Abstract: A pair of probes is disposed in a pipe supplying water that has been treated to reduce inorganic solids to a selected level. A supply voltage is impressed across the probes to create a signal voltage that is a measurement of the ionization potential in the water between the probes. A dip switch and resistors of progressively different values are connected across the voltage source, and one switch of the dip switch is manually closed that represents the upper limit or range of desired dissolved solids. A signal voltage is created by the dip switch resistor, and the probe voltage and the dip switch voltage are supplied to an amplifier. If the difference on the two voltages is high, then a flip-flop energizes a red light indicating excessive solids; and if the difference is small, then the flip-flop energizes a green light showing an acceptable level of solids.

Abstract: The foot-operated accelerator develops digital signals progressively larger in number as the accelerator is moved through its range from a rest position to full speed. A variable transmission has a sensor that generates digital signals progressively larger in number as the transmission is shifted from a low gear ratio to a high gear ratio. For starting the vehicle, the accelerator lower digital signals cause successive connection of a plurality of batteries in series until the full operating battery voltage is applied to the motor. Thereafter, the motor operates at a constant voltage and vehicle speed is varied by varying the gear ratio of the transmission. This is achieved by a digital comparator that compares the accelerator numbers with the transmission numbers, and a lower accelerator number causes the transmission to shift to a lower gear ratio, and a higher accelerator number causes the transmission to shift to a higher gear ratio until equilibrium is reached in each case.

Abstract: This invention relates to a means for more efficiently and more safely providing self-luminous lighting devices for use in signs, markers, indicators and the like. Said invention provides self luminosity by means of a plurality of glass microspheres containing both a light emitting phosphor and a radioactive gas. The "soft" emission of electrons from the beta emitting gas can not penetrate the glass wall of the microspheres, thereby constituting no radiation hazard. The containment of the self-luminous system within an envelope which does not pass any radiation prevents the deterioration of nearby organic materials. A further advantage of said invention is that the plurality of individual containment envelopes minimize the escape of radioactive gas in the event of any physical damage to an assembly of such envelopes. A still further advantage of my invention is that the radioactive gas completely surrounds the phosphor particles, thus causing light emission from 100 percent of the surface of said particles.

Abstract: A lift gate has its bearing structure mounted on a post for rotation about a vertical axis to provide lifting and an alternative swing action. Mechanical latches normally keep the gate from swinging. An electrical motor normally lifts the gate and power is maintained by a solar electric panel. The motor can be mechanically disconnected from the gate to provide for manual lifting of the gate when there is a malfunction. A clock mechanism energizes the motor to close the gate after it has been opened for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A flat bed vehicle has a king pin mounted in the flat bed for connection to a trailer to create a fifth wheel tractor-trailer combination. The king pin is vertically reciprocated above the flat bed and below the flat bed by a hand crank located at an outside edge of the flat bed. The king pin is held in its upward position by means of a horizontal bolt passing through a hole in the king pin. The bolt is manually removed from the king pin, for lowering the king pin, by a manual pull rod extending to the exterior of the vehicle bed, preferably adjacent to the hand crank.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide analyzer for medical purposes is rendered self-calibrating by continuously measuring pairs of two or three each of several components as follows:1st pair: vacuum cell, open hole and sample cell reference cell, open hole and sample cell2nd pair: vacuum cell, standard cell reference cell, standard cell3rd pair: vacuum cell, open hole reference cell, open hole4th pair: vacuum cell, standard cell, sample cell reference cell, standard cell, sample cellThe ratios of these measurement pairs are treated mathematically in a computer or microprocessor to obtain a reading for CO.sub.2 and to correct other readings and to monitor the integrity of the standard cell. A novel two-wheel chopper and mirror arrangement facilitates the measurements.

Abstract: The thrust of a Magnus propeller is made reversible by reversing the rotation of the Magnus cylinders independently of the direction of rotation of the propeller shaft. Reversible drives for the cylinders are provided that are mechanical, fluid or electric. Reversible motors for the propeller shaft are provided as an alternative reversing mechanism while the cylinders continue to rotate in the same direction. Separate motor drives are provided for the Magnus cylinders and the propeller shaft.

Abstract: Various writing instrument parts are assembled to an insert that is inserted into a hollow body of the writing instrument to complete the assembly of parts. The insert has a glide stop and a spaced cartridge guide, and a compression spring pushes against the cartridge guide and a glide removably secured to the inner end of the cartridge. A clip is hinged to the insert by a snap-on socket fitting over a hinge bar. A biasing spring fits within a clip pocket and an insert pocket to prevent unseating the snap-on hinge. The clip pocket is formed by inwardly extending walls that telescope with the insert pocket to prevent twisting off the clip. The insert is held in the hollow body by a locking projection that fits within a hole in the wall of the hollow body member.

Abstract: A mixture of H.sub.2 O, CO.sub.2 and CO are measured in the same sample chamber by infrared radiation passing through the chamber and absorption filters passing a narrow band in their respective absorption curves to an infrared detector. Background radiation is zeroed by grounding the detector response when an opaque segment is disposed in the path. A reference filter detects drift which is automatically corrected.

Abstract: A stove for supporting cooking pans and vessels that have rounded or spherical bottoms has three spaced uprights having their upper ends inclined inwardly toward each other. The three uprights are preferably spaced about a heat source and preferably have their upper ends terminate in a single horizontal plane.

Abstract: Toy vehicles having a rigid body supported by wheel assemblies for movement on a support surface. A spring element is positioned between the vehicle body and the wheel assemblies for biasing the vehicle body in a normally raised position with respect to the wheel assemblies. A movable member is mounted on the body and is in contact with the wheel assembly and/or the spring element. The movable member is activated by the wheel assembly and/or the spring element as the vehicle body is lowered by a user and raised by the spring bias.

Abstract: The jig of this invention holds a radial array of separate materials together so that they can be glued, welded, or otherwise secured together. The jig is then removed. A plurality of fingers are pivoted to a common support, and elastic means are used to urge the fingers together to tightly grip the radial array of materials to be held. The finger surfaces are angular to correspond to the angle of the materials to be held and for a cross shaped array of materials, the finger surfaces are at 90.degree. to each other. The fingers have shanks that project beyond the hinge or pivot point and these projecting shanks may be used to open up the fingers by manually grasping the projecting shanks and thereby overcoming the elastic means which normally urges the fingers together.

Abstract: A drafting tool is provided to assist in making parallel lines which can be horizontal, vertical or at any angle. The tool has two legs pivoted together and at least one of said legs carries a bar spaced above the drafting paper. The bar carries markers in the form of sharpened metal pins that indent drafting paper, or in the form of writing tips that leave a mark on paper. The bar is resiliently held, and when manually pushed against the drafting paper, the pins indent or the writing tips mark the paper. The draftsman then uses a straight edge to draw lines through the indicia thus made. The pins and writing tips are preferably uniformly spaced in a straight line and the spacing between indicia on the drafting paper with respect to a horizontal or vertical line are variable and are determined by the selected angle between the two legs. Suitable graduations at the pivot can advise the user of the pivot angle to select to obtain the proper indicia spacing with respect to a horizontal or vertical line.