Abstract: The apparatus includes a housing enclosing a boiler in the lower portion and a water-filled condenser in the upper portion with an insulated partition between them. The entry of boiler feed water is controlled by a float valve in the boiler, and steam from the boiler is conveyed through the partition and thus through a condenser coil substantially immersed in the water in the condenser.

Abstract: A super-surfacer used for super-finishing a surface of timber, wherein the shaving blade has a length which is much larger than the width of the working table and is arranged to be movable reciprocally in a direction transversely to the timber feeding direction, and a pair of grind stones are located on both sides of the table and in constant contact with the shaving blade to sharpen it, so that, with the reciprocal movement of the blade, all portions of the blade are sharpened by the grind stones just before they are used for shaving operation, and the machine can therefore be continuously operated without need of interruption of operation for sharpening or exchange of the shaving blade which has become dull.

Abstract: A combination weighing device having a plurality of weighing balances, an arithmetic unit for receiving outputs from said weighing balances and computing sums of selected groups of signals from the weighing balances, comparing the sums with a predetermined weight range and producing a signal when a sum is within the range and control switch means connected with said weighing balances to inhibit transmission of signals from selected balances to the arithmetic unit.

Abstract: A combination weighing device, which is typically used for packing a plurality of solid articles in each bag or the like, including a plurality of weighing balances for weighing a plurality of articles each at the same time, and arithmetic means for selecting some of these wieghing balances so that the total weight of the articles thereon falls within a predetermined allowable range, the device also including means for checking the number of these selected articles to make them fall within a predetermined allowable range and collecting these articles in a pack or bag so that each pack contains substantially constant weight and number of articles.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization and disinfection system for fluids which includes apparatus for sensing selected operating characteristics such as physical characteristics of the fluid to be disinfected or sterilized and the operating conditions of the ultraviolet sources proportioning these variable and generally non-linear parameters and modifying such factors as fluid flow, ultraviolet energy imparted to the fluid to insure destruction of selected organisms without the use of excessive energy. Control may also be provided for the admission of selected quantities of disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine to the fluid.

Abstract: Silica aerogel in the form of a substantially crack-free, preferably transparent block is described, together with a method for the preparation of such aerogel and use thereof in solar panels. The preparation is effected by means of hydrolysis of a tetraalkoxysilane, preferably tetramethoxysilane, in an alcohol, preferably methanol, in the presence of a catalyst, preferably ammonia, for the formation of an alcogel which is aged for approximately 10 days and washed with alcohol for removing water. The alcogel is thereafter treated in an autoclave by means of a temperature increase to above the critical point of the alcohol, isothermic pressure drop by means of the release of alcohol vapor, and temperature drop. The temperature increase, the pressure drop and the temperature drop take place at the such low mean rates that the aerogel does not crack. To this end, a total treatment time in the autoclave of at least 24 hours is required. After the autoclave treatment, a heat treatment at 500.degree. to 750.degree.

Abstract: The attachment includes switch means, a spring loaded switch actuator overlying and coextensive with the upper surface of the attachment, an electric control interconnected with the power supply to the bed and said switch so that elevation of said bed is automatically terminated upon contact of said switch actuator with an obstacle above the bed.

Abstract: A folding chair and cart structure having an upright frame and a transverse member pivoted thereto, one end of the transverse frame forming a seat portion and the other end extending beyond the upright frame and carrying a pair of wheels, a sheet of canvas secured to the upright and transverse frames to form a seat and a track for removable engagement with the wheels. The structure functions as a cart by merely tilting the upright frame to a horizontal position and the entire structure is foldable into a compact unit for transport and storage.

Abstract: A light distribution louver for a lighting fixture wherein the louver together with supporting apparatus closes at least the bottom of the light fixture. The louver may be of unitary construction or preferably formed of individual louver sections or sectors depending upon the shape of the supporting apparatus. The louver sections or sectors may have fixed or movable vanes and in the case of sections, they may be positioned in a variety of orientations to attain varied light distribution characteristics. The invention further contemplates a structure wherein the supporting apparatus encloses the lighting fixture to afford more complete protection.

Abstract: Power measuring apparatus for electric appliances including interconnected male and female connectors for attachment to a source of power and to an appliance to be measured, a transformer having a primary winding in series with one of the conductors interconnecting the connectors, a potentiometer having a resistance element connected with the secondary winding on said transformer and a movable contactor, and an indicator connected between the contactor and one end of the resistance element, the potentiometer being calibrated in terms of cost per kilowatt-hour and the indicator being calibrated in terms of cost per hour.

Abstract: A fibre glass composition which is characterized in that it consists of______________________________________ % by weight ______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 55-65 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 1-2 CaO 6-9.5 MgO 1-4.5 Na.sub.2 O 13-17 K.sub.2 O 0-2 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 1-7 BaO 0-3 Li.sub.2 O 0-1 Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 traces ZnO 0.

Abstract: An automatic weighing machine, used for dividing articles having substantial variance in their weights into groups, each group consisting of a plurality of said articles and having a total weight within a predetermined allowable range, wherein the articles are weighed one by one or group by group by a single weighing device and, then, retained one by one or group by group in retaining hoppers arranged in a circle and, at the same time, the measured weights are stored in separate memories, respectively, the contents of these memories are read out in accordance with predetermined combinations and summed up, the sum is compared with the predetermined allowable range and, when it is within said range, the gates of the retaining hoppers corresponding to the instant combination are opened to collect the contents thereof.

Abstract: A radio frequency signal and power distribution duct for operation of a plurality of radio and television receivers which includes a dual compartment duct with spaced electric receptacles in one compartment and spaced interconnected matching and isolating networks in the other compartment. The ducts are arranged to be interconnected in end to end relationship and each duct is provided with a central ridged channel to engage cover holding machine screws at any point along the length thereof.

Abstract: A training apparatus for aiming and gunnery comprises a target tracer, a central control and monitoring unit and equipment at each of a plurality of anti-aircraft guns or other weapons for combatting moving targets. The target tracer is provided with a range finding radar and a TV camera which, by means of an aiming instrument, are continuously held aimed at a moving target. Furthermore, the target tracer has rotational position indicators for indicating the positions of the radar and the camera with respect to a horizontal and a vertical axis. From information obtained from the radar and the indicators, a data processing unit in the central control unit calculates the correct aiming allowance point for each of the weapons, which points can be shown, on the one hand, one at a time on a common TV monitor, and, on the other hand, on a separate TV monitor for each weapon.

Abstract: Solar radiation absorber having absorbing means within a gas filled housing and an overlying radiation transparent plate spaced therefrom. Ribbons of thin material are disposed between the absorbing means and the plate to restrict convective heat losses.

Abstract: Handle attaching means for brooms and the like consisting of a tubular member having a portion of large diameter for receiving and holding a handle and a portion of reduced diameter for insertion into an opening in a broom, the portion of reduced diameter having openings to receive a bolt which also engages a second opening in the broom to hold the tubular member in engagement therewith.

Abstract: A handle attachment for implements such as rakes and hoes which includes a cylindrical portion adapted to be clamped tightly about the end of the handle and a tapered extension extending from one end of the cylindrical portion and away from the handle for attachment to the implement.

Abstract: A reconstituted leather and method of manufacture wherein leather is pulverized to form a fine powder which is then treated to polarize the particles and cause them to form groups or aggregates. The aggregates are then intermixed with a resinous binder to form said reconstituted leather which is then buffed to expose the natural leather and produce a structure closely resembling natural leather in feel, odor and appearance.

Abstract: A multidirectional photographic compound stage having a base including a circular opening, a first carriage having rollers engaging the wall of the opening for rotary motion of the carriage, a second carriage having rollers for engaging parallel tracks on the first carriage for movement of the second carriage in one direction, a third carriage having rollers engaging parallel tracks on the second carriage for movement of the third carriage in a direction ninety degrees to the second carriage and a light transmitting operating surface carried by the third carriage.