Abstract: A crib toy is disclosed having a labyrinth for the passage of a ball from an elevator unloading station of high gravitational potential to an elevator loading station of low gravitational potential. At the loading station, the ball is blocked by a weighted lever awaiting the presence of the elevator car. The car when present overcomes bias of the lever and allows the ball to pass into the car. The lever biases the car to be loaded with respect to an elevator shaft for ball loading. When the elevator is raised to the unloading station of high gravitational potential, an overcenter pulley cants the car and expels the ball. The labyrinth, typically provided with one transparent wall and a series of serpentine gravitationally biased paths, then causes the balls to pass along a circuitous and amusing path. Operation of the disclosed weighted lever prevents jamming of the elevator shaft path with the presence of the ball to provide an amusing and foolproof toy which can be operated by infants.

Abstract: A mist shield and watering can for house plants is provided wherein a mist shield extends upwardly from an open topped container. A water discharge assembly is provided to provide water collected in the container during the misting of a plant to a discharge spout.

Abstract: Device for trimming aristate seeds comprising a vertical spout wherein the seeds to be trimmed travel by gravity counter to a light air flow passing through one of the alveolate plates of a conveyer. In the flow-orientated position, the seeds are housed in one of the alveoli of the plate to be presented in this position to a trimming station comprised for example of a horizontal gas ramp positioned transversally to the direction in which the conveyer is translated.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a new and improved grinding apparatus comprising (1) a movable grinding surface, (2) a specimen holder, (3) a displacing device for moving the holder and/or grinding surface toward one another, and (4) at least three devices for limiting displacement of the holder to the grinding surface.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus senses the extent of actual wear of a grinding wheel at an area where the wear will be the greatest during the grinding of a workpiece. The grinding wheel is dressed by removing material from the grinding wheel to an extent which is a function of the extent of sensed wear at the location where the wear is the greatest. The apparatus includes a probe member which is movable toward the circular working surface or side of the grinding wheel from a retracted position and a detector assembly which detects when the probe member initially engages the circular side of the grinding wheel. In some embodiments of the invention, the probe member is moved toward the grinding wheel in incremental steps with sufficient time between the steps to enable the grinding wheel to rotate through slightly more than one complete revolution. In one embodiment of the invention the detector assembly includes a mass which is connected with a probe member.

Abstract: Architectural structures made up of a set of trapezoids arranged in pleated relationship, interfitted with another interfitting, transverse set of polygons also arranged in pleated relationship.

Abstract: The specification discloses an office construction (10) for doctors, opthalmologists, dentists and the like wherein medical equipment (38) is supported on a cart (34) mounted for linear movement along a path behind multiple patient examining rooms (24) to increase equipment utilization. Each examining room (24) includes doors (30) which open when the cart (34) is positioned adjacent thereto. A conveyor system (70) and drop boxes (90) are preferably included to deliver patient charts to the examining rooms (24).

Abstract: A device for installation on the crossbar of an electrical power pole to prevent birds from landing on the crossbar and accidentally electrocuting themselves by touching adjacent power lines supported by the crossbar. The device comprises a generally "U"-shaped bracket member adapted to fit around the girth of the crossbar, with a planar framework attached to the upper leg of the bracket so as to extend upwardly from the crossbar when the bracket is fitted around the crossbar. The free end of the upper leg of the bracket has lip extending outwardly and upwardly therefrom, and an elongate bar having one end bent back over itself to form a hook is positioned with hook fitting over the lip. The elongate bar closes the crossbar within the bracket and means are provided for securely attaching the lower end of the elongate bar to a lug or ear extending outwardly and downwardly from the lower leg of the bracket member.

Abstract: A moisture barrier system for earth-sheltered housing and similar earth-contacted surfaces includes a laminated construction of "Styrofoam" and polyvinylchloride film which is adhesively joined to all exterior surfaces of the housing which are covered by earth. The polyvinylchloride film is provided in sheet form and adjacent sheets are arranged with an overlapping joint of approximately four inches and adhesive sealant is applied to each surface of the joint. Adhesive sealant is used to mount the "Styrofoam" to the poured concrete walls of the housing structure and a similar sealant is used to apply the polyvinylchloride film to the "Styrofoam". At each entry location of pipes and conduits, a pair of conduit seal assemblies are located. Each seal assembly is arranged into two longitudinally split halves which define a central conduit passageway extending therethrough. The two halves are held together around the corresponding conduit by a steel band clamp.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a loading door has three flexible sealing elements extending along two lateral edges and one upper edge of a door opening and movable between an inoperative position in which the flexible sealing elements are located in the plane of the door opening, and an operative position in which they are withdrawn from this plane and extend into the interior of a container or the like so as to abut against the inner walls of the latter. The proximal end portions of the sealing elements overlap one another.

Abstract: A watertight expansion joint sealing section for the gap between two adjacent floor surfaces comprising an elastic bridging strip member having its two longitudinal edges secured to a rigid elongated intermediate member which in turn is secured to the vertical leg of an associated bracket which has a horizontal leg secured to the floor structure on each side of the gap. A cover strip is positioned over each of the longitudinal edges of the bridging strip and compressed there-against to form a watertight seal.

Abstract: A concrete plate assembly, e.g. as load carrying members or for building facades, comprises an inner concrete slab, an outer concrete slab spaced from the inner slab, and at least one main or stress-absorbing anchor embedded and interconnecting the slabs which are reinforced. The intervening space can be filled with an insulation and/or can constitute an insulating air space. According to the invention, at least one of the concrete slabs in the region of the connecting anchor, is provided with a closed reinforcing ring which lies in the plane of the slab, preferably midway of the cross section thereof, the anchor being embedded in the concrete within the reinforcing ring and preferably centrally thereof.

Abstract: An insulated wall construction having a substrate defining a wall surface, compressible insulation board positioned over the wall surface of the substrate and a specifically designed clip and fastener for securing the insulation board to the substrate. The clip includes a generally flat plate for providing a bearing surface against the compressible insulation board and a plurality of prongs extending outwardly from the plate for partially penetrating the insulation board for securing the clip to the insulation board. An elongate fastener passes through a central aperture in the clip and is of greater length than the thickness of the insulation board for penetrating through the insulation board and into the substrate for securing the insulation board to the substrate, while being restrained by the clip from undesired compression of the insulation board.

Abstract: A brick control device including a base portion attachable to a wall, a brick flange extending outwardly therefrom for providing vertical alignment of the edge of the brick facing, and a portion extending from the base and including a string flange for attachment of a string holder. Also disclosed herein is a method utilizing a pair of opposed brick control devices with an alignment string spanning therebetween to provide a brick facing which is horizontally and vertically aligned.

Abstract: A bracket for interconnecting a vertical post and a support element, typically a vertical post for supporting a guard rail surrounding a wooden, above-ground deck. The post can be either wooden or metal, and the identical bracket which connects the post to the deck can be simply inverted and utilized to inter-connect the post and the upper guard rail. The bracket supports the upstanding post at each end from adjacent vertical and horizontal surfaces of the deck structure and/or the handrail structure by means of integrally formed flanges and flange extensions which are in flat-wise contact with the respective surfaces on either side of a central recess which receives the post. The flanges and flange extensions, which are at right angles to one another, stabilize the post both vertically and laterally, particularly since they provide laterally spaced fastener locations beyond the confines of the post itself.

Abstract: A moistureproof package comprising a container and lid characterized in that the lid is attached to the container by means of a primary hermetic seal and is provided with a secondry snap fastener for securing the lid to the container once it has been opened, and further characterized in that the container and lid frame are formed from a single sheet of material enough larger in area than that required to form the container to also form the lid frame.

Abstract: A cotton harvesting machine which utilizes a novel structure for pulling the mature cotton plant from the burr includes a plurality of paired rotating disks mounted on a drive shaft for rotation in the same relative direction as the movement of the cotton plant through the picking area of the machine, each disk pair being moved into an open position whereby the cotton plant is funnelled between the open disk pair and a closed position whereby the disk pair grips the mature cotton and pulls it from the burr. The opening and closing movement of each disk pair is provided by a pair of cams and associated cam followers, one for each disk in the pair, each cam being mounted in a stationary position around the rotating drive shaft, the cam followers being fastened to each disk and following a path of movement along a cam track during the rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A harvesting combine having a crop gathering means supported by a first wheeled chassis, a crop treatment means supported by a second wheeled chassis, and a drawbar on said crop treatment means for connection to a tractor vehicle. The crop gathering means being pivotally supported on the first wheeled chassis for rotation about a substantially vertical axis between a first position lying transversly across the first wheeled chassis and a second position lying longitudinally thereon.

Abstract: Harvesting apparatus for harvesting fruit, berries, and similar produce, including at least on vibratable shaker head assembly positioned to each side of a central longitudinal axis of the apparatus so that the shaker head assemblies are not transversely aligned but are in staggered relationship with respect to each other to each side of the longitudinal horizontal axis. Each shaker head assembly has a plurality of harvesting fingers which are subjected to rotational and vibrational movement by the shaker heads and, in use of the apparatus, the harvesting fingers come into contact and penetrate produce bearing plants or bushes and remain substantially continuously in contact with the plants and bushes as the apparatus moves through or over the plants or bushes, thereby subjecting the plants or bushes to continuous vibrations and shaking to cause fruit, berries or like produce to be dislodged therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for forming a yarn of at least two separate continuous filaments and a plurality of fibers. At least one of the filaments is of a partially oriented thermoplastic material such that when a twisting force is applied, a retained twist is obtained due to inter-molecular slippage in the partially oriented filament.

Abstract: A device for covering stranding elements with a cover or retaining spiral characterized by a spinning member being carried on a first tube which is supported for rotation on a support tube and a pipe store capable of SZ stranding of elements into the interior of the support tube and terminating in a stranding disc which is supported for rotation in the first tube and removably attached to the end of the pipe store so that the elements being stranded pass through the interior of the support tube as the spinning member applies the retaining spiral or cover.

Abstract: A yarn-body core is supported by an upright spindle adjacent a vertically displaceable yarn guide through which a yarn to be wound passes to the core. The core and spindle are rotated and simultaneously the guide is displaced upwardly along the core to wind the yarn on the core until an instant when a yarn package having a predetermined size is formed on the core. Thereafter the guide is lowered to a level below the core while the spindle continues to rotate to wind several turns of the yarn on the spindle below the core. The rotation rate of the spindle and the core is decreased to a relatively low level prior to the instant when the yarn package is completely formed and thereafter this rotation rate is decreased to a standstill in accordance with a predetermined program starting at the instant the yarn package is fully formed and ending when several turns have been wounded on the spindle.

Abstract: The extraction of fibres from corn husks and/or leaves or corn husks alone is accomplished to provide fibres which are substantially free of the vegetable binder material. The corn husks (and leaves) are preferably allowed to dry to a substantially moisture-free state and are then soaked in a caustic solution for a predetermined period in which the caustic solution frees the fibres from the vegetable matter of the corn husks (and leaves) and reacts with the fibre to strengthen the same. Before the caustic material has an opportunity to degrade the fibres of the corn husks (and leaves), the caustic solution is diluted by rinsing the corn husks (and leaves). While still wet, the fibrous material is straightened so as to dispose the fibrous components of the corn husks (and leaves) in substantially parallel arrangement and in the process the excess binder material is separated from the fibrous material.

Abstract: The cable is made by cascaded SZ pattern stranding of elements (individual conductors, or bundles) in a first stranding level by means of multiple units each having a stationary aperture disk, a reversably revolving aperture disk, a tube between them, and a stranding head downstream from the revolving disk, with a wrapping station between them, resulting in plural, stranded bundles serving as stranding elements in a further unit for second-level stranding and being basically similarly constructed as each of the first-mentioned units.

Abstract: A gas turbine utilizing the spontaneous ignition of preheated fuel, said gas turbine including a series of combustion chambers supplied with fuel from pumping and preheating subassemblies.

Abstract: Method for filtering combustible particles from an exhaust gas stream, and for periodically rejuvenating the filter bed and catalyst section thereof, by incinerating retained particles. At least a portion of an engine's exhaust gas stream is initially preheated in the catalyst section to raise said section to a predetermined "lightoff" temperature. A supplementary fuel is then introduced to the heated exhaust gas stream prior to the latter entering the catalyst section, thereby causing the fuel/gas mixture to react. Subsequent to initiation of this oxidation reaction, further preheating energy input to increase the exhaust gas to "lightoff" temperature, can be discontinued without affecting the combustible particle incineration rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering combustible particles from an exhaust gas stream, and for periodically rejuvenating the filter bed and catalyst section thereof, by incinerating retained particles. At least a portion of an engine's exhaust gas stream is initially preheated for the purpose of raising the catalyst to a predetermined "lightoff" temperature. A small amount of a supplementary fuel is brought into heat exchange contact with portions of the filter interior or exterior to elevate this fuel to a suitable temperature. The heated supplementary fuel is then intermixed with the exhaust gas stream prior to the latter entering the catalyst section, thereby causing the fuel/gas mixture to react. Subsequent to initiation of the oxidation reaction, further preheating energy input to increase the exhaust gas to "lightoff" temperature, can be discontinued without affecting the combustible particle incineration rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for raising the temperature of internal combustion engine exhaust gases high enough to burn collected particulate material from particulate filter means (27/56) in the exhaust system. An electrical resistance heating element (37/71) which confronts only a small part of the inlet surface of particulate filter means (27/56) is moved relative to said inlet surface so as to progressively and cyclically burn the particulates from the filter means.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a multicylinder motorbike internal combustion engine. Each cylinder has a respective exhaust pipe. The pipes merge and discharge into a chamber, from which chamber a plurality of silencers, fewer in number than the cylinders, discharges exhaust gases to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Axially spaced and aligned longitudinal distributor grooves are formed in the radially outer surface of a thin-walled tubular valve element in angularly spaced relation to internal grooving of the valve element for conducting pressurized fluid and establishing a torsional coupling in a hydrostatic controller associated with a power steering system. Obliquely orientated bores in the valve housing establish fluid communication between the longitudinal grooves adjacent opposite axial ends of the housing and axial passages in the housing.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated clutch booster utilizes a seat accumulator incorporated in a vehicle seat suspension circuit for a source of fluid pressure when the normal clutch booster fluid supply pump is not operating thereby providing hydraulic assist to operate the vehicle's clutch upon initial start up.

Abstract: A device for converting the energy of ocean waves into electricity, comprises a buoyant body that floats on the surface of the water and rises and falls with the waves. Fixedly secured to the buoyant body at a depth in the region of still water not affected by the waves, is a bucket wheel or bucket chain which will accordingly rise and fall with the buoyant body. But as the water surrounding the bucket wheel or chain is still, the wheel or chain will be caused to rotate or circulate, respectively. This movement of the wheel or chain is transmitted to a generator or other energy conversion device on the buoyant body, and thence to shore.

Abstract: A hydraulic power boost apparatus for use with the braking system of an automotive vehicle includes a power piston cooperating with a slide valve to define a plurality of spool valves to regulate the flow of a pressurized fluid therethrough to selectively apply the fluid to boost the force applied to the power piston. A resilient member is positioned within the power piston blind bore to modulate the force transmitted from the slide valve to the power piston. The power piston also includes an annular ridge for engaging a mating annular ridge of the slide valve to limit the travel of the slide valve to prevent the resilient member from being deformed beyond its elastic limit.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an apparatus of potentially large size for producing electrical energy from the rays of the sun. The apparatus utilizes an air housing mounted on a hillside exposed to sunlight. The air housing, having a roof of light admitting panels, causes air to be heated and transported upwardly in a convergent manner to an apex opening which communicates with a tunnel. A bladed member mounted within the tunnel and rotated by the flow of air therein activates an electrical generator. The exit extremity of the tunnel communicates with a collector chamber which in turn communicates with a vertically oriented chimney stack which intensifies the velocity of air passing through the tunnel.

Abstract: A method of cooling natural gas in a system in which the natural gas contains components other than methane which are separable by dewpoint condensation and the natural gas is available from a source, e.g. a well, at an elevated pressure. In accordance with the present invention, the natural gas is initially expanded in a work-producing expansion turbine to cool the natural gas to a temperature below the dew point of the components to be separated and the portion of the natural gas remaining after separating these components is compressed in a compressor which can in part be driven by the turbine so that at least a portion of the work output of the turbine is at least in some cases utilized for compressing the methane-containing portion which can be forced under pressure into a pipeline.

Abstract: A regenerator for a closed thermodynamic cycle cryogenic cooler is made of a vessel containing helium. The helium may be contained in, for example, hollow glass spheres or hollow metal tubing. The pressure of the helium in the vessel and the size of the regenerator are chosen to assure that the mass of helium in the regenerator exceeds the mass of helium in the working gas which passes through the regenerator in the operation of the cooler. Closed thermodynamic cycles in which the helium-containing regenerators can be used include the Stirling cycle and the Vuilleumier cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a continuously moving strip of asphaltic material includes directing the asphaltic material into a plurality of loops having lengths and widths, spraying an evaporative liquid onto the asphaltic material from spraying means positioned upstream from various ones of the lengths, and evaporating the evaporative liquid immediately downstream from each of the spraying means by causing an array of air jets to impinge on the asphaltic material substantially normally to the lengths.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for use in an air valve heat pump including a modulating restriction means and method of controlling the level of liquid in the system condenser. The restriction means includes a pair of capillary tubes in series flow arrangement and a sonic restrictor connected at one end to the inlet of the downstream capillary tube and at its other end at a point on the condenser where refrigeration in liquid state is required.

Abstract: In on-off controlling a compressor of an automotive air conditioning apparatus in a cooling mode of operation, a compressor control switch responsive to a parameter indicative of an operating condition of the compressor is actuated by an output of a sensor for sensing an engine operating condition of a motor vehicle. During a deceleration, the sensor establishes an electrica path from a power source to the compressor which bypasses the compressor control switch. This bypass path is also set up when the motor vehicle is in a standstill with the engine idled. As a deceleration lasts over a given period of time, a timer is actuated to make a connection between the compressor control switch and the power source alive again. An idling up circuit compensates for a decrease in the engine speed attributable to compressor activation during a constant speed run and/or a standstill of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A room air conditioner of the air valve heat pump type wherein a solid state narrow differential thermal sensor is arranged on a heat exchange baffle that senses room ambient. The sensor is insulated to eliminate biasing the sensor with outdoor and component heat transfer. The sensor through the baffle follows room ambients and is cooled when the cooling cycle is terminated by cold air from evaporator located above the baffle and when the heating cycle is terminated the sensor is heated as warm air from the condenser located below the baffle rises over the baffle to raise the temperature of the sensor to prevent short cycling of the air conditioner on either the cooling or heating mode.

Abstract: An outdoor heat exchanger for use in a reverse cycle refrigeration system wherein refrigerant is directed to the lower portion of the heat exchanger when it functions as the system condenser as during defrost operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in absorption type refrigeration devices of the type using lithium chloride or lithium bromide/water cycle.According to the present invention there is provided an internal partition structure between different functional elements of a machine of this type, comprising two wall sections, separated from each other by an adequate space to provide thermal insulation, said air-space being provided with an opening towards the inside of the container, said opening beind shielded against penetration of liquid (as such or as spray).

Abstract: A refrigeration system for cooling and drying hot moist compressed air comprises sub-cooling the liquid refrigerant from the condenser to eliminate all flash gas and render the entire evaporator effective for refrigeration purposes. The heat exchangers for the evaporator and for sub-cooling the liquid refrigerant are of a novel construction comprising a one-piece finned copper inner cylinder with the routed fin enclosed inside of an annular copper shell in which a 0.020-inch clearance exists between the annular copper shell and the fins to allow passage of a stream of air which causes the laminar flow around the routed fin construction to be agitated by eddy diffusion. The use of the novel heat exchanger in the refrigeration system along with the step of sub-cooling the liquid refrigerant produces a gain in refrigeration effect of about 23% to 30% without an increase requirement for either power or energy.

Abstract: Side plate members have a connecting clevis at one end and portions which encircle and clear the hub of a flanged hub member at the other end. Shear pins mount in holes provided in the flange and side plates such that relative motion between the hub and clevis is prohibited. The side plate members are flexible along the axis of the pins to prevent galling or reseizing caused by the rough edges of fractured pins.

Abstract: A drawing device for a straight knitting machine comprises two belts capable of being continuously driven in opposite directions by respective drive shafts over two pulleys of small diameter. The pulleys are located in the area in which the stitches are formed and extend over the entire useful length of the needle rows of the knitting machine. The pulleys and thereby the belts are supported by pivoting frames and the belts are pressed one against the other by the rotation of their drive shafts. In use, knitting is drawn gently and continuously, with the possibility of sliding, between the belts, as the stitches are formed and quite close to the area in which these stitches are formed.

Abstract: Multiple, interconnected shielding portions (26,28,30) constitute a protection structure (22) which may be arranged relative to a console (10) in an obstructing position so as to shield instruments contained in the console (10) from damage. The multiple shielding portions (26,28,30) are relatively displaceable to permit common occupation of all the shielding portions (26,28,30) in an envelope formed by one of the shielding portions (26). Such common occupation or self-storing design permits the protection structure (22), when removed from the console (10), to be stored in a minimum of space. The protection structure (22) may be assembled in obstructing relationship with the console (10) by displacing the individual shielding portions (26,28,30) to predetermined positions prior to interconnecting the console (10) and one of the components (28) with tabs (38) connected to the component (28) into slots in the console (10).

Abstract: A time delay combination lock having the usual combination mechanism including a stack of rotatable tumbler wheels journaled on a dial spindle by a driving cam, and a fence lever pivoted on a bolt to descend to a lower coupled position with the drive cam and retract the bolt along an unlocking path when the proper combination is dialed. A timing movement is provided having an intercoupling gear train including an input gear rearwardly adjacent the driving cam for winding the main spring to woundup condition upon rotation of the dial and driving cam through a predetermined arc. A pivoted blocking lever biased to a normal stop position is located in the unlocking path of part of the fence lever to bar unlocking movement of the fence lever in its lower coupled position, and the lock case has a fixed backup shoulder immediately adjacent the blocking lever to support the blocking lever against attempted forced displacement of the fence lever and bolt in a bolt unlocking direction.

Abstract: The lock configuration described in the parent application enables a dual key lock to operate efficiently, accurately and conveniently with a single stack of tumblers. Also, the individual tumblers of the invention are typically receivable in the lock in a plurality of alternative orientations in which their gates assume different functions, facilitating key changes. The present application discloses means for further improving the precision of gate positioning in such locks, and remarkably simple and economical means for adapting such locks for either right- or left-hand installation.

Abstract: A lock particularly for safe doors, of the multiple rotatable tumbler type, but adapted to be operated by a key, the "combination" of the lock being set by the key proper and being alterable at will by changing the relative arrangement of its bits.A key with changeable bits for use with the said lock is also described.

Abstract: A key operated rotary core cylinder lock having rotary disc tumblers arranged in a pack with intervening spacer members within a rotary core sleeve normally held against rotation within the lock casing by a locking bar which spans the shear line between the disc tumbler peripheries and the confronting wall of the rotary core sleeve or shell. Gates are provided in the disc tumblers to be aligned by an appropriate key with the locking bar for releasing the plug for rotation, and the spacer members are of a truncated triangular cross-sectional configuration having rounded corners bearing against and positioned by the cylindrical bore in the core sleeve and have flat side portions between the rounded corners and larger radius center openings than the radii of the key openings in the disc tumblers to provide spaces for accommodating foreign matter contaminants. Exposed shackle padlocks incorporating such rotary core cylinder lock components are also disclosed.