Abstract: The specification discloses improved wheel washers, in one embodiment of which a pair of cupped-face brushes and a cylindrical brush are mounted on a bar forming one side of a parallelogram linkage. The bar is spring biased toward a normal position in which each cupped-face brush faces somewhat toward an approaching car wheel to be washed, and, as the body of the car engages and progressively moves past feeler rollers, each cupped-face brush on the bar is swung thereby with the car to a position in which it will face the side of the wheel when the wheel comes alongside the brush. This initial canting of the cupped-face brushes causes them to enter into the somewhat hollow area of the wheel to clean the tire supporting structure and hub cap.

Abstract: A street sweeping vehicle has a motor and drive system for propelling it forward. It also has several auxiliary devices including a main broom, a gutter broom, and a debris elevating system, each of which is powered by a separate hydraulic motor. Each hydraulic motor receives its energy from a pump that is in turn driven by a main motor of the vehicle. In each auxiliary device, the separate hydraulic motor which powers that device is so positioned as to operate effectively while permitting necessary position adjustments of the driven mechanism to take place and also minimizing wear and tear on the mechanism.

Abstract: A wax applicator laminate for transfering wax compounds to a surface, the wax applicator laminate comprising a carrier sheet being substantially impervious to the passage of melted wax therethrough and being less adherent to solidified wax on a first surface thereof, and a layer comprising solidified wax which is adhered to the second surface of the carrier sheet. In the method of applying a coating of wax to a surface, the carrier sheet is heated to melt the solidified wax compound and to deposit a coating of wax on the surface.

Abstract: A brush bristle cleaning system (10) which includes a handle member (16) adapted to be held in one hand of a user. The handle member (16) passes in a longitudinal direction (18). A first wire element (20) extends in an arcuate closed contour and is secured to the first handle member (16) on one end thereof. A first helical wire element (24) defining a plurality of first helical loops (26) pass around a portion of the closed contour of the first wire element (20). A second wire element (30) which extends in the longitudinal direction (18) is secured to the handle member (16) on a first end and is secured to the first wire element (20) on a second end thereof. A second helical wire element (36) passes around the second wire element (30) and defines a plurality of second helical loops (38). A brush (12) having brush bristles (14) is either longitudinally moved or transversely contacted with the helical loops of (38) and (26) to provide a cleansing action for the bristles of (14).

Abstract: A connector or adaptor is provided for connecting several different style windshield wiper arms to a crosspin of a crosspin-type wiper blade. The connector or adaptor includes a one-piece tubular portion having inwardly urged detents, tabs or lips which engage in openings in the arm ends to latch the connector or adaptor to the end of the arm. The connector or adaptor has a pair of spaced walls with restricted openings merging into aligned apertures which apertures are adapted to receive the crosspin of the blade when said restricted openings are forced down over the pin. Several style arm ends with aligned openings in the opposite side walls can be connected to the connector or adaptor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating a fluid, such as water, for any of several purposes, such as for use with carpet cleaning apparatus; and charcterized by supplying electrical current periodically to the primary of a conductive coil, thereby building and collapsing a field about a shorted electrically conductive secondary of the coil. The shorted secondary is a hollow conductor that is heated by high current flow. The heat is transferred to a fluid flowing through the hot, shorted secondary. In a specific aspect of the embodiment, a frame including spray nozzles, vacuum nozzles and the like has the apparatus for heating water connected into it such that heated water is supplied, to effect much more efficacious cleaning of carpets or similar floor surfaces. Also disclosed are specific details and preferred embodiments that have been constructed to date; particularly, the details of the apparatus in which the primary and the secondary coils are closely adjacent each other such that the I.sup.

Abstract: A unitary shower-curtain hanger in the form of a resilient elongated torus, interrupted at one point on its circumference. Mounting of a shower curtain thereon is accomplished by applying force to the hanger at the site of the interruption to deform the hanger sufficiently to allow a shower curtain eyelet to be slipped thereon and to enable placement of the hanger about a curtain rod. Thereafter, the hanger resiliently returns to its original closed configuration. Closure means located at the interruption of the hanger are then utilized to form a continuous elongated torus.

Abstract: Apparatus for slaughtering animals in accordance with hallal or kosher provisions includes a table with a concave top surface having a drain therein and reeled straps for securing an animal. In one embodiment, the table is motor driven to tilt about one axis in order to secure the animal thereto and about another axis to slide the animal onto a conveyor belt after the animal has been slaughtered.In another embodiment, the table is equipped with folding legs so that it can be used on ceremonial occasions.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing the cervical vertebrae from the skin of the neck of slaughtered fowls comprises a frame movable along the track of the fowls, and bears a fixed first clamping unit and a second clamping unit pivoting around a horizontal shaft and connected with a control unit such, that in a movement of the frame along the track the clamping units move toward each other, enclose the neck of the fowl, and are then jointly moved downwardly.

Abstract: A high speed cross-lapping apparatus is disclosed which forms batting from a high total denier tow of continuous filament material such as polyester. The apparatus includes a reciprocating carriage having a pair of steel rolls which deliver the tow to an underlying receiving conveyor. To drive the carriage, either a unidirectionally driven belt or a reversible electric motor may be provided. Inertia reversal apparatus including a pneumatic cylinder is located at each end of the carriage stroke. To accomodate differences in tow length as the carriage reciprocates, a horizontally disposed length compensating assembly is employed.

Abstract: In a U-shaped clip made from strip material and intended to close bags and flexible tubes, said clip comprising a web connecting two limbs having outwardly angled end lugs, the improvement which comprises forming the surface of the clip which is to engage a bag so as to provide elevated and depressed zones to grasp the bag more securely. The elevated and depressed portions can be established by forming longitudinal beads on the inside of the clip along the web and limbs or by forming longitudinal grooves on such inside.

Abstract: A device having special utility for holding medically-related conduits in a hospital setting is disclosed. The device comprises a generally flat, flexible pad having a gripper at one end thereof. The gripper is configured so as to selectively join the pad to a bedsheet, hospital gown or the like. A tape is disposed on the pad and extends across one surface thereof. The tape is configured such that the conduits can be secured between the tape and the pad. One surface of the tape is made of a material which selectively engages the surface of the pad such that the tape may be easily removed from and secured to the pad.

Abstract: A device for holding a fish stringer, comprising an L-shaped frame made up of a base plate and a shoulder plate perpendicular to the base plate, and including jaw means pivotally mounted on the base plate for engagement with a flexible line such as a fish stringer between the jaw means and the shoulder plate. The jaw means describes an arc about the pivot which intersects the shoulder plate near a perpendicular line between the jaw pivot point and the shoulder plate. Normally the stringer can be easily removed by pulling a portion of it near the jaw means in direction perpendicular to the base plate. However, cover means are optionally provided for selectively and slidably covering the jaw means and the shoulder plate to selectively obstruct and not obstruct the removal of the stringer line from between the jaw means and the shoulder plate in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base plate.

Abstract: A pressure sealing zipper comprising a gasket assembled to an interdigitating zipper chain which uses a slider without a diamond to penetrate between the interlocking portions of the elements. On one side of the zipper chain, a single plate slider tracks in slots adjacent the zipper tape and maintains the elements in coplanar relationship by contacting the elements both directly and indirectly through the zipper tape. The sealing gasket is carried by the elements on the side opposite the slider. This construction permits the slider to terminate above the gasket opening in a closed end sealing zipper.

Abstract: A separable slide fastener which includes a pair of stringers, a pair of pin members each secured at one end portion of one stringer, and a retainer for separably closing said pin members to each other is disclosed. The retainer may be a slidable one wherein the retainer can slide over both stringers and receive both pin members therein or a fixed one which includes a box having an opening for receiving the other pin member therein fixed to one of the pin members. The pin members are modified fastener elements formed by cutting the coupling heads off from some of the fastener elements positioned at one end portion of each stringer.

Abstract: A front insert receptacle for fastening two members together. The receptacle includes a housing formed with a base and a pair of opposing spaced legs adapted to receive a stud therebetween. A stop surface is on the housing to engage with the upper surface of one member when the receptacle is partially extended through an opening therein. A rotational stop is on the housing to prevent rotation of the housing with respect to the one member when extended therein. A cam surface is located on the housing in the form of an inwardly extending tang on at least one of the legs. A shiftable cam follower in the form of a disc is in the housing initially positioned so that each tang initially engages with the portion of the cam member when the housing is inserted in the opening in the one member. A biasing spring in the housing engages with the cam member and initially biases the cam member against the tangs.

Abstract: A clip is provided which is adapted for fastening onto a flexible web such as a sheet of fabric. The clip is particularly adapted for fastening the fabric of a tent to supporting poles or stakes or for fastening webs together.

Abstract: Hose clamps are disclosed comprising a band, band section, or attachment to a band, which yields in a direction circumferentially of the band and which possesses a spring-like quality and/or action such that the clamp is essentially self-adjusting to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the assembly (clamp, hose and fitting), as well as for the aging or cold set which the hose undergoes, whereby a fluid-tight seal is maintained throughout the intended life of the assembly, without requiring the clamp to be re-tightened. The bands of the clamps are open-ended and of generally circular configuration and are provided with a tangentially located or oriented worm drive screw for closing the clamp and providing a greater and closer range of adjustment in closing the clamp. The clamps, in some cases, have incorporated therein a positive stop, whereby closure of the clamp can be limited to a specified or predetermined size or diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus to pattern brush pile fabric which has been pre-heated so that the pattern brushed into the pile fabric will remain as the fabric cools. An adjustable fabric pressure rod positions the fabric in a pre-determined position relative to the bristles of the rotating brush. To provide the desired pattern on the surface of the pile fabric, a plurality of movable reed members deflect the bristles of the rotating brush.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp operating on reduced energy consumption includes a unique mount which carries a shield providing both a getter and a mercury dispenser. The lamp has a preferable fill of 80% neon and 20% krypton at a pressure of 2.0 Torr.

Abstract: A controllable variable deflection roll of the type applying the deflection controlling force between the fixed shaft and the rotative shell via piston and cylinder arrangements, has the arrangements positioned offset circumferentially around the shaft with respect to the direction in which the deflection controlling force is applied.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a heat exchanger construction of the finned fluid conduit type which includes an integral pressure actuated by-pass fluid assembly adapted to enable fluid being circulated through the heat exchanger to by-pass the core portion thereof when header pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. The heat exchanger of the present invention comprises an inlet header, outlet header, and interconnecting heat exchanger core assembly and a continuous by-pass fluid conduit member extending therebetween in which is disposed a pressure responsive valve adapted to control fluid flow between the inlet and outlet headers. The continuous fluid by-pass conduit is designed to have a pressure relief valve removably positioned internally thereof and preferably will have one end extending completely through one of the headers which end may be provided with a suitable removable closure member to facilitate installation and/or replacement of the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a flexible elongate member, e.g. pile weatherstrip, into a groove in an elongated member, the apparatus being capable of being driven by an electric motor or drill and including a pair of rollers defining a nip through which the pile is driven into an outlet guide with which the groove in the elongated member is aligned at the downstream end thereof. It is preferred that two sets of roller nips are provided, there being a common roller for each nip and there being an inlet guide to direct the pile weatherstrip into a first nip, and an intermediate guide to direct the weatherstrip from the first nip to the second nip and hence into the outlet guide. Preferably, the roller common to each pair is driven via a toothed belt, and the other two rollers can be moved towards or away from said common roller. Preferably, this roller has a grooved periphery to receive the pile of the weatherstrip and all the rollers are knurled.

Abstract: Methods for inserting a bundle of hollow fiber membranes into a permeator shell are provided which methods present minimal risk of damage to the hollow fiber membranes and enable high packing factors of hollow fiber membranes within the permeator shell to be achieved. In the methods, a bundle of hollow fiber membranes is surrounded by a substantially fluid impermeable, flexible envelope. The interior of the envelope is provided at a lower total pressure than the pressure at the exterior of the envelope such that the flexible envelope is drawn into contact with the bundle and laterally compacts the bundle. The envelope containing the bundle is inserted into a permeator shell while maintaining the pressure differential. The flexible envelope may be retained within or may be withdrawn from the permeator shell.

Abstract: A casing for the n intermeshing screws of a treatment machine has an internal wall comprising n adjacent cylindrical sectors each subtending an angle A, having a radius r, and covering one screw over that part of the periphery which is outside the penetration zone of the screws. The casing is made from n shells, each of which has an internal face in the form of a cylindrical sector of radius r and subtending an angle B, which is less than A, and n guide bars, each of which possesses two concave faces forming a V and which are in the form of cylindrical sectors of radius r and subtending an angle ##EQU1## and the axes of which are parallel and spaced apart by a distance e equal to the distance between the axes of the screws. Each shell is fixed to two guide bars in such a way that its axis coincides with the axes of the corresponding concave faces of the said guide bars.

Abstract: An improved method of making internally slitted strip material wherein a metal billet is cast about friable elongated members of weld preventing material and wherein the billet and elongated members are rolled to thin and elongate the billet and to pulverize the weld preventing material into a fine weld preventing powder for distribution along the spaces occupied by the weld preventing material and which spaces upon the pulverized weld preventing powder being removed form the slits, the improvement wherein prior to casting the metal billet about the elongated members of weld preventing material, the friability of the weld preventing member is enhanced to cause the members to pulverize more evenly and to distribute more evenly along the spaces occupied by the pulverized weld preventing material whereby any tendency of the pulverized powder to leave gaps at which welds are formed during rolling is substantially eliminated and wherein such enhancement is provided by coating the elongated members with a predeterm

Abstract: An apparatus for terminating a plurality of conductors to a connector includes an elongated frame having a connector holding fixture at one end and a carriage mounted for sliding movement toward the fixture for effecting termination of the connector. Movement of the carriage is effected by a beam having a pivotable joint mounted intermediate the carriage and fixture so that movement of the pivotable joint in direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the frame moves the carriage toward and away from the fixture member.

Abstract: In an electrochromic display device including an electro-chromic layer comprising a film made of amorphous tungsten oxide (WO.sub.3), the device is fabricated under the ambience of both a relative humidity below 60% and an absolute humidity below 1.17.times.10.sup.-2 Kg/Kg to assure electro-optical properties of the electrochromic display device.

Abstract: Block loader for inserting a plurality of terminated wire leads one at a time into a connector block by delivering wires laterally of their axes to a pair of feed wheels which engage the wire to drive it through a tunnel formed by the closure of a profiled lid against a platform and into a terminal receiving cavity in a connector block. Operations of lateral wire delivery, lid closure, and engagement of feed wheels to wire are effected by the linear motion of a single cam carriage in a single stroke without the use of switches or pneumatic actuators.

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying pre-split wires of a multi-conductor cable into a predetermined coplanar array comprises a guide plate with a recess therein and a lid which closes thereagainst. Side by side wires are pushed into a wire receiving opening of the recess and are gathered into a strait therein and splayed into channels which align the wires for termination to terminals at insertion stations where the channels open on the end of the plate. An insertion ram pushes the leading ends of the wires downward into the terminals while the guide plate pivots downward against the action of a spring. A wire catch is provided to prevent reverse movement of wires in the channels.

Abstract: The end cap separating tool of this invention comprises a pair of spreader blocks, generally U-shaped in plan, the projecting ends of which clamp by means of anchor screws to adjoining end cap halves adjacent their outside edges. A T-handled actuator screw is threaded through a tapped opening in one block and the end of the screw opposite the handle is attached rotatably to the second block, whereby rotation of the screw in one direction moves the one spreader block away from the second, thereby separating one end cap half from the other and from the telephone cable. The other end cap half is separated from the cable by a cord extended across the cap diameter, under the telephone cable and up the opposite side of the cable to the one block where it is secured. Rotation of the screw in the direction to move the one block away from the second block engaging the end cap half results in lifting and rolling the cable away from the end cap half.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of a substantially circular metallic shield (37) about a cable core (32) by wrapping a metallic tape (64) longitudinally about the core with longitudinal edge portions of the tape being overlapped by a forming key (100) to provide a closed seam (38). As the seam is formed, an underlying longitudinal edge portion (48) of the shield is supported while an overlying longitudinal edge portion (45) at the overlap is directed inwardly toward the cable core to preclude its protrusion into a jacket (39) which is subsequently extruded over the shielded cable core. A relatively thin strip (145) of metal attached to an inner surface of the forming key assures formation of the seam before juxtaposing the longitudinal edge portions and the core, and avoids penetration of a priorly formed inner shield by the longitudinal edge of the outer shield to prevent rotation of the inner shield and undesirable alignment of the shield seams.

Abstract: A razor handle with a pair of pivot-engaging arms or jaws includes a resilient cartridge latching mechanism formed substantially integrally therewith. The latching mechanism is positioned to retainedly engage a pivotable cartridge in a substantially fixed angular position at one extreme of its pivot range. The cartridge is rotated into and out of the retained engagement with the latch by the user applying, normally manually, a rotational force to the cartridge, which force is of a magnitude greater than normally encountered during shaving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spacing device for use with a ruler or other straightedge to aid handwriting of a neat and tidy appearance. The device comprises a resilient spacing member mounted on or in a writing implement and adapted to maintain under a first degree of manual pressure a predetermined distance between a writing point of the writing implement and an edge of a stationary ruler device positioned on a surface to be written upon, said spacing member being movable under a second, increased, degree of manual pressure to reduce the distance by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A manual or vehicle propelled rolling distance measuring unit has a folding frame and support stand and is equipped on the handle portion of the frame with an electrically operated digital counter which responds to the rotary movement of wheel-mounted permanent magnets relative to a stationary magnetic switch. A rotational magnet shield is magnetically driven in one direction by a permanent magnet to a switch shielding position to prevent operation of the digital counter when the measuring device rolls in a reverse direction. The device can be used to establish the distance between poles in a cable television system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear micrometer which comprises a cylindrically shaped housing, a tube-shaped sleeve displaceably mounted along the longitudinal axis of the housing and extending from one end of the housing, a measurement scale fixedly mounted along the longitudinal axis of the housing and slidingly supported inside the spindle sleeve, and a measurement readout means couple to the spindle sleeve for reading and displaying the relative position of the spindle sleeve to the scale. A rapid adjusting means and fine adjusting means are also provided.

Abstract: A continuously operating multistage drying installation is provided for drying a workpiece. The drying installation includes a conveyor belt for transporting along a predetermined path a workpiece having two opposite longitudinally extending surfaces and containing excess moisture. A first stage drier is located at an upstream portion of the path. This drier includes guide rollers for turning the workpiece over at least once so as to expose both of its surfaces to heat within the drier to thereby preliminarily dry the workpiece. A second stage drier is provided at the path downstream of the first stage drier for finishing the drying of the workpiece to a desired moisture level while maintaining the workpiece free from being turned over to thereby avoid cracking the surfaces of the workpiece due to pressure applied to the demoisturized and consequently relatively brittle surfaces thereof.

Abstract: In a process for heat treatment, highly hygroscopic coal, with a low carbon content and large equilibrium moisture, is rapidly heated with hot gas at a rate of temperature rise of at least 100.degree. C./min up to a final heating temperature in the range of 300.degree.-500.degree. C., and is then rapidly cooled at a rate of temperature drop of at least 50.degree. C./min to 250.degree. C. or below. As the hot gas, an inert gas whose oxygen concentration is not higher than 4% by volume is employed. The hot gas is either caused to contain not less than 20% by volume of steam or composed solely of the steam.

Abstract: A continuous grain drying and conditioning apparatus of a type including a burner and blower, or a multiplicity of burners and blowers, surrounded by a plenum chamber, air pervious grain holding walls positioned outwardly with respect to the plenum chamber is characterized by having a plenum divider which is selectively adjustable in position to divide the grain holding walls into a heating section and a cooling section. A multiplicity of grain turning apparatus of full and partial width of the grain column is disposed in the grain column for separating the grain mass into two or more separate divisions and then turning the cooler-wetter grain inwardly as it moves downwardly and turning the hotter-dryer grain outwardly as it moves downwardly in the grain column. Grain is constantly removed from the bottom of the apparatus at a rate governed by the average temperature of the air exiting the grain at a point adjacent the position of the plenum divider and a point closer to the input of the grain.

Abstract: A hand-held portable axial fan hair dryer having an air inlet and an air outlet is provided with a shield and collar assembly proximate the air inlet to substantially prevent hair knotting and tangling. Hair styling attachments, such as a comb or brush, may be removably attached proximate the air outlet.

Abstract: A stitched-down shoe in which the upper or the upper material has an outwardly-turned edge which is sewn directly to a base. The base has a lateral seam groove extending around the periphery thereof and near the top of the base, and pre-formed stitch holes directed essentially perpendicular to the seam groove. The upper is stitched to the base through the stitch holes. In another embodiment, air holes are provided through the shoe base to allow "breathing" and interior grooves are provided connecting the air holes.

Abstract: A shoe having a variable opening and tongue utilizing an adjustable and flexible closure assembly which includes separable fastening members having coacting, flexible gripping elements, such as hook and loop Velcro type fastening means, a fastener strap, and an anchor means with an opening to engage the free end of the fastener strap permitting the wearer to easily adjust and secure the closure assembly to the precise tautness desired, using only one hand.

Abstract: There are provided thermoplastic or through the action of solvent shapable, shoe stiffening and likewise non-slip inner material for the heel region in the form of continuous sheets or blanks consisting of an embedded fiber structure which is loaded or filled with at least one synthetic resin acting as a stiffening agent at normal temperature up to about 60.degree. C. in an amount of 0.1 to 0.9 kg per square meter fiber structure in the course of which the loading in a given case can contain fillers, dyestuffs, pigments, plasticizers, propellants, stabilizers, processing aids and/or extenders in the customary amounts.

Abstract: The invention refers to a ski boot made from synthetic plastic material, with separate boot and leg portions.The ski boot according to the invention presents a leg portion separable from the boot, comprising a part higher than the ankles and a lower part rigidly bound to the sole. The two parts of the leg portion may be built in a single piece or separately. In the latter case, the two parts are articulated to each other in the ankle region by means of pivotal pins.The ski boot according to the invention overcomes the drawback presented by the previously known ski boots, wherein the boot's articulation area dilates as a consequence of the fore rocking of the leg portion, and thus reduces the clamping action of the boot on the skier's foot, just when the skier's leg is expected to transmit the strongest thrust to the ski, through the ski boot.

Abstract: The snow thrower includes an impeller housing carrying an impeller for rotation about a transverse axis and having an upwardly open, forwardly inclined discharge chute through which snow is propelled by the impeller. One or more upwardly extending deflector vanes are disposed in the discharge chute for directing the discharge of snow. Each deflector vane includes a pivot pin which extends rotatably through the transverse rear wall of the discharge chute and a control mechanism, located exteriorly of the discharge chute and connected to the outer ends of the pivot pins, is operable to selectively pivot the deflector vanes between forward, left and right discharge positions.

Abstract: A lawn mower power take-off located above the lawn mower deck of the housing and adapted to be used to power lawn implements or accessories including a snow blower having a unique air assist mechansim.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ejector type scraper wherein an ejector having a generally vertical front face is moved between rearward and forward positions, during loading and unloading of the bucket of the scraper, by means of hydraulically operated, extendible and retractable actuators mounted on the opposite side walls of the bucket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visible reminder of two dates which the user selects by rotatably adjusting at least one pair of concentric discs carrying inner and outer circular date scales which cooperate with corresponding reference marks to designate the selected dates.

Abstract: A laminated or multiple-ply container structure comprising an inner wall of a substantially rigid material and an outer wall of a thin, generally pliant material, such as a glossy finished paper, adhesively fastened thereto by a suitable adhesive or glue. Formed in the outer wall of the container, as an integral component thereof, and through the intermediary of a tear outline constituted of perforations extending through at least the outer ply or wall is a section constituting a readily removable or peelable coupon-like panel, with the peeling off of the panel adapted to be effectuated without adversely affecting the integrity of the container structure or necessitating the use of special cutting instruments or tools.

Abstract: A scintillating display device comprising a plurality of unit panels mounted on a base panel. Each unit panel has an integral projecting support member of inverted (human) noselike profile, the frontal portion of which is constituted by a vertical ridge and two slightly bevelled side surfaces. The frontal surface is slanted downwardly and rearwardly and merges into the base panel at its bottom. A rivet, with a rivet head, is embedded in the upper part of the support member from which a reflecting disk is freely suspended so as to move and swivel freely in a breeze, whereby a scintillating effect is achieved.