Abstract: First and second underwater tubular members are assembled together so that the outer surface of the first tubular member and the inner surface of the second tubular member are spaced apart to form an annular cavity. The cavity is sealed, cleaned and dried and filled with a gas at a pressure greater than the surrounding water pressure. The pressure in the cavity is reduced prior to detonating an explosive charge within the first tubular member to weld the members together. The cavity may be subdivided into a plurality of zones by further seals, the pressure in the zones being separably adjustable so as to be able to control the pressure difference across each seal.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a parts handling and storage system that can be directed toward the handling and storage of electronic components. The storage portion comprises a movable cabinet on wheels having a plurality of elongated tubular members or channels that receive components or parts along the length thereof. The tubular members or channels are driven on a linked basis parallel to each other by a gear movement and chain drive. In this manner, the channels themselves in their linked relationship form a chain of axially elongated links. Each respective channel or tubular member can be indexed at a given point for exposing the parts therein, so that they can be moved therealong into an adjacent track or channel or other handling means. The storage cabinet and tubular channel members when combined with an extended track can be associated at the end of the track with a second storage cabinet for receiving the parts after they have been processed from the first storage cabinet.

Abstract: A bi-metal resistance welding electrode has a dispersion strengthened copper tip and a high conductivity copper shank. The electrode is made by forming a tip member in two successive upsetting operations to produce a tip member having a coating of high conductivity copper covering substantially all of one end thereof. A solid, high conductivity copper, cylindrical billet is formed and brazed to the tip member at its coated end to form an extrusion blank. The extrusion blank is back extruded with the high conductivity copper material being worked substantially, while only partially back extruding the tip portion of the extrusion blank.

Abstract: A bearer, especially a longitudinal bearer of a motor vehicle frame, which is constructed as hollow profile and includes a deformable section dissipating impact energy; the walls of the longitudinal bearer have different strength characteristics as a result of a treatment of these areas changing the strength of the wall material compared to non-treated areas; a greater strength thereby exists in the treated wall areas than in the untreated areas.

Abstract: A company container a sidewall portion of generally circular cross-sectional configuration extending from a closed end portion to an open end portion. The container is of molded expanded polystyrene having a density of from about 1.0 to about 15 lbs./ft.sup.3, and a thickness of from about 35 to about 100 mils. A reinforcing band encircling the sidewall portion and firmly adherent thereto comprises paper of from about 1 to about 2 mils thick, and having a basis weight of from about 9 to about 20 lbs./ream.

Abstract: An openable lid for covering a popcorn pan provided with an expandable top foil, comprises an opening device in the form of two circular score lines cooperating with an angular pull tab and having a protective satellite tab of a semi-circular shape with a base line integral with a circumferential section of the lid, a row of through-cuts extending along the base line and two parallel rows of through-cuts arranged to match the score lines of the opening device when the protective tab is folded-over against the bottom surface of the lid. To prevent an accidental breakage of the extendable aluminum foil bag due to the resistance of the protective tab against bending, the upper row of through-cuts is provided with lateral arcuate through-cuts bridging the lateral edges of the tab and the terminal through-cut lines in the upper row. In addition, the base line is reduced in length by cutting out in the base region lateral notches.

Abstract: A remailable envelope having an envelope body formed of front and rear panels, a first closure flap on the front panel and a return closure flap on the rear panel which is folded upon itself and inserted into the envelope body during the first mailing of the envelope. A perforated line divides the front panel into upper and lower panel portions, address information for the first mailing being exhibited by the lower panel portion. The upper panel portion is detachable at the perforated line by the addressee to expose the second closure flap for its expeditious removal from the envelope pocket. The second closure flap is large enough to substantially cover the lower panel portion during remailing and exhibits the address of the second addressee. The detachable upper panel portion can have advertising imprinted thereon or form a response document such as an order form for use by the addressee in return mailing to the sender.

Abstract: A rotary separator has a separation vessel comprised of opposed conical sections and has an annular gap between the sections for discharge of solid material. A sleeve surrounds the separation vessel and is attached to the lower conical section thereof by a flexible member allowing axial sleeve movement. The sleeve carries a ring for comovement therewith displaceable to open and close the gap. When the pressure of material in the vessel is sufficient to overcome the flexibility characteristics of the material supporting the sleeve, discharge occurs. The flexible member may be pre-stressed to control the pressure required for discharge to occur, or a chamber communicating with the sleeve and flexible member may be pressurized to selectively displace the sleeve and ring and thereby control discharge.

Abstract: A disposable, centrifugal separator of the kind shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,689 is modified and simplified in that the rotor is made of sheet metal from which bearings are pressed out. These bearings are journaled on fixed stub axles at respective ends of the outer casing, the stub axles also preferably being of pressed out sheet metal.

Abstract: A thermostatic control valve for maintaining an essentially constant set value of an operating temperature of a liquid coolant conductible through a cooling jacket of an internal combustion engine with a valve chamber open to a first valve connection and with a valve controlling the coolant connection between a second valve connection and the valve chamber and a further valve controlling the coolant connection between a third valve connection and the valve chamber. A thermostatic adjusting element, responsive with adjusting movements to temperature changes, is operatively connected with the valves so as to selectively actuate the same. One of the valves is actuatable for suppression of a coolant flow in the cooling jacket by a spring means abutting a fixed thrust bearing mounted on the valve chamber with the other valve being actuatable by the adjusting element into a closed position.

Abstract: A valve body member and various insert assemblies usable with the body member to form steam traps of different types are disclosed in this application. The body member includes an internally threaded, generally cylindrical recess extending inwardly from an outer surface and terminating in an end face, an inlet passage communicating with the recess thrugh a passageway terminating in the end face of the recess, and a discharge passage also communicating with the recess. An annular rib is formed on the end face of the recess around the passageway and includes a surface on which is seated a first sealing ring clamped in place by a first bearing surface of the particular insert assembly used to form the steam trap; an annular seat is formed on the outer surface of the body member around the cylindrical recess and this seat receives a second sealing ring which is clamped in place by a second bearing surface of the insert assembly.

Abstract: A control valve assembly incorporates direct metal-to-metal engagement between a casing of a temperature-responsive valve actuator and a piston guide to promote ease and accuracy of calibration. In addition, a substantially frictionless override feature is incorporated in the assembly to effect pressure relief and to accommodate thermal excursion of the valve actuator beyond the travel required to effect the desired valve movement.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted spray boom assembly includes a breakaway spray boom and shock absorbing means for absorbing the shock on the boom assembly when a boom returns to normal position after striking an obstacle. The shock absorbing means includes a swing cylinder for rigging in and rigging out the spray boom and a tilt cylinder for tilting the boom when the boom has been rigged out. Upon occurrence of shock after an obstacle is struck, a portion of the hydraulic fluid in the swing cylinder is forced into the tilt cylinder to lift the spray boom to dissipate the shock. In addition, another cylinder may be provided for absorbing shock imparted to the boom due to vertical movement of the boom. Also the swing cylinder and tilt cylinder are hydraulically connected in parallel so that when rig out has been completed, pressurized hydraulic fluid continues to be ported to the tilt cylinder to elevate the end of the boom.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device particularly useful as a drip-irrigation emitter is described comprising a two-section housing in which a mounting section is adapted to be passed through the wall of a supply pipe with the housing main section disposed within the tube and the outer end of the mounting section open to the atmosphere. A disc is freely movable within the housing main section and includes a stem fixed to one face thereof and passing into the housing mounting section such as to provide a fluid passageway therebetween. The housing main section is formed with an opening facing the face of the disc to which the stem is fixed, the arrangement being such that when pressurized fluid enters the housing main section through the opening, the disc moves towards and away from the opening to control the flow of the fluid into the housing and thereby through the fluid passageway between the disc stem and the inner face of the housing mounting section.

Abstract: A spray gun is disclosed for simultaneously spraying a liquid and a particulate material, for example, in applying decorative facings to walls and like surfaces. The gun is designed to spray a central stream of particulate material surrounded by a liquid stream. The gun includes a first air passageway into which the particulate material is introduced and a second air passageway into which liquid can be introduced under pressure. An air flow control valve is disposed in a first air passageway and is coupled to a trigger so that the valve is progressively opened as the trigger is squeezed. A flow control valve is also provided for the liquid and is coupled to the trigger so as to be progressively opened as the trigger is squeezed.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve is proposed that serves for low-pressure fuel injection into the intake manifold of a mixture-compressing, externally ignited internal combustion engine. The fuel injection valve (1) includes a valve needle (12,12") which opens against the force of a closing spring (22), and this valve needle has downstream of the valve seat (16, 16") a fuel guidance cone (17, 17', 17") which tapers in the direction of fuel flow. The fuel guidance cone (17,17', 17") is so disposed that it projects into an air chamber (26) of the fuel injection valve (1) connected to an air line (9). The fuel guidance cone (17, 17', 17") may be embodied either conically or with a surface which extends in a concave manner and tapers tangentially toward the conical tip (29, 29').

Abstract: Apparatus for processing waste material which includes domestic and industrial waste, and in which the recovery of aluminum containers is an important aspect. The apparatus comprises a shredding mill and a housing structure to which the waste material is delivered in such manner that the difficult to shred heavy objects are allowed to separate by gravity action, and the remainder of the waste material is dispersed by an air stream such that the air responsive fractions are collected in a separator chamber and the remainder of the fractions are fed into the shredding mill under the control of gate means which responds to ability of the shredder to receive and process the same without overloading the motor drive.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a single-roll crusher having a housing, a roll body freely rotatably supported on an eccentrically rotatable drive shaft in said housing, at least one laterally mounted crushing beam pendularly suspended in the upper part of said housing and resting in the lower region thereof at approximately the height of the roll body axis, by means of a pressure bar, against a prestressed set of springs solidly integrated in the crusher housing in order to absorb the crushing force, the prestressing force also being adjustable when the set of springs is integrated and the gap adjustment at the exit of the crushing space is achieved by changing the spacer thickness between the pressure bar and a spring retainer, the improvement comprising bayonet lock means holding the prestressed set of springs in the crusher housing, the prongs and mating prongs of said bayonet lock means mutually engaging and releasing each other in assembly and disassembly, and key means pressing the support

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing mine ore or hard rock primarily for initial reduction for transport of the material for further processing which is characterized by an extremely low vertical profile relative to its size and capacity. The crushing jaws which form the crushing chamber are uniquely arranged in an inclined relationship with the lower jaw mounted for eccentric movement relative to the upper jaw which is stationary to provide efficient crushing action and efficient movement of the crushed material through the chamber while also permitting the associated inlet feed apparatus to be disposed at a low attitude. Means are included to provide for varying the size of the discharge opening and for varying the action of the moveable crushing jaw to permit greater versatility in the proper processing of a given material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for simultaneously winding multiple strands of wire into turns about a toroidal core in rapid fashion. The apparatus includes a U-shaped wire receiving channel having a semi-circular portion with a gap and a pair of open-ended legs. The ends of the channel legs are positioned adjacent opposite sides of a rotatably mounted drum which is driven by a resilient endless belt engaging approximately one half of its annular outer surface. A toroidal core is supplied and rigidly supported in the gap by a core feeding mechanism. A grooved gap crosser is thereafter extended through the central opening of the core to bridge the gap and complete the channel. A pair of pinch roller type feed/brake mechanisms propel and guide the leading ends of the wires into the channel, through the core opening, and up one channel leg to the drum.

Abstract: An accumulating apparatus for storing a variable length of strip material in which said strip is in the form of two adjacent spiral coils mounted on a common horizontal axis. The rolling coils of the accumulator are identical in size but are wound in opposite directions with their inner ends connected to each other by a bridging portion of the strip material which rotates in opposite directions in dependence upon the relative preponderance of the rate of accumulation and/or withdrawal of the strip material into and from the apparatus. Each of the spiral coils is supported on the interior thereof by a system of angularly spaced rollers capable of assuming circular orbits of varying diameters corresponding to the inner diameters of said coils, to control the sag of successive lengths of the strip between the rollers, which facilitates the interface creeping between the successive turns of the coils. This effect may be enhanced by applying tractive forces to the supporting rollers, if found desirable.

Abstract: A mechanism for dispensing a measuring tape into the wraps of a length of cloth that is being wound onto a mandrel has a carriage that is mounted for reciprocal movement along a guide extending transversely to the length of the cloth. The carriage has means for rotatably mounting two rolls of tape so that when one is exhausted the other quickly may be utilized and the first replaced while the second is being dispensed. The mechanism has a drive wheel which is driven by engagement with the cloth being wound, or a part of the cloth winding machine, for positively reciprocating the carriage so that the only tension of the measuring tape is that required to unwind the roll.

Abstract: A reel bar guides for a paper reeling machine include a pair of track-mounted spaced apart carriages on which the reel bar end bearings are respectively mounted, and a looped cable system interconnecting each end of each carriage with the other carriage, including guide pulleys to maintain the cable runs in tensioned free-running relation, whereby displacement of one carriage in a first direction along its respective track produces simultaneous displacement of the other carriage in the same direction along the other track.

Abstract: The invention describes a device for controlling the tension of a web discharged from a delivery spool including a compensating roller around which the web is guided to which a tiltingly supported lever is connected the deflection of which influences a pneumatic valve, which provides, in a compressed-air line system including a reduction valve, for the pneumatic pressure of a brake cylinder of a pneumatic brake of a machine processing the web, wherein the lever 4 is engaged by a tension spring with adjustable stroke and the lever is tiltable between two end switches 10, 11, which actuate valves including series-connected reduction valves 14, 15 inserted into one pneumatic line 12, 13 each, both being connected to a compressed-air tank 19 which actuates the brake cylinder 22, the valve actuated in case of a decrease of the tension of the web 1 being inserted into the line under pressure 12 and when actuated by the lever 4 connecting the compressed-air tank 19 to the compressed-air source 15a, and the valve act

Abstract: A spinning reel having anti-reversal mechanism of simple and improved construction. The anti-reversal mechanism thereby provides a reversal rotation of a rotor because of the engagement between a ratchet gear and a stop pawl. This engagement can be released by a switching means which includes a depressing portion, position setting portion, shaft portion and a thumb lever, these being integrally formed. The switching means can be assembled to the reel body by inserting it from outside of the reel body.

Abstract: A collapsed hose reel and transport device including first and second generally parallel spaced wall members of generally semi-circular configuration disposed in aligned relation, bracket means extending between first and second wall means along a portion of the length of periphery thereof to form a hose receiving chamber, at least two roller means located at the periphery of the wall means and disposed to extend across the chamber between the first and second wall means.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette having two tape winding reels with associated brake levers pivotable between a disengaged position and a braking position for rotating the reels slightly and tensioning the tape when the cassette is not on a tape apparatus. To obtain a maximum rotation of the winding reels within the available cassette space, the levers are each journalled on a lever mount which can be actuated from outside the cassette to move from a rest position to an operating position in which the brake levers are disengaged, in the rest position the levers engaging at least one control surface in the cassette.

Abstract: A system for locking a missile seeker to a desired target signal while the issile is in flight and approaching the target. The target is detected and tracked by a remote radar. The missile is launched and utilizes an inertial mid-course guidance to guide it in the general direction of the target. A data link is established between the remote radar and the missle seeker. When the missile is sufficiently close to the target its active radar is turned on and target information is transmitted via the data link to the remote radar or tracking station. The remote tracking station transmits back to the missile information for correcting its tracking course and provides information which effects missile seeker lock-on of the target of interest and will cause the missile seeker to continue to track the target until impact.

Abstract: A target seeker on the missile looks at the hot spot behind the jet engine of the airplane to be intercepted and continuously produces signals representing, respectively, the rate of change of the distance between the two and the angular distance between the longitudinal axis of the missile and the optical axis of the target seeker. An approach sensor on the missile produces a signal representing the distance between the two. Initially, the rate of change signal is used to guide the missile, in a conventional manner by the laws of proportional navigation. Depending upon the embodiment, after angular distance signal exceeds predetermined thresholds, or after the distance between the two is below predetermined thresholds, the angular distance signal is used in conjunction with other signals, or alone, in the guidance of the missile.

Abstract: A satellite, especially a geostationary satellite which may be stabilized in its three major axes and which has a spin wheel or momentum wheel supporting a position control system and which also has an engine or propelling system, is controlled by actuating the spin or momentum wheel at the latest when the satellite is in a phase of being transferred from one orbit to another orbit. Thereafter, the satellite is rotated about its axis which extends in parallel to the axis of the spin wheel or momentum wheel whereby the rotational impulse of the satellite is smaller than that of the momentum wheel. The stabilizing of the satellite relative to the three major axes is then made at the point in time when the satellite is to change from one orbit to another orbit whereupon the engine system for reaching the new orbit is switched on. The thrust of the engine system is so dimensioned that the position control system intended for a subsequent mission retains its orientation even during the phase of changing orbits.

Abstract: The disclosed collapsible stand has two sets of opposed legs extending radially from a tubular hub support, the stand being of the type that is collapsed or set up by rotating one set of legs relative to the other set of legs about the hub support until the legs are at 90.degree. to each other. Each leg is formed of an elongated rod back folded on itself to present inner and vertically spaced inner ends that are secured to the discs mounted on the hub support with an outer center portion of the back folded rod engaging the floor and serving as a foot for the stand. The inner ends of the legs are sandwiched between a pair of discs movably and rotatably mounted on the tubular hub support. Two pairs of locking or detenting tabs are upstruck from each of the lower discs, each pair of tabs being spaced apart to define a leg receiving slot therebetween. Preferably, the inner ends of the legs are each disposed between a pair of detents to provide a firm and stable support.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket for mounting a sign on a pole is disclosed. The bracket has a sign holding means on one side and a securing means on the other. The sign holding means is adapted to hold a wide variety of sizes and shapes of signs, whether placed horizontally, vertically or at an angle relative to the pole. The securing means is self-centering on the pole and securely holds the bracket and sign firmly in place. The securing means grips the sign pole firmly along two lines of force and yet can be tightened and loosened by hand.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a door closer to a stationary or movable door frame. The door frame is provided with a channel rail having longitudinally extending undercut grooves which form transverse guide tongues. Guide projections provided on the door closer are adapted to be received in the undercut grooves so as to be disposed behind the guide tongues. At least one thumbscrew is supported at the door closer and arranged so as to press the guide projections against the guide tongues to thereby mount the door closer at the channel rail.

Abstract: A mounting bracket having a P- shape to be clampingly secured along a drip gutter of a vehicle wherein a brace means extends between first and second leg means and a clamping plate is movably mounted onto the first leg means for clampingly securing the mounting bracket onto the drip gutter.

Abstract: A device for setting the direction and/or inclination of an elongated rock drilling apparatus. The actual value of the direction in each of two perpendicular planes is sensed by a rotatable screen having a pattern of parallel opaque lines separated by interspaces. Corresponding set values are set by prepositioning a carrying member on which a second screen is mounted which also has a pattern of lines and interspaces. The elongated rock drilling apparatus and the carrying member are moved in common until the line patterns on the screens form a desired moire pattern.

Abstract: Curtain or window shade hardware having a breakaway tab handle for holding the hardware while it is being fastened to a window frame, door frame, wall or similar element of a building structure. The hardware may have integral prongs extending therefrom as fastening means and may have a hammer strike pad to provide a safe striking surface.

Abstract: A composite cylindrical mold for making rubber covered rolls comprises an outer rigid tube and an inner hollow cylindrical sleeve, with the space between the tube and the sleeve being filled with a cured elastomer. In preparing the mold, a heat shrinkable polytetrafluoroethylene tube etched on the outer surface is disposed around a rigid mandrel and heat shrunk thereon. The mandrel and sleeve are then inserted into the rigid tube in concentric relation. Curable rubber is then injected under pressure between the tube and the sleeve and the rubber is cured, causing the inner surface of the sleeve to conform exactly to the surface of the mandrel. The mandrel is then removed, and the inner surface of the sleeve is used as a molding surface for rubber covered rolls.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling fluid flow through a gate opening includes frame means that define the opening, and guide means which are adapted to retain a gate disc in slidable relation with the opening. Drawing means for laterally displacing the disc relative to the opening are pivotably connected to lever means having long and short ends. A fulcrum between the ends is pivotably connected to the disc. The short end is disposed to bear against a fixed portion of the guide means when the disc is closed, and the long end is connected to the drawing means to obtain a mechanical advantage in drawing pressure when displacing the disc to a partially open position. The lever means may be a single lever, but a preferred embodiment discloses a pair of levers to apply a uniform drawing pressure on the disc via a hydraulic cylinder that is anchored in a wall of a closed tank which contains the apparatus.

Abstract: A sequenced drive for rotary valves which provides the benefits of applying rotary and linear motions to the movable sealing element of the valve. The sequenced drive provides a close approximation of linear motion while engaging or disengaging the movable element with the seat minimizing wear and damage due to scrubbing action. The rotary motion of the drive swings the movable element out of the flowpath thus eliminating obstruction to flow through the valve.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to improvements in or relating to the safety barrier, especially for freeways, constituting the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,521.Each module of the safety barrier comprises a casing 5 consisting of a stack of pneumatic tires 3 divided into units 6 and covered with a coating or outer covering 7, notches 8 being provided for the passage of the linear element or elements 2.Especially useful for the safety of vehicles, particularly on freeways.

Abstract: A system is described for precise monitoring and control of the carbon content of the atmosphere of a furnace such as a carburizer used in the heat-processing of steel parts. The disclosed apparatus includes a sampling system for withdrawing a gas sample from the atmosphere within a furnace and an analyzer for producing signals indicative of the partial pressures of at least two gaseous components such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The analyzer preferably utilizes selective absorption of narrow-band infrared radiation signals in determining these signals. A processor combines the signals indicative of partial pressures with parameters obtained from measurements of furnace temperature, and calculates carbon potential of the furnace atmosphere. The processor output is coupled with an atmosphere control which maintains desired levels of carbon potential in the atmosphere of the furnace by, for example, regulating the flow of an enriching gas to the furnace.

Abstract: Elastic rubber engine mounts with hydraulic damping are provided, especially for engine suspensions in motor vehicles. The mounts comprise two separated liquid-filled chambers, defined in part by elastic rubber-like peripheral walls adheringly connected with end walls and with a centrally disposed supporting element for connection to an engine supporting frame. The liquid chambers are separated by an elastic rubber-like partition connected with the supporting element, and flow connection between the two chambers is provided by perforations or choke openings in the partition. The rigid end walls of the two chambers are rigidly interconnected. Arrangements are provided for minimizing or avoiding hydraulic damping of oscillations of low amplitude and high frequency, while providing hydraulic damping for oscillations of large amplitude and low frequency.

Abstract: A resettable apparatus including a deformable restraining element adapted to contact and restrain active elements for producing a time-delayed force or displacement response. The apparatus functions by the release of the force and/or displacement active element by the creep deformation action of the restraining element at a time interval after actuation of the active element.

Abstract: A fixture base converter adapted to convert a fixture base used for filling a multi-compartment medicinal dispensing device having a predetermined number of openings corresponding in number to the number of units in the device into a fixture base for filling a medicinal dispensing device having a greater number of units or for filling an assembled dispensing device and extender therefore. The converter includes a planar support having an array of six rows and five columns of openings, and which is adapted for disposition on the fixture base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container, package, or case and at the same time an article of surgical equipment for the storage, transportation, asepsis and surgical preparation of a medical device. The container is especially adapted for small, delicate, otic prostheses, the type used as a middle ear implant, such as a total or partial ossicular replacement prosthesis. The container comprises a base that constitutes a work area and has a first recessed area formed therein conforming to the shape and size of the prosthesis which it will carry. The end of this first recessed area opens laterally into a contiguous, coplanar second recessed area adapted in cooperation with the said work area to use in preparation of the prosthesis. Disposed on the base opposite the second recessed area and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first recessed area are measuring apparatus having a scale set perpendicular to the said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A machine for folding sheet material comprises a plurality of rollers opposedly arranged in pairs and engaged at the ends with a stationary frame and biased towards each other by pushers. Each roller has a surface provided with resilient lugs and intervening smooth surfaces. Owing to the resilient lugs the rollers are forced to move away from each other, as the sheets move past, only to a limited extent thereby accommodating any uneveness in the sheets.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device including a sheet separating mechanism consisting of a feeding member and a braking separating member for preventing feeding of a plurality of sheets, and a speed adjusting mechanism for varying as desired the sheet feeding speed. The spacing between the feeding member and the braking separating member is determined based on a predetermined sheet feeding speed, and the sheet conveying force exerted by the feeding member is set at a level higher than the sheet arresting force exerted by the braking separating member. A supporting member for journalling at least one of the feeding member and the braking separating member and being movable for movement of one member toward the other member, and a transmission for moving the supporting member in synchronism with the movement of an adjusting member of the speed adjusting mechanism are provided, to vary the spacing between the feeding member and the braking separating member in accordance with a change in the sheet feeding speed.

Abstract: A cam operated document stop in an item sorter provides positive action to halt the passage of a document or other item, from a flow of documents in a mainstream pathway, when it arrives in an inspection station. The document is stopped in an open receptacle area for inspection and then released for return to the mainstream pathway. Stoppage is effected by rotation of cam members which position a stop arm to stop the flow of the document. After the document has been inspected and corrected, the stop arm is repositioned to release the document into the mainstream flow. After a suitable delay to allow the document to clear the receptacle area, the cam members rotate the stop arm into position to stop the next document.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chute return mechanism for use in combination with a photocopier collator wherein a movable paper chute is disposed between a discharge slot of a photocopy machine and an entry point of a plurality of bins mounted adjacent thereto. The chute return mechanism controls the movement of the movable paper chute so that copies received from the photocopy machine are directed successively into one of the plurality of bins. The chute is successively diverted to each of the predetermined number of bins by means of a pulse from the photocopy machine which indicates that a copy has been produced and discharged to a bin. The pulse actuates a solenoid which controls a cam latch of the chute return mechanism thereby releasing a follower which is attached to the movable paper chute. Actuation of the solenoid successively lowers the paper chute to divert successive sheets of photocopies to each of the predetermined number of bins.

Abstract: An elongated unitary inflatable vessel of thin, flexible sheet material includes a pair of relatively large volume, generally circular-shaped, hollow seats at opposite ends interconnected by an integrally formed central conduit of relatively smaller transverse cross-section. Each seat includes an upper seating surface for supporting a person in an elevated position above the floor and the person on one seat may force the seating surface downwardly toward the floor thereby moving air from the seat into the conduit to raise the elevation of the opposite seat and provide a seesaw action.