Abstract: A drawstring puller and fastener that laces separable members of a shoe or the like. The free ends of a shoelace pass through openings formed in a hollow, bell-shaped socket and are formed with a knot disposed in an axial opening of the tapered plug. The axial opening is formed with an oval cross-sectional area. The plug draws the shoelace for the tightening of the shoelace lacing the separable members. While the plug draws the shoelace for the tightening of the shoelace, the knot engages the inner wall of the plug surrounding the axial opening at the oval cross-sectional area. While the shoelace is tightened by the pulling of the plug, the socket is in abutment with the separable members. While the loop of the shoelace extending from the socket is held taut, the plug, which is formed with ridges on the outer wall, is inserted and press fitted into the socket wedging securely the shoelace therebetween. The inner wall of the socket is free of ridges to enable the ridged plug to enter the socket freely.

Abstract: A device for quickly tightening shoelaces on a shoe and for locking the tightened laces without the need for tying a bow or other knot is disclosed. The device includes a body unit with a slotted opening formed with a chamfered edge along one side of the slot. A rotatable shaft which includes a set of chamfered ridges rolls laterally across the width of the slot. A shoelace introduced through the slot becomes pinched between the chamfered edge of the slotted opening and the chamfered ridges of the shaft. The shaft is spring biased to automatically lock the laces in place upon being tightened to the desired tension. A quick release lever retracts the shaft to unpinch the lace.

Abstract: A casket is provided with a stationary hardware system for coupling bars to the sides of the casket such that no load is carried by decorative hardware when lifting the casket with the bars. Each system includes a block for attachment to the side of the casket and a clamp for embracing the bar. Camming surfaces on the block cooperate with surfaces on the clamp to tighten the grip of the clamp about the bar upon tightening a bolt and nut assembly that couples the clamp and block to the casket side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for making an elastomeric spring assembly comprised of first and second plates joined to opposite sides of an annular elastomeric spring member. The preferred method of the present invention includes the steps of arranging the first and second plates in spaced and aligned relation relative to each other; laying a preformed annular elastomeric spring member between the spaced plates; positioning the spring member at a predetermined location relative to the plates as with a powered apparatus movable intermediate the plates between a first position whereat the apparatus engages and positions the spring member relative to the plates and a second position whereat the apparatus is removed from between the plates; and, compressing the spring member between the plates with a force sufficient to establish a cold-formed interlock between the plates and the spring member.

Abstract: A method of forming successive space portion in a slide fastener chain, comprising: positioning the chain in such a manner that an element contiguous to the backward end of a prospective space portion is brought into engagement with a positioning pin upstream of a cutting unit; positioning the chain in such a manner that an element contiguous to the forward end of the prospective space portion is out of engagement with another positioning pin downstream of the cutting unit, and then positioning the chain, as the feed roller is rotated forwardly to extend the chain so that the positioning pin is inserted between the elements, whereupon the downstream positioning pin is brought into engagement with the element adjacent to the prospective space portion as the feed roller is rotated backwardly to restore the slide fastener chain; and cutting off elements of the prospective space portion and removing the cut elements from the prospective space portion.

Abstract: Phototools are located for processing both sides of printed circuit board panels by an apparatus and process that utilizes a work station with two alignment fixtures each including panel center registration PCR alignment mechanism to locate phototools and panels. Processing steps utilize the alignment fixtures to locate phototools on both sides of a panel. Each of the two phototools is initially positioned on its alignment fixture by the PCR alignment mechanism and secured to its alignment fixture by means of a vacuum supplied by a vacuum chuck which is operative as the top surface of the alignment fixture. The panel is then placed on top of the first phototool and aligned to the first phototool in the first alignment fixture using the PCR alignment mechanism. This first phototool is then affixed to the first side of the panel.

Abstract: Method for dismantling automobiles, in which a car (3) to be dismantled is placed on transporting members (5) which are movable over rails (4, 19) to guide the car past successive stations for performing certain activities at each station. A rotating device (20) is employed to bring the car up over a certain distance and for rotating it about one of its shafts, whereby the bottom side of the car is accessible from above. After bringing up the car (3), but before rotating it, one or more receptacles (49) are brought underneath the car for receiving liquid flowing from the car. Working platforms (45) are present at least at the rotating device (20), so that the bottom side of the car is well accessible.

Abstract: A support hinge is installed between the elevation and azimuth housings of the antenna pedestal. A jack is installed between these same housings at a location opposite to that at which the hinge is located. The elevation housing is then raised by means of the jack so that it pivotally moves upwardly on the hinge. A winch is installed on the support hinge so that it is capable of lateral pivotal motion. A bearing adapter having a plurality of arms extending therefrom is suspended from the winch and lowered until it is in contact with the bearing. Bolts are then used to join each of the arms to a threaded portion of the bearing. The bearing is then lifted out of the azimuth housing, swung pivotally away from such housing and lowered from the antenna pedestal. A new bearing is installed by reversing the above indicated procedure.

Abstract: An optical cable portion (10), resident within a cable closure (14), is caused to receive a water blocking arrangement which is effective to prevent water, which enters an internal cable portion (24) through an unintended cut (21) in an outer jacket (18) of a cable portion (20), from entering an interior of the cable closure. A plurality of water blocking materials (30 and 32) are coaxially disposed about the outer jacket and a core tube (26) of the cable portion, respectively, and cooperate with a heat shrinkable plastic tube (34) which substantially covers the water blocking materials to prevent the movement of water from the internal cable portion past the water blocking materials.

Abstract: A screwdriver is provided with a handle including an insert and an O-ring wherein the O-ring is positioned between the insert and a shoulder in the opening into the handle. A bit is held in the handle by the O-ring. A method of assembly is provided wherein an O-ring and an insert member are positioned around a shaft of a bit and then the bit is inserted into a handle, followed by the O-ring and the insert. The bit is removed from the handle leaving the O-ring positioned between the insert and a shoulder of the handle, for subsequent receipt of the same end of the bit, another end of the bit, or a different bit.

Abstract: An ultra small diameter reinforced catheter or tubular product is produced by winding reinforcing stands on the surface of a plastic tube and introducing the same into a heated die which compresses the strands against the tubing and at the same time heats and softens superficial portions of the tubing wall with simultaneously applying both conductive and radiant heat. This allows the strands to sink into the tubing wall. Following this, the compression and the conductive heating a removed while the tubing continues to be exposed to radiant heat from the die. During this last stage, the tension in the strands induces the strands to assume a predetermined position between the inner and outer surfaces of the tubing.

Abstract: A method of permanently attaching a fastening element, such as a nut or bolt to panels having a range of panel thicknesses, such as the metal panels used by the automotive and appliance industries. The fastening element includes a tubular barrel portion and preferably an annular bearing face surrounding the barrel portion. The method includes punching a hole in the panel, then plasticly deforming and drawing the panel surrounding the hole into a dome or frusto-conically shaped portion. The panel hole is thus enlarged to receive the fastener element barrel portion from adjacent the apex of the frusto-conically shaped panel portion and the bearing face is then driven against the panel, deforming the panel to a generally planar shape. The panel surrounding the hole is thereby driven against the tubular barrel portion which, in the preferred embodiment, includes radially projecting ribs, providing securement against rotation even in very thin panels.

Abstract: A working device for forcing an armature shaft is disclosed. The working device comprises a sub-index and a main index. The sub-index has a first stopping position adjacent to a shaft storage means for storing armature shafts, and a second stopping position adjacent to a knurl-working means for carrying out a knurl-working to the armature shaft. The main index has a core-feed stopping position at which an armature core is fed by an armature core feed means, a shaft-forcing stopping position at which the armature shaft supplied from the sub-index side is forced into the through-hole of the armature core by a shaft-forcing means, and a discharge stopping position from which the armature core with the forced armature shaft is discharged outside of the main index.

Abstract: A support for a connector to be inspected and an inspection device body are disposed to be freely movable with respect to a base, connector engaging pins which go into the connector to be inspected are fixed to the base side within the support, and a plurality of inspection pins are arranged in a row in the inspection device body with their respective leading ends projected. For inspection, the inspection pins are moved backward as contacted with the terminal fitting of the connector to be inspected to pass electricity through a circuit in the inspection device body and the connector engaging pins work to detect the terminal fitting in the incompletely inserted state and move the incompletely inserted terminal fitting into the completely inserted position as the connector is moved.

Abstract: A heat transfer cell for employment in heating, ventilation and air conditioning applications, and an apparatus for producing metallic plates which can be employed in the construction of the heat transfer cell. The cell comprises a plurality of heat conductive plates stacked on each other and having upstanding fins extending substantially the length of each plate. A leading edge portion of each fin is folded laterally to thereby create a turbulent effect to air traveling linearly between adjacent fins and plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a belt-like member and a method of feeding a belt-like member for helically winding a belt-like member of a small width around an outer periphery of a rotating body which is rotatable about an axis of rotation and whose radius from the axis of rotation to the outer periphery thereof changes in correspondence with an axial position. A holding device is capable of holding a starting end of the belt-like member from both obverse and reverse surface sides thereof and of pressure-fitting the starting end of the belt-like member onto the rotating body. A feeding device moves the starting end of the belt-like member from a holding position where the belt-like member is held to the rotating body by moving the holding device, so as to feed the belt-like member to the rotating body.

Abstract: A strip of metal is pierced intermediate the edges thereof to form slots for rollers and is bent adjacent the edges to form flanges. Each bend intersects the slots such that the slots wrap around the bends into the flanges. The strip of metal is then formed into a circular hoop such that the flanges form axially spaced end rims to retain the rollers axially. Crossbars between the slots are offset radially in a sigma configuration to retain the rollers radially. Edges of the slots may be specially formed to facilitate flow of lubricant through a roller bearing.

Abstract: A hand razor comprising a head portion an inlet having an entry end for receiving and delivering water to the head portion to flush a blade supported therein, and an outlet having a discharge end for discharging water from the head portion, the entry and discharge ends being in opposed relation whereby in use water can enter the entry end and leave the discharge end in generally the same direction of flow.

Abstract: A hand tool includes first and second lever members which intersect and have aligned openings therethrough in which is received a flexural pivot assembly, including a pair of cylindrical members respectively disposed in the lever member openings and respectively fixed to the lever members for movement therewith. In one embodiment the cylindrical members of the pivot assembly are press fitted directly in the openings of the lever members. In another embodiment, bushings are press-fitted in the openings between the lever members and the cylindrical members. A spacer is disposed between the cylindrical members to prevent their axial movement toward each other, and the spacer may extend between the lever members and has a very low coefficient friction so as not to impede pivotal movement of the levers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for subjectively (and in some cases at least partially objectively) determining the proper positioning of progressive power or other corrective lenses are disclosed. The apparatus includes a target such as a small fiber optic or other light source and one or more marking rods which may be activated by the patient (or, in some cases, by the practitioner). While wearing pre-fitted frames and fixating on a remote target, the patient (or practitioner) places the light source against or immediately adjacent the exterior surface of the simulated or other lens within either of the frames and positions the light so that it is centered in the patient's line of sight. Once the light is centered the marking rod is activated which contacts, and marks, the exterior surface of the lens.

Abstract: An automatic wheel alignment system for aligning the wheels of an automotive vehicle includes head units adapted for coupling to the wheels of the automotive vehicle and a hand held module. The wheel units provide angle information related to the alignment of the wheels of the automotive vehicle. The hand held module is coupled to the wheel alignment units and provides information to an operator through a liquid crystal display. The hand held module includes a controller and memory means. A keypad input is provided for receiving an input from the operator. The liquid crystal display includes an liquid crystal display matrix for forming an image. A contrast control means is coupled to the liquid crystal display and provides a contrast signal to the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: Rules, including rulers, yardsticks, measuring tapes and the like which are marked along opposite edges with inch, half-inch, quarter-inch, eighth-inch and sixteenth-inch graduations. One edge having the one-sixteenth inch graduations in a color different from all the other graduation markings on that edge and sequentially numbered within each inch in the same different color. The other edge not having one-sixteenth inch graduations and the eighth-inch graduations being in a different color from all the other graduations on that side and preferably different from the color of the one-sixteenth inch graduations and sequentially numbered within each inch in the same different color.

Abstract: A self propelled device which travels along a reformer tube or other tube to detect variations in the tube diameter that may indicate impending failure of the tube. A two piece frame opens and closes about a hinge axis to allow application of the device to a tube and removal from the tube. When closed, wheels on the frame are held against the tube by a spring latch which allows the wheels to move in and out radially when diameter changes are encountered. One set of wheels is driven by an electric motor to propel the device along the tube. The diameter changes are sensed and measured by a linear variable differential transformer which monitors the gap between the ends of the frame sections. A chart recorder records the tube diameter measured at different positions along the tube length.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the attachment of siding to an architectural structure. The apparatus of the invention is characterized by a longitudinally extending gage member, a first element for engaging a first piece of siding, a second element for engaging a second piece of siding, and a handle element. In operation, the element for engaging the first piece of siding is adjusted using the gage member as a guide. Once adjusted as desired, the apparatus is placed in abutting contact with a first course of siding previously attached to an architectural structure. Next, a board making up a second course of siding is positioned in the element for engaging the second piece of siding. In the final step of the procedure, the board positioned in the element for engaging the second piece of siding is attached to the architectural structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring radial distances relative to the surface of a cylinder includes a chassis supported on the cylinder by at least three wheels, at least one of which is rotatable about an axis different from the axes about which the remaining wheels rotate, and all of which are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A gauge is provided for measuring radial distances relative to the surface of the cylinder when the chassis is supported on the cylinder by the wheels, the gauge being supported on the chassis in such a way as to allow adjustment both of the height of the gauge relative to the chassis and of the position of the gauge relative to the chassis in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: In a dry-processing apparatus, a heat insulating container is interposed between an inner container for accommodating objects to be dried and a condensing outer container which is cooled by a fan. The inner container is made of a microwave transmittable material having excellent heat resistance. The adopted heat insulating container is made of a microwave reflecting material. Microwaves are generated by a microwave oscillator to heat the objects to generate vapor from the objects. The generated vapor contacts the cooled condensing outer container so as to be condensed into water. A temperature sensor is provided at the upper portion of the condensing outer container so as to detect the temperature of the generated vapor to thereby control the heating and drying operation.

Abstract: Water contamination is purged from molecular sieve material used in oxygen concentrators by heating the molecular sieve material to a temperature in the range of approximately 450.degree. to 950.degree. F., and subjecting the molecular sieve material to a stream of dry sweep gas having a dew point in the range of approximately -80.degree. to -100.degree. F. In the preferred embodiment, the molecular sieve material is contained in a vessel and heated by means of a number of heating elements. In addition, a flow of dry sweep gas is produced by at least two drying chambers containing a desiccating material. A first valve assembly alternately cycles the sweep gas through the first drying chamber and then through said second drying chamber.

Abstract: An elevation part (10) added under the nozzle (11) of a condensate pick-up shoe in a steam cylinder (4), by which part a desired liquid level can be produced in the cylinder.

Abstract: A roll up and drying device to be incorporated in a rust cleaning machine includes a main shaft on which a pair of spaced, identical circular plates are concentrically and fixedly mounted on the main shaft and a plurality of connecting ribs screw connecting the spaced plates adjacent to the peripheries of the plates. The connecting ribs are in the shape of truncated cones.

Abstract: An outer-sole to be worn over footwear is characterized by having a curled forward or toe portion, and optionally heel portion as well, that holds the front portion of the outer-sole in contact with the footwear to which it is attached.

Abstract: An athletic shoe has two independent, inflatable chambers, one in the sole and one partially forming the shoe upper. The former chamber cushions impacts and displaces solid material from which the sole would otherwise comprise, and the second tightens the fit of the shoe on a wearer's foot. Each chamber has independent inflation and outlet valves. Resilient pilings distribute a wearer's weight over the sole, protecting the first chamber from deformation during activity. A pump is detachably mounted on the shoe tongue. The pump has a ring for attachment to a key ring as an alternative to being secured on the shoe tongue when not in use. A preferred inflation medium is helium.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus including an unfolding prearranger device to preliminarily open or unfold sewing margins seamed and folded in a pressing object mounted on a trestle thereof, a pad cloth which covers the sewing margins as preliminarily opened or unfolded, a pressurizing device which forces the sewing margins as preliminarily opened or unfolded against the trestle through the pad cloth, and a conveyor which moves the unfolded prearranger device and the pressurizing device in an integrated form along seams of the sewn workpiece.

Abstract: An adjustable ironing table (11) includes a top board (12) and collapsible legs (14,16). The legs are retained in a stored position by a lock mechanism (60) that has a lock plate (68) spring biased to a locking position. A handle (72) can be operated to release the lock plate (68). The top board (12) has a mesh section (30) that has a stepped periphery (32) welded to a flange section (36) of a tubular frame member (35). The ends (37) of the frame member are affixed together by a bracket (41) welded to each end. A hanger rail (90) is pivotably mounted under the frame (34) to move between a stored position and a usable position. A pair of cord elevation devices (114) are mounted to the hanger rail (90).

Abstract: A decorative framing border or enclosure device is described. The border or enclosure device contains transparent polymer or copolymer outer framing members positioned along at least one peripheral edge of a base framing member. The composition of the base framing member can be varied to be an acrylic resin, a polystyrene, a polycarbonate, a polyester resin, a non-crystalline polyolefin, and an unsaturated polyester resin copolymerized with styrene, a corkboard, a mirrored surface, a pegboard, etc. The transparent polymer or copolymer outer framing members are adapted to accommodate appearance-altering material therein. The border or enclosure device is so constructed as to permit the changing of a picture or mat which surrounds the picture without simultaneously affecting the appearance-altering material disposed within the outer framing members by isolating the two components to opposing surfaces of the base framing member. The decorative framing border or enclosure device is also described in a kit form.

Abstract: A new and improved wood frame construction in which the artwork may be end-loaded into a frame in which three of the four sides are permanently interconnected with the fourth side being removable to accommodate the loading of the artwork into the frame. In particular the new and improved frame construction has a very narrow front profile making the frame quite attractive and comparatively unique in its appearance.

Abstract: A media holder (20) is disclosed particularly suited for search and display of a selected media. The holder has a plurality of frames (22) each configured to hold media (e.g. business cards, compact discs, computer diskettes) and pivotally mounted over a slidable striking member (44). The striking member contacts an abutment member (50) defined by each frame to flip the frame for viewing.

Abstract: An animal prop having a body or appendages with rip-stop nylon air bags surrounding a support member. The air bags are attached to each other with zippers. A blower provides air to the air bags through air hoses. A liner surrounds the air bags. A fur cloth covering simulating animal skin or fur is placed over the liner. A life-like appearance and movement is provided as the air bags roll, billow or deform with movement of the prop.

Abstract: A gun hammer has a striking surface on the hammer's face which automatically withdraws inside the body of the hammer when pressure is applied by the gun user's finger or thumb to the hammer's spur. The possibility of the firearm accidentally discharging during decocking is eliminated.

Abstract: A deer flagging apparatus (10) for attracting whitetail deer by simulating the flash of the rump patch and/or flag of a deer by the use of a rotatable, tether actuated, hinged flag member (50) whose inner surfaces (53") (54") bear indicia representative of the rump patch and/or flag of a whitetail deer which can be intermittently exposed in an incremental rotary fashion by the application of tension on the tether member (60).

Abstract: An apparatus for spearfishing includes a fishing rod having a whip-like casting portion and a rigid handle section that secures a reel which holds a spirally wound line. The free extremity of the line is attached to a collar having a centered bore. A spear is slidably engaged by the bore of the collar. The spear includes a shaft having a barbed forward extremity, and a rearward extremity having stabilizing flights or feathers. Forward and rearward stops positioned on the shaft serve as abutments to limit sliding travel of the collar. The spear is intended to be cast forwardly, during which action the collar rests upon the forward stop. When the spear is retrieved, the collar rests against the rearward stop.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder adapted to support a fishing rod comprising a member formed of a rigid material, the member being shaped to form two parallel long extents spaced a distance from each other sufficient to receive the handle of a fishing rod, the long parallel extents having a forward end whereat the member is down-turned to form two short parallel extents terminating in a closed end for receiving thereabove a forward portion of a fishing rod handle, the long parallel extents having a rearward end whereat the rod is up-turned to form two short parallel extents terminating in a closed end for receiving therebeneath a rearward portion of a fishing rod handle; and attachment means secured to the long parallel extents of the member for releasably coupling to a bucket.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting and prolonging the functional life-span of artificial fishing lures comprising a tubular body having a cylindrical portion integrally connected to a conically tapered portion which tapers radially inwardly to define an orifice. A bayonet styled slot is defined in the wall of said cylindrical portion and extends a predetermined distance from said open end toward said orifice. The bayonet slot is comprised of a longitudinal portion, an annular portion and a notch. The longitudinal portion may instead be a helical portion helically oriented along the wall of said cylindrical portion. A fishing line is threaded through the orifice in the conically tapered portion, then through a weight, then tied to an eyelet on a hook which is attached to a lure. The combination of weight, hook and lure is then concomitantly urged into said tubular body such that the weight frictionally engages the internal surface of the conically tapered portion.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a body with attached twisted leg-like appendages which set into motion and untwist when moistened, simulating live bait movement.

Abstract: A fishing weight especially designed for use with a hollow plastic lure having a loop at one end attachably threaded on a hook, from its point to its operative position stopped by an eye of the hook, the weight being adapted to fit within the hollow of the lure.

Abstract: A protector for a treble hook while in storage which comprises a plastic box completely enclosing each point of the hook. The protector is designed to provide for easy insertion of the hook and to resist accidental exposure of the hook.

Abstract: An improved insect trap having a plurality of "moving" or sequentially-activated lights to attract insects, with particular emphasis on attracting and trapping parasitic insects, such as fleas, together with a card coated with a sticky substance to capture and retain the insects.

Abstract: The dispenser has a fan and an insecticide in its cavity. Upon control signals from a controller in the "in use" mode, the fan is started and shutters provided at an inlet and outlet are opened, while in the "not in use" mode, the fan is stopped and the shutters are closed. When one of the individual timers is selected, the controller issues control signals at times specified by the individual timers within a time period previously specified by the main timer. When the dispenser is in the "not in use" mode, the shutter isolates the cavity from the outside.

Abstract: A thermally efficient integrated greenhouse system in which thermally insulated walls support an arcuate transparent roof having the configuration of an arc of a quarter-circle with the long axis of the structure oriented in an east-west direction with the inner surface of the north wall reflective. A thermal barrier made up of a plurality of interconnected tubes of metalized plastic is provided with means for inflating the tubes to extend the barrier along a chord of the arcuate roof and with means for exhausting the tubes to retract the barrier. Solar panels along the south side of the greenhouse supply heat to a heat storage medium contained in a bin in the greenhouse. When heat is called for, a plenum in the bin above the heat storage medium is pressurized to lift the bin lid.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting plants involving a stake which includes a hollow tube made of polyvinylchloride and metal supporting wires directed axially and distributed around the circumference of the wall of the tube. Preferably, the hollow tube is formed with individual conduits running in an axial direction along or within the tube wall, each of which contains one of the wires and an adhesive material to hold the wires in place.

Abstract: A delivery system for an agriculturally active chemical comprises a body or carrier portion including a first water dispersible agriculturally inert and essentially nontoxic composition containing a predetermined aliquot of the agriculturally active chemical. The body or carrier portion has a predetermined size and a predetermined shape. The delivery system also comprises a protective coating, about the body portion, of a second water dispersible agriculturally inert and essentially nontoxic composition. The aliquot of the agriculturally active chemical is an amount of the agriculturally active chemical effective to terminate functioning of a target agricultural pest upon application of the agriculturally active chemical to soil or water via the delivery system. The agriculturally active chemical can take the form of a biocide such as an insecticide, fungicide or nemacide.