Abstract: A plastic leaching chamber has an arch shape cross section, corrugations, and one or more hollow pillars extending downwardly within the interior of the chamber, to support the top of the chamber when the chamber is under load during use. Chambers nest within one another to form a stack of chambers for transport or storage. Chambers have peak corrugations which are substantially wider than the intervening valley corrugations. Chambers having different widths and profiles have common size connectors.

Abstract: A molded plastic corrugated arch shape cross section leaching chamber has a dome end for forming a pivotable joint with a like chamber. The dome of the dome end has one or more preferably trapezoid shape shallow surface depressions, for strength. The depressions are specially placed so that soil cannot enter the interior of the chambers, regardless of the angle between the chambers.

Abstract: In heating and cooling apparatus, molecules of working gas are excited by light irradiation and thereby cooled as the gas flows through a mirrored cooling cell. In a closed loop embodiment, the gas then flows by means of a fan or compressor to a first heat exchanger where heat from the matter being cooled is transferred to the gas; and, then to a second heat exchanger where heat is transferred from the gas to a heat sink. The apparatus may be used either like a heat pump or air conditioner. In an open-end cooling apparatus embodiment, the gas flows from the cooling cell, through the first heat exchanger, and to atmosphere. The light source may be a 10.6 micron laser; or a 9-11 micron electric arc, a hot filament or the Sun. Working gases comprise N2 and C02; exhaust gases of engines or fuel cells; and gases which comprise different molecular composition gases or different isotopic species of the same molecular composition gas.

Abstract: The functioning of the leach field of a septic tank type sewage system is maintained or rejuvenated by flowing air or other active gas through the system's conduits, for instance, leaching chambers or perforated pipes in stone filled trenches. Differential pressure created by an air mover forces air or other active gas to flow through the soil adjacent the conduits, to an extent sufficient to push water from any saturated soil and effect desirable aerobic biochemical conditions in the soil. In alternate embodiments, conduits may be pressurized or evacuated. Valves and other plumbing are provided to control air flow and enable continued function of the sewage system during air flow treatment. Auxiliary piping, buried adjacent the trenches of the leach field, is pressurized or evacuated to cause air flow through the soil and or the conduits of the leach field.

Abstract: A dolly for transporting both circular and rectangular sheets includes of a base having an open rectangular frame a vertical stanchion for supporting the upper edges of angled sheets. The stanchion has surfaces for supporting a sheet, which surfaces lie along a particular vertical plane. The stanchion is removable from the base for easy transport. The lower edge of a circular sheet being transported extends into the frame opening, and beneath the plane of the top of the base, while the lower edge of a rectangular sheet does not extend below the plane of the top of the base. The vertical load of each kind of sheet is concentrated on the two spaced apart front and rear members having resilient material surfaces. The dolly has four swivel caster wheels.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing peak tensions and tearing in perforated sheet (40) being drawn along a flow path from a stack (S) into a finishing machine (F) is comprised of a drag unit (22), for retarding motion of the sheet; an assist unit (20) for urging the sheet along the flow path; and, a dancer unit (24) for changing the length of the flow path. The assist unit comprises a pair of constant speed rollers (42, 44) supported by mounting blocks (40). The orientation of the assist unit is changed by rotating the mounting blocks. The roller (30) of the dancer unit is spring biased against the sheet.

Abstract: A splicer for joining with tape the abutted ends of two sheets, such as the headers and footers of stacks of fanfold paper to be printed upon, is comprised of a clamp assembly and a tape dispenser. The clamp assembly captures the ends of the sheets between the resilient surfaces of a base and a movable top comprised of two spaced apart bars. Pins in the base help align perforated paper for joining. The dispenser runs along the slot between the two bars. It dispenses, presses down, and cuts the tape as it is laid along the butt-line between the ends of the sheets. An optional reversing bar causes the two sheets to travel along different shape paths to the splicer, thus enabling application of tape to the opposing sides of the sheets.

Abstract: A device for holding fabric during embroidering in an embroidery machine is comprised of a clamp, preferably a clamp comprised of mating rings, mounted on a clamp arm. Indicia, such as an orthogonal grid, in the form of visible fixed features, are present on the clamp arm or clamp and enable a user to easily orient and position the fabric being captured in the clamp of the device. Preferably, the clamp arm cantilevers inwardly within a generally rectangular space defined by a C shape frame which is adapted for mounting on the pantograph of an embroidery machine. The embroidering of garment pockets is particularly facilitated. Indicia are also placed around the upper surface periphery and bore of the ring of a clamp. Apparatus for facilitating the insertion of a combination of fabric and embroidery backing paper into a ring clamp is comprised structure for holding the clamp and spaced apart spring tines which hold the backing paper while the user closes the clamp.

Abstract: A tool for reshaping corner bead, which is perforated right angle metal strip used in fabrication of corners in drywall building construction, spreads the legs of 90 degree angle corner bead outwardly to increase the included angle thereof. The bead is rolled between a pressure roller and a multiplicity of idler rollers. The apex of the bead runs in a circumferential groove of the vertically adjustable pressure roller which presses downwardly as the legs ride upon idler rollers which resist the downward force while allowing sideward motion of the legs. Preferably, the rollers are comprised of mated pairs of hemispheres and the bead is made to pass through the tool by driving the pressure roller with a screw gun. The frame of the tool has a detachable tang which enables the tool to be mounted from the side wall pocket of a common pickup truck box.

Abstract: A mini-floppy disk or like information storage device is comprised of a circle of data storage medium having a central metal hub. In use, the hub is contacted with and driven by a magnetized spindle. The hub comprises a ferromagnetic substrate and a metal coating. The coating has magnetization B.sub.s which is less than the magnetization of the substrate. The coating is harder than the substrate, preferably greater than 400 DPH hardness number. The coating is deposited with an amorphous microstructure while the substrate is crystalline. The coating has a nodular surface texture and surface oxide film which provides improved adhesive bond strength, where the medium is joined to the hub. The coating preferably is an electroless plating deposit, comprised of nickel or cobalt base metal, with phosphorous or boron additive; most preferably it is nickel-11% phosphorous.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding stacks of fanfold sheets is comprised of a belt conveyor, a positioner, and a splicer. The conveyor feeds stacks deposited thereon by the positioner toward the discharge end. The postioner is comprised of a U-shape bin which receives fanfold stacks and then turns them over and deposits them at a desired position along the length of the conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the stacks are lifted from the floor level. In another, the positioner translates along the base of the conveyor and includes a mechanism which automatically locks the positioner in place during loading. A splicer is positioned over the belt. Header and footer ends of adjacent stacks are run to the splicer where they are precisely clamped and then adhesively joined together, on the top side or underside, as desired. The conveyor has a sensor and drive system which automatically advances stacks toward the discharge end and signals the operator when there is a need to reload.

Abstract: A snowmaker is comprised of a head which has an outer ring of nozzles which form a flow of primary water into droplets which move downstream preferably along paths running at a slight radially outward angle, together with a central nucleator which discharges frozen nuclei particles outwardly from a plurality of atomizers at the downstream end cap end of the nucleator. The nucleator is readily disconnectable from the ring. Secondary water flow is fed to the nucleator so it swirls at high velocity within, to greatly enhance the warming effect of the water on the nucleator parts, and to thereby inhibit accumulation of exterior ice. The secondary water is mixed with compressed air as they both enter the atomizers of the end cap. A resultant flow of nuclei from the atomizers is discharged so the flow merges with the plume of primary water droplets from the nozzle. Preferably, flat spray nozzles are used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a stream of shingled fanfold sheet device into a vertical stack comprises a first table having lengthwise belts which receive and push the shingled sheet against a stop, causing the sheet to form into a horizontal stack. The first table has powered transfer rollers positioned in the spaces between the belts. Upon command, the belts lower beneath the table surface, so that the transfer rollers engage the stack and move it sideways onto an adjacent pivotable second table. The second table pivots about an axis transverse to the lengths of the first table and second table. Preferably, the second table has a stop at one end and a detachable pallet at the other end. When the second table is rotated, the stack is made vertical so it rests on the pallet. The pallet with stack are then withdrawn from engagement with the second table for transport elsewhere. A third conveyor belt table may be positioned between the source device and the first table.

Abstract: A knock down chair is comprised of a seat, a back rest, and a leg assembly. The back rest has a hoop, the tapered ends of which are drawn by bolts into spaced apart holes running through the seat. The back rest has spindles or other members running downwardly to a base plate which is removably attached to the top surface of the seat. The base plate is offset toward the rear of the seat from the plane in which the hoop ends lie. The leg assembly is comprised of two opposing leg frames which are screwed to the bottom of the seat. Rungs of the leg frames are joined by a stretcher rail which is held in place by bolts acting similarly to the bolts of the hoop ends.

Abstract: An aircraft for vertical take off and landing is comprised of a rotor assembly mounted on a rotating drive shaft extending from the top of a cabin. The rotor assembly is comprised of a truncated-cone top, a spaced apart circular bottom, and internal vanes running radially, between the top and bottom, forming an air impeller. In operation, air is drawn through the central air intake of the top and discharged through an annular nozzle around the circumference of the rotor assembly. As the top rotates, additional air is rammed through scoops mounted at an angle to radii of the top, on the surface of the top. The torque applied to the cabin, due to rotation by the engine of the rotor assembly, is countered by the reaction force generated by a plurality of tabs extending from the cabin sidewall into the airstream flowing downwardly from the nozzle.

Abstract: A rack, from which kitchen utensils and other things may be hung for storage, is comprised of side panels and end panels. Bars that support hooks from which the utensils hang run lengthwise between the end panels. Stiffeners run lengthwise in a groove along each side panel, and the stiffener ends fit snugly into grooves of the end panels, to provide strong corner joints. Cross pieces, to support at intermediate points the bars, run lengthwise between the side panels. They are fastened to the side panels using dowels, while fitting tightly against the underside of opposing stiffeners. Rack side panels may be initially fabricated as precursors having standard length and width dimensions, to then be easily modified at the factory or in the field, and to enable the making of custom length and width racks. The rack design features enable economic factory fabrication, so racks can be shipped as knocked down units that can be conveniently modified and assembled in the field.

Abstract: Soil profiles of sports fields, such as those in stadiums and golf courses, are treated by injecting or suctioning gases and water by means of buried horizontal pipe arrays or by vertical penetrators. The extent of soil treatment is controlled by measurement of subsurface gas composition and pressure at locations remote from the point of gas injection or removal, preferably by using a special probe. Penetrators and probes form seals within shaped holes in the soil profile, to control the depth of the layer at which gas is exchanged, and to inhibit atmospheric air flow vertically along the bodies of the devices. For example, a conical penetrator section forms a seal within the hole by compacting the shoulder of a stepped hole and it forms a second seal at the surface of the soil by means of a plate and gasket. In other penetrator installations, a radially expansible material forms the seal. Penetrators of one or two part construction may be removably installed in fields, to facilitate re-treatment.

Abstract: A singulator adapted for feeding articles of varying thickness is comprised of a driver with a movable and resiliently biased retarder, called a dancer. The dancer moves back and forth along the article flow path, in response to the passage through the nip of the articles being singulated, to automatically set the gap at the singulator nip. A dancer body motion may be linear or pivoting. The path of article travel through the singulator nip is at an angle to the downstream article flow path. Thus, when a takeaway device pulls on the article, the dancer moves to open the singulator gap slightly to enable the article to more freely be taken away. A preferred dancer has an endless belt and is spring biased to lightly contact the driver at the nip in the absence of an article; and, periodic reversal of driver direction engages the dancer belt surface at the nip and moves it upstream, thereby exposing a new surface.

Abstract: A device for brewing hot beverages comprises a lower container for receiving water, an upper container for receiving brewed beverage, and a piston-cylinder assembly into which coffee grounds, tea leaves, and herbs are placed. The grounds, etc. are compressed and subjected to high temperature water and steam, to extract essences and produce a beverage, such as espresso coffee. The piston has a decompression chamber at its upper end, formed between the piston top and a perforated diffuser plate. Pressurized hot water from the lower container flows through a nozzle in the piston top, into the decompression chamber, through the holes of the diffuser plate, and then into the grounds. The piston moves upwardly to compress the grounds against an upper perforated plate, first with rising force, and then with constant force.

Abstract: In a system for dispersing stormwaters beneath the earth surface, a pair of arch shaped corrugated molded plastic chambers lie parallel each to the other upon a bed of gravel and are covered with soil. A bridge cover spans the space between the sidewalls of the adjacent chambers, to keep soil above from entering. Abutting base flanges establish the chamber spacing which fits the bridge cover and also protect the gravel at the bottom of the space from erosion. Stormwater is delivered to the space, to then flow through sidewall perforations into the chambers' interiors where it is stored and gradually dispersed into the earth. Debris settles in the pocket at the bottom of the space and is removed by a perforated pipe lying in the space. Chambers have high aspect ratios, of 0.8 to 1 or more, and steep sidewall angles, of less than 15 degrees.