Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing for cancer cells in the human breast is set forth. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a pendulant breast exposed to a magnetic field is tested by nuclear magnetic resonant (NMR). The magnetic field is varied to provide the requisite field intensity in selected segmented sections of the pendulant breast within the field. The field intensity is varied to thereby observe all of the breast extending toward the thorax cavity, obtaining test data from section after section aggregating test data from the entire breast within the pole pieces of the magnet and sufficiently therebeyond to obtain full interrogation. The NMR response focuses on hydrogen nuclei in the water in the breast region, determines the voltage proportional to the density of hydrogen nuclei and the binding of the water described by the relaxation times T.sub.1 and T.sub.2 for each binding level for water. The data so obtained in sequence is examined.

Abstract: A compact bidirectional meter prover mechanism incorporates a straight calibration barrel having spaced detectors sensing passage of a fluid induced displacer piston. A four-way control valve is connected by flow conduits to the conduit containing the flow meter and is connected by a conduit system to respective extremities of the calibration barrel. Launch valves are interposed between the control valve and the calibration barrel and are selectively positioned to permit metering flow through the calibration barrel only after the control valve has been positioned for directional flow of fluid through the conduit system and the calibration barrel. Thus, the necessity for piston prerun is eliminated and minimum cycle time is permitted. The length of the calibration barrel is also minimized by elimination of piston prerun.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the sanitary disposal of soiled sanitary napkins comprises the fabrication of a disposal bag from a flexible plastic or paper sheet material on conventional bag forming machines. The bag thus formed is incorporated in the structure of the pad, either by adhesively securing the bag to an inactive face of the pad or inserting the folded bag between a liquid impermeable plastic sheet incorporated in the sanitary napkin and a surrounding gauze cover. When disposed of the soiled napkin is desired, the folded bag may be quickly and conveniently removed from the soiled napkin and the soiled napkin deposited therein for disposal.

Abstract: A trailer for storing and/or drying harvested crops, such as peanuts, which trailer is economical to build yet will store a large volume of harvested crops and will prevent mold by natural air flow therethrough. The trailer has a front truck axle with a frame for a deep narrow box being mounted thereon. The frame is enclosed on the sides with cattle panel wire and hardware cloth attached to the frame. A perforated, galvanized, corrugated tin forms a floor of the deep narrow box. A gate is provided at the lower rear of the deep narrow box and a hitch at the lower front. Welded angle iron forms the frame along with diagonal braces and cross rods. Ladder steps are formed by steps attached to the angle iron.

Abstract: An outdoor sleeping system incorporating a ground engaging sheet having a pocket connected thereto within which is disposed a pad to provide comfort for the user especially in rough terrain. The ground contacting sheet incorporates a pair of slide fastener strips, the innermost of which receives a thermal liner of suitable weight to protect the user under low temperature conditions. To the outermost slide fastener strip is secured a tent or bivy cover which is maintained erect by flexible ribs. The tent is provided with an enlarged hood, having a rain flap and insect excluding ventilators permitting the user to control the temperature of the enclosure from within. The sleeping system is completely self-supporting and for portability may be rolled to a cylindrical form and secured with straps. The sleeping system may also take a double-wide form for use by two persons.

Abstract: Parafin scrapping, disc equipped, unitized pigs are disclosed. The leading disc is undergage by 0.01 to 0.05" and has a durometer of 85 to 95. N scrapper discs are included and have hardness between 65 and 75, and are overgage by a specific size. The pig is equipped with a rear disc similar to the leading disc.

Abstract: A liquefaction process for coal or lignite is set forth. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, coal or lignite is ground to a suitable particle size and placed in a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel is located within a pressure vessel. Pressure in the vessel is reduced to about 10.sup.-2 torr.Heat is applied. One procedure is to convert the carbon (in the coal or lignite) at an elevated temperature (600.degree.-900.degree. F.) in the presence of hydrogen (at pressures as high as 2,000 psi) into a hydrocarbon mix; depressurization avoids making various oxides and nitrides, and also can be optionally carried out in the presence of iron or iron ore in particulate form acting as a catalyst.

Abstract: A lighted display panel system including apparatus for distributing fluorescent light through a lens having a transparency thereon. The apparatus comprises an open-sided housing having a cavity therein for receiving a plurality of fluorescent bulbs in spaced proximity to an undulant reflector. The undulant reflector is located within the housing cavity and specifically designed to provide an optimal Kelvin rating as the fluorescent light from the bulbs is reflected therefrom and passes through the lens covering the housing cavity. The apparatus is incorporated into the lighted display system by a plurality of connection bars, connection rods, and an electrical buss bar. A method of assembling the lighted display panel system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compact heat exchanger and method for making the same using the interior of randomly arranged interconnecting hollow spheres as a conduit for a first fluid and the exterior of same as a conduit for a second fluid of different temperature. The apparatus is constructed by fusing the points of contact between the objects of a packed cluster of objects, forming an impermeable layer on the fused objects and removing the fused objects to leave hollow shells interconnected at their points of contact. The interconnecting interiors of the hollow shells form an inner space to which fluid entry and exit ports may be provided to entry and exit manifolds. An outer interstitial space is realized by channeling the second fluid through the porosity in the cluster of shells comprised of the spaces outside the interconnected hollow shells.

Abstract: A multi-shell heat exchanger is disclosed in the preferred embodiment comprising at least two interconnected spherical shells wherein one shell encloses the other. Tubular connectors connect the shells in spaced relation defining an annular space between the shells for a circulating cooling fluid. A second fluid passage through the shells provides a continuous separate flow path for a circulating fluid to be cooled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging arrangement for a spacecraft computer designed to conduct experiments in a hostile environment of outer space. The computer has high density packaging of very large scale integration (VLSI) circuits. Heat is removed by direct contact with each heat producing item in the computer, which direct contact is provided for most integrated circuit chips by a heat conductive plane located between the chips and a printed circuit board. From the heat conductive plane, heat is further removed through direct contact with a housing adapted for physical connection to a cold plate for heat conduction thereto. All heat producing elements are in physical contact with heat transferring devices to transfer essentially all heat to the cold plate. The housing and heat transferring devices eliminate unwanted electromagnetic interference and help reduce galactical radiation especially of the x-ray frequency type.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up elongated irregular shaped objects, such as beverage cans and/or bottles, is shown. A lightweight housing is provided with an opening at an upper and a lower end thereof. Parallel springs extend across the lower opening to receive cans and/or bottles therethrough and to hold them inside the housing. A pivotal handle across the upper opening allows for ease of removal of collected refuse. A litter pickup stick is removably mounted on a side of the housing. As paper is picked up with the litter pickup stick, it can be removed by a notch in the upper opening of the housing, and the paper litter is maintained separate from solid objects, such as bottles and cans, by a pivotal gate inside the housing. The housing is of sufficient length to pick up refuse without bending.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a solid material flow meter which utilizes a friction pad thermally connected through a thermal path of known thermal characteristics to a heat sink. Temperature sensors are positioned along the thermal path to sense the flow of heat from the friction pad to the heat sink when solid material, such as soil, is flowing in contact with the pad. An electrical signal output proportional to relative soil volume flow rate is derived from heat sensor output multiplied by depth and width of cut. The output (1) indicates when and if soil is flowing along the friction path into a bowl, and (2) indicates the optimum and unique peak rate at which it is possible for the pan scraper bowl to be loaded.

Abstract: In a method for testing the integrity of welds at elevated temperatures, a pressurized gas mixture is injected in an area between the inner and outer weld of a terminal flange welded to a tubular pipe section or casing. The pressurized gas mixture includes a marker gas which is detected by a detection apparatus which scans the weld. The pressure of the gas mixture is also monitored to observe losses in pressure indicative of flaws in the welds. The integrity of the welds is tested at elevated temperature permitting remedial repairs to be made without reheating the tubular pipe or casing.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a continuous feed document carrier is disclosed comprising a flexible conveyor member provided with a locking mechanism for connecting the ends of the conveyor member to form an endless loop conveyor. The conveyor member includes pockets located thereon for receiving an end portion of a document carried on the conveyor member. The pockets position and align the document on the conveyor member. The conveyor member includes perforations extending adjacent the longitudinal edges of the conveyor member so that the conveyor member may be pulled through a printer.

Abstract: An improved jewelry catch comprising a folded pin adapted to be received within a rectangular box for releasable, locking engagement therewith for stringing jewelry on a jewelry chain and securing opposite ends of the jewelry chain. The folded portion of the pin includes a resilient, angle tab which extends through an opening in the box when the pin is received therein, thereby prohibiting rotation of the pin within the box and unintentional disengagement of the pin therefrom. The shape of the pin and box and the size tolerances therebetween further impede the rotation of the pin within the box and the unintentional disengagement of the pin therefrom. The pin may be readily disengaged from the box for the purpose of threading the pin through a minute hollow passage in a piece of jewelry by manually deflecting the tab through the box opening and pulling the pin outward from within the box.

Abstract: A circuit for varying the current to a load and, simultaneously, limiting the output of the load to a predetermined time interval. A timer chip having an RC network receives rectified current from an AC voltage source and responds thereto with a high output, which is used to bias an NPN transistor. The transistor permits the flow of rectified current to a logic triac, thereby triggering the logic triac and enabling current from the AC voltage source to flow to a variable resistor in series connection with a gating/AC timing capacitor, thereby triggering a diac. The diac responds to the controlled current flow from the variable resistor by operating the gate of a power control triac and permitting the desired current flow between the load and the AC voltage source through the power control triac.