Abstract: An expandable pot for containing the roots of a plant is designed to expand primarily in response to the growth of the plant's roots. The sides of the pot are folded in an accordian-like manner which flexes outwardly to increase the volume of the pot in response to the growth of the roots therein. As the pot expands outwardly, additional soil is added into the pot in order to maintain the surface of the soil at a desired level. Formed beneath the expandable pot is a drain container and formed along the sides of the pot is a stop member for limiting the expansion of the pot to a predetermined volume.

Abstract: The plug door of a railroad freight car is restrained against falling by elongated slide members in the upper track connected to the crank operating rod.

Abstract: Door apparatus having spaced panels forming a closure and hanging in a vertical closing position and hung to swing back and forth as a unit, a latch mounted on the inner surface of each panel near the lower edge thereof and engaging a stop to prevent movement of the panel away from the other panel while permitting movement towards said other panel, and operating means on each panel operatively connected to the latch thereof. When either panel is swung towards the other panel it engages the operating means of the latter to operate the latch thereof to disengage its stop, thereby allowing the panel unit to swing out of the closing position.This invention relates to door apparatus which is normally latched in a closed position and which is unlatched to allow the door apparatus to move in either of opposite directions to an open position merely by the application of pressure against either of the two outer faces thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the combined simultaneous rotating and reciprocating movement of a die reconditioning tool mounted in a chuck which is secured to a rotating and reciprocating spindle. The reconditioning tool may be employed either in the rough grinding of a used die or may be employed to polish a die which may or may not have been previously subjected to a rough grinding operation. The improvement comprising the employment of a hub mounted for rotation with the main shaft of a lathe-type apparatus with the hub having a slot formed therein and a plate adjustably mounted in the said slot with a suitable linkage mechanism extending between the said plate and the reciprocating parts of the apparatus on which is mounted the said spindle whereby the length of reciprocating travel of the spindle and reconditioning tool mounted thereon may be varied by adjusting the plate in the slot formed in the aforesaid hub.

Abstract: A material polishing device for substantially dry polishing of flat items, such as rock slabs, mineral samples, geode sections, and the like, includes a support structure having a drive means mounted thereon for rotating a circular, planar table having a polishing member mounted on the table and rotatable therewith. A plurality of standards are mounted on the support structure and support thereon material holding means for retaining the flat items or material to be polished in engagement with the polishing member.

Abstract: A knife sharpening machine, using an endless abrasive belt, comprises a pair of guide pulleys around which the belt extends to provide an operative run, with one of the pulleys movable to tauten the belt. A slotted guide in a casing of the machine enables a knife to be presented to the operative run of the belt at a correct angle. The belt and pulleys, as well as an optional resilient support for the operative run of the belt, may all be provided in a removable cartridge.

Abstract: An endless belt sander comprising a drive pulley and an idle pulley to control an endless sanding or polishing belt having a length substantially longer than that required for surrounding the pulleys. The belt of any desired but applicable width and predetermined length is wrapped around a workpiece of limited accessibility, regardless of the diameter of such workpiece. The belt is kept from slipping on the drive pulley by use of a pressure pulley which forceably acts upon that portion of the belt engaging the drive pulley.

Abstract: Carving of perspective designs in transparent objects with ultrasonic abrasive slurry machining is obtained by using at least two tools each having a different configuration at the working surface and sequentially carving each tool in the object on a surface thereof in partially overlapping relation to each other at different depths. Means are provided wherein the object is sequentially advanced from tool to tool to be multiply carved with each carving being of a different depth than the prior carving to obliterate same and to present to the viewer a perspective carving when viewed from the opposite surface than the surface carved.

Abstract: Lumber cover comprising a cover structure consisting of a base sheet woven from rolled-flat yarns of a polyolefin resin and polyolefin film bonded to one or both sides of said base sheet, said cover structure being provided with bending marks, a number of holes, and nailing seats on the outer side of said sheet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a module for erected wall elements for providing an exhibition space, the wall elements being formed from fibrous material such as corrugated board folded along score lines to provide spaced front, rear and end wall portions, the wall elements being confined along the upper and lower edges by devices having spaced flanges confining the wall portions but having discontinuous portions to accommodate irregularities in the dimensioning of the wall elements and to enable the wall elements to be secured together at such discontinuous portions.

Abstract: Method and means for supporting an elevated concrete wall panel form, wherein a bolt member is removably inserted through a first concrete wall panel to extent horizontally therethrough and project axially from opposite sides thereof, whereby a wall of a form for a second concrete wall panel in superposed relation to the first panel may be seated on one projecting end of the bolt member and the bolt member is rendered accessible from its opposite end, and the seated form wall is secured between the first wall panel and a retaining member projecting laterally from said one end of the bolt member, the retaining member being mounted on the bolt member for disposition permitting withdrawal of the bolt member through the first wall panel and from said opposite end of the bolt member after forming a second wall panel.

Abstract: Skirting which is utilized around the base of a mobile home or a similar statically supported trailer and which includes a plurality of vertical panels interlocked at corresponding overlapping side edges in a manner which prevents separation of the panels during their vibratory movement due to the wind.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete tank having a core wall comprising elongated panels of precast concrete having on their outer face a sheet of sheet metal presenting parallel, longitudinal, undercut channels, is shown. The precast panels are assembled and spaced, in side-by-side relationship. Two, laterally extending metal flanges which run parallel with the elongated sides of the panels are provided. The flanges on adjacent panels overlap one another and are fastened by means of sheet metal screws. The joint formed is sealed with an elastomeric material. The advantages of the tank configuration are that expensive cover plates as have heretofore been used are avoided and the joinery is reduced by approximately one half thereby reducing the cost of sealant material and the labor required to apply it, as well as substantially reducing the likelihood of leakage from the tank.

Abstract: A device for providing walls comprising prefabricated elements substantially in the shape of isosceles trapezoid, the elements being approachable to one another along oblique sides, and means for securing the elements to one another.

Abstract: A self-contained flange mount window unit adapted to be assembled in an oven door. The windor unit comprises a pair of glass panes held in spaced parallel relation by a substantially continuous frame-spacer of integral one-piece construction which is made from an elongated member that is bent to substantially rectangular final form and is retained in final form by a tab at one end engaging a slot at the other end. The frame-spacer has an integral mounting flange projecting laterally outwardly from the top, bottom and sides of the window unit. The window unit is secured to the back panel of the oven door by fasteners which pinch the mounting flange between the air baffle of the door and the clamping surfaces of a plurality of bridge spacer members.

Abstract: A clip and the assembly of the clip with a structural member and insulative layers, the clip being releasibly self-attached to projecting edge portions of the member so as to have two impaling projections for impaling the layers.

Abstract: The device holds articles on a sloping roof and comprises a holding portion and an attaching portion. The holding portion has a structural configuration to contain the articles and the attaching portion is effective to fit between successive courses of roofing shingles fixed on the sloping roof. The attaching portion includes a bent end flange effective to hook downwardly over the top edge of the lower course of successive courses of shingles. The device has a first end section, a base end section, a back section, an insertion section and a second end section. Each of these sections are connected to each other by a series of bends in a single piece of material having five sections and four bends.

Abstract: In a system for processing strips of taped axial lead components of different types and values extending from separate supplies, wherein the leads of the components are joined together by elongated tapes, the strips of the components are advanced linearly through a bank of fluid-operated processing heads of essentially planar configuration arranged in closely spaced side-by-side relationship. As each strip of components is advanced through its respective processing head, each component is automatically centered within the head, regardless of the length of the component's body, and its leads are severed to equal lengths from their respective tapes. As the leads of each component are severed, the component is discharged directly onto a conveyor which carries the component to a test station and then to a station in which the leads of the component are retaped for subsequent use in a component inserting machine.

Abstract: Two separate groups of six articles are assembled in separate lines while a carrier is unfolded, the carrier having a partition joined with a hinge to a top panel thereof such that the partition drops under the force of gravity to a vertically extending position. Then the groups of articles are assembled into opposite ends of the carrier on opposite sides of the partition whereby the partition maintains the groups separated.

Abstract: In a packaging process in which a molten sheet of thermosetting or thermoplastic resin material is extruded and projected from a film forming head and the articles to be packaged are moved along a conveyor underlying the head so as to intercept the projected sheet of resin material and be enveloped and covered thereby, apparatus and method are disclosed for developing a suction or vacuum at a location beneath the conveyed articles substantially underlying the extruded sheet of resin. A pressure differential is created about each article, in which the pressure is substantially reduced about the lower or bottom surface so as to cause the intercepted, molten sheet of resin material to be drawn around the upper portions of the article and sealed about the perimeter of the article's bottom surface. Simultaneously with this wrapping and sealing, excess resin film is trimmed away from the article and collected in a scrap basket disposed in the air stream used in developing the suction effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging yarn packages in plural layers in a cardboard box or a like container is disclosed. A plurality of yarn packages carried to a packaging station by a transporting carrier are grouped in several groups and, then, a group of yarn packages is received by a supporting means with sufficient intervening space between two adjacent yarn packages for easy mechanical handling. Then, the above-mentioned space between two adjacent yarn packages is contracted automatically while the group of yarn packages is carried to a station for transferring them into a cardboard box or a like container, so as to fix the disposition of the yarn packages in the arrangement of a square lattice on a partition plate disposed in the container.

Abstract: A package making machine of the vertical form, fill and seal type has a tube former for receiving packaging material in thin flat strip form and for juxtaposing opposite side edges thereof in parallel vertically extending and overlapped relationship to provide a depending tube open at the top. A product dispenser discharges measured quantities of product to the tube interior space, a lower end portion thereof being sealed transversely by an end sealing apparatus. Tube advancing means may comprise intermittently operable vertically extending vacuum belts or, alternatively, the end sealer may be reciprocated vertically to draw the strip material downwardly through the former. At a longitudinal seam sealing station beneath the former a vertically elongated sealing bar moves to engage and to seal the overlapped longitudinal edges of the tube.

Abstract: A pull-type harvesting machine in the form of a baler has a vertically adjustable windrow pickup mechanism and a generally fore-and-aft laterally swingable tongue that connects the baler to a towing tractor, lateral adjustment of the tongue causing the baler to shift between a transport position behind the tractor and an operating position wherein the pickup mechanism is disposed outwardly of the tractor. The positions of the tongue and the header are respectively controlled by a pair of two-way hydraulic cylinders, and the flow of pressurized fluid between the cylinders and the tractor hydraulic system is controlled by a single control valve on the tractor, the cylinders being connected in parallel.

Abstract: A cutting machine including a mobile housing having mounted thereon a cutting blade driven by a prime mover in the form of a motor or the like which also drives a source of fluid flow disposed in communicating relation with the cutting area defined by the operative positioning of the cutting blade such that the debris from the cut grass is forced into a collection container or the like which is disposable and removably mounted from the housing. The cutting blade is interconnected to a drive shaft by a cam element engaging the cutting blade in such a manner as to move it in an eccentric fashion relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft but in a non-rotational direction relative thereto.

Abstract: An improved indexing means for a garden edger-trimmer having interengaging surfaces on the end of the handle and the head housing for selectively positioning the head.

Abstract: In a rear bagging mower the rear discharge is automatically closed by a door unless the bag is locked in grass catching position, and the bag and door cooperate with an engine kill switch so that the engine will run only if the door is closed or the bag in grass catching position.

Abstract: An improved cutter assembly adapted for use with a rotary edger comprising a circular spool for storing peripherally thereon a plurality of plastic filaments, such spool being receivable within a circular retainer which in turn is provided with a plurality of radially extending peripheral openings formed to direct the corresponding filaments to the exterior of the retainer. The spool and the retainer are secured for rotation on the mounting arbor of the rotary device, the retainer furthermore including an exteriorly directed peripheral groove around the circumference thereof arranged to include the filament openings. The spool itself includes a plurality of filament securing openings to facilitate assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the exterior face of the spool is cut out with a plurality of radial notches through which the filaments are passed to permit insertion of the spool into the retainer.

Abstract: A mower blade assembly for a lawn mower, the assembly comprising a blade bar adapted to be rotated by the output shaft of the lawn mower, and a cutter blade subassembly secured to each of the opposite ends of the blade bar. Each cutter blade subassembly comprises a thin spring steel cutter member preferably of rectangular shape and preferably having a thickness in the range 0.010 to 0.025 inch. The preferred rectangular shape of the cutter blade provides four cutting edges, only one of which is used at a given time, but which may be used interchangeably by repositioning the cutter blade relative to the subassembly. The cutter blade is detachably sandwiched between the blade bar and an interchangeable propeller lift cap having an upwardly inclined end portion at the trailing end thereof relative to the direction of rotation of the blade bar.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an electrical and pneumatic device for picking fruit, particularly citrus fruit, by severing the fruit from its stem with an electrical current, or pulling the fruit from its stem pneumatically by applying a suction cup to the side of the fruit and physically pulling the fruit from its stem, or by using a combination of electrical current and pneumatic (vacuum) force to sever the fruit from its stem.

Abstract: In order to be able to call a maintenance unit to a spinning point requiring maintenance in an open-end spinning machine comprising a plurality of spinning points, this spinning point provides a signal which can be recognized by a detector of the maintenance unit. The signal transmitter required herefor is connected with the sliver supply means, which are stopped in the event of a malfunction at the spinning point requiring maintenance. The signal transmitter therefore indicates the stopped condition of these means, which is recognized by the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus is operative for processing yarns, filaments or other such elongated elements. An arrangement for controlling the travel of such elongated element includes a device for determining the number of elements breakages occurring per unit time and for generating a corresponding breakage-frequency signal, a device for establishing a reference breakage frequency, and a mechanism for automatically varying the speed of yarn travel as a function of the discrepancy between the reference breakage frequency and the breakage frequency indicated by the breakage-frequency signal.

Abstract: A process for producing a feed yarn which can be draw-textured, without difficulty with filaments melting or sticking together, to have a programmed distribution of deeper-dyeing sections along the resulting false-twist textured yarn. The feed yarn is prepared by passing a spin-oriented polyester yarn in substantially undrawn condition past a source of heat where it is heated intermittently along its length to provide a programmed distribution of heat-treated sections. When drawn, the heat-treated sections will draw to a lesser extent and will then dye to deeper shades than the rest of the yarn.

Abstract: An electronic wristwatch having a quartz crystal vibrator serving as a time standard, a display, and an electronic divider circuit for dividing the high frequency signal supplied by the quartz crystal vibrator into a low frequency timekeepng signal and applying same to the display. A quartz crystal oscillator circuit is adapted to be compensated during changes in temperature to stabilize the operation thereof, and a divider regulating circuit is provided selectively to regulate the period of the timekeeping signal produced by the divider circuit. The regulating circuit is completely independent of the quartz crystal oscillator circuit, and regulation of the period of the timing signal has no effect on the operation of the oscillator circuit.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece battery-potential detecting circuit unaffected by temperature changes is provided. An electronic timepiece includes a DC power source such as a battery for providing an effective potential for energizing the timekeeping circuitry and display thereof. An electronic switching element is provided for detecting the effective potential of the DC power source. The electronic switching element includes a first electrode coupled to the power source for detecting the effective potential thereof, and two further electrodes defining a closed current path in response to the control electrode being referenced above a predetermined potential, the two further electrodes defining an open current path in response to the potential detected by the control electrode dropping to the predetermined potential, at least one of the further electrodes having a current temperature coefficient of substantially zero when the effective potential of the DC power source is above the predetermined potential.

Abstract: A time indication correcting device of a digital display timepiece, wherein upon depressing the time adjusting switch, a counter of the second digit (or the counter of the minute digit) is reset and is held in the reset state, and simultaneously therewith, the minute digit counter (or the hour digit counter) receives one pulse and is stopped after counting the pulse, and upon releasing the time adjusting switch at a predetermined time, the clock operation is started, whereby the indication of the minute digit (or the hour digit) can be corrected.

Abstract: In an electronic timepiece including a driving circuit for developing display driving signals, and a time display receptive of the display driving signals for displaying time, a battery voltage level monitor. The battery voltage level monitor comprises a voltage detector operative to detect the voltage of a battery which powers the timepiece, and to develop a detector signal when the battery voltage is less than a certain value. The driving circuit includes a display signal control circuit which is responsive to the setting of a display restoring switch and the detector signal for interrupting the display driving signals applied to the display in response to the detector signal, in order to de-energize the display to indicate that the battery voltage is below the certain level.

Abstract: Electric watch has its battery held in the battery block in the watch module by means of a retainer spring which resiliently engages the batteries to urge them into proper installed position. Fingers on the spring resiliently engage in the spacer block to provide the spring retaining force. The fingers can be manually disengaged from the back of the spacer block for retainer spring and battery removal.

Abstract: The setting circuit comprises first and second switches; a first signal generating circuit which generates a pulse signal each time the first switch is closed; a second signal generating circuit for generating 0 and 1 level output signals from a first output terminal when the second switch is opened and closed and a pulse signal from a second output terminal each time the second switch is opened; a ring counter circuit including cascade connected first to third shift registers each connected to receive the pulse signal from the second signal generating circuit at the reset terminal thereof, said ring counter operating as a 3 digit ring counter when the second switch is opened but as a four digit ring counter when the second switch is closed, thereby producing control signals for setting the display mode and the correction mode of the electronic timepiece from the first output terminal of the signal generating circuit and predetermined output terminals of the ring counter circuit.

Abstract: A push button assembly for an electronic watch or the like includes a metallic body with an axial bore in which a metallic stem is forwardly slideable from a rear terminal position against the action of a spring member. By mounting an insulating tubular locator sleeve of known length on the forward end of the body, the forward end of the stem is axially spaced rearwardly of the forward free end of the locator sleeve a predetermined distance. With such push button assembly, the stem may electrically engage a contact independent of the accumulation of tolerances associated with the manufacture of the cases and the modules which the push button assemblies are assembled.

Abstract: This invention relates to a timepiece having a flat display device exposed through an opening or openings in the case for the timepiece. The crystal mounted on the case and closing off the opening has two at least partially reflective surfaces enclosing between them an angle less than 45.degree. with a third surface on the crystal through which the display device is visible by means of double reflection of the light from said at least two partially reflective surfaces. These surfaces are reflective either by a reflective plate surrounding the opening or by providing the upper surface of the case or the inner face of the crystal with a reflective coating. The display may also be viewed through the crystal from above.

Abstract: Parking meter carries photosensor directed at the controlled parking space. The operator of a parked car energizes the meter by coin insertion and meter cranking and thus activates the photosensor. When the vehicle is moved out of the parking space, the photosensor detects the movement and resets the parking meter to zero.

Abstract: A battery-powered clockwork mechanism and a separate pendulum unit which is detachably connected to the clockwork mechanism. When so connected the pendulum device is powered by the battery in the clockwork mechanism but operates as a "blind" pendulum which does not control or affect the time-keeping function of the clockwork mechanism.

Abstract: In order to limit the acceleration and speed of jet engine accessory equipment when a jet fuel starter is being utilized as a power source to drive the accessory equipment when the main jet engines are disconnected from the jet fuel starter, an acceleration and speed control circuit is provided to control a starter clutch that connects the jet fuel starter to the accessory equipment. The acceleration and speed control circuit compares a signal representing a predetermined maximum acceleration and speed with a signal that represents the rate of rotation of the accessory equipment and generates signals to regulate a control valve which in turn controls the starter clutch.

Abstract: A gas-turbine plant of the air-storage type comprises a multi-stage gas-turbine having high and low pressure sections, a flow medium heating device located between the high and low pressure sections of the gas-turbine, a dynamoelectric machine coupled to the gas-turbine, a compressor also coupled to the dynamoelectric machine and an air-storage tank connected between the compressor outlet and the inlet to a heat exchanger heated by exhaust gas from the gas-turbine and through which the medium flows to the high pressure section of the gas-turbine.

Abstract: An auxiliary fan is disposed upon the periphery of at least a portion of the fan of a conventional gas turbofan engine. Flow modulating components such as variable vanes and nozzles are utilized in conjunction therewith to produce a wide range of operating bypass ratios. Such an engine is one of the variable cycle variety and has the capability of operating efficiently at both subsonic and supersonic speeds.

Abstract: Apparatus for imparting reciprocating motion to a double-acting hydraulic piston and cylinder motor assembly. Hydraulic fluid is supplied through pressure lines alternately to opposite ends of the cylinder by two pumps. The pumps are operated so that one is on its pressure stroke while the other is on its suction stroke. The valving is such that fluid flowing out of the cylinder is discharged to an unpressured reservoir and fluid flowing into the pumps on their suction strokes is drawn from the same reservoir.

Abstract: A negative pressure generating system for an internal combustion engine powered vehicle, comprising a brake booster incorporated in the vehicle and adapted for an increase in braking power, an air cleaner for cleaning air to be supplied to the internal combustion engine, an air pump which receives air from said air cleaner and delivers the air to said internal combustion engine, and a valve disposed among said brake booster, said air cleaner and said air pump and operative in response to the booster pressure in said brake booster on receiving said pressure as an input signal, thereby interrupting air communication between said air pump and said air cleaner, with the result that the negative pressure arising on the suction side of said air pump is used as a negative pressure source for operating said brake booster.

Abstract: Power steering gear for vehicles having primary and secondary modes of power operation. In the event of loss of primary system operating pressure, pressure from an accumulator is directed by a closed center valve device within the gear to provide for the powered steering of the vehicle. When the accumulator is exhausted the steering gear enters a manual mode of operation for continued vehicle dirigibility.

Abstract: A fluid system having a variable displacement fluid pump connected in a closed-loop fashion to a hydraulic motor-driven winch of the spool type. A directional control valve connected between the pump and motor selectively directs fluid to the hydraulic motor-operated winch to control the direction of movement thereof. The hydraulic winch is provided with a pressure responsive brake that is normally set to brake the winch and prevent its operation, while fluid under pressure communicated to the brake will release the same and permit the winch to operate. A separate source of fluid pressure is provided and selectively communicated to the hydraulic brake of the winch through a directional control valve, while a second control valve is provided for exhausting the control pressure to the reservoir in the event the main system pressure drops below a predetermined value.

Abstract: An engine for driving an automotive vehicle has a plurality of turbine rotors mounted on the main drive shaft. Compressed air is supplied to the rotors in succession from a distributing valve which is supplied with compressed air from a main air tank, and compressed air at reduced pressure from the delivery side of each rotor is supplied to a manifold which also supplies the main air tank through a second stage compressor.