Abstract: A hollow, elongated tubular member, constructed of flexible resilient material and including an inlet-outlet for admitting and discharging fluid under pressure, is adapted to be disposed in a hole in a layer of ice so that the top and bottom ends extend upwardly and downwardly above and below the layer of ice such that, when inflated, the top and bottom ends expand to seal the hole and to retain the hollow tubular member as an easily removable plug to displace water within the hole and thereby prevent reformation of the ice therein. The method of temporarily plugging a hole in a layer of ice includes the steps of providing an elongated, resilient inflatable tube, inserting the tub partially through the ice hole and inflating the tube to expand the top and bottom so as to retain the tube in the hole.

Abstract: A microphone boom hinge is comprised of a pair of identical members disposed in locking interfitting relationship, each member having an end to be stationarily disposed on an end of a microphone boom and the other end having a pivot pin and an aperture on spaced apart longitudinally extending ears and configured to rotate about a transverse axis to provide for articulatory motion of an assembled boom.

Abstract: An earcup suspension for a headphone includes a housing, having a vertically oriented slot and stationarily mounted on the lower end of a headband to be disposed over the top of the headphone user, an earcup mounting includes a vertical member slidably extending through the slot in the housing and having a rack surface configured to coact with a similarly configured inwardly biased detenting rack stationarily disposed in the slot whereby the earcup mounting may be adjusted vertically with respect to the lower ends of the headband.

Abstract: A rake for leveling aggregate, such as one-half to two-inch size aggregate used in roofing or landscaping applications, is comprised of a heavy, rigid, generally vertically disposed frame including a downwardly depending portion extending thereunder for immersion, submersion and movement through a volume of aggregate to be levelled over a flexible membrane. The downwardly depending portion has rounded ends and may be of a symmetrical serpentine shape intermediate the ends.

Abstract: An electret transducer is comprised of a motor and signal processing apparatus, that may include an amplifier and/or impedance matching means, disposed within a sealed conductive housing. The motor is fabricated in place within a housing and the signal processing means is mounted on the underside of the cover for the housing so that each may be independently tested prior to combining into a unitary structure. The motor is comprised of easily fabricated and assembled components that include means for spacing a backplate from the walls of the conductive housing and a spacer intermediate the backplate and the center of a diaphragm. The backplate and the diaphragm are provided with registering apertures. The amplifier is mounted to the cover to conductively connect to the housing and to provide rigid outwardly extending terminals for ready connection to further electrical circuits, as in a hearing aid.

Abstract: A ganging system and connector for assembling a plurality of like, furniture elements such as stackable individual chairs into a stable, unitary, row of seats for use in an auditorium or the like. A stylized "G"-shaped connector extends through apertures coaxially disposed in the side leg members of adjacent chairs and releasably, lockably connects adjacent chairs to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: A fingerprint, and the like, image-data records keeping system and apparatus provides for image-data review from each side of a transparent carrier base to allow an X-ray type of examination as by viewing an image-data record from the front and back. A method and apparatus for obtaining individual image-data records includes a soft, resilient working surface having low friction surface and a flexible base material coated with adhesive on one side for placement on the portion of a body of which fingerprints, or the like, are to be recorded.

Abstract: An improved seal for a rotary drill bit includes a pair of ring seals comprised of dissimilar materials disposed axially, adjacently to one another intermediate a stationary journal and a rotating cutter to present multiple sealing interfaces so that one or more of the ring seals may rotate with respect to another or the journal or rotating cutter. One of the ring seals may preferrably be fabricated of material exhibiting elastomeric characteristics.

Abstract: A furnace for the burning of wood in a combustion chamber to generate heat. Primary air is brought in at a grate level of the furnace. Secondary air is brought in through a secondary air inlet, past a preheat chamber and through a secondary air duct to be expelled through holes in the secondary air duct at the top level of flames. The secondary air is preheated in the preheat chamber which is located between the combustion chamber of the furnace and the outside air inlet. A heat exchanger in the top of the oven transfers the heat from the combustion chamber of the furnace to ductwork for distribution.

Abstract: A sealed housing having a pair of axially aligned front and rear apertures defining a line of sight through the housing, with two facing mirrors disposed within the housing adjacent the front aperture, the mirrors being perpendicular to the line of sight and parallely spaced apart from one another, with one of the mirrors extending into the line of sight and being semi-transparent in the line of sight area. A pair of light emitting elements are disposed within the housing below the line of sight and on either side thereof, such that upon their operation a viewer looking into the front aperture will appear to see an endless series of light flashes directed outwardly along the line of sight and being superimposed in the field of view so as to converge on a remote object with flashes of diminishing size or intensity as seen through the rear aperture.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser holder includes a cradle and cradle attachment means the former of which receives and holds an air pot and the latter of which provides stationary attachment of the cradle to a vehicle seat, transmission shroud, or floor. In one embodiment of the invention, the cradle comprises a base and a collar above the base. The cradle attachment means are a pair of elongate legs extending from the base. An extension of the collar provides a platform for supporting a receptacle in position under an air pot dispensing spout and the legs and underside of the base form a saddle for sitting the holder over a vehicle transmission shroud. Upon setting an air pot on the base, the air pot is held in place by the collar and dispensing fluids from the pot with a single hand is readily accomplished.

Abstract: A percolating bubble generator in which a stream of air is utilized to form a succession of bubbles and launch them into the air. The stream of air under pressure utilized to effect the objects of this invention is divided into two streams; a main stream of air is directed by a nozzle through a cylindrical percolation chamber, while a second stream is passed through a tube into a bubble-forming liquid contained in a lower portion of the percolation chamber, such lower portion having an outlet opening for the discharge of bubbles formed by percolating the liquid. The main air stream passes out the outlet of the percolation chamber, causing expulsion of bubbles formed in the lower portion of the percolation chamber.

Abstract: A pair of spaced apart arms disposed on the side of a railway maintenance machine, the arms extending outwardly and carrying vertically positioned sleeves at their outer ends. Bars are slidably held in the sleeves for mounting of a fabric roll on their upper ends. Extension members extend horizontally from the lower ends of the bars. Idler and tension rollers are rotatably mounted across the arms, and an applicator tube extends diagonally under the machine frame, and beneath track raised by the machine, such that fabric can be continuously unrolled and passed under the tension roller, over the idler roller, over the applicator tube and on the track bed.

Abstract: A control system for the ram of a hydraulic injection molding press, the injection speed or velocity of which is to be precisely controlled according to a predetermined velocity command signal. A programmable relief valve is used to effect accurate control over the flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure to the ram cylinder and is responsive to signals representing diverse conditions of operation of the press.In one application of the concept, velocity and subsequent holding pressure control of a ram are obtained.

Abstract: N, N'-dibenzylethylenediamine-diacetylsalicylate for effecting an analgesic, antipyretic, spasmolytic or anti-inflammatory response in a mammalian host.