Abstract: A construction hanger for supporting a joist, rafter or the like to a support beam, in which the hanger is provided with a holddown tab for insuring proper seating of the joist to the hanger during the installation process. The invention also relates to a method of making such a hanger.

Abstract: A molding for installation on a vehicle which includes a decorative injection-molded polymeric skin secured to an outwardly facing portion of an elongate core and method of manufacture thereof. The skin extends along the length of the molding and includes a cap unitarily formed therewith at each end of the molding. Each cap is shaped to conceal the core when the molding is installed on the vehicle. The skin of the molding may be secured to the core by a heat activable adhesive. Alternatively, the molding includes an extruded first polymeric layer compatible with the polymeric skin between a first area of the outwardly facing portion of the core and the skin, the skin being directly bonded to the extruded polymeric layer and the extruded polymeric layer being adhesively bonded to the core.

Abstract: An insulation system for metal buildings, having a roof structure formed by roof panels supported on parallel, relatively narrowly-spaced purlins which are, in turn, supported on parallel, relatively widely-spaced main support beams, comprises a plurality of adjacently positioned strips of insulating material suspended below the roof structure so as to form a relatively flat and continuous surface. The strips of insulating material are supported on a system of insulation support tube strings suspended from and extending in parallel spaced relation to selected purlins. Each insulation support tube string runs the entire length of the building in spaced and transverse relationship to the main support beams.

Abstract: A method of laying a floor wherein the floor is built up of parts butting together at edge portions thereof and, which are laid on a subfloor. A layer formed of one of an elastic and/or resilient material is provided on at least part of a subfloor in a taut condition. Parts butting against each other are successively glued onto the layer of a resilient material. The layer of one of an elastic and resilient material may at an upper side thereof be provided with an adhesive layer covered by paper or a paper like material.

Abstract: A dual web, intermittent motion packaging machine consisting of two webs being pulled by a dual web feeder roller unit through a dual side heat sealing device and a dual bag cutting device for forming two sets of bags. The dual web feeder roller device is driven by an assembly of new shafts, clutches, electromagnetic brakes and gears so as to provide for adjustment in pulling the dual webs. The web feeder roller units are adjusted to main synchronization between the two webs. The bags are carried by a dual bag clamping device attached, preferably, to an endless horizontal indexing chain.

Abstract: The method of the present invention realizes accurate control of the feed rate in a veneer lathe under a centerless condition and improves the productivity of the veneer lathe. After spindles (8a) are moved away and disengaged from the axial ends of a log (11), that is, under the centerless condition, the method of the invention controls the feed rate of a knife carriage (9) based on the current rotating speed of the log (11), which is measured by a speed measuring device (7) engaged with the periphery of the log (11). When a difference between the current rotating speed of the log (11) measured by the speed measuring device (7) and a theoretical rotating speed of the log (11) driven by a peripheral drive system (2) exceeds a preset level, the method of the present invention stops the feeding operation of knife carriage (9) and thereby the veneer peeling operation of the veneer lathe.

Abstract: A method of packaging a load that is generally prismatic in shape in which at least one rigid protective angle strip is initially placed on at least one edge of the load. The strip is then rigidly and permanently secured to the load. An apparatus is used for grasping, displacing, depositing, and holding the protective angle strip. A protective angle strip is taken from a magazine to an edge of the load by using the apparatus, wherein the protective angle strip is held temporarily while the angle strip is simultaneously secured rigidly to the load, and once it has been rigidly secured, the apparatus is disengaged from the angle strip.

Abstract: A sealing device is set forth which assists in overcoming the foregoing problems. The sealing device includes a first sealing jaw for sealing a fin of the gabled container. A second sealing jaw is disposed opposite the first sealing jaw. Both the first and second sealing jaws include a generally flat face portion. The second sealing jaw further includes a sealing bar extending from a mid-region of its generally flat face portion lengthwise along at least a portion thereof for sealing the fin of the gabled container with, for example, ultrasonic energy. A ridge extends respectively from each of the generally flat face portions at a position to form a fin base crease at the base of the fin, for example, over the existing weak crease at the base of the fin. The fin base crease assists in preventing separation at the base of the fin below the principal horizontal seal formed by the sealing bar.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus having a springable base with attached arms which support a wrapping material. The spaced apart arms extend upward and outward from the perimeter of the springable base, which is flexible to assume an arched posture and a flat posture. In response to downward pressure on a central area of the springable base, the springable base snaps from the arched posture into the flat posture. When the springable base is in the arched posture, the arms and wrapping material are in an open position to receive an item to be wrapped. The arms and wrapping material move into a closed position when the springable base assumes the flat posture. The wrapping apparatus may be constructed with or without an upper skirt of wrapping material. The wrapping material may be inside the arms, outside the arms or may envelope the arms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically wrapping a sheet of material about a bouquet of flowers. A sheet of material having spaced apart defined first and second portions is placed against a support member, such as a prepared table top, and the bouquet is positioned on the sheet with the first and second portions of the sheet extending on right and left sides, respectively, of the bouquet. The first sheet portion is then moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet, and the second sheet portion is moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet and to extend over part of the first sheet portion. The two sheet portions may be secured together by a bonding material, or the first and second portions of the sheet of wrapping material can themselves act as a bonding material by application of appropriate heat sealing, sonic welding, vibratory welding, and similar methods.

Abstract: A load is stretch wrapped with a sheet of stretch wrap packaging material by adhering a leading end portion of the sheet to a holding member, dispensing the sheet from a stretch wrap dispenser, and providing relative rotation between the dispenser and the load to wrap the sheet of stretch wrap packaging material on a load. The leading end portion of the sheet is released from the holding member, and a trailing end portion of the sheet is adhered to the holding member. The packaging material between the load and the holding member is severed while being held by the holding member. The sheet of stretch wrap packaging material is held in place against the holding member with a vacuum or by a tacky surface. The severing is accomplished by a hot wire on the holding member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a resealable tubular form fill package is provided. A supply of thin thermoplastic film is continuously fed over a filling spout and formed into a tubular shape by bringing the lateral edges of the film together in an abutting face-to-face relationship. The faces of the edges are brought together at a seal location to form a fin seal. A supply of zipper closure is continuously fed adjacent the film material and adhered to the film. The film and the zipper closure are sealed and cut to produce a form fill package having a zipper closure. The zipper closure and film may be cut and sealed simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods for preparing, transporting and dispersing cremated remains via balloon, and a container providing a clean environment for carrying out this method. Cremated remains are deposited into a balloon, the balloon is filled with gas, transported to a launching site and released. To provide an environment that assures substantially complete and safe transfer of the cremated remains to the balloon as well as to provide a sealed chamber for inflation and transport of the balloon, a special container having interior surfaces of vinyl or other barrier materials is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding resiliently compressed articles into a form/fill/seal machine. The method includes steps of receiving horizontally compressed articles into an infeed end of a pair of conveyor belts, continuously conveying the compressed articles to a discharge end, continuously forming a plastic film around the pair of cantilevered conveyor belts without the stack of articles exerting expansion force against the plastic film, forming and sealing a closed tube, and releasing the stack of compressed articles into the closed tube only after the seal has sufficient strength to maintain the stack of articles compressed. The pair of conveyor belts has rigid conveyor backing members and cantilevered ends with a discharge pulley mounted at each cantilevered end. At least one tie bar connects the backing members near the cantilevered ends in order to resist the expansion force of one or more stacks of resiliently compressed articles between the conveyor belts.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading ligating clips into ligating clip cartridges. The apparatus has a frame and a rotatable indexing table mounted to the frame. A plurality of nest members for holding cartridges and cartridge components is mounted to the outer periphery of the indexing table. The nest are rotated and indexed to a plurality of work stations located proximately on or about the frame. Components are loaded into the nest members at the work stations to form assembled cartridges loaded with ligating clips. One work station removes the assembled cartridges from the nest members.

Abstract: A package for dispensing a substance that imparts a desirable property to a body of water. The dispensing package comprises a water permeable bag of non-woven fabric enclosing a predetermined quantity of particulated product, such as tea or coffee that releases a flavouring substance in steeping liquid. The non-woven fabric has a thermally activated bonding surface permitting to permanently close the bag by peripherally heat-sealing the bag walls to one another. The heat-sealing operation is performed by driving in the wall portions to be joined a multitude of heated projections that rapidly transfer heat to the thermally activated bonding layers in order to quickly effect the seal. The resulting joint area displays a plurality of perforations formed by the heated projections. The invention also extends to a method and apparatus for heat-sealing the dispensing package.

Abstract: A transfer device designed to reposition and to move heavy filled bulk containers and bags ninety degrees from their original position without lifting the heavy filled bulk container or bag. The transfer device is designed with a moveable upper frame structure that contains a plurality of spaced apart groups of rollers providing a pair of elongated openings. The transfer device also has an inner fixed frame that contains a pair of transfer conveyors, in the preferred embodiment, exposed in the pair of elongated openings whenever the moveable upper frame structure drops downwardly. This permits the pair of transfer conveyors to transfer the container weight from the rollers and to carry the weight of the filled bulk container previously resting on the plurality of rollers. The pair of transfer conveyors then move the filled bulk container from the transfer device in a direction ninety degrees from the original direction that the container was traveling on the rollers of the upper frame.

Abstract: An adapter frame and detachable insert bag are fabricated to fit inside of the existing grass catcher bag typically supplied with the hand held lawn mower. The bag is fabricated from a non-woven material and sufficiently porous to be permeable to air and serves to collect and dispose of the grass clippings. The assembled frame and insert bag attaches to and fits flush with the opened end of the grass catcher bag so as not to interfere with the existing attachment mechanism of the grass catcher bag to allow the easy attachment to the lawn mower.

Abstract: Grass rake tongs consist of a pair of rakes each having an array of tines joined to a handle by a ferrule and means such as a pin or bolt disposed through the handles above the ferrules at a point approximately mid-way between the lower end of the tines and the upper end of the handles pivotally connecting the handles for rotation with inside portions of said arrays of tines opposing each other. Preferably, rotation about the pivot extends approximately 180.degree. from a fully opened condition in which the handle of each rake abuts an outer portion of the array of tines of the other rake to a fully closed condition in which an inner surface of each array of tines abuts an inner surface of the other array of tines.

Abstract: A tool formed by a pivotal connection between a first shaft and a second shaft. One shaft has a scooping head such as a shovel or a rake head. The other shaft has a rake head with a plurality of tines having bent distal end portions extending out in a direction away from the scooping head. The rake head may further include flanged portions extending from the distal end of the rake head in a direction toward the scooping head. The pivotal connection may be designed so that it is detachable; and, if so, detachment may be limited to when the shafts are separated in a maximum full open position. The combination tool may be used for raking and picking up leaves or other debris.

Abstract: Machine for manufacturing uniform impedance communication cables for high frequency use includes a series of staggered double twisting units or heads each of which supports two reels wound with single wire elements or conductors, and a constant tension tape dispenser. The wire elements from the reels as well as the tape from the tape dispenser are simultaneously unwound and guided to the ends of the rotating bows of the twisting units at which points the individual wire elements or conductors are twisted about each other and the tape is applied to the twisted wire pair to fix and maintain the spatial integrity of the twisted wires relative to each other. Each twisting unit rotated at slightly different speeds to assure different lay lengths for each twisted pair. The twisted pairs are guided downstream by a capstan and all of the twisted and taped wire sets are secured to each other by a pre-twisting and taping operation before the composite cable is wound onto a rotating take-up unit.

Abstract: A gas turbine power plant having a heat recovery steam generator that generates steam at high and low pressures. The high pressure steam, which is superheated, is partially expanded in a steam turbine, thereby producing shaft power. All of the partially expanded steam is then combined with low pressure steam. The combined steam flow is superheated and then injected into the combustor of the gas turbine to increase power output and reduce NOx.

Abstract: A fuel and air mixing apparatus for a combustor and gas turbine generator. A primary portion of the fuel is injected into the mixing air at long distances from the combustor prechamber. The primary portion of the fuel is almost completely mixed with the mixing air. A secondary portion of fuel is injected into the mixing air in the boundary layer at a short distance form the combustor prechamber. This minimally mixed second portion provides some rich portions of fuel-air in the prechamber to improve stability and reduce the chances of blowout.

Abstract: A support structure for a low NO.sub.x industrial gas turbine engine fuel nozzle includes a pressure vessel which forms an interior cavity such that the exterior of the pressure vessel is exposed to the high pressure and temperature of the compressor outlet while the interior cavity of the pressure vessel is exposed to ambient conditions. The fuel lines to the nozzle run through the interior cavity of the pressure vessel, isolated from the high temperatures and pressures at the compressor outlet. The pressure vessel housing and the ambient air within the housing act as natural insulators which prevent the fuel lines from becoming too hot and coking. The support structure also facilitates maintenance of the combustor section of the engine since the low NO.sub.x fuel nozzle and the annular combustor assembly of the engine are easily accessible for maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel pressure vessel and process for manufacturing the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the invention includes a case for a rocket motor which includes a cylindrical, metal shell which has been configured with a plurality of slots positioned in axially extending rows. A fiber reinforced plastic layer is attached to the metal shell. Each slot has a length (L) and is separated by adjacent slots in the same row by an axial distance (A) with adjacent rows of slots separated by a circumferential distance (C) and configured such that L+A.gtoreq.6C and L.gtoreq.4A. The method of the invention comprises using a CO.sub.2 laser to cut a keyhole in the shell and then cutting axially outwardly from the keyhole to form the slot, resulting in slots having a width equal to the cutting width of the laser. The beam is then defocused and used to heat a portion of the metal shell surrounding the ends of each slot to produce a tempered zone.

Abstract: An exhaust gas flow path for an internal combustion engine includes a vaporizer positioned upstream of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor. The vaporizer dissipates any liquid in the exhaust gas stream thus protecting the exhaust gas oxygen sensor from thermal shock.

Abstract: A cold fluid protection circuit is provided for controlling the rate of fluid flow in a hydraulic system in response to the temperature of the oil in a reservoir. The subject invention includes a temperature sensor operative to sense the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir and deliver an electrical signal representative thereof to a controller. The controller processes the sensed temperature with respect to the rate of flow in the hydraulic system that is returning to the reservoir from an actuator through a fluid conditioning mechanism and proportionally reduces the rate of flow therethrough by controllably reducing the displacement of a directional valve mechanism in response to the sensed temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high-pressure end exhaust gas recirculation on a supercharged internal combustion engine which is relatively simple, low in cost and increases the efficiency of the engine. This is achieved by a third exhaust gas flow of the internal combustion engine expanding separately from a first exhaust gas flow and by providing power to compress a second exhaust gas flow. For this purpose, a turbine is arranged as the drive for the exhaust gas compressor. The exhaust gas duct system has a third exhaust gas duct connected to the turbine.

Abstract: The invention provides a micro-climate control unit. The invention uses a thermoelectric stack to provide both heating and cooling of a temperature controlled element. The heating and cooling uses a temperature controller which senses the need for heating or cooling and provides the current to the thermoelectric stack which provides heating or cooling. The thermoelectric stack is improved by the use of a hard spacer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to refrigerate air in a compartment wherein liquid CO.sub.2 is delivered through a first primary heat exchanger such that sufficient heat is absorbed to evaporate the liquid carbon dioxide to form pressurized vapor. The pressurized vapor is heated in a gas fired heater to prevent solidification of the pressurized carbon dioxide when it is depressurized to provide isentropic expansion of the vapor through pneumatically driven fan motors into a secondary heat exchanger. Orifices in inlets to the fan motors and solenoid valves in flow lines to the fan motors keep the vapor pressurized while the heater supplies sufficient heat to prevent solidification when the CO.sub.2 vapor expands through the motors. CO.sub.2 vapor is routed from the second heat exchanger to chill surfaces in a dehumidifier to condense moisture from a stream of air before it flows to the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A short-term thermally stable cryostat (40). The cryostat (40) pre-cools an incoming high-pressure gas, converts the gas to a cold liquid, and cools an item by allowing the liquid to acquire heat from the item and boil into an exhaust gas, while maintaining a constant flow rate of the exhaust gas to reduce thermal noise due to flow rate modulation. The cryostat (40) includes an evacuated space (58) therein containing the item to be cooled and an inner cooling volume (64). Pre-cooling fins (44) spiral around a hollow mandrel (52) within the cooling volume (64) and circulate an incoming high-pressure gas around the mandrel (52). A flow restrictor (60) receives the incoming gas from the pre-cooling fins (44) and releases it into the cooling volume (64), thereby convening the incoming gas into a cold liquid which can acquire heat from the item and boil into an exhaust gas.

Abstract: A freezing bag (10) for the storage of blood cells is formed from two sheets (11) of material joined together with welds (15, 18) defining a containment zone (19). A pocket (20) leads from the containment area (19) and in the weld (18) defining this pocket is an access port (17). An access tube (23) is secured to the port (17) and normally lies within the bounds of a pouch (21) formed by extensions of the sheets (11) beyond the containment zone (19).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preventing leakage of refrigerant fluid from a closed air conditioning or refrigeration system having a sealed compressor, an evaporator, a receiver and a condenser, the apparatus including a solenoid-actuated valve for segmenting the refrigerant within the closed system away from the most leak-prone area of the system. A pump is provided for the periodic spraying of lubrication fluid onto a condenser seal to prevent drying of the seal. A containment compartment or trap is provided for catching refrigerant diverted by a diversion valve, the containment compartment having an improved high pressure relief valve, with an indicator for indicating the occurrence of a high pressure exhaust of refrigerant into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid air-conditioning system for fast start-up for controlling the condition of air in a building enclosed space.

Abstract: A "DX" heat pump is provided herein which is based on the principle of providing optimal heat exchange in the heating mode through at least two, but up to five or more parallel ground loops, all but one of which respectively can be cut off from the system and evacuated of refrigerant in the cooling mode, and selectively reintroduced as required in the cooling mode. The loops are designed in terms of volume so that the refrigerant charge is correct in the heating mode when split in the selected number of loops and also correct in the cooling mode when one or more loops are used, whereby it/they contain the full system refrigerant charge. The headers are provided with solenoid valves which can be individually operated to provide a staged cooling system.

Abstract: In an exhaust emission control system in an internal combustion engine which includes a spark plug disposed to face a combustion chamber, an intake system having a fuel injection valve disposed therein, an exhaust system having a catalytic converter incorporated therein and filled with a catalyst for reducing nitrogen oxide (NO.sub.x) in the presence of hydrocarbons in an oxidizing atmosphere, and an exhaust gas circulation amount control means capable of measuring and controlling the amount of exhaust gas circulated from the exhaust system to the intake system. The amount of exhaust gas circulated by the exhaust gas circulation amount control means the amount and timing of fuel injected by the fuel injection valve and the timing of ignition of the spark plug are controlled by a control unit, so that the amount of NO.sub.x discharged, is detected by the NO.sub.x detector in the exhaust system at a location downstream from the catalytic converter, is equal to or less than an acceptable amount of NO.sub.

Abstract: An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration system comprising first conduits interconnecting the water cooled refrigeration system and the recycling water cooler and the ambient water source for enabling the flow of water therebetween. Second conduits interconnect the water cooled refrigeration system and the recycling water cooler and the drain for enabling the flow of water therebetween. A first and second valve is interposed in the first and second conduits for enabling heated water discharged from the water cooled refrigeration system to enter the recycling water cooler to be cooled thereby and to be returned to the water cooled refrigeration system when the first and second valves are disposed in a first position. The first and second valves interconnect the water cooled refrigeration system to the ambient water source and to a drain for operating the water cooled refrigeration system in a conventional manner when the first and second valves are disposed in a second position.

Abstract: A method of adding asynchronous logging of data relative to events into a time based data logger which stores operator initiated headers in a data array, as well as synchronously storing data relative to variables of a transport refrigeration unit at predetermined constant time intervals. The operator associated headers include a preamble having a predetermined number of data bytes which include a header designator and a digital code which identifies the specific type of header being entered. An event header is provided having a preamble which includes the same number of data bytes as the preamble of the operator associated headers, for each type of event to be asynchronously stored in the data array. The header designator associated with the operator associated headers is inserted into the preamble of each of the event headers. A digital code is provided which identifies each event header, and the digital code is inserted into the preamble of each of the event headers.

Abstract: A defrost control apparatus and method for controlling the defrosting of a cooling coil of a refrigerator by estimating a postpone defrost time to postpone the defrosting of the cooling coil in accordance with fuzzy logic reasoning. The fuzzy logic reasoning uses the total number of times a door on the refrigerator is opened and an outside temperature value related to the outside temperature as input variables. The fuzzy logic estimate is produced at predetermined time intervals after a compressor of the refrigerator has operated a predetermined time since the last defrosting. The defrost control apparatus counts the total refrigerator operating time period after the compressor has operated the predetermined time. The defrost control apparatus starts to defrost the cooling coil when the total refrigerator operating time period exceeds the postpone defrost time.

Abstract: A portable produce cooling apparatus capable of cooling produce loaded into a number of transport vehicles simultaneously is disclosed, the apparatus having a number of ports with air egress means, forced air means and air ingress means, the apparatus having a lower common warm air chamber and an upper common cold air chamber separated by a horizontally mounted air-to-water heat exchanger means, such that warm air from each of the transport vehicles enters the lower common warm air chamber, passes upward through the heat exchanger means, into the upper common cold air means, and out the individual air egress means into the transport vehicles.

Abstract: A cooler for storing beverage containers on ice, includes an outer container and a buoyant inner container assembly which is dimensioned to slide vertically within the outer container. A container recess is provided in the upper surface of the inner container assembly to hold beverage containers and ice, and the assembly includes a drain for the liquid formed by melting ice from the recess into the outer container. The inner container assembly has a buoyancy which will float it upon the liquid which is drained into the outer container.

Abstract: A cooling tank 1 for cooling water 2b by bringing water 2b in direct contact with hardly-water-soluble refrigerant 2c having a larger specific gravity than that of water, which tank 1 has an inside space 3 above water surface in the tank 1 and the pressure P.sub.t of the space 3 is kept below the saturation pressure P.sub.0 of the refrigerant 2c at water freezing point (P.sub.t .ltoreq.P.sub.0). The tank 1 also has a refrigerant extraction hole 6a for extracting gas-phase refrigerant 2c, an outlet 14a for drawing cooled water 2b, and an upward passage 30 for refrigerant extending from the bottom of the tank 1 to the water surface therein, which passage 30 guides ascension of that refrigerant 2c which settles at the tank bottom toward the space 3 above the water surface.

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system for producing elevated pressure gaseous oxygen wherein pressurized liquid oxygen is vaporized against pressurized working fluid which is then turboexpanded to form a dual phase stream having both vapor and liquid fractions.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine sinker duct improvement apparatus to prevent lint accumulation. The apparatus comprises a multitude of flat, long, inter-alternated cleaning holes along the sinker ducts of the circular knitting machine. The front and two sides of the sinker plates include indented concave arches to form sharp edges, and one side of the sinker is adjacent to a high pressure air nozzle. The apparatus permits two actions by which accumulated lint is dispensed from the knitting machine, and avoids shutting down the knitting machine to clean lint. Additionally, when the knitting machine is stopped, the lint may be cleaned through cleaning holes without requiring disassembly of the knitting machine.

Abstract: A washing machine has at least one drum arranged to rotate about a spindle and bearings to absorb the axial and radial forces occurring when the drum is rotated. At least part of the bearings has a swivel with at least one roller and a tipping system to give a tipping movement transverse to the axis about which the swivel turns, or the swivel has an additional roller. The axis of rotation of the additional roller is transverse to that of the other roller of the swivel. Additional forces caused by wobbling of the washing machine drum during its movement are safely and easily absorbed so that the useful life of the bearing system is substantially increased. Time-consuming and costly maintenance work is unnecessary.

Abstract: A V-shaped spring steel frame having depending legs coacts with a manually gripped, T-shaped pelt-drawing member that is longitudinally movable along the frame legs for forcibly stretching a fur pelt attached to the drawing member downwardly over the frame. The drawing member provides variable spacing between the frame legs, releasable locks for securing the member and the frame against relative longitudinal movement, and a sizeable flat handle to which portions of the pelt are removably secured during pelt stretching and drying.

Abstract: A musical door lock comprises a generally rectangular housing having enclosed therein door lock, an electric door bell and a battery chamber. When a push-button on the outer periphery is pressed to actuate a sound generator inside the housing, the combined electric door bell will release a musical melody or the sound of bird chirps inside the door. A second example provides a frequency regulator instead of a sound generator incorporated with a movable wireless door bell that offers more convenience to the house owners. In addition an anti-burglar device combine with the lock mechanism for releasing a warning signal which may be received by a portable radio receiver. This disclosure is characteristically providing an economical utility of space in a door lock as well as its variety of functions.

Abstract: A slam-capable rotary latch employs a single rotary jaw that is releasably retained in its latched position by a rotary pawl, with the latch having a pair of spaced housing side plates that sandwich the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl, with the side plates defining aligned first and second U-shaped notches that cooperate with a third U-shaped notch formed in the rotary jaw for concurrently receiving and latchingly retaining within the confines of the first, second and third U-shaped notches a suitably configured strike formation, with housing side plate portions that define a selected one of the first and second U-shaped notches being rigidified and strengthened by the close proximity presence to the selected U-shaped notch of a flange 1) that is formed integrally with the side plate portions that define the selected U-shaped notch, 2) that is connected by a tight radius bend to the side plate portions that define the selected U-shaped notch, and 3) that extends transversely so as to bridge between the pair of

Abstract: A kit for converting a key-in-knob lockset to a lever handle operated lock employs the existing cylindrical lock and its associated latch bolt. The conversion apparatus employs a lever handle having a non-circular shank portion which is received in, and thus drives, a resiliently biased coupling device which is interpositioned between the handle and a rose housing affixed to the door. The existing cylindrical lock is supported within the lever handle shank portion by a dummy bible member in such a manner as to prevent forces resulting from operation of the lever handle from damaging the cylindrical lock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle lock which passes through the spokes of a bicycle wheel to prevent the bicycle from being ridden. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a locking bracket positioned on a first frame member at one side of the wheel and a receiving bracket positioned on a second frame member on an opposite side of the wheel from the locking bracket. A lock pin is provided which extends from one bracket to the other through the spokes of the bicycle wheel. The lock pin is positioned in a through hole of the locking bracket and in a blind hole in the receiving bracket. The locking bracket has a locking mechanism for locking the lock pin in place.