Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed whereby there is an improvement in the construction of the housing for the balls of a bearing. The benefit of this method of construction is that under certain loading forces, the ball cage, now termed a retaining disk, does not bind the balls. The retaining disk is designed with an elliptical hole that spaces the balls apart but allows them enough freedom to rotate without any binding. More concisely, the ball bearing includes an inner race and an outer race with a plurality of bearing balls movably retained therebetween. A split retaining ring, having upper and lower annular rings, forms a plurality of bearing ball housings. These ball housings include a substantially spherical cavity which is elongated in an arc, or a short linear path, about a rotational center line of the ball bearing.

Abstract: Energy conversion apparatus includes a plurality of electric motors and bodies of mass capable or rotating about their own axis. The motors and masses are attached to a plate that rotates about a fixed core. A single belt is connected to the motors and masses to the fixed core such that the motors and masses rotate about their own axis and orbit about the fixed core. Power out is through a shaft attached to the center of the rotating plate and/or a generator located in the center of the rotating plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating rotating motion includes one or more electrical motors or generators arranged in a circle about a central shaft. The motors or generators are attached to a rotatable plate, which in turn is attached to the central shaft. The shafts of the motors or generators are belt connected to a fixed core. Operation of the motors results in rotation of the plate and the central shaft, which further results in the motors or generators orbiting around the central shaft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for flexibly and elastically creating a nonbinding downhill effect is disclosed. The downhill effect physically translates the center-of-mass of rotating apparatus in a forward direction circumferential to the direction of motion which aids in the rotational motion. The downhill effect method and apparatus may be applied to electrical generating apparatus, rotational power takeoff apparatus, belt driven apparatus and even a wheel.

Abstract: An electric generation system includes an electric generator swung in a orbit and having an external contact surface for rotation of its armature by a rolling engagement with an enlarged band. The band can be turned relative to the generator within a larger diameter retaining ring so that the band is constantly radially inclined at its contact point with the generator contact surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for spacing and connecting the bottoms of individual blinds of a vertical blind arrangement is disclosed. A flexible member having a male connector half at one end and a female connector half at the other end is positioned between individual blinds such that the male connector of one flexible member connects with the female connector of the adjacent flexible member and captures an individual vertical blind therebetween.

Abstract: A monorail transportation system utilizing generally inverted channel shaped rail members for supporting personal transit vehicles which are each suspended from the rails by a carriage having traction motor propelled drive wheels engageable with the rail channel and spaced apart vehicle supporting guide wheels. The vehicles have aerodynamically contoured bodies provided with lift surfaces which provide varying degrees of lift in accordance with vehicle speed and angle of attack to reduce mechanical friction in the carriage and structural loading on the rail network. The vehicles are automatically controlled and used by individual user when called up from storage track sections at spaced apart stations along the rail network.

Abstract: Apparel adapted to cover the lower portion of the human torso includes a contoured waistband portion having opposed sides which extend adjacent to or slightly above the upper edges of the hip bones and extend generally across the lower back and the lower front abdomen in a downwardly extending converging V shape. The waistband portion is formed of a fabric having a high degree of stretch along stretch and recovery lines which converge in a downward direction toward the longitudinal vertical centerline of the torso. A form fitting undergarment including the waistband configuration is formed of a knit or woven fabric stretchable and recoverable along the same general direction as the recovery forces exerted on the waistband and includes improved leg opening and crotch panel construction for comfort and ease of movement.

Abstract: Cutting shears or scissors have pivotally connected blades and shank portions extending at an acute angle with respect to the cutting edges of the blades wherein handles of the shears connected to the shank portions lie forward of the pivot connection between the blades in the direction of cut of material to be cut by the shears. The shears handles are configured such that the handle to be grasped by the fingers of the operator's hand is fixed to a blade which has a surface adapted for supporting the shears during use thereof. The other blade is provided with a handle particularly adapted for receiving the thumb wherein rotation of the thumb together with thrust of the forearm in the direction of cut or closing action yields a large mechanical advantage without substantial manual effort.

Abstract: Shaving apparatus including reciprocating, rotary and endless belt blades having at least one cutting edge. The belt blade is trained around three spaced apart rollers having their longitudinal axes parallel. The blade and rollers are enclosed in a housing with the length of the blade between two of the rollers creating a flat surface cutting edge to effect the cutting operation. One of the rollers is driven thereby causing the endless belt blade to rotate continuously in a direction parallel to the cutting edge thereof. A cover fits over the cutting blade extending between two of the rollers and is provided with an opening through which the cutting edge of the blade protrudes. A protective comblike shield covers the opening in the head. A second embodiment of the cutting blade is a circular disk with its circumference sharpened to form a cutting edge.

Abstract: The specification discloses a flying toy for being thrown through the air with a spinning motion. The toy includes a circular disc having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. The disc is configured to produce lifting effects when thrown with a spinning motion. The toy includes a circular reel attached to the center of the convex outer surface, the reel comprising an outer hub and a stem of reduced diameter. A flexible line is wound around the stem of the reel and is grasped at one end in order to impart additional spin to the disc when the toy is thrown through the air. Vent openings are formed symmetrically about the disc in order to create additional lift to the disc when thrown.