Abstract: A portable conveyor system having multiple, separable, conveyor sections, a separable latching bridge mechanism disposed between and connecting each two adjacent conveyor sections, a single drive motor for the system, a belt driving gear arrangement on each end of each conveyor section for driving the conveyor belt, a pair of idling gears carried by each separable latching bridge mechanism and adapted to engage and connect the roller gears on adjacent conveyor sections when the latching bridge mechanism is employed to latch adjacent conveyor sections. Snugger rollers are provided to adjust the tension on the conveyor belt on each conveyor section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for continuous plasma etching of generally planar workpieces in which the workpieces are introduced into an evacuated chamber containing the plasma, are carried along a continuous processing path and are removed therefrom. The plasma is generated within the chamber and the workpieces are supported within an electrically neutral field within the processing plasma.

Abstract: A fireplace damper release mechanism for mounting in a fireplace adjacent a fire. The mechanism coacts with a fireplace damper connecting rod to automatically close the fireplace damper when the fire has gone out thereby avoiding the loss of heat from the room through the fireplace chimney.

Abstract: An elongated air inflated flexible bag is placed below the mattress of a hospital or nursing home bed and connected to a pressure actuated electrical switch signal at a remote attendant's station. The switch is a normally closed low pressure switch that remains open for as long as a patient's weight maintains an air pressure greater than the preset actuating pressure of the switch and closes when the patient's weight is removed and the pressure in the bag is thereby lowered, energizing a signal at the attendant's station.