Abstract: A magnetic device comprising a first and a second plate of a magnetic material between which domains are situated. An interaction force occurs between the domains in the two plates. Stable domain positions in a second plate define equally stable domain positions in a first plate. One or both plates can be provided with domain guiding structures. Domain displacement in one plate can control a domain displacement in the other so that a variation in the interaction force is produced.

Abstract: A viewport for a welder's protective mask or the like, with a semitransparent window arranged to be opened by mandibular action of the user for inspection of a newly set weld, for example, while leaving both hands free to hold or manipulate other equipment.

Abstract: A comfort pad is provided and consists of a Y-shaped strap that is wrapped around a leg of a person and secured to a pillow that acts as a cushion to relieve pressure on knee bones as well as stress on hips, when a person sleeps on their side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective garment which comprises a base sheet member having a neck opening aperture formed in a selected neckband section thereof. A neck elastic member is located in an overlying relation with a selected portion of the neckband section and is positioned at least partially adjacent to the neck opening aperture. An attaching mechanism secures the elastic member to the neckband section.

Abstract: An elongated, tubular, flexible garment is described which has open ends and a longitudinal centrally located opening in the wall of the tubular garment. The garment is adapted to fit over the arms and across the shoulders of a person wearing the garment. If desired, elastic cuff members may be included on the open ends of the tubular garment. The garment is adapted to keep a person's arms warm without restricting movement of the arms in any way. The garment is useful in various sporting activities (e.g., golfing, skiing, exercising, etc.) or working activity where free arm movement is required.

Abstract: An improved headgear conformable to the head of a wearer and capable of absorbing energy to thereby protect the wearer against blows to the head. The headgear is fabricated of foam coated with a pliable coating. The foam is shaped as a circumferential strip adapted to encompass the head of the wearer and includes a first portion extending across the wearer's forehead, a second portion extending across the back of the wearer's head and intermediate portions extending across the sides of the wearer's head. The intermediate portions couple the wide portion and narrow portion. A concave region is formed in the interior of the wide portion to create a dome-shaped air space between the back of the wearer's head and the interior of the headgear for the increased absorption of the force of a blow to the back of the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A stopper drain guide stem is provided for centering and positioning a stopper in a drain guide hole. The unitary guide stem has a spindle portion extending axially downwardly therefrom for attachment to a drain stopper. The downwardly extending flexible stem portion of the guide element has a radiused nose portion for supporting the drain stopper in its raised, draining position, and for centering the stem and guiding it into a central aperture of the drain body assembly. The intermediate length of the stem portion is bifurcated, having a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel flexible leg portions with a flexible spacer member extending therebetween intermediate their length, to promote flexibility of the stem, so as to enable its use in a wider range of sizes of guide hole, and to enhance lateral stabilizing frictional engagement of the stem with the inner peripheral surface of the drain guide hole.

Abstract: A floating pool assembly including a sheet member having top and bottom extremities and first and second ends, the first and second ends being connected together to define an endless wall with an open top and open bottom. The sheet member is flexible for folding and unfolding. The assembly further includes a floatation pocket extending along the top extremity between the ends of the sheet member, a weight pocket extending along the bottom extremity between the ends of the sheet member, and a fluid pocket extending between the ends of the sheet member below the floatation pocket. The fluid pocket has closed ends and spaced openings therealong and an inlet which communicates with the fluid pocket for supplying fluid to the fluid pocket for flow out of the openings. When the assembly is disposed within a pool and the supplied fluid is hot water coming from the pool water heating system, the assembly provides an isolated heated area within the pool.

Abstract: A receptor apparatus useful in combination with swimming pools utilizing a vinyl liner, wherein the receptor apparatus is uniquely designed and configured to retain the free edge of the pool liner and also to provide means for receiving and mounting a tile border around the pool's waterline. The receptor apparatus includes a liner receptor which is mounted around the perimeter of the pool cavity and which retains the free edge of the liner therein, and a tile setting track which is attachable to the edge of the liner, whereby a tile border may be placed in the tile setting track around the pool's waterline.

Abstract: An automatic rim flow water level control system for gutters is provided, for use in swimming pools, which includes a peripheral gutter having at least one weir chamber on its pool side wall, the wall having a plurality of vertically extending elongated water entrance slots communicating with the pool weir chamber, a plurality of vertical elongated water exit slots through the top rim of the gutter wall opposite to the pool side water entrance slots, a plurality of elongated water exit slots through the weir chamber wall below the top rim slots, an elongated float carried in the weir chamber, which float is responsive to the water level in the pool, to permit water to flow through the slots into the gutter for skimming, and into the weir chamber for float positioning and water skimming control, the weir chamber bottom wall having orifices to provide for controlled leakage of water out of the chamber into the gutter, from which it is removed, filtered and returned to the pool.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a liquid level control system which can be installed within an automatic pool reservoir surface skimmer or separately within or external of the reservoir which includes a primary float valve which allows liquid to flow into a pool reservoir when the level of fluid in the reservoir falls below a first predetermined level and a secondary float valve associated with the primary flow valve which shuts off the flow of liquid into the pool reservoir when the level of the liquid exceeds a second predetermined level which is higher in elevation than the first predetermined level. The primary float valve continually operates between open and closed states. The secondary valve is normally in an open state and when caused to change to a closed state remains in a closed state until manually reset. A flow valve is included which terminates flow from the source of the liquid under pressure to the reservoir through the liquid level control system when a normally expected flow rate is exceeded.

Abstract: A bathtub unit (1) is provided which is set into wall recesses which may form a shower stall if desired. The tub unit includes a raised seat (12) at one end and a downwardly recessed tub (13) at the other end. The front wall of the seat is recessed rearwardly (16) to provide heel room for the user, and the seat top is provided with a drain run (18) which discharges into the tub. A plurality of foot holds (28) are spaced along the longitudinal side walls of the tub, and in the present embodiment comprise vertically extending tapered recesses (29, 30) provided with foot stops (31). Hand rails (32) are disposed along the longitudinal tub edges above the foot holds, with the rails having projections (34) spaced therealong. The user can work himself down into or up from the tub in a step-by-step manner by utilizing one or the combination of foot holds and hand rails.

Abstract: A double action securing device for the drop side of a crib comprises a guide member connected to the crib or to the drop side in a vertically oriented position. A slide member is slidably mounted to the guide member between two positions for raising and lowering the drop side. A catch pin is axially mounted to the slide member and engageable with an opening of the guide member in at least one of the relative positions. The catch pin has a head which defines a recess for embracing a lower edge of the guide member opening. The weight of the slide member causes the head recess to drop over the lower edge of the opening to lock the slide member with respect to the guide member.A mattress support is used with the securing device. It has a frame defining a space comprising four vertical brackets connected to four posts of the crib frame. Each bracket has a plurality of vertically spaced open ended slots with open mouths of each slot facing toward a centerline of the crib.

Abstract: A mattress consists of a foam body having recesses at positions corresponding to the locations of protruding portions of a patient lying on the mattress. Foam blocks can be selectively placed in portions of the recesses. An encasement member encases the foam body and includes a top foam sheet. A bloused waterproof, non-shearing, flame retardant and antibacterial top sheet forms a portion of the encasement member covering the foam sheet. A zipper in the encasement member enchances air circulation into and out of the mattress.

Abstract: A pillowcase, having a three-layered inlay formed integrally into at least one of its sides to allow maintenance of the curl hair style without a bonnet and prevention of pillowcase soiling outside the area of the inlay from oils and greases used to produce the curl style.

Abstract: Knitware in hose form is prepared for a wet treatment, a preliminary dewatering, and for drying, by winding the hose into wound laps under a constant winding tension, so that the laps have a density of more than 200 and less than 400 g/dm.sup.3. The lap is coaxially compressed to reduce its original axial length by 3% to 8% and in this state the lap is exposed to dye liquor, flowing, for example, alternately radially inwardly or radially outwardly or axially in alternate directions. The lap is then preliminarily dewatered in an unvaried state, preferably by rotation. Thereafter, the lap is subjected in the same state to a drying treatment. The drying treatment may, in the alternative, be performed after the knitware has been unrolled and the hose has been cut lengthwise for securing the knitware in its spread-out state to a tentering frame which is then passed through a drying chamber.

Abstract: A method for the production of footwear is disclosed which comprises providing and attaching a midsole member with integrated toe and heel counters. The process provides for efficient use of labor and machinery by reducing the number of steps required in footwear production and by reducing the number of machines required. The method comprises placing the midsole over a liner, drawing a pre-formed upper over the midsole and attaching a sole to the upper. Attachment of the components is preferably by a heat-activated glue. The midsole component is adaptable to a number of applications by modifying such aspects as the size and shape of the toe and heel counters, the size, shape and/or presence of side walls, the contour and thickness of the bottom, and the attachment of shanks or other stiffening or resiliency modifying members.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for pouring concrete on a bridge is disclosed employing rail-mounted pouring and related equipment and separate rail-mounted rolling pipe for attachment to a concrete source system located on an approach to the area to be poured. The equipment rail and rolling pipe rail are both mounted on stable overhang brackets located outboard of the area to be poured. A power tractor is also mounted in the approach area on the rolling pipe rail and straddles the vertical reinforcing members located on the outside edges of the bridge deck. The tractor pushes the rolling pipe and permits a flexible hose connection to a stationary concrete pump located on the approach. A spring-loaded telescoping channel connection allows the trolleys on the tractor and the idler trolleys supporting the rolling pipe to be clamped securely to the rail.

Abstract: A joint covering has an elastic mat that is cast in situ and lies on rigid plates bridge the gap. The plates are controlled by providing the mat with elastomeric projections on its underside which engage the plates. The elastic behavior of the mat is not impaired in any way as a result.

Abstract: A slab-type short span bridge constructed of at least one corrugated plate having parallel, longitudinally extending corrugations of a generally trapezoidal cross-section. A layer of concrete which defines the traffic carrying surface of the bridge and a generally flat plate are secured to the corrugated plate. The flat plate can be interposed between the concrete layer and the corrugated plate, or it may be spaced from the concrete layer by the corrugated plate. The flat plate can simultaneously define portions of the corrugated plate. Means is provided for rigidly interconnecting all members of the bridge into a unitary, load carrying structure.

Abstract: A cylindrical fiber brush useful in electrostatic charging and cleaning in an electrostatographic imaging process comprises an elongated cylindrical core having bound thereto a spirally wound conductive pile fabric strip forming a spiral seam between adjacent windings of the fabric strip, the fiber fill density of said fabric strip at the strip edge being at least double the fiber fill density in the center portion of the fabric strip. The increased fiber fill density at the strip edges provides additional fibers to fill the seams between the adjacent windings and improves the charging and cleaning performance at low rotational speeds.

Abstract: A drain-cleaning implement having a plastic shell of two subshells snapped together using male and female mating means along abutting edges and having a snake coiled within the shell and exerting outward mating force on it. The male means are on projections extending from inwardly-projecting sidewall portions formed at intervals around the inside surface of one subshell, and such inside surface has substantially edge-free transitions between the inwardly-projecting portions and positions therebetween to strengthen the shell with maximum mating force from the snake. Preferred embodiments have corner-free mating means. A stop ledge facilitates proper mounting of a rotatable handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontic toothbrush, particularly for children wearing regulating pins, characterized by a brushing head (30) comprising on the one hand two lateral and longitudinal groups of tufts of bristles (31,35), each group possessing tufts (32,36) inclined towards the outside of the brushing head and diverging relative to a median longitudinal plane of the head, and tufts (33,37) converging towards this median longitudinal plane, and secondly at least one central longitudinal row of shorter tufts (40) parallel to the median longitudinal plane.

Abstract: A roller sponge mop sponge retainer comprising an elongated channel shaped sponge retainer adapted to receive and securely hold a roll mop sponge; the retainer having a top and two spaced apart side walls extending downwardly from the top; the elongated retainer top having a central section hook catch terminating in end edges lateral to the top; the retainer top adjacent each end edge of the central section comprising a depressed portion having an end edge vertically lower than the adjacent central section end edge; each pair of adjacent central section end and depressed portion end edges defining an opening into which an operating rod hook can be operatively inserted; each depressed portion having a raised element; the raised elements being spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the length of the rod hook adapted to be longitudinally positioned beneath the central section hook catch; and the raised elements restricting longitudinal movement of the hook relative to the retainer central section hook cat

Abstract: Removable apparatus for cleaning obstructions such as oxidized or encrusted smelt from a smelt spout of a chemical recovery furnace. A metal cleaning head having a rod-like shape depends, at rest, from a housing attached exteriorly of the furnace above the smelt spout. Periodically, an actuating mechanism in the housing moves the cleaning head downward and inward into the smelt spout to dislodge any obstructions that may have accumulated therein, and subsequently retracts the cleaning head to the at-rest position. Channel scraping members attached to the cleaning head are hinged to retract upon insertion of the cleaning head into the smelt spout an extend into the smelt spout channel to urge obstructions out of the channel when the cleaning head is retracted.

Abstract: An elongated film strip is cleaned by two pairs of rotary brushes with soft bristles contacting opposite sides of the film strip traveling between the two pairs of brushes. Each pair of brushes is placed at an angle to the direction of film travel for brushing dirt particles away from the center of the film. The top pair of brushes and the bottom pair of brushes are arranged so that one brush in each pair brushes the particles from the central region of the film toward one edge of the film, while the other brush on the same side of the film brushes particles away from the central region of the film toward the other edge of the film. The brushes avoid contact with perforations on the edge of the film which would result in particles lodged in the perforations being brushed toward the central region of the film. A separately electrically conductive vacuum tube contacts each brush after the brush contacts the film.

Abstract: A dual mode hair vacuum and dryer unit includes a cabinet with separate upper and lower compartments. An air pump in the cabinet has its suction inlet in the lower compartment and pressure outlet in the upper compartment for creating airflow through the air pump from the lower to the upper compartment. An air filter is disposed across the suction inlet of the air pump. A vacuum attachment connects to an air inlet nozzle on the cabinet for communicating vacuum airflow from a vacuum nozzle to the suction inlet of the air pump, via the lower compartment, which entrains hair cuttings in the vacuum airflow. A dryer attachment connects to an air outlet nozzle on the cabinet for communicating positive pressure airflow from the pressure outlet of the air pump to a drying nozzle, via the upper compartment, to dry hair.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a device which senses brush speed while varying nozzle height settings until an optimum height setting is reached. Nozzle height is varied by a motor that rotates a cam to move a support roller and is set by stopping the motor when a predetermined brush speed condition is reached. A programmed control circuit senses the brush speed while controlling the cam motor.

Abstract: An improved caster construction wherein a brake is provided for selectively braking both the wheel against rotation and the yoke against rotation around the axis of the post of the caster. The post includes a lower end having a nut fixed thereto and the brake includes a brake plate having a socket for selectively engaging the nut to prevent rotation of the yoke about the axis of the post.

Abstract: A castor comprises a moulded plastics body (1) having a socket for a swivel pin and a center wall (6) with an aperture of which the edge is formed as the outer ball track (9) of a ball bearing. Two moulded plastics wheels (2) have hollow hub portions (11) extending towards the center wall and shaped to co-operate to provide the inner ball track (17) of the ball bearing.

Abstract: This invention concerns a traction device such as a door closure made from memory alloy. In the preferred form the traction device comprises an elongated length of memory alloy, heating means operable to heat the element to restore it to its original shape, relatively movable parts attached to respective ends of the element, one of which is connected to a load which is to be displaced in the direction of traction when the element is heated, and a spring which yields resiliently to allow the load to move in the direction opposite to that in which traction is exerted if the element is hot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge for pivotally mounting flood lamps. The hinge includes a first and second knuckle. The first knuckle has an internally threaded socket. The second knuckle includes a first part and a second part, and the parts are interlocked for simultaneous rotation. The first part further has a rotation resisting surface facing the first knuckle. The hinge further includes a pair of shroud members, which each have counterbored aperatures therethrough and are arrange on each side of the second knuckle. There is a pair of threaded hinge pins, one each passing through a shourd member and a part of the second knuckle and threadably received in the first knuckles threaded socket. Loosening the threaded hinge pins permits relative rotation of the knuckles while tightening of the threaded hinge pins fixer the angular orientation of the hinge. The counterbores of the shrouds make difficult uninvited (i.e. vandalism) tampering of the hinge.

Abstract: Cabinet hinge whose cabinet-wall-related part in the form of a cantilever arm can be slipped onto a mounting plate installed on the wall of a cabinet and can then be fixed at selected positions on the mounting plate by tightening a screw. The mounting plate bears a resilient catch which, at the beginning of the installation of the cantilever arm engages an abutment on the latter and thus secures it against accidental withdrawal from the mounting plate, without interfering with its movement for longitudinal adjustment on the mounting plate. The catch is provided on a leaf spring which is fastened at one end within the mounting plate while its free end bearing the catch protrudes through an opening in the mounting plate. The arm-holding screw is passed with clearance through an oversize hole in the mounting plate and driven into a threaded eye in the leaf spring.

Abstract: In an arrangement of gas springs as weight counter-balance and retaining device for a part pivotable substantially about a horizontal axis such as a flap, lid or door, a simple construction is required which guarantees two stable open positions for the pivotable part. This is guaranteed in that two gas springs are arranged where the first of the two gas springs possesses an outward thrust force acting over the entire range of displacement of the pivotable part, while the second gas spring possesses an outward thrust force acting over a part of the displacement range and an additional force-free displacement range.

Abstract: A passenger car rear compartment lid hinge and torque rod arrangement is disclosed having both releasable and permanent torque rod holders that cooperate with the torque rod to automatically preload the latter with initial lid movement.

Abstract: There is disclosed a carcass back splitting machine having a multifaceted carrousel that supports, retains and advances carcasses through successive stations including an entry station, a splitting station and a discharge station. Each facet has carcass receiving and retention means including two sets of vertically arranged retractable suction cups for engaging the two sides of the carcass, and shifting the carcass into engagement with and in conformity to a configurated backstop forming surface. An extensible cutter vertically advances over a configurated path down through the carcass backbone but not the adjacent skin.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus which can be utilized for the quality inspection of fish fillets and enables the detection of faulty spots resulting from processing deficiencies, such as skin or fin remainders, blood spots, bones, as well as from parasites and others. To this end, fillets are guided to a light emitter by means of a conveyor belt which is made from a material which allows light to pass at low absorption. The light emitter comprises light sources which are arranged out of direct sight by means of screens. Due to its characteristic to allow light to pass by dispersion, the fillet will appear illuminated in darker surroundings.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing fibers consists of a mixing chamber having a charging device located proximate to a chamber end wall, a fiber conveyor located proximate to the chamber bottom, and a mixing plough located proximate to the chamber end wall opposite the charging device. The fiber material in the mixing chamber is conveyed by means of the fiber conveyor toward the mixing plough. Elimination of the second mixing chamber heretofore necessary for the multiple remixing of the fiber material is accomplished by using a tubular connecting device through which the mixing plough can be connected either to an apparatus for the processing of the fiber material or to the charging device.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming fibre webs including a first component and a second component in the form of two textile fibres differentiated by their average fibre length or a textile fibre and wood pulp, said apparatus including a card means having a discharge zone, means for feeding said second component to said discharge zone, and means for condensing the fibres in said discharge zone whereby a highly uniform fibre web is obtained.

Abstract: A spinning machine is improved by incorporating into the weighting arm of a drafting system a mounting support in the form of a spring which is incorporated into the weighting arm.

Abstract: When practicing a method and using an arrangement for producing a fibre layer or fibre mat from a liquid-absorbent material, e.g. in the manufacture of diapers, a fibre-air suspension is blown in between two endless, mutually parallel air-permeable conveyor belts (12,13) at a pressure which exceeds the pressure of the ambient surroundings. The conveyor belts form therebetween a forming space which is defined laterally by stationary or movable side-walls (18), the inner surfaces of which may be profiled so as to provide a fibre layer or a fibre mat with profiled side-edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a writing instrument cap and clip therefor. The cap has secured thereto an immovable end piece made rotationally integral with the cap by the heel portion of the clip being sunk into a notch in the cap.

Abstract: A paper clip formed in one piece comprises: a top member with an opening, a bottom member having a lower portion and a tilted upper portion integrally connected by a joint portion at their front ends, and a web portion integrally connected the top member and the lower portion of the bottom member at their rear ends. The upper portion of the bottom member is confined within the opening of the top member and is located in substantially the same plane as is the top member whenever the clip is not being used. The upper portion of the bottom member is resiliently bendable toward the lower portion, and the top and bottom member are resiliently separable to receive and hold papers between substantially the entire bodies of the top member and the upper portion of the bottom members. The paper clip has a unique characteristic of distributing a uniform clamping force to the top and bottom members by constantly maintaining a parallel relationship between the top member and the upper portion of the bottom member.

Abstract: An hydraulic load binder is disclosed for universal application, the piston rod assembly, the reservoir assembly and the pump assembly all being commonly housed. The channels to and from the pump and the piston rod chamber and the reservoir chamber are controlled by simple check valves. Two additional channels are provided for communicating the top of the piston rod chamber with the reservoir chamber. One of these additional channels includes a check valve which opens when the pressure in the piston rod chamber reaches a predetermined limit. The other additional channel is controlled by a needle valve, which is opened once a rotatable mechanical locking means is placed in locking position against the extended piston rod. Opening the needle valve depressurizes the piston rod chamber. The piston rod chamber is again pressurized to permit the mechanical lock to be released.

Abstract: A button assembly includes a hollow button body having a garment-engaging base portion through which a shank of an eyelet is inserted into the botton body for being staked on the base portion to join the button body with the eyelet. The base portion includes a plurality of retaining ribs projecting into the interior of the button body for retaining thereon an annular curled edge of the shank when the eyelet is axially compressed. The ribs stiffen the base portion and increases the effective thickness of the base portion with the result that the shank can be joined with the button body by a relatively small rivetting force because the end portion of the shank to be deformed becomes short. With the interiorly projecting ribs, the base portion has a planar outer surface engageable flatwise against a garment fabric so that the button assembly can be attached neatly onto the garment fabric without any damage or wrinkles on the garment fabric around the button assembly.

Abstract: The clamping device for an elongate, continuous traction member, particularly for a rope, cable, cord, belt, strand or the like, comprises an oblong body composed of an at least nearly rigid material and at least two clamping pieces, advantageously hook-, eye- or eyelet bolts, guided transversely in the oblong body and spaced from each other which are movable by a wing nut and which each contain a receiving portion, advantageously a hook, eye or eyelet, for engaging and holding the traction member which is positionable against abutting surfaces of the oblong body. The oblong body is a massive block provided at least on opposing ends thereof with rounded surfaces and in which guiding surfaces, abutting surfaces for the clamping pieces and supporting and/or bearing surfaces for the wing nuts engaged with the clamping pieces are formed.

Abstract: An improved clamping collar of the type comprising a hooped band, one end of which mounts thereon a support for a rotatable screw which meshes with teeth stamped at the opposite end of the band. The support is formed by a portion having a U-shaped section which has longitudinal entrant portions which are fitted into the neck of the screw for providing the necessary support for same, and for preventing the screw from coming out on slackening of the clamping collar.

Abstract: A clip (8) for a hanger has a pair of gripping arms (9,10) pivoted together (11) which have respective free ends (13,14) which are normally biassed together. The free ends (13,14) can be opened up by pressure being applied across the respective upper portions of the gripping arms (9,10). This enables an article of clothing or the like to be inserted therebetween. A tongue (17) can be pivoted (20) on the upper end of one of the gripping arms (9) to engage within a groove in the top edge of the other gripping arm (10). This results in the free ends (13,14) being locked together therefore securing the article of clothing therebetween. An edge (22) of a flange (19) from which the tongue (17) extends, is required to be forced past projections (21) on either side of the groove to locate the tongue (17) within the groove. The edge (22) forces the top end of the arm (10) outwardly which results in the securement of the free ends (13,14) together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning chain provided with grippers in which the gripper body is made from cast spheroidal graphite or high-grade cast steel, the arms for pivot mounting of the gripper flap run at an angle upwards, the angle between the two arms of the gripper flap is kept small and the ratio of length to diameter of the link pins is between 1:0.9 and 1:1.5. Such a gripper is distinguished in particular by a particularly low overall height.

Abstract: The adjustable-curvature roll of the present invention includes a hollow, cylindrical axle in which two rods are inserted. Each of these rods is securely fastened to an endplate at one end of the axle, and the opposite end of each rod is threaded within one of two oppositely rotating intermeshed gears. An adjusting hexagon or other similar adjusting device is connected to one of the meshed gears and the turning of the adjusting device in one direction causes an increase in the compression applied to one of the rods while at the same time exerting an increased tension on the other rod which is connected to the oppositely rotating gear. This combination of tension and compression causes the curvature of the roll to change. An indicator attached to the adjusting device provides a reading of the chosen degree of curvature. The axle may be surrounded by an outer sleeve which rotates, through the aid of ball bearings, around the axle.