Abstract: A rail fence retractor allowing removal of a fence rail engaged with a fence post comprising a blade having a first and second end. The first end of the blade is configured for insertion into a fence post slot having a rail inserted therein. The rail has self-locking tabs which must be depressed for removal of the rail from the fence post slot. The fence rail retractor also has a handle which is attached to the second end of the blade. The handle allows the application of force against handle to fix the position of the handle against the fence post during removal of the rail from the fence post slot. The handle is also useful in carrying the rail fence retractor when not in use. The handles of the rail fence retractor may be configured to allow integration with the blade. The handles may be also be configured to allow a pair of rail fence retractors to fit or snap together when not in use.

Abstract: An improved apparatus comprising a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement comprises a sapphire envelope for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire envelope may be in the form of a sapphire sheath fitted over the thermocouple. The apparatus may also comprise a thermowell, with the sapphire envelope being provided by the thermowell.

Abstract: An improved apparatus comprising a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement comprises a sapphire envelope for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire envelope may be in the form of a sapphire sheath fitted over the thermocouple. The apparatus may also comprise a thermowell, with the sapphire envelope being provided by the thermowell.

Abstract: An improved apparatus comprising a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement comprises a sapphire envelope for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire envelope may be in the form of a sapphire sheath fitted over the thermocouple. The apparatus may also comprise a thermowell, with the sapphire envelope being provided by the thermowell.

Abstract: A diaphragm failure monitoring system for detecting leakage in a diaphragm of a diaphragm pump. The system includes a pump having an operating chamber containing a working fluid and a pumping chamber for pumping material into and out of the pump and a diaphragm separating the operating and pumping chambers. A first optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for transmitting an optic signal across the working fluid. A second optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for receiving the optic signal from the first optic fiber. An electric signal establishing device establishes a first electrical signal when the optic signal from the first optic fiber to the second optic fiber passes through uncontaminated working fluid.

Abstract: A diaphragm failure monitoring system for detecting leakage in a diaphragm of a diaphragm pump. The system includes a pump having an operating chamber containing a working fluid and a pumping chamber for pumping material into and out of the pump and a diaphragm separating the operating and pumping chambers. A first optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for transmitting an optic signal across the working fluid. A second optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for receiving the optic signal from the first optic fiber. An electric signal establishing device establishes a first electrical signal when the optic signal from the first optic fiber to the second optic fiber passes through uncontaminated working fluid.

Abstract: A multiple panel closure for the bed of a pickup truck or for the front opening of a cabinet housing electrical equipment. The closure permits any one of four panels to be opened independently of the other panels and the panels can be moved to side positions in which the truck bed and the cabinet opening, respectively, can be exposed. A double hinge provides for the movement of closure panels from closed, coplanar positions to fully open, side positions. Access to the interior of the truck bed or cabinet can be had from the sides of the truck bed and at the sides of the front opening of the cabinet.

Abstract: A load cell fixture utilizes a supporting frame to support a load cell in a position that it is not susceptible to torsional or longitudinal forces displacing the load cell from its initial positioning. A pair of link members connect an upper pin which rests atop the load cell to a lower pin beneath the load cell, with the lower pin supporting the weight of the element to be weighed. The links and pins are arranged to allow the upper pin to provide a constant direction of force to the load cell and eliminates inaccuracies due to movement of the load. A suspension support is also provided to reduce rebound shock from the sub-structure into the load cell.