Abstract: A multi-pulse rocket is equipped with a thermally insulating barrier that serves as a rupture disk or a movable plug or plate separating staged propellant grains. When a rupture disk it used, the disk can be equipped with a pyrotechnic actuator to weaken the disk upon command, enabling the propellant grain on the fore side of the disk to burst the disk at a relatively low pressure when ignition of the propellant grain is needed for additional thrust. Rupturing of the disk can also be controlled by attitude maneuvering ports on the fore side of the barrier whose open or closed conditions are controlled by independently operable closures. When a movable plug is used, the plug is movable between a closed position separating rocket chamber into subchambers isolating the propellant grains from each other and an open position allowing the flow of combustion gas between the two subchambers to achieve additional axial thrust.

Abstract: A multi-pulse rocket is equipped with a thermally insulating barrier that serves as a rupture disk or a movable plug or plate separating staged propellant grains. When a rupture disk it used, the disk can be equipped with a pyrotechnic actuator to weaken the disk upon command, enabling the propellant grain on the fore side of the disk to burst the disk at a relatively low pressure when ignition of the propellant grain is needed for additional thrust. Rupturing of the disk can also be controlled by attitude maneuvering ports on the fore side of the barrier whose open or closed conditions are controlled by independently operable closures. When a movable plug is used, the plug is movable between a closed position separating rocket chamber into subchambers isolating the propellant grains from each other and an open position allowing the flow of combustion gas between the two subchambers to achieve additional axial thrust.

Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a flow control gate that is timely pivotal and located within the exhaust gas inlet downstream of the flow splitter. Control is provided to timely pivot the flow control gate toward the turbine rotor and thus provides an initial high velocity spin to the rotor when turbo charged boost pressure is demanded from an adjustable direction flow control valve. The control valve uses boost pressure from the compressor to timely actuate a piston and lever connected to the pivotal flow control gate, or a signal from an engine control module (ECM) can be directed to a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical actuator having a reciprocal control rod connected to the flow control gate.

Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a volute or spiral turbine housing and a compressor housing where a turbine rotor and a compressor impeller are connected with one another by a common shaft. The exhaust gas inlet to the turbine housing has a fixed flow splitter. A pivotal flow control gate is attached to the downstream end of the fixed flow splitter. Control means is provided to timely pivot the pivotal flow control gate toward the turbine rotor and thus provide an initial high velocity spin to the rotor when turbo charged boost pressure is demanded. An adjustable directional flow control valve uses boost pressure from the compressor to timely actuate a piston and lever connected to the pivotal flow control gate or a signal from an engine control module (ECM) can be directed to an hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical actuator having a reciprocatable control rod connected to the flow control gate.

Abstract: A safety enclosure for a human worker positioned on a ladder, comprising a bracket connectable to first and second preselected rungs of a ladder, having a longitudinally extending central portion preselected in length to span at least two adjacent rungs of the ladder. A continuous open hoop-like member having a preselected opening sized so as to freely encompass the midsection of a human worker is connected to the bracket means adjacent the first preselected rung. The hoop-like member has a pair of side portions extending normal to the bracket, and a back portion connecting the two side portions. Auxiliary hoop means connects the outboard ends of the side portions to the bracket and adjacent to the second preselected ladder rung. The bracket includes a first U-shaped hook-like portion sized to hook over and longitudinally engage the first rung. The bracket also includes, at the other end thereof, a U-shaped portion sized to snugly and normally encompass said second preselected rung.

Abstract: A safety enclosure for a human worker positioned on a ladder, comprising a bracket connectable to first and second preselected rungs of a ladder, having a longitudinally extending central portion preselected in length to span at least two adjacent rungs of the ladder. A continuous open hoop-like member having a preselected opening sized so as to freely encompass the midsection of a human worker is connected to the bracket means adjacent the first preselected rung. The hoop-like member has a pair of side portions extending normal to the bracket, and a back portion connecting the two side portions. Auxiliary hoop means connects the outboard ends of the side portions to the bracket and adjacent to the second preselected ladder rung. The bracket includes a first U-shaped hook-like portion sized to hook over and longitudinally engage the first rung. The bracket also includes, at the other end thereof, a U-shaped portion sized to snugly and normally encompass said second preselected rung.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing a two-legged ladder against lateral and rearward movement. Telescoped tubular pole assemblies are attached at one end to opposite side rails of the ladder with a quick disconnect universal pivot. Special support and retainer blocks are provided for facilitating the transport of the assembled ladder and telescoped assemblies on the top of a vehicle.

Abstract: A data-storage cartridge has a rotary inner shell, or shutter, to selectively permit access to a data-storage disk disposed within the shell. The shutter is equipped with a wedge-shaped opening through which access to the data-storage disk is attained. A fabric liner is affixed to the inner surface of the shutter to isolate the disk from direct contact with the shutter. The ends of the liner extend beyond, i.e., overhang, the edges of the shutter which form the disk-access opening, thereby preventing direct contact between the data-storage disk and the edges.

Abstract: An improved method for the decarbalkoxylation of alkylated .beta.-keto esters to obtain high yields of ketones. In accordance with the method, decarbalkoxylation of alkylated .beta.-keto esters is accomplished by heating the esters in the presence of dilute aqueous alkali and an effective amount of a phase-transfer agent. The method produces commercially practical yields of ketone in a manner which is facile, economical and environmentally safe. Novel methylene-linked pyrethroid ketones produced from the improved method exhibit insecticidal activity against various agricultural pests.

Abstract: An improved method for the decarbalkoxyation of alkylated .beta.-keto esters to obtain high yields of ketones. In accordance with the method, decarbalkoxylation of alkylated .beta.-keto esters is accomplished by heating the esters in the presence of dilute aqueous alkali and an effective amount of a phase-transfer agent. The method produces commercially practical yields of ketone in a manner which is facile, economical and environmentally safe. Novel methylene-linked pyrethroid ketones produced from the improved method exhibit insecticidal activity against various agricultural pests.

Abstract: Apparatus for braiding an article from a plurality of fibers, comprising a plurality of flexible annular members of substantially the same size which are disposed side-by-side in axially aligned relation and have means for supporting fiber carriers for axial movement relative thereto. The annular members are mounted for circumferential movement about a common central axis relative to each other. A plurality of rows of fiber carriers are mounted on the annular members for axial movement relative to the annular members. Actuating means are provided to move the annular members and to move the rows of fiber carriers axially in a predetermined manner to intertwine the fibers.

Abstract: A fiber spool apparatus for a braiding machine or the like, comprising a support, a fiber supply spool rotatably mounted on the support, a housing fixedly mounted on the support and having a plurality of recessed portions on the inner surface thereof, and a coil spring mounted within the housing. The coil spring has an inner end operatively associated with the spool and an outer end in engagement with the inner surface of the housing. When fiber is fed from the spool to the braiding machine, the spool is rotated in a first direction to wind and tension the spring by engagement of the outer end thereof in one of the recessed portions in the housing rotation of the spool in the first direction until the spring reaches a predetermined tension. Continued rotation of the spool in the first direction causes the outer spring end to slip from one recessed portion to another after the spring has reached the predetermined tension.

Abstract: An improved method for the decarbalkoxylation of alkylated .beta.-keto esters to obtain high yields of ketones. In accordane with the method, decarbalkoxylation of alkylated .beta.-keto esters is accomplished by heating the esters in the presence of dilute aqueous alkali and an effective amount of a phase-transfer agent. The method produces commercially practical yields of ketone in a manner which is facile, economical and environmentally safe. Novel methylene-linked pyrethroid ketones produced from the improved method exhibit insecticidal activity against various agricultural pests.

Abstract: Apparatus for braiding an article from a plurality of fibers, comprising a plurality of ring members of substantially the same size which are disposed side-by-side in axially aligned relation and have means for supporting fiber carriers for axial movement relative thereto. The ring members are mounted for rotation about a common central axis relative to each other. A plurality of rows of fiber carriers are mounted on the ring members for axial movement relative to the ring members. Actuating means are provided to rotate the ring members and to move the rows of fiber carriers axially in a predetermined manner to intertwine the fibers.

Abstract: A braiding method wherein fiber carriers are arranged in rows and columns which are moved in a predetermined alternating sequence to intertwine the fibers and form a braided article. A selected intermediate row is moved a distance sufficient to block movement of a column on one side thereof. While the column is blocked, a tamping force is applied thereto to move it against the one side of the selected row to facilitate proper alignment of the fiber carriers in the column.

Abstract: A power transfer mechanism incorporated in a multiple path drive system comprising a source of input torque, a transfer case, and a pair of drive axles having equal axle ratios. Torque is transferred directly to the first drive axle and, when required, is transferred automatically to the second drive axle through a path including a freewheel device. Another path is provided in parallel with the freewheel device for torque transfer from the second drive axle to the first drive axle.