Abstract: A prefabricated bridge framework for producing tooth-replacement bridges consists of a support bar to bridge over a gap between teeth and connecting elements for placing the support bar on bridge pillars. The bridge framework as a whole is made of a dental alloy and is capable of being adjusted automatically to the length of a gap between teeth by changing the length of the support bar. Reinforcing ribs are provided on the bottom of the support bar. This bridge framework makes superfluous the manual construction of a wax model of a framework and the subsequent casting in metal that have been required up to now. This bridge framework is always made the same qualitatively, and guarantees that the production of tooth-replacement bridges will be considerably simpler and quicker.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a first conductor to a second conductor. The electrical connector includes a generally C-shaped body which defines first and second conductor receiving cavities for accomodating the respective conductors. The body member is provided with an opening communicating with the conductor receiving cavities, by means of which the condutors are adapted to be positioned within the cavities. An integral hingedly connected retaining member is associated with one of the conductor receiving cavities whereby, once a conductor has been placed in the latter cavity, the retaining member may be manually rotated to a position wherein it secured the condcutor in the cavity. The connector is then intended to be placed over a second conductor, such that the second conductor is received in the other conductor receiving cavity. The connector is adapted to be compressed, by means of a compression tool, so as to substantially close the opening in the body member.

Abstract: Each of a series of parallel stalls in dairy parlor includes a swinging entry gate having on one side of its hinge axis a major portion, normally blocking the stall mouth. A minor portion of the gate, on the other side of its hinge axis, protrudes partially across the mouth of a neighboring stall. The stall cannot be entered by an animal until the gate has been opened by the entry of a preceding animal into the neighboring stall. The gate has an effective width substantially greater than the stall width.

Abstract: An artificial crab lure in the configuration of a natural crab body being formed entirely as a unitary member of a soft resilient molding. The crab body is defined by a center body portion, a pair of eyes, front claws and a plurality of legs. An integral shank portion projects outwardly from the center body and is adapted to have the straight portion of a hook passed therethrough. The claws, legs and shank are adapted for up and down, side to side, and rotational movements with respect to the center body portion such that the crab body, when placed in water, simulates the movement of a living crab. The molding may be colorized by dyes and pigments, and may have light-reflective particles randomly dispersed therethrough.

Abstract: A lower portion of a subsea oil delivery hose is held taut between bouyant devices installed on the hose and a stationary point on the subsea floor. A portion of the lower part of the hose, connected to the stationary point, has a curved portion that is concave in the direction of a wellhead to which the hose is connected.

Abstract: A dispensing closure characterized by a cap base member adapted to be associated with a container, and a cap lid member mounted on the cap base member for rotation with respect to the cap base member. The cap lid member is adapted to assume a closed position, wherein it closes off a first dispensing opening formed in the cap base member, and is intended to be rotated upwardly with respect to the cap base member from the closed position to an open position wherein the first dispensing is uncovered. A second dispensing opening is formed in the cap lid member, overlying the first dispensing opening when the cap lid member is in the closed position. The second dispensing opening is normally closed off and sealed by means of a spout member which is rotatably mounted on the cap lid member. The spout member is adapted to be rotated from the latter closed position to an open position wherein a longitudinal passage in the spout member is aligned with the second dispensing opening.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system controller particularly adapted for utilization with a photovoltaic power system including a photovoltaic array, system battery, load and, optionally, an auxiliary generator. The controller utilizes a microprocessor to monitor various parameters of the system and to perform system control functions. The microprocessor is provided with a plurality of setpoints corresponding to desired system parameters for utilization as reference points for the conducting of control functions. The setpoints are adapted to be easily field adjustable to cover a wide range of parameters. The controller is particularly suited for adaption to an entire spectrum of system designs merely by replacing the programmable memory component of the controller. The controller derives its power from a tap off the system battery and is designed to withstand the harsh environment associated with remote site locations. All of the control functions are temperature compensated.

Abstract: A submersible dregde assembly which includes a mobile carriage which locates on and may be driven about the submerged surface of the sea, river or bay under control from the surface and which carries a rotatable bucket wheel for engaging the surface and displacing material therefrom. The displaced material is conveyed to a remote location by means of a pump which withdraws material from the region of the bucket wheel by suction. The assembly also includes arrangements for adjusting the attitude of the bucket wheel so that a level dredged surface can be formed.

Abstract: A body supporting chair in the form of a generally U-shaped seat member rotatably mounted upon a central support post by support means allowing the seat member to assume operative and inoperative positions with respect to the support post. The seat member is adapted for oscillatory movement with respect to the support means, and is intended to be adjusted vertically with respect to the support post. The support post is mounted on a base member for supporting the chair on a horizontal support surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are hypodermic syringes having special safety features for preventing the user from inadvertently pricking himself with the needle. In the preferred embodiment the barrel of, for example, a syringe is provided with a sleeve that can be drawn out over the needle and firmly locked into position to prevent accidental contact of the user with the needle.

Abstract: A suspension component assembly including a top plate assembly for mounting relative to a spring assembly of a vehicle and a saddle. The top plate assembly having a top plate and an alignment member having locating means for accurately receiving a nib of the spring assembly. The top plate having a slot or a recess on its underside for receiving the alignment member. The recess allowing movement of the member for adjustment of squareness of an axle of the vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Adjustment means associated with the top plate allows the location and holding of the alignment member at a desired location relative to the recess.

Abstract: A spacer member for positioning and retaining steel reinforcing bars in a concrete structural member such as a round-column. The spacer member is defined by a circular, ring-like main body section having a plurality of outer extensions and a plurality of interior projections. Each of the outer extensions has a remote edge adapted to abut the inner surface of a form for the structural member. Each of the interior projections is separated from next adjacent interior projections by a space, into which a reinforcing bar is intended to be inserted. The spaces are provided at least at every 45 degree and 60 degree intervals along the circle formed by the body member. The reinforcing bars are adapted to be securely tied in their respective spaces by means of securing means that is adapted to be wrapped around the bar and around a hook-like formation formed on the interior projection.

Abstract: A power system specifically adapted to provide DC power for powering a DC load at a remote site under severe environmental conditions, such as is found at remote gas pipeline locations. The power system includes a slow speed heat engine adapted to be powered by fuel, preferably taken directly from the gas pipeline, the supply of which is controlled by means of a pressure regulator. The engine is adapted to be directly coupled to an oversized, slow speed three-phase alternator so as to produce AC power, which is subsequently rectified to DC power output for powering a load in the range of 500 to 5,000 watts. The engine is particularly adapted to be started with a hand crank or a portable starter, and is provided with ceramic main bearings, an oversized lubrication system, redundant independent ignition systems and a highly superior cooling system.

Abstract: In the game of Liar's Dice, a unique gaming box is used including a first closed compartment, a second shaking compartment, and a third holding compartment. The first closed compartment has a number of dice permanently sealed therein, such that when the box is shaken a continuous rattling of dice is audible. This allows a player to taken any of the active dice in the shaking compartment and place them in the holding compartment. When the box is shaken, the other players cannot audibly discern how many of the active dice are being shaken at one time.

Abstract: There is provided a method of removing binding material from a shaped preform (green body) in the preparation procedure for the manufacture of ceramics from particulate materials by a new method comprising exposing the green body to a liquidified fluid to dissolve the binder materials in a liquidified fluid without deformation of the shape of the article. In the method, the binder materials can be removed without swelling of the article because the green body is not exposed to a rapid temperature increase and the binder does not volatilize in the body. Further the binder material can be removed in a shorter period of time from the entire body.

Abstract: A deck hatch assembly for marine craft is formed in the upper deck surface of the marine craft on the port and starboard sides. A submerged surface is integrally formed in the upper deck surface, being provided with a hatch opening surrounded by a raised peripheral ridge. The raised ridge, together with the submerged surface and the upper deck surface, forms a drain channel for directing water away from the stern of the marine craft. A pivotably mounted hatch cover is provided for normally sealing and closing off the hatch opening. The hatch cover may be raised upwardly from the bulkhead of the marine craft toward the stern for the purpose of providing ventilation to below deck compartments and for allowing access to the upper deck surface from below deck areas. A pair of gas spring assemblies is provided for positively and automatically retaining the hatch cover in the closed, or any one of a number of open positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for refining foodstuffs, adapted for implementation in a process wherein foodstuff is fed into a depressurized environment and refined therein, whereupon the refined end-product, and any waste matter separated during the process, are both drawn off. The plant comprises an environment in which a vacuum is created and maintained, such as will house conventional types of machinery which refine the foodstuff, separate any waste matter, and collect the end-product which is then drawn off by a pump. Such a plant serves in particular for extracting juice and purse from fruit, vegetable, and market garden produce in general, as well as for reducing meat of all kinds to a paste.

Abstract: Loose cotton bales are compressed to about half their original size in a press having a lateral barrier with slots therein through which the original baling wires bulge outward, thus enabling automatic devices to engage the wires, apply tension thereto, and retie the wires to a shorter length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for tubes or rods provided with tapped tips.It comprises a hollow hub (1) comprising a plurality of holes (2, 3) and at least two bolts (7), each having a thread (10, 11) at each of its ends, each bolt going through one of the holes (2) and having its thread (11) interior to the hub screwed to a nut (12) and its outside thread (10) screwed to tip (9) of one of the tubes or rods (4), one of holes (3) having dimensions greater than those of the nuts to allow the introduction of the nuts into the hub, locking means (14) being provided to assure the locking of each bolt on the corresponding tip.