Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible stretcher. The stretcher comprises: a mattress section having a rectangular shape, the mattress section being made of a material, which is capable of absorbing air, the mattress section being capable of spreading by absorbing air and being wound from a longitudinal end when air is discharged; a cover section for accommodating the mattress section, the cover section having a rectangular shape; belt holders being provided on both longitudinal edges of the cover section; and a belt being run through the belt holders, the belt being formed into a loop. Having the windable and light mattress section and no long shafts, the stretcher can be easily and rapidly managed even in narrow places.

Abstract: A headrest cover for a headrest frame wherein the headrest cover has a connector with clips for securing the headrest cover to the headrest frame to prevent torsional motion of the headrest cover with respect to the headrest frame. The connector on the headrest cover further has stop members in contact with the ends of the headrest frame to prevent longitudinal motion of the headrest cover with respect to headrest frame.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow having fastening strips along one edge thereof is attachable to an external structure to enable easy attachment of the pillow to the structure, followed by inflation and use by a user. Suction cups may also be provided along the pillow edge for attachment to a vertical galss window.

Abstract: A waterblown urethane foam base having a flat seat portion and a raised front portion with angularly directed valleys and a raised pommel. The area beneath the front portion is made more flexible and reduced in weight and is defined by a series of hollowed out areas separated by ribs which support the top surface of the front portion along with the front and side walls of the front portion.

Abstract: A tool structure is arranged to include cooperating pivoted first and second lever plates having handles mounted at their first ends, with the second ends defining facing jaws arranged to receive a cable therethrough, wherein the cable is arranged for capture relative to an abutment plate cooperative with a receiving flange on the second jaw as the abutment plate is mounted relative to the first jaw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hold-down mechanism for loading platforms of loading ramps with a platform on their end towards the ramp, which is pivotable around a horizontal shaft, and having an extension which can be flipped out, and features a square pipe with a lug fastened on a support and with support plates disposed on both sides and parallel to each other, which have a support or roller with an inclination of less than 50.degree., in the gap of which, limited by the inclination, a wedge with a braking plate is disposed, also having a rod, movably disposed parallel to the pipe, which is fastened on the support by means of a lug, and having two flat iron pieces at the upper and lower edges of the support plates as well as of the wedge disposed therebetween, between which two tension springs are stretched for moving the wedge with the braking plate into the opening between the support and the rod, and an unlatching mechanism.

Abstract: A new and improved swimming pool vacuum apparatus includes an extensible handle assembly which serves as a handle grasped by an operator and which supports a vacuum motor assembly. The vacuum motor assembly is used for providing vacuum power to a vacuum head assembly which contacts the bottom and the walls of a swimming pool. The vacuum head assembly is also supported by the extensible handle assembly. An electrical conductor assembly, connected between the vacuum motor assembly and a source of AC power, is used for conducting electrical power from the source of AC power to the vacuum motor assembly. The electrical conductor assembly includes a ground fault circuit interrupter assembly for interrupting electrical power flow from the source of AC power to the vacuum motor assembly in the event of a short circuit. The extensible handle assembly may include a plurality of handle units connected together in telescopic fashion and also includes an electrically insulating hand grip member.

Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaning apparatus includes a steering device for randomly steering the apparatus. The steering device includes a first steering arm projecting from the cleaning head in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the apparatus, a proximal end of the arm being pivotally connectable to the cleaning head about an axis substantially parallel to the direction of movement; a suction device for intermittent application of suction to the surface of the swimming pool, connected to the steering arm at a position spaced from a proximal end thereof; and a mechanism for intermittently causing suction to be applied to the suction device.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning apparatus cleans wafers one at a time without the necessity for transporting the wafers in a carrier such as a wafer cassette or basket. After a manufacturing step such as a polishing step, the wafers are carried to a loader assembly in a horizontal orientation under the influence of flowing liquid. The wafers are then individually erected into a vertical orientation by being first stopped by stopper pins which stand vertically on a wafer receiving plate of a suction arm including a suction nozzle which firmly holds the wafers while the arm is pivotally rotated until the wafer is positioned into a vertical orientation. The vertical orientation thus achieved allows the wafer to be gripped by a wafer gripping portion of a transportation robot including grooved gripping arms operated by a mechanism which limits the force applied to the wafer.

Abstract: A utility brush for use in the kitchen to clean such items as pots, pans, utensils, dishes, sinks and plastic storage and serving vessels. The brush comprises a substantially rectangular bristle block with an array of bristles extending downwardly from its bottom surface. A gently curved handle extends upwardly and rearwardly from the central and rearward portion of the bristle block top enabling scrubbing power to be applied to the center of the bristle block and thus to the entire array of bristles. A first scraper extends upwardly and forwardly from the bristle block top surface along the bristle block forward edge from a first forward corner of the bristle block toward the second forward bristle block corner, terminating short thereof. A second upstanding tooth-like scraper is located at the second bristle block forward corner. The second scraper is narrower along the bristle block forward edge than along the adjacent bristle block side edge. The first and second scrapers define a notch therebetween.

Abstract: An oil well drill pipe thread cleaning system uses mechanical brushes to clean the drill pipe, and a closed loop cleaning fluid system for continuously washing the drill pipe and the cleaning threads with solvent, an eductor is used to continuously suction dirty cleaning fluid from the drill pipe, and a source of compressed air powers the eductor, and the mechanical cleaner.

Abstract: A high velocity air and stationary disturber cleaner for cleaning surfaces by drawing air under flexible film seals. A vacuum enclosed in a housing provides the suction force to draw the air under the seal, tangent to the surface to be cleaned, thus removing adhered particles. Disturbers are placed on the surface of the seals in contact with the surface to be cleaned to loosen particles to be removed. The brush density, the fiber length and a plastic film incorporated into the brush design are all ways to limit the amount of air flow through the bulk of the brushes for better cleaning efficiency.

Abstract: A system including an apparatus for cleaning an inside surface of a duct. The system includes a traveling portion and a remote-control monitor portion. The traveling portion includes a traveling truck and the truck carries a compressed air ejector and a video camera, and the remote-control monitor portion receives images from the video camera to control remotely the traveling portion while monitoring a front view of the traveling portion in accordance with the signal coming from the video camera. The compressed air ejector is equipped with a rotating nozzle for ejecting compressed air toward the duct inside surface in an oblique direction in front of the traveling truck. An air compressor can be carried by the truck or the compressed air can be fed to the nozzle ejector via a hose from outside the duct.

Abstract: A vacuum trailer for picking up litter in cut and uncut grass areas having a frame towable behind a tractor. The trailer has a fan to generate a suction force which is powered by the power take-off shaft of the tractor. A closed container receives the litter and the litter is volumetrically compressed inside the container and then discharged from the container. A pivoting intake and exhaust deck is provided to maintain a constant distance from the ground during operation and to allow for fast transporting of the trailer.

Abstract: A vacuum power head is provided which has a bare floor feature. A vacuum cleaner head assembly defines a vacuum chamber which contains a power driven rotary brush. Located outside of the vacuum chamber adjacent the rotary brush is a generally U-shaped trailing brush. The trailing brush cooperates with a height adjustment mechanism which is movable between a deep carpet position and a bare floor position. As the height adjustment mechanism of the head assembly is moved toward the bare floor position, the trailing brush is automatically moved to an extended position into engagement with the floor. When the height adjustment mechanism is moved from the bare floor position, a spring biases the trailing brush toward a retracted position within the head assembly. An actuator cooperates with the height adjustment mechanism to automatically move the trailing brush between the retracted position and the extended position in response to movement of the height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a foldable electronic apparatus having a first and a second casing. A first and a second cylindrical hinge are provided on the first and second casings, respectively. The second hinge is formed with lugs each having two contact faces having angles .alpha. and .beta. (smaller than .alpha.). A locking member is received in the first hinge and provided with recesses each contacting one of the lugs at either of the angles .alpha. and .beta., depending on the direction of rotation, i.e., the folding direction or the unfolding direction.

Abstract: A rotary plate is provided for fiber sliver depositing devices, in particular for draw frames and carding machines. The plate includes a spatially curved sliver channel made of a pipe element with two arcs of circles verging directly into each other. The sliver channel of the rotary plate is preferably made of special friction reducing steel. The plate may also include a cover attached to the bottom thereof also formed of the friction reducing material.

Abstract: A bundling tie for looping about plural articles includes a head, a tail and elongate strap body therebetween. The head and the strap body include cooperative locking means for securing the strap in the head of the bundling tie. The tail of the bundling tie includes outwardly projecting tactile elements for enhancing the gripability of the tail to facilitate pulling the strap body through the head of the bundling tie. The head and the tail also permit the removable holding of the tail in the head of the bundling tie prior to locking engagement of the strap body with the head.

Abstract: The present invention is an elastic cord hook and a cord and hook set. The hook has a molded plastic body. Cord or bungee may be engaged in a channel in the hook base. The hook is provided with a safety hand grip including a lip so that the hood can be safely push manipulated effectively. The end of the hook is safely curved inward and provides an ear shaped inner configuration.

Abstract: A jewelry closure includes a pair of magnetic closure members for magnetically engaging together and a mechanical closure which acts as a second closure or safety feature. One or both closure members includes a magnet. A first closure member of the pair is supported by a casing which extends outwardly to receive the second closure member for magnetic engagement of the members. A mechanical closure acts as a safety feature preventing the two members from being readily separated. The mechanical closure may include screw threaded portions on both the casing and the second closure member or may include a push-click mechanism on the casing and second closure member.

Abstract: A clamping device for a planer layer of threads includes a clamping rail adapted to extend across the layer of threads and provided with a contact zone for contacting one face of the thread layer, and a plurality of clamping member units spaced along the length of the clamping rail. Each of the clamping member units includes a support element having a pivot axis and mounted for pivoting movement about the pivot axis and linear movement along the axis, and a thread contacting member carried by the end portion of the supporting member. When the support element is pivoted about the pivot axis, the thread contacting member swings from a first position at right angles to the contact zone of the clamping rail to a second position parallel to the contact zone. When the support element is moved in the linear direction, the thread contacting member moves closer to or farther from the clamping rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for air jet processing of threads of yarn to create fancy effects in yarn. The apparatus comprises at least one pair of reciprocally moving triangular profiles which move across the paths of moving yarn strands. Each triangular profile is separately mounted on a driving shaft and each moves opposite the other in order to create slack portions in the moving strand that are then taken up by an air jet to create slub lengths. The overall yarn processing system contemplates at least one pair of first and second feed rolls that feed lengths of yarn to air jet machines.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piezoelectoric resonator includes the steps of alternately layering piezoelectric device substrates and first sealing substrates to form a block-shaped layered element, and then cutting the same to provide a piezoelectric resonator element, so that a number of the resonator elements for forming piezoelectric resonators can be prepared simultaneously through laminating, adhering and cutting processes. Hence, it reduces the number of steps thereby facilitating mass-productivity and reducing the cost to produce a chip-type piezoelectric resonator.

Abstract: Two bushings are installed concentrically in the two ends of a bore with an interference fit using an elongated mandrel which is maintained coaxially on the bore centerline by a guide inserted in one end of the bore while the bushing is pressed into the other end of the bore. The force to press the bushings into the bore is exerted by a pulling tool to which the mandrel is coupled, and that force is transmitted through the mandrel to the bushing by way of a collar attached to the mandrel. The force of the pulling tool exerted on the mandrel is reacted through an anvil attached to the barrel of the pulling tool and effectively in contact with the side of the part opposite to which the bushing is being pressed into the bore. The faces of the collar and the anvil are machined flat and perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel so that the squeezing force exerted between them on the bushing and the part is parallel to the axis of the bore.

Abstract: A machine for removing tubular plastic labels from bottles to facilitate their re-use and recycling. The machine has a multi-station turret and supply and exit conveyors to sequentially supply labeled bottles in line to the turret and remove delabeled bottles from the turret. The delabeling is accomplished with a cutter which is preferably in the form of a high-pressure jet of water. Ideally, the cutter is adjusted so that it is a differential cutter which will cut a label without cutting or marring a bottle from which a label is being removed. With one embodiment, a water flush mechanism is provided to flush cut labels from their bottles and the turret onto a screen conveyor. The flush water passes through the conveyor into a container from which it is pumped for re-use. Removed labels are transported by the screen conveyor to a collection bin. With another embodiment, an air blast mechanism is used to strip cut labels from bottles and a vacuum pick up is used to collect stripped labels.

Abstract: A retractable carrying handle for a room air conditioning unit that is easily assembled with the main structural member of the unit to provide a high strength, safe means for installing and removing the unit from a window frame or the like for transporting the unit from place to place.

Abstract: Packaging having a combination lock closure is rendered child resistant in a manner that maintains ease of adult use and economy of manufacture while providing adequate protection of child health. The technique comprises the steps of selecting an appropriate child resistance effectiveness, selecting an appropriate older adult use effectiveness, determining a probability of random opening that correlates with the selected child resistances effectiveness and provides at least the selected older adult use effectiveness, and configuring the combination lock closure to present to the package user said probability of random opening. Configuring the closure may include providing a plurality of tumblers, only one of which is accessible to manual manipulation.

Abstract: A method of enclosing a substrate within a heat-shrinkable sleeve, which comprises the steps of:a) attaching to the substrate a slideway;b) attaching to the slideway a clip having at least two legs;c) positioning a heat-shrinkable sleeve around the substrate;d) sliding the clip by means of the slideway and with respect to the substrate such that at least one portion of the sleeve becomes positioned between the legs of the clip, ande) causing heat-shrinkage of the sleeve.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing box ladders having a pair of side rails and rungs wherein each of the side rails are assembled from a pair of section members having holes pre-formed prior to assembly of the side rail. The method provides reduced deformation in the manufacture of box ladders having cylindrical rungs and provides for the manufacture of box ladders having non-cylindrical shaped rungs.

Abstract: A hose construction, hose coupling therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the hose construction comprising a combination of a hose coupling and a tubular hose having one end thereof clamped in an annular recess of the coupling, the coupling having a longitudinal axis and comprising a tubular insert portion inserted into the end of the hose and having an external peripheral surface that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a tubular ferrule portion disposed in substantially concentric and spaced relation about the insert portion to define the annular recess therebetween and being radially inwardly deformed toward the longitudinal axis so as to clamp the end of the hose between the ferrule portion and the insert portion, the ferrule portion having a plurality of inwardly directed and axially spaced apart annular ridges deformed into the end of the hose, the ferrule portion comprising an outer generally cylindrical section having an inner peripheral surface provided with opposed

Abstract: Pole (P) is offset crosswise (Dt) relative to optical output plane (36) . Magnetic field (H) is increased in a relative way opposite optical output (SO) and the ratio of the fields opposite pole (P) and opposite optical output (SO) is decreased.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a multilayer printed circuit board on which integrated circuit chips may be directly mounted includes producing holes at predetermined locations to enable electrical connections between a chip and conductive layers of the circuit board to be established via the holes. Electrically conductive bump members, which protrude outwardly from the circuit board, are formed in registration with the holes. The bump members cooperate with an electrically conductive plating layer or filler that is deposited so as to be in intimate contact with a conductive layer(s) exposed during the production of each hole.

Abstract: A line is constructed of multi-function machines which can mount various types of parts or by connecting a plurality of dedicated machines of the same type which can mount only a specific type of part, data is extracted from parts mounting information which is different by each printed circuit board (extraction process 10), the mounting tact time of each automatic machine which is changed by type and the number of parts to be mounted is calculated (load calculation process 20), parts are transferred from an automatic machine having a large load to an automatic machine having a small load to equalize the mounting tact time of each automatic machine (alteration process 30), and NC data for each automatic machine is automatically generated (decision process 40), whereby the productivity of mounting parts on printed circuit boards can be improved.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device support tool which includes a device for providing a vacuum for holding an integrated circuit device to be soldered to a printed circuit board. The tool also includes a plurality of thin, pressure transferring members for pressing the leads of the integrated circuit device against a printed circuit board during soldering. The pressure transferring members are of a thin material so as not to provide a heat sink during the soldering operation.

Abstract: An air cooled kickless cable used in welding has each end of positive and negative stranded rope sets cold formed in a rectangular tube with such rope ends within the tube being formed into a continuous compacted strand with the ropes of the set arranged parallel to the long axis of the rectangle. The rectangle of the tube forms a major flat side which is press welded to one end of a contact plate. The press welding also welds the strands to each other, the strands to the tube, and, in addition the tube to the contact plate. The rope sets are assembled in a spider separator, and twisted with the contact plates fastened together with insulation therebetween. The cable is provided with a perforated cover, end tubes and heat shrink end fittings.

Abstract: A method of making a unitary channeled heat exchanger wherein the unitary heat exchanger is to be connected with a first fluid circulation system. The unitary heat exchanger preferably includes a first manifold connectible to the first fluid circulation system and a heat transfer body fluidically connected to the manifold.

Abstract: One arm (30) of the pruning shears is connected via a swivel joint to the end of a guide handle. The swivel joint has a hinge pin (32) the axis of which intersects the axis of the handle at a right angle and is on a line with the guide groove of a cable pulley (24) which is mounted between fork arms (20) which protrude laterally from the end of the handle. By means of a traction cable (48), the arms of the shears can be locked in any angular position of the swivel joint. A locking knob (36) presses the interlocking fork arms (26, 28) of the end of the handle or the arm (30) of the shears together, as a result of which they are fixed in position by friction.

Abstract: A wheeled support structure assists in supporting a cutting head of a string trimmer within a cutting plane which is parallel to, but vertically spaced above, ground surface. The wheeled support structure includes a wheel, and an extension shaft having an upper end which is connectable to a main shaft of the string trimmer rearwardly of the cutting head, and a lower end which is journally coupled to the wheel. In such a manner, the wheel is oriented in a rolling plane which is substantially transverse to the cutting plane within which the cutting head of the string trimmer is supported, and is capable of rolling movement over the ground surface. The wheel thereby establishes a point about which the cutting head of the string trimmer may be pivoted by an operator while assisting the operator in maintaining the cutting head of the string trimmer within the cutting plane. Vegetation can thus be cut by the cutting head of the string trimmer at a substantially uniform height throughout an arcuate segment.

Abstract: A circle cutting devices includes a pair of opposing discs rotatably coupled together about a common axis by a spindle extending axially from one of the discs. A spring biasing assembly is coupled to the spindle to bias the discs together by a constant pressure. A cutting tool and a pair of rollers are positioned on an inner face of one of the discs to engage and cut the material by rotating the disc.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding wires for measuring screw threads by the three wire method includes a body portion and a plurality of wire holder ears in a vertical position, the wire holding ears being responsive to rotational movement and the wire holder ears being limited in the rotational movement by weighted lower base portions provided on the bottom of the wire holder ears. A ledge is provided for holding the screw in position perpendicular to the orientation of the three wires in a position for the pitch diameter of the screw threads to be measured.

Abstract: A clinometer provided with a level vial filled with a transparent liquid and a bubble, and a projector for irradiating the level vial. The clinometer includes center calculating means for calculating the center of a bubble from light receiving signals of first and second line sensors and inclination calculating means for calculating an inclination of the level vial from the center calculated by the center calculating means, wherein the first and second line sensors which receive light passing through the level vial are crossed at right angles and located so that the crossed point exists on the central axis of the level vial.

Abstract: An apparatus containing four linear gauges (I, II, III and IV) allows simultaneous measurement of the main parameters of a lens blank, namely the vertex radius (or asphericity), the centre thickness, and the front surface sag. A first head member (6) presents contacts (12) which contact the front conicoid surface of a lens blank (101) on a first circle. A measuring head (8) presents contacts (13) on a second circle. Gauges (I and II) measure relative displacements between the contacts (12 and 13) and the end of pointer (3), from which the asphericity or vertex radius can be calculated. Gauges (III and IV) are coupled respectively to the rear and front surfaces of the lens blank (101). The perimeter (106) of the lens blank (101) is aligned with a reference plane (R). The displacements of the gauges (III and IV) can be used to calculate the centre thickness and front surface sag of the lens.

Abstract: An improved wire feeding and measuring apparatus having a pair of cooperating feed belts to feed a wire in an axial direction. A drive wheel is located downstream of the feed belts and rotates in contact with the wire at a slightly faster speed than the feed belts, while a measuring wheel, operably connected to an encoder, is also engaged with the wire and is located opposite the drive wheel. The measuring wheel is biased toward the drive wheel by a spring exerting a light force. Guides are associated with each wheel and each guide includes a wire supporting surface and a slot located adjacent the supporting surface. The periphery of each wheel projects a slight distance through the slot in the respective guide and engages the wire. The guides maintain the wire in a tangential relation to the periphery of the wheels and prevent wrap around of the wire on the wheels.

Abstract: A carpentry tool employs a base tube having a window directed therethrough, with an intermediate tube having a scale recessed within the intermediate tube and a view through window, with an outer tube telescopingly directed through the intermediate tube, with the intermediate tube, the outer tube, and the base tube coaxially aligned relative to one another. The outer tube is arranged in typical foot graduations, the intermediate tube in inch graduations readable through the window. The outer tube and intermediate tube are arranged for nested orientation within the base tube. A modification of the invention includes an illuminated magnification lens mounted coextensively within the window for ease of viewing of the scale of the intermediate tube.

Abstract: A linear measuring instrument having a pair of measuring tips mounted on respective jaws moveable relative to one another along an elongated beam particularly adapted for measuring inside dimensions has a digital display unit responsive to display increments of movement of one jaw relative to the beam on which the jaw is slidingly mounted. The pair of measuring tips are spaced from one another, when the jaws are in engagement with one another, a selected calibration distance. The end user of the instrument follows a sequence of steps, including resetting the display unit to read zero and then adjusting and fixing the position of the other jaw to the beam until the selected calibration distance registers on the display unit.

Abstract: A grille assembly including a hopper-like barrel connector having a smaller rear connecting tube fastened around the barrel of a hair dryer and a bigger front rounded shell, a grille covered on the front opening of the rounded shell, the grille having a center shaft disposed inside the rounded shell, and a rotary vane mounted on the center shaft of the grille, whereby the rotary vane is rotated to induce outside air into the rounded shell through through holes thereon for mixing with the current of hot air being produced by the hair drier.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously mechanically bonding an air duct to a clothes dryer cabinet and sealing the spaces between the duct and cabinet to prevent the escape of air therefrom, and for a clothes dryer incorporating the bonded and sealed air duct and cabinet. The clothes dryer cabinet includes a series of vertical side panels and a front panel, the front panel defining an access opening through which access to an interior of a rotatable drum can be gained. An inner surface of the front panel includes an annular flange which generally surrounds the access opening and coaxially nests with and supports the rotatable drum. The annular flange defines an air-communication opening through which, in cooperation with the air duct, air flows from the interior of the drum to a blower unit. During assembly the air duct is located by means of engagement of a locating flange provided by the front panel with a series of positioning tabs on the air duct.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air turn for supporting and optionally drying a web, the air turn comprising a plurality of air bars having a wing type foil with an adjustable web-to-foil gap and multiple relief holes. The apparatus of the invention allows for the ability to control the air vortex off the lower air turn in an air turn array and to control the pressure between the web and foil, thereby eliminating web flutter.

Abstract: A conveying system for food processing such as cooling pouches of food discharged in a single line from a pouch filler including apparatus for rearranging the pouches in order to shorten the line. One apparatus is a right angle transfer device in which the pouches are discharged in a single line onto a belt array which is then dropped to allow an array of rollers to support the pouch and transfer its direction of motion. Another apparatus includes an array of rollers which move the pouch into a position forming a row of pouches which is then picked up by rollers and moved in a direction as a line of rows of pouches. Another apparatus is a belt system for supporting the row of pouches as it is being transferred from a downstream end of an upper conveyor to an upstream end of a lower conveyor thereby reversing the direction of motion of the pouches and allowing them to pass back through the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe such as a running shoe, includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot, particularly the sides, and that has a constant thickness in frontal plane cross sections. The thickness of the shoe sole side contour equals and therefore varies exactly as the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion varies due to heel lift, for example. Thus, the outer contour of the edge portion of the sole has at least a portion which lies along a theoretically ideal stability plane for providing natural stability and efficient motion of the shoe and foot particularly in an inverted and everted mode.