Abstract: A motor vehicle windshield wiper is disclosed having two spaced wiping rollers bilaterally attached to a windshield and reciprocated by a belt drive assembly over the windshield between a transverse top rail and a transverse bottom rack by means of the control of two opposite limit switches and two opposite electromagnetic switches.

Abstract: A device (2) in a tarpaulin (3) for connecting a line (10) with the tarpaulin. A sheet of foldable material is folded over and forms two opposing portions (5, 6) which are interconnected with one another along a fold edge (48) formed during the folding. Each one of the opposing portions is fixed to an edge portion (31) of the tarpaulin (3) sandwiched between them. The device includes part portions (7, 8) which are located outside the defining edge (32) of the edge portion (31). The part portions form therebetween at least two mutually located channels (49a, b) which are substantially parallel to the defining edge (32) and are separated by a recess (40) in the fold edge (48). In one embodiment a line (10) is passed into one of the channels in order to anchor the tarpaulin and in another embodiment the line engages an anchorage rod (11) inserted in the channels.

Abstract: An improved worm drive clamp comprised of a flexible metal clamping band and a housing containing a tightening screw is secured to one end of the band. The tightening screw is axially and angularly displaceable within the housing for engagement and disengagement from an engageable free end of the band which is passed through the housing to form a band loop for securement about an object. The housing is comprised of opposed guide channels through which opposed edge portions of the free end portion of the band is caused to pass to position the free end portion in a fixed arcuate plane for engagement and disengagement with the displaceable tightening screw which is located thereabove in a screw retention portion of the housing. The tightening screw pivots in a slot formed in an end wall of the housing and displaced outwardly in a further slot formed in the opposed end wall of the housing. The housing is also formed from a unitary metal piece.

Abstract: In a multiple bale opener (1) for a plurality of rows of fiber bales (8) arranged side by side and supplied on transport means (6), comprising a reduction device (2) moved in a surface of action (16) having a plane of action extending at an angle to the plane of supply of the transport means (6). It is contemplated that the reduction device (2) consists of at least one action and provided at the end of the transport means (6).

Abstract: Snap-type action securing elements are formed respectively on ornamentation bases and caps so that a number of different ornamentation caps can be disposed for co-action with a single base to fabricate a number of different ornamentation assemblies. The items of ornamentation may be either buttons with the base carrying an anchor or holes to facilitate securing the button to an article; or items of jewelry such as pins, broaches, rings, pendants, earrings, tie tacks and the like with suitable fastening means.

Abstract: A plastic molded hook for use with a hook and loop fastening system especially adapted for use with low profile loops. The hook design includes a base, a stem and a crook whereby the volume of the portion of the hook penetrating into a pile of loops is defined as the displacement volume. Hooks especially adapted for use with low profile loops have a displacement volume of less than 6.times.10.sup.-6 cubic inches.

Abstract: A snap fastener for securing shoe laces comprises two openings disposed diametrically to each other through which the shoe laces are passed. The openings extend longitudinally through the snap fastener when the latter is opened. An inner sleeve is in a larger outer sleeve such that it is longitudinally movable relative thereto. The inner sleeve accommodates an inner ring. When the pressure is exerted on the outer sleeve, the ring is made to rotate as the longitudinal movement is converted into a horizontal circular movement so that the shoe laces are immovably clamped by the snap fastener.

Abstract: A clamp for hoses, pipes and the like which incorporates an open diameter lock for maintaining the clamp at a selected diameter despite shipping and other stresses, and for preventing the clamp from opening-up beyond the "full-open" diameter. The open diameter lock of the present invention will not interfere with further tightening of the clamp, and it serves to give a visual gauge of the nominal open diameter of the clamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a clinch joint in overlapping sheets of deformable material and the related method is disclosed. The apparatus includes a die assembly which cooperates with a punch. The die assembly includes an elongated mandrel having an anvil projecting axially from one end for deforming the sheets of material squeezed between the anvil and the punch. The mandrel is larger than the anvil to define a shoulder thereabout generally perpendicular to the die axis. An expandable die button is coaxially aligned upon the mandrel and is provided with a base ring encircling the mandrel and a plurality of die segments. The die segments each have a head portion and a leaf portion extending between the head and the base ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for the pull-through blind installation of a headless tubular ferrule in a hole in a workpiece at a position therealong spaced from the nearer face of the workpiece includes an annular anvil for supporting the ferrule inside the workpiece hole; anvil supporting means for initially supporting the anvil at a position inside the workpiece hole; a mandrel having a stem extending through the anvil aperture; and an enlarged head.

Abstract: An improved tool for installing and removing a hub on a shaft Two sequential assembly configurations of a first screw, a nut, a thrust bearing, and a cup accomplish installation. Two additional sequential assembly configurations of the first screw, the nut, two plates, clamping members, a second screw, a pin, and a ball accomplish tool alignment and hub removal.

Abstract: A method for inserting an elastic ring having a peripheral opening within a workpiece. The elastic ring is first supplied to a ring receiving member, which then delivers the ring receiving member to an operating position. At the operating position, the diameter of the elastic ring is reduced by engaging portions on the ring receiving member. The diametrically reduced ring is then transferred to a finger member, which holds the ring in its reduced state and inserts the ring within the workpiece. The elastic ring is then released from the finger member and allowed to naturally expand within the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of a balloon dilatation catheter which comprises blowing a length of double lumen tubing to produce a double lumen catheter piece having distal and proximal ends and having a first lumen and a second lumen; cutting an opening in the second lumen proximal to the distal end of the catheter piece; inserting a pushing wire having distal and proximal ends into the second lumen through the proximal end of the catheter piece until the distal end of the pushing wire extends distally across the opening; inserting a piece of lubricous tubing into the second lumen through the distal end of the catheter piece; sealing the distal end of the first lumen; heating the distal portion of the catheter piece to cause the distal portion of the second lumen to shrink slightly to cause the lubricous tubing to fixedly engage the distal end of the pushing wire, while the first lumen is pressurized; and heating the remainder of the catheter piece to cause the second lumen to shrink around the

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for attaching a coupling to a hose. The method includes providing a hose having longitudinal ribs on is inner circumference, associating a coupling with an end of the hose, and joining the coupling to the hose by performing a deformation operation, wherein the ribs have size, number and hardness limited to what the hose wall thickness and softness can absorb such that no leakage occurs after the deformation operation.

Abstract: A method of holding utilizing a fixture with five discrete vacuum elements provides support at four peripheral points on a substrate and at the substrate center. Two peripheral vacuum elements are fixed in position on a rigid frame. The remaining peripheral elements and the center element are fixed to a gimbal disc. This gimbal disc is mounted on the frame in such a way that it has three degrees of rotational movement relative to the frame. Downward pressure of a substrate resting on the two fixed elements, brings all three gimbal disc mounted supports into contact with the substrate, without allowing or causing deflection of the substrate. The mounting is locked, and vacuum is applied to all the elements to secure the substrate in place for the planarizing operation.

Abstract: A blind spline broaching machine for machining splines as well as sprockets, keyways, gears, cams and contours on workpieces, such as shafts. The blind spline broaching machine of the preferred embodiment has dual rams reciprocable relative to a rotary dial. The rams hold a corresponding pair of workpieces, while the rotary dial supports one or more broaching tools. The rotary dial is rotatable to index the workpieces to and from the rams. The blind spline broaching machine also incorporates a part moving unit on its periphery, which enables the use of a single loading/unloading station at which workpieces are alternately loaded onto and unloaded from the rotary table. Because the workpieces are loaded and unloaded from the same location on the periphery of the blind spline broaching machine, the side of the blind spline broaching machine opposite the loading/unloading station remains open to permit ready access to the tooling and the interior structure of the blind spline broaching machine.

Abstract: A combined linear-rotary direct drive step motor, having a rotary section and a linear section in a single housing, comprising a cylindrically shaped variable reluctance linear step motor; a modified hybrid permanent-magnet rotary step motor; and a common shaft shared by said linear step motor and said rotary step motor. The teeth of the rotary motor are circumferentially spaced around the stator pole faces and rotor; while in the linear portion of the motor, the teeth are longitudinally spaced along the face of the stator poles and rotor. Except for the teeth, the shape of the stator poles in the rotary and linear sections are identical. The laminated stators and rotors reduce eddy current losses at high stepping speeds. The stator coils of both motor sections are separate and can be energized independently allowing any combination of rotary or linear motion. According to alternative embodiments of the motor, the rotor is fabricated from stacked laminations, in a waffle board like configuration.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for press fitting characterized in permitting the simultaneous measurement of a press fitting body with the press fitting, and characterized in improving the accuracy of the press fitting.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a high dielectric antenna structure. In one embodiment, one or more high dielectric film layers are applied to a dielectric base layer by silk-screening to yield a dielectric structure having a dielectric constant greater than that of the dielectric base layer. After firing, a patch antenna element having a predetermined configuration is disposed on the top surface of the dielectric structure by silk-screening a conductive paste thereupon and firing. A ground plane is disposed on the bottom surface of the dielectric structure by silk-screening a conductive paste thereupon and firing. A pre-drilled dielectric base layer may be employed with registered holes defined in the various silk-screened layers to provide access for an RF feed means, or alternatively, a feed hole can be bored through the antenna structure to permit interconnection between an RF feed means and the patch antenna element.

Abstract: Groups of amorphous steel strips, cut to appropriate length from a composite strip, are stacked in longitudinally-staggered relationship to form packets. The groups are made up by a process that comprises a pre-spooling operation that results in the strips and groups in each packet adhering together, even though dry. The individual packets are fed successively into a belt nester that includes a rotatable arbor and wrapping means that wraps the packets in superposed relationship about the arbor as the arbor rotates, thereby building up a hollow core form. The above-described adhesive effect precludes the strips and groups from shifting longitudinally while the packets are being wrapped about the arbor.

Abstract: A fastener system for multi-piece swage type fasteners, including a pin and a collar, and providing a stump type fastener constructed to be set as a pull type fastener with the fastener pin having a threaded gripping portion and including an installation tool having a swage anvil and a rotary nut member adapted to be threaded onto the threaded pull portion of the pin whereby a relative axial force is applied between the pin and the collar via the nut member and swage anvil to cause the anvil to radially overengage the collar to swage it into locking grooves on the pin and the pull portion remaining on the pin after installation.

Abstract: An insertion module for a wire-assembly device for gripping, positioning and joining to connector devices contact-connector elements disposed at the ends of electric leads, particularly leads for motor vehicles. A lead end provided with a contact-connector element, fed by a workpiece-carrier gripper, is transferred to an insertion module, which includes a centering gripper and an insertion gripper. The insertion module can travel horizontal and vertically and surrounds the contact-connector element during the insertion operation with a positive fit and inserts the contact-connector element into the connector device in an insertion plane and tests for a proper lock.

Abstract: An apparatus for fitting of grommets onto ends of electric cables. The shape of the grommet is independent of the manner in which it is fitted, by which it is pushed onto an electrical cable, and the characteristics of the electrical cable is not important for the exact positioning of the grommet. For this purpose, a conveying rail of a feed apparatus includes a buffer, in which the grommets are stored in correct position. In alignment with the axis of a vertical bore arranged below the first grommet in the buffer, a singling cylinder with a punch, which is movable up and down, is arranged above the conveying rail and a pivotable fitting cylinder with a grommet-receiving part positioned on a piston rod is arranged beneath the conveying rail, wherein the grommet is pushed by means of the punch through the vertical bore into the grommet-receiving part and the fitting cylinder is pivoted into a horizontal position.

Abstract: In a sliding contact having a base made of an elastic material and a precious metal contact connected to the base, the base extends along a sliding face, and the precious metal contact is connected to the base in the almost vertical direction with respect to the contact position of the precious metal contact and the sliding face by beam welding.

Abstract: A pipe cutting device for cutting tubing and other cylindrical objects comprises a frame with a handle portion at one end thereof and an upper jaw portion at another end thereof. A cutting roller is rotatably supported in the upper jaw portion. A slide carriage is slidingly mounted on the frame and a power-driven roller is rotatably supported in the slide carriage. The slide carriage with the power-driven roller forms a lower jaw disposed opposite from the upper jaw, and the upper and lower jaws define a cutting space for receiving tubing or other cylindrical objects to be cut. The slide carriage is slid in a direction towards the upper jaw for narrowing the cutting space during a cutting operation. A power motor drives the power-driven roller.

Abstract: A utility razor knife for use by carpenters and the like is arranged to include a reciprocating blade mounted to a forward end of the structure, with a rearwardmost end of the housing structure including a pencil sharpener structure permitting access in the sharpening of a pencil in association with the knife blade arrangement.

Abstract: A sheath which permits the user to adjust the degree of retentional engagement of the knife within the sheath. The sheath is provided with a simple, adjustable, latch mechanism engaging the knife to prevent their accidental disengagement. The latch mechanism is substantially received within the sheath.

Abstract: A grass shearing tool has an elongate extension arm connected to a base which in turn supports a grass shearing mechanism. A first lever is pivotally mounted on the base and connected to an upper pivotal blade of a shearing mechanism. A remote actuating lever is mounted pivotally on the extension arm and coupled to the first lever by a connecting rod to enable a user to operate the shearing mechanism while standing upright.

Abstract: A method of aiming a headlight for a vehicle includes removing a bulb from a headlight, installing an aiming device in the headlight in place of the bulb, and connecting the aiming device to a source of power to produce a laser beam. The method also includes locating the laser beam on an aiming screen placed in front of the vehicle and adjusting the position of the headlight, if necessary, to locate the laser beam at a predetermined position on the aiming screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying personalized alphanumeric characters and the like to the sidewall of a tire is disclosed. The method allows a tire owner to adorn the tires with a desired name, phrase, slogan, logo, etc., quickly and at low cost. In addition, the apparatus allows the tire owner to space the characters properly on the sidewall to ensure a professional appearance.

Abstract: A fabric drying system has an exterior housing and a rotating chamber for containing fabric laden with moisture that is to be dried and uses a combination of microwave energy and an auxiliary convection air heater to heat and vaporize the moisture and expel it with exhaust air so as to dry the fabric. In addition, the fabric drying system employs energy efficiency devices that permit the system to dry the fabric using the least amount of energy. Heat energy from the exhaust air is transferred to the intake in a heat exchanger. Additionally, heat energy from the exhaust air is used by recirculating a portion of the exhaust air and mixing it with the intake air before the air is introduced into the fabric drying chamber. The system also provides for sensors that detect the temperature and/or humidity of the exhaust and the intake air.

Abstract: A device for drying articles such as semiconductor wafers comprising a vacuum process chamber for holding articles to be dried; a vapor generator substantially isolated from the process chamber for supplying a substance such as isopropyl alcohol in vapor form to the process chamber; a heater for heating the walls of the process chamber to discourage the substance vapor from condensing on the inside walls of the process chamber. The device can also be used for rinsing and cleansing articles prior to drying.

Abstract: A removable, durable, substitute sole for removable attachment to an athletic shoe (10) is provided. The substitute sole may be provided on or as part of an all-rubber elastic and stretchable overshoe (20) formed so that the upper part of the overshoe maintains intimate and snug fit with the inner shoe, but still permits air flow, heat dissipation and perspiration evaporation. A durable sole (30) may be attached by an elastomeric bonding agent or the toe and heel portions (32, 34) made more wear-resistant as part of the manufacturing process of the overshoe.

Abstract: An elastomeric mesh bag member is arranged for receiving a shoe therewithin to provide for covering of the shoe sole and optionally of the shoe heel. For use with elevated heel construction, the bag member includes a heel opening to receive the heel therethrough. The elastomeric strands of the bag member may employ a matrix of tooth members to extend over the shoe heel and sole portion for enhanced traction, as well as using an optionally employable traction disc securable to the strands adjacent the toe portion of the associated shoe.

Abstract: An athletic shoe with a teardrop shaped spring plate in combination with a dynamic fluid heel pad and a viscoelastic midsole, such spring plate being basically symmetrical about its longitudinal axis, and lying forwardly of the fluid pad, having its widest dimension beneath the metatarsal head area and curving gradually up and beneath the phalanges. The spring plate, of multiple layers of parallel fibers embedded in polymer, combines with the heel pad to effect foot control stability, as well as extending useful life to the midsole and footwear.

Abstract: A self propelled apparatus for digging a shallow trench along one side of a roadway is disclosed, and which is useful as part of a roadway widening operation. The apparatus comprises a cutter drum mounted to one side of the chassis of the apparatus, and a conveyor belt is mounted to the same side of the chassis with an inlet end positioned immediately adjacent the cutter drum and an elevated outlet end positioned beyond the forward end of the chassis. An enclosure surrounds the cutter drum so that the drum may be rotated in a downwardly cutting direction, and the loosened soil or other material may be lifted and guided around the drum and deposited onto the conveyor. The cutter drum includes one or more extensions which may be coaxially mounted thereto, so as to permit the width of the cutter drum and thus the width of the resulting trench to be selectively varied.

Abstract: A discharge chute assembly (30) includes a chute (32) and a pivotal deflector (34), the overlapping end portions of which define a partial spherical or bail joint (40) which maintains a tight seal against backflow and leakage over the entire range of rotation and deflection of the assembly. The assembly (30) is preferably secured to a rotatable base (54) by means of lower pivots (70) and a releasable fastener (72) for collapsibility.

Abstract: A small utility tractor having a front-end loader which is modified to include a backhoe digger mounted on the front-end loader is disclosed. The backhoe digger is readily attached to or detached from the front-end loader to provide a digging function at the front of the tractor. The backhoe bucket is coupled to the front-end loader using an attachment device which releasably attaches the backhoe bucket to the front-end loader so that the backhoe bucket is located below the bottom of the front-end loader and the bucket front opening faces in the opposite direction to which the front-end loader opening faces.

Abstract: An ironing apparatus which includes an ironing head, an ironing head rest including an electrical connection for supplying an electrical current to the ironing head placed on the ironing heat rest, a main tank for containing water and supplying the water to the ironing head, a water supply unit for supplying the water into the main tank, a controller for controlling the water supply unit and a load detector for detecting the placement of the ironing head on the ironing head rest, wherein the water supply unit is driven in response to an input from the load detector in response to the placement of the ironing head on the ironing head rest, thereby supplying water to the ironing head. When the ironing head is no longer in use, it retracts into the ironing head rest and is protected by a movable housing which is opened and closed by an electric drive.

Abstract: A device adapted to be mounted, optionally removably, directly on wire and cable and indirectly thereon via cable ties and similar products, for the receipt of information or other indicia concerning the item to which the notator is attached or for the receipt of other information. The device includes a first indicia receiving portion and a second retainer portion for mounting the device on a substrate. An accessory engageable with one portion of the device or optionally built into that portion of the device includes a cable tie portion.

Abstract: A sign for the display of characters, such as price digits, is disclosed in which each character is formed of line segments with pivoting character elements. The character elements are mounted within openings of a panel and may be pivoted to display either a contrasting surface or a noncontrasting surface.

Abstract: A sign in which multiple scenes are presented in sequence is comprised of a plurality of juxtaposed rotationally driven display units that are assembled with triangularly-shaped hollow sleeves whose side panels are constituted by transparencies on each of which there is a portion of a different complete scene. There are adapters on the upper and lower ends of the display units which have bushings for allowing the juxtaposed display units to be journaled for rotation on a stationary light transmissive tubes that serves as axles. The tubes are retained at their lower ends in a row of equally spaced apart and colinear bores and they are retained at their upper ends by a plate which also has a corresponding row of bores that provide for stabilizing the upper ends of the tubes and for maintaining them in perfect alignment and spacing.

Abstract: A foldable emergency sign is provided, made up of a number of flat slats joined by flexible hinges. The slats are provided with warning indicia to alert passing motorists to the presence of a disabled vehicle. The slats are also provided with magnets for quick attachment and detachment from a vehicle. A support harness may be provided for attachment to irregularly shaped areas of a vehicle. The slats may be arranged in two columns with the triangular emergency sign defined over a number of the slats in both columns or the slats may be portions of the sidearms themselves of the triangular emergency sign.

Abstract: A chamber plug is arranged to include a forward chamber cylinder removably mounted relative to a rear chamber cylinder in coaxially aligned relationship utilizing an elongate fastener, wherein the elongate fastener is accessed through a wrench member as the fastener projects through the nose portion of the forward cylinder. A rubber "O" ring washer grommet projects laterally beyond the side portion of the assembled chamber plug serving as a friction material to position the chamber plug in place when tightened.

Abstract: An artificial habitat assembly for fish or other aquatic life includes a series of vertically spaced plates or discs having a specified gravity less than 1.0, which are held adjacent the bottom of a body of water by an anchor and a flexible stress member to which the plates are attached in vertically spaced relationship. The plates provide areas of shade or darkness which are attractive to fish seeking shelter.

Abstract: An anchoring arrangement for lawn edging material of the type used for defining borders of lawns and gardens. The edging material is formed of a resilient, extruded, molded plastic material and includes a relatively thin vertical wall member, which preferably has a retaining flange projecting laterally outward from a lower end thereof. The primary feature of the invention is the provision of hollow tubes that extend through the edging material and are adapted to hold plant seeds until they germinate and mature, so that the roots of the plants will anchor the material in place in the ground.

Abstract: A firearm having an attitude indicator, a stock, a barrel having a shooting axis, and a scope positioned above the barrel and having a sighting axis, the common plane in which the shooting axis and the sighting axis lie constituting the firearm plane, and wherein, for proper sighting, the firearm plane must be substantially vertically oriented, the attitude indicator having a level with a horizontal functional plane, a support for the indicator, and an attachment mechanism for mounting the support on the firearm with the functional plane of the indicator oriented substantially normal to the firearm plane and with the indicator lying within the binocular field incident to the sighting axis of the scope.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting cut plants is disclosed. A flexible walled pouch is provided having a moisturized gel medium therein. The wall of the pouch is formed of a material which will resist accidental tearing or puncturing, yet enables the wall to be punctured to insert a plant material through the puncture. The material of the wall receiving the puncture can either be a nylon and polyethylene laminate or a wall panel formed of a polyurethane foam material. Both of these materials serve to seal around the plant material when the plant material is inserted through the puncture. The moisturized gel material may comprise a water and starch mixture.

Abstract: A flowerpot employs a water reservoir in its bottom section, a soil holding section above the water reservoir, a porous water/soil separation board which separates the water reservoir and the soil holding section, and a pot cover. Any excessive water in the water reservoir can escape to the outside through an overflow water escape facility. The porous water/soil separation board holds the soil thereon and allows any moisture or water to pass therethrough. The pot cover collects dews and rainwater and keeps the moisture in the pot from escaping to the outside by evaporation. Namely, the flowerpot is a planting system which has automatic water preserving, drainage, and recycling facilities.

Abstract: A device for rotating a hanging plant to keep it from growing lopsided. The device has counteracting coaxial tension springs of opposite hand that rotate the plant first in one direction when the plant is watered and then in the opposite direction as the plant goes from wet to dry. A weight change of 10-20% is sufficient to rotate the plant at least 1/2 turn. An indicator is responsive to changes in the length of the springs as the plant dries out and as the springs are axially unloaded.