Abstract: An adaptor assembly for connecting a tubing with either a male or female fitting is disclosed. Flow control means within the adaptor assembly comprise an important feature of the disclosed and preferred embodiment wherein the flow control means comprises a filter. The filter is a disk of filtrant material such as a nonwoven fiber formed into a pad of specified thickness and cut in a circle. It is placed adjacent to a shoulder in the adaptor and is supported by a surrounding ring.An alternate embodiment which is one of the preferred embodiments hereof includes a check valve serving as the flow control means. The check valve is constructed with a circular valve seat having a chamfered shoulder, a spherical valve element which closes against the seat to block flow, a surrounding sleeve which permits the check valve element to move toward and away from the chamfered seat and a transversely extending disk to block the passage. The disk blocks the valve element from escape.

Abstract: A pipeline swing check valve comprising a fabricated valve body with a fabricated cylindrical hub member welded therein. The clapper is hinged, not to the body, but directly to the hub member or some part thereon so that it can be mounted and adjusted for proper seating without handling the entire valve, and then installed with the hub member as a unit.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a diverter coupling, for use in connection with a water-powered appliance, for coupling the appliance to a water outlet, typically a standard household faucet. The diverter coupling is constructed predominantly of molded plastic parts, to accommodate low cost manufacture, and includes detachable sections mounted respectively on the faucet outlet and on the end of the inlet tubing to the appliance. When the two parts are coupled together, water flow from the faucet is diverted into the appliance inlet, flows through the appliance, and is returned and discharged at the sink. Pressure regulating means prevents overloading of the appliance by excessive water pressure.

Abstract: A remotely operated, direction switching proportional control device comprises a direction switching control valve which includes a hydraulic actuator, an electromagnetic pressure reducing valve interposed between a liquid chamber of the hydraulic actuator and a hydraulic power source and an electromagnetic open or closed valve interposed between the liquid chamber and a liquid tank. Both the pressure-reducing valve and the open or closed valve can be operated against an electromagnetic force for return movement. The device eliminates the requirement for a piston stroke detector and may be operated by a single electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A modular multiple-fluid component selection and delivery system comprised of a main block having a centrally located main passageway intersected by a plurality of secondary passageways. Plug valves are inserted in bores in the block which intersect each respective main and secondary passageway. A valve at the entrance to the main passageway permits flushing the system with a solvent for cleaning the main passageway and spray gun. A check valve at the entrance to the main passageway prevents a backup of fluid components into the solvent supply system. The secondary passageway exits at the sides of the block to which are attached hose connecting fittings. The main passageway terminates in the opposite end of the block in threads for attachment to a main hose to a spray gun for spraying a fluid component such as paint.

Abstract: A balanced rotary-faced valve for the control of the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to hydraulic apparatus having extend and retract ports is described. The valve has a sculptured body portion defining a flat land portion that contains a series of recesses, each one of the recesses in fluid communication with corresponding pressure, drain extend and retract ports. A rotary disk in sliding contact with the flat land portion has recesses capable of registration with corresponding recesses in the flat land portion. The disk is rotatable thereby controlling the flow of pressurized fluid within the valve. The rotary disk has passageways that guide the pressurized fluid to both sides of the disk so as to cause a slight force imbalance in a direction to urge the rotary disk towards the flat land portion. The rotary disk is controlled by a return to neutral spring-loaded control shaft.

Abstract: An electromagnetic locking type actuator is constituted by a control member reciprocatable in a fluid passage to control the fluid pressure in the passage, an electromagnetic device for applying a first magnetomotive force to the control member, and a magnetic device for always applying a second magnetomotive force to the control member. In the actuator, when an electric current in one direction is applied to the electromagnetic device the first and second magnetomotive forces are added to move the control member in an attracting direction so that the control member is attracted and held at its movement terminating position by the magnetic device even after the first magnetomotive force no longer acts at that position. When an electric current in a direction opposite to the one direction is applied to the electromagnetic device the first and second magnetomotive forces cancel each other thereby maintaining said control member in a magnetically released state.

Abstract: A motor means controlled three way butterfly valve is disclosed for regulating the flow of liquids, as in internal combustion engine cooling system and passenger compartment heating and air conditioning systems. The valve plate includes two flat parallel surfaces which engage two corresponding flat parallel surfaces formed on the cylindrical passage in the valve body to reduce valve plate binding or sticking against the inner surface of the flow passage when the valve plate is rotated.

Abstract: A pump for precise, smooth delivery of liquid, particularly in liquid chromatography systems, featuring two liquid displacement elements mounted for reciprocating movement in chambers connected in series with two check valves, one displacement element serving to accumulate some of the liquid delivered by the first element and to deliver the accumulated liquid while the first element is refilling. Also disclosed is a fluid storage device for smoothing pulses from the pump comprising a flattened tube wound into a helix and placed within an annulus formed by an inner and an outer cylindrical wall. These cylindrical walls maintain the flattened tubing from expanding beyond its elastic strain limit.

Abstract: A two-face, single-layer forming fabric, having a plurality of dominating floats on each face. The fabric, in general, comprises a plurality of cross-machine direction yarns and a plurality of machine direction yarns interwoven in accordance with a desired weave pattern to define a first substantially planar surface or face on one side of the fabric, and a second substantially planar surface or face on the other side of the fabric.In one embodiment of the fabric, all alternate cross-machine direction yarns form alternating first floats and first knuckles, the first floats being on the first surface and the first knuckles being on the second surface. All of the remaining cross-machine direction yarns form alternating second floats and second knuckles, the second floats being on the second surface and the second knuckles being on the first surface.

Abstract: A woven fabric consisting of warp and filling yarns made from fibers or filaments having a low modulus of elasticity and a large diameter. The fibers can be of any cross-sectional shape but have a moment of inertia of from 400.times.10.sup.-14 in..sup.4 to 7.8.times.10.sup.-9 in..sup.4 and an elastic modulus of from 2,000 to 80,000 p.s.i. These values correspond to a range of circular diameters of from 0.003 to 0.020 in. The fibers can be loaded with high amounts of fillers, such as pigments, color agents, flame retardants, antistatic agents, antisoiling agents, or antioxidants.

Abstract: A web of undulate wire is converted into a series of coherent C-shaped binders of the type known by the trademark Wire-O and used to bind stacks of paper sheets or the like in the making of steno pads, brochures, calendars and similar stationery products by continuously moving the web lengthwise at a constant or variable speed, by imparting to successive increments of one marginal portion of the moving web a concavo-convex shape in stepwise fashion so that the one marginal portion resembles (in cross-section) one-half of the letter C, and by thereupon imparting to successive increments of the other marginal portion of the moving web a concavo-convex shape in stepwise fashion so that the thus converted other marginal portion becomes a mirror image of the converted one marginal portion. The imparting steps include deforming the respective marginal portions from the inner toward the outer edges thereof.

Abstract: A contaminating product is packaged within a leak-tight sheath and transferred through a lock-chamber which is rigidly fixed to a leak-tight partition-wall. The device comprises a sleeve having a central cavity for establishing a communication between the lock-chamber and the sheath while ensuring tightness against outleakage to the environment. A seal plug having a double wall is placed within the cavity for preventing said communication. The seal plug and the sleeve are cut simultaneously in order to close-off the lock-chamber and the sheath separately by means of each wall of the seal plug.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely and conveniently filling oil lamps of the kind often used for decorative lighting in restaurants and clubs. It includes a housing proportioned to fit over a lamp to be filled. The upper portion of the housing contains an oil supply tank or reservoir. Extending downwardly from the bottom of the reservoir is an oil delivery line having a valve in it operable from the exterior of the housing. Light means within the housing may be provided, and the housing may be partly or totally transparent. A hose and filling wand may be provided as an alternate means for drawing oil from the reservoir.

Abstract: A feller head for a tree felling apparatus comprises a first forward projection adjacent a tree trunk receiving recess. A chain saw is mounted within the first projection and extends away from the first projection in the direction of the recess. A motor for powering the chain saw is operatively connected to the chain saw within the first projection. There is a mechanism for slidably moving the chain saw along a curved path within the projection. The path is convex in the direction of the recess.

Abstract: A power tool cutting guide for making plural parallel cuts or arcuate cuts in a workpiece has a member, rotatable within the circular track of a frame, which can be fixed in any angular orientation relative to the workpiece, a guide assembly joined to the rotatable member on which a tool support plate can slide between positionable stops, and a ratchet arm with an attached pawl which engages the serrations in a rack so as to incrementally move a workpiece along a fence. The guide also features a spring-urged retention arm which holds the workpiece firmly against the fence during cutting and means for automatically withdrawing the cutting tool from the workpiece surface upon completion of the cut.

Abstract: A method of aligning lumber from which a first pair of cants has been removed to provide blocks for feeding along a sawing line before they are fed in the sawing line. The block is charged in a longitudinal direction to pass by the control device. The control device defines the block's side profile and outlines the even or sawed surface, after which the block falls on its side and is charged transversely against at least two adjustable stops, which have been positioned in a desired manner so as to ascertain an optimum amount of wood products at the next processing stage. The block always falls with the same side up so that the edge which was the upper edge while measuring the block's profile, is transferred transversely against the adjustable stops.

Abstract: A cant or plank is moved forwardly on a conveyor system, where its irregular leading lateral edge is measured by a plurality of fixed scanners. In response to measurement of the cant, conveyor movement is altered for orienting the cant relative to a predetermined saw line to be executed by a movable saw whereby the wane will be removed tangentially thereof. The cant is held or clamped in stationary position while the saw is moved on a carriage relative thereto, resulting in severing of the undesired irregular forward edge. The sawn edge is employed as a reference as the cant is then moved forwardly on a conveyor system, where the measurements obtained from the scanners may be further utilized in cutting the cant into desired widths.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a log into firewood including a remotely controlled log carrier bed, a log cutter and a log splitter and log conveying systems that allow the log to be converted into firewood in one continuous operation.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener is disclosed which comprises a box-like collector housing and an integral cover and sharpener body preferably formed as an extrusion which connects onto the housing via complimentary catch members with the sharpener body projecting into the housing.

Abstract: A locking fastener such as a threaded nut, bolt or screw includes a body portion with a flange at the workpiece engaging end defining a bearing surface. Segments of the flange are rendered rigid by brace structure associated with the body portion of the fastener. Locking teeth project from the bearing surface in resilient segments of the flange located between the rigid segments. Upon tightening of the fastener against a workpiece, substantial clamp loads are imposed by the rigid flange segments while engagement of the teeth with the workpiece causes axial deflection of the resilient segments so that loss of clamp load and decrease in release torque due to tooth embedment is prevented.

Abstract: An insert to provide a run-flat capability to pneumatic vehicle tires comprises a flexible, compressible, porous ring comprised of a plurality of successively-wound, circumferential layers of an elastomeric binder-coated filamentary material, the coated filaments having voids therebetween and being bonded to one another by the binder. The insert has desirable properties including lightweight, flexibility, and good load-distributing properties which make it a practical and useful component of any run-flat insert design for pneumatic tires. In preferred embodiments, the insert is spaced and supported from the tire by a member which minimizes the overall weight added to the tire. It is also further desirable to provide the insert with means to reduce its expansion radially upon rotation of the tire.

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle tire having an internal device to impart run-flat capability is described, the device being comprised of an outer ring member for rotational support when operating in the run-flat condition, and an inner support for the ring which is highly flexible before insertion within the tire and which becomes fixed and less flexible after insertion. In preferred aspects the ring is essentially a highly flexible porous body made up of successive circumferential windings of elastomer-coated filamentary material, and the support is a structure made up of a plurality of hinged bracing elements which move into a fixed position after insertion of the device within the tire.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire for trucks which exhibits high dimensional stability, satisfactory behavior in running in a rectilinear course, has particularly high resistance to shoulder wear and exhibits a satisfactory drainage effect.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire having reduced rolling resistance is provided. The tire has a novel tread composition comprising 100 parts by weight of rubber of which at least 90 parts by weight is cis-polyisoprene. The tread composition also has less than 10 parts by weight of processing oil and from 30 to 60 parts by weight of carbon black wherein said carbon black has a particle size greater than about 35 millimicrons and a dibutyl phthalate absorption value greater than 100.

Abstract: A door for an interior doorway and including a pliable panel fully occupying the doorway opening and secured to one edge thereof. A rigid, diagonal member is pivotally mounted at one end and attached to the pliable panel so as to position same to normally close the doorway. The rigid member extends upwardly and diagonally terminating at a doorway corner wherein a keeper is located. A portion of the pliable panel is normally tensioned by the inclined rigid member while a remaining panel portion is suspended from the rigid member.

Abstract: A method for casting objects having complicated shapes from aluminum, zinc, non-ferrous metals and the like, for use in the industrial arts, comprises the steps of using a completely combustible and gasifiable foam material to constitute a form in which the objects are cast, removing a thin surface layer of the foam from those surface areas where a wall thereof could be damaged by flowing melted metal, where ornamental elements or profiles are to included in the objects prior to casting, or where the rate of flow of melted metal is to be decreased, substituting the removed foam layer by a protective layer of a material with a stronger structure, lower thermal conductivity, lower burning and gasifying rates than those of the material of the foam casting form, reconnecting the separated foam and protective layers by gluing, embedding the casting form into sand, pouring melted metal into a recess defined by the foam form while in the sand and delaying and regulating the burning of the foam during the pouring of

Abstract: Metallic ribbon is fabricated in continuous helical form by directing a melt stream or jet onto a rapidly moving substrate surface. The axis of the crucible along which the melt stream or jet is cast is defined by an inverted cone with apex at the point of crucible axis intersection with the substrate surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal casting machine, comprising on a base stand, a rotating assembly consisting of a mold, a bracket for stripping and releasing the casting. After solidification, the mold is opened by means of a plate movable vertically of the assembly and the upper part of the mold is gripped and transferred by the bracket straight above a position where the casting attached thereto is released. The mold is then closed again and rotated for the next casting.

Abstract: An automatic thermal switch to control heat flow includes a first thermally conductive plate, a second thermally conductive plate and a thermal transfer plate pivotally mounted between the first and second plates. A phase-change power unit, including a plunger connected to the transfer plate, is in thermal contact with the first thermally conductive plate. A biasing element, connected to the transfer plate, biases the transfer plate in a predetermined position with respect to the first and second plates. When the phase-change power unit is actuated by an increase in heat transmitted through the first plate, the plunger extends and pivots the transfer plate to vary the thermal conduction between the first and second plates through the transfer plate. The biasing element, transfer plate and piston can be arranged to provide either a normally closed or normally open thermally conductive path between the first and second plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal heat pump consisting of a heat pipe in which the vapor passage between the heat transfer zone to the heat supply and the heat transfer zone to the heat removal section has a cross section which varies across its length. The variable cross-sectional vapor passage first increases and then decreases the rate of vapor flow, and a further heat transfer zone with either heat supply or removal is located in the area of increased vapor velocity. The cross-sectional variation of the vapor passage in the heat pipe between the two outermost heat transfer zones is advantageously brought about by a displacement body arranged internally of the heat pipe with a particular surface contour.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a cylindrical shell closed at its ends. A large conduit of circular cross-section, which extends longitudinally through the shell, is concentric with the shell to define a central passage for a first heat exchange medium such as a cool gas, and an outer annular passage for a second heat exchange medium, such as a hot liquid. Four radially oriented fins divide the two passages into quadrantal chambers or zones, and two tubes, one extending into each end of the shell, carry the second medium into and remove it from the annular passage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and bonding a liner in a casing in a well bore wherein a pack off bushing is provided between the liner and the well string on which the liner is lowered into the well bore for discharge of a bonding agent through the well string and around the liner in the well bore.The seal or pack off bushing is constructed and arranged so that it may be retrieved after the positioning and bonding operations are completed along with the well string upon which the liner is initially lowered into the well bore.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of determining oil saturation in an underground rock formation penetrated by a wellbore by use of a log-inject-log technique. In such techniques, thermal neutron decay time logs are taken with the formation in the native state and then again after fresh water has been injected into the formation. These logs determine water saturations which are used to determine oil saturation. The method of this invention is directed to a method to prepare an aqueous salt solution so that clay and shale impairment of the formation is prevented but such that the thermal neutron capture cross section of the injected fresh water is not significantly different from that of the fresh water typically used.

Abstract: An underground combustion operation in which combustible material, in a selected geologic formation at a selected depth, is burned by forcing air under pressure down a first well into the formation, and collecting products of combustion at a second well, a selected distance away from the first well. The overburden above the formation is supported, in part, by the combustible material, which might be viscous oil, tar, etc. This material is ignited at the first well and a flame front is formed which burns in the form of a circular front, which moves radially outwardly as a function of time and the rate of air supply. A plurality of electronic tilt meters are positioned at or near the surface of the earth, in at least one linear array directed along the radius from the first well to the second well. Combustion air is provided and the outputs of the tilt meters are amplified and recorded as a function of time.

Abstract: Lithium salts are employed as sacrificial agents for use in surfactant flooding operations within subterranean petroleum reservoirs. They can be utilized within a preflush treatment and/or by incorporation within the surfactant slugs injected into the petroleum formation.

Abstract: A bypass valve for use with an oil well testing string is disclosed which includes a spring loaded check valve which is normally in the closed position. If pressure in the interior of the test string is higher than the pressure in the well annulus, the check valve means opens until the interior pressure is equalized with the well annulus pressure. When the interior string pressure is reduced to that pressure present in the well annulus, the check valve means returns to the closed condition. The check valve means contains frangible shear means which shear when the well annulus pressure exceeds the interior string pressure by a predetermined amount. The check valve means then moves to the locked closed condition. The bypass valve disclosed is intended for use in a testing string for an oil well, and is to be placed in the testing string below a normally closed tester valve and above a seal assembly for insertion into sealing engagement with a preset production type packer.

Abstract: This describes a method of performing operations in a well selected from a group or cluster of subsea wells which are produced through a production riser means to production facilities on a floating platform. There is provided a flexible workover riser on the platform which extends through a passage on the platform at a location remote from the moon pool for the production riser means. The flexible workover riser is run through said passage and guided into connection with the production tubing in the subsea well. Wireline or other well operations are then conducted through the connected flexible workover riser from the floating platform.

Abstract: A system for sensing and acting to suppress flame conditions as well as an explosion associated with a flame front in an enclosure which is susceptible to fire and explosion condition, such as trash shredders, grain elevators, and enclosed areas where oxygen and combustible material may be present in the necessary proportions to feed a fire of such rapid propagation as to result in explosive proportions resulting in damage to the structure forming the enclosure. The system comprises means distributed about the enclosing structure to sense a flame as well as a sudden rise in pressure and set off a fire and explosion suppressing system which operates to flood the enclosed area with an agent capable of quenching the flame causing the pressure rise, and programmable monitoring control circuits for operating the system and all of its components during the time when a pressure rise signals the development of an explosion, and following the suppression of an explosion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasing a sprinkler head (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8) are disclosed in which a compacted body (14) of fine particles of a material such as antimony is shot by means of a radiation responsive detector (16, 17, 18) and detonator (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) into contact with a hollow glass bulb (4) which normally prevents operation of the sprinkler, thereby shattering the bulb, disintegrating the compacted body and releasing the sprinkler.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for pivotally attaching a cultivator tool to a frame member of mobile farm equipment comprising an upright support bracket, an extension spring, and a tool holder member which is pivoted with respect to the bracket. The tool holder member has a web portion and side flange portions. Near the shank receiving end of the tool holder member the flange portions are folded under the shank to form a shank receiving socket which snugly holds the shank and prevents transverse movement thereof relative to the holder member. The spring is also pivotally attached by a connector member to the holder member. The tool holder member includes a cutout portion in the web thereof such that a pair of rims are formed which extend inwardly from the flanges. The connector member includes a sleeve extending between the flanges and having a pair of external cylindrical surfaces near each end thereof which engage the rims of the tool holder member.

Abstract: An apparatus which is enclosed within a main tool bar carried by a vehicle and is used to raise and lower an auxiliary tool bar or other implement carrier such as a row marker. The apparatus includes a frame having a first portion of a cross-sectional size comparable to the cross-section of the main tool bar and a second portion of a size to be removably mounted within the main tool bar. Such frame supports a fluid cylinder having a guided piston rod the outer end of which is connected to one end of a link and the opposite end of such link is pivotally connected to a tongue carried by the auxiliary tool bar, such auxiliary tool bar being pivotally connected to the first portion of the frame which is mounted on the main tool bar.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a scraping tool (e.g. a bulldozer blade) forward of a vehicle (e.g. a bulldozer) and enabling independent angling and tilting of the tool is disclosed. The assembly includes a U-shaped mainframe, a swingframe, means for pivotally connecting the swingframe to the mainframe, means for pivotally connecting the tool to the swingframe, tilt actuator means interconnecting the mainframe and the scraping tool for rotating the scraping tool in relation to the swingframe about a tilting axis of rotation, and angle actuator means interconnecting the mainframe and the swingframe for rotating the swingframe and scraping tool in relation to the mainframe about an angling axis of rotation.

Abstract: A retractable bit system that includes a single piece annular core bit that is movable through a drill string (drill stem), had an outer diameter about the same as that of the drill stem, and can be releasably locked to the drill string, an outer barrel assembly for the drill stem that is operable for lockingly engaging the core bit and driving the core bit, bit replacement tools for moving and core bit through the drill string and operable for operating the outer barrel assembly and replacing the bit on the drill string without removing the drill string from a drill hole, a manually operated surface tool removably mounted on the drill string for clampingly engaging a wire line and retracting the wire line to operate the respective one of the bit installation tool and bit retraction tool when the respective tool extends into the outer barrel assembly, and a safety release tool for operating and withdrawing the replacement tools which will uncouple from the replacement tool when more than a predetermined force

Abstract: An improved deflecting device is provided for a drilling apparatus having a rotatable drill shaft extending from a power source through said deflection device to a drill bit. The deflection device includes an outer housing affixed to the power source and extending axially therefrom. An inner ring is disposed within the housing and encompasses a portion of the drill shaft. An intermediate ring is disposed between the outer housing and the inner ring and has an inner configuration such that the inner ring is immovable relative to the intermediate ring in a first direction, and is prevented from rotating relative to said intermediate ring about an axis parallel to a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, and such that said inner ring is movable relative to the intermediate ring in said second direction.

Abstract: A drilling head includes a tubular body having removable means for sealing the body to a kelly or other drive tube, a drive bushing releasably mounted in the sealing means to turn the sealing means with the drive tube, the sealing means including a seal tube having a rotating seal means for sealing with the body and a non-rotating seal means for sealing with the drive tube, both seal means being releasably held to the seal tube by common retainer means, such sealing means being rotatably mounted on the body on removable outboard mono-stratum double acting anti-friction thrust bearing means at the top of the body, the outer bearing race being held between annular flanges, one flange being integral with the body and the other releasably connected to the body, and the inner bearing race being held between annular plates releasably connected to the seal tube, the body having a side outlet and flange connection for the drilling fluid return line substantially flush with the body.

Abstract: Core drilling apparatus that includes a wire line core barrel inner tube assembly movable through a drill stem to be seated in a latched core taking position adjacent the drill stem core bit and an overshot assembly coupled to the inner tube assembly for lowering and/or withdrawing the inner tube assembly in the drill stem. The inner tube assembly includes an overshot coupling assembly having a base member extended into the latch release tube for limited movement relative thereto, a spearpoint assembly connected to the base member for pivotal movement through an angle of about 180.degree. about a transverse pivot axis, and a detent plunger resiliently mounted by the subassembly to extend into a base recess when the central axes of the base and coupling members are nearly aligned to releasably retain said members in relative positions that their axes are aligned, and to abut against a base tapered surface when the subassembly central axis is at a substantial angle relative the base central axis.

Abstract: A drill string splined resilient tubular telescopic joint for balanced load deep well drilling comprises a double acting damper having a very low spring rate upon both extension and contraction from the zero deflection condition. Preferably the spring means itself is a double acting compression spring means wherein the same spring means is compressed whether the joint is extended or contracted. The damper has a like low spring rate over a considerable range of deflection, both upon extension and contraction of the joint, but a gradually then rapidly increased spring rate upon approaching the travel limits in each direction. Stacks of spring rings are employed for the spring means, the rings being either shaped elastomer-metal sandwiches or, preferably, roller Belleville springs. The spline and spring means are disposed in an annular chamber formed by mandrel and barrel members constituting the telescopic joint.

Abstract: In a direct current electronic digital platform scale with a base and a movable cover thereover, a weight-responsive system in the base has electronic structure connected to convert cover movement to a digital weight readout. A switch is provided that is closed by cover movement to activate the electronic structure and the readout, and a convenient 9 volt battery is supported in the base and wired to supply power to the switch and electronic structure to indicate weight. To this general arrangement, an improvement in the battery support has an opening through the base to the interior and a box-like molded plastic battery receptacle is supported in the opening with the box extending into the base. A second opening through the receptacle inside the base permits the wires to connect to a battery harness inside the receptacle and a matching box or receptacle cover is latchably connected to secure the cover to the base and close off the receptacle such that the cover is flush with or coplanar with the base.

Abstract: A vehicle platform scale includes a weighbridge platform mounted on transversely positioned load cell assemblies. Each load cell assembly includes a deflectable, floating load cell and associated strain gauges mounted in a load cell tray. Each load cell rests at its opposite ends on a pair of freely mounted bearing rods retained in fixed positions with respect to one another and with respect to the load cell by cooperable grooves in the bottom surface of each end of the load cell. Weight load from the overlying weighbridge platform is transmitted to the middle portion of the load cell through a pair of load cell buttons affixed to the upper surface of the load cell. The load cell is retained in the load cell tray against upward displacement during handling or lifting of the scale by a pair of top retaining plates overlying the ends of the load cell. The load cell is retained against lateral displacement within the load cell tray by a pair of neoprene rubber bumper plates at the opposite ends of the load cell.