Abstract: This hand-operated, flat, open end wrench simulates the action of a ratchet wrench by causing the corners of a bolt head or nut to function analogously to the teeth of a ratchet. A single moving part, spring-loaded against or in close proximity to the bolt head or nut tangentially, aids in jamming or gripping the bolt head or nut and permits gripping a hexagonal head or nut either by opposite flats or by opposite vertices, whereby rotation in 1/12-turn increments is possible.

Abstract: A receiver which responds to United States Navy Satellite Navigational Positioning System (NNSS) transmissions for precise geodetic location of a position on the earth's surface is provided. The receiver of the invention is constructed to use the radio frequency carrier of the phase modulated signals transmitted by the Transit satellites in the NNSS system to recover accurate time interval data.

Abstract: Microfiche cards and the like are held in a file enclosure between file-segregator cards. The segregator cards are shaped to fit on and slide along longitudinal rails. To promote fanning of the segregator cards when they are compressed in a particular way, they have added thickness in a zone near their bottom edges. Two independently adjustable compressors are provided, one above and one below the added-thickness zone. By manipulation of the compressors a user can fan the file to a desired extent, controlling the fraction of the group of segregator cards which fans, and the angle between the adjacent fanned segregator cards, or can maintain the file tightly closed.

Abstract: A trough type solar collector or other body is mounted to rotate about a generally north-south pivotal axis. A balance weight is supported on an elongated heat sensitive beam anchored at its ends to the westerly side of the collector. The beam is adapted to bow away from the collector when it is heated by the sun's rays, thereby causing the balance weight to exert westward rotational force on the collector. A reflector may be positioned behind the beam to concentrate the sun's rays on the beam. A shutter is fixed to the collector to shade the beam when the collector is pointing toward the sun. Biasing means, such as a fixed weight secured to the easterly side of the collector, oppose the torque exerted by the balance weight and urge the collector to rotate eastwardly when the beam is unbowed. Damping means control the speed of westward and eastward rotation of the collector, and a pair of stops limit its westward and eastward travel.

Abstract: A compression-type spray device employing a single nozzle can be used to spray materials varying widely in density, composition and particle size. The device incorporates an air-and-material mix control using variably exposed slots in the nozzle to regulate the flow of high-pressure air through the nozzle, and a material supply control using variable restrictions in the material supply tube inlet to regulate the flow of material to the nozzle.

Abstract: Two substantially identical inflatable opposed frame elements, each consisting of a single unitary tube performed as by pleats or tucks causing the tube to assume a preestablished configuration when inflated, are connected at four points of intersection of the four tube ends with certain tube segments. Each inflatable element consists of an upwardly extending arch section, an upwardly extending brace section, and a substantially horizontal base section extending between and joining one foot of the arch section and the bottom of the brace section. The other foot of the arch section of each frame element intersects the base section of the other frame element, and the top of the brace section of each frame element intersects the top of the arch section of the other frame element.

Abstract: This unitary package is double-walled, the inner wall being capable of conforming to articles within the package, and the space between the walls being occupied by expandable polystyrene. After contents are sealed within the package the entire package is radio-frequency-irradiated, causing the polystyrene to expand into an impact-absorbing foam. During expansion the polystyrene forces the inner wall conformingly against the contents, and the outer wall to become generally convex outward or if constrained to assume the shape of its constraints. The result is a stiff, impact-absorbing pod whose interior surfaces closely conform to the contents.Multilayer walls of various specified materials, and certain additives to the styrene, are provided to facilitate use of the invention.

Abstract: Thin, flat multi-sided plates in various polygonal shapes are provided with a resilient, upstanding annular flange on one or both of their faces to receive the ends of tubular elements, such as beverage cans. Upstanding pins are formed on one face of the plates, near one end of certain of their sides, and laterally-extending tabs having pin-engaging apertures are hingedly attached to the plates by means of thin, flexible webs formed at the opposite ends of the same sides. Preferably, the webs are designed to displace the tabs in the direction of the pin-carrying face so that adjacent plates are in substantial alignment when their corresponding tabs and pins are interlocked.

Abstract: A plug valve, especially for use in lines carrying abrasive materials and materials at high temperatures and pressures. The valve body is rotatable in a valve casing having inlet and outlet ducts to bring a port in the valve body into communication with the inlet and outlet ducts. Recesses are provided in the valve body wall for closely fitted sealing plugs. The outer faces of these plugs conform to the wall of the valve body. A fluid reservoir within the valve body is connected to the recesses by passageways. A moveable piston is provided in the reservoir to force hydraulic fluid under controllable pressure into the spaces between the rear wall of the recesses and the sealing plugs, thereby permitting the sealing plugs to be maintained in fluid-tight contact with the inner wall of the casing.

Abstract: A self-contained disposable explosively actuated ampule for performing needleless percutaneous injection. The ampule comprises an outer shell enclosing an elongated inner chamber including a closed rear end containing a propellant charge, a tapered funnel-shaped forward end, and a scored sealing member hermetically sealing the chamber in the area of its funnel shaped end. A metered dose of fluid injectant is confined between the scored sealing member and a sealing plunger separating the injectant from the charge. The plunger is adapted for axial movement within the chamber and comprises a main body having sealing means thereabout which are compressed and tightened against the inner chamber wall, and having a tip portion projecting forwardly from the main body. Gas released at very high pressure by the charge drives the plunger in the chamber and pressurizes the fluid injectant, thereby causing the scored sealing member to rupture and enabling the fluid to be discharged from the chamber forward end.

Abstract: A low-drag hull for high-speed displacement type water-craft is constructed with a constant-section keel-less midbody having a length equal to or greater than one-third of the waterline length of the hull, and with a run of less than one-sixth of the hull length. The balance of the hull comprises a slender entry defined by a linear basal ramp extending at the centerline for at least one-half of the length of the entry. The ramp slope is chosen in the range between 10:1 and 18:1. The parallel midbody is constructed with a full cross-section, the section coefficient being always greater than .785, and the ramped entry conforms, within the limits established by the need to fair in the bow and transition sections, to the sectional character of the midbody. The hull form shows a low wetted surface coefficient and sharply reduced wave-making resistance in the range between Froude numbers of 0.60 and 1.20.

Abstract: A high speed vector generating electrical system is provided which provides the deflection voltages required to draw a vector line from one point to another on the screen of a cathode-ray tube. The system is particularly useful for drawing images in any desired pattern on the screen of the cathode-ray tube, whereby the images are composed of a multitude of vector lines. The system of the invention is simplified as compared with the prior art systems of the same general type, and it requires less adjustments and exhibits greater stability. The system also has a readily programmable drawing rate, and it requires shorter drawing time for short vectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing prints, such as fingerprints, for direct comparison. The method utilizes a transparent pressure-sensitive gel to capture a print pattern. A polarized beam of collimated light is passed through the gel. The pattern features impressed in the surface of the gel scatter light out of the optical path. The beam is then directed to a polarizing element oriented so as to filter out the scattered light rays and thereby produce a high-contrast image for direct viewing or further automated processing. In one embodiment of the apparatus single pressure-sensitive transparencies of individual prints are inserted in a polarized light path. In another, a film transport mechanism exposes successive regions of a strip of transparent pressure-sensitive film in a window for application of individual prints and advances the film to position each image imprinted on the film surface in the polarized light path.

Abstract: A variable aperture shutter is provided with a pair of shutter blades reciprocably mounted on a drive formed by an endless belt stretched between, and driven by, a pair of capstans. One blade is attached to each side of the endless belt loop and both extend across the width of the loop. Reversible rotation of the capstans controls the separation of the blades. A light beam, aligned orthogonally with the shutter, is intercepted when the shutter blades are in the closed position, with their adjoining edges abutting. Light is permitted to pass through a gap between confronting blade edges upon controlled rotation of the capstan drive. Apertures of varied sizes and shapes may be generated by superimposing two or more shutters and selectively controlling their capstan drives.

Abstract: An inkless fingerprinting system comprises a porous, non-yielding reagent pad saturated with a substantially colorless metallic salt solution, preferably based on ferric chloride, and means for applying an organic developer, preferably 8-hydroxyquinoline, to a latent fingerprint obtained by pressing the distal surface of a finger against the reagent pad and transferring the reagent adhering to the ridges of the finger onto a paper or plastic surface. The reagent and the developer interact to form a colored chelate and, thereby, render the fingerprint visible.

Abstract: A removable stiffener for slip-in spectacle cases is formed by bending a sheet of resilient metal into a U-shaped structure approximating the cross-section of the spectacle case and lined on its internal concave surface with a soft, non-abrasive material. The stiffener is manually compressed prior to insertion into the spectacle case and is retained therein by the friction developed between its external surface and the inner walls of the case, due to its restrained expansion. The insert stiffens the case and prevents damage to the eyeglasses carried therein.