Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining pleats in hanging draperies including an elongated flexible cord having a plurality of elongated resilient members fixedly secured at spaced locations along the cord, each member including a first mating section interconnected by a fold portion to a second mating section and a pointed end extending from one of the mating sections. A pointed end receiver extends from the other of the mating sections in a direction opposite the pointed end whereby the two mating sections are releasably locked together with the pointed end entering the receiver clamping a portion of one of the pleats of the hanging drapery therebetween. In this manner, each resilient member is secured to a pleat thereby retaining the drapery in a hanging position spacing one pleat from another.

Abstract: A method for making grey iron castings having as a cardinal feature that the molten grey iron, after being made and prior to being poured into the molds, is maintained for a period of from one and one-half to two and one-half hours, preferably about two hours, at a substantially constant temperature. The resulting greatly increased homogeneity and temperature uniformity of the molten metal throughout its mass greatly improves the quality and quality control of the castings made.

Abstract: Molten metal is poured into a substantially cylindrical mold from its bottom while the mold is being rotated about its vertical center axis. The ingot-making apparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical mold, stool, vertical pouring channel communicating with a runner provided in the stool, metal receiver communicating with the top of the pouring channel, and a rotary table on which the mold is placed through the stool. The metal receiver is shaped like a body of rotation formed by rotating a curve having an opening at the top in a vertical plane about the axis of rotation of the rotary table.

Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus wherein molten metal flows through a die progressively and is solidified in the die and withdrawn from the die including a die and cooling assembly comprising a tubular die having an external tapered surface which is uniformly tapered radially inwardly in the direction of movement of metal to the die, a cooling sleeve having an internal surface complementary to the external surface on the die and in substantial intimate surface contact with the external surface of the die and an annular cooling shell surrounding the cooling sleeve and having portions thereof spaced from the sleeve to define a cooling chamber. The die and cooling assembly includes at least one inlet to the chamber and at least one outlet from the chamber, the inlet and the outlet being spaced axially with the outlet being nearest the inlet end of the die into which the molten metal flows.

Abstract: A computerized die-casting machine control includes a microcomputer and a programmable controller having presettable inputs to establish a desired machine operating sequence. Temperature sensors at the holding furnace, cover die, ejector die, gate and at the die impact bushing monitor the die casting variables and produce input signals to the shot-control micro-computer. The micro-computer is programmed to take pre-programmed actions to correct out of tolerance conditions in the machine on a continuous on-line basis during machine operation.

Abstract: A method for preventing segregations in continuous casting by deforming the continuous strand plastically during the solidification in such a way that the cross sectional area of the strand is physically reduced corresponding substantially to the solidification shrinkage of the metal. The method avoids upward or downward transport of melt in the solidifying strand. The reduction in most cases will be 2-6% and can be accomplished with apparatus having a number of pair of strand reducing rolls or jets along the strand, to reduce it a number of times, each time less than the total desired reduction. The reduction of the strand from casting to the final strand follows the solidification shrinkage.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for frost control for the ambient air heat exchanger of a space conditioning apparatus. The ambient air heat exchanger is immersed in a fluidized bed enhancing the heat transfer and physically reducing frost formation. In a preferred embodiment, the fluidized bed is supported by a support bed of non-fluidized solid particles. In one of the embodiments the particulate beds may be desiccant materials. The space conditioning apparatus and method of frost control of this invention permits smaller ambient air heat exchangers and accommodates greater transient conditions due to the enhanced heat transfer and physical prevention of ice formation resulting from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A heat storage device comprises a hermetically sealed metallic container having one or more molten alkali metal fluorides and/or alkaline earth metal fluorides included therein. A material having a carbon basis is also included in the metallic container to react with any oxygen present in the metallic container and thereby prevent corrosion of the metallic container by the molten fluorides.

Abstract: A means for recovering the heat of a room space and for ventilation, consisting of at least two heat accumulators, to which the outgoing air delivers its heat and from which the incoming air takes up heat, and each of which has one end connected to the room space outflow duct and inflow duct, in which ducts the direction of flow is always the same under control by a flap. The opposite ends of the heat accumulators have been connected to the fresh air intake duct and to the outgoing exit duct, in which ducts the direction of flow is always the same under control by another flap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a hole in the inner wall of a double wall heat exchanger in which cover means is positioned in biased relationship to the hole and a frame positioned in the opening through which the cover means is inserted against the hole.

Abstract: A shell and tube heat exchanger includes a central pipe situated in the shell and provided with a number of individually adjustable baffles. An entire bundle of tubes is built around the central pipe. The baffles are movable with respect to the central pipe by means of a pull-push rod positioned in the central pipe.

Abstract: A method of recovering heavy oil from a subterranean, permeable, heavy oil-bearing reservoir in which an oxygen-containing gas is injected into the lower portion of the reservoir to establish an in-situ combustion reaction therein and to form a combustion front near the injection well. Injection of the oxygen-containing gas is continued to advance the combustion front that heats the oil and generates gas to displace the oil through the reservoir toward a producing well. Water is injected into the upper portion of the reservoir during combustion to prevent gases from migrating into the upper portion of the reservoir, scavenge heat from the burned out portion of the reservoir, and displace oil from the reservoir, particularly the lower region, toward a production well. The areal sweep efficiency of the injected water may be improved by the addition of thickening agents and water-soluble polymers.

Abstract: A surfactant system useful for oil recovery comprising salt water, a surfactant, such as a petroleum sulfonate, and urea. Optionally, a C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 alcohol is additionally present as a cosurfactant.

Abstract: A process of recovering oil from a subterranean reservoir in which the oil is acidic but forms monovalent cation soaps of only relatively low interfacial activity when reacted with aqueous alkaline solutions, comprises displacing the oil toward a production location with a mixture of gas and cosurfactant-containing aqueous alkaline solution.

Abstract: Well completion system providing for an enhanced bond between a well casing and the surrounding cement sheath. The system comprises a string of casing disposed within a well extending to a subterranean location in the earth. A wrapping of a metal wire is disposed about the outer surface of the casing in a conformation providing a plurality of helical turns which crisscross on another. A cement sheath in the annulus about the casing encompasses the metal wire to provide an enhanced bond between the cement and the outer surface of the casing. The wire may be provided with a plurality of protrusion elements which extend into the cement sheath to further increase the casing cement bond.

Abstract: A dynamic seal for use between reciprocal concentric tubular members is disclosed herein and is especially adaptable for use in providing a dynamic seal between a movable piston and a sleeve in a downhole oil or gas well tool, such as a safety valve, a hydraulically actuated packer or a sliding sleeve. Each dynamic seal assembly comprises an elastomeric T-seal with cylindrical backup members positioned on either side of the central tip section of the seal member. The elastomeric T-seal is received within a central annular groove and a seal receptacle and the backup members are positioned within recessed ledges on opposite sides of the central groove. The backup members provide extrusion resistance for the tip section of the dynamic T-seal and overlap the T-seal to hold the seal in place.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool is shown of the type used to set a downhole device in a well bore. The setting tool includes an elongated tubular body adapted to be supported from a wireline within the well bore. The body has an outer sleeve portion and an inner piston portion slidably received within the sleeve portion. The inner piston portion and the outer sleeve portion are engagable with a device to be set whereby opposite relative movement of the piston portion and the sleeve portion acts to set the device. An electric motor is carried within the tubular body and is connected through the wireline with a source of electric power at the well surface. A hydraulic pump is carried within the tubular body having a fluid intake and a fluid output and is coupled to the electric motor to be driven thereby.

Abstract: To form a furrow for row guidance systems, a shank is mounted on a frame forwardly of a wheel which includes a V-shaped tire. The shank opens the ground and the tire crushes clods and packs the sides of the furrow. Depth bands on each side of the tire shape the edges of the furrow and prevent loose dirt from rolling back into the furrow. When utilized to reform a furrow, the frame is pivotally connected to the implement for rocking about an upright axis to allow the wheel to trail and average out guidance system corrections and driver steering corrections so that the reformed furrow will be more accurate for the next operation.

Abstract: This improved powder-actuated fastener driving tool includes a fastener-driving piston which is slidably housed in a reciprocating barrel. The barrel is contained in a housing member. The tool includes a movable firing pin slidably disposed in a movable breech member. A firing pin pawl is retained in a slot in the breech member to hold the firing pin in a cocked position. The firing pin is held in place in the breech member by a removable C ring disposed in a groove in the firing pin spring guide. Auxiliary gas-venting passages are disposed in the housing tool barrel adjacent a piston pawl return slot formed in the barrel. The tool includes a tapered muzzle bushing which reduces the possibility of air-firing the tool. The inner or breech end of the muzzle bushing is spaced from the muzzle end of the barrel to minimize the possibility of deformation of the muzzle bushing due to piston overdrive.

Abstract: To permit operation of the power tool only if both hands of an operator are engaged, the tool is formed with a handle portion which has a sensing surface thereon, electrically coupled to a current flow sensing circuit, preferably including an opto-coupler or a field-effect transistor (FET) circuit which permits firing of a triac, thyristor, or the like only if current flows over the sensing surface by area contact therewith. The sensing surface is energized, preferably, from a resistive or capacitative voltage divider; the capacitative voltage divider has the advantage that the triac firing circuit can cause the triac to fire during null or zero crossings of ac supplied power. If a locking-type switch is used, two handles or touch-areas are needed; if a spring-loaded switch is provided, it can function as one safety element, and a touch-area sensing surface as the other.

Abstract: First and second members are disposed in spaced relationship to each other. The members may be electrically conductive. The first member may be provided with a particular coefficient of thermal expansion which is higher than the coefficient of the second member. A plurality of layers of insulating material are disposed between the first and second members and are hermetically sealed to one another and to the first and second members. Each of the layers of insulating material has a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the particular coefficient. The progressive layers of insulating material from the first member have coefficients of thermal expansion of decreased value. This causes the layers of insulating material to have coefficients of thermal expansion which approach the coefficient of the second member with progressive distances toward the second member.

Abstract: The technique for replacing an existing underground cable and a specific apparatus for doing so are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a main body or cable follower which is interconnected with the cable to be replaced for slidable movement along the latter. At the same time, the apparatus provides means for reaming around the cable, preferrably by means of one or more fluid jets. Once the soil surrounding the cable has been loosened using this apparatus, the cable can be easily pulled out of the ground. At the same time, the replacement cable can be attached to the existing cable and pulled into its place.

Abstract: An improved drill collar for forming relatively straight holes in crooked hole type formations. One or more hydraulic drill collars are connected in series relationship within a drill string above a rotary bit at the point of tangency. Each drill collar includes at least one outwardly opening, longitudinally extending slot formed on the exterior thereof. The slot includes a back wall connected to confronting sidewalls and opposed end walls. One lower end of a slot commences in spaced relationship to the lower pin end of the collar. As the drill string is rotated, drilling fluid forms a cushion between the slot and the nearest sidewall of the borehole, thereby kicking or forcing the drill collar away from the borehole sidewall, which in turn forces the drill bit to penetrate in a downwardly direction back towards a vertical position. The borehole meanders a very small amount, as for example 3-4 degrees, rather than uncontrollably leaving the vertical and forming an excessively crooked hole.

Abstract: A turbodrill of the type having an annular floating piston between a tubular housing and a bit drive shaft for bounding the top of a lubricant chamber and the bottom of a drilling fluid chamber. The lubricant chamber contains oil for lubricating a bearing supporting the drive shaft in the adjacency of its bottom end. The drilling fluid chamber receives a fraction of drilling fluid (i.e. mud) from a turbine located higher in the housing. For making the mud pressure in the drilling fluid chamber approximately equal to the mud pressure in the drill hole (annulus) around the turbodrill, a seal is provided which restricts the influx of the mud from turbine to drilling fluid chamber. Further a passageway is formed through the housing for placing the drilling fluid chamber in constant fluid communication with the annulus.

Abstract: An "L" shaped mud pit longitudinally and horizontally hinges at an upper edge of a wall panel thereof to a portion of a vehicle frame, or an extension thereof, such that when lowered it is in ground-supported, horizontal position convenient with respect to the hole to be drilled and when raised it is in a storage-transport vertical position in which it is in line with the adjacent side of the vehicle, and its rearward portion is above the vehicle rear tire. A centrally located divider wall panel enables liquid to travel from the rear of the mud pit forward and then back again to the rear thereof where a removable extension to the mud pump intake pipe is located. Screens, adjustable leveling pads, and drain and cleanout plugs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well clean out tool comprising an elongated body having first and second ends and being adapted to be received within a well borehole. The elongated body is comprised of a plurality of subs including a first sub at a lower portion of the body having a one way valve for permitting only upward flow of fluid. A second sub is arranged above the first sub for receiving and retaining fluid and debris passing through the first sub while a third sub is arranged above the second sub. The third sub includes a second valve for permitting flow only upwardly through the third sub. A fourth or pumping sub is arranged above the third sub with the fourth sub including an outlet for returning fluid to the borehole. The pump sub includes an elongated hollow piston reciprocatingly driven within a casing of the fourth sub.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic counting scale provided with means for calculating a maximum addable number of items to be added to an already counted known number of items with an error being eliminated from the counted number of a total items including the added items, said means calculating the maximum addable number on the basis of the standard variation of an average weight estimated from the samples taken from the entire population of the items to be counted.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine which is connected to a torque responsive continuously variable transmission which in turn is connected to a simple automotive type differential. One output of the differential is connected to the right wheels and the other to the left wheels. The distance between the front to rear wheels, which are non-steerable, is smaller than the distance between right and left wheels to mimimize the vehicle's resistance to skid steering. Split brake system to allow steering right by braking the right wheels and steering left by braking the left wheels.

Abstract: A single cylinder, tilt-cab tractor including a chassis, a cab pivotably mounted about an axis near the front of the chassis, a suspension assembly mounted at each of the forward corners of the cab and a single hydraulic cab tilting cylinder wherein the improvement comprises an auxiliary cylinder mounted between the cab and chassis opposite to the single cab tilting cylinder and hydraulic means to extend the auxiliary cylinder upon pressurization of the cab tilting cylinder to extend the suspension assembly opposite to the single hydraulic cab tilting cylinder prior to tilting of the cab.

Abstract: A four wheel drive system has two overrunning clutch drive assemblies drivably connected to each of the front axle shafts. The rear axle shafts are driven from a standard or limited slip differential. The front axle shafts in a forward drive condition with no slippage are driven at a slower speed than the speed of the rear axle shafts. Therefore, under normal conditions, power is transmitted to the rear wheels of the vehicle and the one way clutch is overdriven by the front axle shafts. The speed at which the front axle shafts are driven is in the range three to four percent less than the speed at which the rear wheel axle shafts are driven. The one-way clutch assembly permits differential drive to the front axle shafts in a turn or when slippage occurs. The front axle shafts transmit drive only when the speed difference between the front and rear axles is overcome.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly wherein the wheel is driven through a universal joint is arranged with the outer joint member of the universal joint in positive driving engagement with the inner bearing ring of the wheel bearing which is connected to drive the wheel hub.

Abstract: An acoustic assembly adapted to receive a loudspeaker comprising an enclosed housing having an area defining a loudspeaker port and an area defining at least one sound port, the loudspeaker port being adapted to mount the loudspeaker substantially outside of the housing in a sealed relationship to the front of the housing, the loudspeaker directing sound into the housing, and, each of the sound ports having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the loudspeaker port so that the pressure of the sound energy emitted at the loudspeaker becomes increased when emitted through at least one of the sound ports.

Abstract: The apparatus is enclosed in thermally and acoustically insulating panels supported by a framework. Each panel has a peripheral gasket which seals against adjacent surfaces of the framework to provide improved thermal and acoustic insulation.

Abstract: A self-contained safety device for self-lowering a person comprises an elongated high-strength safety webbing to support a person and a reel for releasably housing said webbing. The device comprises a generally figure 8 shaped member having two aligned apertures, a seat comprising a non-slip buckle means and two elongated seat webbings to form a big hole and one-half of waste hole. A friction knot is formed by passing the safety webbing through one aperture of the figure 8 member, said friction knot being manipulatable to extend the webbing at a controlled rate, and means at the free end of the safety webbing for anchoring the webb during lowering of the person.

Abstract: A portable folding ladder comprising a plurality of U-shaped modules having a rung and two vertical portions, the modules movable connected to each other, and when opened becoming progressively narrower as they approach the top of the ladder, when folded the narrower modules fitting inside of the next wider modules and locking means to lock the modules in a rigid manner when the ladder is extended and open.

Abstract: The invention comprises a portable, compact and lightweight mechanic's rest, consisting of a chest support platform, itself supported by front and rear leg members, upon which a user can lean or rest while working on an auto engine or other object. The chest support platform is shaped to comfortably fit the user's chest area, and the leg members can swivel and adjust in length to contact any stable structural member on or near the object being worked on.

Abstract: A brace lock on a scaffold for releasably engaging a perforated end of a brace. The lock comprises a pin means with an end attached to the scaffold and a free end. The pin means has a thickness and contour which permits the perforated end of the brace to pass over the pin means. The pin means includes an offset so that when the end of the brace is positioned near the attached end of the pin means, the end of the brace will not slide to the free end of the pin means unless the end of the brace is raised upwardly over the offset. The lock also includes a latch means releasably securing the end of the brace when the end of the brace is positioned near the attached end of the retaining pin means.

Abstract: This tree seat is designed for hunters, for ease of carrying, and effortlessly enables its user to elevate himself and the seat up a tree. Primarily, it consists of a folding frame, having a platform and a folding hammock seat. It also includes a safety belt, a tree belt, gun and bow supports, and a block and tackle for its elevation and descent.

Abstract: A winch for use in safely lowering a person from an elevated position comprising a cylindrical casing, a rotatable shaft mounted on a pair of bearings located in the casing, a spool affixed to the shaft, a cam plate affixed to the shaft, a brake disc affixed to the shaft, a first gear affixed to the shaft, an air pump having a piston rod activated by the cam plate, a disc brake assembly activated by the air pump, a cable wound upon the spool, a centrifugally operated clutch mounted on the casing including a second gear meshed with the first gear, and means including a crank attached to one end of the shaft for rewinding the cable onto the spool.

Abstract: An improved fork lift truck of the type having a telescopic mast assembly whereby proper tension is maintained on a section of hydraulic lines extending from a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to a carrier member of the mast assembly to which various hydraulic units can be attached. The improvement includes sheave structure for guidingly receiving the section of the hydraulic lines and mounting structure for mounting the sheave structure to the mast assembly in such a manner that the section of hydraulic lines is substantially maintained within the confines of the mast assembly regardless of the position of the mast assembly.

Abstract: In this drive control the regulating circuits for the rotational speed of a drive motor and of an eddy current brake are matched in their static and in their dynamic behavior so that a common regulator may be used for both regulating circuits. The matching is achieved by interposing a current regulation circuit for regulating the excitation current of the eddy current brake to the rotational speed regulating circuit. The output of the common regulator is supplied via a linearization member as a reference value to a regulator in the current regulation circuit during the deceleration phase. During the acceleration phase the output of the common regulator is supplied to a matching element matching the variation of the torque to the variation of the torque during the deceleration phase with respect to time. The output of the matching element is connected to the control member of the drive motor via a linearization member. By means of the linearization members the characteristics of a d.c.

Abstract: Described is a control system for an elevator wherein the distance between the current car position and the target position of a floor at which the car is to be halted is detected on the basis of a car position signal computed from car displacements and a preliminarily stored floor position signal for controlling the car speed. According to the present invention, the contents of a read-only floor memory concerning the respective floor positions stated in the building plan or schedule are transferred at the outset into a transient read/write floor memory. In the course of the subsequent elevator car travel, the data in said transient floor memory is corrected through the learning of the contents of the car position signal computed during car displacements. In this manner, the car may be controlled to arrive at a target floor accurately despite occasional difference between the actual floor position and the design floor positions.

Abstract: An emergency braking device for a chain saw having a clutch drum drivingly connected to the engine crank shaft through a centrifugal clutch. The emergency braking device includes a braking band wound around the clutch drum and connected at its one end to a stationary part of the chain saw. The other end of the braking band is connected to an actuator having a lever member. The emergency braking device further includes a hit switch member adapted to be rotated when hit by an inertia action of an inertia member disposed in the vicinity of a front handle so as to surround the lever member. As a kick-back takes place in the chain saw, the inertia member hits the hit switch member which in turn drives the lever member to actuate the actuator thereby to tighten the braking belt to quickly brake the clutch drum.

Abstract: An automatic brake resetting device for railway vehicle brakes has two telescopingly displaceable rod members which transmit a braking force. A rotatable coupling element having a threaded shaft with a non-self-locking thread is connected to one of the rod members and a rotary coupling connects the coupling element with the other rod member. The rotary coupling is actuated by axial displacement of the rotatable coupling element with respect to the other rod member and is urged by a spring into the engaged position between the rotatable coupling element and the other rod member. A lever transmits force between a control stop device slideably supported on a guide member and the rotatable coupling element and has such a transmission ratio so as to amplify the force transmitted from a spring of the control stop device to the coupling element.

Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter which comprises a pump wheel having an engine output shaft coupled thereto, and a turbine wheel having a turbine output shaft connected thereto, wherein the turbine wheel is coupled to the pump wheel through a fluid coupling for the transmission of power therebetween. A one-way clutch and an on-off clutch are connected in series, the serially connected clutches being connected between the pump wheel and the turbine wheel. When the on-off clutch is engaged and the one-way clutch is engaged, the turbine wheel is mechanically coupled to the pump wheel for the transmission of power thereto.

Abstract: A parking lock mechanism for a vehicle having a fluid operated clutch or electromagnetic clutch. A select lever is rotatably and axially slidably mounted on a shaft and a link mechanism is provided for transmitting the operation of a shift lever to the select lever for rotating and sliding it. In a transmission of the vehicle, a parking shifter rail provided for parking operation is connected to the select lever by a fork. An interlocking plate is provided to be moved together with the select lever to be engaged with the fork at a parking position of the select lever. A parking pawl is provided to be operatively engaged with the parking shifter rail, and a parking gear is provided in the transmission so as to be engaged with the parking pawl. When the shift lever is shifted to the parking position, the parking pawl is rotated by the movement of the parking shifter rail and engaged with the parking gear, and the interlocking plate engages with the fork for locking the parking shifter rail.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor including an integral parking brake section (15). The motor is of the type including a gerotor displacement mechanism (17) including an orbiting and rotating star (27) and a main drive shaft (41) which engages in orbital movement. The parking brake includes a lock shaft (77) having a cutaway portion (125) which permits normal orbital movement of the main drive shaft (41) in the unlocked condition. When it is desired to lock the motor and prevent rotation of the output shaft (31), the lock shaft (77) is rotated by a control shaft (101) to a locked condition in which a lock surface (123) is disposed within the orbit circle (C) of the drive shaft (41) to prevent orbital movement thereof.

Abstract: A bearing unit comprises a first shaft carrying the bearing proper, a second shaft extending coaxially at least partly within the first shaft and cooperating with the load, and a shaft coupling device which engage the two shafts with each other in both the axial and the radial direction. The device can be disengaged if the second shaft is exposed to an undesirable load, such as impacts or vibrations, in order to protect the bearing proper.

Abstract: A bypass drive line (27) for a torque converter type automatic transmission (11) in which the bypass drive line includes a viscous coupling (30). The viscous coupling is of a sandwich construction including an annular body member (32) formed of aluminum, an annular cover member (34) of steel secured at its outer periphery (34a) to the outer peripheral portion (32a) of the body member and radially inwardly thereof spaced axially from the body member to define a viscous fluid chamber therebetween, and an annular clutch member (36a) disposed in the chamber and having a central hub portion (36e) adapted to be drivingly connected to the output shaft (16) of the torque converter. Confronting portions (32e, 32f) and (36c, 36d) of the body and clutch members define closely spaced working area for viscously transmitting force from the body member to the clutch member.

Abstract: An armature of an electromagnetic clutch is connected by a mounting plate to a toothed driven hub of the clutch through the intermediary of an annular elastomeric spider. When the parts are assembled, the spider is precompressed around its entire periphery and all parts of the spider remain in compression when torque is transmitted through the spider.