Abstract: A canvas tarpaulin having dimensions sufficient to cover the top of an open truck box has one edge affixed to one longitudinal edge of the truck box top. The opposite edge of the tarpaulin is affixed to a tube which extends for the length of the box. The rear of the tube contains an extension attached to a universal joint. A crank handle is also attached to the joint so that the tube can be rolled transversely across the top to roll up the tarpaulin thereon. A downward cantilevered lip is attached to the opposite longitudinal edge of the box top. When the tarp is unrolled, the tube rolls over a free edge of the lip and can be wound in the opposite direction rolling up a small portion of the tarpaulin under the free edge. The crank handle is then moved against the rear of the truck body thus locking the universal joint thereby holding the tarp tightly upon the box top. The crank handle is then secured against the rear of the box.

Abstract: A feed roll/paper deflector assembly for a printer or typewriter having a platen is described. The feed roll assembly is fabricated in such a way as to allow simple insertion into the printer or typewriter assembly and the retention of the feed roll assembly in a proper position within the typewriter by a hooking engagement with a paper release bail. Movement of the paper release bail will compress a spring allowing the paper deflector and feed rolls to be withdrawn from the periphery of the platen. The device allows automated assembly of the paper feed roll assembly into a machine and, in addition, provides complete self-alignment capability for the feed rolls with respect to the periphery of the platen.

Abstract: A composition capable of imparting pseudoplasticity and fluid loss control properties to aqueous systems. The composition is formed from a combination of:(a) a hydroxy containing aluminum component and(b) a reaction product of a polyvinyl alcohol and at least 1 percent of stoichiometry of an aldehyde containing or generating agent.[.; wherein the amount of component (a) to component (b) is in the ratio of at least about 0.75:1.]..The invention is further directed to improved drilling fluids containing said composition and to the process of drilling bore holes using said improved fluid.

Abstract: A complementary inverter amplifier circuit comprising a complementary inverter including a p-channel MIS FET connected to a first source potential, an n-channel MIS FET connected to a second source potential, the gate of the two FETs being applied with a common linear input, respective load resistors connected to the drains of the complementary FETs, an output being derived from the interconnection point of the load resistors or from the drains of the FETs, and a bias resistor connected between the gate and the drain of each of the complementary FETs, the input being supplied to the gates of the FETs through respective capacitors. The p-channel FET and n-channel FET are individually biased so that the circuit may serve as a class B push pull amplifier of low power consumption.

Abstract: A data acquisition system utilizing a microcomputer and incorporating a plurality of monitors each adapted to produce an electrical signal indicative of a physical condition of apparatus to be monitored. The electrical signals are fed via multiplexing equipment and analog-to-digital converters into the microcomputer which is equipped with print-out means. The system is such that the level of any one or all of the signals from the respective monitors can be printed out as well as a change in the condition of any signal. Means are incorporated into the computer for calculating and printing the trend (i.e., the slope of a plot of signal amplitude versus time) of a succession of stored signals from any monitor which would indicate a probable malfunction of a device being monitored and the probable time to failure. In the case where the signals from the monitors comprise, vibration signals, the system performs an automatic frequency spectrum analysis whenever a probable or actual malfunction is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a padded glove (1) whose back is fitted with at least one padding. The outer portion of the back of a glove consists of an integral layer (2) which is made of a soft material, preferably cellular plastic and which is designed with at least one protrusion (3-7) jutting out of the level of said layer (2).

Abstract: A shin guard and a method of making it are disclosed. The shin guard has a rigid outer shell of polyurethane and a polyurethane foam backing. A recess is formed in the foam backing by pressing in a hot die having the profile of the recess to be made. The recess is oblong and centered over the shin bone or tibia. A dense, modified polyurethane is then cast in the recess. The combination of polyurethane foam and dense, modified polyurethane provides excellent shock absorption in a light weight shin guard.

Abstract: An elbow or knee pad and a method of making the same are disclosed. The pad includes an elasticized sleeve to surround the joint to be protected and a pad assembly fastened to the sleeve. The pad assembly includes a fabric covering over a polyurethane foam backing. A recess is formed in the polyurethane by pressing a hot die into it and a dense, modified polyurethane is cast in the recess. The combination of polyurethane foam and dense, modified polyurethane provides superior shock absorption and protection from impact.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a substantially rectilinear sheet of waterproof pliable material. Each of the longer sides of the panel carries an element of a partable zipper employing a double slide. Each zipper element is inset from the respective edge so as to provide a flap along each edge on which flaps are cooperating and mating closures, such as snaps or Velcro-type material. Across each shorter end of the panel is a tube of the same or attached material each of which contains a draw cord which preferably is of an elastic nature. Snaps or Velcro-type material may be provided on both sides of each tube to permit joining two or more sheets. A head opening is provided in the center of the panel. A hood element is secured to the head opening and has a sleeve containing a draw cord for purposes of closure of the hood about the head of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hat in combination with a cooling device which is removably mounted to the front inside portion of the hat, the device including an enclosure defined by an inverted pocket adapted to receive and store a sealed container filled with a coolant, so as to provide a cooling effect to the forehead and the general area of the frontal portion of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A shock attenuation system for headgear having an outer protective shell, the system comprising a liner adapted to be secured to the internal surface of the shell, the liner comprising a series of tubes of elastomeric material extending with their axes generally parallel to the internal surface of the shell, and generally parallel to one another. Each tube is open at an end thereof and is elastically deformable under loads applied against the side of the tube, whereby, with the headgear worn by a wearer and upon application of an impact load to the headgear, the tubes in the area of impact deform elastically under the applied load and attenuate the shock upon the wearer from the applied load.

Abstract: A prosthetic cardiac valve comprises a collar adapted to be secured in a blood-flow passage, a pair of pivots in the collar extending generally parallel to each other and spaced apart perpendicularly to the direction of flow through the passage, and respective flaps carried on the pivots and having inner edges. The flaps are pivotal on the respective pivots between closed positions transverse to and blocking the passage with the inner edges touching and lying between the respective pivot axes and open positions extending generally parallel to the flow direction downstream from the respective pivots. One of the flaps is constructed so that when closed it diverts flow in the passage at the other flap to move same into the open position. One of the pivot axes is downstream of the other axis and the respective flap is of substantially greater surface area than the other flap.

Abstract: An invalid transfer device is provided to carry an individual. The device includes a base with a support assembly extending upwardly from the base. A carrier assembly connects with a control unit via a cable carried by the support assembly and an anti-sway assembly extends between the support assembly and the carrier assembly to retain the latter directly over the base.

Abstract: A nurse call apparatus includes a nurse call device, a bed having a side railing and a flexible sheet and a pocket, formed on one side of the flexible sheet for receiving the call device. The holder can be wrapped about the horizontal bars of the bed railing so that the pocket faces the bed proper. In one embodiment of the invention, a D-ring and self-adhering adhesive are respectively provided at opposite ends of the sheet for use in maintaining the holder wrapped about the bed railing. In an alternative embodiment, textile fastening strips, are provided at opposite ends of the sheet to keep the holder wrapped around the bed railing.

Abstract: A fisherman's tool for cutting line and cleaning hooks that includes a pair of adjacent elongated spring members having ends curved generally in the same direction, with a cutting edge on one and line receiving recesses adjacent the end of the other so that when squeezed together the cutting edge wipes across the recesses severing line positioned therein. A hook eye cleaning point is formed integrally on the end of one of the spring members and it is rotated in the hook eye to clean paint, leader or line from the eye.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for high efficiency drying of wet-processed tubular knitted fabric. The wet tubular fabric is initially spread to flat form and then guided in a controlled manner over a so-called Mach nozzle, at which high velocity gaseous medium, usually steam, at speeds approaching the speed of sound and above, is discharged directly through the fabric, which is maintained in tension as it passes over the nozzle outlet. The thus treated tubular knitted fabric, now with a greatly reduced liquid content, is then immediately directed over a second spreader device, which distends the fabric widthwise to a predetermined, uniform width, to restore the fabric width lost during wet processing and during the relatively high tension nozzle treating operation. In this damp, geometrically stabilized condition, the fabric may be directed immediately into an otherwise conventional tensionless dryer for tubular knitted fabric, where the necessary final drying operations are completed.

Abstract: A gas operated tube emptying apparatus for firing missiles into a tube. The apparatus includes a gas source, a gas control and delivery unit connected to the source for delivering the pressure and amount of gas needed. The apparatus further includes a missile delivery unit having a bin for holding a plurality of missiles and a missile loading tube extending between the delivery unit and a firing chamber. The firing chamber has a barrel extending upwardly therefrom and is connected to the gas source so that as the gas control unit supplies a burst of gas a missile is drawn into the barrel from the chamber and fired through the barrel into a tube.

Abstract: A floor-sweeping machine consisting of a housing with a revolving brush which is mounted rotatably therein and is driven by means of running wheels and which is located between two dirt-collecting spaces, the two dirt-collecting spaces being formed by dirt-collecting containers which can be taken out of the housing upwards, and the dirt-collecting container having a resilient locking device which secures it in its operating position and which can be transferred by hand into its release position, and in which, to make it substantially easier to operate and especially to take out and empty the dirt-collecting containers, the two dirt-collecting containers 24, 25 are connected to one another and have a common top side 27 in which, approximately centrally, there is a part 35 which is to be grasped by the operator and is to be moved to a limited extent in the lifting-out direction and which, when moved in the lifting-out direction, transfers the resilient locking device 36 into the release position.

Abstract: Floor-sweeping machine consisting of a housing with a revolving brush which is mounted rotatably therein and which can be driven by means of running wheels projecting from the under side of the housing, and in which, for the purpose of rapid assembly and removal, the revolving brush 14 is mounted rotatably by means of two bearing clasps 19 which engage on its ends and which each have a bearing receptacle 24 for the associated bearing end of the revolving brush 14, and the bearing clasps 19 are themselves retained by securely positioned clamping onto housing parts 23.

Abstract: An improved sweeper bristle element is disclosed especially adapted for use on a railway roadbed or track cleaner using a rotating drum onto which a plurality of bristles are fixedly supported. Each bristle element preferably includes an elastomeric stem of 80 durometer hardness with a toe of 60 durometer hardness wrapped around the end and one side of the stem. Rotation of the drum imparts centrifugal force on the bristles causing loose material contacting the toes thereof to be driven away. The stem and toe may be reinforced by fabric and/or spring steel and preferably are laminated together in a vulcanization process. The bristles are formed in a paddle-like configuration which increases the structural strength thereof and makes them simple to install on the drum. If desired, the bristle toe portion may be slitted to render the bristle adaptable to tight situations while maintaining the structural advantages of the paddle-like configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for stuffing ground meat into casings so as to form links. The apparatus has a metering pump for the ground meat, which pump includes an impeller combined with a movable, adjustable vane that controls the volume of meat fed into the stuffing horn for introduction into the casing. The stuffing horn has ribs along its length which ribs make it easier to slip the casing onto the horn and prevent the casing from slipping when the horn is turned to twist the casing and form the links.

Abstract: A fish filleting machine using the anal fin for guiding fish over belly cutting blades, a belly cleaning wheel and past backbone and rib removal blades. The machine includes a spring loaded belly positioning assembly at the belly cut area for ending the cut at the anal fin. A guide horse in the belly cleaning area of the machine has an inclined plane which properly positions the belly of the fish at the correct height for cleaning irrespective of fish size. The fish are presented to the backbone and rib removal blades at an oblique angle to produce an angled cut for minimum meat loss. A rib pick-up assembly in the boning area utilizes the ribs of the fish to guide the fish from the backbone removal blades to the rib removal blades. A method of filleting the fish is also described.

Abstract: A drawing frame for a spinning machine is provided with a blocking mechanism movable into a position between the upper and the lower feed rollers in the event of yarn breakage, to lift the roving from contact with the driven roller. A roving holder facilitating the holding of the tuft end of the roving between the drawing and outlet rollers is provided. This latter apparatus is coupled to the means for actuating the blocking mechanism for synchronous operation and is provided downstream of the inlet roller. It comprises a table extending beneath the roving and a rotatable shaped arm above the roving which arm is movable by the switching mechanism to simultaneously hold the front end of the roving.

Abstract: An improved waste shredding machine and method wherein insufficiently shredded waste is returned to the shredding machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a binder for binding a bundle of elongated bodies comprising a closed loop and a pair of converging-and-diverging arms integrally connected to the opposite middle portions of the loop and rising therefrom. In use a bundle of elongated bodies are pushed in between the opposite arms, and then the bundle is bound by intertwisting the arms around the bundle. A binder according to this invention assures a tight binding irrespective of the size of the bundle.

Abstract: A clamping buckle for straps, particularly shoulder straps on articles of clothing, with two buckle sections which are swingable with respect to each other around a transverse buckle axis, the buckle sections having a clamping position for clamping the strap. The buckle sections lie one on top of the other approximately parallel to each other with the formation of a gap therebetween. The buckle sections have respective gap sides which face the gap and respective outsides which face away from the gap, and they have slots and bars for diverting the straps including a bar in one buckle section opposite a slot in the other buckle section. The bar of the first buckle section is aligned on its gap side with a plane of the first buckle section and is of at least the same width as the slot of the other buckle section. A loop of the strap wraps around the bar and includes loop end portions passing through the slot that extend by the outside of the second buckle section.

Abstract: A fastener for jewelry and the like comprises a box-shaped structure made of foil and has, at both ends, two transverse seats which receive fastening elements of a chain or the like to which the fastener is attached. One end is formed by a half-open hook which is closed by a resiliently mounted tongue forming part of the box-shaped structure. The tongue is shaped to increase its stiffness so that the fastener will not become unfastened accidentally despite the fact that the foil is of soft metal such as gold.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a board 1 and a mechanism 17 for clamping a marginal portion of the board adjacent an edge between two opposed substantially flat parallel walls 7a. The mechanism 17 is mounted on a major surface 19 of the board 1 and includes a spring strip 21 extending longitudinally along the mechanism, and having corrugations transverse to its length. An elongate cam 27 extends along the length of the strip 21, overlying the strip, and being supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis. Rotation of the cam 27 causes expansion of the mechanism 17 in a direction normal to the surface 19, limitation of the expansion by the walls 7a leading to compression of the corrugations in the strip 21.

Abstract: Each resonant frequency of a coupling resonator is measured at a plurality of each different temperatures. From these values the first order temperature coefficient .alpha. is calculated. According to the value of .alpha., it is accurately adjusted and finally the resonant frequency of a fundamental vibration is also adjusted to a nominal frequency.

Abstract: A multi-layer block to be developed into a disk having a honeycomb construction is initially developed into a columnar block, and then the bottom of the columnar block is radially developed for obtaining a core of a speaker diaphragm. A suitable circular thin layer is attached to the top and bottom of the core to complete a diaphragm. The columnar block may be developed by means of a cone-shaped tool into a truncated cone, and this truncated cone may be further developed into a flat disk by applying a force to the top thereof. Since the forces on development are applied to the block uniformly, the density of hexagonal sections of the honeycomb construction is uniform throughout the entire circumference of the core providing superior speaker characteristics.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a hand operated swager for attaching swaged end fittings to flexible hose. The apparatus includes an elongated frame having a screw rotatably supported at one end thereof and restrained against axial movement. An adapter cooperates with the screw through a ball nut mounted upon the adapter wherein the adapter is linearly displaceable upon the frame toward and away from a frame mounted swaging die. The linear axial displacement between the adapter and screw is accommodated within the adapter permitting power means to be applied to the screw, if desired.

Abstract: The disclosed method and apparatus is adapted to form a low pressure fluid sealed nut and panel assembly for a flush mounted self-piercing bearing nut having a rectangular piercing pilot, panel bearing flanges on opposed sides of the nut and grooves in the flanges, adjacent the pilot, retaining the pierced panel edges. The improved method includes simultaneously shearing and deforming the nonflanged top edges and corners of the nut pilot beneath the panel to form a panel bearing surface on all four sides of the pilot and deforming the pierced panel edges into the grooves and against the grooved bottom walls and inner pilot walls, spaced from the bottom walls of the grooves, to form a sealed nut and panel assembly. The apparatus includes a clinch die having an opening configured to deform the pilot, as described, and clinching lips forming the panel in the nut grooves in sealed relation.

Abstract: A method of making insulated pipe joints in the field. The method includes the steps of providing a rigid shroud which is larger than the fitting from fitting end to fitting end, welding a first pipe length to a first end of the fitting, moving the shroud over the fitting to project the second end of the fitting beyond the second end of the shroud, welding the second pipe length to the second end of the fitting, centering the shroud on the fitting, enclosing the gaps between the fitting shroud and the shrouds of the pipe lengths by mold members, pouring a foamable insulation into the space between the fitting and fitting shroud and into the gaps, setting the insulation, removing the molds to expose the gap areas, and thereafter applying a protective coating to the gaps which coating overlaps the fitting shroud and the pipe length shrouds.

Abstract: A machine tool base and carriage system in which the base provides intersecting, vertical walls at its side margins each carrying and forming a rail having a head and toe pair defining bearing surfaces for carrying a respective workpiece or tool holding carriage slidably supported thereon for movement towards and away from the plane of the other wall respectively and in a horizontal plane. The base thus forms a single unitary triangular structure of horizontal operating arrangement, which may be integrally formed, and which presents the shortest possible bending moments for forces incurred during machining operations a kinematic mounting of the carriage to the base.

Abstract: A method for forming a Bi-CMOS structure, wherein a vertical npn transistor and CMOS transistors are formed on a single semiconductor substrate, is disclosed. After forming a p-type epitaxial silicon layer on a p-type silicon substrate with a plurality of n.sup.+ -type buried layers therein, n-type wells are formed to extend to the n.sup.+ -type buried layers. Selective oxidation is performed to form field oxide films so as to define an n-type element region for the npn transistor, an n-type element region for the p-channel MOS transistor, and a p-type element region for the n-channel MOS transistor. An oxide film as a gate oxide film for the CMOS is formed on the surfaces of all the element regions. After forming a p-type active base region of the npn transistor by ion-implantation of boron, an emitter electrode comprising an arsenic-doped polysilicon layer is formed in contact with the p-type active base region.

Abstract: Anchoring elements of commutator lamellas are formed in a manner that of the inner circumference of the commutator mantle, longitudinal ribs 2 each having two longitudinal ridges 2a are formed by deforming without cutting, the material of starting outline A, such as by trenching by plowing, the material mainly moving in radial direction, whereby between the ribs 2 the longitudinal interspaces 3 are sharply defined. Subsequently, the ridges 2a are flattened by a flattening mandrel, whereby the prevailing part of the ridge mass is deformed in tangential direction into the area of the longitudinal interspaces 3.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a dough encased filling commonly known as a pierogi. In the making of a pierogi, a filling material consisting of various ingredients such as meats and vegetables or the like are first placed on a sheet of dough and the sheet of dough is folded over the filling material. Following this operation, the implement of the present invention is employed to cut dough and to subsequently crimp the edges of the cut dough so as to seal the dough around the filling material. Thereafter the product is ready for baking or other form of cooking.

Abstract: A magnetic scaling device has a housing formed at least partly of non-magnetic material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. A magnetic scale is disposed on the housing, and a reading head is disposed within the housing and provides an output signal corresponding to relative linear displacement of the reading head and the magnetic scale. In addition, a reference magnetizing body can be disposed on the housing, and a reference magnetic detector can be disposed within the housing to provide a reference signal in response to linear displacement of the detector to a predetermined position corresponding to the position of the reference magnetizing body. At least one of the magnetic scale and the reference magnetizing body is disposed on the exterior of the housing on a non-magnetic portion thereof.

Abstract: A gage for installing siding is disclosed comprising a frame means having a support portion for supporting a first length of siding against a supporting wall. A hook portion is secured to the frame means and is adapted to hook on the upper edge of an installed length of siding. A release means is secured to the frame to release the first length of siding to permit the frame and the hook to be first raised to release the hook portion from the installed length of siding and then to permit the hook portion to be moved downwardly with the frame means so that the gage is disengaged from the siding.

Abstract: An illuminated spirit level comprises a bubble tube mounted in a support body with light source shielded to define two light paths directed through the bubble tube to apertures on the outside of the support body so that with the bubble positioned centrally the light is communicated directly from the light source through the bubble tube to the apertures. On movement of the bubble relative to the bubble tube caused by inclination of the spirit level, the bubble intercepts one of the light paths so as to cause refraction directing the light away from the aperture. The different refraction is caused by the difference in shape between the lower surfaces of the bubble and the upper surface of the bubble tube. The curvature of the bubble causes the edge to totally reflect the light path to divert the light.

Abstract: A main accessory and a pair of optional end auxiliaries can be added onto a triangular scale or a ruler to measure the length of a curve. The main accessory can provide a movable pivot for the triangular scale or the ruler. The end auxiliaries can assure the ability of slide of the main accessory on the ruler. The end auxiliaries can also assist the pivoting ability of the triangular scale or the ruler.

Abstract: A scale is disclosed for use in making direct measurements in feet and inches on blue prints and the like drawn in various reduced scales. The scale features special inch character markings throughout the length of the scale to enable the user to directly read measurements in inches between corresponding foot measurements. The markings include 3, 6 and 9 inch subdivision and character markings with 6 inch markings for the smallest scale contemplated.

Abstract: A closed loop oxygen reduced gas recirculation system for an industrial dryer includes high volume primary and low volume secondary gas recirculation paths with a condenser apparatus in the secondary path for removing water and solvent. A natural gas burner produces both oxygen reduced gas for the system and the required energy for the dryer. An optional condenser apparatus removes water vapor from the oxygen reduced gas output of the burner prior to its reaching the dryer. The condenser apparatus may include a first heat exchanger and a pair of parallel alternately operating downstream output heat exchangers, such as refrigeration coils. The first heat exchanger condenses most of the water vapor from the dryer gas and vaporized solvent is condensed in one of the output heat exchangers while the other is being defrosted.

Abstract: A stabilization device for controlling the degree of roll of a running shoe which includes at least upper and lower laminar sole elements including an upper plate superposed on and substantially conforming to the top surface of the upper sole element, a lower plate spaced from said and interposed between the upper and lower sole elements and a side wall extending between and connected to the upper and lower plates and substantially conforming to the side of the upper sole element.

Abstract: A protector for encasing at least a portion of the cleats or spikes normally provided on the sole of an athletic shoe, or the like, and comprising a substantially flat body portion adapted to be disposed adjacent the outer surface of the sole, the body portion being provided with a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced channels for encasing at least a portion of the cleats, the channels being provided with strengthened outer surfaces for engaging the surface of the underfoot terrain for supporting the cleats in spaced relation thereto, thus protecting the terrain from damage by engagement with the cleats, the body portion having gripping elements engagable with either the cleats or with complimentary gripping elements provided on the shoe for removably securing the protector to the shoe in a manner facilitating both the installation and removal of the protection therefrom.

Abstract: A steam iron including a heated soleplate and a vaporization cavity adjacent the soleplate. A shaped element forms a cowl, a forwardly projecting hollow handle and a rearward connection therebetween. A manifold with at least one manually controlled passageway for the measured delivery of water into the vaporization cavity is disposed above the vaporization cavity. A vertical reservoir is joined to the rearward connection and includes openings for fluid communication with both the handle and the manifold. The reservoir may be filled through the hollow handle.

Abstract: A fabric which is coated on at least its upper exposed surface with a heat-reflective and heat-retentive metallic coating containing from about 85% to about 99% copper. The copper is coated with a non-metallic material such as a silicate or silicon oxide. The fabric of the invention is particularly useful in covers for ironing boards, pressing machines and the like, but is useful in any application which calls for a heat-reflective, heat-retentive, flexible, porous metallized fabric.

Abstract: A two-sided insert for transparent identification tabs. The insert has lateral side-by-side panels. This permits collinear entry of information on the panels. The adjoining panels are then folded back to back and inserted into an identification tab holder.

Abstract: A perpetual calendar possessing the ability to display any date, past, present or future, in a finite range, and the day of the week for that particular date without prior knowledge or calculation, includes individually gear driven indicia belts for composing month and year dates and another indicia belt which is simultaneously gear driven with the movement of any one of the aforesaid indicia belts. A single drive gear for the aforesaid individually gear driven indicia belts is shiftable into driving engagement with a selected indicia belt by linear movement of a sliding indicator on the top panel of the calendar housing. The drive shaft for the single shiftable drive gear is turned by an external knob on one side of the calendar housing.

Abstract: A weapon magazine including a housing having opposite, parallel-extending side walls each having an outer face. There is provided a manually releasable coupling arrangement on the outer face of the side walls of the magazine housing for joining together a first weapon magazine and a second weapon magazine in an identical orientation wherein one side wall of the first weapon magazine faces one side wall of the second weapon magazine. There are further provided spacers on the outer face of the side walls to maintain the first and second magazines at a predetermined distance from one another in a joined state thereof.