Abstract: A ventilator for withdrawing foul air from a lavatory pan has, within a housing (16), a duct (11) for connection between the discharge pipe (31) of the lavatory flushing assembly and the flush pipe (33) of the lavatory pan. An extractor fan (41) is provided in the housing (16) for withdrawing air from the duct (11) by way of an air passage (28) therein and expelling it through an exhaust pipe (47) to atmosphere outside the lavatory. The air passage (28) may be opened or closed by a valve (27). The fan (41) may be switched on when the valve (27) is open. When the lavatory pan is flushed, water passing through the duct (11) moves a cup (25) connected to the valve (27) so as to close the valve (27) and switch off the fan (41).

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically returning a hinged toilet seat to the lower horizontal position after use of the toilet as a urinal by a male. An operating cylinder is easily attached to the toilet by an adjustable mounting system. A piston is reciprocally disposed in the cylinder and operably linked by a pivoting lever mechanism to the pivoted toilet seat. Movement of the toilet seat to the upper position actuates a biasing spring to urge the piston to move to return the seat to the lower position. The biased piston movement is retarded by operating fluid in the cylinder to delay closing until the male user is finished.

Abstract: A toilet bowl unit has a bowl arranged to be used a toilet bowl and bounding an interior, and a water supply element located in the interior of the bowl in its front region and arranged to wash the lower parts of the user's body.

Abstract: In a washing device for parts of body including first cylinder means comprising a first cylinder and a first piston to be operated in the front end direction thereof by introducing pressurized water onto the first cylinder and a second piston to be operated in the front end direction thereof by introducing pressurized water into the second cylinder; pressurized water control means for selectively supplying pressurized water to both of the first and second cylinders, or to any one of them; and pressurized water supply means for supplying pressurized water to the pressurized water control means: the washing device further including sensor means for sensing that any one of the first and second pistons is operated over a predetermined operating position in the front end direction thereof.

Abstract: A floor support for a plastic bathtub has a top panel and integral ribs injected molded from PVC plastic. The panel has an upper contoured surface which matches the contour of the underside surface of the plastic bathtub. The depending support ribs provide for structural support and for seating legs which elevate the support above floor level. The top panel has a drain support section with an aperture therethrough to align with the aperture through the floor of the bathtub and provides a seat for the drain pipe. The floor support is solvent welded to the underside of the plastic bathtub to provide for a durable, rigid and lightweight tub.

Abstract: A shower stall threshold structure has two opposed former sections formed of light weight plastic material and adapted to have mortar poured into the space therebetween. The sections are equipped with spacer members and connection bolts to hold the sections in proper spaced relationship until the mortar hardens. Openings through the former sections expose the mortar at the outer faces of the former sections so that tile placed on the sides of the threshold can be adhered to the mortar. One or both former sections may have tile supporting ledges projecting outwardly from their outer faces. A plastic sheet underlying the shower stall may have its edges turned upwardly within the threshold and held in place between the spacer members on the sections. Lines of weakness are provided in the former sections to permit portions of the sections to be broken off to reduce the height of the threshold.

Abstract: A child safety grate for the water flushed bowl of a water closet includes a generally ovate-shaped perimeter wire spanned along its major axis by parallel spaced-apart bars. Resilient members, connected with the grate, maintain it in place within a water closet bowl above the level of water therein.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction frame for an adjustable hospital bed having relatively movable head and foot portions to adjustably position the mattress of the bed, the frame comprising of a pair of upright elongate support members for attachment to the headboard and footboard portions of the bed respectively, and a horizontal elongate support member interconnecting the upper ends of the same. The lower end of the upright member at the foot of the bed is pivotally attached to the footboard of the bed for movement about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bed, and adjustable clamping device is provided for attaching the upper end of the upright member at the foot of the bed to the end of the horizontal support member for pivotal movement of the upper end about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bed, whereby the foot of the bed may be retractably positioned and the traction frame adjusted for optimum load support at all positions of adjustment of the bed and mattress.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress has an internal horizontally extending baffle surface for reducing wave-like motion of the water in the mattress. The baffle surface is anchored within the mattress, and preferably between the top and bottom walls of the mattress. Preferably, the baffle surface is fabricated of a buoyant material and is anchored to the bottom wall of the mattress with no connection between the baffle surface and the top wall.

Abstract: A pneumatic massage mat comprises a plurality of juxtaposed air chambers which are expanded and contracted in given sequence by sequentially feeding and bleeding air under pressure into and out of the respective chambers. The air space of each said air chamber is narrowed in the width direction at a substantially central portion and opposed end portions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the chamber such that these narrow portions are filled with a smaller volume of air than the remaining portions.

Abstract: A combination tool having a central shaft which may be rotated by a power tool. The shaft has a drill bit mounted in its front end so that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the bit. The shaft is fitted in the bore of a sleeve or tube, the tube having a nut driver socket head at its front end. By advancing the tube on the shaft, complementary flats on the shaft and in the rear of the tube are mated to couple the shaft to the tube in a driving relation. The tube may be advanced to recess the drill bit within the tube to free the socket for use in a socket driving tool.

Abstract: A shoe patch device and method of preserving and repairing shoes is disclosed wherein a patch member fabricated of a thin, flexible and durable material is formed to be rapidly adhered to the sole and/or upper of the shoe. The patch member is formed in a suitable configuration and includes a plurality of V-shaped notches extending inwardly from its edges to permit the patch member to readily accommodate all shoe sizes and be positioned at differing locations upon the shoe. Due to the lightweight and flexible properties of the patch member, the function and wear characteristics of the shoe are not altered or impaired, nor is it necessary to disturb the original construction of the shoe to effectuate repair or preservation of the shoe.

Abstract: A ramp bridging device having a bridge plate, the rear end of which is pivotably mounted to a ramp about a horizontal transverse shaft, and an extension for rest and support on a platform which is to be loaded or unloaded. The extension is located at the free end of the bridge plate, is movable in the longitudinal direction of the bridge, and can be extended and retracted. Below a continuous cover plate, the bridge plate is provided with longitudinal members which are parallel to one another. The edges of the bridge plate are preferably provided with vertical side plates. Furthermore, the extension is provided with a portion which extends approximately over the width of the bridge and is adapted to rest on the platform. The extension is also provided with longitudinal members which extend parallel to one another.

Abstract: An improved device for wiping liquids from the surface by moving metal strip under tension, such as strip produced by cold rolling mills, is disclosed. The device consists of three rollers, between which the strip passes, where each roller is supported by a plurality of pairs of casters, the caster pairs being spring mounted in a pair of frames, the frames being urged together by fluid powered cylinders, so that the rollers are held against the strip surfaces under pressure, thus wiping the strip surface by preventing passage of liquid on the strip surface past the rollers.

Abstract: An entrance dust arrester is provided which vacuums the area directly under a door as the door is opened and closed, thereby preventing the tracking of debris into a clean area. A housing with downward facing vacuum apertures may be attached to the outside of the door or may be built into the door itself. A system of air directing vanes distributes the vacuum evenly. The vacuum source itself may be integral to the housing or may be external and connected by a moveable coupling. The vacuum source is turned on and off by either or magnetic reed switch or a pressure operated switch.

Abstract: A vertical workpiece cleanser and dryer which includes a pair of chain-driven pocket elevators disposed in adjacent wash and rinse towers on bases which enclose associated wash and rinse solution reservoirs. Each elevator includes a plurality of spools cantilevered from a drive chain and extending in a vertical upwardly directed reach through a solution (wash or rinse) spray zone and then through an air spray zone for removing solution from the workpiece and elevator spools. The elevator within the solution spray zone is closely encompassed by a surrounding shroud for limiting volume available for expansion of sprayed solution, and thus reducing the tendency of the sprayed solution to vaporize. Vertical orientation of the elevator and alignment of the solution and air spray zones promote downward flow of excess solution through the solution spray zone for enhanced flush-washing of the workpieces, and return of excess solution to the associated reservoir disposed therebeneath.

Abstract: A plastic liner is attached to the jamb of a vertical sliding window and has a continuous "U" channel with the channel opening facing the window opening and a block member slidingly engaged in the channel adapted to be coupled to the window sash and to one end of an elongated coil spring located in the channel which is attached at its other end to the liner. Primary frictional braking force is provided by a wing member inside the channel pushing against the block member so it rubs against a wall of the channel. The block member rides over a "T" shaped rail in the channel and carries a set screw which can be reached through the channel opening to be threaded through the block member into contact with the top surface of the rail member for manually adjusting the frictional braking force on the block member.

Abstract: The scale is of limited height and utilizes Z-shaped flexures between the load frame and support frame. The scale can be placed in a hospital bed for weighing bed-ridden patients or for monitoring weight variations in bed-ridden patients. Each flexure has a Z-shaped cross section with flanges extending to opposite ends of the element for securement to the load frame and the support frame, respectively, of the scale. The web of the flexure is connected to a torsion bar which turns with the flexures in order to produce a read-out signal via an LVDT.

Abstract: Hinge links of a hinge are mounted on a thin-walled hinge casing. An outer hinge link rests on pivot pins which are part of two axle members positioned to be mirror images of each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically and continuously producing encased food product having a uniform diameter and flat ends.

Abstract: A fish decapitator and eviscerator comprises a framework mounting a power driven conveyor belt including a series of flexibly connected open ended transverse containers, each container adapted to support a fish. An adjustable stop is spaced from the containers, and a power rotated brush is mounted upon the framework and rotatable in a plane at right angles to the belt. The bristles frictionally engage each fish thereunder during feeding of the belt laterally advancing the fish outwardly of its container successively to the stop. A power rotated knife rotates in a plane parallel to the stop for successively severing the fish heads during longitudinal movement of the belt. The fish move downwardly around the end of the belt and drop belly down into a transverse feed channel. A conveyor underlies the channel and advances the fish in a line to and between a pair of opposed horizontal coplanar flexible fish holding and feeding conveyors.

Abstract: The utensil provided by the invention comprises an elongated handle having at one end a working head comprising an end-piece in the form of a tapering beak, pointed and upwardly curved, for dislocating and separating the valves through the heel of the shell, and an element for severing the muscle formed by a blade retractable into the handle, assisted by a return spring and sliding in a plane passing between the base and the point of the end-piece. A projection, provided for bearing against the hand holding the oyster and for serving as a guard, is formed from two prongs having the same form as the profile of the end-piece.

Abstract: Draft apparatus for use with a pneumatic high speed spinning frame. At least one pair of sliver compressing member are disposed on the sliver path. One of the sliver compressing members has a circumferential recessed groove for receiving the sliver and the other sliver compressing members has a circumferential rib adapted to be fitted into the recessed groove.

Abstract: An improved bag shut-off clamp is disclosed. The clamp comprises curved resilient first and second legs connected by an integral hinge. The clamp includes means for holding the ends of the first and second legs together for engaging transversely a closable bag having a neck interposable intermediate the first and second legs at the neck thereof for closing the bag at the neck. The clamp includes means for biasly urging opposed surfaces of the first and second legs engaging the neck substantially continuously together along the length thereof. The clamp further includes means for manually engaging the legs in biased relation. The clamp further includes means for localizing pressure along the length of the neck engaged between the legs, thereby sealingly closing the bag at the neck.

Abstract: A low friction self-locking adjust tongue having a pair of depressed lands provided in the tongue plate either side of the web aperture to form a lock bar well. Cutouts provided in the tongue plate's upstanding flanges form in conjunction with said depressed lands a bi-level lock bar slot extending rearwardly and upwardly from the lock-bar well to above the plane of the tongue plate. In the unlatched position of the tongue plate, the lock bar rests in the lock bar well permitting the seat belt webbing to pass thereover with negligable friction. In the locked position, the lock bar is displaced towards the rear of the bi-level lock bar slot which raises the lock bar above the plane of the tongue plate. In this position, the friction between the lock bar and the seat belt webbing is sufficient to lock the seat belt webbing in the tongue plate after it is snuggly adjusted about the occupants pelvic region.

Abstract: A composite trim foundation panel of densified wood fibers and resin and a molded-in clip wherein the clip includes a base portion provided with outwardly flared segmented fingers which project from the inner surface thereof into the panel with the fingers and the base portion being both adhesively and mechanically bonded to the panel during densification of the panel in a mold. The clip also includes a return bent portion spaced from the base and provided with a slot for receiving the head of a fastener to mount the panel and clip to a vehicle body.

Abstract: A method of preparing a spun yarn for use in a fine gauge wrap knitting machine having the following steps: (a) spinning polyester stable fibers having a denier of less than 2 and having a staple length in a range of about 1.5 to about 2.0 inches, (b) twisting the yarn in a range of 24 to 36 twists per inch, (c) waxing and steaming the yarn, and (d) warping the yarn in an environment having a humidity in a range of 65% to 70% and having a temperature in a range of 70.degree. to 72.degree. Fahrenheit.

Abstract: Wire processing apparatus comprises first and second wire treatment stations. Wires are fed through the second station and their free ends are terminated to an electrical connector at the first station. Wire lengthening rollers are then operated to advance the wires by different lengths, so that they form loops between the wire treatment stations. During such advance of the wires, wire tensioning rollers are operated to keep the wires in tension between the tensioning rollers and the wire lengthening rollers and to pay out the wires into the loops. The wire lengthening, and the wire tensioning, rollers are then stopped and the wires are simultaneously severed at the second wire treatment station and the severed ends of the leads so formed are terminated to a second electrical connector at the second wire treatment station, after which, the terminated leads are ejected from the apparatus.

Abstract: Destruction of the bond of urethane roll covers to metal paper machine rolls is eliminated by venting the interface of the urethane and the metal to the atmosphere. Venting of the interface can be accomplished by drilling small holes through the roll periphery, by applying an adhesive substrate to the roll with grooves exposed to the atmosphere, by providing porous wicks between the roll and cover or by grooving the periphery of the roll to provide channels exposed to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a linear slide ball bearing light in weight and suitable for guiding a high speed reciprocal movement, the linear slide ball bearing comprising a bearing case formed of a molded light weight material such as synthetic resin and aluminum, a pair of bearing races formed of a rigid material and attached to the bearing case, the bearing races being provided with no-load guide grooves for forming no-load ball guide holes in cooperation with no-load ball guide grooves on the bearing case side and load ball grooves, a raceway table having a rolling groove at the position corresponding to that of the load ball groove of each bearing race furnished in the bearing case, a pair of side covers fitted to both the left and right sides of the bearing case and provided with guide grooves in the inside surfaces in the circumferential direction for forming endless tracks by making both the ends of the no-load ball guide holes and the load ball grooves communicate with each other, and a number of

Abstract: A method of forming a rotor for a vane-type rotary pump. The rotor is generally cylindrical with a plurality of vane slots. A tubular member having generally flat sections separated one from the other by corner portions is formed into the rotor by forming the flat sections into slots by deforming the tubular member. The slots are thereafter formed into the vane slots with a die and the corner portions are formed into the outer peripheral surface of the rotor, also using a die.

Abstract: A string remover for breaking and removing encircling string or twine bale securing members, is disclosed. A plurality of generally parallel fingers are placed straddling the string and are caused to rotate. The string wraps about the fingers and is tensioned to the point of breaking. After it has broken, it continues to be wrapped about the fingers. A slideable push-off plate is then moved axially along the fingers and forces the wound up string off the fingers so that it can be disposed of. The string remover can be driven by a portable power source such as a hand held electric drill.

Abstract: A tool for installing an oil seal for an internal combustion engine crankshaft wherein an adapter is affixed to the end of the crankshaft having a cylindrical guide surface upon which the seal is initially located axially positioning the seal in alignment with a recess in which it is to be received. A ram axially movable upon the adapter is translated by a wing nut to displace the seal from the adapter guide surface into the seal recess while maintaining the proper orientation of the seal throughout the entire installation procedure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for threading a lamp cord through links in a lamp-supporting chain, for example, swag lamps. Selected links may be chosen to receive the lamp cord, that is, every fourth link, for example.

Abstract: Pin and box elements for the separable connection of the ends of the respective halves of a slide fastener are applied by deflecting the coupled stringer previously provided with the slider, at an angle to enable the elements to be threaded through the window onto respective edges in the shadow of the deflected stretch of the band.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing components from a strip of components and for inserting the severed components one by one into a work piece, comprises means for feeding the strip of components incrementally to a component severing station, means for severing the leading component from the strip at the severing station and an insertion tool for inserting the severed leading component into the work piece; all driven by a stepping motor through step down transmission means acting on a main cam shaft. A disc cam on the shaft has on opposite faces cam tracks receiving cam followers connected to the insertion tool and the severing means, the feeding means being driven through a barrel cam on the shaft. An electronic control unit monitors the angular position of the shaft.

Abstract: The device for mounting and removal of polishing wheels comprises a cup-shaped support of partially elastic material and fitted on the mounting face of a polishing wheel. A receiving plate is forcibly engaged within the support by elastic deformation of the cup and rigidly fixed to the end of a driving shaft. A duct formed in the bottom wall of the cup serves to discharge air at the time of assembly or to blow-in compressed air between the cup and the receiving plate for subsequent uncoupling of these two components and removal of the corresponding polishing wheel.

Abstract: An automatic tool changing mechanism for industrial robots, comprising a coupling device mounted on a toolholder head of the robot, and a connection plate complementary to the coupling device and firmly secured to the tool, this latter being accommodated in a toolholder magazine. Fixing of the two parts to each other is effected by rotation of a segmental crown gear mounted on the toolholder head and driven by actuator means mounted on the toolholder magazine. The mechanism further comprises a plurality of electrical and fluid connections energized simultaneously with the mechanical connection of the two parts and interrupted automatically on their separation.

Abstract: A field-effect transistor (FET) and a corresponding method for its fabrication, the transistor having a source and a gate located at opposite faces of an active channel region formed in a substrate, the source being substantially shorter in effective length than the gate and located symmetrically with respect to the gate. The transistor also has two drains, located one at each end of the channel region, and charge carriers flow from the source to the drains in two paths, under control of the same gate. Electrical contact with the source is made from beneath the substrate, while contact with the gate and drains is made from above. The resulting device has a large incremental transconductance and relatively small parasitic impedances, and therefore can operate at much higher frequencies than conventional FET's.

Abstract: A method of fabricating MESFET devices having a submicron line gate electrode is disclosed. The method includes the formation of a single layer of resist material on a semiconductor surface; formation of a resist cavity through optical lithography, the cavity exposing a selected portion of the semiconductor surface; depositing by way of angled evaporation at least one gate wall within said resist cavity, the gate wall defining a shaped gate cavity; depositing gate electrode material within the gate cavity, and removing the resist material. In one embodiment of the invention the gate wall is removed from the gate electrode material, leaving a free-standing electrode. In another embodiment, the gate wall is a permanent part of the electrode structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor body having surface regions thereof isolated from other such regions by a pattern of dielectric isolation is provided. At least two narrow widths PN junction regions are located within at least one of the surface regions. Each PN junction has a width dimension substantially that of its electrical contact. Substantially vertical conformal conductive layers electrically ohmic contact each of the PN junction regions. The PN junction regions are the emitter and collector regions for a lateral bipolar transistor. A base PN junction region of an opposite conductivity is located between and contiguous to the emitter and the collector junctions. Substantially horizontal conductive layers are in electrical contact with an edge of each of the vertical conductive layers and separated from the surface regions by a first electrical insulating layer. A second insulating layer covers the conformal conductive layers.

Abstract: A metal silicide interconnection technique selectively forming a metal silicide layer on a silicon layer followed by heat treating the layers so that a surface silicon dioxide layer is formed and the metal silicide layer is forced down and is buried under the silicon dioxide layer. This silicon dioxide layer has an even top surface.

Abstract: A process of forming electrodes and interconnections in a silicon semiconductor device comprises the steps of forming an insulating film on a silicon substrate, defining an opening in the insulating film, depositing a layer of metal having a high melting point on the insulating film, implanting ions to mix an interface between the metal layer and the silicon substrate, heating the construction in a temperature in the range of from 400 to 650 degrees Celsius to form a silicide of the metal layer in the opening, and selectively etching away an unreacted metal layer so as to self-align the silicide metal layer with the opening. The silicide metal layer is then annealed in a non-reducing gas atmosphere at a temperature ranging from 800 to 1,100 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: Junction field effect transistor, specifically a static induction transistor, and method of fabricating. A low resistivity N-type surface layer is formed at the surface of a high resistivity N-type epitaxial layer which has been grown on a low resistivity N-type substrate of silicon. The surface of the surface layer is coated with silicon dioxide and portions of the silicon dioxide layer are removed to expose alternating gate surface areas and source surface areas. P-type conductivity material is diffused into the silicon from the gate surface areas to produce zones of graded concentration. The difference in concentration of N-type conductivity imparting material in the surface layer and in the remainder of the epitaxial layer causes the resulting P-type gate regions to extend laterally toward each other so as to produce narrow channel regions at a depth beyond the surface layer while limiting the lateral extensions of the P-type gate regions adjacent to the surface.

Abstract: A process for growing field oxide regions in an MOS circuit. An initial thermally grown layer of silicon nitride seals the substrate surface and reduces lateral oxidation, or bird's beak formation along the substrate-nitride interface. Field oxidation takes place in two steps, with the first step being a dry oxidation in HCL and the second taking place in steam.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which comprises the steps of forming a first groove in that portion of a semiconductor substrate where an isolation is to be formed; selectively forming a second groove narrower than the first groove in that surface region of the semiconductor substrate which is surrounded by said first groove; depositing a masking material over the whole surface of the semiconductor substrate with a thickness less than half the width of the first groove and greater than half the width of the second groove; aniotropically etching the deposited masking material to eliminate substantially its thickness, thus leaving the masking material on the side walls of the first groove and entirely in the second groove; introducing an impurity into the bottom of the first groove to form an impurity region; filling the first groove with an isolating material; and forming a semiconductor element in that section of the semiconductor substrate which is surrounded by an isolation consisting of t

Abstract: A method of forming semiconductor devices wherein a continuous metallic sheet is cut under computer control into a personalized lead pattern. The pattern is then moved to a bonding station. A bonding tool actuated by computer control moves from one terminal end to another to sequentially bond terminals to the semiconductor device. A variety of various patterns and chips can be handled on the same line using common cutting and bonding tools. A second bond can be made from the lead pattern to either a lead frame or a substrate.

Abstract: A component delivery system for an automatic insertion mechanism comprises a chute for sequential delivery of components to a platform with a given orientation. A receiver is positioned at the end of the platform for reception of the component when pushed off the platform by operation of an air valve. The receiver includes mounting means, cooperating with the mounting means of the component, that are substantially identical to the component mounting means on the circuit board. The receiver is pivoted into a horizontal position by another air valve, thus presenting the component with a precise orientation to insertion means.

Abstract: A method of providing electrical connections to a flexible circuit member having electrical contact pads of solderable material on one side. The contact pads and the flexible circuit are pierced with contact pins. Solder is caused to flow along the contact pins through the openings in the flexible circuit from the side opposite to that on which the contacts are disposed.

Abstract: An arrangement and method to control electrical stress in a region of high electric field strength associated with high voltage equipment, such as cable terminations and joints, includes a semiconductive layer of stress control material and an electrically conductive layer positioned over and in electrical contact with said semiconductive layer in the region of highest electrical stress associated with a discontinuity in the electric field of the equipment. The combination of the conductive layer and the semiconductive stress control layer improves the discharge extinction and the impulse performance of the electrical equipment with which it is used.