Abstract: The device of the present invention utilizes a unitized scheme to erect a sulphur dioxide scrubber tower wherein a set of factory built constituent subunits are joined at location to produce a single functional unit. The functional units themselves preferably are adaptable for parallel grouping as necessary to insure the treatment capacity required for the emission rate of any given application or where otherwise appropriate for other process reasons.The temporary strength and rigidity necessary to maintain a subunit's critical geometric integrity throughout construction, transportation and erection processes is provided by a reusable exoskeletal support cradle. Preferably each subunit is initially constructed upon such a cradle. Alternatively, subunits are constructed in jigs at the factory and transferred to the support cradles before shipping to the construction site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drill bit with an eduction jet which discharges drilling mud upwardly through nozzles having wedge shaped apertures oriented such that the wedge shape is tangential to the central axis about which the drill bit rotates. Expelled mud projects a wedge shaped dynamic stream of mud which retains the definition as an eductive column which rotates with the drill bit and therefore has relative motion revolving transverse to the hydrostatic column bearing upon the bit. Throughout the regions in which it retains definition, the eductive column creates a low pressure zone immediately behind it and the low pressure zone enhances the ability of flushing jets to remove cuttings from the bottom of the borehole by drawing the cuttings above the drill bit. The manufacture of drill bits with wedge shaped eduction jets is also disclosed, including the manufacture by modification of conventional tri-cone bits.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for marking beams for the placement of studs, rafters and joists. The invention uses three instruments for measuring, aligning and marking. The first and simplest instrument is a tee-square instrument which requires independent measuring to determine the desired framing position. At the desired position, ink pads are pressed against the beam to mark the location. The ink pads protrude from a blotter head assembly which releasably attaches through a neck to a refillable ink cartridge. Single center distances of regular and uniform spacing are marked with an instrument having blotter head assemblies removably mounted through the periphery of a wheel at even fractions of the circumference. The wheel is rotably mounted on an axle to which a handle is attached and the wheel has gripping teats which insure the accurate translation from circumferential to linear distances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a standby power supply system appropriate to supply a set of signal amplifiers within a cable television network. The standby power supply normally operates off of utility company power and alternatively operates from a battery power supply during power failures. Circuitry is disclosed to use battery power during failure mode operation to generate a pulse width modulated alternating current of substantially constant true rms voltage and of substantially constant frequency. Circuitry is also disclosed to cycle charge the battery supply to a desired voltage and then stop the charging cycle and begin timing normal mode operation until another charging cycle. Further, isolating circuitry is disclosed to remove much of the load on the battery supply during normal mode operation. Various safety provisions including soft start provisions, a high current cut off, a low voltage cut off, and protection for the amplification stages is included.

Abstract: A versatile hot water supply system incorporating a feedback control network and vapor generator of the kind in which a fuel air mixture is combusted in a chamber through which water is flowed. The vapor generator produces a low pressure steam which is permitted to mix with a low pressure water supply at a controlled rate dependent upon the desired temperature and rate of flow of the resultant mixture. The steam formed in the vapor generator is a product of fuel combustion and evaporated feed-water accompanied by the noncondensibles remaining after combustion in the vapor generator. The vapor generator may be run on transportable fuels and therefore affords portability to the system. Control systems are coupled to temperature sensors and related feedback devices and permit the efficient and advantageous use of low pressure steam and condensibles to produce high temperature water at low or high pressures. An upstream, cold water reserve provides high volume, variable temperature capacity to the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid inertia tool in which the kinetic energy of flowing liquid is converted to useful work by decelerating the liquid flow and directing the inertia force in the water against a movable element in the liquid flow-containing structure which in turn moves against a work piece. Flow deceleration is achieved by an orifice-effect valve. The valve is reset for flow resumption or acceleration by automatically or selectively applying hydraulic pressure to a reset mechanism. Use of the inertia tool in pile driving and punch press applications is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for the lifting, loading, and transportation of large cylindrical hay bales that is well suited for the loading and unloading of the elevated surfaces commonly encountered in storing or shipping operations. The device is easily attached and removed from a standard tractor's three point hitch system and is wholly actuated by the hydraulic system and controls therein. An implement mounting plate is attached to the top hitch point. Two extension bars extend rearwardly and outwardly from the implement mounting plate to which they are pivotally connected. The upper extension bar is pivotally supported by uprights extending from the drawbar which is pivotally connected between the lower hitch points and through this arrangement lift is selectively imparted from the tractor hydraulic system to the loading device extension. The extension bars terminate at a pivotal connection to the spear mounting plate from which the spear protrudes.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and apparatus for printing, including equipment for adapting an offset press so that it may be operated flexographically, either to coat stock or print on it, without impairing the function of the press as an offset press. In addition, the equipment improves the application of two-part inks or catalyst set inks and permits simultaneous printing and coating of stock. The equipment includes a pair of rollers and an ink pan, as well as drive means for the rollers, and mounting means for bringing one of the rollers into ink transfer contact with the blanket roll of an offset press. The mounting means includes quick-release collars for easy removal of the rollers from the press when they are not needed, and for maintenance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved hose ending and method of forming same in which uncured hose is fitted over an end piece having a metal collar therearound. A multi-segment collar is then clamped over the uncured hose, and an overlying metal collar is slipped over the segmented collar as the temporary clamp is removed. Additional uncured hose material is wrapped over the overlying metal collar, and the assembly is placed in a mold and cured.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in a loudspeaker of the type having a speaker cone assembly which is reciprocated by a current-carrying voice coil suspended in a constant magnetic field. The constant magnetic field is generated in an annular flux gap formed by a magnetic assembly which includes a cylindrical center pole and an outer pole defining the annular flux gap therebetween. An antifriction bearing which adjoins the voice coil and slidably moves on the cylindrical center pole provides an essentially infinite compliance rear suspension for the speaker cone assembly. The principal improvement of the disclosed loudspeaker is characterized by shock absorbing bumpers which confine the excursions of the speaker cone assembly within a defined range with minimum noise generation and without reducing the compliance of the rear suspension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packaging system for housing a programmable thermostat. The thermostat is easily installed with a minimum of tools. The housing securely contains the electronic components and conveniently and attractively mounts upon the wall without exposed attachment means. A hinged door covers the control elements but controls remain accessable for deliberately setting the thermostat. The hinge has no loose parts and is established from elements carried on the door, the face plate and rear panel of the box like housing which encases the electronic components. The electronic components are held to the housing and the housing members attach to enclose the electronic components by press-engaging detent daggers. Finally, the packaging system allows for easy disassembly for access to the electronic components should repair be required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a displacement pump especially suited for use in very small well bores. The pump includes a piston working in a cylinder, driven by a rotating cam shaft having closed loop cams for effecting reciprocation of the piston. The rotating cam shaft carries spool valves for positive control of liquid flow into and out of the pumping chambers. Also disclosed is a transmission mechanism especially suitable for use in reducing the speed of an electric motor power source to a level suitable for driving the cam shaft. The pump includes a small diameter high speed electric motor, on which is mounted the transmission mechanism, which in turn carries the pumping mechanism. An electrical power conduit runs through the pumping mechanism and transmission mechanism to the motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vapor generator of the kind in which a fuel-air mixture is combusted in a chamber through which water is flowed. The water acts as a coolant for the unit and is vaporized or converted to steam in the chamber in the presence of the flame. The steam formed from the feed water, the steam formed as a product of combustion, and the non-condensibles remaining after combustion issue from the chamber as a hot mixture suitable for a variety of uses, such as process steam, comfort-heating steam, and the like. The improvements include means for dividing the air feed into two parts, and means for forming a well-mixed stoichiometric mixture of fuel and the air of one part, which mixture is ignited and burned in a prechamber surrounded by and cooled by the air of the other part. The second part of the air is fed into the midregion of the soformed flame in the main chamber to lean it out and insure completeness of combustion, reducing production of carbon monoxide to extremely low levels.

Abstract: A modular dome structure constructed by using uniform Y joints which have branches forming angles of 120.degree., 120.degree. and 108.degree.. The Y joints are interconnected by uniform length members to form pentagonal and hexagonal structures. These modular structures are interconnected to form a modular dome structure which may have a pentagonal apex structure or a hexagonal apex structure.All members are made to harden after inflation due to vulcanization and curing process, so that permanent resistance to stress and strain will be provided in its final form. Due to inflatability of members, the logistic involved in actual construction will be kept minimum, and the freight cost for material transportation will be saved significantly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring and controlling volumetric flow rate of gases. The apparatus includes a measurement chamber of fixed volume in a flow line, a controllable inlet valve upstream from the chamber, and flow regulator means for establishing constant flow output downstream from the chamber. Also provided are measuring and control equipment including a pressure sensor in the chamber, means for controlling operation of the inlet valve, timing means, and means for calculating volumetric flow rate. The method involves closing the inlet valve at a chosen time for a selected interval, to interrupt flow into the measurement chamber, while maintaining constancy of flow out of the chamber. During at least part of the interval in which the inlet valve is closed, the pressure decrease is measured, and the rate of pressure decrease is calculated by dividing the measured pressure drop by the time measured by the timing means.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely and conveniently filling oil lamps of the kind often used for decorative lighting in restaurants and clubs. It includes a housing proportioned to fit over a lamp to be filled. The upper portion of the housing contains an oil supply tank or reservoir. Extending downwardly from the bottom of the reservoir is an oil delivery line having a valve in it operable from the exterior of the housing. Light means within the housing may be provided, and the housing may be partly or totally transparent. A hose and filling wand may be provided as an alternate means for drawing oil from the reservoir.