Abstract: A system for production of Roman type shades formed of multilayers of material is shown according to the teachings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Generally, Roman type shades include pulling cords strung through rings attached to the shade such that the shade is generally flat when down and the shade falls into pleats when the pulling cords are pulled. The system of the present invention includes an array of linearly connected ring connectors for automatic distribution and insertion by an attachment tool. The ring connectors include a T-shaped member having a shank portion connected between the shade ring and a crossbar member. The crossbar may be aligned in the attachment tool with and for introduction into the hollow needle of the attachment tool.

Abstract: An aircraft capable of vertical short takeoff and landing is shown according to the teachings of the present invention as including four separate engine locations. In its most preferred form, the first and second engines are located on opposite sides of the fuselage of the aircraft and are pivotal about first and second axes which are in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and which are in front of the center of gravity of the aircraft. The third and fourth engines are located on opposite sides of the fuselage of the aircraft and are pivotal about third and fourth pivot axes which are parallel to the first and second axes of the first and second engines, respectively, but which are behind the center of gravity of the aircraft. The engines are mounted and rotated about their respective pivot axes by a system including a shaft having a first end operatively attached to the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle spare tire carrier is disclosed according to the teachings of the present invention for the storage and transportation of a spare tire outside of a vehicle. Specifically, the spare tire carrier in a preferred embodiment includes first and second arms pivotally attached to each other and a vehicle. The spare tire is mounted to the first arm. The carrier can then be pivoted from a first position to a second position in its most preferred form simultaneously with an opening or closure, such as a door, of the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the entire weight of the carrier and the spare tire mounted thereto is transferred to the bumper attached to the vehicle frame and not to the vehicle body.

Abstract: An external, multi-caliper brake for positive torque controlling as well as for controlling the rotation of a shaft is shown in the preferred brake embodiment of this invention as having a hub arranged to be mounted to the shaft with a longitudinally centrally located, finned friction disc mounted to the hub. A brake housing supports multiple brake calipers which are shown as including diaphragm operated, fluid pressure actuated pistons carrying brake pads which are caused to frictionally engage with the friction disc to rotationally control the shaft. The preferred friction disc is formed of two opposed, interlaced, internally finned component discs to create a serpentine, radial and circumferential, air cooling path for the friction disc and provide better heat transfer and brake efficiency. Another embodiment includes double fins to better cool not only the friction disc but the external calipers themselves.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering articles from a building including a tower having a boom extending therefrom. A transfer carriage is slideably mounted on the boom and has a latching mechanism for engagement with an end plate on the boom. The carriage also has a mechanism for engaging a cage as the cage is raised by a cable to the carriage and disengaging the cage when the cage reaches the outer end of the boom. A cable mechanism in cooperation with powered drum members lowers and raises the cage while alternately raising and lowering a second cage which is on a boom with a transfer carriage identical to the first mentioned boom and transfer carriage. The rate of movement of the cable and therefore the rate of travel of the cages is controlled by a hydraulic motor connected to a closed loop conduit, the conduit having an orifice preset to regulate the flow of oil to and from the motor which in turn regulates the speed of the cable drums.

Abstract: A foldable peep sight according to the teachings of the present invention is shown for use with a firearm such as a rifle. A peep sighting member is mounted on an arm. The arm is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis which is generally parallel to but spaced from the gun barrel by an arcuately shaped mount. The arm is pivotal between a first, non-sighting, transport, storage position adjacent the gun barrel and a second, sighting position spaced from the gun barrel and in firing alignment with the front sight of the firearm to allow aiming of the firearm by aligning the firearm to have the peep sight and the front sight of the firearm in line with the target. A spring located between a spring block attached to the mount and a leg attached to the arm biases the arm to its second, sighting position.

Abstract: A modular unit for use with a fluid engaged spring released and a spring engaged fluid released fan clutch including an outer hollow hub which terminates in a radially extending annular friction flange with an annular flange connected to the outer hollow hub for connection with a live shaft. Also provided is an inner central hub mounted internally of said outer hub by means of a pair of bearings. The inner central hub terminates in an enlarged central portion which in turn terminates in a radially disposed circular wall portion terminating in a series of right angular flanges. An annular piston is provided which is slideably mounted on the enlarged central portion of the inner hub. A ring is provided having a series of fan blades extending therefrom and connected to the circular wall. The piston has a friction facing carried thereby.

Abstract: A pivot pin assembly according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in use in a mobile tree felling and handling device. A pivot pin is held between first and second support members. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot pin assembly includes first and second bushings having an outside male tapered surface and having an internal bore for slidable receipt on the pivot pin. The bushing in its most preferred form includes a cut which extends through the outside male tapered surface and terminates in the internal bore to split the bushing along a radius to form a caliper-like member having first and second legs with their free ends in a spaced relation. The support members include a female tapered opening having a size and shape complementary to and for receipt of the outside male tapered surface of the bushing.

Abstract: A self-contained fan clutch including a housing in which is contained a rotatable drive disc driven by a source of power connected to the housing and the drive disc. Also mounted within the housing is an annular piston having an annular piston portion reciprocable within a cylinder member, the piston portion carrying a friction facing engageable with the driven drive disc when the piston is actuated within the cylinder. The piston divides the cylinder into a high pressure side and a low pressure side with the piston, piston portion and cylinder carried by the housing with the housing having a series of fan blades mounted thereon.The cylinder member mounts a reciprocal pump plunger actuated by a cam mounted on the driven drive disc for pressurizing the high pressure side of the cylinder which causes the friction facing of the piston portion to engage the drive disc and be rotated together with the housing and fans thereon. The pump plunger is actuated by a thermal sensor pill.

Abstract: A combination friction ring and mount therefor for clutches, brakes and the like is shown according to the teachings of the present invention as including a circular friction disc member having a substantially flat face. The face has a shoulder thereon at the outer periphery thereof and a substantially flat ring friction lining secured upon the flat face of the circular member and the shoulder.

Abstract: A talking tracheostomy tube according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in the preferred embodiment as including an inner cannula removably received within an outer cannula. The tracheostomy tube further includes, in the preferred embodiment, a first cuff for sealing between the outer cannula and the trachea for substantially preventing air introduced through the inner cannula to escape from the trachea through the larynx. In the preferred embodiment, air is introduced into the trachea above the first cuff by ports directionally drilled through the outer cannula and in fluid communication with a secondary passageway formed by and between the inner and outer cannulas. The inner end of the secondary passageway is formed by a sealing obstruction integrally formed in the inside surface of the outer cannula adjacent the inner end for the sealing receipt of the inner cannula.

Abstract: A spring engaged fluid released fan clutch is disclosed. A sheave connected to a live shaft is connected to rotate with a friction disc. Encompassing the friction disc and rotatable relative thereto is an outer shell portion carrying fan blades. Connected for rotation with the outer shell portion and rotatably mounted on the friction disc is a cylinder plate. An annular piston, having a friction facing, is slidably mounted on a hub provided internally of the outer shell portion and is connected to rotate with the shell portion. Springs urge the piston with its friction facing into engagement with the friction disc to engage the clutch. Fluid pressure is introduced through the hub of said outer shell portion and into a cavity between the cylinder plate and the piston urging the piston away from the friction disc against the action of the springs to disengage the clutch.

Abstract: A single-ply roofing system is disclosed according to the teachings of the present invention as including a roof sheet for covering a roof of the desired construction. In the interior of the roof area, the roof sheet is held to the roof by battens fastened to the roof through the roof sheet. Batten sealing members are provided which will increase bonding strength over a period of time and which may thus be considered to undergo a self vulcanizing-like process with the roof sheet and encapsulate the batten between the roof sheet and the batten sealing member. The roof sheet is held on the roof adjacent the roof edge by edging members having a generally horizontal flange which extends from the roof edge and rests on the top surface of the roof sheet. The edging member is fastened by fasteners which extend through the flange, through the roof sheet, and into the roof.

Abstract: A cleaner for a tubular wick is shown according to the teachings of the present invention including an upper and lower circular plate. The lower plate includes a multiplicity of spaced holes formed through the plate adjacent the periphery thereof. A pin having a head is extended through each hole with the head upon the top surface of the lower plate. The upper plate is secured upon the top of the lower plate and upon the heads of the pins. A handle is secured upon the top of the upper plate.

Abstract: An anti-skid device according to the teachings of the present invention is shown utilized with a cane, crutch, or the like and includes a gripping member having a plurality, preferably three, non-skid pins which are vertically adjustable therein. The gripping member is preferably vertically movable by and rotatable about a vertical pin which is parallel to and spaced from the crutch. For moving the gripping member from a biased, raised, non-engaged position to a lowered, engaged position, a pivot member is provided pivotally mounted to the crutch at a point intermediate its first and second ends. The first end of the pivot member engages with and pushes the vertical pin upon which the gripping member is mounted. An actuating handle located adjacent the handhold of the crutch is pivotally interrelated to the second end of the pivot member by a cable attached therebetween.

Abstract: A device for shaft alignment in a clutch or brake assembly is shown according to the teachings of the present invention. A quick demount bushing for receipt upon the shaft is provided having an outer tapered surface for receipt in an inner tapered bore formed in the assembly. The present invention further includes a shaft mount for receipt upon the shaft and into an axial bore of the assembly for holding the shaft in axial alignment with the assembly during placement of the quick demount bushing in the assembly whereby the friction surfaces are parallely disposed and normal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft mount according to the teachings of the present invention is formed of a one piece bushing have a fixed thickness in the radial direction and also in the axial direction.

Abstract: A free standing modular unit for storing, displaying, and selling merchandise is shown in the preferred embodiment including standarized parts which can be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools by unskilled labor. According to the teachings of the present invention, the unit is constructed of non-combustible or fire treated material and includes a generally open top and sides which can be opened and closed by rolling up or down flexible coverings to maximize fire protection while minimizing expense. The unit includes a plurality of posts interconnected to and spaced by members locked thereto by visually hidden locking members. The open ceiling is formed by lattice grids resting on lips formed on the post separation and connector members. Merchandise storing, displaying, and holding members are provided in various forms including peg boards, shelf members, and cabinets.

Abstract: An adjustable tree stand including a support having a circular bottom with a wall at the periphery thereof. A series of legs are connected to the wall and a band for connection with a tree trunk. A circular plate is positioned on the circular bottom with the axis located centrally and substantially perpendicular to the plate coinciding with the central, vertical axis of the bottom. A spike is secured to the top of the plate offset from the axis of the plate. A pair of spaced flanges are formed on the plate for rotation of the plate on the support bottom to cant a tree having the spike inserted upwardly into the bottom end of the tree.

Abstract: A fluid engaged and spring returned fan clutch for connection with a live rotative source of power including an annular mounting flange for connection with the source of power. The mounting flange terminates in a hub. Also included is an annular friction flange connected to the hub. A first outer shell section is rotatively mounted on the hub and connected to a second outer shell section with fan blades connected thereto. A circular face plate is connected to the second outer shell. A circular piston is axially and slideably mounted on and within the second outer shell section and axially of the face plate thereby forming a cylinder void between the piston and the face plate. A circular resilient bladder member is secured at its peripheral edge portion between the second outer shell section and the face plate with the bladder adjacent the piston and opposed to the face plate. The piston has a ring of friction material connected thereto.