Abstract: A fishing line composed of a strand of a plurality of steel wires twisted together and coated with synthetic resin, wherein the steel wire is a low carbon duplex structure steel wire in the fibrous fine metallic structure having a tensile strength of 300 to 600 kgf/mm.sup.2 and coated by plating with anticorrosive metal on the outer surface, the twist pitch of the strand being 13 to 20 times the diameter thereof and the thickness of coating layer of synthetic resin being 4 .mu.m or more. This fishing line is high in tensile strength and knot strength, and is hardly kinked or curled when subjected to impact.

Abstract: A counter-balanced sinker device for drift fishing or trolling comprising a tubular weight detachably affixed at one end to a flotation unit capable of holding said one end substantially vertically above the other end of such weight but incapable of lifting the entire weight, with means on the flotation unit to allow a fishing line to run freely therethrough. The device may be equipped with a weed or rocks deflector and with means to produce a fish-attracting noise when in use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable ice fishing device for use by ice fisherman. The invention includes a bucket for holding a plurality of stackable and/or removable trays. The trays may contain a plurality of dividers to separate various types of fishing gear. In addition, the trays may include compartments having lids for holding live bait, or open portions for carrying fishing related gear of increased size. At least one open portion has a bracket for holding an "LED" view screen of an electronic fish locating device. The invention has a cover which provides to an ice fisherman the ability to use the device as a seat/chair during ice fishing. The invention also includes an apron which may be affixed to the exterior of the device by a strap. The apron has an upper lip and a pocket for attaching ice fishing rods, ice ladles, fillet knives, and/or pliers to the exterior of the device, thereby providing for convenient access of these items to an individual.

Abstract: A simulated insect trapping surface for removably supporting visual representations of insects. A plurality of icons symbolizing insects, for attaching to the simulated trapping surface, and an adhesive interface between each icon and the surface for temporarily holding the icons on the surface, for teaching interpretation of an insect pattern in a sticky monitoring trap. Instead of the adhesive interface, the simulated trapping surface supports visual representations of the insects by including liquid crystal, and is transparent to light for optical projection of the representations for viewing and interpretation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preventive protection of materials against pests permanently and/or temporarily living in the soil, in particular, termites. One or more barriers of sharp-edged inert particles of a particle size screened at from 0.001 to 30 mm and/or spherical inert particles having a diameter of 0.5 to 5.0 mm are arranged around and/or in the object to be protected.

Abstract: A fertilization and irrigation system including a hollow tubular fiber conduit having a liquid permeable wall for nitrogen fertilizing and irrigating soil. The conduit or length of this tubular material is placed within the soil generally in the vicinity of the root level of plants to be irrigated. For nitrogen fertilization, ammonium hydroxide (NH.sub.4 OH) is introduced into the conduit, the ammonia (NH.sub.3) then allowed to permeate through the conduit wall into the soil. The presence of ammonium hydroxide may be by circulation or held statically under a varying amount of static head pressure. The ammonium hydroxide interacts to dissolve plasticizer within the hollow fiber conduit so that the plasticizer will thereafter go into colloidal suspension within water and carried away. By removal of plasticizer in this manner, both fertilization efficiency and the water permeability of the conduit for subsequent irrigation of the plants and soil are increased significantly.

Abstract: A system for collecting sap from maple trees in which is provided a family of interchangeable connectors or fittings providing quick connect/disconnect features, and a spout member providing for more straight line flow of sap through such a member. An assembly is provided of a male and a female member which allows quick connection of branch lines together, or a branch line to the main line conduit. A drop line assembly is provided which allows for better tapping of sap producing trees to maintain healthy trees. A cap is provided constituting one member of the quick connect/disconnect assembly whereby any part of the sap collection system can be isolated from the rest or for providing a closed system for cleaning or selected from the environment. Adaptors are provided which incorporate the features of the quick connect/disconnect assembly making it possible to convert old sap collecting systems to one using the connectors and fixtures having the quick connect/disconnect features.

Abstract: A system for automatically cultivating crops, according to the present invention, consists of a first structure for conveying seedlings in a first predetermined path to allow the seedlings to be treated under a first set of controlled growing conditions, a second structure for conveying the seedlings in a second predetermined path to allow the seedlings to be treated under a second set of controlled growing conditions, and structure for selectively diverting conveying seedlings on the first conveying structure onto the second conveying structure for conveyance by the second conveying structure.

Abstract: A decorative cover which is connected to a hanging basket flower pot. The hanging basket flower pot is adapted to be hangingly supported from the a support surface. In one embodiment, the decorative cover is adapted to be hangingly supported from the support surface for providing a hanging basket type of flower pot. The decorative cover also is adapted to be hangingly supported from a support surface with a flower pot supported therein. A sheet of material with reinforcing means adapted for cooperating with the sheet of material for maintaining the sheet of material in a formed shape when the sheet of material is formed.

Abstract: A slat for a shutter is in the form of a hollow, flat tube. The slat is connected to a tubular adjusting rod by a swivel connector which comprises a pair of hook elements and a serrated body portion from which each of the hook elements is supported. The slats and the adjusting rod are each provided with openings into which the body portion of the swivel connector is inserted. Splines locating within the slat and the adjusting rod engage the serrations and lock the swivel connector in position. The shutters may also incorporate an anti-sag support for retention when in their closed position.

Abstract: A device for tight closure of an opening in a wall including a panel which closes the opening partially and opens to one side of the opening by pivoting about a substantially fixed axis on the other side of the opening at a substantial distance therefrom. The panel is at least approximately aligned in the direction transverse to the wall with an edge of the opening. The panel closes the opening except for a gap parallel to the axis between the edge of the opening and an inside edge of the panel which is substantially parallel to the axis. A mobile flap closes the gap. It is pivoted to the panel about a second axis extending along the inside edge of the panel. At least one link is pivoted about a substantially fixed third axis on the same side of the opening as the first axis and about a fourth axis joined to the mobile flap.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating valves having a sealing seat embodied on a movable valve element and a valve seat face embodied on a valve seat body in such a way as to improve the surface quality of the sealing faces. The movable valve element is set into a rotational motion, with pressure applied thereto toward the valve seat body held in a fixed position. During the rotational motion of the valve element a vibrational motion of ultrasonic range high frequency, acting parallel to the axis of rotation, is superimposed upon the rotary motion. Simultaneously a fine-grained lapping medium is applied to the valve seat face. The apparatus is suitable for all valves having movable valve elements, the sealing seats of which cooperate with valve seat faces.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ultrasonic machining in which feeding of a tool assembly holding a machining tool toward a workpiece is accomplished automatically. In ultrasonic machining, a tool located just above a workpiece and vibrating in a vertical direction imparts vertical movement to particles of abrasive material which then remove material from the workpiece. The tool does not contact the workpiece. Apparatus for moving the tool assembly vertically is provided such that it operates with a relatively small amount of friction. Adjustable counterbalance means is provided which allows the tool to be immobilized in its vertical travel. A downward force, termed overbalance force, is applied to the tool assembly. The overbalance force causes the tool to move toward the workpiece as material is removed from the workpiece.

Abstract: A spindle apparatus for supporting and rotating a workpiece in a grinder. The spindle apparatus includes a workpiece spindle rotatably supported on a spindle head and driven for rotation by a motor, and a spindle plate mounted to the front end of the workpiece spindle and including an eccentric drive pin. The workpiece spindle has a bore in which a ram is axially movable. A center is fit in the front end of the ram. A unit is provided to advance the ram to engage with one end of the workpiece when the workpiece is to be supported. A rotary sleeve is rotatably supported on the front end of the ram and includes an engagement portion which is displaceable in the axial direction of the spindle and engageable with the drive pin in the direction of rotation. A driving unit is mounted to the front of the rotary sleeve to engage the workpiece in the direction of rotation when the ram is in its advanced position to thereby transmit rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grinding a cylindrical surface of a workpiece by a traverse movement of a grinding wheel having a relatively narrow grinding surface. To improve the cylindricity of cylindrical surface, the traverse grinding is divided into a rough traverse grinding and a finish traverse grinding. In the rough traverse grinding, a traverse girding is carried out with a large depth of cut which would causes a deterioration of the cylindricity at one end of the cylindrical surface. In the finish traverse grinding, a traverse girding is carried out with a small depth of cut to improve the cylindricity. In another embodiment, one of grinding conditions such as the traverse speed of the grinding wheel, the rotational speed of the workpiece and the peripheral speed of the grinding wheel is changed when the grinding wheel approaches an end of the cylindrical surface at which the traverse grinding ends so as to make the grinding force constant, thereby improving the cylindricity of the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: An air powered, portable abrading tool having a valve operable in response to engagement with a surface to be abraded for driving an abrasive disk.

Abstract: A rail grinding apparatus for railroad rails has a grinding belt wrapped around motor-driven pulleys which are rotatably mounted on a frame. The frame is supported on the surface of a rail by rollers which bear the weight of the grinding apparatus. A noise guard surrounds the grinding belt to reduce noise.

Abstract: The device for sharpening a cutting blade presenting a sharp edge includes at least one grinding wheel provided at least on the surface with abrasive material. The grinding wheel has a cylindrical body presenting a V-sectioned peripheral groove, and is mounted to rotate freely about an axis contained in a plane generally parallel to the sharp edge of the blade and perpendicular to the median plane of the blade, with the axis being inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the normal to the median plane of the blade. The sharpening device is further constructed to place the blade and the grinding wheel in contact and to provide for relative displacement of the blade and the grinding wheel in a direction parallel to the sharp edge of the blade.

Abstract: A vault is of the multi-lobed double-wall type, including inflatable beams disposed side by side. The vault includes at least one opening-out or folding-up path along which the beams are slidably mounted. Each opening-out or folding-up path traverses the beams in a sealed manner.

Abstract: An interior roof gutter system intended for use on certain large non-residential buildings on which stormwater flows to low elevation perimeter walls. Whereas such walls frequently present a vertically extended parapet, the present invention discloses a novel interior gutter system. The gutter system is preferably composed of fiberglass reinforced polyester, or similar material. The gutter system is comprised of a plurality of rigid independent, elongated, trough-like, monolithic modules. When installed in tandem, with a non-impinged connection, expansion and contraction forces are accommodated. The present invention provides for attachment and flashing to the parapet wall on one of the elongated module walls, and attachment and flashing under the roof membrane on the opposite module wall. To prevent ice formation from blocking normal drainage in freezing climates, a melting device is presented.

Abstract: A plastic liner for protecting concrete manhole interior surfaces from corrosion wherein the liner includes provisions for creating a strong mechanical lock between the liner and the interior surfaces. A side of the liner which includes the provisions has a plurality of raised hollow projections with spaced sections. The mechanical lock is created when concrete is poured against the side of the liner with the projections. The concrete at least partially enters the hollow portions and fills spaces between the projection sections. The projections also intersect to enhance the mechanical lock by preventing bulging. Liner sections cover essentially all of the manhole interior surfaces. Forming a liner section by rotationally molding the plastic and cutting gaps into the projections is also disclosed.

Abstract: A molded angle panel and method is disclosed. The preferred angle panel has two improved grooves for receiving tongues when being mounted to adjacent sidewalls when assembling a shower stall. These grooves allow the angle panel to be compression molded. The grooves are comprised of a groove surface located substantially adjacent the angle panel's face which is positioned such that its plane intersects the plane of a bearing surface. The planes of the groove surfaces are substantially parallel. The parallelism of the groove surfaces allows the mold halves to be separated upon the completion of the molding process. The third surface is an intermediate surface and is between the groove surface and the bearing surface. An alternative embodiment of the invention has two improved tongues for allowing the molding of the angle panel.

Abstract: A brace for use in the construction industry includes a pivoting joint and attachment brackets for securing rafters to wall members. An upper bracket attaches to the rafters, a lower bracket attaches to the wall members, and the pivoting joint acts to accommodate the roof pitch.

Abstract: This invention comprises an improved fascia panel and method of securing the fascia panel to a plurality of mounting brackets. The fascia panel 11 comprises a first portion 18 which is substantially vertical when the panel is secured to brackets and a second portion 19 which is below the first portion 18 where the second portion 19 is at an angle with respect to the first portion 18 such that the lower edge of the second portion 19 is rearward of the front face of the first portion 18.A first attachment means 20 is formed along the upper edge of the first portion 18, and a second attachment means 24 along the lower edge of the second portion 19. A plurality of mounting brackets 12 are provided which can be secured to a structure, and are provided with means to engage both the first and second attachments means 20 and 24 so as to secure the fascia panel thereto.

Abstract: A channel for lapped siding includes an elongated nailing strip and an abutment strip with an upper cover strip. This provides a generally C-shaped cross-section. Inside the channel is a rectangular tab that extends at an angle away from the nailing strip up to the cover strip. The channel is nailed to a building. Lapped siding is also nailed to the building with edges of the siding positioned in the channel. The edge of the siding is slit horizontally to allow the tab to intersect the edge of the siding. Any water that gets into the channel will run along this tab away from the building wall to an exterior surface of the siding. This keeps the water from flowing behind the siding.

Abstract: A termite and pest preventer for placement between the ground and a residential, commercial or industrial structure mounted above ground in such a way that termites, crawling insects, or pests are prevented from entering the aforementioned structures A combination of -tactic, ultraviolet light and other barriers are positioned with respect to the path of travel of the termite or insect from ground to the residential, commercial or industrial structure.

Abstract: A system for protecting a building or piece of equipment against the forces generated by an earthquake is characterized by one or more approximately horizontal interfaces having sliding means associated therewith which permit relative horizontal multi-directional sliding movement between the superstructure and the supporting substructure. Calibrated control means such as low-friction sliding means and/or adjustable friction clamps may be utilized to adjust the threshold horizontal force required to cause such relative movement. Biasing means such as spring members may be utilized to urge the superstructure towards its pre-earthquake alignment relative to the substructure. Other advantages are provided by substrate grid means that permits the ready adjustment of the friction force exerted by the low-friction sliding means, and by the concave configuration of the sliding interfaces. A method of installing such a system is disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a building structure partially covered with siding panels, the outer surface of which are transparent to solar energy, the panels being slightly spaced from an insulating wall of the building to allow a fluid flow, preferably air, therebetween with effective heat exchange from a solar radiation absorbing surface with the fluid being selectively utilizable for space heating purposes or other purposes. The air can be moved by fans or convection or both. A preferred embodiment employs small horizontal lenticular lenses in the transparent material on the surface of the siding together with a mask, which may be three dimensional, on the back of the siding with the result that when the siding is viewed from the horizontal it displays a decorative color while it is highly reflective for solar rays at high angles of elevation and is transparent for solar rays at low angles of elevation, as during winter months.

Abstract: A portable hardwood floor system of interconnected floor sections supported in spaced relation over a substrate includes a plurality of mounts attached to the bottoms of each of the interconnectable sections. Each mount includes a resilient pad to resiliently support the portable floor system above the base and a glide member located below the pad. The glide members are substantially noncompressible under normal floor loading conditions and have a relatively low coefficient of friction with respect to the base. The glide members are slidable on the base to enhance maneuverability in positioning and aligning the interconnectable floor sections, thereby to facilitate interconnection of the sections to form the floor system. The glide members also protect the portable floor section and/or the base and are also sufficiently durable to withstand frequent handling commonly required of a portable hardwood floor system.

Abstract: A removable support apparatus for supporting a swimming pool cover employs adjustable frame assemblies capable of spanning between opposite edges at opposite sides of the pool. Each frame assembly includes a pair of separate frame members placed in side-by-side relation to one another so that together they define the overall length of the frame assembly. The frame members are displacable longitudinally relative to one another to adjust the overall length of the frame assembly to match the distance between the opposite edges of the pool so that the frame assembly can fit across the pool between its opposite edges. Each frame assembly also includes an end support member attached to the outer end of each frame member and supporting the frame member from one of the opposite edges of the pool.

Abstract: An improved standing seam roof assembly and support apparatus which seeks to achieve a number of objects including improved panel joining integrity both at the standing seam joints along longitudinal edges of the panels and at interlapping panel ends including the four corner juncture areas. A unique interlocking standing seam joint features cooperative clip and side lap sealant positioning. Advantageous end lapping is securely sealed via end lap sealant and a cinch strap assembly which compresses and interconnects the panel ends. Novel notching of the panel ends permits installation of near identical panels in both a first installing direction and in a recovered second installing direction. Other features include adjustable and flexible roof panel supporting structures, improved panel center and edge hold-down assemblies, and an improved seam roller apparatus.

Abstract: Methoding for attaching mechanical devices on an insulation layer by forming a recess in an insulation layer, inserting at least one panel in the recess dimensioned to correspond to the recess and bonding the panel in the recess over the whole extent of the recess, and anchoring a device in the panel.

Abstract: Apparatus for encapsulating spring units (38-40) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a device (13) for inserting a spring unit between a pair of webs (16), a device (26) for tightening or tensioning the webs about the spring unit, and a securing device for securing the webs together in close proximity to the compressed spring unit to encapsulate same. A method for encapsulating spring units is also disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method for packaging objects in such a way as to ensure that the article will not be damaged. Objects to be packaged are gripped by a plurality of pairs of vertically oriented gripping fingers each having inflatable bladders therein. The inflated bladders engage the objects with a predetermined low pressure sufficient to grasp and secure the objects. The plurality of fingers with objects gripped therein therebetween are then moved to place the objects in packaging containers. A vacuum is drawn on the inflated bladders, releasing the objects into the packaging container.

Abstract: A mowing system capable of being pulled behind a tractor or other prime mover utilizes a support apparatus for supporting a grass cutter adapted to cut grass as the cutter is rotated and moved forwardly into cutting relationship with grass. The support apparatus includes a wheeled frame for supporting the cutter for rotation and including a guard disposed on the forward side of the cutter. A pair of arm members are pivotally connected between the rear of the tractor and the wheeled frame to accommodate pivotal movement of the wheeled frame between an operative position at which the cutter is positioned for cutting grass disposed generally to one side of the tractor and a deflected position.

Abstract: An improved two-row, four-wheel cane harvester includes first and second front carrier assemblies for carrying cut cane rearward in first and second passageways each passing between the pair of front wheels and then outwardly between the respective front and rear wheels. First and second rear piler assemblies are provided for receiving cane from the respective first and second carrier assemblies and moving the cane transversely before releasing the cut cane across a cut cane row spaced between the first and second rows.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a lawn mower is proved which includes a pair of sealed ratchet mechanisms which provide improved resistance to wear and contamination.

Abstract: A lawn mower blade includes support flanges projecting orthogonally relative to the first and second ends of the lawn mower blade arranged to mount blade inserts below each support flange, wherein each blade insert is arranged to project beyond a side wall spaced from the support flange.

Abstract: A lawn rake with debris pickup capability is disclosed. The lawn rake is particularly useful as an implement for raking leaves/debris from a grassy lawn into piles, then to encircle/grasp the debris pile for lifting, transport and dumping. In using the Lawn rake, the operator does not have to bend over to pick up leaf/debris piles.

Abstract: Apparatus for stranding together high tensile steel filaments to produce metallic cords, including a flyer having a forming die with its drawing axis merged with the flyer axis.

Abstract: The thread end to be used for rejoining in an open-end spinning frame is prepared by cutting it to size and then introducing it into a pipe with a vigorous air flow running through the pipe and contacting the thread end with a vibrating blade, freeing the end of short fibers, tapering the thread end and untwisting the fibers that comprise the thread end.

Abstract: A flat clip or staple is manufactured from a continuous strip of flat sheet material in coil form by first stamping out intermediate portions of material between each of the blanks to be formed into a discrete staple while retaining the blanks in the continuous strip. The strip is then subjected to a second stamping process where each discrete staple is severed from the strip, formed into the required shape and the excess waste material removed from the continuous strip. The second stamping process is located immediately adjacent the final stapling assembly operation, such that the staples never need to be transported to the final stapling operation site in separated form.

Abstract: A fine jewelry diamond cut rope chain comprising a double helix rope chain made from tightly interfitting links of precious metal, each link having a small gap formed therein so as to enable one of said links to pass through the gap of a second link, said links being intertwined to fit tightly one against another, characterized in that at least some of the links of the chain comprise a high luster diamond cut shallow band or strip extending along the surface of at least part of their outer perimeter. Precious metal wire chain links and methods of manufacture are also claimed.

Abstract: A fuel control system for accurately controlling the fuel flow rate to a gas turbine engine during the initial stages of startup is provided. The fuel control system has a novel, closed control loop that measures the actual fuel flow rate to the primary nozzles of the engine, and uses this measurement to trim the commanded fuel flow rate signal generated by preprogrammed schedules in the engine's electronic control unit. By the novel arrangement of proportional and integral controllers, the fuel control system maintains a forward path gain of unity while permitting the independent adjustment of the gain of the controllers to achieve the system stability and response necessary for quick correction of fuel flow rate errors.

Abstract: In a gas turbine engine, combustor flame temperature is maintained within predetermined limits by increasing the combustor airflow during periods of increasing fuel flow and by increasing the burner area when the airflow has reached an upper limit. Increases in burner area are countered by decreasing airflow until the airflow reaches a lower limit, at which time the procedure repeats itself. When the fuel flow is decreased, the airflow is reduced until it reaches its lower limit, at which time the burner area is decreased, allowing the airflow to rise to its upper limit, at which time, the procedure repeats itself.

Abstract: Problems with the cooling of a turbine nozzle (60) and a turbine wheel (20) of a gas turbine engine when the engine is uprated may be avoided or minimized by employing a combustor (36) that is free of any means for providing cooling air films on the interior walls thereof and which allows the entry of only stoichiometric quantities of air into the interior of the combustor (36) at predetermined locations along the entire axial length thereof. Consequently, the entirety of the combustor (36) is available for combustion. Cooling of the nozzle (60) and components of the engine downstream thereof is handled by the provision of an annular array of small openings (102) immediately upstream of the leading edges (98) of the vanes (58) constituting the nozzle (60) to provide excellent mixing of dilution air and combustion gases thereat.

Abstract: With a view toward solving various problems of prior-art gas turbine plants by applying a tube-nested combustion chamber type combustor in place of the combustor of the prior-art gas turbine, a combustor of a gas turbine used in a gas turbine power plant is equipped with a heat-absorber-water-tube-inserted combustion chamber in which fuel is burnt with combustion air only. Consequently, the NO.sub.x generated from the gas turbine power plant is notably reduced, no CO and unburnt hydrocarbons (UHC) are produced and, moreover, the amount of power generated and the utilizable calories of the steam are increased for the benefit of an enhanced overall heat efficiency. This enables the combustion space of the gas turbine power plant to be greatly diminished, with a resultant widened utilization range of gas turbines.

Abstract: Fuel flow and nozzle area are controlled by a multi-variable control. A requested fan speed is compared with measured fan speed, producing an error signal which is translated in a proportional-integral inner control loop into a requested compressor pressure signal that represents an acceptable rate of change in compressor pressure for difference between requested and measured fan speed. The error signal is compared with measured compressor pressure; the difference being used in a multi-variable control to adjust fuel flow and turbine exhaust area to achieve the requested compressor pressure.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine provides the motive power source to various types of aircraft using a ducted fan. The engine has a rotating annular cylinder which is rotated in a predetermined ratio to oscillation of a plurality of pairs of oscillating pistons in the cylinder, the pistons being so oscillated so that adjacent pistons are moved alternately apart from one another and toward one another for the respective strokes of the internal combustion engine and having intake ports, exhaust ports and ignition means on the rotating annular cylinder located by the rotation of the cylinder between adjacent pistons according to the firing order and cycle of the engine. The engine includes the use of unitary in place of articulated, oscillating crank arms to transmit power from the torque tubes to the crankshaft, the use of pistons have gabled surfaces that are rigidly connected to the torque discs, and fan blades attached to the rotating annular cylinder providing the air thrust for propelling the aircraft.

Abstract: An exhaust gas emissions control system lowers cold-start hydrocarbon emissions by using heat exchange structure to lower the temperature of exhaust gas prior to the exhaust gas passing through a hydrocarbon adsorbent and using the extracted heat to heat a catalytic converter to its light-off temperature. In some embodiments, multi-component hydrocarbon adsorbers effective under different operating conditions further reduce cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.