Abstract: A machine that makes bubbles that are dispensed vertically. A membrane-forming system forms a bubble solution membrane over a bubble ring. Air is passed through the bubble ring by a blowing fan, which is intermittently operated to allow contact between a membrane-forming ring and the bubble ring. Bubble solution is continuously supplied to the bubble rings from a central reservoir. Safety switches prevent operation of the bubble-making machine unless there is bubble solution in the reservoir, the main housing is properly connected to the fan, and the bubble machine is in an upright position (and not tipped over). The present invention provides continuous operation for the duration of the bubble solution supply, and is easily washed, used, maintained, and manufactured.

Abstract: A power system includes a device for extracting energy from a hot gas stream to power a driveshaft. An evaporative duplex counterheat exchanger is disposed in flow communication with the energy extracting device. The duplex exchanger includes a first heat exchanger having a first main flow channel, and a counterheat channel joined in flow communication therewith. A second heat exchanger includes a second main flow channel adjacent the counterheat channel. And, a evaporative fluid is injected into the counterheat channel to evaporatively cool the flow through both main flow channels.

Abstract: A positioning device for a telescoping steering column includes a steering shaft having an upper steering shaft section disposed slidably on a lower steering shaft section and a lower steering shaft housing disposed around the lower steering shaft, an upper steering shaft housing disposed slidably on the lower steering shaft housing substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the steering shaft, the upper steering shaft housing disposed fixedly around the upper steering shaft, a lower housing plate disposed fixedly on the lower housing, a slider plate corresponding to the lower housing plate disposed fixedly on the upper housing, an anti-friction element disposed movably between the lower housing plate and the slider plate, and a positioning rib disposed fixedly in the slider plate or the lower housing plate substantially normal to the axis to limit a translation of the anti-friction element when the steering column is telescoped.

Abstract: An outdoor condensing furnace is provided with a condensate drain line which passes through the heat exchange compartment and to a location within the building where it can be discharged at temperatures above freezing. During heating operation, the drain line is maintained at temperatures above freezing such that the condensate will not freeze, and if condensate is trapped in the drain line and freezes during periods of nonheating operation, then it will be quickly thawed when heating operation is resumed. In an alternate embodiment, a drain pan is placed in direct contact with the primary heat exchanger and the condensate is routed to drain pan to be vaporized. Another embodiment provides for routing of the condensate from the condensing heat exchanger, through a flue pipe, and to a drain site which is at above freezing ambient conditions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for periodically dumping liquids in an installation, in which liquids are recycled or otherwise accumulate dissolved and/or suspended contaminants, which process and apparatus makes use of a container for a liquid which is alternately filled and drained during operation of the installation, resulting in changing weight or buoyancy of the container or level of a float in the container, which actuates a dumping valve when a given critical weight, buoyancy or float level is exceeded or reduced.

Abstract: A machine that makes bubbles that are dispensed vertically. A membrane-forming system forms a bubble solution membrane over a bubble ring. Air is passed through the bubble ring by a blowing fan, which is intermittently operated to allow contact between a membrane-forming ring and the bubble ring. Bubble solution is continuously supplied to the bubble rings from a central reservoir. Safety switches prevent operation of the bubble-making machine unless there is bubble solution in the reservoir, the main housing is properly connected to the fan, and the bubble machine is in an upright position (and not tipped over). The present invention provides continuous operation for the duration of the bubble solution supply, and is easily washed, used, maintained, and manufactured.

Abstract: An outdoor condensing furnace is provided with a condensate drain line which passes through the heat exchange compartment and to a location within the building where it can be discharged at temperatures above freezing. During heating operation, the drain line is maintained at temperatures above freezing such that the condensate will not freeze, and if condensate is trapped in the drain line and freezes during periods of nonheating operation, then it will be quickly thawed when heating operation is resumed. In an alternate embodiment, a drain pan is placed in direct contact with the primary heat exchanger and the condensate is routed to drain pan to be vaporized. Another embodiment provides for routing of the condensate from the condensing heat exchanger, through a flue pipe, and to a drain site which is at above freezing ambient conditions.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle subsystem disabling device including a digital controller and one or more remote receiving vehicle subsystem interface units for randomly simulating problematic vehicle behavior. The system determines user authorization based on keycode entry of either a master code or a programmable user code. Once authorized all vehicle subsystems under control operate normally. While authorized, the system also allows optional entry into a valet mode and constantly monitors a hidden anti-hijacking button. Any time unauthorized use is determined, the digital controller randomly generates a unique controlling signal with random timing variations that is communicated to the remote receiving subsystem interface units. These units can be connected in series with vital vehicle subsystem components in order to interfere with typical subsystem component operation, thereby inducing the illusion of an actual vehicle problem severe enough to inhibit vehicle driveability.

Abstract: A conduit cleaning jetting pig is provided, the pig having a central axis that can be aligned with a central axis of a conduit to be cleaned, the pig including: a seal means having an upstream side and a downstream side, the seal means effective to prevent a significant flow of fluids from the upstream side of the pig to the downstream side of the pig between the pig and the inside of the conduit when a differential pressure exists between the upstream side and the downstream side of the pig; a rotating element rotatably connected to the downstream side of the seal means; a plurality of nozzles connected to the rotating element each nozzle defining a flowpath through the nozzle for fluids to pass through each of the nozzles, and the flowpath in communication with a channel from the upstream side of the seal means to the flowpath with the flowpath through the nozzle aligned in part tangential to a cylinder around the central axis of the pig and aligned in part toward the inside wall of the conduit; and a frict

Abstract: A dispenser for tags, and the like which are removably and adhesively secured along the length of a roll of liner paper for transfer from such liner paper onto a document. The dispenser includes a housing for the roll of liner paper containing a take-up reel upon which the liner paper is wound as the tags are forced out of the housing over a presser finger. The presser finger is utilized to apply the tag to the document.

Abstract: A process for producing uniformly shaped chip-type products having a surface design thereon. The process provides chip-type products having a series of substantially parallel alternate arcuate ridges and grooves extending across both surfaces which effect a rippled appearance to the products wherein the rippled configuration is impressed only on one surface of the dough by a mill roll having an annularly grooved surface.