Abstract: An attachment for bicycles which allows a wheeled shopping cart to be towed behind a conventional bicycle with universal pivoting and turning means to take care of uneven terrain, cornering and other movements which a vehicle-towed device may be subject to.

Abstract: A ski binding wherein a cross-country ski boot is attached to a ski by way of an extension portion of an outer sole projecting beyond a forwardly located tip of the ski boot. The extension portion has on its top side a transversely oriented rib-like bulge. A reinforcing insert is arranged in the outer sole of the cross-country ski boot with the insert extending at least from a ball portion of the outer sole into a zone of the rib-like bulge. A fastening arrangement is provided for clampingly engaging the rib-like bulge with the fastening arrangement extending in a claw-like manner over the rib-like bulge so as to clampingly embrace the bulge.

Abstract: A ski-binding device for cross-country skis comprising a base plate fastened to a ski, a movable holder element pivoted as a rocker arm with one end of the holder element engaging the front portion of a ski boot and the other end of the element being tensioned by a lever arm with at least one cam lobe pressing upwards on the holder element. The cam lobe is angled at less than 180.degree. from the lever arm. A spring is provided between the pivot point of the holder element and the area in which the holder element engages the front portion of the ski boot. The spring forces the holder element in a rocker arm fashion out of engagement with the ski boot when the tensioning lever arm is released and additionally retains the tensioning lever arm in a trough-shaped depression when the binding is out of engagement with the ski boot. Pins resting in selectively-utilizable boreholes are mounted on the block portion of the base plate for engagement with the front portion of the ski boot from below.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved system of providing power having a unique generating means of the nuclear reactor variety adapted with a plurality of steam generators in the form of replaceable modular units of the expendable type for the attainment of the optimum in effective and efficient vaporization of fluid during the process of generating power.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a connector for pipe joints in which inner and outer tubular connecting members are telescopically engaged. The connecting members are secured to one another by a jointing compound which is cast in the tubular passage between the members. A preformed element, normally in the form of an O-ring is fitted at the inner end of the tubular passage to provide means for locating the members relative to each other prior to delivery of the jointing compound. A similar preformed element may be located at the outer end of the tubular passage after delivery of the jointing compound to further stabilize the joint. The jointing compound and the preformed element or elements are each electrically insulating whereby one member is electrically isolated from the other in the connector.

Abstract: A coupling for sealing two tubes together in end-to-end sealing engagement, comprises an outer tubular sleeve having an interior bore with a plurality of radially extending grooves therein at spaced axial locations and an inner tubular seal arranged within the outer tubular sleeve and having an exterior wall with radially outwardly extending ribs which engage into the respective grooves. The seal has an interior bore with an entrance diameter at each end at least as large as the tubes to be joined or larger so as to have an inwardly tapered entrance. The seal includes a bore wall defining a compression flange with an inwardly, gradually tapering wall adjacent each entrance which tapers inwardly in an axial direction for diameters substantially smaller than the tube. The compression flange also includes an opposite steeply tapering wall which extends in an axial opposite direction to the gradually tapering wall.

Abstract: A wall feedthrough fitting comprises a feedthrough tube that is embedded in a wall and has a pair of opposite ends each exposed to the respective face of the wall. An annular seal surrounds this tube adjacent one of the ends and radially inwardly bears on the tube and radially outwardly bears on a holding ring embedded in the wall and spacedly surrounding the tube. This holding ring extends axially toward one end of the tube beyond the seal and has between the seal and this one end an internal screwthread. A pressure ring is threaded into this holding ring and may bear directly via an axial face or indirectly via an intermediate ring on the seal. The tube may be provided at its one end with an external thread that engages a complementary thread inside the pressure ring.

Abstract: A multiport piggable fluid-swivel comprising a first member having a first face, a second member having a second face adjoining and mating with the first face of the first member, the first face and the second face being positioned to rotate relative to each other about a common axis, a fluid conduit defined by a first raceway in the first face and a second raceway in the second face opposite the first raceway, an inlet conduit communicating with the fluid conduit and directed thereto at an angle so as to permit a pipeline pig to travel from the inlet conduit to the fluid conduit, an outlet conduit communicating with the fluid conduit, and a pipeline pig guide means extending from the fluid conduit to the outlet conduit to direct a pipeline pig from the fluid conduit to the outlet conduit.

Abstract: An anti-rattle mechanism for automatically and releasably latching a door hinged to a vehicle body is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a cylindrical pin carried by a first mounting member which pin is compressively captured against an abutment surface on a second mounting member by a cam hook member pivotally carried by the second mounting member. The compressive capture of the cylindrical pin against the abutment surface by the cam hook member to provide automatic latching and anti-rattle features is described. A specific embodiment including minimum moving parts and providing for one-handed operation is disclosed.

Abstract: Window latching apparatus for securing a cab window above the head of an operator includes a rotatable cam mounted to a side roof rail of the cab. A pin projecting from frame of window engages a slot in the cam. Lever means including spring biasing means are provided to interlock with cam to retain window in safely stowed position overhead of the operator.

Abstract: A phonographic record handling device, preferably made of flexible plastic, has at one end a loop tapered to snugly receive the thumb, with an extension extending outwardly from the loop at an angle of about 10.degree. to 20.degree. from the horizontal plane extending across the sides of the thumb distal joint. A downwardly extending hook is at the other end of the extension. The hook is bent back towards the loop, but forwardly towards the front of the device for better alignment of the hook with a record spindle hole. The thumb is inserted in the loop and the hand is moved so that the hook extends into the record hole so that the record can be handled using but a single hand. The device can be shaped from a single flat strip of material.

Abstract: A single line clamshell bucket apparatus having new and improved guided amatic latching means for effecting positive operation while raising, lowering and operating the bucket apparatus for picking up and dumping a load.

Abstract: A hook assembly usable with conventional load lifting equipment has a frame and a generally arcuate hook member pivotally assembled to the frame. The hook member is rotatable relative to the frame between an open position for engagement of a load loop, such as a link or sling, a closed position to secure the load for handling, and a discharge position for dropping the load loop from the hook assembly. The frame has a contoured portion fashioned to cooperate with a hook member tip and body portion to define a closed, load retaining eye when the hook member is in the closed position, and an open, unobstructed throat when the hook member is in the open position. A releasable lock mechanism is assembled with respect to the frame and is operable to hold the hook member in an open position, to lock it in the closed position and to release to allow the hook member to move to the discharge position. The releasable lock mechanism includes a locking member fixed for guided movement relative to the frame.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a fixed roof with a cutout and a lift roof for covering the cutout there is provided apparatus enclosing the space between the lift roof and the cutout which includes a clamping rail fixed along the edge of the roof cutout, a flexible covering having one edge fixed to the peripheral edge of the lift roof, and a clamping part fixed to another edge of the flexible covering, the clamping part being contoured to engage the clamping rail.

Abstract: A vehicle cover assembly including a housing disposed adjacent a passenger compartment of a vehicle, a roller disposed in the housing, a flexible shade disposed on the roller, conveyor wheels attached to the roller at either end thereof, conveyor lines mounted on the conveyor wheels, the shade being connected to the conveyor lines, brackets mounted on upper exterior portions of the passenger compartment and adjacent the passenger compartment at an end thereof remote from the housing, conveyor spools mounted on the brackets and having the conveyor lines mounted thereon; the shade may be moved out of the housing and along the conveyor lines to the passenger compartment end remote from the housing to cover the passenger compartment at the top and either end thereof. The intermediate brackets are preferably mounted on the rain gutters (note FIG. 2) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for the underground mining of thin seams of certain minerals, such as coal, particularly minerals capable of being bored or cut, employing walls formed in place. A relatively narrow substantially rectangular drift is cut in the seam, usually the entire height of the ore formation. The drift is then filled with low-grade concrete to form a wall. After the concrete has set to have sufficient compressive strength to provide support for the overburden, additional drifts are driven immediately adjacent to the wall and are joined behind the wall, so as to allow for air circulation around the wall and provide space to repeat the process. In this way, a plurality of tandem walls can be introduced through the working area of the seam. Between each tandem wall, a temporary barrier is erected, having manways with closeable doors therein as required, so that forced ventilation will travel the full length of one drift and return back through the companion drift.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device for sliding bearings, such as hydrostatic bearings or hydrodynamic bearings particularly adapted for absorbing shock loads from a crusher shaft of a bell crusher comprising a base and a first element mounted on the base, a first chamber between the first element and the base of predetermined cross sectional area. The chamber is adapted to be supplied with a fluid under pressure. A second element is mounted between the machine member such as the crusher shaft and the first element and spaced from the latter to define a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The ball is mounted in a spherical seat in the first element and a piston in the second element engages the ball on the side thereof opposite the seat. Biasing means normally urges the piston against the ball.

Abstract: A stop device limits rods, such as control rods, used in helicopter flight control systems, from roll-over in selected directions, while allowing substantially unrestricted motion in other directions.

Abstract: The separator is a single integral annular member with an inclined annular wall interconnecting a radially inner annular flange which extends in one longitudinal direction and a radially outer annular flange extending on the opposite side of the inclined wall in the opposite longitudinal direction from the inner annular flange. The new roller thrust bearing comprises the single integral separator between two thrust races.

Abstract: The bearing assembly includes a bearing and a member mounted in the bearing and adapted for movement relative thereto. The bearing has a window therein and a contactor is positioned to substantially fill the window. There is a housing means for defining a chamber about the bearing and contactor, the contactor housing a portion projecting through the window to a position adjacent to the member and another portion in the chamber. An oil-impregnated wicking material substantially fills the chamber and is molded into intimate engagement with the portion of the contactor in the chamber. The oil-impregnated wicking material comprises a fluent mixture of oil and oil retaining particles.

Abstract: In railway car center plate swivel connections, horizontal and vertical loads are distributed more evenly along the bearing surfaces when the body center plate assembly includes an annular, elastomeric pad having horizontal and vertical bearing surfaces, in which the elastomeric pad has a centrally disposed opening, is positioned concentrically around and adjacent to a partial center plate which fills the centrally disposed opening.

Abstract: A roller bearing comprising an inner ring, a concentric outer ring and a plurality of supporting rollers as well as separating rollers is improved by a cage ring which is concentric and rigidly attached to either the inner or the outer ring. This cage ring holds the separating rollers in their position by engaging with an area of these separating rollers having a different radius from that portion of the separating rollers that engages with the supporting rollers. A specific ratio of the different radii that is important for the synchronous movement of the various parts in the bearing is given.

Abstract: This relates to the mounting of brushes in a rotary electrical joint in a manner wherein the frictional force applied to a brush by a rotary member is restrained so as to eliminate prior tilting of the brush in a manner wherein excessive wear occurred adjacent the leading edge of the brush. Most particularly, the brush is so restrained wherein any tendency thereof to pivot will occur generally about an axis disposed adjacent the leading edge so that there is a uniform force application of the brush against the rotary member and thus a uniform wearing of the brush.

Abstract: A single-bolt joint having louvered contact strips interposed the bus bars and conductor splice plates for improved electrical connection under low insertion forces is tightened to become a solid connector assembly prior to attachment to the bus bars of a first bus duct and requires no additional tightening after insertion of the bus bars of the second bus duct. Expansion of the bus bars is accommodated at each joint without special apparatus.

Abstract: An electrically insulating material housing for an electrical terminal comprising a receptacle portion for receiving a flat tab and a crimping ferrule portion axially aligned with the receptacle portion, the receptacle portion having a substantially flat base from the edges of which extend a pair of inwardly rolled over arms having their free ends directed towards the base such that the tab can be received and gripped between the free ends of the arms and the base, the housing being in the form of a tube having a pair of spaced parallel side walls joined by a bottom wall, and a top wall which slopes inwardly from each side wall of the housing towards the center of the top wall, the top wall carrying a stop projecting into the housing and arranged to engage behind the rolled over arms of a terminal when inserted into the housing from one end, and there being an inwardly directed stop at the other end of the housing whereby an inserted terminal is secured within the housing by engagement with the stops.

Abstract: A feed-thru type hermetic electrical connector including at least one connector pin feeding through an insulator block within the metallic body of the connector shell. A compression stop arrangement coaxially disposed about the insulator body is brazed to the shell, and the shoulder on the insulator block bears against this top in a compression mode, the high pressure or internal connector being at the opposite end of the shell. Seals between the pin and an internal bore at the high pressure end of the insulator block and between the insulator block and the metallic shell at the high pressure end are hermetically brazed in place, the first of these also functioning to transfer the axial compressive load without permitting appreciable shear action between the pin and insulator block.

Abstract: An adapter for routing shielded electrical wires to a connector and which comprises a plurality of spacer-shield connecting member pairs located between a base of a socket and an end plate. The spacers and shield connecting members have square central openings which are aligned with openings formed through the base and socket. Each spacer has a side opening for receiving the wires which are routed through the openings of the base and socket. The shields of the wires are connected to tabs formed on the shield connecting members. The end plate, spacers, shield connecting members, and base each has four apertures which define the four corners of a square for receiving connecting means for securing the components together.

Abstract: A circuit panel connector for enabling the connection of a plurality of circuit terminals at the edge of a circuit panel, such as a printed circuit board, with external conductors includes a unitary block of dielectric material with an elongate slot and self-aligning unitary electrical contact members each having opposed tines for receiving the edge of the circuit panel and a terminal portion with a platform and a clamping screw for selectively securing an external conductor to the electrical contact member.

Abstract: An electrical clamp assembly of the type for securing electrical conductive elements to an electrical device, such as an electrical terminal, comprises an interconnected clamping plate and screw. Bearing surfaces between the clamping plate and screw head comprise an anti-friction ball joint. The ball joint provides a means for converting the entire amount of tightening-torque applied to the screw head to substantially an equivalent amount of clamping force at a clamping surface of the plate by minimizing frictional resistance between the bearing surfaces. A race-like portion of the ball joint also provides a means for inseparably holding the plate about an unthreaded portion of a partially threaded screw shank without allowing the plate to harmfully abuttingly interfere with the threads of the screw. A plurality of ribs are disposed on the bottom surface of the plate to form a rhombus-like pattern and to prevent lateral slipping of the conductive wire during torquing of the screw.

Abstract: A secure communications system is disclosed which utilizes an optical infation signal transmitted over a frangible optical fiber. An alarm signal is continuously transmitted from the information receiver site to the information transmitter site over the same optical fiber. Any attempt to penetrate the optical fiber for the purpose of intercepting the information transmitted therein causes the frangible fiber to shatter, thereby disrupting the alarm signal being received at the information transmitter site. The detection of this condition results in the immediate disabling of the information transmitter.

Abstract: A system of passive or static optics for combining distinct beams of laser radiation into a number of output beams, each having colinear, superimposed beam components of the original radiation. This system further provides power sharing between the combined beams of the power in the original input beams of laser radiation.

Abstract: A microscope objective lens system having a large working distance which comprises a first positive meniscus lens component, a second positive cemented lens component, a third positive cemented lens component and a fourth negative meniscus lens component and wherein a flat image plane is obtained.

Abstract: Improved electrochromic devices result from the incorporation of novel polymeric electrolytes. The electrolytes are based upon copolymers prepared from vinyl monomers and acid-group-containing monomers.

Abstract: A varifocal camera objective is adjusted in its telephoto position, by an axial shift of one of its movable components or by the insertion of a negative lens member, to extend its overall focal length with consequent increase in its back-focal length, that increase being compensated by the emplacement of a supplemental positive lens member in first or second position. If the movement of the shiftable component is controlled by a cam track, the axial displacement thereof beyond the varifocal range may be normally blocked and may be unblocked only when a feeler detects the presence of the supplemental positive lens member. A similar feeler mechanism may be used to prevent the emplacement of an attachment bearing such a supplemental lens member unless the shiftable component is enabled to move into its off-normal position. A focal-length-increasing negative lens member may be carried on an eccentric disk for selective interposition into the path of incident light rays just ahead of a reflex prism.

Abstract: A manual manipulator mechanism for a surgical or industrial laser employs reflecting mirrors 1, 3 each rotatable about two perpendicular axes, to thereby reduce the total number of mirrors required and simplify the overall mechanism. Optical alignment is maintained by a linkage arm and yoke arrangement which is fully rotatable about a first axis, and which causes the controlled mirror to pivot through an angle one-half as much as the laser beam outlet tube 13 pivots about a second axis. The linkage arms may be replaced by a gear or friction wheel mechanism.

Abstract: A sponge sound absorbing article for placement on the side frames of eyeglasses for workers employed in very noisy environments. The sound absorbing article eliminates any sound gap between the sides of the eyeglass frames and conventional earmuffs to protect the ears from sustained exposure to dangerous noise levels.

Abstract: An optical lens for differential correction comprising two transparent walls defining an enclosed space having therein a quantity of a transparent liquid with a predetermined optical index; the walls are so formed as to provide at the optical center a capillary space into which the liquid is aspirated when the lens is tilted at a predetermined angle for changing the power of the lens.

Abstract: A motion picture camera employs a mounting plate supported within the camera housing by means of sound-insulating connectors. All of the sound-generating moving parts are supported solely on the mounting plate. The lens, however, is mounted directly on the camera housing and is out of contact with the support plate and is thus prevented from radiating sound generated within the camera housing. The sound-insulating connectors which support the mounting plate within the camera housing are adjustable, to adjust the position of the camera "movement" with respect to the axis of the lens.

Abstract: A device for transporting slides in a horizontal plane to be projected by a slide projector. More particularly, a retaining means adapted to tolerate bowed slides by having clearance grooves for receiving the bowed slides and for permitting same to set level thereupon.

Abstract: Photomicrographic exposure meter for cameras attached to microscopes in which part of the picture-taking beam is reflected by means of a beam-splitter and where the reflected beam part projects an image of the object onto an image plane, measuring field stop is located in the image plane with an aperture for detail or spot measurements and an insertable photo-electric detector cooperates therewith downstream of the stop in the direction of light.The beam part is reflected by at least one specular means (12,61) to the measuring field stop (13). The stop is gimbal-suspended and means are provided both for displacing the gimbal-suspended specular means (12,61) and for viewing the object detail appearing in the stop aperture.

Abstract: In a photographic camera capable of programmed automatic exposure control, circuitry is provided for also enabling exposure time-preferred automatic diaphragm control and diaphragm-preferred automatic exposure time control. The diaphragm is settable to an initial aperture size, which may be the fully opened aperture, and is capable of being changed to different aperture sizes. A first signal is generated in accordance with the logarithm of the light intensity measured through the diaphragm. A second signal is generated in accordance with a manual exposure time setting circuit. A third signal intermediate the first and second signals is generated with a predetermined ratio between the difference of the first and third signals with respect to the difference between the third and second signals.

Abstract: In the exposure control system disclosed, a first photoelectric element responds to light from a scene to be photographed. A second photoelectric element is a spot sensor set to respond from a portion of the scene to be photographed. An exposure control circuit which is coupled to the first and second photoelectric elements controls the shutter and aperture on the basis of at least the relationship between the responses of the first and second photoelectric elements.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is disclosed for adjustably mounting an aerial photaphy camera externally of an aircraft, including a support adapted for attachment to the outside of an aircraft, an aerial photography camera, a control rod connected at one end with the camera, and a bearing device connecting the control rod with the support, said bearing device affording both rotation of the control rod about its longitudinal axis, and pivotal movement of the control rod about a generally horizontal pivot axis, whereby when the support is connected with the airplane, the camera may be adjusted to an orientation in which its optical axis extends vertically.

Abstract: A film unit processing means in an auto-process camera, comprising first and second processing rolls or bars, and a frame to support said rolls or bars. In supporting said rolls, bars, or a combination, one above the other by the frame to define a passage therebetween for movement of the film unit therethrough, they are relatively inclined to cross at their centers at a predetermined angle to the plane perpendicular to the plane of advance of the film unit to provide an optimum pressure to process the film unit.

Abstract: In a photographic apparatus of the type which includes a pair of motor driven cylindrical processing rollers and a film advancing mechanism for consecutively transporting and processing a stacked array of flexible, integral type self-processable film units, an improved roller mounting arrangement is provided by which the cylindrical processing rollers are mounted with their axes of rotation crossed in a predetermined manner to operate in conjunction with a post-roller film deflecting plate to assure that the film unit's processing fluid is distributed over preselected portions of the film unit in a substantially uniform thin layer, the improvement operating to correct inherent nonuniformities in the thickness of the processing fluid layer which would occur if the rollers were not cross-mounted and the deflecting plate were not present.

Abstract: In a camera provided with a data or auxiliary information recording device and an electronic flash device for illuminating an object scene to be photographed, another electronic flash device is provided for the illumination of data to be recorded. A single power source is used for both the above two electronic flash devices and an automatic exposure control circuit. To avoid a voltage drop of the power source during the operation of the exposure control circuit due to charging of the main capacitor for the electronic flash for the scene illumination, a power supply switch for the main capacitor charging circuit is manually closed independently of the camera exposure operation. A capacitor for energizing the electronic flash for the data illumination is charged in conjunction with the camera release operation before the camera exposure is commenced.

Abstract: In a motor drive device for long-footage film having a first motor for effecting shutter release and for driving a constant-amount film feeding sprocket and a second motor for starting to drive to effect take-up of the film onto a spool upon starting of movement of the sprocket, there is provided a timing circuit for generating a shutter release signal which drives the first motor to effect shutter release immediately after the complete stoppage of the second motor and which effects film take-up immediately after completion of the shutter release. The timing circuit repetitively generates such a shutter release signal at a time interval from the shutter release to the complete stoppage of the second motor.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens for cameras which can be modified so as to be able to be fitted to all types of cameras by only interchanging mount assemblies containing various different types of diaphragm operating means by using a lens barrel assembly containing a lens system and diaphragm blade means in common. In order to make the mass production and maintenance of high performances possible, this interchangeable lens includes a diaphragm operating lever which can be pivoted to the lens barrel assembly by a pin-hole connection and a diaphragm controlling cam ring and diaphragm correcting cam ring which can be rotatably held between the lens barrel assembly and mount assembly.

Abstract: A camera adapted to receive film perforated at predetermined metering intervals, is provided with electromagnetic shutter release means which includes switch means for preventing double exposure. The switch means permits shutter release operation when the camera is not loaded with film as well as when a fresh film frame is in registry with the camera exposure area. In preferred embodiments, the switch means may be operated by a film perforation sensing mechanism and/or film cartridge sensing means.

Abstract: An automatic anti-oxidation fluid replenisher system for processors of photosensitive material has an improved, digital electronic control system. The control system includes a digital binary counter which is counted down if use-related chemical replenishment is not occurring in the processor, and is counted up (generally at a different rate) if use-related chemical replenishment is occurring in the processor. When the counter reaches a predetermined value (e.g. zero), a detection circuit triggers anti-oxidation replenishment and resets the counter to its original value for further operation. A special circuit protects against counter roll-over should the counter reach its maximum capacity due to frequent chemical replenishment activity.