Abstract: A locking mechanism for a ladder of the extension type having sections slidable over each other where such locking mechanism is affixed to one section and hooks over a rung of the other section to secure the two sections at the desired height, and where such locking mechanism is withdrawable from the plane of the second section during raising or lowering of this section such that it does not bounce and bump against the rungs of the second section during raising or lowering.

Abstract: A cable derailment responsive apparatus for use in terminating the operation of a cable drive for a chairlift, ski lift, gondola or the like is disclosed. The apparatus includes a spring biasing a portion of the pulley assembly for movement if the cable jumps the sheaves, further includes an electrical circuit having a plug-in connector that is mechanically pulled apart from the remainder of the circuit upon cable derailment to interrupt or deactivate the cable drive. Upon remounting of the cable on the sheave assemblies, the connector can be plugged back into the circuit to permit driving of the cable.

Abstract: A positioning system for quickly aligning and securing material to be composed for preparation of a plate for offset printing, such apparatus including a light source under a transparent support having alignment means on which background material, a template with nonlinear slots for aligning multilined overlay information, and overlay material for insertion into such nonlinear slots are positioned, all such material being held in place by vacuum.

Abstract: A process for transducing acoustical signals, including music, speech, noise, etc. which embodies a method which eliminates the usual discrimination between the frequency spectra of the direct and random incidence acoustical components of the sound being transduced and allows the frequency range of interest to be controlled by adjusting the spacing between the diaphragm or major entry port of an acoustical to electrical transducer and a boundary. The invention requires that the diaphragm or major entry port of the transducer be oriented substantially parallel with and proximate to a boundary.

Abstract: A load stabilizer for a forklift truck is disclosed which includes pivotal mounting means formed for selective movement between a deployed position over the forklift tines to a stored position in front of the forklift mast. The hydraulic drive means used to raise and lower the clamp structure also enables powered movement of the clamp structure between the deployed and stored positions.

Abstract: A release structure is disclosed for automatically closing or opening a valve on the happening of an earthquake. The release structure includes a pendulum, which is biased upwardly against stop means formed for pivotal contact with an upper end of the pendulum, the stop means and the upper end having relatively small contact area. Biasing means urges a closure member within the valve toward an open or closed position, and the closure member is releasably retained against the urging of the biasing means by latch means. A member connecting the latch means to the pendulum provides a lever which urges the pendulum upward in response to the biasing means and which releases the latch means in response to vibrationally induced swinging motion of the pendulum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detachable tow bar assembly for use in towing a small boat from campsite to water and return, and involves a pair of bow engageable elements, each adapted to straddle the foremost edge of the bow of such boat, such bow engageable elements being supported in spaced relationship to engage such bow at spaced locations thereon. The supporting apparatus involves a pair of angularly related solid bars, rigidly connected at one end, with each bar hingedly supporting one of the bow engageable elements. The bow engageable elements may be held in pressure engagement against the bow by a turnbuckle anchored at end to one of the rigid bars in proximity to the apex of the angle form between them, while at its other end, the turnbuckle is provided with a hook or similar devices to engage an eye or clevis affixed to the bow of the boat at a location intermediate the position of engagement of the bow by the bow engageable elements.

Abstract: A reinforcing tendon assembly for use in a concrete structure is disclosed which includes a pair of tendon anchorages, an elongated reinforcing tendon extending between and anchored by the anchorages and an electrically insulating conduit mounted on the tendon and extending between the anchorages. The improvement in the assembly is comprised of electrically insulating anchorage envelopes mounted at each of the anchorages in sealed relation to the conduit. The envelopes extend around the anchorages and isolate the tendon assembly from the concrete structure. Several isolating envelope constructions are disclosed, which include collars that encircle the tendon and are sealed to the tendon conduit and anchorage surrounding portions which extend from the bearing surface side around the outwardly facing side of the anchorage. A method for forming an electrically insolated tendon assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A racket stringing apparatus having an open racket head frame holding fixture and means for tensioning a string drawn across the open area of the head frame wherein the fixture is formed as an annulus circumscribing the racket head frame and the latter is rigidly supported interiorly at its yoke and distal ends and exteriorly at its intermediate opposite sides. The conventional string holding clamp is rigidly supported by and in closely coupled relation to the racket head supporting member for minimizing deflection. The head holding fixture is combined with a rotating structure including a conveniently positioned tool supporting tray. A string guide roller ensures aligned passage of the string being tensioned through the racket head openings and proper automatic rotative orientation of the fixture during tensioning of the string. The apparatus further includes an improved string tensioning clamp.

Abstract: The invention, in its preferred form, involves a pair of complementary substantially half-nut sections adapted to be manually assembled about a stud having a damaged thread to be repaired, the side walls of the half-nut sections being substantially arcuate to form a cylinder when assembled, to receive a socket adapted at one end to snugly slide over the assembled nut sections to retain them in their assembled positions. To preclude relative rotation between the socket and the assembled nut sections, one or both half-nut sections is provided with a planar slope intersecting the proximate arcuate outer surface, which planar slope is adapted to be engaged by a pin passing through the socket along a cord thereof, when the socket is slipped over the assembly nut sections.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having both an air-fuel mixture and exhaust in the cylinder during the compression stroke with one of the air-fuel mixture and exhaust being in the cylinder at the start of the compression stroke and the other being pumped into the cylinder during the compression stroke, with the shape of the cylinder head being adapted to maintain the air-fuel mixture undiluted with exhaust.

Abstract: A device for aiding in the placement of cross strings in a racket head and having a plurality of transversely spaced substantially coplanar string-bearing surfaces adapted for mounting on a first set of alternate longitudinal strings in the racket head and a plurality of pin-like members mounted for rotation on the support about parallel transversely spaced axes substantially perpendicular to the string bearing surfaces thereon and being mounted for axial displacement. Each of the pin-like members has an offset end rotatable to positions parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal strings and being positioned for engagement with a second set of longitudinal strings intermediate the first-mentioned strings.

Abstract: A hoisting mechanism for earth scraping equipment adapted for towing behind a vehicle, such mechanism including a plurality of pivotally connected links designed to pivot the scraper bed about rear wheels in a manner that provides for change in elevation of the scraper without affecting the elevation of the towing tongue at the point of towing connection. The hoisting mechanism is readily adaptable to include a pressurized accumulator selectively activated by scraper level by means of a cam operated valve to absorb shock while being towed in an elevated position. Further, the hydraulics utilized to move the rear wall forward for ejecting collected earth are the same hydraulics utilized to draw the rear wheels into the scraper bed for making the scraper narrower and therefore suitable for highway travel.

Abstract: A disposable nebulizer-manifold device which produces aerosol includes a manifold body and a nebulizer unit having a nozzle assembly. The manifold body includes a main supply inlet, exhalation outlet, and a patient connector port. Within the manifold body is a diaphragm assembly which controls the exhalation port.

Abstract: Given the known position of the optical center of an unfinished lens which is to be contoured for an eyeglass frame, this invention relates to a single device for locating and aligning the contemplated geometric center of what will be the finished lens with the optical center so that a block may be secured to the lens at such geometric center for holding the lens for contouring. The device comprises a lens holder situated above a slidable grid scale which is used in combination with a fixed scale to decenter the lens on the lens holder such that the contemplated geometric center of the lens will line up above the position of a block that may be accurately moved into place by moving the same slider containing the grid.

Abstract: A racket stringing machine having a racket head holding fixture and a carriage mounted for reciprocation toward and away from the fixture and a string clamp mounted on the carriage for engaging a string drawn through a racket head mounted on the fixture for tensioning the string upon movement of the carriage away from the fixture; a first brake which is automatically set upon drawing of the string to an elevated tension greater than the desired final predetermined tension to effect a pre-stretching of the string to a length beyond its length at such predetermined tension while permitting a decrease in the string tension; and a second brake which is automatically set to lock the string at the desired final predetermined tension. The apparatus also includes means for providing a controlled restrained rate of increase in string tension and a controlled restrained rate of decreasing string tension at tensions between the predetermined tension and maximum tension.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Escallonia plant characterized by it being compact to a height of approximately three feet and a spread of approximately six feet, with large leaves from 35 to 50 mm long on petrols 1 to 5 mm long, and with profuse blossoms held in secund, pyramidal panicles 4 to 6 cm high by 4 to 6 cm wide, each panicle numbering about 20 flowers.