Abstract: A self-locking threaded member which may be internally or externally threaded at least along a portion of its surface includes an aperture provided longitudinally along the axis of the member but spaced radially from the center thereof. The aperture is preferably located such that a portion thereof passes through adjacent flanks of the threads and includes a portion which is radially positioned to pass through the base of the valleys. The aperture receives a locking member in the form of a pin which extends axially of the fastener and is of a length to extend across at least two adjacent crests and is preferably spaced from the lead threads. The locking member operates as a wedge to cause an increase in the friction between the mating threads opposite the position of the locking element. Various forms of locking elements may be used, such as plastic or metal. Various configurations are disclosed as well as a relatively simple method to make the fastener.

Abstract: A device and method for baling a plurality of items in a sack-like bale enclosure which includes a conduit for conducting items from a conveyor to a sock-like item receptacle coaxially mounted over an outlet end of the conduit.

Abstract: A high solids kaolin clay slurry having unexpectedly improved high shear viscosity is prepared by blending a chemically dispersed fine particle size Tertiary kaolin with a coarser particle size Cretaceous kaolin to provide a resultant blend having a controlled particle size range and particle size distribution.

Abstract: A vehicle seat track assembly comprising a lower frame member secured to the vehicle floor, an upper frame member secured to the seat and slidably supported on the lower frame member for relative movement fore and aft of the vehicle and a seat position control member supported on the frame members for movement in transverse directions among three positions: a locked position, in which the seat position control member is secured to both of the frame members to prevent relative movement thereof, an indexing position, in which the seat position control member is locked to the upper frame member but movable relative to the lower frame member so that the seat can be adjusted to discrete positions according to the desire of the user, and a slide position, in which the seat position control member is locked to the lower frame member but not to the upper frame member so that the seat can be slid forwardly a specified distance to facilitate passenger access to the back seat and then rearwardly to the previously adjust

Abstract: A seat back recliner comprises an infinitely variable mechanism which positions the seat back angularly relative to the seat cushion about a hinge axis in one-to-one correspondence with operation of an operating lever. Once the seat back has been positioned to a desired setting by operation of the lever, the seat back remains in the selected position. External torques applied to the seat back about the hinge axis tending to displace the seat back from the selected position are resisted by a locking action between wedging members in the infinitely variable mechanism. When it is desired to position the seat back, operation of the lever is effective to rotate the seat back to the desired position while concurrently interacting with the wedging members so as to prevent the wedging members from disallowing the desired rotation.