frame carries a vertically movable subframe which includes an arcuate conveyor. An elevator delivers pallets to the subframe which inserts the pallets into the selected guideway. The main frame and subframe are indexed for exact alignment with the selected guideway.

Abstract: A dental file is disclosed which is particularly useful in endodontia for removing dead or damaged tissue from a curved tooth root canal. The file has a flexible tapered shank which has a cutting surface on its periphery and a pilot projecting from the tapered end of the file for guiding the shank along the curved root canal preventing the cutting surface near the end of the shank from gouging into the wall of the curved root canal or penetrating too far through the apical foramen of the root canal.

Abstract: A lighting system for a welders helmet which includes a high intensity, high Kelvin temperature electric light source attached to the face shield for directing a high energy, high Kelvin temperature light beam forwardly of the viewing port, and an energizing circuit including an on-off switch interconnecting the light source to a source of electrical energy which deenergizes the light source where the welder's eyes are not protected by the face shield.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for singularly removing a cup from the bottom of a vertically nested stack of cups in a hopper is described. This mechanism, designed principally for beverage vending machines, has a pair of coacting jaws which each contact nearly one-half the periphery of the cup. Each jaw has sufficient flexibility to fully conform to the cup contour thereby grasping cups having varying dimensions. After the cup is grasped, the jaws are moved axially with respect to the cup to withdraw the cup from the stack. The jaws then open to release the cup and return to their initial position to be ready to grasp the next cup. A plurality of resiliently-biased fingers placed about the bottom of the hopper hold the stack of cups; however, when a cup is drawn away, they retract sufficiently to release that cup but grasp the next cup beneath the lip thereof.

Abstract: A cooling system for the electrical components compartment of an automatic bowling pin spotter having a low power subcompartment and a high power subcompartment, includes an upwardly projecting chimney structure which supports a fan. The fan forces air flow from the ambient environment through the low power subcompartment and then through the high power subcompartment of the pin spotter, over a generally U-shaped path, in order to remove heated air from within the subcompartments with only one pass of the air therethrough. A plurality of openings in the hood, partitioned from the chimney structure, permits the heated air to exit into the ambient environment thereby maintaining a cool operating temperature within the compartment. Filtering screens are also provided to minimize the introduction of foreign particles into the interior of the electrical components compartment.

Abstract: A locking system for a railway car coupler includes a gravity lock member which defines a slot and a locklifter which includes a trunnion extending through the slot, terminating at a distal end. A flange is secured to the trunnion at the distal end. The flange prevents disengagement of the trunnion from the slot unless a predetermined orientation is achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for beneficiating a mixture of coal and a denser material are provided. The coal and ash mixture and a liquid medium are deposited into a rotating, sloping barrel having internal spiral flights and foraminous end sections. Coal and medium travel downwardly and the denser material is screwed upwardly. The positions of deposit of the mixture and the medium are adjustable, as are the rates of rotation of the barrel and the angle of the barrel.

Abstract: A strap system for securing insulation batts in position relative to depending purlins of a building. The strap system includes first and second strap members each having keyhole-type slots in respective ends thereof and button means for fastening the straps one to another.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing a log to chips comprising a rotatable cutter head adapted for translational movement relative to a log, and carrying a cutting element, such element comprising a length of open-ended tubular or segment there of material having a leading beveled cutting edge which attacks the log to cut away a chip which travels away from the log through the tubular cutting element. The cutting element is matingly and removably received in an appropriate recess in the cutter head thereby providing for mounting of the cutting element on the cutter head with a preselected segment of the leading edge of the cutting element exposed to attack the log.

Abstract: A system for aligning a moving run of fabric which has longitudinal and transverse threads along a path determined by a selected one of the longitudinal threads. The system includes optics for projecting an image of the longitudinal threads while suppressing the image of transverse threads, means for determining the direction of any deviation and the amount of deviation from the selected thread position, and guidance means for returning the run to a position in which the selected thread is in its desired position. An improved guidance means which effects transverse movement of the fabric run without introducing wrinkles or bias into the run is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for concurrently supplying a liquid and drive gas to a gas-driven tool includes a drive gas source and conduit means connecting the drive gas source to the tool. Exhaust conduit means connect the tool to exhaust sensor means. A liquid source is connected to the tool by liquid conduit means. Means for causing liquid to flow from the liquid source to the tool is activated by means responsive to pressure of over a predetermined value at the exahust gas sensor.

Abstract: A quick assembly blind for use in combination with an open top boat. The blind comprises generally a rectangular framework releasably secured to the boat and extending above the boat. Drapable curtains depend from the framework to close the blind. A portion of the framework is resiliently mounted to permit quick assembly and/or disassembly.