Abstract: A surveyor's levelling staff which comprises an endless graduated band or strip on a hollow elongated body with a portion of the strip to be viewed extending along a longitudinal face of the body and the remainder of the strip disposed within the body. The strip passes around a spring-loaded tensioning roller and a winding and brake roller inside the body. The tensioning roller maintains a predetermined tension on the strip and the winding and brake roller includes a winding handle to move the strip along the longitudinal face of the body and through the body, and a brake which, in the locked position prevents relative movement of the strip.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in measuring the camber and castor of a motor vehicle wheel comprises two slidably adjustable parallel rods which engage either the rim of the vehicle wheel or suspension members. A spirit level is used to measure the inclination of the rods relative to the horizontal for determining the castor or camber of the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for drying under vacuum flat articles of porous material which apparatus comprises a support surface for supporting at least one article to be dried, a heating means disposed on the side of the support surface opposite to the side supporting the flat articles, at least one cover means serving to enclose at least one article to be dried, which is spread on the corresponding portion of the support surface, in a hermetically-sealed space, and means enabling the connection of the hermetically-sealed space to a vacuum creating device. The cover means employed comprises a flexible but non-extensible, fluid tight diaphragm which is provided on the side facing the support surface with a cushion layer of porous material and on its periphery with a fluid-tight seal for coaction with the support surface to provide the hermetically-sealed space.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying a web, such as a paper web, including a plurality of nozzle members successively located one after the other both in and transverse to the direction of travel of the web, each of the nozzle members defining a substantially annular slit and a carrying surface associated with the slit for directing gaseous drying fluid substantially contiguous with the carrying surface in a substantially radial flow field relative to the annular slit and in a direction substantially parallel to the web.

Abstract: An air nozzle for a jet drier has a nozzle slot extending transverse to a moving material web during use and has an elongated nozzle lip which together with the material web forms the boundary of a channel for drying air. The elongated nozzle lip has a planar portion and at least one stabilizing zone for the drying air which extends over the entire width of the nozzle and which interrupts the planarity of the planar portion of the nozzle lip. Each stabilizing zone includes equalizing openings, so spaced from the nozzle slot that stabilization of the flow is assured with widely varying drying air velocities.

Abstract: A personal coffee roaster for effecting roasting of small quantities of green coffee beans and having limited physical size and weight, has a roasting chamber with at least one perforate wall, elements for creating a heated gaseous flow through the perforate wall into the roasting chamber and an exit orifice leading from the roasting chamber, in gaseous communication therewith, for providing an outlet for the heated gas flow. The apparatus further has an air flow rate controlling element for variably controlling the rate of flow of the heated gas through the roasting chamber. The roasting chamber, stirring elements therein, and a driven rotating shaft are inclined to a vertical axis for effecting better tumbling action and stirring within the roasting chamber.

Abstract: A portable planetarium is disclosed for ascertaining the position of the sun, the planets and their satellites and the stars throughout the year. The planetarium includes a frame having a configuration defined by a frustrum of a cone with a substantially hemispherical cap attached thereon. A pole is aligned with the center axis of the frustrum of the cone and extends through the top of the hemispherical cap, with the intersection of the pole and the top of the hemispherical cap utilized as a reference point denoting the north star or Polaris. A covering is secured to the frame and a plurality of markings are selectively applied to the covering using Polaris as the reference point. A plurality of adhesive symbols may also be included to form an educational kit to teach the location of stars and the path of the sun and the planets during the course of the year.

Abstract: A flexible foot wrap is provided for supporting the metatarsal arch region of the foot and is adapted for use during activities requiring foot covering. The foot wrap has a fabric panel that supports a cushion, and a strap that extends around the heel of the foot and is attached at opposite sides of the panel. A second strap extends over the top midportion of the foot to hold the cushion against the sole of the foot, and this second strap has opposite ends connected to opposite sides of the panel. Preferably the fabric panel and straps are formed of elastic material, and at least one of the straps is formed in two sections that are releasably attachable to one another for purposes of adjustment of the foot wrap to feet of different sizes.

Abstract: Shoes incorporating a multiple chambered sole member inflated to a pressure above atmospheric, and disposed above and adjacent to an outsole having a deflectable web and projecting elements, such as ground-engaging studs, depending from the web and disposed in spaced geometric relation to each other to distribute loads imposed on the studs through a greater area of the inflated sole member to a wearer's foot, thereby enhancing its support and comfort.

Abstract: A sole-unit for protective footwear comprising a prefabricated tread sole of a heat resistant plastic material, for example of nitrile rubber, with open-top cavities in the heel region and a steel plate inlay in a region directly beneath the inner sole of the upper shoe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spike shoe including a sole, a plurality of spike pins mounted thereupon and a resilient elastic material fixed with the sole, the resilient elastic material having such a thickness that each spike pin can be concealed therein, and including a plurality of holes in order to permit the spike pins to protrude from the resilient elastic material when the weight of human body is applied to the spike shoe, whereby the spike pins are forced into the ground. When the weight is removed from the sole, the spike pins are retracted into the resilient material leaving any mud which may have been stuck to the pins on the smooth bottom surface of the sole from which the mud may be easily removed.

Abstract: An improved snowshoe includes a rigid soleplate swingably mounted for pivotal motion about the forward edge of a rigid cross member extending transversely across and adjustably affixed to the peripheral frame of the snowshoe. A strap binding assembly is mounted to the upper surface of the soleplate to secure a wearer's boot to the soleplate. A spring assembly resiliently retains the soleplate and urges it forwardly about the forward edge of the cross member to augment the conventional action of the snowshoe in lifting the leading edge of the snowshoe upwardly with each step to thereby avoid catching of the leading edge in loose snow.

Abstract: A pivot plate for attachment to the sole of a shoe comprises paired cylindrical discs which are rotatably fastened to one another in vertical adjacency, and which have antifriction pads located on their inwardly facing surfaces so that said discs rotate freely relative to one another even when subjected to an axial load. A double-backed membrane having a protective cover on one of its sides is attached to the outer surface of one of the discs so that the pivot can be attached to an existing shoe quickly and easily merely by removing the cover and pressing it in place.

Abstract: A commercially available four-wheel-drive loader has a conventional "quick-attachment" front plate liftable by operator-controllable hydraulic-cylinder means; and it has the transplant digging machine easily detachably mounted on said front plate for movement between rows of trees, etc., to a position laterally opposite one selected for transplanting (or root pruning). The transplant digging machine has a U-shaped undercutting blade mounted for downwardly swinging ground-penetrating movement and then horizontal root-cutting movement, by separate sequentially operable hydraulic cylinders. The first cylinder swings a slide-in-guide carrier for the blade through an arc from a downward inclination to a horizontal orientation. The second cylinder is in the carrier, and is operated to force the blade horizontally under the root "ball" being cut.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ski tracks for a ski trail, comprising a sliding/planing body with a flat sliding surface which curves upwardly at the forward section of said body, and spaced-apart track-forming members depending downwardly from said sliding surface. The track-forming members each comprising a bottom surface and two parallel side surfaces whose forward portions converge to form a plow portion while the bottom surface extends forward in full width beneath said plow portion and at least to the tip of it. A drag frame pivotally attached to the surface of the sliding/planing body rearward of its forward section. The axis of pivot for the frame running transversely of the direction of advancement for the sliding/planing body. The trackforming members producing a track with strong, compacted walls, without weighing down the apparatus.

Abstract: An excavator with articulated arms has a self propelled truck which rotatably supports a platform. The first arm is articulated by a lateral pivot pin near a peripheral edge of the platform, its pivotal movement about the lateral pivot pin being controlled by a jack itself articulated at one end to the platform near the lateral pivot pin. The opposite end of the jack is articulated to one end of each of a pair of levers, the outer end of one lever being articulated by a common pivot to a central portion of the first arm while the outer end of the second lever is articulated to the platform near the lateral pivot pin. When the platform is substantially horizontal and the first arm is fully raised, the vertical projections of both levers lie within the platform. At the free end of the first arm is articulated one end of the second arm, an excavating member such as a bucket scoop being articulated to the opposite end of the second arm.

Abstract: A tool for fracturing soil to be excavated. A blade is pivotally attached to the scoop or bucket of an excavating machine. The axis of rotation of the blade is in advance of the leading edge of the blade relative to the direction of digging. The force of digging aligns the blade in the soil to be removed such that the line of force is directed along the axis of the blade. In another variation, teeth-like soil penetrating devices are added to the blade. The teeth may be individually pivoted relative to the blade in which case the blade is fixed in position. The axis of rotation of each tooth is ahead of the center of gravity of the tooth relative to the direction of digging. In another variation the pivotally mounted blade is locked in position to optimize the cutting force used to fracture the soil. The fracturing tool may also be used separately from the associated bucket or scoop. In this embodiment it is used as a rake or a device to break up clumps of soil or other frozen material.

Abstract: A locking device for excavating equipment including a C-clamp member and a wedge member, the wedge member having ratchet-type teeth held in position against the C-clamp member by means of an arcuate lock which itself is resiliently mounted within the C-clamp member.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for displaying signs on enclosures which comprises an adjustable flexible material and a means for attaching a rotable member to said adjustable flexible material to which member a means for displaying a sign can be affixed.

Abstract: A method of removing snow from ground surfaces, comprising discharging into a layer of snow lying on the ground in front of a travelling vehicle, high velocity water from a plurality of nozzles mounted on the front portion of the vehicle extending horizontally across the width of the vehicle, in a forward and downward direction at a pressure of not less than 40 kg./cm.sup.2 and at a rate of at least 30 liters/min.

Abstract: A photograph display stand having two frame assemblies which are hinged together along their adjacent side edges so that one frame assembly may be moved 360.degree. with respect to the other. Each frame assembly is composed of two identical transparent members arranged back to back and through each a photograph may be viewed.

Abstract: A front-loading reusable picture frame is constructed of two nesting components. A rigid rectangular outer framework has first and second walls which define a forwardly facing seating and confining structure. A rectangular inner framework is formed by discrete side members having a continuously inwardly open channel for receiving a stack of framed elements whereby the side members may circumscribe the stack to bind its components. The inner framework seats within the outer framework and is confined therein.

Abstract: A three-dimensional figure made from an inflatable, sculptured envelope of soft pliable material into which is blown a constant flow of ambient air wherein said flow of ambient air can be modulated or reversed to cause a lifelike movement of the sculptured figure. The inflatable envelope can be attached to the face of a billboard to create a three-dimensional display which can be quickly assembled or dismantled. The structure can tolerate substantial leakage of air from the envelope along seam lines, through the pliable material fabric or small puncture holes.

Abstract: A conversion kit or assembly for standard exit sign constructions is provided which allows quick and easy changeover of the sign (which is normally illuminated only by standard 120 volt building current) to a design wherein a secondary source of illumination and electrical power is provided for emergency use. The conversion kit includes a replacement support housing having a battery and printed circuit board therein, along with secondary bulbs designed for quick attachment within the sign lens unit, and wiring means for connecting the primary and secondary illuminators to respective power sources. The secondary bulbs are wired to light only upon a failure of normal power, so as to ensure operation of the exit sign. A test switch is also provided for periodically testing the secondary illumination system.

Abstract: A dasher board for ice skating rinks is disclosed comprising a flat front panel member with a flange adjacent the lower edge to support the panel in a vertical upright position. The panel has a sheet member containing indicia in the form of advertising or the like located adjacent the front portion of the panel and a window means is positioned over the sheet member and secured to the panel. A kickplate is also provided adjacent the lower edge to absorb the impact of hockey pucks and the like. The method of constructing the dasher board is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a crown for enclosing therein the firing mechanism of a pistol having a stock and a hand guard for protecting the trigger. The pistol is characterized by the fact that to the stock there is removably attached an extension rod which extends in two sections in a direction opposed to that of the barrel. The extension rod has a T-shaped extremity. The hand guard for the trigger has pivoted thereon a lever urged by a small spring-loaded piston to become blocked either in a first active position that is downwardly inclined with respect to the crown of the pistol, or in a second inactive or rest position through the displacement of the lever toward and near the crown itself.

Abstract: A portable tackle and bait holder for demountable securement on the gunwale of a boat is provided which includes a generally box-shaped housing having a substantially flat, horizontally-disposed base wall having four sides, from three of which upwarding extend three upstanding sidewalls which serve as windshields. The base wall also has a multiplicity of depressions formed therein including at least one relatively deep well for chum or live bait and a plurality of relatively shallow recesses for hooks, lures and bait. The base wall also has formed therein a plurality of knife slits and water drainage holes as well as a cutting board mounted on the base wall. The housing is demountably secured to a gunwale of a boat.

Abstract: An ocean crab trap consisting of a non-buoyant ring adapted to be secured to the end of a fishing line for casting or dropping to lie on the ocean floor, and adapted to have suitable bait secured therein, and a plurality of resilient snare nooses secured to the ring in spaced relation around its periphery and projecting outwardly therefrom, in order that a crab feeding on the bait must be standing in at least one of the nooses so as to be snared thereby when the fishing line is pulled in.

Abstract: Insect electrocution apparatus having a first wire mesh formed of perpendicularly crossed wires spaced from a second wire mesh formed of perpendicularly crossed wires. The spacing device comprises a main body portion having a length equal to the spacing distance with a pair of bosses extending axially from the opposite ends of the main body portion. Each of the bosses defines a slot which receives a wire from a respective wire mesh, and the wire meshes are retained in place with respect to the main body portion. One of the wire meshes is mounted to a chassis plate by means of a grid support formed of insulative material. The grid support is an elongated member having a first portion for connection to the grid and a second portion for connection to the chassis plate.

Abstract: A doll high chair and swing construction is provided, having a frame formed with an upper support having at least one support location on an upper region thereof. A seat member is formed with at least one supportable region adapted for cooperation with the support location to support the chair on the frame. Also provided is a swing member formed on one side with a supportable region adapted for cooperation with the support location to define a pivotal support for the swing member, the swing member being formed with a support location at a side thereof spaced from the supportable region thereof for cooperation with the seat member to support the seat member for swinging displacement within the frame below the frame support location.

Abstract: Toy apparatus for the formation of 2- and 3-dimensional geometrical structures and including a plurality of substantially spherical connector members each having a plurality of radial sockets or prongs arranged around a central point in the connector member, a plurality of slender connecting members in groups of different lengths and having opposite ends to fit in the sockets or to receive the prongs, said sockets or prongs of each connector member body being arranged in patterns that enable the connector members to be interconnected by the connecting member to form tetrahedron, octahedron and cube structures.

Abstract: A propeller driven toy comprising a hollow cylindrical elongated fuselage having radially spaced fins mounted thereon, a front propeller rotatably mounted on the forward end of the fuselage and having a circular hub provided with inwardly facing recessed notches along its periphery, four radially spaced blades and a drive shaft extending inwardly through the center of the hub; a rear propeller substantially identical to the front propeller rotatably mounted on the rear end of the fuselage in axial opposition and counter-rotating to the front propeller; a rubber band interconnecting the drive shafts and their respective hubs; a locking mechanism housed internally of the fuselage comprising a wheel rotatably mounted on a horizontal shaft, a lever having its inner end rotatably received on the wheel shaft and interposed between the sides of the wheel and having its outer end free to project outwardly from fuselage, a pair of elongated lock rods in offset axial alignment with the fuselage having their inner ends

Abstract: Method of making a soil support for a plant container having a water reservoir beneath the support. The support is made by providing a fabric of water-absorbent fabric which is carried by support members. To hold the fabric in place, at least one fabric region is deformed and held in deformed state by a support member. In a preferred arrangement at least two spaced regions are deformed so as to stretch and tension the fabric between these regions and the regions are retained in deformed state by the support members and maintain the tension. In practice, support members are made by plastics injection moulding. The injection pressure deforms fabric extending across mould cavities and the plastics hardens to retain the deformed shape.

Abstract: Each sash of this double-hung tiltably-removable sliding sash window installation slides in an elongated channel sash guide containing a sash balancing spring anchored at its upper end thereto and connected at its lower end to a lock carrier upon which is rotatably mounted a pointed locking lever. This lever cooperates with an eccentric lock-operating pin mounted on the pivot boss of a block mounted in the lower portion of the groove in the opposite side edges of each sash in such a manner that when the sash is moved around its pivot bosses into the plane of the window frame, the eccentric pin on each side is automatically moved laterally relatively to its respective locking lever so as to push the locking lever out of its locking position, thereby releasing each of the opposite sash-balancing springs into its sash-balancing position.

Abstract: The silo door of the present invention is adapted to fit in closing relation over an opening in the silo wall. The door is connected to the silo by a hinge which permits the door to swing about a vertical axis located adjacent one of the vertical side edges of the opening. A bracket connects the hinge to the door and permits inward tilting movement of the door with respect to the hinge about a horizontal tilt axis. A latch is provided for selectively detachably securing the door to the silo in rigid covering relationship over the opening.

Abstract: An ornamental and protective molding for the edges of vehicle doors in which a U-shaped metal strip is formed with beads acting as guides to facilitate installation of the molding on vehicle doors without scratching the painted surfaces with the beads acting as clamping surfaces for retaining the molding on the door. The outer leg of the strip has a single thickness of material and the inner leg a double thickness, and an insulating liner nests within the strip to insulate it from the door edge.

Abstract: Metal carriers are disclosed for use in channel-shaped sealing, trimming and finishing strips, and channel-shaped window glass guides, such as for fitting to motor vehicle bodies. The carriers comprise a series of U-shaped side-by-side elements which are connected together. Each element is connected to the adjacent element on one side by a single connecting link running along the base of the channel, and is connected to the adjacent element on the other side by two connecting links which join the legs of the adjacent elements. In addition, the distal ends of those legs which are connected together by the connecting links have abutting extensions. In use, the carriers are covered with extruded plastics or rubber material. The abutting extensions prevent or limit stretching of the strip - by preventing movement towards each other of the distal ends of the legs.

Abstract: Ice skate-sharpening apparatus including a housing assembly carrying a vertically extending drive shaft on which a grinding wheel is mounted. Adjustable mounting means supports the housing assembly on a work table for vertical movement with respect to the work table to position the grinding wheel at a predetermined work-performing position above the work table. Drive transmission means connects the grinding-wheel drive shaft with a motor that is fixedly mounted at a position adjacent to the work table. The drive transmission means provides for the rotation of the grinding wheel in any of a plurality of vertical positions spaced above the work table. The housing assembly also carries a wheel-dressing tool which is simply moved to a wheel-dressing position.

Abstract: Generating lens surfaces to true toric or spherical shapes with lens surfacing machinery employing a dual pivoting system and fixed radius cutter. Lenses are fed across the cutter along a first circular path developing the spherical component of a toric surface while the cutter is simultaneously swept orthogonally across the lens along a second circular path which develops the cylindrical component of the toric surface. Various combinations of spherical and cylindrical curvatures are produced by adjustment of radii of first and second circular paths.

Abstract: A surface grinding machine is provided which comprises a head, a grinding wheel supported by the head, and a reciprocable bench for receiving and supporting a work piece. A toothed belt has opposite ends thereof fixed to the bench for effecting reciprocation thereof. The belt is guided by guide rollers mounted on the machine frame which deflect the belt to a drive pinion, which is driven by means of a thyristor-controlled reversible permanent magnetic field servomotor. The servomotor is controlled by a single control switch arranged approximately in the middle of the path of travel of the bench. The control switch operates a contactless trigger element which is connected to the servomotor.

Abstract: A portable surface grinder having a carriage mounted on wheels which roll in two parallel tracks of a frame resting on the surface to be ground, the carriage being slideable from side to side on the shafts carrying the wheels, a third shaft which is rotatable within the carriage and in which is journaled a fourth shaft which is mounted eccentrically with respect to the third shaft and on which is mounted the grinding wheel, the third shaft being rotatably controlled so as to raise or lower the grinding surface of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the manufacture of sponge rubber spheres, such as spheres (10) used for cleaning tubes internally, and the shapes made thereby. The sponge rubber is initially cut into cubes approximating the shape of the final product. Next the sponge rubber is frozen by means of liquid nitrogen. Then while in the frozen state it is machined to the final shape. This machining could be performed by a centerless grinding technique involving a grinding wheel (41), a regulating wheel (42), and a work rest (43). Additionally, a plurality of shapes may be formed at one time from a single block of sponge rubber (30) as shown in FIG. 2.

Abstract: A rotatable floor treating pad is provided by uniformly modifying a strip of conformable low-density abrasive product to provide an expandable zone on one side, a contractable zone on the other side, or both, each or a combination of which permits formation of the strip into an annulus without buckling, forming an annulus of the strip and setting the formed annulus to cause it to maintain its shape.

Abstract: A tension structure having a curved surface comprises a group of metal strips to form the curved surface and each of the strips is pre-stressed under tension for stabilizing the structure. The tension is produced in the strips by a group of tension members generally having a curvature opposite to that of the strips, the strips and tension members being arranged to effect tension indirectly on each other through an intermediate means such as a group of intermediate members disposed therebetween or air serving as the intermediate means or directly. In some instances, the ground surface regarded as having an indefinite radius is utilized as equivalent to the tension members. The erection of the structure is available by the application of tension and the conventional scaffold usually required may be omitted.

Abstract: A lightweight tent for backpackers and like uses and characterized by a generally rectangular floor panel and a double layered canopy, the inner membrane of the canopy being breathable and the outer membrane being waterproof, these membranes being connected to opposite sides of the tunnel surrounding three sides of the floor and extended as an arch over the fourth side of the floor. The tunnel houses an inflatable tube which tends to straighten when inflated and this results in both membranes of the canopy being stretched in spaced relation to define an occupancy space having its greatest height dimension at said arch where a zippered closure flap permits access to the occupancy space.

Abstract: An adapter which facilitates the securing of an eaves trough to a roof of a building. The adapter, preferably a one-piece structure, has a substantially flat roof engaging flange extending inwardly from the edge of the roof; a substantially flat drip flange extending outwardly from the edge of the roof; and first and second downwardly extending and spaced apart flanges which define an open bottomed channel for receiving the wall of the eaves trough therein, wherein said first flange is adjustable with respect to said roof engaging flange by bending while said first and second flanges remain substantially parallel.

Abstract: A telescopic building and a method of erecting it are disclosed. Ways are provided on a support structure and at least one integral wall and roof element of predetermined height and width is mounted on the support structure. Movable integral wall and roof elements of progressively different height and width are provided at their bases or feet with rollers which track the ways so that they can move to and from a telescopic position of the movable elements.

Abstract: A framework for a building or other hollow object utilizing a plurality of basic building elements which are interconnected together in which each of the elements is constructed of a sheet of bendable resilient material which has a substantially flat permanent set, and each sheet is provided with three pairs of equally spaced apertures for interconnecting the building elements, each pair of connection apertures defining an axis which extends between the connection apertures, and the axes between the three pairs of connecting apertures intersecting at angles of 60.degree. to form an equilateral triangle centrally of the sheet, the sheets being interconnected by pins extending through apertures to form a hollow body. Four embodiments are disclosed, one in which legs extend from the central triangle portion, and two embodiments in which a six-sided sheet forms the basic building element.

Abstract: Post support for supporting vertical fence posts, the bases of sheds or greenhouses, and the like, to the ground comprising an elongate ground-engaging portion, preferably of cross-shaped cross-section and preferably tapered toward its free end, capable of being driven vertically into the ground and a post-engaging portion, preferably a hollow box-section, rigidly attached to the ground-engaging portion and being so formed that a post to be supported and engaged by the post-engaging portion extends with its axis substantially parallel to the axis of the ground-engaging portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prestressed concrete tank comprising a foundation having a generally horizontal supporting surface and a wall structure mounted on the supporting surface. The generally horizontal supporting surface is provided with at least two shear blocks which have sufficient height as to project upwardly from the top of the supporting surface. The wall structure supported by the supporting surface partially surrounds the projecting portion of the shear blocks in a fashion so as to allow for the wall structure to be sealingly supported by the supporting surface; at the same time, however, the shear blocks tend to resist shearing forces on the tank caused by backfilling, earthquakes and the like, which could cause displacement and/or rotation of the tank wall structure relative to the foundation.