Abstract: An apparatus and method for coding each distributor socket, each corresponding ignition cable at the socket end and at the spark plug end, and each corresponding spark plug location. Application of the apparatus and method will permit the complete temporary separation of the ignition cables, the changing of spark plugs, replacement of the distributor cap, engine tune-up and check-out procedures while maintaining correlation therein between and thus preventing foul-up of the firing order of the internal combustion engine. The apparatus contains three sets of numbered clips and one set of numbered magnets which are respectively utilized for identification from each distributor socket via its ignition cable to its proper spark plug location.

Abstract: A decorative panel assembly which includes a backing or supporting panel and a second or facing panel spaced from the backing panel. The facing panel includes a plurality of circular apertures therein and a plurality of spheres are loosely held hostage between the panels, the spheres each having a portion extending through the apertures. The spheres are supported such that they are each freely rotatable, and one hemispherical portion of each of the spheres is one color and the other hemispherical portion of each of the spheres is a contrasting color. The decorative panels may be used to form a wall or large decorative surface incorporating a large number of the rotatable spheres and whereby visual patterns can be formed by rotating the respective spheres such that the desired colored portion of the sphere surface projects through the respective aperture.

Abstract: An optical display presenting a display field at least one digit in a seven segment arrangement, a stack of seven plate elements for each digit and arranged in a stack, a single light source directing light into the light inlet ends of all of the seven plates, a movable shutter element wth transparent and opaque areas movable across the light source and light inlets of the plates, each plate having a chamfered edge portion remote from the light inlet end and reflecting light transversely of the plate and onto the display field.

Abstract: A plurality of generally rectangular frames hinged together and having dislay panels mounted in display areas defined by the frames. Each frame includes a horizontal top frame member having downturned end portions and U-shaped frame members having horizontal bottom frame portions and laterally spaced apart vertical tubular side frame portion; shaving longitudinal slots. Connector pins at the end portions of the top frame members are received in open upper ends of the tubular side frame portions. Display panels in the display areas are formed with outwardly projecting mounting tabs that are received in the slots of the side frame portions to hold the panels in place. Supporting legs have yokes at their upper ends that slidably engage the bottom frame portions of given ones of the frames, and clamping elements releasably lock the bottom frame portions against sliding movements in the yokes.

Abstract: A display sign for outdoor utilization and designed for resisting overturning under strong wind conditions incorporating a relatively enlarged flat panel for carrying an advertising message. A standard for said sign comprising uprights, with the sign being pivotally engaged in its side margins to said uprights for normal swingable action against a transversely extending pivot axis. Said axis is located for coincidence with a line passing through the upper limit of the lower third of said sign and with there being counterweights mounted fixedly at the lower end of said sign for establishing a relatively low center of gravity as well as a predetermined ratio between the lower third and upper two-thirds of said sign to prevent overturning as well as windmill movement during high wind conditions.

Abstract: A device for indicating the pull of a fish on a line including an adjustably biased activator, such as an electrical contact which can be separated by a non-conductive portion of a fishing line. A pull on the line removes the line from the contact which closes due to the bias and completes an electrical circuit. The circuit includes an audible or visual alarm, or both. The device can be small and lightweight, and fitted directly to a fishing rod, a rod support or other convenient support structure.

Abstract: A resilient assembly comprising two resilient members so constructed as to provide a selected stiffness factor. In its fundamental form the assembly, when embodied in a practical structure, such as a fishing rod, and subjected to a load transversely applied to one end or along its length, functions similarly to a conventional tapered fishing rod up to some predetermined limit of flexure and, upon reaching such limit, additional resistance to flexure is introduced automatically.

Abstract: An aquatic fishing lure, or bait, as an article of manufacture, for use with a rod, line and hook, and usually a reel. The lure is comprised of an elongate body over the length of is extended is extended a thin, flexible dorsal fin, or membraneous-like member which, when the lure is placed in water and moved relative thereto, the fin will undulate or ripple to simulate life-like action. Generally, the fin extends over at least one-half, and preferably from about 75 percent to 95 percent of the length of the elongate body. The elongate body member is constituted of a rigid, semirigid or flexible material, and in its most preferred form is constituted of a flexible plastic material, notably worm plastic. The elongate body, in a preferred embodiment, is worm-like in appearance, and provided with striae, which provide a body of knobbed appearance.

Abstract: The specification discloses an elastomeric fishing worm lure. The lure includes a solid head portion having a cylindrical cross-sectional shape along with a hollow tubular central portion having a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. A plurality of circular grooved ribs extend throughout the internal length of the hollow tubular central portion for retaining air within the tubular central portion and for decreasing the discharge rate of the air retained therein when the lure is submerged in water. A hollow tail portion extends from the hollow tubular central portion and includes a plurality of tail segments. Each of the plurality of tail segments includes a plurality of grooved ribs for increasing water turbulence as the lure is moved through water.

Abstract: A fishhook having an offset in its shank which acts as a lever to turn the hook as pressure is applied to the line so as to engage the point in the flesh of the fish regardless of the angle at which pressure is applied to the line.

Abstract: Apparatus for trapping rodents or other parasitic animals is disclosed. The apparatus is inexpensive to manufacture and includes unique features which add to the efficiency while at the same time reducing the danger to children or pets from the action of the trap apparatus or the trapped and vicious animal. The apparatus includes a cylindrical container or drum which lays on its side and is open on at least one end. Rails or feet are welded to the outside of the drum for purposes of maintaining the drum in a selected position. A close-fitting end piece which can be secured to the open end of the drum includes a heavy wire mesh basket attached thereto so that the wire mesh basket is inside the drum when the end piece is in place. A passage through the end piece connects the interior of the basket to the outside. Located in the passage is a one-way control device which will allow the animal to enter the basket from the outside but will not allow passage from the basket to the outside.

Abstract: An insect capturing device is substantially a hollow pyramid in configuration and includes a closed base portion, opposed front and back walls, opposed side walls, and a cover member. Each of the front and back walls extends upwardly from the base at substantially an acute angle, and includes a central aperture which extends from the top portion of each wall to an intermediate portion thereof. The side walls each extend upwardly from the base at substantially an acute angle, the top edge of each side wall being free and spaced from the cover portion. The cover member is substantially parallel to the base and connects the front and back walls. The cover portion has a width less than that of the base and includes a pair of roof members each of which extends from the top portion of the front and back walls such that it extends over the aperture of its respective wall member.

Abstract: A simulated burner for a toy cooking stove, range or the like. The burner comprises a first member having at least one slot extending therethrough. The burner has a second member having a projection complementary to and in register with the slot. The first and second members are preferably of contrasting colors. The first and second members are movable relative to one another causing the projection to gradually move between retracted and extended positions. In the retracted position, the projection is out of and adjacent one side of the slot and not appreciably visible to the operator. In this retracted position, the burner simulates an "off" or "no heat" condition. In the extended position, the projection extends through the slot and is highly visible to the operator. In this extended position, the burner simulates a maximum heat condition. In the positions between retracted and extended positions, the burner simulates varying heat conditions.

Abstract: A toy assembly capable of locomotion on a solid surface and having reconfigurable component parts is disclosed. A fuselage of an airplane or rocket includes a front section configured to simulate a mobile cockpit which can be launched from the remainder of the fuselage by a spring loaded latching mechanism. Two interchangeable tail sections are provided for coupling to the fuselage. A first tail section includes a power source and a control switch to actuate an electric motor located in a center section of the fuselage. An electrical cable connects a second tail section to the first tail section whereby the toy is remotely controllable from the control switch. A multi-piece wing section is attached to either side of the fuselage. Each wing section includes a side member which, when detached from the wing provides an operable toy dart gun. The component parts of the wing sections are reconfigurable to provide other toy assemblies.

Abstract: A hinge element for toy building sets which is a pair of box-shaped toy building blocks hingedly interconnected by means of a tubular bush in one corner of one of the blocks and a complementary pivot pin in one corner of the other block, the arrangement of the bush and the pivot relatively to the blocks being such that, in the position wherein the pivot is rotatably mounted in the bush, the axis x of the bush and the axis y of the pivot both coincide with a corner edge in each block.The two blocks: bush block 10a and pivot block 10b are provided with primary projections 14 extending outwardly from their bottom faces 13 and secondary projections 15 arranged in the cavity 16 of the blocks providing for detachable engagement with corresponding projections (coupling studs) of adjacent toy building blocks pertaining to the toy building set.

Abstract: A structural element of an assembly kit is proposed which is connectable with at least two further structural elements by respective differently dimensioned connecting elements each of which is associated with one of the further structural elements. The first-mentioned structural element has a body part having at least one undercut groove including two different undercut portions. One of the undercut portions of the undercut groove of the first-mentioned structural element is adapted to receive a section of the connecting element associated with one of the further structural elements, whereas the other different undercut portion of the groove of the first-mentioned structural element is adapted to receive a section of the connecting element associated with the other of the further structural elements. The portions of the groove of the first-mentioned structural elements may have a transverse dimension increasing in the direction towards an interior of this structural element.

Abstract: A frame for a double door, one door fixed and the other pivoted, permits the pivoted door to be mounted on a center mull either with left- or right-handed orientation, and to swing inwardly or outwardly.

Abstract: There is herein described a support structure for antennas, optical systems and the like which are generally subject to non uniform dimensional changes due to temperature variations and gradients in the support structure material, the invention overcoming such dimensional changes by combining the use of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and the use of a heat pipe as an integral part of the aforementioned structural member for isothermalization, to reduce the distortion resulting from residual non-zero coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: Fabric restraining cables are anchored at opposite ends to a concrete ring of a roof structure. Each cable has a plurality of bearing plates spaced longitudinally therealong and secured to the upper portion thereof by U-bolts. Clamp mounting base plates also secured at one end by the U-bolts span the spaces between pairs of the bearing plates. Each base plate has a pair of lower clamp plates secured respectively along opposite edge portions thereof. Each lower clamp plate has an upper clamp plate secured thereto and clamping a beaded edge portion of a fabric panel along with upper and lower gaskets therefor. In several embodiments, each upper gasket is extended transversely outwardly from the cable, looped back over the respective row of upper clamp plates, and releasably joined to the opposite extended and looped back upper gasket to provide a joint cover between the opposite fabric panels.

Abstract: In a method for forming a module having a floor, a roof and opposing sides, a concrete floor is first poured and, once solidified, moved into position between tilted wall molds. Inexpensive hollow masonry blocks are then dry-stacked in rows against the wall molds; that is, they are loosely stacked without mortar therebetween. Spaces with reinforcing rods therein are left along the outer wall molds at each end of the stacked blocks. Inner wall molds and, for some modules, a roof mold are then moved into place adjacent the stacked blocks. With the wall molds vertical, the blocks are pressed between the inner and outer wall molds. Concrete is poured into the spaces at each end of the stacks of blocks to form structural posts and over the tops of the stacks of blocks to form structural spandrel beams. Additional hollow blocks are laid across the roof mold and concrete is poured over those blocks to complete the roof.

Abstract: A space frame construction of generally pentahedron pyramidal modules comprising chord members forming a rectangular base, strut members of closed tube configuration and which converge to form an apex, and flat connector plates at the apex and at the corners of the rectangular base.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a mobile home support having means for supporting a mobile home during earthquake tremors and wind storms to prevent the collapse thereof. The support comprises an axle support which supports the normally spring weight and is formed from a plate supported by upright stanchions for purposes of accommodating the bolts or lugs of the wheel drums of the mobile home. The stanchions are braced with cross members in angular relationship for purposes of allowing cross lateral stresses to be absorbed within the structure on a basis providing both lateral and axial support. The axle of the mobile home is attached to the cross members with a bracket, thereby creating a cross linked stress support in angularly oriented relationship providing support under the normally sprung load of the mobile home in combination with the axle.

Abstract: Panels have tensioning formations at their edges that are engaged upon support members via resilient compressive loadbearing elements. In the constructions shown the tensioning formations comprise integral, semicylindrical edge portions of the panels and the load-bearing elements comprise mating resilient rods inserted into the semicylindrical formations. The panels are relatively thin extrusions of transparent polycarbonate resin forming an acoustical barrier structure. Thermal expansion and contraction is accommodated by mutual action of the panels and the resilient load-bearing elements. A transparent acoustical barrier wall along a highway and a noise barrier canopy over a rapid transit line are shown.

Abstract: A framework and a plurality of panels supported on the framework, for being installed between a lower edge of a mobile home body and the ground so as to enclose a storage space under the mobile home; the framework including vertical channels in which the panels slide up and down, for access to the storage space.

Abstract: A building structure includes columns for supporting pairs of beams at staggered height intervals. Slabs are supported between the beams of each pair of beams to form floors and ceilings and pairs of adjoining panels extend obliquely between the pairs of beams to form sidewalls. The individual panels of each pair have horizontally extending lip portions with spaces therebetween. The lip portions rest on the beams to support the panels and are received within the spaces between the lip portions of adjoining panels.

Abstract: A remountable unitary extruded plastic base for wall construction providing a decorative finished appearance, said extrusion having a preinstalled generally L-shape comprising a first leg connected to a second longer leg by means of a flexible hinge connection wherein the first leg is rotated to snap engage with the second leg to thereby conceal an attachment surface having fasteners therethrough, wherein the attachment surface and fasteners are concealed within a pocket portion between the first leg and second leg.

Abstract: A thermally improved expanded store front system is disclosed including vertical mullions and horizontal members. The vertical mullions comprise a structural mullion portion which is securely attached to the sill and head members and an exterior mullion half removably secured by anchor means to said structural mullion. The mullions when assembled are adapted to receive clip means which secure the horizontal members in place without the need for screws thereby allowing the members to expand and contract without undue stress. The vertical mullions and horizontal members, which are cut to predetermined lengths may be easily spliced for typical multi-story applications.

Abstract: An arrangement for anchoring a mounting element in a hole of a supporting structure by a hardenable material which is supplied into the hole from an outlet end of an injecting device, has an insert element which is located in an inlet opening formed between an inner portion of the mounting element and a wall of the supporting structure. The insert element is provided with a filling opening communicating with the hole of the supporting structure. The arrangement includes a mouthpiece element arranged on the filling opening of the insert element and provided with a setting recess which is located at an acute angle to an axis of the hole of the supporting structure and communicates with the filling opening of the insert element. The setting recess is arranged for receiving the outlet end of the injecting device.

Abstract: For retaining the bag top of a filled bag in an upright aligned condition as the filled bag is dropped onto a filled bag conveyor after having been clamped to a spout assembly and being conveyed to a bag top closure machine, bag top forming and retaining apparatus that includes a longitudinally elongated pivot member pivotally mounted on the frame and mounting a pair of fingers for pivotal movement therewith and pivotal movement relative thereto between a spread apart (out) position and a together "in" position, a piston cylinder subassembly for pivoting the pivot member to elevate the fingers to a position to drop into the bag mouth portion when the bag is clamped on the spout and the fingers are in their in position, thus allow the fingers to drop to an intermediate elevation to extend into the bag, and when the filled bag is released by the spout, move to a lower elevation to remain in the bag, a swing arm conveyor assembly, and control means to move the fingers to their out position when the fingers are a

Abstract: A method and product relating to a thermal insulation package wherein a container made from laminated sheet material including an inner layer of kraft paper, an outer layer of aluminum foil and an intermediate layer of fiberglass webbing is provided; the three layers are adhesively secured together and the inner surface of the kraft paper is coated with a heat-activated adhesive; the sheet material is formed into a tubular section by overlapping opposite edges of the sheet material and heat sealing the edges together; the tubular section thus formed is subsequently cut into tubular sections of smaller length, the bottoms of each of the smaller sections are then heat sealed, the containers thus formed are filled with polystyrene pellets and a hydrate compound is added; the open end of each of the containers is then closed and heat-sealed to form the completed package.

Abstract: In a packaging apparatus, articles are collated and formed into a module on a carriage assembly and are transported into a draped wrapping film and to means for sealing the wrapped module. Common movement of the sides of the carriage assembly are provided so as to ensure the stability of the collated article pattern. The draped wrapping film is under tension and is aligned with respect to the direction of travel of the carriage assembly. Side and transverse rear sealing of the wrapped module is provided, and the means for rear sealing the module also cuts the wrapping film and splices the unused wrapping film for return to its draped position. The wrapped and sealed module is transferred by a conveyor means from its wrapping position to a means for shrinking the wrapping film over the article module.

Abstract: The harness device is used to effect head control of a horse and includes a crown assembly connected to a bit in the horse's mouth via a pair of control lines connectable to a strap that is attached either along the belly or the mane of the horse. The crown assembly is effective to fit over the ears of a horse and includes a poll strap extending across the poll area of the horse's head. The strap is detachably connectable to the cinch of a saddle for extending forward along the horse's belly between the front legs of the horse. The pair of control lines extends from the end of the belly strap to the bit via a movable connection with the crown assembly. This controls the upward movement of the head. A pair of control lines attached to a strap extending along the horse's mane controls the downward movement of the head.

Abstract: A horse blanket and hood having improved strap and strap closure assemblies for connecting the blanket and the hood to a horse.

Abstract: Gathering conveyors of the forage harvesting header deliver upstanding, severed crop stalks by their lower ends to an outlet toward which all conveyors of the header converge. The upper ends of the crop stalks are guided and gathered laterally inwardly by apparatus above the conveyors, and a transversely disposed knock-down bar just forwardly of the outlet leans the stalks back toward the front end of the header as they approach the outlet so that the stalks tend to enter and pass through the outlet in a butt-first condition. The knock-down bar is mounted so as to yield upwardly under the influence of crops passing therebeneath in the event that the volume of the crops is so great that they could otherwise not pass through the restriction formed by the knock-down bar on the one hand and the conveyors on the other hand.

Abstract: Apparatus is described which is adapted to be mounted to a farm implement for harvesting beans or other similar crops. The apparatus has a pair of flexible belts positioned in a side-by-side fashion with each belt mounted on a pair of drive pulleys which in turn are mounted to axles supported by a frame. The pair of flexible belts each carry about their perimeter a plurality of flexible protruding members for gentle engagement with the stalk of the bean plant or similar crop. Stripper discs are coaxially mounted to the axles carrying the flexible belts for separating the bean pods and tops from the stalks. Cutter discs are placed below the stripper discs for cutting the bean pods and tops from the stalks without injury to the bean pods.

Abstract: A rotary mower having an inverted housing with a discharge opening formed in the rear surface thereof, the opening having a cover plate which is hinged at the rear edge of the housing and biased into a normally closing position. The plate has a pair of integral arms projecting beyond the hinge at its lateral edges. A pair of parallel guide plates are secured to the housing in positions closely alongside the respective arms, the guide plates having angled but parallel slots extending forwardly and downwardly therein. A grass catcher is provided having a mouth dimensioned to receive the cover plate and including a support bar spaced horizontally above the mouth, the support bar, upon insertion into the slots, serving to engage the arms for progressively swinging of the cover plate into a horizontally extending position within the catcher.

Abstract: A harvester having means for reducing its width for transport has a crop gathering table, and a harvester body portion connected to the gathering table by a vertical pivot. The harvester body portion can be swung about the pivot axis from a longitudinal working position to a transverse transport position to reduce the width of the harvester for transport.

Abstract: A rotary cutting device, primarily for grass mowers, includes a number of blade elements for cutting or air propelling purposes. To reduce noise, the rotating blades are provided with substantially flat leading and trailing edge portions formed along a major part of the leading edge and trailing edge, respectively, of the blade, cross sections of the leading edge flat portion being parallel to corresponding cross sections of the trailing edge flat portion and being connected thereto by an intermediate portion merging by smooth roundings into the respective flat portions, the cross sections being in respective cutting planes parallel to the axis of rotation and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the blade, such that the airflow past the blade follows the blade smoothly and shedded vortices are limited substantially to a relatively small cross-sectional area immediately following the trailing edge of the blade.

Abstract: A mechanical grape harvester including a support on which is mounted a plurality of blades. The support is moved to cause the blades to travel a path defined by a closed curve in a vertical plane generally perpendicular to the row of vine, using ascending in the portion of the path closest to the grapes to be harvested and descending in the portion of the path farthest away from the grapes. It is preferred that the blades be flexible in the horizontal direction and rigid in the vertical direction.

Abstract: During a single pass, cut hay or grain in a twenty foot wide swath is cleared by the action of a pair of multiwheel divergent rakes coupled to the front end of a wide wheel farm tractor. The two rakes produce a single five foot wide windrow of hay or grain over which the tractor can pass, and a conventional round baler towed by the tractor produces round bales which are deposited in the field behind the machine. The necessity for separate raking and baling passes utilizing separate tractors is eliminated. The front-mounted rakes can be hoisted and folded to facilitate roadway transport.

Abstract: A rake for removing brush from rows of vines and the like made up of a tongue member swingably attached to the front end of a tractor, a frame swingably attached to the front end of the tongue to swing about a pivot and a rake wheel supported on the frame to be rotated by ground contact and/or external power supply at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the direction of travel of the tractor and teeth on the outer periphery of the wheel for engaging the ground and the brush to rotate the wheel and rake the brush toward the center of the space between rows.

Abstract: For the layer-wise SZ-stranding of elements to be stranded about a core strand, the elements to be stranded are first temporarily cabled onto the core strand with a long lay and alternating direction of lay, subsequently roped down from the core strand by means of a first cabling disc and fed, parallel to the core strand, to a second, oscillating cabling disc by means of which the final stranding is accomplished. The two cabling discs advantageously form the end faces of a twisting cage which revolves with alternating direction of rotation, with the distance of a first twisting closer, into which the core strand and the elements to be cabled enter, from the first cabling disc and the distance of the first cabling disc from the second cabling disc larger than the distance of the twist reversal points in the finished stranded material.

Abstract: A marine rigging apparatus for splicing new wire cable of the type having twisted wire strands to a portion of worn wire cable taken from a rotatable drum on a fishing vessel docked or moored adjacent a dock, said apparatus including a motor vehicle having a base mounted thereon, at least one bearing mounted on the base, at least one drum rotatably supported by the bearing, a hydraulic motor operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum to wind the worn cable onto the drum, a rigger's vise mounted on the base for clamping portions of cables to be spliced with the cables being restrained against rotation about the axes of the cables, and a twister device mounted on the base for rotating one of the cables in a direction opposed its natural twist to relieve the tension in the strands of the cable at a desired location on the cable to permit an efficient and quick splicing of the other cable to the twisted cable.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for forming S-Z twisted strand units which comprises a frame and an elongated body mounted to the frame for rotation about a longitudinal body axis. The body is comprised of an assembly of tubules extending side by side longitudinally between opposite body ends. A first twisting head is rigidly mounted to one end of the elongated body which has a sheave mounted for rotary movement about a sheave axis transversing the longitudinal body axis. A second twisting head is rigidly mounted to the other end of the body having another sheave mounted for rotary movement about another sheave axis which transverses the longitudinal body axis. Means are also provided for rotating the elongated body in alternate directions about the longitudinal body axis.

Abstract: A calendar display apparatus comprising a calendar display panel device indicating the 1st to 31st days constituting at least one month which are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns in conformity to the serial order of the seven days of the week, wherein the calendar display panel device is supplied according to a referential clock pulse signal with at least "day" data and "month" data. A column data producing device is provided for specifying that column of the calendar on which there falls a particular day of the week in the month indicated by the "month" data. A column-specifying device receives column data delivered from the column data producing device for designating that column of the calendar in which there falls a particular day of the week. A "month"-shifting instruction generating device shifts month data forward or backward, and a data-shifting device varies the "month" data and also changes the column data supplied to the column-specifying device from the column data producing device.

Abstract: A miniature electronic timepiece whose analog-display time-indicating hands are driven by the rotor of a stepping motor actuated by low-frequency periodic timing pulses derived by frequency division from a high-frequency crystal-controlled time base. The motor, in addition to a stator coil wound on a core, includes an auxiliary coil wound on the same core to define a transformer whose primary is the auxiliary coil and whose secondary is the stator coil. To power the electronic watch, a voltage at a predetermined level is required, this being supplied by a converter formed by an electronic chopper interposed between the primary of the transformer and a d-c source whose output is at a different voltage level. Thus the d-c voltage applied to the primary is periodically interrupted, the resultant a-c voltage yielded by the secondary being rectified to provide the desired power voltage.

Abstract: A simplified method is provided for turbulently mixing separate flows of fuel and water prior to delivery to the combustor of a gas turbine engine to reduce the temperature to which pressurized air is heated by the combustion of fuel, thereby reducing nitrous oxide emissions in the products of combustion. The method employs no complex homogenization equipment and no emulsifying agents are intentionally added to either the fuel or the water.

Abstract: A gas turbine is disclosed having at least one turbine stage with hot gas flowing axially through the one stage. At least one balance piston is provided on the shaft to equalize an axial thrust and is located adjacent to at least a first pressurized fluid chamber. The first pressurized fluid chamber is adjacent to a hot gas intake of the turbine stage and is separated from at least a second pressurized fluid chamber by a first transfer gasket co-acting with the balance piston. Pressurized fluid within the first fluid chamber has a pressure greater than the pressure of the hot gas in the vicinity of a hot gas intake. A cooling system is connected to the second fluid chamber for supplying a cooling fluid. A slot of the first transfer gasket is selected so that a pressure difference between the first and second fluid chambers at least partially brings the axial thrust into equalization through the balance piston.

Abstract: A governor is adjusted as to speed by having a fluid diaphragm directly connected to a speeder spring which acts against a thrust bearing which bears against the flyweight toes. The fluid diaphragm is resisted by a set of low speed springs at all times. A lost motion arrangement brings a set of normal speed springs into use at larger diaphragm movement so that the response to the speed adjustment varies for different values of pressure acting upon the diaphragm.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic gas generating composition comprising a fuel and an oxidizer, the composition upon combustion generating a gas and a non-gaseous composition comprising a metallic salt or oxide, the metallic salt or oxide being a highly flowable liquid at the flame temperature of the composition upon combustion, and a viscosity modifier which is present in an amount to render the liquid substantially non-flowable at the flame temperature. Also disclosed is a method of inflating an inflatable device, such as a vehicle safety restraint, comprising the step of substantially completely inflating the device with the gaseous composition products of combustion of the pyrotechnic composition, whereby the metallic salt or oxide is substantially prevented from entering the device.