Abstract: A neck for a stringed instrument which is adjustable to counteract warping by tensioning a strap of substantially inextensible material positioned within the neck. In one embodiment, the strap is positioned inside a conduit inside the neck which can be bowed to counteract the warping. The strap is positioned in the conduit in the shape of an arc with the ends of the strap closer to the finger board or the strings than the central region of the strap by a plurality of rod members fixedly secured to the conduit. One end of the strap is fixedly secured to one end of the conduit and the other end can be moved to tension the strap and bow the conduit and neck to counteract warping. In another embodiment, the strap is shaped as an arc inside the conduit by an elongated filler element having an arcuate bottom surface which progressively increases in depth from the ends of the filler element toward the central region of it.

Abstract: A base drum pedal assembly is disclosed and includes a foot pedal for operating a beater head, the foot pedal including a foot plate which is slidably mounted on a support coupled to the beater head and which is biased towards a rest position. In use, the player depresses the foot pedal and can, at the same time, slide the foot plate forward against its biasing. At the end of a stroke, the pedal returns upwardly and the foot plate is returned to its rest position by said biasing means.

Abstract: An improved fastener is utilized to provide a sealed connection between two or more members. The fastener includes a threaded metal shank having a head with a relatively large radially extending collar. An end portion of the shank head extends outwardly from the collar. A outer head or covering of polymeric material is molded around the metal shank head. The outer head of polymeric material engages a recess in the metal shank head to hold the polymeric material against rotation when fastener is tightened by applying torque to the polymeric material. The outer head of polymeric material includes a stiff annular skirt which circumscribes the shank of the fastener. The skirt slopes inwardly toward the shank so that when the fastener is tightened, the skirt is pivoted or folded inwardly between the collar and the member to which the fastener is connected. This enables the skirt to provide a weather tight seal between the fastener and the member.

Abstract: An improved connector plate is provided for securing abutting wooden truss members to one another. The connector plate comprises a metal sheet and at least one pair of prongs integrally formed with the sheet by punching the prongs outwardly from the sheet. The prongs form an elongated slot in the sheet having a reduced central portion wherein the prongs break apart from each other at the reduced central portion of the slot when the prongs are punched to thereby form a relatively dull point for each prong.

Abstract: A thread forming screw having a helical thread and a tapered lead-in section with a polygonal cross section is formed from a conventional blank by rolling the blank between a pair of thread rolling dies having means thereon to form alternating convex lobes and concave relief areas in the frusto-conical surface of the blank. Thus, the screw may be formed with a polygonally shaped threading end without a prior working of the blank's frusto-conical surface. Curved ramp surfaces smoothly interface the lobes and concavities to allow metal in a workpiece being threaded to roll into the concavities thereby reducing the torque needed to form a thread in the workpiece.

Abstract: Expansible anchor plug made of a thermoplastic material consists of a segment of a pyramid having a square section, which is pierced by an axial hole. Two opposed intersections between contiguous sides of the pyramid are transversely notched, and a slot lying in an axial plane leads away from the smaller end of the plug.

Abstract: An expansion dowel consists of an axially extending sleeve slotted for a part of its length and an axially extending expansion body insertable into and displaceable through the bore in the sleeve for radially expanding the sleeve. The expansion body has at least one axially extending recess in its outer surface so that the expansion body can deform along the recess after a certain expanding force has been achieved. Further, an axially extending bore can be formed through the expansion body with the recess opening into the bore.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a gun comprising a tubular element is adapted to fit on the muzzle end of a gun barrel or flash hider and is releasably secured in position by a stop carried by a lever pivoted on the element. The lever is yieldably urged by resilient means to move the stop through an opening in the element and into a recess in the barrel or flash hider. A plurality of stabilizing vents are provided in the element for discharging combustion gases from the gun and a plurality of exterior gas directing projections on the element are associated with certain of the vents for directing the gases from all of the associated vents essentially in the same direction to one side of the element.

Abstract: An electromagnetic motor is provided with a samarium cobalt permanent magnet comprising a plurality of radially abutting segments. A combination of linear and non-linear springs with a force gradient larger than the magnetic force gradient facilitate motor operation in proportion to currents in electrical coils positioned on each side of the permanent magnet. Servoamplifiers independently control the current in each electrical coil in response to an input command signal, a motor position feedback signal and an actuator position feedback signal. A failure detection circuit detects coil failure by comparing current in each coil on one side of the magnet with the current in a corresponding coil on the opposite side of the permanent magnet. The circuit produces output signals to disconnect a defective coil and initiate an alarm. The circuit also detects power supply and motor position transducer failures by comparing their respective output voltage signals against predetermined reference voltages.

Abstract: A vibration motor comprising a rotor arranged within a cylindrical chamber having opposed radially arranged reciprocating pistons within cylinders opening into the chamber. Circumferential grooves formed in the rotor surface sequentially open the cylinders to a pressurized fluid outlet passageway, to move each piston outwardly, and to a fluid exit passageway to drain the cylinders for inward movement of the pistons. The pistons are axially aligned with and coupled to each other for producing rapid, low amplitude beam vibration. This is a division of application Ser. No. 898,905, filed Apr. 24, 1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,641.

Abstract: A delaying device for a fluid system for operating a hydraulic motor (10) wherein electrically operated pilot valves (39,40) are actuated by limit switches (13,13') in the motor to control flow through pilot lines (37,38) into a control block (20) and then to and from the motor, said delaying device comprising a dashpot cylinder (46) connected to said pilot lines for momentarily continuing to supply fluid to said control block (20) after pilot valve (39 or 40) is shut off.

Abstract: A digital servovalve control system employs a stepper motor to rotate the input shaft of a servovalve. The servovalve has no feedback shaft; feedback in the control system is provided exclusively by a digital encoder connected to the load output to indicate changes in its position. The encoder output is compared with a command signal in a digital controller circuit that generates and transmits pulses to the stepper motor in response to the difference between the command and feedback signals. The control system includes means for keeping track of the null position of the servovalve so that the digital controller can always accurately respond to the signals it receives.The servovalve used with the control system includes a valve spool that rotates with rotation of the input shaft, thereby providing a wiping action only afforded in the prior art by rotation of a feedback shaft.

Abstract: The ram housings of a volumetric metering stuffer are provided with ram seals to prevent leakage of the product being stuffed. The rams are reciprocated translatorily along substantially straight lines to prevent sidewise thrust on the seals. Cushions absorb the shock incident to the ends of the strokes of the rams and provide smooth deceleration thereof. Each ram has a clean-up cage to receive the ram when the ram is withdrawn from its housing.

Abstract: Taking a four panel carton and inserting a divider having end tabs coated with adhesive into the carton and pressing the tabs against the pair of opposite panels to secure the panels and tabs together.

Abstract: Dividers and cartons are intermittently fed into the machine which automatically assembles the same by inserting one or more dividers into the carton and gluing tabs on the dividers to opposite panels of the carton. The machine has a magazine to feed in the dividers, a carton transporter to feed in the cartons, die means to bend edges of the divider to form the tabs, means to apply glue to the tabs, means to develop bonding pressure between tabs and panels together with a divider transporter. The divider transporter picks-off a divider from the magazine, deposits it in the die means for tab forming and then moves the formed divider into a carton while the tabs are sprayed with glue and then pressure bonded to opposite carton panels.

Abstract: A percolator having a cylindrical basket concentric with a wand is provided with a filter paper cup having an annular bottom coextensive with the bottom of the basket and having upstanding fluted sides. The filter cups are formed by cutting and forming them into a nest of cups having an imperforate bottom, transferring the nest of cups to a frusto-conical die having a circular top commensurate with the circular bottom of the filter cups, a central die-hole, and outwardly and downwardly flaring sides corresponding to the natural outward flare of the nested cups, and punching an axial hole in said nested cups while on said die by means of a punch complementary with said die-hole.

Abstract: A conventional fastener attacher is vertically mounted to a support in a fixed position relative thereto in a manner which permits pneumatic actuation thereof. A carriage, which is movable along an upstanding guide mounted on the support, has mounted thereon a pneumatically actuated tag feed mechanism. When actuated, the mechanism feeds a tag from a position out of alignment with the axis of the needle of the attacher to a position in alignment with the axis of the needle. Thereafter, the carriage is moved toward the attacher, in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the needle, to place the fed tag on the needle. In one embodiment, a second carriage, movable along a second upstanding guide, carries a hook feed mechanism which, when actuated, feeds a hook to a position spaced from, but in alignment with the needle. The article to which the tag and hook are to be attached is held between the needle and the hook.

Abstract: An exhaust vent for cooling rigs transported on vehicles the interior of which is cooled by the introduction of low boiling gas includes inserts in front or behind the exhaust vent to force the outflowing gas to be deflected several times.

Abstract: A mine face ventilating method and apparatus are disclosed which serve to supply fresh air from a ventilated crosscut. A duct system containing a blower draws air from the crosscut and expels a jet of air out of a duct in the tunnel. Arcuately shaped troughs located at the end of the duct in the tunnel channel the air to the face of the tunnel. The troughs define an arc of between about 90.degree. and 180.degree. and provide substantially improved air "throw" as compared with conventional tubular ventilation piping.

Abstract: A beverage can compactor including an elongate compaction chamber for receiving emptied beverage cans. A pair of crushing platens are positioned for reciprocating movement from the opposite respective ends of the compaction chamber toward each other and then return to their initial positions at the respective ends of the compaction chamber. The compactor provides increased mechanical advantage at the beginning and end of the crushing stroke when such increased force is needed. Faster movement of the crushing platens is provided at the midpoint of the crushing stroke.

Abstract: A compactor packs waste material in an open top container which is adapted for movement inwardly and outwardly of a supporting frame. A ram unit is pivotally supported at one end by the frame with its other end being movable selectively to an extended position within the container, a retracted position above the container, and an intermediate position at the top of the container. A housing encases the ram unit and has an opening for feeding waste material into the container while the ram unit is in the intermediate position. A power unit is operatively connected to and moves the ram unit selectively to the extended, retracted and intermediate position.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing a toner image on a toner image supporting member in an electrophotographic copying machine is disclosed. The fixing apparatus comprises three rotary rollers which are in contact with each other under the action of pressing means. One of the three rollers has a smaller diameter than the remaining two rollers. In order to press the toner image supporting member uniformly between the two rollers with which the supporting member comes into contact, the two rollers are disposed in such a manner that the roller axes cross one another.

Abstract: An impact printer is capable of printing at either ten characters per inch or fifteen characters per inch by changing the type character carrying member. The print hammers are spaced at the same distance apart as are the type characters on the carrying member or band and the hammers are displaced from a home position by one space for printing the fifteen characters per inch at a higher speed than when printing at ten characters per inch. The hammers are time shared and are caused to be moved or shifted a precise distance of 4 increments of 1/30 inch each for a standard pitch band at ten characters per inch or a precise distance of 2 increments of 1/30 inch each for a compressed pitch band at fifteen characters per inch.

Abstract: This vehicle includes a frame having inboard rail bearing wheels and outboard carriages carrying ground bearing wheels. The carriages are mounted to opposite sides of the frame for vertical movement in a guide system provided at each side of the frame and each carriage provides a mounting for fore and aft ground wheels. A counterbalance system is used to facilitate raising the carriages independently of each other from a ground engaging mode to a retracted mode and a latching system holds the carriages in place in each mode.

Abstract: An open top hopper car particularly adapted to transport logs and pulpwood products includes a car body having a central partition separating the car into a pair of hoppers which are open at their lower ends for discharging materials sideways and downwardly through the supporting track into a pit area. The car is provided with a door locking mechanism including a longitudinally extending actuating member which by means of flexible linkages rotates bellcranks supported on a hopper out of locking engagement with keeper members provided at the lower ends of a pair of swinging doors.

Abstract: An end underframe structure having an open box structure forming a rigid unit capable of receiving high torsional or other forces developed in a railway car and includes primary and secondary end sills connected by side buffer members. Additional buffer members connect the secondary end sill to a bolster. Draft sill means extend from the center of the primary end sill to the center of the bolster member.

Abstract: Control method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a natural draft combustion zone through which a conduit containing a process fluid to be heated passes, by decreasing the supply of combustion air until one or more of the following predetermined limiting conditions is reached: maximum CO in the flue gas, minimum O.sub.2 in flue gas, minimum draft in the combustion zone, maximum temperature of the outer surface of said conduit, and increase in the rate of fuel addition above a minimum amount. When a limiting condition is reached, the supply of combustion air is increased until the limiting condition is no longer present, and the cycle then repeated.

Abstract: A grate wherein several steps of alternating partly overlapping mobile and stationary grate bars are adjacent to a compensating device which expands or contracts to compensate for heat-induced variations of the width of adjacent steps. The compensating device supports or is adjacent to a sealing device having auxiliary bars which abut against the side faces of adjacent mobile grate bars and abut against the top faces of adjacent stationary grate bars. The side faces of the stationary bars are separated from the sealing device and from the compensating device by permanent clearances which are overlapped by the auxiliary bars. The auxiliary bars rest on the stationary bars and are biased against the side faces of the respective mobile bars by weights or springs of the compensating device.

Abstract: Furnace cooling apparatus is provided including iron staves on the inside of a steel shell, outer portions of the staves being hollow to define reservoirs filled with water. Heat pipes are mounted in bores in inner solid portions of each stave and extend from inner ends in the reservoir to outer ends spaced a short distance from the inner surface of the stave. The inner surface of a stave has alternating surfaces and recesses and heat pipes aligned therewith have corresponding long and short lengths.

Abstract: Overall heat recovery from wet wood waste, particularly sawmill-generated hog fuel, is improved by a process for predrying the fuel. A wet oversize fraction of the fuel is combusted in a fluid bed reactor providing heat for drying the remaining smaller sized fraction of the waste pile to about 10-30% moisture by weight. The gaseous products of the fluid bed burning are contacted with the fuel fraction in, preferably, a rotary dryer. The dried fuel is then screened into coarse and fine fractions. The coarse fraction is fed onto a grate of a wood waste boiler. The fines fraction is injected into the boiler combustion in an air suspension. The amount of fuel fed to the fluid bed reactor is 10-25% of the total fuel flow, depending upon the moisture content of the fuel. The gases fed to the rotary dryer are less than about 1,200.degree. F., to minimize "blue haze," by combining with minimum outside air.

Abstract: A loop forming and cutting apparatus for a tufting machine which comprises a looper having a forwardly directed bill, a slot disposed transversely through a substantial portion of the length of the bill, and a blade pivotally mounted to the looper, with the cutting edge portion thereof extending into the slot. Thus the lower edge of the bill and the cutting edge of the blade form a forwardly facing, scissors-like bight which acts to sever the yarn loops as they move rearwardly along the bill. Means are provided for terminating operation of the tufting machine when any one of the blades becomes dull.

Abstract: A system is disclosed in which an information carrying member with multiple pieces of pattern information recorded thereon to control a stitch forming instrumentality is rotated intermittently by a step motor in forward and reverse directions according to a sequence predetermined for each stitch pattern. Each group of pattern information corresponding to each of the stitch patterns is recorded individually within a plurality of defined regions on the information carrying member, whose intermittent rotation effected at a rate of a small angle per step enables a scanning member to make a reciprocation relatively to the information carrying member within a preselected region, thereby sequentially picking up the pattern information related to placement of the stitches required for generating a desired stitch pattern.

Abstract: A suturing device comprising a drive shaft and an oscillator for oscillating the drive shaft about an oscillatory axis. A suturing needle is coupled to the drive shaft so that the drive shaft can move the suturing needle back and forth along a first path. A loop arm is mounted for movement along a second path generally transverse to the oscillatory axis. The loop arm is drivingly coupled to the drive shaft to permit the drive shaft to move the loop arm back and forth along the second path.

Abstract: A bobbin thread tension for a closed end cylindrical body bobbin thread case of a horizontal axis type rotary hook for a lockstitch sewing machine consisting of a diagonally slotted thread aperture in the wall of the bobbin case partially covered by a bobbin thread control that is adjustably mounted on the wall of the bobbin case by a pivot screw at one of its ends and inward a clamp screw passing through an enlarged hole in the bobbin thread control allowing the control to be pivoted to cover an effective amount of the thread aperture thereby increasing or decreasing the bobbin thread tension.

Abstract: A picking arm for an underbed thread trimmer which engages the bobbin thread and one limb of the needle thread and holds them so that a thread catching arm may engage the bobbin and needle threads and draw them into severing relation with a cutting edge of a thread cutting blade. After the threads have been cut, the picking arm returns to a rest position with the end of the bobbin thread retained in a channel contained in its thread engaging extremity. The bobbin thread is held in a position where it will be available for concatenation with a needle thread for the production of lockstitches.

Abstract: A sewing machine work feed mechanism with guide means for tilt free motion of the feed dog in a linear path, the feed mechanism utilizing a fabricated sheet metal feed bar, centrally pivoted, and of a length from the pivot to one end of at least 10 times the maximum feed stroke.

Abstract: A control system for automatic actuation of an exhaust blower associated with an internal combustion inboard marine engine. The control system includes a starter interlock circuit which prevents engine starting for a predetermined period of time to allow the blower to exhaust explosive fumes from the engine compartment and a low speed actuation circuit which operates in response to detection of engine speed below a predetermined level to actuate the exhaust blower. Also included is a emergency override of the starter interlock circuit.

Abstract: A traction arrangement for use by a sail surfer or water skier who is pulled along by holding onto a bar-shaped member connected to pulling apparatus, has two pulling elements which are arranged to be worn by a user and each having a leading end, and two connecting elements for detachably connecting the pulling elements to the bar-shaped member. Each of the connecting elements is provided at the leading end of a respective one of the pulling elements and is flexible so as to be deformable about the bar-shaped member by a pressure of the user's hands to thereby engage the bar-shaped member in frictional connection with the latter. In the event of a fall or when the user wishes to disengage the bar-shaped member, cessation of pressure by the user's hands suffices to terminate the frictional connection. The connecting elements may be formed by inner portions of gloves which are connected to the pulling elements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device including a lower unit having a gear case, a laterally extending anti-cavitation plate extending above a propeller carried on a propeller shaft rotatably mounted in the gear case, and a pair of generally flat side fins, each of which has a laterally extending trailing edge located wholly forwardly of the propeller and which either extend laterally in coplanar relationship from the opposite sides of the gear case, extend laterally in coplanar relationship from the opposite sides of the lower unit at a location between the anti-cavitation plate and the gear case, extend outwardly and downwardly in an angular relationship from the opposite sides of the gear case, or extend laterally in coplanar relationship from the opposite sides of the lower end portion of a vertical fin extending downwardly from the gear case.

Abstract: A mounting device is provided for mounting a low tire pressure sensor of known type, which may include a deflectable finger and a self-contained and powered ratio transmitter, on the tire rim of a vehicle wheel. The mounting device consists of three simple coordinated metal strapping, strapping seal and counterweight components. The seal is mounted on the counterweight. To install the mounting device, the strapping is engaged with the sensor and ends of the strapping are overlapped and sealed by the seal. To complete the installation the strapping is tensioned around the wheel rim by strapping and sealing tools. When installed, the strapping holds the sensor and counterweight in predetermined fixed positions on the rim within a tire mounted on the rim at all reasonable wheel speeds.

Abstract: A low tire pressure sensor for emitting a magnetic signal when the tire pressure reaches a low limit pressure includes a signal device having a magnet movable from a storage position to an actuated position by tire pressure applied to the magnet from an air switch. The air switch includes a bellows charged to a reference pressure and exposed to tire pressure for moving in response to tire pressure changes, and a three-way valve operated by the bellows for venting the signal device to atmospheric pressure when the tire pressure is normal and for closing the vent and applying tire pressure to the signal device to actuate it when the pressure drops below a preset low pressure.

Abstract: An automobile crankcase oil level indicator in ready reach of the vehicle driver has its main components molded from plastics and constructed for ease of assembly and installation. A minimum number of parts are employed to minimize manufacturing costs and to make the device compatible with mass production techniques. A unitized piston, piston rod and piston seal is employed in the device along with a unique simplified coupling between the main cup or housing and the face plate.

Abstract: In can manufacturing apparatus there is provided an overhead magnetic conveyor for transferring cans from a conveyor upon which they are coated to a conveyor upon which the cans are dried. To remove excess coating material which tends to form a bead around the lower most edge of a can, a bath of coating material solvent is disposed adjacent to the transfer conveyor and has within it an endless belt conveyor to which cans on the overhead conveyor are caused to fall and from which those cans are subsequently returned to the overhead conveyor. The upper, can carrying course of the endless belt conveyor is disposed at a predetermined depth below the surface of solvent within the cans so that excess material accumulating on the lower portions of the cans in the coating region is removed prior to entry of the cans into the drying oven.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling and particularly for reducing the retention rates of viscous impregnate or coating materials on fibers, strands or textile ribbons are disclosed. The impregnated or coated material is submitted to successions of compressions and decompressions. Drainage of the viscous material is effected in the decompression intervals which separate the compression intervals.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying bronze powder to adhesive-coated portions of one side of a running web of cigarette paper has a magazine for a supply of bronze powder and a feed screw which draws powder from the magazine and delivers some of the withdrawn powder into a chamber for a transfer wheel whose peripheral surface applies powder to the one side of the web. The powder which fails to adhere to the web is returned into the helical groove of the feed screw upstream of the chamber. A cylindrical sleeve which surrounds the feed screw has an outlet located downstream of the chamber and serving to return into the magazine such powder which is transported beyond the chamber. The sleeve has a longitudinally extending slot for a brush whose bristles extend into the helical groove of the feed screw to prevent agglomeration of powder in the groove.

Abstract: Impregnated or coated linear material, for example, coated glass fibers, are dried in one or more calibrated spaces which control the percentage of impregnate or coating. A sweeping device moves the material laterally assuring complete sweeping and hence self-cleaning of the calibrated spaces.

Abstract: In certain manufacturing operations materials are deposited onto semiconductor wafers. For example, in liquid-phase epitaxial melt deposition, wafers are exposed to a melt having constituents identical to the wafer material. In the past this has been accomplished by individually sliding the wafers into the melt and/or sliding portions of melt onto the wafers. This sliding creates a high amount of friction which in turns generates particles which can contaminate the melt. Also, this friction limits the number of wafers that can be simultaneously processed by sliding techniques. To avoid this a movable melt reservoir 62 is located above stacked stationary wafers 44. Prior to deposition, the melt 68 in the reservoir is separated from the wafers 44 by offsetting an aperture 64 in the bottom of the reservoir 62 from a passageway 58 leading to the wafers 44.

Abstract: A paint shield, formed of a relatively rigid resilient material, is substantially pentagon-shaped and has a handle portion opposite the vertex of two adjoining sides and is folded to about 140.degree. on a line from the center of the handle to said vertex. When painting in a corner, the shield is placed on a generally planar surface with the vertex in said corner whereupon application of pressure, the fold angle and the planar angle formed by said sides expand until the side edges engage the corner structure to effect the shielding function.

Abstract: Charge images on a moving substrate such as a photoconductive belt surface are developed by being passed over two magnetic developing rollers in succession, which include nonmagnetizable cylinders rotatable in opposite directions about stationary magnet systems and are spaced apart outside each other's zone of influence in the upper region of a trough-shaped reservoir. The reservoir has oppositely sloped side walls converging to a bottom for holding a supply of developing powder, from which powder is supplied into a zone between the developing rollers for attraction to their surfaces by at least one magnetic transfer roller located between them and the bottom.

Abstract: A dry process developing apparatus for use in an electrophotographic copying machine which includes a developing non-magnetizable sleeve and a multipolar magnet member arranged to be rotated in the same direction at different speeds, the speed of rotation of the developing sleeve causing movement of those particles of the developing material which at the most are only slightly affected by the multipolar magnet member in the direction of rotation of the sleeve, and the speed of rotation of the multipolar magnet causing the movement of particles of developing material affected by the magnet around the sleeve in a direction of rotation opposite that of the magnet and at a speed greater than the speed of the developing sleeve. Scraping members are provided for sliding contact with the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve in the directions against and following the direction of rotation of the developing sleeve.