Abstract: A cutter instrument for precision cutting of a corrugated sheet into a precision cut square for edge crush testing is disclosed. The cutter includes a base plate and a pair of cutting blades slidably mounted to the base plate for cutting movement in a direction parallel to a first guide rail. Positioning of the corrugated sheet against the first guide rail allows the sheet to be cut into a longitudinal strip of predetermined precise width. A pair of second guide rails spaced from each other by the predetermined width allows the strip to be rotated 90.degree. and positioned between the second guide rails and respective abutting contact therewith. Movement of the cutter blades along the cutting path completes the cutting of the strip into a precise square.

Abstract: A knife cylinder for processing a continuous web has a plurality of knife blades mounted therein each associated with motors on the cylinder for adjusting each knife in a radial direction during rotation of the knife cylinder. A mechanism on the cylinder is provided for actuating each motor to control the radial adjustment of each knife, and a device located outside the knife cylinder is provided for operating the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A reinforcing member with a U-shaped cross section and an actuating rod are joined and assembled in parallel. A base end of the reinforcing member is fixed to a support, and an end part of the actuating rod is fitted to a threaded sleeve which is fitted to be freely rotatable to the support. Thus, the length of the actuating rod relative to the reinforcing member can be increased and decreased by rotation of the threaded sleeve. The actuating rod is provided with a pushing block having a pushing-up surface which comes into contact with the reinforcing member. A partly cutaway part, aligned with the pushing block and formed by a continuously arc-shaped edge, is provided on each side wall of the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A guitar string support insert located between the saddle block of a guitar tremolo and each string passing over the saddle block which is held thereto by a string retaining screw operated device in order to reduce string breakage.

Abstract: A stand structure for a keyed instrument having a main body with a keyboard at the front thereof, the stand structure including a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate and the second side plate being adapted for supporting at least a lower portion of the main body arranged between the first side plate and the second side plate; a back plate arranged between the first side and the second side plate for reinforcing the first side and the second side plate, the back plate being adapted to be arranged below the main body; a first single securing member adapted for interconnecting the main body, the back plate and the first side plate; a second single securing member adapted for interconnecting the main body, the back plate and the second side plate; and a pair of screw means, each of the pair of screw means being adapted for extending laterally through one of the first side plate and the second side plate and into the lower portion of the main body so as to secure the main body to the one

Abstract: A recoil buffer for a semi-automatic pistol having conventional, relatively moveable slide and frame with opposing abutment surfaces limiting rearward movement of the slide in response to firing the pistol. The recoil buffer is a layer of firmly resilient material mounted in covering, contacting relation to the frame abutment surface. The layer of material is disclosed in the form of a washer mounted upon a portion of the slide return spring guide rod. In one embodiment, the washer has a through cut to permit its radial insertion over a stem portion extending between flange and head portions, and the recoil buffer may include a second, resilient washer axially inserted on the guide rod to be positioned against the forward surface of the flange, for contact by the slide abutment surface in the rearward position of the slide. In a further embodiment, the washer is axially inserted on a stem extending rearwardly from the guide rod flange.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic motor includes a cylinder having a head end and a rod end, and a piston reciprocable in the cylinder dividing it into a first expansible chamber toward the head end and a second expansible chamber toward the rod end. Fluid under pressure from a supply source is continually delivered to the second chamber. A fluid directional valve controls the delivery of fluid to and exhaust of fluid from the first chamber for reciprocating the piston within the cylinder. The piston has valving associated therewith for controlling the operation, in conjunction with a relay valve, of the fluid directional valve.

Abstract: An end cap assembly for a fluid cylinder is disclosed. The assembly includes a pair of end caps comprising closure units closing the open ends of a cylindrical casing. Each closure unit has an axially extending annular skirt having an outer cylindrical surface telescope within an open end of the casing. The annular skirt has an annular barb radially projecting from its outer cylindrical surface. The inside cylindrical surface of the casing has an annular groove which receives the annular barb to axially retain the skirt within the open end of the casing. A retaining ring is provided within the annular skirt to radially urge the barb into interlocking engagement with the annular groove.

Abstract: A cylinder having a piston assembly capable of stopping once when having moved up and down every time including a housing having a cavity, a gear ring fixedly within the cavity of the housing, a main crankshaft fitted within the cavity of the housing and provided with an eccentric recess, a gear meshed with said gear ring, an auxiliary crankshaft including an upper axle and a lower axle, the upper axle being connected with a piston assembly via connecting rod and having a center tangent to a pitch circle of the gear, the lower axle being pivotally connected with the eccentric recess of the main crankshaft, the gear meshed with the gear ring and fixedly mounted on the lower axle of the auxiliary crankshaft and having gear ratio of 2:3 to the gear ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing beverages such as coffee, tea, soup or the like through extraction, in which the product to be extracted is accommodated in a chamber and is confined by a piston, whereafter liquid is supplied to the chamber via a liquid supply duct provided in the piston, the product to be extracted being extracted and the extract being discharged from the chamber. During the supply of liquid the flow rate is measured and, depending on these measurements, the supply of liquid is regulated in such a manner that for a specified desired total amount of extract the time of contact between the liquid and the product to be extracted has a predetermined desired duration.The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method, this apparatus comprising chambers of equal dimensions.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which includes a substance dispensing device and a brewing device. The brewing apparatus includes a receptacle for receiving a brewing substance from the substance dispensing device, a movable chute positioned between the substance dispensing device and the receptacle, and a water dispensing system operatively associated with the brewing device and selectively communicating with the receptacle for delivering water to a brewing substance retained therein. Additionally, a drive assembly is provided to operatively displace the water dispensing device relative to the receptacle. When the water dispensing device is positioned in communication with the receptacle, the chute is moved out of communication with the receptacle. When the water dispensing device is removed from communication with the receptacle, the chute is placed in communication with the receptacle.

Abstract: A rapid cooking method is provided in which food pieces are contacted with an air stream at a velocity of at least 1,000 linear feet per minute.Rapid cooking equipment is disclosed which creates high velocity air current.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking food which includes the utilization of heat conductive bar members arranged to be placed over the heat surface or source, with the bar members spaced apart at a distance of between about 1/8 of an inch and 11/4 of an inch. The heat-conductive bar members are supported a thermally conductive barrier such as aluminum foil.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus that uses a housing with a fireplace to support a fire for cooking food. A spit for supporting food is rotatably connected to the housing and receives heat generated from the fire in the fireplace. The spit may include at least three driven shoulders disposed substantially equidistant from one another around the periphery of the spit. Driving apparatus is connected to the housing for rotating the spit and has a drive member rotatably connected to the housing. The driving member may include at least four driving shoulders disposed substantially equidistant from one another to engage the driven shoulders on the spit so that the spit rotates more than one complete revolution every time the drive member is rotated. The housing may include a reclamation trap disposed beneath the spit to recover the juices produced when cooking the food on the spit. The driving member may include an axle rod and elongated slats having a length sufficient to allow large food items to be mounted to the spits.

Abstract: A convenient serving-size pan (10) with flange (13), and flanged lid (11) removably attached by a hinge (14), enabling a wide range of pourable, particulate, and solid foods to be cooked in quantity in forced-air convection ovens. The pan and lid are fabricated of highly heat conductive materials with interior surfaces suitable for direct food contact. Exterior surfaces of the pans are smooth and plain to minimize insulative film coefficients and maximize heat transfer. A vertical stacking system provides effective use of oven space while maintaining sufficient space between pans for effective heat transfer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the production of liquid egg having both extended refrigerated shelf life and retained baking functionality. The method involves first pasteurizing liquid egg and then subjecting the pasteurized liquid egg to further treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing flavorful instant coffee. The method includes the conventional steps of grinding and roasting the coffee beans. Also included are a step of collecting the aromatic compounds driven off during roasting and adding these aromatics to the water soluble coffee components prior to packaging.

Abstract: A device includes a barrel for receiving objects and includes air supplied into the barrel for generating air eddy in order to disengage and to remove outer membrane from the objects. A shutter is pivotally coupled to the lower portion of the barrel for enclosing the open bottom of the barrel and for maintaining the objects within the barrel. The air eddy is supplied into the barrel from the bottom portion of the barrel for removing the outer membrane from the objects. The outer membranes may be removed without hurting the objects.

Abstract: A round baler having a pickup, a chamber for forming a cylindrical package of crop material and a generally transverse opening for feeding crop that has been picked up into the chamber. The baler includes a twine handling assembly having at least one twine arm with a twine dispensing end from which twine is dispensed in the vicinity of the transverse opening for applying a plurality of helical wraps on the cylindrical package of crop material formed in the chamber. Twine cutting apparatus is provided for cutting the twine, and a twine guide assembly is mounted to cooperate with the twine cutting apparatus to guide the twine to a cutting mechanism that is transferred to its operative position from a remote position after a predetermined amount of twine has been dispensed.

Abstract: The automatic machine comprises: a guide ring to wind a tape about pipes or the like; a mobile sealing group to tension and bind a length of tape, a shoe to fold an end of the tape back on itself and a shearing group to cut the tape. The guide ring surrounds the bundle of pipes and exhibits a channel cut into its surface facing the guide ring center, which channel is of a section adapted to receive the tape from a bi-directional entrainer and through an aperture made in the guide ring. A second aperture in the guide ring receives an open clasp. The shoe can move from a position external of the ring to a position internal of the ring, in which latter position the shoe folds the end of the tape back such that it is held fast while the tape, after being wound about the pipe bundle, is tensioned prior to sealing.

Abstract: A trash collection and compacting apparatus primarily intended for use onboard an aircraft comprising a stationary compactor unit and interrelated movable wheeled trolley unit, the trolley unit having a plurality of separate trash collection chambers into which trash is deposited and compacted and support rails for supporting the trolley unit on the compactor unit for the direct compaction of trash in the trolley. The trolley unit also has separable sides to facilitate removal of compacted trash, and multiple fail safe locks and latches to ensure that the sides are not inadvertently separated during trash collection and compaction. Fire doors are provided to close the chambers, and removable trash bins are disposed in each trash chamber to facilitate handling of compacted trash, the bins having separable sides for emptying the compacted trash therefrom.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the temperature of a printing press component includes a pump for circulating a fluid to the printing press component at one of a plurality of non-zero, steady-state flow rates, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the fluid, and a controller responsive to the temperature sensor for controlling the pump.

Abstract: An envelope positioning assembly for a postage meter. A typical postage meter includes a registration wall, a deck and a printing apparatus for printing a postage indicia on an envelope. The envelope positing assembly includes: (1) a pin fixably mounted to the registration wall and generally aligned perpendicular to the deck, (2) a stop having an obstructing surface and a cutout, (3) positioning apparatus and (4) a microcontroller in communication with the positioning apparatus. The stop is slidably mounted on the pin to move between a first position where the obstructing surface extends above the deck and provides an obstruction to the envelope and a second position where the cutout extends above the deck and does not obstruct the envelope. The microcontroller means causes the positioning apparatus to move the stop to the second position upon initiation of a print cycle.

Abstract: A sheet-guiding drum for use in printing machines and having gripper links spaced uniformly around the periphery of the drum. Gripper contact strips of the gripper links are adjusted uniformly in order to accommodate different printing material thicknesses. Such adjustment is achieved by the provision of a drive motor in the journal of the drum, the drive motor being connected by a coupling to adjusters which extend radially from the center of the drum. Each adjuster moves a rod axially of the drum and effects radial adjustment of the associated contact strip by virtue of co-acting wedges carried by the rod and the contact strip.

Abstract: This invention relates to fuels used in explosive, pyrotechnic, gas generating, and propellant compositions. The fuel composition of the present invention comprises the reaction products formed as a result of reacting a transition metal or transition metal compound, preferably ferric nitrate or ferric hydroxide with a reducing sugar. The fuel composition of the present invention is suitable for use in explosive compositions by mixing with an oxidizing agent. The fuel composition of the present invention and explosive compounds derived therefrom exhibit nonfouling and noncorrosive properties when used in firearms, along with greatly reduced residue.

Abstract: A primer including a primer head assembly and a hollow tubular one-piece body attached thereto. The outer surface of the body tapers to its smallest diameter at the forward end thereof and also includes a screw driver tip at its forward end to assist in the insertion of the primer into the propellant charge within the cartridge case as the primer is being attached to the cartridge case. The body is a high temperature, high glass high carbon composite thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing railway sleepers is disclosed wherein lifting devices are spaced along a section of railway line to be repaired. The lifting devices simultaneously lift and separate the rails from the sleepers. Thereafter, a plough levels the ground on which new sleepers will be placed. Finally, new sleepers are inserted under the rails. The plough additionally serves to provide a foundation upon which the rails are supported, and should it be necessary, the plough can support the weight of a passing train.

Abstract: A modular railway maintenance system for performing at least one of a plurality of right-of-way maintenance tasks on a railroad track includes a base unit including a frame having a plurality of wheels for rotatably engaging the railroad track, a first side corresponding to a first rail of the railroad track, a second side corresponding to a second rail of the railroad track, and at least one of a plurality of task-oriented modules being releasably connectable to the base unit for selective operation of distinct tasks on either side of the base unit.

Abstract: A passenger transport installation in urban aeras comprises a wide track, constituted by two parallel, laterally spaced track cables and vehicles having supporting wheels for running on that track cables. The supporting wheels are located above the vehicle roof at a small constant distance thereof, so as to provide a clearance between the vehicle roof and the horizontal plane containing the track cables, wherein are housed the track cable bearing shoes and the vehicle traction cable loops with their return wheels.

Abstract: A flexible sheet is erected on four rigid poles to form three rectangular sides thus containing the empty space between intermodal freight containers on consecutive flat-bed rail cars thereby reducing the aerodynamic drag which results from the sizeable gap between containers which is not present between traditional box cars. The apparatus can be raised and lowered by a rope and pulley mechanism, and can be separated into halves to allow detachment of consecutive rail cars.

Abstract: A railroad freight car including a longitudinal well for carrying intermodal cargo containers comprises a car body having longitudinally opposing end structures with body bolsters supported by railroad trucks adapted for movement along a railroad. The opposing end structures have stub center sills and couplers for coupling to other railroad cars. The car body has a structural frame comprising opposing side walls connected to the opposing end structures with bulkheads defining a well for receiving an intermodal cargo container. A plurality of transverse members with supporting brackets are located at the container support points and connected to the side walls at a lower edge thereof. Diagonal members and lighter transverse members connect the load supporting tranverse members to each other and to the end bulkheads to resist lateral loads and provide a safety support for the cargo container floor.

Abstract: A height-adjustable, free standing tray stand having a tray-supporting surface with a cut-out section in the forward edge of the surface. Not only is it adjustable in height, it is readily set for an individual waiter's comfort during use. The tray top, when viewed from above, is "U" or horseshoe shaped and defines a forward facing opening that allows a waiter to approach the stand with a loaded tray carried from about waist to shoulder height. In use, the waiter simply moves the loaded tray over the top of the U-shaped opening which allows his arm to move between the forward facing arms of the horseshoe and lower the loaded tray until it firmly rests securely on the upper surface on top of the tray stand. The waiter may then lower his wrist, hand and arm and conveniently remove them from beneath the tray.

Abstract: An improved wrapped deck pallet assembly is provided which is comprised of an envelope having smooth exterior surfaces and an internal support structure nested within the envelope for enhancing the overall strength of the wrapped deck pallet. In the first embodiment, the envelope has a base, side walls and four flaps, and is formed such that the flutes of the base and the flutes of the flaps are running in a non-parallel angular or perpendicular direction to one another when the envelope is folded. The internal structure includes optional top and bottom flat paperboard decks that sandwich a plurality of blocks to form an internal rigid structure located within the envelope. Preferably the flutes of the top deck will be oriented to extend in a non-parallel angular direction or perpendicular to the flutes of the top flaps of the envelope.

Abstract: A collapsible stool apparatus having a plurality of leg members attached to a wooden seat, and further including a swivel bracket for allowing the legs of the apparatus to be moved from a substantially flat, parallel closed position to an "X" configured open position. There is further included a handle member secured to the lower face of the seat for carrying the stool apparatus when it is in the closed position.

Abstract: An overedge stitch sewing device comprising a straight sewing needle and a lower looper that travels in a curved path and has advanced timing relative to the sewing needle. The device may also contain a needle thread cam which is shaped such that the needle thread is in partial contact with the front surface of the needle thread cam during the needle stroke.

Abstract: In a trimming sewing machine of the type adapted to carry out a two-thread overedge stitch, provision is made for a hooked element (15) integrally associated with the upper looper (10), which hooked element has an end work portion (15a) disposed in parallel side by side relation with the end work portion (10b) of the upper looper. The hooked element (15) engages the sewing thread (3) carried by the needle (2) at the beginning of the downward stroke of the needle. Following the downward stroke of the upper looper (10), the hooked element (15) drags along the sewing thread (3) beyond the lateral edge (5a) of the workpiece (5). Thus paired finishing portions (17a, 17b) are formed along the sewing thread (3) and they extend from each of the insertion points of the needle (2) into the workpiece (5) as far as close to the lateral edge (5a) of the workpiece (5).

Abstract: A system for discouraging and inhibiting marine growth onto a boat's underwater hull surface comprising a plurality of sections of foam filled PVC pipe tied together to form a flotation frame, an envelope of flexible, polyethylene, bubble wrap material, of a size and shape to enclose the underwater part of a boat's hull, and affixed to and supported by the flotation frame, a sprinkler hose affixed to the flotation frame for injecting fresh water for washing the boat's underwater hull, and a plurality of drain/check valves mounted in the envelope for eliminating the wash down water in the envelope.

Abstract: A float post (12, 12', 12") is shown having one end (14) receivable in a mounting stand (20) or directly into the bottom surface of a body of water and a second end (16) which mounts a storage locker 50 having a plurality of beverage container holders mounted thereto. A tether mounting device (36,80,90) is mounted adjacent the second end and receives one end of a tether (46,46') with the opposite end of the tether formed with a loop for reception on a foot or other body part of a person on a floatation device. The post may be unitary of may have a plurality of telescoping sections (70,72,74) to provide adjustable length.

Abstract: A piece of hull of a boat, vessel or other construction designed to travel over water, which piece is attached with devices to the rest of the hull in a manner that allows the pieces of hull to move relative to each other. The piece of hull is located partly or in its entirety in the bow half of the hull combination and includes at least an engine, a power transmission mechanism and a propeller or an impeller. The piece of hull according to the invention aims at minimizing as many of the negative features of boats provided with an engine as possible, such as the noise and vibrations caused by the engine, power transmission mechanism, and propeller, the shocks and violent movements caused by the action of the waves, the overturning effect of the headwind and the waves, frictional resistance, uncomfortable travelling position at low speeds, high threshold of planing, and poor steerability at low speeds.

Abstract: A personal watercraft or boat has, in addition to an engine, drive means powered by the engine, and handlebars or steering column for steering the watercraft, a spring mounted floorboard on which the driver/occupant of the watercraft stands, or otherwise supports his or her full or partial weight. The spring mounted floorboard acts as a shock absorber and greatly increases comfort for the driver/occupant of the watercraft.

Abstract: A method of forming crystalline silicon carbide films is disclosed. The method comprises a chemical vapor deposition process in which a substrate is heated to a temperature above about 600.degree. C. in the presence of trimethylsilane gas.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved coating roll drive that used frameless, inside out motor and a set of magnetic bearings, axial and radial, mounted inside a coating roll to provide adaptive positioning of the coating roll relative to a given reference, such as a hopper lip. The present invention minimizes the variation of distance between the coating roll and the given reference during operation.

Abstract: A modular exercise, play, and living apparatus for cats includes a support frame having a base, a plurality of elevated platforms, and a plurality of upstanding frame members which extend between the base and an upper-level elevated platform. The support frame includes a plurality of slidably interlocking dovetail joints connecting the various support frame components to allow interlocking assembly and subsequent disassembly of the support frame. This allows the support frame to be disassembled and arranged in a knocked-down shipping arrangement. A plurality of compartments are supported by the support frame, including a living compartment, an eating compartment, and a litter compartment. A number of optional cat toys are mounted on or around the intermediate-level shelf.

Abstract: A bird feeder construction kit is described which includes the following components. A base is provided having a central trough-like depression with vertically extending pins adjacent opposed ends of the depression. A pair of supports are provided which are vertically securable to the base. Each support has three projecting pins. Three rectangular plates are also provided. The kit can be shipped flat through the mail. It is assembled by securing the supports vertically to the base and then sliding the plates into position to rest against the pins.

Abstract: A resiliently flexible hay feeder for livestock. The feeder is made from a flexible plastic material such as polyethylene so that the complete feeder responds to stresses with flexibility rather than rigidity. The feeder initially deforms but resiliently resumes its original shape when stressful forces are removed. The bale feeder also includes a plurality of bale centering springs attached around the peripheral edge of the feeder in order to maintain the hay a fixed distance away from the peripheral edge of the feeder and thus reduce waste by allowing hay that falls from an animal's mouth to return into the feeder to be eaten later, instead of being trampled and wasted. The feeder is made up of component parts which are assembled after shipment. This enables the feeder to not only be shipped at a reduced cost via parcel post but also permits a broken feeder to be easily repaired by simply replacing the broken piece with a new piece.

Abstract: A non-toxic, biodegradable sprayable liquid which is effective as a deodorizer and insect repellent for livestock and livestock enclosures consists of d-limonene, a surfactant, hexylene glycol, triethanolamine, and water.

Abstract: A disposable, collapsible pet house foldable from a unitary blank of material received in a flat state, the house being foldable from the blank between a collapsed state for shipping, storage and disposal and an enclosed, erect state for use, the house comprising a container portion having a bottom, a pair of oppositely opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from and integral with the bottom, and a pair of oppositely opposed end walls extending upwardly from and integral with the bottom, the pair of end walls being connected to the pair of sidewalls; a pair of sidewall panels, each integral with a different one of a pair of sidewalls; a pair of end wall panels, each integral with a different one of a pair of end walls, at least one of the pair of end wall panels having an opening therein for ingress and egress of a pet when the house is in the erect state; a pair of roof panels, each integral with a different one of the pair of sidewall panels, one of the pair of roof panels overlapping a portion of the other o

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for confining the movement of an animal to a defined area. The device includes a transmitter that generates a coded radio signal through an antenna defining the area. The transmitter can modify the coded radio signal including modifying the code of the coded radio signal to modify a stimulus provided to the animal. The apparatus also has a portable radio receiver for decoding the coded radio signal for the stimulus provided to the animal. The delivery of stimulus can be arrested upon detection of a signal other than the coded signal. The portable radio receiver is attached to the animal and is positioned for delivering the stimulus to the animal.

Abstract: A pig holder designed to support pigs by their hind legs while performing operations on the pig or while giving treatment to the pig, includes a support frame which mounts to the rails of a ferring crate. A leg holder assembly including two pairs of hooks are secured to the support frame for engagement with the pig's hind legs. Each pair of hooks is adapted to engage with a respective hind leg of the pig and includes one upwardly facing hook and one downwardly facing hook. The spacing between the first and second pairs of hooks may be adjusted to accommodate pigs of different size or to spread the hind legs of the pig to permit access to the pig's abdomen.

Abstract: A bandanna for pets for repelling fleas and ticks has a porous sheath sewn into the base edge which contains a particulate flea and tick repellent in separate compartments. The preferred repellent is an herbal mixture of pennyroyal, eucalyptus, cedar, lavender, sawdust, olive oil, and oil of citronella. The sheath is formed by sealing two plies of perforated material along longitudinal side edges and at one end to form a tubular sheath. The tubular sheath is filled with the particulate repellent, the open end of the tubular sheath is sealed, and the two plies of the tubular sheath are sealed together transversely at longitudinally spaced locations along its length to form separate compartments containing the particulate repellent.