Abstract: A screen unit for a screening machine comprises a screen layer which is bonded to a screen frame spanning an opening thereof. The screen layer is uniformly heated before such bonding is effected so that cooling after bonding generates a tension in the screen layer to allow it to have a trampoline or drumhead vibratile action. The tension is maintained by a reinforcing frame embedded in the frame body.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the assembly of a structural panel and for preventing the sag thereof comprises an upstanding support structure in the form of laterally spaced rows of longitudinally spaced columns (C) which extend upwardly from a floor support surface (F). Longitudinally extending support beams (B') interconnect the upper ends of the support columns (C), and the structural panel (2) comprising an outer plate (6) and an underlying skelton framework (7) is supported upon the support beams (B'). A radiation heating element truck (4), movable upon laterally spaced rails (8) by means of casters (11), include radiation heating elements (12) mounted upon a support panel (5) whereby the truck (4) is movable between first and second operative positions or stages (A, B).

Abstract: A method of applying a fabric material, such as a screening fabric or fiber glass cloth in a retention groove of a rectangular frame by applying a spline cord in the groove with a fabric portion disposed therein. The method comprises storing data pertaining to the dimension of a rectangular frame, in an electronic control device. A frame support structure is automatically positioned to a frame receiving position where the frame is placed thereon. At least two frame engaging members of the frame support structure are moved to position the side members of the frame in a desired configuration. The side members are gripped to maintain them along respective straight transverse axis. A predetermined length of fabric material is then positioned to the frame to overly the retention groove of the side members.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a tensed foil shadow mask with a central apertured area and an unapertured border. The apparatus, which provides for thermally expanding an in-process shadow mask, includes a pair of heated platens for embracing a mask. At least one of the platens has a recess therein with width and length dimensions no less than the apertured area such that migrant particles trapped between the platens cannot damage the apertured area.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in fabricating the faceplate section of a color cathode ray tube, which faceplate comprises a target surface and a shadow mask foil support frame affixed to and circumscribing the target surface. The apparatus comprises a pedestal having registration affording means associated therewith and a tensing structure which includes a fixture comprising a pair of collars for clamping the edge of the shadow mask foil to support and maintain the foil taut. An anvil is provided for engaging a peripheral portion of the clamped foil to induce a deflection of the foil and, thereby, a predetermined tension in the foil. A first indexing means effects repeatable registrations between the clamping fixture and the pedestal registration affording means.

Abstract: This invention is an improved screen means for greenhouses and similar structures. Cam locks are provided preferably on both the upper and lower edges of the screen means, and are mounted on strong backs which in turn are secured to the structure itself. This arrangement eliminates loose spots, wrinkling, wind flapping, and similar problems that are common to screen means of this general type.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seat for use in an automobile, airplane and the like is disclosed which comprises the steps: knitting at least two kinds of synthetic fibers respectively having different average heat setting temperatures to form a bag-shaped trim cover assembly of a size suitable for covering a pad of foam material; covering the foam pad with the thus-formed trim cover assembly; and then heat-setting both the trim cover assembly and the pad at temperatures necessary for the trim cover assembly to shrink sufficiently so that the trim cover assembly can be brought into close contact with the surface of the pad.

Abstract: An embroidery frame press is provided having a plunger which is operated by a foot pedal for forming frames of cloth or other material for embroidering, stitching or other work. An inner frame is spring mounted on the plunger head which is directed to a base frame support having a base frame positioned therein for which a textile article is placed for embroidering or other work. The plunger forces the inner frame and cloth or other material into the outer frame after which the plunger is withdrawn and a frame of cloth or other material is thereby provided for embroidering or other work.

Abstract: A recording disc is provided by a disc-shaped, formed-sheet-metal support across which a flexible recording sheet is stretched. The formed-sheet-metal support has a central spindle opening which can be precisely centered by simultaneously punching the spindle opening and the circular periphery, thus permitting high-speed rotation of the recording disc in use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling a structure comprising a framing and shell plates spread thereon. The apparatus has (a) a frame clamping device, which consists of a rectangular base, longitudinal girders arranged in parallel on both sides of the base and frame clamping jigs arranged on the base and longitudinal girders to place and clamp each member of the framing in given relative position, and (b) a structure assembling device, which consists of a stand whose top surface is of the same shape as a given outside surface of a shell plate, and shell tensioning jigs attached to the stand, to extend the roof shell plate placed on the stand while aligning the shell plate to proper position on the stand. The framing and shell plate are assembled by crowning the structure assembly device with the shell plate already set on it with the frame clamping device with the framing already set on it, placing the framing in relative position on the shell plate, and welding the shell plate to the framing.

Abstract: A layer of padding is centered on a sheet of upholstery material. A rail is centered top down on the layer, and this feed assembly is moved continuously along a feed path by driven rotating rollers contacting the rail. The rail is forced by the roller toward a smooth slide face, which presses the sheet and layer against the rail top. The sheet slides along the smooth slide face. Smooth faced fences have inclined edges that progressively fold, pull taut, and then press the sheet toward the rail, compressing the layer. Guides with smooth faces and inclined edges fold the remaining sheet against the rail. The edges of the sheet are stapled or glued to the rail, producing a cap or padded rail with a taut, uniform upholstery covering. The staples or glue is inserted when the feed assembly has moved a desired distance along the feed path.

Abstract: A hollow composite airfoil with an integral internal support rib of fluoroelastomer rubber is formed by bracketing the rib between two silicone rubber mandrels to form a core assembly having a desired aerodynamic shape, then building up on opposite sides of the core assembly separate stacks of laminae of a composite material of graphite (or carbon) and glass fibers impregnated with an epoxy resin, with the two stacks overlapping adjacent to the leading and trailing edges of the core assembly. Heat and pressure are then applied to the core assembly with the laminae thereon to bond together the laminae of each stack, then to bond the two stacks together along the overlapping portions thereof and to bond the two stacks to the rib to form a continuous shell around the core assembly. The mandrels are then removed. One open end of the resulting hollow airfoil is plugged and that end is inserted into a recess in a mounting platform with a predetermined clearance space therebetween.

Abstract: A method for constructing furniture is used to attach a flexible sheet portion in a state of tension to a support structure. The support structure includes first and second spaced-apart longitudinal bars having a plurality of studs and a plurality of cross braces, each cross brace having stud engaging apertures proximate first and second ends. Initially, the bars are attached to the flexible sheet with the studs projecting through the sheet. A first cross brace is attached to a first bar by inserting a first stud of the first bar through an aperture of the cross brace. A tool having a handle portion, a shank portion and a distal end portion with a stud engaging recess is inserted through a second aperture of the first cross brace. A second stud of the second bar is engaged by the recess of the distal end portion and the tool is tilted away from the center of the sheet, placing the sheet in tension, while the cross brace is slid down the shank of the tool against the sheet and the second bar.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for holding tensile sheet materials for covering a surface. The device comprises a two-part track adapted to be mounted on a surface to be covered; a first part of each track having one longitudinal slot. The slot has a pair of confronting side walls which are ridged. Elastic splines are inserted into the slot over the sheet material. The spline and ridged slot frictionally hold the sheet material in a tension position; and a second L-shaped second part which is parallel to said first track. The sheet material is adapted to be pulled over the edge of the edge of the L-shaped second part so that a hairline flat seam in the tensile sheet material is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting sheet material or textile fabric between the mating male and female rings of an embroidery hoop. The female ring is placed in a cutout in a support plate or template and the fabric to be embroidered is positioned thereover. The corresponding male ring carried by a reciprocating head is then activated to insert the male ring into the female ring with the fabric therebetween completing the assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for stretching and securing upholstery fabric or the like in place utilizes a pair of bars contained by pockets along opposite edges of the fabric. The bars are articulatedly secured at corresponding ends thereof to a framework, and are forced apart at their opposite ends by a bendable rod which engages the free bar ends and urges them apart when the rod is straightened. The bendable rod and engaged bar ends, along with an additional upholstery bar, together sandwich fabric therebetween and secure the fabric in place. The sandwich assembly is concealed by a flap of upholstery material.

Abstract: A device for keeping a blanket or sheet off feet in a bed comprising a frame, a support structure, and a line extending from the frame and engaging the blanket. The support structure is a plate interposed between a mattress and a box spring set. The frame has a vertical member attached to the support structure which extends upwardly and generally perpendicular to the mattress. A horizontal member is attached to extends from the other end of the vertical member. A line is attached at one end to the horizontal member and at the other end to the blanket. The line includes a pin at one end. The blanket has a button occurring at a location corresponding to the location of the feet. The horizontal member has a well for receipt of the pin of the line.

Abstract: An assembly for stretching and securing upholstery fabric or the like in place utilizes a pair of bars contained by pockets along opposite edges of the fabric. The bars are articulatedly secured at corresponding ends thereof to a framework, and are forced apart at their opposite ends by a bendable rod which engages the free bar ends and urges them apart when the rod is straightened. The bendable rod and engaged bar ends, along with an additional upholstery bar, together sandwich fabric therebetween and secure the fabric in place. The sandwich assembly is concealed by a flap of upholstery material.

Abstract: A device and method for holding tensile sheet materials to cover surfaces is disclosed. The device comprises a pair of parallel tracks adapted to be mounted on the surface to be covered with each track having at least one longitudinal slot. The slot has a pair of confronting side walls which are ridged. An elastic spline is inserted into the slot over the sheet material. The spline and ridged slots frictionally hold the sheet material in tension.

Abstract: An improved monocoque parabolic solar collector which can be machine welded or fastened with rivets, bolts or other mechanical fasteners without the need for any blind fastening systems.

Abstract: A device and method for holding tensile sheet materials to cover surfaces is disclosed. The device comprises a pair of parallel tracks adapted to be mounted on the surface to be covered with each track having at least one longitudinal slot. The slot has a pair of confronting side walls which are ridged. An elastic spline is inserted into the slot over the sheet material. The spline and ridged slots frictionally hold the sheet material in tension.

Abstract: An extended width parabolic trough solar collector (12) is supported from pylons (14). Collector (12) is formed from a center module (30) and two wing modules (32) joined together along abutting edges by connecting means. A stressed skin monocoque construction is used for each of the modules.

Abstract: A magnetic recording device employing a thin foil member is fabricated by radially compressing a ring member, securing the periphery of the foil member to the compressed ring, releasing the compression on the ring so that it expands to produce tension in the foil member.A magnetic coating may be applied to the foil member either before or after securing it to the ring member.

Abstract: An elastic roller composed of an axial core member and an elastic, liquid retentive layer of foam structure with uniform layer thickness surrounding the circumference of said core member, said elastic roller further comprising a flexible, liquid permeable member in the form of a cylinder or sleeve having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said roller, said flexible member being disposed to cover the circumference of said roller and having extensions extending beyond both side ends of said roller and being shrunk along the ends of said elastic foam structure layer at both sides, respectively, so as to cover also said side ends of the layer with said flexible member. A method of making the elastic roller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for securing caulking driven in a groove for holding down a flexible sheet or filter screen under continually changing temperatures and high pressures comprises, a plurality of 90.degree. angle clips in axial alignment on the spline extending around the periphery of the filter screen with one leg of the clip pressing the spline down and the clip other leg pressing against one higher wall of the groove, and screw means inserted through the 90.degree. clip bisecting the 90.degree. angle between of the clip legs for securely fastening the spline and the filter screen under the spline securly to a filter screen holder for resisting the environmental conditions of continually changing temperatures between 200.degree. and 250.degree. F.

Abstract: An extended width parabolic trough solar collector (12) is supported from pylons (14). Collector (12) is formed from a center module (30) and two wing modules (32) joined together along abutting edges by connecting means. A stressed skin monocoque construction is used for each of the modules.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a wall module from a plurality of stretched sheets of metal laterally spaced apart by a skeletal frame with the interior of the wall module to be later filled with structural foamed plastic. The apparatus has a first and a second elongated sheet metal stretcher assembly, a pair of tower assemblies for supporting the first elongated sheet metal stretcher assembly vertically above the second elongated sheet metal stretcher assembly, and a plurality of jack screw assemblies for moving the first elongated sheet metal stretcher assembly vertically toward or away from the second elongated sheet metal stretcher assembly. Both of the elongated sheet metal stretcher assemblies have sheet metal clamping jaws longitudinally fixedly mounted adjacent one of their ends and longitudinally movable sheet metal clamping jaws mounted adjacent their other end.

Abstract: A flower lamp includes first, second and third diffuser sections each being configured in the shape of a flower petal. Each diffuser section includes a wire frame, a section of translucent material and means for securing the material to the frame. The first, second and third diffuser sections are coupled to a shaft and extend in a generally vertical direction from the shaft. A base is coupled to the lower end of the shaft and supports the shaft in a vertical direction. In one embodiment of the invention, the translucent diffuser material is formed from pieces of chemically treated animal bladder. The method of chemically treating animal bladders to convert them into a translucent diffuser material suitable for use in a high temperature environment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container, in particular a container for transporting freight by air, is made of profiled rods or spars which form a structural frame which is covered at least in part by sheeting, fabric or the like so that the covering acts in tension on the structural frame and is counteracted by compressive elements in the frame of the container.

Abstract: An improved dauber having a applicator pad which may have its central portion radially tensioned or which pad may have a predetermined degree of looseness. The improved dauber comprises a discrete retaining ring which is forced into a U-shape channel of the dauber along with the peripheral portion of the pad so that the peripheral portion of the pad is secured intermediate at least a portion of the retaining ring and an adjacent portion of the wall of the U-shape channel. Also, the peripheral portion of the pad may be partially wrapped about the retaining ring to provide more resistance to being loosened by rubbing. The retaining ring may comprise shaped portions such as serrations, teeth, hooks, or points which engage the peripheral portion of the pad during assembly of the dauber so that the central portion of the pad may become radially tensioned. The retaining ring and the peripheral portion of the pad are locked in the U-shape channel by substantially closing the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane mounting device for mounting a membrane or foil in a stretched condition at one end of a rod-shaped or tubular member, such as a measuring electrode member. The mounting device comprises a membrane to be mounted as well as a resilient mounting ring for retaining the membrane in its mounted condition. The resilient mounting ring is preferably kept in a condition substantially free from tension. However, immediately before use of the mounting device the ring may be tensed or stretched, and one end of a rod-shaped or tubular member may then be inserted in the membrane mounting device whereby the membrane may automatically be mounted at the said end of the rod-shaped or tubular member.

Abstract: A panel structure is fabricated by stretching a skin plate with a tensile stress below the elastic limit stress thereof, securing this plate onto a framework with the plate under a constraining tensile stress and with portions thereof to which the constraining stress is not being fully applied being heated thereby to cause thermal expansion thereof, removing the constraining stress, and permitting the plate to cool and thereby to undergo thermal contraction and deformation, thereby producing tensile residual stress within the plate, whereby occurrence of welding deformations in the plate on the finished panel is prevented. Depending on the necessity, the skin plate may be prestretched with a stress exceeding the yield point thereof before the above described panel fabrication.

Abstract: A method for fabricating doors having spaced sheets of flexible material with cross-memebers interposed and attached between the material. Flexible material is fed intermittently from material supplies to form both sides of the door. Between each feed step the material is connected to a cross-member in a predetermined operative position, in which the cross-member abuts a movable carrier. The positioning of the cross-member in the operative position is effected by the carrier which causes vertical material feed. The feeding of flexible material and connection of each cross-member is continued until the desired door size is accomplished.

Abstract: A roof structure consisting of a thin curved slab of reinforced concrete which is initially cast by conventional techniques as a flat slab, tension cables (preferably of high tensile steel) extending in one or more directions being arranged across the slab and being connected to opposite edges of the slab and also connected to the slab at points along their lengths by means of tensioned hangers or compression props or columns of predetermined lengths, tension then being applied to the cables to cause them to straighten and in so doing to cause the concrete slab to take up a curved shape so as to form a shell structure which resists applied loads by reason of its curved shape.