Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing electroacoustic transducers which emp vibratile transducer elements includes an automatic method of measuring the motional impedance vs. frequency characteristics of a plurality of transducer elements and an automatic method of segregating the transducer elements into separate groups which are selected in accordance with the similarities of the measured motional impedance characteristics of the elements. The separate groups of selected transducer elements are then processed by changing a mechanical dimension of the elements in each separate group by a different specified amount which adjusts the motional impedance vs. frequency characteristic of each separate group to the same specified desired value. The processed transducer elements are then assembled into complete transducers, thereby achieving improved uniformity in the performance characteristics of the transducers which is obtained at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A machine for performing cutting operations on a workpiece has a rotatable carrier with several releasable processing heads which have rotatable spindles to hold cutting tools. A carrier drive mechanism is mounted on the machine to drive the carrier until a selected one of the heads is adjacent a spindle drive at the work station. The carrier drive has a crank on a rotatable shaft and a slidable plate with a recess to engage the crank to lock the carrier drive in an accurately predetermined position. The spindle drive has a hook and sliding plate mechanism to connect the selected head to the spindle drive. A latch device for releasably holding each head to the carrier is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire sun shield for use upon a load supporting wheel of a parked vehicle is formed from a one-piece member having a front face of a diameter generally corresponding to that of the tire to be shielded and an integral axially extending skirt joined to the front face along its outer periphery. The lower portion of the shield is cut away across a chord of the front face and through the skirt, forming opposed axially extending gripping edges on the skirt which are spaced from each other by a distance slightly less than that of a normal "load flat" of the tire when the tire is supporting a normal load. After the load on the tire is removed to permit the shield to be placed over the front face of the tire and then is reapplied, the gripping edges on the skirt bite into the tire at the opposite ends of the load flat to firmly retain the shield in position on the wheel, and inhibit its removal by wind force or for purposes of theft.

Abstract: A thermally sensitive actuator consists of a pressure cylinder comprising a tube, two end closure elements each secured to a respective end of the tube, a body of flowable material contained within the tube between the end closure elements, and a piston extending through a through-bore in one of the end closure elements and projecting into the body of flowable material. During assembly, the said body of flowable material is disposed within the tube between and abutting said end closure elements, while at least one of said end closure elements is not secured to the tube, so that said body of flowable material determines the distance apart of said end closure elements. The end closure elements are secured to the tube by displacing the peripheral edges of the ends of the latter inwardly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing cooled valves for internal combustion engines. From a first cylindrical billet is formed a valve blank by drilling an axial blind bore therein and machining an inner circumferential groove at the blind end portion of said bore. From a second cylindrical billet is machined a cylindrical rod-shaped core and at least two coolant feed and return flow channels, said core being inserted into the bore of said blank. Then said blank and said core are assembled by a hydrostatic extrusion.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a first generally planar sheet material into a tubular configuration and thereafter winding a second generally planar strip of material over a portion of the first material and thereafter inserting said first and second materials into a transparent or translucent barrel of a pen or mechanical pencil so that at least a portion of said first and second materials or any indicia carried thereon are displayed through the barrel.

Abstract: A gasket installing device comprises a hollow frame in which there is rotatably disposed a presser wheel having means on its circumference for engaging and pressing the gasket discharged from a guide passage against the panel edge at a position adjacent to an open side of the hollow frame. The presser wheel is driven by an electric motor through an overrunning clutch mechanism contained in the presser wheel. The clutch mechanism allows the presser wheel to be rotated by the motor only in one direction and also allows the wheel to rotate freely in the same direction when the motor is de-energized.

Abstract: A pair of continuous slide fastener stringers having a pair of stringer tapes including thermoplastic synthetic fibers and a pair of interengaged rows of fastener elements mounted on the confronting edges of the stringer tapes are provided with an element-free gap therein and are cut off transversely of the element-free gap to produce an individual slide fastener length at a first station with ultrasonic processing means. Simultaneously, the cut edges and ends are fused and a top end stop is mounted on the slide fastener length with heat induced by the ultrasonic processing means. While advancing from the first station, the element rows are separated and introduced into a slider through its throats which is supported on a slider holder. Upon arrival at a second station of the fastener stringers with the elements rows emerging from the slider mouth interengated, a bottom end stop is mounted on the fastener stringers across the coupled rows of fastener elements.

Abstract: A pair of continuous slide fastener stringers having a pair of stringers tapes including thermoplastic synthetic fibers and a pair of integrated rows of fastener elements mounted on the confronting edges of the stringer tapes are provided with an element-free gap therein and are cut off transversely of the element-free gap to produce an individual slide fastener length with ultrasonic processing means. Simultaneously, the cut edges and ends are fused, and top and bottom end stops are mounted respectively on the fastener slide stringers and the slide fastener length with heat induced by the ultrasonic processing means. The interengaged element rows while advancing are introduced into a slider through its mouth which is supported on a slider holder, with portions of the top end stop being forcibly flexed away from each other by the body of the slider, thereby allowing the top end stop to move past the slider.

Abstract: A process for the fabrication of a metal electrode having a vertical axis, composed of segments of two or more metal alloys of differing chemical compositions, these segments having masses and dimensions such that, after being joined to each other by various processes following an appropriately determined curve and junction surface, produce, after remelting by the Electroslag process, an ingot with a chemical composition which varies continuously along its axis, each chemical element varying in concentration along the axis according to a predetermined or arbitrarily selected equation. The ingot may be subjected to upset forging, metal blocks, slabs, flats, and plates and strips being obtained having chemical compositions which vary continuously along their thickness. By initially subjecting the obtained ingot to drawing with forging and/or rolling, bars, contour forgings and rings, with chemical composition varying continuously along their longitudinal axis, are obtained.

Abstract: An automatic tool exchanging apparatus of a machine tool in which a new tool having heavy weight such as 60-100 kg are conveyed with its shank downwardly directed and readily and safely exchanged with a used tool. The apparatus comprises a tool storing magazine, a first tool exchanging mechanism located in front of the magazine, a horizontal tool conveying mechanism connected to the first tool exchanging mechanism, a vertical tool conveying mechanism, a second tool exchanging mechanism located on one side of the vertical tool conveying mechanism, and an intermediate tool pot mechanism for transferring the tool from the second tool exchanging mechanism to the spindle shaft of the machine tool after horizontally rotating the tool.

Abstract: The spindle head of a gantry type vertical spindle machining center is slidably mounted on a spindle base which is pivotally mounted on the saddle for rocking movement about a horizontal axis to cause the axis of the spindle to tilt from the vertical. A tool storage magazine is mounted on the spindle base and is tiltable along with the spindle to enable toolholders to be transferred between the spindle and tool storage magazine at any spindle tilt angle. A tool changer arm is mounted on the tool storage magazine for transferring tools between the spindle and the tool storage magazine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which comprises the steps of forming a first insulating film on a semiconductor substrate of one conductivity type which forms a collector region, boring an opening through the first insulating film to expose part of the substrate, forming a semiconductor layer on the exposed surface of the substrate and the first insulating film, forming a base-collector junction by introducing an impurity of the other conductivity type into the semiconductor layer, selectively removing the semiconductor layer to leave a semiconductor region consecutively connected to the exposed surface on the first insulating film, covering the semiconductor region with a second insulating film, and boring an opening through the second insulating film and introducing through the opening an impurity of the one conductivity type into the semiconductor region, whereby an emitter region is formed.

Abstract: A low-cost dye-sensitized Schottky barrier solar cell comprised of a substrate of semiconductor with an ohmic contact on one face, a sensitizing dye adsorbed onto the opposite face of the semiconductor, a transparent thin-film layer of a reducing agent over the dye, and a thin-film layer of metal over the reducing agent. The ohmic contact and metal layer constitute electrodes for connection to an external circuit and one or the other or both are made transparent to permit light to penetrate to the dye and be absorbed therein for generating electric current.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprises a deformable electrically insulative substrate with a plurality of grooves formed therein extending in a direction parallel to a given axis. Electrically conductive wires are disposed in the grooves and extend beyond one end of the substrate. The grooves have a width and a depth such that the wires are accurately positioned in the substrate and securely held therein. Flexible, electrically conductive strips having a column of dome shaped portions or discs overlie the wires, each dome being formed with a centrally located projection which moves into engagement with a wire when the dome is depressed. Materials for the electrically conductive members are so chosen as to minimize corrosion problems. In the preferred embodiment, the strips are formed of a high strength brass, bus wires are of nickel containing bronze and contact wires are of nickel containing brass.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for adapting between an insulation displacement connector of one pitch and a standard plug or socket connector of another pitch using conductor inserts uniformly stamped and accurately offset to accommodate the difference in pitch by insertion into a molded insert guide.

Abstract: A folding blade pocketknife having a pivotally mounted leaf-type spring, one end of the spring being in contact with a cam surface of a pivotally mounted blade, the opposite end of the spring being in contact with a moveable surface, said moveable surface being adjustable for adjusting the effective tension of the knife blade.

Abstract: Novel cutting heads are described for apparatus used to cut vegetation and the like. The cutting heads are each adapted to be removably affixed to a rotatable shaft and rotated about an axis generally perpendicular with a cutting plane. At least one non-metallic flexible cutting line is affixed to the novel cutting head, and ramp members are affixed to the head member which are adapted to protect the cutting line retaining means from hitting obstructions in the cutting plane.

Abstract: A golf tee awl for making holes in the ground to make it easier to insert golf tees. The awl has a circular knob-shaped handle with a sharpened shank or spike protruding therefrom and a protective sheath which covers the sharpened shank when the awl is not in use. The sheath has a tubular shank receiving member which is pivotally connected to a clip which fits on the belt of a person using the awl. The tubular member can be rotated to a position with the open end of the member extending upwardly to hold the tee awl or it can be rotated to a position with the open end extending downwardly to make it easier to remove the awl by pulling it downwardly out of the sheath. The sheath and handle are preferably made of plastic and the shank and the clip for the sheath are preferably made of metal.

Abstract: An opener for removing an end panel portion of a container end unit. The opener includes a simple housing which may be molded of plastics material and which carries a blade for penetrating and severing the end panel along a preformed weakening line in the form of a score. There is also a magnet for retaining the severed end panel portion relative to the opener. Further, the housing has a separate skirt portion which is radially movable and which carries a ridge for underlying a double seam securing an end unit to a container body so as to lock the opener on the end unit once the blade has penetrated the end panel.

Abstract: A container opener particularly adapted for opening a container wherein the end wall of the container is provided with a preformed line of weakness. The container opener includes a closure member having depending therefrom an annular blade tapering in height for progressively effecting rupture along the line of weakness. A magnet is centrally located within the blade for retaining the cutout panel portion. The opener may be a simple device which is directly pushed toward the container manually, or may be incorporated in a suitable fixture including a base for supporting the container to be opened in a predetermined position.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement in endodontic drills used by dentists specializing in root canal dentistry. Present endodontic practice in the preparation, cleaning, and shaping of root canals in teeth entails the use of inefficient steel drills. The present invention provides a diamond coated drill and file combined of a design that assures an extremely smooth canal surface to facilitate the cleaning and sealing of the root canal.

Abstract: A device for measuring and exhibiting the length and width of the human foot which comprises a first movable member adapted to be placed in contact with the end of a foot and a second movable member adapted to be placed in contact with the side of the foot. The device also includes an alpha-numeric display means which is adapted to exhibit at a single location the various lengths and widths of a foot and means responsive to the placement of the movable members for enabling the exhibition in the display means of the specific length and width of the foot measured.

Abstract: A navigational plotter which generally comprises a rectangular elongated member comprising two straight edges and having a circular protractor rotatably secured thereto in the geometric center. The rectangular elongated member has a plurality of distance scales formed along and adjacent to each of the two opposite longitudinal straight edges thereof. These distance scales correspond to, for example, statute miles, nautical miles or kilometers, and each scale is spaced apart from the other to provide between adjacent scales a clear, unobstructed course line window which permits the navigational plotter to be placed over or adjacent to a course line on a chart without obscuring it. The scales along one longitudinal straight edge of the navigational plotter can correspond to the scaling of, for example, sectional charts, while those along the opposite longitudinal straight edge can correspond to, for example, the scaling of the WAC charts.

Abstract: A method is presented for aligning internal turbine components, such as a packing ring holder, a rotor during assembly of the turbine. The method includes the step of inserting a plurality of proximity probes into a gap between the rotor and the packing ring holder. Thereafter, the packing ring holder is adjusted until the readouts from all probes are the same. In order to practice the method, a tool has been devised for inserting the proximity probes into the gap. The tool comprises a semi-rigid metal strip upon which the probes are spaced and mounted and further includes means for biasing the probe away from the rotor surface.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in the pattern cone of the magnetic compass as described and claimed in copending application 769409, Harold T. Lyman, Jr., now U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,113. Simpler apparatus for trimming the sensor outputs of the sine and cosine of the angle between the craft's actual heading and the desired heading, are described and claimed.

Abstract: In the chamber of a fluidized bed reactor for processing powdered products, a pneumatic cleansing device is arranged which comprises at least one pipe member mounted to be movable parallel to a perforated powder supporting plate at a small distance from the upper side thereof and having nozzles for ejecting air or gas towards the supporting plate to remove depositions of material from the upper side thereof between the perforations in the plate through which a fluidization gas flows upwardly to form a fluidized powder layer overlying the plate. The cleansing device may comprise additional pipe members with nozzles for ejecting air or gas towards the side wall and ceiling of the chamber and may be constructed for use in a box-shaped chamber as well as a cylindrical chamber for fluidized bed reactors of the plug-flow or spray granulation types.

Abstract: The web drying section of a paper machine has a plurality of drying cylinders; an air permeable belt passes around one cylinder and the web to be dried passes outside the belt around the one cylinder; gussets defined in the region of initial engagement and final disengagement of the feeder belt with the one cylinder; the entrance side gusset includes an air lock to eliminate the boundary layers of air on the feeder belt and the drying cylinder and to minimize return of ambient air into the entrance side gusset, thereby to hold the web to the belt and drying cylinder; the exit side gusset includes an air lock adapted to permit the boundary layers of air to leave the exit side gusset and also to minimize return of ambient air into the exit side gusset; features of the air locks are disclosed; additional suction means improve the vacuum in the air lock gussets.

Abstract: A cylindrically shaped food dehydrator is disclosed including a base member, a plurality of stackable trays and a top member. The base member has a blower for moving air through the trays. The air flow in the trays moves from the circumference of the tray to the center of the tray.

Abstract: A wiping and drying device for an inlet seal roll provided on a high pressure steamer, which is characterized in that a cleaning and wiping member is made to contact a part of the surface of the sealing rubber roll before the part contacts a fiber product and further that a drying member for drying the cleaning and wiping is provided.

Abstract: A student learning to use a keyboard device is given brief instruction and then uses the keyboard. The instruction includes a final predetermined key or keyboard element manipulation, which completes instructions to signal the initiation of new instructions. The instructions and operational signals can be recorded together on a two-track record, such as magnetic tape, so that the instructions are coordinated with the system actuating signals. The system is manually started and introductory material is presented from the record. After instructions are given, a signal starts a clock to measure the elapsed time for performance of instructions. The clock is terminated by a system actuating signal following execution of the last instruction. In the preferred system, actuation of the predetermined key will initiate the record drive which will be stopped after each unit of instruction is given by an appropriate signal on the other track, different from the ones actuating the clock.

Abstract: A device for teaching horsemanship by providing visual indication activated by pressure switches to a rider for monitoring the way in which the horse is moving.

Abstract: A tension element for a ski boot fastener having a wire, i.e. cable, formed into a U-shape. The ends of the cable are received in a tube also bent into a U-shape. The ends of the tube are compressed onto the cable to effect a securement therebetween. The tube defines a clasp receivable in the hooks provided on a tension lever. The loop so formed is at least partly encased in plastic, the plastic material forming a web between the cable pieces forming the sides of the loop.

Abstract: A closure lever on the rear of a ski boot is engaged with a cable which passes beneath side lugs near the elevation of the sole of the boot and forwardly of the heel. The cable ends carry connectors which engage through apertures formed in the ends of a tension strap which passes transversely over the instep. In an alternative arrangement, the cable may be crossed beneath the sole of the boot and engaged within crossing grooves in the sole.

Abstract: This foot protector includes a front portion providing a protective cover for the toes and instep of the wearer and a wrap-around rear portion protecting the back and ankle portions of the foot, the protector being fully open at the bottom. The rear portion of the protector includes oppositely disposed sides extending above the front portion and the rear portion is formed into separable portions which are provided with lace openings. The upper side portions are also provided with lace openings so that the separated side portions can be laced together by a single lace which extends around the ankle to draw the sides together and secure the protector to the foot. Reinforcing strips are provided to strengthen the lace margins and the junction between the front and rear portions of the shoe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a very light weight portable single stage snow remover which is electrically powered, can be operated and manipulated in a sideways swinging fashion in the manner of a broom, can handle normally difficult areas to clean such as steps and patios, can conveniently and easily be used in larger areas such as driveways and sidewalks, and can be pushed forward along the surface to be cleaned without having to swing the unit when forward movement is more desirable than sideward movement. The snow remover comprises a bladed rotor which operates within a housing and is rotated by an electric motor, the blades of the rotor throwing the snow rearwardly and upwardly against a snow collecting and directing wall which projects the snow in the direction desired.

Abstract: A snow blower has a framework with a handle, a laterally adjustable vane shifter plate, a series of shiftable upright vanes for delivering streams of snow forwardly and laterally. The improvement, a snow deflector shield assembly which comprises an elongated laterally extending vane cap plate overlying and secured to the vane shifter plate. A flexible arcuate deflector shield along one edge is hingedly connected to said cap plate and overlies said vanes. A pitch-adjusting handle extends at right angles to and at one end is pivotally connected to said deflector shield and intermediate its ends is adjustably anchored upon the framework handle.

Abstract: An artists' canvas is preformed on its rear face with an integral perimetrical and an articulated frame is composed of sectionally hinged rigid pivotally interconnected bars and is disposed flat at the rear face and is movable from a collapsed pointed star shape into a rigid rectangular expanded condition wherein the hinged sections of each bar are in axial alignment and are held in such state by positive locking latches provided at each hinge point. In such expanded condition, the bars fit in the pocket and the expanded frame exerts a constant even stretching force in all directions on the canvas which is held in a taut condition, ready for artistic usage, and which can be removed undamaged from the frame.

Abstract: Two spaced apart, generally flat, outer members have a connector connecting them together at their centers. A third member having at least one segment portion connected thereto by resilient inwardly biasing members is positioned in the space between the outer members and has an inclined surface on at least one side thereof mating with a complimentary inclined surface on one of the outer members, whereby squeezing the outer members together at their perimeters adjacent the segment portion causes the segment portion to extend outwardly from the perimeters of the outer members and the connector, and to retract when the squeezing pressure is removed.

Abstract: A fish attracting device which produces both light and sound when immersed in water includes a halogen-filled quartz envelope lamp, the base portion of which is enclosed in an insulating elastomer and then enclosed in a body of material such as lead having significant negative buoyancy. About half of the lamp envelope is exposed to the water and is protected by a wire cage. Conductors extend from the lamp wires through the molded body and can be used to suspend the device from a boat. The lamp, when submerged and energized, produces intense light and a crackling sound which is attractive to fish. A method of making the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A forearm rest for assisting an angler in holding a spinning type of fishing rod and for allowing the angler to freely cast without hinderance. The forearm rest includes a long narrow arcuate portion extending outwardly from the handle for accommodating the forearm of the angler and includes a handle attaching portion for secure connection to a desired position along the handle of the fishing rod.

Abstract: A collapsible playhouse made from two halves of sheet material, such as corrugated cardboard, secured together. Material is applied at the edges to make them smooth and prevent cuts from being inflicted on the user. The applied material also strengthens the edge areas. It may be provided in the form of tape, or of tabs extended from the free edges to be folded back therefrom. The edges could be compressed to the normal sheet thickness by running the material through a roller press.

Abstract: A toy sleigh consisting of a body portion and a pair of runners each of which are separately produced and assembled, the body portion having a plurality of aligned bores in its bottom wall adjacent the side wall of the body portion, the bores receiving stem portions mounted on the runners, the stem portions having a boss forming a shoulder preventing the inadvertant sliding of the stem portions from the bores after the runners have been releasably secured to the body portion.

Abstract: A dual sheet winch apparatus is disclosed to manipulate a Genoa type of foresail on a model sailboat. Each line is attached to the clew of the Genoa at a first end, one line being reeled in or out at its second end by a port winch, the other being reeled in or out at its second end by a starboard winch for the control of the Genoa foresail for model sailboat maneuvering purposes. The separate winches are manipulated by a remotely controlled geared electric motor.

Abstract: A laminated mat for growing lawns or other vegetation on soil comprises a base sheet of water pervious, bio-degradable web material. Joined to the base sheet by an adhesive binder is a bed of seeds and dried, compressed peat particles. Secured to the bed of seeds and peat particles is an upper laminate comprising a fibrous, porous veil which protects and retains the bed therebelow. The upper veil is water pervious to pass water therethrough to the bed of peat particles and seeds. The bio-degradable veil also easily expands to retain the wet, expanded peat particles and the seeds entrained by the peat particles and the veil.

Abstract: An assemblable toy figure has a hollow trunk divided into front and rear portions, a head mounted for relative rotation on a locking bar that engages in internal recesses in the trunk portions, and arms and legs respectively pivotable relative to the trunk. The legs are mounted on pins extending from a pivot joint supported from within the trunk and rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the trunk, whereby in the assembled figure the trunk can turn laterally relative to the legs.

Abstract: A supporting device for a severed tree or other article having a normally vertically-extending trunk comprises a platform providing upper surfaces generally within a horizontal plane on which is guidably and/or slidably supported a receptacle to which the bottom portion of the trunk may be secured and the receptacle secured in fixed position on the platform. Flexible, resiliently extendable guy members connect an upward part of the trunk to portions of the platform spaced radially outwardly beyond the range of positions in which the receptacle may be secured along the upper surface of the platform.

Abstract: A method for constructing a shrubbery shaper for shaping plants and shrubs into a desired three dimensional form which includes the steps of tracing a suitable pattern in the configuration of an object which will form the shape of the shrubbery shaper; cutting a quantity of open mesh wire to a selected width and length to form a frame; shaping the open mesh wire into the pattern configuration; shaping side panels in the pattern configuration for attachment to the frame; planting suitable shrubbery at a selected location and spacing; and placing the shrubbery shaper over the planted shrubbery and securing it to the ground.

Abstract: A locking assembly suitable for a plurality of sliding doors is disclosed. The assembly includes, at each door, a vertical drop bar in the door jamb with catches for engaging and locking the door at preferably two locations when the bar is lowered and the door is closed. The bar may be lifted by three different means: by a remotely operable motor which may be actuated to rotate a cam through one revolution, thereby lifting up on a rigid horizontal extension of the drop bar; by rotating a key in a key cylinder, which operates a similar rotatable cam to raise the bar; and by an emergency release mechanism including a manually slidable linkage member at the top of the frame, effective when its position is shifted to mechanically lift the drop bar. A deadlock is preferably provided to normally lock the bar in its lower, locking position, the deadlock being releasable upon actuation of any of the three drop bar lifting means.

Abstract: The grinding efficiency, performance and quality of the object ground can be increased by employing a grinder which has a grindstone treated with a wax which is impregnated into the grindstone by use of a heated solution of a higher aliphatic acid and higher alcohol group.