Abstract: The present invention relates to an ornamental shoe heel device wherein a shoe is provided with a removable heel and the heel is provided with a battery, electrical wiring, and a light source providing illumination from the heel visible to those viewing the exterior of the heel.

Abstract: A device for producing sound, wherein the device is adapted to be mounted to the inner surface or the heel rest of a shoe or sandal, and is formed having a main body member with a recess disposed therein, the recess being covered to define a chamber having a noisemaker associated with the chamber, whereby sound is produced as the wearer walks and transfers weight from one foot to the other, thus activating the noisemaker to produce a squeaking or clicking sound.

Abstract: A pressure displacement dredging system capable of effective and efficient operation, without surging, over a wide depth range and under varying bottom conditions, comprises a submersible dredging head including at least three pressure vessels each having a material intake port and a material discharge port with appropriate check valves, each having an inlet port for air or other operating fluid connected to a high pressure fluid source through an inlet valve and each having an operating fluid exhaust port vented to the atmosphere through an exhaust valve.

Abstract: An improved reciprocatory self-loading dual-ended earth excavation vehicle pivotally connected to two or more unmanned self-leveling and self-maneuvering telescopic conveyor vehicles, the latter in turn are pivotally connected to a multi-function dual-ended distribution vehicle capable of conveying, spreading, wetting, impacting and grading the earth fill. The above-mentioned articulated vehicles provide the means to excavate, convey and discharge a virtually continuous flow of earth while traveling in a forward or rearward direction. The excavation and telescopic conveyor vehicles are readily adaptable to surface mining of various minerals including coal and oil shale by simply exchanging the above-mentioned distribution vehicle for a pivotally connected boom conveyer vehicle which provides the means for discharging the ore at a mill site or for the loading of long haul ore carriers.

Abstract: A snow-removal device includes a frame having a handle at one end and a blade at the other. The frame rests on the ground at the blade end, and a flexible sheet extends from the blade end back toward the handle end. The sheet is attached at either end but is free to bend lengthwise so that the length of the sheet resting on the ground varies as the handle is lifted. This arrangement permits the device to be emptied with a minimum of strain on the user.

Abstract: An album for "instant" positive photos of the type in which the film is held in a mat forming a frame therefor and having upper and lower margins. The album is constituted by a set of mounting boards which are hinged to a carrier card at stepped positions thereon or which are bound together in a loose-leaf stack. Each mounting board has a band of pressure-sensitive adhesive material extending across both the front and back faces at corresponding positions thereon, the bands being protectively covered by removable liners. In installing photos in the album, the upper rear margin of a photo is pressed onto the front face band of the board to adhesively secure the photo thereon, a second photo being secured in the same manner to the back face band whereby each mounting board carries a pair of photos in back-to-back relation.

Abstract: A portable carpet display system in which the colors of a particular line of carpeting are displayed on a single card which has the specifications of that line of carpeting on the reverse side, with a plurality of said cards being mounted together.

Abstract: A self-standing floor sign comprising two panels (15 and 16) hinged together at their upper ends, one panel (16) having a tubular hinge portion (24) provided with a slot (27) (28), the other panel having a core (31) (32) rotatable in said hinge portion (24), said core having a laterally directed U-shaped notch (31') (32') adapted to allow said core to hook into and pass laterally through said slot (27) (28) into said hinge portion (24) by simultaneously rotating and pressing radially inward on said core (31) (32) to snap it past the upper edge of said slot (27) (28).

Abstract: An improved revolver with a reduced barrel/cylinder gap (34) employs cylinder-chamber passages (54) through which bullets travel on route to the barrel bore (62) having diameters which are at least 0.005 inch greater than the diameter of the bullets. In this revolver the forcing cone (41) of the barrel bore (62) is at least one-half inch long and has a large-end diameter which is 0.025 to 0.035 inch larger than the bullet diameter. The cylinder/barrel gap (34) is less than 0.004 inch.

Abstract: The ice fishing tipup includes a heated flotation member which can be a bowl-like member. A vertically extending tubular member is supported by the bowl-like member and a rotatable shaft is disposed therein. A fishing line spool is carried on the lower end of the shaft beneath the bowl-like member and is rotatable with the shaft to play out fishing line. A trip lever is carried at the upper end of the shaft above the bowl-like member and is rotatable with the shaft. Signal means are provided on the tubular member and are releasably engageable with the trip lever. The signal means serve to interrupt rotation of the trip lever to thereby set the depth of the fishing line, and is released with rotation of the shaft to indicate the playing out of fishing line. In the case of a floatable bowl-like member, combustible materials may be contained therein to generate heat upon ignition.

Abstract: A surgical eel fishing lure includes a flexible rubbery polymer tube member having an outer surface of one color and an inner surface of another color. A fish hook extends from one end, and a swivel is located at the other end thereof. A stainless steel forming wire joins the hook and swivel, and the tube is bent back on itself enclosing the swivel therein and presenting a rounded "head" on the "eel" for providing uniform water flow over the head and reduced resistance.

Abstract: A repeating animal trap particularly for rodents such as rats and mice has a trapping passageway into which animals are attracted due to their inherent curiosity. A trigger within the passageway is tripped by animal pressure and this sets in motion a reciprocatory sweeping mechanism which sweeps the animal from the passageway into an adjacent collecting compartment. The reciprocatory mechanism then returns to its initial position in which it defines longitudinal walls of the passageway to effectively prevent an animal in the collection compartment from pushing its way back into the passageway. A constant force coil spring is used to power the sweeping mechanism with a control system that insures only a single reciprocation of the sweeping mechanism each time the trigger is activated so that the trap operates effectively on successive animals throughout the range of displacement of the spring.

Abstract: An adjustable animal trap is adapted for both trigger and triggerless operation. A pivotal support for the trap's pan frame is movable along a slot located at right angles to the trap jaws for positioning a catch in engaging relation with a trap jaw. A second pivotal support is slidably positionable along the same slot and carries a trigger lever for alternatively engaging the pan frame catch. The pan is also slidable along the pan frame.

Abstract: An improved collapsible and reusable pinata is disclosed, for use at parties and similar festive occasions. The pinata comprises an outer shell portion which includes a frangible base member and an upwardly extending perimeter wall, the said outer shell being open at the upper side thereof. An inner shell portion, open at the bottom, is nestably received within the outer shell, and is axially telescopical with respect to the latter. Means attachable to an overhead point, engage with the upper shell portion, enabling suspension of same from the overhead point. Upon suspension, gravitational force axially displaces the outer shell portion below the inner portion, to thereby effect a fully expanded or open condition for the pinata. Means are provided for restraining further displacement between the said shell portions, upon the fully telescoped condition being obtained. In use the frangible base is broken, e.g. by tearing, permitting the interior contents of the pinata to discharge.

Abstract: A housing which takes the form of a model or replica of a larger structure such as the stable which was the birthplace of Jesus. The housing can be assembled and disassembled repeatedly and without the use of permanent fasteners such as nails or glue. The housing includes a generally rectangular base having slots provided near the peripheral edges on the upper surface thereof. Front and rear panel members are respectively inserted into a parallel pair of slots along the longer dimension of the base. A pair of side members are respectively inserted into a second pair of parallel slots disposed along the shorter dimension of the base. The vertical edges of the panel and side members are respectively received within corresponding slots of four corner members wherein each corner member includes a pair of tranversely oriented slots and an inclined upper surface.

Abstract: A play building block toy set has flat plate elements of semi-elastic plastic material that interlock with pressure inserted ball socket joints. The flat plates may have various geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, etc. with each side the same length and having identical mating ball and joint locking elements. Along each block side mid-spaced between the center and two corners are respectively a ball and a socket. The ball is placed in a semi-circular cutout and is fastened by a stem to the plate. The socket is formed with a skull cap type cutout and rim members that elastically receive and hold the ball when forced or twisted thereinto. To achieve an insertion angle of 270.degree., the ball center and the socket center are on the bottom plane of the plate. The socket has two thickened rims extending below the plate. Means are provided for mounting shafts through holes in the plates.

Abstract: A reversible aerodynamic disc-shaped object is provided, shaped as a disc, an outer rim section attached to the periphery of the disc, and a central section disposed within the center of the disc, wherein the central section contains a substantial amount of the weight of the disc-shaped object for increasing the rotational spin of the object.The aerodynamic disc-shaped object may be reversible wherein the disc is of a thin, flexible membrane and the rim section extends from both sides of the periphery of the disc, the rim section being of sufficient weight to create an arcuate cross-sectional configuration in the disc-shaped object when the same is airborne, independent of the side of the disc-shaped object that is facing up.

Abstract: An invisible marionette comprising a pair of feet is disclosed. A hand operated manipulator including control lines which extend from the manipulator to the feet provides animation. The manipulator comprises a longitudinal member with front and rear cross members affixed thereto. The control lines extend from an extremity of the cross members to the feet.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the culture of algae in a liquid medium is disclosed. The medium circulates through an open trough and is exposed to an atmosphere which is temperature regulated. The nutrient content of the liquid medium is regulated to control the chemical composition growth and reproduction characteristics of the cultured algae. Before it is allowed to strike the medium, sunlight is passed through a filter to remove wavelengths which are not photosynthetically active. Heat energy can be recovered from the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing the amount of liquid chemicals on the applicator roller of an agricultural chemical applicator are directed to an elongated sensor plate supported in generally parallel closely spaced relation to the roller and electrically insulated therefrom. Both the roller and sensor plate are electrically connected into an electrical circuit as opposite plates of a capacitor whereby the capacitance thereof increases with the amount of liquid chemicals on the roller. The electrical circuit interprets the capacitance as a measurement of the amount of liquid chemicals and compares that measurement to a predetermined value to provide an indication of whether additional liquid chemicals should be dispensed onto the roller.

Abstract: Remnants of cedar timers, including bark, sawdust, wood chips and the like are spread in a layer upon soil to enhance the growth of vegetables, especially tuberous vegetables, such as potatoes. The cedar remnants provide nutrients for vegetables, retard the growth of weeds, aid in the retention of moisture and inhibit the propagation of harmful insects.

Abstract: Pineapples are propagated by removing a thick rosette of leaves from the top with no flesh attached, peeling off a few of the bottom leaves to expose the stalk and placing the stalk in a rooting medium.

Abstract: A gate hinge embodies an upstanding casing closed at its lower end and attached to a supporting post. A pintle is fixedly mounted within the casing and concentric therewith. Lower, upper and intermediate sleeves surround the pintle within the casing with the lower sleeve fixedly mounted at the lower end of the casing. The upper and intermediate sleeves are rotatable about the pintle with the upper sleeve being attachable to a gate. The sleeves are mounted in spaced relation to the outer surface of the pintle and the inner surface of the casing to define an annular lubricant receiving reservoir between the pintle and the inner surfaces of the sleeves and an annular lubricant receiving reservoir between the outer surfaces of the sleeves and the inner surface of the casing. Coacting cam surfaces on the sleeves urge the gate toward closed position upon rotation of the upper and intermediate sleeves.

Abstract: An operator for a casement-type window sash which is mounted adjacent one edge thereof on slider structure for combined pivoting and linear movement comprising, a first structure for causing said combined pivoting and linear movement including a first linkage having an operating arm and a connecting link which is pivotally connected to the operating arm intermediate the ends thereof and also pivotally connected to said sash and a constraining link pivotally connected to a window sill and to the sash at a distance from said edge.

Abstract: A tape drive window regulator mechanism includes a pair of track sections interconnected by a housing which mounts a rotatable roller and includes a pair of mounting sections each respective to and receiving the end of one track section. One of the track sections has its other end secured to a drive unit which moves a perforated tape through the track sections and around the roller with the tape being connected to a window drive unit for moving the window between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A roller device for a sliding closure of the type which permits adjustment of the effective height of the sliding closure relative to its support frame after the closure has been installed within the frame is described. The device comprises first and second members adapted for sliding engagement within a channel of a side of the sliding closure, said members being connected by resilient means, the first member being adapted for removable, secure attachment to the sliding closure, the position of the second member being slidingly adjustable relative to the first member, the second member being adapted to slide along a track associated with an aperture within which the sliding closure can be installed and a recessed roller mounted for rotation within the second member for rolling along a top edge of the track.

Abstract: A precision honing device including a substantially tubular honing member having an outer work engaging surface, an axially tapered inner surface, a full length slit through the device along one side thereof, and a layer of a relatively hard wear resistance abrasive substance applied to the outer work engaging surface, the work engaging outer surface of the device having an axial taper formed by a first portion extending to adjacent one end that has a first rate of taper, a second portion extending to adjacent the first portion having a rate of taper that is less than the rate of taper of the first portion, and a third tapered portion extending from the second portion on the opposite side thereof from the first portion, the third portion being axially tapered at a reverse taper relative to the tapers of the first and second portions, the taper of the first portion causing a greater rate of stock removal during honing than the taper of the second portion.

Abstract: In the production of varistors, diode chips are cut from a p-n sheet-diffused semiconductor wafer. Instead of having conventional rectangular shapes, the chips have a rhomboidal shape. This makes the shape of the chips asymmetric in that one surface of each chip becomes a distinguishable mirror image of its other surface. The direction of the p-n junction in the wafer is oriented with respect to the shape of the chips to be cut to place the same conductivity type region adjacent to the same rhomboidal shape of the surface. As a result, the polarity of the chips, or the direction in which the p-n junctions are oriented within the chips, becomes identifiable by the shape of the chips. This substantially aids in sorting, inspecting, assembling and other handling operations performed on the chip. The chips can, for instance, be inspected visually to determine whether the p-type or the n-type doped portion of the chips are facing away from a supporting surface.

Abstract: An anti-clogging and debris removal device is positionable to cover the opening in an open-topped, elongated gutter member so as to maintain the gutter member free from the flow-obstructing effects of leaves, twigs or other debris. The anti-clogging and debris-removal device includes rollers securely positioned adjacent each of the distal longitudinal ends of the gutter member, a continuous, endless, mesh-like conveyor belt trained for rotation about the rollers, and a selectively actuatable drive assembly for selectively rotating the rollers to longitudinally move the endless conveyor belt so as to transport leaves, twigs and other debris which collect on the conveyor belt to one of the distal ends of the gutter. The conveyor belt is of a width substantially equal to the width of the gutter member to prevent debris from entering the gutter between the gutter member and the edge of the belt.

Abstract: A preformed concrete unitary manhole base section is formed with a polygonal exterior wall with a plurality of substantially flat faces each aligned in a different direction. Some of the faces are formed with cylindrical openings into which standard drain conduit end portions closely fit. Compressible annular seals between the opening walls and the end portions effect a watertight seal between the section and the conduits. Interior flow contours are formed within the section between the openings. Separate plural handling and alignment facilitating means are formed in the exterior wall.

Abstract: An extensible room for travel trailers having a floor, walls, and roof section is arranged for sideward movement into and out of an opening in one of the trailer walls, the extensible room is suspended from overhead telescopic supporting frames and a drive assembly for moving the extensible room is provided.

Abstract: A foldable and curvilinearly extensible structure fabricated from a plurality of foldable and extensible base modules. Each base module is fabricated from six rigid members swivelly connected end-to-end in a closed figure with intersecting rigid members being pivotally connected. The length of the first and fourth rigid members is selectively predetermined to provide the overall triangular configuration of the structure with a generally isosceles triangular configuration. Importantly, the placement of pivots in the second and fifth rigid members and the third and sixth rigid members is predetermined by the length to the midpoint of the first and fourth rigid members. A plurality of base modules are selectively interconnected at adjacent swivels to thereby provide the enlarged, foldable and curvilinearly extensible truss-like structure.

Abstract: A drainage device for building foundations is provided, composed of a tubular structure having apertures in its upper and side surfaces and a drainage orifice at one end thereof. The device is sized to permit installation between segments of the building material forming the foundation and may be surrounded by mortar. Water percolating through the foundation is collected via the apertures and drained away from the foundation through the tubular structure. Any number of such drainage devices may be installed during construction of the building foundation.

Abstract: A self-contained window unit adapted to be assembled in an oven door. The window unit comprises at least two glass panes held in spaced parallel relation by a channel-shaped spacer having means engaging the peripheral edge portion of one of the panes, and individual clips or brackets mounted on the spacer and having clip portions engaging the peripheral edge portion of the other pane. The clips may be designed to hold third and fourth glass panes in spaced parallel relation to the first two panes.

Abstract: A step walker for people with walking disabilities includes a pair of parallel, spaced-apart substantially flat, vertically faced guide railings fixedly positioned above either side of a stairway to lie in parallel relation to the stairway. Each railing is provided with a guide slot extending from top to bottom of the railing. These guide slots are defined by a plurality of ramp sections extending in direction up the stairway from a lower to an upper portion of the railing, and a plurality of ratchet tooth holding sections, one between each ramp section, the ratchet tooth holding sections extending in direction up the stairway from an upper portion to a lower portion of the railing. A walking bar slides in these guide slots to be brought to rest at the bottom end of each holding section so that the step walker user can support his weight on the bar while moving up or down from one step to the next.

Abstract: A structural and insulating panel for fabricating walls of buildings. A series of panels are interconnected into a wall at the job site and are thereafter filled with insulation by spraying liquid insulating material onto the panel-formed walls. The panels include meshes forming lateral surfaces, zig-zag wires joining the meshes together and webs and backings acting to contain the flow of liquid insulation as it is sprayed onto the walls. Conventional wall covering materials are applied over the hardened insulation, the lattice members acting as a lath. The processes of fabricating the panel and forming a wall with such panels are described.

Abstract: Coiling and binding of telephone cordage is accomplished by rotating a turntable of an apparatus to coil a predetermined number of convolutions of cordage thereon. The coiling occurs while a deformable tie is wrapped about a previously coiled length of cordage which has been removed from the turntable and moved to a binding position. The coiled, bound length of cordage is removed from the binding position and ejected from the apparatus. At the same time, the cordage which has just been coiled is severed from a supply, is removed from the turntable in the coiling position, and is moved to the binding position to facilitate another cycle of operation in which the coiled cordage which has been moved into the binding position is bound and ejected while the leading end of a supply of cordage is secured to the turntable.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically forming bags on hanger suspended garments comprises a plurality of stands for supporting hangers with garments suspended therefrom. A device is provided to move each of the plurality of stands in sequence to at least first, second and third positions. Each of the stands remains stationary for a brief interval at each of the positions following its arrival. Each of the stands is adapted to have a hanger suspended garment mounted thereon when each stand is at the first position. An adjustable placing apparatus is provided at the second position for pulling tubular material along a path. A cutting device above the garment moves toward the material to cut the tubular material and away from the material to permit pulling down of additional tubular material. A sealing device above the stands moves towards the material to seal the tubular material and moves away from the material to permit pulling down of additional tubular material.

Abstract: An apparatus for making electronic component assembly comprising:a first tape feeder for feeding a supporting tape to an assembly stage,a punching tool for making perforations with a predetermined pitch on said supporting tape,a feeding way for feeding electronic components near said assembly stage at then consecutively pushes said electronic component onto said supporting tape in said assembly stage,a rotating drum having around its outer face a number of projections to engage to said perforations and a number of guiding member to define positions of lead-wires of said electronic components when pushed onto said supporting tape,a second tape feeder for feeding a bonding tape onto said supporting tape at a position after said assembly stage in a manner not to cover said perforations anda bonding roller for pressing to bond said bonding tape onto said supporting roller with said lead-wires inbetween.

Abstract: An automatic weighing and bagging machine and method for holding and opening a first bag of a plurality of juxtaposed bags held in the machine in a manner whereby the first bag may be filled with a weighed product and released from the plurality of bags. The bags are of the type having an extended tab secured to a portion thereof and extending above a mouth opening of the bag. The machine comprises a holding device for engaging at least a portion of the extended tab of the first bag. A retractor member is also provided for opening the mouth opening of the first bag by pulling a side wall portion of the first bag opposite to the engaged portion of the tab and away from the engaged tab. The retractor member also clamps the side wall portion to hold the bag in an open position whereby the bag is held from opposed sides for filling the bag with the weighed product. A container is provided to hold and weigh the product to be bagged.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting finned packages into a container, in successive groups of laterally juxtaposed packages, by clamping at least one fin of each package in a group in a common clamping device composed of a movable clamping jaw and a counter jaw, introducing the clamped-in packages into a container, and releasing the clamping device to deposit the group of packages in the container.

Abstract: A mowing machine has a plurality of cutting members rotatably supported on a portion of the frame disposed beneath the cutting members and extending transversely to the direction of travel of the mowing machine during operation. The cutting members are driven by means of a drive shaft extending above the cutting members and journalled in the frame to be coupled to a tractor power take-off shaft. The drive shaft is directly coupled through transmission means with shafts upon which are mounted the two outermost cutting members.

Abstract: A lateral float mechanism for a combine header is disclosed wherein the header is detachably mounted to a separate cradle assembly which is centrally pivotably mounted on the feeder house. Structure is provided for locking the header to the cradle assembly for preventing fore-and-aft movement between the cradle assembly and the feeder house and for selectively controlling the extent of pivotal movement of the cradle assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the growth of unwanted plants, such as weeds, volunteer plants, and the like, which project upwardly from a cultivated crop growing in a field, comprises providing an agricultural vehicle having a cutting bar thereon. The cutting bar is positioned at an elevation slightly above the uppermost portion of the crop, and the agricultural vehicle is piloted over the field, thereby cutting the upwardly projecting portions of the unwanted plants at a point thereon slightly above the uppermost portion of the crop, thereby arresting the growth of the unwanted plants, and facilitating the mechanical harvesting of the crop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing core yarn comprising introducing yarn constituting the core through a supply channel into a stationary spinning chamber, leading the yarn inside the chamber along a straight line to staple fibres rotating in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the chamber, joining and wrapping the core with the staple fibres and guiding the finished yarn out of the chamber to take-up rollers. The spinning chamber comprises two cylindrical chambers with different diameters adjoining one another and in the cylindrical chamber of greater diameters there are tangentially disposed air guide vanes, a channel for discharge of the finished yarn, and a channel for supplying the staple fibres. The outlet of the channel for supplying the staple fibres is disposed above the inlet of the channel for discharge of the finished yarn and above the air guide vanes. In a widening portion of the cylindrical chamber of smaller diameter the inlet of the channel for supplying the yarn is provided.

Abstract: A high speed rigid strander is described that has a rotatably mounted cage which includes a plurality of bobbin support members which are parallel to and angularly spaced about the axis of rotation of the cage. Each support member includes a locking mechanism for simultaneously locking or releasing an entire row of bobbins, each of which is spaced from the axis of rotation and has its longitudinal axis oriented generally radially or at an angle normal to the strander axis. Wire guides associated with each bobbin fly the wires off the bobbins under the action of external pulling forces without requiring the bobbins to rotate. Fly-off is generally radially inwardly against the action of centrifugal forces and the wires are guided towards the strander axis and then parallel thereto so that the wires from all of the bobbins can be brought to an end of the rotating cage and wound about a core wire.

Abstract: A bulked and entangled multifilament thermoplastic yarn and an improved process for the formation thereof which, when tufted into a fabric, presents a grass-like appearance. The yarn is made by melt spinning and water quenching filaments of a melt spinnable synthetic organic thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, in a continuous process, drawing the filaments, imparting bulk and entanglement in a fluid jet entangling mechanism and taking up the thus entangled yarn on a yarn winder. Also disclosed is an improved fluid jet entangling mechanism employed in the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in the art of combined steam turbine and gas turbine power plants of the type wherein the principal source of energy is a fluidized bed combustor fueled by coal. More specifically, the invention pertains to supplemental firing of the gas turbine cycle with a clean hydrocarbon fuel (CHF) at a high incremental efficiency to significantly increase overall plant efficiency.

Abstract: A high-temperature combustor for burning low-BTU coal gas in a gas turbine is described. The combustor comprises a plurality of individual combustor chambers. Each combustor chamber has a main burning zone and a pilot burning zone. A pipe for the low-BTU coal gas is connected to the upstream end of the pilot burning zone; this pipe surrounds a liquid fuel source and is in turn surrounded by an air supply pipe; swirling means are provided between the liquid fuel source and the coal gas pipe and between the gas pipe and the air pipe. Additional preheated air is provided by counter-current coolant air in passages formed by a double wall arrangement of the walls of the main burning zone communicating with passages of a double wall arrangement of the pilot burning zone; this preheated air is turned at the upstream end of the pilot burning zone through swirlers to mix with the original gas and air input (and the liquid fuel input when used) to provide more efficient combustion.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor is disposed upstream of a three-way catalyst in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and includes a sensing element of metal oxide whose electromotive force or resistance value varies in response to the concentration of oxygen in the engine exhaust gases. A catalytic body including a catalytic metal material exhibiting the same catalytic performance as that of the three-way catalyst is disposed around the sensing element or upstream of the oxygen sensor or is formed by impregnating a portion of the sensing element with the catalytic metal material, so that the air-fuel ratio at the intake side or exhaust side of the engine can be controlled depending on the output of the oxygen sensor.