Abstract: A water closet flushing apparatus provided with a pressure detector mounted along a water supply pipe, an opening and closing apparatus to open and close a water supply passage provided along the water supply pipe and a control apparatus that uses the pressure detected by the pressure detector to control the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing apparatus so that a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the water closet.

Abstract: A flush valve control apparatus selectively operable in a partial flush mode and full flush mode for use with a water closet including a flush drain aperture and a buoyant flapper valve having an air chamber formed therein, the flush valve control apparatus comprises a first and second valve control, the first valve control operatively coupled between the second valve control and the atmosphere includes a first valve actuator movable between a first or closed position and a second or open position and a first valve housing to selectively control the flow of air from the second valve control through the first valve control to the atmosphere, and the second valve control operatively coupled between the first valve control and the buoyant flapper valve includes a second valve actuator movable between a first or open position and a second or closed position and a second valve housing to selectively control the flow of air from the air chamber through the first and second valve controls to the atmosphere to select

Abstract: A water-saving device for the tank of a water closet, wherein a plastic container is filled with water and placed in the tank to reduce the amount of water used on each flush. The container includes a watertight valve for sealing the container to prevent the evaporation of water from the container and a mounting bracket for securely mounting the container on a sidewall of the tank of the water closet.

Abstract: A device for use in winterizing inground swimming pools avoids the necessity of draining the pool in order to drain underground water-filled conduits before freeze-up. The device is an elongated cofferdam open at top and rear with a groove for receiving a sealant extending along the rear edge of side and bottom walls. The sealant, such as a denture adhesive, will hold the device against the pool side wall surrounding a water inlet, and so that the device opens above the water surface. Water within the device and the conduit leading to the inlet is pumped therefrom and then a plug is inserted in the inlet to prevent pool water from entering the inlet after the device is removed from the pool side wall.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover elevation device. A substantially rigid pole is provided with a plurality of ropes attached at one end to the bottom thereof and having hooks disposed at the other end thereof for attachment to structure at or outside the rim of a swimming pool. A cup is provided to be affixed to the underside of the pool cover and to receive the top of the pole. The cup has a concave receptacle and the top of the pole has a convex, rounded end that conforms generally to the shape of the receptacle. Apertures are provided in the cup and the top of the pole for receiving a pin to interconnect the two. The pole has at least two portions that fit slidably together and may be pinned in place to adjust the length of the pole.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover for covering the entire area of a water-filled pool so as to prevent egress of silt and debris into the pool during periods of non-use comprises a water-impervious sheet material configured to extend across the entire area of the pool. A securing strap is attached at spaced-apart positions near edges of the sheet material for securing the sheet material in a taut condition to pool outer portions. An anchor is disposed in the pool outer portions for anchoring the securing strap in a manner to provide the taut condition of the sheet material. A resilient attachment, such as a spring, attaches the securing strap to the anchor so as to ensure the maintenance of the taut condition. At least one aperture is disposed in the sheet material at a lowermost portion thereof. A filter is attached along and near peripheral edges of the aperture and the filter has pore sizes sufficient to be impervious to silt and debris but pervious to water.

Abstract: A double bed arrangement having a combination mattress including a liquid filled side and a non-liquid filled cushion side. A compressible foam tray holds the non-liquid cushion side in a first portion or half of the tray with the liquid-filled cushion being located in a second portion or half of the tray. Preferably, the liquid filled cushion comprises a plurality of water filled tubes. A first waterproof liner covers the foam tray and a second waterproof liner covers a bottom surface, side surface, and at least a peripheral portion of the top surface of the non-liquid filled cushion.

Abstract: A damped gas displacement support system which includes an envelope of flexible, gas impervious material and a core of partially compressed, flexible cellular material occupying the space within the envelope, the cellular material compression being sufficient to establish a partial vacuum therein. When force is applied to the cell the partially compressed and partially evacuated core instantly seeks equilibrium about that area of the envelope receiving the applied force. Various system embodiments are described and illustrated, along with a preferred method for manufacturing the support cell.

Abstract: A wheel chair ramp and restraining device 10 for positioning a wheel chair 64 in a vehicle 12 is provided. The wheel chair ramp and restraining device in accordance with the principles of this invention includes a ramp 20 having first and second platform members 22 and 24 respectively. The first platform member 22 is pivotably coupled to an entrance of the vehicle 12 and the second platform member 24 is pivotably coupled to first platform member. The coupling arrangement allows the first and second platform members 22 and 24 to be folded and stored in an upright position in the vehicle 12 or extended diagonally out of the vehicle to provide a surface for moving the wheel chair 64 into and out of the vehicle. The device also includes a restraining assembly 70 having a mechanism for locking device 86 for engaging each of the wheels 66 of the wheel chair 64 once the wheel chair is moved into the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for dislodging a submersible cleaning device from a vertical wall after a predetermined time period on such wall. The mechanism includes an operating gear that engages when the cleaning device climbs the wall. Once engaged, the gear drives a cam mechanism which in turn engages a device for pushing the cleaner off the wall thereby breaking the suction of the cleaning device and causing the cleaning device to drop from the wall. A turning brush is used to break the suction but it will be appreciated that any lever or similar device can be employed.

Abstract: A power driven mechanical toothbrush is disclosed. A replaceable toothbrush head member has tuft blocks retained generally therewithin and extending laterally outwardly from the a cam shaft. Each tuft block has at least one tuft of bristles, usually four, secured within the tuft block and extending upwardly therefrom. Each of the bristles has a distal end at a distance from its tuft block, and the bristles in each tuft are generally parallel to each other. The toothbrush head member is adapted to receive and retain the tuft blocks in sliding relation therein, so that each tuft block slides linearly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal tuft axis as guided by guide rails within the head member, between a retracted position and an extended position. Each tuft block is driven from its retracted position to its extended position by the rotatable cam shaft.

Abstract: A rotary, overhead car wash mitter assembly for use in a car wash station. The assembly comprises a pair of mitter units, each unit comprising a mitter curtain assembly. Mounting structure mounting the mitter units on a support structure above the wash station, opposite each other and each overlying one side portion of the wash station. A motor connected to the mitter units rotate them at a substantially continuous speed in opposite directions of rotation.

Abstract: A floor-care work disk (4) which can be mounted by a clip mounting to the drive plate (1) of a floor-care apparatus (G) and has clip-tongue passage windows (6) and a resting surface (9) which permits wobbling movement between drive plate (1) and floor-care work disk. The resting surface (9) is arranged on the outside of the clip-tongue passage windows (6).

Abstract: A musical toothbrush has a elongate handle having proximal and distal ends. Bristles are formed at the distal end of the elongate handle and a music box is removably attached to the proximal end of the elongate handle. The music box has a housing within which a music generator is disposed such that it may conveniently be actuated by a child prior to brushing the teeth. A retainer disposed within the housing releasably retains the toothbrush upon the handle. The retainer has a tensioner assembly and a plurality of teeth disposed proximate the tensioner assembly such that the proximal end of the toothbrush is positionable intermediate the tensioner assembly and the teeth. The tensioner assembly urges the proximal end of the toothbrush handle toward the teeth such that the tips of the teeth are substantially depressed and therefore frictionally engaged to the proximal end of the toothbrush handle.

Abstract: A vacuum consisting of a canister housing that is open across its top end and is arranged to be covered by a removable lid, which lid mounts a vacuum source. The canister housing includes a hose port for connection to a hose that mounts a nozzle on the end thereof, which hose and nozzle are preferable formed of a fireproof or flame retardant materials that will not be damaged by a passage of warm, hot and even burning coals therethrough. Which canister housing can be mounted on wheels, casters, or the like. A double filter system of the present invention is arranged within the canister housing, attached to the lid undersurface, to extend across the vacuum source inlet, which filter system consists of an inner or secondary filter for closely fitting across the vacuum source inlet, and is primarily a dust filter, with an outer or primary filter mounted to the lid, over the inner or secondary filter, with an open box frame arranged therebetween.

Abstract: An improved chair caster comprises a main body, an upright tube, an elastic element, and a sustaining element. The chair remains stationary when no one sits on the chair, so as to enhance the safety of an office worker.

Abstract: A handle which includes a ribbon like metal strip, which has a center portion and at each end has a flat end plate. A covering is provided around the strip, which has integral end blocks to engage the strip end plates. The end plates have openings with grommets therein which extend above the end plates. A retainer pin extends through each end plate and into contact with a part of the vehicle or item, the pins nesting in recesses in the end blocks of the covering.

Abstract: A door closer (20) is attachable to a door (24) and is formed with a chamber (44) in which a piston element (50) is movable to move fluid from the chamber to a reservoir (82) upon opening of the door. After the door (24) has been opened to a position, for example, of sixty to seventy-five degrees, continued opening of the door causes the fluid to be compressed within the chamber (44) and to be directed only through a back check valve (95) to the reservoir (82). This results in the development of an adjustable "back check" condition to provide a counterforce to the continued opening of the door. The adjustable valve (95) includes a spring biased ball (144), the biasing of which must be overcome by the force of the fluid being compressed in the chamber (44) to allow for fluid to pass through the valve to the reservoir (82).

Abstract: An electrical enclosure is shown having a cabinet and a door connected by hinges. The hinges comprise door and cabinet components and a removable hinge pin wherein the door component extends through a slot formed in a flange along an edge of the door, and the cabinet component is attached to the cabinet. Locking ramps are provided on the door component which extend through and engage the edges of openings in the door flange on opposite sides of the slot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the intermittent cleaning of carding flats by the use of pressurized air. A carriage having a plurality of nozzles is oscillated intermittently back and forth on a track adjacent to flats revolving about a carding cylinder of a carding machine. Pressurized air delivered from the nozzles on the flats blow trash and debris from the clothing of the flats downwardly into a vacuum plenum for disposal. A proximity sensor is provided for sensing a flat to initiate the cleaning cycle, wherein the carriage and nozzles are activated for cleaning a particular carding flat. After the cleaning cycle, delivery of pressurized air to the nozzles is ceased and is again activated upon the next predetermined cleaning of a carding flat.

Abstract: A quick release connector system comprises an anchor and a strap. The anchor includes a base and a first guideway overlying the base connected thereto and defining a channel. A second guide overlies the base and is simultaneously connected thereto and defines a second channel. The channels are in substantial alignment with each other. A strap has a proximal end and a distal end having a stiffened segment. The proximal end is connected to an accessory to be connected to the anchor. A connector is formed and the strap is firmly and securely connected to the anchor when the distal end of the strap is directed in a first direction through the first channel and is looped in the opposite direction in the second channel so that at least a portion of the stiffened segment rests within the second channel.

Abstract: A shoe lacing apparatus includes an elongate housing having a pull rod structure directed therethrough, with the pull rod in operative association with lateral hook members, with each hook member directed into a shoe lace opening of an associated shoe, whereupon tensioning of the pull rod and latching within the elongate housing effects the rapid lacing of the shoe structure.

Abstract: A holder is disclosed which comprises a body having a cavity with an opening for receiving an object to be held, for example a pen, a spring member is disposed in the cavity and the spring member is deformable by the object inserted into the cavity to hold the object against the wall of the cavity.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a method for making an improved slide socket of the type having a snap ring and used to secure a strap, e.g. a football helmet strap, to a conventional flanged stud attached to the helmet. The method includes, in either order, the steps of forming a socket body having a cavity and a retention lip and forming a snap ring retainer member. Both the body and the retainer member are preferably formed of molded plastic material. The method further includes the steps of placing the snap ring into the cavity and inserting the retainer member into the cavity to retain the snap ring. In another aspect of the disclosure, an improved slide socket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pair of stretching pulleys are rotatably mounted on a pair of support plates within a housing. A belt is wound around the upper part of the stretching pulley and a number of turn pulleys. A film introduced onto the stretching pulley is held between the belt and the stretching pulley and is transferred. Air flow generated by a fan and heated with a heater is blown against the film through a louver and circulates through bellows mounted to the housing to return to the fan. The stretching pulley is partially cooled in a water bath. The support plates are rotatably connected to screw shafts, thereby changing a distance and angle between the plates. The stretch width or stretch ratio of the film is thus adjusted with the change of the distance and angle.

Abstract: A process for drawing thermoplastic multifilament yarns, wherein the yarns have different natural draw ratios, at least one of which is greater than the machine draw ratio used in the process. The yarns are first impinged with a hot fluid to heat them to an elevated temperature and then stretched over a set of draw rolls at a single machine draw ratio. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the yarns are crimped after stretching. Preferably, the thermoplastic yarns are either polypropylene or polyamide yarns.

Abstract: A high unidirectivity piezoelectric element whose d.sub.31, d.sub.33 or d.sub.h is substantially zero. The element may be in the form of a sheet or a cable and includes a pair of electrodes, and a piezoelectric layer interposed between the pair of electrodes and containing two, first and second inorganic piezoelectric materials which have different coercive forces from each other and which are polarized in opposite directions. The element may be obtained by first applying a direct current voltage to a layer containing the first and second piezoelectric materials to polarize the both piezoelectric materials in one direction, and then applying a reverse direct current voltage thereto so that one of the piezoelectric materials having a smaller coercive force is selectively polarized in the other direction.

Abstract: An air powered milling tool supported in the upper turret of a turret punch press is cycled simultaneously with a hydraulically- or mechanically-powered punch press ram in a multiple-stage cycle to perform a milling operation on a sheet material workpiece retained between the upper and lower turrets of the punch press. The air-powered tool, which includes a punch head in coaxial alignment with a guide sleeve, drives an end mill which is contained within and is coaxially extendible through the guide sleeve toward the workpiece to perform a machining operation thereon. Hold-down bearings disposed at the end of the guide sleeve engage with the workpiece at a local region thereof. A spring-biased lifter disposed in the upper turret is engagable with the guide sleeve. In operation, the punch press striker impacts the punch head of the milling tool, urging the milling tool and air motor in the direction of the sheet material.

Abstract: Thin metal foil jewelry is manufactured by a process which includes initially crimping the foil randomly, and then again crimping the foil while rotating the crimp to bring the sides of the crimp out of the plane of the foil to form peaks and valleys and to cause the foil to assume an arcuate shape. The peaks and valleys and the arcuate shape add rigidity to the thin foil and resist deformation. The jewelry can be further processed to form a bead on the periphery of the foil and/or holes which are formed within the foil to add further rigidity to the foil and to change its appearance.

Abstract: A clinching tool including a punch and a die. The die includes a sleeve, a riser, an elastomeric member, and a plurality of fingers. The riser is positioned within the sleeve and includes an upper reduced diameter anvil portion projecting upwardly through the open upper end of the sleeve. The spring fingers are positioned circumferentially around the anvil and are positioned at their lower ends within the sleeve against the outer periphery of the annular member which is positioned around the anvil beneath the upper anvil surface of the anvil portion of the riser.

Abstract: In a brain irradiating system a large number of Cobalt 60 radiation sources are carried in ports in a heavy primary shield. After the normal ten year useful life of such radiation sources, they are often difficult to remove because due to corrosion, etc, the aluminum source holders become fused in their ports. The apparatus herein includes a hollow collet which grasps the head of the source holder surrounded by and, preferably, splined to a mechanical puller which securely holds the collet around the source holder cap. Liquid nitrogen is caused to flow into the hollow collet and against the cap of the source holder, causing the aluminum source holder to shrink more than the surrounding steel of the primary shield. The source holder and the Cobalt 60 source may then be either pulled out or, if threadedly engaged with the primary shield, turned out of its port.

Abstract: A method of recovering rivets from a rivet hole prior to the deformation of the rivets by the rivet dies includes the steps of positioning a suction cavity over the rivet in the rivet hole, pushing the rivet out of the hole with a rivet tail die and blocking the hole with the rivet tail die to prevent suction from the tail-side pressure nose from holding the rivet in the rivet hole. The swirling air in the suction cavity induced by the suction hose connected to the suction cavity pulls the rivet out of the hole and sucks it out of the suction cavity through the suction hose.

Abstract: Provided is a method of use of a pneumatically operated mold ejection apparatus using a pneumatic pressure source of conventional means exterior to a multiplate injection molding tool. The pressure source is selectively activated using the mold cycle to operate at least one knock-out pin disposed within the molding plate, usually the cavity plate. The knock-out pin is connected to a pneumatic piston which is urged by biasing means to a stop such that the knockout pin is positioned flush with the inner wall of the molding surface or cavity during injection of plastic or other molding material into the tool. The side of the molding plate opposite the molding surface is characterized by at least one pneumatic channel between the piston and its intersection with a complimentary pneumatic channel in a backing plate. The latter is perforated by a pneumatic orifice for connection of the system to the external pneumatic pressure source.

Abstract: A flower pot or flower pot cover and method of making comprising a base and a skirt connected to an upper end of the base. The base includes a plurality of overlapping folds for providing structural integrity. The skirt includes a plurality of folds which are not connected to provide an overall pleated appearance. Portions of the folds in the skirt are connected and portions of the folds in the skirt are unconnected. In one embodiment, some of the folds in the base are connected and the remaining portions of the folds in the base are unconnected.

Abstract: A tapping function is imparted to a microjoint separation apparatus in order to obtain uniform cycle time and to improve productivity. The apparatus includes: grips (6) for moving a workpiece (2) in the X-axial direction of the main body (1) of the apparatus; a hammer (30) and a tapping unit (40) provided on the main body (1) and movable in a Y-axial direction perpendicular to the X-axial direction; an NC device (35) for positioning tapping point and hammering point of the workpiece (2) by moving the grips (6), the hammer (30) and the tapping unit (40) in X-Y axial directions; and cradles (31, 32) for selectively supporting a lower portion of the workpiece (2) during the hammering operation and the tapping operation.

Abstract: A puffer switch has a cylindrical shell filled with an electrically insulating gas, such as sulphur hexafluoride. A plurality of spaced parallel plates cooperating with the shell for defining a separate compression chamber or volume for each phase of an electrical power circuit that is to be switched. Located in each volume is at least one set of contacts which are subject to arcing as the contacts open or close. A movable contact in each of the sets of contacts has an associated impeller blade which is mounted to rotate with the movable contact and to sweep through the volume for compressing insulating gas in front of the impeller blade. A nozzle associated with the impeller blade directs the compressed insulating gas onto the set of contacts at a point where the arc is possible. The switch is assembled in a low cost manner by supporting spaced parallel plates defining the volumes between them as a slip-in unit which fits into a shell. A thermosetting plastic is used for parts which become hot.

Abstract: A machine for automatically distributing piston rings and spacers into the grooves of a piston is disclosed. The machine comprises magazine tubes onto which stacks of the spacers and rails are threaded. The machine further comprises a widened bore in which the piston is seated as rails or spacers are automatically released from the tubes and threaded into the piston grooves.

Abstract: A multilayer microelectronics module formed by laminating together individual thermoplastic polymer sheets formed by injection, compression or other suitable molding techniques. Metal pieces to form vias of a desired shape and size are inserted into the molded sheets, preferably by in situ insert molding. The vias provide an electrical connection from the top to the bottom surfaces of the sheets.

Abstract: A plurality of terminals each serving to fixedly mounting a connector housing on a printed circuit base board are successively produced by punching a single metallic plate of which opposite surface are coated with plated layers by actuating a press machine. Each terminal includes an electrical contact portion adapted to come in electrical contact with an opponent terminal at one end part, a fixing portion for fixedly securing the terminal to a connector housing at the intermediate part, and a base board connecting portion at other end part thereof. Each of the electrical connecting portion and the base board connecting portion has a rectangular sectional shape while the plated layers are kept alive thereon as they are.

Abstract: A connector for connecting pipes having an inner portion and an outer portion surrounding at least a part of the inner portion. The outer portion having areas of reduced diameter therein to form a housing or groove in the outer portion for a clamp.

Abstract: A machine and method for semi-automatically attaching casing to a structural frame assembly is provided. The machine includes a support frame assembly, a fixed bank of stapling units supported by the support frame assembly, a movable bank of stapling units slidably supported by the support frame assembly and oriented substantially parallel to the fixed bank, and a head bank of stapling units located at one end of the fixed and movable banks and also supported by the support frame assembly. Each bank of stapling units includes a pivot bar, stapling units attached to the pivot bar for stapling the casing to the structural frame assembly, and clamping assemblies attached to the pivot bar for positioning and clamping the casing adjacent the structural frame assembly. The fixed and movable banks include jamb locators which are positioned to engage and retain the longitudinal edges of the structural frame assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting hair, which includes a comb assembly attached to the blades of a pair of scissors. The handles of the apparatus are identical so that the comb-shears may be reversed to conveniently enable the use of combs with different sized teeth on the two shear blades. The invention also provides for rubber grommets to be placed within the middle finger/thumb loops and for the placement of a rubber pad between the handle pivot stops for increased user comfort.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric hair cutting apparatus in which a desired length of hair is adjustable by means of a preselector slide means (72). When the hair cutting apparatus is turned on, the drive motor (90) is operated only at the setting corresponding to the preset position. The preselector slide means (72) comprises a permanent magnet (100) having associated to it a reed contact (70) which is fixedly accommodated in the casing of the hair cutting apparatus. The use of the reed contact prevents beard hair from entering the interior of the hair cutting apparatus.

Abstract: The hair grooming clipper is driven by an improved eccentric coupling to a motor housed in the handle. The motor is incorporated in the clipper casing and utilizes an improved eccentric coupling that results in more power to the clipper head and less wear in the coupling. The improved design delivers more power to the clipper head, generating less heat.

Abstract: A hand tool having a pair of pivotally connected handles connected to a cutting blade and anvil so that on movement of the handles toward each other the blade rotates toward the anvil and the anvil moves toward the blade to cut an object located between the blade and anvil.

Abstract: An electronic inclination sensor device (level) has a display which unambiguously shows the user, when the device is not level or plumb, in which direction the user should rotate the device to achieve level or plumb, by means of an LCD display showing alternatively, three icons: one icon for level/plumb, a second icon for clockwise rotation, and a third icon for counter-clockwise rotation. The icons are displayed automatically in response to the level's sensor selection logic.

Abstract: An automatic inner diameter measuring apparatus which includes an inner diameter measuring gauge head having at least one contacting element capable of being inserted into bores of an object to be measured and moving in a radial direction of the bore. A stocker is provided which is capable of holding a plurality of inner diameter measuring gauge heads corresponding to different diameters. A three-dimensional moving instrument is provided for detachable coupling with the inner diameter measuring gauge head to facilitate a three-dimensional movement with reference to the object to be measured and the inner diameter measuring gauge. A drive device for the three-dimensional moving instrument is provided. A plurality of master ring gauges supported on a ring gauge support are provided to set an inner diameter measuring gauge head attached thereto to zero.

Abstract: A ball-bar 26 for calibrating machine tools and coordinate measuring machines comprise a unit 30 containing a displacement transducer 34 for measuring axial displacement of a precision ball 28. The ball 28 is pivotably located on the head or spindle 12 of the machine, which is driven in a circle about a ball 22 mounted on the bed or table 10 of the machine at the other end of the ball-bar in order to perform a calibration. The ball-bar has a modular construction, its various components such as the unit 30, extension bar 40, magnetic sockets 24,29, supporting device 14 and magnetic clamp 16 being connected together via M6 screw-threads, e.g. at 18,42,44. This enables the unit 30 to be connected to the various other components in a variety of configurations, e.g. for use as an electronic dial gauge.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automatic and simultaneous checking of holes comprises plug gauge devices (11-16) with gauging heads (70, 71) and elements for coupling to a support. The coupling elements are substantially constituted by parallel shafts (29-32) displacing the gauging heads (70, 71) from a rest position to a measurement position, and vice versa, through rotational displacements automatically controlled by relevant actuation devices (60-65). The angular position of the shafts is detected by transducers (52-55), which are connected to a processing unit (58) also receiving the signals of the gauging heads (70, 71). The plug gauge devices comprise further heads (86-89) coupled to rotatable rods (82, 83) for simultaneously gauging diametral dimensions of a hole (10) communicating with the other holes (4-9) and transversal to them. The apparatus is particularly adapted for checking the holes of a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A touch signal probe wherein a stylus installation shaft 2 and a stylus are connected by two springs 8 and 10 so as to move in a X-Y direction and a Z direction and a slat of a damper 9 is contained in a closed closure space S between the spring 8 and the spring 10, which space S is filled with a viscous liquid.