Abstract: A soot blower of the long retracting type includes a box beam within which a lance tube is longitudinally movable by means of a carriage suspended on rollers to travel along an integrated rack/track assembly secured to the inner walls of the box beam. Such rack/track assemblies have longitudinal rails on their tops for the rollers and longitudinal racks secured to the bottoms of the rails. The racks are engaged by underlying walking pinions journaled in the carriage and positioned directly beneath the rollers. In a modification, the combined rack/track assemblies include bottom rail surfaces in addition to top rail portions, and bottom rollers are employed in addition to the pinions and top rollers. In another modification, the carriage is supported by an I-beam the bottom flanges of which constitute the tracks, a single rack being secured to the underside of such bottom flange.

Abstract: A wheel unit for attachment with like units to for example a cardboard box to create a wheeled toy for a child comprises a mounting member having three generally orthogonal parts defining a corner for receiving a corner of the cardboard box, a wheel rotatably mounted on the mounting member, and means for fixing the mounting member to the cardboard box.

Abstract: A wheel support arrangement, for supporting a wheel axle in spaced relationship to a leg frame member, such as a leg of a baby carriage, has a resilient element which defines a support for an axle for one or more wheels, and which also defines a part, spaced from the wheel axle support, for its attachment to the leg frame. The resilient element is arranged to permit resilient deflection of the wheel axle support, relative to the leg frame attachment part, along three axes mutually at right angles.

Abstract: A hospital curtain track system utilizing a track switch which permits the use of a single privacy curtain selectively for each of a pair of adjacent bed cubicles. The switch and tracks are of two types, one type being a recessed system installable flush with the underside of and as an integral part of an original ceiling installation, and another type being surface mounted installable upward against the underside of an existing ceiling. Self splicing cubicle tracks provide easy assembly and versatility in space planning. One track switch unit between each two bed environment splices directly with the cubicle track and eliminates extra connecting parts including one complete track leg resulting in minimal installation time and expense. The switch utilizes a pull-chain actuated toggle for shifting a horizontally shiftable switch section into alignment with the desired curtain track.

Abstract: A boat-mountable fish-cleaning tray with sides and a drainage opening, during use the drainage opening being suspended away from the boat and over the water. A cutting board is attached to the tray. The tray is releasably mounted on legs which in turn are releasably mounted on a boat's afterdeck, gunwale, or cockpit floor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for making substantially disk-shaped meat patties having substantially uniform weight from substantially cylindrical masses of ground meat. The cylindrical masses of ground meat are placed upon a conveyor and while the conveyor is continuously advancing, they are flattened by at least one flattening means, such as a piston press, to form patties which look like, taste like and have the texture of homemade patties.

Abstract: A separately controlled vertically moveable frame support for a skinning drum and operator platform supports a separately controlled rotatable horizontal drum; the drum is provided with laterally spaced chains connectable to a centrally located pivotally and rotatably mounted carcass for hide removal therefrom. The apparatus, with operators thereon, operates on a carcass suspended by its hind legs at a variable speed of hide removal with a rapid overall speed of hide removal not limited by the maximum strength of adhesion of the hide to the carcass structures therebelow and automatically provides for directing attention and action of operators to those zones at which cutting action is required.

Abstract: A material transporting device is disclosed wherein material is pneumatically moved along a louvered surface and converged to exit from the device in a narrowed pattern. Use of the device is particularly directed to rapid handling of scrap web material.

Abstract: A strap tensioning buckle for a strap-like pull element on ski boots or the like comprises a tensioning lever pivotable to a tightening position and hinged onto an eye fixed to a base plate or other structure on the boot, two arms adjacent to the hinge axis and distant from each other by a clearance equal at least to the width of the pull element and allowing between them a passageway for the element, and a clamping device for holding the pull element.

Abstract: A saddle clamp comprises a hollow unit saddle body of general U-shape with bottom wall and upturned side walls having opposed substantially semi-circular inner edge portions. End portions of the bottom wall terminate in upturned continuous formed sockets. Edge portions of said side walls and corresponding portions inwardly of said edge portions above said sockets are oppositely inturned defining tubular extensions of said sockets. A U-bolt projects through the tubular extensions, sockets and bottom wall having adjustable fasteners thereon. The inner arcuate edge portions of the saddle define with the U-bolt an internal annular gripping surface extending throughout 360 degrees.

Abstract: A holder for forming loops in short strands of yarn to facilitate picking them up with a latch hook in connection with making a hooked rug comprises a sheet of plastic divided into sections by crease lines that serve as hinges to enable some sections to be folded over others. A median section has a slot over which the middle portions of a group of parallel arranged short yarn strands are laid. A section on one side of the slot serves as an ejector blade which folds over the median section and other sections subsequently fold over the blade section. The blade section is then advanced and retracted to force the yarn through the slots to expose the loops for access. The holder finally folds into a triangular configuration which may be placed on a table or held in one hand during use.

Abstract: A pair of very thin dielectric films, each completely metallized on one side, are positively advanced over a pair of drums of a machine while the films are laser scribed and slit to form two sets of film strips each of which has a laser scribed capacitor plate formed thereon. The film strips forcibly emanating from the drums pass through a number of tension responsive devices and are wound on one of a pair of successively positioned takeup split mandrels. A compensating mechanism is included in one of the drum drives to vary the speed of the drums to compensate for the difference in diameters of the wound convolutions of one set of film strips with respect to the other set so that a succession of capacitor blanks are snugly wound with consistent geometric size and capacitance value.

Abstract: Support apparatus for a movable tool head drive for a machine tool comprising a stand on which is fixed, a table on which is slidably movable, a framework comprising an upper transverse member which supports a movable tool head. The framework is in the form of a closed vertical frame having spaced vertical posts and a lower transverse member mounted below the table, the vertical posts being joined by the upper and lower transverse members to provide the closed configuration of the frame.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a coolant jacketed body surrounding a combustion cylinder with a tubular wall extending through the coolant jacket and surrounding an ignition device exposed through a firing deck area to said cylinder, has a circular recess axially of said ignition device and encompassing said firing deck area with an axially disposed, internally threaded bore extending from said recess into said tubular wall, and a circular plate insert having an axially disposed, externally threaded boss threadable into said bore to axially secure said insert within said recess, the diameter of said insert being less than the diameter of said recess to enable expansion by heat absorption of said insert independently of and without transmitting stress and strain to said engine body.

Abstract: Special reinforcing members are provided for high pressure containment in critical portions of a thin plate-and-fin heat exchanger. These comprise a plurality of hoops of U-shaped cross section bridging the juncture lines of the heat exchanger manifolds, together with leading edge straps which provide structural reinforcement in the region between the manifolds and the conventional side bar reinforcing members in the central core section. The ends of the leading edge straps are structurally tied respectively to the side bars and the manifold reinforcing hoops.

Abstract: Damaged end portions of tubes are repaired from a multi-tube finned coil in which the tubes are expanded into intimate contact with the fins. The method consists of removing the damaged end portion of the tube adjacent the area in which the tube projects from the coil body. A replacement stub tube member having one end dimensioned to be similar to the removed end portion and the other end portion dimensioned to be inserted into the coil tube. After the end portion dimensioned to be inserted in the coil tube is arranged therein, a portion thereof is expanded so that its inner diameter is at least equal to that of the tube coil.

Abstract: A freeze plug installation tool adapted to be driven by a pneumatic driver is provided, preferably in kit form having a driver section which chucks into a pneumatic driver, one or several extensions shafts connectable to the driving section, and several freeze plug carrying heads which carry freeze plugs at various angles, so that by utilizing the kit in its various permutations numerous different combinations are provided which accomodate varying freeze plug installation situations involving hard to reach installation points.

Abstract: The method permits mass-producing axially retained tripod joints having high rigidity and a given prestressing force which is reproducible from one joint to another. According to this method, after having clipped a resiliently yieldable attachment onto a tulip-shaped element of the joint while the joint is in its assembled position, the value of the gap between the shoulder of a thrust member and a bearing surface of a hub carrying the trunnions is determined for the position of the joint in which the hub and tulip-shaped member are in alignment and the thrust member is axially shifted away from the hub and there is introduced in the gap produced between the thrust member and the hub a shim the thickness of which is chosen to be slightly larger than the gap.

Abstract: A method for filling and sealing a container which includes a fill tube for filling the container with particulate material, e.g., powder metal, wherein at least a portion of the fill tube is filled with powder metal and a section of the filled portion is heated to melt the powder metal. The molten metal is then permitted to solidify thereby forming a fused mass of material in the fill tube which hermetically seals the container.

Abstract: A method of producing a nonconsumable electrode comprising forming a blind hole in the working end face of a high-melting core of the electrode, partially filling the blind hole with doping agents and then filling the remaining portion of the hole with a mixture of the doping agents and high-melting core material. The mixture is then heated from the surface of the electrode until a fused surface layer is formed and an enclosed space with doping agents is provided in the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical measuring instrument of the D'Arsonval type and more specifically to an improved low cost and small suspension system for the bobbin or armature assembly of such an instrument. Such improved suspension system includes the combination of a small light weight bobbin having thin gauge, surface insulated conductor wound on a light weight bobbin frame. Thin conducting strips are mounted to the frame above and below and these thin plates are provided with pins extending above and below respectively into jeweled pin pockets. Each pin is inserted at its blunt end through a strip in which it later resides by incorporating the pin in a punch, mounting the strip over an opening in a die beneath the punch and aligning the blunt end of the pin with the opening in the die.

Abstract: A fatigue resistant bolt, and method for making same, is disclosed. Bolts which are tightened to very high loads and are subjected to a dynamic environment are particularly subject to fatigue failure. It has been found that a bolt with fatigue resistant properties may be manufactured if its threads are formed while it is subjected to its design load. In another embodiment of the invention it has been found that the fatigue properties of the fillet at the bolt head and shank juncture may be significantly increased if the fillet is cold worked while the bolt is subjected to its design load.

Abstract: The present apparatus and method make it extremely easy for a worker, even when located in a manhole or on a telephone pole, to rapidly achieve a perfect break in an optical fiber and at a precisely predetermined position relative to a connector means. The breaking is the same, regardless of the upright, inverted or inclined position of the tool. Only a single motion of the blade is required at any desired speed, and there is no necessity for the blade to contact the fiber at a pressure within certain limits. These and other major results are obtained by clamping an optical connector element to the optical fiber before breaking is effected, and then removably securing the connector element to the breaker at a precisely known position which is correlated to the location of the scoring blade and to the characteristics of the connector.

Abstract: The invention includes a U-shaped pin with a base for passing around and engaging the shank of a flora arrangement and parallel prongs projecting outward from the base. The prongs have sharp points for piercing through clothing material from front to rear and engage a backing board on the rear side of the material, the backing board having two sets of apertures one for receiving each prong as it exits from the rear face of the clothing material. After passing through the appropriately spaced apertures, the prongs are bent so as to be retained therein with the sharp points against the rear surface of the board. A facing board with apertures for passing the prongs of the pin may also be employed on the front side of the clothing material. The method of using the apparatus for attaching a flora arrangement to clothing is also described.

Abstract: A heating method of operating a furnace in a hot rolling line and a heating furnace therefor in which the reheating furnace is positioned between a continuous casting apparatus and a rolling apparatus rolling workpieces at a higher speed than they are cast by the casting process, the furnace serving as a heating and buffer zone. The reheating furnace includes at least three moving beams each having an independent driving mechanism, and coupling mechanisms which couple the neighboring moving beams for independent or synchronous movement, while the moving beams are so arranged that, by operating the driving mechanism, they are altered in their speeds to the discharging speed of the workpieces from the continuous casting process, or one or two of the moving beams are brought into idling state or driven at the rolling speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing two-sided printed circuit boards with metal-coated holes from insulating supports made of glass-synthetic resin laminate, in which the holes to be metal-coated are punched through the insulating support, a deposit of conductive metal is effected by chemical metal-coating in the holes and on the two faces, wiring is made by etching the conductive metal on the two faces after having deposited a reserve, then the electrical components are positioned in the metal-coated holes and the tails of the components are soldered in the respective holes to insure the electrical connections. Immediately after the holes have been punched, the support is coated with a positive-action photosensitive resin and the coated support is exposed to a radiation capable of destroying the resin, then it is dried.

Abstract: A combined eating utensil usable as a holder, pusher, blocking member, and knife. The utensil is a generally planar member having a longitudinally-extending straight bottom edge terminating in upwardly extending arcuate-shaped side portions. Upper ends of the side portions are connected to each other to define the top of the utensil. At least one of the side portions has a part thereof sharpened to define a cutting edge. A profiled portion is positioned above the bottom edge to facilitate gripping of the utensil by a user.

Abstract: A cutting tool including pivoted crossing arms provided with scissors-like cutting jaws each including a cutting edge portion extending radially inwardly and laterally outwardly for shearing engagement with an interposed work piece while urging the work piece radially inwardly toward the pivot.

Abstract: A rotary cutter head for attachment to the powered shaft of a cutting tool. Flexible wire cutters are irregular shape so as to engage abutments formed on the cutter head. The wire cutters may flex along a relatively long segment to prevent cutter damage. Cutter heads are disclosed with abutments for mounting different numbers of cutters.

Abstract: A measuring instrument with digital display including a relatively elongate caliper body formed with a measuring part adapted to make measuring engagement with an article to be measured and a slider freely slidable in a longitudinal direction of the caliper body and formed with a measuring part disposed opposite to the measuring part of the caliper body. In the measuring instrument a transparent linear scale is fixedly disposed on the caliper body with its axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the caliper body and a transparent index scale is mounted on the slider with its calibrated face disposed opposite to the calibrated face of the linear scale and slightly spaced apart relationship. A measuring circuit including a digital display element is mounted in the slider and is electrically connected to a light emitting element and a light receiving element mounted in the slider.

Abstract: An arrangement for the electromechanical measurement of the axial clearance of rotating elements, particularly for the measurement of the axial clearance of shafts in high-speed turbomachinery, in which the extended shaft of a drive motor extends substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of a rotating element and is thereby arranged in parallel with the measured object. The shaft is provided with an eccentric feeler at an end located proximate the measured object so that, at a movement of the eccentric feeler towards the measured object, a contact signal is generated by a contact resistance responsive to falling below of a resistance threshold value between the electrically insulated eccentric feeler and the measured object as measured by an indicator. Concurrently, the instantaneous indicated value of an absolute angle-measuring encoder is stored, and the drive motor controlled so as to reverse the direction of rotation of the shaft into its zero position.

Abstract: A level for use in taking level readings on vertical and horizontal surfaces. The level has a case within which an enclosure with some instrumentation is disposed in a vertical position for taking level readings on vertical or horizontal surfaces. The instrumentation has a gravity-responsive weight pendulum mounted on a knife-edge pivot supported on an edge contact with its pivot. The pendulum has an actuating pivot having two flat sides fixed at an upper end for engaging two knife-edge pivots on a pointer which is actuated laterally by the pendulum proportionately to the extent a surface being read is out of the vertical or horizontal. The pointer is likewise pivotally supported on an edge supported on a supporting knife-edge pivot.

Abstract: A source of microwave energy is introduced into a pressure vessel in which a vacuum is drawn. Powdered materials to be dried are introduced and removed from the vessel by screw conveyors which are long enough so that in combination with the material, they prevent the loss of the vacuum in the vessel. The materials are transported through the vessel as the moisture is removed therefrom at essentially ambient temperatures. A water vapor condenser is also included within the pressure vessel to reduce the vacuum pumping requirements thereof.

Abstract: The Universal Electrical Construction Set consists of a coded series of plastic spring-bearing disks called "connectors", used for temporary attachment and support of electrical circuit components, plus a set of hook-up wires with coded lengths, used for linking the connectors together in appropriate ways to complete the electrical circuit construction; two additional types of devices, adaptors and indicators, make the set complete. These devices can be temporarily attached, when and where desired, to the springs of the connectors. The "adaptors" allow the utilization of circuit components having short leads. The "indicators" provide a convenient, optional coding system to indicate numbers or relative electrical potentials. The color, diameter, and geometry of construction of each disk are related to the number of springs supported by it. The same color-coding system, namely the resistor color code, is used for connectors, hook-up wires, and indicators.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fastener suitable for use in attaching a plastic heel to a shoe. The fastener comprises a generally flat head portion and at least three shank portions extending from the head portion. Each shank portion has at least one aperture therein into which melted or softened plastic material of the heel can flow and upon solidification, lock the fastener to the heel.

Abstract: An air cushion shoe base has a sole and a vertical rim within which is filled in air tight relation with foam rubber which is tightly covered by an insole. The foam rubber forms small metering orifices for restricting and delaying fluid flowing forward and rearward in response to weight shifts of a foot. A valve is provided within the rim, and the valve has a central body with a long valve orifice and lateral extensions for joining the body to an inside of the rim. The shoe base is filled to a desired pressure which is maintained periodically through the valve. A T-shaped welt extends around an upper peripheral area of the rim and insole for joining the cushion base to a shoe upper.

Abstract: An apparatus upon which a fabric is supported in a stretched condition, in order to be flat while a pictorial design is sewn thereupon, with beads and sequins; the apparatus including an upright easel supporting a freely pivotable frame, that holds the fabric, the upper end of the easel having a lamp and shade for floodlighting the work, and the frame also supporting a set of cups, within which different colors of beads and sequins are retained, during the work.

Abstract: A placard holding device for displaying a placard upon a vertical planar surface comprises a back frame member adapted for mounting upon the vertical planar surface and a front frame member having a flat surface portion enclosing an open window area. The front frame member is secured by a fastening assembly upon the back frame member. The fastening assembly includes a spacer member which holds the flat surface portion outwardly spaced from the back member and forms a placard holding pocket between the flat surface portion and the back frame member which is partially peripherally bounded by the spacer member. The portion of the pocket not bounded by the spacer member defines an access slot. An integral closure mechanism is provided which is operative for movement between an open position permitting passage of the placard through the access slot and a closed position preventing such passage.

Abstract: A display device, such as a photo mount, having a frame holder and a support member is disclosed. The frame holder includes an open front frame, a complementary shaped back panel, a spacer element therebetween to form a pocket for the article to be displayed, and an adapter. The frame holder may be hung along either longitudinal axis using the adapter. The display device may also be supported as a free standing element by engaging the support member to the adapter. The support member is fabricated from a fatigue resistant material and is removably secured to the adapter.

Abstract: Advertising apparatus with electrically operated attention drawing means conveniently in the form of a lamp or device for emitting an audio signal. The apparatus is for use with a device for dispensing liquids from inverted bottles and has a support bracket, a resilient mounting projecting from the bracket and adapted to locate a liquid metering device and a bottle attached thereto, and a switching circuit for operating the attention-drawing means with the switching circuit being closed by movement of the bottle on the resilient mounting when the liquid metering device is activated.

Abstract: An illuminated number display device is disclosed which includes a generally rectangular housing having a front wall on which is mounted one or more number plates so that each number plate overlies an opening in the front wall. Each number plate defines a number visible in daylight and has a plurality of frustoconical light passages therethrough which outline the number and facilitate improved illuminated number display at night from a plurality of low energy light bulbs mounted internally of the housing so that the light from each bulb passes through at least two openings in the front wall and through the light channels in the corresponding number plates. Light diffuser plates are preferably disposed between the front wall openings and the light bulbs, and, optionally, over an opening in a bottom wall of the housing to provide downwardly directed auxiliary lighting.

Abstract: A base supported upright frame supports an electric motor and gear train having a vertically disposed drive shaft. The drive shaft is axially connected by brackets, stub axle and bearings with a nonrotating swash plate. An elongated strand, connected at one end with a radial portion of the plate and entrained over one or more pulleys, is connected at its other end with an element to be animated by the plate moving the strand in a vertical reciprocating action.

Abstract: A rapid loading device for revolvers which provides releasable securement of cartridges in condition for simultaneous loading of the cartridges into the cylinder chambers of the revolver. The device includes a first cylindrical member having an open end and a closed end which forms its base and a first disc having a center bore and a plurality of axially extending, radially distributed cartridge-receiving bores adapted to align with and introduce the cartridges into the cylinder chambers of the revolver. The first disc is disposed within the first cylindrical member and is mechanically coupled to the inner sidewall thereof. The device also includes a star sprocket whose lateral projections releasably lock each cartridge flange while laterally supporting each cartridge in conjunction with the first disc and a mechanism for releasing the star sprocket system in order to release the cartridges when the cartridge ends are in the cylinder chambers of the revolver.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid loading of a muzzle loaded rifle with a ball and a premeasured quantity of powder. With use of the device, the powder charge and ball of the muzzle loaded rifle are charged simultaneously and the ball is seated in the rifle barrel. A holder for the percussion cap is provided to ensure ready accessibility under field conditions. The device can be adapted to any muzzle loading rifle of any caliber and is relatively portable, simple and reliable in construction and use, having particular utility in hunting of game.

Abstract: A fishing rod and reel mounting handle is disclosed, wherein a trigger is pivotally secured to a body of the handle. The trigger has a firsrt and a second position, at which the trigger is locked, respectively. The first position of the trigger is at the trigger extending position adapted to mount a spin cast reel on the handle, while the second position thereof is at the trigger retracted position adapted to mount a spinning reel on the handle for providing easy grip of the handle.

Abstract: A fishing system is presented wherein a fishing lure may be made to operate at predetermined optimum depths as a function of changes in the effective density of the fishing lure assembly which is accomplished by the selective use of hooks, having predetermined weights, attached to the lure by hook hangers which utilize a bore formed in the lower body as part of the connection mechanism.

Abstract: Fishing apparatus, including a relatively short tubular cylinder around which fishing line is wound, the cylinder having a diametric crossbar adapted to be held by one of the hands of the user. The cylinder may have a raised rib or flange around each of its ends to assist in retaining the line thereon. At one side of the cylinder, an inwardly flared recess is provided adjacent the end of the crossbar, whereby the crossbar may be grasped by the fingers of one hand while the thumb of that hand is disposed in the flared recess in a position to be useful in controlling the line. Mirror image flared recesses may be provided, one at each end of the crossbar, in positions whereby one may be used when the drum is held in one hand and the other may be used when the drum is held in the opposite hand. The apparatus is, therefore, adapted for use by either righthanded or lefthanded persons. Casting of the line is accomplished by swinging the free end of the line in a circle and then releasing it at a rapid velocity.

Abstract: A support provided on the hook in cooperation with a portion of the leader threaded through the hook eye provides a girdling loop harness for the bait. A leader clamp is provided on the hook shank so the loop girth can be adjusted to fit the live bait and held at the adjusted girth. A stop is provided on the leader to maintain a minimum girth for the loop even if the leader should slip relative to the clamp.

Abstract: An augmented bubble blower device in which a mouthpiece tube is mounted for axial movement relative to a venturi tube. The discharge end of the tube is surrounded by an open chamber so that a jet of breath which is discharged from the mouthpiece tube along the longitudinal axis of the venturi tube draws air from the surrounding environment and carries that air with it into the venturi chamber. The remote end of the venturi chamber provides a support for the formation of a bubble from film-forming material stretched across the remote end of the venturi tube.

Abstract: A remote controlled talking amusement or entertainment device of an amusing and simple construction includes a pair of fanciful heads mounted on a rigid base. Disposed within the base are an electromechanical transducer or audio speaker for transmitting audible output signals and a pair of fluid actuated pistons or diaphragms for imparting motion to a movable portion of one or both of the fanciful heads to simulate human speech or other sound patterns or facial expressions. The base is functionally interconnected with a remotely disposed control unit that includes a transducer or microphone for receiving audible input signals for transmission by the speaker in the remotely disposed base and also includes a pair of fluid pumps or air bellows for respectively actuating the remotely disposed pistons or diaphragms in the base to thereby impart motion to the movable portions of the fanciful heads either in synchronism or not in synchronism with the audible output signal transmitted by the speaker in the base.