Abstract: A circuit for controlling a ceiling-type fan includes a switch or relay for controlling the fan, connectable to the fan. A logic circuit produces an output signal for controlling the switch or relay from an input signal generated by momentarily interrupting the power applied to an input to the logic circuit. A diode and capacitor isolate the power supply connections of the circuit to maintain the supply voltage during the momentary power interruptions.In one embodiment the control circuit controls the on-and-off switching of the fan, as well as its speed, together with on-and-off switching of a light associated with the fan. In one embodiment the forward and reverse directions of the fan are controlled as well.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for measuring and determining the total energy flow, that is, BTUs per minute, of combustible gas flowing through a line such as a pipeline. One method includes taking a continuous sample of the gas flowing through the line which sample is a constant proportion of the gas flowing through the line, and burning the sample in equipment which supplies air to the sample in an amount which maximizes its burning temperature. The flow rate of air which produces the maximum burning temperature of the sample is a flow rate which is directly proportional to the rate of energy flow in the main pipeline. Alternately, the flow rate of air which produces a stoichiometric mixture is directly proportional to the rate of energy flow in the main pipeline. Still further, if an excess of air is flowed to the flame, the amount of excess unconsumed oxygen is also a function of the rate of energy flow in the main pipeline. One or another of these parameters is measured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid level controller that uses a pair of vertically spaced thermistors to control a switching means to turn a pump on when a sufficient depth of liquid is present and to turn the pump off before the pump runs dry. Such a device is ideally suited for applications such as "stripper" oil wells. The present invention uses thermistors in the self heat mode and senses the changes in the resistance between a thermistor exposed to air and one submerged in liquid, the latter increasing resistance because it is far more efficient in transferring away heat generated by the thermistor. The change of resistance when the liquid level covers the higher of the thermistors is detected by the use of comparators which selectively turn on a driving transistor. Turning the transistor on activates a coil which throws a relay switch and activates the control circuitry of the pump motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular roof skylight system which includes channel shaped roof and ceiling panel assemblies locked together with a skylight panel assembly therebetween. The skylight panel assembly includes roof and ceiling light transmitting sections which may be installed in place of and between modular roof panels. The inner ceiling skylight panel is securely mounted to the adjacent ceiling panels by a pair of flexible mounting clips complementally formed relative to elongated ceiling support strips secured to the adjacent ceiling panels. The support strips are formed with a plurality of serrations along one inner face. Each mounting clip is likewise formed with a plurality of mating ridges. A first of the mounting strips is secured on one side of the skylight panel opening with the serrations exposed for mating with a mounting clip. A second of the mounting strips is secured on an opposite side of the skylight opening with the serrations secured against the adjacent ceiling panel.

Abstract: This application discloses a connection system for promoting the construction of suspended ceiling systems. A clip arrangement is used whereby rail-to-clip-to-rail connections are readily accomplished from below grid access using horizontal translation to trigger positive, secure engagement. The clip is slidable into axial grooves presented at the end of that rail which is to be connected to another rail in accordance with the invention. A detent finger carried by the clip engages that rail during this insertion and prevents unintentional withdrawal of the clip from reception within these grooves. Non destructive disassembly is effected by intentionally disengaging this detent finger. Two rails are connected in this manner when the other end of the clip is attached to another rail. Further, the connection system is adaptable to connect rails both end to end and end to side. In addition, it often desired to connect the ends of two aligned rails to opposite sides of a rail set between them.

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.