Abstract: This chair height adjustment mechanism has a tubular housing fixed to the chair base, with vertically-spaced bearings providing lateral support for a threaded spindle secured to the chair seat. The upper bearing permits the spindle to move axially, and a nut in threaded engagement with the spindle below the upper bearing is biased upward into clutch engagement with the lower end of this bearing. The biasing spring acts between washers keyed to the spindle, the lower of these being supported by the upper face of the lower spindle bearing. Weight on the seat moves the spindle downward against the spring action to disengage the nut so it can rotate with the spindle, thus removing any change in the height adjustment of the chair when it is occupied.

Abstract: An automobile bumper is adapted to be molded in one piece from thermoplastic material. The frontal portion is "C"-shaped in cross-section, and has spaced vertical web strips interconnecting the upper and lower rear edges. Certain of these strips have off-sets permitting vertical elongation under impact to control the pattern of deflection of the frontal portion to preserve impact resistance. A die structure having movable core components is provided for producing the bumper.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing wire according to the momentary needs of a wire-utilizing device has a wire guide mounted for oscillating movement in response to changes in wire tension, and has a drive and control system responsive to the position of the wire guide to progressively increase the rate of rotation of the spool to pay out wire faster in response to an increase in wire tension, and decrease the rate of rotation on reduction of wire tension.

Abstract: A highly flexible and cost effective stranded conduit for a control cable assembly comprises about twenty-one (21) to thirty (30) individual strands of low carbon SAE 1005 to 1040 steel wire wrapped in a contiguous helical configuration about a plastic resin liner at a pitch of 0.5 to 3.0 inches, with the individual strands of wire having a diameter of 0.008 to 0.020 inches. The wire layer is surrounded by a jacket material formed of an abrasion resistant plastic resin.

Abstract: A desulfurization process for coal ore for the removal of both organic and inorganic (pyritic) sulfurs in coal ore comprises a series of steps including the pulverizing of coal ore; mixing coal particulates with separation reagents, a catalyst and a vehicle; separating the recyclable chemicals and abstracted sulfurs through a select membrane; conditioning the particulates for flotation and sedimentation; clarifying the settleable ash and inorganic sulfurs and the floatable coal from the vehicle; and dewatering the collected coal particulates. The process also provides for regeneration of the catalyst.

Abstract: A temporary vehicle seat cover is adapted for installation after the manufacture of the seat, and before it is mounted in the vehicle, to protect the seat upholstery until the vehicle reaches the purchaser. It is then easily removed without leaving fragments of the seat cover entrapped between the seat and its support structure.

Abstract: This device is adapted to sharpen the steel edge strips of a ski by being drawn along the ski while pressing the device gently against the bottom and edge. A standard cutting insert of extremely hard alloy is mounted at the end of the apex of an angular block in such position that a cutting edge intersects the plane of an innerface of the block. The insert is held in cutting position by the engagement of the adjacent block face with the ski edge.

Abstract: A dispenser for pleated frusto-conical coffee filters has a housing provided with an opening preferably in the face normally forming the bottom, and one or more side openings communicating with the bottom opening. The bottom opening leaves shelves on opposite sides that support a stack of filter papers positioned so that the larger end rests on these shelves. Tabs on the filter papers facilitate the withdrawal of the papers one-by-one, and turning the stack inside-out from the initially pleated condition disengages the edges of the sheets for easier separation.

Abstract: This releasing line holder for a downrigger trolling system has an elongated body portion with a slot normally receiving a downrigger cable. A barrier secures the holder to the cable. A releasing line clamp carried by the body holds the line with a selected degree of resistance against lateral pull-out by a biting fish. Line-release is provided by mechanical or magnetic retention.

Abstract: The location of the point of a cutting tool with respect to a known reference on a rotatable tool turret is determined preferably with the tool extended in a direction 90.degree. displaced from the cutting position. A reference grid plate is secured in a calibrated position to the carriage on which the turret is mounted. The measuring position of the tool overhangs the grid plate, and an indicator detects the position of the tool point over the measuring grid.

Abstract: A receptacle for eyeglasses and sunglasses is attachable to the windshield of an automobile with a suction cup. The configuration of the receptacle provides a bearing abutment that engages the windshield below the suction cup, and removes any tendency to twist the suction cup out of engagement. The configuration of the device further adapts it to either formation from flat stock, or to injection molding.

Abstract: A cover with a pouring spout is constructed to engage a plurality of standard containers, such as as paint cans, having different configurations. These cans in any given size may be of metal of plastic, and each will have a particular rim configuration. The cover is adapted to engage and seal either of there, and confine the contents of the can so that there is no leakage or rim contamination as the contents are poured out.

Abstract: This auditorium seat has a frame preferably formed of bent steel tubing, the ends being brought together to parallelism in a "Y"-shaped configuration to form a pedestal. A seat is pivotally mounted on a spring hinge assembly between the sides of the frame, and includes a transverse saddle platform to which a "U"-shaped rod extends forward from end-receptacles on the platform. Seat-supporting straps are welded to the central portion of the "U"-shaped member to form a complex bending-torsion deflection system in addition to the cushioning effect of a pad interposed between the plates and the saddle. The back of the chair has limited freedom of articulation about horizontal and vertical axis, with a spring cushion providing a biasing action toward a neutral no-load position. A modified form of the invention provides a tablet arm assembly supported by a bracket embracing one side of the frame at a curved portion.

Abstract: A flotation separator has a tank normally partially filled with a liquid, and an endless conveyor belt with upper and lower courses extending from a lower portion in the tank to a higher discharge position exterior to the tank. A shroud isolates the lower course of the belt from the upper course within the liquid, and from the primary circulation in the tank.

Abstract: Modular seating comprises flat side frame members including chair frames and bench and table frames, with each frame including means to bolt seats and tables to the sides thereof, the units being constructable as free-standing components or as interconnected seats, tables, and benches. The frames are formed of laminations having overlapping laminated joints wherein laminations of intersecting members extend all the way through the joints. The back rest has a frame without a rigid frame member at the top of the back rest.

Abstract: A fishing rig retainer for attaching a seondary fishing rig to a primary fishing line comprises a body that slides along the primary fishing line and a clamp attached to the body for holding the body in a selected position on the primary fishing line. The secondary fishing rig is operably connected to the clamp and causes the clamp to release when a fish takes the secondary fishing rig. This lets the body slide toward the end of the primary fishing line and facilitates release of the primary fishing line from a downrigger release clip.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating and manipulating agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables that emit or reflect distinctive radiation in a predetermined non-visible frequency range comprises a detection means for detecting and producing digitized images of the products based upon the non-visible radiation in the predetermined frequency range received from a given viewing area. A product locator mechanism receives the digitized images as input, compares the characteristics of the digitized input with a predetermined digitized definition of products to be selected, and generates an output signal usable for directing an output device relative to the produces. The product locator compares discrete peripheral coordinate points on the infrared and visual images with points on a mathematical curve conforming with the product outline as one means to indicate the presence of a product. A separate central processing unit controls a motion control device for picking the fruits or vegetables located.

Abstract: A handle is engageable with the end coupling of a drain hose for a septic system to facilitate insertion and removal of the hose in and from the storage position in the tubular bumper of a house trailer. The handle provides a grip adjacent the hose axis, and is moveable to a position where the end surface of the coupling is unobstructed.

Abstract: An exercise device having parallel side beams supported horizontally, and also having straps extending between the beams, is provided with auxiliary body-engaging transverse members disposed at a vertical distance from the plane of the side beams. The device also has auxiliary supports for limiting body stress and deflection.

Abstract: A blood collecting device for use in collecting blood samples. A blood collecting device comprises a tubular holder, needle assembly and tube where the needle assembly is engageably retained to the holder by a latching means. The latching means may be manually disengaged allowing the needle assembly to be ejected affirmatively by a spring loaded ejection means without touching the needle manually.