Abstract: A machine for making meat patties comprises a machine frame defining an inclined slideway including a bed at an output end thereof. A feed funnel is mounted on the machine frame at an upper input of the slideway and receives ground meat at an inlet and discharges a layer of the ground meat to the input of the slideway which gravity-feeds the layer to the bed. A sensing element projects into the slideway at the output end thereof and is arranged to sense a forward edge of the gravity-fed layer of ground meat. On contact with the forward edge, the sensing element emits a control signal and an electronically controlled knife assembly operates in response to the control signal. The assembly includes a knife movable into the slideway to cut the layer of ground meat in response to the control signal and an electromagnet controlling the knife movement.

Abstract: To avoid the passage of contamination from one bird to another at a poultry inspection station in a poultry processing shackle line and to eliminate the necessity for the inspector to touch the birds during the inspection, each bird in succession at the inspection station is automatically engaged and tilted to a breast-up, back-down generally horizontal position with the eviscerated body cavity facing the inspector. In such position, the body cavity is automatically expanded to a wide open condition for easy visual inspection while each bird traverses the inspection station, following which the bird tilting and body cavity expanding units are removed from contact with the birds and thoroughly cleansed near the back of the inspection station prior to automatically engaging other oncoming birds at the inspection station.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for eliminating or minimizing air borne dust, fly, lint and the like particulate matter, and static accumulations thereof generated by the movement of sliver into the coiler trumpet of a sliver coiler. Coiler head cleaning is accomplished by confining an air flow path over the head of the coiler and establishing an air flow stream along said path to entrain dust, fly, lint and the like particulate matter released by the sliver moving into the coiler trumpet. Apparatus is provided comprising an enclosure confining a volume of air over the coiler head, with an opening leading into the enclosure through which air flowing across the trumpet is admitted. A suction connection is formed in the enclosure remote from the air inlet with air flow established in a path through the enclosure between the air inlet and the suction connection.

Abstract: Conventionally, buttons for covering with fabric consist of a hollow back portion with a stem or the like extending therefrom and a front shell snapped into place over the edge of the back portion with fabric covering the front shell and being clamped between the front shell and the back portion. This front portion often disengages from the back portion and sometimes the fabric is cut and damaged by the sharp edges of the mating portions. Also, the attaching stem often disengages from the back shell as it is not usually integrally formed therewith. One embodiment of the present device utilizes a combination front shell and stem having an inturned peripheral lower edge. An apertured disc engages over the stem and snaps into position with the interior lower edge thus holding the fabric firmly and substantially reducing the possibility of disengagement.

Abstract: A binding device comprises a band with fastening steps, a fastening member having a round hole formed integrally with one end of the band, a shaft member formed integrally with the other end of the band, and fastening means provided on the fastening member to engage the fastening steps on the band. In use, the band is wrapped about the article to be bound and the shaft member is inserted into the round hole of the fastening member. The shaft member is then rotated to tighten the band and the band is retained at the desired degree of tightness by the engagement between fastening means on the fastening member and the fastening steps.

Abstract: A multicell x-ray detector includes a chamber for confining a gas that produces electron-ion pairs incidental to absorbing radiation. A unitary multicell electrode assembly is mounted within the chamber. The assembly includes a plurality of electrode plates secured in first and second insulating members. A method is provided for bonding the electrode plates into the insulating members with a uniform distribution of adhesive which does not allow the adhesive to bridge between adjacent plates. The opposed ends of the plurality of electrode plates are inserted into grooves of the members. A relatively non-viscous liquid adhesive is brought into contact with one edge of each of the grooves of both members by a cellular applicator until the adhesive propagates by capillary action along the entire length of each groove.

Abstract: A hand operated apparatus for reducing the size of racket handles such as used in tennis rackets is described. A base in which racket handles are secured has raised opposed sides, the edges of the sides defining a guide plane. The guide plane is parallel to the center line of the handle secured within the base. A frame, having an adjustably extendable blade means, is adapted for slideable contact with the edges so that the blade means removes material from the racket handle in a plane parallel to the center line of the handle. A control means is provided for adjusting the depth of cut of the blade means. By repeated operation, uniform depth cuts can be made on each face of a racket handle to maintain symmetry.

Abstract: A segment-shaped blade is provided for use in a rotatable cylindrical tool for machining elastic material, particularly pneumatic rubber tires for vehicles. The blade comprises teeth defined at the convex periphery by approximately V-shaped or circular or oval cuts. Said teeth include one or more triangular teeth and one or more trapezoidal teeth, which precede said triangular teeth in the direction of rotation of the tool and have prongs that are directed toward each other and are bent to different sides out of the plane of the blade. The triangular tooth or teeth are divided by one or more radial cuts into two or more triangular teeth, the prongs of which are bent to different sides out of the plane of the blade. The trapezoidal teeth have preferably legs of equal length. The two prongs of a trapezoidal tooth which are directed toward each other are defined in known manner by a punched circular hole, which is symmetrical to the periphery of the tooth.

Abstract: A segment-shaped blade is provided for use in a rotatable cylindrical tool for machining elastic material, particularly pneumatic rubber tires for vehicles. The blade comprises pointed triangular teeth, which are provided on a convex periphery and are staggered and divided by radial cuts. Each radial cut extends only as far as to the root of the tooth concerned and each triangular tooth is divided by one or more radial cuts into at least two triangular prongs which have pointed tips that are much more slender than the pointed tip of the original tooth.

Abstract: A fiber roll and a method for producing the fiber roll comprising a load carrying shaft portion and having thereon a cover portion made of fiber material. The cover portion is made by subjecting a great number of annular fiber material sheets fitted on the shaft portion to a very strong compression in the axial direction of the roll. The method includes the step of making at least one supply duct leading from an end portion of the roll to the interface of the shaft portion and the cover portion. After the axial compression of the fiber material, a hardening fluid is fed through the supply duct and pressure is applied thereto so as to force the fluid to penetrate between the cover portion and the shaft portion and to fill all possible cavities between the shaft portion and the cover portion.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite nozzle for water-cooled, high temperature gas turbines is provided wherein the nozzle comprises a thermally conducting copper core, a top endwall, a bottom endwall, metal tubing through which water may pass embedded in and extending through the core and into the endwalls and a preformed cladding to protect the nozzle against corrosion. The method utilizes hot isostatic pressure to diffusion bond the nozzle components into an assembly and bond the corrosion resistant cladding to the outer surface of the assembly.

Abstract: A thermostatically controlled valve, of the type used in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine, has a temperature-responsive actuating member, for opening and closing the valve, in the form of a metal coil having shape memory effect such that its modulus of elasticity increases rapidly at a critical temperature. The actuating member is calibrated prior to assembly in the valve by heating the member to the critical temperature and reducing its length to that at which the valve will begin to open by cutting the member while preventing overheating.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the instant invention, methods and apparatus are set forth for the manufacture of discrete lengths of heat exchanger tubing comprised of a thin walled metallic tubular member having a plurality of spaced apart transverse grooves impressed into its outer surface, and expanded end portions whose inner cross sections form symmetrical polygons. Such tubing is manufactured in accordance with the instant invention by the steps of deforming a metal band in a longitudinal direction into a tubular member, continuously seam welding the longitudinal edges of the tubular member, continuously impressing spaced apart grooves into the outer surface of the welded tubular member, transversely cutting the tubular member along smooth portions of the tubular member between selected adjacent transverse grooves to form discrete tube lengths, and expanding the inner cross sections of the end portions of each of such lengths to form symmetrical polygons.

Abstract: A heavy duty press including spaced apart, inturned, U-shaped vertical supports welded to a horizontal support structure extending therebetween at contiguous surfaces, a work support table adjustably receivable on the vertical supports and a spring biased, power operated carriage received above the work support table, the carriage having guide sleeves at opposite ends that are received around the vertical supports and carrying a work element to act on a workpiece on the table. The vertical supports have elongated vertical slots to permit an elongated workpiece to be acted on and clamps associated with the vertical supports may be employed to hold an elongated workpiece.

Abstract: A tube extracting mechanism comprising an elongated frame defining an opening in the front end thereof and a longitudinally extending passageway in communication with the opening. A sleeve is slidably supported by the frame for longitudinal movement within the passageway. The mechanism further comprises an expandable jaw supported by the sleeve for longitudinal movement therewith, and a mandrel in communication with the expandable jaw for expanding the jaw. A plurality of teeth extend annularly about and radially outward from the expandable jaw. Each tooth includes an annularly extending central section having a gripping edge generally defining an arc for engaging the interior surface of a tube, and a pair of end sections wherein each end section annularly extends from the central section and includes a tapered edge, wherein the tapered edges radially taper inward to facilitate withdrawing the tube gripping apparatus from the tube.

Abstract: An improved tool construction for removing spindles from axle shafts by use of a slide hammer which exerts an axial pull on the spindle to dislodge it from an axle housing. The tool is a section of cylindrical thick-wall tubing or pipe which forms a housing, one end of which is open and the other end having an end wall attached thereto. A circular opening is formed in the end wall and is concentric to the cylindrical tubing. A pair of bolt-receiving lugs are mounted at diametrically opposite locations on the tubing at the open end thereof. The outer end of a spindle is inserted through the opening formed in the end wall of the housing and the spindle nuts are reinstalled on the spindle and are adapted to abuttingly engage the inside surface of the housing end wall. A plate is attached to one end of the slide hammer and is mounted on the open end of the housing by a pair of bolts engaged in the housing lugs.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing support and guidance rollers from an endless track vehicle so that the rollers may be repaired or replaced. The apparatus includes a tool having a base on which a generally vertical threaded shaft is mounted and such shaft may be selectively rotated to raise and lower a travelling block and such block carries a generally horizontal threaded shaft having a cradle or other support means at one end which receives and supports an endless track support and guidance roller when such roller is to be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A spool-like protective device facilitates the mounting of a plurality of razor-sharp broadhead blades on an arrowhead while protecting a user's hands from being cut by the blades. The body of the device includes a tapered central bore adapted to receive an arrowhead and an array of blade receiving slots extending radially from the central bore and aligned in conventional evenly arcuately spaced orientation for receiving three and four blade or more broadhead arrows. Further, at least one side wall of each slot includes a protuberance extending therefrom into the slot forming a surface for frictionally engaging a blade positioned in the slot to prevent undesired movement of a blade once it is substantially inserted therein. An outer generally cylindrical surface on the body is adapted for being grasped by a user to facilitate handling and rotation of the arrowhead when manipulating the blades thereof while maintaining the user's finger's a safe distance from the razor-sharp blade edges.

Abstract: In order to determine whether the screwing home of a threaded element, such as a screw, by a power tool has been acceptably executed, the number of revolutions undergone by the threaded element during the screwing operation is measured as a function of time. The revolution-time function derived for the screwing operation is compared with a reference function corresponding to an acceptable screwing operation. The comparison shows up unacceptable screwing operations and can be performed both visually and by a microcomputer. Apparatus for effecting such monitoring of screwing operations includes sensing means for measuring rotation of the output shaft of the power tool and circuit means for processing the output of the sensing means and effecting the comparison with the reference function.

Abstract: A method of casting metal so that the finished casting will hold a precise dimension in certain critical areas in order to enable the finished casting to be used as a frame for objects such as coins and medallions which are die struck to precise dimensions. Means of and apparatus for rigidly maintaining the object inside the cast frame by inexpensive means which will not damage the object and which will allow the object to be easily removed from the frame if necessary.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making a print head assembly and a print head assembly. The print head assembly is comprised of one or more subassemblies. Each subassembly is made up of relatively few parts including a mounting block having a concave mounting surface, a series of drive wheels supported at their outer peripheries on the mounting surface, and a series of printing bands with which the drive wheels are engaged. The subassemblies can be readily assembled on a fixture. Thereafter, each subassembly is oriented relative to side plates to make a print head assembly.

Abstract: A suspension member is pivotally secured to a vehicle frame at one end and is connected with a wheel assembly at the other end. In order to connect the wheel assembly to the suspension member, at least one ball joint is fixed to the suspension member for releasably engaging the wheel assembly. The ball joint includes a socket, a bearing and a stud. The socket defines a cavity for receiving the bearing and the stud extends radially outwardly from the socket. Before the ball joint is assembled, the socket is welded to the suspension member. Next, the socket is machined to define a contoured surface within the cavity which mates with the bearing as the bearing and stud are disposed within the socket cavity. Finally, the socket is deformed to trap the bearing and stud within the cavity.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for aligning a very fine wire relative to a workpiece. It comprises an alignment fixture supporting a pair of spaced-apart lead screws for receiving the wire in the threads thereof. The wire is affixed to spacer arms oppositely protruding from the fixture and spans the spacing between the screws. The workpiece is supported between the spacer arms and may be raised or lowered to provide alignment with the wire which is then translated or oriented by turning either or both of the lead screws until the relative alignment is achieved. The wire is affixed to each of the arms in a slackened condition and a tiny weight is suspended from the wire for yieldably tensioning the same across the threads, but providing for translation without fracture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for precisely locating a cambered ceramic core within the cavity of an injection molding die, such as is used to form patterns for lost wax method casting of gas turbine airfoils. A combination of at least two independent sets of locators are used: one set of at least three is fixed and contacts the periphery of the core while the other set of at least two is movable and engages the centerline of the core. The two sets independently limit the various degrees of core freedom and maintain its position during injection molding. The concave side of the core is preferably contacted by the fixed locators since this biases deviations into the convex side of the part from which excess deviant material is more readily moved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for individually selecting a number of dual in-line (DIP) components and sequentially inserting them into a printed circuit board. The apparatus has a basic mode of operation, under a program control, and comprises a shuttle assembly and a component insertion assembly. In operation, the shuttle assembly transfers a component from a selected one of a plurality of magazines to an unload station. At the unload station, the shuttle assembly loads the insertion assembly which rotates to a vertical position for insertion of the component in a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is mounted on an X-Y positioning system controlled by a tape reader or a computer which also determines the automatic sequencing of the shuttle assembly.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate having an insulating layer with a window. A silicon layer is deposited on the insulating layer and on the silicon substrate surface in the window. This silicon layer has n-type and p-type conductive layer parts which adjoin each other within the window and which each serve as both a connection conductor and an electrode of an active zone of the device. Semiconductor devices in accordance with the invention feature very small surface areas, and are thus particularly suitable for high frequency operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plastic encapsulated semiconductor device which comprises a connected metal plate having a plurality of semiconductor element holding parts which are connected in series in one direction with at least two connecting arms, said connecting arms having sectional area smaller than that of said semiconductor element holding part and being disposed inside of the side surface of said semiconductor element holding parts in the connecting direction.The invention provides a method of preparing semiconductor devices having relatively large current capacity of about 5 to 50 amperes used as diodes for automobiles and having high quality in the mass production.

Abstract: A carrier tape (20) is provided for assembling components to make semiconductor devices. The tape (20) is made from soft, copper foil (21) and eliminates a plastic substrate (12) of the prior art. Patterns (27) containing clusters (24) of inner leads (28) and (30) are accurately formed into tape (20) for bonding to chips (52). Patterns (27) also contain precisely located sprocket holes (22) for indexing the tape (20) for chip and lead bonding.Tape (20) is indexed for bonding the free ends (36) of inner leads (28) and (30) to pads (54) of chip (52). Then tape (20) is indexed for bonding fixed ends (34) of leads (28) and (30) to stiff outer leads (86).Leads (28) and (30) in cluster (24) are deformed into a precise bell-like shape called a "bug" with chip (52) riding horizontally on top of the bell. Bugging develops flexural and tensile stresses and bonding causes thermal stresses in leads (28) and (30).

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a support construction for the coil ends in an electrical machine. According to the method, hollow objects substantially filled with a powdery filler agent and provided with porous walls are placed into the winding before its impregnation. The air spaces in said hollow objects are substantially filled in connection with the impregnation such that said objects, after hardening of the impregnation agent, constitute strong and rigid cast-plastics components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a commutator which is always exposed to gasoline in a motor to drive, for example, a fuel pump of an automobile or the like and the method of efficiently producing the commutator. A good conductive sheet, the wear of which is not promoted by oxidized gasoline, is fixed to the surface of each commutator segment made of copper or copper alloy at least at the part to contact a brush.

Abstract: New and improved magnetic cores for electrical inductive apparatus, and new and improved methods of constructing electrical apparatus, which facilitate the manufacture of such apparatus. The new and improved magnetic cores are of the stacked type, and they utilize different step-lap joints between selected yoke and leg members of the magnetic core. The new and improved methods include the steps of prestacking the leg members, stacking the bottom yoke member while the legs are substantially horizontally oriented, starting at one side of the leg members and progressing to the other side, and stacking the upper yoke member while the legs are substantially vertically oriented, starting from substantially the midpoints of the leg members and progressing outwardly in opposite directions.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell of the type having a spirally wound electrode assembly contained within a cell case, wherein the case is provided with inwardly directed deformed wall portions which engage the electrode assembly to restrain it against movement within the case. External electrical terminals are physically affixed to the electrode assembly at predetermined locations relative to the terminal ends of the spirally wound electrodes; such terminals are used to physically align the cells prior to deforming the case to ensure that the deformed wall portions of the case are displaced from the terminal ends of the electrodes, thereby avoiding undue stress upon the electrode assembly.

Abstract: Substrate for nickel-hydrogen battery electrode is etched from nickel sheet metal to provide inner and outer rims 54, 56 for self centering, a tab 62 on which a lead can be welded and properly distributed openings through conductors for optimum ion flow and electric conduction.

Abstract: A positioning system for electrical components to be mounted on a carrier includes establishing a first reference system and bringing the carrier on which the components are to be mounted to a predetermined position in relation to the first system. The locations for the articles to be mounted on the carrier are defined. A second reference system is established with respect to the first reference system and the carrier is positioned in relation to the articles to be mounted on the carrier using the second reference system. Each reference system is defined by at least three fixed points against which the carrier comes to bear and the points of the second reference system duplicate the points of the first reference system so that the carrier is in the exact position to enable the components to be mounted at the exact predetermined location.

Abstract: In electrical terminal crimping apparatus comprising two crimping dies so mounted that one die is constrained to move towards and away from the other die, a wheel having circumferentially spaced, outwardly extending vanes is rotatably mounted with respect to the dies and a pawl, operatively connected to the movable die, is adapted to engage a ratchet, carried by the wheel, to effect partial rotation of the wheel. After a terminal has been crimped to an electrical lead and as the movable die moves away from the fixed die, the pawl automatically engages the ratchet and causes the wheel to rotate so that a vane pushes the terminated lead laterally from between the dies to a sufficient extent to permit the stripped end of another lead to be positioned between the dies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling integrated circuits to a printed circuit board wherein integrated circuits with protective carriers are selectively dispensed from a rotary magazine, are removed from the carriers and positioned by the leads on magnetic holders on a continuous conveyor which moves the integrated circuits, thus mounted on the holders, to a lead-forming and trim assembly wherein the leads are bent downwardly and outwardly to form feet and trimmed. Thereafter the integrated circuits are moved, thus mounted on the holders, to a flux-applying assembly wherein flux is applied to the lead feet, then to a solder-applying assembly wherein solder is applied to the lead feet, and then to a program activated X-Y axis table which mounts the printed circuit board. The integrated circuits, with tinned leads, are transferred through magnetic fingers to the printed circuit board wherein electrodes solder the leads to pads on the Board.

Abstract: A dryshaver has a beard cutter and a drive which powers the same. The dryshaver also has a long-hair trimmer and a fist slide on which the trimmer is mounted and which is movable to and from an operating position in which the trimmer is operatively coupled with the drive to be powered by the same. A switch is provided which controls the supply of electrical energy to the drive, and a second slide--mounted on or in the first slide for movement relative to the same--has a projection which activates or de-activates the swtich in dependence upon the movement of the second slide.

Abstract: The movable cutting unit of a dry-shaver comprises a plurality of cutters (23) and a corresponding plurality of hair-pulling blades (24) each arranged in front of one of the cutters for movement therewith relative to the shear plate or foil of the shaver, and each movable relative to the associated cutter for its hair-pulling action. Each hair-pulling blade is mounted for pivoting motion on its associated cutter.

Abstract: A razor blade assembly comprising a body portion having a blade permanently fixed therein, a first connector structure disposed on the body portion and adapted to engage a razor handle to form a pivotal connection therebetween, and a second connector structure disposed on the body portion and adapted to fixedly interconnect with mounting means on the razor handle.

Abstract: A shear or like scissor-type tool, especially an electric cable cutter, having two blades at least one of which is movable and a pivot about which this blade moves in a scissor-type action. The device is provided with a mechanism for increasing the pressing force at the blade pivot in response to the instantaneous cutting resistance with this pressing force on the blades being relieved upon or prior to opening of the cutter.

Abstract: A standard glass cutter is provided with an attachment mounted on the back of the head so that the cutter can be held such as to be operated by pushing in the direction away from the operator.

Abstract: A cutting tool which may be pulled through sheet material to be cut has a pair of spaced circular cutting blades on a first shaft and a single circular cutting blade on a second shaft spaced vertically with respect to the first shaft and wherein both shafts are secured to a vertically standing flat body member in which a cutaway portion including a beveled surface defines paths for the work piece and a narrow section of material cut therefrom by the cutting tool.

Abstract: A hunter's knife is provided which is adapted for both eviscerating and skinning a game animal in the field. The knife has a blade portion which includes a reversely facing hook-shaped portion formed on one side, with the hook-shaped portion having a sharpened arcuate inner edge and a relatively blunt outer end. The other side of the blade has a continuous cutting edge formed along substantially its full length. The handle of the knife includes a generally T-shaped finger engaging member for securing the knife to the user's hand while the palm is either closed about the handle, or open, to thereby permit the knife to be retained on the hand while the hand is used for a non-cutting purpose, such as manipulating the animal carcass. The blade and handle are preferably integrally formed from a metallic material, such as stainless steel.

Abstract: A sabre saw is provided with a generally tubular saw bar journalled for linear movement in a journal bushing secured in the top portion of the housing and rotatable therein with means provided so that they rotate together. The journal bushing is provided with a generally annular collar in turn provided with a plurality of generally radial notches and a cantilever leaf spring is mounted to the housing with its distal end adjacent the collar and shaped for selective engagement within the notches. A slide trigger is slidably carried by the housing at a top portion thereof convenient to the operator's thumb control which when slid towards the saw bar depresses the cantilevered leaf spring against the collar and into a selective one of the notches when they are aligned for locking the saw bar against rotation. Rearward movement of the trigger slide is effective to release the cantilevered leaf spring wherein it will pop up out of the notch and permit free rotation of the saw bar.

Abstract: There is provided a skirt design aid which has four template panels that are slidably secured together to be pivotally and/or linearly relatively displaceable, so as to cater for different sizes and skirt styles. This skirt aid also has two pivoted members for varying hip sizes.

Abstract: A spindle-height gage is provided for measuring the height of one or more spindles in a tape recorder. The gage includes a pair of indicators rigidly mounted to a stable base configured for insertion into the tape recorder in lieu of a cassette. Upon insertion of the base plate into the recorder, the spindle under test comes into contact with a "foot" extending from a shaft of one of the indicators, which then provides indication of the spindle height. The gage is calibrated by inserting into the gage a calibrating disc having two shoulders, each of a height corresponding to the specified height of one of the spindles.

Abstract: A set of gauges assembled into a single unit, each guage consisting of a flat tongue with a specific sized rounded corner and a 45 degree angle offset along one side edge thereof, each gauge having a different size offset steps, and all the tongues pivoting from a common shaft in a frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading a key, preferably a key of the type having indentations formed in the flat sides of the key blade. Typical uses for such method and apparatus include incorporating the same in a machine for making a lock to be opened by that key or incorporation in a door lock to identify a given key and by this means a given holder of the key. Movement of reading pins which sense the key indentations are multiplied to cover or uncover groups of juxtaposed light paths to electronically record the depth of the key indentations. Plural indentations on a key can be read either sequentially or simultaneously in parallel.

Abstract: A lens field of view simulator is provided to allow a photographer to view a desired photographic subject, framed as the subject would be framed viewing it through the field of view provided by a camera with a predetermined focal length lens attached. The field of view simulator includes a central portion having a viewing aperture formed therein through which the user views the subject to be photographed and a plurality of plates, each plate having a lens field of view simulation aperture formed therethrough, each of the plates being hingedly attached to the central portion to allow movement of the plates into and out of register with the viewing aperture in the central portion. Preferably, the entire simulator is fabricated as a single unit and is preferably molded of a lightweight plastic, for example, polyethylene.

Abstract: A plotting device for use on a nautical or air chart for course finding in which there is a body portion which has graduations which are in scale with the chart with which the device will be used. There will also be a straight edge on this device and a roller with its axis parallel to the straight edge as a means for rolling the straight edge from a desired course position to a compass rose on the chart for determining the direction of the course. Upon this roller there will also be an indication of the speed of the boat or plane which is to be plotted and from that speed designation will be indications cooperating with the graduations on the body to determine the time which it will take for a boat or a plane moving at the selected speed to travel certain distances along the body of the device as shown by the graduations.