Abstract: The present invention relates to a shell structure particularly usable in front-entry ski boots. The structure has at least one transverse slot which is provided at the metatarsal region and can be concealed by means of at least one band-like element. The band-like element furthermore supports means for closing itself onto the shell. The slot furthermore affects at least the outer lateral region of the shell so as to allow, once the closure means have been activated, the foot to be optimally fastened inside the shell, the securing action affecting in particular the inner lateral region of the plantar arch.

Abstract: Device for ski boots comprising a front quarter and a rear quarter associated with a shell and/or an upper quarter embracing at least one portion of the leg of a skier and supported at the upper end of said front and/or rear quarter(s). The device has a slider which is movable transversely to said upper quarter and/or front quarter and/or rear quarter and/or shell, and interacts selectively with at least two separate abutments provided on said upper quarter and/or front quarter and/or rear quarter and/or shell.

Abstract: A kind of leisure shoes of which the backs of the uppers will automatically recover their upright position when users completely extend their feet into the shoes. A deformable and stretch element is contained in a tunnel-like chamber hiddenly formed in the middle layer of each sole and extending from the front portion of the sole toward the rear portion thereof. The stretch element may protrude out the rear sole through an opening formed at the surface and extends into the back of the shoe's upper. An elastic means is contained in a cavity formed in the sole below the front portion of the tunnel-like chamber. The upward stretch or the downward compression of the elastic means will cause the stretch element above it to be pulled forward or be pushed backward, respectively, and in turn causes the rear end of the stretch element contained in the back to automatically move down or up, respectively.

Abstract: An ice and snow scraping insert includes a cylindrical or slightly conical rear surface portion, a blunt front surface portion, and a smoothly curved transition surface portion interconnecting the front and rear surface portions. The rear surface portion defines an axial length and a diameter, the ratio (L/D) of which is from 0.3 to 0.7.

Abstract: An ironing apparatus has a plurality of pairs of ironing bars mounted on a rotatable plate. The ironing bars are attached to a plurality of air distribution boxes which are attached to the plate, and each bar has a controlled suction work surface for holding a fabric part thereon. Two guide rails are mounted above the work surface and a slide box is coupled to the guide rails for sliding thereon. A steam iron is adjustably suspended from the slide box for ironing the seam of the fabric part. The guide rails are journaled to a pair of guide rods axially oriented substantially perpendicular thereto. The steam iron is moved along the path of the seam by moving the slide box on the guide rails, and by moving the guide rails on the guide rods.

Abstract: A motor driven multi-faced revolving sign for mounting on existing sign pedestals. Whereby a removable quarter section is provided so that the sign may be clamp mounted around an existing sign pedestal without removing the existing sign. An adaptor is also provided to facilitate the mounting and operation of the sign regardless of size or configuration of most existing pedestals.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a product label in connection with a product rack comprised of tubular support members. The present invention provides a planar face which is configured to fit between and among the tubular members which form the rack. This generally rectangular face is used as a backing for labels, such as product labels. The present invention also discloses side walls which extend generally downwardly over a generally concave curve from the rectangular face. The curve of the generally downwardly extending side walls is such that it can snappingly engage the tubular members of the rack. In certain rectangular, square and other similar configurations of the planar face, additional downwardly extending side walls may also be included within the structure. These side walls may or may not engage the tubular members of the rack. A lip structure extending generally perpendicularly outwardly from the lower edges of the side walls is also provided.

Abstract: A shotgun has a receiver with a trigger coupled to the receiver for firing the shotgun, and a barrel mounted on one end to the receiver for firing shells from the shotgun. A bolt is mounted to the receiver and located adjacent to the barrel for feeding shells into the barrel. An interchangeable magazine has a substantially cylindrical tubular portion dimensioned to receive shotgun shells in an end to end relationship therein. The magazine is removeably attachable to the shotgun for feeding the shells in the magazine into the barrel, and for subsequently removing the magazine from the shotgun. Therefore, when the magazine is emptied, it can be removed from the shotgun and replaced with another preloaded magazine.

Abstract: A protective device for the trigger guard of a gun having a first plate member, a second plate member pivotally connected to the first plate member, and a spring extending between the first plate member and the second plate member. The spring serves to resist the separation of the first and second plate members until a desired amount of compressive force is exerted on the first and second plate members. This protective device has a block member rotatably connected to an arm of the first plate member. This block is movable between a first position parallel to the first arm and a second position perpendicular to the arm. The first plate member has a plurality of projections that extend perpendicularly outwardly therefrom in the area between the first plate member and the second plate member. The block member has a spring connected thereto for urging the block member in a position outward from to the first plate member.

Abstract: A barrel lock assembly for a barrel comprises a gun lock, having a first lock and a second lock and a key having a key portion and a tubular handle. The first lock has a screw and an anchoring means. The second lock has a thread, a conical end, a cylinder which has a plurality of pins, and a column which has at least one cone. When locking with the key, the screw is rotated and the second lock is pulled toward the first lock, the conical end thereby pushes the anchoring means outwardly, thus locking the barrel. When an external load is exerted on the column, the cone abuts the pins against the barrel, thus preventing the gun lock from being knocked out of the barrel. After reaching a certain firmness the tubular handle is rotatable while the key portion remains stationary, so that the key will not be broken and the barrel will not be locked by over exertion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a disposable composite laminate gun th polygon rifling and integrally fabricated conically shaped chamber section. A polygonal shaped barrel mandrel is joined with a radial segmented chamber mandrel, wound with alternate helical and hoop filament wraps, impregnated and cured to produce an inexpensive, light weight gun.

Abstract: A gunslight aiming device which employs various methods of image transmission to allow the user of a weapon to be positioned at various locations spaced from the weapon thereby permitting a wider variety firing positions, faster aiming between firing, and accurate aiming regardless of the relationship between head and aiming eye(s) and weapon. The arrangement provides a transmission mechanism preferably in the form of a flexible fiber optic cable which is coupled to a standard optical sight by a coupling mechanism which conditions the signal for transmission by the flexible optic trunk. The image is again conditioned at a second coupling arrangement for viewing by the user.

Abstract: A device for securing and holding live bait while it is applied to a fish hook. The bait holder is comprised of two sets of opposed slender fingers which mesh together without harm or injury to the bait. The fingers are curved to present concave surfaces towards the opposed set to center and position the bait for complete access to all portions of the bait for hook applying purposes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device which permits the automatic release of a plummet or sinker when snagged during fishing and permits a connecting line for a fish hook that simultaneously produces a baffling function. The invention consists of an assembly of an interlock ring fixed to a fixture cap which returns an elastic deformable member for connecting fishing lines and hooks and holds plummets through a fishing line connected to the interlock ring. One end of the elastic member is made with a large cover fixed head fixed to the fixture cap and interlock ring. The other end of the elastic member is made up of one or more connector strips, one or more of such strips having a large convex bulb between the end of the strip and the fixed head. The cartridge can be compressed to permit the forced movement of a fishing plummet over the bulb to a fixed position between the convex bulb and the fixed head.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder (10) for securing a plurality of fishing pole handles (46) such as in fishing tournaments and for storing peripheral fishing equipment at a close proximity to the fishing pole handles (46). A plurality of pole handle receptacles (26) are dimensioned for snugly receiving fishing pole handles (46) to allow the fisherman to readily store or retrieve fishing poles for a speedy change of baits. A base (12) has an extended section which acts as a cantilever and couples with the mass of a housing (14) to overcome moments created by fishing poles while engaged by the fishing pole holder (10). The housing (14) carries the pole handle receptacles (26) and is connected to at least a portion of the base (12).

Abstract: A fishing rod holder for mounting on a boat and being universally applied selectively either to the gunwale of the boat, or to round or square railings mounted on the boat. The holder includes a bracket having two members detachably secured to the railing and is formed with opposing surfaces of circular configuration adapted to encircle round railings having at least two different sizes. The members are also formed with opposing protruding elements having surfaces arranged to contact surfaces adjacent the corners of a square railing having a predetermined cross-section. Two embodiments of a spacer device are disclosed as having thicknesses to supplement the differences in cross-sectional dimensions for square railings of different sizes. One of the members is formed with a plurality of bores arranged for detachably mounting a fishing rod at a plurality of angles relative to the axis of the boat.

Abstract: A minimally perforated, reusable, water pressure activated, slow release fish attractant chum dispenser, for deep sea and shallow water fishing; in combination with a 100% natural fish attracting chum, all of which, in combination, perform as an integral device to the process of fishing with a baited hook or fishing jig or fishing lure, when attached concentrically to the fishing line, or in relative position to the fishing line by use of a trailer of fishing line attached to the main retrieval fishing line, so as, to prevent accidental loss of the dispenser or bottom closure, without the accidental separation of said fishing line from the fishing rig.

Abstract: A method for eradicating fire ants includes connecting a supply of pressurized water to a dispenser handle, forcing water or a water and insecticide mixture out a vertical probe to drench the top of the fire ant mound, slowly inserting the probe into the fire ant mound with the water or water and insecticide mixture flowing, and then slowly pulling the probe out of the mound while flooding the mound with the water and insecticide mixture. A dispenser for accomplishing the method includes a handle that may be attached to a source of pressurized water, a bottle attached to the handle containing insecticide, a vertical probe attached to the handle for injecting water and insecticide into a fire ant mound, a conduit to allow water to pass from the pressurized source through the handle and out the probe, and a means of aspirating insecticide into the water flowing through the handle and the probe.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus in which a depending vacuum housing (10) is attached to as vacuum header (12) and includes a lower open end (16) spaced above the ground line. A sensing means (32) is located at the bottom of the housing to locate a plant to be saved raised off the ground by the vacuum. A pair of vacuum air control flaps (44) close off a pair of air slots (34) or coact with each other to close off the housing to the vacuum. When a plant is identified and located the vacuum is shut off by the flaps (44) and a cutter device (60) with blades (63) cuts across the row ahead of the saved plant to create a clear area. After the cutter has created the clear area the cutter halts and within a predetermined time the vacuum is turned on again by opening the flaps to raise the next incoming plant to be saved.

Abstract: A hydroponic apparatus providing a controlled environment for plant growth including artificial light and periodic flushing with a liquid nutrient. Plant growing containers filled with growth media mounted horizontally on a box like structure containing an air tight storage container for liquid plant nutrient extending beneath the enclosures containing the plant containers. Compressed air admitted to the storage tank forces the nutrient liquid up, through the laminated filter section, into the plant container from which the nutrient drains back into the storage tank. A canopy over the assembly contains electric growth lamps and a roll up trellis.

Abstract: A package (1) for the production and/or storage of plants, comprising a sealed container (2) for the plants in which at least a portion of the container is a membrane assembly of at least two selectively permeable membrane layers, an innermost membrane (5) having relatively high permeability to both gases and water vapor and an outermost membrane (6) having relatively high permeability to gases but being substantially impermeable to water vapor, said outer membrane layer (6) being strippable from the package leaving the innermost membrane (5) intact.

Abstract: A pot for nursery plants having opposed walls joined along their edges with margins of the walls having a series of openings to promote air-pruning of the plant roots. The wall edges may be joined to one another by various means including fusing, adhesives, taping or the pot may be a molded structure. A rack is disclosed having receptacles of appropriate shape to receive a multitude of pots of similar external shape for pot support in a snug manner. A modified form of the pot includes three wall members each having a series of edge located openings. The walls are joined along their edges with each wall member having legs to provide a free-standing pot.

Abstract: A self-watering device is set forth wherein a reservoir includes a conduit associated therewith. The conduit optionally includes a valve at a lowermost end thereof with a check ball captured between spaced webs for permitting selective passage of water therethrough to an associated plant, such as a Christmas tree. The device further includes a lid securable over the reservoir with a fluid level indicator directed slidably through the lid, and optionally includes a coiled outlet conduit of translucent character capturing a fiber optic cable therethrough for enhanced use as an ornament. The ornament may further include a modified lid of a funnel configuration that is inverted for use in a filling procedure of the reservoir.

Abstract: A post is adapted to be raised to an active position in front of a vehicle being serviced from a pit beneath the vehicle, the post serving as a barrier to guard against injury and property damage in the event the vehicle suddenly lurches forwardly. After the vehicle has been serviced, the post may be lowered to a stored position in the pit to enable the vehicle to be driven forwardly from the service area.

Abstract: A window panel position regulating means for a vehicle door which will accommodate a doubly irregularly curved window panel and will guide the window panel through the slot at the belt line of the door in such a manner that the width of the belt line slot can be maintained at absolute minimum so as to improve the oveall appearance of the door assembly and the functional rigidity of the assembly. The regulating assembly includes a pair of guide channel members mounted within the door panel cavity at the front edge of the door and a third guide channel member mounted within the door panel cavity at the rear edge of the door. Guide follower members are mounted to the window and guided within the respective guide channel members to thereby guide the window through the belt line slot.

Abstract: A casement operator for a window has a deployment linkage connectable between the window frame and the base and operable to cause movement of the window sash. A gear drive drives the deployment linkage, which coacts with a sash lock and a lock linkage having a window-actuated trigger. A plurality of rigid links are in pivotal engagement with the deployment linkage and in driving engagement with the gear drive, and a tie rod is disposed intermediate the rigid links and the sash lock. A trip lever with a trigger extending beyond the window frame is pivotally secured to the base and engageable with the lock linkage for restricting the movement of said lock linkage during a non-locking mode of operation of the operator.

Abstract: An end member is provided which seals an open end of a weatherstrip bordering an edge of a vehicle. This end member includes a fastening portion for elastically holding a portion of the edge of the vehicle which is covered by the weatherstrip to retain the end member to the open end of the weatherstrip and a sealing portion for blocking the open end of the weatherstrip. Thus, the end member is securely fastened to the vehicle and seals the open end of the weatherstrip appropriately.

Abstract: In a door glass weather strip for vehicles which is made up of an installation member to be installed in a door sash; a bend lip projected from the installation member to be contacted with an inner surface of a door glass; and a seal member connected to the installation member having a sash engaging wall connected to the installation member, an outer lip and an inner lip projected from each side of the sash engaging wall, and a seal wall which connects each tip end of the outer lip and the inner lip for sealingly holding the edge of the door glass, an interior angle between the sash engaging wall and the inner lip being obtuse angle.

Abstract: A gasket system has a gasket adapted to be secured about an opening. The gasket includes a mechanism for retaining and sealing a window or the like. The gasket is positioned about the opening such that when the window is positioned within the opening, the window substantially conceals the gasket and is flush at its perimeter with the opening.

Abstract: A brake lining grinder has feed wheels and an abrasion wheel defining a finishing throat through which one of a plurality of brake lining blanks are feed for simultaneously finishing the arcuate inner surface of the lining to precisely conform to the shape of the arcuate outer surface of a brake drum. The grinder includes an inlet guide surface for stacking a plurality of lining blanks for continuous automatic sequential feed through the finishing throat and the grinder further includes an outlet guide surface for receiving finished blanks for automatic gravity release from the grinder.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus comprising a tool for polishing a surface of a workpiece, a table for supporting a workpiece, a piezoelectric element for minutely driving the table, a load detector for detecting the load applied from the tool to the workpiece supported on the table, and a load controller for controlling the drive means in accordance with the load detected by the detector. The piezoelectric element moves the table minutely in the same direction as, or the direction opposite to, the direction in which said tool applies a load to the workpiece.

Abstract: A combination of cleaning pads, cleaning pad mounting members and a base member for a rotary cleaning machine. A base member is attached to a drive shaft of the rotary cleaning machine. A plurality of generally pliable mounting members are releasably secured to the base members by a nut and bolt arrangement. The cleaning pad mounting members each have a first end for being releasably secured to the base member and a second end for securably receiving a cleaning pad thereon. A cleaning pad having a mounting surface and a cleaning surface is releasably secured to the second end of each of the cleaning pad mounting members by hook and loop material.

Abstract: An abrasive compact is provided which has a plurality of recesses which may take the form of grooves or holes formed in a major surface thereof. The recesses contain no solid material and serve as crack arrester formations.

Abstract: Fluid flow through orifices, particularly where flow rates are to be controlled or metered, is improved by employing abrasive flow machining to achieve a target flow resistance in the orifice.

Abstract: A hand-held sander includes a body formed of a flexible cellular polyester polurethane foam, molded in place with a working surface of either plastic coated fabric (for use with adhesive-backed abrasives) or the `hook` portion of a "hook and loop" type gripping system, for holding woven or non-woven materials in place. The body includes a handle, leading ends extending from the handle of differing lengths, thicknesses and rates of flexural resistance. One leading end includes a radius edge while the other leading end forms an acute angle edge.

Abstract: A liquid-abrasive cleaning method and apparatus in which abrasive particles are accelerated into a high pressure liquid stream and transmitted by the liquid onto a surface for removing paint, rust or other substances coating the surface. The invention includes a flow regulator for regulating the flow of particles as they are drawn into the nozzle by the high pressure liquid stream.

Abstract: A deformable shim assembly for positioning a closure unit in building framework defining a rough opening. The system includes a plurality of flexible, generally identical shims each having a cylindrical surface curvature to provide a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. The forward end of each shim is tapered and is defined by side edges with an angle of intersection bisected by the axis of symmetry. The side edges also define a plane that intersects the cylindrical outer and inner surfaces at an acute angle to define a wedge-shaped space. The space has a transverse cross section in the shape of a circular segment that diminishes progressively toward the forward end of the element.

Abstract: A structural shock isolation system that may be used in building structure, or in other applications requiring load supporting elements is disclosed. The shock isolation elements of the system are divided into a plurality of parts that are keyed together with the respective parts separated by an elastomeric material. Each individual element of the structural system, while performing its load bearing function, provides shock and vibration isolation; further, since the parts of each element are keyed, the parts act as a whole in each structure to provide the required design strength for the system. The structural shock isolation system may be used in building structures as part of the superstructure of the building.

Abstract: An impermeable membrane seals a layer of asbestos contaminated material and contaminated earth of an earthen floor so as to prevent airborne contamination by asbestos fibers to a crawl space located underneath a building. The asbestos contaminated material is permanently encapsulated in the crawl space with the impermeable membrane which allows walking or crawling through the crawl space without the asbestos contaminated material becoming airborne due to the stretchability of the impermeable membrane. In addition, any gas entrapped by the impermeable membrane is vented to the outside by a hollow tube passing through the membrane and communicating with the outside of the building. Optionally, cementatious material may be entrapped between the earthen floor and the impermeable membrane which, upon mixture with condensate formed on the undersurface of the membrane, would harden and rigidify the asbestos contaminated material in place.

Abstract: A grating mat assembly is disclosed, which is of a generally rigid construction, as distinguished from an articulated, roll-up construction. Unlike conventional rigid grating mats, the structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of slot-like section joined edge to edge in a manner providing for sufficiently rigidity for manufacture, handling and installation, while eliminating the customary longitudinally extending locking bars, utilized in more conventional grating mat assemblies, which add significantly to the cost of manufacture thereof. The slot-like mat sections of the new design are of extruded construction, formed with a horizontal upper ball, widely spaced vertical end walls, and one or more intermediate vertical walls. The vertical walls support the upper wall substantially above a base surface. The opposite vertical end walls of the slot-like sections are formed with tongue and groove structures, such that a pair of adjacent section interfit to provide positive horizontal alignment.

Abstract: An end cap for a ridge of a roof formed from a corrugated ridge vent. A longitudinal strip is removed from each of the lower corrugated layers adjacent a side edge to create a flap from the extending portion of the upper sheet of corrugated material. The flap is then folded over the side edges of the lower corrugated layers to provide an end cap from the ridge of a roof.

Abstract: The wall panels (14,16,18) of a wall panel system (12) are constructed with perimeter frames (22,24,26) each composed of tubular vertical edge members (40) interconnected with the ends of horizontal top members (42) and horizontal bottom members (46) by corner connectors (44). The corner connectors (44) have legs (84) that engage within the hollow ends of the frame members (40,42,46). A plurality of shear fins (86) extend transversely from the legs (84) with the transverse profile defined by the fins being greater than the interior envelope of the frame members so that as the corner connectors (44) are forged into the interiors of the frame members, the outer edges of the fins (86) are sheared so that the fins fit very snugly within the interiors of the frame members. The panels (14,16,18) are interconnected together by cam latches (126) composed of a pair of opposing spaced apart hooks (134a, 134b) that engage with mating catches (128) mounted on the opposing edge of the adjacent wall panel.

Abstract: A panel jointing system comprises an alignment strip having locating surfaces to engage the adjacent margins of the faces of two coplanar panels, and engaging means being provided in association with the strip to retain the panels in position. The engaging means preferably acts by penetrating the edge of the panel material, and may comprise a pair of flexible barbed projections extending from the strip, which may be flexed to embed the barbs into the respective panel edges. The barbs may be flexed by inserting an expansion element between them to force them apart. Alternatively, the engaging means may be a plurality of blade elements which may be embedded into the panel edges and also be retained by the strip.

Abstract: A strip cutoff assembly for successively partitioning an array of can-type containers connected by a continuous plastic strip as the array travels along a conveyor at a constant rate. The strip cutoff assembly includes a pair of endless chains carrying a cutting device in an orbit about a series of axles for periodically dividing the array into units of a predetermined length. An alignment device connected to the cutting device contacts the containers so as to evenly space the containers as the cutting device traverses the plastic strip.

Abstract: An improved capsule transport tray for use in the curing chamber of capsule sealing and banding machines is disclosed. The trays have hemispherical recesses which thereby support the capsules at their ends, thereby keeping the midportion of the capsules where the sealing and banding solutions have been applied, from touching the support surface. An air port or opening at the bottom of each recess insures better circulation of the heated air in the curing chamber about each respective capsule.

Abstract: An apparatus for properly positioning a spacer panel relative to a container of items and a package blank which will be subsequently folded around the item container and spacer panel to form a package enclosing the item container and spacer panel. The positioning apparatus includes a plate for receiving and supporting the package blank, spacer panel, and item container in a stacked relationship with the spacer panel disposed between the package blank and item container, and a spacer panel contact blade which is movable back and forth over the plate top to contact just the panel spacer and moving the panel spacer between the package blank and item container to a predetermined location still between the package blank and item container such that when the package blank is subsequently folded to form the package, the panel spacer will be properly positioned therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying closures to containers held by grippers and moving in a row on a conveyor. The closures are fed from a supply into pockets on a star wheel which delivers them to closure carriers mounted to an applicator wheel which rotates in a plane parallel to and above the closure path of movement, about an axis perpendicular to that of the star wheel. Rotation of the closures carried by the carriers on the applicator wheel is synchronized with the rate of movement of the containers, and the closures are brought into converging alignment with the containers. The applicator wheel has optional means for pressing the closure partially or wholly to a final applied position on the containers, and/or for rotating them while still carried by the carriers to desired torque level.

Abstract: Improved bottle capping chucks are disclosed which are compatible with existing bottle capping machines especially screw capping machines. The chucks define frusto-conical throat surfaces with specially selected taper angles which directly contact and grip the bottle cap. The chucks are designed to assure that no slippage occurs even when twisting torque is applied in screwing a cap onto a bottle at high speed operation. The chucks are of one-piece construction with no moving parts and provide excellent wear and deterioration resistance. The chuck will also accommodate screw caps with upward extending applicator type spouts. A range of chucks of various dimensions will accommodate a range of cap diameters. In a second embodiment of the invention a combination chuck is disclosed which defines a plurality of concentric frusto-conical throat surfaces of successively smaller diameters. This combination chuck can accommodate a wide range of cap diameters and cap and bottle shapes.

Abstract: A device for the releasing of tabs found on the diagonally facing corners of tab-locked corrugated cardboard boxes. The boxes are moved along a track whereupon they are deformed to enable a release means positioned along the track to slip between major flap and the sidewall of the corrugated box to release a first tab. The box is then turned at least 90.degree. and the process repeated.

Abstract: The problem involved in wrapping a stretched plastic film around a load by rotating the load and the plastic film feed roll is often that the film will not adapt well enough to the shape of the load, will not form an elastically tensioned package, and will not necessarily be by its stretch ratio and thickness sufficiently uniform and suitable for the product in question. In the present invention, a method has been developed for wrapping a stretched plastic film around the circumference of a load by rotating the load and the plastic film feed roll each about its axis in order to unwind the stretchable plastic film from the feed roll and to wrap the stretched plastic film around the circumference of the load and by braking the plastic film in order to stretch it between the braking point and the wrapping point. The advantages of the invention are based on the fact the braking power which induces the stretching of the plastic film is regulated on the basis of the circumferential speed of the load.