Abstract: In a household appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, a remote control is provided for the vacuum cleaner motor speed as well as the on/off function of the motor. The control unit is low voltage where connected to the operating member and complies with government safety requirements.

Abstract: An automated visual examination apparatus for measuring visual sensitivity and mapping blind spot location including a projection system for displaying to a patient a series of visual stimuli, a response switch enabling him to indicate his reaction to the stimuli, and a recording system responsive to both the visual stimuli per se and the patient's responses, the recording system thereby providing a correlated permanent record of both stimuli and response from which a substantive and readily apparent visual evaluation can be made.

Abstract: The stinger includes a base structure having a plurality of upstanding stabilizing columns on opposite sides of its pitch and roll axes and carrying pipeline supports which permit translational movement of the pipeline relative to the stinger. The stinger is pivotably secured behind the pipelaying barge and is ballasted from a low draft condition with the base structure having freeboard to a high draft condition. The pipeline supports progressively decrease in height above the base structure from the end of the segment nearest the barge whereat the pipeline is supported in the air toward the opposite end whereat the aft pipeline support disposes the pipeline below the mean waterline. The pipeline centerline extending along the supports defines a radius of curvature at least equal to and preferably much greater than the minimum allowable radius of curvature for the pipeline.

Abstract: A system for correcting two .[.tracks.]. .Iadd.bytes .Iaddend.in error in .Iadd.each code word of .Iaddend.a .[.multi-track.]. .Iadd.multi-code word .Iaddend.data arrangement is provided. The message data Z.sub.1, Z.sub.2, . . . Z.sub.k is encoded by adding two check bytes C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 thereto which are generated from the message data which is arranged in blocks of k bytes, where each byte has f bits of data, .[.arranged in a cross track direction.]. where f = b .times. m and m and b are integers >1 and k is an integer 2<k<2.sup.b. The check bytes are generated in accordance with the equations:C.sub.1 =Z.sub.1 .sym.Z.sub.2 .sym.Z.sub.3 . . . .sym.Z.sub.kandC.sub.2 =T.sup..lambda.Z.sub.1 .sym.T.sup.2 .sup..lambda. Z.sub.2 .sym. . . . .sym.T.sup.k.sup..lambda. Z.sub.kwhere T is the companion matrix of a binary primitive polynomial g(x) of degree f and .lambda. is an integer given by the expression:t(2.sup.f -1)/(2.sup.b -1)in which t is any positive integer prime to 2.sup.b -1.

Abstract: A hair stylist's haircutting helmet comprising a headpiece shaped to conform to and fit over the human head, the headpiece being provided with a plurality of openings to which vacuum suction may be applied in order to draw the underlying hair up through the openings so that it may be uniformly cut and shaped using the helmet as a guide to same. A method for vacuum suction haircutting to achieve a uniform cut and shape.

Abstract: The mechanism for flush system to control water-draining of tanks at atmospheric pressure comprises a shutter with a resilient valve freely floating in the water of the tank, a seat for said shutter, an air-containing bell topping the shutter and provided at the upper portion thereof with an upper valve and having inner size which is larger than outer size of the resilient valve, the bell and the resilient valve being provided to enable - when the upper valve is closed, thus preventing the air inside to go out - the resilient valve to apply on the seat of the shutter thus ensuring closing of the tank which is then supplied with water while compressing the air which is in the bell, and when the upper valve is open, part of the air in the bell escapes therefrom and is replaced by some water, which releases the resilient valve from the seat of the shutter and consequently provides a draining of the tank.

Abstract: A rope anchor is disclosed for use on a metal wall at the periphery of a swimming pool. The anchor comprises an assembly of a one-piece molded anchor body, an anchor link and a pin. The anchor body has a front flange surrounding an opening which leads to a recess in a rearwardly protruding back section. The back section is adapted to be received in a hole in the aforesaid metal wall, and the recess is suitably dimensioned to receive and contain the anchor link. The pin is adapted for removable insertion through both the back section and the anchor link in the recess, with the ends of the thus inserted pin cooperating with the front flange to grip the metal wall therebetween. The anchor link is movable between an operative position extending beyond the face of the front flange and into the pool, and an inoperative position behind the same face, with an inclined supporting ledge being provided in the recess for urging the link into the inoperative position when the rope anchor is not in use.

Abstract: A device protects against inadvertent loss of objects down drain pipes when the associated drain stopper is in an opened position. The associated stopper includes a top closure portion, an intermediate guide portion and a bottom actuated means for moving the top closure portion between opened and closed positions relative to a drain fitting which has a flange surrounding a drain bore in which said intermediate guide portion travels. The device for protecting against inadvertent loss comprises screening means of toroidal configuration for mounting about the stopper adjacent and below the top closure portion. The screening means rides on the intermediate guide portion into the drain bore upon closure of the stopper and, out of the drain bore upon opening of the stopper.

Abstract: A seating unit which is convertible to a bed and comprises an outer seating section which is supported on a floor surface and which forms a slideable unit, and an inner section positioned within the outer seating section and supported on the same floor surface independently of the outer seating section. The inner section remains stationary as the outer section is slid longitudinally of the inner section so that the outer seating section forms a continuation of the stationary inner section to convert the unit to a bed.

Abstract: A sofa bed comprising a seat section, a back section pivotally movable with respect to said seat section and pivotally movable from an upright position adjacent said seat section where it forms a sofa, to a horizontal position adjacent said seat section to form a full size bed. The back section has leg means pivotally secured thereto, with the leg means positioned in leg receiving pockets and in out-of-the-way position when the back section is in an upright position, with the leg means pivotally movable to a substantially upright position when the back section is in a horizontal position to support said back section in such horizontal position adjacent the seat section.

Abstract: A bed having a torque compensated parallelogram lifting arm arrangement. The bed has a subframe vertically adjustable by the parallelogram lifting arm arrangement and thereby retains a level relationship at all height adjustment levels.An articulated mattress support surface is provided, which is formed by articulated pivotally interconnected head or back, seat, thigh and leg sections mounted on the level vertically adjustable subframe. The seat section is double-pivoted, and enables simple and effective Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg positioning independent of any position of the height-adjustable supporting subframe. The seat, thigh, and head sections are articulated by cam and cam follower drive arrangements. Selective pivot defeat means are provided to enable selective pivotal lowering of the thigh and head or back sections without pivoting the seat section, and independent of the supporting subframe position, enabling simple and effective hyperextension positioning.

Abstract: A buoyant collar is stored in a biased condition around the top outside of a boat hull. Should the boat overturn the buoyancy of the collar will work against the biasing and allow the collar, still attached to the boat, to float to the surface and provide a hand hold for the persons in the water.

Abstract: A tapered punch for producing a recessed screw, the punch having an axially extending recess forming portion of symmetrical cross section and presenting in cross section 8 symmetrically disposed corners in 45.degree. spaced relation with any 4 alternate corners lying on the corners of one square and the remaining 4 alternate corners lying on the corners of another square in 45.degree. angular relation to the first mentioned square, and a method for cold forming the recess by evenly spreading flow of the metal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a threaded fastener of the self-tapping type is described, where the fastener has the conventional head, shank, and pilot end. The shank includes a helically wound thread member impregnated with a carbide or other, harder substance than the metal from which the fastener is made. A method of making a thread-cutting fastener having its pilot tip end impregnated, is also described. A method utilizing a thread-rolling machine with a unique impregnating electrode is disclosed. The electrode is shown to engage the fastener selectively during the thread-rolling operation itself.

Abstract: In a binding machine wherein mechanical binding elements are first placed through a sheaf of papers and the surplus lengths of the studs of the binding element are cut off, an improved knife is provided wherein the knife is in the form of one or more U-shaped segments. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arms of the U which at least partially support the binding elements also serve to move locking blocks into place. The blade element is at the bight of the U and the blade is slid along the back of the female binding element to cut off excess stud lengths flush with the binding element.

Abstract: A machine for assembling uppers directly on assembly forms which comprises means for removably blocking at least a form against rotation and translation, means for holding an upper predisposed for string lasting assemblage and an insole which is externally covered with glue on the form, grasping members for removably engaging the string projecting from the upper whose movement may be controlled so as to pull the string in order to have the tip and the heel of the upper adhere to the glue of the insole placed on the form, and finally elements for pressing the uppers so as to cause them to adhere to the insole.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for connecting the sole of a shoe with its shaft, the sole and the shaft consisting at least partially of thermoplastic synthetic resin, wherein the shaft is placed over a mold corresponding in shape to the shape of the sole, an edge of the shaft protruding over the mold and the shaft being expanded in longitudinal direction of the mold, and wherein subsequently the protruding edge of the shaft is bent over the mold and the sole is pressed against the mold and welded with the bent edge by means of radio frequency.

Abstract: An electric floor scrubber and buffer having its scrubber or buffer pad attached to the underside of an oscillating plate. A motor drive is provided for oscillating the plate which is disposed between flexible spacers extending between the plate and a stationary plate. The spacers serve to enhance the action of the oscillator plate and its underpad in performing their buffing or scrubbing functions.

Abstract: A brake drum and shoe assembly duster system in which a cylindrical container having one open end and one closed end is provided with a vacuum fitting at an aperture centrally located in the closed end and a plurality of high pressure air fittings along the inside walls spaced 180.degree. apart so that a quarter turn in each direction from insertion over brake drum and/or shoe assembly causes impingement of compressed air over the entire surface of the brake drum itself. The brake dust disloged by the high pressure air is then removed through the vacuum fitting in the center of the bottom of the cylindrical container. Adapter rings are provided for utilization of the container of the system with different sized brake drums.

Abstract: A springless self-latching hinge is provided having a pair of hinge members pivotally connected by a hinge pin and formed of resilient material configured to snap the hinge closed and to releasably maintain the hinged closed. The first hinge member includes a pair of raised, spaced hinge pin receiving knuckles and a boss protruding toward the pin. The second hinge member has a hinge knuckle incompletely encircling the pin and forming a bearing sleeve. A portion of the bearing sleeve forms an exterior, concave cam which is compressed against the boss as the hinge is operated. The compression between the boss and the sleeve is a maximum just prior to closure of the hinge and is maintained at less than maximum when the hinge is fully closed. The hinge thus snaps closed after partial closure and is held releasably closed until sufficient effort is exerted to rotatably open the hinge against the force of the resilient members.

Abstract: In severing the heads of fishes by a wedge-shaped cut, after their gill cavity and abdominal cavity have been opened, and after they have been gutted, the head of the fish is aligned and secured in position and, after the beheading cut has been accomplished, the parts containing the collar bones are separated from the head by guided cuts into the gill cavity whereupon the separated parts with the collar bones may be conveyed to be further processed in a well known manner to separate the meat from the bones. The device for carrying this method into effect comprises a machine frame carrying an intermittently advanced conveyor having receiving means for the fishes mounted thereon.

Abstract: In this machine, tufts of fibers are delivered from a feed section by an air bridge into a generally vertical chute past a rotary feeder condenser on which the fibers are formed into a mat which is carried onto a feed plate over which the mat is fed by a feed roller into a lickerin rotating at high speed. The lickerin, which is vertically below the condenser, combs fibers from the mat. The fibers are doffed from the lickerin through centrifugal force and by an air stream flowing past the lickerin. The air stream conveys the fibers through a generally vertical duct to an endless belt screen condenser on which they are deposited to form the random fiber web. The air is recirculated past the lickerin to aid in doffing the fibers from the lickerin.

Abstract: A button and connecting member assembly is described wherein the connecting member is in the form of an elongated ring and the button has a projection in the form of a spring catch. Both members are made integrally from a plastic material.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing a matched pair of socks, particularly during laundering, and for storing them after the laundering is completed. The socks are secured by a clip having three lips forming an integral part thereof. A compartmentalized box is provided for storing the secured socks. The box is adapted to engage the lips on the clip.

Abstract: A sliding clasp fastener is disclosed which is provided with a stop means at an end thereof for limiting the reciprocal movement of a sliding member. This stop means particularly adaptable at a top end of the fastener is comprised of an arcuately shaped prong extending on the base side of fastener elements and substantially flush with the plane of these fastener elements for engagement with a flanged portion of the slider.

Abstract: This is a felting needle with one or more of the throats of the barbs extending into the pointed end of the needle. The throat surface is at an angle with respect to the axis of the needle.

Abstract: A tool forming an attachment to the dipper arm of an excavator, especially for processing scrap automobiles, which includes an extension member that is fixedly connected to the dipper arm and projects beyond the free end portion of the latter. The free end portion of this extension member forms a gripping and shearing structure with a ripping tooth member which preferably forms a two-arm lever pivotally supported by the free outer end of the dipper arm. The longer arm of the two-arm lever cooperates with the extension member while forming a gripping device therewith, whereas the shorter arm of the two-arm lever cooperates with a shearing member supported by the extension member and forms a shear therewith.

Abstract: An method item of furniture in which tufting buttons have both a decorative tufting effect and serve to attach a padding to a frame. The tufting buttons have internally threaded shank portions, and screws are threaded into such shank portions to secure the padding to a frame. A cushion assembly is provided by forming ridges on the shank portions of the tufting buttons and utilizing washer-type fasteners that are attached to the shank portions to hold the tufting buttons in place.A methods of producing an upholstered item of furniture that utilizes a flexible plate which is substantially flat in the non-flexed state and which is flexed to and held in a desired curvature in the completed item of furniture. The plate is upholstered in the substantially flat, non-flexed state. Thereafter the upholstered plate is flexed to a desired curvature and secured in its flexed state.

Abstract: An arrangement for centering a tube includes guides on which are mounted blocks slidable towards and away from each other by a hydraulic cylinder arrangement. Each of the blocks has a frame pivoted on it to rock about an axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the blocks, the turning movement of the frames on the blocks being limited by an adjustable set screw and a spring on opposite sides of the frame pivot. Each frame carries either two rollers turnable on spaced axes which are parallel to the length of the tube or a single roller mounted to turn on an axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the blocks, this roller having a central portion of small diameter and end portions of greater diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting predesignated transistor components from a plurality of loading stacks, transporting them to a pickup position by a shuttle mechanism, transferring them to an insertion head collet member, inserting them into a circuit board and clinching the leads thereof. The apparatus includes an X-Y axis positioning mechanism and a rotary holder for the circuit board that allows the components to be inserted into the circuit board at 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. and 270.degree. orientations.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously inserting a plurality of wires in the wire receiving portions of terminals in a stackable module type electrical connector has a base portion and a removable inserting tool. The base portion has a module supporting surface and wire positioning means on each side of a module positioned on the base so that wires can be positioned with their axes extending across the module and in alignment with the terminals. The removable insertion tool is then assembled to the base and actuated to cut the wires and insert them into the terminals. The wire positioning means on the base can be selectively located at different levels above the module supporting surface so that wires can be inserted into all of the modules in the connector assembly.

Abstract: A means for bending an outer end portion of a center pin comprises a jig having a sleeve-shaped fixture which may be inserted into the inner wall of a cup-shaped member surrounding the center pin. A restricted or inturned end portion of the fixture thereupon embraces the outer end portion of the center pin. A cylindrical ram having a tapered end is inserted through the open end of the sleeve-shaped fixture to engage and bend the free end of the pin which extends into the restricted end portion of the fixture.

Abstract: A tool which obviates the necessity of disassembling the steering column of an automobile when removing the ignition lock cylinder. The tool has an inner collet with a lipped edge which engages the forward shoulder of the lock cylinder. An outer shell fits over the collet and aids the collet in gripping the shoulder. A bolt is threaded into the rear portion of the collet and extends outwardly through the rear portion of the shell. After the collet has engaged the shoulder and the outer shell is flush against the ignition lock housing, turning the bolt withdraws the collet, breaking the outer surface of the lock cylinder behind the retainer pin and freeing the cylinder so that it can be removed without difficulty.

Abstract: A sleeve pulling device that includes a pair of telescoping members, each of which has a boss at an outer end thereof. The bosses are received and fit snugly in opposed openings in the sleeve. A handle is attached to one of the telescoping members.

Abstract: A gripping device is provided for use in uniting the opposed ends of an endless dryer felt and the like at a hinged seam thereof so that a connecting rod may be inserted through the hinged seam. The gripping device includes a pair of spaced blocks with sharp pins extending downwardly therefrom for engaging the opposed ends of the dryer felt. The blocks are coupled together by a spring which tensions the opposed ends of the dryer felt together and holds the ends secured while the connecting rod is inserted through the hinge.

Abstract: A ring gear mounted within a final drive or transmission housing and fixed against rotation with respect thereto. The ring gear is provided with a plurality of angularly spaced peripheral semi-circular recesses contiguous with opposing recesses in a peripheral portion of the housing. Drive pins are inserted within the circular apertures formed by the opposed semi-circular recesses. The pins and the ring gear are retained against axial movement by means of keeper plates fastened to a peripheral portion of the housing. A method of salvaging a ring gear-housing assembly having a worn housing spline. The method includes providing the formerly described semi-circular recesses in peripheral portions of the ring gear and housing, providing drive pins for the aperture thereby, and providing keeper plates for retaining the ring gear and drive pins against axial movement. A method of salvaging a ring gear-housing assembly having worn semi-circular ring gear retaining recesses in the periphery of the housing.

Abstract: Posts such as highway signs or reflector posts, exposed to impact by oncoming vehicles, are first anchored in the ground and then formed with a weakened fracture zone or shear section immediately above ground level by use of a pliers-type tool locked around the post and slidably mounting a punch which when struck by a hammer will pierce the post. The tool is positioned on the post to form the pierced hole facing the direction of oncoming traffic so that the post will break at ground level without leaving an upstanding segment when impacted by a vehicle. The invention includes the reuse of the post after it is broken off at ground level by driving the broken end of the post into the ground and then again using the tool to punch a hole in the post at the new ground level of the post.

Abstract: For producing a welding electrode for hard-facing, a carbide or sigma-phase pre-alloy is very finely subdivided, mixed with carbon and/or cobalt, compressed to a coherent mass, heat-treated out of access to air and extruded to wire or strip.

Abstract: A fixture for cutting and inwardly bending the ends of spiral binders. The fixture comprises a body having parallel sides formed by a milled slot, the lower end of one side having an arcuate inward extension. A cutter pivotally mounted between the body sides has a complementary portion adjacent the curved extension and another portion spaced from the other side. The construction enables the end of a small diameter spiral having a large pitch to be trimmed in a manner which bends the end of the spiral inwardly a sufficient distance to bridge the gap to the next turn, thus preventing snags when books are stacked.

Abstract: A one-piece spring fastener is provided for mounting fencing wire or the like to a channel shaped support. In one embodiment the wire is mounted generally perpendicularly to the support and is free to move along its axis relative to the support. The fastener is of a generally "U" shape in cross-section comprising two generally parallel, spaced apart, generally "T" shaped members joined along substantially the entire tops thereof by a bight or interconnecting bridge portion. The top portions of the "T" shaped members in combination with the bight portion form a trough for receipt of the wire and the base portions of the "T" shaped members are generally dart shaped for nonrotational, forced receipt inbetween and retention by the inturned flanges of the channel shaped support.

Abstract: A method of preparing surfaces of metallic components which are to be adhesive bonded and spot welded is described. The faying surfaces are first prepared for adhesive metal bonding using the most modern effective solutions available for highest strength and corrosion resistance. A primer may be applied upon the faying surfaces for improved corrosion resistance. The surfaces are then abraded in selected areas for spot welding. After spot welding, a bonding adhesive is introduced along one edge of the joint and capillary action assisted by a vacuum draws the adhesive over the entire area of the joint. Alternately, after abrading the selected areas, the adhesive is applied to the faying surfaces, and the spot welding is then accomplished at the abraded areas.

Abstract: A tube coupling joint comprising a tube having an enlarged end, a body having a bore to receive the tube end and having a cam surface leading to the bore, a sleeve having an inner end with a transverse shoulder contracted to a diameter less than the tube diameter with the sleeve shoulder embedded within the tube adjacent the expanded portion of the tube, and a nut holding the sleeve into engagement with the cam surface whereby the cam surface maintains the sleeve shoulder in its embedded position.

Abstract: Boron is diffused into selected areas of each main face of an N silicon substrate and gallium is diffused into the entire main face to form a P-N junction including deeper portions alternating shallower portion. Selective etching is effected to form grooves in the shallower junction portions for dividing the P-N junction. Both main faces of the substrate except for the grooves are metallized and a passivation layer is applied to each groove. Alternatively, in order to form the P-N junction as above described, gallium is selectively diffused in the substrate followed by a further diffusion of the gallium.

Abstract: A self-cleaning mechanism arranged between the blades of a twin blade razor, whereby after use, the area between the blades which fill with human hair and soap, can be made clean and free of debris by the movement of the cleaning mechanism with a persons fingers.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety razor comprising a handle, a guard bar adapted to receive a razor blade thereon, and a top cap linked to the guard bar and manually movable into a position in which a razor blade can be trapped between the top cap and the guard bar. A catch secures the top cap on the guard bar, the said catch having a first component on the top cap and a second component which engages with the handle, the first and second components being brought into engagement when the top cap is in the aforesaid position, the handle being movable relative to the guard bar to move the top cap relative to the guard bar for applying a clamping action to a razor blade located therebetween.

Abstract: A pin shear for shaping and cutting bone pins and other elongate elements to the desired length is described. A pneumatically operated, coaxial cutter assembly includes a cutter plug having pin passageways therethrough positioned inside a cutter body having an aperture therein located in registry with the passageway in a first position. The cutter plug is adapted to move within the cutter body to a second position out of registry with the aperture, whereby an elongate element positioned in the passageway and aperture is severed. A pneumatic operator including means for multiplication of the force applied is described.

Abstract: Disposable blade device having at one end a pair of spaced blunt, unsharpened projections joined by a concave sharpened area and having at its opposite end a blunt point and a narrow stitch picker with a concaved edge portion between them. This device is made from disposable razor blade stock or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are (i) items such as knives, forks, spoons and dishes having magnetically responsive end portions enabling the items to be retrieved and/or sorted by type by automatic apparatus, and (ii) apparatus which automatically performs such operations.

Abstract: A vibration-isolation system uniquely adapted for use in connection with chain saws where vibration-isolation units resiliently interconnect a vibration-generating engine and cutter chain assembly with an inertia-providing handle assembly. The improvement of the invention resides in a bifurcated, resilient diaphragm means constituting at least one such vibration-isolating unit. The improved bifurcated, resilient diaphragm means includes a resilient, generally annular base and first and second axially displaced, first and second resilient generally toroidal segments located on opposite sides of a generally annular, vibration and deflection-accommodating recess means. The bifurcated diaphragm means may also be considered as including a resilient, generally annular base, with first and second resilient, generally annular rim means being supported by first and second resilient cantilever means located on opposite axial sides of the generally annular, vibration and deflection-accommodating recess means.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a base structure affording upright support for a substantially horizontally mounted tray providing for movement of the tray slidably forwardly and backwardly intermittently optionally to desired degrees, and providing for forward and backward slant and for slant in either direction intermittently to desired degrees optionally, the tray having an upper surface defining a plurality of parallel grooves open at the forward ends thereof with the forward opening structure of at least one of the grooves defining a constriction in the groove and thereafter a forward widening thereof terminating as an abrupt step, and there being a mechanized tool of dentistry attached to a tubular connector having a forward end defining a downward projection such that the downward projection engages the step when the tubular connector is in a withdrawn state and there being an outer casing having a spiral ridge on the outer surface thereof mounted slidably over a portion of the tubular connector and definin