Abstract: A backup electrical power unit for an alarm panel. The unit comprises a solar panel array which produces an array output DC voltage and a charging current for a battery through a first circuit at a first voltage level of the battery output voltage. This circuit disconnects the array output from the battery terminal output at a second battery voltage level. The charging current resumes when the battery output voltage is at or below the first voltage level. The backup unit also includes a second circuit interposed electrically, serially with the first circuit to disconnect the array output from the battery terminal output below a disconnect, voltage level. A circuit is provided for connecting the battery to the alarm panel when the primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted. Status indicators are provided.

Abstract: A thermal imaging instrument and method is disclosed for viewing hot spots within a normally enclosed cabinet, for example, a high voltage electrical power distribution cabinet. Large and expensive thermal viewing windows normally required for thermal examination of these cabinets utilizing standard thermal imaging cameras is obviated by the use of an accessory lens assembly. The unique combination and methodology of using the lens assembly, standard thermal imaging camera and small access opening in the cabinet face allows for the retention of the safety rating of the cabinet. Further adding to the accuracy, convenience and safety of the approach, an infrared view port, together with cap and ring chain assembly, is permanently affixed to the cabinet face in relation to the small access hole. The unique combination of the instrument portion of the invention can be integrally combined in a single unit for exclusive use in detecting hot spots within a cabinet.

Abstract: A multiple head bottle filling apparatus and method for filling bottles used in animal feeding. Manifold assemblies designed for filling bottles disposed in at least two differently sized trays is easily removably affixed to the rear back splash of the filling apparatus. Each manifold assembly includes a respective set of liquid discharging members, including openings arranged in a respective grid pattern. Each grid pattern corresponds to the bottle opening, alignment pattern for each differently sized tray. The respective grid patterns of the liquid discharging members are in fixed relationship to each other. Liquid feed lines, manually or automatically activated, supply liquid for bottle filling to a respective one of the manifold assemblies and, in turn, the respective set of liquid discharging members.

Abstract: An improved deflection clip for connecting a stud to a structural building member while permitting relative compensating vertical movement of the clip, is disclosed. A planar sheet portion having a front end and a left and right side, has at least two perpendicular panels. A first panel extends downward at the front end of the planar sheet portion to form a bearing surface portion. The left side panel extends forward of the bearing surface portion and has an acute angle bend along its front width. This front segment is secured over the edge of a stud return, and the clip is then rotated so that the bearing surface portion contacts the outer surface of the stud flange. The laterally extending top surface of the planar sheet portion is then secured in any convenient manner to a bottom surface of a structural building member.

Abstract: A Color Register Control system used to maintain close registration between colors printed on a surface by various printing cylinders. The control system acquires an image of a cluster of register marks printed by various printing cylinders. The register mark is a geometrically unique mark, The mark cluster is acquired by the camera and each mark pattern is identified by checking shape of individual marks. Resulting location of a mark is used to compute and correct registration errors. The image is analyzed to identify marks printed by various printing cylinders. Register error is determined by computing the lateral and circumferential distance between marks printed by a print cylinder and a master print cylinder. Any error detected in this process is corrected by activating correction motors typically stepper motors, on print cylinders. The control utilizes a commercially available IBM-PC compatible computer, which can accept additional boards in the expansion slots for indicated purposes.

Abstract: A musical learning system including an instrument and method is disclosed. The instrument is comprised of a rectangularly shaped box designed for convenient handling by an operator in a manner analogous to other musical instruments such as a piano, a guitar, or a horn. Thirteen movable buttons on the top surface of the box sound eight natural notes and five notes of sharps and flats when pressed by the operator, the sounds being produced by either a built-in, acoustic or electronic sound system. Easily removable attachments having instructive musical notations are temporarily secured above and below the buttons can be used in a predetermined sequence, thereby enabling the operator to grasp music concepts over a relatively, brief period of time. In addition, in the electronic version, an “octave-up” switch enables an operator to sound a note one or more octaves higher for each of the buttons; and a “mute” bar allows the operator to silence a note being produced, if desired.

Abstract: An air partition member used to form an air passageway in an HVAC system, includes a rectangular first section; a second section, pivotally connected to the first section, and adapted to contact the floor and compensate for the effect of the irregular planarity in the local area; and, a third section integral with the first section along a dividing line. The third section includes a pleated segment, adaptable to adjust the vertical height of the air partition member so as to compensate for the effect of the irregular planarity of the top surface of the sub-floor over the breadth of the work site. The basic air partition member can be shaped and contoured to form inside or outside corners of the air passageway and to include appropriate openings, as required, to vent the conditioned air to the work site and to allow for the passage of electrical wires or the like through and across the air passageway.

Abstract: A removable support structure for concrete slab fabrication is described. A horizontally length adjustable latch device may be secured to both ends of shoring girders or shoring beams, or to just one end with a fixed in place latch secured at the other end, to permit rapid and accurate placement of the shoring support across a span to be structured in concrete. Vertical shoring posts and supports are eliminated, with the added advantage of the plane of the shoring always being automatically in the plane of the floor being formed. Bearing shoes on the ends of corrugated deck members, secured to building girders, cooperate with straps at their other ends, accurately and securely positions the corrugated decking in place. After the concrete has hardened, the entire support structure, including the shoring girders, shoring beams, and corrugated deck members, are rapidly and efficiently removed, ready for re-use.

Abstract: A windshield remover knife is described. The knife is principally comprised of a straight, elongated shaft having a pivotal neck portion securing a cutting blade for cutting through the adhesive, elastomeric bond holding the windshield in place. When the shaft is held by an operator in a horizontal position, the neck portion can be secured in the same identical plane as the shaft with the cutting edge of the blade facing downward. In this horizontal position, the neck portion can also be pivoted and secured in pivotal alignment to the left or right of this plane of the shaft at any angle up to 90°. In this manner the neck portion of the knife can be configured to even extreme windshield curvatures while maintaining the shaft portion in a comfortable position for rapid and efficient cutting of the adhesive bond.

Abstract: An improved mold releasing technique including use of moveable segments to form a part of the male portion of the mold, and the unique product formed thereby is described. The moveable segments which disengage from integral contact with the product once it is formed, permit the formation of the uniquely formed product which includes side and end walls which can be less than 1 degree off vertical. This enables the manipulation of the product design parameters including each wall angle at various points along the wall to achieve a desired wall surface profile especially in the vicinity of the product floor. This results in an increased surface area at or near the product floor which permits a greater number of animals to be housed in the cage product in accordance with Federal guidelines. The tailoring of the wall profiles also allow for the nesting of the products and the accommodation of prior art covers and accessories.

Abstract: The indication that water is flowing in a fire protection sprinkler riser is often used as an initial indication that a fire has occurred in the protected building. The subject invention is an improved water flow switch, that uses a paddle with a reflective surface placed opposite an LED/Photodiode pair. When water begins to flow the force of the water against the paddle causes the paddle to rotate about a pivot. The pair are used to optically detect the rotation of the paddle. This approach eliminates many of the maintenance problems with the electro-mechanical flow switches currently available, as well as reducing the cost of manufacture. Furthermore, it makes possible the measurement of the rate of flow in the fire suppression sprinkler system, allowing the responding fire service to determine whether the fire is being controlled by the sprinkler system or not by observing the data at the fire alarm control panel, before fire fighters enter the fire compartment.

Abstract: A soft sandwich board is disclosed, being formed utilizing a standard traffic cone. An ultraviolet stabilized nylon shroud is employed to simulate the two sides of a standard A-Stand sign system. The shroud is double sided, with an opening at its top for connection to the cone, and a concentric larger opening at its base for slipping over a square shaped cone weight connected adjacent the base of the cone. A Tee Cone Adapter and crossbar at the top of the cone provides for shaping the shroud into a pair of identical square or rectangularly shaped panels on which warning signs are imprinted, and reflecting strips are attached. Possible damage to vehicles or persons due to collision with these soft sandwich boards, or due to violent weather conditions blowing them about, is minimized.

Abstract: An adjustable cover for outdoor electrical substations is disclosed. The traditional metal cover for these installations is capped with length adjustable fiberglass reinforced plastic cover pieces. The cover pieces slide over one another in an interlocking relationship to accommodate the top surfaces of a variety of existing electrical substations. Once in place the covers are maintained in the same interlocking plane to the top surface of the substation with their cooperating flanges insuring positive prevention of weather related water damage to sensitive electrical components. End caps further enhance the degree of water damage protection.

Abstract: An edger-trencher is described for landscaping procedures. Instead of the usual jolting an operator receives when using traditional power assisted edger-trencher devices, in the instant invention a pivotable swing arm with cutting blade attached at one end pivots upwards and away from the soil containing an obstruction. The cutting blade then falls back rapidly and repeatedly under the influence of gravity, causing a series of pick like actions on the soil obstruction until it is overcome and normal edging or trenching resumes. The pivotable swing arm-cutting blade combination is suitable for mounting on stand-alone gasoline powered, belt-driven edger-trenchers. Alternatively, this stand-alone unit can be modified to have a quick connection to a similarly modified commercial or residential mower of the rider or walk behind type.

Abstract: A system especially well suited for punches and dies employed in pharmaceutical tableting procedures is described. Punch trays, nesting one on top of another, have support rails which provide nesting segments for securing the punches. The punch trays include side rails which position the punch away from the inside surface of the side walls to allow for thorough cleaning and run off. The die cavity includes a nesting rail which pitches the die at a slight angle to facilitate cleaner fluid run off. A substantial portion of the surface area of the punches and dies remain fully exposed, making for simplified inspection and cleaning procedures. The trays are secured together by front and back snap-on side cover handles.

Abstract: A dual chamber container is described. A centrally positioned cone shaped divider separates the volume of the container into two equal sections so as to better preserve beverage carbonation and therefore beverage flavor over a longer period of time. The unique shape and placement of the divider within the container also distributes the weight of the contents so as to prevent "top heaviness". The container is cylindrical in shape with parallel symmetrical ends for stability when standing upright at either end. A centrally positioned spout with threaded cap is situated at both ends within a well area formed by extensions of the cylindrical wall portion of the container. A convenient pour arch and two finger carry aperture is formed within the walls at the well area at both ends. Bottle stability is increased together with spill protection, easy pouring, and convenient portability.

Abstract: A ski pole anti-theft device for providing economical and convenient anti-theft protection to the ski enthusiast is described. Two S shaped members with ski pole encompassing cut-outs pivotally snap fit together to secure a pair of ski poles. The ski pole anti-theft device is small enough to fit comfortably in a skier's jacket pocket. Used together with a padlock or cable/padlock or cable combination lock, the ski pole anti-theft device provides a convenient anti-theft system for both ski poles and skis wherever and whenever required.

Abstract: In place of traditional packaging in which products are displayed on cardboard cards attached to individual hooks on a pegboard, a system and method for merchandising hair care products includes easily transported and installed, compact gravity feed, pegboard mounted display racks. Products are placed in compact, clear plastic packages having a snap-fastener closure or VELCRO on the front of the package to enable customer re-use after purchase. A series of racks are secured to the pegboard in vertical alignment. The bottom portion of each package, lined up on a plurality of gravity feed package securing hooks on the racks, contacts the top rear face of the display rack face plate of the display rack immediately below.