Abstract: This invention describes a reflective lane marker for roads which is mounted so that the upper surface of the marker is flush with the road surface. It is so arranged as to reflect light from headlights back in the same general direction from which it comes and which can operate when covered with a film of water. Because it is flush with the road surface, snowplowing can be used without harm to the device.

Abstract: A device for synchronizing the flash of a camera with the operation of the shutter in which there are means responsive to the vibrations created by the movement, or abrupt stoppage, of the shutter. The vibrations resulting from shutter operation, according to the invention, may be the sound created by shutter operation or the vibration of the frame created by shutter operation, or a combination of sound and frame vibrations. After the vibrations have been detected, they may operate electrical apparatus which in turn operates the flash device. The electrical apparatus may include a time delay, if necessary, and it may include suitable switching so that battery power is used only when pictures are being taken.

Abstract: This invention describes a sorting conveyor code system using a plurality of mirrors to set up each individual code. Each mirror has two positions so that it can reflect light into one of two directions if the light comes from a common source, one position being called a "0" and the other position being called a "1." A set of such mirrors then can carry a binary number with the number of digits equal to the number of mirrors. Each article to be sorted is accompanied by a set of such mirrors and the recognition circuitry consists of a light source and a set of optical detectors to detect the absence or presence of light in a particular direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling device and especially a coupling device operable by a dead-man's handle on a lawnmower. When used in a lawnmower the coupling device couples the motor shaft to the cutting blade. A spool has a hole in it that surrounds the shaft. A rotary connecting device normally couples the spool to the shaft so that the spool and shaft rotate together. A disconnect element and brake are operated when the dead-man's handle is released to disconnect the spool from the shaft and subsequently stop the spool. The cutting blade has a central hole through which the spool passes. The blade is in frictional contact with the flanges of the spool and is rotated thereby.

Abstract: This invention describes a pickproof lock consisting of a rotating cylinder provided with two sets of opposing tumblers. The tumblers permit a very thin key to be inserted between them. The key is made of a ribbon material of the order of one-hundredth of an inch thick and the tumblers are displaced in both directions from the center so that manipulation of a lockpicking tool becomes very difficult, since the tool must be as thin as the key and each set of tumblers must be in the correct position for the cylinder in turn.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of making a sheet metal zig-zag key for a lock. The technique of making a zig-zag key, either as a duplicate of another or in the original form, consists of passing a heavy current through the key so as to get it into a plastic state such as, for example, a red heat, and then deforming it into the desired shape.