Abstract: The invention herein provides an apparatus and method for washing spherical objects such as toy balls and the like. The balls are delivered into a bin above a hopper where they are manipulated to prevent jamming as they are passed from the hopper to a channel below consisting of rotating and stationary brushes. The balls are brushed and a detergent solution is applied. The balls are then rinsed and air is forced over them to dry any moisture thereon. The balls then exit through a discharge where they can then be collected and reused.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a belt driven rotating agitator is provided with an indicia containing rotating dial, directly driven by one of these moving translating or rotating parts, to thereby indicate a problem or performance goal existent in one of them.

Abstract: A medicament containing dental brush includes a plurality of parallel fibers having a medicament such as tetracycline, chlorhexidine, or sodium fluoride disposed between or within the individual fibers. The medicament is released during brushing to provide direct contact of the medicament with the areas in the mouth receiving treatment, including those areas both above and below the gum line. The brush is disposable and contains a sufficient dosage for one use and is preferably used with a rotary toothbrush. Utilizing a dental brush as a means for delivery of the medicament to a treatment area, increases the effectiveness of the treatment.

Abstract: A combination scraper and wire brush for cleaning a barbecue grill comprises a channel-shaped holder attached to a handle. One side of the holder has a scraper wall with a series of openings which mate with the bars of the barbecue grill. The rear wall cooperates with the front wall to removably retain a wire brush having bristles disposed behind the openings in the scraper wall.

Abstract: A vehicle washing mitt having a tubular sleeve of non-abrasive material for wiping a vehicle with cleaning materials. The user's hand fits into the inner end of the sleeve and a mild abrasive material cannot accidentally scrape the vehicle surface. When the washing mitt is deliberately manipulated, the mild abrasive material engages the more difficult soiled spots on the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush including a flexible extension which is attached to the outside of a brush head for perfectly cleaning the back teeth and minimizing scratches on the periodontal tissue surface and oral cavity.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner brushroll including a tufted spindle supported by end assemblies having bearings that rotatably mount the spindle in the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The brushroll includes a spindle and improved end assemblies for supporting the spindle comprising a first member fixed to an end of the spindle, a relatively rotatable second member having a portion that is adapted to mate with mounting structure in the vacuum cleaner nozzle, a bearing which is supported by the second member and in turn supports the first member and stub shaft structure for coupling the first member with the bearing. Either the first or second member has a pair of annular walls that are radially spaced apart to define an annular channel, while the other member has an annular skirt that extends into the annular channel to form a labyrinth thread seal.

Abstract: A cleaning composite for optical and magneto-optical storage disks includes a rectangular strip of a textile or fabric cloth composed of a material capable of absorbing a cleaning liquid; and a rectangularly shaped plastic film; wherein the strip of the textile or fabric cloth and the plastics film are connected to one another along opposite narrow sides. Preferably the strip and the plastics film have the same size. The strip includes a fluff-free clean-room material produced from filament yarn. The strip and the plastics film are thermally bonded to one another along their narrow sides or are adhesively bonded to one another by means of a self-adhesive tape along adhesive strips along their narrow sides.

Abstract: An elongated track receives and supports a movable wiper arm carriage having a windshield wiper extending therefrom. A plurality of pulleys couple the wiper arm carriage to an oscillatory drive mechanism having a reciprocating carriage. The pulley and cable system provides a distance multiplication in which the wiper arm carriage moves a substantially greater distance in response to motion of the oscillatory system carriage. A single direction drive motor is coupled to the oscillatory drive which includes a rotating arm together with a pivotally supported connecting arm and slider coupled to a guide bar supported upon and coupled to the oscillatory system carriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the storage of vacuuming accessories upon a vacuum cleaner particularly a utility type cleaner. A unique structure is taught whereby the tubular portion of the accessory is telescopingly placed over a post-like structure or within a walled cavity each having at least three sides. In the post-like structure, the three sides are joined one to the other by curved sections each of which tangentially engage the inside surface of the accessory's tubular section. Similarly in the walled cavity structure, the outside surface of the accessory's tubular portion tangentially engages the inside surface of each cavity wall.

Abstract: A hair cleaning device comprised of a motor holder to hold an induced draft fan device and a DC power supply, a bottom shell covered on the motor holder at the bottom, a top cover covered on the motor holder at the top, the bottom shell having teeth for combing the hair and ventilation tubes for passing air, the top cover having a button for turning on the induced draft fan device, causing it to produce an induced draft for sucking up dust and dandruff from the hair into the bottom shell.

Abstract: A cooking vessel is provided with a removable handle. The handle is engaged with the vessel through use of a channel mounted on the end of the handle which mates with a rail mounted on the vessel. The channel and rail are further fitted with a mating pin and slot to assure alignment when engaged and with a pivotably mounted cam lock to retain engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A four-bar linkage hinge comprises two fastening elements (11, 12) with a first (14) and a second link (13) pivoted by their ends, respectively, to each fastening element (11, 12). The first link (14) has an extension (20) which rests on a free arm (25) of a spring (21) which reacts with its other end (24) on one of the two fastening elements, and which exerts pressure on said extension (20) in order to rotate the link to shift the hinge from a nearly closed to a closed position. The arm (25) bears a cam surface with a raised area (28) which is traversed by said extension (20) when the hinge is in the nearly open position, to permit the release of the spring (21) on continuation of the opening movement and push the hinge open.

Abstract: An unwinding carriage (14) is fed with a fiber web (4). This unwinding carriage (14) is displaced in a to-and-fro movement, causing it to deposit the web (4) on an exit conveyor (8) driven transversely to the movement of the unwinding carriage (14), so as to produce a lap (6) consisting of successive breadths of web inclined alternately in relation to the longitudinal direction of the exit conveyor (8), these breadths being joined by means of folds defining the edges of the lap produced (6). The advance of the exit conveyor (8) at the moments of the changes in direction of the unwinding carriage (14) is maintained. During these changes in direction, the unwound quantity of web (4) is restricted so as to exert on the fibers, between the exit conveyor (8) and the unwinding carriage (14), a pull tending to orient the fibers which form the folds of the web in the lap (6) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the exit conveyor (8). The invention is used particularly for making needled products.

Abstract: A clip. A leg portion is inserted through a mounting hole formed in a member to be mounted, and into a mounting hole formed in a holding member which holds the member to be mounted. A head portion is formed at one end portion of the leg portion. The member to be mounted is interposed between the head portion and the holding member and is fixed to the holding member. A core member is provided in the leg portion so as to extend from one end portion of the leg portion to another end portion of the leg portion. A plurality of supporting members are provided so as to extend in a radial direction from the core member and are provided along a longitudinal direction of the core member. A portion of an elastic deforming member is supported at respective distal end portions of the plurality of supporting members.

Abstract: To inhibit an actuating member from being moved to a release position, to make the manipulation feeling satisfactory, and to provide a compact and cheap buckle device.[Arrangement] When a large downward acceleration acts upon a buckle device 10, an upward inertia force F1 acts upon the gravitational center G of an inertia member 15 which is therefore rotated about a second support boss 17 so that a movement inhibiting part 15a abuts against the side wall of a second projected part 12b. in this condition, when a large upward deceleration acts upon the buckle device 10, large downward inertia forces F2, F3 act upon the gravitation center of an actuating member 12 and the gravitational center G of the inertia member, and accordingly, the actuating member 12 and the inertia member 15 are moved downward.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tenter frame for treating web materials such as woven or knitted fabrics, film or the like, to apparatus for removing a web from a tenter while controlling the web and to a process for removal of a web from a tenter. A pair of endless opposed tenter chains having a plurality of pins thereon engage opposite edges of the web material for holding it as it is treated on the tenter frame. Pinned rolls are provided for engaging and transferring the web material from the pins of the tenter frame with the web taken off of the tenter chains without loss of control over the web. A cutter unit is also provided for trimming the edges from the web after it has been removed from the tenter chain, and while the web remains under control of the pinned rolls, after which trimmed edges are automatically removed from the pins for discarding.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a yarn layer includes a clamping rail, a clamping comb that is insertable into the yarn layer, and a reed comb that is also insertable into the yarn layer. The clamping comb is provided with spaced apart clamping lamellae which each have a clamping edge facing the clamping rail for clamping yarn between the clamping rail and the clamping edge of the clamping lamellae. At least one of the clamping rail and the clamping comb are adjustable relative to the other so that the clamping rail and the clamping comb approach one another to clamp the yarn. The reed comb and the clamping comb are longitudinally adjustable relative to one another by an amount greater than the spacing between the adjacent lamellae of the clamping comb in order to deflect the yarn.

Abstract: A caul screen is made with metal cable having a low twist level of between 1 and 5 turns per inch and where the cable is made with filaments that have been coated with brass; the cable is woven into a mesh to form the screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing an elastomeric handgrip on an article. The handgrip is initially stretched over a hollow core consisting of one or more sections that can be removed from within the handgrip using slight tension. The proximal end of the assembly is placed over the article with the distal end of the handgrip aligned with the desired position, in some cases a positioning member being used to ensure proper alignment. The core is removed by tensioning the distal end, permitting the tubular handgrip to contract progressively starting from the distal end. In one embodiment, the core is a thin flat strip wound spirally and connected along abutting edges to form a helical tear line. The free end of the strip passes longitudinally through the bore from the distal to proximal end. Tension on the free end breaks the leading edge of the tear line, causing the strip to unwind and sequentially collapse each looped segment due to the force exerted by the handgrip.

Abstract: An articulated piping connector facilitates installation of an in-line device such as a gas consumption meter to be supported by a gas supply pipe. The connector has two elongate rigid legs pivotable from a closed condition in which the legs are superposed to an open condition in which the legs are extended to support a meter or other device during installation. The legs have upstanding threaded members for connection to pipes and pipe fittings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing film sleeves from objects quickly and easily. The apparatus includes a housing and frame structure adapted to be shifted from a vessel pick-up station to a vessel processing station. A plurality of transfer heads carried by the frame structure are provided. Each head is positioned to grasp an associated one of a set of vessels disposed in a transport case positioned at the pick-up station. A transfer head actuating structure is adapted to cause the heads respectively associated with vessels at the pick-up station to substantially concurrently grasp the associated vessels. The frame structure is then shifted to shift the vessels to the processing station as the frame structure is shifted to the processing station. The actuating structure is further adapted to cause the heads to release associated vessels once they are transferred to the processing station.

Abstract: A hollow lumen cable is formed by helically winding inner and outer coils with the helices of each coil being in an abutting relationship and the outer coil inner diameter being less than the outer, peripheral, diameter of the inner coil. Preferably, each coil is multifilar. After the coils are wound, an unwinding force is applied to the outer coil and the inner coil is inserted into the outer coil to have its winding inclined opposite to that of the outer coil; and thence, the outer coil is allowed to contract to form an interference fit with the inner coil. The cable may be incorporated as part of various medical systems e.g., implantable pumps or other rotatable medical apparatuses. The cable is bendable about the tight radii, has a high torque transfer, a small outer diameter, and a hollow lumen through which fluid, wires or medical devices may pass.

Abstract: A method for sealing a porous membrane constructed, at least in part, of a PTFE based material to a support gasket constructed, at least in part, of a PTFE based material. The method includes providing such a PTFE porous membrane of a preselected shape and size and providing such a PTFE support gasket of a preselected shape and size. The method further includes positioning the membrane and the support gasket in a predetermined appositional relationship within a press. The press includes a press tool of a predetermined configuration and size. The method then includes sealing the membrane and support gasket together at a common seal-zone by pressing the press tool against the membrane and the support gasket with the pressing means at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined dwell to form the membrane/gasket assembly. The method lastly includes removing the membrane/gasket from the pressing means.

Abstract: Orthopaedic implants exhibiting improved fatigue strength are disclosed. By forming a plurality of nodules on the surface of an implant and depositing a porous coating onto the surface of these nodules, the fatigue strength of implants such as those made from .alpha.+.beta. titanium alloys, e.g., Ti-6Al-4V alloy is substantially improved. The present invention provides a novel geometry which substantially reduces the stress concentration factor created by the interfacial geometry of conventional porous coatings. Methods of manufacturing porous coated orthopaedic implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: Elongated thin strip stock is blanked to form interlocking laminas for electric motor or generator rotors or stators at successive blanking stations. At a final assembly station the laminas are stacked and pressed into interlocking relationship. In response to an operator input a predetermined number of reversals, or half turns about the stack axis of the previously stacked lamina are provided in order to compensate for nonuniform strip thickness to obtain a rotor or stator of substantially uniform height. Alternatively the thickness of the strip stock is gauged at transversely spaced points on the strip to determine cross feed thickness variation in the strip whereupon the stacked laminas are automatically provided with a number of reversals about the stack axis in response to a thickness differential that would result in a parallelism error in the stack that exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A pallet system for supporting a workpiece (such as an electric motor stator or rotor) during processing of the workpiece includes a pallet member on which a workpiece holder can be removably placed. The workpiece holder may have multiple workpiece-engaging sites, each of which is adapted to hold a differently configured workpiece, and multiple pallet-engaging sites, each of which is associated with a respective one of the workpiece-engaging sites and any one of which can be used to engage the pallet so that the workpiece holder can hold a workpiece of the appropriate configuration at the associated workpiece-engaging site. Methods and apparatus for storing and manipulating the workpiece holders are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic read/write head deposited upon a non-magnetic substrate reduces leading edge undershoots in readback pulse signal. A magnetic layer is deposited between the thin film magnetic read/write head and the non-magnetic substrate. Undershoots are reduced by making the leading edge of the thin film head less sensitive to the magnetization transitions in a magnetic storage medium.

Abstract: A plurality of thermal heads are made from a rectangular material substrate board having one surface entirely formed with a conductor layer which has bulging portions extending along and adjacent to the four sides of the material substrate board. First, the conductor layer is etched in different regions of the substrate board so that each region is made to have a conductor pattern for a corresponding thermal head, wherein the conductor pattern at least in one region of the substrate board is made to have a common electrode provided by one bulging portion of the conductor layer. Then, the different regions of the substrate board are separated from each other to provide different thermal heads.

Abstract: A pin carrier for locating male contact pins on a printed circuit board (PCB) with a very high degree of accuracy, while placing a very low thermal mass in contact with each male contact pin. The pin carrier has a plurality of chimney structures, each chimney structure configured to retain one male contact pin. Male contact pins are inserted into each chimney such that essentially only that portion of the male contact pin which is to enter the PCB is exposed. The male contact pins are held in the chimney by a frictional retention force just sufficient to maintain the male contact pins securely within the chimneys during shipment and soldering onto a PCB, but not so great as to make removal of the pin carrier difficult after the male contact pins have been soldered to a PCB. In addition to registering the pins while maintaining a low thermal mass, the chimney structure also protects the male contact pin from excessive solder flow due to solder wicking, and from the corrosive effects of solder flux.

Abstract: A multi-chip module having very high density interconnect structures and a technique for making it, where all of the chips have their active device surfaces in a common plane. The chips are placed face down on an adjacent adhesive layer located on a substrate, which is preferably a flexible material. A conformal material is deposited over the backsides of the chips and in the spaces between the chips. A ground plane or metallic shield can then be formed over the conformal layer, if desired. The structure is then turned over and the glass layer on which the substrate is located is removed. Access vias are made through the substrate to the chip I/O's, and metallization provided to the chips. Interconnect metallization is then provided to complete the multi-chip module. In one embodiment, the substrate on which the chips are first supported is the first level of insulation above the active device surfaces of the chips and also ensures that the active device surfaces are in a common plane.

Abstract: An automatic wiring method includes a first step of finding locations at which diagonal wiring is required at the time of wiring processing, a second step of approximating the shapes of part pins associated with these locations by rectangular shapes and reducing and changing these approximated shapes into shapes capable of being wired by 90.degree. turns, a third step of executing automatic wiring processing for 90.degree. turns, a fourth step of finding a location at which a clearance between a wiring pattern obtained by the wiring processing for 90.degree. turns and an actual part pin becomes less than a stipulated value and a clearance error is generated, and a fifth step of shaping a 90.degree.-turn wiring pattern at this location into a diagonal wiring pattern so as to satisfy the clearance.

Abstract: A process is described for manufacturing through-hole plated single-layer or multi-layer printed circuit boards based on a polymeric substrate material or on a ceramic material provided optionally on both sides with at least one photoresist layer temporarily exposing the electroconductive circuit pattern by electroplating or electroless plating with a metal layer also on those surfaces which have not been coated with a conductive metal layer, characterized in thata) the surfaces of the substrate, after hole-drilling and a subsequent mechanical surface-treatment, are laminated with a suitable photoresist, exposed to light and developed so that the circuit pattern image is exposed,b) the surfaces of the substrate are pre-treated in a solution having oxidizing activity,c) after removal of the residual solution by rinsing, the substrate is introduced into a solution which contains at least one heterocyclic monomer, and more specifically pyrrole, thiophene, furane or derivative(s) thereof, which in a polymeric for

Abstract: Longitudinal end portions of an elongated twenty-cylinder engine are disassembled to remove a cylinder location from each end of each cylinder bank for converting a crankcase from a twenty-cylinder, two-cycle, V-type diesel engine to a sixteen-cylinder configuration for use in a diesel electric locomotive. Peripheral air box access windows are provided at each longitudinal end of the crankcase. Portions of the exhaust deck, water jacket side wall and internal cylinder retainer support framing from the disassembled end portions are return welded to the remaining structure after separation of each endplate. Distal edges of longitudinally-extending remaining crankcase framework are machined to provide for receiving a new planar endplate of increased thickness gage at each end. Vibration and thermal stress-relief are applied before external surfaces of the new endplates are machined.

Abstract: A method for machining a rotation-symmetrical workpiece surface includes the steps of rotating the workpiece during machining, roughing the workpiece surface, smoothing in a longitudinal turning process the workpiece surface with a cutting tool having a cutting blade with a divided edge arrangement, advancing the cutting tool in a radial direction relative to the workpiece surface in the smoothing step, and moving the cutting tool in the axial direction of the workpiece surface for carrying out the longitudinal turning process. The cutting tool for carrying out the aforementioned method comprises at least one first cutting blade for the smoothing step, the first cutting blade having at least two adjacent edges axially spaced at a distance from one another.

Abstract: Procedures for machining static crankcase structure, free of motive-drive components, and fabricating in-place preselected thickness gage endplates to provide crankcases for continued use of two-cycle V-type diesel electric locomotive engines. In crankcase refabrication procedures, original endplates are removed and distal edges machined to preserve overall crankcase length within tolerance limits. Externally cut openings in peripheral air box side walls and removal of an upper portion of each endplate provide access to internal framework members for removal of the endplates. Power deck surfaces are machined uniformly and camshaft locations are determined trigonometrically responsive to such downward displacement of the power deck. The new endplates are welded in place, free of drilled or tapped drive component openings. Subsequent machining of the new endplates compensates for any existing vertical or transverse cant of each endplate.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an ink-jet head assembling apparatus, which can improve productivity by omitting the step of temporarily fixing a top plate and a heater board using an ultraviolet curing adhesive.In order to achieve this object, an ink-jet head assembling apparatus of this invention includes a plurality of work stations, an index table, upper and front pressing members, arranged at a position on the index table corresponding to at least one of the plurality of work stations, for holding the top plate on the heater board, and first and second driving mechanisms, arranged outside the index table, for switching the holding member between a holding state wherein the top plate member is held on the heater board, and a non-holding state attained by releasing the holding state.

Abstract: A method for preparing a alternating-flow heat exchanger is disclosed, in which a ceramic structure is provided having straight, open-ended passageways therethrough. Channels or orifices are drilled into the side of the structure, into and transverse to some of the passageways, and the open ends of these passageways are then plugged. The ceramic materials is fired for a temperature and for a time sufficient to form a monolithic ceramic alternating-flow structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a linear motion guide unit having a slider mounted to a rail. The rail includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces. A liner overlying the rail is press-formed against a core which is lager than a combination of the rail and a thin plate member. The press-formed liner is placed inside a mold and molten metal is poured into a gap formed between the liner and the mold. After the metal cools to a hardened condition, the slider is removed from the mold and assembled on the rail with a gap defined between the top of the rail and an opposed surface of the slider. Oil is supplied to the gap to define an oil film between the rail and the slider.

Abstract: Device for removing a bearing assembly from a shaft including a tapered adapter for securing a bearing assembly to a shaft that includes a radial opening therethrough extending along the length thereof and further defines a groove extending about at least a portion of the circumference of the adapter and being located proximate the large end of the adapter. The device also includes a removal ring with a holding lip for mating with the groove extending about the circumference of the tapered adapter and is provided so as to apply a separating force between the bearing assembly and the removal ring for releasing a bearing assembly from a shaft.

Abstract: A process for producing a plurality of bearing members each of which has a bore defined by an inner bearing surface of self-lubricating material containing lubrication grooves that open into the bore. To perform the process a mandrel is provided having an axial length, spaced apart ends and an outer surface, and one or more rod members is affixed on the outer surface. A parting agent is applied to the mandrel outer surface and rod members and a layer of self-lubricating material is layered over the outer surface and rod members. A filament wound overlayment is applied on top of the layer of self-lubricating material along with a hardenable resin to bond the layer of self-lubricating material and overlayment together. The resin is hardened to form a rigid elongated tube member and the mandrel and rods are removed to expose the inner bearing surface and lubrication grooves. The rigid tube is then severed transversely into a plurality of individual bearing members.

Abstract: A razor head, in particular a razor blade unit for a wet razor, arranged at the front end of a razor handle. Single or twin razor blades are arranged in a plastic housing, with the razor blades being fixed to a plastic spacer to form a razor blade(s)/spacer unit. In order to improve the fixing of the razor blades to the spacer, the razor blades are fixed to the spacer by means of adhesive.

Abstract: A pipe cutter includes a hollow head portion having a first and second ends and a passage way is formed along a longitudinal axis thereof. A jaw element is formed on the first end of the head portion thereby defining a mouth for receiving a pipe to be cut. A blade means has a blade received therein, the blade slidably engaged in the passage way of the head portion. Two handles, each has two ends, one end thereof pivoted to the head portion. A transmission means has first and second ends, the first end pivoted to the blade means and the second ends pivoted to the handles, such that the transmission means converts pivotal movements of the handles into linear movement of the blade means.

Abstract: An eating utensil comprised of a combination of a tweezer device and fork. To attain this, the present invention provides a utensil which has a first handle member and a second handle member which are mirror images of each other. The first and second handle members are attached at a proximal end and bent away from each other and then parallel to one another such that there is a space in between the handle members. The distal end of each handle member terminates in at least two prongs. The innermost prongs provide contact surfaces for firmly grasping food morsels in a tweezer mode. The tines also permit the utensil to be used as a traditional fork.

Abstract: In a reciprocating cutter type trimmer in which blades (14, 15) are reciprocative, the blades (14, 15) are each constructed of a power transmission member (19,18) and an edge member (17, 16) and constitute a separation type blade in which the blades are individually removable, upper and lower blade guide plates (20, 21) are provided for supporting the blades (14, 15) from above and below, and at least one of the upper and lower blade guide plates (20, 21) is rotatably pivoted on the case (4). Exchange of the blade can be carried out easily and rapidly, loss of parts during blade exchanging work can be prevented and the construction can be simplified.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is comprised of a transverse beam, a plurality of knife holders that are slidably connected to the transverse beam, a counter roller against which the knife holders are pressed for a cutting action, and a clamping device for fastening the knife holders to the transverse beam. Each knife holder comprises a housing and at least one knife, whereby the housing has a projection and a support on one side for receiving the transverse beam therebetween. The clamping device is comprised of an actuating lever, a connecting part, and a movable clamping member whereby the actuating lever is connected to the securing member by the connecting part for actuating the securing member and fastening the knife holder at the transverse beam. The securing member may be a bolt which is axially slidable within a bore of the projection of the housing, and the actuating lever is preferably pivotably supported at the projection.

Abstract: A handle for eating utensils (such as a fork, a spoon and a knife) has a gripping member and a barrier member. A first connecting member connects one end of the gripping member to one end of the barrier member. A second connecting member releasingly connects another end of the gripping member to another end of the barrier member. A hand insertion port is formed by an inner perimeter of the gripping member, the barrier member, the first connecting member and the second connecting member. There is a stabilizing member connected to the gripping member.

Abstract: In a reflex luminous dot firearm sighting instrument that includes a housing having an objective end and an ocular end defining an optical axis, an LED and a battery and control circuit for the LED and a tilted reflecting window or lens in the housing having a reflective coating that reflects the LED light while transmitting target light so that the target viewed through the instrument has a luminous dot of LED light superimposed thereon, a contoured non-reflective surface is provided alongside the luminous dot light path between the LED and the tilted reflecting window or lens inside the instrument for blocking undesired reflections of LED light so that they do not reach the eye.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a bearing plate (1), a slideway (2) and a girder (3) which are perpendicular to the bearing plane of the bearing plate, a slide (4) with tracer head (5) movable along the slideway and a drive plate (7) located in front of the slide and stabilized by guides (8, 9) independent of the slide. The plate (7) and the slide (4) are connected by balancing (10) and damping (11) springs. A drive device by cable (13) and return pulleys (15-18) which is moved by a movement generator (19) is connected to the plate (7) and is entirely supported by the girder (3) and the bearing plate (1). A counterweight (14) inserted in the circuit of the cable (13) balances the weight itself of the movable elements (4, 7). A body (63) for protection against impacts is fastened to the girder (3) and to the bearing plate (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for drying sludge, in particular sewage sludge, or moist bulk material, wherein the material to be dried is heated by supplying energy by means of an electromagnetic alternating field generated between electrodes in a sealed pressurized vessel at an overpressure and the material moisture evaporated by the heating is used as heat transfer medium for heating the material to be dried in a step which is separate from the heating in the electromagnetic alternating field. In this process, the material to be dried is received with electrically insulated contiguous contact with the electrodes located in the pressurized vessel at least for a dwell time which is necessary for the heating and is then subjected to a flash drying.