Abstract: A portable stick-type vacuum cleaner includes an elongated housing and a substantially triangular nozzle which is selectively securable to the housing. The nozzle includes a nozzle body having a bottom surface and a top surface. A V-shaped suction opening is located on the bottom surface of the nozzle body. The nozzle body also has a plurality of casters located on its bottom surface. An air outlet member is in fluid connection with the suction opening. The air outlet member includes a sleeve pivotally mounted to the top surface of the nozzle body and a coupling for selective fluid connection with the housing. The coupling is rotatably mounted on the sleeve. A motor is mounted in the housing for effecting a suction of air through the nozzle.

Abstract: A retracting caster assembly is provided with a frame, a lever, a spring, a roller, and a manual retracting bolt. The lever is pivotally connected to the frame. The roller is connected to a first end of the lever. A spring loading member connects the spring to a second end of the lever. The spring biases the lever at a first position with the roller extended from the frame. The manual retracting bolt is adapted to manually move the lever to a second position with the roller retracted. The lever is suitably sized, shaped, and connected to the frame to hold the frame at a minimum predetermined distance from the ground until a predetermined weight is applied to the frame, at which point the linkage and lever arrangement decreases the mechanical advantage of the spring as the roller retracts, thereby minimizing the force required to retract the roller.

Abstract: A releasable fifth wheel for use with a skateboard having an upwardly sloped tail portion cantilevered out beyond the rear race which includes a caster with swivel connected yoke and stem with the yoke supporting a plastic wheel. The stem includes a manually operable spring biased rod that has an indentation between its ends and co-acts with a ball detent. A pair of threadably engageable shells with flanges at their outer ends are adapted to be received in an opening in the skateboard tail. One of the shells has an internal groove which cooperatively locks the ball detent or releases the ball when the rod is moved longitudinally or rotationally.

Abstract: A two position floor lock and caster assembly for a bed or the like includes a bracket adapted to be secured to the bed frame. A pair of links have ends pivoted to the bracket and free ends. A socket is pivotally joined to the free ends of the links so that rotation of the links raises and lowers the socket. A caster may be secured to the bracket or attached to the socket. A foot or floor lock may be secured to the bracket or the socket. A crank assembly is operatively connected to the links for raising and lowering the socket to move the floor lock or caster into operative engagement with the floor.

Abstract: A curtain hanging device is disclosed. The curtain hanging device features a rod which has a rectangular cross section composed of a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, and a fifth surface. The first and fifth surfaces of the rod lie within the same plane and are spaced opposite and parallel to the plane of the third surface. The first and fifth surfaces have a lateral dimension less than that of the third surface and are spaced from each other, such that a channel is formed along the length of the curtain hanging device. The curtain hanging device includes at least one I shaped slide member. The I shaped slide member has a first end, a second end and a web connecting the first and second ends. The first end has a pair of side surfaces and is dimensioned to slide within and along the channel such that the pair of side surfaces remain parallel to the second and forth surfaces. The second end has a grooved surface and a pair of horizontal surfaces.

Abstract: A flexible sheet is detachably securable about the handle of a tool, cooking utensil or other implement. Preferably fabricated of cellular elastomer, such as foamed rubber, the sheet thermally and electrically insulates the hand of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for interconnecting with a lanyard a handle of the type used in rapid inflation applications includes apparatus for impaling a first end of a lanyard with multiple spikes to secure the first end to a handle. The lanyard handle is made with a channel having spike-receiving cavities along its extent, and the spikes on a spike-carrying strip impale the first end of the lanyard when the strip is press fit into the channel.

Abstract: A convertible hinge preparation assembly is mounted in hinge cut-outs of a steel door frame or door. The convertible hinge preparation assembly is capable of mounting either regular weight hinges or heavy weight hinges. A plurality of pips are provided for positioning a regular weight hinge. The pips are removed by grinding or drilling when it is desired to mount a heavy weight hinge. In standard weight hinge applications, selective pips, or portions thereof, may also be removed to provide additional adjustment of the installed door and frame assembly to achieve desired operating clearances. The pips are formed by punching the hinge reinforcing member.

Abstract: A hinge housing for installation in an opening in a thin sheet wall of a door is provided. The hinge housing has a liner plate for installation along an underside thereof against an inside face of the wall, the liner plate having an opening which generally conforms to the opening in the wall, the liner plate having at least two first locking projections extending from the underside of the plate which can grip an outside face of the wall upon rotation of the lining plate. The hinge housing also has a fastening flange for installation against the upper side of the liner plate, the fastening flange having a cup portion and a flange portion extending radially from a rim of the cup portion, the outside perimeter of the cup portion generally conforming to the opening in the wall, such that when the fastening flange is installed against the liner plate, the flange portion covers the liner plate and the cup portion extends into the opening and through the wall.

Abstract: An apparatus provides ease in fastening clothing which has buttons or studs. The apparatus is particularly suited for fastening slacks or jeans which are worn to be tight-fitting or form-fitting. It is also helpful for people with limited manual dexterity, whether from illness or injury.

Abstract: A self locking rod seal includes a plurality of stamped sheet metal tapered frustro-conical segments which mate in a tapered frustro-conical bore of a steel housing. The segments are identical and include a projection upstanding from a recess in each of two opposing shoulders. The projections are received in the recess formed in an opposing shoulder of the other segment. The recesses receive the projections of the different segments in interengaging relation so that axial displacement of one segment requires axial displacement of the other segment. A spring urges the segments against the tapered bore of the housing. The segments in one embodiment have cantilevered radially resilient fingers which grip a rod in the bore thereof when the rod is slid in one direction and which release the rod when the rod is slid in the opposite direction. The rod has a flag at one end which with the seal lock a hasp therebetween.

Abstract: A one-piece resilient clip for fastening an exterior automotive component to an automotive body includes a first U-shaped section for receiving a component tab therein, the first U-shaped section having a plurality of tab engaging barbs therein for engaging the tab and preventing axial withdrawal of the tab. The fastener further includes a second U-shaped section axially aligned with the first U-shaped section which is inserted into an aperture in the automotive body. The second U-shaped section has a first-leg portion and a second-leg portion, the second leg portion including a positive locking tab member which resiliently compresses upon insertion of the second U-shaped section into the aperture. The locking tab member springs out and engages the body to provide a snap-fit retention to resist axial withdrawal of the fastener apparatus from the aperture.

Abstract: A clip assembly is used to connect a base member, such as a vehicle bumper, to a fitting member, such as an ornamental plate. The base member includes a plurality of projections, and the fitting member includes a plurality of corresponding through holes. The projections of the base member are inserted through the through holes of the fitting member. The fitting member is secured to the base member by means of the projections which are clamped by a plurality of clips. A plurality of holding members retain the clips in position during installation, and are disposed around the through holes.

Abstract: A slider pull tab for slide fasteners has a connecting means formed of a rigid material for connecting a pull tab body of an elastic, flexible material to a slider. The connecting means has a chamber and a window communicating therewith for fitting engagement with an anchoring member. A mold material (M) is injection-molded to form the pull tab simultaneously with the formation of an integral joint in the chamber in which the mold material (M) is anchored in place by the anchoring member relative to the connecting means.

Abstract: A quick-release connecting apparatus for detachably interconnecting two objects includes male and female structures respectively attachable to the objects. The female structure has a generally U-shaped receptacle formed therein which opens at a peripheral edge thereof, the male structure has a stud projecting therefrom with a part-circular head at its distal end with a straight side which is dimensioned to be received in the receptacle from its open end and being rotatable about the axis of the stud while disposed in the receptacle. A retaining prong is unitary with the female structure and is flexibly and resiliently movable between a locking position projecting into the entrance of the receptacle and a release position out of the entrance.

Abstract: A fastener that has an anchor that can be inserted into and locked within a female cage. The female cage includes at least two flexible spring members that each have a first portion and a second portion that is at an angle to the first portion. The cage also has a collar that extends around the first portions of the flexible members. The springs are adapted to move relative to the collar between first and second positions. When the springs are in the first position, the second portions are separated into an open position. Movement of the springs into the second position forces the second portions of the springs to move into a closed position. The second sides are constructed so that there is an aperture between the springs when the second portions are in the closed position. The anchor has a conical shaped barb with an apex and a base portion. The base portion of the barb is slightly larger than the aperture between the springs.

Abstract: A device for independently connecting a plurality of eyelets together by lacing with a lace. The device has a plate with a hook for hooking and unhooking the plate from one of the eyelets. A flap is connected to the plate and one end of the flap extends beyond the hook and the plate, to form a handle allowing a user to grip the device, and then hook and unhook the hook from the eyelet. Another end of the flap is connected to a ring which defines an opening through which the lace can pass. In this way the lace can be connected and disconnected from the eyelet without having to thread and unthread the lace from the eyelet.

Abstract: For manufacturing a multi-layer capacitor, a layer structure (2, 3, 4) is applied onto a substrate (1), said layer structure comprising conductive layers (2, 4) and dielectric layers (3) in alternation and successive conductive layers (2, 4) therein being respectively formed of one of two different materials which are selectively etchable relative to one another. Two openings (6, 8) are produced in the layer structure (2, 3, 4), whereby under-etchings (21, 41 ) are formed in the first opening (6) by selective etching of the one material and are formed in the second opening (8) by selective etching of the other material, so that only the conductive layers (2, 4) of the non-etched material respectively adjoin contacts (91, 92) introduced into the openings (6, 8).

Abstract: An improved tire lift mechanism is disclosed in which a drive tube selectively rotates a driven shaft to raise and lower a cable fixed to a spare tire. The drive tube is connected to the driven shaft through a connection formed of a plurality of circumferentially-spaced pins which are received within notches in the driven shaft. Spaces are provided between the drive pins. Liquids in the area of the connection drain outwardly of the spaces and do not freeze in the area, which could prevent use of the tire lift mechanism. A spring is disposed between the driven shaft and the drive tube to eliminate looseness, and resultant rattling. Finally, a method of assembling the tire lift mechanism is disclosed in which the drive tube is formed of a pair of telescopic tube members. The members are telescopically moved relative to each other to a collapsed position, and the mechanism is fixed to the underside of a vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed a method of assembly and inspection of optical fiber connectors which attaches connectors to at least one cord end of a plurality of optical fiber cords in which single or multiple optical fibers are accommodated and inspects connection loss etc. due to connection of the connectors.A process of connecting the connectors to cord ends where the connectors are assembled is linked to a process of processing the other cord ends and then inspecting connection loss etc. of the optical fibers due to a connection of the connectors.

Abstract: A device for partially shearing single or multiple sheets of material comprising a base having a recess and a lower blade fixed in the recess. A pair of movable blades having opposed ends are pivotally attached to the base at one end. A lost-motion connecting link connects the free ends of the pair of movable blades together and is connected to a hydraulic piston which moves the link a limited distance towards the base, thereby to rotate both movable blades relative to the fixed blade with a scissors-like action. When the pair of blades is moved towards the lower blade, the material is cut inward from both sides or edges of the material, leaving an inner uncut portion of material having a width which corresponds to the stroke of the movable blades.

Abstract: In an automobile parts assembling line, parts pallets carried by a self-running pallet carriage are transferred onto self-running work carriages loaded with fundamental vehicle works of various vehicle models and a specific set of parts on the parts pallet are assembled to a specific model of fundamental work on the primary self-running carriage one after another while the self-running work carriage is self-running along an assembling station. During assembling of the parts, the self-running pallet carriage is returned to a pallet unloading station adjacent to the assembling station and is loaded with an empty parts pallet from the self-running work carriage which continues on carrying the fundamental vehicle work with the specific parts having been assembled thereto.

Abstract: A tube union for coupling the ends of a pair of tubes which are butted together includes a sleeve and two swaging collars about the sleeve without other components. Grooves and lands in the sleeve mate with a tube which is deformed into the grooves as the sleeve is urged inwardly under compression. The rings are urged centrally towards the central position of the sleeve by a tool constituted by two housing members which each have several components. Torsional wrenching of the housing members screws the housing members together, causing the collars to deform the sleeve. Thereafter pins are removed from the one housing members and the wrench from the other. This permits separation of the housing members from the swaging collars. The tool can effect connection or assembly of different elements.

Abstract: An improved transmission brake band (10) and a method of forming the same s an improved reaction bracket (20) formed as an upraised dome (36) surrounding a reaction opening (32). An insert member (42), having a volcano-type body (44) integrally formed with a peripheral flange (46) is engaged with the dome (36) and opening (32) so that the body (44) is positioned in the opening (32) and the flange (46) is received by the dome (36).

Abstract: A module frame work to which outfits are mounted is manufactured with high accuracy and is installed to a larger structure without adjustment operation. The module frame work comprises a pair of horizontal and mutually parallel main beams, a pair of beam members connecting the main beams, support columns vertically extending from each of junctions of the main beams with the beam members and at least a connector on an end of any of the main beams, beam members and support columns.

Abstract: A progressive broaching apparatus comprising a base, an index table mounted on the base and defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced work stations, first and second columns mounted on and independently upstanding from the base, and first and second rams mounted on the first and second columns in overlying relation to respective spaced portions of the index table and operative to coact with the work stations in response to indexing movement of the work table to progressively transform an unfinished workpiece into a finished workpiece. A track is mounted on one of the columns to define a linear path extending between the columns in overlying relation to the index table and a trolley is mounted for movement on the track to facilitate the delivery of unfinished workpieces to the work stations and the removal of finished workpieces from the work stations.

Abstract: Pliers for dressing conductor ends have two handles (3, 11) which can move relative to one another, a plurality of dressing stations for the conductor ends, and a drive device (21) via which the dressing stations can be driven during operation of the handles (3, 11). One of the dressing stations is constructed as a crimping drum (18) which can be displaced axially and is supported such that it can rotate and be coupled to the drive device (21) in the axially displaced position over only one dressing process. In this position, the station can be locked via a flange (52) which projects radially from it. This flange (52) extends over the overall circumference of the crimping drum (18) and has at least one recess (51).

Abstract: This method of making packets of amorphous metal strip adapted to be wrapped about the arbor of a transformer-core-making machine comprises providing first and second composite strips, each comprising many thin layers of amorphous metal strip stacked in superposed relationship. The composite strips have leading ends that are located in initial positions (i) axially spaced from each other at the start of a packet-making operation and (ii) at opposite ends of a stacking zone where the packets are built up during a packet-making operation. The composite strips are cut to detach first sections of strip from the first composite strip and to detach second sections of strip from the second composite strip; and the detached sections are axially advanced forwardly of the respective composite strips from which they are detached into said stacking zone. The second sections are stacked in alternating relationship upon the first sections in the stacking zone.

Abstract: In a machine for dispensing stackable roofing washers individually and for driving fasteners through such washers, a shuttle is actuatable to displace a lowermost washer of one from a stack, either a small, circular or large, square washer. A gate is biased toward a lowermost position wherein it provides sufficient clearance for the lowermost washer but not any overlying washer to pass beneath it. A pawl mounted pivotally to the gate is biased to a lowermost position wherein the pawl engages a small washer displaced by the shuttle so as to restrain it against backward movement. A stop is adjustable so as to limit movement of a washer of whichever size is being displaced. A measuring bar is mounted via the stop. A screw gun, which provides a primary handle, and a secondary handle are mounted to an upright element so as to be independently adjustable.

Abstract: An implantable electrode of the type in which an elongated wire coil forms the electrode surface. The electrode coil is mounted around an insulative lead body and is stabilized on the lead body by means of a plastic filler between the individual turns of the electrode coil, extending radially outwardly to approximately one-third of the diameter of the electrode coil wire. The filler is produced by stretching a portion of the lead body which normally displays an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the electrode coil sliding the electrode coil over the lead body, inserting an expandable mandrel into the lead body and expanding the mandrel to urge the lead body into contact with the electrode coil. This assembly is then heated to encourage flow of the lead body into the spaces between the electrode coil to stabilize the coil on electrode body and to present fibrotic ingrowth around the electrode coil wire.

Abstract: A lead frame at least provides a semiconductor-element-mounting portion, plural leads and plural auxiliary leads. The auxiliary leads are arranged to be associated with plural leads, while a tie bar is provided and connected among the leads. According to a method of making the lead frame, an IC-chip mounting process, a wire-bonding process, a sealing process, a resin-cutting process and a dambar-cutting process are sequentially effected on the lead frame. After effecting the dambar-cutting process, a thin-plating process is effected so as to form a thin-plated layer, approximately having a thickness of 5 .mu.m to 15 .mu.m, on the leads. Then, the leads are bent by a predetermined bending process. Thereafter, a thick-plating process is effected so as to form an uniform thick-plated layer, approximately having a thickness of 15 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m, on the leads. After effecting the thick-plating process, a trimming process is effected on the leads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a parallel processor packaging structure and a method for manufacturing the structure. The individual logic and memory elements are on printed circuit cards. These printed circuit boards and cards are, in turn, mounted on or connected to circuitized flexible substrates extending outwardly from a laminate of the circuitized, flexible substrates. Intercommunication is provided through a switch structure that is implemented in the laminate. The printed circuit cards are mounted on or connected to a plurality of circuitized flexible substrates, with one printed circuit card at each end of the circuitized flexible circuit. The circuitized flexible substrates connect the separate printed circuit boards and cards through the central laminate portion. This laminate portion provides XY plane and Z-axis interconnection for inter-processor, inter-memory, inter-processor/memory element, and processor to memory bussing interconnection, and communication.

Abstract: A carrier, or transfer frame, includes a pair of support portions located on opposite sides of an opening defined by the frame to receive portions of individual conductors of a cable, with the conductors extending across the opening and held in desired positions relative to each other during transportation prior to installation in an electrical circuit. Each conductor is connected electrically to a respective test contact pad of electrically conductive material located on one of the support portions. The transfer frame is placed and held in a desired position adjacent a circuit while the conductors are soldered, with access to the individual conductors, including shield conductors, being gained through the opening defined by the transfer frame.

Abstract: A multilayer wiring board and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The wiring board comprises an insulating substrate having a first and second conductor layers formed on major surfaces of the insulating substrate, a blind hole formed through the first conductor layer and the insulating substrate to expose the second conductor layer at the bottom of the blind hole, and a connecting conductor provided to cover the exposed surface of the second conductor layer wall portion of the blind hole and the first conductor layer. Since the connecting conductor and the second conductor are made in surface contact, connection reliability is very much improved. The blind hole is made by blasting a fine abrasive powder beam to selectively remove the insulating substrate. The end of selective removal can be easily controlled by the difference of working speed against the insulating substrate and the conductor layer to successfully expose the second conductor layer at the bottom of the blind hole.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ink jet head having a discharge opening for discharging ink and an ink passage communicated with the discharge opening, includes the step of forming the discharge opening by performing a cutting operation along a portion where the discharge opening is to be formed, while maintaining the ink passage in a pressurized condition by filling the ink passage with fluid. Another method includes the step of cleaning an ink passage by introducing liquid and gas into the ink passage alternately; and an ink jet apparatus comprising such an ink jet head, and a member for holding the ink jet head.

Abstract: A razor head comprises a body portion defining a guard and a cap, and a blade assembly having a blade disposed therein. The blade assembly is mounted by a first and second mounting member to the body portion in relation to the guard and cap in a manner to comprise a four-bar linkage. The body portion defines a stationary member of the four-bar linkage. The first and second mounting members each have one end connected to the body portion in a manner to define rotational members of the four-bar linkage about a separate axis of rotation for each of the first and second mounting members. The blade assembly is connected to the other end of the first and second mounting members to define a movable four-bar member responsive to rotational movement of the first and second mounting members so that shaving forces acting upon the blade assembly cause the blade assembly to move relative to the body portion.

Abstract: A blade shave counter is disclosed which counts the number of shaves for which an interchangeable shaving blade has been used, and displays the count on an LCD display mounted preferably on the shaving handle of a shaving instrument. Optionally, an audible alarm sounds or an LED is activated when the count reaches a predetermined or user selectable value.

Abstract: A safety razor in which at least part of the skin engaging surface thereof has an adherent coating comprising substantially spherical elastomeric particles in a polymer matrix, the size and concentration of such particles being such that the coated surface has a surface roughness with spaced major and subsidiary peaks.

Abstract: The chuck assembly includes a chucking device having two pawls controlled by a press rod to move toward each other for loading a blade cartridge, a spring worked to return the pawl to its former position after the loading of the blade cartridge permitting the blade cartridge to be retained to the pawls, and a spring-supported balance rod on which the loaded blade cartridge is balanced.

Abstract: A split folding handle hatchet is disclosed that in a first position can be used as a hatchet and in a second position can be used as an Eskimo ulu-type of scraper. The hatchet shank is securely held by unique raised surfaces on the inside of each handle portion when the handle is gripped by the woodsman.

Abstract: A device for lifting and cutting glued-down carpet that is made of three primary components, a handle, a blade mounting plate and a rod mounting sleeve. The blade mounting plate is secured to the front end of the handle and the rod mounting sleeve is secured to the bottom of the two previous components. A blade cover plate secures a razor blade between itself and the blade mounting plate with the bottom edge of the razor blade captured in a groove that extends along the top surface of the carpet lifting rod. The carpet lifting rod is longitudinally adjustable within the rod mounting sleeve. In operation, the pointed front end of the carpet lifting rod is driven along the top surface of the concrete below the bottom surface of the carpet thereby lifting it up to a position where it is cut by the razor blade as the device is continuously pushed along beneath the carpet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a can opener which removes the lid (E) of a can by cutting through an outer part of the rim (R) of the lid. The can opener comprises two body portions arranged for relative pivotal movement about an axis, one portion carrying a rotary cutting wheel (10) and the other portion carrying a rotary traction wheel (12). The latter is shaped to distort the rim of the can while it is being cut by the cutting wheel whereby the overlapping engagement between the end wall of the can and the side wall of the can is loosened. To distort the rim, the traction wheel includes a portion having a surface adapted to engage, in use, the inner side wall of the rim, the said surface being inclined at an angle greater than the angle of the inclination of the rim with respect to the vertical axis of the can.

Abstract: A drafting tool for drawing a circle or curved arc has interlocked, independently rotatable concentric rings. The rings have radially extending openings that can be aligned to form a radial track. A carriage for carrying a pencil or other marking element is slidable along the track to a desired radial position. The carriage can occupy one or more than one of the rings and rotates with the ring(s) around a center point. The carriage has a locking structure that is spring biased to retract and advances to lock the carriage in position at the desired radius when the pencil or the like is inserted. The locking structure can have a tooth for engaging between teeth along the radial openings in the track, the teeth on the track forming part of the sliding support for the carriage. The rings have complementary tongues and grooves, and nodules on at least one of the abutting surfaces of the tongues and grooves minimizes surface contact to reduce friction.

Abstract: An archery bowsight, for use in a tree stand, or otherwise, to be fitted onto a compound bow, or other type bow, having a rotatable pendulum affixed inside a mounting framework, and the pendulum controlling the location of a free moving pin sight inside the framework, and therefore, in the path of the flight of the arrow, for instant and easy fixing on the target. A biasing counterweight arrangement on the pendulum corrects for different target distances, and an adjusting plate, affixed to the one side of the mounting framework, controls the fine tuned location of the pin sight, for high, or low misses, while bore sighting the archery bowsight. The archery bowsight also has a locating nut arrangement on the stem of the mounting screws to control the sideward location of the archery bowsight, to correct for side misses while bore sighting the archery bowsight.

Abstract: The invention comprises a machine having air bearings and a control apparatus for turning off one or more of the air bearings when the machine has been idle for a specified time period.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed in which a transparent or translucent plastic template of a specific size bears a combination of inscribed marks and apertures adapted to cooperate with each other so as to enable a user to readily align, make page size and margin determinations, and draw marks on materials to be cropped and/or hole-punched in a manner that is quick, easy, and makes optimum use of both the user's time and the cropped material.

Abstract: A colloidal substance is injected into a vacuum chamber to be dehydrated therein. The dehydrated substance is extracted from the vacuum chamber by a screw extruder disposed at a bottom of the vacuum chamber. A gas resulting from the dehydration is drawn from the vacuum chamber into a surface condenser to be cooled through an indirect heat exchange with cooling water. After the dehydration of the substance, the extraction of the dehydrated substance and the cooling of the gas are carried out in parallel.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing contaminants from the surface of a web moving in a processing direction within a web processing system, the web processing system including a web processing structure, the apparatus including a chill roll air bar disposed proximate to a surface of the web, for separating the contaminated air from the surface of the web before that surface of the web engages the processing structure.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drying operation of a combined sensing type clothes dryer including a drum, a heat exchanging fan, a motor, a heater, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, the sensors being disposed between the drum and the heat exchanging fan, comprising the steps of calculating an average value of the sum of a temperature variation per unit time detected by the temperature sensor and a humidity value sensed by the humidity sensor, both of which is detected when a predetermined time (t.sub.SH) has been elapsed from the beginning of the drying operation, determining the fabric quantity of clothes as one of a small fabric quantity, a large fabric quantity and an excessive fabric quantity, based on the calculated average value, and controlling the drying operation, based on the determined fabric quantity. Taking into consideration the ambient temperature, the fabric quantity is determined, thereby capable of preventing an occurrence of an error of the fabric quantity determination.

Abstract: The suction roll, especially for a paper web drier, comprises a perforated roll shell containing therein an internal chamber partitioned by a wall member transversely arranged with respect to the lengthwise axis of the suction roll. A connection flow communicates the interior of the suction roll with a suction device, preferably a vacuum pump. At least one blade or vane within the suction roll at least reduces or prevents a possibly arising rotational or cyclone-like flow. Thus, the pressure differential brought about by the suction device can be completely used for creating the suction action and for fixing the paper web at the suction roll. This rotational or cyclone-like flow particularly occurs when the suction action is applied through a hollow shaft or duct.