Abstract: An inflatable bag comprising a peripheral side wall having a pluraity of inflatable cells of flexible sheet material surrounding a storage cavity, and end walls to enclose each opposite end of the cavity, which end walls similarly include an inflatable cell of flexible sheet material. An opening is provided for entrance into the storage cavity, which opening includes means to open and close such as by means of a zipper. Air valves are provided for inflating and deflating the inflatable cells of the peripheral side wall and the inflatable cells of each end wall. When the inflatable cells of the peripheral side wall are inflated with air, the rigidity of the peripheral side wall increases to support the peripheral wall at points around the periphery which are spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the storage cavity. The cells of the end wall are similarly inflated to provide rigidity and support for each end wall.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a new fastener means for use on bolts, screws, nuts, threaded surfaces and the like which includes an adhesive composition comprised of a solid particulate adhesive, such as a low molecular weight crystalline adhesive or a high molecular weight non-crystalline solid thermoset resin, and a curing agent. The adhesive composition also includes a film forming carrier such as latex in which said solid particulate adhesive is dispersed and which does not dissolve nor react with said adhesive, and a microencapsulated solvent dispersed in said film forming carrier which acts upon the solid particulate adhesive to effect a cure. The adhesive composition may be applied over oily surfaces such as phosphate and oil coated bolts, without destroying the corrosion resistant phosphate and oil coating, and still provides excellent fastening properties.

Abstract: An awning assembly including an awning, a pair of main support arms, and a pair of rafter arms is collapsible from an extended position to a stored position. In the stored position the awning assembly is enclosed in a box which is mounted to a wall. In the extended position the rafter arms extend from the box and the main support arms extend from the wall to support the awning. The box can be formed in four lightweight interlocking extrusions. A bracket braces the interlocking extrusions, supports the awning in the stored position, and elevates the rafter arms within the box. A foot is pivotal on each of the main support arms to permit attachment of the main support arm to the wall or ground.

Abstract: Electroslag casting methods and apparatus continuously deposit metal on to the surface of an elongate metal article such as a steel mill roll, supported with its axis substantially vertical with respect to an open ended mould positioned around the surface of the article. A vertically movable platform is adapted to encompass the articles, and carries one or more feed devices for feeding, in the form of a consumable electrode, the metal which is to be deposited onto the surface of the article into the space defined between the sides of the mould and the article. The platform can be driven vertically and means are provided for coupling the mould to the platform after a predetermined vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: A jacketted mold for the continuous casting of molten metal is surrounded by an enclosed cooling space holding an electromagnetic inductor for moving the molten metal in the open-ended mold. A cooling liquid is supplied to the cooling space through an inlet chamber and is removed therefrom through an outlet chamber after it has passed through a primary circuit along the tubular mold element. The outlet chamber is divided into two liquid flow circuits, one circulating the liquid from the primary circuit across the inductor at a reduced flow velocity, and the second one being arranged in parallel with the first one for directly, removing the liquid from the primary circuit to the discharge conduit immediately after it has circulated along the tubular mold element.

Abstract: A heating system for a building structure is provided in which a heat pump system and at least one solar energy system and one air convector system are used. The solar energy system collects heat during the periods when sun energy is available and the air convector system collects heat when available from warm air. The heat from both systems is stored directly in the earth which surrounds the evaporator of the heat pump system.

Abstract: A damper assembly adapted to be affixed to an air-handling unit at an installation site including a plurality of adjacent damper assembly units adapted to be mounted with and for regulating air flow from the air-handling unit, the damper assembly unit having an interlocking structure for interlocking adjacent damper assembly units theretogether. Further, the damper assembly has a damper structure for simultaneously and independently controlling the relative mixing proportions of heated air and cooled air with ambient air for use with a multi-zone air-handling unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a well latch for locking well tools in a well flow conductor. The latch housing has a pressure equalizing passage extending through its wall. A valve controls flow through the equalizing passage. Keys, carried by the latch housing, are expanded outwardly into a locking groove of a well flow conductor to lock the well latch therein. A fishing neck, associated with the latch, permits retrieval of the latch. This abstract is neither intended to define the scope of the invention, which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting in any way.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering oil from an oil bearing earth formation by means of electrohydraulic shock waves generated in a liquid by capacitor electrical discharge means and supplemented with ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A method of treating subterranean formations containing water-sensitive montmorillonite clays by contacting the formation with an aqueous solution of potassium salts of organic acids at elevated temperatures whereby the montmorillonite is transformed into other clay minerals which are less sensitive to swelling when contacted with water.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus and method for cementing casings in wells that is particularly advantageous for use in subsea wells. The cementing plug apparatus contains the cementing plugs which are released by a predetermined manipulation of the support string for the apparatus. Inadvertent or premature release of the cementing plug is prevented by a telescoping tubular stinger member which protects the cementing plugs from circulation flow.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting assembly designed to remove vines and like undesirable growth from cultivated trees, plants and the like, comprising a frame movably and adjustably attachable to a tractor or like towing vehicle. A gripping head is movable and adjustably attached to the frame by an orienting means movably interconnected between the gripping head and the frame in such a manner as to absorb shock when the gripping head engages a tree from which vines are to be removed. Head disposition means and additional adjustment means are mounted on said frame and movably interconnected relative to the gripping head so as to position the gripping head between an operative and non-operative position and also in predetermined path of travel relative to a tree or obstacle intended to be encountered.

Abstract: The disclosed cable plow assembly is adapted to reduce the power requirements of cable and line laying plows. The plow blade is suspended on the rear of a resilient frame assembly having two pair of vertically spaced links. Each link is pivotally supported on forward and rear frame members by resilient torsional bushings. The links of each pair preferably converge toward the direction of movement of the plow or the supporting vehicle at an angle of about fifteen to twenty degrees or about three to four horizontal units to one vertical. This arrangement generates a unique forward elliptical cleaving action in the plow blade, reducing the force required to cut the earth and pull the blade through the ground. In the most preferred embodiment, the forward ends of the lower links of each pair are adjustable vertically to adjust the angle between the links and thereby adjust the elliptical motion of the plow blade to accommodate various soil conditions.

Abstract: The support wheels and drag stake of a walk-behind rotary tiller are connected to the main frame of the tiller at a location rearwardly of the tiller tines through means of a mounting bracket, which is mounted for pivotal movement between and to be releasably secured in a first position, wherein the wheels are disposed in a downward position relative to the tiller frame for transport while the drag stake is in an inactive elevated position, and a second position, wherein the drag stake is disposed for retarding the forward progress of the tiller while the wheels are in an elevated position for contacting the ground only after the tines have reached the desired tilling depth.

Abstract: A garden implement including an elongate, manually engageable handle and a working head at one end of the handle; the head is Z-shaped and has straight laterally spaced parallel cutting blades, a straight central member extending diagonally between oppositely related ends of the blades and joined therewith at acute angles and guard plates at right angle to and extending laterally inwardly from the other ends of the blades; the head is established of thin, narrow strap steel, the opposite edges of which are sharpened to define oppositely disposed cutting edges which are disposed longitudinally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implement. The implement further includes coupling structure to couple the one end of the handle with the diagonal member, at right angle to and intermediate the ends of that member.

Abstract: An implement hitching mechanism for a tractor of the type for straddling rows of agricultural crops in which a first gantry is connected to the tractor and a second gantry having the hitching means thereon is mounted to said first gantry for movement therealong.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for removably fixing one element on another, by interlocking, particularly for fixing an instrument panel assembly on the dashboard of an automobile, said device comprising a clip to be fastened to a first element and a pin with a shouldered head to be fastened to a second element which is to be fixed to said first element, said clip being constituted by a frame inside which are connected two resilient lips, defining a central housing for the penetration of said pin and at least one lateral housing for receiving a member for spacing said lips apart in order to release said pin, said lip-spacing member being rotatably mounted on said frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to control devices for electrical, hydraulic or other forms of decelerator for heavy vehicles. For the purpose of avoiding skidding of the wheels of the vehicles when empty, in the case of a false maneuvre by the driver, the devices comprise means for automatically neutralizing the brake when the deceleration of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined level of the order of 1-3 m/s.sup.2.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system is disclosed having a rigid framework which contains a high compliance loudspeaker connected to an adjustable air column tube. The adjustable air column tube provides exact 1/4 wavelength tuning for the speaker system, to further improve its low frequency response, in accordance with tuned enclosure theory.

Abstract: A muffler, especially for a portable internal combustion engine, particularly for driving a motor chain saw, which muffler comprises an exhaust gas receiving chamber which is defined by a chamber wall and by a pan-shaped housing wall including an inlet for the exhaust gases. Arranged on the inside surface of the chamber wall there is arranged an exhaust gas conveying passage communicating with the exhaust gas chamber and being adapted to deflect an exhaust gas current by preferably 90.degree.. This passage is adapted to convey the thus deflected exhaust gas current through an aperture in the chamber wall. Above this aperture on the outside of the chamber wall and projecting therefrom there is provided a bend from which the exhaust gas current through an outlet in the bend flows at least approximately parallel to a portion of the chamber wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for evacuating passengers from a passenger-carrying cabin having a floor suspended above the ground comprises upper and lower plates engageable over the upper and lower sides of a vertical hole through the floor. These plates are both secured tightly in place on the respective sides of the floor in a normal position and are released in an emergency position, with the lower plate dropping away from the car. A tubular life-saving chute is secured to the floor between the sides in the hole and is folded up between the plates in the normal position, but extends from the floor toward the ground in the emergency position to allow persons to be saved to slide down through this chute. A linkage normally rigidly interconnects the two plates together, but is operated in case of fire or the like to disconnect them.

Abstract: A fire escape device has a box with a back panel secured to side panels and to two bottom end panels. A bottom central panel lies between the bottom end panels and is hinged to the back panel. A front panel is hinged to the bottom central panel and has a bottom edge rabbet interfitting with the front edge of the bottom end panels. A removable top panel has angles engaging the upper edges of the back panel and of the front panel and is short to leave end openings above the bottom end panels through which ornaments on the bottom end panels may project. The box is secured to a building by brackets secured to the back panel and the two bottom end panels. Brackets of one design lie over a balcony rail, and brackets of another design are bolted to the building wall. A ladder including side chains and cross rungs is disposed on the bottom central panel with the chains extending through cutouts in the top panel.

Abstract: A unit for dispensing chilled cans and bottles of beverage on a first-in, first-out basis. The unit comprises a walk-in cooler having a ceiling, a floor, and front, rear and side walls, the front wall having an offset portion extending generally horizontally forwardly and then vertically downwardly for providing a counter at the front of the cooler outside the cooler and a recess below the counter inside the cooler. The counter has an opening therein closed by a door. The unit also includes a receptacle for holding a supply of chilled cans and bottles of beverage inside the cooler, the receptacle having an inlet through which cans and bottles are loaded into the receptacle, and an outlet through which cans and bottles are removed from the receptacle. The receptacle is in the recess below the counter opening with the outlet directly beneath the counter opening for removal of the cans and bottles from the receptacle and out of the cooler via the opening.

Abstract: Air cooled brake disc having first and second disc-shaped face portions with each face portion having an outer braking surface and an inner surface. A plurality of radially disposed webs extend between the face portions from an inlet adjacent an inner portion of the disc to an outer portion of the disc, the webs defining with inner surfaces of the face portions radially extending cooling passages within the disc. A plurality of radially disposed cooling fins extend from opposite inner surfaces of each passage. Sums of cross sectional areas of inner and outer cooling passage portions defined in part by the cooling fins are generally equal to reduce air flow velocity variations within the cooling passages. In one embodiment, a clearance space extends between opposed edges of the fins adjacent a central diametrical plane of the disc.

Abstract: A hydraulic eddy brake has a rotor and a stator both forming an eddy chamber. Liquid supply conduits lead to the center of the eddy chamber. The rotor shaft is sealed relative to the housing formed by the stator. The sealing is accomplished by noncontacting sealings. Leakage liquid is discharged to respective chambers located between the bearings and the eddy chamber proper. A gap is provided between the shaft and the housing. This gap is connected with the center of the eddy chamber through a liquid feedback which may include an intermediate chamber and respective liquid feedback conduits whereby the pressure at the point of leakage is minimized. Such brakes are used as absorption dynamometers to measure torque.

Abstract: A governor for controlling the speed of a drive shaft comprising a flywheel mounted to a revolving drive shaft by a pair of diametrically opposed pins extending through the flywheel, along a diametrical line of the flywheel, and being respectively received by two oppositely disposed spiral slots along the cylindrical wall of the drive shaft. The flywheel and pins are slidably mounted to the drive shaft such that an increase or decrease in the speed of revolution of the drive shaft will cause the pins to move along the shaft in the slots and the flywheel to traverse along the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. Mechanical linkage is connected to the flywheel so that the movement of the flywheel will engage or disengage a friction clutch drive assembly operatively associated to the drive shaft, or alternatively, will control the rate of flow of fuel to an engine operatively connected to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A tile stacking machine wherein each tile is tilted while being conveyed at high speed and supported by its lower edge. The tiles are then transferred to a set of speed reducing belts to travel on edge. In most instances they are then transferred to at least one further set of speed reducing belts so as to crowd the tiles into a stack. One of the features of tilting the tiles while being conveyed edgeways, is that tilting is achieved by slowing the leading edge as it is lifted, thereby reducing tile speed even before it enters the speed reducing belts.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a single line of containers and grouping them so that a plurality of containers can be delivered to an exit line. The apparatus contains a starwheel arrangement wherein the starwheel is comprised of a plurality of sectors each moveable with respect to each other. Each sector transports a plurality of containers at a constant velocity around an arcuate extent. The sectors and their containers accelerate for a portion of their travel, then stop, whereupon the containers are moved in a radially outward direction to a delivery point upon an adjacent conveyor. The method of receiving containers on a starwheel arrangement and simultaneously ejecting a plurality of containers from the starwheel to an adjacent conveyor is set forth in detail. The containers enter the starwheel in usual singular line fashion and are delivered from the starwheel in groups.

Abstract: A live roller conveyor is described of the type which can accumulate conveyed articles on a pass line. Article accumulation is usually automatically achieved on the pass line by disconnecting pre-selected rollers from a power source. The power source for a driven roller includes a drive wheel moveably mounted on the frame supporting the rollers and having a radial drive surface which is rotatably mounted on a shaft having its longitudinal axis spaced from the longitudinal axis of the roller such that the drive surface can be moved into frictional engagement with an end surface of a roller to rotate the roller. The drive surface on the drive wheel is preferably in the form of a tensioned belt which extends around a portion of the circumference of the drive wheel and around a spaced apart rotatable drive shaft for rotation of the drive wheel.

Abstract: A cigarette package holding a plurality of cigarettes which incorporates therein match sticks and is also provided with a friction surface for striking the matches thereon, so that any inconvenience is not caused when carrying the cigarettes in a pocket or other. Number of the match sticks is preferably equal to or slightly more than the number of cigarettes packed in the cigarette package.

Abstract: A sheath-package includes two inner sheets disposed adjacent to each other and adapted to be sealed to each other, the outer surfaces of said inner sheets being sterilizable. Two cover sheets are also provided, each of which is disposed adjacent to the outer surface of one of the inner sheets, the inner surface of each cover sheet being sterilizable and adapted to be sealed to its respective adjacent inner sheet. A sheath is formed by joining the inner sheets together along a seal line in the form of a tear seal, the portions of the inner sheets outside of the tear seal forming waste portions, the seal line terminating at two end points to define a mouth adapted for insertion of an instrument into the sheath. A tab is formed by portions of the inner and outer sheets projecting beyond the mouth, the seal line being shaped so that the waste portions connect with the portions of the inner sheets in the tab outside of the seal line.

Abstract: A stacked plurality of snap rings adhesibly retained by varnish coating, or other bonding method applied to the rings. Internal or external circular or C-shaped snap rings typically have retainer ring holes and in this invention the holes in adjacent rings in the stack are misaligned. Snap ring pliers or automated equipment can be inserted into the retainer ring holes of the endmost snap ring fastened at the top of the stack, with the tips of the pins penetrating only through the holes in the topmost ring, due to their misalignment, with the topmost ring being removed by movement of the pins relative to each other, thereby facilitating efficient dispensing of one snap ring at a time.

Abstract: A system is provided for authenticating products having a paperboard cover or package, such as a record sold in a paperboard record jacket, a tape sold in a paperboard tape box, or a book having a paperboard cover. The cover or package includes a plurality of walls wherein at least one of the walls includes a sheet of paperboard material, with the sheet being formed from a plurality of plies of paperboard material. In addition, at least one of the internal plies of the paperboard sheet is coded, such as by color or phosphorescent material, either continuous or in stripes, to act as an indicator. The coded ply is visible along the edge of the wall of the cover or package to provide a system for authenticating the product.

Abstract: A container having side walls mounted on a bottom panel for swinging movement between an upright position and an inclined position. Latch members movably mounted near the upper end of each side wall co-operate with the latch members of the adjoining walls normally to retain the latter walls in the upright position. Latch means in each side wall releasably interconnect the latch members of each side wall and is operable to release these latch members to allow the adjoining walls to move towards the inclined positions. Spring means to swing the side walls to the inclined positions when said walls are released.

Abstract: An easy opening container construction wherein a pull tape is detachably bonded in a prescribed pattern to a container wall surrounding one or more dispensing openings. The configuration of the detachable bond or seal is accurately controlled by raising the container wall in the area of the detachable bond to the desired bond configuration. By so controlling the configuration of the detachable bond, the bond configuration remains the same, notwithstanding changes in operating conditions during the formation of the bond.

Abstract: A support element is disclosed which is movable vertically with respect to a frame of a wheeled vehicle as a result of extension of one or more extensible members of the support element. The support element is suspended from the frame by at least one suspension member, which is operatively attached to the frame and to at least one of the extensible members.The at least one suspension member may also be operatively connected to a relatively fixed portion of the support element.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming bundles of elongated objects comprises a first member which individually drags the objects, and, after having appropriately oriented said objects, if necessary, about the respective axis, delivers them onto a receiving surface provided in a second member. The distance of said surface from the ground may be varied so as to allow to pile the objects, and the second member itself may be displaced transversally to the dragging direction of the objects, to allow to form adjacent piles of objects. The objects are oriented in such a way that adjacent elements in a pile fit one in the other.

Abstract: A vehicle frame for supporting large removable containers. One or more container securing members are attached to the frame. Each securing member can move between an inoperative or resting position and an operative or securing position. In the inoperative position, the securing member does not interfere with the loading, transporting, or unloading of a removable container. In the operative position, the securing member can engage a cooperating member of the container to secure the container to the frame. Lock means are associated with each securing member to prevent the member from inadvertently moving from the operative position to the resting position.

Abstract: A side shifter mountable on a conventional hook-type lift truck carriage. The shifter includes an upper hook which, through removable wear shoes, accommodates a sliding engagement between the shifter and the upper bar in such a carriage, and a rotary spherical-segment bearing disposed below the hook which accommodates a rolling point contact with the lower bar in such a carriage.

Abstract: A closure for sales promotion comprising a closure shell having the indication of a prize offer on its inner bottom surface and a gasket bonded to its inner bottom surface, the gasket having a center panel portion held half-adhered or non-adhered to the inner bottom surface of the closure shell and a peripheral sealing portion firmly adhered to the inner bottom surface of the closure shell, the center panel portion being completely defined from the peripheral sealing portion by a breakable line so that the center panel portion can be stripped off from the inner bottom surface of the closure shell while leaving the peripheral sealing portion.

Abstract: An improved electrical outlet box of the type having a spacer member, providing a back wall and end walls, and two side walls. The box has cooperating members for rotatably wedging one end of each side wall against an end wall to securely fasten it to the spacer member. The box also has an arrangement for camming the end walls together with the side walls to provide a tight box. The box includes bulged side walls for providing additional working space within the box while at the same time improving its mounting. The box also includes a different improved arrangement for use in fastening it to a support.

Abstract: A can which has one end thereof closed by means of a cup-shaped end unit which is provided with a band of adhesive. The band of adhesive is of sufficient width or thickness so as to receive a raw edge of a terminal end of a can body to mask the same while at the same time providing a seal between the end unit and the can body.

Abstract: In a pressure vessel having domed ends concave to the pressure, in certain situations, the space within the domes is undesirable. One or both ends may be equipped with space-filling inserts comprising multiple plates of aluminum or other light metal secured in slightly spaced parallel relationship.

Abstract: A cup having a manually actuated cover is disclosed. The cover is associated with an actuating system disposed in the handle so that thumb pressure on a push rod causes the cover to move upwardly and rotate to one side to uncover the cup and allow the user to drink therefrom. The cover is associated with the actuating system by a socket arrangement to allow removal of the cover for cleaning of the cup and cover separately.

Abstract: Improvements in or relating to caps for containers, particularly aerosol containers, of the type comprising inner and outer skirt portions fast with each other by means of a top disc member, wherein the inner skirt member is seamable to the container through lugs and has a weakened zone which can be filled through rotation of a tab, which is integrating part of the cap and is joined at one end to the outer skirt member through a readily breakable lap.

Abstract: Easy opening configurations for forming in a container panel a dispensing opening. Each easy opening configuration is generally defined by one cut line and one or more score lines. A pull tape overlies the easy opening configuration and has a terminal end permanently bonded to the container panel. The pull tape also has a permanent bond with a removable panel portion defined by the cut and score lines as well as a peelable bond with the container panel surrounding the removable panel portion. If desired, apertures may be formed at the ends of the cut line to prevent initiation of rupture along the score lines. Also, if desired, force reducing openings may be formed in the removable panel portions.

Abstract: An easy open reclosable end unit which includes a metal end unit securable to a container body by means of a seam and having a dispensing opening therein. The dispensing opening is closed by a removable closure initially bonded to the end unit and being peelable therefrom. A cam mechanism is provided for effecting the initial rupture and peeling of the closure with the cam unit being lockable with respect to the closure after the end unit has been seamed to the container. The raw edge of the metal defining the dispensing opening is provided with a guard member and the closure has a plug portion tightly fitting within the guard member and interlocking therebelow to effect reclosing.

Abstract: A child resistant pull tab arrangement wherein the pull tab is provided with an upstanding peripheral hem which on the side of the rivet remote from the nose portion of the tab is configurated so as to touch or substantially touch the container wall in the initial position thereof so as to resist lifting by a small child. The tab may have associated with it an upstanding rib formed in the container wall, the rib extends about the lift portion of the tab in closely adjacent relation and makes it even more difficult to engage one's finger beneath the tab so as to effect the required initial lifting.

Abstract: A child resistant overcap which is engageable over an end of an easy opening container for preventing access to the easy opening feature of such container. The interlock between the overcap and the container is such as to require rupture of a rupturable section of a skirt of the overcap utilizing a tool before the overcap can be removed to provide access to the easy opening feature of the container.

Abstract: The invention provides a tank for fluids under pressure, wherein there is a cylindrical body open at both ends and covered with a winding, the bottoms of said tank consisting of caps entering partly and without any clearance the ends of the cylinder, said caps carrying a pad applying onto the ends of the cylinder, a stay-rod located inside the cylinder being made directly integral with both caps through its two ends, a particular use of said tank being connected to an inflatable balloon for use in rescuing skiers.