Abstract: A highly effective barrier for protecting objects against focused beams of radiant energy. The invention has special applicability in a combat environment for protecting military equipment against destruction by laser weapons, or for thwarting detection of such equipment by reflected radar waves. The barrier comprises a layer of slitted and expanded metal foil, made from a non-ferrous metal having an absorptivity less than 3% and a thermal conductivity above 100 W/m/K, interposed between the radiant energy beam and the object to be protected. The barrier layer may be multiple sheets of the slitted and expanded metal foil, or a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from the expanded metal sheets.

Abstract: An expandable metal product for use in extinguishing fires and in the prevention of or protection against explosions. The product is a continuous sheet of magnesium alloy foil having discontinuous slits in spaced apart lines parallel to each other but transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the sheet. The invention is also directed to the expanded form of the product, either in sheets which may be used for preventing fires or explosion or in the form of shaped ellipsoids for use in a passive inerting system for fuel tanks.

Abstract: A pivot arrangement for holding structural members, such as cattle stanchions, in pivotal engagement, with improved durability and wear resistance at the pivot point. In the stanchion (25) containing the pivot holes (36) and (37), an ultrahigh molecular weight, high density resin plastic insert (38) is positioned on the interior of the stanchion in the area surrounding the pivot holes (36) and (37). The resin insert has wear-resistant properties greater than the metal material from which the stanchion (25) is made. A pre-drilled bearing channel (42) in the plastic insert (38) is aligned to register concentrically with the pivot holes (36) and (36), and the plastic insert is secured in this position by dimples in the walls of the stanchion (25).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring conduction current through a sample portion of the surface of the solid conductor that is in contact with a liquid conductor, such as the solid electrolyte of a liquid-solid-liquid battery, is provided. The apparatus includes a probe having a hollow insulating probe body with an interior adapted for holding a small amount of the liquid conductor. The probe body insulates the probe liquid conductor from the surrounding liquid conductor and includes a tip having an opening in communication with the probe interior. The tip is adapted for making sealed contact with the solid conductor surface. The conduction current through the sample area can thereby be isolated and measured.

Abstract: A flushing apparatus for controlling water flow in a toilet flushing system. The flushing system includes a pressure tank and differential-pressure type flush valve that opens when accumulated fluid pressure above a piston is vented to atmosphere. The apparatus includes an actuator for venting the flush valve which includes a tubular member that defines an air flow passage through the flushing apparatus. The air flow passage is selectively controlled by a blocking member which slides within and relative to the tubular actuator. The air flow passage can be used to ventilate the corresponding toilet bowl when the system is at rest.

Abstract: A highly efficient impact absorber for protecting articles against destructive mechanical impact. The invention has special applicability to containers for flammable materials, scientific instruments, or other fragile mechanisms or articles which may be damaged or become hazardous when ruptured. The impact absorber comprises a layer or layers of expanded metal net made from magnesium alloy foil having a thickness in the range from about 0.02 to 0.50 mm. A preferred embodiment comprises a contained layer or layers of nested spheroids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium foil.

Abstract: An article of jewelry adapted to be worn over a human thigh. Included in the article is a substantially closed circlet having a length and flexibility that allows it to be draped loosely around the thigh. Supporting the circlet is a suspension member that is adapted to hang from an undergarment of the wearer. A link member loosely and slidably couples the suspension member to the circlet, allowing the circlet to move smoothly without irritating the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: A highly efficient impact absorber for protecting articles against destructive mechanical impact. The invention has special applicability to containers for flammable materials, scientific instruments, or other fragile mechanisms or articles which may be damaged or become hazardous when ruptured. The impact absorber comprises a layer or layers of expanded metal net made from magnesium alloy foil having a thickness in the range from about 0.02 to 0.50 mm. A preferred embodiment comprises a contained layer or layers of nested spheroids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium foil.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and adjusting a solar oven with respect to the sun, the apparatus having a horizontally disposed main frame and a pair of vertical, spaced apart supports mounted to the main frame, the solar oven being pivotally mounted to the vertical supports; with means to lock the solar oven in a variety of positions with respect to the sun.

Abstract: An expandable metal product for use in extinguishing fires and in the prevention of or protection against explosions. The product is a continuous sheet of magnesium alloy foil having discontinuous slits in spaced apart lines parallel to each other but transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the sheet. The invention is also directed to the expanded form of the product, either in sheets which may be used for preventing fires or explosion or in the form of shaped ellipsoids for use in a passive inerting system for fuel tanks.

Abstract: A highly efficient anti-explosion pad comprising multiple sheets of expanded metal net separated by a core layer of porous material such as fiberglass, cotton batting or an assembly of miniature ellipsoids or balls formed from expanded metal net. When covering a wall or other structural element, the stratiform pad effectively dissipates the shock waves and thermal effects of a close range bomb explosion.

Abstract: A highly efficient anti-explosion pad comprising multiple sheets of expanded metal net separated by a core layer of porous material such as fiberglass, cotton batting or an assembly of miniature ellipsoids or balls formed from expanded metal net. When covering a wall or other structural element, the stratiform pad effectively dissipates the shock waves and thermal effects of a close range bomb explosion.

Abstract: An improved bolt carrier for a gas operated automatic or semi-automatic firearm of the AR15 or M16 type having a substantial increase in the number and area of lands in the forward end of the bolt carrier. This results in increased accuracy of the firearm and makes the action smoother and more consistent.

Abstract: A highly efficient fuel containment medium which is adapted to protect neighboring facilities against fire or explosion of flammable materials accidentally released from above-ground storage tanks. The fuel containment medium has special applicability for use in diked areas surrounding fuel storage tanks. The medium effectively suppresses flame heights and spread rates in pool fires in said diked areas. The containment medium comprises a mineral aggregate mixed with a flame-effects modifier such as fragments of expanded metal net made from magnesium alloy foil. In a preferred embodiment, the aggregate is sand or gravel, and the flame-effects modifier comprises ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil.

Abstract: A toilet odor venting apparatus which fits over the top tank of a toilet in place of the usual tank cover. The apparatus draws air from the toilet bowl through the flush ring into the interior of the tank and then into the room in which the toilet is located. The apparatus includes a suction blower assembly which includes a low profile, disk-shaped impeller journalled for rotation about a vertical axis and one or more low profile electric drive motors, which are preferably DC and which operate at supersynchronous speed. The assembly further includes a special coupling for coupling rotary power from the motors to the impeller with the coupling assembly including a driven wheel journalled for rotation about a vertical axis and a drive wheel journalled for rotation about a horizontal axis. The electric motor is preferably powered by DC current from a battery.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for removing oily waste from articles which includes two tanks located in proximity, preferably in side-by-side relationship, to one another. The upper edge of one end of these tanks is provided with an overflow that causes the light surface fraction of the liquid in the cleaning tank to flow out of the cleaning tank and onto the surface of the liquid in the separating tank. The bottom edge of the opposite end of the separating tank is provided with an outlet through which the dense bottom fraction of the liquid in the separating tank may be withdrawn and pumped back into the cleaning tank. The effect of this top/bottom relationship between outlets and inlets is to establish a density gradient which favors the migration of oily waste from the cleaning tank to the separating tank.

Abstract: A highly efficient impact absorber for protecting articles against destructive mechanical impact. The invention has special applicability to containers for flammable materials, scientific instruments, or other fragile mechanisms or articles which may be damaged or become hazardous when ruptured. The impact absorber includes a layer or layers of expanded metal net made from magnesium alloy foil having a thickness in the range from about 0.02 to 0.50 mm. A preferred embodiment utilizes a contained layer or layers of nested spheroids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium foil.

Abstract: A Boehm system clarinet having improved A key features. An auxiliary shaft having an auxiliary actuating spatula in rough proximity to the spatula of the B flat key affords operation of the A key with the right index finger without impairing the operation of that key in the normal manner by the left index finger. A temperature compensation mechanism on the auxiliary shaft assures that the auxiliary shaft cannot freeze up in response to temperature changes and impair operation of the A key in the normal Boehm system mode. An adjustable link mechanism disposed between the A and A flat keys makes the operation of those keys smoother and quieter.

Abstract: A stratiform pad for surrounding and protecting a bed sore from pressure while the patient is in bed. The pad comprises a median layer containing a closed cell air bubble film, a body-contacting layer bonded to one surface of the median layer to adhere the pad to the patient's body, and a bed-contacting layer bonded to the other surface of the median layer to adhere the pad to the bed surface. The pad contains an interior bed sore receiving aperture and provides sustained lift of the body away from the bed in the area of the sore, thus relieving the pain of pressure and providing space for the flow of healing air.