Abstract: An adjustable pedestal for mounting an added seat in a fishing boat in a manner to allow the elevation of the seat to be adjusted. A flanged base plate is secured in the boat and connected by a scissors arm arrangement with a platform to which the added seat is mounted. The scissors arm arrangement allows the platform to be raised and lowered while at all times remaining horizontal. The platform is also restricted to only vertical movement to prevent the added seat from moving side to side. A releaseable pivot bracket locks the platform rigidly in place at a plurality of discrete elevations.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a grouting member, for example, a grouted pile, in deep water comprises a female coupling member for connection to a male coupling member located on the sea bed, a conical guide for guiding the male coupling member into engagement with the female coupling member, a rotatable locking pin having an arcute recess portion, operable by a remotely operated underwater vehicle, for retaining the male coupling member in engagement with the female coupling member, and a connector for connecting the female coupling member to a source of grouting material.

Abstract: A reciprocatory piston and cylinder machine particularly suitable for use as a vacuum pump includes a cylinder (17), a cylindrical piston (16) relatively slidably reciprocable within the cylinder (17), and means for substantially sealing the annular space between the piston (16) and cylinder (17) in lieu of oil or other liquid lubricant. The sealing means comprises a sleeve (102) of a low-friction material disposed under circumferential tension, and preferably also under longitudinal tension, on the cylindrical surface of the piston (16). Also disclosed is a reciprocatory differential piston and cylinder machine of particular prior construction having a one-way valve (42) in an exhaust port (30) ahead of a head portion (24) of the piston (16). The arrangement is such that, as the front face (28) of the piston head portion (24) approaches the cylinder end face (52), the front face (28) physically moves the one-way valve (42) so as to open the exhaust port (30).

Abstract: A coupling for forming a sealed engagement with a tubular member, the coupling comprising an annular housing having an engagement zone for receiving a tubular member to be engaged by the coupling, and comprising an engagement assembly positioned within the engagement zone. The engagement assembly comprises an annular gasket for sealing engagement with a tubular member upon axial compression of the engagement assembly. The annular gasket has a plurality of circumferentially spaced bores. A plurality of bolts for axial compression of the engagement assembly, are positioned to extend through the bores. The engagement assembly includes at least one washer for applying axial pressure to the annular gasket during axial compression of the engagement assembly. The engagement assembly further includes a gripping ring to be radially compressed upon axial compression of the engagement assembly to grip a tubular member when positioned in the engagement zone.

Abstract: A writing implement for generating a pair of lines which will vary in spacing depending upon the down pressure applied includes a handle, a pair of elongated blades of flexible material which are secured at one end to the handle and which project therebeyond. The blades have their minor axes intersecting at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to 135.degree., and marking elements are secured to the free ends of the blades and project therefrom with the points thereof being closely spaced in the unflexed condition of the blades. When the user applies downward pressure to the writing implement, the blades flex along their longitudinal axes, and this moves the points of the marking elements apart to generate a pair of spaced lines. Various types of marking elements may be replaceably seated in barrel portions at the free ends of the blades.

Abstract: Soils are consolidated with formation of a top layer having compressive strength by treating soil particles with cement, alkali silicate and a dialdehyde, at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A bracket (10) for releasably engaging a goggle (14) to a headgear (12). The bracket (10) includes a receptacle (52) with inside tapered sidewalls (124) matable with a goggle stud (55) having corresponding outer tapered sidewalls (125). A release lever (22) is housed in said stud (55) and includes a transverse notch (140) latchable with a lug (146) on a catch arm (144) adjustably fixed within the receptacle (52). The catch arm (144) is adjustable by an eccentric (162) while the goggle stud (55) is engaged within the receptacle (52).

Abstract: A rotary mechanism for converting a reciprocal linear motion into an oscillating rotary motion with increased torque at the end positions. Two pressurized air cylinders 1,2 co-operate via links 14, 15 with a common lever arm 5 fastened to an output shaft. The cylinders provide an increased torque adjacent to each one of the end positions of the rotary motion.

Abstract: A rotary to linear converter is disclosed in a flexible magnetic disk drive environment for translating the bidirectional, incremental rotation of a stepping motor into the linear stepwise displacement of a head carriage. A flexible, nonstretchable band is looped about a pulley nonrotatably mounted on the motor output shaft and is affixed thereto. Extending generally in opposite directions away from the pulley, the opposite ends of the band are apertured or otherwise adapted for engagement with respective hooks on the head carriage. Each hook has a substantially arcuate contact surface for direct engagement with the correspondingly shaped edge of the band defining the associated aperture, so that each end portion of the band is angularly displaceable in its own plate about the associated hook on the head carriage. Spring tensioned in its longitudinal, the band automatically aligns itself by simple engagement of the carriage hooks with its opposite ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the subsequent underground sealing of an area, preferably of dumps. With the method, it is possible to seal dumps underground. Working pipes are introduced from a region outside a dump body. The region of soil between the working pipes is loosened, and sealing material is then introduced into this region, which solidifies to become a sheet-like sealing compound. With this method, in particular existing dump bodies can be sealed subsequently underground, without having to drill through the dump body. The apparatus for carrying out the method has a loosening device, and a feed device for the sealing material. The two devices are able to move in the region between two adjacent working pipes.

Abstract: In a method of constructing a reinforced concrete work such as a road tunnel, an underground gallery or a tunnel for an underground railway, there is first excavated an open trench 62 in which there are then placed, consecutively and contiguously, prefabricated hollow concrete frame element 4, the external faces of which have reinforcements 5. A filler concrete 18 is then poured so as to cover the joints between elements and to cooperate with the reinforced concrete of the frame elements and with the reinforcements so as to construct, by consecutive stages and rapidly, a monolithic work. The strength of this monolithic work is appreciably greater than the respective strengths of the prefabricated elements initially placed and of the filler concrete. Finally the trench is filled. Preferably the external reinforcements 5 of the frame elements are such as to cooperate with the filler concrete which is subsequently placed round the elements.

Abstract: A guide for protecting threads and seals when joining lengths of production tubing has a guiding portion made of two semicyclindrical polypropylene elements, which when placed together have an annular cross section and form a funnel-like upper end. A strap made of two generally semicircular halves fits within an outer recess on the surfaces of the guiding elements. Abutting edges of the strap halves are constructed with interfitting projections and a central recess for a torsion spring. A hinge pin extends through the projections and the torsion spring. Opposite edges of the strap halves have central recesses to receive a latch. Pins extend axially through the recesses. A latch is pivoted on one pin and engages the other pin when the latch is closed. Handles fit in diametrically opposite circular recesses between the hinge pin and latch pins. The handles are secured by large bolts having heads which engage internal recesses in the guide halves.

Abstract: A fluid medium pump includes a piston having a hollow interior for receiving a connecting rod adapted to open and close a passage through the piston selectively in accordance with the sense of movement of the rod. The connecting rod includes a groove that opens and closes the passage on the piston's compression stroke and opens the passage on the piston's return stroke. User apparatus includes the pump and various pump heads for effecting spraying, foaming and container pressurization. A control mechanism for pump operation renders the pump inoperative for transport, selectively operable upon triggering or continuously operable.

Abstract: Furniture connectors are provided to connect the front plate of a drawer with the drawer side walls and rail members. A slide member which holds a holding bolt is provided in each furniture connector. A spring engages the slide member to pivot the slide member about an axle eccentrically arranged in a housing of the furniture connector and in a radial plane of the housing which is designed like a dowel casing.

Abstract: A water level control device and method of making the same are provided, the device comprising a frame provided with an elongated slot having a first portion, a movable cam follower carried by the frame for setting the desired water levels to be provided by the device, and a slide cam member having a projection extending through the slot to guide sliding movement thereof relative to the frame, the projection having an interlocking part interlocking with the frame while the projection is disposed in the first portion of the slot. The cam member has a cam surface engaging the cam follower to set the same in desired water level setting positions thereof when the projection is in the first portion of the slot. The slot has a second portion thereof for unlocking with the interlocking part when the projection of the cam member is disposed in the second portion whereby the cam member can be easily detached from or attached to the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wrist mechanism for an industrial robot which includes a first wrist member disposed rotatably at the tip of a robot arm and a second wrist member movable relative to this first wrist member. The movement of the second wrist member relative to the first wrist member is effected not in a bending mode in which the angle of intersection between the members is variable but in a rotating mode in which the second wrist member becomes rotatable. The transmission of the rotational power to the second wrist member is effected through a universal joint. With this arrangement, such backlashes as are conventionally found in the engagement between gears can be reduced, and the mechanical burden on the universal joint can also be reduced.

Abstract: A gear assembly having first and second gears in constant mesh with each other, the second gear being divided into two gear elements by a plane perpendicular to the axis thereof. A passage through which lubricating oil flows is formed between these two gear elements. The passage preferably consists of a radial groove formed on a surface of one of the two gear elements to extend in a radial direction from the inner surface of the gear element, an annular groove formed on the surface to extend in a circular direction about the axis of the gear element and communicate with the outer end portion of the radial groove, and a clearance formed between the two gear elements and surrounding the annular groove.

Abstract: In general, sofa beds are complicated structures and are commonly difficult to operate.

Abstract: An interface mechanism for the mounting of one component to another, especially useful where the components have to be boresighted and where the boresighted components have to be removed and replaced without disturbing the accuracy of the boresighting. Locking means are provided to retain the two sections of the interface in a rigid state when mated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flooding system for uprighting and setting marine structures into and above bodies of water. The structures include a surface platform and at least one hollow support leg. Each leg includes at least one port that when closed will seal the leg. The system includes a valve attached to each port. The valve serves as a closure that regulates the flow of water from the body of water through the port to flood the structure. An operator is coupled to each valve by a low friction remote control cable. The operator is located above the surface of the body of water and usually attached to the platform. The cable translates the relative motion of the operator to open and close the valve. The cable comprises a flexible member encased in a flexible casing. The flexible member is isolated from the casing by a bearing means that allows the member to move axially within the casing to translate the motion of the operation to control the valve.