Abstract: This invention is directed to a sight glass structure positioned in conduit means connecting a suction accumulator and compressor in a refrigeration system. The sight glass structure herein provided may take the form of bushing means rigidly attached to the conduit means and threadably or otherwise receiving an axially passaged sight glass member providing visual communication with the interior of the conduit means, thereby permitting the detection or observation of any slugs of vaporized refrigerant passing from the suction accumulator to the compressor. Another form of the invention includes diametrally opposed bushing means affixed to the conduit means, and each bushing means is similarly equipped with sight glass members of like construction. Either form of the invention, if desired, may include within the sight glass member means impeding movement of the slugs or droplets, thereby improving the detection or observation thereof.

Abstract: Wires made of copper-based compositions are disclosed, in which the compositions preferably contain aluminum, tin, and silicon. Formulations containing solely tin and aluminum, and solely tin and silicon are also disclosed. By practice of the invention, substantial improvements in bond strength and quality of the surface finish are achieved, as compared with prior art wire compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for avoiding possible compressor damage occasioned by major flood back of the suction accumulator in a refrigeration system. In one embodiment of the invention, a float member slides upwardly and downwardly upon the stand pipe of the accumulator in response to the level of refrigerant therein, and when the refrigerant rises to a critical level, the float member is effective to block the outlet openings in the upper end of the suction accumulator, preventing flow of refrigerant to the compressor sufficient in volume to cause damage thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, a float member having magnet means associated therewith moves vertically in opposite directions upon a tubular support connected to the suction accumulator structure.

Abstract: A process is described for precisely controlling the thickness of a thermoplastic extruded profile by varying the output of a continuously operating extrusion die. The process employs an ancillary device preferably taking the form of accumulator means connected to an extrusion die, or to a passageway communicating with the die. The accumulator means functions as a variable volume device, and by action of cylinder-piston structure or the equivalent thereof, is effective to either receive or discharge melted thermoplastic resin as the exemplary working medium. In this manner, the accumulator means receives melt from the stream when the die output needs to be reduced, and delivers melt to the stream when the die output needs to be increased. Various illustrative structural arrangements are disclosed for accomplishing the process concepts of the present invention.

Abstract: Metal filler compositions and methods of employing the same are disclosed, in which the compositions are copper base with the addition thereto of tin and silicon. For thermal spraying applications, aluminum is included in the formulation. By practice of the invention, substantial improvements in bond strength and quality of the surface finish are achieved.

Abstract: A solar heating system is disclosed which comprises the combination of a refrigerant charged collector positioned exteriorly of a house or other building in exposed relation to the sun's rays, and a heat storage unit located interiorly of the building and connected in a closed loop to the collector. An accumulator is so positioned in the loop as to permit only dry saturated refrigerant to move to the heat storage unit. Coils of helical or serpentine configuration are positioned in spaced parallel relation within the heat storage unit, and louvers may be provided on the heat storage unit to control the amount of heat emanating therefrom. Both passive and active phase change systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A desk structure is provided which is readily adaptable for removable positioning within a vehicle interior, preferably upon the front arm rest thereof. The desk structure disclosed includes a supporting base framework which may be sized for seating upon a variety of arm rest configurations, and mounted upon the base framework is a table top member having conveniently disposed cavities formed therein imparting to the desk structure multifunctionality while the vehicle is in motion and also at rest. Illustratively, the cavities may receive a writing pad, writing implements, miscellaneous loose items, and electronic equipment exemplified by a mobile telephone on a dictation machine. Objects within the cavities are readily accessible to the driver without distraction from normal vehicle operation.

Abstract: A fusible plug structure is provided for use on a refrigeration system component. Among the features of the invention is means of a novel character for connecting a gasket or sealing member to one end of a fusible plug body, which assures a proper and effective seal when the plug body is assembled with a companion female fitting member fixed to the refrigeration system component. The connecting means markedly facilitates proper placement of the sealing member regardless of the particular position of the female fitting and supporting refrigeration system component. The connecting means may take various forms, and illustrative thereof is a substance such as oil or grease. Alternatively, one end of the fusible plug body may be so configured as to receive the sealing member in close fitting contact therewith. The sealing member itself may be variously configured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for avoiding possible compressor damage occasioned by major flood back of the suction accumulator in a refrigeration system. In one embodiment of the invention, a float member slides upwardly and downwardly upon the stand pipe of the accumulator in response to the level of refrigerant therein, and when the refrigerant rises to a critical level, the float member is effective to block the outlet openings in the upper end of the suction accumulator, preventing flow of refrigerant to the compressor sufficient in volume to cause damage thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, a float member having magnet means associated therewith moves vertically in opposite directions upon a tubular support connected to the suction accumulator structure.

Abstract: A method of assembling suction accumulators is provided. A suction accumulator as employed in a refrigeration system conventionally comprises a cylindrical casing, a pair of end closures therefor, an inlet tube, an outlet tube, and a stand pipe. In applicant's assembly process, the inlet and outlet tubes are constructed essentially of copper. The assembly method of this invention is practiced by securing the stand pipe with end cap attached to the top end closure, preferably furnace brazing the end closures to the cylindrical casing, inspecting the metering orifice in the end cap of the stand pipe by viewing the same through the open top end of the stand pipe, and inserting the inlet and outlet tubes through openings in the top end closure and brazing them to said closure by induction or furnace brazing techniques. The disclosed assembly method may also be practiced with a heat exchanger--suction accumulator combination.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel method of removably securing a sight glass member to a refrigeration vessel in hermetically sealed relation therewith. In accordance with the method concept, a ferrule or like tubular mounting means is fixedly attached to the vessel through an opening therein, and one end of the sight glass is located within the ferrule. Brazing metal is then positioned in contact with the sight glass member and ferrule, and the metal, member, and ferrule are heated by electromagnetic induction to melt the brazing metal and form a hermetic bond between the ferrule and sight glass member. By this method, leakage associated with threaded connections, and damage to the sight glass and extreme difficulty of removing the sight glass member when resistance or arc welding methods are used, are herein substantially entirely eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the manufacture of plastic tubing exemplified by corrugated plastic tile and parts related thereto, in which molds for shaping an extrudable plastic material are caused to shuttle linearly forwardly and rearwardly with respect to an extruding source of said plastic material. Sequentially related to linear mold movement is opening and closing mold action, which is correlated to the discharge of plastic material from the extruding source thereof. Provision is also made herein during the course of linear mold movement for parking one or more predetermined molds at a location spaced from the extruding source.

Abstract: Metal filler compositions and methods of employing the same are disclosed, in which the compositions are copper base with the addition thereto of tin and silicon. For thermal spraying applications, aluminum is included in the formulation. By practice of the invention, substantial improvements in bond strength and quality of the surface finish are achieved.

Abstract: An illuminated boat hook structure for performance of boat docking and launching operations, particularly at night or other times of low visibility, is disclosed. The structure of this invention comprises a tubular telescoping shaft member supporting therewithin a power source, parabolic reflector and bulb, and associated wiring connected to a manual switch mounted on the shaft member. A significant feature of the invention is the provision at the forward end of the tubular shaft member of a shaped essentially transparent plastic hook member which projects an unidirectional diffused beam of light toward objects which are to be sighted during zero or low visibility boat docking and launching operations. The particular shape of the hook member facilitates performance of these operations.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel method of removably securing a sight glass member to a refrigeration vessel in hermetically sealed relation therewith. In accordance with the method concept, a ferrule or like tubular mounting means is fixedly attached to the vessel through an opening therein, and one end of the sight glass is located within the ferrule. Brazing metal is then positioned in contact with the sight glass member and ferrule, and the metal, member and ferrule are heated by electromagnetic induction to melt the brazing metal and form a hermetic bond between the ferrule and sight glass member. By this method, leakage associated with threaded connections, and damage to the sight glass and extreme difficulty of removing the sight glass member when resistance or arc welding methods are used, are herein substantially entirely eliminated.

Abstract: Wheel balancing structure for a motor vehicle is provided wherein a ring portion of the wheel rim radially inwardly of the rim outer flange features a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes or openings therethrough. Balancing weights preferably constructed of lead are particularly shaped for tight fitting relationship with one or more of the circumferentially spaced holes. Each hole is preferably of stepped configuration throughout the length thereof to accommodate at one end a plug securely closing said one end, and at its opposite end providing an entrant opening to facilitate removal of the balancing weight. Springs and spacers are disclosed for the purposes set forth. Among the advantages flowing from practice of the present invention is a marked improvement in the aesthetic appearance of the motor vehicle, as well as specifically noted mechanical improvements.

Abstract: A fence structure is provided for the containment of horses and the like, employing in combination with wooden vertical posts a plurality of vertically spaced and generally parallel disposed horizontal metal rails fixedly secured to the wooden posts by readily attachable support means, preferably provided by clamp means substantially encircling each of said metal rails and maintained therearound by fastening means in intimate engagement with the wooden posts. In a specific exemplary embodiment of the invention, the support means may take the form of brace bands in combination with pole barn nails.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the manufacture of plastic tubing exemplified by corrugated plastic tile and parts related thereto, in which molds for shaping an extrudable plastic material are caused to shuttle linearly forwardly and rearwardly with respect to an extruding source of said plastic material. Sequentially related to linear mold movement is opening and closing mold action, which is correlated to the discharge of plastic material from the extruding source thereof. Provision is also made herein during the course of linear mold movement for parking one or more predetermined molds at a location spaced from the extruding source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed particularly to a headband structure which includes a moisture absorptive member for encircling a human head in embracement with the brow thereof, the head encircling member taking various forms exemplified by a bandanna or an expansible or stretchable element constructed of terrycloth or cheesecloth having elastic means associated therewith. Further comprising the headband structrure of this invention is a preformed thermoplastic film-like eyeglass or vision member which is readily invertible by the wearer from an active line of sight position to an inactive out of line of sight position, or conversely, through the use of means effecting cooperative releasable engagement between the head encircling member and the eyeglass or vision member.