Abstract: A control assembly primarily intended for use in manually regulating the operating speed of power equipment in which fine adjustments may be obtained by rotating the control knob and rapid changes in speed may be achieved by shifting the knob axially. The assembly includes an outer one-piece sleeve adapted to be mounted upon an instrument panel or engine housing and permanently joined to a flexible casing containing the operating wire or cable. A plunger assembly is rotatably and slidably received within the sleeve, the plunger assembly including a thin-walled plunger tube of flexible material having a control knob ultrasonically welded to one end of the plunger and a swivel connection joining the operating wire at the plunger's opposite end.

Abstract: A water level control device and method of making the same are provided, the device comprising a frame provided with an elongated slot having a first portion, a movable cam follower carried by the frame for setting the desired water levels to be provided by the device, and a slide cam member having a projection extending through the slot to guide sliding movement thereof relative to the frame, the projection having an interlocking part interlocking with the frame while the projection is disposed in the first portion of the slot. The cam member has a cam surface engaging the cam follower to set the same in desired water level setting positions thereof when the projection is in the first portion of the slot. The slot has a second portion thereof for unlocking with the interlocking part when the projection of the cam member is disposed in the second portion whereby the cam member can be easily detached from or attached to the frame.

Abstract: A three-speed planetary transmission having a single ring gear and dual planetary gear sets meshing with the single ring gear. Gear changes are effected by coupling or alternately fixing a set of two sun gears which mesh with the two planetary gear sets. This transmission can provide a direct drive and two other speed ratios. Utilizing a single ring gear in combination with two planetary gear sets allows nesting of gear elements and economy of space for the transmission.

Abstract: A torque wrench for making and breaking connections between sections of drill pipe. The torque wrench has upper and lower wrench assemblies, each having a gate, a latch, and a clamp. Clamping cylinders apply clamping pressure to the clamps. Torque cylinders apply torque pressure to the upper wrench assembly, to cause rotation of the upper wrench assembly relative to the lower wrench assembly. When the torque pressure is adjusted, a valve causes the clamping pressure applied to the clamping cylinders to automatically vary linearly with the torque pressure.

Abstract: A well pipe handling machine for removing a series of stands of pipe from the upper end of a well pipe string and storing the stands in a rack offset to a side of the well axis and/or returning the stands sequentially from the rack for reconnection to the string. The machine includes a support which carries means for holding a pipe in vertical condition and is movable between a position in which the pipe is in alignment with the well axis and a location near the storage rack, and which preferably takes the form of a vertically extending column structure movable horizontally by two synchronized drive mechanisms at the top and bottom of the column structure. The pipe holding means are desirably shiftable upwardly and downwardly relative to the support and also generally horizontally toward and away from the support for placement of the pipe stands in the rack and removal therefrom.

Abstract: A direction-changeable structure of the hand tool handles comprises mainly a body, a coupling tube, and a sleeve. The hand tools of different functions, such as screw driver, thread tapper, socket wrench, etc., can be fixed on the front of the body by a chuck, chucking blocks and a clip to function differently. The body is fixed inside a coupling tube by an arc key which is placed in a key way forming in the inside of the coupling tube. Having a direction selective mechanism attached to it, the main function of the coupling tube is to transmit torque and to select torque transmission direction. The coupling tube can insert into a sleeve which can receive every parts constituting the device according to this invention and fix them together. A handle bar can pass the holes forming in the coupling and sleeve to transmit large torque if necessary.

Abstract: A lathe having a spindle which has a flange for the mounting of a chuck in whose base sliding weights are displaceably mounted in radial grooves and act on the bases of the chuck jaws through rocking reversing pins for the compensation of centrifugal force. To achieve a minimum overhang of the chuck, the lathe is constructed such that the chuck base and the spindle flange are made in one piece, and that the chuck body is fastened releasably on the spindle flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing registration holes in a sheet-like workpiece that is provided with registration marks.

Abstract: A punch press has a punch support and die support which are rotatable about a common vertical axis, and a drive mechanism for rotating and effecting the reorientation of the tooling relative to the X and Y axes of the punch press. In this fashion, rotation of the tooling will enable reorientation of single cutting surface, and location of various of the differently contoured cutting surfaces at the desired cutting position to effect cutouts of different contours or angular orientation in a workpiece relative to the X and Y axes. The punch has a cutting portion which is of a cross section providing at least one arcuate cutting surface A.sup.1 defined by the radius R.sup.1 and at least one rectilinear cutting surface A.sup.2. In accordance with one embodiment, the punch tooling is desirably of elongated cross section with a length L in its elongated axis and a width W in its transverse axis which is less than 1/2 L.

Abstract: An improved rotary cutter for a web material is proposed. It has a pair of rolls adapted to rotate synchronously in opposite directions and an axially elongated knife secured to each roll to extend axially. A plurality of rolling bodies are arranged around each roll to bear the shock upon cutting. Different means for preventing the knives from hitting the rolling bodies are proposed. This arrangement prevents the rolls from warping due to shock upon cutting and allows the use of rolls having a smaller diameter.

Abstract: A tool having a laterally slidable adjustment structure including a corresponding track and guide slidable thereon. The tool also includes a mechanism for releasably securing the guide on the track in a selected position of adjustment. Additionally, the tool is provided with a friction drive arrangement operatively associated with the guide and in engagement with the track.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument of the sampling type is provided. The electronic musical instrument comprises a memory having a plurality of storage areas, and operates in one of full sampling, part sampling, full play and part play modes. Sampling data of waveform of a tone are stored into addresses of all the storage areas in the full sampling mode, and are stored into addresses of one of the storage areas in the part sampling mode. Thus, only one waveform is sampled and stored in the full sampling mode, whereas a plurality of waveforms can be sampled and stored in the part sampling mode. In the full play mode, the whole sampling data are read from the storage areas to form a tone, so that the tone can have a complicated waveform if the sampling data have been stored in the memory in the part sampling mode.

Abstract: An automatic playing device for a musical instrument includes a memory unit which stores a plurality of discrete states, e.g., patterns of key actuation of a keyboard, which can be serialized and combined with or substituted for manual keying information from a keyboard or other control device. Combining and substituting are controlled by the actuation of one or more switches by a human operator. The operator can advance through the stored pattern by actuating a single key or by playing a simple sequence of notes on a keyboard.

Abstract: An acoustic output device for a personal computer includes an envelope setting circuit for setting elements of a tone including an envelope pattern, a first storage circuit for storing the element data of the tone, a music note setting circuit for setting note information of a music, a second storage circuit for storing the note information, and an acoustic output circuit for reading-out the note information and providing a tone with the element data.

Abstract: An improved stationary nut for a harp, for adjusting the position of a harp string relative to sharpening pins of an action plate, includes: an annular collar defining a central bore and, on its outer surface, a generally circumferential groove sized and adapted to be engaged by the harp string, and an elongated shaft sized and adapted to extend through the central bore for fastening the annular collar to the harp. The relative axes of the elongated shaft and the generally circumferential groove defined about the collar are different, and relative rotation between the collar and the shaft is effective to change the radial distance of a segment of the groove surface supporting the harp string from the axis of the shaft in a manner to change the position of the string relative to the sharpening pins, whereby the harp string may be centered on the action plate, between the sharpening pins, for improved playing tone. A harp employing the improved stationary nut is also described.

Abstract: A guitar constructed for so-called "one-touch" tuning including a pivoted lever that is movable between string relaxing and string tensioning positions, and is held in the latter position by a releasable latch. The lever is secured to a string by a ball-like retaining member that is clamped to the string at a predetermined location near the tail end thereof. Preferably, this clamping takes place shortly prior to securing the string to the lever. The retaining member is provided with at least one groove through which the string extends. The retaining member is deformed by crushing same at portions thereof that defines at least one groove thereby collapsing the groove around the string to firmly clamp the retaining member to the string.

Abstract: An improved nut design for positioning near the fingerboard of a stringed instrument or at the opposing anchor ends of the strings of the instrument comprising a nut body having a raised string support column for each respective string and a fluted or open space between each column for enhancement of sound transfer into the resonating body of the instrument. The modification of the nut body to form a crown with alternating support columns and open spaces has been found to substantially improve sound transfer and tone production. The nut configuration has been adapted for the nut body positioned at the upper end of the fingerboard, and also for the saddle and tail piece for stringed instruments of the violin family.

Abstract: The device consists of a chin rest which simulates the chin rest portion of a violin and rests on the shoulder of the violin player and underneath the chin. The hollow tube with markings extends from the chin rest portion of the device. A second tube telescopes into and out of the first tube and includes a marker that slides along a groove that is in juxtaposition to the markings on the first or hollow tube.

Abstract: A hydraulic well pump for operating a pump sucker rod string including a hydraulic cylinder assembly for raising and lowering the sucker rod string and a fluid counterbalancing system for offsetting the combined weight of the reciprocating service equipment, the fluid column above the pump plunger, and the sucker rod string. One counterbalancing embodiment includes an air supported piston on the movable cylinder exposed to an air chamber below the air piston functioning independently of the hydraulic and power and logic system of the pump. Another counterbalancing system embodiment uses a hydraulic fluid accumulator connected into the system fluid power and logic for supercharging the hydraulic power pumps during the lift stroke and providing opposing force during the downstroke.

Abstract: A brake holding system for vehicles, comprising a vacuum and magnetic device including a brake holder, a moon gear having a plurality of teeth, a push rod connected to a master cylinder, a speed monitoring device having a needle being contacted to a switch member and a brake releasing switch operatively associated with the accelerator. The brake holding system can be placed into position when the speed of the vehicle is reduced to between 0 and 5 mph by application of the brake pedal. The brake is then automatically unlocked by depressing the accelerator pedal. Also, the driver can pull an emergency handle to mechanically release the brake.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure actuator including a cylinder assemblage having a pair of metallic cylinder heads and a fiberglass cylinder casing held together by a plurality of tie bolts and nuts. A piston and piston rod reciprocally movable within the cylinder assemblage and including a greased nylon cushion ring and polyurethane wiper ring for reducing frictional wear between the relatively movable surfaces.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy piston for an internal combustion engine has two spaced piston pin bosses. A steel alloy bushing is fitted in each boss. A ceramic piston pin is fitted in said bushings.

Abstract: In order to achieve an effective cleaning of the filter in the case of a heating or air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle without having to change the rotating direction of the fan, the fan is installed in the incoming-air flow downstream of the air filter device. Behind the fan, at least one blocking member is arranged that prevents the entrance of air from the fan to the passenger space during the cleaning phase and instead causes the conveyed air to flow out from the fan housing in the direction of the air filter device.

Abstract: A fluid barrier curtain at an aperture in a wall within a duct, as at the entrance to a furnace, is disclosed that maintains separation of fluids on opposite sides of said barrier curtain while permitting passage of objects therethrough. The barrier curtain comprises aperture zone defining means, means for shaping a fluid flow into a laminar sheet pattern and forcing said fluid across said aperture zone, receiving means having thin-edged vanes located opposite said fluid flow shaping means for receiving the resulting flow, so as to remain laminar, and a fluid supply to said fluid flow shaping means.

Abstract: A press is provided for compacting small scale objects such as beverage cans. The press includes a hollow, cylindrical housing having a floor and sidewalls extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom to define a housing cavity, a compacting arrangement slidable within the cavity, the compacting arrangement being arranged to travel within the cavity in close proximity to the sidewalls of the housing, and an arrangement for drawing the compacting means downwards toward the floor of the housing. The drawing arrangment may include an arrangement for producing negative pressure within the housing cavity or an electromagnet and is capable of drawing the compacting arrangement toward the floor of the housing with sufficient force to substantially crush an object positioned between the compacting arrangement and the floor of the housing.

Abstract: A screen printing machine comprises a support frame comprising vertical and horizontal members and having a rear side, a front side spaced horizontally forward therefrom, and a plurality of stanchions projecting upward between the front and rear sides and an auxiliary frame lying and horizontally movable on the stanchions and projecting forward past the front side of the support frame. A screen is clamped to the auxiliary frame so that the screen is cantilevered on and projects forward beyond the front side of the support frame and lies fully forward of the front side of the support frame. A platen disposed below the screen and forward of the front side of the support frame is pivotal on this support frame at its rear side about a pivot axis so that the platen projects wholly beyond the front side of the support frame and access to the platen and the screen is afforded on all sides thereof except for rear edges of the screen and the platen which are proximal to the support frame.

Abstract: A rotary offset printing press which can be operated either for prime and verso printing or for printing on one side only, with flying plate change in the latter case, is organized so that the common counterpressure roller used with either of the two pairs of printing rollers (plate roller and rubber cloth roller) is used only as a paper feed-out guide during prime and verso printing. The counterpressure cylinder can be shifted to let it assume its normal function in single-side printing. A small shift of the drive gearing makes it possible to use the counterpressure cylinder for one or the other pair of printing rollers selectively while a plate change is performed for the idle pair.

Abstract: One or more wheel-air bustling devices are adjustably mounted between successive printing units of a multicolor printing press, to form adjustable bustles or ridges in the printed paper web. The bustles effectively shrink the width of the web, back to its original width, so that the previously printed color image is brought into precise registration with the next printed color image. Each bustling device comprises a body adjustably clamped to a supporting rod, a hollow tubular externally threaded stem movable through a guide opening in the body, an internally threaded adjusting knob received around the stem and rotatably retained on the body for longitudinally adjusting the stem, an air nozzle mounted on the upper end of the stem for directing an air jet against the web to form a longitudinal bustle or ridge therein, and a bustle wheel mounted on a bustle frame which is adjustable along the stem to raise and lower the wheel between operative and inoperative positions.

Abstract: Delay detonators can be made to function reliably at reduced distances from a neighboring detonation by increasing the weight of the detonator's priming charge. Detonators containing about 0.26 g or more of lead azide perform reliably 12.7 cm from a detonation in a shock resistance pipe test, and this performance is reflected in high performance in trenching operations. The higher energy output of the heavier primer charge may compensate for a decrease in the base charge's sensitivity as the detonator shell is deformed or collapsed by shock.

Abstract: A detonator safety device for a weapon, such as an artillery shell or a war ead, includes a detonator member, a detonator charge and an igniter plate for applying a firing impact with the aid of the igniter plate on a main explosive charge of the weapon in response to the firing of the detonator charge by the detonator member when the device is in a firing position. The arrangement is such, that the main explosive charge cannot be fired by the igniter plate when the device is in a safety position even if the detonator charge should accidentally be fired.

Abstract: An end-burning grain structural arrangement for a solid rocket propellant is formed by two parallel inhibited grain components formed into an "S" shaped cross section. The components form a fully case bonded system and the two components are separated from each other along the "S" which provides stress relief.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for destroying sea mines, especially anchored cable mines, and to an improved mine-sweeping method. The apparatus consists of an active device and upthrust mechanisms which permit the active device to climb up the anchor chain to the mine, which, once encountered, is destroyed. In one preferred embodiment, the device comprises a hollow charge carrier with rocket propulsion which is temporarily secured to a towing device, such as a towing cable. The device is released when it encounters the anchor chain of a mine, it rises along the chain, and then destroys the mine.

Abstract: The roadway support of a steel roadway for magnetic tracks includes a cover plate (3) as an upper securing member which at the lower side of its two extending longitudinal edges is welded a side guiderail (4). Parallel to the guiderail and at a spacing thereto is a web-shaped longitudinal support (5) welded thereto, which carries the axial stator components (6). Extending at right angles to the longitudinal support (5) are spaced cross-support (8) which respectively pass as a unitary web connector between the two side guiderails (4). In their crossing region, the longitudinal supports (5) and the cross-supports (8) incorporate oppositely directed cutouts (9) and (10). The longitudinal support is fastened to only one of the two perpendicular side edges of the cutout (10) in the cross-support (8) through a welding seam (17) (FIG. 3).

Abstract: This invention relates to a conveyor apparatus which has rails laid at a predetermined interval in parallel with each other; a truck movable by means of wheels on the rails; a conveying belt moving in parallel with the rails; a unit roller mechanism mounted on the truck and having two rollers arranged longitudinally along the direction of the belt; and springs for pressing the rollers of the unit roller mechanism to the belt so that the rollers are in contact with each other; thereby operating to isolate one roller from the belt when the truck is stopped. The conveyor apparatus can thus remarkably reduce the line pressure at the accumulating time of a truck and reliably operate to readily restart the truck at the stopper releasing time, and the conveyor apparatus is inexpensive by virtue of its employment of a system for accumulating the truck without disengaging the truck from contact with the belt of a conveying strip member.

Abstract: A covered, dual hopper car made by converting a rail car having three or more covered hoppers suitable for carrying a large volume of a relatively low density commodity, to a car having a fewer number of hoppers suitable for carrying a smaller volume of a higher density commodity. This is done by internally bracing an interior portion of one end of one hopper end section; severing an unwanted center hopper section from two end hopper sections; removing the unwanted section; and then reassembling and welding the free end sections to each other. The vertical cutting and welding is horizontally offset at the side plate and the sill to provide tab and notch locking arrangements for reinforcement. Preferably, the roof loading hatches are also modified to include downwardly extending collar portions which limit the maximum loading height within the hoppers.

Abstract: An end structure for a center stub sill railway car is disclosed in which diagonal side sill extensions incline inwardly from the side sills to the center stub sill side for transmitting the longitudinal train loads between the stub sill and the side sills with the side sill extensions constituting the only horizontal, longitudinal load path between the stub sill and the side sills. A truss is disposed in a vertical transverse plane for transmitting overturning moments between the end of the car and the center stub sill.

Abstract: An automatic teller machine is provided with apparatus for turning it around a moving axis to turn between its operating user-access position and its service and maintenance position so that the machine can be used in an enclosure of minimum dimensions.

Abstract: A safety container, for example a strong box or safe, having rigid walls which provide safety against drilling and cutting with a torch. The wall has an external layer of heat-resistant chrome-nickel steel, and an internal wall of non-alloyed steel which are welded to a series of parallel closely-spaced ribs extending the length of the wall. The elongated pockets formed between the opposed metal layers and adjacent ribs are filled with bars of highly conductive aluminum having bodies of corundum embedded therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for planting cane billets including a bin assembly for carrying cane billets to be planted, a rotor supported at one end of the bin assembly, the rotor having a plurality of vanes which gather billets from the top of the bin assembly and direct billets into grooves between the vanes for depositing into a hopper, the hopper having a pair of endless conveying chains at its lower end, the chains moving in opposite directions to convey billets to feed chutes for depositing in a planting furrow.

Abstract: A sewing machine has a sewing head and at least one workpiece holder for receiving the workpiece. The sewing head and the workpiece holder are movable relative to one another in two coordinate directions. In order to be able to adequately secure the workpiece in the workpiece holder, below the latter is provided a supporting plate which supports the latter and which is fixed in one coordinate direction (x-direction) relative to the sewing head, extends at least over the maximum relative movement in said coordinate direction (x-direction) and has a recess extending in the other coordinate direction for the passage of a needle. Between the supporting plate and the workpiece holder is provided a supporting belt, which is fixed relative to the workpiece holder in both coordinate directions.

Abstract: An accessory pneumatically operated holding device is disclosed, specifically for industrial sewing machines which device comprises a profiled blade accessory holding element which can be moved by a pneumatic piston along a backward and forward travel with extreme and adjustable precision.The above device can be readily removed from the working plane of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A bag closing container device applies a strip of closure tape to a container, and sews stitches through the tape and container walls, as the container is moved past a closure station. A first sensor, located near an encoder disc driven by the container transport motor, generates a signal proportional to the container transport speed. An idler roller frictionally engaged with the closure tape carries an indicator wheel, which generates in a second sensor a signal proportional to the tape speed. The thread used in stitching the containers is wrapped around a detector wheel on its way to the closure station, and is frictionally engaged with the wheel. Wheel rotation generates in a third sensor a signal proportional to thread speed. The device includes a microprocessor which receives the signals as inputs, continually compares container transport speed and thread speed, and generates a thread fault indication if the thread and container speeds deviate from a preselected ratio.

Abstract: In a computerized sewing machine, initial coordinate values of amplitudes of needle drops (the stitching width) for line-and bar tacks of a buttonhole are stored in a ROM. Desired stitching amplitude values and cut width values are selected by external setting means on the machine and stored in a RAM. The stored desired data are adjusted to coordinates of the present initial values in such a manner that selected needle drop or stitching amplitude values are offset in parallel relative to a center value of a maximum stitching amplitude available in the machine. The widths of stitches of the left-and right line tacks remain unchanged for different cut widths of a buttonhole and only the amplitudes of the bar tack stitches are adjusted to a particular cut width.

Abstract: A device for detecting an overlapping edge of material on a sewing machine has, in combination, a signal-level discriminator and an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide has a light-receiving end on the sewing machine for receiving light through the overlapping edge of the material. The optical waveguide may be an optic fiber which, because of its small, flexible size can be accommodated easily even in the crowded sewing head or bed of an industrial sewing machine. The other end of the optical waveguide is remote from the light-receiving end for providing the received light to the signal-level discriminator which, therefore, is also remote from the crowded sewing head or bed of the sewing machine which, in addition, could interfere with its operation.

Abstract: A feed device drives a feed dog directly by a stepping motor having a predetermined number P of excitation modes, and devised so that the output shaft thereof is turned by a unit amount S when the excitation mode is changed over. A stopper is disposed so as to define the range of the horizontal feed motion of the feed dog. An excitation control means excites the stepping motor in a specific excitation mode at the start or at the end of horizontal feed operation. The specific excitation mode is one of the excitation modes in which the stepping motor is excited while the output shaft thereof is turned by an amount P.multidot.S/2 from a position where the output shaft of the stepping motor is restrained from rotation by the stopper.

Abstract: An outhaul boom end part for a sailboard boom assembly is molded integrally from plastic. The outhaul boom end part is generally U-shaped and includes a pair of tubular portions for attachment to the booms and a central portion. The central portion is provided with a pair of jam cleat slots which extend generally parallel to a plane which bisects the U-shaped part, and a sleeve is mounted on the central portion with its excess perpendicular to the plane of the U-shaped part.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises two fixtures and a length of line. A primary fixture fits against the mast and interconnects the two spars of the wishbone boom. The second fixture turns relative to the first fixture. The line is attached at one end to the second fixture, threaded through both fixtures and around the mast in a way which attaches the first fixture to the mast and enables increasing the tension in the line to effect a firm attachment. The tension is increased by turning the second fixture, twisting portions of the line to increase the tension and then locking the second fixture to the first to maintain the tension. The twisting of the line provides the user with a mechanical advantage in tightening the line. The locking is done with a pin mounted in the second fixture engaging holes in the first.

Abstract: A portable boat ramp having a frame supporting a cradle having protective support pads thereon. The frame also includes ground stakes for securing the ramp in a temporary position on the waterbed. A boat may be temporarily moored with the forward portion of the hull in the cradle in a position near the shoreline but with the boat out of contact with the waterbed, thus preventing damage to the boat hull from such contact and the buffeting and wave action normally encountered when the boat is beached.

Abstract: A circular floatation vehicle, particularly for rafting as an amusement ride, the vehicle having an annular tube with a circular platform inset, wherein the platform inset is constructed with a central contoured core to seat a plurality of occupants around the core, whereby the core provides a common back rest and seat, allowing the occupants to be seated around the core facing outward from the center of the floatation vehicle for improved visibility and safety.

Abstract: An improved emergency signalling device for use by skiers, hunters and other persons who may be exposed to the outdoors, remote from civilization, and who may in the course of their avocation or occupation become injured or disabled while far removed from contact with assistance. The device comprises a package, which may be secured by straps to a limb or the body of the person, the package containing a signal balloon, a helium container and a reel for paying out a length of tether line together with means for easily inflating the balloon with the helium and sending it aloft to attract the attention of searchers who may be looking for the person in distress. Radar reflective streamers are provided to improve the radar reflectivity of the balloon and thus make it easier to locate by searchers using radar from the air or water.