Abstract: A storage rack for storing removable automobile hardtops includes a vertical frame member and a pair of horizontal frame members pivotably mounted to the lower end of the vertical frame member for arcuate movement in a substantially horizontal plane. A lower edge of the hardtop rests on the forward end of the horizontal members abutting vertical cleats, and the upper edge of the top leans rearwardly against the upper end of the vertical member. A strap biases the top into abutment with the storage frame, and wheel means support the storage frame for rolling movement. A fabric dust cover encloses the rack and hardtop mounted thereon during storage.

Abstract: A double drum batch washing machine comprises an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, an inner helical transfer screw with the inner cylinder and an outer helical transfer screw within the space between the inner and outer cylinders. The inner helical transfer screw has a pitch in one direction and the outer helical transfer screw has a pitch in the other direction so that the compartments formed by the transfer screws within the inner cylinder and the space between the inner and outer cylinders define areas of overlap on the surface of the inner cylinder. The areas of overlap have holes formed therein so that fluid interchange is established between each outer compartment and only the corresponding overlapping inner compartment. Laundry is placed in the inner compartments and wash water is placed in the outer compartments such that it communicates with the inner compartments and the laundry contained therein. Laundry is washed by oscillating the washing machine through a predetermined angular arc.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in anchoring cables and tie-rods in a hole in the earth with grout comprises a tube having an inlet adjacent one tube end into which grout may be pumped under pressure. The tube has a first outlet from which grout may pass out of the tube and into the earth hole and a second outlet located between the first outlet and inlet. A flexible grout containment sleeve is mounted about the tube second outlet adapted to bellow outwardly when filled with grout under pressure and into sealing engagement with the walls of the earth hole. A pressure relief valve is mounted within the tube for restricting the flow of grout out of the tube first outlet until the sleeve has established sealing engagement with the earth hole walls.

Abstract: A soundproof structure is provided at its surface with a lining of a catadioptric material which forms a light source when a light beam impinges on it.

Abstract: A spinning top game toy includes a disk-shaped playing board with three groups of upstanding pedestals mounted to the periphery of the board and a central pedestal extending upwardly from the board adjacent the center portion thereof. The upper surface of each pedestal is adapted to retain a spinning top thereon. A plurality of spinable tops are adapted to spin on the upper surfaces of the peripheral pedestals and a bonus top is adapted to spin on the upper surface of the central pedestal. The bonus top has a central spindle that has an upper surface adapted to retain a spinning top. The game is played by two or more players who, in turn, each spin the bonus top on the central pedestal and then move the spinable tops among the peripheral pedestals in a preselected sequence. Points are accumulated for successful moves of the tops until one of the tops or the bonus top stops spinning.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand comprises a bowl, a support collar mounted over the bowl that bears a set of angularly spaced threaded nuts, and a set of turn screws threaded through the support collar nuts. A set of arcuate clamping plates is positioned in a cylindrical formation within the support collar. Each plate has a channel in which an end of one of the turn screws is rotatably captured. With this construction, threaded advancement of the turn screws may cause the arcuate clamping plates to tighten convergently upon a tree trunk positioned within the support collar without the arcuate plates rotating substantially out of their cylindrical formation.

Abstract: A portable orthopedic seat has a backing sheet adapted to be draped over the top and back of a chair, a wedge-shaped and a half-teardrop shaped cushion, and fasteners for releasibly fastening the cushions to the backing sheet in orientations selected to adapt the chair for use by a person with a specific abnormal spinal condition.

Abstract: A safety stabilizer for vehicle steering linkages for connection between a fixed portion of the vehicle and a movable element of the steering linkage comprising an outer cylinder and an inner fluid filled cylinder extending longitudinally through one end of the outer cylinder and movable relative thereto. A coil spring is mounted within the outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder. Two pairs of spaced apart annular stops affixed to the cylinders cooperate to compress the spring upon longitudinal movement of the fluid filled cylinder in either direction relative to the outer cylinder. A piston and piston rod are movable mounted within the fluid filled cylinder. The piston rod extends through the end of the fluid filled cylinder contained within the outer cylinder and is affixed to the outer cylinder.

Abstract: Limted slip differential mechanism for dividing input torque, applied to a splined sleeve (5) unequally between a front propeller shaft (7) and a rear propeller shaft (8) comprises a casing (10) (carrying the sleeve 5) in which are mounted for rotation about their respective axes a wormwheel (21ad) and front and rear worms (18D, 18A) meshing with opposite sides of the wormwheel (21ad) and being of sufficient length also to mesh with helical output gears (15,16) on the respective shafts (7,8). The rear output gear (16) is larger than the front output gear (15) so the torque is divided between the output gears in the ratio of their pitch circle diameters in the absence of substantial relative rotation while normal traction is maintained, but with limited slip if potential loss of traction occurs.

Abstract: A lattice comprises a set of tubular strips fastened together at designated crossings that have openings formed in the surface of each strip that faces and is overlayed by the other strip. The tubular strips are fastened together by resilient fasteners that are snapped into the strip openings.

Abstract: Collapsible airfoils which reduce wind resistance in their operational positions on the front and rear of a vehicle are moved with minimum effort to and from collapsed stored positions on the sides of the vehicle, such as a truck. A multi-section frame is provided for each resilient airfoil section adapted to be configured flatly for storage and configured erected in use. Slide mechanisms for the folding of resilient airfoil sections are provided front and rear on the vehicle side walls. A secure locking device for the airfoils in their erected operational positions is provided.

Abstract: A thermal walkway brick has a heating element embedded therein and electrically connected at each end to couplers mounted to opposite sides of the brick. One of the couplers is a female element that defines a channel and the other coupler is a male element having a tongue. The female element is constructed and oriented to receive the tongue of the male element of a brick of the same construction with the bricks arranged in side-by-side spaced relationship. A set of bricks is laid together to form a thermal walkway with the heating elements of adjacent bricks electrically coupled in series circuit by the couplers. The spaces between adjacent bricks are filled with mortar to complete the walkway and encapsulate the couplers. The bricks are heated by the heating elements upon application of voltage to prevent a buildup or to melt ice and snow on the walkway.

Abstract: A shipping container and display unit comprises a box shaped container for containing goods and a generally tubular stand hingedly attached to the bottom elevated position. The stand is adapted to collapse into a generally flat configuration and wrap around the outside of the container forming a compact package for shipping. An advertisement display panel having collapsible reinforcement wings is provided for displaying advertisement or other information about goods displayed in the container.

Abstract: A pair of camouflage eyeglasses for concealing the eyes of a hunter comprise two temple portions and a front frame portion defining a pair of eye encircling rims. Mounted in each rim is an open-weave camouflage netting material having colors and patterns adapted to blend into various hunting terrains. The netting mesh is sized to camouflage effectively the eyes of the hunter while not significantly interfering with his vision.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic fibrous materials prior to delingification. The process in one of its embodiments is comprised of the following steps:1. Contacting the pulp material with treated filtrate and alkali for a short reaction period of about 1 to 2 minutes at 40.degree. C.,2. Withdrawing part of the liquid phase by filtration,3. Displacing substantially all of the remaining liquid phase with treated filtrate, and4. Allowing the pulp to react under conditions normally used for alkaline extraction or oxygen delignification.The treated filtrate is obtained by subjecting the liquor removed from the pulp at steps 2 and 3 to temperature of 5.degree. to 60.degree. C. for periods of about 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, step 3 can be eleminated.

Abstract: A tendon stressing jack has a gauge for measuring the length of tendon travel during a tendon stressing operation as a method of determining tendon stress.

Abstract: A ground anchor has a spike with bit mounted coaxially to a prop of greater width than the spike. A structurally independent platform is provided to be placed about the spike and butted against the prop as the spike is rotatably driven into the ground.