Abstract: A process of manufacturing a steam turbine bucket having water droplet erosion resistance including the steps of:a) forming a bucket (10) of a first steel alloy having a blade portion (12), the blade portion having a leading edge (14) and a trailing edge (16);b) welding an insert (18) of a second steel alloy to the leading edge (14) of the bucket;c) heat treating the bucket (10) and insert (18);d) finish machining the bucket (10) and insert (18); andd) hardening the insert (18) to impart water droplet erosion resistance to the insert.

Abstract: An electric contact is provided on at least one of a pair of conductors and includes a surface which is coated with a ceramic layer comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of nitrides, carbides and borides of high melting point metals, this electric contact having a low contact resistance and good reliability.

Abstract: A nucleate boiling surface is formed on at least one side of a strip by roll forming. A first pattern of grooves separated by ridges in the form of a double helix is rolled into a strip. A second pattern of more shallow grooves is then machined into the ridges. The ridges are then deformed so that the fin ends extend over the first pattern of grooves forming subsurface channels. Concomitantly, the second pattern of grooves forms a plurality of pores intersecting the subsurface channels.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle includes a body in which is formed a blind bore. An outlet orifice communicates with the blind end of the bore and adjacent the blind end of the bore is a seating which in use is engageable by a valve member. The body is formed from hardenable material and the nozzle body is formed in such a way that the seating surface has a high hardness value, the hardness value of the material diminishing to the exterior surface of the body. This is achieved by machining the exterior surface to remove a hardened layer or a hardenable layer produced during a carburizing operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for forming grooves in rolls which are suitable for working web-like materials, wherein a laser source directs a laser beam and an aligned conduit directs a pressurized gas jet onto the roll surface, the roll material thus being removed in a sharply defined area and a groove thereby being formed.

Abstract: A method for converting a vehicle from a sedan form to a convertible form and reinforcing the vehicle, the vehicle having a door opening with hinge mounts for the normal door hinges on one side of the door opening and a latch mount for a door latch on the opposite side of the door opening, the method involving the steps of removing the door and its associated hinges and latch from the door opening and locating a reinforcing structure within the door opening and securing the structure to the hinge mounts and latch mounts by bolting using bolts into the preexisting hinge and latch mounting holes.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for shaving. The apparatus for shaving comprises at least one blade having an essentially straight and essentially continuous cutting edge. The blade is comprised of a plurality of pliable blade segments aligned adjacent to each other to form the cutting edge such that each blade segment is capable of deflecting in a direction perpendicular to the cutting edge independently with respect to the other blade segments. The apparatus is also comprised of a rectangular shaped head which holds the blade in a desired orientation. Additionally, the apparatus is comprised of a handle connected to the head. Preferably, the head holds the blade such that the blade segments are freestanding and not prestressed.

Abstract: A hand operated, hard nut kernel extractor device comprising: scissor action leverage handles, chipper blade, concave constructed blade seat with a spoon shaped extension to serve as a nut support and blade guard for safety; used to chip the hard shell of nuts away from the kernel to prevent kernel fragmentation.

Abstract: A protective shield for a free-cutting tool having a rotatable cutting head with a cutting thread that extends radially upon rotation of the cutting head and thus defines a cutting plane, has a support section for fixedly connecting the shield to the tool above the cutting plane. A circumferential wall is connected to the support section and extends about a portion of the circumference of the cutting plane. The circumferential wall extends axially from the support section to at least the cutting plane and has axially extending lateral edges arranged perpendicular to a direction of rotation of the cutting head. The lateral edges each have a round transition into a bottom edge of the circumferential wall. A crosscutting blade for cutting to length the cutting thread is connected to the inside of the circumferential wall at its leading portion in the direction of rotation. The crosscutting blade extends over the axial height of the circumferential wall.

Abstract: An awl member having an elongate shank includes a shank first end spaced from a shank second end, the shank second end having a handle fixedly mounted thereto coaxially aligned with the shank, with the shank first end including an internally threaded bore threadedly receiving and engaging an insert, with the insert including a polymeric lock projection extending through an externally threaded portion of said insert.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining an angular location on a round object during a current operation in order to facilitate positioning the object for subsequent operation. At a first station, an angular location identifying feature is sensed, and an angle at which a predetermined desired angular location is located with respect to the feature is determined. At a second station, the feature is sensed, the object is indexed from the feature in an amount equal to the angle, and the object is marked at the relocated predetermined desired angular location. Another method eliminates the marking step at the second station, and the subsequent operation is performed instead. Apparatus comprises a first station means and a second station means. The first station means includes means for sensing an angular location identifying feature on the object and measurement means for determining an angle at which a predetermined desired angular location on the object is located with respect to the feature.

Abstract: A bow angle tuner for aligning an arrow to an archery bow, for precise arrow flight, while the arrow is in the bow, by measurements or comparisons which integrate a minimum of five mechanical bow adjustments, and the diameter of the arrow. A planar member includes a groove, either angular or circular, on one face in which an arrow, of any commercially available diameter, is releaseably secured. One or more rulers, of suitable and equal length, are releaseably attached to, or integral to, the planar member and positioned in such a manner that the rulers form an included angle of less than one hundred eighty degrees and the included angle is bisected by the groove in the planar member and centers on the groove in the planar member.

Abstract: Measurement apparatus for determining parameters of a patient's neck comprises a table for positioning the patient's torso during measurement, a head positioning mechanism disposed on the table for positioning the patient's head during measurement, and a measuring mechanism for moving a cervical pad in a first direction corresponding to the length of the patient's neck between the torso and the head and in a second direction transverse to the first direction toward the concavity of the patient's neck. The measuring mechanism includes a base that is movably mounted on the table for movement relative thereto in the first direction, a cervical pad movably mounted on the base for movement relative thereto in the second direction and having an arcuate profile selected in dependence on the curvature of the patient's neck, and moving device for moving the cervical pad in the second direction to engage the cervical region of the patient when the patient's torso and head are positioned for measurement.

Abstract: A key identifier enables an operator to select a key blank design functionally compatible with an unknown key by directing the operator to implement a primary classification step followed by a secondary classification step to sort an unknown key into a specified secondary classification category. The key identifier operator then implements a key blade matching procedure within the specified secondary classification category where the cross section of the blade of the unknown key is matched with a defined blade cross sectional configuration. When a match is obtained between the unknown key blade configuration and the known blade configuration, the known key blank design can be identified and a compatible key blank can be selected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection device for inspecting the dimensions of an object, the device being of the type comprising a support-forming portion together with an elastically deformable system having two measurement arms and an element connected to the arms in such a manner as to be displaced in an axial direction for co-operating with an associated displacement sensor. According to the invention, the deformable system is in the form of a one-piece element that is generally W-shaped, with two hinged measurement arms connected together by two link arms, together with an axially movable central arm; the one-piece element is essentially flat, and it deforms in its own plane when contactors provided at the ends of the hinged measurement arms are moved apart or towards each other. The device is particularly applicable to inspecting inside or outside diameters of mechanical workpieces.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the scanning of a profile, e.g. the cross-sectional profile of a train wheel (2,3), comprises a stationary part (11) which supports a first arm (22) and a second arm (23), the ends of said arms being coupled together by means of angle-encoding joints (20,21). One of the arms (23) comprises a free end with a measuring wheel (24) which is arranged to be moved in contact with the profile which is to be scanned.Both of the Joints (20,21) are electronic angle encoders which are coupled to a portable computer via an interface circuit.

Abstract: A device for providing micro positioning having an operating range in the submicron order in the X and Y directions, respectively. Positioning is achieved by depositing a pair of aluminum electrodes on a piezoelectric element bonded on a silicon wafer, vertically moving the piezoelectric element, arranging a plurality of micro actuators whose contact pin ends, formed on the aluminum electrodes, rotate on a surface as an array, and displacing in the horizontal direction a moving member arranged on the micro actuator array.

Abstract: A tool arranged to receive a rocker arm of an internal combustion engine to direct the rocker arm to displace a valve and thereby permit measuring of such linear displacement is provided. The tool is arranged to include a first wall mounting a handle, and a second wall having a rocker arm receiving surface to effect rotation of the rocker arm about its fulcrum, with an abutment rod arranged to engage the valve assembly in its displacement.

Abstract: A device suitable to accurately determine water depth. The device comprises a rod having a weighted first end, a fixed float and a movable float.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for maintaining articles to be processed clean, having an airtight transportable container with an inlet valve for admitting ionized gas and an outlet valve for venting gas, a purger with an interface to the container inlet valve and a vacuum pick-up and ionized gas spray wand is disclosed. A purger rack for storing multiple containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: An oven for treating a moving web has, within each zone (A), an incinerator (C) with a long holding period for receiving combustion products directly from a burner (B) and mixing them with process exhaust air from nozzles applying heated air to the web, and passing the products of the incinerator to a heat exchanger (E) for heating air from the nozzles prior to return of the heated air thereto.

Abstract: A hair dryer adapted for multifunctional use includes a housing which is mounted on a wall and a hand-held dryer connected to a power supply in the housing through an electrical cable. The power supply to the dryer is controlled by the degree of extension of the cable from the housing. The housing is adapted to receive a number of different modules which can be installed with security in the housing. A tumble dryer can be incorporated into the housing. The apparatus can be provided with a switching device which controls the supply of heated air from the dryer to selected heated air utilization devices such as the tumble dryer, a hand and nail dryer, a room heater and a defogger outlet.

Abstract: A process of drying moist or wet carbon particles in a series of tubular drying sections by electrical resistance heating where the current is introduced into the uppermost column of carbon particles through a graphite block positioned at the center of the top of the said column by attachment to a steel plate that includes a flat or a V-shaped shelf and that is provided with openings to allow the moisture to escape in the form of steam and wherein the dried or partially dried carbon may be fed into a second or into a sequential plurality of similar sections provided with similar graphite blocks similarly positioned.

Abstract: A multi-directional flow of isopropyl alcohol vapor is used to uniformly dry a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment of the invention, isopropyl alcohol vapor (19), which is generated by an external vapor source (30), is injected into the vapor drying system at a location near the top portion (28) of the semiconductor substrate (20), while internally generated isopropyl alcohol vapors (18) are directed toward the bottom portion (26) of the semiconductor substrate (20). Therefore, both the top (28) and the bottom (26) portions of the semiconductor substrate (20) are dried at approximately the same time.

Abstract: A ski boot comprising a shell inside which one or more pressers are provided, a front quarter connected to the shell, a rear quarter pivotally connected to the shell, a lever pivotally connected to the rear quarter, a cable winding device rotatably supported by the lever, a first cable connected to the winding device and engaging the foot presser, and a second cable interconnected between the quarters and the free end of the lever for closing the quarters, whereby the first cable passes through the pivoting axis of the lever, or through a sheath element interconnected between the lever and the shell, so that the actuation of the lever and the actuation of the winding device both only affect the appropriate cable and the securing provided by the other cable is completely unchanged.

Abstract: A shoe sole comprising a sole portion (10) with a forward toe end (12) and a rear end (13), an inner medial side (15) and an outer lateral side (16). Blade-like projections (20) extend downwardly from the sole portion (10) and are angled relative to a generally longitudinal line (31) from the toe end (12) to the rear end (13) of the sole portion (10) so that an outer end (31) of each projection nearer to the medial side (15) is located nearer to the toe end. The angled projections provide increased grip for the outside foot of a wearer during turning movement. The heights of the projections (20) progressively reduce from the rear end (13) of the sole portion towards the toe end (12). At least the forwardmost one (21) of the medial projections has an outer corner (33) at the end of the lower extremity (30) which is displaced inwardly towards the lateral side (16).

Abstract: A conventional fixed cleat of a golf shoe is replaced with a retractable cleat formed in a unitary body defining a plate with an inside flat surface and an insert member extending laterally from the flat surface, the insert member having threads about its periphery generally corresponding in diameter and length to the threads of a conventional fixed golf cleat. An axial hole extends through the plate and the insert member, and a biasing member and a retractable cleat extend through the axial hole so that the biasing member pushes the retractable cleat outwardly. A unitary flange covers the axial hole at the distal extremity, to retain the biasing member.

Abstract: The snow discharge spout pipe from a snowblower is conventionally extended by spout extensions commanded by control rod linkages. The present ball and socket joints are used to interconnect each pair of successive link arms to one another, and some link arms to the snowblower casing. These joints are of the universal joint type, including a ball rotatable into a spherical socket. Each end of a link arm has such a joint. Each socket is composed of two ring members in mutual contact at their flat inner radial faces. These faces are precisely machined to obtain the desired clearance between the spherical surfaces of the ball and ring members. Each ball includes an axial bore, rotatably receiving a shoulder bolt. The bolt and ball have lubricating passages opening at the relatively movable bearing surfaces of the bolt, ball and ring members.

Abstract: A needlework support apparatus has a needlework fabric frame held above a base by side arms. A magnifying lens is held above the fabric by a length of flexible tubing, one end of which is attached to the lens and the other end of which is attached to arms connected to a side arm. A flashlight is mounted in a hole through the lens and held in place by O-rings. The lens and light are adjustable to magnify and illuminate a selected portion of the needlework fabric.

Abstract: A self-standing display device (10) formed from front (18) and rear (20) panels, and methods for making and using the same, are disclosed. The rear panel (20) includes an easel portion (12) which is foldable to provide standing support for the display device (10). The front (18) and rear (20) panels are interconnected by an adhesive coating (48) which can extend across the interface between the front (18) and rear (20) panels. Adhesion between the front panel (18) and the easel portion (12) is substantially prevented by barrier layer (46) which can be applied by lithographic printing.

Abstract: A label assembly improving the releasability of individual labels from a carrier sheet. The labels are spaced along the length of the carrier sheet in a longitudinal direction. An adhesive temporarily retains the labels on the carrier sheet. A transverse leading edge of each label is adhesive-free. Benefits include a) reduced adhesion of the labels to the carrier sheet during die-cutting of the labels and b) improved releasability of the labels from the carrier sheet during label application.

Abstract: A toy pump action shot gun has an operating mechanism in which individual caps can be detonated in a single shot firing cycle or in a rapid firing sequence under the influence of the reciprocal movement of a pump sleeve interacting with a pushrod assembly to operate a cap detonating structure.

Abstract: A small, extremely light weight kit containing components which, when wholly assembled, are a fully functional rifle, easily assembled in five minutes or less, and stowable in kit form with among other survival items, up to fifty rounds of small caliber ammunition, which is highly portable and useful.

Abstract: An aiming device includes a laser housing attached to the trigger guard and adapted to fit snugly on the receiver assembly of a gas operated, slide actuated automatic weapon. The laser housing is provided with two vertically aligned parallel running compartments. The upper compartment contains the laser emission module while the lower compartment contains the power supply. The rear of each compartment is provided with a passage which opens to a slot in the rear of the housing to provide access for the electrical connection of the power supply, the laser emitter and an actuator switch which is carried in the slot. In this manner all electrical components for operating the aiming device are contained within the laser housing.The laser emission module consists of a laser diode and associated laser driver circuitry in a container configured to be received in the upper compartment of the laser housing. The emission end of the container is provided with one or more lenses for focusing the laser beam.

Abstract: A compensating device equipped with a hydraulic cylinder/piston arrangement as a damping member, and a sheave operatively connected with the cylinder and piston arrangement, and a hydraulic accumulator connected to the cylinder, for use on board a trawler vessel operating in autotrawl mode for dampening shock forces or alternating stresses on trawl pulling wire elements between the trawler vessel winch system and a bottom trawl.

Abstract: An electronic float for fishing tackle in which when a fish bites a bait, a floater (1) moves up and down, causing a magnet (5) inside the hollow of the floater (1) to move, accordingly, up and down nearing or falling apart from a fixed magnet (3) below, thus the equilibrium of the magnet (5) is broken and inertial force is created for the magnet (5) in a vertical direction to keep its up and down motion, thereby to turn the switching means on or off. But, when the floater (1) is stirred by a wind or the waves, inertial force of the magnet (5) is kept negligible, and the magnet (5) hits against the side of wall of the hollow to get its vertical up-down move restrained, and the switching means (4) does not get turned on or off.

Abstract: A float with light apparatus comprises a floating body which has a guard shaped configuration. The floating body is comprised of a lower housing and an upper housing. The lower housing has an external threaded portion at its lower end, and the upper housing has a cylindrical projection at its upper end. The upper housing and the lower housing jointly define an apartment therebetween. A battery apartment has a cylindrical configuration. The battery apartment has a inner threaded portion at its upper opening for being screwed onto said lower end of the lower housing. A power supply assembly is installed within the battery. The power supply assembly extending further into the lower housing. A first light indicating source is installed onto the upper end of the upper housing. The first light indicating source constructs an electrical connection with the power supply assembly via suitable electrical wires.

Abstract: A fishing lure has a body with a replaceable bib mounted by releasable locking means within a slot at its forward end. The bib can thereby be replaced by a bib which provides different depth characteristics for the lure.

Abstract: A breakaway fishing jig adjustably mounted on a fishing line that extends through the fishing jig so as to define a lead line to which is attached a fishing hook, wherein the fishing jig is defined by an elongated metal body member formed with a central elongated bore, a front guide plug and a rear securing plug having passages axially aligned with the elongated bore, whereby the fishing line is threaded therethrough so as to extend rearwardly of the securing plug. A set screw is threadably mounted adjacent the rear of the body member, whereby the set screw forcibly engages the securing plug so as to fixedly engage the fishing line within the passage of the securing plug.

Abstract: A device that prevents female and juvenile crabs from becoming stuck in the upper portions of a crab trap is disclosed. In crab traps using angled tunnels, the upper portions of the trap provide a place for the young crab to hide from the larger males. Once in this area, however, the crab are difficult to remove. Many are often killed or injured during removal. To prevent this problem, a formed perforated shield is attached in the wedge-shaped area formed between the inside of the tunnel and the top of a crab trap. Two types of shields are disclosed. The first is an angled shield that conforms to the shape of the upper tunnel and the top of the trap. The shield fits into this wedge-shaped area to provide a smooth surface that makes it impossible for the crabs to find a place to secure a hold. The second device is simply a perforated, flat shield that fits across the space formed by the tunnel and the top of the trap. The shield has contoured ends to conform to the exact space being blocked.

Abstract: An improved fly swatter including a working end and a handle having a terminal end which is provided with a longitudinally extending cavity in which a sound circuit board is housed. Said sound circuit board emits sound effects and/or tunes when activated by an on-off switch. In the preferred embodiment shown, said sound circuit board has a primary circuit which produces one set of sound effects and/or tunes and a secondary circuit which is activated by an inertia switch when the fly swatter strikes an object, thereby emitting a second set of sound effects and/or tunes. In one alternative embodiment illustrated, tile sound circuit board contains only one circuit which produces sound effects and/or tunes when activated by an on-off switch.

Abstract: A moisture sensitive irrigation control system provides automatic watering of potted plants, lawns, crops, etc. The system utilizes a control valve to effect watering of the soil upon automatic detection of a predetermined level of dryness in a control sample of the soil. The system uses a weight-based method of detecting the amount of moisture in the control sample to regulate the automatic release of a predetermined amount of water into the entire soil for rehydration thereof. As the weight of the control sample increases with the volume of water, the valve is automatically closed to terminate the irrigation process.

Abstract: A planter container for growing a house plant in soil or a growth medium which contains multiple vent pipes extending vertically from the bottom to the top of the container. Air convection occasioned by the natural water transpiration processes of the growing plant is sufficient to cause polluted air flow through the vent pipes, and the vent pipes then enhance air flow throughout the root growth medium, exposing the air to large surface areas of plant root and biologically active growth medium for enhanced microorganism removal of volatile organic chemicals.

Abstract: A power window apparatus with a safety device capable of taking a safety measure when it detects the neck or hand of a passenger being caught in the window, which device can exactly detect such a dangerous state and take a reliable safety measure to correct for the same, irrespective of variations of ambient temperature. A temperature sensor provided which senses the temperature of the motor acting as a drive source for moving the window. This temperature is closely related to the ambient temperature. A reference value for the motor speed for detecting an object-caught state is altered according to the detected temperature, thereby providing exact detection of the object-caught state irrespective of temperature variations. Preferably, the power transmission for the window, the temperature sensor, and a controller structure are mounted on an inner side of a single housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlled raising and lowering of a barrier about a pivot point in which optimum control forces are applied to the barrier throughout its range of operation, and in which sensors are provided to prevent movement of the barrier against a resistive force to thereby prevent damage to the barrier, its operative mechanism, or an external object in its path.

Abstract: A sliding door which is moveable back and forth by a stationary drive motor nit, which has a drive pinion meshing with a gear rack attached to the door or the door's bottom rail, the gear rack being made of a series of adjacent rack segments extending in the sliding direction of the door and inserted in a retaining channel affixed to the door, the segments being manufactured as finished molded pieces and attached to each other with uniform tooth pitch along the rack, whereby the rack is low in cost, adaptable to various door displacement distances, and parts which are subject to heavy wear are readily replaceable.

Abstract: A slidable door for a refrigeration housing is disclosed and wherein the door is displaceable on a top support rail from a closed position over a door opening to an open position to one side of the door opening. The slidable door comprises a rectangular door panel slidably supported in a top edge thereof for displaceable support engagement with the top support rail. A guide channel is provided in a lower edge of the door panel. Spaced apart bearing posts are secured at predetermined locations in a floor adjacent the door opening, and disposed for engagement by the guide rails. The guide rail has door urging ends to displace the door panel towards the frame of the door opening to close the door opening.

Abstract: An automotive door comprises generally an outer module; an inner module and a window pane lifter module interposed between the outer and inner modules. The window pane lifter module includes a door inner waist reinforce member which is fixed to an inner panel of the outer module and a window pane regulator which is connected to the door inner waist reinforce member and regulates the window pane. The door inner waist reinforce member, the window pane regulator and the window pane are integrally assembled to constitute a unit.

Abstract: The blade track control system employs a pair of bearing pads and a pair of sensors. Each bearing pad is provided with a supply of compressed air of constant pressure to provide an aerodynamic bearing surface film against a rotating saw blade. Each bearing pad is mounted on a structure, a portion of which may be flexed in order to deflect the saw blade from a datum plane into a cutting plane. Each sensor detects a deviation in the saw blade from the cutting plane and emits a signal which effects a movement of the bearing pad toward or away from the blade in order to effect a corresponding deflection of the saw blade back to the cutting plane. The two bearing pads are mounted independently of the sensors and each is moved relative to the saw blade by deflecting a cross bar on which the bearing pad is mounted in cantilevered fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding end surfaces of ferrules together with optical fibers each firmly received therein includes as essential components a platform serving as a base for the apparatus, a grinding board assembly rotationally driven such that a grinding board is displaced along a horizontal reference plane as it is rotated, a ferrule holder for holding the ferrules each of whose foremost end to be ground is oriented toward the grinding board, a ferrule holder supporting member for bringing the ferrule holder to a surface position to be assumed by the ferrule holder on completion of a grinding operation while supporting the ferrule holder, and a thrusting unit for normally thrusting the ferrule holder toward the grinding board. It is desirable that the center of the grinding board assembly be positionally offset from the center of the ferrule holder supporting member.