Abstract: A cycle timer circuit for electrical discharge machining. Operation of the electrode is controlled by a pair of solid state timers working in timed relationship, one with the other, to provide an up time duration of greater magnitude than the down time duration.

Abstract: A programmable system for controlling machining current magnitude and reducing it in a step function as gap voltage falls indicating gap short circuit condition. A set of off-time numbers are computed and stored in an off-time counter. These numbers are recomputed each time a new on or off time is entered in the pulse generator. The original off-time is the normal cutting parameter. As the gap voltage drops, indicating problems, the off-time starts doubling or increasing in a like manner until it has reached many times its normal duration.

Abstract: An opener for pistachio nuts which is adapted to open both nuts either with small apertures or with large longitudinal apertures. The opener device has a pointed end portion for opening the smaller slot nuts and further includes a longer longitudinal sharp end portion for inserting in a longer slot to force open the nut without damaging the kernel.

Abstract: A programmable system for controlling maximum machining current. A current limit is entered into the system together with the on-time and off-time desired. The system operates to use the desired on-time and current values, but the off-time will be modified depending on the maximum current limit possible. This will protect the apparatus when an impossible combination has been entered by the operator. Minimum allowable period is calculated for any desired current limit. The desired period is subtracted from the minimum period and the difference added to the off-time if the result is positive.

Abstract: A generator system for producing an electrical power output or for providing rotary motion for a drive system. The system includes a central shaft supported on bearings for free rotation. The shaft further includes a flywheel and a vibratory gyroscope mounted on it for storing energy. A drive means is used to apply torque to the shaft to cause it and the flywheel to rotate up to speed. A further coil is mounted on the shaft co-operable with opposed magnets to provide an electrical power output to an external load. Also a mechanical power output may be taken from the shaft for an external drive.

Abstract: A fitting for a ladder including a pair of brackets releasably attached to the ladder legs and including a pair of downwardly directed hook portions and associated parts that are sized to be seated in a gutter. The brackets are connected by a crossbar and in a second mode of operation a non-skid, resilient faced member is attached to the crossbar. Thus the resilient faced member can be used against aluminum siding and the like to distribute the weight and thus avoid damage to the exterior wall of the building.

Abstract: A circuit for electrical discharge machining including two MOSFETS. The first MOSFET (28) has its power conducting terminals connected between the gap (20,22) and DC power supply (30). Its gate is connected to a source of variable amplitude signals (14). The second MOSFET has its power conducting terminals connected between the gap (20,22) and a voltage DC power supply (40). It has its gate connected to a source of spike signals (18). A multivibrator (10) conjointly operates both sources (14 and 18).

Abstract: A water purifying system unit that is portable, fabricated of durable parts and makes provision for storage of basic survival needs in addition to water. A double chamber unit with bag and filter with separating filter and storage compartment provides three stage filtration of water. An appropriate mouthpiece makes drinking directly from the unit possible.

Abstract: A portable door lock and combined smoke and intrusion alarm has an upper forked end engageable with the door handle, a shaft extending in an adjustable length tube and terminating in a non-skid rubber end adapted to engage the floor or carpet. The upper end of the shaft is further retained in its mounted position by a retaining ring or cord. It has its lower end lying in a plane substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A dual function alarm device is slidably mounted on the shaft and includes an actuator for it with a switch contact normally abutting or close to abutment with the surface of the door at a point below the door handle. Responsive to inward movement and pressure on the door the alarm will be actuated. At the same time, the locking action of the shaft and the upper forked end will divert the opening inward forces into forces directed against the floor so that the door cannot be opened.

Abstract: An extender device for fastening one concrete form size on top of another and holding the two in tight secure relationship. The device used for extending includes a pair of scaffold bolts to permit attachment of a scaffold. It further includes a "U" shaped sharpened slot portion at each end.

Abstract: A locking device for maintaining a sliding door in one of a number of locked positions along the length of its track. The locking device includes a spring-biased and pivotal lever having a toothed end urged toward a biting frictional contact with the track. The device is preferably mounted on the leading edge of the sliding door near its upper end for cooperative locking engagement with the upper track. The lever further includes a pair of bumpers mounted proximate its forward and rearward edges for providing a yieldable limit to the opening movement of the sliding glass door.

Abstract: An encoder/amplifier giving low distortion, low noise, high power operation. A pair of 180.degree. displaced sawtooth signals are generated from a fixed frequency clock and compared to an undistorted audio input signal. A constant current source and a pair of balanced capacitors are used in this input stage to provide self-nulling of noise. Optical isolation is used between the input encoder and power output stages to eliminate any ground noise occurring on the audio input lines and obviate the need for a large DC power supply transformer.

Abstract: A wind velocity gage for use on sailboats including a vertical shaft to be mounted on or near the mast head. A vane is pivotally mounted on the end of the shaft and includes a forward small weighted end and a rear vertically oriented fin. A wind velocity pointer is pivotally mounted on the rear fin and moveable differentially to one of several positions indicating wind velocity. A scale for read-out is provided about the circumferential periphery of the fin.

Abstract: A spiral meat slicer is provided which operates to form a continuous spiral slice on a piece of meat such as a ham or roast which has a central bone structure of non-uniform diameter. Included in the slicer is an improved elevator and oscillator which provide the necessary cutting action in a manner to avoid unnecessary vibration and further permits ready access for servicing as well as increased durability.

Abstract: A portable foam generator system adaptable for use in any vehicle, land, sea or air. A plurality of separate trip zones are provided in the vehicle in the passenger compartment, engine compartment, fuel tank compartment and in other critical zones. When one of the vehicle trip zones receives a shock, there will be opened a ball valve to cause a mixing flow of water and foam which will exit through a foam line to the zone or zones provided. Each such zone includes a plurality of foam outlet nozzles selectively directed to provide maximum effective distribution of the foam. The particular foam used is a high expanding foam with non-flammable ingredients and including preferably a propanol solvent. The foam is such that it can be breathed and at the same time it protects passengers from flames. Dissipation of the foam after evacuation of the system is done without damage to articles or goods in the vehicle.

Abstract: A waterproof chart case for retaining a plurality of separate charts in chosen sequence inside a roll-up cover. The separate charts are individually contained in waterproof holders which are in hinged, stacked relationship one relative to the other on the inner side of the cover. A separate closure means is used to retain each of the chart holders in place.