Abstract: The buckle includes an anchor secured on one side portion of the front of a ski boot and a buckle structure coupled to the opposite side portion of the ski boot. The buckle structure includes a flexible metal strip coupled at one end to the said opposite portion of the ski boot and having its other end pass through a manually operable lever drive mechanism capable of incrementally driving the strip through the drive mechanism. With this arrangement, the lever drive mechanism can be manually hooked to the anchor on the one side of the ski boot and then actuated to incrementally drive the strip through the mechanism thereby tightening the boot to any desired degree. By providing a continuous smooth engaging surface on the strip, the drive mechanism effectively can adjust the degree of tightening through an infinite number of incremental positions.

Abstract: A container of evacuated double wall construction has an open neck for receiving a beverage after the beverage has been heated to a desired temperature. A stopper member receivable in the open neck incorporates an evacuated electric light bulb covering a major portion of the cross sectional area of the neck to provide further heat insulation and also radiate heat onto beverage within the container. Regulation of the heat to maintain the beverage at a desired constant temperature is accomplished by a pressure actuated switch incorporated in the stopper member. When water is used as the beverage, the heated water can be passed from the container through an outlet spout to a cartridge housing including pay out and take up spools for a series of packets connected together to form a ribbon. Successive packets may be positioned under the spout and include coffee beans, the cartridge including a cup receiving area so that coffee can be brewed directly into a cup.

Abstract: An automatic cuff for use with blood pressure measuring apparatus includes a cylindrical member within which a person may position his arm. A flexible band is positioned circumferentially about the inner wall of the cylinder and connected to a cable extending from the cylinder such that pulling on the cable circumferentially contracts the band in the manner of a tightening spiral. The band supports an air chamber on its inner wall and after a person's arm is snugly engaged by the band, further contraction is stopped and fluid is pumped in the fluid chamber to provide additional force in closing off circulation. After the air pressure is gradually decreased, release of the person's arm is accomplished by releasing the pulling force on the cable so that the flexible band circumferentially expands under its own natural bias.