Abstract: A cordless, hydrocarbon fuel powered hairdryer. The invention incorporates a novel electronic control system which evaluates the thermal and electrical conditions within the hairdryer during its operation. Two fuel flow valves are provided. The first fuel flow valve is mechanically actuated and opens and closes the valve in the hydrocarbon fuel cartridge. The second fuel flow valve is a solenoid valve that cannot open without a predetermined voltage being supplied. Application of the predetermined voltage will allow gas to flow through this second valve and into the area where the fuel is ignited. Only when both valves (the mechanical and the solenoid) are open, can fuel flow. A microcontroller monitors the temperature conditions in the combustion area, and controls system conditions such as power to the solenoid valve and to the fan motor to prevent uncombusted gas from building up and presenting a safety hazard.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending a laminated thermoplastic sheet without displacing the lamina relative to one another includes a clamp which functions to hold the sheet during the bending procedure. A support is disposed adjacent the clamp and has a curved surface for forming a bend in the sheet and a flat surface which constitutes an abutment for the part of the sheet being bent. The support is adjustable to vary the angle of bending. A bending device for the sheet comprises a carriage having a bending roller, and a ram whose size approximates that of the flat abutment surface. The sheet is clamped with a portion thereof projecting freely above the flat abutment surface and heated. The bending roller thereupon forces the sheet against the curved surface to bend the sheet and then moves across the projecting portion of the sheet to urge such portion into engagement with the flat abutment surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously measuring the elemental contents of a slurry ndependent of the slurry density and slurry composition, by utilizing X-ray fluorescence analysis. The apparatus includes a measuring chamber with a slurry flow channel and a first measuring window disposed on one side of the channel and a second measuring window disposed on the other side of the channel. A first source of primary radiation and a target are disposed behind the second measuring window. A detector is disposed behind the first measuring window. An annular source of primary radiation is provided around an open passage formed by a collimator between the detector and the first measuring window. The collimator collimates the primary radiation and the target radiation as well as the X-ray radiation excited by the first source and the annular source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous measurement, by X-ray fluorescence lysis, of the elemental content of a slurry, independently of slurry density and slurry composition. The slurry, a source of primary radiation, a target, and a detector are arranged so that the slurry passes between the source and the detector, and a portion of the primary radiation excites the elements in the slurry to emit elemental X-ray radiation. The primary radiation also excites the target, to emit target radiation which passes through the slurry. The primary, target, and elemental radiations are absorbed by the detector, and the absorbed radiations are evaluated to determine the elemental content of the slurry.