Abstract: A punching device for automatic punching machines for the punching of paper, cardboard and the like, comprising: a driving mechanism for a top shoe; such as a rocking lever drive, elliptical cam drive, or wedge-form transmission; a stationary bottom shoe supporting a counter-punch; a movable top shoe supporting punch knives; and a gripper bar arrangement for intermittent forwarding through the punching device of sheets to be punched wherein the drive mechanism for the top shoe is located between the top shoe and a yoke which is connected with the bottom shoe through prestressed tie rods.

Abstract: A punch pin cutting edge configuration having a leading edge and a following edge is described. The leading edge engages a workpiece, such as paper, before the following edge. The following edge is at a steeper angle than the leading edge relative to the workpiece being punched. The cutting edge thus produced reduces the force necessary to punch through the workpiece.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument of the waveshape memory type including at least one waveshape memory for storing and reproducing sample values of a musical sound wave to be generated, the waveshape memory stores the sample values of the complete waveshape of a musical tone with a shaped envelope.

Abstract: For use in or with an electronic musical instrument, an automatic rhythm performing apparatus is so constructed as to provide selectively automatic performance of various kinds of rhythms using tones of a plurality of rhythm section instruments. Each rhythm is constructed with a plurality of instruments, which are divided into several families. Plural rhythm patterns are provided for each of the rhythm instrument tones which constitute one kind of rhythm. Any one of the rhythm patterns is selected for each instrument, and such selection is available individually family by family of the instruments. Thus a variety of automatic rhythm performance can be realized with small scale pattern memories and simple selecting operations.

Abstract: A tremolo unit mechanism for an electric guitar includes a bridge base vertically disposed to be pivotal about a support point on a body, balancing springs for causing a balance moment along a direction opposite to that of a moment due to a tension of strings to act on the bridge base, bridge main bodies, disposed on the bridge base, for holding one end of each of the strings, octave adjusting screws, threadably engaged with the bridge base, for moving the bridge base along a front-to-rear direction, a tremolo arm, mounted in the bridge base, for moving the bridge base vertically, and a control mechanism for controlling pivotal movement of the bridge base. The control mechanism includes an engaging member for engaging with the bridge base and a screw member for controlling pivotal movement/displacement of the engaging member.

Abstract: Flute attachments are provided for metal flutes to facilitate more favorable positioning of the flute player's hands. A resilient elastic clamp or clip in the configuration of an open circular arc greater than a half circle is constructed and arranged for clipping onto the round tubular body of a metal flute where the digit of a flute player normally rests against the flute body. The resilient clip includes a digit rest surface and a spacer element or portion spacing the digit rest surface from the body of the flute. The spacer is formed with a thickness to offset the digit of a flute player in the radial direction from the flute body a sufficient distance for minimizing cramping or fatigue of the digit and wrist of the flute player.

Abstract: A one-piece injection molded drumstick and method of making the drumstick are presented. The drumstick has a conventional appearing exterior surface, i.e., a relatively long cylindrical rear handle section of relatively uniform external diameter, a relatively short shank section which tapers uniformly from the forward end of the handle section to a smaller diameter neck section, and a substantially short, enlarged bulbous tip section joined to the neck portion. Formed within the handle and shank portion of the drumstick is an axially symmetric tunnel having substantially the same taper as the exterior of the drumstick, thereby resulting in a hollow handle and shank portion of substantially uniform wall thickness. The tunnel tapers down to a generally cylindrical hollow section which passes out through the front end of the tip section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exhaustively determining the chord note positions for selected chord types for a stringed instrument determine for each chord type and each allowable combination of at least three fret positions, all allowable valid combinations of chord note positions for playing the chord. The method and apparatus then graphically output for each chord type and each allowable combination of fret positions the allowable combinations of chord note positions. The method provides for graphically representing, on a single grid, a plurality of positions for playing a selected chord on a stringed instrument. The method uses a substantially orthogonal coordinate system to represent string location on a first axis and fret position on a second axis. Each valid string-fret position intersection corresponding to a note of the chord is graphically portrayed on the grid at the intersection.

Abstract: A device for feeding and loading a weapon with ammunitions in any direction and any elevation comprising at least one vertical rotatable magazine (20) disposed laterally of the breech (3) of the weapon (2) and formed by an endless cylinder comprising tubular receptacles (22) for the storage of the ammunitions (9), a carrier connected to the weapon (2) for taking up and transferring the ammunitions (9) between the rotatable magazine and the weapon, and a control system (7-8) controlling the position of the receptacles (22) of the cylinder in accordance with the angular position in elevation of the weapon and with the type of ammunitions. The invention is more particularly applicable to light armored cars.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of controlling and positioning a fluid actuator by supplying pressurized fluid to right and left actuating chambers of the actuator through an on-off control valves. To drive and position the actuator rapidly and accurately, the actuator can be driven at a higher speed by an initial driving force until it reaches near the desired position and continuously moved at a low speed by gradually increasing the fluid pressure to be supplied to the right and left actuating chambers of the actuator. The initial driving force in the high-speed range becomes maximum when the pressure is applied to one of the right and left actuating chambers while at the same time the other actuating chamber is exhausted. In the low-speed range and near the target position, the one actuating chamber is continuously supplied with the pressure while at the same time the other actuating chamber is gradually closed.

Abstract: The booster comprises a positioning member (24) for placing the distribution valve mechanism (12, 13, 14) in a specific rest position in the rest position of the booster, the positioning member (24) being coupled to one end (28) of a retractable elastic member of low elasticity (29), advantageously a spiral spring, which is deformable between a relaxed configuration and, in the rest position of the booster, a retractable configuration, in which the end (28) is located in a fixed reference position relative to the housing (1) of the booster, determining the rest position of the positioning member (24).

Abstract: A poppet valve having novel seal means for use in a pneumatic fastener apparatus of the kind having a cylinder, a piston slidably mounted for reciprocal movement in the cylinder, a fastener-driving hammer attached to the cylinder, and means including the poppet valve for controlling the application of pressurized air to the piston so as to cause it to execute a work stroke. The seal means comprises an O-ring disposed in a circumferentially-extending groove formed in the outer surface of the poppet valve member and arranged to make a sealing engagement with an end edge surface of the cylinder. More than half of the cross-sectional area of the O-ring is disposed within the groove so that as the poppet valve is driven into closing relation with the cylinder, the O-ring seal is clamped between an annular circumferentially-extending surface of the poppet valve member and the annular end edge surface of the cylinder, thereby providing a secure seal along the full perimeter of the cylinder.

Abstract: A swash plate (3) incorporated in a swash plate type compressor and comprising a boss (10) typically formed of aluminum material, which is fixedly secured on a drive shaft (2), and a swash plate assembly (11) extending obliquely from the boss (10), which assembly comprises a pair of front and rear contact plates (12) made of iron and brought into contact with a pair of shoes (6) which are accommodated in recesses (15a) of a piston (5), a connecting member (13) made of iron rigidly connecting the pair of contact plates (12), and a filler (14) made of aluminum material which completely fills the internal spaced formed between the contact plates (12).

Abstract: A multiple unit climate control system for an automotive vehicle having a passenger compartment including, a first air conditioning unit operable in both fresh and recirculating modes. The second air conditioning unit includes means for filtering air passing through the unit. A control system incorporated into the climate control system operates with the assistance of interior and exterior air quality sensors.

Abstract: A ceiling air diffuser convertible between a flush-face diffuser with the louvers mounted substantially flush with the ceiling and a drop-down diffuser which provides a more efficient disperison of air flow. By providing this conversion capability, manufacturing and inventory costs are reduced by eliminating duplicity of components for each type of diffuser. The essential component of the drop-down diffuser is a stepped support bracket which is detachably connected to the peripheral frame of the diffuser and to which the directional vanes are mounted. Conversion is accomplished by simply interchanging the removable fin core within the frame member.

Abstract: A manually operated coffee-making machine comprises, water storage reservoir and a hand-operated pump element which extends into the interior of the reservoir. The pump element is actuatable from the exterior of the reservoir. The delivery side of the pumping element is connected to an infusion chamber assembly which accommodates the coffee powder and is in communication with a dispensing tap opening to the exterior of the reservoir. An hydraulic accummulator is also provided. This hydraulic accummulator branches off a conduit connecting the delivery side of the pumping element to the infusion chamber assembly.

Abstract: A corn popper includes a vessel open at the top, and a removable top cover. A handle integral with the cover includes a pistol grip portion relatively remote from the vessel when the cover is attached. A stirring mechanism, supported for rotation about a vertical axis within the vessel when the cover is attached, rotates responsive to the squeezing of a trigger mounted slidably with respect to the pistol grip section of the handle. The means for driving the stirring mechanism include a drive gear angularly fixed on the stirring mechanism, and a pinion movable linearly into and out of driving engagement with the drive gear, and also rotatable, by virtue of an extension of the trigger.

Abstract: A popcorn popper utilizing an oil heating mechanism with a pair of heating elements for heating kernels of unpopped corn to form popcorn is disclosed. The popcorn popper includes a base member and a heating mechanism for heating the oil and the kernels of unpopped corn to form popcorn. The alternate embodiment, the heating mechanism includes an air heating mechanism.

Abstract: Quick cooking pasta products are extruded in a low temperature process by advancing a partially pre-cooked mixture of pasta flour and water prepared in a preconditioner along the length of a screw extruder through a cooking zone, then through a venting zone and a forming zone, and finally through an extrusion die to yield an extruded product. The mixture has a maximum temperature of 215.degree. F. in the cooking zone in order to substantially eliminate the formation of darkened specks in the final extruded product which would otherwise represent portions of the mixture that are burned during cooking. Limiting the maximum temperature of the mixture in the extruder also greatly enhances the extruded pasta quality by increasing product resistance to overcooking and improving the retention characteristics of the original product integrity.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for simultaneously applying heat to food such as pasta while applying agitation in the form of a repetitive irregular rotational motion similar to that of a chef constantly turning the contents of a pan while it is being heated. The device of the invention comprises a pan with cover removably suspended from an elongated beam assembly which is horizontally disposed for repetitive reciprocating movement to impart the desired rotational motion to the container holding the food while it is being heated. One end of the beam assembly is connected to a rotating arm which imparts a reciprocating movement to the beam. The beam assembly is supported at a point between its two ends to accommodate the reciprocating motion imparted by the rotating wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting two-sided cooking of food products, such as frozen hamburger patties, is disclosed which has been configured for highly desirable efficiency, versatility, and consistency in food product preparation. The apparatus includes a housing upon which is mounted a substantially horizontal lower platen assembly, with the apparatus further including one or more upper platen assemblies each mounted on a respective pivotal support arm for movement between a lowered inactive position and a raised active position with respect to the lower platen assembly. The apparatus includes a mounting arrangement for permitting limited relative movement of each upper platen assembly with respect to its support arm, and further includes mechanisms for maintaining a predetermined minimum spacing between the upper and lower platens for avoiding undue compaction of the food products. Automatic controls effect upward movement of the upper platen for precise cooking control.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the moisture content of liquid honey includes an enclosed housing with an upper inlet port and lower outlet port. Honey enters the inlet port and flows downward across a series of zig-zagged trays to the outlet port. Expanded metal screens on each tray spread the honey uniformly across the trays. A fan unit circulates air within the housing through an evaporator coil and heater, which dry and warm the air. The warm dry air absorbs moisture from the flowing honey.

Abstract: A stationary knife blade for shearing bales of recompressed hay disposed across the discharge end of a decompression chamber of a recompression apparatus designed to recompress and retie bales of fibrous material.

Abstract: A mailing machine for conveying envelopes seriatim along a feed path toward a postage meter operatively connected to said mailing machine. The mailing machine includes a housing frame, a deck secured to the frame for supporting the envelopes, the deck having a longitudinal slot therein, a lower, driven, feed roller rotatably mounted on the frame, and an electro-mechanical tripper mounted on the frame for actuating the postage meter, the tripper projecting upwardly through the deck slot adjacent and downstream of the lower feed roller.

Abstract: A detonating energy transmittal device is provided which, when combined with even relatively low-power blasting caps, is capable of promoting and initiating the explosive detonation of liquid nitromethane, which device comprises a plurality of layers of foam material, an effective amount of frangible articles carried on at least one surface of the foam material layers and forming thereon a substantially continuous layer intermediate the adjacent foam material layer, and a cavity capable of accommodating a blasting cap and of placing said blasting cap in intimate contact with said plurality of foam material layers. Methods for detonating fluid explosives also are provided.

Abstract: An improved cartridge ammunition which includes an at least partially combustible shell casing and a projectile with a fin-stabilizing tail section mounted in a neck portion of the shell casing which thereby forms a first connection between the projectile and shell casing. A second connection between the projectile and shell casing is formed by means of a support element which is form-lockingly connected to both. The shell casing has a support region axially extending forwardly inside the shell casing from its bottom. The support element being mounted on said support region and being instrumental in assuring, due to its form-locking connections, that a predetermined axial force occurs in said support of element prior to disintegration thereof, between the tail section and the support region due to gas pressure build-up in the shell casing at firing of the ammunition.

Abstract: A method for controlling a magnetic suspension vehicle which is guided by means of levitation and guidance magnets (magnetic wheels) along a track by means of individual magnet controls for each magnetic wheel. The controller signals (U.sub.R) or at least portions (U.sub.Su) of these signals are stochastically falsified for the individual magnet controls during standstill suspension or at low travel velocities of the magnetic suspension vehicle independently of each other. Thereby, the central interference possibilities of the track to the system vehicle/track are decentralized and asynchronized, so that all controls act independently of each other and the magnetic suspension vehicle or the dynamic overall system can be kept stable also at standstill and at low travel velocities.

Abstract: There is provided a shelving system for use in storage compartments, which shelving system utilizes slidable horizontally extending bracing members which by creating a static frictional force between the shelf and the compartment walls holds the shelf in place and for heavy loads, the same shelving system which utilizes slidable horizontally extending bracing members engaging with vertical columnar members whereby free access is provided to the shelves with elimination of any outboard columnar members or legs.

Abstract: A support structure that may be used as a seat, table or step stool has a top panel substantially 10".times.18" secured between two angled panels substantially 10" above the floor. A pair of normally vertical support members extend between the end panels in contact with the bottom of the top panel and are each formed with a groove that accommodates a tension rod fastened between the end panels. A handle opening is formed near the top of each end panel. The end panels are formed with legs that project beyond the projection of the top panel as seen from the top, both longitudinally and transversely.

Abstract: A multi-tiered, multi-station carrel unit includes spaced side walls that define a plurality of compartments divided into work stations by an intermediate deck, each work station having a work-supporting surface and a seat defined therein. A stairwell leads to the upper work stations and the carrel units may be assembled in any desired pattern.

Abstract: An assembly of furniture comprising an upstanding base including at least one and preferably a plurality of stanchions to which at least one or a plurality of support platforms are pivotally attached wherein the support platforms are structured to have fixedly secured thereto horizontally oriented panel members themselves structured to be supporting surfaces for serving, eating, display, etc. The support platforms and panel members mounted thereon are selectively movable about the longitudinal axis of the respective stanchion to which they are attached. The support platforms, panel members thereon, and stanchions are cooperatively positioned such that support surfaces are provided at various levels and adjustably positioned at such levels to vary the geometric configuration of the furniture assembly which would result in varying the quantity of floor space (or other horizontal surface) required for its usage.

Abstract: An apparatus for combusting wet waste or the like comprising ignition means including an ignition chamber having an inlet passageway extending therefrom for introducing the waste, an ignition burner for heating the waste to form non-combustible solids and at least partially combustible flue gases, a first outlet for the flue gases in the wall of the inlet passageway, and a second outlet for the solids; combustion means for substantially combusting the flue gases including a combustion passageway wrapped around the inlet passageway from the ignition chamber first outlet to a combustion chamber, and a combustion burner in the combustion passageway adjacent to the first outlet for aspirating and heating the flue gases; heat recuperating means for transferring heat from the substantially combusted flue gases to preheat an oxygen-containing gas; and passageway means for transferring the pre-heated oxygen-containing gas from the recuperator to the ignition burner and the combustion burner.

Abstract: A furnace water cooled tube wall portion (10) is separated from heated gasses by cast refractory material (12). A metal isolation plate (14) against the tubes (18) separates the tubes from the refractory material (12) and has projecting elongated anchors (30) with shanks (32) attached at spaced locations to mechanically join the refractory material to isolation plate (14). Anchors (30) have conical chamber washers welded to shanks (32) to shield the locations from cast refractory material at the spaced locations. This permits bending of shanks (32) to accommodate thermal expansion force created movement between isolation plate (14) and the refractory material (12).

Abstract: A process for the combustion of ground, spent potlinings generated during the production of metallic aluminum is disclosed. The process includes: grinding the potlinings to a particle size of not greater than about 2 inches in any dimension; mixing with the ground potlinings from about 1 to about 20 weight percent, based upon the weight of the potlinings, of a powdered inert additive having a median particle size of not greater than 10 micrometers, and burning the ground potlinings in a combustor at a temperature in the range of from 1400.degree. F. to about 2200.degree. F., the additive coating the ground potlinings and preventing their agglomeration in the combustion zone therein.

Abstract: In a device for detecting a type of an embroidering frame used, an infrared reflection detecting sensor is positioned on the base fixed to the table of the sewing machine and a movable member having pins is provided to move the embroidering frame in the X and Y coordinate directions. A supporter has holes provided at positions corresponding to the infrared reflection sensor which detects the number and positioning of said holes whereas the detected values are inserted into data indicative of the size of the embroidering frame.

Abstract: Improved work holding means including work clamp frames having quick disconnect means whereby the clamp frames can be quickly changed without loss of rigidity, accuracy, or holding power of the clamping structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring one or more threads in a sewing machine with a number of sewing heads, the signal emitter including a spring arm (2) which is fixedly anchored at its one end (3) and, at its opposite end, carries a magnet (9), this opposite end being moreover located in the path of movement of the lower thread (12) in order to be influenced by same and thereby change the position of the magnet (9) in relation to an element (10) sensitive to the position of the magnet (9) and generating an electric signal in dependence upon the position of the magnet (9), the signal change being sensed and evaluated.

Abstract: A solar cell powered detecting and indicating system applicable to mechanically controlled sewing machines without D.C. power supplies connected to regular A.C. house mains, and detecting and indicating circuits minimizing power consumption for compatability with solar generated power supply.

Abstract: A residual thread chain back tacking device for stitching a residual thread chain in the proper position of a succeeding sewn cloth material has a thread chain cutting device which initially cuts most of the thread chain off, and then blows the remaining thread chain in the back tacking direction and horizontally. A thread chain suction pipe moves adjacent the back tacking position and sucks the remainder of the thread chain thereinto and holds it by means of a thread chain press cylinder while back tacking is completed. An air nozzle then blows the remaining thread chain against a cutter, and the suction in the thread chain suction pipe sucks the cut-off end away.

Abstract: An adjustable harness line for sailboarding that is attached to the boom of the sailboard. The adjustable harness line has a predetermined length of plastic tubing that has a first Velcro strap assembly attached to its one end. The opposite end of the plastic tubing has a pull down power strap attached thereto. This pull down power strap is threaded through the male portion of a buckle assembly and the female portion of the buckle assembly is attached to a second Velcro strap assembly. The two strap assemblys are detachably secured to the boom of the sailboard between 80 and 90 centimeters apart from each other. A hand loop is formed in one end of the pull down power strap which allows for the length of the harness line to be quickly shortened while sailboarding. The person sailboarding wears a harness around their waist or hips having a hook extending outwardly from the front of their body.

Abstract: A remote controlled boat lift comprises a remote transmitter unit that can selectively transmit one of two pre-determined RF signals, an up receiver and down receiver connected to operate a pressure pump system and valves for selectively inflating and deflating a pontoon supported framework for docking a boat.

Abstract: A mechanical device for lifting, storing and launching small boats in and out of the water along side conventional dry docks.

Abstract: A multihull ship has springs which, after each movement of the ship at sea, help the combined forces of gravity and flotation re-establish her equilibrium. This makes it possible to combine different types of spring actions, so that the hulls will have the movements best suited to the undulatory movements of the surface of the sea and best suited for achieving minimum drag.

Abstract: A line securing or fastening device having a base, a neck tapering upwardly from the base and a generally arcuate knob portion on top of the neck and two transverse wedge-shaped channel openings through the principal axis passing through the device and the channels separating the neck and knob into plural segments or posts open at the top and adapted to be firmly secured to a structure such as a hull or deck so as to provide an easy means of adjustably securing lines, such as mooring lines and admitting of quick release from the fastening device.

Abstract: A semisubmersible water surface navigation ship with even draft comprising at least two lower hulls, which can be submerged under water to reduce resistance and have a shape affording low friction resistance, and which are equipped with lifting and diving planes, at the bow and stern parts, and an upper hull above the water surface being connected to the lower hulls by way of water breakers. In order to keep an even draft or trim during navigation, the lifting/diving force capacity of the lifting and diving planes is designed to be greater than the buoyancy change of the water breakers owing to loads such as waves and wind. Steering rudders, propellers and water ballast tanks are installed in order to cause the ship to navigate or lie to under any one of a shallow draft state, a semisubmerged state and a deep submerged state. The upper hull is provided with superstructures with sufficient reserve buoyancy for maintaining the stability of the ship under the deep submerged state.

Abstract: A folding anchor having a shank formed in two pieces and joined together with a keyhole fitting, and, upon pivoting the upper shank abuttingly overlies the lower shank. The fluke assemblies are pivotally connected via a coupling assembly at the lower end of the shank, the coupling assembly including a retaining member for pivotal coupling to the fluke assemblies and a slide block member having a passage for receiving the retaining member therein, displacement of one relative to the other enabling pivoting of the fluke assemblies between folded and unfolded positions, this being accomplished by 90 degree pivoting of the fluke assemblies about first axes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank, whereby the two flukes may be rotated toward each other into proximate facing relation, or away from each other into alignment.

Abstract: The structure consists of multiple panels attached to each other and to the deck of a boat. These panels are movable to more than one position and have different uses in each position. When lowered into a cabin area they provide a large opening in the deck and provide an additional useful function such as the formation of seats or of ladder steps. When raised they form a part of the deck and close the opening in the deck to provide weather protection and security for the cabin.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus includes a solder bath 40 and a component holder 43 positioned to lower an exposed tag of a component to contact solder in the solder bath 40. After removal from the bath the component is deliberately subjected to a mechanical shock when a limb of a bracket 44 strikes a turret plate 42 under the action of a spring 46. The shock causes a short time vibration in the component and spreads solder in tears which naturally form on the exposed tags to remove or substantially reduce those tears.

Abstract: An apparatus for permanently setting pre-formed creases of a pair of pants comprises a stanchion member and a pair of spaced-apart substantially parallel support members extending substantially horizontally from the stanchion member. A substantially horizontal upper crease blade is fixed to each support member and has a lower crease blade pivoted thereto. The free ends of the crease blades extend away from the stanchion member and include applicator nozzles that are directed upward for the upper crease blades and downward for the lower crease blades. When a pair of pre-creased pants are slipped over the crease blades and the lower crease blades are pivoted downward, the pants are pulled taut at the hems between the pre-formed creases. As the pants are pulled off of the crease blades a pumping mechanism supplies a flowable, curable setting material such as silicone rubber to the applicator nozzles, which apply a coating of setting material to the inside surfaces of the pant legs along the creases.

Abstract: A continuous composite coating apparatus for coating a continuous strip has a pair of strip supply/take-up devices and at least two of a plasma chemical vapor deposition coating zone, an ion-plating coating zone and a sputtering coating zone which are arranged in series along the path of said strip between the strip supply/take-up devices. The adjacent coating zones are separated from each other by a partition wall having a slit which is sized to allow the strip to pass therethrough and guide rollers are provided adjacent to the upper edge of the strip so as to tense the strip such that the path of the strip is slightly convex downwards thereby to keep the strip away from the upper and lower edges of the slit. The coating zones are arranged to effect coating only on the underside of the strip which is not contacted by the guide rollers, whereby a coating layer having excellent properties without any defect can be formed on the underside of the strip.