Abstract: An arrangement of sliding contacts for high current levels comprising a large number of closely spaced conductive spring contact elements formed of sheet material connected to one member and projecting obliquely towards another and for contact therewith, and wherein the projecting axis of the contact element is normal to the direction of relative motion of the members.

Abstract: A traction device using grooveless traction rollers. An angled roller mounting arrangement allows a number of line wraps to traverse back and forth across the rollers, following the spooling on the storage reel without the aid of a fairlead system for deployment. The device provides for automatic separation of successive line wraps on the rollers to eliminate snagging of connectors or accessories attached to the line.

Abstract: The density of polyethylene is determined by measuring the velocity of ultrasound through the material. The determination of density is based on the correlation between the velocity of ultrasound in semi-crystalline materials and their density, and involves the measurement of time delays of a transmitted ultrasonic pulse from each of the front surface of the material the rear surface of the material and a reflector which are immersed in a liquid. Operating within a selected frequency range provides measurements of density while eliminating viscoelastic effects.

Abstract: A feed meter for determining the feed rate of conveyed material comprising a rotatable encoded disc which rotates in proportion to the velocity of conveyed material and displaces the disc in proportion to the depth of material being conveyed, whereby a fixed detector provides an output representative of feed rate. One use of the feed meters is for controlling the application rate of additive material to conveyed material.

Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus which allows continuous travel through the trees, cutting them, accumulating them into bundles, and unloading the bundles without stopping.

Abstract: A heat pump system suitable for northern climates which utilizes a pressure limiting device that reduces pressure and capacity of the system in the cooling mode so as to allow a higher capacity in the heating mode for a given compressor-motor power rating. The pressure limiting device also alleviates problems associated with system reversal, such as for periodic outdoor heat exchanger defrosting.

Abstract: A simple barrier of the type having a series of buoyant tubular sections interconnected by a central cable and provided with a depending skirt. A portion of the skirt that is not attached at the joints is adapted to form an upwardly directed channel which effectively prevents the passage of pollutants through the openings at the joints without the necessity of directly sealing the openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing and measuring using a partially reflective grating superimposed with the object. The invention provides efficient separation of viewing and measurement spectra from a common axis for a clear view of the object in conjunction with an accurate interferometric measuring system.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage medium comprising Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.10H.sub.2 O and Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4.12H.sub.2 O. This material provides advantages over Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.10H.sub.2 O alone such as constancy of heat delivery temperature and energy output, improved reversibility, and greater usable volumetric storage capacity after repeated cycling.

Abstract: The continuous processing of food products with steam, such as for blanching or cooking of vegetal products. The apparatus comprises a heating module and holding module. The heating module includes a pervious conveyor through which steam is emitted to heat and agitate the products thereon allowing uniform treatment of relatively thick layers of product. The holding module, comprising a compartmentalized conveyor, holds the heated products at an elevated temperature to complete processing without additional heat input.

Abstract: A fin-stabilized container formed from foldable sheet material, particularly suited for aerial planting of seeds or seedlings. A cone or pyramid of sheet material is folded so as to form three or more fins at the trailing end and closure means for a container cavity at the forward end.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a chamber having an open end and an opposite closeable end, and provided with a heating device and pressure measuring device. The open end of the chamber is inserted into the fresh concrete with opposite end opened. After insertion the chamber is closed and the contents heated under predetermined conditions. The pressure increase is a function of air content of the mixture.

Abstract: A slip-casting system utilizing a ceramic powder for the mold. The system facilitates casting thin-walled and/or long objects without additives for demolding.

Abstract: A low cost method of binding lignocellulosic materials utilizing ammonium based spent sulfite liquor alone as the binder. Hot pressing a mat comprising lignocellulosic material and ammonium spent sulfite liquor at a temperature above 170.degree. C. decomposes the spent sulfite liquor. The decomposition products subsequently condense and polymerize in the presence of lignocellulosic materials to produce a composite product. An exterior grade board can be produced under certain operating conditions. Utilizing the lower molecular weight fraction of the liquor provides a more efficient binder.

Abstract: A pressure bar of the fixed type for veneer cutting is heated to reduce frictional drag against the wood surface. In the preferred form, the pressure bar is contoured having a tip with a relatively small radius of curvature and a face, in advance of the tip, which has a relatively large radius of curvature. The combination of a heated contoured pressure bar provides performance comparable with that of a roller bar in terms of roughness and friction, but at significantly reduced cost.

Abstract: An implantable device for dispensing a medicament in two modes; a basal delivery rate and an augmented rate. The device includes a permeable elastic material adapted to be repeatedly compressed by a solenoid operated piston. The device delivers a basal rate when the piston is inoperative and an augmented rate when the permeable elastic material is compressed. The device is suitable for delivering insulin in an "artificial endocrine pancreas".

Abstract: A method of making a thermosetting binder for lignocellulosic materials, utilizing spent sulfite liquor, and a method of making a particleboard product. Spent sulfite liquor treated with sufficient sulfuric acid to provide a lignosulfonic acid content of not less than 0.8 milliequivalent weight of NaOH per gram of spent sulfite liquor solids, makes it possible to make particleboard with press time and physical properties comparable to phenol or urea formaldehyde bonded boards but at considerably reduced material cost.

Abstract: An improvement in torque characteristics is provided for a turboshaft engine of the type having a compressor rotor driven by a gas generator turbine that is mechanically independent of the power turbine. The improvement comprises a rotatable compressor stator casing which is interconnected with the power turbine rotor to allow rotation of the compressor casing in the same direction as the compressor rotor at a lower speed. At reduced output shaft speed, the relative speed between the compressor rotor blades and stator blades is increased for increased gas generator output and hence torque, for a predetermined compressor rotor speed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treating of wood surfaces with a solution of selected boron compounds in order to preserve bondability during drying or storing. Effective compounds are borax and boric acid which are applied in an aqueous solution to the wood surface prior to drying or storing.

Abstract: A device for discharging a constant volume of fluid which is relatively simple in construction and requires little space. The device comprises a cylindrical chamber with a tangential inlet to induce vortical fluid motion. Within the chamber is a ball having a specific gravity different from that of fluid and adapted to block an outlet which is disposed at the vertex of a cone-like surface disposed at one end of the chamber. When displaced from the outlet by a suitable mechanism, a combination of fluid and gravitational forces cause the ball to follow a spiral path and return to block the outlet, having discharged a certain amount of fluid. Two embodiments are described utilizing a ball having a specific gravity greater than, and less than, that of the fluid.