Abstract: In a direct forward throw sweeper, improvements related to a door for closing the opening into the hopper permit backing away from a debris receptacle with the hopper door open after dumping a load of debris without damage to the machine. An attachment part is provided for connecting a vacuum pickup wand to the debris hopper. Associated improvements to a related air filter chamber provide improved dust control while dumping the hopper and convenient access for servicing a dust accumulation space in the bottom of the filter chamber.

Abstract: A single leg caster assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a wheel retaining hub and axle which support a bearing and wheel. A portion of the axle and a portion of the wheel retaining hub act as thread guards to inhibit thread from becoming tangled on the axle and in the bearing.

Abstract: A caster wherein the wheel frame and the wheel can be locked in a first axial position of a post which is installed in an upright support serving to turnably mount the frame. When the post is moved to a second axial position relative to the support, the wheel is free to turn in the frame but the frame is releasably held against turning relative to the support. However, if it should become necessary to change the orientation of the frame relative to the support, the frame is turned with a selected force to overcome the bias of a spring which tends to maintain the frame in the selected angular position. Several different angular positions of the frame can be determined by a set of balls which are mounted in a base of the post and by the sockets of a ring-shaped female coupling member which is installed in the frame and whose sockets can receive the balls. The balls are expelled from the aligned sockets to permit turning of the frame relative to the support when the bias of the spring is overcome.

Abstract: A handle assembly for use with doors of household refrigerators includes an elongated stiffener member in the shape of a channel having a base and projecting sides. A number of apertures are spaced along the base. Each end of the member is formed with offset portions. A body of thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A Durometer hardness of no more than about 50 is injection molded about the stiffener member. The elastomer fills the apertures and surrounds the offset portions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a wool card applicable in the field of the textile industry. The card is characterized in that it is equipped with at least three Morel rollers (1), in that it does not have an intermediate comb and in that the tangential velocities of the feeder rollers (2) and the large drum (3) are equal, the reduction in speed of the fiber web between the large drum (3) and the following Morel roller (1) being relatively low.

Abstract: A textile machine is provided with apparatus for preparing the trailing end of a lap and a leading end of a fresh lap so that each end has a reduced fiber mass per unit length of lap in the prepared end. These lap ends are thereafter superimposed and joined together for subsequent processing in a combing unit of a combing machine or a drafting unit of a ribbon lap machine. The respective ends of the two laps may be prepared by a tearing action caused by clamping of the respective lap end between two spaced apart nip lines which are moved away from each other and wherein the spacing is slightly more than the length of the longest fiber in the lap. Preparation of a lap end may also be accomplished using a suction head for clamping of a lap along a nip line in order to carry out tearing of the lap to produced a prepared end.

Abstract: In the case of a textile machine comprising drafting units that are disposed next to one another, the bottom cylinders are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the machine so that they continue along several or all drafting units. The continuous bottom cylinders are disposed at several bearing points which are arranged at a spacing from one another in the longitudinal direction of the machine. It is provided, in the case of the delivery bottom cylinder, to design at least some of the bearing points such that they can be radially adjusted. As a result, radial directional deviations of the delivery bottom cylinder can be compensated which occur along its longitudinal dimension.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a fiber lap from fiber tufts includes a fiber opener having an input formed of a fiber feeding mechanism and a series of sawtooth rolls through which the fiber material introduced by the fiber feeding mechanism consecutively passes in a direction of advance; a pneumatic fiber stripping device including a blowing device for directing an airstream toward the last sawtooth roll of the series as viewed in the direction of fiber advance; a hood having an inner face defining a chamber situated above and downstream of the last sawtooth roll for receiving fiber material carried from the last sawtooth roll by the air stream of the fiber stripping device; an air-pervious, continuously moving receiving member disposed in the chamber downstream of the last sawtooth roll; and a suction device facing the underside of the receiving member for generating an air stream passing through the receiving member for drawing fiber material in the chamber onto the upper face of the receiving member for forming

Abstract: A safety pin having an axially extending coil type torsion spring, thereby avoiding pinching fabric to which it is attached. Alternative embodiments provide arrangements assuring alignment of the wire sections of the safety pin with the head. In one alternative embodiment, the wire sections of the safety pin bend toward the middle of the spring, and enter the head in parallel orientation. In a second embodiment, the head is angled with respect to the coil spring, and the wire sections form a V relative to one another.

Abstract: A package for a frequency selection component includes a base, a thermoplastic die attachment, and either a soldered or low- melting-temperature glass lid attachment. These techniques can be employed in either a leadless chip carrier or a single layer ceramic base configuration. A package for a surface acoustic wave device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is suitable for enclosing the device in a hermetically sealed environment such that the resulting structure takes up a minimum volume of space. The package facilitates automated circuit assembly techniques, allowing compact, low cost products to incorporate frequency selection components when these are made in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: In summary, therefore, this invention is directed to a thermal growth detector and compensator for detecting and compensating for relative movement between a work holder of a machine tool and a tool holder, that includes an elongated rod made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of substantially zero that is attached at one end thereof to a part of a machine tool, and is attached at another end thereof to a part of a work holder on the machine tool.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing single focus and cone beam collimators with precisely focused focal line or focal point. The method includes the steps of: forming a collimator body by using a metal casting process; measuring a displacement of a focal position of the collimator body with respect to an intended focal position; determining an adjustment size to minimize the measured displacement; adjusting the focal position of the collimator body by changing a physical size of peripheral regions of the collimator body according to the determined adjustment size. In this method, the physical size of peripheral regions of the collimator body can be changed either by cutting or attaching peripheral adjustment portions. Also, the physical size of peripheral regions of the collimator body can be changed to tilt an optical axis of the collimator body. The method should preferably be applied to segments of the collimator body separately.

Abstract: A bale dewiring device uses a bale splitter to sever the strapping of the bale atop the bale and a movable hook to engage the strapping beneath the bale for retraction thereof to one side of the bale where the strapping is removed from the hook.

Abstract: Long thermal paths and the resulting slow response times in sealed and electrically insulated thermal sensors may be substantially reduced by insulating and sealing the sensor (26) by a method which includes the steps of providing (30) an electrostatic fluidized bed of electrically insulating resin; locating (34) the sensor (26) at the bed; coating (36) the sensor (26); removing (38) the sensor from proximity to the bed; and curing (40) to the resin to form a uniform, thin coating encapsulating the sensor (26).

Abstract: A wire crimping machine automatically adjusts the crimping means to the proper crimp depth for a selected size of wire and the size of the contact to be crimped onto the wire. The size of wire to be crimped is selected by the operator. As a wire is inserted into the machine for crimping, an arrangement of light emitting diodes, photo diodes, and associated circuits determine the wire's size and whether the wire is stripped. The crimping means is allowed to actuate only if the wire is stripped and the wire's size is the same as that selected by the operator.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for assembling and balancing automotive wheels. Each wheel includes a wheel rim having a valve stem opening and a tire adapted to be mounted on the rim. The circumferential position and magnitude of any tire imbalance is marked on the tire. A plurality of valve stems is also provided wherein the valve stems vary in weight from each other. The tire is positioned with respect to the rim so that the valve stem opening is substantially diametrically opposed to the circumferential position of the tire imbalance and a valve stem having a weight substantially the same as the magnitude of the tire imbalance is then positioned in the valve stem opening. The tire is then inflated thus completing the assembly and balancing of the tire.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated replacement of ring travelers on spinning or twisting rings is disclosed comprising generally a housing having two planar support members, parallel to each other. A lift-out device is pivotably supported in a first of the two planar members and a device for the attachment of a new ring traveler is supported in the second plane, parallel to the first plane. The devices function by guide systems, pivotable by eccentric cams, located on a common drive shaft to be able to move the two devices between an operational and an off position. A housing, containing the two devices, is mobile along a ring rail of a spinning machine. The lift-out device lifts out a ring traveler which is to be replaced from the spinning ring on the ring rail. The attachment device subsequently attaches a new ring traveler from a magazine rod onto the spinning ring.

Abstract: A piston ring is assembled into a groove of a piston by pushing the piston ring out of a front end of a guide member. The piston ring is mounted on an outside of the guide member which has a diameter larger than an outside diameter of the piston. The pushing is carried out while maintaining a clearance which allows for the piston ring to undulate. This clearance is formed between a front end of the guide member and a plane including a groove surface which lies away from the front end of the guide member.

Abstract: A surface mounting method for mounting an electronic part having a great number of contacts onto a circuit board. A jig provided with dummy contacts is prepared whose size, number and arrangement are substantially the same as those of contacts of an electronic part to be mounted on a circuit board. The dummy contacts of the jig are then fitted with mating contacts which are to be fitted with the contacts of the electronic part. Thereafter, the jig provided with the dummy contacts fitted with the mating contacts is mounted onto the circuit board at a predetermined position thereon. The mating contacts are then mounted and fixed onto the circuit board. The jig is then removed from the circuit board. The contacts of the electronic part are then fitted with the mating contacts fixed to the circuit board. As an alternative, double ended socket contact members are prepared, each having socket contacts on both ends.

Abstract: Rocker arms are assembled by providing a plurality of holder members in series at a predetermined pitch and rotatably supporting the rocker arms by shafts which are supported by the plurality of holder members. First, rocker arm units are assembled by inserting into the rocker arms shafts which are longer than a distance between facing side surfaces of two pieces of the adjoining holder members. Then, the rocker arm units are set into spaces between respective holder members which are provisionally set at a distance which is larger than the predetermined pitch. This setting is made such that the axial line of the rocker arm shafts coincides with axes of bearing holes which are formed in the holder members. Then, the distance between the holder members is narrowed down to the predetermined pitch to thereby insert end portions of the rocker arm shafts into the bearing holes.

Abstract: A crankshaft is manufactured by providing a plurality of initially completely discrete crankshaft segments electron-beam welded together. Tubular bearing journals (12,14) having an inclined surface (30) are positioned in a groove (35,40) of a counterweight web (16) and a groove (50) of a crankshaft end (18). The discrete segments (12,14,16,18) are positioned and maintained in position by the interaction of inclined surfaces (30) and grooves (35,40,50) for electron-beam welding.

Abstract: A cutter knife including an upper cover, a lower cover engaged with the upper cover to form a handle, a knife holder force-fitted with a front end of the lower cover and having a slit and a threaded recess, a knife partly inserted into the knife holder through the slit of the knife holder, a knob threadedly engaged with the recess of the knife holder, and a tail seat engaged with a rear end of the handle and having a slit.

Abstract: Machine for opening shell fruit comprising two counter rotating plates 12 and 13 and having recesses in the peripheries incorporating cutting means 23, the axes of the plates 12 and 13 being parallel and alongside each other so as to allow the cutting means 23 to come together in phase and in so doing vary the shape and size of the space defined by the cutting means.

Abstract: An attachment arrangement is described which converts the reciprocal motion of a reciprocal saw into oscillatory cutting motion of a circular blade. The circular blade is provided between circular sleeves, which limit the depth to which the blade can cut into a substrate. Using this arrangement, wallboard may be cut without reaching studs, wires or pipes situated behind the wallboard.

Abstract: An apparatus to effect the dicing of credit cards to prevent their inadvertent and unauthorized use is provided to include confronting faces, with the first face of a first housing having a matrix of lug members in a parallel relationship received within lug openings defined by orthogonally intersecting rows of first and second cutter blades. The apparatus is arranged to include slide drawer structure to permit the selective accommodation for disposal of the pieces thusly cut.

Abstract: A device for cutting and engaging a doughy material having a deformable consistency, forming a material, transferring the shape from a first location to a second location and disengaging the shape. The device includes a cutting edge carried by a housing for cutting an outline of the shape, a plunger for positively engaging a cut surface of the material to aid in transferring the material from a first location to a second location, recesses and raised shapes located on the plunger for imprinting an exposed surface of the material and aiding in engaging the material, and a handle connected to the plunger for manually actuating the device.

Abstract: An improved safety utility knife has a hollow handle and a blade which is normally retracted within the handle, but can be extended by squeezing an operating lever. The lever is connected to the blade holder by a toggle linkage having a rearmost pin secured in a discrete support whose position is adjustable. A thumbscrew threaded into the support enables one to adjust the position of the support from outside the handle, and thus change how far the blade protrudes from the handle when the operating lever is fully depressed.

Abstract: A hand-operated cutting tool in the form of shears having handle portions and cutting portions pivoted so that the cutting portions may be rotatably moved toward and away from each other. The cutting portions each include a pair of cutting edges angularly disposed with respect to each, providing an included angle there between which is obtuse. As the cutting edges are rotated toward each other, a first portion thereof are brought into sliding, overlapping contact for shearing a flexible material such as flexible ducting and a second portion thereof are brought in sliding, overlapping contact for cutting wire.

Abstract: A line head (10) for a rotary line trimmer uses a bail (16) to clasp a single length of cutting line (18). The head has a first and second side (12, 14). The first side (12) of the head (10) has a plurality of radial ridges extending radially from a central shaft engagement hub (20). The second side has several raised portions (44, 46, 48, 50) which define a first and second channel (17, 19). The bail (16) rotates between an open position to a closed position in the first channel. The second channel (19) is dimensioned to engage the cutting line. The bail (16) has a clasp means (16c) which removably engages a lip portion (42) when the bail is in the closed position. The bail (16) also has a central portion (16b) which overlays the second channel (19) when the bail is in the closed position.

Abstract: A sprocket for a chain including a thick hub portion and a plurality of thinner sprocket rings mounted on the hub. The hub has a rounded polygon peripheral configuration and the rings have complementary bores to receive the hub. The rings have sprocket teeth defined about their outer edges. When the sprocket rings are mounted in face-to-face nesting arrangement on the hub the teeth on adjacent sprocket rings are aligned axially of the hub. A pair of side plates having a greater diameter than the sprocket rings confine the rings on the hub and aid in holding a chain thereon during operation.

Abstract: This device consists of an encased, electrically powered motor housing unit with a first handle parallel in line to the height of the unit. Extending out from the top of the handle is a metal bar one inch in diameter which runs out forward from the motor housing unit to which is attached a second handle bar parallel in line to the first handle and the motor housing. Extending out from the bottom of this second handle is a metal rod with a spring and a bolt parallel in line to the metal bar. This metal rod has a hole in it for mounting one end of a metal hack-saw blade. The other end of the blade is to be mounted to a metal piece extending out from the bottom of the motor housing which when running moves back and forth, causing a sawing motion. Directly above the metal rod with a spring and directly above the metal piece is a metal bar to which is attached a roller to keep the hack-saw blade steady.

Abstract: An archery bow sight mount that will allow desired bow sights to be attached to it and adjusted about the vertical axis. The bow sight mount is dovetailed so it can be slid into a mounting plate that is also dovetailed to allow it to be adjusted to desired length. On one end of the sight mount is a bow sight mounting plate that can be adjusted about the vertical axis by using adjustment screws.

Abstract: A specialized hand-portable device for use by a medical-technician in measuring the amount of head fore/aft-deviation from a "standardized norm" reference-point (manubrium of sternum). Configured in the form of an inverted T-shape, the vertical body portion of which serves as a common stanchion, including a horizontal lower scale-beam member having a sternal-probe. The vertical stanchion is adjustable fore/aft relative to the chest sternum; the probe's tip entity being shaped to lay naturally against one's sternal-notch. The upper portion of the stanchion includes a vertically adjustable second horizontal-probe member, the tip-rest thereof being formed to lightly impinge upon the zygomatic-arch region of one's face. The instrument is intitially set to "zero" on the sternal/reference-scale, which precalibration adheres to an "ideal norm" of reference, while leveling to a visual sight-bubble.

Abstract: An alignment device in which two plugs are rigidly fixed to the opposite ends of a spacing bar at a distance substantially equal to the distance between the inlet and outlet ports of the gas meter to be connected to the system is formed from a rust-free material such as nylon, preferably with an I-bar configuration and reinforced with fiberglass cords for strength. The riser is installed with one plug of the device mounted on the supplier riser so that, when the consumer riser is installed, it can be properly aligned with and connected to the other plug to later conform to the meter. Alternatively, the device could be installed between the risers by the consumer riser installer.

Abstract: A wafer keeping apparatus includes a closed wafer keeping space, and an arrangement for circulating an inert gas through a filter and then through the wafer keeping space. In one embodiment, several wafer keeping shelves are each provided within the space, and the inert gas is supplied through a respective filter to flow across each shelf. In another embodiment, a plurality of wafer keeping spaces are each accessible through a respective door which forms an airtight seal when it is closed, and respective filters are provided on opposite sides of the space, the inert gas being supplied to the space through one filter and exiting the space through the other filter. In a further embodiment, several of the wafer keeping spaces are provided at angularly and vertically spaced locations in a rotatable stocker body provided within a casing, and several vertically spaced doors are provided on the casing to provide access to respective wafer keeping spaces in the stocker body.

Abstract: An air diffuser for attachment to a handheld hairdryer includes a diffuser neck and an angled diffuser head. The diffuser neck is provided with air vents. If a back pressure builds up in the diffuser with a consequent risk of overheating the hairdryer, then air escapes through the vents relieving the back pressure. In the absence of a back pressure substantially all of the air flows along the diffuser and out through the mouth of the diffuser.

Abstract: A convective dryer for drying a moving coated web has at least one module arranged on one side of the path of web travel. The module includes a housing subdivided into a first chamber opening towards the path of web travel and a second adjacent enclosed chamber. Mutually spaced nozzle assemblies extend laterally across the path of web travel within the first chamber. The nozzle assemblies are connected by a supply duct to air heating and recirculating components in the second chamber. The supply duct gradually diverges in width from a narrow inlet section communicating with the second chamber to a widened delivery end communicating with the nozzle assemblies at the approximate center of the path of web travel.

Abstract: Footwear (1) adapted to enhance the visibilty of the wearer contains a light source (12), a power source (14), circuitry (15, 16, 17) to connect the power source (14) to the light source (12) , and a pressure switch (18) disposed in the sole (5) of the footwear (1) between the wearer's foot and the ground and adapted to turn the light source (12) off when the wearer's foot is on the ground, and hence static, thereby conserving the power source (14), and to switch the light source (12) on when the wearer's foot is off the ground, and usually moving, thereby providing enhanced visibility of the footwear (1) and its wearer.

Abstract: A rigid circular quilting hoop has an inside diameter surface and an outside diameter surface. A circumferential groove is formed in the outside diameter surface. A unitary, non-metallic, stretchable fastener having two ends is received within the circumferential groove to secure a piece of quilting material stretched over the hoop. A cord lock secures the ends of the fastener after it has been stretched to maintain a desired tension on the fastener to clamp the quilting material against the hoop.

Abstract: A window display card for consumer personalization by placement of a display item within a window provision. The card is constructed of a single sheet of paper having a rectangular shape and divided into three equally dimensioned sections. A framing section includes a centrally disposed window for viewing a display item. Two sided pressure sensitive adhesive strips are provided across an upper and lower portion of the inner surface of the framing section for securing the display item and sealing to a backing section. The display item aligned by use of geometrically provided alignment lines projecting from the aperture. The backing section is hingedly attached to the framing section sealing the item of display between the sections allowing visual display through the window. The remaining section is available for personalized writings in a similar manner to a conventional card.

Abstract: An apparatus for framing a member, such as a picture, includes a first element for engagement with the member. The first element has an elongate recess. A second element has a different aesthetic appearance than the first element. The second element includes a portion which extends into the recess of the first element. The first element has means for lockingly engaging the second element to secure the first and second elements together.

Abstract: A picture frame made from a flexible magnetic sheet material is disclosed which is part of a mailer including a gift card and envelope. The gift card has a front surface carrying parallel strips of double-sided adhesive tape each having an outwardly facing releasable adhesive on one side to which the picture frame can be attached to display a photograph between the picture frame and card. The recipient of the mailer can peel the flexible picture frame from the card, remove the photograph, and magnetically attach the picture frame to a metal surface to display the photograph. Also disclosed is an embodiment wherein the card is a display card made from a magnetically attractive material.

Abstract: A display device has a housing in which sound (a music IC), light (light strings), and power (light string AC motors) elements are combined. At least one master light string is used as the power source, supplying the AC motor necessary power so that the motor can drive a transmission mechanism. Ornaments connected to the transmission mechanism are then movable in the display device providing an attractive and lovely scene. Separate toy figures having an independent light string AC motor may be directly connected to the light string which provides power required for the toy figures to move in a designed manner.

Abstract: A figure moving article capable of accomplishing unique and unexpected movement sufficient to exhibit unexpected movements. The figure moving article includes a cylindrical container having a peripheral wall formed of a flexible material. In the container is arranged a bending structure which is actuated to cause the container to carry out bending motion. Also, a motor is received in the container in a manner to be operatively connected to the bending structure to actuate the bending structure and a motor drive circuit for driving the motor is arranged in the container. The bending structure is operatively connected to the container so as to transmit the actuation of the bending structure to the container, resulting in the container exhibiting bending movement.

Abstract: A road sign for clearly presenting an informational legend to a viewer in front of the sign under direct and back lighting conditions, comprising an aluminum background sheet (10) having a cutout (12) in the shape of the legend (11). A retroreflective portion (14) is sized and shaped such that when the retroreflective portion is placed into the cutout, a uniform gap is left between the portion and the cutout. A translucent sheet (13) is mounted behind the background sheet and the retroreflective portion such that a translucent border (15) is visible from in front of the sign. When the sign is illuminated by direct lighting such as a driver's own headlights, the retroreflective portion will reflect much of the light such that the legend will be clearly visible to the driver. When the sign is illuminated by strong back lighting such as a low sun or oncoming headlights, the translucent border of the legend will glow brightly such that the message will be clearly seen by the driver as an outline of the legend.

Abstract: The floor advertising apparatus is used in a cavity formed in the floor of a building or the like. A thin lower layer is located and secured in the bottom of the cavity. A thin transparent layer is located in the cavity with its surrounding edge portion secured to the lower layer with adhesive. An advertising layer is located between the transparent layer and the lower layer below a viewing portion within the surrounding edge portion such that the advertising layer can be seen through the transparent layer when viewed from above. The advertising layer may be separate from the transparent layer or secured to its lower side. An opaque border is secured to the transparent layer in a position to cover the edge portion and adhesive such that the adhesive cannot be seen when the transparent layer is viewed from above. Double sided tape is used to secure the lower layer to the floor of the cavity.

Abstract: A rotatable shaft member supports a first control member and a second control member. The first control member cooperates with a tang of a rotatable sear. The second control member cooperates with an abutment stop of the sear. When the shaft is rotated to where the second control member contacts the abutment stop of the sear, the sear is blocked and the gun cannot be fired. When the shaft member is rotated such that the second control member is moved away from the tang of the sear, the gun can be fired. When the shaft member is rotated further such that the second control member is remote from the abutment stop and the first control member contacts the tang of the sear, the tang moves out of contact with the searing surface of the hammer. The hammer begins to pivot in a gun firing direction until the tang engages a half-cocked notch for stopping movement of the hammer, whereby the hammer is decocked.

Abstract: A personal weapon system comprises a microprocessor-controlled and electronically fired "blow-forward" handgun with a firing parameter memory device, digital security lock and safety device, directional compass, electronic rounds counter, integral keyboard and liquid crystal display, laser designator capability, programmable piezo-resistive trigger, and high frequency A.C. ignitable primer. A microprocessor receives information from a real time clock, Hall-effect rounds counter, and an integral Hall-effect compass. The processor displays this information on the LCD display for the operator. When a round is fired, the microprocessor records time and date, number of rounds fired, and direction of firing for crime lab analysis. The trigger pressure required to fire the handgun is programmable by the operator, and a corresponding trigger detonation mark is displayed on the LCD display.

Abstract: A method for applying a scent to a hunting or other desired location without approaching the area or contaminating it with human scent. The desired scent is placed in a carrying projectile means such as a pellet for a projectile delivery means such as a carbon dioxide operated gun and fired from a distance to the desired location.

Abstract: A floating impeller lure having a buoyant body with integral reaction blades formed therein. In a first embodiment, a countertorque arm is provided for preventing torque from the rapidly rotating buoyant body means being passed through to an attached fishing line. A second preferred embodiment uses the combination of a hook with a weighted shank and a lure dressing to prevent torque from passing to the attached fishing line. An in-line upright hook-trailer dressing is attached to the countertorque arm by means of a swivel in the first embodiment. In one embodiment of the hook-trailer dressing, the hook-trailer dressing itself floats on the surface and helps counteract rotation thereby, in conjunction with the swivel and the bend of the hook and the hook shank acting as a keel, keeping the hook point in the upright position.