Abstract: A digital readout gauge is disclosed which, for example, may be a tire pressure gauge which is mounted in a small portable housing. A pressure chamber is formed within the housing with a valve core deflator mounted within the housing to depress the core of a standard tire valve and permit the air pressure within the tire to be introduced into the chamber. A wall of the chamber is movable with changes of pressure and a piezoelectric crystal transducer or strain gauge transducer is mounted to be stressed in accordance with movement of this wall to develop an analog voltage in accordance with the air pressure. An electrical circuit is contained within the housing and energizable by a battery carried within the housing. A power switch is actuated to an on condition by movement of the gauge onto the tire valve to energize the electrical circuit with the analog voltage passed to an analog-to-digital converter and then to a digital readout display to display the digital value of the air pressure within the tire.

Abstract: This specification discloses a clamping apparatus having an adjustable strap, a clamping member on the strap, means for securing the strap to a first object and means for shortening the effective length of the strap to clamp the first object to another object. In particular, the clamping means is well adapted for use for securing an apparatus which has a proximity sensor to the two tie rods of a fluid cylinder. The clamping means permits easy and secure coupling and longitudinal adjustability of the apparatus with respect to the fluid cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing gaps in zipper chain is especially adapted for chain having plastic elements of U-shape joined by imbedded connector threads and stitched to tape. Apparatus includes slitting means which slice into and demolish fastener elements in the gap as the zipper is drawn along, and lancer elements which are periodically activated to cut the connecting threads at the beginning and end of the gap. Stitches and tape in gap are left intact.

Abstract: Ready light circuit is provided comprising a simple third switch blade added to standard thermostat two-blade switch in electric iron. Light is activated when bimetallic element of switch drives third blade into engagement with other blade as iron reaches set temperature. Light stays illuminated as long as main contacts of standard-type blades remain open. When thermostat calls for more heat, light in circuit which is across main contacts, is shorted out.

Abstract: A panic-proof lockset includes a deadbolt and a spring latch. An interior escutcheon supports a knob for operating the spring latch and a second knob for operating the deadbolt. A crank is coupled to the second knob and a slide member is adapted to turn the crank either selectively clockwise or counterclockwise to a position generally corresponding to the open position of the deadbolt. The slide is in tension when acting on the crank to turn the crank to a position generally corresponding to the open position of the deadbolt. A cam means is provided for moving the slide member in response to rotary motion of the knob whereby the deadbolt and the spring latch are simultaneously retracted by turning the knob. This construction enables a user to rotate one knob to simultaneously retract the deadbolt and the spring latch, thereby providing easy exit in a panic situation.

Abstract: Attachment for sewing machine is driven by the needle bar and includes knife which engages and feeds step-by-step fashion the fastener ladder through machine as machine stitches it to fabric. Means on the attachment are provided to selectively drive knife into deeper engagement with ladder to sever ladder at end of slide fastener. Computer/control devices are provided.

Abstract: A magnetic proximity sensing apparatus for sensing ferro-magnetic objects is especially well adapted for use with fluid cylinders having pistons formed from magnetically attracted material. The apparatus includes a magnetic actuator responsive to the proximity of the fluid cylinder piston or other ferro-magnetic object which closes a switch and enables electrical circuitry for controlling fluid valves or other apparatus. A reed switch mounted within a hollow, cylindrical, permanent magnet has a separate pole piece secured at one end of the reed switch. The proximity of a ferro-magnetic object changes the flux within the magnet, closing the reed switch. The circuitry is solid state and includes a silicon controlled rectifier acting as a gated switch for completing the circuit.

Abstract: Toggle action hand-setting tool includes special cam surface on toggle parts to intensify setting pressure during the end of closing travel when greatest mechanical advantage is needed. Readily accessible spring means and special mounting means for fastener-part holders are features. Frame may be designed to yield slightly to avoid breakage which might otherwise result if device is used with oversize fabric.

Abstract: Primary switches in bus cab, for instance, activate contacts in secondary switch group in rear transmission compartment to energize solenoids selectively pressurizing opposed cylinders to drive transmission shift operation to various positions.

Abstract: Gapping apparatus includes offset knife sets adapted on closing to break the legs of the U-shaped fastener elements in the desired gap zone. Cutters are also provided to sever the end cords of the elements so that parts of the fastener elements in the gap area are completely liberated upon the opening of the apparatus. Indexing means are provided.

Abstract: Inexpensive air gun has body with internal fixed coaxial tubular element having closed end with radial openings. A tubular valve element is reciprocal on the tubular element to valve off the radial openings. Tubular valve element is operable by actuator from outside body. The valve element has pressure-balanced surfaces for ease of operation.

Abstract: A window product constructed from individually cladded members and a method of manufacturing the window product wherein individual wooden core members are cladded with a metal covering prior to the assembling of the window product. The window product requires minimum use of milled members having different cross-sectional configurations and the method of manufacture avoids the expense of applying a metal covering over an assembled window product and then forming mitered joints. The window product and its method of manufacture may include various configurations including casement windows, awning windows and picture windows.

Abstract: A corner clip for securing fins for a window product which extend outwardly from the sides. The corner clip is in the form of a base plate having two generally perpendicular legs each of which is defined by an inner and an outer side. Lips extend upwardly along the inner side of each leg and channels extend along the outer side of each leg. The lips engage a slot formed between the clip and the window product and the channels engage the edges of the fins. The length of each channel on each leg is at least as long as the length of the engaged portion of the lip.

Abstract: Key holder body is formed from a single blank and includes fingers formed from the back of the body and extending into the interior thereof. Some of the fingers, being shorter than others, are perforated at their line of flexure with the body to give them the same flexing characteristics as the longer ones.

Abstract: A slide fastener slider has body and diamond preferably of molded plastic parts. The parts are held together in snapfastener fashion. Typically, the slider body carries a head and the diamond an opening or socket. Molded integrally with the diamond is an arching locking arm and a pull tab is provided preferably formed of a pair of cords with spaced crosspieces. The tab is provided with an anchoring end adapted to be trapped under inward flanges at the top of the socket opening, one of the crosspieces being disposed under the locking arm to raise the arm during the pulling of the pull tab. The aforementioned anchoring end prevents overtaxing the locking arm, absorbing the pulling force beyond a preset limited amount borne by the arm.

Abstract: Waistband fastener has substantially identical parts comprising Y-shaped body having flat body with uniformly spaced legs terminating in offset feet leaving openings between legs so that leg of "hook"-functioning part on one fly flap can hook into opening between two legs of "bar"-functioning part on other flap.