Abstract: A ring can be attached to a sheet such as fabric, sailcloth or tent canvas without sewing by the use of the combination of a U-shaped, stiff filament and an open tube to which the ring is attached. The legs of the filament are passed through the sheet then through the tube to the other end where they are fixed by holding means.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for stripping paint which includes a plurality of rapidly reciprocating needle chisels to strike paint off an article and a pair of brush-polishers to polish the surface of the article so that subsequent paint layers do not adhere to it as well. The method of use of this apparatus also involves first cryogenically cooling the article to loosen the bond of the paint thereon.

Abstract: An improved one-piece metal jacket for insulated pipe elbows, bends and/or turns having a central metal spine spaced apart along which a plurality of opposed pairs of metal fingers extend sufficiently to overlap, longitudinally and traversely forming a weatherproof covering and fasteners to hold the fingers in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing spinning nozzle plates having funnel-shaped preliminary channels in flow communication with nozzle capillaries. Two embodiments of the method are provided which use photolithographic and electrodeposition techniques. Common to both embodiments of the method is the use of a metal plate provided with funnel-shaped preliminary channels as a self-aligning irradiation mask for irradiating a photoresist layer provided on the metal plate. Nozzle capillaries subsequently defined either in an electrodeposited layer according to a first embodiment of the invention or in electrodeposited tubular projections according to a second embodiment of the invention, have an offset-free, continuous transition between themselves and the preliminary channels. Photolithographic and electrodeposition techniques may also be used to define the funnel-shaped preliminary channels in the metal plates.

Abstract: A method for remotely removing and replacing defective tube ends of heat exchanger tubes located adjacent a tubesheet. In the method, a rotary cutting tool is inserted into each defective tube and the tube end portion is cut at a location near the tubesheet, a weld joint between the tube and tubesheet is removed, and the defective tube is then withdrawn through the tubesheet opening. Next, the resulting exposed end of the existing tube is remotely machined using a special rotary cutting tool, then a new replacement tube is inserted through the tubesheet opening and positioned in axial alignment and interfitting engagement with the end of the existing tube, after which the rear end of the new tube is expanded firmly against the tubesheet opening. The front or inner end of the replacement tube is then expanded firmly against the inner surface of the existing tube end, in preparation for welding these tubes together.

Abstract: A snap fastener tool for use in applying boat covers, vehicle tops, etc., where mating snap fastener halves on a canvas or fabric cover and on a fixed frame must be brought into coupling alignment with each other. An elongate rigid handle is formed with a rearwardly facing shoulder projecting from one side of the handle near its front end for engagement with the fastener half on the cover and a jack arm is pivotally mounted on the handle intermediate its ends for engagement with the fastener half on the fixed frame and for pivotal movement into and out of rearwardly spaced opposed relationship with the shoulder. As the handle and jack lever are pivoted opposed, concave fastener seats on the shoulder and front end of the jack arm and engaging the fastener halves force the latter into alignment with each other and join them together.

Abstract: Methods for the remanufacture and reconditioning of rock drill bits of the type which include rolling cone cutters are provided. One method includes the steps of separating the bit leg extensions, journals and cone cutters from the bit body along a line perpendicular to the center of rotation of the bit body, salvaging usable cutter teeth, forming new leg, journal and cone assemblies and attaching the new assemblies to the salvaged bit body, which has been suitably machined to accept the new assemblies. An alternate method includes removing separately each leg, journal and cone cutter from the bit body in a manner which forms a curved saddle bore in the bit body, forming a new leg, journal and cone assembly including a mating surface corresponding to the configuration of the saddle bore and attaching each new assembly to the bit body at a saddle bore.

Abstract: A compound portal frame extrusion profile of that type employed in the manufacture of insulated portal frames for windows or sliding doors and the like, wherein the compound portal frame profile is fabricated by means of a cooperative mechanical clamp assembly structure provided integral to a set of separate lineal portal frame profile extrusion components and a fabrication method is employed based on the utilization thereof which enables the interim lineally aligned interlock connection of the separate portal frame profile extrusion components, in turn being of either two dissimilar colors or materials or a combination thereof respectively for the interiorly and exteriorly outward facing finished compound portal frame extrusion profile component members, to thus form an intercommunicating resin receiving trough for containing and supporting the progressive injection deposit therewithin of a thermally non-conductive resin-bonding material by which is formed a structural interlock connection joinably between t

Abstract: A cabinet structure wherein a deck member has deflectible side edge portions cooperating with the sidewalls of the cabinet structure to form a sealing cavity. A hot melt sealant is provided in the sealing cavity to form a barrier during the in situ formation of foamed insulation in the cabinet structure. The edge portions of the deck member are deflectible about hinge lines and are formed of sheet metal so as to define a facial engagement with the sidewalls of the cabinet without substantial bulging or deformation thereof, and permitting the sidewalls to be formed of prepainted sheet metal.

Abstract: A device for clamping a tubular member such as the neck of a balloon in a clip having locking arms joined by a hinge comprising an open ended channel member for receiving a sequential chain of clips and a base member to which the channel member is secured, the base member being disposed to receive clips sequentially from the channel member and having a stop against which the lowermost clip in the chain is adapted to rest. Formed in the base member between said stop and the lower end of the channel member is a notch defined by cam surfaces leading to a narrow throat communicating with a larger opening. With a clip spanning the notch and resting against the stop, and the clip hinge facing the notch, a tubular member to be clamped is positioned in the interior portion of the hinge and forced downwardly with the clip through the throat of the notch, locking the arms of the clip with the tubular member clamped within the hinge, which may then be removed through the larger opening below the throat of the notch.

Abstract: An electrical circuit board is supported within a tube by means of an aluminum support spine of semicircular section. The circuit board is mounted on the flat surface of the spine with a continuous layer of vibration-absorbing material between the circuit board and the spine. On the opposite side of the circuit board are a number of regularly spaced aluminum posts capped with rubber bumpers for engaging the inside surface of the tube. In order to hold the assembly within the tube and to absorb shocks, two rubber tubular members are disposed in grooves in the spine parallel to the longitudinal axis. The assembly may be introduced into the tube with the tubular members in a relatively contracted state and may subsequently be held firmly in position within the tube with the tubular members in a relatively expanded state.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is that prefabricated wear pads are applied to the track link bodies of tracked vehicles by inserting projections of the pads through apertures in the link body from one side of the apertures and locking means co-acts with the projections to lock same to the body. Suitably, the locking means are push engagement with said projections to lock the pads to the link bodies as opposed to the conventional method of moulding the pad around and through the links. In an alternative arrangement, the locking means are cast in locking engagement with the projections as opposed to the push fitting.

Abstract: A leader tape staking rod and related method of assembly are provided. The staking rod includes an injection molded, elongated member having two opposing, substantially flat sides, two opposing, substantially curved sides, a first end and a second end, and a square-shaped opening formed through the elongated member from the first end to the second end. The method uses a tool having a corresponding square-shaped tip for engaging and transporting the staking rod to the vicinity of the leader block which receives the leader tape in a substantially cylindrical opening. The staking rod is then inserted into the opening formed in the leader block in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the opening with its two opposing, substantially flat sides adjacent the mouth of the opening.

Abstract: Ferrous bimetals bearing easily read indicia and methods of making them. The bimetals of the present invention have a transparent oxide coating of a controlled thickness in the interference range and are prepared by immersing them in a acid bath, then washing away a film that is formed, followed by tempering them in an oxidizing atmosphere. Bimetals prepared this way have a golden hue an are easily marked with indicia that can be read by a consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable arbor which is removably attached to a standard decoiler mechanism. The expandable arbor has at least two opposed sections, each having an elongated transversely curved outer surface interconnected by a guide and track to the decoiler mechanism. The guide and track convert lateral movement of the decoiler mechanism into radial movement of the sections. The sections are laterally moveable into the axial bore of a coil of material and thereafter expanded by relative movement of the decoiler mechanism between the sections of the expandable arbor. An equalizer is provided to retract and coordinate movement of the sections.

Abstract: A device usable in the manufacture of stators for dynamo-electric machines for fixing end portions of the coils of a stator to a support member carried by the stator comprises means for disposing the end portions of the stator coils in directions parallel to a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of a stator and facing an end surface of the stator so as to make the end portions project outwardly from the stator, means for moving the end portions in the plane substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of the stator until they are brought into a zone of the end surface of the stator in which the support member is disposed, and means for thrusting the end portions downwardly to fit them into corresponding grooves provided in the support member.

Abstract: A trench version of a high-capacitance (Hi-C) capacitor for a dynamic random-access-memory (DRAM) cell is made utilizing a modified version of the doping technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,524 and 4,472,212. A shallow highly doped trench region is thereby formed. At the same time, selected lateral surface portions of the structure are also thereby highly doped. These surface portions permit a direct electrical connection to be easily made between the capacitor and a subsequently formed adjacent access transistor.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated device (CBi-CMOS) is disclosed wherein both CMOS transistors and a vertical npn and pnp transistor are formed in a single semiconductor substrate and a latch up phenomenon in the CMOS is prevented. A method of manufacturing the CBi-CMOS is also disclosed. In the CBi-CMOS, four elements, that is, an n-MOSFET, a p-MOSFET and npn and pnp vertical transistors are formed in an n-type epitaxial silicon layer formed on a p-type silicon substrate. The n-MOSFET is formed in a p-well which has a p.sup.+ -type buried region. In the element region of the p-MOSFET, an n.sup.+ -type buried region is also formed. In the element regions of the npn and pnp vertical transistors, a first p.sup.+ -type isolation diffusion region is selectively formed. And an n.sup.+ -type buried region is selectively formed both in these element region of the npn and pnp vertical transistors.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an improved Schottky-barrier gate field effect transistor, which comprises a semi-insulating semiconductor substrate, an active layer formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate and a source electrode, Schottky-barrier gate electrode and drain electrode formed on the active layer, in which the active layer has a first part having such a thickness as to give a predetermined pinch-off voltage and being formed near the gate electrode and a second part having a substantially similar carrier concentration to that of the first part and a larger thickness than the first part and being formed between the Schottky-barrier gate electrode and source electrode, and the upper surfaces of the first part and second part of the active layer are in a same plane.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a Schottky gate field effect transistor, an insulating film is deposited on the main surface of a semiconductor substrate and is then selectively removed to form therein a window through which the substrate surface region for forming an active layer is exposed to a space in which the gate will ultimately be provided. A metal which forms a Schottky junction between it and the semiconductor of the active layer and can be removed by anisotropic etching and a metal which can be used as a mask for the etching of the above metal are deposited in layers on the insulating film and the substrate surface exposed through the window. The overlying metal layer thus deposited is planarized to leave in the window alone. The underlying metal layer is selectively removed by anisotropic etching through the overlying metal layer remaining in the window, thus forming a gate electrode made up of the overlying and underlying metal layers.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel high speed hardened CMOS structure and process for developing the structure. In a first embodiment, the <100> surface of the silicon wafer is preserved intact by building the field oxide above this surface so there is no transition from the <100> plane to the <111> plane. In a first embodiment, one of the gate electrode overlaps is avoided, thereby eliminating the sidewalk effect or parasitic device from causing leakage on that side of the channel. The preferred embodiment provides a device with no field oxide extending into the silicon wafer and with no overlap of the gate electrode over the field oxide. This is achieved by causing the gate metal interconnect to proceed linearly along the active region over either the source or drain before it leaves the active region, thereby avoiding the establishing of an extra field in the gate region.

Abstract: A semiconductor PROM containing a group of PROM cells (12) each consisting of a pair of opposing diodes oriented vertically with their common intermediate region (22) fully adjoining a recessed oxide insulating region (16) is fabricated by a process in which the insulating region serves as a mask to control the lateral extents of the dopants utilized to define the diodes. The intermediate cell regions are ion implanted to obtain maximum dopant concentration near their mid-points. This facilitates programming operation.

Abstract: For manufacturing a gradiometer having a three-dimensional structure for a device for measuring magnetic fields with field intensities down to below 10.sup.-10 T, the superconducting gradiometer coils are arranged on a support body and are coupled by means of superconducting connecting lines and a coupling coil to a superconducting quantum interference element (SQUID) which is located on a substrate body of its own. These gradiometers should be capable of being linked to the respectively assigned SQUID in a simple manner. For this purpose, the gradiometer coils and at least the associated connecting lines are applied onto a common three-dimensional support body in at least one coating operation which is either preceded by a lithographic process for the fixation of the position of the corresponding conductor runs, or is followed by an etching process.

Abstract: The rate of production of chip resistors is greatly increased by forming rows of chip resistors on a substrate, laser trimming the rows of resistors while still on the substrate, breaking up the substrate into separate rows of chip resistors, applying edge-around terminations to each of the separated rows of the chip resistors and separating the chip resistors from each other.

Abstract: A bearing extractor having a support element in which a rod is positioned such that the rod is capable of expanding, within a bearing, the prongs of a bearing grasping assembly. Once the prongs of the bearing grasping assembly grasp the bearing, the bearing is raised by the rod until the case surrounding the bearing engages the support element. Thereafter continued raising of the rod removes the bearing from its case.

Abstract: There is herein described an improved surface mounted component (SMC) transport mechanism which accepts a multiple number of such components from a plurality of carrier media and transports them to a desired location, for example, adjacent a printed circuit board (PCB) prior to the mounting of the SMC onto the PCB.

Abstract: A film changing apparatus automatically replaces an exposed X-ray film accommodated in a cassette with a new or unexposed X-ray film. Unloading and loading of a film is effected in the vertical direction. Thus, the apparatus saves space in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, unloading of a film from the cassette is effected by gravity, thereby simplifying the structure of the mechanism for changing films, and thus allowing the size of the apparatus to be reduced as a whole.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing printed circuit boards includes injection molding a polymer component which may include a substrate for a printed circuit, forming circuit runs and circuit pads on the substrate with conductive adhesive, placing circuit components onto the circuit pads and curing the conductive adhesive. The adhesive may be silkscreened onto the polymer substrate. This process obviates the need for the large number of expensive manufacturing steps necessary to produce conventional etched fiberglass printed circuit boards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming an electrically conductive circuit comprising the steps of: preparing a transferring paper in which an assembly of electrically conductive foil carrying a predetermined pattern and an insulating layer containing glass frit and an overcoat layer consisting of a resin film having good burning property are provided on a transferring paper covered with a paste layer; removing an integral structure of the conductive foil, the insulating layer, and the overcoat layer from the transferring paper; transferring the removed integral structure onto a substrate; and burning the substrate with the integral structure set thereon at a temperature where the glass is soften. According to this method, it is possible to eliminate transformation or damage of a conductive foil where a conductive foil is singly disposed on a substrate.

Abstract: A pipe scraper for scraping the end of a plastics pipe such as a plastics gas main or water main has a framework (10) in which is journaled a helically bladed rotary cutter (14) driven by means of a lever (17). On the shaft carrying the cutter is a pinion (16) which meshes with a larger pinion (19) driving a friction surface roller (21). The cutter is held in a Reed clamp and as the lever (17) is turned it rotates the helically bladed rotary cutter so as to scrape a low angle helical scrape approximating a longitudinal scrape. At the same time the rotation of the roller (21) causes the whole framework to rotate around the surface of the pipe so as to scrape the whole end peripheral surface.

Abstract: An improved clipper and improved cutter head attachment device of the type having a pair of mating members including a substantially flat male member and a female slot. One of the mating members has at least one resilient offset portion which must be squeezed into engagement against the other of the mating members when the cutter head is engaged with the main clipper body. This provides gap-free engagement which reduces noise and improves cutting performance.

Abstract: A hand held tool for removing excess urethane sealant from the outer edges of an automotive windshield to facilitate simple replacement of the windshield. The tool generally has a handle, an elongated member with a longitudinal bore partially extending therethrough, and a removable and replaceable blade. The cutting portion of the blade is substantially U-shaped in cross-section with the exposed edges tapered and sharpened. The shape of the blade and its sharpened edges facilitate the cutting and removal of a channel within the urethane sealant in order to allow placement of a strip of plastic moulding which retains the windshield in place.

Abstract: A self-propelled, self-steered vehicle for carrying a source of pressurized fluid to power and operate a plurality of manually controlled trimming tools for trimming plants in a cultivated field. The vehicle has a steering device that includes a pilot wheel that follows a pre-formed furrow, and that causes movement of a steered wheel to follow lateral deviations of the furrow and thereby steer the unit therealong. The vehicle draws a trailer that carries a supporting structure including a vertically telescopic boom and a pair of transversely extending telescopic arms that support a plurality of coiled branch conduits that communicate with an air compressor carried by the vehicle and that terminate in suitable connectors. The conduits provide compressed air to the respective trimming tools at transversely spaced positions relative to the vehicle, to permit a plurality of trimmer tool operators to simultaneously trim a plurality of plants or trees.

Abstract: A motor-driven chain saw essentially includes a housing having a rear handle and a front handle and a drive unit attached to the housing. A guide bar for accommodating the saw chain for movement thereon is attached to the drive unit. The housing has an extension arm on the underside of the chain saw which extends to the front; the drive unit is seated on this arm and the front handle is attached to the front end of the arm. To increase torsional and bending strength, the extension arm has an S-shaped profile when viewed in cross section. The S-shaped profile has a substantially rectangular configuration and includes lower, middle and upper parts that are parallel to one another and are interconnected by two flanks. The flanks are located in planes that are parallel to the guide bar.

Abstract: Apparatus to guide a tool along a curved template, has a curve follower connected to the tool, the curve follower includes two rotatable elements, one of which is driven and the other is freely rotatable. The two rotatable members resiliently contact the curve template from either side.

Abstract: A tire building machine for marking the centerline of a continuous piece of plystock is described as having, (I) a carriage which is movable along a trackway which is normal to the direction of travel of the piece of plystock being marked, (II) a pair of sensors carried by the carriage for monitoring the opposing marginal edges of the piece of plystock, (III) a device centrally disposed on the carriage between the sensors for marking the centerline of the plystock, (IV) a mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the sensors when the width of the plystock varies, and (V) a mechanism for moving the carriage and attached sensors, in unison, along the trackway, when the piece of plystock wanders from the pathway which the sensors are initially set to monitor.

Abstract: A height-measuring device in which there is provided a vertically-mounted ruler element and associated slide-mount in which slides a slide having a lower surface for resting on the head of a person to be measured. The slide has a pair of rearwardly extending flanges that act as runners for sliding in channels formed in the slide-mount. The slide has a bracket extending from the flanges, which bracket has a pair of side surfaces which mounts a hexagonal-head screw, the head of which is nonrotatably mounted in one side surface. A locking nut is mounted at the end of the screw and is rotatable in a first direction to urge the pair of side surfaces, which are made of hard plastic, toward each other, and, therefore, also the flanges, to cause the flanges into clamping relationship with the inner surface walls of the pair of channels. The lower surface of the slide is coplanar with a surface which indicates on the ruler element directly adjacent thereto the correct height measurement.

Abstract: A blade setting tool for wood jointer/planer machines includes a jig member which is attached to the horizontal worktable of the machine and which supports a pair of vertically displaceable knife stops which are positioned in the path of rotation of the knife blades. The underside of a portion of the jig is utilized as a gauging surface for balancing the blades. The blade stops are pulled up and out of the path of blade rotation after a blade is balanced, thus permitting subsequent blades to rotate into place for balancing.

Abstract: An electronic display device for presenting directional information to the operator of a motor vehicle. The display simultaneously shows current vehicle direction of travel as well as the relative directions of the 4 major compass axes by converting the direction information from an electronic flux gate compass. The device is further optimized to reduce the number of pin connections to the display and associated driver complexity and is readily applicable to LED, LCD or vacuum fluorescent type display elements.

Abstract: A high resolution, digital inclinometer having a full 360.degree. linear range with accuracy which is independent of the angle of inclination. The linearity of the inclinometer is essentially flat throughout its range and greatly exceeds analog equivalents. A mathematical model to predict resolution is presented which allows the designer to design the device to maximize resolution at transverse angles. The device can be used in a celestial navigational instrument by storing celestial navigation tables and providing clock and inclination angle information so that the device can be pointed at particular stars and a latitude and longitude calculated. The inclinometer is capable of minimizing effects of pressure and/or temperature which cause microbubbles to form within the supporting fluid.

Abstract: Device for measuring clearance around a pin for centering the upper internal equipment of a pressurized water nuclear reactor comprising a carrier (b) fixed integrally to a pedestal (7) which makes it possible to fix on the upper plate of the reactor core (1) two travellers (15) which are parallel to the plate (1), two slides mounted to move on the travellers, resilient means (22) for returning the slides and a marking assembly carried by the carrier. Each slide comprises a sensing finger (30) projecting downwards relative to the bearing face of the pedestal (7) and a planar marking plate (31). The marking assembly comprises two styli (33), each directed towards a marking plate (31). A control system (34) makes it possible to compress springs (36) whose force is applied to the styli (33). The clearance measurement can be carried out from a distance and under water.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying or curing a coating on a metal substrate including inductivly heating the coated substrate in a highly confined space and condensing the evaporated liquid released as the result of the heating within the confined space at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. Ingress of atmospheric gases to the highly confined space is prevented without requiring locks or valves thus enabling a continuous flow of objects from the air into the highly confined space.

Abstract: A twin-wire drying section of a paper machine includes upper and lower rows of drying cylinders, an upper drying wire guided by the upper drying cylinders and upper guide rolls situated between the upper drying cylinders, and a lower drying wire guided by the lower drying cylinders and lower guide rolls situated between the lower drying cylinders. A web is pressed by the upper wire in direct drying contact with the surfaces of the upper drying cylinders and is pressed by the lower wire in direct drying contact with the surfaces of the lower drying cylinders and has a free draw of a certain length between a drying cylinder of one row and a drying cylinder of another row. In accordance with the invention, a vacuum zone in arranged on a run of a drying wire between a drying cylinder and the next guide roll which causes the web to be suctioned against the drying wire so that the length of the free run of the web is substantially shortened.

Abstract: The dry cleaning machine according to the invention comprises: a rotating drum (1) disposed in an enclosed chamber (2); an air flow duct (3) in the form of a closed loop in association with the chamber (2); and a cooling circuit having a condenser (6) disposed in the air flow duct (3) downstream of an evaporator (10) and is characterized by a control circuit (11) comprising: an internal heat exchanger (12) interlaced at least to some extent with the condenser (6); and means (13) for controlling the flow of a fluid in the control circuit (11).

Abstract: A shoe-innersole material for use in providing cushioning and support in footwear, and a method of manufacturing the shoe-innersole material, the shoe innersole comprising a heel and an arch section composed of a molded, elastomeric polyurethane foam material of low compression set, the heel and arch sections directly bonded in the molding process to a full-sole material composed either of foam or a solid, flexible sheet material.

Abstract: An arch support unit (10) and a method of forming same for use with a shoe (11) having an inner sole (18) for receiving a person's foot, the unit (10) comprising a flexible support (19) to which is added a first pad (31) adhered to the heel area of the sole (18), the first pad (31) having an exposed first portion (34) of Velcro material, and a second pad (31) having on one side a second mating portion (41) of Velcro for releasable locking engagement with the first portion (34), and the second pad (32) having on the other side an adhesive material (42) adapted when exposed to releasably adhere to the shoe inner sole (18).

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a midsole subassembly formed of a lower layer and an upper layer, the lower layer having a rear higher density portion terminating short of the front end and integrally bonded with a lower density toe off pad portion into which the toes can sink during toe off. The upper layer extends beneath the heel and forwardly, terminating short of the toe area. This upper layer and the toe off pad have cooperative transverse grooves which are located relative to each other and to vertical flex grooves in the medial and lateral sides of the shoe upper, to enable the shoe to flex in a smooth curve with the foot. This upper layer has overlapping, laterally tapered wedge portions of different density and an integral, upstanding heel stabilizing cup, one portion from each wedge. The outsole has portions of different densities, the heel and ball portions of greater density for wear durability.

Abstract: The closure device comprises a lever having a recessed area, being articulated on the rear portion of a ski boot rear quarter and oscillable about a substantially perpendicular axis with respect to the longitudinal extension of the rear quarter and the shell. To said lever there being slidably connected a block, releasably securable on preset points of said lever and being associated with at least one cable having a fixed point on the boot's front quarter, and at least partially accommodated in the recessed area.

Abstract: A ski boot having a rigid shell base on which a cuff is journalled to pivot around a transverse axis, and flexion means for affecting the flexional characteristics of the cuff. The flexion means is formed of a spring member positioned between the cuff and the shell base. The spring member is positioned to at least partially extend around the instep of the boot and has no attachment point in the region adjacent to the journal axis.

Abstract: An improved single stage snowthrower (2) includes an open front portion (14) having a rotatable impeller (30) contained therein. Impeller (30) contains at least one outwardly extending paddle (32) having a complex curved shape. Paddle (32) includes a central snowthrowing section (34) which is curved forwardly from its midpoint to each side thereof to be concave with this central section (34) extending over at least the middle 50 percent of the entire paddle's length. Two end sections (36) fill out the remaining length of paddle (32) and are shaped to function as augers for moving a relatively small volume of snow inwardly onto the central snowthrowing section (34). Improved impeller (30) can be used with an inverted funnel-shaped collecting chamber (22) located in the rear wall (18) of front portion (14) of snowthrower (2). Collecting chamber (22) is sized and shaped to approximate the size and shape of the inwardly tapered stream which is thrown off central section (34).