Abstract: A length measuring system of the type having a division on a scale which is scanned by a scanning unit in order to measure the relative position of a slide with respect to a bed of a machine is disclosed. In order to correct division errors and/or machine errors between a follower fastened to the slide and the scanning unit, there is arranged an electromechanical adjusting element between the follower and the slide. In a first preferred embodiment, this adjusting element takes the form of a piezoelectric element, which, in accordance with electric correction signals applied thereto, varies in length and thereby corrects the relative position of the scanning unit and the follower in accordance with the desired error correction course. Alternate embodiments employ magnetostrictive cores and electromagnetic coil arrangements to accomplish the desired error correction.

Abstract: A measuring system for measuring the relative position of two objects, which includes a transducer for converting a mechanical input into an analog electrical signal, is provided with a trigger stage and a reference signal stage. An analog electrical signal generated by the transducer is applied to one input of the trigger stage and to the input of the reference signal stage. The reference signal stage operates to generate a reference signal which is dependent upon the analog signal and is applied to the second input of the trigger stage. The trigger stage generates a trigger signal at its output in response to a change in the analog signal resulting from a change in the mechanical input magnitude.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a wall marker for marking a desired location on a wall for a support arranged to mount an object. The wall marker generally comprises a suction cup means, a marking means mounted upon the suction cup means and arranged to extend within the confines of a central concave portion of the suction cup means and means associated with the suction cup means and the marking means to retain the marking means in a normally spaced relation from the wall upon which the suction cup means is adhered to. In accordance, an important feature of the invention, the marking means is selectively axially displaceable relative to the suction cup means whereby the marking means may be selectively displaced into contact with the wall to create a visible mark on the wall.

Abstract: An instrument for telling time at night includes a base that has a central aperture for sighting on Polaris and an annular hour scale inscribed on the base with the axis of the aperture as the center of the annulus, a calendar scale rotatable on the base about said axis and having indicia adapted to be aligned with the indicia on the hour scale, and a pointer rotatable about said axis and arranged to be removably secured to the calendar scale with its indicating edge in alignment with a selected mark on the calendar scale.

Abstract: A heading indicator is disclosed which utilizes a one-degree-of-freedom platform stabilized by a two-degree-of-freedom dry flexure gyro. The output of one of the sensitive axis is coupled through an amplifier to the corresponding torquer in the gyro and selectively through another amplifier to the opposite torquer. The other sensitive axis output is coupled through an amplifier to the platform. The indicator initializes to true north and is then switched to a directional gyro mode.

Abstract: A navigational aid device of the type comprising a disc supporting a map, especially a chart, a protractor being movable over said map, a first carrier movable in the longitudinal direction of said disc, and a second carrier which is movable on said first carrier and in the transversal direction of said disc and upon which said protractor is rotatably journalled. Said first carrier consists of at least one ruler extending across said disc and situated upon said map and sliding means situated between said map and said disc and connected to said at least one ruler, said sliding means being provided with at least one guide member movable along track means provided on and extending longitudinally of said disc.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting fluid from rotary air filters including novel support means upon which an individual filter is mounted and means for imparting rotation thereto for effecting centrifugal extraction. The support means includes a base member, which receives the rotational motive power, and a lower support member resiliently biased in spaced relation to the base member in a manner minimizing the possibility of damage due to vibration or unbalance. Upper support means include a pair of annular rings, one of which is vertically adjustable with respect to the other, which encircle the mounted filter. Annular discs having central openings matched to the outside diameter of the mounted filter may be removably mounted upon the vertically adjustable support ring.

Abstract: The invention is a boot with a foot portion and a leg portion of flexible repellant material, said leg portion comprising an elongate V-shaped gusset in the flexible leg portion with its upper edge at the upper edge of the flexible leg portion, an elongated flap coextensive with one side of the gusset, a first elongated strip of adhesive material on the inner side of said flap, a second elongated strip of adhesive material at the other side of said gusset and coextensive therewith, said first and said second elongated strips of adhesive material being adapted to unite one to the other when pressed into contact with each other, said elongated strips of adhesive material having a width whereby they can be adhered together with variable overlap to fold said gusset varying amounts to vary the closed circumference of said leg portion to achieve a snug fit around the leg of a user in use and exclude snow and moisture.

Abstract: A backhoe is provided with a retractable scraper and scarifier. The backhoe excavator bucket includes a stationary first mounting plate and a second plate pivotally mounted thereon for rotational movement with respect thereto and which carries a scarifier assembly. The scarifier assembly is movable in a plane parallel to the second plate. The second plate is provided with a lower rearwardly curved cutting edge or scraper portion containing slots through which the scarifier teeth may be extended or retracted. Rotational movement of the second plate with respect to the first and movement of the scarifier assembly with respect to the second plate is accomplished by hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders controlled by the operator of the prime mover.

Abstract: A wheeled snow plow is provided and consists of a tubular frame having a laterally spaced pair of side portions, a rear portion and a V-shaped front portion to form a generally rectangular configuration, three wheel assemblies, one wheel assembly mounted to bottom center of the V-shaped front portion and each of the other two wheel assemblies mounted to bottom center of a respective side portion of the frame, a U-shaped handle connected pivotally to top center of the side portions of the frame so that the U-shaped handle will sit at a vertical angle with respect to the frame when in use, a V-shaped plow blade connected pivotally to the side portions of the frame so that the V-shaped plow blade will face frontwardly and be horizontal to the frame and a device for height adjusting the V-shaped plow blade with respect to the frame allowing for passage over rough and uneven terrain.

Abstract: A keyboard label display replacement system formed of paper strips which are placed on conventional keys arranged in a row and column matrix. Plastic caps cover the keys, and the strips of pre-folded paper are laid on top of the columns of keys to conform to the location and shape of the keys allowing replacement of the key labels to be easily achieved.

Abstract: An article identification tag has a tag body portion and a tag tie extending integrally from the tag body part. The tag tie has, at its end, a latch projection for retention in a latch opening formed in the tag body part, adjacent an identifier expanse on the tag body part. Configuration of the tag interfitting components is such that essentially no grippable surface is presented in the vicinity of the latched components upon looping of the tie through an article and securement of the tag components.

Abstract: A plastic poster frame and display holder for replaceable posters, pictures and similar advertising or decorative material has extruded frame forming sections comprising hingedly connected front and back parts. A relatively resilient elongated plastic portion is integrally formed as part of the frame section and provides a biased clamping force for holding a poster of similar display between the hinged parts.

Abstract: A plastic poster frame and display holder for replaceable posters, pictures and similar advertising or decorative material has extruded frame forming sections comprising hingedly connected front and back parts. A relatively resilient elongated plastic portion is integrally formed as part of the frame section and provides a biased clamping force for holding a poster of similar display between the hinged parts.

Abstract: An identification device wherein a flexible elongated strap is adapted for disposition into encircling relation about an extremity of an animal, such as, the legs or neck, comprising at least opposite ends of the strap composed of a heat-fusible, inelastic material. Opposite ends of the strap are temporarily secured as a preliminary to permanent fastening, and temporary securing means in the form of complementary fastening members at opposite ends of the strap operate to secure opposite ends in overlapping relation to one another. A partially embedded heating element in one end of the strap projects in contacting relation with the other end and has a melting point above that of the material of the opposite ends so that when current is applied thereto sufficient to melt the strap, it will simultaneously fuse opposite ends of the strap together.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a clip for mounting display panels upon display frames, particularly portable display frames of the self-locking type, the mounting clip including a clip body having a plurality of arms, a sleeve on each arm, each sleeve carrying a hook-like projection for entering an opening of an associated display panel and a spring connected to the sleeves for drawing the sleeves toward a center of the clip body whereby the projections exert a tensioning force upon an associated display panel holding the same in position thereupon and in accurate registration with adjacent associated display panels.

Abstract: In the manufacture of large signs, flexible sign facing material is fastened in stretched condition to a frame which is collapsed for shipping and erected at the job site to eliminate slack and restore its full length. Slide locking members are utilized.

Abstract: A diagonally split sleeve affords a pair of wedges at least one of which is laterally displaced when the wedges are urged together. By locating the wedges in the firing chamber of a gun, the gun is rendered useless; and by positioning the wedges adjacent the tapered throat of the firing chamber, the lateral displacement, or expansion, can be taken advantage of to prevent unauthorized removal of the device. A cylinder lock and special cams attached to a tube and coaxial actuating rod extending through the gun barrel from the muzzle to the firing chamber serve to position and actuate the wedges only in response to operation of the lock key.

Abstract: A pocket pistol having a sear (13) provided with a downwardly extending protrusion (18), one side of which is engageable by a lug (19) carried at the end of a trigger rod (10), and the other side of which is engageable by a first safety member (24), the latter movable into and out of position to prohibit or permit the movement of sear (13). The sear (13) also includes a lateral finger (16) engageable with either a smaller cut-out portion (28) or a larger cut-out portion (29) on a pivoted second safety member (27), the latter being continuously urged towards a cartridge magazine housing (2) for permitting or prohibiting movement of the sear (13) when a cartridge magazine is, respectively, present or absent from the magazine housing.

Abstract: A buttstock (32) for a rifle with a lower receiver extension (20) has a shell (36) of high impact plastic and a molded foam core (52) which defines a stowage compartment (62). The shell includes a longitudinally extending web (48) of semi-circular cross-section which together with the inner periphery of the upper portion shell defines a cylindrical volume (50) for receiving the receiver extension. The web serves to more evenly distribute impact loads to the lower receiver (12) of the rifle when the rifle is impacted through the buttstock, generally strengthens the buttstock and facilitates the flow of core material during the molding process.

Abstract: An animal and insect exterminator for burrowing-type animals and insects. The exterminator includes an elongated tubular member which is adapted to be inserted within an underground burrow or nest. A shatterable tip member is replaceably mounted on one end of the tubular member and includes an explosive charge, such as jellied methanol or black powder. A detonator is carried by the tubular member for detonating the explosive charge so as to shatter the tip member and propel fragments of the tip member throughout the underground burrow or nest. The detonator includes a primer which is mounted within the tip member in proximity with the explosive charge and a trigger which forceably engages the primer to detonate the primer.

Abstract: Nutrients for supporting fungi growth, and particularly mushroom growth, are provided by a liquid nutrient comprising the product of a thermophilic digestion process. The liquid nutrient is contacted with and absorbed in a support medium to form a growing bed. The liquid nutrient is inoculated with spawn of the particular fungi to be grown. The inoculated product is then maintained under temperature and humidity conditions that promote mycelia growth. Once mycelia appear, the growing bed can be cased to promote the growth of fruiting bodies. The growing bed can be replaced on a batch basis. Alternatively, the bed can be irrigated on an intermittent or continuous basis to replenish the nutrient supply.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting maple sap that includes a molded tap having a housing containing an enclosed chamber, a spout having an inlet hole passing into the chamber and a line connector depending downwardly having an outlet hole that also communicates with the chamber. A plug having an elongated tapered stopper for closing the inlet hole is secured by a lanyard to the housing. A bracket is disposed outwardly from the top of the housing that has a hole passing therethrough for receiving the stopper of the plug therein in friction locking engagement so that the plug can be safely and securely stored when it is removed from the inlet hole.

Abstract: An elongated housing member rectangular in cross section has aligned forward and rear openings formed through opposite ends. The housing has two opposite sides adapted to be connected to a side frame member of a gate with a hollow cross member having an open end located in the rear opening. A bolt located in the housing has a forward end extending through the forward opening and a rear end extending through the rear opening and into the open end of the cross member. A plate connected to the forward end of the housing has a first aperture formed therethrough defining said forward opening and an edge extending beyond a third side of the housing. A slot formed through the third side of the housing has an elongated portion extending along the length of the housing and a short transverse portion extending from the elongated portion next to the plate. A handle connected to the bolt extends through the slot.

Abstract: A device for indicating the failure of one of the cables in a redundant cable system for assisting the movement of a closure which includes means for so connecting each of the cables to a counterweight suspended therefrom that the counterweight is maintained at a first distance from the closure when both cables are intact and the counterweight so moves to a second distance from the closure when one of the two cables fails that the counterweight can move into a position for inhibiting the raising of the closure, thereby indicating the failure of one of the cables. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The connecting means is a pivoting member having two arms, each being adapted for sliding attachment to one of the cables.

Abstract: An automated polisher for cylindrical surfaces. A cylindrical workpiece is rotated about its longitudinal axis. A pad is urged against the inside of the workpiece as it is turned. The pad is quickly moved in a small circle or ellipse or in a short reciprocating motion. The pad is also moved longitudinally along the length of the workpiece so the center of quick pad movement traces a helix on the inner surface of the workpiece. The speed of movement of the center of quick pad movement is controlled as a function of the position of the pad relative to the workpiece so that a controlled polishing occurs.

Abstract: A lens working apparatus permitting the formation of a circumferential rib on the edge of a lens for exact fit in a lens rim with interengagement of the circumferential rib and a V-shaped groove on the inner edge of the lens rim. Smooth formation of the rib is achieved by controlling axial positioning of the lens blank relative a grindstone in accordance with a defined contact angle formed between a lens model and a lens model partner piece. The lens model is fixedly rotated with the lens blank, and the changing contact angle is continuously monitored to control axial alignment of the lens blank.

Abstract: A rolling gear apparatus for an involute tooth gear cutting machine that rests on an engine bed of the machine. A primary carriage is longitudinally movable in both directions on the engine bed and carries at its top a secondary carriage that is guided in longitudinal movement in both directions. A crank element is connected to the secondary carriage and is glidingly movable in a guideway that is angularly adjustable relative to the engine bed. A roll-circle member is carried by the primary carriage and is connected to the secondary carriage through a band drive. The movement path II of the secondary carriage is at an oblique angle to the movement path I of the primary carriage to provide improved selectivity in adjusting the base-circle diameter of a toothed-wheel gear blank connected to the roll-circle member.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the working force and relative disposition of the work-contacting surface of a driven endless abrasive belt while in contact with the surface of a workpiece held in a working station. The controlling apparatus includes a rigid belt back-up pad which is normally biased in a direction toward the working station, and linear cams are provided which include inclined relatively movable ramps for movably positioning the belt back-up pad into predetermined spaced relationship to the working station. Also, because of the relatively high forces involved, guides are provided for controlling the movement of the belt back-up pad along axes which are normal to the axis of the working station.

Abstract: A knife is supported on a movable saddle support member and the knife blade maintained at a set predetermined angle with respect to a sharpening stone during the sharpening process.

Abstract: A knife sharpener clamp including first and second mirror image counterpart clamp members each having an integral guide member of the same width as the clamp member, a plurality of apertures in each guide member for receiving a guide rod of a sharpener stone holder which carries a sharpening stone, and post receiving bores in the clamp members for selectively receiving the end of a post having concave recesses therein for accommodating the fingers of a person.

Abstract: The workholder includes a carrier to which a flat perforated template is removably secured. An insert is removably mounted in each hole and removably supports a silicon wafer to facilitate polishing the wafer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for equalizing the effective radii of multiple cutting elements on a power-driven spindle of a machine tool. A fixture carrying an abrasive stone is placed upon a pre-existing workpiece supporting or guiding surface in the machine tool, slidably shifted on that surface to bring the stone to juxtaposed alignment with the cutter edges, and then magnetically locked to that surface. Positionable means in the fixture are then used to infeed the stone so that the cutters are ground off to effectively equal radii. The methods and apparatus are equally applicable to straight or profiled cutters, and one portable fixture may be employed to condition the cutters of several spindles in a given machine as well as spindles of different machines.

Abstract: Blade tips of a turbine rotor assembly are ground to precision dimensions of .+-.0.025 mm (.+-.0.001 inch) when the assembly is rotated at high speed during grinding. The speed should be sufficient to produce on the blades a radial acceleration of at least 700 times the force of gravity (6,900 m/s.sup.2). For compressor rotors the direction of rotation should be such that the blades move toward their concave side, and the speed should be sufficient to produce an axial flow. High resultant tip velocities are compensated for when dry grinding titanium alloys by moving the grinding media in the same direction as the tangential velocity at the point of contact. Burrs are eliminated by feeding at a very slow rate, of the order of 0.0004 mm/s when the final dimension is approached.

Abstract: An improved drive chain for a machine tool such as honing device comprising a machine tool with at least one radially movable work engaging assembly thereon, a power train operatively connected to the honing device to rotate same, and a feed motor positioned in the power chain and rotatable therewith, the feed motor being operatively connected to a power source and to the machine tool whereby energization of the feed motor changes the radial positions of the work engaging assemblies on the honing device. The invention also resides in the rotatable power chain with a motor mounted therein, novel electric contacts for introducing energy to the rotating motor and a novel control circuit for supplying power from the power source to the feed motor.

Abstract: A modular proscenium theatre (20) is disclosed. Theatre (20) includes transverse truss beams (24) connected together by flat truss sections (26) supported on columns (22). Cantilevered members (28) support lights (30). A cross-over curtain (36) is hung from a traveler track (150). Side masking curtains (38) are adjustable longitudinally and rotatably. Other masking curtains and a cyclorama screen (40) may be provided. The framework, the lights and curtains are assembled near floor level and elevated with hoist motors (78) using pulleys (50) and cables (94). The entire theatre (20) may be assembled and disassembled with two people.

Abstract: Door, window, and partition casing arrangements for dry wall partitioning in which a basic casing member is provided to line and mask the opening made in the dry wall partitioning for the purpose of providing door and window or the like installations in the wall structure provided by the partition, with the casing member having a basic generic arrangement in the form of an elongated plate having a longitudinally extending web portion which lines and masks a portion of the partition opening itself, which plate includes a snap fit trim receiving channel portion, that is disposed along the margin of the adjacent wall surfacing defined by the partitioning about the opening provided. The casing arrangement cooperates with a T grid type supported ceiling wherein the casing upper portion interlocks with the horizontal flanges of the T bar.

Abstract: Apparatus for flashing rooves, particularly inclined rooves, around vent pipes or the like using a relatively thin sheet of material to surround the pipe (10) and form part of the roof. The apparatus comprises an inner sleeve member (12) adapted to fit over the pipe (10) and pass through a hole in said sheet which accommodates the pipe. The sleeve (17) has an inclined flange (13) which bears on the underside of said sheet (11). A further similar sleeve (16) is adapted to fit over the inner sleeve (12). The outer sleeve (16) has a flange (17) which bears on the upper surface of the sheet (11) and a locking cap (18) threadably engages the upper end of said inner sleeve (12) in a manner forcing the outer sleeve (16) downwardly such that the two flanges (13, 17) clamp the sheet therebetween.

Abstract: A modular home section or module whose floor system consists of trusses deep enough to extend below the frost line, having all portions that come in contact with the earth or lie within six (6) inches of the earth, resistant to decay or corrosion. Said module is box-like, consisting of the floor, the ceiling, three (3) outside walls and a marriage partition over which is attached a half roof and half gable component whose rafters are hinged to the eave wall, using bendable rafter ties as hinges and whose gables slide over the end walls when the roof is folded down for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A small reinforced cavity is made in the precast unit and opens at the surface of the unit through a restricted slot. An anchor member, having a transverse leg at its inner end, is inserted through the slot and rotated to 90.degree. in secured position, so that the transverse leg will engage the surface of the cavity. The anchor member is firmly retained in secured position within the cavity. The outer end of the anchor member is either directly attached to a building structure for anchoring the precast unit in permanent position, or is fitted with a ring for use in hoisting and/or transporting the precast unit. The anchor member can be re-used. At least one safety pin is connected to the anchor member and is adapted to engage the slot to maintain the anchor member in its 90.degree. secured rotated position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved panel fastener system for insulated slab panels of the type having one housing holding a hook assembly having a hook member and opposed hubs extending from a cam connected to the hook member; and a second housing having a pin adapted to receive the hook of the hook member. The invention provides an assembly method for mounting the hook member into the first housing including opposed resilient walls perpendicular to the front wall of the first housing forming a vertical slot adapted to receive the hook member. A pair of inclined planes lead from the rear portion of the housing to a pair of hub housing receptacles formed in the walls. The extended hubs are inserted into the slot from the rear of the housing along the inclined planes. The resilient walls are pressed back until the hubs reach the receptacles, at which time the biased walls snap back into their original configuration, capturing the hubs and the hook member in the first housing.

Abstract: A high-pressure packing device for injecting hardenable synthetic resin into cracks in concrete includes a sleeve of plastics to be wedged into a hole drilled in concrete in the region of the crack and an injection needle attached to the sleeve. The outer surface of the sleeve is formed with grooves starting from the front end face of the sleeve and extended axially of the sleeve to permit the synthetic resin injected into the base of the hole through the sleeve to rise along the grooves towards the crack in concrete to seal the crack.

Abstract: Two or more fixed doorway panels are permanently interconnected through bracket components carried by opposing vertical edges of the fixed panels which simulate door hinges. A horizontally swinging hinged door is mounted on the endmost fixed panel through hinges which further rigidify the doorway structure.

Abstract: A supporting and bracing element is disclosed for engaging an edge of a plate-like unit such as a sealed glazing unit, received by a frame. The supporting and bracing element comprises an elongated disc-shaped body having at least two longitudinally extending edge ribs. At least one loop formation extends between the edge ribs at one of their short sides and also extends perpendicular to the upper- or underside of the edge ribs beyond the thickness of the edge ribs. The loop formation is movable for being jammed between the edge portion of the sealed glazing unit and the surrounding frame bar during the mounting of the sealed glazing unit.

Abstract: A composite panel module formed of concrete and insulation block, providing the endurance, fire-protection, etc., of those materials in contrast to wood, yet avoiding disadvantages of other ceramic facing or panel materials such as brick or blocks; and the invention further provides and formation process by which such panels are formed into integral modules, for erection of a building by pre-fabrication procedures.

Abstract: A molding wherein first and second molding shafts are adapted to be attached to a building is provided to produce relatively movably a recessed reveal adjacent to outside surfaces of first and second structural bodies, at least one of the two structural bodies being either of a dry wall or of a fluent settable type having the related one of the molding shafts serve as a ground for the dry wall or fluent settable type material, the first molding shaft furthermore having in the structure thereof a corner to accommodate sub-structure of the building, thus enabling the molding, as installed, to have at least the second molding shaft thereof attached to the aforementioned sub-structure for producing the recessed reveal with the first molding shaft, while portions of the two shafts are proximately relatively movable with the shafts to allow the reveal to adjust, and while the attachments, including a portion of the corner structure of the first molding shaft and an attaching portion of the second molding shaft, are

Abstract: A structural member composed of two separate conformations, when joined together form a rectangular column with three separate compartments.

Abstract: A support member for batt or sheet insulation in which straps are placed at intervals in the void to be insulated. Prongs extend from the straps at substantially right angles. The prongs are pushed into the insulation to hold the insulation in the void.

Abstract: A plank-type building system uses longitudinal splines and transverse tie bars to provide a solid wood wall building structure having increased structural rigidity. Planks having a longitudinal groove extending along each side surface of a plank are used to form the floor, walls, and roof of a building. The planks are connected together by a separate spline that is inserted into the grooves of adjacent planks. A transverse slot is formed on a main surface of each plank to receive a tie bar that prevents relative displacement of adjacent planks. The tie bar also prevents insect and element infiltration through gaps formed between adjacent planks.

Abstract: A portable earth anchor and foundation pier is provided by a reinforced concrete casting around a steel skeleton comprising wheel axles, draw bar and earth penetrating tines. One embodiment of the invention has ground clearance from a bottom surface for wheel support in a first, transport position. The tines project from the top surface. When inverted for earth penetration by the tines, the transport wheels are positioned out of ground contact.