Abstract: An apparatus for cutting vegetation wherein at least one line member protrudes exteriorly of the sidewall of a housing which is rotatable about a rotating axis. The line member is a tape and is wound upon a spool, which is mounted within the housing so that the width, which is greater than the thickness, is perpendicular to the plane of the spool. The flat tape line member is formed of a flexible band of material which extends exteriorly of the housing in a trailing position. Cutting apparatus are incorporated to effect cut off of the line member during rotation of the housing and dispensing apparatus are provided to extend additional line member a controlled increment of length during rotation of the housing. The cutting apparatus is provided to cut off the excess end of the worn or broken line member. A clamping device clamps the line member to the housing when it is not rotating to prevent retraction of the line member into the housing.

Abstract: A hand held vegetable slicer has a two part molding which defines a window spanned by an array of blades; both parts have teeth enabling them to interfit to form a comb joint and the ends of the blades are imprisoned between adjacent teeth. In one version the two part molding is a sub-assembly which fits into a window in a preformed handle. In another version the handle has both window and teeth on two opposite edges of the window and a separate toothed molding is used to imprison the blades. ABS plastic and alloy are provided.

Abstract: A brake control assembly for a chain saw has an operating lever provided with a hub portion alongside a housing of the saw and a guard portion adjacent a handle carried by the housing. The hub portion is pivotally mounted on the housing allowing the lever to be moved fore and aft. A brake drum associated with the drive-transmitting mechanism of the saw is engaged by a brake band when the lever is swung to a brake-on position. The pivotal connection for the hub portion also supports an actuating plate for rocking movement independently of the hub portion. There is a drive connection between the operating lever and the actuating plate which rocks the plate on the pivotal connection when the lever is moved fore and aft. A torsion spring tends to rock the actuating plate in one direction and urge the brake band into braking engagement with the drum. The housing is fitted with a resilient latch which engages the cam finger to hold the brake band out of braking engagement with the drum.

Abstract: The drying of a polymer solution by the removal of solvent is accomplished by flashing the polymer solution while spraying into a bed of substantially dry polymer particles. The dryer polymer particles coat the partially dried solution polymer droplets, and the remaining solvent is removed by the energy produced from the mechanical agitation of the bed and the passing of a heated inert gas through the polymer bed.

Abstract: A light at an aircraft landing site is simulated on a model board by the protruding output end of a precision cut optical fiber. The fiber is secured within a counterbore of a counterbored hole in the model board. The length of the precision cut fiber and the depth of the counterbore are closely controlled to ensure that the output end of the fiber protrudes a desired distance. The input end of the precision cut fiber is optically coupled to a collimated light source by a second optical fiber extending through the smaller diameter bore of the counterbored hole.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning out or dredging out ponds, marshes, or canals, comprises a central longitudinally extending fluid-tight cylindrical body having a low coefficient of friction with the ground and provided with withdrawable stabilizing feet. The base of the body is beveled at both ends. An excavating shovel, having two articulated arms actuated by cylinder devices, is mounted on each end of the body and pivotal through at least 180.degree. about a vertical axis from one lateral side of the body to the other under the control of another cylinder device. The two shovels act as excavating devices or as devices for axially displacing the machine over the ground or laterally displacing the machine over the ground in combination with the stabilizing feet.

Abstract: The specification discloses a picture display device comprising a pair of transparent panels interconnected in an aligned and overlying relationship for mounting variously sized pictures therebetween without a separate mat.

Abstract: A display device for displaying a scroll including a case defined from a single blank of stiff planar material where the blank in assembled form provides a base, a top having a viewing area, an internal platen exposed immediately beneath the viewing area where roller receiving chambers are defined on each side of the platen so that a scroll or paper strip can be moved between roller members disposed in the chambers on either side of the platen.

Abstract: An article for displaying advertising or promotional materials. In the preferred form, the article comprises a mounting portion including a body of an elastomeric material having embedded therein a plurality of magnetic particles, thereby rendering the mounting portion capable of being adhered to a magnetically permeable substrate. The body has a rear surface portion adapted to be received over the substrate, an oppositely directed front surface portion, and an intermediate opaque sheet of a thermoplastic material bonded by a pressure-sensitive adhesive to said front surface portion of the body. A cover sheet closely overlies the intermediate sheet, and the intermediate sheet and the outer sheet have their respective peripheral edges bonded to each other by a fused, adhesiveless bond about at least a substantial portion of the periphery of the article.

Abstract: A support post for a roadside sign that is designed to break easily when struck by a car, pivot up, and allow the car to pass under it. The hinge or pivot point is directly behind the vertical center of area of the sign, thereby eliminating the effects of wind which caused problems with the prior art design. GISTATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTERESTThe present invention arose in the course of a government contract and may be manufactured and used by or for the government of the United States without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

Abstract: A quick detachable improvement upon scope mount systems having a front mount allowing swiveling in the horizontal plane is disclosed. The rear mount and base of such scope mount systems are modified. The concavoid inner surfaces of the latching means mate with the convexoid surface machined into the same side of the bottom portion of the rear mount around a bore traversing horizontally through the upper portion of the base when the rear mount is positioned into the zeroed position, the bore being positioned below where the upper flat surface of the base abuts the flat surface of the rear scope mount. The second latching member of the improvement is truncated on a plane parallel to the bore through the base, and preferably has a lever means integral therewith such as to permit quick release of the rear mount and detachment of the scope by swinging out so as to detach the front mount. The improvement is applicable to a number of popular scope mount systems on the market.

Abstract: A double barreled firearm which may be of the over and under configuration. A removable trigger group or unit is releasably secured to the bottom of the receiver. A selector switch or lever is provided forward of the trigger which cooperates with the trigger unit whereby a selection can be made to fire either barrel in response to the first pull of the trigger with the other barrel capable of being fired immediately in response to the second pull of the trigger. The trigger carries a laterally movable transfer block or member which is adjusted by the selector lever. The transfer block or member has pivoted to it the sear actuator block. A hammer pilot spring rod is provided for each hammer and the ends of these pilot rods cooperate with an extension on the sear actuator block. The sear actuator block is moved laterally to one side, or the other, to engage the sear that is selected to be fired in response to the first pull of the trigger.

Abstract: A detent system for tubular magazine firearms serving the dual function of retaining the magazine spring within the magazine tube when the cap has been removed while also acting as a detent to keep the magazine cap securely tightened during normal use. A plastic member is provided with full and partial longitudinal slots which cooperate with indents on the magazine tube to facilitate assembly of the detent system within the tube. The slots and detents also cooperate to maintain the plastic member securely spring biased in a position so that serrated teeth along a peripheral end surface will intermesh teeth on the inside periphery of the cap in order to maintain the latter securely fastened to the magazine tube.

Abstract: This ice fishing device comprises a housing, a shaft rotatably affixed to such housing, such shaft extending above and through the housing and into the water below, a removable articulated fishing rod attached to the end of the shaft that is below the water surface and biased so as to extend radially from the shaft, a device for rotating such shaft with its attached fishing rod through at least part of an arc, the arc being parallel to the surface of the water, below such surface, a signal device and a signal triggering device operative through the strike of a fish on the fishing line.

Abstract: A three-sided molded elongated hollow body consisting of opaque plastic material and defining a channelled front merging into a channelled top and a pair of channelled sides and forming a closable animal entrance, a transparent plastic trap door movably mounted on the body for controlling the animal entrance, a transparent plastic rear closure detachably connected to the top and the sides, a transparent plastic bottom detachably connected to the rear closure and to the sides to define a box-like structure, and a single wire trip engageable with the trap door and actuatable by an animal entering the body to release the trap door effecting closure of the animal entrance thereby.

Abstract: A device for combatting troublesome flying insects comprising a sloped target area containing a wet or dry dosage of tetrahydro-2-(nitromethylene)-2H-1,3-thiazine lethal to flies and covered with a closely fitting or flush grill; a hollow base section having a bottom and side or sides; a cavity for the containment and concealment of intoxicated flies; and a means of supporting said target area. In the case where the device contains a wet amount of said insecticide, the device further contains a means of establishing fluid contact between the target area and a fluid reservoir in the base section. Also claimed is a method for combatting flies utilizing the devices of the invention.

Abstract: A game call having a sounding board covering the sounding chamber of a sound block to facilitate in the production of tones imitating the call of a wild turkey. The call is composed of two sections interfitted so that the vibratory peg extending from the sound block rests securely on a groove machined on the front and of the sound box for compact carrying and protection from damage.

Abstract: A rolling amusement device powered by light falling on solar cells wherein the solar cells constantly face the light source.

Abstract: An apparatus and process applying herbicide-containing liquid to weeds in a field also containing growing cultivated crops neighboring said weeds comprises means for moving an apparatus that transports a load of herbicide-containing liquid in a reservoir therefor along that field and then distributing that liquid from that reservoir to a weed-contacting surface: the pressure-controlled liquid reservoir provides the herbicide-containing liquid to any array of dispenser units arranged to rapidly and reliably and selectively and efficiently apply such herbicide-bearing liquid to the surface of weed plants in the field projecting above a neighboring cultivated crop without misapplication of such herbicide-containing liquids to such neighboring crops.

Abstract: A horizontal base is provided and a pair of edge upstanding and generally parallel clamp panels are supported from the base and engaged therewith for guided movement toward and away from each other relative to the base. Clamp structure is provided and operatively connected between the clamp panels for applying thrust forces thereon to clamp a tree trunk portion therebetween and the opposing sides of the clamp panels include upstanding partial cylindrical recesses for embracing opposite side portions of the tree trunk. The lower marginal portions of the clamp panel include registered downwardly opening notches formed therein and an elongated shallow upwardly opening tray is supported from the base with its opposite end portions received through the notches in the clamp panels.

Abstract: A structure made from tubular elements which interfit to form a plural compartment hydroponic unit. The upper compartment is filled with inert root medium, houses a fluid dispensing unit, and contains slits which communicate with the lower compartment which constitutes a resevoir. The tubular housings are substantially sealingly interconnected. The lower compartment contains a nutrient inlet provision which communicates via a manifold housed in the lower compartment with the interior of the upper compartment. The lower compartment also contains a drain provision.

Abstract: A sealing system for an entry door incorporates a threshold member having a longitudinally extending open-ended channel in its upper surface. The sweep utilizes a double vertical seal design which encloses the channel when the door is shut. The first seal contacts exterior portions of the channel whereas the second seal contacts interior portions of the channel. The channel is vented through the threshold so that the pressure on both sides of the first seal is equalized to minimize water seepage, while the second seal completely blocks the outside air from the interior of the building. The threshold is preferably of a two piece construction which may be snapped together to thereby minimize manufacturing and installation costs.

Abstract: A structural building panel comprising interior and exterior skins, the vertical edges of which are connected to pairs of hat shaped cross section vertical members, said vertical members being arranged with the channel portions of the sections facing each other and spaced apart by horizontal girts between said skins joined to the hat shaped vertical members, the space between said skins being filled with insulation.

Abstract: A louver assembly that includes a rectangular frame. Vertically spaced louver blades span side members of the frame. A gutter member overlies the louver blades and underlies an upper member of the frame. The gutter member includes an outer wall panel having an upper edge terminating beneath an outer face of the upper member to define a transverse water inlet opening receiving rain water from the upper member and from a wall thereabove. Downspout means in one of the side frames receives water from the gutter member. Water from the louver blades is also received in one of the side frames but the water from the gutter member is isolated from the louver blades.

Abstract: Complementary geometric construction modules, each derived from a rectangular prism, with end faces formed obliquely to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the prism, with the two oblique faces touching each other at a point on the longitudinal edge of the prism, each module forming a hexahedron, each being the reverse or mirror-shape of the other, and providing bilateral symmetry when the two corresponding faces on the modules, are in full contact with each other; the modules in multiple sets adapted to be formed into a wide variety of sculptured architectural shapes, unique in appearance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a panel assembly and components therefor. The panel assembly comprises a panel-like body with a groove in the peripheral edge for receiving therein a channel-shaped edge member. The edge member can be a U-shaped cross-section structural member and at least one wall surface of its side walls is provided with serrations.

Abstract: An improved material particularly suited for the thermal insulation of building structures such as residential housing. The material comprises an inorganic, low-density cellular thermally insulating foam comprising a gypsum matrix having minute cavities homogeneously distributed therein. The material has a dry density of less than about 6 pounds per cubic foot and a thermal coefficient of less than about 0.37. The gypsum matrix includes therein approximately 1 to 15% by weight of cement, approximately 0.5 to 7% by weight of mineral wool and at least approximately 0.25% by weight of chopped glass.

Abstract: A two point hitch for a mowing implement towed by a two point hitch tractor. The hitch structure includes a pair of upstanding plates which are pivotally pinned to the hitch arms of the tractor. A pair of support arms projecting from the implement underlie the hitch arms. When the hitch arms are raised, the support arms come into contact with them and the implement is thereafter raised in unison with the hitch arms to an elevated transport position.

Abstract: A grass collection cart having an access door and a closed bottom portion receives the airborne grass clippings discharged by a rotary cutting blade assembly. Auxiliary walls on the access door define an air discharge passage having an intake end spaced from the closed bottom portion of the cart and communicating with the interior of the cart when the access door is in its closed position. The discharge passage also has an outlet end opening near the ground. The incoming flow of airborne grass clippings entering the interior of the cart is directed toward the closed bottom portion and away from the intake end of the discharge passage so that the incoming flow of air will be deflected by the closed bottom portion toward the intake end of the discharge passage. The grass clippings consequently settle from the air stream and into the closed bottom portion, and the outgoing flow of air is expelled from the cart through the discharge passage near ground level.

Abstract: A rotary blade for a pruning machine which comprises a flexible disc made from a high molecular weight elastomeric material, said disc having a plurality of blades projecting radially from the periphery of said disc and a mounting hole disposed in the center of said disc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing novelty yarn with an unusual configuration. An effect yarn is fed to a novelty yarn jet, and a core yarn is fed to a different yarn port in the same jet, the core yarn being maintained substantially taut. The combined core and effect novelty yarn is taken up from the jet and periodically (preferably pseudo-randomly) a pronounced variation in linear density is provided in the combined yarn. This linear density variation is accomplished by introducing a first fluid pulse into the jet at a first position to form a loop in the effect yarn, which loop extends substantially coincident with a portion of the core yarn, and then utilizing a second fluid pulse at a spaced position from the first pulse to impart a spiraling and/or rotating action to the loop of effect yarn to wind the effect yarn around the core yarn.

Abstract: Wires are wound and simultaneously laid directly on the core of the product to form a wound layer between the adjacent wires of which there are peripheral spaces constituting from 15 to 70 percent of the wire diameter. The partly finished twisted wire product made in this manner is subjected to compression so as to cause its plastic deformation in order to obtain the desired shape and size. The wires of the wound layer of the finished product have a contact with the core substantially along the surface thereof as a result of compression applied to the product so as to cause its plastic deformation to produce the desired shape and size.A twisted product made by applying this method has uniform mechanical properties over its whole cross section.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a chain-making machine having the capability of making continuous chain wherein successive links follow a predetermined relative size and shape, with selective applicability to different input materials, including wire and/or flat ribbon, for the respective successive links. For each link-forming cycle, the production of one kind of link may call for one kind of motion in a manufactured-chain accumulating device, while production of another kind of link may call for a different kind of motion in the accumulating device, yet the machine includes provision for proper accommodation of these different motions, as each different link is formed, to the end that the resulting product will be free of entanglement.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for processing an oxygen-containing gas for use in a chemical process producing a generally inert gas. A fluid handling rotor is carried by a rotary shaft for effecting a pressure change in the oxygen-containing gas. A housing surrounds the rotor and the adjacent portion of the shaft. A bearing, axially spaced from the rotor, supports the shaft in the housing for rotation. Lubricant is injected into the bearing and is caused to flow through the bearing and axially toward the rotor. A seal surrounds the shaft intermediate the rotor and the bearing and seals between the shaft and housing. A generally inert seal gas is extracted from the products of the chemical process and injected into the seal under a pressure greater than the pressures within the housing on either side of and immediately adjacent the seal.

Abstract: An improved rocket motor using a solid propellant is shown to include a perforate shield disposed between a combustion chamber and a nozzle to prevent any portion of the solid propellant from entering the nozzle during operation.

Abstract: In a pressure compensated steering valve, the effect of an input steering signal is cancelled by connecting the spool valve actuator to the reservoir. A shiftable spool valve is acted upon by end cap actuators, which are in turn controlled by a hand pump that is operated by a steering wheel. The spool valve is provided with internal passageways which place the pressurized end cap actuator in restricted fluid communication with the reservoir in order to cancel the effect of the input steering signal at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A master cylinder provides a housing defining a reservoir and movably carrying a pair of pistons within a bore in communication with the reservoir. The pair of pistons cooperate with the housing to substantially define a pair of pressure chambers which communicate with respective brake circuits. One of the pistons forms a cavity to receive a reaction piston and the one piston also carries a proportioning valve. The reaction piston forms an auxiliary chamber within the one piston and the proportioning valve is exposed to the auxiliary chamber. The reaction piston extends outwardly into one of the pressure chambers to engage the housing and the valve member is responsive to the fluid pressure in the other pressure chamber to control fluid communication between the auxiliary chamber and the reservoir.

Abstract: An exhaust bypass type turbo-charger includes a turbine driven by an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, a compressor driven by the turbine and supplying a compressed air into the engine, an exhaust bypass valve for controlling an amount of the exhaust gas bypassing the turbine, a drive mechanism for fluidly driving the exhaust bypass valve, and a transducer. The transducer communicated fluidly with both the drive mechanism and an outlet of the compressor, and amplifies the pressure variation of air discharged from the compressor so that the amplified pressure variation is applied in the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism, therefore, can start to open the exhaust bypass valve at a relatively smaller pressure, and fully open it at a relatively larger pressure.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, especially Diesel engine, with cylinders arranged adjacent to each other in one cylinder block. Each of said cylinders is connected through conduits to an air intake system and an exhaust gas discharge system. The conduits of cylinders which follow each other in the working cycle of the engine are matched with each other as to length and cross section, and at least the conduits of the matched air intake system are connected to a common air container. At least the air container is combined with the motor block of the engine to form a unit, and is provided with connections for the air intake and exhaust gas outlet systems.

Abstract: Atmospheric fluids such as air and water are used to increase the power output of a gas compressor-gas engine system. Compression is aided by yielding heat over ambient atmospheric temperature. Gas from the compressor drives a gas engine. The gas engine gains power by absorbing heat energy from ambient atmospheric fluid. The warmed fluids and cooled fluids of the system may be usefully applied.

Abstract: A combined solar-wind energy conversion system in which the combined effects of solar and wind energy are utilized in raising water from a lower to an upper water storage tank to increase its potential energy for generation of electricity. Incoming solar energy heats water to form steam which is temporarily stored. The stored steam is vented to one of first and second steam storage tanks from which it is coupled to first and second water pumping tanks. When the water enters one of the water pumping tanks, it forces the water temporarily stored therein to flow upwards the first steam storage tank. As soon as the water pumping tank is emptied, the steam condenses forming a partial vacuum in the tank. The vacuum causes water to be drawn from the lower water storage tank into the corresponding water pumping tank and the process repeated. The second water pumping tank is filled while the first water storage tank is emptied. Water flowing from the first water storage tank turns an electrical generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring cold seawater from lower ocean depths upward toward sea level for use in ocean thermal energy conversion systems is disclosed wherein an in situ desalination process is utilized to create a density differential between the desalinated water and the surrounding seawater. The desalinated water being of a lesser density than the surrounding seawater, rises naturally upward through a conduit and is utilized as a heat transfer medium in the ocean thermal energy conversion system. The desalinated water, which is a byproduct of the energy conversion system, may be utilized for domestic consumption or alternatively dispersed into the near surface region (photic zone) of the ocean to increase the nutrient concentration therein.

Abstract: In starting a steam turbine plant of a combined plant including a gas turbine plant in addition to the steam turbine plant, a condensation system is controlled in such a manner that water retained in a deaerated water tank used in the steam turbine plant is fed to a gas turbine waste heat recovery boiler at steam turbine plant start-up, and the condensate recovered from the boiler is stored in a condenser and a condensate tank. Feeding of water from the condenser to a deaerator is initiated when the deaerator functions satisfactorily by using as a heat source the water at the outlet of a fuel economizer of the boiler.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out an exothermal chemical reaction of hydrogen which includes a hydrogen reactor which defines a first reaction zone for receiving hydrogen gas and a second reactant gas reactive with the hydrogen gas; a first hydride reactor containing a hydridable material in a second reaction zone positioned immediately adjacent the first reaction zone and in heat exchange relation thereto; conduit means for conveying the second reactant to the first reaction zone; a second hydride reactor containing a hydridable material for producing compressed hydrogen gas; and means for conveying the compressed hydrogen gas from the second hydride reactor to one of the first and second reaction zones.

Abstract: A machine utilizing the unbalance created by liquid driven from lower vessels to upper vessels by vapor pressure of a dual fluid said unbalance being utilized to rotate a shaft to which the vessels are attached. Continuation of rotation is achieved by a criss-cross fluid passage arrangement whereby the fluid from the lower heated vessel is transferred to the upper vessel next to be immersed in a cooling medium while the fluid from the lower colder vessel is transferred to the upper vessel next to be immersed in a heating medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supporting device for a condensation steam turbine. The turbine parts which are exposed to vacuum tension are attached to a foundation carrier. The foundation carrier is also integrated into a spring supported foundation. The foundation carrier may be connected to a substructure through a separate support. Alternately, a supporting structure may be used to support the foundation carrier and the spring supported foundation. A condenser itself may be constructed as a support.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler includes a base unit having an internal heat exchanger located on the upper surface of the base unit and an external heat exchanger disposed in a duct which is located in lower compartment of the base unit. A thermoelectric module transfers heat from the internal heat exchanger to the external heat exchanger. A fan located in the duct blows outside air through the fins of the external heat exchanger. The internal heat exchanger supports a pair of vessels containing liquid to be cooled. An insulated cover unit has a lower peripheral edge which contacts the peripheral lip of the base unit to completely seal the compartment in which the jugs are contained. Each vessel has a spigot which extends through a respective opening in the base unit from the lower portion of that vessel. A pair of stirring mechanisms extend through the top of the cover unit through the lids of the respective vessels to permit stirring of the fluid.

Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus comprises refrigeration means utilizing a two-stage expansion of compressed helium gas that circulates in a closed loop, whereby a first pumping stage can be maintained at a temperature in the range from 50.degree. K. to 80.degree. K. and a second pumping stage can be maintained at a colder temperature in the range from 10.degree. K. to 20.degree. K. The first pumping stage comprises an array of louvers of chevron configuration. These louvers enclose the second pumping stage, and serve as baffles to shield the pumping surfaces of the second stage from thermal radiation that would reduce the usable refrigeration capacity of the second stage for removing gases from a chamber to be evacuated. The chevroned baffles also protect a cryosorbent coating on the interior surfaces of the second stage from becoming iced or plugged by gas species that cryocondense at the higher temperature of the first stage.

Abstract: Cold and/or heat are produced by a process operated according to the absorption technique and which comprises at least two successive absorption steps of the solute vapor in a solvent. At least one part of the heat evolved in the first absorption step is used to partially vaporize the solution recovered from the second absorption step, said second absorption step being operated at a lower temperature than the first absorption step. The solution recovered from said second absorption step is brought to higher pressure and partially vaporized with use of the heat evolved in the first absorption step. The resultant solution is then desorbed in a countercurrent contact zone wherein the solution is contacted with a vapor phase generated by heating of this solution.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for serving as both a reversing valve and an expansion device in a refrigeration circuit. A valve gate having passageways to direct refrigerant between the indoor and the outdoor heat exchangers to effect the function of a reversing valve is disclosed. In addition, the valve gate has multiple flow restriction devices which are selectively incorporated within a refrigeration circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger to effect the appropriate amount of flow restriction dependent upon the mode of operation of the unit. These two functions may be incorporated into a single valve or they may be separated such that the separate functions are performed by separate valves. A cylindrical valve gate and multiple passageways for connecting the appropriate lines in a refrigeration circuit are described. The valve is rotated by a combination of an electromagnet spaced about the valve gate and a permanent magnet located within the valve gate.