Abstract: An inflatable structure comprises a double wall pneumatic envelope including top and bottom panels. The inflatable structure also includes a central mast and a series of peripheral poles. A central portion of the bottom panel is mounted to a top end of the mast, whereas the bottom end of the mast is secured to the ground. The poles are connected at their upper and lower ends respectively to peripheral portions of the envelope and to the ground. An unrestrained lens-shaped double wall envelope submitted therein with pneumatic pressure tends normally to undergo a reduction of its perimeter while its vertical thickens so as to adopt a sphere shape. Mere pneumatic pressure provided in the envelope thus causes the double wall envelope to inflate, the top panel being supported by the pneumatic pressure in an inflated position, whereas the peripheral portions of the envelope are supported, spaced apart from the ground, by the pneumatic pressure and by the poles.

Abstract: A mop holder for a yarn-type mop head comprises a shank which is adapted for connection to a mop handle and an elongated member which has a threaded rod extending therefrom. The threaded rod includes an upper and a lower part. The lower part which is larger than the upper part is located intermediate the elongated member and this upper part. A nut is provided for engagement with the lower part of the threaded rod whereas the shank is adapted with an inner sleeve for screwable engagement thereof with the upper part of the threaded rod. The mop head comprises a grommet defined therein that is of larger transverse dimension than that of the lower part of the rod for being positioned therearound. Therefore the mop head is secured to the mop holder by way of the nut which is engaged in the rod while the shank ensures tightness of the nut.

Abstract: A plant watering and feeding support system comprises at least three upstanding tubular stakes. Each stake has a lower end thereof planted in a soil. The stakes each have a part located above a ground surface of the soil which is adapted with a connector for receiving ends of tubular cross members which extend therefrom in a horizontal plane and generally join the parts of the stakes located above the ground. Therefore, a horizontal liquid distribution network is defined. A liquid poured in at least a top end of one of the stakes thus distributes to the other stakes through the distribution network and to the soil downwardly by way of the stakes through the lower ends thereof. The plant is basically supported by the cross members. The connectors are adapted to receive at their upper ends the lower ends of vertical tubes which are provided at their upper ends with further connectors.

Abstract: An ice hockey skate blade has a top edge, a skating edge, and a toe portion. The skating edge has a gliding portion behind the toe portion. The gliding portion width is less than the top edge of the blade and the toe portion of the blade. The front toe portion of the blade allows contact with the ice and has a width equivalent to standard hockey ice skate widths, while the gliding portion of the blade behind the toe section has a width corresponding to ice skate racing blades.

Abstract: In order to permit a flexible carrying handle to be more easily fitted into nd removed from a known securing eyelet in an umbrella handle, a permanently open threading slot running the length of the eyelet is provided. The slot is narrower than the eyelet. The carrying handle can be squeezed along the slot into the eyelet, where the carrying handle regains its normal shape and thus will not unintentionally slip back out of the eyelet.

Abstract: A telescopically collapsible hand-pulled golf cart comprises a first tubular elongated member which includes bag supports and a pair of parallelogram linkages pivotally mounted at their upper ends to the first member and including wheels at their lower ends. A second elongated member is telescopically slidable in the first member and can be locked thereto. A third elongated member located inside the first member is slidable within the second member. A "Y"-connector is fixedly mounted as the lower end of the third member and has arms which protrude through a slot longitudinally defined on the rear part of the first member. A pair of links join the parallelogram linkages to the arms of the "Y"-connector. The third member is slidable a limited distance within the second member to provide a lost-motion movement to the latter. This allows an adjustment of the second member relative to the first member with no effect on the positions of the wheels.

Abstract: A skiing simulator which includes a platform formed by an annular peripheral frame defining an opening in which there is suspended a disc. The disc is suspended by tension springs extending between the edge of the disc and the peripheral frame. A pair of openings having parallel longitudinal axes are defined in the disc, and sole plates are adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axes in respective openings. A parallelogram linkage extends between the sole plates to control the parallel rotational movement therof, and a damper is connected between the disc and the linkage in order to provide resistance to the rotational movement of the sole plates. Ski boot bindings are fixed to each of the sole plates for receiving ski boots. A skier utilizing the skiing simulator can simulate forward and rearward tilting as well as translational lateral body movements of skiing.

Abstract: A frame member has a seat mounted thereon, the seat being movable therealong. The frame member also carries feet rests. A shaft is mounted across the frame member at one end thereof, and a flywheel is mounted on the shaft. A planetary gear system having a rotatable carrier, pinion gears mounted in the carrier, a stationary ring gear and a central gear is mounted on the shaft for rotatably driving the flywheel. The central gear is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith. A spool is mounted on the carrier for rotation therewith. A cable is wound around the spool for providing rotary motion to the spool when the cable is pulled by an exerciser during the rowing stroke. Thus, the rotary motion of the spool is transferred to the flywheel through the planetary gear system and the shaft in a speed increasing mode.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a net-like structure from a suitable material, such as metal or a synthetic polymer. The structure avoids the problems of low tear strength at the joints in the mesh and enables novel shapes and designs to be formed that are not possible to make by other methods. The method comprises the steps of forming a planar web from a suitable material in a plastic state, the forming providing for the planar web to have a substantially flat parting plane, the planar web having an expandable pattern of strands and strand joints with apertures therebetween, and expanding the planar web by forcing the exterior and interior of the web apart in a direction generally perpendicular to the planar web, to form a three-dimensional net-like structure.

Abstract: A pendulum type folder chute detachably mounted to spindles journalled in the side frame walls and having duplicate crank arrangements on either side thereof, including a crank arm, a link arm, and a drive wheel on either side frame such that the mass and driving force of the crank arrangement is balanced. The drive wheel includes a stroke adjustment feature which includes a circular recess defined in the outer surface of the drive wheel, the center of which is offset from the axis of rotation of the drive wheel, and a circular disc is provided in the circular recess rotatable therewithin and having its geometric center coinciding with the geometric center of the recess. A plurality of holes are in a circular locus in the recess coinciding with the locus of a plurality of holes provided on the disc near the periphery thereof. Bolt means pass through the holes in the disc to engage the holes in the recess to thereby lock the disc in a selected position.

Abstract: Illuminated decorative displays utilizing fiber optics are presented. The decorative displays are in the form of Christmas season ornaments such as wreaths, Christmas trees, and outdoor lighting series. The simulation of light bulbs is achieved by transmitting light through a solid light conducting medium. In the case of the Christmas tree, a cast solid medium in the form of a coniferous branch is used. In the case of the wreath, either a solid light conductive medium cast in an annular shape, or a hollow annular chamber with perforations filled with optical fiber material is used. In the case of the lighting series, either a long case rod with protrusions, single or bundled group of optical cable is used.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor comprises at least two tanks each having an arrangement of upper and lower telescoped, relatively reciprocating tubular members. The lower tubular member extends from the bottom of the tank, the upper tubular member being guided during reciprocation. A liquid contained in the tanks is capable of floating each upper tubular member relative to the lower tubular member associated therewith. Each upper and lower tubular member arrangement forms a variable volume chamber containing a gaseous fluid. The variable volume chambers communicate with each other for equalizing the pressure therebetween. The tubular members of the respective chambers being alternately floated as the respective tanks are filled with and emptied of the liquid to cause commensurate, alternate reciprocation of the upper tubular members. A mechanical energy source is provided due to such a reciprocation.

Abstract: A multi-speed chainless drive mechanism for a cycle-type vehicle comprises a drive shaft rotatably driven by a pedal actuated gear train. The drive shaft, which includes a universal joint, extends away from the gear train. The drive mechanism also comprises a first support provided intermediate the gear train and the universal joint for rotatably supporting the drive shaft to a frame of the vehicle. An elongated shaft extends from the universal joint opposite the gear train. A variable ratio worm gear, more particularly a cone-shaped worm gear, has an opening defined centrally and longitudinally therethrough. The worm gear is slidably mounted on the elongated shaft and is adapted for rotation therewith. The worm gear meshes with a drive gear mounted to a drive wheel of the vehicle. Different gear ratios are thus provided in relation to the longitudinal position of the worm gear on the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A pipe or cable laying apparatus includes a quadrilateral linkage device mounting the narrow ripping plow to a tractor and a chute body hingedly mounted to the trailing edge of the plow. The chute body includes a cable conduit compartment therein, and a separate chute and hopper for passing particulate materials through the body, and an auger device provided at the bottom of the body. The auger device is hollow and communicates with the cable conduit. The other end of the hollow auger device communicates with a discharge opening in the bottom of the body while the chute provides a steady gravity flow of particulate material to the auger.

Abstract: In a press for papermaking comprising in combination, a pair of elongated rollers arranged one to another to provide an adjustable elongated nip therebetween, each of the rollers comprising a substantially rigid elongated shaft and a substantially rigid elongated sleeve overlying and rotatably supported upon the elongated shaft, the respective shafts extending outboard of the respective sleeve to provide two pairs of parallel spaced shaft outboard portions, the improvement comprising, in the case of each roller, providing a circumferentially extending running fit between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the sleeve defining an elongated annular chamber extending lengthwise of the sleeve. Other embodiments are disclosed which include the shaft being tubular and pressurized, lubricant in the annular chamber and a cable system for urging the rollers together. A splashguard is also provided for preventing water on the surface of the rollers from rewetting the paper.

Abstract: A cleaning brush has a handle, an elongated stem formed from a flexible coil spring, bristles at the end of the stem and a stiff member extending axially within the coil spring from the handle a distance partly the length of the stem to allow flexibility only in the area between the end of the stiff member and the bristle portion.

Abstract: A semi-moist cranberry fruit product which is produced by slicing the fruit and through a sugar-spraying process in conjunction with wash-rinsing, surface air drying and vacuum drying or vacuum freeze-drying with sudden release of vacuum. The semi-moist fruit produced has an unusual appearance, consistent, texture and typical, but sweetened cranberry flavor and/or cranberry and orange flavor. Further collecting sweetened juice runoff from the fruit and drying the runoff to produce a taffy-like flavoring additive usable as a candy when the moisture content is reduced to 4-9% or reducing the moisture content to 1-2% and producing a crystalline flavoring additive.