Abstract: The fixed-direction jet units (1) of a whirlpool-bath system each include a nozzle (18) for supplying water under pressure from a tube-section (17) to an outlet (12) across an air gap (20) within a chamber (19). The unit (1) is clamped to the bath-wall (14) between a flange (16) of the outlet (12) and the unit housing (15). The flow of water from the nozzle (18) across the gap (20) into the axially-aligned stem (13) of the outlet (12) draws air into the chamber (19) from an inlet pipe (21) that is coupled to a distribution manifold (7) of an air-supply controller (9) by an individual supply tube (8). A circumferential skirt (22) projects backwardly from the stem (13) to shroud the gap (20) over a frusto-conical nose-part (23) of the nozzle (18), so that air is constricted to enter the gap (20) through the annular space (24) between them.

Abstract: A bathtub lift employing a hydraulic cylinder reciprocatably mounted about an elongate shaft has the cylinders mounting a seat member thereto, wherein a valve member is arranged for operative filling of an upper chamber within the cylinder to effect lifting of the chair and specifically permitting exhausting of fluid from the cylinder to permit lowering of the chair within a bathtub as the cylinder is rotatably mounted about the shaft.

Abstract: A tub spout which receives water from a water source via a source pipe is capable of diverting water received from the source pipe and includes a hollow spout having an outlet and an inlet, a rear cap removably assembled at the inlet has a rear aperture for allowing water from the source pipe to enter the hollow spout, valve means are removably disposed in the hollow spout for blocking water flow from the rear aperture to the outlet, and control means are connected to the valve means for regulating the valve means for controlling water flow through the hollow spout.

Abstract: The present invention employs a swivelable locking member which is pivotally connected to upper frame supports on a play yard. The frame of the play yard also employs vertical supports whose spacing is maintained by a number of lateral extending members. Complementary inner and outer support members are employed to maintain the shape of the play yard and relative position of the structural members of the play yard. Alternatively, a motion inhibiting insert may be placed between adjacent lateral extending members. This, combined with the swivelable locking bracket, ensures easy pivot assembly or disassembly of the present invention, and ensures that the play yard will not accidentally collapse.

Abstract: A web protection system for a sink having at least first and second sink basins separated by a partition wall with the partition wall having an upper horizontal surface. The system includes an elongated web protector having a U-shaped cross-section which fits over and protects the partition wall. A colander having a pocket to hang over the partition wall is also provided. The colander can be used with the web protector or a separate adapter to fit properly over the partition wall.

Abstract: A sanitary cell includes a sanitary chamber, a first technical equipment chamber, for accommodating toilet bowl cleaning appliances, and a wall, which separates the two chambers and which supports, on its opposite sides, two toilet bowls which are located in the sanitary and first technical equipment chambers, respectively. The toilet bowl, which is located in the sanitary chamber, has an opening which points upwardly. The toilet bowl, which is located in the first technical equipment chamber, has an opening which points downwardly. A second technical equipment chamber is located beneath the floor of the sanitary chamber. A separating wall pivots about a horizontal axis to enable the pivoting of the toilet bowls from the first technical equipment chamber, through the second technical equipment chamber, and into the sanitary chamber, so that the toilet bowls can be cleaned.

Abstract: A fitted bed sheet having a storage pocket at each side wall at a location readily accessible to a person while in bed. A closure in the form of a zipper closes the top of the pocket while a lock may secure the zipper in the closed condition. A flap is pivotably connected above the pocket to overlay and conceal the zipper.

Abstract: A patient support system comprises an inflatable mattress supported on a platform of articulable links by a support system mounted on a weigh frame. The weigh frame is supported on a base frame supported relative to a floor. A pneumatic system includes a platform-mounted blower directing air through passageways in the articulable links. An exhaust passageway parallels the pressure passageway for exhausting opposite the blower. Air flow into and out of air cells in the mattress are controlled by valves coupling the pressurized air chamber and exhaust chamber to cell ports. A connector assembly is used to couple the cells to the platform, to adjacent cells, and to tubes connected to other cells. A footboard assembly is formed as two gates that swing out from the foot of the bed. Each gate has a storable tray that is positionable on either side of the gate. A headboard has a removable central panel for providing emergency patient access.

Abstract: In an operating table with a support column (2) and a patient support surface means (14) removably mounted on the support surface, which patient support surface means includes a base section (16) releasably connectable with the support column (12) and at least one further support surface section (18) pivotally connected therewith, and having a drive mechanism for adjusting the further support surface section (18) relative to the base section (16), the drive mechanism being an electric motor drive unit (34, 44, 46) on the patient support surface means (14).

Abstract: Self-propelled steerable apparatus for removing material, such as sludge, from the bottom surface of a liquid storage tank for disposition elsewhere comprises a support platform and a reversely rotatable motor-driven auger mounted below the support platform and cooperating therewith to define a space for receiving sludge when the rotatable auger is engaged with the surface. A motor-driven pump mounted on the support platform is operable to receive sludge from the auger and deliver it through a discharge hose to a remote location. Rotation of the auger delivers the sludge to the pump and propels the apparatus across the surface. A remotely controllable steering mechanism on the support platform has a tail wheel which engages the surface and steers the apparatus along a desired path. A winch-controlled back-haul cable is connected to the apparatus to periodically stop forward movement of the apparatus while the auger is still rotating so that the sludge can be more efficiently removed.

Abstract: A vehicle-washing apparatus which has a brush support mechanism which uses fixed support shafts and linear bearings, and a brush stabilization device using secondary fixed shafts. The entire weight of the brushes is supported by the fixed support shafts and the brushes are permitted to slide and pivot about the fixed support shafts via a primary bearing assembly having linear bearings which are sealed against air-borne contamination and which are provided with a self-contained lubrication system. A retraction/retention mechanism for the brushes uses a single continuous cable and a single air cylinder.

Abstract: A rotary broom is mounted on the front of a vehicle, such as a tractor. The broom can be pivotally raised and lowered as well as pivoted sideways. The broom is rotatably mounted in bearing blocks which are removably supported by a generally C-shaped frame so that the broom can be removed easily for repair or replacement. A hinged hood is located above the broom and can be open for easy access to the broom. The broom is rotated by a central drive located in a middle portion of the broom so that no drive components extend beyond the sides of the frame, to eliminate interference with curbs and the like. The bearing blocks are mounted on extensions below the frame also to reduce possible interference. The broom assembly also has a hydraulic ram with a floating piston which enables the broom to contact the surface being cleaned with less pressure, causing substantially less wear on the broom bristles.

Abstract: There is disclosed a duster (130) comprising a foamed synthetic plastics material formed to have a plurality of slender, tentacles (24).

Abstract: A suction inlet for a central vacuum system of a building includes a housing mounted on the floor of the building and defining a slot along the floor. The slot can be opened and closed and simultaneously a vacuum duct connected to the housing is opened and closed by a plug member. When the plug and the slot are opened, a switch actuates the central vacuum system to draw air into the housing through the slot across the floor so that dust, dirt and debris on the floor can simply be swept into the slot and drawn away.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting particles from containers. The method comprises the steps of conducting high pressure air from a source thereof and into the containers to loosen the particles from the containers, and connecting the containers to a low pressure source to withdraw air and loose particles from containers. The apparatus comprises a source of pressurized air, and a high pressure line connected to that source to conduct the pressurized air to the containers to loosen the particles from the containers. The apparatus further comprises a low pressure source, and a low pressure line to connect the containers to the low pressure source to withdraw air and the particles from the containers. Preferably, in both the method and apparatus, the containers are moved beneath one or more caps that are used to generally close the tops of the containers, and each cap is connect to both the high and low pressure sources.

Abstract: A rotary bearing is disclosed for pivotably connecting a journal to a similar cylindrical saddle formed in a chassis member. The rotary bearing is provided with an annular sleeve having inner surface sides to freely rotatably cooperate with the journal. The annular sleeve outer surface has affixed to it an arcuate flange extending radially outward and about a limited portion of the sleeve periphery. The flange includes a relatively thin web section and a thicker head portion spaced radially outward therefrom to enable the flange to interconnect with the arcuate slot formed in a semi-cylindrical saddle surface. The rotary bearing can be quickly installed and removed without the use of fasteners or installation tools and is particularly suitably adapted for use in mounting an upright vacuum motor/fan assembly to the cleaner head chassis.

Abstract: A credit card and money carrying device comprising an endless band of elastic material, a plate member folded around the elastic band and crimped providing engagement of the crimped portion of the plate member into the elastic band.

Abstract: A rope clutch having a plurality of apertured pivoted plates which grip or release a rope passing through their apertures according to the angle they make to the rope, has a mechanism for initiating release of the rope which includes a variable toggle linkage.

Abstract: An article retaining apparatus having structure that facilitates push-type securement or manipulated latch-type securement of an article, such as keys, key rings and the like, and which also facilitates tug release, or manipulated latch release of a retained article. The apparatus engages an article at the apparatus's receiving-end, which includes a lower, beveled entry portion, that coacts with a beveled hook-end portion of a pivotally attached latch. Upon the latch being urged at the receiving-end by an article to be retained, a moment produce pivotal motion of the spring-loaded latching member towards a casing end portion to effect the push-type securement of the article. Similarly, during a tug release of the retained article, an inner sloped surface on the latch's hook-end portion coacts with an edge of an elongated C-shaped article retaining region to produce pivotal motion of the spring-loaded latching member towards the casing end portion to effect the tug release of the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a multidirectional clamping force to clamp selected materials together is disclosed and comprises a tube formed into a closed circular shape and formed of martensitic material and deformed in a first predetermined direction such that the cross-section of said tube is non-circular. An energetic material is loaded into the interior cavity of the tube. An ignition system is operatively positioned with respect to the tube and is capable of igniting the energetic material. Upon ignition of the energetic material, the tube is reconfigured to provide a clamping force in a predetermined direction to clamp the materials together.

Abstract: A tubular knitted fabric is guided over a first rotatably arranged system of squeezing roller pairs and is then squeezed out, during a simultaneous continuous pulling off of the fabric, by a second system of squeezing rollers cooperating with the first system. The creation of edge markings is thereby completely prevented. An apparatus for the squeezing out process has a first system of rotatably arranged squeezing roller pairs which is held inside of the tubular fabric front the outside thereof and which has an adjustable outer periphery and a second system of rotatably arranged squeezing rollers also held on the outside of the tubular fabric. The second system is adapted to the periphery of the first system of squeezing roller pairs. Both systems cooperate with each other.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a riveting assembly (10) which includes a rivet die (18) having a concave configuration which is brought into contact with one end of a rivet to be upset. The die (18) is driven into a rivet end by a rivet ram (16) a first time, resulting in an interference fit between the rivet shank and the part being riveted. When the die (18) is withdrawn, the newly formed rivet head will in some instances expand outwardly away from the surface of the part, leaving a gap between the formed end of the rivet and the part. A second strike assembly includes an L-shaped second strike element (28) which is moved between the die (18) and the rivet head. The ram (16) is then driven a second time, forcing the second strike element (28) against the formed end of the rivet, forcing the formed end of the rivet to flow outwardly and toward the part, resulting in the filling of the gap between the rivet head and the surface of the part.

Abstract: A radiator cap assembly has a cap, a tether and a seal member. The seal member is adapted to float upon coolant within the radiator. Upon removal of the cap while the coolant is in an elevated temperature and pressure condition, the seal member will cover the f ill tube to prevent liquid from exiting the radiator.

Abstract: A process for producing a thin-film magnetic tape head includes the steps of coating a substrate with a layer of material which protects the substrate from an etchant. A cavity is etched into the substrate and a prismoid of magnet material is deposited in the cavity. The sides of the substrate are removed so that the prismoid projects above the sides for a substantial portion of the height of the prismoid. The substrate is coated with a gap-coating layer and the gap-coating is removed from one side of the prismoid. Another layer of magnetic material is deposited onto the substrate and various parts, such as pole shoes, are formed. The substrate is polished and the apex of the prismoid is removed. Head windings are made. A return path for the head windings is provided by depositing another layer of magnetic material onto the substrate. A protective layer of a metal oxide is deposited onto the substrate.

Abstract: An internal induction coil is used to heat the rotor of an ECM. This provides a localized heating and dilation of the bore of the rotor prior to the heating of the outer surface of the rotor. The crankshaft is located in the heated bore and acts as a heat sink. As a result, the outer surface of the rotor is not heated such as might cause the loss of magnetic properties.

Abstract: A grid array 10 of terminals 20 secured with a fusible electrically conductive material 34 usable in conjunction with a source of constant amplitude high frequency alternating current of known frequency is formed by the steps of: selecting a plurality of terminals 20 having a thin magnetic layer 30 defined thereon, transforming the terminal into a Curie point heater, each terminal 20 including a first connecting section 24 having a fusible electrically conductive material 34 disposed thereon; releasably holding each of the terminals 20 precisely positioned within an array 22 corresponding to an array 14 of circuit termini 16 of a circuit bearing article 12 such that each of the first connecting sections 24 of the terminals 20 is substantially in physical engagement with a corresponding circuit terminus 16; interposing an electrical conductor 60 connected to the source of alternating current among and adjacent each terminal 20 positioned within the array 22; subjecting each heater body to said constant current

Abstract: An ultra-thin level-one integrated circuit package with improved moisture penetration characteristics manufactured using a transfer molded casing with metallic lamination layers is provided. Additionally, a method and apparatus for providing a multiple-element modular package including a plurality of such level-one packages in horizontal or vertical stack configuration is provided.

Abstract: An electric wire insert is first produced from a primary product 10 having support projections 13 which abut on the interior of a mold and at least one bore 12 is provided on a final portion to be a part of the exterior of a resin-molded portion 1 so that at least one of the electric wires 22 extends through the bore 12 having a slightly smaller internal diameter than the external diameter of the electric wires. After inserting a terminal-pressed electric wire 20, the primary product 10 with the terminal electric wire 20 is set and disposed in position in the mold by the support projections 13. Then, a secondary forming operation is carried out. Thus, a resin-molded product 1 is formed in which a secondary forming resin covers the exterior of the primary product 10.

Abstract: A high temperature ceramic/metallic turbine engine includes a metallic housing which journals a rotor member of the turbine engine. A ceramic disk-like shroud portion of the engine is supported on the metallic housing portion and maintains a close running clearance with the rotor member. A ceramic spacer assembly maintains the close running clearance of the shroud portion and rotor member despite differential thermal movements between the shroud portion and metallic housing portion.

Abstract: A method for producing a weak resistance injection element for introducing ases into molten metals.The injection element includes an assembly of at least two high density refractory components. At least the upper high density refractory component is made by isostatic pressing of ceramic powders followed by a double heat treating process which are selected according to the liquid metal to be melted/refined in the metallurgical vessel where the injection element is going to operate.

Abstract: A grid beam of inverted T cross section for a suspended ceiling is made from a first strip of metal. A second strip is secured in the bottom of the flange of the beam by flats from the first strip, so that a three-dimensional effect from essentially flat elements results. The second strip can be of a different color as well as a different material or texture than the first strip, so that additionally a color contrast, as well as a material or surface contrast, can be achieved.

Abstract: Scissors or shears of the pivoted cross-blade type, adapted for relief of carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand repetitive stress injuries. The scissors upper and lower handles are characterized by especial contours which immobilize the thumb and index finger, while presenting the stronger middle finger, ring finger and little finger for flexing or gripping action to operate the scissors.

Abstract: A kitchen utensil for fruits, vegetables and the like, including a tool having a head portion for engaging a fruit, a vegetable and the like, a handle for gripping the tool, and a flexible portion disposed between the head portion and the handle portion for permitting the head portion to pivot relative to the handle. The flexible portion includes a serpentine section having one end thereof integrally connected to the handle, and an opposite end thereof integrally connected to the head portion to provide a one piece integral construction. The serpentine section provides a series of loops, where wedge-shaped reinforcement members are transversely disposed between the loops to maintain the loops in the serpentine configuration. A flexible web portion is provided in each of the loops to maintain the loop configuration thereof while permitting expansion and contraction of the loops under pressure.

Abstract: The invention is related to a spoon for food use. A spoon (1) has a handle (5) and an end (8) provided with a cavity (2) used to house the food product, pinchers (3,12) are provided to ensure the holding of the product inside its cavity (2). The invention acts more particularly to hold lump sugar.

Abstract: A guide for a portable saw having a work surface engaging plate which is formed primarily of a base and pin affixed to the work surface engaging plate, the pin being in line with the blade and engaging the kerf made by the blade to cause the blade to produce a straight cut in the work surface and spread the work surface apart and away from the blade.

Abstract: The device includes an incremental optical encoder (3) comprising two parts, 4,5) which are displaceable in rotation within one another. One part (5) is associated with a movable component (1) and the other part (4) with a fixed component (2) and its output is connected to a device for determining the angular position of the movable component (1) relative to the fixed component (2) on the basis of the relative angular positions of the two encoder parts. The encoder (3) is carried by one of the components (1), and one if its parts (5) is connected to this component (1) while the other part (4) is connected to an optical device for slaving the encoder part in at least one specified orientation in relation to the other component (2).

Abstract: A three-dimensional drawing device comprising a transparent hollow globe, a powder material disposed within the globe which adheres to the inner surface of the globe, a scribe disposed within the globe which can be used to draw upon the inner surface of the globe by scraping off the powder material, and controls for manipulating the scribe. The device can be used to form three-dimensional sketches and is primarily intended for use as a teaching aid and toy.

Abstract: A sensor (10) for measurement of acceleration and/or tilt of a movable object, particularly a motor vehicle, features an interior space (12) partially filled with fluid (15). Within that space, at least two heatable, temperature-sensitive electrical circuit elements are arranged so that, in a rest or initial position of the sensor, they are equally covered or wetted by the fluid. If the acceleration and tilt of the movable object are both zero, or the two cancel each other out, the sensor reading is zero. If this is not the case, the acceleration or tilt leads to a differing degree of coverage or wetting of the at least two circuit elements, and thus to a non-zero sensor reading.

Abstract: A measuring instrument provided with measuring vials for determining level or pitch relationships and a graduated straight edge for measuring linear distance. In the first embodiment, the instrument consists of a composite aluminum and plastic structure where the plastic structure forms the body portion having the vial holders and viewing windows and the aluminum portion forms the graduated straight edge. A second embodiment consists of an aluminum structure having a flat elongated frame portion and an integrally formed base portion disposed perpendicularly thereto. The frame portion forms the graduated straight edge and carries the measuring vials.

Abstract: A radio transmission system for a touch trigger probe for machine tools or coordinate measuring machines. In the transmitter shown in FIG. 1, a 1 kHz oscillator produces a signal which is phase modulated by an electronic switch and an inverter, when electrical contacts within the probe change state. This phase modulated signal is mixed in a mixer with an unmodulated 500 Hz reference signal, produced in a divider from the oscillator, so that there is a precise phase relationship between the two signals. The receiver shown in FIG. 2 has filters which separate out the 500 Hz reference signal and the phase modulated 1 kHz signal. A decoder phase demodulates the 1 kHz signal, using the 500 Hz signal as a reference in order to increase the reliability of the resulting signal.

Abstract: A length measuring system comprises an elongate scale member adapted to be scanned for generating measured-length signals, a tubular scale member carrier defining an internal cavity housing the scale member and including a mounting wall, a connection of the scale member to the scale member carrier, the connection permitting a longitudinal movement of the scale member relative to the scale member carrier, and end blocks rigidly connected to the scale member carrier at both ends thereof, the end blocks defining recesses and having opposite sides.

Abstract: The measuring device (1) comprises a scale graduation element (3) provided with a number of tracks (9, 13), a pick-up device (5) which comprises a number of sensing elements (4, 6) provided with sensors, which number corresponds to the number of tracks (9, 13), and also comprises a signal processing system (7). The tracks (9, 13) include an incremental track (9) and an absolute track (13). Both tracks are formed as a succession of strip-shaped parts (11, 15), each of which has a property which can be detected by the sensors of the sensing elements (4, 6). This property is dependent on the location on the scale graduation element (3). This property is preferably bivalent. In the signal processing system (7) signals originating from the sensing element (4) associated with the incremental track (9) and signals originating from the sensing element (6) associated with the absolute track (13) are combined.

Abstract: The present invention is to define an enclosed space by covering a holder which can hold numerous minute particles, and introduce a fluid into the enclosed space to stir up the numerous minute particles within the enclosed space with a turbulent flow of the fluid so that the minute particles are placed in and held by the holder After stirring up and loading the minute particles in the holder, the fluid is introduced into the enclosed space again to recover the remaining minute particles which have not been held by the holder. The number of minute particles required for one cycle of the loading operation are taken out by moving a particle push-up shaft vertically, having a recess at the distal end thereof, within a stocker which stores a large number of minute particles, and then delivered to the enclosed space with the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid bed conditioning apparatus (especially a dryer) which comprises a plurality of connected treatment zones, each zone having an apertured base and means for supplying a fluidized gas through said apertured base to each zone to cause material therein to be fluidized. The apparatus includes means for vibrating each apertured base and the zones are separated by movable partitions which are operable in conjunction with transfer means for urging material from one zone to an adjacent zone whereby the contents of a first treatment zone can be transferred to the adjacent zone after a desired treatment time in the first zone.

Abstract: A laundry dryer has an interior for holding laundry that is accessible via a door. Vapor-laden warm air from the interior, on the one hand, and a cooling medium, on the other, can be introduced into a condenser. The air and the cooling medium are brought into thermally conductive contact one with the other in the condenser to cool the air. In order to obtain the smallest possible outside dimensions relative to the usable interior and to be able to easily open the condenser or remove it from the laundry dryer for cleaning purposes, the condenser is arranged on an outer panel, preferably integrated in the door.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiments, a hands free hair dryer having a body in which are disposed a fan and a heating element, the body being mounted on a wall or the edge of a door. An infinitely positionable, self-supporting hose has a proximal end attached to the outlet of the body and a distal end selectively disposed to direct a stream of hot air toward the head of a user. Alternatively, the heating element may be disposed in the distal end of the hose. In another embodiment, the body is replaced with a housing within which the outlet nozzle of a conventional hand held air dryer is releasably secured.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the restrained drying of a paper web in a dryer section of a paper machine. The process includes the steps of wrapping the web with a felt during passage of the web with the felt around a dryer of the dryer section and thereafter wrapping the web around a portion of a guiding device disposed immediately downstream relative to the dryer so that edge curl of the web is minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grouping of cylinders in a drying section of a paper machine, in which drying section a paper web and a wire are carried meandering from a first heated drying cylinder onto a leading cylinder and from the leading cylinder further onto the next heated drying cylinder. A drying group consists of a number of subsequent groupings of cylinders, whereby, in each grouping of cylinders, the drying cylinders and the leading cylinders are placed, in relation to one another, substantially at three different height levels, so that the drying cylinders with larger diameter are placed at a height level Y.sub.1 and the drying cylinders that have a diameter smaller than said larger diameter are placed at a height level Y.sub.2. In the groupings of cylinder the leading cylinders are placed at a third height level Y.sub.3.

Abstract: An article of footwear, for example, an athletic shoe designed for walking, running, or other sports activities. The article of footwear is provided with an upper, an outsole, and a midsole positioned between the outsole and the upper. The midsole has an upper surface upon which a sole of a foot is positioned during use of the article. The midsole is provided with an external cushioning spring. This spring includes one or more angled strips of resilient elastic material. One end of a strip is fixed on the surface of the midsole or outsole at a location at least 3 mm below the upper surface of the midsole. The other end of the strip is fixed on the surface of the midsole or upper at least 3 mm vertically above the location at which the other end is fixed.

Abstract: Ski boot made of plastic material consisting of:a deformable shell having two tongues which overlap to form flaps over the top of the foot;a cuff with a hinge on the shell shaped to form, at the front, two straps forming flaps over the front of the lower part of the leg;closing devices intended to slide the flaps over each other and thereby secure the foot in the shell and the lower part of the leg in the cuff;wherein the flap of the shell which corresponds to the outside edges of the foot covers the flap of the inside edge of the foot, whereas the flap which corresponds to the inside edge of the cuff covers the flap of the outside edge of the cuff.