Abstract: Apparatus and method for leveling masonry blocks are disclosed by which at least two courses of blocks can be laid and leveled without having to reposition the apparatus and without having to construct lead corners.

Abstract: A seam marker includes a flat base with an upstanding shoulder so that a piece of cloth may be placed on the base with an edge against the shoulder. An elongated strip extends over the cloth with a straight edge parallel to the shoulder and the strip is secured to the base and is resilient so that it may be pressed down against the cloth to clamp the latter against the base at which time a seam line may be marked along the straight edge of the strip.

Abstract: Spherical frozen particles, which may be subsequently freeze dried are prepared by introducing a liquid medium in the form of droplets beneath the surface of a cooling liquid. The temperature and density of the cooling liquid is chosen so that liquid droplets freeze as they float towards the surface of the cooling liquid. Preferably a column of cooling liquid is employed and the liquid medium is introduced through an inlet near the base of the column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a continuously moving strip of asphaltic material includes directing the asphaltic material into a plurality of loops, spraying an evaporative liquid onto the asphaltic material, evaporating the evaporative liquid by causing an array of air jets to impinge on the asphaltic material subtantially normally to the asphaltic material, sensing the surface moisture of the asphaltic material subsequent to one or more of the loops, and modifying the flow of evaporative liquid sprayed in one or more of the loops in response to the sensed surface moisture.

Abstract: A control device for a laundry drier of the kind in which mechanical movement of the laundry load in a drum causes the article(s) constituting the load to form an electrically resistive connection between contact electrodes 5 and 6 in the drum. An a.c. sensing current is fed from a transformer T1 via the load and through a series capacitor C2 such that the voltage across the capacitor C3 is an inverse function of the state of dryness of the articles. This voltage is compared in a comparator TR1 with a reference voltage Vref which is chosen so that the comparator TR1 produces an output signal when the articles of the load have reached a predetermined dryness. Any electrostatic charges developed in the load are suppressed by a unidirectional low impedance shunt comprising a diode D8 and a resistor R12 in series.

Abstract: A hinged sport boot having an upper boot portion with hinge openings in its sides and a lower boot portion with integral, headed, hinge pins projecting from its sides. The heads of hinge pins are slightly larger in size than the openings so that the pins must be forced through the openings to hingedly connect the upper and lower portions together. A locating depression is provided on the central outer surface of the head of each pin to properly locate a connecting tool used to connect the boot portions together. The invention is also directed toward a method for connecting the boot portions together.

Abstract: A ski boot consists of a foot portion and a leg portion connected in articulated relationship. A stiffening element at the front of the boot formed of resilient material has substantially the profile of the boot and is attached at least partially to the foot portion and/or the leg portion thereof.

Abstract: A sports shoe or boot has a sole of flexible plastic material, with gripping projections or studs of a wear-resistant material thereon; disposed between the sole and a bearing surface on the projection is a compressible ring member, to produce a cushioning effect.

Abstract: Method for suctioning submerged bottom material with the aid of at least a suction pipe connected to a vessel, whereby said suction pipe is lowered from said vessel in an inclined or vertical position and an underpressure is created in said suction tube for suctioning a mixture of bottom material and water through the tube via one or more suction openings near the lower side of the suction tube. The lower part of the suction tube is forced over a certain distance into the bottom such that during suctioning of the mixture of bottom material and water always at least a part of the weight of the suction tube is carried by the bottom material, e.g. by a supporting surface formed in said bottom material. The suction tube is at least in longitudinal direction anchored, and the mixture of bottom material and water is suctioned by transversal openings in the suction tube at a distance from this supporting surface.

Abstract: A dredging apparatus including a spud barge and a dredging barge. A hollow pivot sleeve is located at the stern of the dredging barge. A hydraulically extendable arm is mounted on the spud barge and is pivotally connected to the pivot sleeve. A large diameter bull ring is affixed to the pivot sleeve. A pair of cables connect to the bull ring and to a pair of power driven winches on the spud barge. The winding and unwinding of the cables around their winches swings the dredging barge about the pivot sleeve during dredging. An anchor spud extends through the hollow pivot sleeve to hold the dredging barge in fixed position when the spud barge is being relocated.

Abstract: A mounting and method for an excavating implement embodying a shank positioned within a recess, the shank and recess being equipped with confronting spherical zonal walls and the shank and recess at the apices thereof being equipped with spherical segmental walls, the shank and recess between the two sets of spherical walls providing a gap into which thermosplastic material is introducible to provide a superior and stress transmitting fit.

Abstract: The thrust coupling has a thrust frame which can be readily coupled to the underside of a vehicle. The thrust frame is pivotally mounted on a hitching device on the rear of the vehicle and is suspended at the front of the vehicle via chains. In addition, an adjustable guide rod is provided to effect centering of the thrust frame at the front of the vehicle. The thrust frame can be raised and lowered at the front end of the vehicle via the chains and can be laterally centered via the guide rod. Vertical motion of the thrust frame at the front end can be effected from the driver's seat.

Abstract: A tag, particularly an ear tag for marking animals such as cattle which have passed an official test, comprises a strip formed into two limbs and a hollow rivet, preferably of brass, perpendicular to one of the limbs, the rivet comprising a stock portion which may be frusto-conical or cylindrical surmounted by a narrower neck portion of reduced wall thickness surmounted by an enlarged head portion preferably in the form of a cylindrical punch having a sharp cutting edge. The wall thickness is at a minimum adjacent a shoulder which forms the transition from the stock portion to the neck portion. There is a receiver hole in the other limb of the strip to receive the rivet head. As the tag is being closed, the head punches a hole in the animal's flesh, and passes through the receiver hole after which the head is splayed outwardly. A spring clip may be secured over the receiver hole or the metal of the strip around the receiver hole may be hardened e.g. by stamping.

Abstract: A power assembly for rotating a display is simple, inexpensive, has long life, and can rotate even heavy displays. A housing mounts a d.c. motor having an output shaft, and has a support structure. A ball bearing assembly, having a second shaft, is stationarily held by the support structure, and a flexible tubular connector interconnects the motor output shaft and the second shaft. The display is attached to the second shaft by a flexible band of elastomeric material. An electronic circuit provides power pulses from a substantially constant d.c. power source (such as a bank of solar cells) to operate the d.c. motor.

Abstract: This display sign is designed for the rear window area of automobiles, so as to display different posters, which reflect light from their faces. The sign may be used for bumper stickers, and may be used for political campaigning, sports, etc. Primarily, the design consists of a box with a light, which shines on the reflective face of a removable poster, and the box includes a folding frame, which receives one poster at a time.

Abstract: An anti-corrosive sacrificial anodal attachment is provided for substantially reducing corrosion of gun barrels, breeches, internal mechanisms, and any other functional or decorative iron based member of a firearm. The attachment is comprised of a plurality of rib-like sacrificial anodes made of a material more active in the galvanic series than iron. The ribs are mounted on a flexible strip having velcro fasteners on both sides. The velcro fasteners are disposed in such fashion that the anodes may be wrapped in surface engaging contact with a gun barrel, and the velcro fasteners engage one another to maintain the anodes in close engagement with the surface of the gun barrel, thereby providing cathodic protection for the barrel. In other embodiments, a biased wire spring or small magnets embedded in the rib are used to maintain the ribs in engaging contact with the surface of the firearm.

Abstract: An attachment or mounting apparatus is disclosed for securing a bipod or other auxiliary device to a variety of different types of firearms. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment or mounting apparatus incorporates a muzzle brake device therein. Various embodiments are disclosed wherein the longitudinal location, and the angle of attachment, of said bipod with respect to the firearm may be selectively adjusted by the user.

Abstract: A fish hook adapted for use as a trailer hook including a shank portion, a hook portion, an eyelet portion and a coating material covering the eyelet portion and spanning the eyelet opening. The coating material is sufficiently soft to permit the hook to pierce and extend through that portion of the coating material spanning the eyelet opening and sufficiently elastic to prevent the fish hook from being inadvertently removed from the primary hook to which it is connected.

Abstract: A toy balloon which can be shot out accompanying a noise by the thrust developed during the expelling of the charged air when the inflated balloon is released from restraining, including an envelope with profile shaped to have minimum resistance to the air and an integral inflating mouth having thinner wall than other portions.

Abstract: The miniature vehicle toy is provided having a wheel assembly, a chassis member, a prime mover assembly and a body member. The wheel assembly can be fastened to the chassis member by the snap-mounting of the prime mover assembly between a keeper member and pawl member that are integrally molded onto the chassis member.

Abstract: A first gear is fixedly connected to the rotary shaft of a swingably mounted lid, and is engaged with a second gear which is rotatably mounted on a stationary member. The second gear is biased by means of a spring in such a direction that the lid tends to swing open, while a ratchet portion having a recess is provided at a peripheral portion thereof. A pawl is arranged to engage with the recess to stop the rotation of the second gear, and is arranged to disengage with the recess to release the second gear when intended to open the lid. A brake member is interposed between the stationary member and the second gear to prevent the lid from rapid opening. The pawl may be manually disengaged from the recess by depressing a push-button operatively connected thereto. Such a push-button may be omitted if the shape of the recess is arranged to easily disengage from the pawl when the lid is pulled manually.

Abstract: A gate assembly including a support portion and a gate portion carried by the support portion and movable with respect thereto, a gate control portion and a gate activating portion associated with the gate portion; the gate portion having one end thereof disposed adjacent to the support portion and extending outwardly therefrom, pivot mechanism connecting a lower part of the gate portion to an adjacent lower part of the support portion; the gate control portion including biasing mechanism associated with the gate portion; the gate activating portion including a power source mounted within the frame members of the support portion adjacent one end thereof, drive mechanism including translatable mechanism activatable by the power source, the translatable mechanism including a pair of transversely spaced roller assemblies slidably carried on spaced horizontal rail members, the drive mechanism also including continuous flexible loop mechanism supported adjacent the ends of each rail member, each roller assembly be

Abstract: The present invention provides a window insulator and a frame therefor. The window insulator and frame comprise (a) one or more panels of an insulating material; (b) guides for the panels, including channels in which the panels are free to move; and (c) pressure-contact means for holding the guides in the casing of an existing window. One or more of the panels may consist of a thick layer of expanded polystyrene disposed between two films or sheetings of a substantially transparent (poly)methyl methacrylate resin, the polystyrene layer partially cut away to provide transparency for the window.

Abstract: Weather stripping/sealing structure for use in conjunction with sliding automotive vehicle door windows includes a pair of extruded, elastomeric sealing members and a spacer brace connecting them together along the upper and side portions of the window, the entire assembly being inserted within the door window opening. The sealing members include a pair of gripping portions secured to the door window openings and window contacting portions having flocking thereon for sealing the window edges when closed. A decorative strip may be secured to the outside of one of the gripping portions.

Abstract: A machine for surface finishing wood veneer feeds the veneer to a grinding drum positioned over a rigid bed plate. A continuous loop feed belt carries the veneer to and away from the bed plate but passes thereunder to permit a rigid gap between the bed plate and the drum grinding surface. The drum is carried on a swing arm that is independently driven about an arc between a working position and a retracted, repair position.

Abstract: A machine which orbits an abrader or cleaning tool about a fixed axis at a relatively low speed in which the orbital radius of the abrader may be changed while the machine is in operation.

Abstract: A portable system (10) for abrading the floor of a bathtub (26) to render it slip resistant. The system contains a portable power unit (12) containing an air compressor providing compressed air to abrading unit (14) via compressed air hose (20) and provides a source of electrical power to an abrading unit (14) via a power cable (18). The abrading unit (14) is adapted to direct a high velocity stream of abrasive particles against the floor of a bathtub through perforations in a particle impervious template (24). The unit (14) which is adapted to travel in the forward direction (indicated by the arrow), has a carriage movable in a direction lateral to the direction of forward travel. An abrading head (38) is supported by and reciprocally movable with a carriage to apply the particle stream in a direction lateral to the direction of forward travel and normal to the bathtub surface.

Abstract: A fixture core including plumbing for a building in which all of the fixtures are either permanently or temporarily supported from the side walls of the core and the core is transported on a shipping pallet which served as a template for the erection of the core and the fixtures and is removable when the core reaches the job site so that the fixture core may be removed from the pallet, if desired, and supported directly upon the floor or slab of a building in which the core is to be installed.

Abstract: A portable prisoner transport module which is easily adaptable to use in any conventional van-type vehicle. The module is a box-like container with a door connected to its rear wall, permitting access into the module. The module may be easily inserted into and removed from a van by two to four men, and may be temporarily secured in the van by removable bolts.

Abstract: A telescopic boom for a crane, access or load platform or the like, having power transmission lines extending along the boom to its head. In order to avoid problems which arise with such power lines when the bottom is extended or retracted the invention proposes the use of a flexible carrier which extends between a point at the outer end of the base section and a point mid way along the extended sections of the boom between the head and the end of the base section. This enables the power lines to be protected both when the boom is extended and when it is retracted.

Abstract: A prefabricated skylight support curb is formed to be a protective packaging for the skylight during shipment and then to be used as a curb for mounting the skylight on a roof. A prefabricated skylight support curb for supporting a skylight thereover has a bottom flange angled, upright sides, and a top lip round the top of the sides forming an opening through the curb. A skylight is adapted to cover the opening through the skylight support curb when installed, and has a domed portion and an angled curb portion extending from the dome portion and a drip edge on the curb portion. The skylight curb portion is shaped to fit over a portion of the prefabricated skylight support curb angled upright portion and top lip. The skylight support curb is shaped to nest an accompanying skylight therein having the skylight curb portion adjacent to the interior of the skylight support curb angled upright walls to protect the skylight during shipping and storing.

Abstract: A load body is provided defining at least one upstanding wall construction, including laterally spaced upstanding structural members spaced therealong and upper and lower downwardly and upwardly facing surfaces extending along upper and lower marginal portions of the one wall construction. Each pair of adjacent structural members includes adjacent marginal portions defining outwardly facing abutment and seal surfaces extending therealong and outwardly facing abutment surface portions spaced therealong, each spaced at least slightly from the corresponding abutment and seal surface toward the adjacent structural member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular assembly for the construction of an exhibition stand comprising at least one panel fixed to at least one post resting by their bases on an installation area, wherein the base of the panel rests on the installation area by means of at least one hollow profiled member whose base is fixed to the panel and can receive at least one pipe carrying a fluid, as well as electrical signal conductors, whereby at least the base of the post is hollow facing the base hollowed profile member of the panel to permit connection to pipes or other panels or the connection of said pipes to other pipes, as well as the connection between conductors of other panels or the connection of these conductors to other conductors.

Abstract: A structure employing a tapered slab, which is formed of a two-dimensional continuous array of upside-down rectangular pyramids with their apexes placed at column centers and their bottom faces placed along an upper surface of a floor slab, is improved in that prestressing steel members are disposed under tension between the top portions of the respective columns and said prestressing steel members are anchored to the columns at the outer ends.

Abstract: A hollow beam having longitudinally extending sides arranged in a beam-shape. The beam has corner members which interconnect adjacent pairs of sides to define respective corners of the beam. The corner members include longitudinally extending tongues and grooves which engage cooperating parts provided on adjacent ones of the sides. There are a plurality of clips provided at spaced intervals along the length of each respective corner, the opposed ends of the clips engaging longitudinally extending recesses formed into the inner surfaces of the sides adjacent the respective corner members. In addition, an attachment is provided which securely connects each clip to the respective corner member.

Abstract: A pillar comprises a profiled metal core with a plurality of radial arms distributed over the circumference, the arms being provided with longitudinally extending slots limited by lateral wall members, the slots being adapted for the insertion of portions of supports and/or wall elements. A plurality of filling members, which may have a decorative finish, are inserted and fitted by means of groove and rib connections in sector-shaped spaces between adjacent wall members.

Abstract: An upstanding side wall comprises wood plank members having opposite planar outwardly facing vertical surfaces. The longitudinal side edges are bifurcated symmetrically with respect to a vertical central plane bisecting the two planar surfaces. The bifurcations are curved in horizontal cross-section to form a pair of curved tongues with an intermediate concave curved recess between the tongues. Each recess receives a mating tongue of an adjacent vertical plank member. Each member is symmetrical about the central plane and also about a midplane perpendicular to the central plane and midway between the bifurcations. Alternate members may comprise members corresponding substantially to a half of such a member cut along the central plane. A low density soft foam sealant is applied in a groove at the bottom of each recess.

Abstract: Tab sealant asphalt adhesive is foamed and then dispensed through a nozzle on asphalt shingle material.

Abstract: The structure comprises a matrix formed by juxtaposing solid prefabricated matrix elements each provided with at least one cavity extending from one face to another face of the element, the matrix elements being arranged so that the cavities form continuous longitudinal housings, and reinforcing elements are inserted in the housings to form at least four bundles each constituted of spaced-apart reinforcing elements parallel to a same respective direction with the directions of the bundles being different fom each other and being such that, considering any plane of the space, at least two directions are not parallel to the plane, whereby a coherent composite structure is obtained without the need of binding material.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid system formed of main runners (10) and cross runners (40) disposed at right angles to the main runners to define grid openings for the reception of ceiling tiles (T). Each of the runners (10, 40) includes a bulb (12, 42) a pair of webs (14, 44) depending from the bulb to define a recess therebetween, and a pair of tile supporting flanges (16, 46) extending in opposite directions from the lower edges of the webs. The tiles (T) when assembled onto the flanges (16, 46) of the main and cross runners (10, 40) resiliently displace the webs (14, 44) from their normal unstressed positions to cause the webs to center the tile. Simulation means (76) is carried by the runners in underlying relationship at the intersection of the main and cross runners (10, 40) to simulate a continuous recess at the intersection.

Abstract: A composite strip for producing a sterile package comprises two superposed individual strips, the inner surfaces of which are sterile, and at least one of which comprises a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material is such that after the separation of the two individual strips, the individual strip comprising thermoplastic material can be sealed to a part of itself or to the other strip by welding or glueing with the application of heat and pressure. A first part of one individual strip and another part of the same strip or of the other individual strip are joined at their edges in a sealed manner to form a hollow and sealed packing.

Abstract: Apparatus for bunching, trimming and banding vegetables and the like comprising a plurality of arms (20) each having fixed thereto an upstanding finger (32) means (22) supporting the arms for movement in a common plane toward and away from a common area, an actuator (28) for moving the arms in unison and a top plate (16) forming a center opening (18) centered about the common area whereby the arms can be moved to the center, an elastic band (34) placed over the upstanding fingers, the arms actuated away from the common area and a bunch of vegetables inserted so that movement of the arms back toward the common area will allow the elastic band to hold the bunch. A truncated cone shaped hollow guide (37) positioned beneath the arms will guide the vegetables together for bunching.

Abstract: A two row harvesting aid including an easily adjustable, semi-floating, self-steering primary cutter head and an auxiliary second row attachment for harvesting row crops. Self-steering capabilities, a cut-off mechanism and a quick-adjustment are combined into a single integral unit on the primary harvester. Direction sensing is accomplished by utilizing a feeler arm or a set of feeler arms which follow the plant stock row or other protrusions or indentations. Forces detected by the guidance sensors are transmitted to a ring which is a part of the housing and/or shielding of the cut-off device. The steering forces may be transmitted to a steering system through a single connection. The auxiliary second row attachment includes a motor operatively connected to an auxiliary cutter head for simultaneously harvesting an adjacent row of crops.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a combine harvester is disclosed wherein the engagement and disengagement of both the main drive and the auxiliary drive reversing mechanism can be controlled from a single lever. The control lever is pivotally mounted for rotational movement about a pair of perpendicularly disposed pivot axes, one of the pivot axes being rotatable about the other axis. A pair of clutch dogs corresponding respectively to the main drive and drive reverser are engageable with the control lever and separated by a plate-like barrier to prevent a disengagement of one clutch dog and the engagement of the other clutch dog except when the control lever is in a position to effect disengagement of both drive mechanisms. An overcenter linkage is provided with the drive reverser clutch dog to hold the control lever in an engaged position without further input from the operator.

Abstract: A feeding device of a sugar cane harvester includes a pair of rotary cane dividers spaced from each other. The feeding device is provided with a mechanism for adjusting the distance between two spaced cane dividers. This mechanism is operated from an operator stand of the harvester and includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit, the piston of which is connected to one of the cane dividers and the cylinder of which is connected to the harvester frame.

Abstract: A method of harvesting cotton includes cutting the cotton plant a short distance above ground, clampingly hold the bush with its main stem substantially in the vertical and imparting revolving movement to the plant at high speed, thus causing cotton bolls to be thrown off the plant by centrifugal force and collecting the thrown off bolls.

Abstract: A device for automatically bagging lawn clippings in disposable plastic bags comprises a frame having a bag compartment mounted thereon for automatically feeding the plastic bags to a bag clamping unit positioned in communication with the discharge conduit of the power lawn tool. A moveable discharge conduit unit is provided and is moveable between a first bag loading position and a second operating position wherein the discharge conduit communicate with the discharge of the power lawn tool for delivering the lawn clippings to the plastic lawn bag.

Abstract: A mobile roll baler including a pickup device at the forward end operable to pick up and move a windrow of crop material to a finger feed drum which then moves the material into contact with a section of an expandable and contractable apron driven in a direction to cooperate with the direction of movement of the finger feed drum to effect unidirectional coiling of the material into a roll which is coiled in the same direction in which a finished roll rotates during discharge from the rear of the machine when the tailgate frame is raised and the roll is still rotating from being formed, thereby minimizing discharge time and preventing uncoiling of the roll when discharged from the baler.

Abstract: An arrangement for winding yarn (3) from a supply roll (2) by means of a flyer (4) onto a bunch of wires fed through the center hole of the supply roll for automatically transferring to the unwinding of a new supply roll (2') when the yarn on the first supply roll (2) is used up or broken. The new supply roll (2') is disposed downstream of the first supply roll (2) seen in the direction of feed of the bunch of wires and a second flyer (4') is associated with it. Downstream of the new supply roll (2') and the second flyer (4') there is a holding device (13) to loosely hold the free end of the yarn (3') on the new supply roll (2') as long as the yarn (3) on the old supply roll (2) is not used up or broken. At its free end the yarn (3') on the new supply roll (2') is formed into a sliding knot (15) carried by the holding device (13), through which sliding knot the bunch of wires (1) is freely fed.

Abstract: A wire rope comprising an outer rope layer and an inner rope layer of wire strands is provided. The inner rope layer itself is comprised of multiple layers, usually in a parallel laid, coreless arrangement. The inner and outer rope layers are contrahelically laid and are usually lubricated. A thermoplastic or elastomer can be utilized to encapsulate the lubricant within the inner rope layer or within both the inner and outer rope layers.