Abstract: An electronic harp (10) of the type including a plurality of strings (22) corresponding to the diatonic scale is disclosed. Chromatic operation is achieved by selective frequency shifting of individual string frequencies in response to selection by an operator. The harp (10) includes a foot (26) and a handle (24) and is designed to provide for a minimum of mechanical vibration. A channel VSO (48) driven by strings (22) provides an audio output signal.

Abstract: An automatic music player system having an ensemble playback mode of operation using a memory disk having recorded thereon a piece of music composed of at least two combined parts to be reproduced separately of each other, the parts being recorded in the form of at least two data subblocks, comprising a first sound generator to mechanically generate sounds when mechanically or electrically actuated, at least one second sound generator to electronically generate sounds when electronically actuated and a control unit connected to the first and second sound generators, wherein (1) one of the two or more data subblocks of the data read from the disk is discriminated from another, whereupon the discriminated one of the data subblocks is transmitted to the first sound generator and another data subblock transmitted to the second sound generator, and wherein (2) the transmission of data to the second sound generator is continuously delayed by a predetermined period of time from the transmission of data to first soun

Abstract: In one embodiment, the musical box includes a box-like support structure and a music device disposed in the interior of the structure. A plurality of flexible continuous webs are sized to wrap around the outside of the structure. Each web has, along its outside surface, indicia representative of a particular mathematical data table, such as a multiplication table. One column of the table indicates the mathematical resultant of the remaining laterally displayed data. The resultant is disposed proximate a side of the support structure. A controllably movable strip or continuous web has a window and the window is sized to reveal one mathematical resultant. This continuous windowed web is driven by a gear and knob actuator.

Abstract: The improved mortar has a sealing means that provides a double seal to the firing pin so that hot ignition gases from the mortar tube are prevented from damaging the firing mechanism. The improved mortar also has an improved base plate, the improvement in the base plate being an even number of radial ridges that extend radially from the base plate and are arranged in equal angles at the center. Every other radial ridge is forked and the branches of the forked radial ridges are parallel to the adjacent non-forked radial ridges.

Abstract: A device for limiting the field of fire in elevation on an automatic firearm prevents the weapon from being fired when it is in certain, unsuitable positions. The weapon may not then be operated by either the electrical or the mechanical trigger. The operation of an electrical switch when the weapon is swung beyond a given angle of elevation to disconnect the electrical trigger is known. According to the invention, when the weapon is swung beyond the given angle of elevation known firing pin locks are mechanically actuated, which prevents the advancing breechblock which pushes the cartridge into the gun barrel from piercing the cartridge. A cam roller or follower is preferably arranged on the weapon and which strikes a fixed lifting flank or cam when the weapon is swung at a given angle of elevation.

Abstract: An automatic, hydraulically actuated, sequencing valve for use with a pair of hydraulic acutators (e.g. double acting hydraulic cylinders) includes a valve body having a cylindrical bore therein. Cam members at either end of the bore are engaged by pins on the ends of a cylindrical spool, thereby rotating the spool 30.degree. each time it engages one of the cam members. A third cam member incorporated into the spool alternately locks open one of a pair of check valves as said spool is pressure shifted between the two bore cam members. The third cam member operates a locking system which permits only one of the two hydraulic cylinders to operate at a time and in sequence.

Abstract: The brake motor subassembly with automatic play compensation limitation by way of a stepped pilot piston (20), comprising a first cylindrical peripheral surface of larger diameter (21) sliding in an inner bore (7) of the control piston (1) and a second cylindrical peripheral surface of reduced diameter (24) interacting sealingly slideably with an annular gasket (17) in the piston (1), has an intermediate radial shoulder (26) which, during the movement of the pilot piston (20) because of the opposing effective cross-sections (s.sub.1, s.sub.2), interacts with the annular gasket (17) so as thereby to present a new effective surface (s.sub.3) preventing the continuation of the movement of the pilot piston (20) and thus avoiding the compression of the elastic member (11) which normally stresses the automatic compensation nut (14).

Abstract: In a rodless cylinder comprising a series of driving magnets mounted on a piston fitted in a cylinder tube and a series of driven magnets on a driven member sliding along the cylinder tube, piping to convey a hydraulic fluid is simplified as follows. Both ends of the cylinder tube and guide rods extending parallel thereto are fastened to two end plates. Two ports through which the hydraulic fluid is supplied to and discharged from pressure chambers on both sides of the piston in the cylinder tube are provided in one of the end plates. While one of the ports communicates directly with one pressure chamber through the end plate, the other port communicates with the other pressure chamber through one of the guide rods and the other end plate. The driven member sliding along the cylinder tube carries the series of driven magnets and two annular sliding members on both sides thereof in such a manner as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: An axial piston pump is disclosed which includes a housing, a cylindrical bore in the housing, a piston barrel rotatable in the bore and spaced from the bore walls and an antifriction bearing structure surrounding the barrel between the barrel and the bore. A plurality of axial piston are provided in the barrel which are open at one end and have fluid passages through the barrel at the other end. A piston is provided in each such piston bore which extends out of the open end. A spring is provided between each piston and the other end of the piston bore. A fixed ramp swash plate is provided in the housing bore beneath the extending pistons and an antifriction thrust bearing is provided between the swash plate and pistons. An axial drive shaft is provided on the barrel which extends through an antifriction bearing in an opening in the housing opposite the bore for drivingly engaging on external drive structure.

Abstract: A cab which serves the occupancy of individuals, preferably in motor vehicles, which is equipped with an aerating and air removal system with integrated blower as well as a filter arrangement. The filter arrangement (3) consists of two filter packages (4, 5) which are arranged in shape of a V, and in whose entrance opening a blower (2) is emplaced, whose sensor (11) is provided on the interior surface of a cab window (12), which upon appearance of moisture on the interior surface of the window furnishes a control pulse.

Abstract: A pivoted blade which has a centrally positioned V-shaped pin-receiving depression combined with a slidable mounting pin which is releasably secured within the depression in the blade. This pin comprises an elongated element which is circular in cross-section at one end thereof, and its other end is flattened at one side and of V-shape on the other side. The other end of the pin has a centrally positioned hole extending therethrough with this hole being centrally disposed with respect to the flattened side and extending through the apex of the V-shaped side. This centrally positioned hole is longer than it is wide with the longer cross-section extending longitudinally of the pin. The mounting pin is mounted at a side margin of the blade with the V-shaped portion of the pin fitting into the V-shaped depression in the blade and with the end of circular cross-section extending beyond the side margin of the blade.

Abstract: To control temperature of brewing water, check valve of flow-through-heater-type coffee maker is modified so that travel of the check valve is adjustable to control rate of flow through the heating tube and, as a consequence, temperature of extracting water.

Abstract: A device for roasting meats having meat holding portion, a casing, a guide lever, a spring body, a roasting portion, and a lever for operation.In this device, the meat is roasted from both sides in the roasting portion and movement of the meat into and out of the roasting portion is performed by a remote control from outside of the casing. The roasting portion, grills, for roasting and guide rails which guide the grills to the roasting portion are secured in the casing. Further, a heating opening is provided at the upper surface of the casing so as to use the heat in the roasting portion to keep roasted meat warm.

Abstract: An automatic continuous food frying device comprising an oil tank adapted to be filled with a frying oil, a heating means for heating said frying oil, and a means for conveying food in a submerged state in the frying oil, wherein there is provided a pump in the oil tank so that the frying oil may be continuously circulated in the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus attached to the reciprocating chase of a cylinder press for carrying one or more supply spools of a web of foil-carrying material, together with an adjustable computerized controller and web-pulling rollers associated with the cylinder press and responsive to the controller, for holding a portion of the foil-carrying web suspended above the chase and moving the foil-carrying web a predetermined distance after each impression from the foil onto print stock. An articulated support rack extends from the chase to a structure supporting the web-pulling rollers, to maintain tension in the web as the chase moves. The controller is adjustable to pull a preselectable incremental length of the web a preselectable number of times and to pull a different preselectable length of the web automatically after each group of such selectable number of pulls each having that incremental length.

Abstract: A printing mechanism is described comprising a plurality of type carriers (12, 34) which on their outer peripheral face carry in one region printing types and in another region indicator types (44). The printing types can be brought by turning the type carriers (12, 34) into a printing position. A setting means (32, 20, 24) including an actuating knob (32) can be brought into a drive connection with each of the type carriers (12, 34) for rotation thereof. Stop means (100, 102, 104, 106, 110) limit the turning travel of the type carriers (12, 34). With a detent moment governed by their spring hardness resilient detent elements (96) hold the actuating knob (32) against a rotation relatively to the type carrier (12, 34) in drive connection with the setting means (32, 20, 24), the detent moment being greater than the torque necessary to rotate the type carriers (12, 34).

Abstract: A document activated imprinter apparatus for imprinting characters from a credit card comprising a housing with entrance and exit slots, imprinting means, a carrier member with a flat upwardly facing surface, receiving and positioning means, guiding and reciprocating means and forward drive means.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a flexible printing plate comprises a printing cylinder having a surface upon which the printing plate is mountable, and a connection for applying subatmospheric pressure inside the cylinder. A plurality of valves selectively apply the subatmospheric pressure to the surface from inside the cylinder. These valves have depressable actuating members protrudable above the cylinder surface. Those actuating members contacted by the printing plate when applied to the cylinder surface are depressed thereby to effect application of subatmospheric pressure to beneath the printing plate to draw the plate against the cylinder. Preferably, grooves are provided in the cylinder surface for distribution of the subatmospheric pressure beneath the plate. Advantageously, the printing plate may have a thin, highly flexible and deformable fringe along its trailing edge to seal the surface grooves, at that location.

Abstract: A safing and arming device mounted inside the shell of small caliber ammunition for normally forming a barrier between a detonator and an explosive train contained in the shell. A soft wire of lead, aluminum or plastic material, embedded in a groove in the top of the barrier normally holds it against movement. As the result of high spin, the barrier is forced to move so as to open a path between said detonator and explosive train to enable arming after a safe delay. The barrier may be two halves tied together by the soft wire of stretchable material which will slowly stretch as the result of high spin and ultimately break, allowing the halves to move apart radially to open the path. A modification of the barrier is to normally position it eccentrically of the center of gravity, at which location it forms a barrier. High spin will effect cutting of the wire and movement of the barrier to a non-blocking position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liner-barrier system which is impermeable when cured to the igh concentrations of carboranyl burning rate accelerator which are incorporated into ultrahigh-burning rate propellants which are being developed for advanced interceptors. The liner-barrier composition, when uncured, comprises a polyvinyl butyral resin coblended with thermosetting resins, such as, phenolic, epoxy etc., that employs triphenylbismuthine as a quick cure catalyst, 4,5-epoxycyclohexylmethyl 4',5'-epoxycyclohexyl carboxylate and polyisocyanate as curative and crosslinking agents to further modify the liner-barrier formulation by reacting with the secondary hydroxyl groups. Further modification of the liner-barrier formulation is achieved by incorporation of aluminum powder to impart additional properties of impermeability. The uncured liner-barrier composition contains from 8.90 to about 10.21 weight percent solids in a solvent blend of isopropyl acetate and isopropyl alcohol which comprises from about 89.79 to about 91.

Abstract: The utilization of metal hydride and an acidic reagent for the accelerating of masses, and propulsion devices for applying such materials. The materials are of a saline complex metal hydride and acidic reagent which is sprayed onto the metal hydride which is offered in a lumpy consistency, for the pulse-like generation of expanding reaction gas bubbles in a constructive or dynamically, yieldably dammed chamber. Also provided is a propulsion device for the application of the above materials, with a support for a saline complex metal hydride of a lumpy consistency in a yieldably dammed expansion chamber in which an injection nozzle for the reagent is directed towards a surface portion of the metal hydride.

Abstract: The design of low cost, safe to use cluster bombs is a prime military objective of aircraft weaponization. Present barriers to cost and safety result from the needed complex dispersion system of the submunition cargo. Spin-up, propulsion of the submunitions, projection of the submunitions and cutting of the walls of the bomb require usually explosives or propellants and always involve complex designs, which are costly to fabricate. The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing for a novel, simple and inert ejection and adequate dispersion system of the submunition cargo, of multi-purpose, anti-tank, anti-personnel, incendiary bomblets wherein the bomblets are dispersed through the nose end and the aerodynamic forces of the air impinging on the high speed bomblets cause these to fan out and provide for an area coverage which is equivalent to that obtained by the prior more complex and costly dispersal systems.

Abstract: In a mobile track working machine comprising a frame mounted for mobility on the track: a mechanism for bending the track rail section ends comprises a carrier frame vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame above a respective track rail and having respective end regions spaced from each other in the direction of the track rail, a respective hydraulically operable and vertically adjustable thrust element mounted in a respective end region of the carrier frame for engagement with the running face of the track rail, an intermediate carrier transversely movably mounted on the carrier frame, and a rail lifting hook device supported centrally between the thrust elements on the intermediate carrier for engagement with the track rail, the hook device including two lifting hooks arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry of the rail, a respective pivot having an axis extending in the direction of the track rail and mounting a respective lifting hook for pivoting into a rail engagin

Abstract: The tamping machine is equipped with tool holders (7) on which each of the two tools (8) of a pair of tamping tools is connected by a cylinder-piston unit (28), via an eccentric arm (25, 25'), to one of the two eccentrics (24, 24') of the output shaft (33) of a forced oscillation generator. Each of the two eccentric arms (25, 25') has, in addition to its articulation to one of the two eccentrics, a second articulation connected directly to a hydraulic cylinder-piston unit (28) and a third articulation (29) connected by a connecting link (30) to a pivot (31) fastened on the tool holder, said last connection having the purpose of immobilizing the two eccentric arms in rotation around the eccentric shaft (33). This transmission of movements, designed to facilitate the maintenance of the hydraulic cylinder-piston units (28), is also shown applied to two and three pairs of tamping tools juxtaposed in the same plane.

Abstract: The tamping machine is provided with tamping units on which each tamping tool (8) is articulated on a junction lever (26) controlled for work pivoting by a piston-cylinder unit (28) connected to a forced oscillation generator (24).The tamping tool (8) can be lifted into out-of-use position on the junction lever (26) by means of an intermediate lever (30) driven by a second hydraulic piston-cylinder unit (31), this intermediate lever being connected to said tool by a connecting link (36). In the lowered working position, the articulation (29) of the intermediate lever and the two articulations (34, 35) of the connecting link are aligned and the piston-cylinder unit (31) for the driving of the intermediate lever is abutted at the end of its stroke. As a result, the tamping tool (8) constitutes the equivalent of a rigid tool with respect to the transmission of the tamping and forced-oscillation forces.

Abstract: A diesel exhaust hood system is disclosed in which a narrow smoke entry slot and large capacity allow bursts of exhaust gases from locomotive engines to be contained inside the hood. The likelihood of spillover from exhaust exceeding the fan capacity is reduced by the use of the inverted V-shape design of the smoke entry slot. A plurality of damping baffles positioned along the length of the hood can be adjusted independently to retain a constant slot velocity throughout the length of the hood.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of spacing detachable passenger carrier units along the length of a moving haul rope in an aerial tramway system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor system which has a spacing section that is operated at a speed which is reduced by a speed factor determined by the geometry of the passenger carrier units and the geometry and operating parameters of the particular tramway line on which the units are to be spaced. Additionally, the speed of the spacing section is varied in accordance with the number of units which are selected to be spaced along the length of the line as compared to the maximum capacity of the tramway. Input of the selected number of units to a controller programmed with the particular tramway operating parameters and geometry will automatically slave the spacing section so as to discharge units to a launching system at an interval which insures even spacing.

Abstract: A safety floor for a mobile storage system includes one or more flat panels having end brackets that overlie horizontal support surfaces on the system rails. The brackets define longitudinal troughs, in which are mounted leaf springs and safety switches. The leaf springs have lifting pins that extend through holes in the brackets to contact the rail support surfaces and resiliently supported by the panel. The safety switches also have lifter pins that extend through the bracket and that are spaced a predetermined distance above the rail support surfaces. When a person steps on the panel, the panel deflects towards the rail support surface so that a safety switch lifter pin contacts and is actuated by the rail support surface to control the mobile storage system electrical circuitry. The springs are adjustable to accommodate different panel sizes and weights while maintaining the desired distance between the safety switch lifter pins and the rail support surfaces.

Abstract: A combined center plate/center filler construction for the underframe of a railway car is provided with sloped, corner circumferential sections at the upper portion of the center plate to allow for the complete welding of the center plate to the undersurfaces of a pocket-receptacle of the underframe, so that one continuous welding operation may be performed. The upper portion of the center plate has four corner positioning projections the upper horizontal surfaces of which are coplanar with the horizontal plane containing the joinder of the center plate to the center filler.

Abstract: A table for universal deposition of dental tools, is disclosed including a receiving part (3) the outer limitation of which contains at least over a portion of its perimeter a rim (4) with a rim end portion (4b) extending downward in relation to the deposit surface (5) of the receiving part (3). The receiving part (3) is adapted to be attached to a mount (9) comprises a carrier (9) with a horizontal bearing surface (10) for the receiving part (3). A depression (11) is located in the carrier (9) and adapted to receive the rim end portion (4b) of the receiving part (3) to provide a mechanically locking engagement. The mount also includes a projection (12) which is arranged at a distance from the depression (11) corresponding to the rim height of the receiving part (3) and which extends at least partially over the upper surface (6) of the rim (4) when the receiving part (3) is placed on the carrier (9).

Abstract: A blanket of heavy fabric is provided as a protective device to prevent injury to workers while cutting straps on a compressed bale of cotton or the like. The blanket has a rigid frame providing an access opening between two sections of the blanket. When the portions of the straps in the opening are cut, the frame and proximal sections of the blanket prevent injury to workers by confining the cut straps between the bale and the blanket. One surface of the blanket is textured for adherence of the blanket to the bale.

Abstract: A new and improved system for feeding solid particulate material such as refuse derived fuel for burning in a combustion reactor vessel such as a boiler includes a fuel injector chute having a lower end for directing a flow of said solid particulate material into the vessel and an upper end for receiving a flow of said material. A feeder is provided having a discharge end for delivering a continuous controllable flow of said material to the inlet of the injector chute and a plurality of separate, spaced apart, vibratory feed hoppers are mounted above the feeder to supply the feeder with a steady flow of material from one or both hoppers. Each hopper is adapted for holding a reservoir or supply of said solid particulate material and is selectively controllable to provide a steady flow of solid particulate material into the feeder for delivery through the injector chute to the combustion reactor vessel.

Abstract: A method for combusting combustible gases generated by thermal decomposition of refuse in a fluidized bed incinerator is disclosed. The refuse is fluidized, together with a fluidizing medium such as sand, by the primary air, burned and decomposed. The pyrolysis gas produced by the decomposition of the refuse is completely burned by the secondary air introduced into the combustion chamber of the incinerator in a grid-shaped pattern, in multiple stages. The noncombustible gas and smut densities within exhaust gas are also reduced. Additionally, the combustion chamber temperature can be maintained at a high level as a result of the secondary combustion being carried out quickly.

Abstract: A water-cooled air supply system for the combustion chamber of an incinerator. A longitudinal trough is formed in the lower end of the combustion chamber and a plurality of air supply tubes are spaced above the bottom of the trough. Elongated shrouds are secured in spaced relation to the upper and lower portions of each air supply tube and define cooling passages that receive a cooling medium. A plurality of outlet ports are located in each side of each air supply tube between the spaced edges of the shrouds and air is discharged from the ports into the lower end of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An ash removal apparatus for an incinerator. The combustion chamber of the incinerator is provided with a longitudinally extending bottom trough and a pair of endless chains are mounted to travel in longitudinal grooves in the sides of the trough. A plurality of cleats connect the chains and the cleats extend only along a portion of the length of the chains so that during the combustion process, the cleats are not located in the combustion chamber where they would be exposed to the intense heat of combustion to remove ash, the chains are operated to move the cleats along the trough to convey ash out of the combustion chamber to a discharge site.

Abstract: There is disclosed a monofuel combustion process for burning pulverized coal. According to this combustion process, pulverized coal having a temperature (t) produces a stable flame having a temperature of not less than 2,000.degree. C. when it is burned with an auxiliary combustion gas having an oxygen content (C). An auxiliary combustion gas is preheated, and then pulverized coal is burned with the preheated auxiliary combustion gas, or, after both an auxiliary combustion gas and pulverized coal are preheated, the gas and the coal are mixed and then burned. In the gas preheating step, the temperature of the auxiliary combustion gas is raised to the temperature T defined by the following formula: T.gtoreq.exp{14.14-1.84 ln C-exp(0.01127t-3.444)}.

Abstract: An adjustable down pressure mechanism is disclosed for use in association with a furrow forming apparatus of a seed planter. A parallel linkage arrangement is provided for mounting the apparatus on a tool bar of a tractor or the like, whereby the apparatus can follow the contour of the ground for efficient and consistent furrow formation. The down pressure mechanism comprises one or more springs operatively extending between upper and lower links of the parallel linkage. An upper support member for the springs is configured for convenient adjustable positioning along the upper links, whereby the pressure exerted by the springs on the furrow forming apparatus can be readily varied.

Abstract: A mock-linking apparatus is disclosed for linking a specially knitted edging trim in the form of a ribbon of knitted yarn with an unfinished edge of a knitted garment, such as a V-neck opening, to obtain a finish which substantially simulates a point-to-point link finish. The trim is weft-knitted on a double bed knitting machine to incorporate a course of transfer stitches followed by a slack tension course which defines a fold line to facilitate tucking-in of the ravel edge, and an adjacent seam line along the folded edge, wherein the seam line is well-defined by a line of outwardly-protruding loops with spaces therebetween. A conventional chain-stitch sewing machine is used, provided with folding means and guide means to bring the seam line of the trim, which has been folded over the unfinished garment edge, into alignment with the needle path, wherein the two pieces of knitted fabric are joined along the seam line with matching thread.

Abstract: An athletic supporter formed by a method in which a pouch and leg strap subassembly is attached to an endless length waistband by means of a continuous stitch line that is sewn along that waistband. The location of the subassembly's leg strap ends and the pouch piece, relative one to the other, on the endless waistband is established by an endless spacer chain that continuously moves along a work table over which the waist band also continuously moves, that spacer chain having a series of guide fingers against which the leg strap and pouch piece end edges are positioned by the sewing machine operator. The waistband is cut to length after the subassembly is stitched thereto by the continuous length stitch line, and the waistband's ends are then sewn together, to provide the final athletic supporter product with closed loop waistband, and with leg straps and pouch attached.

Abstract: A workpiece controlling device for a sewing machine comprising, a workpiece feed mechanism which feeds material in a substantially straight line, an alignment device disposed immediately in advance of the point of stitch formation in the region of a needle plate, a device for moving the alignment device transversely relative to the direction of material feed in the sewing machine, with the alignment device acting on the workpiece in synchronism with the stitch formation, and a device for controlling the transverse motion of the alignment device.

Abstract: A boat hull is constructed of a plurality of unitary plates connected together along their edges and connected to an internal frame at the edges, such that the side deck and bottom plates of the hull are connected solely at their respective edges to the internal frame, with the plates being spaced outward from the frame intermediate the connections, and with an elastomer disposed in the space between the frame members and the hull plates.

Abstract: A double hull ship for the transportation of liquid, high melting aromatic hydrocarbons, such as pitch heated to 200.degree. to 300.degree. C. The tanks are provided with good insulation and with means to introduce inert gas into the tank (1). Heat expansion is allowed for by means of companion expansion joints and sliding bearings (3). Because of the high solidification point of the products, all line systems must be provided with a companion heating system and adequate insulation. A thermal oil system, which simultaneously supplies the emergency heating system (4) of the tank (1), is suitable for this purpose. Separate ballast tanks (17) are installed between the hulls.

Abstract: Several embodiments of improved mechanisms for controlling an outboard drive of a marine watercraft. In each embodiment, there is provided a hand held control unit that permits remote steering and engine control of the watercraft. In some embodiments, the hand held control includes a rotatable control element for effecting steering and a reciprocating control element for killing the engine. In some embodiments, the controls for the engine and steering are designed to be operated by different fingers of the user and in other embodiments, they are designed so as to be operated by the same finger of the operator. In addition, there is included an improved sensor for sensing the steered position of the outboard drive.

Abstract: A helm steering wheel for a sea-going vessel is mounted on the back of the wheel-support so that the instruments on the support are fully visible and not obstructed by the passing of the spokes of the wheel. The wheel is in the shape of a concave dish and rotates on an axle which is mounted in the support so that the support is between the wheel-hub and the operator and positioned so that the rim of the wheel is closely adjacent the operator standing in front of the support.

Abstract: A self-propelled all terrain vehicle is converted to amphibious operation by means of an amphibious conversion kit that provides rear axle extensions to mount outer rear wheels that dualize the rear wheels, and radial paddle elements on the extensions between the dual rear wheels. Over-size tires on the dual rear wheels and on front wheel means of the vehicle provide flotation means capable of supporting the vehicle and a desired load in water.

Abstract: An improved steering arrangement for a small watercraft wherein the steering device is supported on a rigid supported mast that extends upwardly and forwardly over the engine and hatch cover for ease of access. The mast is also buoyant so that the watercraft cannot become accidentally inverted.

Abstract: Apertures in the floor of an inflatable boat are provided to render it self-bailing. They are formed by grommets penetrating the permanently-attached, continuous and integral floor which extends from one lateral buoyancy tube to the other, preferably in a thickened region thereof comprising a flange attachment to the tubes. They are overhung by the buoyancy tubes, when the floor is generally horizontal. An area in the central region of the floor is raised above the waterline of the boat.

Abstract: A foot brace (A) is disclosed for a kayak (10) wherein the foot brace (A) is mounted to opposing interior sides of a hull (12) of the kayak. Each foot brace (A) includes an elongated adjusting brace bar (22) slidably carried by an adjusting bracket (20) along the interior side (12a) of hull (12). At a forward end (22a) of brace bar (22), a foot rest (24) is carried. The opposing aft end (22b) of brace bar (22) is slidably received in a cam bracket 52 and an attachment bracket (50) of adjusting bracket 20. A cam (54) is received in an opening (36) formed in brace bar (22) to lock the brace bar in a desired forward-aft position. Adjusting bracket (20) allows adjustment of the brace bar (22) in the forward and aft directions to facilitate the proper support and bracing of a foot (18b) of a boater (18). The adjusting bracket (20) and locking cam (54) may be easily operated by the boater while seated in a cockpit (16) of the kayak by manually operating a cam operator (56) from the seat of the cockpit.

Abstract: Sealant compositions and methods which are particularly adaptable for use in detecting movement between two or more adjacent surfaces. The preferred sealant composition of the present invention is comprised of a paint base, such as a latex floor enamel, to which is added a thickening agent. One suitable thickening agent is a texture paint containing silica and silicates. When applied to a surface or series of surfaces, the sealant composition dries to a putty-like consistency. When spread over a portion of two adjacent surfaces and the joint therebetween, the paint forms a smooth continuous surface. If the two surfaces are moved with respect to one another, however, an irreparable tear occurs in the paint surface; as a result, movement between the two surfaces is readily detected. This sealant composition is particularly useful in detecting tampering with utility meters.

Abstract: The process for coating pencils comprises the treatment by accelerated electrons of pencils provided with a layer of polymerizable resin, in which the pencils are introduced into a chamber under inert atmosphere in which they fall freely while passing through streams of accelerated electrons.The apparatus for the practice of this process comprises especially a drying device for the resin constituted by a closed chamber (6) containing two electron guns (7, 7') and having an inlet opening (8) in its upper wall for the introduction of the pencils and an outlet opening (9) in its bottom for the evacuation toward the exterior of the treated pencils; the introduction opening and the outlet opening are disposed vertically the one under the other in such a manner that the pencils can pass from the one to the other through a vertical free fall.