Abstract: An optical encoder comprises a housing capable of being clamped in an end wall of a motor or rotating component about its shaft, a shaft opening in the housing, a fixture for mounting an optical encoding disc firmly in an end portion of the shaft when projecting through the housing opening, a peripheral aperture in the housing provided with a removable closure supporting a caliper assembly inside the housing at a position at which its opposite arms overlie opposite sides of the disc, the arms carrying light generating and light-sensitive elements respectively so that an electrical signal provided by the light-sensitive elements is a function of the rotational movement of the disc. An adjustment facility is also provided which allows the caliper assembly limited arcuate movement with respect to the shaft axis during setting up of the encoder.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing seamless tubular articles such as plumbing traps and the like which have an arcuate portion along their tubular axis. Mating die members are provided which, when clamped together, define a mold cavity configured to the external shape of the article to be formed. A tubular parison of heated thermoplastic resin is extruded and has an outside diameter less than the outside diameter of the article. While still pliable, the parison is bent to the general shape of the article and the die members are clamped about it with at least the bent portion inside the mold cavity. A blow molding duct is introduced into the parison and pressurized fluid is introduced through the duct to expand the parison outwardly into contact with the surfaces of the mold cavity. When the plastic has cooled sufficiently to rigidify, the die members are separated and the molded article is stripped from the mold. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A safety closure assembly is disclosed comprising an overcap rotatably mounted on and substantially enclosing the valve end of an aerosol container, having a valve actuating tab with a spray orifice through which the container contents are discharged when the tab is depressed. A keying element associated with the tab functions to prevent its depression under certain conditions. A collar member is provided for association with the overcap, the collar member being non-rotatably mountable on the valved end of the container and having a shelf forming a blocking position, a lock-out spring which is resiliently flexible in a direction parallel to the container axis, and an upstanding catch formed on the lock-out spring. The valve actuating tab is normally disabled from operating the valve by interference of its keying element with the free end of a C-shaped ring. The ring is supported by the collar and its free end is normally urged between the keying element and the blocking portion of the collar.

Abstract: A fastening device such as a nut for a bolt that is passed through a tapered slot in one member so that it can be adjusted along the slot relative to another member before the bolt is tightened. The nut is double-tapered so that when it is drawn into the matching slot it wedges against the sides of the slot and positively locks the bolt against movement.

Abstract: A finger operated accumulator release pump, adapted to be mounted on a container to dispense liquid therefrom only after the liquid has been pressurized by a predetermined amount, comprises a housing which defines a pump chamber and an inlet to the pump chamber. A conventional check valve prevents return flow of liquid through this inlet. A plunger is telescopically received for reciprocal pumping action in the pump chamber, makes a sliding piston fit with it, and is provided with an outlet passage and a valve seat at the inlet end of the outlet passage. The pressure accumulating release feature of the pump is provided by cooperation of an outlet passage by-pass arrangement and a pressure actuated accumulator valve. The by-pass arrangement comprises a number of by-pass grooves which are disposed in a generally axial direction on the inner surface of the outlet passage at a location intermediate its ends.

Abstract: An actuator for a syringe is disclosed with which precise liquid quantities can be dispensed in an accurately repeatable manner with single-hand control. The actuator is formed with a main body shaped to support a syringe whose plunger is moved by a plunger actuator. A reciprocating finger actuatable pusher is mounted with the plunger actuator to the main body and a ratchet mechanism operative between the plunger actuator and the pusher provides discrete motions of the plunger actuator. The main components of the syringe actuator are formed of extruded material and shaped in cross section to conveniently fit together. A back motion inhibitor is employed in the form of a fibrous material capable of restraining reverse movement of the plunger actuator while allowing unobstructed operative movement thereof.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting system, which may be operated to provide usable energy throughout the year, comprises a plurality of rows of elongate radiant solar energy collecting panels, each having upper and lower edges, being mounted to form an angle to the horizon and to face the sun's position at solar noon. An elongate reflector, also having upper and lower edges, compliments each row of collector panels to reflect radiant solar energy to it. The upper edge of each row of collector panels is positioned adjacent the upper edge of a reflector to define a single, inverted, generally V-shaped peak. The lower edge of each collector which forms a part of one peak is spaced from the lower edge of the reflector which forms a part of an adjacent peak to define a valley. A walkway is constructed in each valley to provide access to both the reflectors and collector panels for drainage and maintenance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the continuous manufacture of longitudinally slit foam pipes using an internal core and two outer mold portions, externally and spacedly surrounding the core, whereby the two outer mold portions are displaced in movement-conforming manner along a path with the formation of a continuous, annular channel open towards a core support and whereby further a sheet is curved in tubular or U-shaped manner, and just before entering the annular channel is supplied with a foam base material which is completely foamed in the annular channel, whereby the foamed hollow profile is formed.

Abstract: A disconnector for the trigger mechanism of a repeating firearm, in which the trigger must be disconnected from the sear during the reloading cycle so that the sear can re-engage and cock the firing member even though the trigger is still retracted when the reloading cycle is complete. The disconnector is directly engaged by a portion of the reciprocating breech-bolt mechanism in order to disconnect the sear, rendering the trigger inoperative until it is released by the shooter.

Abstract: A timepiece having a casing provided with a lateral window, opening on its lateral face, in which appear the indications of a display device, the casing being arranged in such a way as to be capable of occupying two different positions, in which opposite faces of the casing are turned over one with respect to the other. In each position one or the other of said opposite faces is visible, and commutation means are provided for ensuring that, in one of the said positions of the casing, the time indications are displayed in one direction while, in the other position of the casing, they are displayed in the opposite direction, so that the reading of the time can be effected in either of said positions of the casing.

Abstract: A sanitary pet litter container comprises a carton of sheet material which may be folded into a wedge-shaped configuration for storage or disposal or which may be opened to receive pets. The carton has a bottom and opposing end walls that are foldable inwardly toward each other on mutually parallel end fold lines which are spaced from and parallel to the bottom. Two opposing side walls are joined to the end walls at four corners. Each side wall has a central portion which is foldable inwardly toward the other side wall central portion on a lateral side fold line parallel to the other lateral side fold line but not parallel to the bottom. Further, each side wall has two wing portions each of which is foldable outwardly against the central portion on one fold line corresponding to one corner and on an acute side fold line. Each of these acute side fold lines originates at the intersection of the one corner with a lateral side fold line and bisects the angle defined by the intersection.

Abstract: A lock assembly for automatically dead bolting a closure to a closure frame when the ambient temperature is raised above a predetermined temperature by fire comprises a striker plate, which defines a bolt hole, mounted on the closure frame. A cooperating latching mechanism, installed in the closure, includes a housing and a bolt assembly mounted in housing for reciprocal movement to and from a latched position projecting into the striker plate bolt hole and for movement to an extreme dead bolted position projecting further into the bolt hole beyond the latched position. A stop pin mechanism associated with the bolt assembly prevents the bolt assembly from being moved out of the dead bolted position once this position is assumed and a spring urges the bolt toward the dead bolted position.

Abstract: A fastening device comprises an electrically conductive sheet metal nut element which may function to complete electrical connections and a plastic, electrically insulating cap member which covers the nut element. Even though plastic material such as that from which the cap member is made is pliable and exhibits a certain amount of plastic flow or "creep," the cap member and nut element are configured so that they can be tightly assembled to transmit high torques through the cap member to the nut element. Specifically, the nut element is formed with a web portion, which is generally perpendicular to the fastening device axis, and a stud-engaging configuration associated with the web portion. A cylindrical section is formed at the periphery of the web portion to extend in the direction of the device axis and has at least one pair of circumferentially opposing wings which project outwardly away from the axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pivoting mechanism for a mold in a system for producing foamed materials, especially polyurethane foams, wherein the molds to be filled by the foam travel continuously around an endless conveyor track and wherein each mold carriage includes a closing portion (mold holder) embracing said mold and comprising an upper closing portion and a lower closing portion, whereby each mold upon being filled is closed by bringing together said upper and lower closing portions, whereupon said mold is pivoted into an inclined position together with said closing portion in order to allow venting of the mold to occur while the mold assembly continues to advance along the conveyor track.

Abstract: In a first embodiment a still picture video program composing and playback system is described whereby a plurality of still picture programs can be recorded on a common video recording such as a video tape. A composing operation involves the assembly of audio narration for the programs on separate tracks with cue signals which signify successively different picture displays being recorded on a separate track. The composing of these audio programs and still pictures on a common video tape is obtained with control logic responsive to played back cue signals. The recording of still pictures is obtained with a slide projector and television camera, both of which are synchronized by the control logic to record video frames and cue signals on the video tape. In a second embodiment still pictures and a motion sequence for different video programs are interleaved and recorded on a common medium.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for operating an aerosol container equipped at one end with a dispenser valve having a valve stem urged outwardly to a normally closed position away from a depressed open position. The apparatus, which actuates the dispenser valve, comprises a housing constructed to receive at least the valved end of the container. A lever is pivotably mounted in the housing and is operatively associated with the valve stem when the housing receives the valved end of the container. The lever is pivoted to depress the valve stem and open the dispenser valve by a drive assembly that includes a drive shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, a motor for rotating the drive shaft, and a flexible band having one end attached to the lever and an opposite end attached to the drive shaft to be wound thereon.

Abstract: This wrist-watch is characterized by the fact that the display device is arranged on one of the lateral sides of the watch casing, thus leaving its upper surface free, the wristlet being secured to the casing by one of its ends and being applied, by its opposite end, onto the said upper surface of the casing to which it is removably secured.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for improved production of foamed bunstock in continuous length. A generally U-shaped moving mold is utilized within which a thermosetting foam mix is deposited and the bunstock is then formed as a continuous block. This moving mold is configured along a critical portion of its length to conform as closely as practical to the inverted mirror image of the profile defined by the characteristic curve of percent of foam rise as a function of time for any selected foam mix composition. A weir arrangement is employed to control the travel of foam mix while this is still highly liquid. The objective is to maintain a condition of hydrostatic balance throughout the body of developing foam from the point of mix lay down to the point of foam gellation.

Abstract: A wrench for applying torque to a member that rotates, such as the rotary operating member by which to open the discharge gate for a railroad hopper car, the wrench being provided with a hollow hub or sleeve that fits over the rotary member and having means for locking it to the periphery of such member. A reduction-gear train multiplies the input force, the force exerted by the wrench on the member to be rotated, as well as the forces of reaction, being directly in line with the input force so that there is no tendency for the wrench to twist. Specific means are disclosed for locking the hub of the wrench to the rotary member and comprise a hook-shaped dog that is pivoted on the hub so that the hooked end of the dog extends through a lateral opening in the hub into engagement with a hole or recess in the periphery of the member. A release lever is provided for facilitating withdrawal of the dog to a retracted position and for holding it in that position while the wrench is being applied or removed.

Abstract: A counting mechanism for timepiece having a bidirectional step by step motor, in which the rotor of the said motor cooperates directly with a counting wheel in such a way as to drive it only in one direction, this counting wheel being submitted to the action of a magnet which determines, at each step, its position while cooperating successively with each tooth of its toothing.