Abstract: The present invention provides an improved utility strap and method for using same for general binding purposes. The strap of the present invention provides a strip of material which includes hook-and-loop attachment means on both sides of one end of the strap, and complementary hook-and-loop material on both interior faces of a Y-shaped element anchored to the opposite end of the strap. Attachment is achieved by securing the first end of the strap within the Y-shaped element. The present invention provides all the benefits of ease of use found with conventional hook-and-loop binding devices, but is far more secure and durable.

Abstract: A helicopter strike wire cutting apparatus extending from the fuselage of the helicopter to the rotor blades for cutting wires that strike the helicopter during flight. The cutting apparatus includes cutting edges along the rotor control rods and can be arranged to direct a strike wire toward the midpoint of the rod. A second embodiment having cutting edges on a drum rotating with the rotor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and analyzing the performance of a recirculation control system are disclosed. According to the invention, the pressure of the liquid passing through the control system is measured directly by pressure and differential pressure transducers at the main inlet, main outlet, and, within the regulation means of the control system. Where the means for regulating the flow of liquid to the recirculation outlet comprises a piston within a piston chamber, the pressure of the liquid within the regulating means is measured in the piston chamber. The pressure data is analyzed to determine valve performance.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of construction of a reed valve mechanism having a cushioned reed valve seat is disclosed. The present invention provides a smooth resilient overlay plate which is attached around ports in a reed cage. The benefits of conventional rubber coated reed cages is supplied without the expenses inherent in previous construction methods. Various mechanical mounting means are disclosed for ease in construction and improved reed valve performance.

Abstract: Article Distribution apparatus is disclosed having a main frame straddling a conveyor feeding a single row of articles to the inlet of a pair of timing screws. The timing screws are mounted for horizontal and vertical adjustment above the conveyor and are carried by a frame mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis at the infeed side of the apparatus. A linear drive mechanism controlled by a programmable controller controls movement of the moveable frame to direct articles in predetermined quantities and spacing to a predetermined number of discharge paths.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fabricating a container structure such as a flower pot cover. The invention comprises a frame supporting a reciprocating mandrel and a feed bed, said feed bed having an aperture positioned such that said reciprocating mandrel reciprocates into and out of said aperture; a roller for feeding a substrate across said feed bed and aperture; a die fixed to said frame in proximity to said aperture, said die cutting a form from said substrate, said form having a central section and a plurality of surrounding sections created by a plurality of radial slits cut by said die, said radial slits extending outward from said central section, each of said surrounding sections folding to form a sidewall of said container structure when said reciprocating mandrel pushes said cut form through said aperture; and ultrasonic weld heads for sealing said sidewalls so as to form a container a flower pot cover.

Abstract: A strain gauge primarily designed for dynamic measurements and requiring very little force to produce a change in length. The strain gauge is alternately concave and convex in shape, such as a sinusoidal curve with nodes of low resistance on the convex portions and strain gauges of high resistance on the concave portions. The gauge is unbonded and can be stretched with very little force. The strain gauge is utilized in an instrument to monitor infant respiration and detect episodes of apnea.

Abstract: An exhaust control valve for two-stroke cycle engines is disclosed. This valve is within the exhaust passage, seals against the piston, and delays opening of the exhaust passage to the combustion chamber during the expansion stroke of the piston for a preselected number of degrees of rotation of the crankshaft while permitting full opening of the exhaust port during the scavenging cycle. Also disclosed are means for modifying opening of the exhaust valve at high engine speeds to improve scavenging.

Abstract: A lightweight and portable germ killing machine is disclosed. The machine has a plurality of ultraviolet light bulbs fixed inside of a protective, and light-shielding, housing, and adjacent to a reflective surface with air passageways therein. A fan is located above the reflective surface and draws air from around the housing towards, and around, the lightbulbs thereby killing any germs floating therein. Filters are located along the sides and underside to block out potentially damaging items.

Abstract: An automatic recirculation valve is disclosed which utilizes three valve elements to accomplish particularly smooth and nondisruptive switching of fluid flow between main fluid flow and recirculation fluid flow. A unique back pressure control valve provides close control over changes in fluid pressure relative to fluid flow rate and functions to suppress erosion and cavitation of the bypass valve.

Abstract: A portable pipe-bending machine that makes uniform and consistent bends of varying degree curvature in pipes is disclosed. The pipe-bending machine has a stabilizing platform to resist counter-bending forces and interchangeable elements to accommodate pipes of a different thicknesses. The pipe is forced between a solid mandrel and a movable semi-sleeve in a rotation yoke and the yoke is moved at a pre-set number of degrees, thereby putting the desired bend in the pipe.

Abstract: A fluid barrier curtain at an aperture in a wall within a duct, as at the entrance to a furnace, is disclosed that maintains separation of fluids on opposite sides of said barrier curtain while permitting passage of objects therethrough. The barrier curtain comprises aperture zone defining means, means for shaping a fluid flow into a laminar sheet pattern and forcing said fluid across said aperture zone, receiving means having thin-edged vanes located opposite said fluid flow shaping means for receiving the resulting flow, so as to remain laminar, and a fluid supply to said fluid flow shaping means.

Abstract: An electro-optical circuit for detecting fluid in a translucent or a transparent duct or tube, this circuit including an AC activated light emitting diode (LED) for transmitting a narrow beam of light through the tube and a photo transistor detection, sub-circuit activated by the LED light beam, the power to the LED being adjusted to operate the photo transistor of the detection circuit in its unsaturated, active region of operation.

Abstract: A thermostatic steam trap is disclosed in which a control chamber contains an insert enclosing a bellows adapted to force a valve member to a closed position in a direction opposite the normal flow of fluid through the trap together with self-centering means to center and align the valve member with respect to the valve seat.

Abstract: Different from a standard digital display utilizing separate digits for seconds, minutes and hours, an electronic timepiece which uses tow digits composed of triads of red, green and yellow L.E.D.s. Each L.E.D. color is synchronically sequenced and each period of display is for one-third of a second. Each color L.E.D. is dedicated to a particular element of time, i.e., red represents second, yellow represents minutes and green represents hours.