Abstract: A wire stripper formed of an elongated housing having a notched section which divides the housing into a forward head portion and a rearward body portion. A fixed blade is securely retained in the head portion and extends into the notched section. A hollow chamber formed in the body portion includes a leaf spring having a movable blade supported at its forward end and also extending into the notched section in opposition to the fixed blade. Together, the blades cooperatively define a wire receiving and stripping throat. An actuating lever extends through an elongated opening in the housing and into engagement with the leaf spring to move the leaf spring between a forward and rearward position whereby the movable blade can be spaced from the fixed blade to thereby receive the wire and can then be forwardly biased against the fixed blade to thereby cut and strip the wire.

Abstract: Gardening shears having holding members and cutting blades extending therefrom crossing at the location of a driving means with cutting blades having lines thereon, respectively, and the repelling member located adjacent to the cutting lines of blades whereby upon operation of the blades in opening and closing, the repelling member reciprocally swings from side to side between the cutting blades through the intermediary of the driving means.

Abstract: A scoring tool for forming a scoreline having a predetermined depth in a composite container label layer is disclosed, including an annular scoring blade and a holder assembly supporting the blade for rotation about an axis. The holder assembly includes a blade holder member having an annular portion at one end upon which the blade is mounted, the outer diameter of the annular portion corresponding with the inner diameter of the scoring blade. The blade holder member also has at its other end a flange portion the outer diameter of which is less than that of the blade member. The holder includes an annular locking member for retaining the scoring blade in contiguous relation with the flange portion. The locking member is mounted concentrically about the holder member annular portion, the outer diameter of the locking member being less than that of the flange portion.

Abstract: The positioning of a score line on a flat package blank can be determined relative to a datum edge by positioning the datum edge at the zero mark of a measurement scale and moving a carriage having a magnification reading unit to a position over the score line, the distance appearing from the position of a carriage reference surface on the measurement scale as well as on a caliper unit mounted on the carriage for exhibiting the measurement of distance the reference surface has passed beyond a major increment of measure on the scale.

Abstract: A hair length measuring apparatus includes a measuring roller and holding clamp operatively mounted on a handle, said holding clamp holding against said roller the hair being measured, such that as said handle is moved along the length of said hair, said roller is caused to rotate thereby. An optical switch detects the rotation of said roller, a decimal counter counts said rotating, and a display displays the state of said counter, thereby providing a continuously updated indication of the length of hair that has traveled across said roller during a given hair measuring operation.

Abstract: A device for measuring linear or curvilinear map distance and determining the rate or time of travel represented by such distance. The device includes an elongate, hollow body having a slot extending along a portion of its length, an indicator shiftable along the slot, and a traction element rotatably mounted at one end of the body. Rotation of the traction element, as the same is moved across a surface, such as a map surface, along a selected path, produces indicator shifting which is proportional to the distance represented by such path. The apparatus also includes a transparent, cylindrical sleeve mounted on the body for rotation relative thereto. This sleeve carries radial and axial calibrations which are alignable with the slot and the indicator, respectively, when the sleeve is rotated, to produce distance-related time and rate of travel determinations, respectively.

Abstract: A disk-shaped gauge of molded plastic has raised hubs at both sides with a surrounding disk providing support faces around the hubs. The hubs have successive chord lines at equal intervals which are serrated to form linear gauge edges, the number of serrations per 20 mm length of the gauge edges being graduated from 8 to 16 and fractions thereof as are marked on the hubs. Stamps placed on the support faces are checked for mating engagement with the gauge edges to determine the gauge of the serrations of the stamps.The classification of stamps by philaterists require the determination of the numbers of serrations along the edges per a 20 mm unit length since this is important in ascertaining the value and character of the stamps.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring the axial displacement of a tapered roller bearing assembly which eliminates the unnecessary handling of cone assemblies. After a bearing assembly to be measured is centered on the natural vertical axis of the machine, a mandrel is inserted into the bearing to lift it above a work surface of the machine. The mandrel is provided with a flange which engages and force loads the lower cone assembly. When the mandrel has lifted the bearing assembly into abutting relationship with a downwardly spring-loaded pressure plate, a bifurcated locking means supports the cup of the bearing assembly. The force is then reduced so that the spring pressure on the pressure plate force loads the upper cone assembly. A digital readout device measures the lateral movement of the roller bearing assembly in moving between the two force loading positions.

Abstract: A terrestrial magnetism responsive device adapted to use a north or south seeking magnet in both north and south headings, the device including a housing having a north or south seeking magnet therein, the magnet being suspended adjacent one pole by a sensitive spring to permit the magnet to be movable horizontally, when released, from a north pointing position or a south pointing position. The method includes the releasing of a north or south seeking magnet in the housing so that it is free to move easterly or westerly on the spring, moving the housing over the areas to be explored, and recording the east/west diversions of the magnet and the exact locations of the diversions.

Abstract: A process for drying solid residues obtained in filtration processes, in which the residue is first dried by passing a gas through it while it is still on the filter elements, and then whirl drying the residue in a lower portion of the reaction vessel. A system in which the drying gas is circulated is described. This results in a process which permits the preparation of dry filter residues which are easily transportable and avoids problems of separation from the filter elements while still wet.

Abstract: A generally vertically disposed bin arranged to receive grain to be dried. Moist grain enters the bin through the top at which point it is distributed relatively uniformly over the full planar area thereof. The bin is equipped with a first floor having air passage perforations therein. The first perforated floor is adapted to carry a substantial column of the moist grain thereon which is subjected to the passage of hot air moving upwardly therethrough. An auger sweep is arranged and constructed to regularly remove portions of the grain lying closest to the surface of the perforated first floor and discharge that grain downwardly through a passageway in the first floor where it is distributed relatively uniformly over a substantial column of grain carried on a second floor spaced beneath the first floor in the bin. The second floor also has air passage perforations therein to permit passage upwardly therethrough of cool air.

Abstract: An educational graphic display apparatus which, by use of electronic techniques displays graphically a function of a variable. The only programming necessary is the selection of the function type and the setting of coefficient values and a sequence of functions with different coefficient values can be displayed without the necessity of complex reprogramming for each new function. The apparatus of this invention utilizes at least one integrator responsive to a reset control signal and a forward/reverse signal, each of which signals has high and low logic levels, as well as a reset value signal and a voltage input signal. The integrator's output is the sum of (i) a constant, capable of being established by the reset value signal whenever the reset control signal is high, and (ii) a constant times the integral of the voltage input signal over time beginning immediately after the reset control signal has returned to a low logic level after being at a high logic level.

Abstract: Footwear for wearing over shoes or boots and having a sole of non-woven synthetic fibres providing a high degree of traction with a slippery surface. A shell is of flexible material and protects the shoe or boot from contact with harsh chemicals used in floor cleaning compounds. The shell may include reduced areas to facilitate attachment and removal of the present footwear.

Abstract: A device which supports and cushions the human foot by means of fluid pressure is disclosed. The device is non-elastic and self-supporting. Two superimposed plies of a fluid impervious woven fabric material are sealed to each other around the periphery and, according to predetermined design, at selected areas within the periphery. The result is a series of foot supporting pneumatic cushions interspersed and separated with void regions which do not touch the underside of the foot. The fluid containing chambers which form the pneumatic cushions are in communication with each other through fluid passageways located around the periphery of the device. The device permits fluid to flow from one internal chamber to another when compressed, but with a back pressure build up sufficient to prevent sudden surges of fluid from one chamber to another. This provides additional pressure which resists and cushions the impact of the forces applied to the device.

Abstract: A boot for a walking cast which includes a foot enclosure portion that is weathertight for the foot part of the cast, and which is integrally connected with an upwardly extended leg portion for covering the lower portion of the leg part of a walking cast. The foot enclosure portion is provided with an inner sole made from a resilient material such as foam rubber. The foot enclosure portion of the boot is provided with an outer top leather sole which is attached to a lower rubber sole that has a lower ground engaging serrated surface. The leg portion of the boot is provided with front and rear longitudinally extended zippers for dividing the leg portion of the boot into two parts which can be spread into an open position for quick and easy insertion of a walking cast into the boot. The two leg portion parts are each further provided with an expansion gusset for adjusting the snugness of the boot on the leg portion of the walking cast.

Abstract: In a snow plow having a horizontally elongated blade that extends lengthwise obliquely to the direction of plow travel, a snow retaining gate is mounted in front of the plow blade to swing flatwise about a horizontal axis near the top of the plow blade and substantially parallel to the direction of plow travel. When raised, the gate wall is substantially horizontal but has downwardly concave curvature from rear to front for close fit of its rear portion under the forwardly-upwardly curved upper portion of the plow blade. The rear edge of the gate wall has a curved upper portion so that when the gate wall is in lowered substantially upright position its rear edge, along the full height thereof, is contiguous to the front surface of the plow blade. When in lowered position the gate wall is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of plow travel and thus prevents formation of a secondary snow bank.

Abstract: A device for removing snow which is convertible into a lawn mower and includes a housing of inverted cup shape including an upright annular wall and a bottom plate removably mounted on the housing to close the lower side thereof. An inlet opening is provided in the upright wall, and a hollow scoop is removably mounted on the housing in communication with the inlet opening. A substantially horizontal bar is rotatably mounted inside the housing. Buckets at end portions of the bar engage snow entering the housing through the inlet opening and eject the snow through a tangential discharge conduit communicating with the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A subsurface sampler which obtains samples of sand from offshore deposits. A 27 foot tube within a tube is lowered to the ocean floor while suspended from flotation tanks. The sampler is free of suspension cables and thus is detached from boat motions. Surface sand is sucked up through the suction tube and pumped to a container on deck by a jet pump.A jet pump is actuated by high pressure drive water sent down a three inch hose to the top of the sampler, through the void between the two pipes, and to an annular jet nozzle. The nozzle directs the flow upward in the two-inch center pipe through a venturi-shaped throat piece. The throat piece causes sand to be sucked up the suction tube and transported in a slurry through the inner pipe and a two-inch slurry hose to the surface. A manifold valve in the inner pipe shuts off upward flow, jetting water from the lower intake and flowing away sand to let the sampler drop deeper into a deposit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a frameless picture support in which a picture is placed between a cover plate and a backing plate fixed together by spring clips having hooks going around the edges of the support and back parts behind the support. The back parts are kept in position behind the backing plate by headed pins with the bending of arch-like parts of the clips. The clips have steps across their widths for locking them in place against the pins.

Abstract: An advertising display unit for use with a shopping cart, said display unit having a flat base member mountable on the shopping cart, a cover member releasably securable to the base member, the base member and the cover member being configured to define a slot between them. The slot can be divided into a plurality of pockets to hold advertising material, each of the pockets having a window to display the advertising material.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided which, by virtue of its conical configuration, provides an improved display area for decorative or promotional items, particularly those of a novelty nature.

Abstract: A slidable window sign is disclosed having a front panel adapted for securement to a window, a back panel attached to the front panel, and a slidable member positioned between the front and back panels. The front panel may contain indicia for viewing through the window without the risk of soiling through use. The slidable member may also include indicia and at least one protrusion thereon to allow vertical mounting without slippage. Foldable ends on the slidable member prevent it from being separated from the panels under normal uses. The ends may be unfolded to form a coplanar relation with the body of the member for purposes of removal.

Abstract: A display sign including a frame member extending around the perimeter of the sign and with the sides of the frame member parallel to a common axis, at least one face member having a copy area located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the common axis, the face member including flange portions angularly disposed to the copy area and with the flange portions extending in a direction toward one edge of the frame member, and a retainer member extending along the one edge of the frame member and including an opening for receiving the flange portions and with the opening substantially aligned with the sides of the frame member and the flange portions of the one face member for providing the copy area of the one face member substantially coextensive with the sides of the frame member.

Abstract: A simplified sturdy and economical side guard or protector for automobiles is manually operated and requires no power assistance. The support frame of the protector is slidable in simple guide brackets secured to the bottom of the vehicle. When extended for use, the active portion of the protector is swung to an upright position where it can protect the most vulnerable areas of the automobile body against denting and scratching commonly caused by the swinging doors of other vehicles. The protector can also support letters or ornamental characters in a provided trackway. Rubber bumpers on the protector engage adjacent side portions of the vehicle.

Abstract: Street sign structure, including two signs held at a right angle at vertically-spaced levels and a connector element joining the signs and consisting of an upper panel attached to the upper sign and a lower panel attached to the lower sign with an integral connector joining the two panels.

Abstract: A device for simulating the firing of an automatic weapon by firing bullets oth singularly and in bursts. A timing source provides electrical impulses which are randomly spaced in time and also provides pulses which are closely spaced to represent bursts. The bullets are fired by primers which are programmed by the timing source.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises, rotating in a common sheath, a catching screw having a lattice-work helix and extended by a lifting screw whose helix is solid, the two helices are rotated by a single shaft. A deflector is provided at the junction point of the helices to facilitate the free passage of the fish from the lattice-work portion of the helix to the solid portion.

Abstract: Fishing apparatus comprising a reel mounted on a tubular member, a short pilot rod pivotally connected to the tubular member, a spring housed in the tubular member and connected to the pilot rod for urging it from a first position toward a second position, and latch means for so retaining the pilot rod in the first position as to be responsive to a motion of the fish line reacting to a fish striking the lure, for jerking the line to set the hook as the pilot rod is moved toward its second position. A weight, carried on the line, can also be cast from the apparatus by mounting it on the pilot rod, pulling the pilot rod against the spring tension toward the reel, and then releasing the pilot rod.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder for signaling the presence of a fish on the line of the rod. The rod handle is held by a holding tube attached to a support in such a way that it may pivot with respect to the support. A push button switch is mounted on the tube at an angle of between 110.degree. and 140.degree. with respect to the axis of the tube. An adjustable, switch-actuating member contacts the switch and may be adjusted to activate the switch over an angle of at least 20.degree. movement of the tube. The actuating of the button activates a signal.

Abstract: A weed shield attachment is disclosed that is used on a conventional fishhook, such as a single, double or treble hook. The attachment is a thin plastic bulbous shaped element which has a central sleeve for fitting on the stem of the hook and an integral bulbous skirt that extends rearwardly from the forward end of the sleeve, inward of but immediately adjacent to the pointed end or ends of the fishhook to deflect away weeds. The skirt is flexible so that it will collapse to enable a fish to be caught on the hook.

Abstract: An insect trap comprising upper and lower sheet member portions in opposed relation, the inner face of the upper sheet member portion having an adhesive material affixed thereto and the inner face surface of the lower sheet portion having a low coefficient of friction. The upper and lower sheet member portions are maintained in predetermined, spaced relation, and this spacing is either uniform throughout the trap or is of gradual decreasing distance from one portion of the trap to another. As insects crawl between the sheet member portions, they are trapped by engagement of their backs with the adhesive secured to the upper sheet member portion.

Abstract: A trap for catching flies having a cylindrical glass outer shell with a closed top and an open bottom is disclosed. An opaque truncated cone having a thin shell and an open top is disposed within the cylindrical outer shell. The space between the outer shell and the truncated cone is filled with water to trap and drown the flies that enter the trap. A piece of bait is suspended on a wire near the upper opening of the cone to attract insects into the trap. The glass outer shell of the fly catcher provides an abundance of light to attract the insects into the cone and through the upper opening of the cone and trap them. A loop attached to the closed top is provided to hang the fly catcher from an overhead support. The fly catcher can be readily disassembled to be cleaned and to remove trapped insects.

Abstract: A mechanical construction toy for children of preschool age which can be assembled to form a robot. The construction toy has several parts which may be arranged in order to construct or build the robot. Three of the parts form a plane of carriage upon and about which the weight and moment of the toy rest and travel. The various parts are engageable with one another to provide several slip-type joints which permit the toy to take a variety of shapes or poses. The toy, when constructed, takes the shape of a robot and is an object of amusement as well as an education to the child.

Abstract: A doll having an air-contained compressible body portion the interior thereof communicating with an aperture in the palm of the hand of the doll. An accessory article such as a hat has a tubular portion insertable within the aperture with a valve selector manually operable to one of three positions for pneumatically actuating one of three conduits within the hat for elevating a movable object above the rim of the hat in response to compression of the body portion.

Abstract: A doll having a first leg secured to the torso for pivotal movement relative thereto with the other leg hingedly coupled to the torso for pivotal movement about a fore-to-aft axis. The head member is interconnected through gear devices to the first leg, relative displacement between the first and second leg members can result in tilting the torso relative to the second leg member and rotating of the head in response to pivoting of the first leg member.

Abstract: A toy monorail system of the support type for vehicles such as miniature railway cars and slot cars. The monorail track consists of an elongated flat strip or length of plastic having flat metal conductors located in flanged recesses molded into each side of the strip or length. The track is edge-mounted and, on flat surfaces, is self-supporting. The system can be set up in an unlimited number of configurations and elevations. In use, the track is arranged either in a self-supporting configuration on floors, table tops and the like, or utilizes special supports which engage a slot or recess molded into one edge of the track. Various styles of vehicles are used with the system, including trains, automobiles, boats, and rockets. The drive vehicle is mounted on the edge of the track opposite the slotted or recessed edge.

Abstract: A flow rectifying device is provided in a cultivation basin used in the cultivation of algae of the type in which there is a horizontal circulating flow of the cultivation water. The flow rectifying device avoids the formation of puddles or stagnant water and provides for uniform flow of the circulating water as the direction of flow changes at corners of the basin. The flow rectifying means includes a plurality of curved parallel fins for smoothly deflecting the flow of the circulating cultivation water and thereby prevents contamination of the cultivation liquid by preventing algae from being destroyed. The apparatus is particularly useful in cultivating blue-green algae of the genus Spirulina and other aquatic lower algae.

Abstract: A flower pot has a retainer which holds the pot atop a flat, ground-level grave marker in position where neither the pot nor its retainer is interfered with by lawn mowers cutting grass closely adjacent and around the marker. The retainer is L-shaped, presenting a vertical leg that penetrates the ground adjacent one edge of the marker and a horizontal leg closely overlying the marker and extending radially into the bottom of the pot where it is releasably attached to the pot.

Abstract: Young Douglas-fir cotyledon tissue is cultured to grow a soft callus on an agar medium containing mineral salts, organic nutrients and an auxin. No cytokinins are present except those that might be endogenous in the tissue itself. After one to two months the explants and callus are placed in a liquid suspension culture medium similar to the first in composition. Again, auxins are present and cytokinins are omitted. After about one month, bipolar embryoids have been generated in the suspension. These have chloroplasts and a vascular system with organized meristemic centers for ultimate development into stems and roots. The embryoids can be removed from the culture and placed on a growth medium for production of plantlets.

Abstract: A combination slide-type fire door and hinge-type pass door for allowing personnel to exit through the pass door when the fire door is closed. The fire door is provided with an opening therethrough substantially the same size and shape as the pass door. One side edge of the pass door is hinged to the fire door adjacent one side edge of the opening through the fire door whereby the pass door can be moved between a closed position in which exit through the opening is prevented and an opened position in which exit through the opening is allowed. A peg member and a latch member are attached to the other side of the pass door. The peg member has a distal end spaced outwardly from the side edge of the pass door and arranged substantially perpendicular to the face surface of the pass door. The fire door has an aperture for receiving the distal end portion of the peg member when the pass door is closed. The fire door has a cavity for receiving a portion of the latch member when the pass door is closed.

Abstract: A window of a residential roof with a window wing (a folding skylight shutter) which is supportably relieved of weight by an accumulator and which swings open about an upper axis of the blind window frame, the wing after decoupling additionally being able to be turned over about an axis lying substantially in the longitudinal center line, the axial pins of the last-mentioned axis being seated on carrier arms which are articulated in the vicinity of the upper transverse leg of the blind window frame and extend in the direction of the longitudinal legs of the blind window frame.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for effecting combined surface finishing operations for a cup for tapered roller bearings. The apparatus will accept cups of random sizes, will automatically load them onto an indexing mechanism, index the cups through necessary work stations, and discharge the surface-finished cups. At the surface finishing station, a drive roller frictionally engages the cup and rotates it while a plurality of brushes are brought into engagement with the surfaces to be finished. The brushes are rotated in a direction which results in a force component which tends to hold the cup within the open pockets of the indexing mechanism. The brushes are also wear compensating so that the apparatus will operate without an attendant and without requiring a preliminary set-up or changing of parts for different sizes of bearing cups.

Abstract: A grinding machine with two spaced-apart coaxial grinding wheels wherein the workpieces are transported through the space between the neighboring parallel active surfaces of the grinding wheels. A gauge monitors the length of workpieces which issue from the space and closes a microswitch when the monitored length of workpieces reaches a predetermined value which is close to or equals the upper limit of the acceptable range of lengths. The microswitch completes a circuit which causes a motor for one of the grinding wheels to move the one grinding wheel nearer to the other grinding wheel. The distance between the active surface of the other grinding wheel and a fixed reference point in the space between the wheels is monitored by a transducer which causes a motor for the other grinding wheel to move the latter toward the one grinding wheel when the aforementioned distance reaches a preselected maximum permissible value while the gauge closes the microswitch.

Abstract: The tool sharpening device comprises a base assembly holding a sharpening stone and mounting a tower assembly. The tower assembly may be shifted manually back and forth along the base assembly and the sharpening stone held therein. The tower assembly carries a platen subassembly, which may be angularly adjusted relative to the surface of the sharpening stone and shifted from side to side. Means are provided for mounting various types of tools on the platen for being sharpened by working the tool along and across the surface of the sharpening stone.

Abstract: An improved automatic lens grinding machine and process for shaping lenses to fit any particular glasses frame.The machine includes a recording assembly by which the pattern of a glasses frame which will hold a lens is recorded on a heat or photosensitive substrate. The paper and lens are mounted on a carriage assembly which is movable into and out of a grinding position adjacent a grinding assembly. When positioned in the grinding position, grinding is under control of a scanner assembly and a control circuit.

Abstract: An attachment means for an abrasive pack for use with an elongated hub having a plurality of spaced slots each extending along the length of the hub and with each pack formed of a plurality of abrasive flaps of abrasive material stacked together and with a plurality of the abrasive packs each extending outwardly from the hub and with each pack positioned adjacent an individual one of the slots, each attachment means, including a loop of sheet material having end portions and a loop portion, a thin supporting strip positioned adjacent the sides of the end portions of the loop to support and retain the end portions; and the supporting strip and end portions for disposition between individual flaps in the pack to have the loop portion extend outside the pack so that the loop may be retained within an individual one of the slots for locking the loop portion within the slot.

Abstract: A tower is hinged to a base, positioned at one side of a well, so the tower can be lowered to the ground in a direction away from the well. A lateral platform at the top of the tower extends over the well and the tower is rotatable, about a vertical axis, to swing the platform laterally and clear of the space over the well.

Abstract: A storage bin is disclosed for storing a flowable material such as an agricultural commodity in a water-impermeable environment which is particularly suited for the storage of grain. The bin includes a liquid impervious, preferably cone-shaped, integral liner supported substantially and entirely by a cavity in the ground adjacent to and beneath the liner. A foundation, which includes a footing supported by the ground adjacent the footing, is located relative to the liner so that an upper lip portion of the liner is secured to the footing. An above ground storage portion of the bin is directly secured to the footing so that the bin construction eliminates the cost of material in steel hopper bottom and concrete hopper bottom bins. A hopper for receiving material and directing it to an unloading auger within the bin is located at the apex portion of the inverted cone-shaped liner. A method of constructing a storage bin of the type described is also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable mosaic pattern formed from interfitting blocks formed into standard shape is disclosed groups with curved or serpentine shapes. Interchangeability of the groups of the standard shapes permits easy installation, and production machinery presently available permits low cost manufacturing of the interchangeable components, which can be made of a suitable plastic molded from suitably shaped molds or stamped out on presses, cut from slabs of stone, or formed by other suitable means. The interchangeable components can be assembled indefinitely in any direction in an ever-changing mosaic pattern creating a random decorative effect.

Abstract: A metal roof panel structure characterized by roof panels interconnected by a metal roof clip which extends between the juncture of contiguous roof panels and an upwardly projecting reinforcing portion disposed in the mid-area of each roof panel. Strength is further afforded by the crimping of the connected ends of the roof panels and the reinforcing portion on each roof panel and, additionally, a sealant is provided for weatherproofing purposes.