Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a crankshaft offset to one side of the axis of the engine cylinder and an articulated connecting rod linkage operable to vary the stroke of the engine piston in accordance with engine operating conditions, so that different density fuel-air charges inducted into the cylinder will be compressed to substantially the same extent each time the cylinder is fired, regardless of throttle setting, engine speeds, or loads.

Abstract: An attachment for a photographic flash unit which functions to divert the high intensity light rays emanating from the flash unit along a path or paths axially or angularly offset relative to the focal axis of the flash unit and an associated camera to thereby provide unusual lighting effects for the subject being photographed, and to prevent intense illumination of the blood vessels of the eyes of a human or other animal subject being photographed.

Abstract: A dentist's instrument or hand tool used to facilitate the application of an elastic arch wire-retaining band or annulus to an arch wire-supporting bracket and which features an elongated handle terminating at one end thereof in an omegoid tip portion arranged to releasably hold the elastic annulus while it is being stretched and applied to the opposite ends of the supporting bracket to retain the arch wire therein.

Abstract: A brick-cutting machine having an axially rotating reel with sets of radially disposed, spring-tensioned cutting wires is equipped with resiliently compressible, rubber cushion blocks or pads positioned to cushion and limit rebounding movement of the wire-tensioning springs and thereby prevent the application of excessive and destructive tension forces to the cutting wires of the reel.

Abstract: A connecting rod whose length varies according to given pressure changes in the cylinder of an associated internal combustion engine. The connecting rod lengthens in response to subatmospheric pressures acting on the piston during the fuel intake stroke, and shortens in response to superatmospheric pressures of a given magnitude acting on the piston.

Abstract: A knock-down, collapsible, umbrella-type standard is used in spray painting doors, panels, boards or similar workpieces, and features a sectional post arranged for mounting between the floor and ceiling of a room to provide a prop against which the workpiece may be leaned and supported during spray painting thereof, and an outwardly radiating, skeletal frame detachably carried at the upper end of the post for clamping a relatively large area, protective sheet of paper or the like against the ceiling of the room to protect it against overspray arising during spray painting operations.

Abstract: An electrically conductive rack or frame for transporting and supporting workpieces to be coated, and wherein the workpieces are in electrical contact with and supported on readily removable hooks that are electrically connected to and supported on the frame of the rack. The workpiece-supporting hooks are detachably engaged in struck-out, die-stamped sockets formed in the rack. The rack is also provided with die-stamped locking projections which prevent the hooks from becoming accidentally disengaged from the rack. A removable cover further safeguards the electrical connection between the hooks and the rack and prevents an undesired accumulation of coating material on the interconnecting portions of the hooks and rack.

Abstract: A spray gun of synthetic resin composition having a hollow barrel with a pistol grip handle including an actuating trigger pivoted from the butt end of the handle, the trigger being mounted to open and close a valve which, in closed position, seals against a valve seat in a passage between the inlet and the outlet of the spray gun. A spring is provided to urge the trigger and valve toward closed position while a latch is positioned on the free end of the trigger to lock the valve member in open position. Hydraulic balance of the valve member is achieved by proper dimensioning and arrangement of the fluid passage, valve member, valve stem and other related parts.

Abstract: A heat exchanger takes the form of a cylindrical tank having an inlet at one end to receive an influent liquid to be chilled, an outlet at the opposite end of the tank from which the chilled liquid may be discharged. A cooling coil is wrapped around the outer side wall of the tank for circulating a refrigerant in conductive, heat exchange relation to the tank. A cylindrical cup-shaped baffle is arranged coaxially within the tank for directing the influent liquid toward the side wall of the tank, and a pressure-expanded, helically wound conduit is positioned between and disposed in intimate heat exchange contact with both the side wall of the tank and the cup-shaped baffle and defines two relatively separated passages through which separate portions of the influent liquid pass to be chilled by contact with the tank, the baffle and the intervening helically wound conduit.

Abstract: A structurally simple device in the form of a closed container and vented outlet conduit operates in accordance with Charles' law to intermittently dispense quantities of a liquid reagent in response to an increase in ambient atmospheric temperatures. The present liquid dispensing device finds particular utility in supplying liquid reagents, such as scale inhibitors, biocides and the like to the water circulating systems of air conditioners.

Abstract: A floating dock is moored between bottom-anchored, upright piles by bearing and binding plates which permit the dock to move up and down with relatively gradual changes in water level, but which prevent the dock from rolling or pitching under wave action.

Abstract: A nailable metal post and strap anchor for a railroad freight car or other freight-transporting vehicle having a flush interior wall structure. The post comprises relatively interfitting channel members arranged to define a series of transversely and longitudinally spaced, nail-clinching slots between the channel side walls with a face plate arranged in closing relation to the interfitting channel members and having nail-receiving apertures aligned with the nail-clinching slots of the channel members, and provided with strap anchoring lugs or eyes between the transversely spaced nail-receiving apertures. The post provides an operative inner face which may be arranged in smooth, flush relation to the inner wall surface of the freight-transporting vehicle.

Abstract: A building unit which includes side walls having the usual vertical studs and having a roof structure attached thereto, the entire unit being liftable by flexible straps extended above the roof structure. The roof structure is attached to the side walls so that lifting forces will be distributed more or less uniformly throughout the structure to prevent separation of the roof from the side walls during lifting of the building unit.

Abstract: A lift frame for cubical loads having disparate centers of gravity featuring a system of pivotally movable truss-like arms which may be extended for attachment to a load or folded for compact transportation or storage. The lift frame also includes a radially and rotationally adjustable lift or hoist connection which may be positioned in alignment with the center of gravity of a load to insure against tilting or overbalancing of the load during lifting and movement thereof.

Abstract: Fluid within a pressure chamber is displaced and pressurized by reeling a flexible cable or filament into the pressure chamber. A movable piston or similar pressure-responsive member in fluid communication with the chamber is moved by the displacement of fluid in the chamber, so as to perform useful work. The flexible cable or filament is wound on a motor-driven reel located in the pressure chamber.