Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for quenching workpieces. The workpieces are exposed to a flow of a quenchant fluid. The flow is reversed in its direction. The workpieces are moved through the flow along an axis being essentially transversely to the axis of fluid flow. The workpieces are also reversingly moved.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for modifying the play time of digital audio tracks. For each data block of samples taken from a plurality of such blocks comprising an audio stream or track, the original block data plus a time shifted copy of the block data are superimposed, in a manner dependent on either desired expansion or desired contraction of play time, to create an overlap region. The overlap region is selected at a position of best match as resulting from a normalized correlation over the overlap, the super position being weighted by a linear cross-fading function. All signal crossovers (signal transitions of opposite signal sign) in a block are located. A position at which to superimpose a copy of the data block with the data block, and the length of the data block, are determined based upon the location of said crossovers within a given data block.

Abstract: A roof tile which is lightweight and yet strong has a dry component that includes cement, gypsum, perlite aggregate, lava stone and a powder that may be perlite powder or volcanic ash. Water and a styrene acrylic catalyst are mixed with the dry constituents. The composition can be formed into the shape of roof tiles by conventional equipment.

Abstract: A winding-up attachment for a long, flexible element, in particular a hose, comprises a rotatable drum for winding-up and for unwinding the element. A return device rotates the drum in the winding-up direction or in the unwinding direction, respectively. It comprises an automatic brake for stopping the winding-up process or the unwinding process, respectively, at a predetermined rotary stop position of the drum in which the element has been wound up or unwound, respectively, in full, except for a defined residual length. The brake comprises a winding-up device that rotates together with the drum and winds/unwinds an elongated, flexible braking element, e.g. a cord. The braking element is wound about an outer surface of the drum in several windings. One terminal end of the braking element is connected with a circumferential surface of the drum. The braking element is sized such that when the drum reaches the predetermined stop position, it is stopped by a tension force within the braking element.

Abstract: A remote control system for starting and stopping an engine with a magneto ignition. A radio frequency transmitter transmits alternating start and stop signals to a receiver/controller. When a start signal is received, the receiver/controller autonomously provides two outputs, one of which actuates a latching relay and the other of which is a timed pulse having a set duration. The pulse activates another relay which applies power to the start solenoid for starting the engine. A third relay cooperates with the other two relays to maintain the proper conditions and sequences of the operational systems of an engine with a magneto ignition to start the engine, thereafter allow it to run, and stop it when a subsequent signal is transmitted to the receiver/controller.

Abstract: An improved air diffuser and mounting arrangement for mounting diffusers on submerged air laterals in a wastewater treatment system. The diffuser is formed form a cylindrical pipe which is flattened on most of its length but left partially cylindrical for convenient mounting. The mounting arrangement includes a removable saddle on the air lateral and a Tee fitting for mounting the diffusers. The saddle has an outlet spout which fits directly against and is connected directly to an inlet leg of the Tee fitting. The saddle construction in one form accommodates either standard U.S. or metric pipe fittings and in another form accommodates two different sizes of pipe fittings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for enhancing the efficiency of combustion in a combustion chamber with the use of acoustic energy. A means for generating acoustic energy (34) is located in relation to a combustion chamber (12) such that acoustic energy is transmitted into the combustion chamber (12) resulting in excitation of particulate and gases flowing therein and increased combustion efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, increased combustion efficiency is accomplished by operation of a horn (34) located at substantially the top of the combustion chamber (12) for generating acoustic energy into the chamber (12).

Abstract: An exercise machine has a first bar releasably coupled with a first cam pivotally mounted generally above and behind a seat mounted on the frame of the exercise machine. A second bar is connected to an arm assembly which is releasably coupled to a second cam pivotally mounted generally below the seat. Each cam has a means for resisting rotation of the cam mounted between it and the frame. Movement of either the first bar or second bar rotates its associated cam against the resistance of its associated resistance means. The starting position of each bar is adjustable and may be selected by coupling the bar with its associated cam in one of a plurality of fixed resting positions. Each cam may rotate in either direction about its pivot position. Accordingly, each bar may be moved from its selected starting rest position in either direction to impart rotation of its associated cam against selected resistance.

Abstract: An improved flexible die and cylinder for mounting such die. The flexible die consists of a substantially planar, flexible, sheet of metal which has been etched to form a cutting edge. The ends of the die include a plurality of spaced holes for mounting the die to the cylinder. A pair of depressions in the exterior of the cylinder mount lock bars. The lock bars include a plurality of pins which engage the holes in the die. The cylinder includes a support segment and a transport segment. Air passages in the cylinder open onto an angularly extending selector groove at each end of the cylinder. A selector collar is mounted at each end of the cylinder and includes an air passage therethrough which will mate at one end with the selector groove, and at the other end with one of a series of discrete air channels extending longitudinally through the support segment. These channels in turn communicate with associated rows of the apertures.

Abstract: A device (10) and method for monitoring particulate (22) flowing through a conduit (20) has a transmitter (16) and a receiver (18) positioned in optical alignment on opposite sides of the conduit (20). A light beam (50) is transmitted across conduit (20) from the transmitter (16) to the receiver (18). Particulate (22) flowing through conduit (20) interrupts light beam (50) causing a signal to be generated from which particulate concentration is determined. A calibrator assembly (40) has a motor (64) adapted to move a filter (100) having a selected percentage opacity within the path of light beam (50). Movement of the filter (100) modulates light beam (50) and a signal corresponding to the concentration associated with the percentage opacity is generated.

Abstract: A tilt and height indicator for a forklift truck including a tape reel connected to the forks of the forklift to sense their relative height. An indicator panel includes plural sets of indicators, with each set indicating when the forks are in a proper pre-programmed position, just above, or just below this position, or well above or well below this position. The plural indicators may each be programmed to independent heights which are within the range of indicated heights for another indicator, such that infinitesimal differences in shelf heights may be accounted for. All indicators may be active at the same time, or the operator may change to a separate mode in which only a chosen indicator set is active. The present invention also includes a tilt sensor in the form of a rod connected to the piston of the tilt cylinder and adjustably mounting a magnet. A sensor box is mounted on the cylinder and includes a plurality of spaced Hall-effect transistors.

Abstract: A saw blade is provided which includes an inner collar separated from an outer collar with a resilient isolated layer. The inner collar fastens to the arbor shaft of a driving motor, while the outer collar is welded to the rim containing hardened particles, such as diamond bits. The inner and outer collars form inner and outer collar flanges which receive the resilient isolating material therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, the inner and outer collars are separated from one another with a plurality of plugs formed of resilient isolating material. The plurality of plugs are formed in a circular pattern about the arbor shaft and are spaced apart from one another. In another embodiment, a vibration dampening coupler is fastened to the arbor shaft and formed separate from the cutting blade. The isolating resilient layer may be formed as a solid layer, as a plurality of O-rings, or with a void therein.

Abstract: A ring assembly for retaining a roller bearing and shaft. A split ring fits in a groove in the shaft and is surrounded by a lock ring to secure it in the groove. The split ring has a beveled surface which the lock ring acts against to force the split ring into the groove as the lock ring is pressed onto the split ring. An inclined surface on the split ring interacts with a ramp surface bounding the groove to press the split ring against the bearing as it moves into the groove. This applies a preload thrust to the bearing.

Abstract: A water saving device comprising a plate member which is sandwiched within and maintained within a joint portion of a tap water line and divides the tap water line across the line of water flow. A main body block is bolted to one side of the plate member along the axis of and positioned in the middle of tap water line. The plate and the main body block each has a plurality of water saving holes arranged circumferentially so that the number of opposing holes in the plate and the main body block which are aligned to allow water flow therethrough can be changed by relative rotation of the plate member with the main body block around bolt 13.

Abstract: A filter and support structure, for a baghouse having a tube sheet with a plurality of apertures, has a filter media wrapped around a core. An end cap is joined proximate the top of the core and has a rim extending over the filter media. The rim of the end cap is joined with a collar having a downwardly depending annular barrel. The barrel has a pair of outwardly protruding ribs. A snap band assembly has a metallic snap band, spring-biased outwardly, and covered with fabric. The snap band assembly has upper and lower outwardly protruding portions. The snap band assembly receives a periphery of a tube sheet aperture between the upper and lower outwardly protruding portions. The upper rib of the pair engages with the inner face of the snap band assembly proximate the plane in which the tube sheet lies, or slightly below that plane. The collar has a flat upper portion which is spatially removed from the snap band assembly and a downwardly depending annular flange which engages with the top of the tube sheet.

Abstract: A novel filtration device having a substantially rigid frame comprised of an outer peripheral band connected by a plurality of spacers to an inner breather tube, wherein filter pads are secured over both sides of the frame and separated by the spacers to form an enclosed central air pocket accessible only through the breather tube. The breather tube is adapted to be detachably connected to an inlet port in a respirator face mask so as to provide a closed channel for air flow from the central air pocket to the interior of the face mask.

Abstract: Control of a water/wastewater treatment system is effected by sensing the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) at various parts of the system and using neuro-adaptive process control techniques to make adjustments when necessary based on the ORP values. Internal nitrate recycling, sludge return, organic substrate addition and/or aeration can be adjusted to achieve the desired environmental conditions. In the event that phosphorus removal is necessary, the system can be used to assure proper detention time needed for biological phosphorus uptake.