Abstract: A combination punching and binding machine for gang punching a stack of sheets and binding the sheets with a pre-curled plastic comb-binding element. The machine is electrically operated by energizing a reversible motor which, when operated in one mode actuates the punches, and when operated in a second mode, laterally moves a comb upon which the binding element is placed and then actuates a plurality of hook elements to uncurl the curled splines of the binding element for receiving the punched sheets.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to writing instrument tops as an article of manufacture and specifically to an improved construction and the method of making the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to writing instrument tops as an article of manufacture and specifically to an improved construction and the method of making the same.

Abstract: A manually held upwardly open container for paint is provided with an upstanding back wall flange forming a stop for disposing a painting pad in an overlying position on the container open end. Paint is applied to the overlying painting pad by temporarily inverting the container. The periphery of the container is provided with a paint drip receiving recess.

Abstract: A mechanical pencil, especially for thin leads, in which a tubular guide projects from and is guided for movement in axial direction in one end of a tubular casing. Lead is automatically advanced through the casing as a function of pressure exerted on the tubular guide during writing or drawing by successively compressing and expanding a tubular, resilient element having a conically-shaped end. During writing or drawing, the resilient element is compressed and its conically shaped end is wedged in tight engagement into a cooperating conically shaped end of an abutment member so as to clamp lead passing through the casing, thereby preventing the lead from moving inwardly during writing. When pressure is terminated, the resilient element is restored to its expanded condition, thereby freeing the lead to advance.

Abstract: An improved ball dispensing package combination for liquid cosmetics and the like. A ball is held in place in a fitment which is attached to the finish portion of a container for the product to be dispensed. The ball is allowed to move freely within the fitment to allow dispensing. The total package is completed by a closure which engages threads on the exterior of the finish portion. The closure has an internal downwardly depending sealing ring which engages the upper rim of the fitment as the closure is tightened. Simultaneously, the lower portion of an internal cavity of the closure engages the ball at its maximum chordal dimension. The ball does not touch the upper portion of the internal cavity, so any material on the ball does not tend to stick to the closure.

Abstract: A writing instrument having a plurality of writing media assemblies separately positionable in writing position by a single independent actuator.

Abstract: A diary and reporting device for use particularly in surveys and researches where each member of a continuing panel reports activities, purchases, opinions or the like during repetitive unit periods of time has a folder with top and bottom covers hinged together. When opened flat an information entry sheet composed of a general data section or zone and an item data zone is exposed. The item data zone is keyed or indexed to data entry guide book pages for instructions as to what data to enter for each type of item reported. An entry index facilitates use of the guide book. All components of the folder are removable and/or replaceable, as by means of tabs or edges on each item engaging cooperating slots or pockets in the folder cover, to facilitate regular reporting and periodic changes in the survey information to be gathered.

Abstract: A bending tube extends between the flexible tube and the distal end portion of an endoscope, and is subject to a bending control from the control unit of the endoscope for swinging the distal end portion in a desired direction. The bending tube comprises a braided structure and an outer framework. The resulting construction permits the bending tube to bend freely in all directions and prevents the outer shell from being damaged by the framework and also increases the interior space of the bending tube.

Abstract: A fountain applicator includes a flexible polyurethane foam head having cemented to its top face a frangible film to which is cemented along its border an upwardly directed liquid reservoir having a bottom opening and divided into a pair of compartments by a pair of medial panel walls converging downwardly to a transverse apex. The film may be ruptured selectively by controlled pressing the film against the apex by pressing in the sponge head. In another form the medial conveying walls are united and a central opening is formed in the film which need not be frangible and has a passageway between the sponge head and the film extending between the opening and the edge of the reservoir. A flexible band extends along the passageway and has its inner end folded under and joined to the border of the opening by pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A mechanical pencil of the collet action type is provided with a lead collet being formed from a pair of identically configured mating shells which are maintained in fixed relation with respect to one another by means of an annulus cooperating with a conical flared portion formed at one end thereof and by means of a cap at the opposite end, all parts of the pencil being maintained in assembled relation by a spring. The parts are assembled by sliding first one and then the other of the two collet shells through an annulus into mating relation with one another and thereafter fitting the end cap over the end of the mating shells.

Abstract: A ball point pen cartridge comprising an elongated tube having one end open, a socket mounted in the other, a ball rotatably mounted in the socket, a marking fluid within the tube in contact with the ball and means for hermetically sealing the other end of the tube with a hydraulic seal while exerting pressure on the fluid.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the contents of a plurality of different inventories at different locations, such as for monitoring the contents of a plurality of first aid kits, some of which have different contents from others. The system includes a plurality of pairs of charts each having first and second regions thereon. The first regions contain printed matter common to all inventories or kits. Each pair of charts is associated with a single inventory or kit and the second regions thereon contain special printed matter i.e. printed matter pertinent only to the kit or inventory with which such charts are associated, normally consisting primarily of a predetermined list of such inventory or kit.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a pair of thermoplastic strips of the type illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,117 wherein one strip is formed with studs longitudinally spaced at intervals and a second strip apertured and counterbored at the same intervals is used to bind sheets apertured at the same intervals at locations spaced inward from one marginal edge is described. A pressure bar is first manually moved to operative position and a handle compresses the strips together by exerting a controlled force on the pressure bar. The handle then initiates movement of a support for a knife consisting of a length of metallic ribbon material having spaced horizontal stretches in horizontal alignment with excess stud lengths of the first strip projecting through the second strip, the ribbon being under tension to hold such stretches taut. As the support moves toward the studs a current is passed through the ribbon, heating it so that the ribbon functions to cut off the excess stud length slightly below the second strip.

Abstract: The invention is a ballpoint pen characterized by a generally teardrop-shaped planar casing defining an arcuate channel therein to receive a conventional, flexible ink cartridge in a compact configuration, this casing having a key-chain hole therein and a retractor button disposed on one side or edge thereof.

Abstract: A machine for making a thin booklet by binding loose sheets into an adhesive cover, the machine including a vertically disposed groove-shaped heater unit adapted to receive the folded edge of the adhesive cover and further including a roll pinching station disposed closely adjacent the heater unit and adapted to receive therebetween the adhesive cover and sheet assembly, the roll pinching station including a pair of rolls which are biased against each other and serve to squeeze the edge of the adhesive cover assembly to effect an equal distribution of the adhesive along the edges of the sheets being bound in the adhesive cover.

Abstract: A coloring pen assembly comprising a tubular barrel open at one end and holding at the other end a porous nib having a marking tip, an extended portion lying within the barrel, and saturated with soluble coloring matter. For activation, a porous plug fitting loosely within the barrel and snugly around the extended portion of the nib is saturated with a liquid solvent, e.g. water, and is inserted through the open end of the barrel and pressed into place.

Abstract: A pen, scribe or similar instrument fits into and projects out one end of a central axial aperture in a barrel. The barrel has a longitudinal groove in its surface and angularly displaced depressions in its outer surface at the end from which the pen projects. A cap assembly has an elongated shaft axially movable and oscillatable in the longitudinal groove and held in place by an upper and lower spring around the barrel. A helical spring biases the shaft toward retracted position with an end of the shaft projecting out the end of the barrel opposite the pen. The upper end of the shaft carries a fitting having a pocket clip and a pen cap. In retracted position, the clip and cap fit into their respective depressions. By depressing the shaft end against the force of the spring the clip and cap are raised and the spiral groove and upper spring cause them to pivot with the shaft until the cap is above the tip of the pen and the clip projecting outward of the barrel.

Abstract: A cap for a writing instrument includes sleeve means coaxially disposed within the cap body and formed from material softer than the material of the writing instrument body. The sleeve means has a non-deformable part and a deformable part arranged to substantially inhibit translational movement of the cap while attached to the writing instrument body. However, the cap may be angularly adjusted without scoring the writing instrument body.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for making books and other sheet material articles includes a main conveyor for transporting groups of signatures to a covering station. A cover conveyor transports covers to the covering station where they are sequentially applied to the groups of signatures in a known manner. A first cover feed assembly sequentially feeds covers to the cover conveyor. In the event of a malfunctioning of a first cover feed assembly, a second cover feed assembly is activated to feed a cover to the cover conveyor. A detector for detecting a malfunctioning of the first cover feed assembly is capable of detecting either a failure to feed a cover or the feeding of double covers. In the event that double covers are fed, the double covers are rejected and the second cover feed assembly is activated.