Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic magnetic compass which is to be mounted on a small ship and which is reduced in cost and improved in performance. The electronic magnetic compass is provided with an angle sensor interlocked with a compass card so as to produce a code signal at every predetermined angle, a code converter for converting the code signal into a compass indication angle, and a signal conversion circuit for producing a deviation signal indicating a deviation between an azimuth angle signal and an indication angle signal. The compass azimuth measurement is performed with a simple configuration of an open loop system, so that the structure of an encoder for the angle sensor is so simple that the cost can be reduced so much. The azimuth angle signal and the indication angle signal can be automatically calibrated so that the measurement accuracy can be improved.

Abstract: An electronic compass system for determining the heading of an armored vehicle containing a large mass of ferromagnetic material, which system comprises a plurality of sensors, and for real-time computation of the corrections required of actual magnetometer measurements. Part of the values used for the computation are computed in advance, and part in real-time. Some of the computations are based on the perturbation of the earth magnetic field based on an algorithm which takes into account one or two rotational prolate ferromagnetic ellipsoids which have certain dimensions and which are at a predetermined distance from each other either represent the body of an armored vehicle, or when two ellipsoids are used, they represent the hull and turret of a tank.

Abstract: A structure which has a low coefficient of thermal and moisture expansion along one dimension (an axis) is formed of an arrangement of fibers surrounded by and bonded to an engineering thermoplastic resin. The fibers are arranged so that essentially all of the fibers are disposed parallel to the axis. The fibers have a negative coefficient of expansion, the resin has a positive coefficient of expansion, and the volume ratio is balanced so that the composite structure has a near zero coefficient of expansion. Perferably the structure is formed by pultrusion of overlapped tapes of aligned carbon fibers preimpregnated with polyphenylene sulfide. A scale having this structure has slots for indicating position on the scale. The slots extend through the scale and are transverse to the axis.

Abstract: A mechanical device for laying a cement block upon a previously laid course consisting of two main body legs (7), (3), supporting a pivot arm and adjustable stop (4), (5), (6), for gauging a block to be laid and set in mortar in respect to a prior course maintaining accurate block-to-block head joint as well as layer-to-layer uniformity in respect to the first course.

Abstract: A probe is an elongated tube with sensors positioned to match the cylinder bores with respect to number and distance apart and having radially projecting contact pins. When employed as intended, the probe rotates and slides back and forth in stationary bearings that are in turn accommodated in uprights in a stand. The probe extends through the bores of the work, which is precisely positioned between the uprights by the same bearings. A drive unit with a driveshaft in alignment with the probe and with motors that operate in conjunction with the latter to generate a translation and a rotation respectively is also mounted stationary in the stand independent of the aforesaid bearings. One end of the probe is coupled to the driveshaft such that it can neither rotate on nor slide axially along it by a universal joint that compensates within limits for angular error and radial shaft displacement.

Abstract: A block for positioning the wire of an NC wire electro-spark processing machine is simple in shape and easy in handling, with which an original processing point of the NC wire electro-spark processing machine may be easily obtained without cutting or breaking the electrode wire.

Abstract: A fabric cover marking device is for marking the location on a fabric cover for a female fastener portion engageable with a complementary male fastener portion mounted on a structure to be covered, for example a boat. The device comprises a socket portion and a pin portion. The socket portion is releasably engageable with the male fastener portion. The pin portion is mounted on the socket portion and is capable of piercing the fabric cover when the socket portion is engaged with the male fastener portion. Embodiments for releasable engagement with snap studs, lift-a-dot fastener studs, and turnbuckles are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a measurement embodiment with a resulting thermal expansion which, despite different materials having different thermal expansion coefficients, agrees with the thermal expansion of the machine part so that temperature conditioned measurement inaccuracies are eliminated.

Abstract: A portable measuring system for making a series of thickness measurements of a material such as an aircraft skin and for determining therefrom the sizes and quantities of standard size fasteners required for fastening the material. For each measurement, a fixed probe is inserted through a hole in the material so as to engage an inner surface of the material, and a slidable probe engages an outer surface of the material to measure the material's thickness. Each measurement is compared to a table stored in associated data processing equipment to relate the measured thickness to the applicable standard fastener size. The sizes and numbers of standard fasteners required are accumulated over the series of measurements and displayed to the user.

Abstract: A method for drying the cavity in a shatter crack of a multi-layer laminated safety glass prior to repair of the crack utilizes a hand-held radiant heating device. The device includes a housing made of a metallic heat dissipating material and which carries an electrically energized radiant heating coil sized to approximate the diameter of the shatter crack cavity. The housing is affixed to a handle provided with a switch for controlling energization of the coil. In use the device is manually positioned in spaced proximate relationship to the cavity on the same side of the glass as the cavity and the switch is activated to energize the radiant heating coil for a period sufficient to remove water or other liquid resident in the shatter crack cavity.

Abstract: A bucket wheel body includes a supporting body having a frustoconical region, a radially outer circumferential region, and a radially inner circumferential region. The frustoconical region forms a carrier body; the radially outer region forms a rounded annular carrier for supporting buckets and the radially inner region forms a rounded hub support. The hub support, the annular carrier and the carrier body form a one-piece construction and jointly define an S-shaped cross section. A disc-shaped hub body is attached to the hub support. The hub body has an outer circumferential edge and a central opening. The outer circumferential edge of the hub body is in engagement with the carrier body, and a terminal edge face of the hub support is in engagement with the hub body along a zone radially inwardly of the outer circumferential edge of the hub body.

Abstract: An expandable picture frame assembly includes an annular enclosure and a resiliently flexible spring. The enclosure has a front, a rear, and an interior surface bounding a picture-storing cavity defined between the front and rear of the enclosure. In one embodiment, the spring member is attached to the interior surface of the enclosure and projects partially across the cavity. The spring member is capable of being flexed toward and away from the front and rear of the enclosure for holding multiple pictures in a compact stacked arrangement behind one another with only a front one being displayed through a front opening of the enclosure. In another embodiment, the flexible spring member extends across the cavity between, and is releasably engaged at its opposite ends with, oppositely facing portions of the interior annular surface of the enclosure.

Abstract: Street signs are signs placed in store fronts or store aisles, at service stations, or the like, to display messages to the public. They generally include a sign panel supported by a base assembly and legs connected to the base assembly which support the sign. The present invention includes such a street sign having legs pivotally attached to the base assembly so that when the sign is to be stored, it may be conveniently folded so as to be made relatively narrow for convenience of carrying and storage.

Abstract: A single shot handgun of the type having a frame, a receiver, a firing chamber in the receiver, a firing pin, a hammer for driving the firing pin, a barrel connected to the receiver being pivotally attached to the frame so that the barrel and receiver can be pivoted from a battery position to an open position. A mechanism for locking the receiver in the battery position comprises a longitudinal slot cut into the rearward end of the receiver. A longitudinal, second slot is cut into the face of the frame that abuts the rearward end of the receiver when the receiver is in the battery position. A longitudinal lug is received in the second slot, with the lug being slidable into a forward position wherein it makes engagement with the slot in the receiver to lock the receiver in its battery position. Finger engagements are provided at the ends of the lug for withdrawing the lug from engagement with the slot in the receiver to allow the receiver to pivot to its open position.

Abstract: An organization including a pump member defined by an elongate cylindrical body mounting a flexible cylindrical body at a forward end thereof, with a piston coaxially and slidably mounted within the rigid cylindrical body operative through a manually manipulated coaxial rod, with the cleaning brush mounted coaxially to the piston through the flexible cylindrical body to effect plunging and cleaning of a black powder firearm bore. A first conduit pipe directs water within the rigid cylindrical body forwardly of the piston to direct cleaning water through the firearm bore and further provides a nipple adapter to direct the fluid exteriorly of the firearm during a cleaning procedure.

Abstract: A fishing lure card for holding fishing lures and a card holder for holding a plurality of these cards are disclosed. The fishing lure card includes a row of vertical interconnected transparent tubular sleeves, in which fishing lures may be suspended, and a pair of mounting ears. The card holder has two laterally spaced vertical side members having slots to receive the mounting ears of the fishing lure cards. The card holder further includes a detachable cover and is pivotably attachable to the gunnel of a boat. This arrangement keeps fishing lures readily available, visible and untangled when the card holder is mounted to the side of a boat.

Abstract: A portable electrical device for keeping birds from a specific place. The device comprises a pair of parallel wires entrained on a swinging block. The wires carry a voltage potentially lethal to birds and bracket a trough formed in the block and adapted to a hold a bait.

Abstract: In order to keep flying insects, especially mosquitoes, away from people, an apparatus has been developed. The apparatus includes a box (A, A") enclosing a heat source (10, 50), provided with at least one vertically oriented flat wall (13', 53'), and a container (C, C') holding an evaporable liquid chemical product. A wick (14, 54), wrapped in an impermeable coating or sheath (19, 59), has a rectangular cross-section and penetrates inside the container (C, C'). A free portion (14", 54") of the wick (14, 54) is devoid of the coating or sheath (19, 59) and extends upwards from the container (C, C') with its largest side (14"', 54"') being disposed parallel to but spaced from the heat source (10, 50).

Abstract: A yellow-colored plate coated with a tacky substance is combined with an animal odor-emanating component and passed over an area infested by fleas or other insect pests. The emanations excite and attract the insects which jump toward the brightly colored plate where they become entrapped into the tacky substance. The apparatus may be used to either determine the nature and extent of the infestation prior to treatment, or to actually clear areas of infestation.

Abstract: An assembly for storage of floral items or the like which includes a housing made up of stepped side walls, a rear wall, a front wall section at each step and top wall sections at each step. At least one container is located at each step, preferably received in an opening defined by the top wall section thereat. The containers define at least one water drain opening therein which is associated with a water drain system and with appropriate controls for maintaining water within the container or draining same therefrom. A cut item separator support may be provided within the containers for dividing the inside of the containers into a plurality of compartments for the receipt of floral items therein and for water-free transfer of foliage from one container to another.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided comprising a housing for growing plants under controlled conditions. The housing is defined by a base, walls and a cap. Electrical sockets are mounted in the housing, and fluorescent lamps are electrically connected to the sockets. Supports connected to the wall in spaced-apart relation to the sockets are releasably engageable with the fluorescent lamps for support thereof. A typical wall is formed with a recess having a given length in a first direction. The support is made of a flexible material and is formed with a stem, clips extending from one side of the stem for embracing and supporting the fluorescent light, and a head extending from another side of the stem and engageable in the recess. Arms lead away from the head and wall at first locations adjacent to and on either side of the stem and towards the wall at second locations farther from and on either side of the stem. Feet are respectively at distal ends of the arms and engageable in the recess.

Abstract: A worn vehicle tire is formed into a multi-purpose receptacle. A section of the tire is formed by first slicing the tire along the circumferential axis thereof and then making two transverse cuts. The opposed free ends of this piece are joined by metal straps or other fasteners. A bottom, preferably also made of a portion of a vehicle tire, is set into the receptacle.

Abstract: A Rastaplan.TM. system and container for the cultivation of plants. The methodology comprises a perfecting of the technique of subirrigation and is based mainly on a Rastaplan.TM. container-irrigator having on its peripheral structure a septum porous-roller without a bottom, the septum roller functioning as a continuous sub-irrigator of the substrate of cultivation, and on its internal structure, a truncated cone chamber that acts as a dripping chamber which permits aeration and subirrigation in sips around its own internal circumference. The Rastaplan.TM. container also includes an irrigation canal which acts as an evaporator distributor to allow the water level to oscillate between a minimum, under the border of the bottom of the container and a maximum, which is variable and regulable by a central float, which opens a closing needle of a water feeding duct to fill the irrigation canal as it dips below the minimum water level.

Abstract: A device especially for use as connected cultivation containers with containers provided obliquely in relation to a rail. The rail is intended for being placed for use in such an erect position that the containers open upwards. Advantageously, the device is manufactured from a stamped out blank of a foldable water resistent sheet material.

Abstract: An automatic operating system for swinging doors which is controlled by the user by means of a miniature, hand-held radio transmitter having a single operating pushbutton.Depression of the pushbutton results, sequentially, in the retraction of the deadbolt, the retraction of the main latch, and the opening of the door. The door then remains open until the pushbutton is again depressed, whereupon the main latch is extended, the door is swung to its closed position, the deadbolt is extended into its associated recess in the doorjamb, and the air pressure in the automatic door operating system is bled to atmospheric level, resetting the system to its normal or quiescent state.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly has a pair of spaced guide channels carried below its belt line which slidably receives pin guides secured to the sides of the lower end portion of the window for guiding the movement of a window between its open and closed positions. The window is bent along a horizontal line so that its exterior surface will be substantially flush with an exterior surface of the door assembly when in its closed position. The door assembly also includes a door frame means which permits lateral movement of the window as it is moved between its open and closed positions and a seal means carried by the door frame which engages the window along its interior sides to bias the same outwardly toward an outer flange on the door frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass run channel molding having a structural core encased in an elastomeric material. The glass run channel molding has, in cross-section, a first U-shaped channel for clamping retention on a pinchweld flange or the like and a second U-shaped channel to receive a guide a window pane. The structural core is a sheet having a band along one lateral edge and a plurality of laterally extending narrow strips with free ends, extending laterally therefrom. A surface of the band has surface exposed to view for decorative purposes. The structure of the core facilitates bending of the integral trim and glass run channel about the window frame.

Abstract: A clipless door seal for oven doors or the like including a sealing element having a length greater than its width, a pair of resilient elongated flanges depending from the outer surface of the sealing element and running substantially the entire length of the sealing element, and at least two resilient retaining darts for securing the door seal to an oven door surface. Generally, the door seal is positioned onto an oven door or the like which has at least two apertures for securing the door seal to the door surface. The darts are positioned through the apertures for securing the door seal onto the door wherein said elongated flanges provide bias to permit said darts to fully pass beyond the wall forming the door surface.

Abstract: A weather proofing seal for installation in complementary eliptically undercut channels in a door or window jamb, characterized by a dart-shaped anchor having a rib projecting through a narrow slot opening of the channel, the seal characterized by a depressible bulb-shaped body lying contiguous to both the jamb and a slamming stop.

Abstract: A vehicle door comprising a door shell, a module, and door hardware components attached on the door module. The door shell comprises an outer belt reinforcement, an outer panel and an inner panel having a hinge and a latch member. The module comprises a core member having two metal plates thereby to receive the hardware components. The hardware components which are attached to the module are an exterior door release, an interior door release, a latch mechanism, a window regulator mechanism, and a trim panel. Thus, the module is adapted to permit pre-assembly and pre-testing of major sub-assemblies.

Abstract: A cloth for polishing a prescription, plastic lens is mounted on a resilient pad having a curvature generally corresponding to that of the lens curvature. The polishing cloth clings to the pad during a vibratory polishing operation, performed with a liquid slurry. The pad is adhesively mounted on the conventional lap.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a wafer into position against the pressure head of apparatus for polishing the wafer. The transport apparatus includes a dolly for positioning a wafer over a transport head assembly. The transport head assembly removes the wafer from the dolly and positions the wafer against the pressure head. When the transport head assembly removes the wafer from the dolly and positions the wafer against the pressure head, the transport head assembly only contacts the wafer at selected points at the periphery of the wafer.

Abstract: Pressure with which working parts of the honing tool are pressed against the bore wall is controlled during machining. The pressure per unit area of the working parts can thereby be kept constant or specifically varied, irrespective of the surface configuration of the bore wall. For this purpose, the honing machine includes a feed mechanism and electronic control device for predetermining the pressure of the working parts against the bore.

Abstract: Microfinishing devices and processes for in-process gauging of a microfinishing process of generally cylindrical workpieces. A size control shoe is used with a microfinishing shoe such that the diameter of a generally cylindrical workpiece can be continually monitored during the microfinishing process. Once a predetermined diameter or workpiece geometry is achieved, the machining process can be terminated. Several embodiments of size control shoes are disclosed which are particularly adapted for retrofit applications for existing microfinishing equipment. A "masterless" microfinishing machine is also described having arms which engage the size control and microfinishing shoes which follow the path of the workpiece during machining. Since the shoes must be maintained in engagement with the workpiece after a desired diameter is achieved, the pressure applied by the microfinishing arms is relieved until all of the workpiece surfaces are machined.

Abstract: A method of producing a desired surface on an optical material including producing a plurality of elements of the optical material such that each element has an upper and a lower surface, arranging the plurality of elements such that adjacent elements are separated by an interstitial material having a hardness different from the optical material being processed, processing the surfaces of the elements and removing the interstitial material.

Abstract: Vitrified super abrasive grain grinding tool comprised of abrasive grains and first and second fillers bonded together by a vitrified bonding material, wherein the abrasive grains are super abrasive grains, the softening points of the first and second fillers are both higher than an inherent firing temperature of the vitrified bonding material for the super abrasive grains, the first filler is a ceramics which maintains a hollow state before and after firing of the bonding material, and the second filler is a ceramics which exists in a non-hollow state. This grinding tool has a high porosity at a low concentration while utilizing excellent grinding characteristic of super abrasive grains with high grain retention force and little burn mark in dry grinding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for protecting a roof gutter so that the gutter will remain clean for the free flow of rain water therethrough. The device is a lid in the form of a curb overlying the rim of the gutter along the length thereof. The curb has a raised, porous edge rising above the rim of the gutter and forming a wall for catching and holding debris, while allowing rain water to pass therethrough. Special advantages are obtained when the device additionally includes a strip or toe section which is contiguous with the curb section and overlies that portion of the roof which is adjacent to the gutter. Both the curb section and the toe section of the device are advantageously porous throughout, being made from a meshed fabric.

Abstract: A telescopic manhole or storm drain installation includes a riser assembly provided with an upper section and adjacent lower section the former of which comprises a side wall defining an inverted frustoconical configuration while the latter provides a vertically disposed member having external threads cooperating with a stationary threaded collar. To prepare for resurfacing of a roadway or the like, no excavation about the riser is required prior to its elevation by use of a tool which engages mating receptors located within the interior of the riser. Rotation of the tool rotates the riser assembly within the threads of the collar until the new, elevated plane is achieved. The effort required to displace the riser is minimial due to the movement of its outer surface away from any grouting or roadway base previously abutting the riser. Risers with non-circular upper sections and lids are accommodated by forming the riser of separate upper and lower sections having a sliding joint structure therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a newel post in a railing comprises a straight, double-ended bolt (12), the lower end of which includes coarse lag threads (14) by which it is screwed into a hole drilled into the underlying floor. The upper end of the bolt (12) includes screw threads (16) which extend through intersecting longitudinal and transverse holes (24, 40) drilled in the bottom end and side of the newel post (22) for receiving a nut and washer (18, 20) by which the newel post is tightened down. The transverse hole (40) is preferably closed with a plug 42.

Abstract: A motor vehicle glazing prepared for installation is provided with one or more profiled spacers produced by extrusion of an extrudable polymer directly onto the glazing. A first spacer is provided along its outer periphery with an lip portion projecting beyond the peripheral area of the glazing. In the installed position of the glazing the lip portion rests against the window frame flange running parallel to the peripheral area of the glazing and acts, upon insertion of the glazing and during the setting process of the assembly adhesive, as a support and centering element for the glazing. Adjacent the first profiled spacer, and attached to the glazing is the assembly adhesive bead. Optionally, a second spacer is provided also adjacent the adhesive bead for retaining the adhesive bead between the first and second spacers and for adding support.

Abstract: A framework of a wooden building has a pair of vertically extending pillars formed on opposite sides thereof with longitudinal grooves and a wall panel mounted between the pillars, having its side edges inserted in the grooves in the pillars. A diagonal pillar formed in the opposite sides thereof with grooves may be provided between the vertical pillars to support two triangular wall panels. A fitting such as a window sash may be mounted between the pillars so as to be sandwiched between upper and lower wall panels.

Abstract: In a windowsill, when a sill attachment is pushed downwardly by the weight of a window pane, a pair of vertical plates of a sill member are pulled inwardly by engagement of downward hooks of a horizontal plate with upward hooks of vertical plates, thereby keeping the vertical plates from being deformed outwardly. Therefore, no gap would be formed between the vertical plates and side muntins, keeping rain water from penetrating into the windowsill.

Abstract: A system and method for installing roof insulation in commercial and/or industrial buildings in which a pattern of depending vertically oriented spindle fasteners are secured in and about the underside of the roofing and its associated support structure. Blanket and/or a radiant barrier type membrane insulation placed in position along the underside of the roof extending between and past the fasteners is adapted to be supported by longitudinally extending tandem end-to-end support bars secured to the fasteners by self-locking washers.

Abstract: An insulated concrete building panel having an internal slab of insulating material, layers of concrete on each of the slab faces, and a concrete frame around its edges. One face of the slab has a pattern of grooves into which concrete is cast to provide ribs that are cast integral with the outer layer on that face. The other face has ridges, preferably of trapezoidal cross section that, when placed upon a bottom layer of cast but uncured concrete, become intermeshed with the bottom layer. The panels are prepared by first casting a layer of concrete on a horizontal surface, placing the slab, grooved face up, on the cast but uncured layer, and casting concrete over the grooved face, into the grooves and around the slab edges. Panels having this structure are useful for constructing buildings such as warehouses where long panel lengths of concrete inner face and internal insulation are needed.

Abstract: A building panel, such as a door, wall panel, etc., is formed of a solid, planar body, having first and second opposed, major surfaces. A groove of a predetermined shape, such as a square or rectangle, is formed in at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the body. The groove has an open end and extends partially into the body. A decorative molding having a base portion complementary to the shape of the groove is fixedly mounted in the groove. In one embodiment, the molding includes opposed, outwardly extending flanges which are located to overlay the edges of the major surfaces of the body when the molding is mounted in the groove on the body. The groove and the molding may be mounted on both of the major surfaces of the body and in multiple numbers or patterns on one or both of the major surfaces of the body.

Abstract: A sectional frame and insert arrangement in which one contact surface on the insert rests against the frame, and the insert has a flange with a foot-shaped cross-section extending into a channel with a C-shaped cross-section. The flange has an impact surface that extends perpendicular to the contact surface and rests against the wall of the channel. The flange has a snap-in edge that engages below and can be released from the head of another wall having a T-shaped cross-section and being positioned opposite the first wall. Positioners enclosing at least partly the inserted area of the snap-in edge of the foot-section flange, are inserted into a longitudinal snap-in groove. The positioners have resilient tongues above the snap-in edge resting against the head of the T-section wall.

Abstract: The combination comprises a plurality of extrusions which are interconnected by means of a plurality of connectors thereby defining the modular system. The extrusions can also be interconnected end to end by means of joining members. The extrusions can be made of tubular members which have a first set of equally spaced radial projections provided with outer ribs to engage the connectors. There are also a second set of projections disposed between the first set of projections so as to enable panels to be disposed between the first and second projections. The connectors include a rod and clamping members at both ends of the rods to engage the ribs formed on the first set of projections. The joining members are spherical and have projecting stud members which are pressed fittingly engageable in the tubular extrusions for end to end connections thereof.

Abstract: A structural beam having at least one open-faced end flange that can be snap-fitted into the end of a similar stud to create a high strength structural assembly. The interlocking flanges are equipped with locking devices that prevent the studs from separating in assembly. Each flange is also equipped with a flexible distal wall with an outwardly turned lip which is adapted to apply a biasing holding force on the interlocked flanges. The lip also serves as a useful mechanism for engaging structural panels mounted upon the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite sections consisting of a metallic part which is connected, through an intermediate layer of heat-insulating parts, to a non-metallic part. The heat-insulating part is connected rigidly to the non-metallic part but is connected to the metallic part by positive means and pressure, the pressure providing--while the positively connected parts are approaching each other, at right angles to the longitudinal extent thereof, by plastic deformation of the webs or projections within the corresponding recesses in the heat-insulating part--a clamping action with limited contact areas, whereby limited longitudinal and/or transverse displacements are possible at specific load values in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction (differences in thermal expansion).

Abstract: Machine for filling containers with products, in a predetermined distribution includes simultaneous feed means, with as many vibratory ducts transporting respective rows of products and with corresponding unit supports thereof; at least one rotating frame with vertical pneumatic cylinders and with as many lower suction cups at their pistons, communicating with sources of vacuum; a carriage with alternating transverse displacement, with means of longitudinal advance for at least one pair of containers and with transverse barrier and constraint means for the products, both coordinated; and a process programming unit.