Abstract: An automatic lensmeter (48) for determining the refractive properties of a test lens (76) including optics (52, 58, 62, 64, 68, 70, 72, 74) for producing a collimated, nonrotational beam of light, equally disposed about and propagating along an optical axis (50), which is refracted by the test lens (76), a nonrotational mask (18) having an annulus (24) for generating a stationary elliptical loop (28) of light at a detecting plane (26), the loop (28) having a shape, size and location dependent on the refractive properties of the test lens (76), and a photodetector (31) at the plane (26) to intercept the loop 28. The lensmeter (48) has no moving optical components and, due to the loop 28, provides an infinite number of points to determine very accurately one or more of the refractive properties, thereby overcoming problems with prior automatic lensmeters having relatively rotational optics and/or providing a finite number of points at a detecting plane.

Abstract: The push arms (17) of a bulldozer assembly (12) are mounted outboard of the track roller frames (18) of a tractor (11) and a cushioning cylinder (20) is interconnected between each push arm (17) and track roller frame (18). This arrangement thus avoids the problem of imposing loads on the main frame (15) of the tractor to which the push arms (17) are normally connected and permits cushioned loads to be transmitted to a pivot shaft (45) pivotally mounting the track roller frames (18) on the main frame (15).

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00666 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 30, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 30, 1979 PCT Filed Aug. 30, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO81/00538 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 5, 1981This invention relates to a buffing tool (10, 10a) and method for preparing internal surface portions (14) of a tire (13) for application of a sealing patch thereto. A puncture (12) formed in a beadless tire (13), having a tread formed integrally therewith, is difficult to prepare for patching by use of conventional buffing tools and methods due to the mass of tightly wrapped reinforcing wires and multiple plies incorporated in the tire.

Abstract: A check valve (32) comprises a housing (33) having an inlet (34) and an outlet (40) defined therein and first (43) and second (45) ramp surfaces are defined in the housing (33) at varying acute angles (a,b) relative to a longitudinal axis (X) of the valve (32). A valve element (41) is mounted in the housing (33) for sequential movement along the ramp surfaces (43,45) to close the outlet (40) in response to fluid flow through the valve (32). The check valve (32) finds particular application for use as a vent valve in a cooling system (11) for an internal combustion engine to avoid the overcooling problem which is prevalent with conventional cooling systems wherein a continuously open port is employed in association with a thermostat for air-purging purposes.

Abstract: Flow of viscous molten metal (12) to thin sections (48) of mold cavities (14) is difficult to attain thus resulting in inferior molded products. This problem is solved herein by generating waves (20) in the molten metal (12), sensing the waves (20) in the molten metal (12) at a thin section (48) of the mold cavity (14) spaced from the generating position of the waves (20), and controlling the generating responsive to the waves (20) sensed. Basically, a control circuit (56) increases the amplitude, and/or changes the frequency, of the waves (20) generated, if the waves (20) sensed are not sufficiently strong. The invention is useful for flowing other liquids besides molten metal in other cavities than in molds, although this is its prime contemplated use.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00883 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 22, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 22, 1979 PCT Filed Oct. 22, 1979Pilot injection of a high cetane fuel (16) and main injection of a relatively lower cetane fuel (16a) is accomplished by providing dual fuel, rotary controlled, pilot and main injection including a first rotating valve (32) for starting and stopping pilot injection of the high cetane fuel (16) through a first nozzle (46) and for starting main injection of the lower cetane fuel (16a) through a second nozzle (46a). A second rotating valve (32a) stops main injection of the lower cetane fuel (16a).

Abstract: In a vehicle (12, 12a) having interlock means (39, 39a) for maintaining the vehicle transmission (16, 16a) in neutral if powered travel is attempted while the parking brake (29, 29a) is engaged, interlock control means (51, 51a) are provided for inactivating the interlock once the vehicle is undergoing powered travel. If it becomes necessary to use the parking brake to stop motion of the vehicle, the retarding action of the engine (13, 13a) is effective, through the still engaged transmission, to supplement such emergency use of the parking brake.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00792 Sec. 371 Date Sept. 27, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Sept. 27, 1979 PCT Filed Sept. 27, 1979Parts (12) to be treated are placed in grid bottomed tubs (14a,14b,14c) and the tubs (14a,14b,14c) are stacked one upon the other. A flow of treating gas is directed exteriorly about and internally through the tubs (14a,14b,14c) from an entrance end (26) to an exit end (28). If the parts (12) in the entrance tub or tubs (14a,14b) are sufficiently but not overly treated, it has been found that the parts (12) near the exit end (28) of tub or tubs (14b,14c) are not sufficiently treated. If the parts (12) near the exit end (28) tub or tubs (14b,14c) are sufficiently treated, then the parts (12) in the entrance end (26) of tub or tubs (14a,14b) are over treated.

Abstract: A ventilating system for use with protective clothing of the type including a head enclosure and an outer covering for a user's body is described. The system provides for the distribution of air from a pressurized source to a user's limbs to provide a flow of air thereabout while insuring that sufficient pressurized air is delivered to the head enclosure for respiration and to maintain a positive pressure plenum therein under all conditions.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00641 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 23, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 23, 1979 PCT Filed Aug. 23, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO81/00604 PCT Pub. Date: Mar. 5, 1981Semicylindrical bearing shells (12) are mounted with their radially outwardly facing semicylindrical surfaces (14) against a mating surface (16) of a bearing cap (18) or an engine block (49). Such shells (12) have previously been held against rotation by tab and slot arrangements. They have either not been held against falling away from the mating surface (16), or screws have been centrally affixed through the shells (12) and into the bearing cap (18) or block (49). Such screws have interfered with proper lubrication of radially inwardly facing surfaces (20) of such shells (12). The improvement herein includes a pair of indentations (22a, 22b) in the outwardly facing surface (14), one at each end (24a, 24b) of the shell (12) and a pair of abutting indentations (28a, 28b) in the mating surface (16).

Abstract: A wire retaining clip has a mid-portion extending across the back of a vineyard post and forwardly extending arms with helical turns on the ends thereof. The retaining clip is engaged with a tensioned, horizontal trellis wire so that the trellis wire is bent sharply rearwardly of the front edges of the post and is locked into the turns of the clip. The retaining clip prevents the trellis wire from pulling away from the front of the post, prevents movement of the post along the length of the trellis wire and utilizes the tension of the trellis wire to restrain twisting of the post. An installing tool provides for easy installation of the retaining clips.

Abstract: A selective infrared radiation source includes an opaque body of boron nitride positioned to surround a resistive element capable of being heated by the passage of electrical current therethrough, said boron nitride body and resistive element being enclosed by an outer hermetic envelope transparent to infrared radiation. The method includes heating said resistive element such that the boron nitride is heated to a temperature of between approximately 1200.degree. C. and 2000.degree. C.

Abstract: Solar heating systems which utilize the heat of the sun to obtain a continuous pumping action and which do not require constant or periodic care have not previously been available. Herein, percolating action is utilized, in conjunction with reduced pressure within the solar heating system, to provide the pumping function. The system can be utilized to transfer heat via heat exchanger to another fluid or can be utilized to heat swimming pools and the like. Briefly, the working fluid within the system is boiled at a pressure below atmospheric and the vapor is used to lift liquid from one level to another in the system through a lift tube.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00799 Sec. 371 Date Sept. 28, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Sept. 28, 1979 PCT Filed Sept. 28, 1979 PCT Pub No. WO81/00881 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 2, 1981In some piston engines a pressurized fluid which is delivered to a main receptor (16) is also delivered to a secondary receptor (18) from which it is directed to cool the pistons. During engine startup and low idle operation such cooling is unnecessary, and further, it is desirable to provide as much fluid flow as possible to the main receptor (16), which is generally the main lubricating manifold (16) of the engine. Herein, delivery of the pressurized fluid to the secondary receptor (18) is prevented until the fluid pressure in the main receptor (16) reaches an initiating value (A). The main receptor (16) thus receives added fluid flow at startup and during low idle operation, while adequate piston cooling is provided at normal operating speeds.

Abstract: A tent is supported by outwardly leaning pairs of arches and an interconnecting flexible ridge member having a special fitting at each end. The ridge member is associated with the outer cover by positioning in a tunnel formed in the outer cover, so that the outer cover may be tensioned to form the shelter. The special fitting may be positioned in a grommet in the outer cover at one end while the identical special fitting at the other end may be used for tensioning.

Abstract: A shopping cart provides a carrier adapted for carrying items, which carrier is pivotally mounted to a support. Further, a wall structure is provided, also pivotally mounted to the support, which wall structure and carrier can be pivoted to a position to provide a carrying space defined by the carrier and the wall structure. Further, the support and a base upon which the support is mounted are of molded integral, and thus relatively inexpensive, constructions and have an open end such that one of the shopping carts can be easily and conveniently nested into another of the shopping carts.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00283 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 30, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 30, 1979 PCT Filed Apr. 30, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO80/02396 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 13, 1980A fixture (10) for repairing track links (19) comprises support members (15) having a plurality of locating pins (18) for positioning the links (19) thereon. A plurality of clamping bars (24) each extends through a group of laterally aligned links (19) to secure them in place on the support members (15). In carrying forth the method of this invention, a link assembly is separated into its individual links (19) which are mounted in longitudinally aligned and side-to-side relationship on the fixture (10). The fixture and method of this invention provide for the economical and expeditious repair of the links (19) by compactly mounting the links (19) on the fixture.