Abstract: This invention relates to a pillow so designed as to allow a person to sleep comfortably in a prone position. The pillow is shaped to relieve pressure on the sleeper's eyes, nose, throat, shoulders and blood vessels and glands of the neck. Several of the most common causes of snoring are eliminated, so a person sleeps more soundly and quietly.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress adapted to fit within a rigid frame comprises a water-containing main chamber and at least one supplemental chamber along the perimeter of the main chamber for containing a fluid giving structural rigidity to the perimeter, particularly along the upper boundary abutting the frame. The supplemental chamber is established by an imperforate flexible membrane internally spanning the mattress corner between the top panel and the adjacent side panel. The cross sectional length of the membrane is not greater than the dimension of the adjacent top and side panel segments which constitute the outer walls of the chamber.

Abstract: A Kenya hive is modified to accept on top thereof at one end portion of the Kenya hive a Langstroth hive. Better wintering of bees in colder climates is thus achieved while retaining the known advantages of the Kenya hive. Modified forward brood frames and frame spacers enable the mounting of the Langstroth hive with stability on this portion of the Kenya hive. Modifications of the rear honey frames and top bars improve the efficiency of the Kenya hive and reduce its manufacturing cost. Other improved constructional features are disclosed.

Abstract: The multi-purpose plumbing tool is designed specifically for use with copper tubing to enable cutting and preparation of cut ends and associated fittings for soldering on a job site. Basically, the tool includes a frame supporting a motor driven high speed circular pipe saw. A handle and pipe vise structure in turn is pivoted as a unnit to the frame in such a manner that a pipe gripped in the vise can be swung downwardly and forwardly into engagement with the circular saw blade and thereby cut. The same motor driving the saw blade is utilized to drive rotary wire brushes for cleaning the outside of cut ends of the pipe and the inside of fittings. Appropriate deburring and reaming operations are also performed by these rotating structures. Finally, flux applicator heads are provided to treat the cleaned pipe end surfaces and inside the fittings with appropriate flux paste preparatory to soldering, these flux applicator heads being held on the frame and supplied by paste from a cartridge carried in the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a drill bit to a power tool. A first adaptor can be chucked into the tool. A second adaptor has a shank with a first longitudinal groove extending from one end and a second lateral groove intersecting the first. The shank is received in a bore of the first adaptor and a protrusion engages in the first and then the second groove as the shank is inserted and then rotated. The bore has a resilient spring member which engages the shank of the second member and prevents undesired counter-rotation. The first adaptor is equipped with a hexagonal recess which can, alternatively, engage hex-headed fasteners or the hexagonal stem of an internal recess driver attachment.

Abstract: Continuous method for uniform foam treatment of planar textile structures wherein a foamed treatment medium for finishing and/or dyeing is applied to the planar structure which is then subjected to underpressure, which includes sucking the foam onto the planar structure to which the foam is to be applied, and introducing the foam together with the planar structure into an underpressure chamber wherein the pressure is low compared to the internal pressure of the bubbles of the foam.

Abstract: A tool couple which is used with a manually-operated threading die to aid in cutting the initial threads on a pipe or bolt. The device is used to force the anterior cutting edge of the die firmly against the outer, unthreaded surface of the workpiece at the outset of a threading operation. The die is kept wedged, as the initial threads are being cut, between the workpiece and a rotatable member of the tool couple so that the die cannot slip backward toward the leading edge of the workpiece. To keep the die so wedged, the rotatable member is advanced in the direction of the end of the workpiece at approximately the same rate as the die is moved along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. By maintaining the anterior cutting edge of the die in juxtaposition to the advancing edge of the thread, the device prevents a chamfering of the leading edge of the workpiece as the threading die is turned.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a device for uniformly pressing on and releasing the pressure from, particularly oscillating, rub-out bars in an apparatus for developing printing plates including transport rolls and, if appropriate, squeezing rolls arranged in pairs, particularly in a horizontal position, with a bearing at each end of each upper roll, and means whereby each bearing and upper roll may be raised and lowered with respect to each lower roll, the improvement comprising pivotal angle lever means, equipped with weight means, and having a lower arm with a pressure roll connected to the end thereof, the pressure roll being adapted to exert pressure on a rub-out bar in the lowered position of each upper roll, and lifting means for the angle lever means comprising bearing means adapted to seat on shaft means of the upper rolls, and connecting means between the bearing means and an upper arm of the pivotal angle lever means.

Abstract: A curling broom of the push-broom type has the active bottom surface provided with a fabric coating replacing the usual natural or artificial bristles. Preferably, two types of fabric are applied one beside the other, differing from each other in coarseness. The generally flat active surfaces of the fabrics are vertically spaced from each other and one of the surfaces is preferably inclined relative to the other whereby a selective combination of polishing and buffing action can be achieved by simply tilting the handle of the broom. The invention improves the action of the broom, reduces the manufacturing costs, virtually eliminates some contamination of the ice surface and greatly extends operation life of the device. A separate, detachable plate for use in the broom is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved doctoring knife for drum dryers and flakers of the type in which a product is deposited on a rotating drum and removed by action of the doctoring knife against the drum is disclosed. The improved doctoring knife is comprised of a series of knife blocks each having a cutting edge wherein the knife blocks are positioned adjacent to one another so that when the cutting edge of the knife block contacts the drum its bottom face will be in a plane substantially tangent to the line defined when the cutting edge contacts the drum. When a cutting edge is damaged the knife block containing the damaged edge can be removed and reground while undamaged knife blocks remain in position.

Abstract: A rug and carpet cleaning apparatus of the type in which a housing is shifted along the floor and is connected to a suction chamber while having rotary brush, carpet-shampoo, massager, and like rotary units which are selectively to act upon the carpet depending upon the function or operation to be carried out. According to the invention, at least two such units are provided on opposite sides of the fulcrum or pivot of a rocker or teeter which is controlled, e.g. by a lever and cable arrangement, to selectively bring one or the other unit into action depending upon the tilt imparted to the rocker. Both units can be continuously coupled to the drive motor which can also be mounted on the rocker.

Abstract: An agitator roll for a floor care appliance or the like is disclosed having short, angled beater bars. The agitator may be of foamed plastic.

Abstract: A caster assembly of the type that accommodates swivelling movement of the caster wheel including a U-shaped horn that flanks the sides of a soft tread and supports a wheel axle. A swivel plate is mounted at the top of the horn, adapted to be connected to the underside of the article to be supported, and it carries a pin that extends through the horn and has an annular toothed swivel lock plate at its lower end. A unitary swivel lock and brake member is reciprocably mounted on spaced rearwardly projecting horn ears and has serrations at its top defining teeth that engage the swivel lock plate teeth to lock the horn with respect to the swivel plate. The lower end of the swivel lock and brake member has an arcuate brake shoe that bites into the soft tread of the outer surface of the wheel to effect braking.

Abstract: A caster assembly of the type that accommodates swivelling movement of a caster wheel including a U-shaped horn that flanks the sides of the wheel and supports the wheel axle. A swivel plate is rotatably mounted on top of the horn and is adapted to be connected to the underside of the article to be supported. This plate carries a kingpin that extends through the horn and has an annular swivel lock plate fixed to its lower end. A swivel lock assembly is provided for locking the caster selectively in one of four 90 degree positions and it is mounted on rearwardly projecting ears on the U-shaped horn. The swivel lock assembly includes a spring biased axially movable plunger mounted radially with respect to the swivel lock plate and it is selectively engageable with four ninety degree spaced recesses in the swivel lock plate.

Abstract: An automatic door closer in which a piston operatively connected to the door to be moved in axial direction during turning of the door in either direction from a closed to an open position divides the fluid filled housing of the door closer into two pressure compartments which are connected by two channels in which adjustable throttles are arranged to dampen the movement of the door or to be completely closed to prevent passage of fluid through the channels to hold the door in any open position.

Abstract: A faucet handle assembly includes an open-ended sleeve connectable to a valve stem by a screw inserted and removed through the open end. A handle projects laterally through openings in the sleeve, and a removable thimble covers the open end, the handle passing through openings in the thimble to hold the thimble in place. In the preferred embodiment, the handle and sleeve openings are non-circular and there are spacers and decorative end nuts to hold the handle axially. The invention is also useful for other items such as towel racks and robe hooks.

Abstract: A furniture hinge includes a hinge arm and a hinge casing connected by two hinge links. A pressure spring is situated on the hinge arm and urges a retaining member onto a sliding member fixed to one of the hinge links, thus holding the hinge closed by the force of the spring, when the hinge is in the closed position.

Abstract: An easel hinge for supporting picture frames and the like comprising an outer hinge plate and an inner hinge plate, both having curled barrels, the inner barrel being positioned within the outer barrel for relative rotational movement therewith without the use of a separate hinge pin. At least one opening is provided in the outer barrel and a tang is provided projecting upwardly from the inner barrel and extending into said outer barrel opening. The full arcuate separation between the plates causes the tang to engage a lower edge of the opening in the outer plate to limit the degree of angular separation between the plates.

Abstract: A coupling element for a slide fastener has a grooved head adapted to receive tongues of opposed elements to prevent lateral shifting of the elements. The tongues, as well as tapes embedded in the elements, are upwardly offset from the center of the elements so that the top edges of the tapes, the tongues and the grooves are coplanar. Flat abutment surfaces at the rear of the head absorb transverse loads and stabilize the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for use in inserting wires into an elongated connector cap and trimming the protruding ends. The tool includes a hinged head onto which the cap is removably placed and a base member having a ram driven wire inserter bracketed by wire guides. Wires are laced into slots in the guides and across side plates on the wire inserter. The cap bearing head is pivoted around to bring the cap into position between the wire guides and directly above the wire inserter. The ram drives the wire inserter up along both sides of the cap so that ribs on the side plates can force the wires into grooves on the cap. A shear blade simultaneously trims the wires on one side of the cap.

Abstract: A multi-purpose power tool in which a power head and a power carriage are mounted for reciprocal translation on a pair of elongated tubular ways, the ways being pivotally mounted and counterbalanced with respect to a generally horizontal base or stand such that the power head and carriage may be moved independently in a horizontal plane or, alternatively, in a vertical plane. The power head and carriage assemblies may be moved in a precise manner relative to the ways, either manually or by means of a variable speed motor drive. Included within the power head is an arbor assembly which passes through a quill member, the arbor also being driven by a variable speed motor. The quill assembly is provided with means for moving same outwardly from the power head to a desired extent and for subsequently locking it in that position. The carriage assembly includes means for supporting and accurately positioning a work holding table.

Abstract: A tool connecting mechanism comprising two connecting members mutually engageable by movement of one member relative to the other along and about an axis. The members have respective support elements constituted as a kinematic support whereby, when engaged, the members are supported one on the other against relative displacement transversely to or about said axis.

Abstract: An airless spray nozzle comprising a nozzle adapter and a hard, abrasive resistant nozzle tip. The nozzle tip is sealingly brazed within an axial passage of the adapter and is mechanically locked against hydraulic pressure ejection from the adapter by lips formed on the adapter and swaged over the tip. The nozzle adapter is manufactured by a series of machining steps which includes trepanning a recess into the front face of the adapter and then subsequently straddle milling the front face to simultaneously form protective ears on the front face of the nozzle and the lips for mechanically locking the tip into the adapter. After assembly of the nozzle and tip, an outlet orifice is machined into the tip by passing a cutter grinder wheel between the spaced ears and the spaced lips on the front face of the adapter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing metal casings, particularly gate valve casings, comprises, forming two casing shell half portions from a plate by holding the plate and forming a valve port in at least one of the plates with a forming tool, forming wall portions of the plate bounding the port into axially inwardly and axially outwardly extending collars bounding the opening and joining the two casing shell half portions together by a longitudinal weld which is accessible to ultrasonic and radiographic inspection to form a fluid- and pressure-tight casing. A device for carrying out the method comprises forming tools for imparting a shell, shaped to the plates and upper and lower dies which are provided with recesses for holding fast and forming or overforming flange-like collars.

Abstract: The method of making elongated heat exchangers having outwardly projecting fins spaced longitudinally thereof, wherein the fins are cut or gouged from a work-piece while the work-piece and cutting tool are vibrated relative to each other to afford roughened surfaces on both faces of the fins facing longitudinally of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having an outer shell member and having a helically wound volute member which is double walled and includes a finned outer tube and a close-fitting inner tube, and the heat exchanger further including a core member which extends through the helical volute member and closes its central aperture to confine the flow of liquid in the outer shell member to flow through the fins, rather than pass through the aperture through the center of the helical volute member. The fins on the double walled volute member are wound as close to touching the core member as possible and the diameter of the core member and of the outer shell member is such that the fins closely fit the space between them. Both the finned tube and the inner tube pass completely through the shell member, and the finned outer tube is soldered to the shell so that any leakage between the tubes will pass outside the heat exchanger shell member rather than mixing the heat exchanger liquids.

Abstract: A method of making a key ring bob from a shell casing and bullet head.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the in situ field conversion of the components of pivotal couplings, particularly as utilized for connecting hydraulic load sensing devices into deadline cable anchoring apparatus, and which have become stuck and inoperative due to corrosion, into a coupling having a substantially non-corrosive pivot pin and associated bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A metal strip including an elongate web and a pair of longitudinal medial lands on both sides thereof, is successively stamped or coined so as to be provided with a series of coupling elements each including on each of its both sides a transverse projection and a pair of longitudinal teeth one on each side of the projection, the projection being higher than the teeth. The projection and teeth are formed from material of the medial lands and additionally from material of a portion extending all the way around the projection and teeth, which is thinned down to a thickness smaller than that of the web. Then, the metal strip is notched along its marginal edges to provide the outer profile of clamping legs, and is severed into individual coupling elements.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of joining the surfaces of two metal structures in a mechanical bond. The joining process can be performed in either art or vacuum. The metal surfaces of the structures 10 and 12 that are to be bonded are exposed to an ion beam 14 together with a target 18 of low sputtering yield material. This material deposits on the surfaces and creates sites of sputter resistance which evolve into peaks 20 of a cone like surface microstructure. The textured metal surfaces are arranged in face to face relationship and compressed together with plastic deformation which mechanically interlocks the cone 22. A large interface area is produced which minimizes thermal and electrical losses. Also, no electrical power or heat is required during metal joining.

Abstract: A novel locking apparatus is provided for use on self-aligning rod end couplers, reciprocating machines, hydraulic cylinders, transfer machines, and the like. The apparatus comprises at least one slot in an end face of an outer body and means for uniformly deforming a wall of the slot so as to obtain a uniform deformation of the wall of an annular bore, thereby locking and clamping the outer body upon an annular body engaged within the annular bore.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of intermittently advancing a chain of insulators to a severing and transfer mechanism loading station while guiding end turn insulating portions along guide means while applying a frictional restraining force to the insulators. After the transfer mechanism is loaded with a leading insulator from the chain; the leading insulator is severed from the chain, the transfer mechanism is conditioned to receive the next leading insulator from the chain, and the loading and severing sequence is repeated. The loaded insulators are then wrapped about the transfer mechanism by spinning the mechanism and insulators and deflecting portions of the insulators projecting from the mechanism into close proximity to the mechanism. The wrapped insulators are then moved along the bore of a stator, released, unwrapped, and transferred to the stator.

Abstract: A bobbin wound stepping motor has a stator formed of a plurality of stamped metal pieces that are concentrically secured together by projection welding through the use of an arbor except for its rear plate which is positioned concentrically by locating holes and half-blanks and secured in the assembled motor by push nuts after insertion of the rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for temperature measurements, comprising a temperature-sensitive sensor whose electrical properties, e.g. resistance, vary with the temperature, e.g. a thermistor, and which via two contacts is connected to two electric conductors arranged on a support, which electric conductors in turn can be connected to a reading unit for the reading of the actual values of current, voltage or the like corresponding to the temperature.In a preferred embodiment the said electric conductors are in the form of two metal layers on both sides of a support made of plastics. The one metal layer is interrupted by a gap which is arranged to be bridged by the sensor, one contact of which is connected to each conductor.

Abstract: A basket loader apparatus for a machine to cast commoning straps onto the positive and negative plate lugs of plate stacks used to form a multi-celled lead acid storage battery. As configured the apparatus is designed to hold a basket which contains said stacks and hold it during the casting operations. Prior to the start of said operation, the apparatus is further adapted to properly align the lugs for casting and further to enter the plates and the plastic separation which lie between them within the basket. The apparatus further includes vertical adjustment means so that plates of different size may be accommodated and vacuum cleaning means to remove fragments of lead sulfate paste and other foreign materials which might interfere with proper alignment of the plates within the basket.

Abstract: A raft knife and pocket structure to be fixed to a raft, such as an inflatable aircraft, and which is for use in severing a main tether between the raft and an aircraft, and which is composed of a pocket structure adapted to be fixed to the raft and in which pocket structure, which includes flaps which open and close and are adapted to close about a knife, there is a knife which is buoyant and which includes a recess which is spanned by a blade for use in cutting the raft from the main tether connecting it to an aircraft.

Abstract: Having a beveled prying edge and a notch for frictional interfitting with a chisel shaft, the removable chisel blade of this invention provides a significant improvement to the process of removing mortar leakage, grout, or spalling from the surfaces of concrete walls. The heat-treated, hardened steel blades have a sharp edge to pry the grout drippage from the surfaces without driving the grout into the surface and without biting into the surface itself. A notch is cut in the body of the blade so that the blade will slide into a throat on a chisel shaft and will frictionally interfit through wedging action with the chisel shaft. Beveled side portions of the tapered notch sides provide improved frictional interfitting. Also, beveled inset grooves on the body of the chiseled blade provide improved frictional interfitting and reduce the tendency of the chisel blade to wiggle in the plane of the blade.

Abstract: Line trimmer apparatus for cutting down weeds or the like, incorporating a device for selectably extending a predetermined length of cutting line or tape while the apparatus is operating. The tape is wound on a reel axially and rotatably fitted relative to a drive shaft. Protrusions on the reel mate with either of two sets of engaging portions on a cover portion driven by the drive shaft. The reel is axially urged to a first engaging position by a spring, and has a pressing member which can be placed against the ground to urge the reel axially to a second engaging position. The two sets of engaging portions are angularly offset relative to each other, allowing the protrusions on the reel to rotate relative to the cover portion when axially moved between the engaging positions and thereby unwinding a predetermined length of the cutting tape.

Abstract: A rotary cutting or shearing wheel of one-piece configuration formed from sheet stock including an extruded hub section and a dome wheel section including a cold formed, feathered, cutting edge at the outer periphery.

Abstract: A viewing angle measuring device for automotive vehicles. The measuring device includes an elliptical template representing a so-called visual ellipse. The template is arranged in the vehicle in a prescribed position with respect to a driver's seat regarding a center position and an axial inclination. A measuring beam projector may be guided with its optical axis and/or with a measuring beam tangentially along a governing curve of the elliptical template. A goniometer, continuously indicating the viewing angle, is connected to the measuring beam projector to determine the beam direction with respect to a reference plane as a measure of the viewing angle.

Abstract: Four alignment housings are mounted on a garage floor adjacent a conventional lift, so that when a vehicle has been elevated by the lift each of its four independently suspended four wheels will register with an alignment chart that is adjustably mounted on the face of each housing. A beam of light is directed through registering openings in each housing and its attached chart toward a mirror releasably mounted on each vehicle wheel. The mirrors reflect the beams back onto the associated charts, which are calibrated to provide camber, caster and toe-in readings. In one embodiment each housing contains a light source (for example a laser) which directs a beam onto a reflecting surface which is inclined at 45.degree. to the horizontal, so that it projects the beam at right angles out of the housing toward the adjacent wheel.

Abstract: A cutting guide includes an elongated wide flat base plate having ruled markings along one edge and a raised flange along the opposite edge. The raised edge serves as a linear guide for a cutting tool, such as a utility knife, while providing a protective barrier to prevent the sharp knife blade from slipping over the edge and causing injury to the user. A plurality of beveled feet along the lower surface of the base provide structural support and an improved gripping surface to prevent undesired movement during use. The wide base also facilitates holding the guide down firmly against the material being cut to permit steady and efficient operation.

Abstract: Variable control is achieved over processes involving the spouting of magnetizable granular material in a draft tube-equipped spouted bed device through the application of a localized magnetic field in a spout inlet region of the device between an inlet of the draft tube and a portion of the device interior surface adjacent an associated fluid inlet.

Abstract: In a drying oven having plural superposed endless belts on which material to be dried, such as fruit, moves in a circuitous path from top to bottom, excessive drying of the material on the lower belts is prevented, by directing hot air toward the upper belts but a mixture of hot air and relatively cool outside air toward the lower belts. Adjustable shutters for the inlet air, and for the division between the two portions of the hot air, are provided, there being separate fans for the two air streams.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which a grate is disposed in a housing for receiving a single bed of particulate material. The interior of the housing below the grate is divided into a plurality of zones and air is selectively passed through portions of the grate to fluidize corresponding portions of the bed above the zones. A plurality of pipes are provided in the bed for receiving excess particulate material accumulating in various portions of the bed and for blowing air into said latter portion, to reduce the build-up of particulate material in the bed.

Abstract: A shoe upper easily connected by a connecting device to a lower member or mid sole having a lattice structure. The shoe also includes additional connecting devices to releasably connect the heel to the mid sole and upper. The outer sole is connected to the mid sole by glue or double-sided tape. The mid sole is made from a synthetic material which allows breathing through the apertures in the lattice structure. Also, the outer sole and heel are removeably attached to the mid sole and upper to provide a shoe that may be resoled and reheeled inexpensively using ordinary tools.

Abstract: A forward lean adjuster for ski boots includes a stand adapted to be secured to a ski boot lower and a slide plate adapted to be secured to the boot upper. Operating mechanism coupling the stand to the slide plate includes an adjuster body pivotally mounted on the stand and having an operating knob, an adjuster screw in the body to which the knob is secured, and a trunnion on the screw. A cover acting as a lever is pivoted at one end on the trunnion and at its other end on the stand, and the three pivots are positioned to provide over-center operation. With the adjustment body in its open or off position, the stand and slide plate are relatively movable and the ski boot is free hinging. Rotation of the knob and screw moves the trunnion. The forward lean angle of the boot is then altered when the adjustment body is moved through its over-center position to its closed or on position, securing the boot upper and lower against movement.

Abstract: A device for protecting shellfish dredge chain bags, featuring arcuate strips of reinforced rubber adapted to be attached to trail beneath the bottom side of the bag to cushion and separate the bag from abrasive action against the ocean floor when it becomes weighted with rocks and shellfish. These strips, in curved form, are cut from the tread or side wall portions of used vehicle tires and are attached to the chain bag in a manner that protects the forward edge and corners of the strip from catching on the ocean floor while allowing the longer portion of the reinforced rubber strip to trail beneath the chain bag. An array of closely adjacent strips effectively defines a wear-resistant surface of the chain bag.

Abstract: Improved promotional pop-up designs capable of fabrication by mechanical mass production, particularly as a part of a web-press operation. A pair of pop-up elements in the form of two panels which are attached to one another, preferably by adhesive, are interconnected by hinges to basepieces that constitute the halves of a folder. Automatic web-press operation can die-cut hinge elements, either within the basepieces or within the pop-up elements in the moving web. Both pop-up elements may be formed from the sheet material located adjacent one edge of a basepiece, or the pop-up elements may be formed in flanking relation to the basepieces with one pop-up element along each lateral edge of the moving web, or they may alternate across the web.

Abstract: A picture frame with a rabbeted inner periphery, forming an abutment for a stack including a glass pane, a decorative insert and a backing plate, has an inner peripheral groove in a plane paralleling the rabbet and another groove transverse to that plane close to the outer edge of the rear face of each of its members. One or more clips of elastic material (metal or plastic) engage each frame member from the rear, each clip having a channel profile with mutually perpendicular lips snap-fitted into the inner and outer grooves and further having at least one dovetailed transverse mortise open toward the interior and the rear of the frame. Each clip is engaged by at least one elbow of similar elastic material with two arms adjoining each other at an acute angle, either of these arms fitting tightly into a corresponding mortise while the other arm bears resiliently upon the rear surface of the stack resting against the rabbet.