Abstract: A pillow including a top and bottom fibrous web defining a casing includes a radio mounted within the casing cooperating with a remotely located speaker. The pillow further includes the speaker mounted within a speaker housing, including fluid filled walls, and where the housing cavity includes compressible fluid capsules to accommodate impact to the speaker unit. The pillow structure may further be provided with a serpentine pneumatic chamber filled with further compressible fluid capsules to afford comfort and cushioning to a user, as well as components of the radio-clock system.

Abstract: A key ring and screwdriver device is disclosed as including a hollow tubular handle having opposite open ends. A reversible screwdriver having different blade ends at an intermediate polygonal cross sectional area is capable of being stored in one open end of the hollow tubular handle. At the opposite open end of the hollow tubular handle, a ferrule is provided. The ferrule includes an outer internally threaded section and inner polygonally shaped section. The outer internally threaded section has a cross sectional dimension greater than the reversible screwdriver blade in order to freely accommodate same. The inner polygonally shaped section has a complementary shape and size for receiving the intermediate polygonal cross sectional area of the reversible screwdriver blade in driving engagement therewith.

Abstract: Method to jet dry carpet tiles by controlling the solenoid valve to the dye jet to provide a subliminal design over which a darker geometric design is imposed with the darker geometric design crossing the seam line so that the seam line between abutting carpet tiles is very indistinct to the human eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for winding yarn to produce a wound yarn package having a variable density profile. The variable density profile in the wound yarn is produced by variably tensioning the yarn during the winding process by an electrical apparatus which is responsive to a programmed control signal to provide variable tension on the yarn. The density profile thus produced is preferably a progressively variable density profile. In a preferred embodiment, the method is carried out with a precision winding machine with an electromagnetic tensioner. A controlled sequence of control signals is applied to the tensioner to provide a correspondingly varying tension on the yarn. The application of controlled tensioning to dyeing beams by progressively increasing tensioning warping yarn along the length of the beam has also shown improved results in resisting dye liquor channeling and blowout and permitted a beam geometry with a greater capacity.

Abstract: A vehicle for laying movable bridges formed of bridge sections which can be coupled end-to-end on the vehicle. The vehicle has at one end a laying device for displacing and laying the assembled bridge. Spaced longitudinally from the laying device is a pick-up device for picking up and supporting a bridge section so as to permit coupling of bridge sections at a same height with respect to the laying device. The pick-up device can support a plurality of the bridge sections in a coupled state, and while so supported, the coupled bridge sections can be displaced relative to the pick-up device in a direction away from the laying device. The pick-up device is spaced from the laying device by a distance which is dimensioned so that at least one bridge section can be inserted between bridge sections supported by the laying device and the pick-up device.

Abstract: A cover (1) for temporarily covering a trench, e.g. in a thoroughfare such as a road or footpath, by extending over, and resting on the ground on opposite sides respectively of the trench, the cover (1) being releasably engageable with other adjacent covers (1a and 1b) by means of male members (5 and 5b) mating with respective corresponding female members (6a and 6) in such a manner that when the covers (1, 1a and 1b) are engaged in a ground resting position to form an assembly (7) of covers, one cover (1b) of the assembly can be disengaged from the adjacent cover (1) only by moving the cover (1b) out of the general plane of the assembly.

Abstract: A jet thruster for attachment to the outlet end of a high-liquid-pressure hose for use, among other things, in clearing drain lines or the like. The jet thruster comprises a body formed of at least hemi-spherical shape about a fore-and-aft axis that is substantially an extension of the hose. The hemi-spherical shape gives the frontal area of rearwardly and radially outwardly sloping configuration over which liquid jets stream in close proximity to that area to augment the forward thrust action against the walls of the drain line which facilitates advance of the thruster through the drain line. Ahead of the frontal area a spinner head is coaxially journalled for rotation via thrust exerted by liquid existing laterally from another jet in the spinner head. The spinner head jet(s) further create forces that are utilized for clearing the drain line of sludge, roots and the like. Further, the spinner head may carry blades or the like for increasing the clearing action of the thruster.

Abstract: A cup member is arranged for scraping accumulated ice from a vehicular windshield, including a cylindrical body formed with a conical lower skirt projecting exteriorly of the cylindrical body and formed with a planar top wall, including securement apparatus mounted thereto. The securement apparatus may include an apertured flanged securement plate or alternatively, a handle member mounted thereto. The handle member may be further configured to include illumination means to provide illumination during conditions of limited available light for use by individuals in predawn hours.

Abstract: A pliable, waterproof mat has a rough, fibrous surface and a woven backing. A fabric tape extends about the mat perimeter which, along with stitching, serves to hold fabric closure pieces in place on the mat backing. Wall surface attachment, either to a room wall or a bathtub wall, is accomplished by the use of adhesively backed fabric closure pieces of either strip or patch shape with the latter used for temporary installation. A waterproof container permits packing of a damp mat in a suitcase.

Abstract: A magnetic pick up bar for vacuum cleaners made of flexible material to prevent marring and disfigurement of furniture, appliances, and the like, with which it may make contact and covered with a flexible plastic to prevent unwanted marking, streaking and staining of the furniture and appliances. An attachment of hook-loop material between the magnetic pickup bar and the vacuum cleaner provides secure engagement, yet permits ready removal of the bar for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing deposits from the interior surface of a vessel wall including an elongated support column having its upper end attached to a cable to position the support column vertically within the vessel. A hammer assembly pivotally and rotatably attached to the lower end of the support column and a plurality of cylinders having one end pivotally connected to the lower end of the support column and a contact member at the other end for contacting the inner surface of the vessel wall to position the hammer assembly horizontally within the vessel. A motor on the lower end of the support column to rotate the hammer assembly about the longitudinal axis of the support column and hydraulic cylinders connected to the hammer assembly to pivot the hammer assembly relative to the longitudinal axis of the support column and to slide the hammer assembly relative to the longitudinal axis of the support column to position the bit on the hammer relative to the inner surface of the vessel wall.

Abstract: A rear view mirror wiper accessory to be removably attached to the rear view mirror of a truck, bus, or similar vehicle, characterized by: a low profile vertically oriented armless wiper assembly that wipes from side to side, an electric power control that regularly reverses polarity and can be located in the truck's cab or otherwise away from the accessory, and an assembly of pulleys and a cable that imparts motion to a wiper blade. At each end of the wiper blade's range of travel is a switch that cuts off electric power until the power control changes polarity. The wiper accessory has means to hold it in place during installation and removal so it can be moved from vehicle to vehicle without requiring readjustment of the vehicles' rear view mirror(s). A low cost bidirectional motor and gear train make the accessory economical.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a motor vehicle windshield wiper device has a crank which is driven in a rotating manner and produces a pivoting movement of a windshield wiper via a drive rod. If the movement of the windshield wiper is obstructed by a snow wedge building up in the wiper socket, the drive mechanism provides for an obstruction evading movement of the drive rod in such a way that the crank can fully rotate unimpeded. In order to obtain a low loading of the drive rod and its joints in the event of obstruction of the windshield wiper and to obtain a uniform wiping zone in normal wiping operation, the novel drive mechanism for the drive rod is firmly coupled to the crank and a lost motion drive means is arranged on the wiper shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the wiping range of a wiper enables the wiping range to be changed easily but without involving the risk of unwanted changes. The motor caused movement of the drive link is converted into a movement of the drive link for causing a reciprocating oscillation of wiper arms by first and second links which are each swingably supported, the second link being swingable realtive to the first link in such a manner that the stop position of the wiper arms can be varied. An auxiliary link provided on the first link is swingable while following the relative swinging of the second link and being integrated therewith, with the swinging radius of the auxiliary link being smaller than the relative swinging radius of the second link.

Abstract: A windshield wiper superstructure of which the primary yoke has transversely spaced leeward and windward sides extending along the length thereof and transversely extending alignment means adapted to maintain a predetermined distance between said sides, the inner surface of the leeward side adjacent the windward side being inclined toward the windward side to define a ramp for directing air flow through the primary yoke.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a housing having a front and a rear and laterally opposite sides, and an opening in each side of the housing permitting communication with the interior of the housing. Each opening is generally located intermediate the front and rear of the housing. A partition located inside the housing divides at least a portion of the volume enclosed by the housing into two chambers of substantially equal volume, which are substantially sealed from one another. Vacuum pumps create a vacuum in the chambers relative to ambient. The partition is constructed and arranged so that the opening is a first of the sides of the housing communicates solely with a first of the chambers, and an opening in a second of the sides communicates solely with a second of the chambers.

Abstract: A method of detaching fiber tufts from a top surface of serially-arranged fiber bales by a bale opener includes the steps of propelling the bale opener for back-and-forth travel along the fiber bale series, vertically moving, simultaneously with the propelling step, the detaching device relative to the supporting structure and simultaneously with the propelling step and the vertical displacement of the detacher, removing fiber tufts by the detaching device in consecutive passes.

Abstract: A cleaner for a spinning machine which includes a plurality of drafting mechanisms arranged along an axis of the spinning machine. The cleaner includes a cleaning belt, arranged in each one of the drafting mechanisms to contact at least one drafting roller in the one drafting mechanism, for cleaning fiber dust and lint from at least one drafting roller in the one drafting mechanism; a transporting belt, arranged to contact each of the cleaning belts, for transporting the fiber dust and lint from each of the cleaning belts along the axis of the spinning machine; a scratch-off roller, which contacts the transporting belt and rotates at an angle relative to a running direction of the transporting belt, for removing the fiber dust and lint from the transporting roller; a mechanism for wiping fiber dust and lint from the scratch-off roller; and a mechanism for suctioning the fiber dust and lint which is wiped from the scratch-off roller by the wiping mechanism.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment a plastic paper clip having a generally flat, horizontal, relatively rigid, base gripping member having an opening defined therein and a generally flat, generally horizontal, relatively rigid, upper gripping member fitable within said opening, the proximal end of said upper gripping member being attached to said lower gripping member by a vertical joining member such that said proximal end of said upper gripping member and said lower gripping member are spaced apart at the throat formed therebetween.

Abstract: A belt buckle having a decorative face is described and is formed of a molded plastic material in which the decorative face is integral with the remainder of the buckle body. A rigid frame member is encased within the plastic material and includes a loop formed at one end thereof extending from the inside face of the belt buckle to receive one end of a belt. The frame member includes a hook in an opposite end thereof connected to the loop by an intermediate portion; the hook extends outwardly from the rear face of the buckle to permit the hook to be inserted into holes provided therefor in the belt.

Abstract: A connector comprising a body having generally flexible, C-shaped cross section structure defining recess structure in planes crosswise of and normal to a major dimension of the body; the body having a base and a succession of side walls together defining the C-shaped recess structure, each side wall having a mid-section and an outer side wall portion, the mid-section being sufficiently narrow to allow the upper side wall portion to flex; the side walls having inverted C-shaped termini relative to the C-shaped recess structure; and a ridge structure configured to nest in and be gripped by the side walls of certain of the recess structure; and wherein the ridge structure is fitted in the certain C-shaped recess structure to form the connector; and including structure to confirm complete adjusted interlock of the ridge structure in the certain C-shaped recess structure.

Abstract: A clothespin made of plastic as one unit, having two opposite pin plates, an elastic bridge formed between intermediate portions of the pin plates, an elastic plate respectively extending from a bottom end of each pin plate and bending inward, one elastic plates having a bending stopper formed at the end and two projections extending up and under near the end stopper, the elastic plate with the stopper being pressed upward to let the top of the other elastic plate push and support the former elastic plate so as to keep both of them in that position and to be compressed by the lower portions of the pin plates to open the upper portions for pinching clothes between them.

Abstract: Apparatus for assuring complete stripping of fibers from a bobbin in a bobbin stripping system includes a bobbin stripping station including oscillating water jets, a viewer to view bobbins as they are being stripped at the stripping station and to generate signals representative of a bobbin being stripped. A water jet position sensor generates a signal indicative of whether the position of the water jets is such that the viewer's view of the bobbin is unobscured. An indexing conveyor moves fully stripped bobbins from the stripping station and unstripped bobbins to the bobbin stripping station. A bobbin transport sensor generates a signal when the indexing conveyor is moving a bobbin to or from the bobbin stripping station. A computation device selects pixels of the signals from the viewer, counts a first number of pixels indicative of fibers and a second number of pixels indicative of bobbin.

Abstract: Three metal foils are simultaneously fed in opposing relationship through a machine which automatically fabricates a sheet metal sandwich structure therefrom. The foils are first tensioned in aligned opposing relationship. The center sheet is then fed through a pair of free floating gear shaped corrugator tools which form corrugations or undulations therein. Adhesive is then applied to the inner surfaces of the two outer foils and the three foils passed through a pair of drums which press the foils together between opposing metal bands and provide uniform heat thereto through the bands to effect curing of the adhesive. The foils are further pressed together between the bands by means of air diaphragms or bladders which provide hydraulically controlled clamping force thereto. Finally, the sandwich structure thus formed is trimmed and cut to form boards of the desired width and length.

Abstract: A machine for production of finished lath packs for Venetian blinds, which have holes at the ends for draw cords and ladders consisting of bands or strings, every cross band of which carries a lath, and where two neighboring cross bands of a ladder are placed on each side of the draw cord passed through the holes. The machine has a mechanism which inserts laths at each ladder, a mechanism which lifts the inserted lath and the ladders as well as devices to retain the raised lath. Each lifting mechanism has a carrier with a slit through which the ladder stretches and, on both side of the slit, carrier faces sloping away from each other for an inserted lath. The carrier can tilt in such a way that the carrier faces support the laths alternately. The carriers are tilted synchronously with the movement of the feed mechanism. The carrier is thus used also for positioning the ladder with the consecutive cross bands placed on one and the other side alternately of the draw cord.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing burrs which develop on semifinished metallic produ in the course of a flame cutting operation has a shaft which is driven to rotate about a horizontal axis and carries an array of round, polygonal and/or oblong cutting tools which extend radially beyond its peripheral surface. The shaft is movable up and down adjacent the path of movement of metallic products with the burrs located at the undersides of the products. When a burr is moved to a position above the shaft, the latter is lifted and is set in rotary motion so that its axially staggered tools remove and simultaneously fragmentize the burr. The shaft is then lowered and the product is advanced to move another burr of the same product to an optimum position for removal of the burr or to provide room for transport of another product to the deburring station. The tools can be used for removal of burrs from straight or curved metallic products.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing thin monolithic multilayer capacitors having improved resistance to delamination. Basically, the process comprises the steps of providing a support sheet having registration indicia, such as a series of registration holes along the support edges, casting a substrate of ceramic particles in a resin binder onto the support, drying the substrate, forming thin electrodes in selected patterns by cathode sputtering, casting an additional substrate on the electrode surface in a vacuum, repeating the drying, electrode formation steps a selected number of times and forming a cover layer of substrate material over the final electrode. Individual capacitors may be cut from the multilayer product in any desired shape using any desired cutting technique. Ordinarily, the electrodes are formed in two alternating patterns in registration on succeeding layers.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for mechanically applying a weather strip or other channel-shaped strip to a peripheral lip of a body or an opening, notably a vehicle door opening. The apparatus comprises a plurality of radially extensible arms extending from a centrally defined hub, each arm being operative to grip and apply the strip to the lip. The apparatus further includes a device for gripping the free ends of the sealing strip after the strip has been fed through the apparatus and for indenting the free ends radially inward while the remainder of the strip is applied to the lip. The free ends are then applied to the lip in abutting relationship. A method for applying the sealing strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A semi-automatic system for finishing a conductor wire harness permits an operator to secure contact elements to ends of conductor wires in a bundle and to insert secured contact elements into a connnector member in a computer aided manner. For this purpose the system has at least one desk type work station for an operator and a harness carrier for holding at least one conductor harness that was assembled, but not finished on a form board. The harness carrier is constructed as a platform for supporting the semifinished conductor harness. The platform is mounted on a movable support in a rotatable manner and for transporting the platform along a factory floor into a position for cooperation with the work station which includes an insulation stripper, a combined contact attachment device and crimper, a connector member clamping device, and a guide beam generator, all of which are computer controlled.

Abstract: A method of making an amorphous metal transformer core includes the steps of providing an amorphous metal core having two legs which are connected by an upper and a lower yoke, wrapping each of the legs with a sheet of flexible material which is capable of withstanding, without degradation, the temperature which is required to anneal the amorphous metal core, and then annealing the amorphous metal core. An amorphous metal transformer core includes a stack of amorphous metal laminations, the stack being formed into two legs which are connected by upper and lower yokes in which the legs are wrapped with a sheet of flexible material which is capable of withstanding, without degradation, the temperature required to anneal the amorphous metal core.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer printed wiring board is provided in which a filler material to be used for filling a clearance/clearances of a patterned conductive layer formed on an internal plate therewith is prepared, then, the filler material thus prepared is disposed between the internal plate and a prepreg sheet so as to correspond respectively to the clearance/clearances, and the internal plate and an external plate are laminted via the prepreg sheet and filler material thus disposed thereby to be adhered integrally to each other. The filler material is preferable to be filmily adhesively provided on one surface of the prepreg sheet by a screen printing method. As the material for this purpose, it is preferable to use a material which behaves similarly to the prepreg sheet and further preferable to use the same material as that of the prepreg sheet.

Abstract: A method and means for producing disks of tightly packed on-end aligned fibers wherein side-by-side filament tows are surrounded and pulled by a Chinese-finger type gripper sleeve which tightens about the tows and compacts the filaments as it is pulled. The gripper sleeve and filament assembly is further compacted by being pulled through a draw-down die and into a tube surrounded by a backup casing. The highly compacted mass of filaments with the surrounding portion of the sleeve within the tube are cut free from the external portion of the portion of the puller sleeve and the loaded tube is removed from the casing. A plurality of disks of predetermined thickness containing the desired highly compacted on-end aligned fibers are then formed by cross-sectionally cutting the filament loaded tube segment by segment.

Abstract: The present invention improves the quality and productivity in a coating peeling-off process in which the coating at an intermediate portion along the length of a wire is peeled off in order to expose a conductor inside the coated wire, while enabling coatings at intermediate portions along the length of multicore wires or small-diameter wires to be peeled off.In a primary process, a heating jig 16 is brought into press contact with the upper half portion of the coating of the peeling-off designated portion at an intermediate portion along the length of coated wires 1 so as to press down the coating downwardly relative to the transverse direction of the wires, whereby a coating peeled-off portion 20 in which a part of conductors 2 is exposed is formed.

Abstract: A receiver-dehydrator assembly for use in an automobile air conditioning system is provided which incorporates a seamless, aluminum canister with universal-style inlet-to-outlet connector construction. The universal orientation feature consists of an octagonal perimeter at the top of the canister, which accommodates location of the outlet connector in relation to the inlet connector in any 45 degree radial increment. Mechanical joining processes are employed during the manufacturing of this assembly, so as to maximize the cleanliness and dimensional integrity of the assembly. The versatile, one piece canister design provides a clean, seamless, leak free integral assembly.

Abstract: A pipe cutting apparatus includes a semi-cylindrical support shell arranged to include a plurality of positioning flanges extending downwardly relative to the support shell to receive a pipe member therebetween. The positioning flanges include a saw guide slot diametrically directed through the semi-cylindrical support shell and medially of the positioning flanges to effect alignment and severing of an associated pipe. The elongate slot is of a predetermined length substantially equal to and at least the predetermined diameter of the support shell. Modifications of the invention include engaging flanges mounted in cooperation with the support shell to enhance manual grasping and engagement of the associated pipe. Further, securement straps are available to afford encompassing securement of a pipe contained within the support shell. A lubricant spray apparatus is available for use of lubrication of an associated saw during a cutting procedure.

Abstract: A cutting head member for controlling the movement of the substantially U-shaped cutting blade of a tire groover is disclosed. The preferred embodiment facilitates the centered movement of the substantially U-shaped cutting blade about an existing groove or cutting path.

Abstract: An all purpose pair of scissors including a first blade assembly and a second blade assembly, the assemblies being pivotally connected for opening and closing movements, the first blade assembly including a handle having a first catch and a recess in the handle adjacent the first catch, the second blade assembly including a handle having a second catch and a recess in the handle adjacent the second catch, the first and second catches being so located that on closing the first and second blade assemblies the first catch will be seated in the recess in the second handle and the second catch will be seated in the recess in the first handle, the first and second catches interengaging each other on opening the blade assemblies.

Abstract: A wheel alignment device having a frame, a plurality of abutment members fastened to the frame and extending outwardly therefrom, a bubble level fastened to the frame so as to provide an indication of inclination of the frame relative to vertical, and an indicator interactive with the bubble level for producing a humanly perceivable display of a degree of inclination. Each of the abutment members has an end opposite the frame which is coplanar with the ends of the other abutment members. These ends are arranged so as to be parallel relationship to the frame. An insert member is slidably received by the frame and has a first transverse surface at one end and a second transverse surface at another end. A bungie cord is connected to the frame and extends outwardly therefrom for flexibly attaching the frame to a wheel.

Abstract: A guide roller is supported at the tip of the guide plate, over which the chain runs. A tip guard extends over the chain and projects forwardly from the support for the guide roller.

Abstract: In measuring apparatus, a workpiece-contacting probe is mounted on a probe-supporting assembly which is maintained at a constant temperature by bathing it with liquid. The liquid is supplied at a constant temperature by a heat exchanger system which also supplies liquid to hydrostatic bearings in the probe-supporting assembly. Before being measured, the workpieces are immersed in a bath which is maintained at a constant temperature. Liquid is fed into the immersion bath by a probe provided with liquid outlets which can be directed against selected areas of a submerged workpiece.

Abstract: A drapery installation tool includes a top and bottom square block held together by a pair of bolts, each block having a groove for adjustably mounting a pair of measuring rules, openings for mounting a pair of spring biased pins, and additional openings forming guides for a drill. The measuring rules locate the pins relative to a window casing. The pins when hit by a hammer form starting holes for drapery and curtain rod brackets in wallboard, or in the alternative, act as center punches in wood and wood panelling. The drill guides are used to guide a drill when starter holes are needed in wood and wood panelling.

Abstract: A fixture for use with a programmable coordinate measuring machine to determine the centerline of a threaded hole formed in a workpiece from a planar surface and the distance between the centerlines of two similar holes, consists of a plug having a cylindrical section threaded to mate with the hole. A cylindrical head section formed concentrically with the threaded section and of greater diameter, has a counterbore formed at one end, concentrically with the centerline if the threaded section. A probe of a programmable coordinate measurement machine may be moved into the cylindrical bore and brought into contact with three spaced points on the interior diameter of the bore with three straight line motions. A coordinate measurement machine calculates the centerline of bore and thus the centerline of the threaded hole from these three measurements.

Abstract: An improved direct or indirect fired drying kiln having a drying chamber, a burner for heating air, a ducting system in the drying chamber for distributing heated air, a fan for circulating heated air through the ducting system, and venting openings in the ducting system to release heated air to various zones of the drying chamber is provided. The kiln improvement involves providing temperature sensors in the drying chamber in communication with a system for automatically controlling and actuating the venting means in order to control the flow of heated air to each drying chamber zone to achieve any desired temperature distribution throughout the drying chamber. The system can also be operated manually.

Abstract: A hot air boot dryer is provided which consists of a mechanism for applying hot air within the interior and towards a toe area of a boot to remove moisture therefrom. Another mechanism is for exhausting the hot air and moisture out of the boot, so that the interior of the boot can become dry.

Abstract: A torsional spring insole for use in footwear having an elevated heel section for supporting the heel of a foot and an inner sole in communication with the elevated heel section for providing a torsional spring capability to the insole. A step-down region is provided for connecting the elevated heel section to the inner sole for flexing the inner sole in response to a pressure imbalance applied to the elevated heel section. The inner sole subsequently reflexes with the movement of the foot to position the elevated heel section to eliminate the pressure imbalance and to counteract pronation and supination in the foot.The elevated heel section of the insole employs the heel counter structure of the shoe in which the insole is inserted to assist in counteracting pressure imbalances associated with pronation and supination. In an alternative embodiment, the elevated heel section of the insole includes a vertical heel counter for counteracting pressure imbalances due to pronation and supination.

Abstract: A shoe sole or insole incorporates an inflatable cell structure therein. The cells are sized and positioned to alter the angular orientation of a wearer's foot relative to a supporting surface upon inflation. A variable position valve causes the cells to inflate and deflate in a random or pseudo-random sequence. Such a sole when worn while standing on or traversing a flat, even, and unvarying terrain enhances the wearer's comfort, reduces fatigue and promotes control of veinous blood pressure in the legs.

Abstract: The floating dredger is provided with a floating body and a framework 1 on which a drive for driving pulleys 2,3,4 is mounted. Over the driving pulley 2 a hoisting rope 5 is put; on both sides of the pulley the grippers 6,7 are suspended, by means of rope pulleys 8. Each of the hoisting rope 5 ends is fastened to a compensating winch 9,10 which provides for the rope to be compensated for varying dredging depths.

Abstract: A semi-automatic coupling apparatus is installed at the terminus of a backhoe dipper stick, crane boom or similar device and facilitates connection and disconnection of various earth working and material handling attachments. The coupler includes first, forward facing throats which engage a forward crossbar on an attachment such as a bucket and second, downward facing throats which engage a rear crossbar. A latching mechanism includes a pawl actuated by advance of the rear crossbar into the rear throats. The pawl releases a spring biased wedge member which retains the rear crossbar in the rear throat. A reset linkage may be manually activated to retract the wedge and permit release of the bucket from the coupler. An alternate embodiment of the coupler includes a remotely activated hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder which is coupled to the spring biased wedge member.

Abstract: A device for straightening one edge DA of the four side edges AB, BC, CD and DA of a flexible sheet such as a crumpled bed sheet disclosed. One corner A of the sheet and a portion of the edge AB are held by a pair of laterally spaced apart, left and right holders mounted on a movable member so that the sheet is displaced on an elongated plate along the longitudinal direction thereof by the movement of the movable member. One or more laterally extending endless conveyers belts are provided on the plate to laterally move the sheet on the plate. A detector is provided to determine the direction of the movement of each of the conveyors, so that the edge DA is made in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the plate.

Abstract: A display device for photographs and/or other decorative and ornamental articles includes a first display assembly having a top plate and bottom plate connected together, a second display assembly located internally of the first display assembly and having a second top plate and a second bottom plate connected together, a suspension including an arrangement for rotatably suspending at least one of the display assemblies, and a stationary arrangement for rotating the bottom plate in one direction and rotating the second bottom plate in an opposite direction.