Abstract: A dredger device for conveying sand or gravel or the like lying under water in which the material enters a conveyor head and is conveyed through a variable length tube into a receptacle on the dredger. In the interior of the variable length tube there is a flexible tube having one end connected to the conveyor head and the other end connected to a hose reel. The conveyed material travels through the interior tube to the hose reel and through an opening therein to a receptacle.

Abstract: An extension cone for a cutter for a hydraulic dredge. The cone has spiral helical blades with an opposing helix to the cutter head to force the material forward as the cutter rotates, thus smoothing the bottom and returning any material which was cut and has passed the cutter head back to the suction orifice.

Abstract: A single line deep-sea bucket and release is provided for mining operations and emergency fouling situations at extreme depths. A clamshell mechanism is provided with a bucket support frame and a hoisting frame with coupling means maintaining a fixed connection on descent. The clamshell, descending in the normally open position, is closed on ascent by an operating cable actuated to close by a measured withdrawal of the two frames and coupling means to which the actuating cable is fastened. Emergency shell release opening is caused by gravity force of a descending messenger on the single hoisting cable to trip a release of the coupling means and thereby the attached withdrawn operating cable to descend and open the shell.

Abstract: A framing device which includes a plurality of diametrically opposite adjustable arms to tension the frame by pressing against the inner surfaces of the corner joints.

Abstract: A box structure having a light source therein and a light transmission panel on the front thereof to receive X-ray films thereon for viewing with back-light illumination is provided with a horizontal cross bar detachably secured across the light transmission panel at a predetermined vertical position to divide the viewing screen into upper and lower viewing areas. The bottom of the cross bar is provided with a portion for detachably retaining a film edge for viewing of a film in the lower viewing area, and shades are horizontally secured at the top or bottom of the front of the box structure and are vertically drawable to cover at least an underlying portion of the light transmission panel to reduce glare.

Abstract: A device for displaying indicia is provided comprising:(a) at least one cover member having at least one visual display means on at least one surface thereof; and(b) at least one display member slidably movable by gravity with respect to at least one of said cover members within a predetermined area underlying said cover member, said display member having at least one prepositioned indicium on at least one surface thereof, said indicium registering with at least one of said visual display means, whereby said display member slidably changes position with respect to said cover member under the force of gravity in response to rotation of said device in a substantially vertical plane to change the registry of said indicium with respect to said visual display means.In preferred embodiments of this invention a perpetual and yearly calendar is provided.

Abstract: A device for illuminating a display surface. Light is introduced through an end surface of a transparent substrate having front and back plane parallel opposed surfaces and thereby directed into the interior of the substrate. The back surface is textured with a multiplicity of shallow depressions such as grooves or dimples which have shallow sloped sides. These sides are configured so that light is selectively directed from the interior of the substrate through a limited angle out of the substrate towards a display surface adjacent and coextensive with the back surface of the substrate and away from a viewer observing the display surface through the substrate. The device provides uniform, high contrast illumination of underlying large area graphic displays such as maps, photographs, charts, and the like.

Abstract: An illuminated advertisement type display comprising an open front housing that is closed by a transparent panel of plastic or the like which has a display printed thereon simulating a neon sign. Within the housing, there is a fluorescent light bulb that provides illumination for the printed display. The printing is by "transparent" pigment that may have incorporated therein translucent substances in small amounts, but sufficient to occlude the vision of the fluorescent light bulb to a viewer of the display. Surrounding the printed display is a coating of opaque material, so that the areas surrounding the printed matter is black. This coating may be a high reflecting aluminum foil which also reflects light produced by the fluorescent light to increase the light transmited through the panel.

Abstract: An illuminated sign for outdoor use is provided which is a frame enclosed by a transparent cover. Grooved tracks are utilized to receive and retain display plates which have light transmitting portions therein in the shape of letters or numbers. A central light source provides illumination and a translucent sheet diffuses the light so that a uniformly bright message appears when the light source is energized and the selected plates are abutted end to end in the tracks. The sign can have a display on more than one side and the display can be in more than one level.

Abstract: A loading device and method for loading a muzzle loading gun. The device comprises an elongated attachment with a longitudinal bore across which is placed a frangible septum. The bore above the system is loaded with a premeasured powder charge and a projectile with wadding (if necessary). The attachment is placed on the end of the muzzle of the gun, the septum is sundered by sundering means within the attachment, the powder passes by the sundered septum and the projectile is rammed into position by a ram rod inserted through the upper open end of the bore of said attachment.

Abstract: Fish are captured utilizing a chain reaction of larger fish feeding on smaller fish. A bait-enclosing structure is mounted within a frame, and a first net is provided surrounding and substantially concentric with the bait-enclosing structure. The first net has openings formed therein large enough to allow small fish to insert their heads through the openings in an attempt to feed on the bait and catch their gills on the net if withdrawal is attempted. The assembly is lowered into a body of water, and after a predetermined time period a desired number of fish are trapped within the assembly utilizing a second net surrounding the first net, and then the assembly is raised to the surface. Entrapment may be provided by providing the second net having larger openings than the first net and concentric therewith, so that the fish attempting to feed on fish caught by the first net will be caught by the second net.

Abstract: A fishing tip-up utilizes a rocker arm which is pivotally mounted to a body member for oscillation about a horizontal axis to effect an up and down jigging movement of a hook and bait on a line associated with the arm so as to attract fish. The oscillation of the arm is accomplished through the use of a wind vane attached to the arm which serves to cause a movement of the arm in response to air movement coming into contact with the vane. An adjustable spring is operably attached to the pivotal arm so as to assist the wind vane in creating the up and down movement, and a tip-up flag assembly is provided to signal a remotely-located fisherman that a fish has taken the bait. The fishing line is wound on a spool journaled on the arm with the spool including an adjustable friction brake structure and the line extends through an aperture in the vane.

Abstract: The invention, according to the depicted embodiment, comprises a buoyant element which is releaseably held atop a crustacean trap by an elongate rod. One end of the rod releaseably engages the buoyant element, and the other end thereof is passed through the trap and suspends bait therewithin. Upon a crustacean seizing the bait, and attempting to remove it from the rod, the latter comes free of the buoyant element which, in turn, rises to surface upon the water. In the preferred embodiment depicted, the buoyant element is tethered to the crustacean trap for recovery purposes.

Abstract: A toy trap door mechanism is disclosed which includes a trap door pivotably mounted within and flush to a panel which simulates the floor of a castle. A chair in the shape of a throne is rotatably mounted to the floor in the vicinity of the trap door. An actuating lever is pivotably mounted to the underside of the floor and is operatively coupled to both the chair and the trap door. When the chair is rotated from a first position facing an observer to a second position facing the trap door, the lever unlatches the trap door which swings open. Holding the trap door in the closed position and rotating the chair to the first position resets the mechanism.

Abstract: A wheeled toy vehicle and launcher apparatus. The toy vehicle has: a drive mechanism including at least one drive-wheel, a flywheel and an air turbine operatively coupled to each other, and an air delivery tube having a mouthpiece for the user to blow air into to rotate the turbine. In one embodiment, the drive-wheel, flywheel, and turbine are in a single unit rotatably mounted on a rotatable carrier for causing a generally vertical movement of the drive-wheel toward and away from a supporting surface. The launcher, in a preferred form, permits the user to blow air into the mouthpiece while the drive-wheel is free to rotate. In another form, the launcher may include a biased propelling member.

Abstract: Acrobatic performing figures with two strings passed through either the arms or the legs have the double string passing through hollow posts at double string ends to a rotatable roller and to the same roller at intermediate hollow posts between pairs of figures. The tension at the pivotal points of attachment of the arms and legs to the body of the figures is adjustable.

Abstract: A new doll is provided, being a dual character doll and having fasteners for joining to a second, similar dual character doll at or near the hands. Any number of such dolls may be joined together to produce a family, including a neighborhood family, such as fireman, policeman, doctor or nurse. In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners at each hand are pads of the hook and loop type, at each hand there being at least two pads, one of the hook type and one of the loop type. In this manner, any such doll can be joined to any other, similar doll.

Abstract: A toy racing game includes at least one vehicle powered by a windup spring motor and a track on which the vehicle runs. The vehicle includes an exposed winding member which when rotated winds up the spring motor. An energizing station is located in association with the track and this station is capable of interacting with the vehicle winding member to wind the spring motor. The energizing station includes an engagement mechanism which moves out from the station and contacts the vehicle to retain the vehicle in association with the station. The engagement mechanism includes a retaining member which so retains the vehicle and a motion transfer member which engages with the winding member on the vehicle. Rotation of the motion transfer member is transferred to the winding member to energize the vehicle's spring motor. The vehicle is allowed to propel itself on the track when the engagement mechanism moves away from the vehicle back towards the station.

Abstract: A door for closing a man-door opening in a mine stopping, the door having a pair of knife-edge hinges one at each of the two upper corners of the door for mounting the door to swing about a horizontal axis adjacent the top edge of the man-door opening between open and closed positions. Each hinge comprises a horizontally extending pivot pin and a vertically extending lug comprising a relatively thin metal plate member having a hole therein adapted to receive the pivot pin, whereby the area of engagement between the pivot pin and the lug is relatively small so that corrosion on the hinge at said area of engagement does not inhibit opening of the door.

Abstract: A unitary weatherstripping and self-balancing sash guide for slidingly embracing the juxtaposed side edges of a pair of double-hung inner and outer window sash units, and guiding their sliding opening and closing movement in a window opening, comprises an arched portion spanning the side edge of the window opening and having a central parting bead protruding into the window opening, inner and outer terminal flanges protruding from the arched portion into the window opening, and two slanting wing flanges respectively extending cantilever-fashion from the parting bead diagonally toward the arched portion and the respective terminal flanges, forming therewith a pair of channel-shaped grooves each embracing the side edge of one sash unit, whereby each of the two sash units is slidingly gripped in resilient tractive balancing engagement between a terminal flange and a facing slanting wing flange resiliently deformed by the embraced sash unit.

Abstract: A deburring apparatus for finishing workpieces includes machines having rotary tools and a gyro-finishing machine. The workpieces are conveyed by an intermittently-driven charging conveyor with a given pitch. The workpieces are transferred from the conveyor to each machine or held at stations of the rotary tools. The machines operate in parallel with each other and successively on all workpieces.

Abstract: A deburring machine comprises a frame supporting a plurality of motor driven deburring brushes. At least two of the motors are spaced apart and a workpiece carriage is supported between them and movable generally in direction along the axis of rotation of the motors. A workpiece on the carriage engages the brushes driven by the motors to deburr the ends of a workpiece held on the workpiece carriage. The motors are adjustable to accommodate different lengths of workpieces, and also the workpiece holder itself is adjustable for different workpiece sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic edge beveller for removing the sharp peripheral edges of ophthalmic lenses. It comprises (a) first apparatus for positioning an ophthalmic lens perpendicular to a first axis which extends through the lens, (b) second apparatus for rotating the lens about the first axis, (c) third apparatus for translating the ophthalmic lens parallel to the first axis, (d) a grinding wheel, and (e) fourth apparatus for rotating the grinding wheel about a second axis which intersects the first axis at an acute angle.

Abstract: A tool sharpening or finishing machine is provided having an improved, low cost, laterally shiftable and tiltable tool-supporting table adjacent a rotatable, abrasive wheel. The table is supported for back-and-forth shifting by a roller bearing assembly having a plurality of spaced apart and resiliently biased together bearings connected to a base, with a shiftable element received between the bearings and connected to the table. The base is preferably slotted between the spaced bearings to form a structural spring within the base, and one of the bearings is eccentrically mounted for selective variation of the effective distance between the bearings, so that the bearing assembly can be properly preloaded without the need for precision manufacture of the assembly components.

Abstract: A container for capturing and facilitating the processing of particles produced during the abrading of a substance. The container comprises at least one surface formed to receive the particles produced during the abrading of the substance, a mechanism for retaining the particles contacting the surface and at least one material having at least one physical property altered during the normal processing of the collected particles such that the particles are separated from the container, where normal processing generally effects the consolidation and refining of the collected particles.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and a method for use in machining cam profiles, and is suitable for use in grinding, milling, turning or otherwise forming cams. A workpiece, i.e. a cam blank, is rotated adjacent a machine tool (e.g. a grinding wheel) and is moved relative thereto laterally of its axis of rotation so that stock is removed from the workpiece to form a predetermined cam profile thereon. At the same time, the angular displacement of the workpiece relative to a datum is continuously monitored and the rotational speed of the workpiece is varied in dependence on its instantaneous angular displacement so that the stock can be removed at a substantially constant rate, preferably defined by a predetermined programme corresponding to the particular cam profile to be machined on the workpiece.

Abstract: A bench-mounted sharpener apparatus for large diameter comparatively narrow width circular blades, such as a slitter blade, that includes a gear motor for turning a blade at a steady comparatively slow speed of rotation. A grinding wheel to form a precision beveled edge on one side of the blade at a time is driven at a comparatively high speed of rotation by a motor fixed to an adjustable slide which may be moved laterally, longitudinally and angularly to achieve a desired angle of bevel with precision. An adjustable blade stabilizer attached to the slide prevents flexure of the blade away from the grinding wheel during the sharpening operation by contact with the outer face of the turning blade near its periphery. A separate blade diameter sizing grinder is provided on the bench and a blade cooling liquid container is attached to the bench.

Abstract: A tubular portion is embedded vertically into the ground and has a screw threaded upper end substantially flush with the surface of the ground. A screw threaded stem or post detachably engages the upper end when a trailer is to be parked thereon, and the stem is provided with the ball portion of a trailer coupler assembly on the upper end thereof engageable by the coupler portion of the trailer coupler assembly situated on the front end of the hitch frame. A padlock through the release lever prevents unauthorized removal of the trailer from the post and the post can be unscrewed and stored when the trailer is not parked at the post assembly.

Abstract: Prefabricated building units for constructing a small building such as a caravan annexe include a mounting rail which may be supported at roof height, for example on a caravan side, and a number of rectangular roofing panels, each having across its head an attachment piece releasably engageable pivotally with the mounting rail when the roofing panel is at an angle to horizontal greater than the pitch of the roof to be installed, sealing means being brought into effect when the roofing panel is raised pivotally to the required pitch. The units include rectangular wall panels each with an attachment piece across its head engageable, as set out, with a mounting rail across the foot of each roofing panel. Opposite sides of each roofing panel and wall panel have respectively, a weather capping, and a weather flange engageable in the weather capping of an adjacent like panel.

Abstract: An arch forming structure comprising a flexible arch forming member centerpiece with hinged pairs of struts attached by hinges to each side. The hinged pairs of struts are hingedly attached to a base and collapse inwardly beneath the flexible member. Two tension line lengths are used to snap the hinged pairs of struts from the collapsed condition through dead center to an outwardly sloping position from which further movement is prevented by their central hinge. Two further tension line lengths are jointed to central portions of the hinged pairs of strut members and threaded through eye bolts on the underside of the flexible member and are tensioned by outward movement of the hinged pairs of struts to bend the flexible member into an arch.

Abstract: A structural element, such as a section of a duckboard (e.g. a landing mat) to be removably fastened to a similar section, has one or more edges provided with male coupling formations adapted to be converted into complementary female formations by breaking off a projecting part thereof. The projecting part is generally T-shaped, with its frangible stem rising from the bottom of a preferably dovetail-shaped recess. Such an element can therefore be readily joined to another element having a mortise complementary to the head of the T or a tenon complementary to the recess.

Abstract: An earthquake backstop support for mobile homes includes a cross-beam which underlies the pier-supported underframe of the home in closely spaced relationship to, but separated from, the underframe. In the event of displacement of the home from its piers, the beams of the backstop support support it in a level attitude and are carried on slidable shoes so as to permit sliding movement during continuing earthquake shocks.

Abstract: A solar cell array consisting of individually rotatable elongated segments is flexibly supported beneath a translucent panel in the exterior roof of a building. A thermal solar collector is supported beneath the solar cell array for maximum utilization of the solar energy received through the roof opening.

Abstract: A supporting bolt structure for connecting the ends of steps of a fabricated stairway including an elongated middle part having both internal and external threads at the ends thereof, a pair of internally threaded retainers mating with the external threads on the middle part and a pair of externally threaded headed portions mating with the internal threads of the middle part.

Abstract: A handrail support assembly has a tee member fitting into a support baluster above each tread of a spiral staircase. The upper cross member of the tee member fits into channels formed under the handrail. The channels are formed by return bending the sides of the rail. The tee member will support and position a spiral rail while being rotatable somewhat in the channels of the rail so that a predrilled nonprecision hole in the lower portion of the tee member may be aligned with a hole in the baluster for attachment with a screw. Precision components are avoided.

Abstract: A housing body comprises a plurality of composite wall elements. Each wall element consists of two carrier plates and a rigid synthetic resin foam support member sandwiched therebetween. The support members of adjoining wall elements have faces spaced from each other and forming a corner between the adjoining wall elements. One of the plates is shaped to conform to the corner and spans the space between the faces of the support members of the adjoining wall elements whereby the one plate is common to the adjoining wall elements.

Abstract: A system of constructing a building using prefabricated wall and roof panels, each of the panels comprising interior and exterior corrugated metal sheets disposed on opposite major faces of a foamed core. The panels are assembled together in edge-to-edge relationship with complementary mating edges for securing adjacent panels. The joints between adjacent panels and between panels and support members are secured by self-drilling threaded fasteners. Metal strips are embedded in the panels to provide anchors for the threaded fasteners. A specially adapted insulating member is disposed along one edge of each panel to provide mechanical support without sacrificing thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A composite structural panel having enhanced load-carrying capacity. The composite panel has a pair of planar panels separated by and bonded to a uniform elastically compressible boundary strip. The boundary strip defines a central core area between the planar panels that includes a core material bonded to each of the planar panels. The thickness of the core is less than the thickness of the boundary strip so that the planar panels are drawn relatively closer together. A compressive force results from the planar panels being urged relatively closer together such force being applied to the boundary strip. An adhesive bonds the planar panels to the boundary strip and in combination with the compressive force renders the central core area essentially impervious to moisture.A plurality of load-bearing and load-transferring clips are secured to the perimetrical edge of a planar panel and the boundary strip.

Abstract: A masonry veneer wall anchor formed of an integral metal form preformed as an L-shaped bar has one leg overlying a building frame member for attachment thereto and has an outstanding leg with slotted holes formed therein in selected spaced relation through which a tying member may be inserted for vertical adjustment, the tying member engaging the edges of the slot to provide improved resistance to compressive as well as pulling forces, thereby maximizing functional effectiveness.

Abstract: A building element suitable for floors, walls, or roofs, has oppositely disposed U-shaped channels at either end of the element. Adjacent building elements can be overlapped so that their complementary channel members are interengaged to form a box section member to reinforce the completed cladding and also provide for the insertion of timber blocks or studs. The cladding can be fastened to a building structure by fasteners passing through the box section and through the spacer blocks of timber or other material.

Abstract: A plug driving apparatus comprising an annular rotary receiver stand for receiving containers, the receiver stand having container placing portions disposed at a plurality of locations thereon in circular arrangement, plug driver heads disposed individually above said placing portions, each of the heads having a sucker portion for sucking and retaining thereon plugs, a plurality of plug pick-up means, each having a retractable hooked portion adapted to be extended to and retracted from a point right beneath the plug driver head, fixed plug-feeder means for feeding plugs to the hooked portion, the plug driver head being adapted to be raised and lowered between an intermediate position where the sucker portion thereof sucks and retains thereon a plug held in the hooked portion and a lower position where plug driving operation is carried out and an upper limit of movement of the driver head.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a container with a lid comprising folding a blank of material to form an inner lid element having a flat bottom and a frame along at least two sides of said bottom, placing the inner lid element into an open end of a filled container with the bottom of the inner lid element facing into the container, placing a blank of material for an outer lid element against the frame of the lid element and joining the outer lid element to the inner lid element.

Abstract: A stacking device for stacking headed tubular fasteners. The device comprises air blowing means which accelerates an end fastener in a guide relative to the remaining fasteners in the guide thereby ensuring that each fastener leaves the guide separately without jamming to fall into a stacking passage in which the fasteners form a column one-above-the-other. The stacking device is utilized for stacking rivets in a rivet packaging machine which assembles a column of rivets on a sleeve made of resilient plastics material for later transfer to the mandrel of a pull-through blind riveting tool.

Abstract: A bag holding arrangement for disc record sleeves comprising, a plate whose lower surface is profiled to conform substantially to one side of an open bag. The lower surface of the plate is provided with suction means so that in operation the upper side of the bag is held against the surface, the lower side of the bag being unsupported and allowed to hang naturally. A system incorporating the bag holding arrangement is also described.

Abstract: For packing stacks of tinplate sheets on pallets a packing line is disclosed by which a variety of different packagings of the stacks can be realized. To minimize the manual labor a plurality of endless chain conveyors is provided, forming together a path for the stacks. The first conveyor is liftable and rotatable and acts as collector on a pallet for the sheets. After the forming of a stack on the pallet on the first conveyor the first conveyor is rotated over 90.degree. to align the runners of the pallet transversely to the travel direction of the stacks on the conveyor. At a manual packing station, the packaging is applied. Automatic strapping machines tie strips around each packed stack to complete the packaging. To provide temporary storage for the stacks in different stages, branch conveyors are provided in the form of roller conveyors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device comprising a stirrup, a support for the stirrup itself capable of being attached to a stirrup leather to be supported thereby, one of the stirrup and the support having a projection and the other having an edge whereby in normal use with the edge and projection in engagement the stirrup may depend from the support, a spring clip biasing the stirrup and the support towards one another; and constructed and arranged such that in normal use with force applied to the stirrup by a rider the stirrup will be supported by the support but such that when force is applied to the stirrup at an angle to the support, the stirrup and support will pivot relative to one another against the spring clip until disengagement of the projection and the edge occurs whereupon the stirrup separates from the support.

Abstract: An elongated hollow housing is provided including front and rear sides and opposite ends. The housing defines an air passage extending therethrough including an inlet end opening through and extending longitudinally of the front side of the housing. The housing also defines an outlet for the passage opening outwardly of the housing remote from the inlet. Seed separating structure is provided within the air passage intermediate the inlet and outlet and is operative to separate seeds from the air flow moving through the passage. The inlet is defined between opposing generally parallel longitudinal marginal portions of the housing and one marginal portion is disposed forward and above the other marginal portion, whereby the inlet opens outwardly of the housing in a foward and downward direction. An elongated seed stripping rotary brush is journaled in the housing for rotation about an axis extending longitudinally thereof with between 30.degree. and 90.degree.

Abstract: A tobacco stripper has a pair of counter-rotating gear belts which are used to separate tobacco leaves from tobacco stalks when the stalk is advanced into a nip formed by the counter-rotating belts.

Abstract: A guide for flexible power lines connecting a power supply to a moving device includes a plurality of similar rectangular tubular duct elements mounted with adjacent elements telescoped into each other and pivotally connected to form a beam support in the linear direction and a curved support between the beam supports. Each element is a cast element of a suitable metal or other material having relatively heavy walls. The side walls include offset planar wall interconnected by transverse interior stop walls which are angularly oriented and shaped. The stop walls and the outer side wall end edges of the adjacent element are similarly shaped with first and second opposed wall portions. The first wall portion of the side walls abutt in the beam position and the second wall portions are spaced by the maximum pivotal movement.

Abstract: Combustors utilizable in a variety of sizes, configurations, and applications in which vortex induced centrifugal forces and hot gas recirculation are employed for flame stabilization. Both gas and liquid fuels can be burned, and low emission as well as other modes of operation are available.