Abstract: A mold closing device of an injection molding machine is disclosed which is reliable in operation and simple in structure. Both the opening and closing of the valve for hydraulic oil passage can be attained in the mold closing device of the invention in which two valve controlling oil chambers are formed in the boundary between the valve member and a quick shifting ram. One of the above oil chambers is connected to a forward cylinder and the other, to a return cylinder, thereby attaining the opening and closing of valve by hydraulic pressure in synchronism with the movement of a mold closing piston which is attached to the quick shifting ram.

Abstract: A piston having a floating wedge carried in a recess of the skirt for limited axial movement. Reciprocation of the piston shifts the wedge position between upper and lower extremes, reducing the effective piston clearance in its cylinder during the upper portions of its stroke, thus reducing lateral piston motion and resulting piston slap caused noise.

Abstract: A drip coffee brewer for the brewing of a single serving of coffee consisting of a standard hot beverage cup, made of self-insulating material such as expanded polystyrene, with a portion of the bottom omitted or removed and with a cup-shaped capsule containing, integral with the bottom thereof, a raised filter-supporting grid of circular ridges, the troughs between which are connected to radial ducts leading to a central spout. The capsule, which contains a measured quantity of ground roasted coffee beans, has a perforated cover onto which boiling water is poured. The brewer is held firmly in a cup holder resting on the lip of a container. A plastic bulb is placed on top of the brewer and, when compressed, expedites the flow of water through the ground coffee beans. The capsule can be vacuum-sealed to preserve the freshness of the ground coffee. The capsule and brewing cup are disposable, the cost being less than the cost of filters for comparable brewers.

Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus having a plurality of water heating devices connected in series for sequentially heating water to a beverage brewing temperature. Each of the devices is provided with a vent. The individual vents are brought to adjacent the brewing cartridge for discharging vented fluids thereinto during operation of the coffee brewer. The outlet of the water heating structure is connected to an inlet to the brewing cartridge and the vent conduits are connected adjacent the water delivery inlet. The vent conduit may be formed of synthetic resin. The vents may extend horizontally outwardly from the water heating devices and may extend vertically downwardly to the cartridge brewing chamber.

Abstract: In a crop roll forming machine which forms large cylindrically shaped bales in a bale forming region and wraps the bales with a binding material and which further has a wrapping means for controlling the wrapping of the completed bale there is provided at least a first and a second binding material dispensing means adjacent the bale forming region connected to the wrapping means so that upon actuation of the wrapping means the first dispensing means is driven across a portion of the bale forming region in a first predetermined path and the second dispensing means is driven in a second predetermined path. The predetermined paths are adjacent the completed bale to effect the wrapping of the bale substantially across its length as the bale is rotated by the bale forming means of the crop roll forming machine.

Abstract: Continuous cycle demuster press consists of perforated cylinder divided into two portions, a cylindrical pressing piston inside a smaller section downstream portion, and annular piston being disposed inside a larger section upstream portion; the two pistons are coaxial, and the annular piston is disposed between the skirt of the smaller piston and the larger perforated cylinder.

Abstract: A baffle for use in rotary newspaper printing press ink reservoirs. In such ink reservoirs the inking cylinder, while rotating at high speed contacts ink within the reservoir. Conventionally, the high speed rotation of the inking cylinder creates vibrations and turbulence in the ink, such that air is forced between the rotating surface of the inking cylinder and the printing ink, causing bubbles and non-uniform inking of the ink cylinder. The present system includes a series of baffles positioned within the ink reservoir so as to inhibit turbulence and enhance the flow of ink onto the surface of the rotating cylinder.

Abstract: An out-of-line safe/arm device for initiating an explosive deep within a thermal well which maintains the sensitive explosive elements thereof in an out-of-line position until armed by the pressures unique to the environment of the well.

Abstract: Pedestal-type tables are joined together along two planar edges by using two pairs of alignable spaced-apart openings in the table tops. A sleeve member includes a resilient circumferential constriction closely spaced from the terminal of the sleeve wherein a fastener is used to secure the sleeve within the opening in the table top. Cylindrical connector elements each includes circumferential recesses spaced from the terminal ends to releasably receive the resilient constrictions in the sleeve member to form releasable interconnection elements in the aligned openings in the table tops when the planar edges are disposed in a juxtaposed relation.

Abstract: The shelving system includes a plurality of shelves each having square shelf openings at each corner. A plurality of leg supports in turn have upper end portions receivable in the bottom of the shelf openings and lower end portions receivable in the top of the shelf openings and within the upper end portions of the leg supports positioned in the bottom of the shelf openings so that the upper end portions of legs are nested in the shelf openings and the lower end portions of legs extending into the top of the shelf openings are nested within the upper end portions of these legs. Any number of successive shelves can be assembled to the top end portions of the upper legs. The nested square shelf opening, upper end portion of a leg and lower end portion of another leg at each corner are secured or mechanically locked by manually passing a clip through the nesting side walls.

Abstract: A safe comprising a box-like receptacle having a substantially rectangular cut-out opening in one of its walls adapted to be closed by a flat plate-like door. Said door comprising a substantially rectangular outer wall to which is attached a rectangular panel movable relative thereto. One dimension of the panel being longer than that of the outer wall and the opening. A lock on the door is used to slide the panel between a locked and unlocked position. In the unlocked position the panel extends beyond only one side of the outer wall of the door. In the locked position the panel extends beyond the opposite sides of the outer wall of the door. The opening in the receptacle is provided with means for holding the flat plate-like door flush with the outer surface of the box-like receptacle.

Abstract: A wall panel consisting of two laminar units each including a core layer of particulate, sintered, aluminum oxide, a perforated metal shell enveloping the layer, and a continuous mass consisting essentially of elastomeric material enveloping the shell and extending into the layer through the perforations of the shell. The mass bonds the particles in the layer to each other and to the shell, and the two masses constitute a unitary body connecting the shells in a position in which the core layer of one unit projects beyond the core layer of the other unit so as to define a rabbet. Two such panels may engage each other in a rabbet joint in which the projecting core layer parts are spacedly superimposed on each other to provide a burglar resistant connection between the panels which themselves are difficult to penetrate by burglar's tools.

Abstract: A narrow gauge, cut pile looper apparatus for a multiple-needle tufting machine, preferably having staggered needles, comprising a transverse hook bar having staggered front and rear slots in the front and rear faces of the hook bar and longitudinal top slots, a top slot being in alignment with each of the corresponding front slots and rear slots, for receiving a corresponding front or rear looper.

Abstract: A plate is provided in association with the bobbin case of a sewing machine for movement on a hinge between an open position in which the bobbin case can be readily removed from the bed of the machine, and a closed position wherein the plate holds down the bobbin case and prevents it from rotating while the machine is in operation.

Abstract: A scoring device is provided for sports events. The scoring device is comprised of a wrist band of flexible material and a securing means for securing the band snugly about wrists of different sizes. The scoring device is further comprised of a plurality of scoring characters arranged on the wrist band and at least one scoring marker. The marker has attached to at least one side an attachment means for detachably attaching the scoring marker to the wrist band in close proximity to a scoring character. When it is desired to record the score of the sports event the scoring marker is attached to the wrist band in close proximity to the appropriate scoring character.

Abstract: A machine for the coating of a strip material substrate, flat stock or the like has a plurality of spray coating guns applying coating material to the substrate. A sloping ceiling and nozzle support assembly causes any coating material deposited thereon to flow along these surfaces to the side of the substrate rather than collecting above the substrate and dripping on the substrate and degrading the desired finish. In a rotary coater, the sloping ceiling and nozzle support assembly can be combined into one rotating structure wherein centrifugal force arising from the rotation of the structure causes any coating material deposited on it to travel to its outer rotating edge where it is thrown clear of the substrate. Troughs over the entrance and exit openings of the coater collect coating material which would otherwise drip onto the substrate from above the openings and carry such coating material clear of the substrate.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating system in which the workpiece to be coated is charged to a high DC potential. A conveyor moves the workpiece through a coating zone. A separate charge collector disc on the workpiece support passes close to but does not contact a charged conductor. An electrostatic charge is induced on the disc and is transferred to the workpiece. The conveyor is grounded and the workpiece support is connected to the conveyor through a high resistance which completes the charging circuit and drains the charge from the workpiece and support as they leave the coating zone. The ends of the charged conductor are curved away from the path of the charge collector. Insulating plates shield the conductor and limit swinging of the workpiece support.

Abstract: An improved boiler for liquid and/or gaseous fuels, comprising a combustion chamber and a heat exchanger, wherein said heat exchanger comprises at least one element or body provided with finned conduit of a coil pattern, the axis of which lies in a plane substantially at right angles to the path of the combustion products or fumes and associated fins.

Abstract: A pair of closely adjacent electrically conductive coils, suitably encapsulated, are secured to or retained closely adjacent the positive terminal of a battery of an internal combustion engine. An electrical wire extends from the coils and is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for use in an internal combustion engine equipped with a three way catalytic converter which reduces the amount of NO.sub.x and oxidizes CO and HC at the same time, for controlling air fuel ratio by using an electronic circuit. According to this fuel supply system, when the internal combustion engine is in the low load running mode, the air fuel ratio of the mixture charge to be supplied to the engine is increased. In addition, when cooling water in the internal combustion engine remains above a given temperature and the load of the engine is over a given level, then the mixture charge is maintained at an increased air fuel ratio (a lean mixture charge) rather than at the stoichiometric air fuel ratio. In addition, there is provided means for slowing down a transient phase from the stoichiometric air fuel ratio to the increased air fuel ratio or vice versa.

Abstract: An engine retarder for a fuel injection engine wherein a charge of fuel is pumped to each cylinder under pressure in timed sequence to reach the cylinder near top dead center of its stroke. A selectively operated bypass valve enables that measured charge of fuel to be delivered at the same time in the cycle, not into the cylinder, but to an actuator which opens the cylinder's exhaust valve near the completion of the piston's compression stroke and then allows the valve to close, the charge of fuel being returned to the tank.

Abstract: An ignition timing control system for an internal combustion engine, including a vacuum actuator connected to turn a point base about the axis of the rotary cam which operates the breaker points to advance or retard the ignition timing. The vacuum actuator employs two vacuum chambers, one used primarily to advance the timing, the other used to retard the timing. Each chamber communicates with an engine intake passage downstream from a throttle valve. Electromagnetic selector valves, one associated with each vacuum chamber, serve to connect each vacuum chamber to the engine intake passage, or alternatively to vent each vacuum chamber to atmosphere. These selector valves may be energized by a temperature switch, a velocity switch or a cruise switch. A check valve maintains vacuum intensity in the spark advance chamber when the vacuum intensity at the engine intake passage is lowered by virtue of the opening of the throttle valve.

Abstract: The controlled variable of a system, in particular the timing of an internal combustion engine, is changed on the basis of a set point signal by a closed control loop which alters the relative settings of the breaker points and the distributor shaft, for example. The set point is a single value related to a specific set of magnitudes of engine variables. When the engine exhibits this specific set of magnitudes, the control loop is closed and the engine timing is adjusted to the set point. At other times, the timing follows open-loop, forward control signals such as provided by vacuum advance mechanisms, flyweight governors, etc. The apparatus includes a locking mechanism for locking the relative position of the breaker plate after adjustment by the closed loop controller.

Abstract: A flow control valve for an exhaust gas recirculation apparatus is provided with an exhaust gas pressure control means for maintaining a predetermined constant pressure of exhaust gas to be recirculated. The flow control valve is adpated to control an amount of the exahust gas to be directed to the pressure controlling means, for performing an ideal EGR operation. A detailed design of the flow control valve is provided for solving the problems which may occur during the actual use of the flow control valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing additional air into the intake manifold to aid in the starting of an internal combustion engine. A flapper valve is provided on the throttle valve which is operative according to the pressure differential across the flapper valve blade.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including an air intake and a crank case, a positive crank case ventilation valve having a valve body, a cavity within the valve body, a first valve seat within the cavity, a second valve seat within the cavity and smaller than the first valve seat, a valve member within the cavity and configured to substantially close the cavity to the ambient and yet be movable therein to a position seated against both the valve seat and to a position spaced from the seond valve seat, a passage terminating at the second valve seat, a port terminating in the cavity between the first and second valve seats, a conduit extending between the passage and the air intake of the engine, and a conduit extending between the port and the crank case. The difference in areas of the two valve seats permits crank case pressure to be closely controlled.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system utilizing a fluid which dissociates endothermically and recombines exothermically is described. The preferred fluid is ammonia. Solar radiation is focussed onto absorber-reaction vessels from many paraboloidal mirrors. Means for electronically controlling the orientation of the mirrors is described. The mirrors may close together to reduce the effects of adverse climatic conditions.

Abstract: This invention utilizes a solar radiation absorbing fluid (i.e.: a black fluid) for direct solar energy to thermal energy transfer. The unique structure of the several disclosed embodiments of this invention provides for a selected distribution and a selected depth of the absorbing fluid in the solar energy exposed area.The disclosed apparatus converts solar radiation energy into thermal energy with higher conversion efficiency, lower material and manufacturing costs and considerable weight reduction compared to conventional solar collectors.

Abstract: A solar collector tracking the sun through changes in the relative position between the sun and the earth. The collector may rotate about a single axis to follow the sun throughout the day. A second optional axis may compensate for the orientations of the sun in different seasons of the year. The energy received by the collector provides the motive power to effect its positional changes. A reflective concave surface with cylinderal symmetry and a cross-sectional parabolic configuration provides concentrate solar radiation at a transducer. Furnaces with an expandable fluid on either side of the focal line of the parabola connect to pistons to orient the collector. The parabola subtends an arc of about 41.degree. on either side of its center and, for an overall width of w, represents the locus of points equidistant between a straight line and a circle, tangent to the line, of radius r=kw/2. The constant k has a value dependent upon the intended latitude of the collector; varies between 0.611 and 0.

Abstract: The invention adds liquid solar heating to conventional house construction without altering the plans. Sections of moulded polyester resin embedding pipes connect together to provide a continuous liquid pathway which is hidden from view, or conduits may be moulded in the polyester resin thereby eliminating the pipes. The sections are artistically styled, obviating the unsightly appearance of present day solar equipped homes. The arrangement is very inexpensive, yet durable, and not subject to glass panels and its attendant breakage or the use of expensive copper tubing. The entire roof is a collector and different parts of the roof are exposed to the direct sunlight at all times of the day. Longitudinal seams accommodating thermal expansion are provided between adjacent sections by a trough terminating one section and a trough covering extrusion terminating the adjacent section. Rain and snow water run down the trough and off of the roof.

Abstract: Solar heat storage apparatus, invented by Thomason, includes a tank of water surrounded by a truckload of stones in a heat storage bin in the basement, U.S. Pat. No. 3,254,702 and others. Air circulating through the bin is warmed and circulated through the home to warm the home, or other building.The present invention adds humidity to the air and also enhances heat transfer out of the storage bin and into the home by heat-of-vaporization. That permits use of heat from storage to a lower temperature level while making the home feel warmer. And, the solar heat collector obtains more free heat from the sun because it is operating at a lower temperature level and more efficiently.Heat that normally goes up the chimney from an auxiliary heat source, such as a water heater or furnace, is used to assist home heating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for accurately testing the influence of a medicinal or cosmetic substance on human or animal skin. The device comprises: a tray having an inside space for containing a medicinal or cosmetic substance to be tested, defined by a bottom and a peripheral side wall, the tray being also provided with a sealing member extending laterally from the top end of the side wall toward the inside and/or the outside of the tray; a porous protecting sheet having one or more holes each capable of containing therein one tray, and; a covering sheet for fixing the tray engaged with the protecting sheet on the skin, having an adhesive surface coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive agent.

Abstract: A peak expiratory flow meter device for indicating airway obstruction in a patient. The device includes an elongated channel arranged perpendicularly to a mouthpiece, at the end of which an adjustable orifice is disposed. A float moves within the channel in response to expiration from the patient. A removable pin is provided with the channel for accommodating various ranges of expiration, and for the same general reason, rotatable discs are provided to partially cover the orifice.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed for use with a liquid dispensing package that includes a container and a system for forcing liquid from the container. The dispensing system directs liquid forced from the container to a defined area such as the eye and comprises a selectively operable nozzle that is mounted with the container to be movable relative thereto between liquid-dispensing and closed positions. The nozzle has an outlet orifice from which liquid is dispensed. An overcap is mounted in fixed relation with the container and defines an opening with which the nozzle orifice is registered when in the liquid-dispensing position. A shield, which directs liquid from the nozzle to the defined area, has an inlet aperture, a coupling arrangement for mounting the shield on the overcap with the inlet aperture registered with the overcap opening, and an outlet aperture remote from the inlet aperture.

Abstract: A unidirectionally valved drip chamber, inlet port assembly useful for liquid collection containers, e.g., urinary collection bags, or other containers requiring antireflux protection is disclosed. The assembly comprises a flexible, hollow, substantially frusto-conical unidirectional valve fixedly mounted between the inlet and outlet of the assembly. The valve has a closed top and open bottom and is normally closed against a complementary substantially frusto-conical valve seat. The conical wall of the valve flexes away from the valve seat to allow liquid to flow from the inlet to the outlet. Liquid flowing from the outlet towards the inlet forces the valve more firmly against the valve seat so that the valve remains closed to such reverse or reflux flow.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising, an absorbent pad assembly, a release sheet on a surface of the pad assembly adjacent a side edge, a tape strip having a first portion secured to the surface of the pad assembly, a securement portion releasably attached to the release sheet, and an extensible central portion connecting the first and securement portions.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter embodied in a holder for retaining cigarettes and cigars during the smoking thereof wherein inhaled smoke is drawn by suction through a series of sections and successively expanded and contracted to remove more and more tar and nicotine therefrom with means for cooling the smoke during its passage through the sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning tanks comprising in combination a rectangular box like frame having front, rear and longitudinal sides defined therein; a plurality of inlet ports at the rear coded for a particular liquid, a plurality of outlet ports similarly coded and similarly aligned at the rear, valves at each of the inlet and outlet ports; a first trunk line connected and fed by all of the valves, a pump fed by said first trunk line; an output line fed by the pump, a sonic or ultrasonic spray nozzle assembly at the end of the output line that is insertable into a tank to be cleaned, a return port in the frame for receiving materials from the cleaned tank, a return pump connected to the return port and a return trunk line fed by the return pump; and, a plurality of return lines connected to the outlet ports with a valve for each line, the valves all connecting to the return trunk line, the return lines feeding waste liquids from the return trunk lines to the outlet ports.

Abstract: The sillcock includes an inner tubular pipe forming a water-flow passage and an outer tubular pipe cooperating with the inner tubular pipe to form a water relief chamber. When the inner tubular pipe is ruptured as a result of the expansion of ice in the inter-flow passage, water from the source is directed across the open valve of the sillcock into the water-flow passage where it escapes into the water relief chamber through the ruptured opening. The relief chamber is opened to the atmosphere and water emerging therefrom alerts a person to the fact that the inner tubular pipe has ruptured thereby requiring repair or replacement.

Abstract: A valve actuator, for example a mechanism for imparting motion to a blast furnace evacuation valve, includes a force generator which is coupled to the valve member by a displacement mechanism including a pivotal lever and a pivot arm. The pivotal lever has a pair of angularly related arms with the free end of one arm being coupled to the force generator and the free end of the second arm being coupled to a point on the pivot arm intermediate the ends thereof by a connecting rod or rods. The pivot arm is connected to the valve member and the connecting rod or rods are articulated to both the pivot arm and to the second lever arm which may be telescoping.

Abstract: Improved magnetostrictive materials are combined in a novel arrangement to provide a transducer of the electromechanical type particularly suited for the precise control of fluid flow. An embodiment according to this invention comprises a valve assembly having a discharge ported, cylindrical housing of a material exhibiting positive magnetostriction, a plunger of a material exhibiting negative magnetostriction disposed within the housing, the plunger provided with a tapered nose initially in close fitment within the discharge port to restrain the flow of fluids, and means to create a magnetic field around the assembly. As the materials are exposed to the magnetic field the housing expands relative to the contracting plunger, causing the plunger to separate from close, seated fitment within the discharge port, thereby allowing flow through the port. One of the materials may be selected from a non-magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: A hold-back valve for single release air brakes includes a plug valve member in a chamber of a valve body and rotatable between at least two positions to establish paths of different resistance to flow between air inlet and outlet passages in the valve body. The plug has spherical central portion with a flattened surface and the spherical central portion is sealingly engageable with one end of a hollow cylindrical flexible packing surrounding the opening of the air inlet passage to the chamber in the valve body. The rotatable plug has passages therethrough to define two or three different flow paths when particular passages of the plug are connected between the air inlet and outlet of the valve body.

Abstract: An explosive activated tube plug for effecting a mechanical seal within a tube is disclosed. The plug includes an internally tapered expansion sleeve, a frusto-conical piston disposed within the sleeve and an extension member to expedite plug placement. By remotely detonating an explosive disposed within the plug, the piston is driven forward to expand the sleeve against the surrounding tube surface. By modifying the physical structure of the plug, the energy-displacement relationship between the piston and sleeve may be selectively controlled.

Abstract: A pipe coating composition is provided having good crack resistance properties that consists essentially of about 50 to 70 wt. % mineral aggregate, about 15 to 35 wt. % finely divided mineral filler, about 5 to 20 wt. % asphalt, about 0.05 to 7 wt. % of a rubbery radial teleblock copolymer, about 0 to 7 wt. % of an oil, and about 0 to 0.5 wt. % of a fibrous material. Further more, the crack resistance of a pipe coating composition is dramatically improved by using an asphalt rubber composition in which the rubber is an epoxy-coupled radial teleblock copolymer as compared to a silicon tetrahalide-coupled radial teleblock copolymer of essentially the same structure.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for watching the weft thread of weaving looms, characterized by the fact that it consists in preparing a stop signal for the weaving loom, each time the weft carrier has completely left the shed; in checking for the presence of the weft thread behind the weft carrying means, just outside the shed, and in cancelling aforesaid stop signal if thread is present, respectively in making use of the stop signal if thread is absent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of and apparatus for threading the weft thread carriers and may be most effectively used on travelling-wave looms. In this method, the weft thread is introduced into a thread tensioner while the last coil thereof is being wound with gripping before a straight section is formed, after which the thread is shifted by being unwound from a bobbin in the direction of feed, with the carrier admitted into the looming-up zone at this time, this shifting being maintained up to the moment of separation of the straight section from the coils. In an apparatus for realizing this method, there is provided a stationary cam for jaws located in a central angle of a disk within a sector limited by a region of divergence of mechanical trajectories of the disk and a conveyer and a region corresponding to the last turn of the threadguide around its axis which is close to the axis of rotation of the disk and shifted relative to the axis of symmetry of the carrier spool.

Abstract: A measuring dispenser for flowable material comprises a hopper and a rotatable barrel member for transferring measured quantities of the material from the hopper to a receptacle. The barrel member has a plurality of angularly spaced recesses of predetermined volumetric capacities. By rotation of the barrel member in one direction through a selected angle, selected recesses are filled from the hopper in sequence, the material being retained in the filled recesses during such rotation. By subsequent rotation of the barrel member in the opposite direction through the same selected angle and an additional predetermined angle, the filled recesses are sequentially emptied into the receptacle.

Abstract: A screwdriver comprising a shank, a conventional screw driving head projecting from one end of the shank and in alignment therewith and characterized by an auxiliary screw driving head including a pair of auxiliary screw driving bits projecting from opposite sides respectively relative to the shank and angularly arranged relative to each other whereby a screw with a limited overhead space may be screwed by alternative engagement of the auxiliary screw driving bits with the head of the screw and progressive complementary rotation of the auxiliary bits. The latter are angularly arranged at different angles relative to the shank each as seen in front view. Thus for slotted head screw the auxiliary ribs are angularly offset one relative to the other by an angle of preferably 90.degree. between them as seen in front view to complementarily produce a rotation of 180.degree.. For an allen screw or phillips screw the auxiliary bits are similarly offset by preferably 45.degree.

Abstract: A foldable container made of flexible material and adapted to be introduced into a foldable semi-rigid support and to contain liquid, powderous or granular products or the like, has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having two parallel square or rectangular bases one of which comprises at least one filling or evacuating aperture. Two mutually opposed lateral walls of said container are provided each with a rib constituted by a bead extending longitudinally over at least a portion of the height of said lateral walls and allowing said lateral walls to be folded about said ribs and the remaining two lateral surfaces to be brought at least partially into contact with each other.

Abstract: This captive screw device consists of a resilient retaining support for holding screws in predetermined positions in alignment with or within through holes formed in a member to be fastened by said screws to another member or a structure. Each support comprises a split socket or washer of which the central hole is either threaded or somewhat smaller than the diameter of the screw stem; overlying this hole is a tapered cup engageable by the screw head, and underlying this hole are a pair of legs adapted to clamp by snap engagement the member to be fastened; a plurality of such supports may be interconnected for retaining several screws in position; screwing the screws home will cause the screw head to engage said cup and expand the support so as to distort same and eventually break it, thus causing its ejection or at least facilitating its removal.