Abstract: A device for trapping live flying insects, such as mosquitoes including an electric light reflected by a parabolic reflector horizontally in all directions to attract the mosquitoes, and electric fan to blow the mosquitoes downwardly into a collection bag, and a valve between the fan and the collection bag which is biased to close the entrance to the collection bag when the fan is not operating and to be opened by the force of air from the fan when it is operating.

Abstract: A toy cash register for young children and the like includes a housing having an indicia display window formed on a portion thereof with an indicia display disc mounted behind the window having a plurality of different indicia thereon for selective display through the window. An electric motor is provided for driving the display disc and a plurality of push button controlled, momentary contact switches are provided for connecting the motor with an electric power source for rotating the display disc for random periods of time when the contacts are closed. The cash register includes an indexing system for automatically indexing the nearest set of indicia on the disc with the window after the disc drive motor is deenergized. A sound generator is activated by rotation of the display disc and the cash register also includes a weighing scale, a credit card facility and a manually controllable cash drawer along with a remote, hand held implement simulating an electronic tag reader.

Abstract: An automatic elevator control for improving the flight performance of power launched gliders. The elevators of a model glider are connected by a transverse axle pivoted through the fuselage, having a projecting lever arm. The lever arm is connected to an elastic band with the opposite end thereof adjustably connected to the fuselage. An upper limit stop is provided with the tension from the elastic band holding the lever arm against the stop. The elevator position is adjusted to a normal glide position for free flight when the lever arm is against the stop. During launch from a catapult or sling shot, the inertial and aerodynamic forces on the elevators overcome the tension of the elastic band causing the elevators to assume a level position. The glider can therefore be launched essentially vertically without looping and climb to a maximum altitude in a relatively straight path.

Abstract: A toy doll includes a sound reproducing device having a rotatable grooved record and a transmission for rotating the record in a predetermined direction upon oscillation of the doll's arm. A tone arm bearing a needle is supported in the doll's body for engagement with the record and has one end thereof engaged against a sound reproducing diaphragm. The diaphragm is mounted for movement towards and away from the record in response to selective positioning of the doll's arm and is operatively engaged with the tone arm to draw the tone arm away from the record when the diaphragm moves away from the record, while permitting the tone arm to move along the surface of the record as the needle tracks in the grooves thereof. A spring arrangement normally holds the tone arm engaged with the record, and applies a biasing force biasing the record towards the start position.

Abstract: An ambulatory worker toy having a wind-up spring motor within a housing which includes a head casing movably mounted on a torso casing from which fixed and movable arm members extend. Two movably mounted leg members are connected to the spring motor via an ambulatory transmission mechanism to periodically raise and shift the leg members to propel the toy sideways in a walking motion. A tool movement transmission mechanism driven by the spring motor moves the movable arm member and a toy broom attached thereto to simulate a sweeping action. Finally, an oscillatory transmission mechanism driven by the spring motor periodically pumps an internal whistle mechanism and moves the head casing in simulation of a whistling worker. The net effect of the various transmission mechanisms is to present a toy which is powered by a single spring motor but which nevertheless simulates a sweeping worker which whistles as it walks.

Abstract: A toy stethoscope including a flexible yoke with earpieces on the outer ends of the arms thereof, flexible tubes respectively extending along the arms from the earpieces to one end of a cylinder having a reciprocable plunger therein to produce sounds simulating natural heartbeats, another tube connected at one end to the other end of the cylinder and the other end of the tube being connected to a bellows element adapted to be manually operated to compress and release one end of the same to successively produce air pressure and suction operable upon the plunger to effect the sounds simulating natural heartbeats.

Abstract: An infant's toy with a hollow ball having openings disposed about its surface and having a freely movable insert trapped within the hollow ball, said insert provided with a pair of pivotally connected stems with a cage structure disposed at the end of each stem, each cage structure containing at least one loosely confined ball. The cage structures are readily movable in and out of the openings of the hollow ball but the insert is restrained from being removed from the hollow ball.

Abstract: An animated action toy for young children and the like includes a hollow body in the shape of a bug having a front end portion and wheels for rolling support of the bug over a support surface in manually controlled diverse directions. A control cap is mounted for manual rotation on the body for controlling an electrical element of a circuit therein which generates an audible tone projected from a speaker mounted in the body. Rotation of the control cap provides a change in the frequency of the audible tone and a switch activated by rotation of the wheels is provided for periodically interrupting the tone generated by the electric circuit. The hollow body is formed with a face-like design at the front end having a pair of eyes in the form of light emitting elements which are energized periodically as the body is moved to resemble blinking of the bug's eyes during play.

Abstract: A wand adapted to be held in the hand and provided with a rod-like body provided with a handle having a base at one end and a visual indicator at the opposite end. The base defines a handle for grasping the wand and the base is hollow to house an electronic circuit and a battery for operating the circuit. The circuit is a multivibrator whose output signal oscillates at a given frequency, such as 120 Hz. The visual indicator is coupled with the circuit and is caused to flash at the operating frequency of the circuit when the circuit operates. The base has a pair of spaced terminals thereon which are bridged by the palm of the hand when the base is grasped, and the palm therefore provides a resistance forming part of the circuit to cause the frequency of flashing of the visual indicator to change depending upon the extent to which hand pressure is applied to the base. For increased frequency, greater hand pressure is applied to decrease the resistance accordingly.

Abstract: A method of mulching comprising mulching plants or soil with antistatic films of a synthetic polymer obtained by the method consisting essentially of continuously printing over at least part of the surface of at least one side of the film of synthetic polymer with aluminum powder by suspending in solvent a composition consisting essentially of aluminum powder and a polyamide resin, setting the suspension down onto the film, and permitting the solvent to evaporate. The films obtained have a surface resistivity of less than 10.sup.10 ohms/cm. The mulching of plants with these films prevents virus degeneration of the plants by virus-carrying aphides, and the mulching of the soil limits the increase of soil temperature in warm environments.

Abstract: An open-topped container for holding floral arrangements or the like, utilizing a charge of mounting material disposed in the container, comprising attachment means formed integrally with the container, disposed around the top thereof and elastic securing means passing over the mounting material and held by the attachment means. In one embodiment, the attachment means are formed integrally with the body of the container, and in another embodiment, the attachment means are formed integrally with a rim at the top of the container. Attachment means formed integrally with the rim of the container may comprise either a plurality of members projecting downwardly from the rim or a plurality of notches formed in the rim. The container is further provided with a handle member, the ends of which are adapted for engaging the attachment means.

Abstract: The invention is a device that allows plants to be transplanted with minimum disturbance to the soil around the roots.

Abstract: A quick opening window positions a glazed sash in a window opening in weather sealing relation and supports said glazed sash in closed relation to the opening on a sidewardly slidable support which is moved from its normal position beneath the glazed sash to permit the sash to drop into a hollow cavity beneath the window opening. A tension latch arrangement is provided which must be overcome in moving the glazed sash support from its normal position to prevent the accidental opening of the window.

Abstract: A swinging door construction for a vehicle comprising a door panel having upper and lower swing arms coupled thereto and connected to a rotatable swing column. A drive mechanism is secured to the body of the vehicle and operatively engages the swing column to rotate the same and effect swinging of the door. The lower swing arm is connected to the swing column by a connecting member which extends upwardly above the drive mechanism and is secured to the swing column.

Abstract: A fire resistant structure, and in particular a fire door leaf, having no components of asbestos material, and comprising a sub-frame consisting of two spaced apart arrangements of sub-frame members between which a central panel in the form of a glass fiber reinforced gypsum sheet is attached and two other panels of high density compressed timber fiber board being attached to the sub-frame members on opposite sides of the structure to define, with the central panel, spaces in which insulating material in the form of mineral fiber batts is positioned, with the structure being completed on both faces by panels of sheet steel or wood veneer.

Abstract: A structural element and method of fabricating a structural element having a zero expansion in a given direction. A bar member having left and right hand sections of positive and negative coefficients of thermal expansion is tuned so that expansion of one section is exactly offset by contraction of the other section in a varying temperature environments.

Abstract: A portable door covering device for placement inside or outside a door leading to the outside of a building, said device being so placed as a permanent or temporary structure during colder months in order to minimize the escape of the heat contained indoors to the outside areas. The device is comprised basically of a semicylindrical member of hollow disposition, said member being open on the one side thereof for placement against the walls near the door area, and the other side being enclosed and equipped with a conventional door to allow access to areas inside the door covering device.

Abstract: A precast building construction unit is provided for forming a substantially complete building. The unit includes a wall tree unit having a vertically extending wall segment and at least one cantilever member joined at right angles thereto. Pairs of wall tree units are spaced apart and their cantilever members are coaxially directed toward each other so that a base slab unit is connected therebetween. The wall segments thereby form the vertical walls and the cantilever members and base slab units comprise the floors and ceilings of the building. Additional wall tree units can be connected above each of the spaced wall tree units as well as laterally adjacent each of the wall tree units so that building structures of various heights and widths can be provided. A hoisting eye is provided at an end of each of the wall segments to permit carrying and lifting of the wall tree units and to enable the connecting of vertically adjacent wall tree units together.

Abstract: A device for allowing the escape of water from residential or commercial wall constructions. The device is particularly suitable in brick veneer walls to permit the escape of water which would otherwise penetrate the brick, window, or other wall areas, and collect between an inner structural wall and the brick veneer. The device includes a tube having a water outlet and inlet with an elongated durable porous wick material which extends outwardly from the water inlet to absorb moisture whereby the water seeps from the wick end to the outlet end. The outlet end may also have a screen cap to prevent pests from entering. The extending member prevents debris from clogging the inlet and collects water by sorption for feeding to the entry port whereby the water is channeled through the wall to the exterior of the building. The device prevents severe damage to buildings which might otherwise occur because of water, weather, pests and the like.

Abstract: Precast reinforced concrete girder pairs are placed to pass in parallel along either side of multi-story poured-in-place reinforced concrete building construction columns and be supported on haunches or be keyed to the columns, and are fastened in face-to-face contact to provide a rigidly braced, evenly loaded and easily fabricated skeletal building structure.

Abstract: A prefabricated house is provided which includes wall and corner support posts erected on a foundation, which posts are connected in their upper portions by frame members and carry wall elements. Each of the posts are formed of an inner and an outer stud which are clamped together with a fishplate mounted at the foundation, in such a manner as to also clamp the vertical edges of the wall elements supported thereby.

Abstract: An improved grain bin floor support system utilizes a plurality of independent floor supports for supporting interlocking flooring elements. Each floor support has curvilinear lower and upper rails, the lower serving as a base member for bearing against a subfloor or other supporting surface. Each support has plural spacers which extend between the upper and lower rails to maintain them in spaced, parallel relationship. The lower rail or base member defines a curvilinear path on the supporting surface. Similarly, the upper rail supports the flooring elements along a curvilinear path coincident with that established by the base member.

Abstract: A grille comprised of a plurality of the thin strips and bars made of the steel or plastics is disclosed, which grille is assembled without using any welding or bonding. The thin strips have a series of equally spaced notches cut out along the edge of said strips, which notches are of a rectangular shape of width slightly greater than the thickness of said strip and of depth approximately equal to the one half of the width of said strip. Said strips further include a series of holes disposed intermediate each pair of adjacent notches. First half of the grille assembly is formed by the plurality of said strips forming a network wherein the notches on the strips crossing each other engage one another at each crossing point. The last half of the grille assembly is composed of bars threaded through said holes on the strips which bars forms another network wherein bars crossing each other are interlaced to one another.

Abstract: Structural elements such as X-type or V-type support posts for structures such as cooling towers are each prefabricated on the ground in the position which would be occupied on the theoretical assumption that, after erection, the post had been lowered to the ground in a movement of pivotal displacement about its foot. An articulated coupling is interposed between the foot of the post and the foundation footing of the structure. On completion of the prefabrication process, the post is lifted at one end by means of a hoisting machine and moved upwards in pivotal motion about the pivot-pin of the articulated coupling. After reaching its final position, the foot of the post is embedded in a concrete block cast on the foundation footing.

Abstract: An insulating panel suitable for the covering of roof structures includes a core layer of a synthetic foam material bonded adhesively on its top side to a sealing thermoplastic layer. The core layer is formed of an elastic closed-cell crosslinked polyolefin foamed material.

Abstract: A liquid filling machine comprising a plurality of discrete stations that cooperatively provide for automatic filling and capping containers including a cup dispensing station, a liquid filling station, a foil supply station, a heat sealing station and discharge station operatively disposed about a rotatably mounted container support to sequentially feed containers from the cup dispensing station to the container support and incrementally advance the container support through each discrete station to fill, seal and discharge the filled container.

Abstract: For sealing the open end of a flanged container, a heated reciprocable sealing block having a heat emitting surface is arranged with its path of reciprocatory movement in general alignment with a container to be sealed and a sealing head is mounted on the sealing block by mounting means which is arranged to maintain a part of the sealing head in close heat transferring contact with the heat emitting surface of the sealing block and is also adapted to accommodate moderate misalignment of the sealing block and the container to be sealed. Containers to be sealed are mounted on individual carrier plates which are movable intermittently through an enclosure which may serve to isolate the sealing operation from atmosphere, the containers being sealed by a strip of lid stock which is secured by the sealing block to the flanges of the open ended containers. Following a sealing operation, the lid stock is gripped and severed so that each container is provided with an individual cover.

Abstract: Stretch wrapper machine is mounted upon a pallet carrier so that, as a loaded pallet is carried, it is stretch-wrapped.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of setting packaging papers. The method is used in a coin packaging machine wherein the position of a cutting blade is determined to cut off a necessary amount of a packaging paper suitable for the diameter of coins to be packaged, in accordance with the coin kind setting operation. The method comprises the steps of, shifting the cutting blade to a predetermined position for facilitating the cutting operation when a portion of the packaging paper is required to be cut off, and returning the cutting blade to a preset position for the restarting of packaging operation after the portion of the packaging paper has been cut off.

Abstract: A monitor for detecting an overload condition of the vertical picker drum on a cotton harvester picker unit. A leaf spring contact is supported above a slip clutch having a driven portion meshing with a driving pinion. An overload condition forces the driven portion upwardly against the contact, shorting the contact to the unit frame which causes an overload indicator lamp on the operator's panel to light.

Abstract: The feeder house of a self-propelled combine harvester carries a front-mounted gatherer which delivers crop material to a forward inlet of the feeder house which is pivotally supported by the combine separator body, and delivers crop material to an inlet of the separator. A pair of side-by-side, contra-rotating auger conveyors deliver crop material directly to the separator rotor in a relatively concentrated high-speed stream. Convergence and concentration of the harvested crop material begun by a grain platform auger is continued by a pair of transverse beaters, each including helical conveying elements, arranged in tandem ahead of and partially above the dual auger conveyors. A forward beater close to the feeder house inlet receives material directly from the platform auger and conveys it rearwardly over a floor somewhat elevated with respect to the auger conveyors and transfers it to a second beater above the forward end of the dual augers which directs it downwards into the auger conveyors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a filament mower comprising a housing having a main portion with a depending wall and a housing extension movable between a generally horizontally outwardly extending guard position and a retracted position, which extension includes a first segment hinged to the housing main portion about a first axis extending transversely to the direction of intended mower movement for upward movement from the guard position, and a second segment hinged to the first segment about a second axis spaced from the first axis and extending transversely to the direction of intended mower movement for movement about the second axis in the rotary direction opposite to the direction of rotary movement of the first segment about the first axis. The mower also includes resilient means biasing the housing extension toward the guard position, a plurality of wheels supporting the housing, a filament head carried by and within the housing and including a filament string, and means on the housing for rotating the head.

Abstract: A grape picking machine is disclosed which includes a device for detaching a grape harvest, a sealing device positioned at the level of grapevine trunks for recovering the grape harvest and preventing it from falling from the machine, and at least one device for evacuating the grape harvest from the machine. The machine includes a chassis carrying structure for driving each of the devices, the structure including towing apparatus raised at three points of a tractor having support blocks and a portico laterally positioned on the chassis. The portico has a front element inclined rearwardly with respect to the vertical axis of the chassis and beating means are positioned on the front element for removing the grape harvest. The sealing device comprises non-aligned rows of scales.

Abstract: A harvesting machine for berries and fruits such as coffee beans and blackcurrants includes at least one tined shaker oscillating about a vertical or substantially vertical axis. The shaker is oscillated by out-of-balance weights and a shaft supporting the weights is not itself driven, the drive to the weights being effected through a sleeve surrounding the shaft and toothed belts.

Abstract: A tool for removal and reassembly of selective links of a chain includes separate clamping means for holding different types of chains and provides a tapered link engaging surface against which a selected link to be removed can be driven to separate the same from the chain. Indicators are also provided to enable a chain having removable pins to be aligned for the easy removal of the pins and the separation or reassembly of the links thereof.

Abstract: In shutting down a combined power plant, a steam turbine is first shutdown while operation of a gas turbine at high load is being continued, and the steam generated in a waste heat recovery boiler is passed on to a condenser through a bypass system bypassing the steam turbine. The gas turbine is then shutdown when this condition prevails, and gland sections of the steam turbine receive a supply of gland sealing steam which has been heated by a heater to a temperature level close to that of the steam attained while the steam turbine is in operation, thereby to maintain the temperature of the metal of the steam turbine gland sections at a desired level during the time the steam and gas turbines are shutdown. In restarting the combined plant, the gas turbine is first started and then the steam turbine is started.

Abstract: In a gas turbine power plant including at least three turbine rotors operating upon independent shafts, one rotor is designed to drive the compressor, one is designed to produce the main part of the power output and the third rotor is adapted to aid the two first mentioned rotors, variable transmission means being provided to interconnect the rotor shafts.In order to improve part load efficiency this third rotor is provided with vanes being substantially slim and straight when compared with the conventional reaction type blades of a power turbine, whereby this third rotor may act as a power producing turbine during high loads, and as a power consuming fan during part and low loads.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively and controllably supplying a preselected pressure source for controlling a pressure-responsive fuel flow metering system, the system being especially capable for use as a Mach number hold unit for controlling fuel flow to aircraft jet engines.

Abstract: The hydrostatic transmission control system includes a first and second two-position solenoid valve which function to alter the hydraulic fluid parameters as delivered to the servo control cylinders of a variable displacement pump associated with a hydrostatic transmission. Activation of the first solenoid valve instigates a varying of pump displacement. Once the desired pump displacement has been achieved, the second solenoid valve is activated to maintain the desired pump displacement. The deactivation of both solenoid valves results in the hydrostatic transmission seeking and maintaining a neutral mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for extracting energy from waves, the device having a pump or a number of pumps arranged to be operated by relative motion between hingedly connected members of the device in response to waves so as to displace a fluid. The device according to the invention is provided with a vane pump having a pump chamber defined by one of the members and a vane extending from an adjacent member so as to be displaced in the pump chamber by the relative motion of the members to displace the fluid. The members may be hingedly connected together at a number of locations at which a respective bearing is supported by a resiliently flexible mounting.

Abstract: A portion of the exhaust gases is bypassed around the turbine when the induction pressure developed downstream of a throttle valve rises to a predetermined magnitude and drops to another predetermined magnitude. Besides, a portion of induction air under supercharge pressure is recycled to the inlet of a compressor in response to the induction pressure downstream of the throttle valve.

Abstract: In an explosive actuated tool for driving anchoring members, for instance nails and the like, in which the extraction and the ejection of the cartridge case, after the firing phase, are ensured through a mechanism comprising a sleeve, slidably engaged with the barrel and embracing it, a pawl protruding from the sleeve being engaged in a Z shaped groove formed in the internal surface of the breech tube, whereby the sliding motion of the sleeve together with the barrel, during the slipping off motion of the latter with respect to the breech tube of the tool, is stopped when the said pawl stops against the cross portion of the said Z shaped groove, thus having the sleeve axially displaced with respect to the barrel against the counter force of return springs, in this phase half bottom of the firing chamber, as formed by the sleeve being rearwardly displaced with respect to the other half bottom, as formed by the end of the barrel itself.

Abstract: A steam power plant includes a nuclear reactor for generating a supply of steam. The steam is conducted to a first turbine which forms a high pressure stage of the steam power plant. A second turbine which is located downstream of the first turbine forms an intermediate pressure stage. Additional turbines may be arranged so as to provide still lower pressure stages for the power plant. To prevent corrosion, hydrogen peroxide is added to the steam immediately upstream of the first turbine. Additional hydrogen peroxide may be added immediately upstream of subsequent turbines. The hydrogen peroxide is added by spraying and is preferably supplied in a concentration of 25 to 50 parts per billion of steam. Preferably, the hydrogen peroxide is in a concentration of 1% to 5% prior to spraying.

Abstract: Stirling cycle refrigerator comprising a pair of compression chambers provided at diametrically opposite positions, a pair of compressor pistons positioned respectively in the compression chambers for reciprocating movement therein, a pair of displacer chambers provided at diametrically opposite positions with each other, the displacer chambers being located along a diametrical line which makes an angle of 90.degree. with respect to a diametrical line along which the compression chambers are located, a pair of displacer pistons positioned respectively in the displacer chambers for reciprocating movement therein, rotatable swash plate means associated with the compressing and displacer pistons for producing reciprocating movements of the pistons, one of the compressing chambers being connected with one of the displacer chambers, and the other compression chamber being connected with the other displacer chamber so that stirling cycles are effected when the swash plate means is effected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil from the refrigerant in a vapor compression refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a vertical oil separation and heat exchange column into which hot compressed refrigerant vapors containing entrained oil are introduced to flow upwardly countercurrently with cool refrigerant liquid introduced to flow downwardly in direct intimate mutual contact, said column comprising (1) an inlet vapor distributor to disperse vapors throughout the cross section of the column to flow upwardly around baffles and to be removed in the top of the column and be directed to said condenser, (2) an inlet liquid line comprising an hydraulic leg wherein the liquid is of sufficient pressure to resist the pressure of said vapors, (3) a means for distributing said liquid throughout the cross section of said column to fall by gravity to a pool of liquid in the bottom of the column, (4) an outlet from said pool of liquid directed to said evaporator and (5) an outl

Abstract: An evaporator inlet water temperature control system for controlling the inlet water temperature of an evaporator utilized in an inverter driven centrifugal chiller. The system creates the proper chilled water set point at the evaporator outlet needed to maintain the inlet water at its set point for greater efficiency of operation. Control is accomplished by generating an electrical error signal which is a function of an inlet water set point voltage and the actual inlet water temperature. A logic signal is produced as a function of the error signal detected by the circuit and establishes a dead zone band representing a range in which the error signal is acceptable. Output of the control system is passed to the capacity control circuit of an inverter driven centrifugal compressor chiller.

Abstract: The control system disclosed herein regulates a centrifugal compressor which has inlet guide vanes adjustable to vary the compressor capacity. A variable speed motor is connected to drive the compressor, and variation of this motor speed provides another input for regulating the compressor capacity. A control system achieves optimum energy efficiency, while avoiding surge, by the manner in which the motor speed and the inlet guide vane positions are regulated. To do this, a control signal must be derived to indicate the compressor head value. This signal is achieved by providing two signals, one related to the absolute condenser pressure, and the second related to the absolute evaporator pressure. The control system operates on these two signals to provide a third signal which is a function of a ratio, in which the numerator is the difference between the condenser and evaporator pressures, and the denominator is the evaporator pressure. Alternative measurement and processing techniques are described.

Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator of the type having a single evaporator, single fan including a freezer compartment thermostat controlling operation of the evaporator and fan, and a fresh food compartment thermostat controlling the operation of the fan and an air flow control for circulating the colder freezer compartment air through the fresh food compartment. The air flow control includes an air valve mounted in a passageway that is movable between a closed set position and an open set position. When cooling of the fresh food compartment is required, the fan is energized and the valve rotated to its open position. When the cooling requirements are satisfied, the thermostat causes the fan to deenergize and the valve to be rotated to its closed position. However, the fan may continue to operate under control of the freezer compartment thermostat. The valve moves between its open and closed positions of 90.degree. by a solenoid that is momentarily energized.

Abstract: An ear ornament comprises an elongated, curved rod member defining a central body of generally C-shape, proportioned to reside behind an ear. A lower portion of the ear ornament is attached to one end of the C-shaped central body, curving rearwardly from the central body in an arc and proportioned to curve about the front of an earlobe, to pass rearwardly along the outer face of the earlobe. An upper portion is attached to the other end of the C-shaped central body, to reside against the top of the ear and to curve toward the front of the ear in retentive relation thereto.

Abstract: In this device, which is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for transmissions for vehicles, an elastomer protecting gaiter comprises a body connected by a fold to a mounting flange and by another fold to a neck portion. The latter comprises a ring forming a bearing, an arrangement for mounting the neck portion in a support, and a sealing device. The body of the gaiter is preferably rigid.