Abstract: A bed for multipurpose maternity care uses includes an elevationally adjustabel bed frame carried by transversely spaced lift mechanisms that permit the bed frame to nest between the lift mechanisms as it is raised or lowered with respect to a supporting base. An upper mattress assembly, including a seat and back rest, are pivotally mounted across the top of the bed frame. The bed frame includes a forwardly open cavity having guides for receiving a longitudinally movable lower mattress assembly at all elevational positions of the bed frame relative to the base. Elevationally movable outer supports mounted on the bed frame engage and support the lower mattress assembly when it is extended longitudinally outward from the bed frame. A pair of foot supports are movably mounted on brackets alongside the bed frame. The supporting linkages and brackets for the foot supports can be selectively connected to the outer supports for moving the extended lower mattress assembly in unison with the foot supports.

Abstract: A mobile lounge is provided consisting of a base frame having foldable legs attached thereto and a seat section and back section pivotally attached with respect to the base frame. The foldable legs, seat section and back section are all foldable against the base frame to form a compact unit for storage or transport.

Abstract: A sleeping bag (2) includes an outer shell (4), an inner liner (6) and a plurality of longitudinally extending insulating batts (24) therebetween secured along their longitudinal edges (20, 22) to the shell and to the liner in an overlapping, shingled arrangement. The circumferential dimension of the liner can be reduced by connecting spaced apart zipper elements (50, 52) fastened to the liner, thus causing an increased overlap of the batts resulting in increased thermal insulation. A cord casing (60) at the head hole (16) is secured to the liner along a line (64) spaced apart from the seam (66) joining the shell and the liner at the head hole so that when the draw string (68) is pulled taut, creasing and other deformation of the shell surrounding the head hole is minimized so to reduce any decrease in thermal insulation. The head and foot of the bag define three dimensional cavities sized to generally conform to the user's head and feet to minimize compression of the bag.

Abstract: A compound hand tool used in holding a thermostatic expansion valve in a refrigeration unit. The tool comprising an enlarged circular end with an opening extending there through and a finger-like second end opposite the first end. The tool is used to hold the valve in place while an operation is performed upon it.

Abstract: A tooth brush having a plurality of rows of bristles of varying stiffness and cut. Outer bristles are directed to the gum line, while inner bristles work directly on the tooth surface. The inner bristles are stiffer than the outer bristles to assure proper scrubbing of the tooth surface.

Abstract: A vacuum machine for collecting hazardous materials is adapted for wet or dry applications without diminishing the storage capacity of the reservoir.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaner for use in both dry and wet operations includes a main body case housing a fan motor and having intake and discharge openings, a dust case having a suction part and removably attached to the main body case around the intake opening, a filter housing removably installed in the dust case and having a filter accommodated therein to cover the intake opening with the filter, and a seal member peripherally interposed between the dust case and the main body case and/or filter housing. The filter housing has on the suction side of the constitutional wall thereof an annular wall which projects in an annular form toward the suction part and forms a well for water drawn in from the suction part, and also has a through hole positioned above the annular wall which permits the passage of air drawn in from the suction part.

Abstract: Automatic door closers have a latch mechanism for holding the door open. In one mode of operation, the latching of the door is effected automatically when the door is opened. Tapping the door closer cylinder upwardly releases the latch mechanism and allows the door to close. Manual manipulation of the latch mechanism is required to latch the door open in a second mode of operation. However, in this mode of operation, the latch mechanism can be released simply by opening the door slightly beyond its latched position. The door closer includes a cylinder with a rectilinearly displaceable piston rod housed therein and extending through one cylinder head; and the latch mechanism comprises that cylinder head and a notch in the piston rod into which cylinder head is fitted to keep the piston rod from telescoping into the cylinder. The opposite end of the cylinder and the exposed end of the piston rod are attached to the door and the door frame.

Abstract: Over-center self-closing hinge for cabinet doors, having an inner link and an outer link in a quadrilateral arrangement and a lever in the form of a hairpin spring fulcrumed at one end in the cabinet-wall-related hinge part and thrusting at right angles to the hinge axis against a cam which is journaled on the inner link and abuts in its one position against the pivot eye of the latter and in its other position against the link itself. The cam is of such a configuration that, when the hinge is moved from the open position to the closed position, just before it reaches the closed position, the line of thrust applied by the hairpin spring passes through the pivot axis of the link, but then the spring passes over onto a portion of the cam associated with the second position of the latter, thereby causing the cam to rock over and alter the line of thrust of the spring such that it seeks to close the hinge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a killing device for poultry with a cutting slot moving with and aligned transversely to the transporting direction of the sideways conveyed animals (12), a head aligning means (62) located below the catching slot and a holding means (58) acting on the neck. This results in an always reliable severing of the carotids resulting in a reliable bleeding out of the poultry animal.

Abstract: A blended yarn producing device includes a draft device having back rollers, middle rollers and front rollers and a twisting device succeeding the draft device, which is constituted such that a trumpet guide for introducing slivers of different types separately at upper and lower locations is located on the sliver entrance side of the back roller.

Abstract: An eyeglass retaining carrier device which is clipped to the clothing of an eyeglass wearer for supporting and maintaining a pair of eyeglasses, by one of its temple sidepieces, in a substantially downward suspended inclination.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for temporarily connecting the ends of two structures of which at least one is flexible and comprises over its length a bead adapted to be introduced inside a gutter provided along the second structure, wherein the gutter is constituted by an open section inside which are disposed, over the whole of its length, two tongues between which is a gap smaller than the thickness of the bead and which presents a certain flexibility enabling their ends to be moved apart from each other under the action of a pressure, stops being provided inside the gutter in order, on the contrary, to avoid any spacing apart during a traction. The introduction of the bead and removal thereof is obtained by means of a slide element movable along the gutter.

Abstract: A tensioning and securing device for a lashing system comprises a U-shaped member (10), for engagement with first lashing elements (24) and a cross-member (16) having holes through which the legs of member (10) extend and which can slide up and down the legs of member (10), the member (16) having hooks at its ends for attachment of second lashing elements (25). The ends of the legs of the member (10) carry a formation or formations (20, 34) for supporting the neck of a removable jack (26) by which the cross member (16) may be jacked towards the loop end of the U-shaped member (10) to tension the lashing. Securing elements (18) on the cross member (16) or on the legs of member (10) allow the cross member (16) to be locked in place, then the jack may be collapsed and removed.

Abstract: A buckle assembly composed of three components, i.e. a retainer base, a plug and a socket for releasably connecting three belts or straps. The retainer base has an aperture for receiving therein an upstanding generally C-shaped locking lug to connect the retainer base and the socket. The plug is slidably mounted on the retainer base and having a pair of resilient legs snappingly engageable with the locking lug to releasably couple the retainer base and the socket. With this construction, the buckle assembly can be assembled easily without a tedious and time consuming positional adjustment between the plug and the socket. The snap-fit between the resilient legs and the locking lug insures a firm coupling engagement between the retainer base and the socket.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanical method for measuring the position of a weft thread in a moving textile fabric and aligning the weft thread. The invention is also an apparatus for carrying out the method. The method comprises introducing substantially at points, a tension (in the direction of the weft thread) and to scan at least in two places the forces that appear in the textile and therefrom determine the draft angle. The method also emcompasses stretching the textile sheet with increasing force in the direction of travel over a follower stretching device and measuring the propelling/dragging forces on the stretching device and determining the draft angle from those measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an advancing warp sheet of yarns is disclosed, and which includes at least one yarn guide reed which serves to maintain a predetermined lateral separation between the individual yarns of the warp sheet. The reed includes a transverse row of pins which define yarn receiving slots therebetween. To facilitate the thread-up of the warp sheet onto the reed, there is provided an elongate support rail which is positioned parallel to and above the row of pins. During the threading procedure, a first portion of the yarns is withdrawn from their packages and transported along the path of travel of the warp sheet through the apparatus. At each reed, the portion of yarns is laid across the upper surface of the support rail, and the yarns are subsequently transferred from the upper surface of the support rail into individual ones of the yarn receiving slots defined between the pins.

Abstract: Here is disclosed an apparatus for successive drawing-in of warp through repsective reed blade gaps of a reed in the automatic loom, comprising a nozzle disposed above the reed which is movable transversely of the reed blades and extended from an upper portion to a bottom side thereof by a warp end feeding slit having its upper opening serving as a warp end inlet, its lower opening serving as a warp end outlet and its front opening narrower than the interior of the warp feeding slit itself; and the nozzle is further provided therein with an air injection port adapted to inject a stream of pressurized air downwardly into the warp end feeding slit substantially in the form of a parallel-flow and thereby to produce an air stream flowing from the warp end inlet towards the warp end outlet under an ejector effect.

Abstract: A continuous, high speed (greater than 800 meters per minute) process and apparatus enable the production of a multifilament carpet yarn having a degree of filament intermixture high enough so that a standard deviation of less than 6.0 results upon conducting a Standard Yarn Streak Potential Test, as described herein. The apparatus and process allow the production of a multicolored carpet yarn which exhibits a reduced tendency to streak and an increased retention of tip definition.

Abstract: A method of making an ultrasonic probe having a piezoelectric vibrator composed of an array of piezoelectric vibrator elements, and an electrode plate having as many electrode patterns as the number of the piezoelectric vibrator elements. The piezoelectric vibration elements and the electrode patterns are electrically connected to each other by an auxiliary electrode plate disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Precision centering device useful for positioning items in a predetermined position has first and second halves which are held within a frame. The first and second halves are maintained against retaining walls within the frame by resilient material. The bottom portion of the halves extends from the bottom of the frame and each has a tapered edge which face each other in order to hold the item to be positioned. The top of the halves are maintained within the frame by a resilient structure which allows the halves to move in a vertical position. The halves which accomplish the positioning do not have to be made from precision parts. As the parts wear the centering precision is maintained since the parts are mirror images of each other made from a common piece of stock material.

Abstract: A linear bearing is made with races molded in place in a plastic shell. An inner ball cage is assembled by sliding the cage into the shell. Open ends of the ball receiving guides in the cage slide along the inward extending races. The cage and ball guide are completed with a cap fitted in an opposite end of the shell.

Abstract: A method of producing castellated beam. A first continuous cut 18 is made along the web of a universal beam, and a second cut 20 is then made along the web on a path differing from the path of the first cut. The cuts are such as to define rectilinear sections (24, 26) lying on alternate sides of the centerline of the web and at least partly curvilinear sections (25, 27) joining the closest ends of adjacent rectilinear sections. The cut halves of the beam are separated and are then welded together (at 28) in regions formed by juxtaposition of rectilinear sections of the two halves. Beams, having circular, elliptical or other curvilinear openings can thus be made.

Abstract: A positioner for use in removing from or installing camshaft bushings in a camshaft alley of an engine employing a camshaft extending along an axis and having a front planar face normal to the axis includes a yoke removably secured to the engine front face. A bar is supported by the yoke in place of the removed engine camshaft. A motor interconnects the yoke and the bar for relative axial motion. Bushing-engaging sleeves removably lock axially around and onto the bar at locations axially spaced to abut the ends of the bushings at the various locations of the engine camshaft bushings.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle 10 having a nozzle body 12 to which is attached a banjo-type inlet stud 16, by means of heat shrinking. After the shrink fit attachment, a blind passage 20, 22 in the delivery tube portion 134 of the inlet is drilled through to penetrate the nozzle body and form a leak-tight fuel delivery path. A locating plate 106 is supported by a bore 96 in the cylinder head 80 adjacent the nozzle and orients the nozzle into a preselected orientation. In one nozzle embodiment 70, the tip 76 is sealed against the cylinder head socket 84 by a frustoconical copper annular seal member 82 that is preferentially loaded toward the inner seal diameter. The nozzle cap 14 forms a spring chamber in which a spring subassembly 42 including upper and lower spring seats 48, 46, a spring 44, and stem 186 and pedestal 84 piloting the spring, cooperate to permit independent setting of the valve lift off stop limit F and the spring preload B.

Abstract: A robotic work positioning system includes a programmed, powered robot, and a non-powered arm which is locatable at various positions in three dimensional space by means of the powered robot. A mating interconnection is provided on the non-powered arm whereby the non-powered arm may be accurately engaged and positioned by the powered robot for holding a part or workpiece at an accurately predetermined location. Together with the powered robot, the non-powered arm facilitates the accurate assembly of component parts. One or more non-powered arms can be used to generate three dimensional tooling which can be altered robotically.

Abstract: A window operator has a base with an upstanding pivot pin having a bushing thereon and at least one component pivotally mounted on the bushing. The components are held in assembled relation by a captured washer and the washer has an outer annular portion formed to provide a controlled clearance. A method of forming the window operator comprises assembly of the pivot pin, bushing and pivotal component to a mounting base and the capturing of a washer beneath the head of the pivot pin and with an inner annular part of the washer engaging an upper edge of the bushing which extends beyond the upper surface of the pivotal component, followed by a deformation of the outer annular part of the washer to compress the pivotal component between the washer and the base followed by release of the compressive force to permit spring-back of the outer annular part of the washer to provide the controlled clearance.

Abstract: A jig is provided for assembling various different wing skin panels, all having different airfoil profiles. The jig includes a frame that has a plurality of colinear attachment points. These points define a center line axis that is generic for any panel assembled on the jig. A set of headers is distributed along the attachment points, such set being replaceable by another for a different panel. The headers have edge recesses in which are placed the panels' stringers. Both stringers and headers are covered by a skin sheet which is held in place by webbings that are pulled and tightened against the skin. The webbings hold the skin against the stringers while the stringers, skin, and headers are moved to a fastening location where the skin is riveted or otherwise fastened to the stringers.

Abstract: A method of forming an armature core for an electric rotating machine is disclosed. Each band-shaped metal sheet for forming a core sheet has a multiplicity of grooves formed along a longitudinal edge which defines the inner peripheral edge of a core sheet when the metal sheet is formed into an annular disk. The metal sheet is wound around a mandrel having projections thereon so that the grooves engage with the projections, respectively. Then, the grooves which open at the inner edge of the disk are deformed so as to be closed, for example, by ironing the inner peripheral edge of the disk. Thus, the inner surface of the core sheet for press-fitting an armature rotary shaft is formed into a continuous surface with no groove opening present therein. Accordingly, when the armature rotary shaft is press-fitted into the shaft, the core sheet contacts the shaft around the complete inner circumference of the bore, thus ensuring firm press-fitting of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of forming an armature core for an electric rotating machine is disclosed. The band-shaped metal sheet for forming a core sheet has a multiplicity of grooves formed along a longitudinal edge which defines the inner peripheral edge of a core sheet when the metal sheet is formed into an annular shape. The metal sheet is wound around a mandrel having projections thereon so that the grooves engage with the projections, respectively. Then, the grooves which open at the inner edge of the disk are deformed so as to be closed, for example, by ironing the inner peripheral edge of the disk. Thus, the inner surface of the core sheet for press-fitting an armature rotary shaft is formed into a continuous surface with no groove opening present therein. Accordingly, when the armature rotary shaft is press-fitted into the shaft, the core sheet contacts the shaft around the complete inner circumference of the bore, thus ensuring firm press-fitting of the shaft.

Abstract: The ends of two composite superconductors (10a and 10b) having many filaments (12) are joined together to form a joint that is durable, superconducting under proper conditions, and has good shunting capacity. The filaments (12) are exposed by removal of the normal conducting matrices (14a and 14b) from the ends of the composite conductors (10a and 10b) to be joined. The superconductive filaments (12) from each of the composite conductors are inserted together into a sleeve (16) of bimetal construction. The inner surface (18) of the sleeve is made of superconducting material and is metallically bonded to the outer surface (20) of the sleeve which is made of normal conducting material. The bimetal sleeve (16) abuts the matrices (14a and 14b) of the composite conductors (10a and 10b) on one end, and the filaments (12) extend beyond the opposing end of the bimetal sleeve (16). The bimetal sleeve (16) is crimped to form a cold weld joint, and then severed in the region of the crimp to form another cold weld joint.

Abstract: A method for making an improved conductor for an inductor device of the type having varying current carrying requirements along the length of the conductor, the improvement comprising having the conductor contoured such that the cross-sectional area of the conductor varies substantially directly as the current carrying requirements of the conductor vary. In one embodiment, a coil for a variable transformer is cut from a cylinder of conductor material by numerically controlled machining, producing a contoured conductor and eliminating the requirement for coiling or winding of the conductor. A brush guide groove may also be provided in the conductor.

Abstract: Method and system for the automated assembly of power train components along a plurality of interconnected, closed loops within cells of the system wherein parts and/or subassemblies of the components are assembled on the same assembly pallet on which they were robotically kitted. Along some of the loops, the assembly pallets are automatically transferred from kitting stations to assembly stations and from the assembly stations to an unload station where the components or subassemblies are robotically unloaded. The unloaded assembly pallets are then automatically transferred from the unload station to the kitting stations to repeat the assembly process. A mechanical guided vehicle system (MGVS) asynchronously conveys the assembly pallets along the closed loops which form guide tracks between the different stations. An automated guided vehicle system (AGVS) preferably transports part storage pallets to the system from a receiving area.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a wheel attaching unit for use in a vehicle assembly line having a pallet capable of mounting at predetermined positions thereof a front assembly including a front wheel attaching unit and a rear assembly including a rear wheel attaching unit; a pallet conveyor for conveying the pallet through a setting area and a securing area of the front and rear units and a body; and a body conveyor for conveying the body to a position above the setting area and for lowering the body to set the front and rear assemblies to the body. The pallet includes a holding portion for the front assembly and/or a holding portion for the rear assembly with the holding portion being position adjustable in forward and rearward directions thereof.

Abstract: A tool adapted to facilitate the removal of elements such as pin grid arrays, pin grid array sockets, chip carriers, and chip carrier sockets which have been soldered into plated through holes or similar elements of printed wiring cards. A platform is provided mounting two pivotable arms which are used to grip onto the element to be removed while a number of spring loaded posts are compressed to provide connection to the printed wiring card on which the element to be removed is attached. The entire assembly is then placed in a high temperature environment causing the solder to melt at which time the compressed springs, associated with the posts, effectively expand withdrawing the element from the printed wiring card.

Abstract: A contact loader for electrical connectors comprises a first work station where a plurality of contacts is inserted into a clamp and the clamp is subsequently moved to a second work station where the contacts are deposited in a connector block.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus having a housing with a holder for a flexible cutting plate and a cutting member which has rigid cutting elements and can be driven so as to be rotatable with respect to the cutting plate, the cutting elements comprising cutting sides at the radial ends. The cutting plate comprises individual supporting disks.

Abstract: A heavy-duty industrial tool has a working jaw mechanism operated by a pair of handles that are squeezed together. The upper handle has a main non-metallic handle member to whose sides are fastened a pair of stamped metal side members. These side members are in-laid into recesses in the sides of the non-metallic member to form a gripping portion. Forwardly of the gripping portion, the widths of the metallic members increase to form a throat within which the lower handle is pivotally mounted. The lower handle contains a stack of laminations, including a cutting blade that is forward of the pivot to form the upper jaw of the tool. The lower jaw is an anvil member that joins to flanges of the metal side members of the upper handle. When the tool is used to cut tensioned strapping, a resilient metal bracket attached to the blade presses the strapping against the anvil on opposite sides of the blade and deforms to absorb energy that is released by the strapping upon severing.

Abstract: A grass trimming device is capable of adopting at least two alternative configurations, in one of which a cutting plane is substantially horizontal for use in grass trimming, and in the other of which the cutting plane is substantially vertical for edge trimming. A parting plane is defined by a housing of the cutting head such that rotation about an axis perpendicular to this plane through 180.degree. results in the required switching. The shaft axis is preferably inclined at 10.degree.-15.degree. with respect to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A rotary hand knife that includes a handpiece 12, 12', 220 a ring-like housing 14 on the handpiece, and a rotary ring blade 16 supported and guided by the housing. The blade is driven by a pinion 18, 18', 18" rotated by a motor-driven flexible cable assembly 24, 24', 24". A removable body 58, 58', 128, 258 in the handpiece is movable manually within the handpiece to control whether or not the cable drive rotates the pinion. A spring 94, 94', 94" within the handpiece yieldably biases the body to a position where the pinion is not driven and a hand-engageable member 120, 120', 120" retains the body in a position where the pinion is driven against the force of the spring when the handpiece and hand-engageable member are gripped.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved adjustable stabilizer wheel which can be easily attached to a weed trimmer to reduce the weight of the trimming device while one is operating the trimmer or detached from the weed trimmer for storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a saw blade for use in a jig saw mechanism in which a drive member is caused to reciprocate axially and to reciprocate a saw blade carried by one end only thereof on said drive member, which saw blade comprises:a. an axially elongated generally rod-like blade member having a grit edge cutting surface thereto, one end of said blade member being secured into a blade mounting member;b. a blade mounting member comprising an axial socket into which the end of the blade member is secured; andc. a securing member extending axially from the said mounting member and adapted to be secured to the reciprocating drive member of a jig saw mechanism.

Abstract: In a process of preparing a sketch to be used as a pattern for custom-tailoring at least a portion of a garment from selected material to fit a human figure of predetermined dimensions, the sketch is derived from a basic configuration for the desired portion of the garment, but in which selected dimensions are chosen in accordance with a set of predetermined measurements of the torso of the wearer.

Abstract: A garment pattern for action wearables is adapted for use with knitted elastomeric stretch fabrics. An original pattern suitable for rigid woven materials is initially modified to remove body ease and to reconfigure the pattern. This modified pattern is then a starting point for reductions in length and width which are dictated by the individual stretch characteristics of a particular knitted elastomeric fabric which will be used to make the finished garment. Pattern length and width reduction are applied to the modified pattern in a specific manner to arrive at the adapted stretch pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and/or method of measuring the height of a tread element 52 of a tire. The device 50 spans or straddles the tread element 52 to be measured. Two support members 65,66 are disposed to either side of the tread element to be measured in the adjacent grooves. A housing 54 has two horizontal members 56,58 each attached to the housing 54. The vertical members 64,66 are capable of slidable movement along the horizontal members and are releasably secured thereto. A measuring device 76 is carried by the housing 54 for measuring the height of the tread element with respect to the adjacent grooves.

Abstract: An archery rangefinder sight comprises a housing affixed onto the bow, with a power supply and a rotary mechanical or magnetic switch that has a shaft protruding through a side wall of the housing. A bowsight element employs a number of sight pins vertically spaced above one another and mounted either on the case or as a separate element attached to the bow. A number of LED's or lamps are mounted on the housing so as to be visible to the archer when aiming the bow. A weighted pendulum arm is adjustably mounted on the switch rotary shaft to rotate the same as the bow inclination changes. Then one of the lamps becomes illuminated to indicate the range to target, and the bow is aimed and shot according to a respective one of the sight pins.

Abstract: A hand bearing compass comprises an electronic direction finding sensor fixed in a flat rectangular compass body. An actuating button causes the sensor to measure a magnetic bearing in dependence on the orientation of the compass body in a horizontal plane; measured bearings are stored in microprocessor memories for subsequent sequential recall to a display. To align the sensor horizontally in use the compass has longitudinal sights for visual alignment with a mark and a flat upper surface of the compass body for alignment with the horizon to facilitate levelling. Actuator and longitudinal sights are laterally spaced to avoid obscuring the latter, and arranged symmetrically about a median plane of the body so that use is possible in either hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for measuring the azimuth angle of a borehole being drilled, the data for determining the azimuth angle being obtained while the drillstring is rotating.

Abstract: Displacement sensors which are communicated with a stationary reference side are placed at the measuring points of a large structure. Displacement at each measuring point is electrically measured by utilizing the fact that the liquid levels at the stationary reference side and each measuring point are at the same level.

Abstract: An extendable level consists of two interslidable parts having a track and slide strips in a simple construction, wherein there is always a planar relationship between the level edges. The slidable extension rests within the length of the main body when unextended.