Abstract: An electrical safety plug having two prongs receivable in a complementary socket having two terminal holes, the plug and socket combination being polarized so that the relationship between the prongs and terminals is non-reversible. The plug body has integral therewith a safety tab so positioned that when the plug is correctly inserted in the socket, the tab lies under the body of the socket. The tab blocks insertion when the user seeks to make an incorrect insertion in the complementary socket or in the event the user tries to plug into any other socket.

Abstract: A toy vehicle only slightly longer than a "penlight" battery, and with chassis less than twice the width of such a battery, is able (traction permitting) to climb any grade on which it will not tip over backward--grades up to about 40.degree.--and to negotiate a vertical step taller than its tire radius. The AA-battery-powered four-wheel-drive vehicle has a small electric motor with a double-ended shaft, and a symmetrical gearing system consisting of, at each end of the motor, a pinion fixed on the shaft, a spur gear driven by the pinion and driving a worm, and a worm gear keyed to a corresponding axle. The motor, pinions, spur gears and worms, and the upper portions of the worm gears, are aligned along one side wall inside the vehicle chassis, with the battery alongside them occupying the rest of the chassis. Traction and climbing characteristics are enhanced by twice-overscale tires, preferably of open foam, with highly pronounced treads.

Abstract: A countersunk vase of the type used for graves has a vase mounted for raising and lowering from a hole and an arrangement for holding the vase in a raised position including an apertured fastening plate, through which the vase is raised and lowered, and stay projections on the vase. Additionally, the vase is provided at a lower end with a stop collar of larger diameter than the diameter of the aperture of the apertured fastening plate, and at least two of the above-noted stay projections are positioned in a plane located above the stop collar on the periphery of the vase to engage against the fastening plate for supporting the vase in a raised position and for passing through recesses formed on the inner circumference of the aperture of the fastening plate for lowering thereof.

Abstract: Suspension hardware for interior doors, such as closet or wardrobe doors and the like, incorporating overhead and floor mounted hardware assemblies, each incorporating a pair of angularly intersecting track means; the track means of cooperating assemblies being aligned in superposed registry in operation. One track means of each assembly parallels the wall in which the door opening is formed while the other track means is in intersecting relation thereto. Door brackets are affixed to the inner face of the door, adjacent its upper and lower edges, and guide members are mounted thereon for sliding movement along associated track means. Each guide member is pivotally joined to the door (via the associated door bracket) for pivotal movement about a vertical axis so that the door is movable simultaneously along the intersecting paths of the track means to produce arcuate swinging door action.

Abstract: A window regulator for automotive vehicles which has a reciprocable wire operable to raise and lower a window along a guide rail within a door. The window regulator includes a wire driving mechanism for driving the wire according to the operation of a handle lever, and an auxiliary mechanism including a torsion spring integrated with the wire driving mechanism for assisting in raising the window and serving as a resistance to lowering the window.

Abstract: A refrigerator door construction and method of assembly wherein an inner door liner and a sealing gasket are secured to the inner surface of the door by a plurality of retainer strips. The retainer strips are provided with locking tabs extending through slots in the door surface and define a plurality of retaining surfaces for positioning the retainer strips selectively in a first, partial installed position and a final fully installed position wherein the retainer strips clamp the edge of the door liner and gasket to the inner door surface. The clamping action is effected by a camming of the retainer strips as a result of movement thereof generally parallel to the door surface. The strips are deflected in the first position to accept the gasket for facilitated installation. Threaded fasteners may be used to secure the retaining strips in the second fully installed position.

Abstract: A protective strip arrangement is provided for an outwardly swivelable flange of a door, hood, or the like of a motor vehicle. The strip is formed of elastic material and is held in position on the flange, with the flange forming a stepped shoulder with respect to the adjacent wall of the door, hood, or the like. In order to provide an uninterrupted appearance and configuration at the strip and the flange, the strip is dimensioned to completely fill in the stepped shoulder portion. Particularly preferred embodiments, the protective strip is formed L-shaped in cross section. In other preferred embodiments, the protective strip fits around the flange in a manner of a pair of pincers.

Abstract: A plastic door comprises inner and outer sub-assemblies. The inner sub-assembly includes the inner trim, panel, hardware mounting panel, window mechanism and other hardware which may be manufactured off line and attached to the outer sub-assembly as one of the final steps in the manufacture of the automobile on an assembly line.

Abstract: A grinding machine in which three cup-shaped grinding wheels are disposed spaced from each other by the distance of 120.degree. in different heights spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to one third of the feed pitch of a work to be processed to thereby ensure the removal of a substantial amount of the material from the work at one time and the precise cutting of the work.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device in the form of an energy absorbing washer for use in mounting grinding wheels to grinder spindles. The device is capable of absorbing energy at an initial lower rate and a final higher rate.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning apparatus for a precision machine tool includes an abutment member having an end for abutment by a workpiece mounted on a body. A fastener passageway extends through the body from an end surface to a peripheral surface. A fastener is movably mounted in the fastener passageway for driven movement through the peripheral surface to wedge the body in a passage of the machine tool.

Abstract: A sharpener for the knife blade of a slicing machine wherein the cutting edge of the knife blade is of involute shape. The mechanism comprises a pinion which is coaxially securable to the knife blade drive shaft, an elongate member is driving connection with the pinion and a sharpening mechanism mounted on the elongate member. The elongate member is moved pivotally and longitudinally with respect to the pinion whereby the sharpening mechanism follows the involute contour of the knife blade cutting edge during the sharpening procedure. To avoid unwanted movements of the sharpening mechanism the elongate member and pinion are mounted on a support means which includes an arm extending in the same longitudinal direction as the elongate member, and a slide block is slidably mounted on the arm and carries therewith the elongate member and the sharpening mechanism.

Abstract: A method of finishing of ferromagnetic articles by means of ferromagnetic abrasive powders in a magnetic field formed by electromagnets of opposite polarities, wherein a ferromagnetic abrasive powder and a ferromagnetic article are first magnetized to the saturation induction, then the ferromagnetic article is placed into an external magnetic field so as to form a working gap between said ferromagnetic article and the poles of electromagnets, the total magnetic field produced therein being the sum of the external magnetic field and the field of said magnetized ferromagnetic articles. The ferromagnetic powder is finally introduced into the working gap to form a cutting "brush" and the article and the external magnetic field are brought into relative motion.

Abstract: A system for selectively interposing particulate insulating material in a cavity of a transmission or window panel assembly employs an upper aperture into the cavity through which the insulating material enters and is removed. A flow diverting means adjacent the aperture diverts positive pressure air flowing toward the cavity into the ambient atmosphere, and the momentum of the insulating material causes it to continue through the aperture and fill the cavity. Suction pressure air flow out of the aperture removes the insulating particles, and ambient pressure air flows into the lower portion of the cavity through vents to lift the insulating material upward out of the cavity. The flow diverting means confines the suction air flow out of the cavity to the conduit or communicating means connected to the aperture.

Abstract: The restaurant dining system disclosed in the specification comprises dining and bar areas, a cocktail lounge, a kitchen and an order-taking post separate from and adjacent the dining and bar areas to facilitate the direct delivery of food and drink orders taken by telephone from patrons in the dining area and cocktail lounge in visual communication with the order-taking person (FIGS. 1-4). A combined piano bar-bandstand straddles the bar area and dance floor (FIG. 1). Variably-translucent panels control visual communication with the dining area (FIGS. 1, 8). Each table has its own speaker and volume control for music playing (FIG. 5). Detachable carpet panels permit the movement of telephone and audio cables coupled to the tables (FIG. 6). A phone protection system signals the cutting of any telephone cable (FIG. 7).

Abstract: An installed gutter having a main flow channel and an exposed curved front surface including an upper generally vertically disposed surface directly adjacent the flow channel for receiving any overflow from the channel and having disposed at least on the vertical portion a protective strip coating or cover characterized by having nonwater wetting characteristics. This strip may comprise any suitable material such as Teflon, polyethylene, polypropylene and the like. The strip may extend for the entire gutter length or for a predetermined portion or length of the gutter. According to the preferred design, the protective strip is secured to the gutter such that it tightly adheres to the front face of the gutter so that overflow does not seep between the strip and gutter. Other adaptations of this invention include use on bridges, overpasses and the like to prevent icicle formation.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle enclosure comprising a base, a first housing portion pivotally secured to the base and a second housing portion pivotally secured to the base about the same pivotal axis. The second housing portion is appropriately dimensioned so as to be telescopically retracted within the first housing portion when either housing portion is pivoted from a first pivotal position to a second pivotal position. A sealant is preferably disposed around the open ends of each housing portion to weatherproof the enclosure.

Abstract: A modular building panel is disclosed which is suitable for arrangement with other identical panels to form the side walls for an enclosed structure. The panel includes a wall having a uniform thickness such that the wall extends from a first end having a circle quadrant configuration to a second end formed by a pair of converging surfaces that blend into arcs that form a region that can be used, for example, as an archway.

Abstract: A number of polygonal panels each provided with a peripheral edge flange integral therewith being secured together in edge-to-edge relationship to form a dome structure which may be generally pyramidal, triangular or square in plan configuration. The panels may be constructed of glass fiber, reinforced plastic material, or may be constructed with a suitable rigid frame and covering skin with the frame and skin being constructed of various materials. The panels may be secured together in any suitable conventional manner depending upon the material from which the panels are constructed.

Abstract: Outwardly extending support members are integrally joined to a reinforced concrete hull of a swimming pool. Peripheral deck slabs rest on the support members preventing deck pivoting due to earth settlement. The support members engage the sidewalls of the pool at a depth sufficiently below the water level such that water pressure provides a significant counteracting force to the sidewall in the area of greatest stress. Joints between adjacent deck slabs are formed above the support members so that each deck slab is at least supported at its opposite ends.

Abstract: A swimming pool has a pair of end members made of sheet material each having its side and bottom edge portions secured and sealed in a longitudinal groove in a flexible strip of extruded material, the strip also having a pair of longitudinal spaced parallel flanges perpendicular to the groove; and a side and bottom piece of flexible sheet material, each lateral edge of which is engaged in the channel defined by the parallel flanges of the flexible strip secured to the sides and bottom of an end member and sealed by a sealing strip between the lateral edge and the outer of the two flanges.

Abstract: An improved lightweight cementitious product consisting essentially of an aqueous cementitious mixture and reclaimed polystyrene beads in which the reclaimed polystyrene beads are bonded to the cementitious material. The cementitious product is prepared by dispensing reclaimed polystyrene beads in an aqueous cementitious mixture, such as hydraulic cement and water, to form a resulting mixture, placing the resulting mixture in a mold, and compressing the resulting mixture in the mold until setting of the resulting composition occurs. The volume of the resulting mixture in the mold is reduced during compression by approximately fifteen percent of the original volume and substantially no water is exuded from the resulting mixture during compression. The reclaimed polystyrene beads are substantially spherical in configuration and have a particle size substantially larger than "virgin" polystyrene beads.

Abstract: This laminated partition for building applications comprises spaced uprights and, in each space formed between two uprights, a sandwich structure comprising a plurality of layers of materials, namely a central layer or core consisting of at least one rectangular plate of a first material having a low density and a high degree of sound and thermal insulation, and on either side of the core an intermediate layer consisting of at least one rigid rectangular plate having its vertical edges fastened to the uprights, and made of a second material having a density which is low but higher than that of the first material, said second material having good sound and thermal insulation properties, and an outer lining layer bonded to the outer surface of the adjacent intermediate layer and made of a non-inflammable material having good sound and thermal insulation properties, and a density higher than that of the second material.

Abstract: The mounting means for the storage containers consists of an upper strip of stainless steel, a lower strip of ordinary structural steel and connecting posts which are welded between the two strips. The upper end of the posts are formed as fastening bolts for storage containers or are adapted to receive fastening bolts for securing a storage container in place.

Abstract: A greenhouse has a deformable sealing gasket secured at the edge of a fixed roof thereof to engage an edge of a vent closure for sealing an air gap between the edges, when the vent closure is in its closed position.

Abstract: An automatic bagging apparatus for automatically packing articles into a comprises a horizontally movable tray assembly operable to transport and insert the articles towards the bag and a loader assembly simultaneously movable together with the tray assembly during the loading of the articles into the bag. When the loader assembly is to be retracted leaving the articles inside the bag, the loader assembly starts its return movement independently of and subsequent to the return of the tray assembly. The bag is, after having been fed from at least one bag box to a bag receptacle, positioned frontwardly of the tray assembly and is completely opened by the application of at least one blow of compressed air in to the bag subsequent to the opening of the mouth of the bag. The loading of the articles into the bag is initiated after the bag has been so completely opened.

Abstract: Sealing heads for heat sealing the tops of continouously movable upright pouches are spaced angularly around a continuously rotatable turret and seal the pouches after steam has been introduced into the pouches and as the pouches move in an arcuate path extending around the turret. Each sealing head includes a pair of heated sealing bars and further includes a cam-operated actuator which sequentially lowers the bars, closes the bars, opens the bars, and then raises the bars as the bars rotate with the turret.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for erecting, filling and closing generally rectangular cartons which are supplied in an initially flattened condition. The packaging apparatus has a filling station, lateral carton guides for guiding cartons from a carton infeed station past the filling station to a delivery station. An elongated carrier member extends along the path and has rigid pusher fingers at spaced locations therealong extending crosswise of the path, and the carrier members are driven by spaced carrier drives each including four sprockets and a chain entrained around the sprockets and connected to the carrier members to move them in a generally rectangular closed loop course.

Abstract: A gang mower comprises a number of individual reel mowers ganged together, each reel being driven by an electric motor from an electric power source, such as an alternator, associated with the mower. The alternator is typically driven by the same motor that propels the gang mower along.

Abstract: A device for sensing the loading on an input drive of a cotton harvesting unit and providing a warning when an overload of the drive occurs. Normal tension in the belt drive to the unit input shaft is balanced by an adjustable spring load. Overload of the input shaft overcomes the spring load to activate an electrical switch that alerts the operator by lighting a warning lamp. The input drive includes a slip clutch, and the spring load is adjusted so that a warning is provided before the drive load reaches the loading which would cause the clutch to begin to slip.

Abstract: An electric lawn mower having a permanent magnet motor and a dynamic braking feature includes a rectifier which is assembled in a switch-box. The novel arrangement of the rectifier in the switch-box assembly is attached to an upper portion of the handle of the mower to permit use of standard three wire cord for connection between the switch-box and the motor.

Abstract: A rotary mower having a drive assembly which provides automatic de-clutching and prompt braking of the mower blade to a stop when the device is left unattended, while the engine keeps running. A blade carrier is mounted on an anti-friction bearing at the lower end of the drive shaft. A driving hub is secured to the drive shaft at a level above the anti-friction bearing. A shiftable shell of upwardly facing bowl shape surrounds the drive hub and defines a clutch space. Mounted on the hub in the clutch space is a stack of clutch discs made up of a set of driving discs keyed to the hub and an interposed set of driven discs keyed to the interior of the shell. The blade holder is keyed to the lower surface of the shell. A set of springs on the blade holder urges the shell upwardly in a direction to apply clutching pressure to the discs for driving of the blade. The shell has an annular lip or flange around its upper edge having a friction surface thereon.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a grass trimming apparatus which may be used for trimming and cleaning grass on cemetary grave markers or the like. The grass trimming apparatus of the present invention basically comprises a grass lifting device such as a rotating brush which digs loose dirt and stones and lifts grass and thatch-like material up and off the face and peripheral edges of flush mounted grave markers so that a sequentially mounted grass cutting device can trim the grass lifted by the brush. The rotating brush is movable from a downward operative position to an upward position for travel between various grave markers in the cemetary, and may be detachably mounted for service. The grass cutting device or mower deck is similarly mounted to be movable between operative and travel positions.

Abstract: A lawn care device is provided which essentially consists of support beams or rotary cutter blades which are mounted onto the vertically disposed drive shaft of conventional lawn motors. The support beams are provided with receiving means, support-like bars, trunnions and the like, for pivotably mounting work tools thereon. The work tools are moved into an operating position by the forces resulting from the rotation of the support beam and are pivoted to a non-operative position when engaging an obstacle.

Abstract: A grass catcher assembly (2) for use on a lawn mower comprises a flexible bag (4). The bag (4) includes an open front side (14) and an open top side (16). A cover (40) is pivotally secured to bag (4) adjacent the rear wall (12). Cover (40) includes a chute (50) that has a frictional engagement with a bag frame (38) for securing cover (40) in place. When cover (40) is pivoted upwardly, grass can be dumped from bag (4) through both the open front and top sides (14) and (16) when bag (4) is tipped forwardly.

Abstract: A device for the comminution of leaves for the preparation of fine particles for a mulch useful with a leaf comminuting apparatus having an opening for the escape of comminuted materials, comprises a comminuting grid adapted to be disposed over the opening for further comminuting said leaves, said grid comprising a plurality of vertically suspended chain elements in lateral contact with each other. The grid includes a generally rectangular support plate defining a plurality of slots, and the chain elements are mounted on a support plate with their uppermost links extending through the slots. An elongated rod passes through the uppermost links and is adapted at one end thereof to nest within an opening provided in the support plate. The chain elements provide a simple expedient for the fine comminution of leaf matter which is durable in use. The present device is also self-cleaning, as the contiguous chain elements serve to remove accumulated leaf matter from each other during use.

Abstract: A string construction for athletic rackets which can be frictionally engaged with a tennis ball or a badminton shuttlecock very well upon hitting it and which can be uniformly stretched on the athletic racket frame without being twisted, comprises a string-like core made of thermoplastic resin material and a tubular netlike structure made of thermoplastic resin material, the tubular netlike structure netting over and being secured to an outer circumference of the core, wherein the netlike structure includes a plurality of thread-like members forming a plurality of nodes at intersections thereof, all the thread-like members forming each node being integral with each other at each node, and projecting from the outer circumference of the core to a height substantially equal to each other at each node.

Abstract: The protective control system for a gas turbine power plant having a pressurized fluidized bed combustor provides check valve means located in the passage supplying compressed air from a compressor to the combustor so as to prevent, upon loss of load or shutdown of the plant, reverse flow of high pressure, high temperature, dirty gaseous fluid from the combustor to the compressor and thereby prevent contamination, surging and damage to the compressor. Also a vent means is provided downstream of the combustion gas clean-up system to effect blowdown or depressurization of the combustor.

Abstract: A jet engine having its turbine section and exhaust nozzles particularly arranged to alleviate noise. There is a forward turbine section positioned in a first passageway to receive all or substantially all of the gaseous discharge from the combustion section of the jet engine. There are second and third coannular passageways positioned downstream of the first passageway, with the second passageway being positioned radially inwardly of the third passageway. A second turbine stage is positioned in the second inner passageway to receive a portion of the gaseous flow from the first passageway so as to be driven thereby, with the first portion of gaseous flow being discharged at a relatively low velocity at a radially inward location. A second portion of the gaseous flow passes from the first passageway to the third passageway and is discharged at a relatively high velocity in a generally annular pattern radially outward of the flow of the first portion of the gaseous flow.

Abstract: A hydraulic power and control system which includes a pump which is mounted n a sealed housing. The pump is mounted in the sealed housing along with a pilot operated power valve. The pump has an inlet within the housing for intaking oil therein and is connected to the pilot operated power valve for operating components in a functional system, such as a submersible docking apparatus. The pilot operated power valve discharges oil into the sealed housing and is connected to a control valve which is located exterior of the housing. The control valve will pilot operate the power valve and discharges oil within the sealed housing. The control valve may be mounted within a pressure casing which receives a reduced oil pressure from the pump within the sealed housing. The sealed housing may be pressure compensated to ambient so that the pressure casing is maintained at a specific pressure level above ambient.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for doing work characterized by the steps of establishing respective hot and cold zones within a constant volume chamber; providing a flow path intermediate the zones and encompassing a caloric energy storage means for extracting heat from gases that are hotter and for delivering heat to gases that are colder as the respective gases are flowed therepast; separating the respective hot and cold zones by reciprocally movable member that is movable longitudinally of its cylinder and periodically reciprocally moving the member whereby to effect the following steps; (a) taking in the relatively cool ambient air into the cold zone; (b) moving the cool ambient air past the caloric energy storage means to pick up heat and become relatively hotter to tend to expand and increase pressure; (c) passing the hotter air from the chamber to an engine means for producing work; (d) passing a high temperature fluid in heat exchange relationship with the caloric energy storage means to again heat the calor

Abstract: A thermal energy scavenger assembly including a plurality of temperature-sensitive wires made of material which exhibits shape memory due to a thermoelastic, martensitic phase transformation. The wires are placed in tension between fixed and movable plates which are, in turn, supported by a pair of wheels which are rotatably supported by a housing for rotation about a central axis. A pair of upper and lower cams are fixed to the housing and cam followers react with the respective cams. Each cam transmits forces through a pair of hydraulic pistons. One of the pistons is connected to a movable plate to which one end of the wires are connected whereby a stress is applied to the wires to strain the wires during a first phase and whereby the cam responds to the unstraining of the wires during a second phase.

Abstract: A closed cycle, hydraulic-turbine heat engine for providing a steady electrical or mechanical power source from any available or created relative heat source comprising an evaporation chamber, a vapor conduit connected to the evaporation reservoir and extending vertically therefrom, a condensing reservoir at the upper end of the gas conduit, and a liquid conduit between the condensing reservoir and the evaporation chamber. The liquid conduit, vapor conduit, evaporation chamber, and condensing reservoir form a closed system for containing a refrigerant. A heat exchanger coupled to an external heat source is arranged to provide heat to the refrigerant in the evaporation reservoir, and a condenser, coupled to a heat sink, condenses refrigerant vapor entering the condensing reservoir from the vapor conduit.

Abstract: A steam blending control is provided for two or more boilers in an electric power plant. To blend an oncoming boiler with an on-line boiler, the oncoming boiler is fired to a pressure ramp setpoint and outlet steam is isolated from the plant turbine and directed through position controlled bypass valve means. When steam temperature and pressure conditions are matched, the oncoming boiler isolation valve is opened and the bypass flow then existing is stored in a memory. The oncoming boiler bypass flow is cut back with total oncoming boiler steam flow controlled to the memorized flow valve as a setpoint. Flow from the on-line boiler is cut back under load control as the oncoming boiler flow to the plant turbine is increased. Deblending is implemented in a similar manner.

Abstract: A double flow-type steam turbine installation in which two turbine sections of a double flow-type steam turbine are provided with different final stage steam path areas. The turbine section with the higher area is connected to a high vacuum condenser while the turbine section with the lower area is connected to a low vacuum condenser. The cooling water systems of the two condensers are connected in series with each other. The efficiency of the system is significantly increased over previous installations.

Abstract: A portable cryogenic helium-filled refrigeration system includes a cold finger evaporator, a compressor connected to the cold finger, a brushless DC motor connected to drive the compressor, and an electronic circuit for switching the stator-armature winding currents of the motor. The motor and compressor and the electronic circuit are all enclosed within a common housing which is charged with helium gas refrigerant under pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating a series compression refrigeration system are disclosed. A by-pass for circuiting refrigerant around one compressor when the compressor is not operating is provided. Additionally, a quench conduit conducts liquid refrigerant from a common line to provide a liquid refrigerant quench of the gaseous refrigerant between compressors. A control device is provided for regulating the flow of liquid refrigerant through the quench conduit.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly and subassembly having a combination of liquid line header and a series of spaced helically wound capillary tubes. The liquid line header is mounted such that capillary tubes may be connected therefrom to the appropriate feeder tubes or other connections of the heat exchanger. Capillary tubes are helically wound about the liquid line header such that a compact, neat capillary tube arrangement is provided with a short distance between the two ends of the capillary. A dummy header may be utilized such that the capillary tube extends through the dummy header to a feeder tube to feed the appropriate refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: A heat pump system having two heat exchangers, a condenser, and selective connecting means for connecting the heat exchangers to the compressor so that each can function alternately as an evaporator or as a condenser, without reversing the direction of flow of refrigerant through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An ice maker for use in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator including a flexible tray having cavities for forming ice pieces. The front of the ice tray has a handle and the rear has a first and second spaced guide element projecting therefrom. There is provided a support structure having a front wall with a triangular-shaped opening with all three sides of the opening being outwardly curved and dimensioned to receive therein the ice tray handle in guiding rotation thereof. There is also provided a rear wall having a track with a vertical inwardly curved portion with a terminal end at the top thereof and a horizontal downwardly curved portion joining the bottom of the vertical curved portion, said track being dimensioned to receive in guiding movement said first and second spaced guide elements on the ice tray.