Abstract: A device for retaining and displaying one or more photographs includes a pair of frames which are mirror images and are connected along one edge by a hinge. Each frame has an outer wall approximately equal in size and shape to the photograph and a plurality of side walls extending at an obtuse angle in the same direction from a periphery of the outer wall. The hinge permits the frames to be moved from an open position wherein the photograph can be inserted between the outer walls to a closed position wherein the photograph is retained between the outer walls. An opening in at least one of the outer walls permits the photograph to be displayed. An outer surface of each of the outer walls has a groove formed therein for retaining one end of a pair of legs attached to a base portion of a clip. The base portion of the clip can be placed on a generally horizontal surface and the legs will maintain the outer walls of the frames in a generally vertical position to display the photograph.

Abstract: A bumper sticker holder comprises a base, base fastening means for fastening the base to an automobile bumper or other support, and a peripheral frame dimensioned to overlie the peripheral area of the base and with it defining a longitudinal guideway dimensioned to receive and mount a bumper sticker or like display item. Frame fastening means fasten the frame to the base. As an alternative application, the base fastening means may be employed as a stand for mounting the holder on a desk or other supporting surface. When combined with suction cup fasteners, the holder may be applied to mounting the display item on the interior of an automobile window or like location.

Abstract: A combined magazine cap and choke wrench (10) for use with a shotgun (12) having a tubular magazine (16). The magazine cap and choke wrench (10) comprises a cap body (26) defining an annular recess (28) for releasably receiving the outboard end portion (22) of the tubular magazine (16) of a shotgun (12), whereby the barrel (14) and magazine (16) of the shotgun are secured together and/or the fore-end grip (24) of the shotgun is held in place. The combined magazine cap and choke wrench (10) further comprises a choke wrench portion (32) mounted on the cap body (26). The wrench portion (32) includes at least two spline members (52) for registering with and for being releasably received in the wrench slots (42) of a tubular shotgun choke (36) such that when the spline members (52) are seated in the wrench slots (42) selective rotation of the cap body (26) results in facilitating installation and removal of the choke (36) from the barrel (14) of the shotgun (12).

Abstract: A trolley assembly for use upon a line which is anchored in the water for retrieving a fishing net. The trolley assembly includes a weighted body member having a pair of trolley arms extending therefrom. The trolley arms are disposed at an angle to one another and are integrally associated with the body member to define a generally V-shaped assembly. The body member includes a loop disposed on a line bisecting the angle between the trolley arms for affixing a net securing line opposite the trolley arms. The trolley assembly also includes a pair of trolley wheels adapted to ride on the anchored line. One of the trolley wheels is mounted for wheel-rolling movement on each of the trolley arms. The trolley wheels are disposed in spaced relation to the body member. With these features of construction, one end of the fishing net can be secured to the trolley assembly with the net securing line and the other end of the fishing net can be controlled by a fishing line secured thereto.

Abstract: A scented fishing lure having a rigid absorbent body portion constructed from fibrous material. The body portion is constructed with resin-impregnated fiberous material. Because the entire body portion is of an absorbent nature, the body portion can absorb and be thoroughly saturated with a fish attractant oil. The fish attractant oil is released into the water at a constant, prolonged rate during use of the present scented fishing lure to provide a fish attracting odor for facilitating the catching of fish.

Abstract: The invention relates a new embodiment for a multitray vertical planter fed basically by capillar water action, which enables easy handling for commercial distribution, and also the possibility of rotating the planter for adequate sunning or decorative purposes. In its erected position the planter consists of a closed water deposit which holds a succession of trays for containing soil and supporting structures thereof on top of its rotatory lid. Said rotation of the planter being achieved through ball bearings at the contact edges of the water deposit and its lid. The contact between soil and water being achieved through a conducting valve, which serves two purposes: draining the soil and feeding in capillar water. In its packed presentation, both, the water deposit and its lid contain nested all building parts: the frustoconical trays, the supporting structures and the conducting valve.

Abstract: A rotary grinder is mounted on a flat top bench to have a grinding wheel rotating on a horizontal axis. A blade holder for sharpening lawnmower blades has a slotted face bar pivotally mounted to a forward portion of a horizontal base plate resting on the bench top. A pair of upright legs extend upwardly from a rear portion of the base plate. A lawnmower blade is mounted to the face bar on a bolt extending through the face bar slot and the blade to have one of its cutting edges lying in a horizontal plane coincident with the grinding wheel axis. A blade positioning bar is mounted in the face bar slot and clamped up against the bottom edge of the blade. The angle of the face bar is set and the face bar clamped to the legs. The one cutting edge of the blade is sharpened by sliding the holder on the bench top to move the cutting edge into the grinding wheel. The blade is rotated end for end and reclamped to sharpen the other cutting edge.

Abstract: A machine for tapering the ends of lengths of fiberglass pipe is disclosed. The machine includes an enclosing cabinet having mounted therein an electric motor and a vacuum system. A grinding wheel is rotated by the motor within the cabinet and preferably the vacuum system is wired for operation at all times when the electric motor is operated. One or more stationary mandrels mount in spaced relationship to the grinding wheel and are slightly angularly oriented relative thereto. Portions of the mandrel extend exteriorly of the cabinet to provide a positioning projection to receive one end of a length of fiberglass pipe in sliding engagement. The pipe is manually fed over the mandrel toward the rotating grinding wheel and is rotated as it is inwardly urged to form a circumferencial taper in the end of the fiberglass pipe.

Abstract: The apparatus for improving tire uniformity includes contra-rotating grinding wheels for removing tire material from the upper and lower shoulder portions of the tire. The grinders are moved into grinding engagement with the tire along a path that is defined by a radius of the tire to ensure that both grinding wheels at each shoulder of the tire make simultaneous contact with the tire. The amount and extent of grinding accomplished by the contra-rotating grinders is controlled by a grind control circuit. The grind control circuit measures the no-lead current level of the grinder motor and compares the no-load current level with the current level when the grinder motors are under load. When the grinder current under load is above a predetermined maximum load current, the control circuit will signal the grinders to retract from engagement with the tire until the load current drops below the predetermined maximum level.

Abstract: An abrading element for mass finishing of workpieces such as vibratory finishing comprises an elongated metallic rod of generally circular or other curvilinear cross section with serrations extending over substantially its entire periphery along its elongated axis. The serrations provide cutting edges along their outer surfaces and recesses therebetween. The metal of the rod is hardened at least in the portion adjacent the surface to provide hardened cutting edges and a wear resistant surface. The abrading elements are conveniently formed by severing rod or wire stock in the desired length and rolling or otherwise forming the desired serrations therein, after which the abrading elements may be hardened.

Abstract: A process for artificially producing a relatively high density, tinted novaculite Washita stone of relatively homogenous characteristics, and the artificial stone product thereby produced. Tinted and untinted layers of abrasive mix are combined in a lateral pressing step to provide a composite colored stone suitable for subsequent vitrification. The untinted mixture preferably is preferably made from 100 mesh novaculite powder, but alternatively a blend of approximately 100 mesh and 200 mesh novaculite powder is employed. The is mixed with a wetting agent and water, a temporary binder, a flux, and a high refractory frit, yielding the following approximate constituency by weight: approximately 64% of said 100 and 200 mesh novaculite; 5-6% of a temporary binder, approximately 3% of the wetting agent, approximately 2% flux, and approximately 23-25% frit. After screening, the first mixture is completed by blending with ball clay.

Abstract: Abrasive belt with an abrasive-grain layer on a base containing a textile terial, and with a joint extending transversely to its longitudinal direction. The latter contains a joining strip in a rebate on the side of the base facing away from the abrasive-grain layer. A set of parallel threads of the textile material extends transversely to the joint. To increase the quality of the joint, the textile material used is one in which the set of parallel threads forms a non-interwoven layer. This thread layer is arranged on the side of the textile material facing the abrasive-grain layer. This layer is held together by a further layer arranged on its side facing away from the abrasive-grain layer. Since the rebate is located in this further layer, the threads responsible for transmitting the longitudinal tensile forces and extending transversely to the joint remain unaffected.

Abstract: A building block, which is adapted to be assembled with other such blocks to form a structural unit, includes a tetrahedrally shaped block body. The block body has an upper edge, two upper triangular faces sloping downwardly and mutally diverging from the upper edge, a lower edge, and two lower triangular faces sloping downwardly and mutually converging to the lower edge. The lower edge is disposed orthogonally and spaced below the upper edge. The building block further includes a hooking lip formed on and projecting from each of its upper and lower faces. The hooking lip of one block is adapted to interlockingly engage a hooking lip of another block. When the building blocks are so engaged, they may be assembled in an overlapping, geometric, self-supporting arrangement suitable for load bearing applications.

Abstract: A structural unit for forming a building, which structural unit comprises at least three elongate members which are connected to each other to define an area, a covering of a flexible material which is secured to the elongate members and which covers the area defined by the elongate members, and a locking device which connects at least one pair of the elongate members, the locking device being such that it operates with a wedging action whereby tightening of the locking device causes the two elongate members to move with respect to the locking device such that the two elongate members move apart to increase the surface area of the structural unit and thereby tighten the covering of the flexible material.

Abstract: A roof system and method of roof fabrication for a building having in place a plurality of parallel and spaced apart elongated structural support units defining a longitudinal surface exposed from above. Fabrication is effected by first applying a double faced adhesive tape longitudinally along the top surface of the support units after which flexible moisture impervious sheeting suitable to function as a vapor barrier is sequentially applied in lengths from rolls in a laterally spaced apart relation directly onto the adhesive tape of adjacent support units. This is followed by applying another length of sheeting intermediate and in contact with double faced adhesive tape applied over the borders of the adjacent previously applied sheeting into an overlapping seamed relation to render the sheeting continuous and uninterrupted.

Abstract: A cable truss dome which is not triangulated is constructed from a plurality of cables under tension and compression members arranged in triangles having non-common sides. The cable truss dome is adapted for spanning large areas where the cables form a low shallow arch which supports a flexible membrane as a covering. The non-common vertex of the formed triangles are connected to similarly placed vertical sides of other triangles through continuous nested tension rings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and positioning a plurality of anchor bolts in concrete to provide a tie down apparatus for columns and posts. The apparatus includes two or more anchor bolts passing through and welded to a locator plate. The anchor bolts are turned at the lower end and are threaded at the upper end. The anchor bolts are positioned, aligned and set in relationship to one another with the longitudinal center lines of the anchor bolts positioned parallel to one another in a predetermined spaced apart relationship to the locator plate that is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal center lines of the anchor bolts. The locator plate is adjustably connected to removable cross members which are supported by forms in a final position during the pouring of support concrete around and beneath the tie down apparatus.

Abstract: A free access type floor comprising a plurality of floor boards arranged on one and the same plane in a closely connected manner to form a secondary floor, engaging members provided at at least each corner of each of said floor boards, and support members provided with floor board-engaging means, which are adjustable in height, for detachably engaging with said adjacent engaging members of adjacent floor boards on one and the same plane to support said floor boards in a closely connected manner, and a method for installing the same.

Abstract: A housing arrangement in two columns of lots with a staggered configuration such that all the houses in the lots may face in the same direction so as to take advantage of ambient conditions while simultaneously providing optimum land-use efficiency and privacy for the occupants of every lot in their dwellings and back yards. The configuration of structures also provide numerous advantages such as security, noise buffering, avoidance of visual pollution, convenient access to the back yard, ability to change columnar direction to follow the geographic and physical contours of the area, and ease of placement of utility lines and passive solar devices.

Abstract: A very tall but slender multi-use building having at least, and preferably substantially more than, 75 human-occupiable stories (e.g., 75-300 human-occupiable stories). The main structural element of the building is a hollow, vertical prism of reinforced concrete made up of interconnected, substantially planar, vertical walls. Most of the human-occupied floor space is outside the prism. The prism preferably carries substantially the entire load of at least that portion of the building above about the 75th floor.

Abstract: An expansion, or seismic joint, is provided of polyurethane/polyester sponge rubber having a series of parallel grooves in its front face and a single vee shaped groove in its rear face. The grooves in the front face include an elastomeric membrane of cured one-component polyurethane liquid rubber and a cured capping layer of aliphatic two-component urethane liquid rubber. The capping layer may be colored or if the capping layer is not used the elastomeric membrane may include an aggregate or sand coating. The capping layer may be colored.

Abstract: A raised panel paneling system is disclosed comprising a plurality of paneling sheets securable to a substrate, with the edges between adjacent sheets varying between edge-to-edge abutting relation to a substantial maximum permissible gap therebetween so as to permit the sheets of prescribed widths to cover the substrates of varying widths within a limited range. A horizontal rail, such as a chair rail, is applied to the sheets at a predetermined distance so as to divide the sheet into a first portion and a second portion. A stile is applied to the adjacent edges of the sheets so as to cover the joint or the gap between adjacent sheets. A horizontal rail, such as a base board, is applied to one portion of the sheets, and another rail, such as a crown molding rail, is applied to the other end of the panel sheets.

Abstract: A rivet having a head portion and a body portion, with a bore through the head portion and body portion, said bore being capable of receiving a mandrel having a head portion with a self-piercing end portion and a cutting portion. The self-piercing end portion is capable of piercing partially or entirely through a roofing substrate. After the mandrel has pierced the substrate, the cutting portion of the mandrel peels back the rivet body into separate portions which curl back on the rivet body.

Abstract: A method of building a roof wherein a horizontally disposed roof deck assembly is formed comprising: a sheet of corrugated steel material, preferably having a symmetrical rib pattern wherein the quantity of steel is equally distributed above and below a neutral axis; a sheet of insulation material; and a sheet of rigid substrate material mechanically fastened together by screws. The screws extend through the rigid substrate and through ridges on the upper side of the corrugated sheet material to restrain the ridges from above against lateral distortion under loading, thus forcing the corrugated sheet to maintain its shape and operate to capacities in excess of its expected or predictable flexural load capabilities. The roof deck assembly is secured to a supporting structure and suitable adhesive material, such as asphalt, is employed for securing a waterproof covering thereover.

Abstract: A roofing installation having a plurality of substrates including a deck; a flexible membrane in overlying relation to the substrates and forming an upper roof surface, and a plurality of battens for securing the membrane to the underlying substrates, the battens being arranged in a radial pattern directed radially outward from a central region of the roofing installation, the radial pattern allowing for communication between regions of the flexible membrane partitioned by adjacent batten placements and roof edges, thereby providing for controlled ballooning and for dispersion of wind uplift forces throughout the roofing installation.

Abstract: A two-piece fastening arrangement for joining two structural greenhouse panels. The fastener is capable of connecting a wide range of thicknesses of structural panels. A cap member snaps into a base member and biases the structural panels between the cap and base. The snap engagement is between two sets of cooperative arms extending from each member, one member having hooks which are inserted into recessed areas or notches of the other member. The notched member has a plurality of notches in the arms making the fastener capable of connecting a wide range of different width panels. The cap member has a crescent shape to bias the structural panel and improve the sealing of the joint. With the crescent shape and size of the notches, different thicknesses of panels can be connected to each other with a uniform fastener.

Abstract: The conversion ceiling system disclosed may be installed immediately under a pre-existing ceiling without dismantling or removing the pre-existing ceiling. The conversion ceiling system includes pans which are adapted to cooperate with conventional inverted T-beams which, if pre-existing, support the pre-existing ceiling panels. The T-beams support the conversion pans in a side-by-side array to form a new ceiling surface. Each of the conversion pans includes a horizontally extending plate having a specially formed upwardly turned peripheral rim. At least two portions of the rim include laterally projecting tabs for engaging the flanges of T-beams and at least one of the tabs has an upstanding stop to limit the horizontal movement of the pan. The ceiling assembly may include a number of resilient clips securing the upstanding stops on the rims of the pans to the T-beams. Alternately, the pre-existing ceiling tiles may engage the stop to prevent horizontal movement of the pans.

Abstract: In wall siding panels having vertical edge portions adapted to overlap, fasteners prevent the vertical joint so formed from bending or bulging outwardly. The panels have declinations and flat lengthwise, horizontal shoulders joining the declinations to resemble clapboard finishing. A female aperture is formed in each shoulder of one panel adjacent its vertical edge portion, and a male projection is formed in each shoulder of the other panel adjacent its vertical edge portion. When a pair of two longitudinally-spaced, oppositely-directed projections are provided, which are selectively used so as to permit panel overlapping in any order edge portions are overlapped, each projection elements have identical profiles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a modular fabrication panel unit comprising a horizontally-disposed corrugated gypsum board core, the corrugation forming a series of truncated crests and troughs, framed and braced by substantially U-shaped channel supports formed of structural steel, corrugated core and supports then being sandwiched between panel skin comprising either plywood or gypsum board, depending on whether the panel is to be used as a section of an interior wall, exterior wall or roof. The panel skin is attached to the flat outwardly-facing surfaces of the core formed by its truncated corrugation. The modular fabrication panel unit of the present invention may be manufactured utilizing inexpensive machinery and nonspecialized manual labor, either on-site or in a factory situation. The modular fabrication panel unit is a low-cost, low-maintenance, fire-retardant, structurally sound modular construction member having good insulating and acoustical properties.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a roll is disclosed. The wrapping machine includes a conveyor for receiving the roll to be wrapped. Support rollers space the roll relative to the conveyor and a drive roller rotates the roll. An upper hold-down assembly supports the upper portion of the roll. A reciprocating carriage is mounted adjacent the conveyor. The carriage delivers wrapping materials which are placed in layers on the roll as it rotates.

Abstract: A web of heat-sealable material is advanced in overlying relation with a row of filled cups to a sealing station where both the web and a cup dwell momentarily. During the dwell period, a head at the sealing station advances downwardly and successively tamps a disc-like portion of the web downwardly into the upper end portion of the cup, seals the outer periphery of the disc-like portion to and around the upper lip of the cup and then severs the disc-like portion from the web so as to leave the cup sealed with a flexible membrane.

Abstract: Apparatus for pushing a loaded open-ended carrier sleeve and folding the trailing dust flaps of the sleeve. Flight bars attached to endless chains located below the path of travel of the carrier sleeve initially move the sleeve. Pusher bars or lugs attached to endless chains located above the path of travel of the carrier sleeve engage the trailing panel of the sleeve and accelerate the sleeve away from the flight bars. Fingers attached to the pusher bars contact the trailing dust flaps prior to the pusher bars contacting the trailing panel of the sleeve and fold the trailing dust flaps before the sleeve is accelerated along its path of travel.

Abstract: Cookies (15) are carried in random spaced series on a surface belt conveyor (11) toward the delivery end of the conveyor. The cookies are diverted by diverter (18) to one side of the conveyor until a predetermined number of the cookies has been counted, whereupon the diverter diverts the cookies to the opposite side of the conveyor. The group of cookies on one side of the surface conveyor moves downwardly about the delivery end of the conveyor belt, between the overhead conveyor belts (25) and (26), so as to change the cookies from a horizontal attitude to an edge standing attitude, and the groups of cookies are received in edge standing attitude in the receptacles (58) or (59). The receptacles progressively move outwardly beneath the delivery end of the surface conveyor as the cookies are counted by photocells (28) or (29), and air nozzles (65) or (66) direct a stream of air toward the last received cookie to hold the cookie in an edge standing attitude.

Abstract: An envelope stacking apparatus adapted to be positioned at the end of a discharge conveyor for an envelope insertion machine, the apparatus including an infeed conveyor for picking up envelopes from the discharge conveyor, a stacking assembly for stacking envelopes, the stacking assembly including a stacking conveyor and a pusher plate, a transfer conveyor for transferring the envelope stacks from the stacking assembly, a drive mechanism for driving the infeed conveyor and transfer conveyor continuously, the drive mechanism including a one-revolution clutch for intermittently actuating the stacking conveyor and a counter for tripping the clutch when a predetermined number of envelopes have been stacked in the stacker assembly.

Abstract: The performance of an automated pouch filler to fill institutional quantity sized bags of foodstuff can be improved by maintaining the sealing edge of the filled bag under tension during the sealing of the bag. Unwanted air can also be removed from the bag by utilization of a pair of squeeze bars to momentarily push excess air from the bag or by evacuating air from the bag through a vacuum tube in combination with soft sealing bars to temporarily close the bag during this evacuation. The top sealing edge is maintained under tension by use of a spring loaded clamp which attaches to one corner of the bag. The rejection rate of seal is dramatically decreased by providing a neck on the bag to form a partially presealed bag which is then sealed along a segment of the top edge of the bag after filling. The rejection rate is also dramatically decreased by sealing the top edge under tension.

Abstract: Improved guard and blade assemblies for a rotary cutting machine; wherein the guard has a full rear skirt, and an apertured front skirt of three designs of guard element mounted in cantilever; and wherein the cutter blade is of the swivel type but with retention means for the cutter blade designed to warn the operator of swivel blade pivot failure and with the blade being replaceable without need to disassemble the cutter head; the cutter blade has apertures for adjustable weighting of the swivel blade to provide a variable moment arm; an improved design of replaceable blade tip is also proposed for propeller-type and swivel-type blades.

Abstract: A harvesting aid for fruit, particularly vine-borne fruit such as grapes, includes a steerable, self-propelled vehicle configured for straddling the row and supporting workers on either side of the vines. Workers sever the fruit and deposit it on a conveyor assembly which moves the fruit to a discharge point. The conveyor assembly includes a right angle conveyor segment for changing the direction of the movement of the fruit. Workers on one side deposit fruit directly onto a conveyor belt. Workers on the other side deposit fruit onto downwardly sloping pivotal diverter plates, positioned along the center line of the vehicle, having lower, outer ends above the conveyor belt. The diverter plates pivot out of the way when a vine trunk or stake is encountered as the vehicle moves down a row in either direction. The wheels of the vehicle are independently steerable over at least 90.degree. for maneuverability and for allowing the vehicle to maintain a constant azimuthal orientation.

Abstract: An improved ride-on rotary lawnmower comprises a cutter device having one or more blades rotating about an axis substantially perpendicular to the ground and contained in a downwardly open casing provided with a rear duct for the discharge of cut grass. The casing of the cutter device of the lawnmower is mounted between front wheels and rear wheels. The bottom of the rear duct of the cutter casing is closed by a wall pivoted about the rear lower side of the duct. A rear grass box is carried either by the casing of the cutting device or by the frame of the lawnmower. A roller is located in the space between the two rear wheels and always in contact with the ground independently from the height from the ground of the cutter casing. The roller occupies the entire space between the rear wheels but does not extend laterally of the rear wheels. The axis of the roller lies in the vertical plane which passes through the axis of the rear wheels and is not displaced to any substantial extent from this axis.

Abstract: A lawn mower is described having a high collection efficiency. This is accomplished by constructing a housing having a toroidally-shaped skirt defining the interior space in which the blade rotates in a horizontal plane. The interior space has a generally circular cross-section, the radius of which gradually increases toward a region of maximum radius between upper and lower portions of the housings. The blade is positioned to rotate in the lower portion of the housing and a discharge port is positioned to encompass the region of maximum radius.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving hay and turning it over from a first swath to a second swath, comprising a movable platform disposed in a substantially horizontal plane and having a generally semicircular shape, the platform having an upstanding curved wall on the outer edge of the curved side and rear portions thereof. A device is mounted on one side of the front portion of the platform for picking up hay in the first swath and depositing it on the adjacent portion of the platform as it is moved forwardly. A plurality of radially outwardly extending arms with depending tines are mounted on the platform for rotation in a substantially horizontal plane above the platform. The tines engage the hay deposited on the platform and move it along the platform in an arcuate path of approximately 180.degree. to the opposite side of the platform and over the front edge thereof to deposit the hay in an inverted position in a second swath laterally spaced from the first swath.

Abstract: A method for forming a slub yarn uses conventional false-twist texturing apparatus in combination with one or more air jets to impart striations and/or neps and slubs to continuous filament yarns. Three process configurations are disclosed; each configuration uses one air jet through which yarn passes and which directs turbulent air in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the yarn.

Abstract: A bobbin holder is provided for holding one or more bobbins of thread of varying heights in superimposed positions and adapted for being loosely and removably inserted into a bobbin carrier of a textile machine. The bobbin holder includes an elongate tubular body for receiving one or more hollow bobbins of thread on the outside thereof along the axial length thereof, mechanisms for varying the length of the elongate body for accommodating bobbins of varying heights, and a radially-outwardly-projecting support carried on the lower end of the tubular body for supporting the bobbin or bobbins of thread on the tubular body. The elongate body preferably comprises at least two tubular portions connected together at respective ends thereof by the length varying mechanisms.

Abstract: The apparatus for making textile fiber strands has a principal drive unit and at least one auxiliary drive unit. At least one alternating current motor of the principal drive unit is provided with a supply current of an adjustable frequency by a frequency converter. The frequency converter or at least one of the frequency converters is connectable to at least one alternating current motor of at least one of the auxiliary drive units in an intermediate time interval in which the receiving members of the apparatus for the fiber strands being produced are not loaded with the fiber strands.

Abstract: A spinning winder in which a spinning frame and an automatic winder are integrally associated. The spinning winder provides carrier routes comprising routes for transporting a spinning bobbin from the spinning frame to the automatic winder and routes for returning an empty bobbin discharged from the automatic winder to the spinning frame and also provides a passage for an operator between the spinning frame and the automatic winder.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel control has spill value responsive to an input control signal, for spilling fuel from a supply passage. A pressurizing valve controls flow from the supply passage to the engine, in response to the pressure in the supply passage. A throttle valve in series with the pressurizing valve maintains the pressure difference across the pressurizing valve substantially constant. A selector valve is operable to shut both the pressurizing valve and a shut-off element in the throttle valve.

Abstract: An aerial target vehicle has an aerodynamically stabilized body carrying plural rocket motors. An ignition system for the motors serves to fire the motors in selected groups at selected time intervals. The ignition system uses a capacitor as its sole power source. The capacitor is charged only after the motors are in place and the vehicle is ready for launch. A capacitor-powered logic circuit ignites the motor groups at the selected time intervals. The sequential firing of the rocket motors provides a quasi-maneuverable target with relatively long range and flight time. The capacitive power arrangement is a safety factor that prevents premature firing of the rocket due to transient currents.

Abstract: An afterburner combustion chamber receives internal combustion engine exhaust gases and the ignition of the gases in the main engine combustion chamber and the afterburner combustion chamber are synchronized with one another. Auxiliary air is supplied to an afterburn area including the combustion chamber. Exahust gases are expelled onto a reflection wall upstream from the afterburner combustion chamber. The waste gases are ignited by spark ignition means. A volume expansion chamber leads from the ignition area and communicates with a convergent flow channel and a draft section for forming a gas column tuned by the cross section and length of the draft section for optimum filling of the engine combustion chamber. Ambient air is introduced into the draft section for stabilizing the thermal accumulation within the afterburner apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable hydrostatic machine is connected to a pressure line with impressed system pressure. The pressure difference applied at the machine is set at a control valve so that the stroke volume of the machine in idling operation is set to an adjustment belonging to a predetermined load torque. In idling operation the machine is thus operated at large stroke volume with small pressure difference. If it is then necessary to furnish the load torque a switching valve is opened so that at the machine the full pressure difference is immediately applied, the machine can furnish the desired torque and the time loss necessary for setting the machine is eliminated.

Abstract: A seal mechanism for a Stirling engine has an upper and lower piston ring mounted on a displacer piston with a space therebetween and at least one piston ring mounted on a power piston. The seals produced by the piston rings of the displacer piston are given directionality in opposite directions so that the pressure within the space between the upper and lower piston rings is always higher or lower than the pressure within the expansion space and the compression space of the engine. In a preferred embodiment, the displacer piston rings each comprise two loosely-fitting outer rings which surround an inner ring. Air vents are formed in one surface of each of the inner rings between the center and the outer surface of the inner ring. The inner rings of the upper and lower piston rings are oriented so that the air vents face in opposite directions. Means for imparting directionality in the same direction to the seals produced by the power piston rings may also be provided.

Abstract: A shape-memory electromechanical drive device comprising a casing, a pair of fixed terminal members carried by the casing in electrically insulated relation thereto, an actuating member supported within the casing for movement between two positions from an intermediate position in opposite directions and having a pair of spaced spring seats defined therein, and a pair of coil springs interposed between the fixed terminal members and the spring seats, respectively. Each of the coil springs is made of shape-memory alloy and capable of returning from a compressed state to an original, expanded state when heated to a predetermined temperature. These coil springs are heated by the flow of an electric current therethrough one at a time when the device is in use.