Abstract: An interconnection system for interconnecting a plurality of photovoltaic devices. The photovoltaic devices each have a first and a second side and the interconnect system is located on the second side of the photovoltaic devices. A sheet of dielectric material and a sheet of electrically conductive material are bonded together and positioned so that the dielectric material is next to the photovoltaic devices. A plurality of patterns are formed in the sheet of electrically conductive material. The patterns each have angled tabs punched therein so that the angled tabs are punched through both the electrically conductive material and the dielectric material. When a photovoltaic device is positioned within a group of angled tabs, the angled tabs can be brought into contact with electrical contacts on the first side of the photovoltaic device. The group of angled tabs are electrically common to a part of the pattern which has an extended portion which extends beneath an adjacent photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A hand tool is disclosed for assembling or terminating an electrical cable to a terminal connector or the like which has a receptacle portion for receiving the cable. The hand tool includes a pair of hand operated opposing jaws for movement toward and away from each other. One of the jaws of the tool has a relatively rigid bearing plate defining a bearing surface facing the opposing jaw for engaging the terminal connector. The opposing jaw has a stuffer blade for engaging the cable and driving the cable into the receptacle portion of the connector. A resiliently yieldable backing member is sandwiched between the bearing plate and the one jaw to provide yielding movement therebetween to accommodate variable sized terminal connectors positioned between the jaws and to prevent damage to the electrical cable due to possible excessve pressure being applied when the cable is assembled to the connector.

Abstract: A method for electrically bonding tantalum thin film capacitor networks to other networks is described. A first non-conducting support member has a thin film tantalum capacitor mounted thereon. A second non-conducting support member has another component such as a resistor mounted thereon. The two non-conducting support members are placed in a back-to-back position so that the thin film tantalum capacitor and the other component are remote from each other. These two non-conducting support members are then bound together and dipped into a molten solder bath to form a solder coating on the metal elements of the completed network.

Abstract: There is provided a rotary shaving apparatus having a shear plate formed with hair-entrance apertures and a cutting member associated with and rotatable relative to the shear plate. The cutting member is substantially constituted by a central body provided with cutters extending only from its circumference. The cutters are arranged in a plurality of groups, the intervals between adjoining cutters of each group being equal, such intervals differing from the respective intervals between the two adjacent cutters of two different groups.

Abstract: A razor has a handle which holds a pair of double-edged blades enclosed by a cartridge member, by means of a fexible yoke having cartridge engaging hooks on each of its yoke arms. Dimple bearing means located on each side of the cartridge keep the yoke hooks in engagement with the cartridge. A central rod holding the yoke bears against an upturned end of a razor handle and acts to spread the yoke arms in loading and unloading the cartridge onto the yoke hooks. The rod holds the yoke and cartridge assembly in either a rigid posture or with allowance for a free float of the cartridge on the pivot bearings of the hooks in the dimples by means of a tooth on the rod in ratchet-like engagement with various slots formed in the handle adjacent the path of travel of the push rod to and from contact with the upturned end of the razor body.

Abstract: A folding knife having a handle with a slot formed therein has an arm member, one end of which is pivotally attached to the handle and pivotable between a first position disposed within the slot to a second position substantially outside of the slot. A knife blade has one end thereof pivotally attached to the other end of the arm member and is moveable when the arm member is in the second position thereof between a first position adjacent to the arm member and a second position wherein the knife blade extends away from the arm member for allowing the knife blade to be selectively folded into the handle for storage or out from the handle for use.

Abstract: A device for the removal of ice fixed to a rod of a control cable, which comprises a tubular fitting having at its opening a deicing surface including at least one sharp-pointed portion and inclined with respect to the axis of the rod, the tubular fitting being secured onto the end of a guide pipe in which the rod connected to an inner cable is slidably disposed. The device can remove the ice automatically with a small operational power by operating the inner cable.

Abstract: Manually operated tool, primarily a hand tool, for cutting strip elements, more especially, blind strips of Venetian blinds. The tool has cooperating blades. Associated with one of the blades is a feed guide particularly configurated to be adapted to the shape of the strip to be cut for accurate delivery to the blades. Associated with the blades also is a measuring gauge for accurately measuring the amount to be cut off. The blades are especially configurated to be adapted to cut strip material having transverse curvature and further to make a curved cut providing a finished end to the strip being cut.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a utility knife which is suitable for mounting at least two different types of blades and which has an improved safety feature. The knife of the invention has an elongated handle, and means for mounting a blade of one type at an end of the handle. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, the mounting means includes means for preventing the mounting of a blade at a given end of the handle when a blade is already mounted at the opposing end of the handle. In particular, in an embodiment of the invention the handle includes a pair of elongated mateable handle elements which conform generally in shape. A pair of blade-engaging units, each of which may be, for example, a suitably sized key or nub, are respectively disposed near the opposing ends of one of the handle elements. A blade-securing pad is disposed near one (only) end of the other handle element.

Abstract: Apparatus including jig means and associated scribing means for scribing a wall panel for insertion into a wall area bounded on one side thereof by an already mounted wall panel and on the other side by a wall corner. The jig means is preferably of overall S-shaped configuration and includes a pair of oppositely disposed open ended slots, one of which receives therein the proximal edge of the already mounted wall panel. The base portions or inner ends of the slots overlap so as to be disposed a predetermined distance apart from each other, such that the roughly sized wall panel to be scribed may be disposed in the other slot so that the panel to be mounted overlaps the already mounted wall panel a distance equal to said predetermined distance. The scribing means includes a reference line follower and a scriber spaced apart from each other said predetermined distance such that a trim line may be scribed said predetermined distance inwardly from the other end of the panel to be mounted.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a measuring device which employs a mechanical-electrical interface mechanism which can be used to measure the depth of various materials. The invention includes a penetrating means which is in electrical contact with circuitry that includes a LED display.

Abstract: A pipeline pig is equipped with a gauging plate which consists of a flexible disc having strain gauges secured thereto so as to be subject to deformation when the disc makes contact with an obstruction or deformation in the pipe wall. The strain gauges are connected in a bridge circuit which goes out of balance when the disc is deformed. The output of the bridge circuit is connected to means for producing an output signal when the disc is bent rapidly but not when it is bent slowly so as not to respond to slow deformation due to build-up of debris in front of the pig.

Abstract: A gaging head for the in process gaging of a surface such as a cylindrical surface while it is being honed, ground, or machined by a device which increases the diameter thereof, said head having a work engaging portion of a size and shape to accurately test measure the diameter of the surface, a portion for attaching it to a gaging device, and an adjustment feature for adjusting the work engaging portion to increase the preset accuracy thereof. The present invention also resides in a novel fixture for preadjusting the subject gaging heads.

Abstract: An equine leg conformation is altered by bracing the hoof against shifting movement while standing on a supporting surface, wedging the hoof to tilt it with respect to the surface into an attitude which serves to provide a desired altered leg configuration, and altering the support for the leg to provide a hoof attitude in normal use equivalent to the aforesaid attitude. Apparatus for use in altering the leg conformation includes a base providing a supporting surface for the hoof, means on the base for bracing the hoof against shifting movement, and wedge means advanceable on the base in the direction of the bracing means for tilting the hoof with respect to the supporting surface into an attitude which serves to provide a desired leg conformation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drill sharpening gauge which can be positioned close to an abrasive motor-driven wheel so that the operator can quickly check the length of the edges of the drill bit at the tip of the drill to insure that both edges are the same length and thus the angles are equal, and with present manufacturing technology the drill sharpening gauge of this invention is one that can be easily and economically made.

Abstract: A compass includes a chamber, a card, needle or the like together with suspension means which suspend the card, needle or the like within the chamber. Magnet mounting means are engaged with the card, needle or the like and a magnet is engaged with the magnet mounting means in such a manner that in use the magnet may rotate at least in a plane normal to the plane containing the card, needle or the like, and such movement does not cause any substantial movement of the card, needle or the like.

Abstract: A carpenter square having a tape holding section adapted to receive tape measure housings of varying width. The tape housing engages a curved section and one leg of the square, and can be clamped in position. A slot is provided through which the tape extends for measuring and marking. The square is also provided with a positioning bar slidably mounted on the other leg of the square for non-perpendicular cuts.

Abstract: A filter unit for use with a clothes dryer for filtering the exhaust and selectively directing the exhaust to the outside or inside of a building. The filter unit supports a filter element in a slanted position so that when installed between the studdings of a building the filter unit does not extend an appreciable amount beyond the surface of the wall and still provides for large capacity filtering. A removable cover makes for easy access to the filter element. The filter housing is made of sheet material which has reinforced walls. An indicator is used for indicating the condition of the filter element.

Abstract: A liquid-pickup apparatus for carpetry, e.g. for the removal of liquid from the shampooing of a carpet, comprises a slot-shaped compressed air outlet adjacent a discharge duct with an entry slot. The flattened cross-section duct rises at an angle to the horizontal and is subdivided internally into a plurality of channels of substantially the same cross section as the slot and having rounded bases.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heat treatment of textile material comprises a plurality of nozzle boxes extending across the operating width at least on one side of the length of material. The nozzle boxes are fed from a front face and have openings discharging in a direction towards the length of material and a fan is disposed at the feed end of these nozzle boxes. The fan is a radial flow fan. It is arranged with its axis of rotation at right angles to the plane of the length of material on the long side of the apparatus.

Abstract: The game includes a multi-sided hollow game box with an opening in the top thereof. A set of selector switches are arranged in a row on each side of the box, and a set of indicators are arranged in a similar row on each side of the box. The selector switches are positioned in registry with the indicators. The opening in the top of the box is provided with means for receiving a game card. The game card has a question printed on it as well as plurality of multiple choice possible answers, only one of which is correct. The game card has the correct answer coded thereon. A code reader is located within the box and is activated by the game card. The code reader is coupled to the indicators to energize those indicators corresponding to the correct answer. The selector switches have lights associated with them and when a switch is actuated its associated light will become energized and remain energized.

Abstract: The invention relates to the simulation of an aircraft's flight controls and particularly the mechanical reactions produced on the pilot's controls.The reaction force is produced by a servo-controlled, hydraulic actuator whose piston moves a distance X which is proportional to the deflection of the pilot's control. A servo signal, whose amplitude is proportional to the component of the reaction force depending on the displacement X, is obtained by digital calculation, filtering and analogue multiplication.The invention can be applied to flight training systems and to artificial feel systems (AFS).

Abstract: A sole supporting and cushioning member for footwear controlling the movement of foot/leg muscles in the form of a removable, preferably disposable sole shock absorber that is adapted to afford an elastic or cushioned bearing for the wearer's feet which comprises a pliable coil filled with an elastomeric material to resiliently flex with the movement of the sole of the foot.

Abstract: A safety wrapper and strap protector encompassing the middle of the foot of a person with a trailing strap which is placed over the bottom and back of the heel when the heel is slightly elevated, extending upwardly on the back of the leg and adhesively secured thereto above the ankle to prevent injury to achilles tendon, the posterior ankle joint capsule and other structures at the posterior portion of the ankle and subtaler joint during running and gymnastic exercises.

Abstract: Sporting footwear, such as a mountain boot or hockey boot or training boot, formed of injected plastics, has integral lacing projections formed on overlapping front closure flaps forming parts of the boot upper. The integral projections provide for easy zigzag lacing of the boot with security and economy of manufacturing. Protrusions integrally formed on the boot upper between adjacent pairs of lacing projections and spaced from the projections bear frictionally on the lace engaged with the integral projections. Tightening of the lace is enhanced while the lace is under tension and loosening of the lace is hindered when the lace is slackened and has its cross section increased.

Abstract: A flap is provided for the suction head of a hydraulic dredge to divert the dredge suction force generally in the direction that the head is swung along the bottom of a body of water and to guide material into the mouth of the suction head. The suction head includes top and bottom projections or lips projecting outward beyond the sides of the head, and the flap is pivotally mounted between such lips for swinging about an upright axis. Control mechanism swings the flap between alternative positions in which it extends outward from one of the sides of the suction head and from the other of such sides, respectively. An indicator is provided so that the position of the flap can be determined easily by the dredge operator.

Abstract: A mobile ballast plow comprises a plow arrangement vertically adjustably mounted on a frame and including a V-shaped central plow consisting of two plow blades rigidly interconnected at an apex of the central plow, a side plow associated with each one of the track rails, each of the side plows having a single ballast guide blade adjustably between the track rails and having an effective operating length extending to the apex of the central plow, and a tunnel-shaped element extending over and covering each track rail.

Abstract: A grave marker having a base, a marker, and a chamber for displaying pictures, photographs, or the like. The chamber is a hollow tube, preferably cylindrical in shape. Within the chamber is mounted the picture. The picture can be viewed by an observer through an eyepiece set into the wall of the chamber. Ilumination is provided through the ends of the tubular chamber. Since sunlight does not directly strike the picture, deterioration of the picture is minimized.

Abstract: An amusement device for use by children both for entertainment as well as a coordination aid. The device comprises a plurality of thin essentially similar segments, each segment pivotally engaging adjacent segments in snap-in relation. The pivotal engagement enables rotation of one segment with respect to an adjacently engaged segment through a predetermined angle. Locking means are formed into the segments preventing translation of one segment with respect to another when such segments are engaged. When connected in the form of an open belt, the device may be manipulated in various entertaining manners, and upon articulation, the impact of adjacent segments produces a slapping sound for additional amusement. When the free ends of the belt arrangement are engaged to form a closed loop, two segment stacks are created. Back and forth manipulation of each segment stack causes individual segments to move from one stack to the other.

Abstract: A display assembly is provided including a base, a d.c. motor mounted completely within the base, a solar cell operatively mounted to the base, and a sign member rotated by the motor. A sleeve is provided on an elongated shaft connected to the sign member, and that sleeve slips over the motor shaft to provide an interference fit, but not a press fit. The sign has sufficient cross-sectional area to provide enough air-resistance so that, in combination with the interference fit between the shafts, the sign will turn at an appropriate speed for easy reading even though the motor shaft is turning much more quickly.

Abstract: The invention discloses a display device of the type which opens up like a book having a first display side and a second display side, a flexible backing means connects the first and second sides and permits the first side to fold over the second side. An upstanding wall portion runs along the outer edge portions of the second side and forms a receptacle therewith. A plurality of picture storing elements are attached to said backing means and permit rotation of the picture storing elements into and out of the receptacle or onto the first side. Fastening means are fixed to the first side for enabling attachment of display elements to the fastening means on the first side, and further fastening means are fixed to the second side for enabling attachment of display elements to the fastening means on the second side.

Abstract: The sign post comprises a supporting tube and one or more sign box structures which may or may not be illuminated for providing information to the public, in particular in a town zone. In this sign post, the box structure comprises at least two half-shells which are detachably assembled and the assembly faces of the two half-shells have complementary recesses for the passage of the supporting tube.This type of sign post is particularly applicable in road sign systems.

Abstract: A conversion plug that is configured to be removably inserted into the breech of a breech-loading firearm, converting the firearm to one of a muzzle-loading type. The plug is provided with a primer-receiving chamber at one end and a series of passages that communicate the chamber to a region proximate the other end. The primer-receiving chamber is adapted to receive a percussion-type primer, detonation of which generates ignition products which are communicated via the series of passages to a main powder charge situated at the interior end of the plug to cause combustion of said charge and propel a projectile from the firearm.

Abstract: A fishing lure which uses one or more light emitting diodes, preferably of a type which emit green light, the light emitting diodes being attached to and protruding outwardly from the lure body so as to provide wide angle dispersion of light, the lure further including a suitable power source disposed internally of the lure body for energizing the light emitting diode.

Abstract: Buoyant porcupine quills secured to the top of a yarn fishing nymph diverge forward to a location beyond the forward end of the yarn body and outward for maintaining the nymph upright with its hooked end substantially directly below the body of the nymph.

Abstract: A contact and odor responsive device for trapping khapra beetles and their larvae in which fibrous paper or fabric strips are constructed to provide contact allowing forms containing pheromone attraction means, food attractive means and lethal means for destroying the beetles and a method of using said traps to detect and destroy the beetles and their larvae.

Abstract: Folded structures which are polyhedrons of generally toroidal shape, movable to various different stable configurations, made up of a series of hinged trapezoids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graphic arts toy wherein a flexible string may be selectively attached at a wide variety of points around an exposed display surface to portray any desired pictorial representation and wherein the string may be quickly and easily stripped from the display surface after use and stored for futher use.

Abstract: An L-shaped member which provides a support for the exterior wall sections and the ground flooring in the construction of miniature homes. The member is secured to the top of the foundation pieces and includes a base portion joined to an upstanding shoulder portion. The bottom of an exterior wall section is joined to the base portion and the bottom of the ground flooring is secured to the top of the shoulder portion about the periphery of the flooring. The member provides the correct elevational relationship of the ground flooring to a door in a wall.

Abstract: A toy building is disclosed including a base member, a plurality of spaced posts are mounted on the base member and frictionally engaged with appropriately located projections. The support posts have channels in which projections extending from the base are gripped and also the ends of wall panels are engaged. The channels may have restricted zones which serve to engage the wall panels. A roof structure is superimposed over the posts and wall panels. The toy building may further include simulated overhead doors for the building, as well as, gas pumps, hoists and the like which are mounted on the base member.

Abstract: An electric circuit, including a power source and a resistive heating element, is provided within the body of a doll. The circuit is completed by the insertion of a thermometer into an aperture provided in the body of the doll, and the heat generated by the resistive heating element is registered on the thermometer, thereby creating the effect of "taking the doll's temperature.

Abstract: A toy having a generally-cylindrical body with apertures about the circumference of the body at preselected intervals, objects positioned in the apertures on the surface of the body, and a tail which may be rotated. Rotation of the tail drives an interior drum which impels the objects from the apertures.

Abstract: A play set comprising a three-dimensional doll figure and a variety of flexible, resilient clip-on pieces representing clothing for the doll to wear, vehicles and animals for the doll to ride in and/or on, etc. The doll has an original appearance, i.e. original clothes, pose, etc. The clip-on pieces may cover over portions of the original appearance and replace them in addition to adding to them. For example, original arm positions and a shirt may be replaced by different arm positions and a coat. Similarly, legs of a standing figure may be replaced by a motorcycle and legs positioned astride the motorcycle. In preferred form, the figure is bias-relief, having a flat rear surface defining a peripheral shoulder and the clip-on pieces each conform generally to the front of the bias-relief figure and have retaining lips that engage the peripheral shoulder.

Abstract: A ring toy including a generally T-shaped first member having a wheel rotatably mounted thereon, so that the toy can be advanced over the ground to impel a rolling ring, and a generally T-shaped second member pivotally connected to the first member for pivotal movement of the second member with respect to the first member so that the toy is self-standing. The toy also includes a ring launching device and a ring holder to store a ring or a plurality of rings.

Abstract: A novelty toy used to facilitate thumb twiddling comprises a pair of closely spaced, parallel, tubular holes each adapted to receive the first digit of a thumb, the walls of the holes being smooth and slippery, and of diameter slightly larger than the thumbs. The thumbs are inserted into the holes and are rotated orbitally about an imaginary axis between the two holes.

Abstract: A container for plants is rotated as water is evaporated and respirated therefrom due to the interaction between a compression spring and linear-to-rotary motion mechanism. The compression spring is disposed between the container and a stop on a support shaft suspended from above wherein the support shaft has a spiral portion thereon and the container has a slot for receiving the spiral portion. As water evaporates, weight on the compression spring is reduced and the container rises upwardly on the shaft in relation to the stop on the shaft. As the container rises, it rotates slowly. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft is rigidly fixed to a base upon which the container rests and the container includes a soil containing pot which may move relative to the base. The compression spring is disposed between a stop on the shaft and the soil containing pot to bias the pot upwardly when there is no water therein so as to raise and rotate the pot with the linear-to-rotary motion mechanism as the water evaporates.

Abstract: A parking lot gate is provided with a flexible connector between the elongated gate arm and the arm drive mechanism to prevent breakage of the gate arm or the arm drive mechanism. The flexible connector includes a first connection plate connected to the arm drive mechanism, a second connection plate connected to the gate arm, and first and second coil springs connected between the first and second connection plates. The first and second coil springs are positioned essentially parallel to one another and in an essentially vertical plane.

Abstract: One-piece member with a cam-shaped periphery serves as both a slide and a tilt-lock for a window sash which is slidable vertically in a window frame and is tiltable with respect to the window frame. A thin, flat, elongated spring leaf has its lower end attached to the combined slide and tilt-lock member and has a spirally wound upper end fastened to the window frame. The window frame conceals and protects the unwound length of this spring.

Abstract: Modular case and frame sections for assembly into a self-supporting case and frame for lifting and/or sliding doors and/or windows, the case section being a hollow generally rectangular element having a pair of main chambers and a smaller chamber therebetween, first recess means on said element and guide means received therewithin. Said frame is defined by a pair of hollow side parts and a hollow bridging part, second and third recess means defined by said side and bridging parts, said second recess means being larger in cross section than the first recess means and capable of receiving connection means, closing means and carriage means therein.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a wafer processing machine of the kind which holds a silicon wafer on a vacuum chuck and rotates the wafer for processing operations on the wafer periphery or upper surface incorporates a low-speed motor, a high-speed motor and an overrunning clutch. The low-speed motor is connected to a drive shaft for the chuck through the overrunning clutch and rotates the chuck and wafer at a relatively low and precisely-controlled speed while the edge of the wafer is contoured by a grinding wheel or while the upper surface is mechanically cleaned by a brush engaged with the upper surface of the wafer. The high-speed motor is directly connected to the drive shaft and, when energized for a rinsing and drying operation, rotates the chuck and wafer in the same direction of rotation as the low-speed motor but at high speed while the wafer is being rinsed and dried after the grinding or cleaning operation.