Abstract: A planar structural assembly has a series of cells formed by elongate structural members, the cells each receiving a pane or panel. To provide a weather-seal, closed loops of resilient sealing strips extend around the exterior edge of each pane or panel and are mounted on auxiliary members secured to the structural members. The auxiliary members clamp the sealing strips in compression against their panes or panels to ensure the seal there. The contiguous edges of the sealing strips of adjacent cells are locked in place and a seal formed between them by locking or zipper strips.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in a reversible refrigeration system. The exchanger is divided into a plurality of heat transfer zones containing one or more circuits. Control means are provided to route refrigerant through each zone in a series progression when the heat exchanger is serving as a condenser. The flow geometry is automatically changed when the function of the exchanger is reversed from condenser to evaporator so that refrigerant flows simultaneously through each of the heat transfer zones.

Abstract: Salt compositions and baths thereof useful in, and methods for, immersion plating of tin and tin-lead alloys which give greatly increased deposition rates and thicker coatings of better quality accomplished by incorporating into immersion plating tin bath compositions soluble plumbous salts in the amount of from 0.5 grams per liter calculated on the basis of elemental lead to the maximum amount soluble in the bath and a sulphur-containing complexing agent for the tin and lead such as thiourea or a thiourea-type derivative. Preferably the salt elements are stannous chloride, lead chloride, sodium hypophosphite (as a solubility enhancer) and with hydrochloric acid used as a agent for adjusting the pH in the resulting bath from 0.5 to 1.0.

Abstract: A keyboard switch arrangement mounted on a base plate and having a plurality of key stem holder blocks, each of which protects a key stem from slipping out and has coupling portions of ridges and grooves on the outer side walls coupled in contiguous relation to one another in a manner that one ridge in one block is fitted in one groove of the adjacent block.

Abstract: A multi-functional convertible human garment adapted for furs and the like comprised of four pieces: a jacket member, a first extension member, a second extension member, and a belt member. The members utilize zipper-type slide fastener means permitting certain members which are locatable adjacent one another in various combinations to be interengaged with one another in various assemblies. Thus, the garment of the present invention can serve as a jacket, a stole, a street length or car coat, and a maxi or full length coat.

Abstract: In combination with a message containing folder of opaque material that holds a bride's decorative handkerchief that by light stitching has been transformed to a baby's christening bonnet, with the stitching when removed permitting the handkerchief to be used as such by a bride of succeeding generation, and thereafter by light stitching again returned to the configuration of a baby's christening bonnet. The opaque folder not only provides for safekeeping of the decorative handkerchief but also serves as a medium for a message and record of the number of times and date when the handkerchief was used as a christening bonnet, but also protects the handkerchief from deteriorating due to exposure to light.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic ankle joint device comprises a talar component with a convex articulatory surface having an intermediate part-circular-cylindrical area coaxially flanked at each end by like mutually divergent part-conical areas, and a tibial component with an assymetrical concave articulatory surface complementary with said convex cylindrical area and one of said conical areas. In one form of the device the tibial concave surface has areas complementary with each of the talar conical areas, but to different extents, with the former areas being respectively axially longer and shorter. In another form, the tibial concave surface is only complementary with one of the talar conical areas, and the device comprises a fibular component for articulation with the other talar conical area.

Abstract: An artificial elbow joint comprises a detent wheel rotatably mounted on the forearm and fixedly connected to the upper arm, the detent wheel having a periphery defining a series of detent notches and a lug affixed thereto and projecting from the periphery. A latch is slidably mounted in relation to the detent wheel and a spring biases the latch against the detent wheel into a first position wherein the tip of the latch engages a respective detent notch to lock the joint. A cable line is attached to the latch and is operable to move it into a second position wherein the latch tip is disengaged and the joint is unlocked, operation of the cable line pivoting the forearm in relation to the upper arm. A leaf spring having an angularly bent end is displaceable between the notched detent wheel periphery and the latch by the lug to retain the latch in the second position.

Abstract: A system for ventilating the toilet bowl of a water closet of the type having a standpipe in the flush tank thereof and wherein the lower end of the standpipe is connected to the conduit which extends between the flush tank and the flush ring in the toilet bowl and the upper end of the standpipe extends above the normal level of the water in the flush tank. The inlet of a suction fan communicates with the space above the level of the water in the flush tank and the outlet of the fan is connected to a suitable point of discharge for gases withdrawn from the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A basket strainer and stopper assembly for a sink includes a strainer basket, a stopper positioned below the basket strainer for sealing the sink drain opening and an axial stem. The stem has an upper portion which serves as a handle and a lower forked portion which has tines or legs which both support the strainer-stopper assembly in the open drain position and retain it securely in the closed drain position. The legs of the forked portion of the stem are resilient and arcuate and they rest upon a plate extending across the drain opening to support the assembly in the open position. The drain is closed by exerting sufficient downward force on the handle portion of the stem to spring the resilient legs toward each other so they pass through and are retained in a detent opening in the plate. The drain is reopened by pulling upward on the handle with sufficient force to raise the entire assembly and to once again spring the legs toward each other so that they will pass through the detent opening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a two variable flush gate for a flush toilet. It is a structure that, by means of adding and altering parts of elements in a traditional flush gate, can select a discharge quantity with simple operation of the discharge lever as needed so that unnecessary water consumption can be avoided.

Abstract: Presented is an apparatus for use in conjunction with a toilet of the flush-type which utilizes a charge of compressed air in conjunction with a low volume of water to discharge waste products from a toilet fixture.

Abstract: A water closet including a body portion with an upper level and a lower level, and integral with the body portion, a closet bowl and an outlet conduit forming an odor seal at the bottom of the bowl. The odor seal has an outlet crest determining its highest water level. There is a flush water container adjacent to the body portion and means for flushing the closet bowl with water passing by gravity from the flush water container through the bowl and the outlet conduit. Further, the odor seal outlet crest is at a height level of at least 50 percent of the height of the upper level of the body portion measured from the lower level thereof, and close to the upper level there is an annular flush duct of substantially bottomless configuration opening into the bowl at a level above the odor seal outlet crest, and, in addition, the outlet conduit has a constriction at its outlet end.

Abstract: A combination bed and lounge assembly formed of three bed units of different heights. The bed units are adapted to be arranged so as to serve as a three tiered lounge appropriate for daytime use and to be moved apart in separated relation to serve as three separate bed units appropriate for nighttime use.

Abstract: A device for supporting a patient on a lift apparatus includes a generally rigid seat portion foldably connected to the lower end of a generally rigid back portion. A main support yoke has an upper cross bar adapted for connection to a lift apparatus and a pair of depending yoke arms connectable to the back portion at a medial position thereon. A pair of dual arm hangers are pivotally suspended from the upper cross bar for supporting opposite sides of the seat portion. Both the yoke arms and hangers may be rigid members which are length adjustable to retracted positions for transferring a patient into confined quarters such as an automobile. Whereas the device is connectable to a lift apparatus by a single connection to facilitate lifting and lowering of a patient, a pair of stabilizer bars are provided for securing the device during transport.

Abstract: A device for use as a cot on the rear seat of a vehicle formed by a U-shaped frame, the front of which is to be placed adjoining the rear of the front seat of the vehicle. A web of cloth is stretched between the member of the frame, the portion of the cloth on the frame open side resting on the cushion of the rear seat. The front of the frame can have support legs to rest on the floor of the vehicle or straps to be attached to the front seat or another part of the vehicle. The web also can have a strap to be attached to a part of the body to keep the web taut.

Abstract: A portable grinder incorporates a safety clutch mechanism between the drive motor output and the grinding wheel shaft to prevent the grinding wheel from dislodging due to a malfunction of the motor. In the preferred embodiment, the clutch mechanism comprises a one-way or a free-wheeling clutch and a slip clutch in parallel between the motor rotor and the drive shaft. The one-way clutch transfers power from the motor rotor to the drive shaft and grinding wheel under normal operating conditions. In the event of a motor malfunction which suddenly locks the rotor, the clutch mechanism allows the drive shaft and grinding wheel to slow and stop in a controlled fashion thereby minimizing the possibility of the grinding wheel dislodging from the drive shaft.

Abstract: A mattress sling for a bed with side rails, comprised of a base portion to be positioned between a mattress and mattress support, and two spaced, opposed side portions made of a meshed material having releasable securing means for securing each side sheet to a side rail vertically removed from the mattress, to prevent injury to bed occupants by maintaining the mattress in bed alignment and closing off any gap between a side rail and the mattress or mattress support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for wetting textile fibers and the like. The process comprises supporting a mass of fiber to be wetted upon an air and water permeable support, the support being mounted between the closed bottom and the open upper end of a kier or the like. With a mass of fiber in place, liquid such as water or the like is applied to the top of the mass of fiber. This forces the occluded air out of the fiber in a downward direction and this air is removed from beneath the support. The disclosed apparatus is capable of carrying out the foregoing process. Essentially, the kier is provided with a vent to atmosphere just below the bottom of the support. A supply of liquid is maintained in the bottom of the kier and a pump is provided to supply this liquid to the top of the mass of fiber, for wetting the same.

Abstract: An acquatic retrieval apparatus is provided which includes a flotation bag, gas pressure bottle which is associated with the flotation bag for inflating the bag, a puncturing device connected to the pressure bottle for puncturing the bottle to let the pressurized gas into the bag, a timer connected to the puncturing device for activating the puncturing device so as to puncture the bottle after a predetermined time, and an on-off switch adapted to be connected to a power source for applying power to the timer when the switch is turned on.

Abstract: A machine for stiffening and forming a selected area of flexible sheet material, for instance an end portion of a shoe upper, comprises work support mechanism including a universal female preformer having work-accommodating dihedral surfaces, an applicator for depositing on a portion of the selected area a predetermined volume of molten resin substantially in proportion to that area, and a presser complemental to the cavity defined by said surfaces and relatively movable into and out of cooperative work-pressing relation with respect to the work support to spread the molten resin and impart appropriate thickness gradient thereto throughout the selected area whereby, upon cooling, it is formed three-dimensionally and stiffened a desired degree in different portions.

Abstract: A sectional plumbers snake with a power driven end section having one end provided with a shank received in the tool holding chuck of a power drill, the other sections of the snake having complementary detachable connections permitting the addition of sections immediately in front of the power driven section.

Abstract: A scouring pad handle includes a body member of a generally box like configuration having a magnet mounted therein and a handle extending from the other end to be grasped by the hand. The magnet is adapted to magnetically secure metallic scouring pads directly to the handle.

Abstract: An annular gasket is formed with a tubular sleeve of flexible material. At the interior surface of one end of the sleeve a lip is directed a short distance radially inwardly. At the opposite end of the sleeve, a recess is defined in the interior sleeve surface to receive the lip when the tubular sleeve is folded back upon itself to assume a generally toroidal configuration. The gasket interiorally receives cylindrical members of one diameter when the sleeve is in its extended condition and cylindrical members of a narrower diameter when in its toroidal configuration.

Abstract: A tool such as a garden cultivator, squeegee, or paint-roller holder has a relatively short handle provided at its rear end with a relatively deep backwardly open recess. An extension handle has a relatively long front end engageable relatively far into this recess and is provided with a fixed ring formed with a multiple screwthread engageable with a similar formation inside the recess so that the two parts can be locked together by a single revolution relative to each other. At its rear end the extension handle is provided with a cap having a forwardly directed end and screwthread formations similar to that of the front and of the extension handle so that this cap can be placed on the rear end of the short handle of the tool if desired.