Abstract: An improved transient voltage suppression system for use in an electrical power distribution system which includes at least one power line and a neutral or ground line. The system includes a suppression circuit for each power line of the power distribution system, with each suppression circuit being coupled between a corresponding power line and the neutral or ground line. Each suppression circuit includes a first and second metal oxide varistors each coupled in series with corresponding first and second switching resistors and thermally coupled thereto, and a third metal oxide varistor coupled in parallel with the series connections of the first and second metal oxide varistors and the first and second switching resistors. A capacitor is coupled in parallel with the third metal oxide varistor. Coupled between each suppression circuit and a corresponding power line is a fuse for protecting the components of the circuits from current surges.

Abstract: A method for separating and recovering bitumen from tar sand and other viscous petroleum deposits, either in situ or after mining the deposits. The method may also apply to heavy oil wells and to secondary and tertiary recovery of oils from wells. The tar sand is heated in an aqueous mixture of floating agent containing ammonia, a transfer agent containing a phosphate or silicate ion and a strong monovalent base. The bitumen rises to the surface of the mixture, without foaming or appreciable emulsification and will stay at the surface after cooling. Nearly clean sand remains in the bottom. Both an in situ separation technique and a process for recovering bitumen from mined tar sand are described using the aqueous mixture.

Abstract: A game for simulated fortune-telling including a closed, pyramidal container with transparent faces permitting observation of the interior of the container and including dice enclosed therein for producing numerical combinations from the faces thereof referencing pre-determined statements of prediction or fortune. The game is used by tumbling the dice within the container interior and allowing them to come to rest on a base surface which is decorated with artwork relating to pyramid power symbols or the like. Various statements of fortune are identified in a numerical sequence which corresponds to the various combinations of numerical values represented on the faces of the dice.

Abstract: A system for selectively controlling the flow of brake fluid to the brakes of a two or four wheel drive vehicle utilizes a separate solenoid valve on each brake fluid line leading directly to a driven wheel. The valves are normally open, and are operated by primary and secondary electrical switches arranged in series. The primary electrical switch must be physically depressed and held to be activated and the secondary switch which is separately connectible to each solenoid valve, is actuated by the primary switch in such a manner as to separately activate each solenoid valve to control the flow of brake fluid to the brake of each drive wheel.

Abstract: A server for chilled wine and similar beverages or foods includes a generally cylindrically-shaped side wall into which a bottle or other container may be placed. The side wall is constructed of a heat conductive material such as aluminum, copper, alloys thereof, etc., of sufficient thickness to conduct heat as needed in its long direction. The cooler also includes an ice receptacle which holds the ice either in contact with the side wall or an extension or appendage thereof. The side wall acts to present the wine container with a surface which is at or below the temperature of the wine. This substantially eliminates the transfer of heat by radiation to the wine container. The server also minimizes conductive and/or convective heat transfer between the wine bottle and the surroundings.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel system for use in conjunction with and as an alternative to a hydrocarbon fuel system in a motor vehicle or other apparatus having a combustion unit and a mixing device for mixing hydrogen gas with air for introduction into the combustion unit. The hydrogen fuel system includes a hydrogen storage tank for holding hydrogen under pressure, a conduit for conveying hydrogen gas from the tank to the mixing unit, and a solenoid disposed in the conduit and responsive to a first signal for allowing the flow of hydrogen gas to the mixing unit, and responsive to a second signal for preventing flow of hydrogen gas to the mixing unit. Also included is a hydrocarbon fuel tank, a conduit for conveying fuel from the fuel tank to the combustion unit, and a fuel pump responsive to the first signal for preventing flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the combustion unit, and responsive to the second signal for pumping fuel to the combustion unit.

Abstract: A support walker comprising a horizontal rail having multiple sides in opposing orientations as track surfaces for a tracking carriage which traverses the rail. The tracking carriage circumscribes the rail and has pairs of radially disposed rollers mounted at the interior surfaces of the carriage in positions such that the pairs of rollers are in opposing contact with opposing track surfaces of the rail. The tracking carriage is thereby restricted to parallel movement in relation to the rail, with minimal play in a radial direction. A restraining vest is coupled to the tracking carriage by straps which connect at front, back and side sections of the vest. The vest further includes rigid stays which assist in maintaining the patient in upright orientation during therapy.

Abstract: An improved electroactive material for solid state, Ca.sup.++ sensitive electrodes comprising highly purified di-[p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl] phosphoric acid or the corresponding calcium salt thereof.

Abstract: A bioelectrode for non-invasive and inotophoretic delivery of chemical species (such as ions, polar molecules, etc.) into the skin of a person. The bioelectrode includes a pouch having flexible walls, at least a portion of which is composed of a microporous, permeable or semipermeable membrane. The pouch holds fluid which contains the chemical species to be delivered through the skin. An electrode is attached to the pouch so that when the pouch is placed against the skin, with the membrane portion in contact with the skin, and an electric potential is applied to the electrode, chemical species in the pouch are caused to migrate through the membrane and into the skin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous, steric field-flow fractionation and segregation of particles according to particle size. An elongate, fluid flow channel carrying a stream of entrained particles is subjected to a force field which urges the particles against one of the channel walls. The field strength is sufficient and in an appropriate direction to maintain the particles in close proximity to the wall so that particle size determines the rate of movement down the channel, the larger particles being exposed to the higher flow rates toward the center of the flow stream. The combined effects of fluid flow forces and force field strength develops a pattern of selective particle deflection from a point of particle infusion near the top of the channel, such that the particles drift and settle into segregated groups of common particle size.

Abstract: Flexible elongate web structures with reflective faces are fixed on opposing ends of a support arm which is centrally mounted over a highway barrier. Appropriate geometric structure and material selection provide a non-destructive bending response for the respective web structures during vehicle impact and provide for restoration to original orientation. The support or mounting arm is formed of polymer material having sufficient rigidity to support the web structure during static conditions and sufficient compliance and flexibility to bend and twist during the vehicle impact.

Abstract: A water induction system for internal combustion engines which consists of a metering device for metering controlled amounts of air and water, a control valve which is vacuum operated and connected to the metering device to allow a predetermined amount of air and water to be drawn into a heater wherein the air water mixture is vaporized and admixed with the fuel air mixture entering the intake manifold.

Abstract: Sabots for modern firearms, including both rifles and pistols, which have reduced friction thus imparting greater sub-caliber projectile velocity are made from a thermoplastic resin containing finely divided solid lubricant fillers. Preferably the forward end of the sabot is tapered to further reduce friction and improve cartridge feeding in automatic firearms.

Abstract: A grinding disc for use with grinding apparatus adapted to grind grain and the like. The grinding disc includes an opening centrally located therein, with the perimeter of the opening forming a plurality of teeth projecting toward the center of the disc. The teeth are separated by generally horseshoe-shaped notches. The grinding disc further includes a plurality of groups of channels on one face thereof defining grinding ridges therebetween and extending from near the periphery of the disc inwardly to the opening in the disc. Certain of the channels in each group intersect with certain other channels in at least one other group to form a cross-hatching of channels.