Abstract: A liquid applicator device and a method of utilization thereof primarily for applying herbicide to plants. An elongated container has a closed first end and an opening in the second end through which a roller with fibrous covering is insertable and withdrawable. The roller has a handle extending from one end thereof and a closure structure is operatively associated with the handle for closing the opening in the container second end when the roller is within the container. The roller is mounted for coaxial rotation within the container, and a plurality of blades are mounted within the container around the internal periphery thereof, the blades interconnected by rings and also rotatable with respect to the container.

Abstract: A plant watering system including a tray having a platform thereon in which a water absorbent mat is located. The mat extends into the tray in which water is located and water is absorbed from the tray into the mat by capillary action. The plants are located on the mat and are provided with water directly to the plant bottom and water is available to provide humidity to the leaves. A stackable arrangement is provided so that one tray can be stacked on top of another one.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for control of translocation in a stem by restriction of growth, the stem being contained within an incomplete enclosure having at least one gap or break in its limits so that growth of the stem will be restricted at the limits of the incomplete enclosure and will extend through the gap. Thereafter growth may extend into a slot, to be restricted at the lateral limits of the slot. The incomplete enclosure may lie at one level or may extend beyond one level. An incomplete enclosure may be placed at each of a plurality of levels. Application of the method results in increased availability of carbohydrates above the site of application for incorporation into and enhancement of production of leaves, stems, flowers, fruit and seeds.

Abstract: A tap sharpener has a base defining a base axis and carrying a support which is pivotal on the base about a support axis inclined to the base axis. A tap holder is fixed on the support for joint rotation therewith about the support axis and has a retainer for securing a tap on the tap holder with the central axis of the tap extending parallel to the support axis. A slide between the holder and the support allows for displacement of the holder on the support in a direction passing perpendicularly through the support axis and through the central axis of a tap secured by the retainer in the holder. An indexing stop is provided for angularly positioning the tap relative to the holder in a predetermined angular position relative to the tap axis and to the support. The sharpener allows virtually any type of tap to be sharpened with any type of angular and axial relief angle.

Abstract: A steadyrest for supporting a workpiece to be ground comprising three contact shoes which are simultaneously movable toward and away from a workpiece centerline so that workpieces of varying diameter can be supported and maintained on a fixed centerline of rotation. The top contact shoe is mounted for pivotal movement to a position clear of the work area to facilitate loading and unloading of the workpiece. A hydraulic operator is provided for pivoting the upper contact shoe between the operative position, engaging a workpiece, and the load-unload position. A second hydraulic operator is provided which through appropriate mechanical wedges moves upper contact shoe and the two lower non-pivoting contact shoes simultaneously toward or away from a workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for submerged grinding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals comprising a work tank adapted to contain a liquid, and means for supporting a workpiece in the work tank. The level of liquid in the tank can be raised to cover the work for grinding or lowered to expose the work for inspection. Changing the liquid level is accomplished by a ballast tank connected to the work tank, and a liquid displacement member in the ballast tank. Raising the displacement member lowers the liquid level in both tanks, and lowering it raises the liquid level in both tanks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for relieving an elevated pressure behind a wall. The apparatus includes a rigid frame mountable over an orifice in the wall and a rigid panel sized to fit within the opening in the frame and to cover the orifice. The panel is mounted in the frame by a hinge which permits the panel to pivot with respect to the frame. The panel is also releasably secured to the frame so that when an elevated pressure is not present, the panel and frame are secured against fluid leakage. If an elevated pressure is developed behind the wall, the panel pivots with respect to the frame and thereby releases the elevated pressure.

Abstract: A collapsable, articulated wall structure is formed from pivotally interconnected links. In an erected configuration, the wall has a generally planar face which is suitable for hanging display posters. In a collapsed configuration, the wall folds into a compact bundle of generally parallel links. The wall is comprised of a plurality of rectangular parallelpiped sections. Each section has a first plurality of pivots in the four corners defining a face of the section and a second plurality of pivots on the other four corners of the section. The first plurality of pivots is connected with the second plurality of pivots by a plurality of side links which are pivotally interconnected in an X-shaped arrangement. Displaced slightly inward from the face plane is a face pivot which is connected to the first plurality of pivots by four face links. The section is releasably locked in its erected configuration by a locking link.

Abstract: A telescopic jib of a load-handling device, having telescopically extensible sections in the form of fluid cylinders. An annular sealing assembly is employed at the end portions of the sections, in the form of a sleeve which defines an annular space with the end face of the fluid cylinder of greater diameter and the side surface of the fluid cylinder of smaller diameter. A floating ring is mounted in the annular space and has seals which engage the external periphery of said smaller-diameter fluid cylinder and the end faces of the floating ring. Annular grooves are coaxial in the external peripheral surface at the end of each said fluid cylinder and in the end face of the respective one of said sleeves such that, a support ring is accommodated in each pair of annular grooves. A rope-and-sheave system having at least two runs symmetrically extending with respect of the longitudinal axis of the jib is used to govern the motion of the sections.

Abstract: A floor grid is provided for a trafficway for removing debris from traffic passing thereover. The grid comprises a support structure below the surface of the trafficway, a plurality of spaced tread rails defining an upper surface which is generally flush with the surface of the trafficway and being supported by the support structure, and a plurality of traverse spacer bars or channels positioned immediately beneath the tread rails. Each tread rail is secured to each spacer channel by a bolt where both cross. Each bolt has a head which is received in and is slidable, when the bolt is not tightened, along a pair of confronting slots in an associated tread rail. Each of the slots has a flat vertical surface which respectively butt against a pair of flat vertical surfaces of the bolt head preventing rotation of the bolt relative to the tread rail. Preferably the slots are just high enough to snugly receive the bolt heads. Feet extend outwardly from the lower end of each tread rail and engage the spacer channels.

Abstract: A flashing construction for a curtain wall utilizing The Equal Pressure Principle. Said flashing construction comprises a plurality of vertical mullions disposed parallel to each other and panels being mounted between said mullions. An enclosed vertical space is formed between the mullion and the panel; also, intake ports to the open air are provided on the mullion, whereby said vertical space is connected to the open air through said intake ports. As a result, the pressure in said vertical space is equalized to that of the open air.

Abstract: Wall structure modules comprising a plurality of narrow, substantially ceiling high panels of integral sandwich construction with a thickness of insulation molded between two thicknesses of light weight concrete. There are tongue and groove configurations along opposite sides of the panels conditioning them to be nested together. A full-height steel stud is encased in each exterior panel and has a small bracket at the top exposed for attachment of a top plate, which fits over the panels of a complete wall section to unitize it. Interior panels are similar but the steel studs are full height in every other panel only. A transverse channel extends across the bottom of each panel on the inside, the lower flange of which is secured to the sub-floor. In the assembled wall these channels are aligned to serve as a conduit for plumbing and electrical wiring.

Abstract: A supporting rib arrangement for a lower ceiling which is to be suspended beneath a structure-fixed ceiling and method of using such supporting rib arrangement comprising support or carrier profile members for supporting ceiling components of the lower ceiling, for instance precast slabs, said support profile members being arranged in a grid arrangement or field and abutting at their ends at node points. Suspension or hanging components are connected in such a manner with the supporting rib arrangement and the structure-fixed ceiling respectively, that they permit limited displacement of the supporting rib arrangement relative to the ceiling for tolerance compensation.

Abstract: A device for killing moss on rooftops comprises an elongated bimetallic trough for horizontal positioning along a rooftop to catch rainwater. In one embodiment the walls of the trough include a layer of copper and a layer of lead sandwiched together. Small holes through such layers, and spaced apart in rows along a wall of the trough, slowly drain the rainwater onto the rooftop. As the water passes through the holes, contacting the junction of the lead and copper layers, an electrolytic action occurs in which ions of the metal dissolve into the water. The resultant electrolyte kills the moss. Another embodiment comprises a plastic trough having holes in one side and containing pieces of lead and copper.

Abstract: A dome-shaped structure comprising a plurality of prefabricated base panels and a plurality of upper panels hingedly connected to one another. The structure is erected by first lifting a plurality of base panels to their final position with the upper end of each upper panel remaining near ground level. The base panels are then connected together. The upper panels are then lifted to their final position and connected to a compression ring.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for filling and capping a quantity of stackable containers with a fluid from a fluid reservoir. The apparatus comprises a rotary table having a plurality of apertures disposed therein for receiving the containers. Containers from a container magazine are transferred individually and placed within the apertures in the rotary table. A filling head is disposed at a second position for filling the container with the fluid pumped from the fluid reservoir. The filling head comprises a unique pinch bar and flexible tubing combination to insure rapid termination of fluid flow from the filling head. A lid magazine is disposed at a third position with a rotatable arm placing a lid from the lid magazine upon the filled container. A heat sealer located at a fourth position heat seals the lid to the container. A discharge station is located at a fifth position for discharging the capped containers from the rotary table.

Abstract: In a coin wrapping machine wherein stacks of coins of different diameters can be wrapped in a constant number of turns or layers of wrapping paper, having set of rollers for wrapping a stack of coins in a selected length of sheet of wrapping paper determined according to the diameter of the stack of coins, and a cutter capable of moving its position with respect to the rollers for cutting wrapping paper drawn out from a roll of wrapping paper into such selected length, there is provided a guiding apparatus which can guide the wrapping paper from the cutter to the rollers without fail. The guiding apparatus comprises a stationary guide member extending passing over the cutter to the rollers, and an extension type guide member extending along the stationary guide member.

Abstract: In a process for forming stacks of pieces of sheet material such as banknotes from an unbroken train of such sheets, the stacking of the sheets and the placing of label tapes round them takes place at one at the same position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an air cushion supported vegetation cutter including a cutter casing housing an impeller for creating the air cushion in conjunction with the casing. An aperture in the casing permits air flow to the impeller and a support structure supports a motor for driving the impeller. The support structure provides a duct for the flow of cooling air over the motor and the duct has cooling air outlets located upstream of the aperture in the casing. This arrangement provides an improved motor cooling arrangement in which the motor cooling air and the air for the impeller interact upstream of the impeller.

Abstract: A picking machine is described for harvesting hops from vines that have been trained over a low profile trellis. The machine includes two sets of vertical picking conveyors that straddle the vines. The conveyor sets are transversely adjustable toward or away from the vine. A forward picking conveyor set includes picking fingers that move continuously downwardly, stripping hops down from opposite sides of the vine downwardly onto horizontal receiving conveyors. A rearward set of picking conveyors follow the forward set with picking fingers moving upwardly. The upwardly moving picking fingers lift the vine, "stringing" the vine vertically and stripping the remaining hops so they will fall downwardly onto receiving conveyors below.

Abstract: A multiply effect yarn is wound up from a plurality of strands on a yarn-winding body that is rotated at a variable predetermined speed. Each of the strands is fed via a respective strand-feed element to the yarn-winding body. The feed rate of each of these strand-feed elements can be individually varied, and is established as a function of the rotation rate of the yarn-winding body to maintain a predetermined proportionality between the various speeds. The drive for each strand-feed element comprises a separate pair of variable-speed motors set to operate at different speeds and operated by forward and backward counters so that either the one motor or the other motor of each drive is connected to the respective feed element which can also be connected to a brake, if desired. The various speed rates can rapidly be adjusted, in accordance with the overall drive rate for the yarn-winding body, even during production of the multiply effect yarn.

Abstract: Two or more single strands are formed and false twisted to provide sections of S-twist and Z-twist which are longitudinally spaced apart and separated by nodes which have no twist. The strands while moving longitudinally are held against rotation at points between which the adjacent strands twist in a same direction. The twist between each pair of points becomes redistributed, and the strands are released to enable them to twist together to form a self twist plural strand yarn.The strands are held against rotation during twist redistribution by apparatus which includes a device for interconnecting the strands at the points, and a rotation preventer which moves with and lies between the strands adjacent to the interconnected points.

Abstract: To start-spin a thread with open-end spinning, the end of the thread is inserted into a spinning rotor against the normal direction of draw, placed on a ring there formed of fed fibres and drawn off again. The end of the thread is placed on the ring at a start-spinning speed which is lower than the operating speed of the spinning rotor. In order to avoid undesired changes in the thickness and strength, etc. of the thread at the start-spinning point, the feed of the sliver, which determines the thickness of the ring of fibres located in the spinning rotor, is reduced in a ratio to the normal operating condition which at least approximates the ratio between the start-spinning speed of the spinning rotor and its operating speed.

Abstract: A joining device for joining a thread returned from a take-up coil to a spinning rotor of a rotor spinning machine by a thread regulator, the thread regulator having a thread clamp includes a roller pair, at least one of the rollers of the roller pair being drivable in direction in which the thread is returned.

Abstract: A gas turbine fuel control system for controlling the acceleration of an engine during start-up which permits the engine to accelerate substantially along its required-to-run line. Fuel flow to the engine is controlled by a speed governor, and means are included to gradually increase the speed set point of the governor in relation to elapsed time of the start-up period.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine control system is provided. In a preferred control system for use in combination with a helicopter, input signals respectively representative of power turbine speed error, power turbine shaft torque, and compressor shaft speed are employed. From these input signals, five intermediate signals are developed. One of the intermediate signals represents the main rotor speed error. Each of the five intermediate signals is provided with a separate predetermined gain and coupled to summation means. The predetermined gains are selected to be of values which reduce the effects of resonances provided by the mail and tail rotors of the helicopter. The output of the summation means represents a control signal and may be employed to operate a fuel control valve.

Abstract: An improved exhaust gas control apparatus, which utilizes a 3-way catalyst for reducing the contents of harmful components in exhaust gas, incorporates a diaphragm type air pump for supplying secondary air, upstream of the catalyst, to the exhaust gas. A chamber, which is formed on one side of the diaphragm in the air pump, is communicated through an electromagnetic changeover valve with the upstream side of the catalyst.

Abstract: A compound valve device comprises a body member, a first valve member being located in the body member and controlling the fluid communication between a first input port and a first output port, and a second valve member being located in the body member and controlling the fluid communication between a second input port and a second output port. The two valve members operate in sequence, without a significant difference in time in response to one signal pressure.

Abstract: A heat recovery system for the production of mechanical energy from a plurality of different heat sources at different temperatures comprises a plurality of heat exchangers associated one with each heat source, a plurality of circuits for a working fluid which traverses the heat exchangers, the circuits including expansion devices in which the working fluid is expanded and possibly vaporized to derive mechanical work from it, this being accompanied by a fall in temperature; the circuits for the working fluid have certain parts in common, such as the heat exchanger associated with the heat source at the lowest temperature, at least one of the expansion devices, a condenser in which working fluid vaporized in the expanders can be recondensed, and a circulation pump for driving the working fluid around the circuits.

Abstract: Process and system for recovery of energy from geothermal brines and other hot water sources, by direct contact heat exchange between the brine or hot water, and an immiscible working fluid, e.g. a hydrocarbon such as isobutane, in a heat exchange column, the brine or hot water therein flowing countercurrent to the flow of the working fluid. The column can be operated at subcritical, critical or above the critical pressure of the working fluid. Preferably, the column is provided with a plurality of sieve plates, and the heat exchange process and column, e.g.

Abstract: In a storage system for liquefied gases at least a portion of the compressed gases from the refrigeration system for the storage system are combined with liquefied gases being removed from the storage system to thereby provide heat to liquefied gases being removed from the storage system. This prevents the build up of the light components of the liquefied gases in the storage system and also conserves energy.

Abstract: A flake ice vending machine for vending disposable receptacles filled with a mixture of flake ice and a flavored syrup, and including an auger type ice maker, a storage bin for storing the ice formed by the ice maker, an ice slicer for slicing the ice formed by the ice maker, and a discharge chute for discharging the flake ice formed by the ice slicer. Additional mechanisms are provided for dispensing a flavored syrup into the disposable receptacle and mechanisms for washing the area in which the disposable filled receptacles are provided so as to wash away the surplus syrup and ice.

Abstract: An automatic ice making machine employing a compression refrigeration system permitting utilization of a single compressor and condenser coil to provide cooled liquid refrigerant for one or more remote evaporator coils, each evaporator coil arranged in heat exchange relationship with a separate group of ice forming cells. A pressure responsive timer terminated control system is employed to control the cycle of operation of the ice making machine. The control system is relatively inexpensive in production and maintenance and acts to implement the operation of the evaporators in a desired flooded condition insuring the attainment of a relatively uniform cooling gradient across the ice forming cells.

Abstract: A refrigerated cargo container, comprising no moving parts, for use in transporting temperature sensitive cargoes in aircraft. The container has six insulated walls with an insulated door along part of one of the walls, preferably the container's front wall, to provide for an air-tight container when the door is closed. An insulated bunker, having an insulated wall about a portion of its outer surface and a heat exchange portion along its bottom surface, containing a coolant such as solid carbon dioxide, is located within one of the top corners of the insulated cargo container. An air inlet duct extends along the top wall of the insulated container to one side of the insulated bunker to allow warm air from the interior of the container and the cargo to flow into the inlet duct along the top wall of the container and to pass along the side and bottom of the coolant bunker where the warm air is cooled by the heat exchange portion of the bunker.

Abstract: A cryogenic food product freezing tunnel including an elongated housing having a food product entrance at one end, a food product exit at the other end, a food product conveyor extending through the tunnel, a cryogen input near the food product exit, an exhaust stack near the food product entrance with an exhaust blower atop the stack, a plurality of cryogen circulating fans spaced along the length of the tunnel, a variable speed directional blower intermediate the cryogen input and the food product entrance, a cryogen input control, and a temperature sensor positioned between the directional blower and the cryogen input.

Abstract: A low cost control regulates air flow between the freezer and food compartments of a side-by-side refrigerator and cooperates with a freezer thermostat to form a system which regulates operation of the refrigerator compressor in an energy efficient manner. A spiral coil spring of thermostat metal material has its inner end secured to a damper shaft to bias damper movement between positions opening and closing a control housing orifice in response to changes in temperature. A cylinder fitted around and secured to the outer end of the spring coil rotates to adjust the spring bias for selectively changing the temperature setting of the control. A control arm has a split sleeve at one end releasably clamped to the cylinder at a selected angle for initially calibrating the control and system, the opposite arm end being slidable on the control housing to rotate the arm for selectively varying the spring bias.

Abstract: A gas defrost system comprising a heat exchange assembly located in close physical proximity with a branch conduit from the compressor discharge; the branch conduit leads, through a gas manifold, to the several remote evaporators comprising the refrigeration system. Liquid refrigerant is supplied to the heat exchanger from the liquid manifold and evaporated refrigerant is returned from the heat exchanger to the suction manifold. Refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger is controlled by an externally equalized expansion valve which has sensors connected to measure the compressor discharge pressure and the defrost gas temperature downstream of the heat exchange section. The expansion valve can be preset to maintain a desired amount of heat exchange so that the temperature of the defrost gas in the manifold will be maintained at or above a predetermined lower limit.

Abstract: A liquid accumulator for air conditioning systems and the like having a hollow porous desiccant container which is adapted to be sealingly connected in the bottom of the accumulator's casing prior to permanent assembly thereof and wherein the desiccant container accommodates the accumulator's normal tube assembly and remains serviceable through the bottom of the casing for the adding and emptying of desiccant.

Abstract: A support for enabling a pinstem, plaque-type article of jewlery to be suspended from a neck encircling chain comprises a body section having four springy, arched arms or legs radiating therefrom. Two opposite arms have fingers provided with pinstem-accommodating openings and the other two arms or legs are adapted to bear on plaque. To enable the pinstem to pass through the openings in the fingers, the arms having the fingers must be flexed in such manner as to reduce their arch. The pinstem then will bear firmly against the body section and be gripped tightly by the edges of the fingers adjacent respective openings.

Abstract: Drive shaft apparatus includes driving and driven members and primary torque transmitting means coupling the members. Redundant torque transmitting means is rendered operative for coupling said members in the event of a failure of the primary coupling means and a failure detector including electrical circuitry arranged with the redundant coupling means detects the operation thereof and provides a corresponding indication.

Abstract: In a centered double joint, a centering device interconnects a first single joint to a second single joint. The centering device includes a pin extending axially outwardly from one of the single joints. An intermediate element is fitted onto and laterally encircles the pin with its radially outer surface fitted into the interior of a journal extending axially outwardly from the other single joint. A gasket laterally encircles an axially extending portion of the pin and of the journal and is in sealed engagement with each of them. A shaped reinforcing ring is tightly attached to the end of the gasket secured to the pin and seats against the adjacent end face of the intermediate element.

Abstract: A two-bolt lockset simultaneously locks and unlocks in response to a single action by an operator, such as a key and cylinder. A deadbolt couples to such an operator to project and lock or retract and unlock. A crank also responds to the locking of the deadbolt to move a slide that engages and locks an actuator of the second bolt, a latch bolt, to lock the latch bolt. The slide is biased away from the latch bolt so that upon retraction of the deadbolt and corresponding motion of the crank, the slide is freed of the crank and moves out of engagement with the actuator. Preferably, the slide is carried by a retractor so that both locks clear by the single turn of a single inside operator. The retractor responds to a retractor cam attached to the inside operator to translate. The slide moves out of engagement with the actuator upon such movement and forces the crank to withdraw the deadbolt.

Abstract: A coincidental lock for a motor vehicle comprises a key controlled lock cylinder mounted in the axial bore of a housing for axial displacement and for rotation in its inward position into selected operating positions. A lock bolt is mounted in a cross bore of the housing for displacement between a retracted and a locking position for the steering column of the vehicle. A spring biases the lock bolt into the locking position and displaces the lock cylinder outwardly, and a latch member on the lock bolt maintains the lock bolt in the retracted position when the lock cylinder is in the inward position.

Abstract: A joggling machine including a joggling tool for forming an indentation in a workpiece comprising means for securing the workpiece, means for heating the workpiece to a preselected temperature, means for moving the joggling tool and the workpiece into proximity with one another and means for actuating the joggling tool. Interlocks and circuitry are provided to effect safe automatic sequencing of the joggling machine. A universal form die and a multiple chambered magazine assist in the efficient operation of the joggling machine.

Abstract: A method of rolling angular structural shapes with flanges of equal width, specially from steel, in which a substantially round bar or billet is rolled in a first pass to a generally flat intermediate shape having a planar side and a side formed centrally with an upstanding triangular cross-section protuberance. Thereafter, in one or more passes, preferably no more than three passes, the blank is rolled to the angular profile in which the vertex is formed by the protuberance.

Abstract: The die set for sizing sections includes a movable block and a stationary one, both blocks having cutout portions receiving a sizing die, movable knives and stationary knives forming a jig secured to the stationary block, the jig having made therein communicating channels arranged in accordance with the contour of the section, the jig further having grooves perpendicular to the channels for receiving the movable knives and interacting with the inclined surface of the cutout portion of the movable block.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pressing device for a hose coupler in which the end of the hose is interposed between the inner and outer pipes of the hose coupler, and in which said external pipe is compressed by uniformly pressing gainst its outer periphery upper and lower dies and a pair of side dies so that the hose end can be secured between the internal and external pipes of the hose coupler.

Abstract: A calibrator for calibrating optical sensors that contact a moving web comprising, a rotating disc mounted on an oscillated platform and in a position to be contacted by the contacting part of the optical sensor. The disc is rotated and oscillated back and forth so that the point of contact of the optical sensor changes relative to the surface of the disc back and forth along substantially spiral paths.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the erosion potential of particulate material such as that contained in a mine dump or erosive farmland. The method consists in directing a jet of fluid such as water or air onto the surface of the material from a fixed distance at a fixed pressure or range of pressures and measuring the parameters of the jet against a scale when the jet produces a predetermined effect on the material under test. The apparatus includes a portable accumulator for holding the fluid under pressure, a nozzle through which the fluid may be discharged from the accumulator, means between the accumulator and nozzle for adjusting fluid flow between the two and a portable and adjustable frame such as a tripod on which the apparatus is mounted.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for measuring the dew point which is arranged to carry out a method in which there is repeatedly performed a measuring cycle in which a body on which dew can form is cooled gradually until the formation of dew thereon is detected by detecting means, the temperature at which dew forms on said body being recorded in the apparatus and the temperature of said body being subsequently allowed to rise prior to cooling again in the next succeeding cycle.