Abstract: An apparatus for making alternate S and Z twist plied yarn from individual singles yarns. The apparatus twists the singles yarns as they move in a path through the process, twisting the individual yarns in either an S or Z direction. The bonding of the ply-twisted yarns at a node while applying twist forms a bond characterized by a dense region of filaments adhesively joined together where one of the strands overlaps another strand, followed by a less dense region along the one strand where fewer filaments are adhesively joined, followed by another dense region.

Abstract: An alternate twist plied yarn formed from a plurality of strands of singles yarn twisted in alternating directions in lengthwise intervals of first half-cycles of twist at a predetermined twist level followed by second half-cycles of twist at the same twist level with reversal nodes therebetween, the singles twisted yarns being ply-twisted together in alternating directions in lengthwise intervals of first half-cycles of ply-twist followed by second half-cycles of ply-twist, there being a bond formed adjacent each node wherein the first half-cycle of ply-twist is located within the bond and the second half-cycle of ply-twist originates at one end of the bond, the twist level in the singles twisted yarn is between 25% in the same direction and 60% in the opposite direction of the twist applied to the singles yarns before plying.

Abstract: In an apparatus and process for extinguishing the fire of an escaping flow of fossil fuel, such as from an oil or gas well, the preferred apparatus comprises a boom-held, open-ended, split stack equipped with quench fluid outlets on its inside and structure for spreading the stack and closing it around the flame to confine and operate on the flame front. The process involves closing such stack around the flame, preferably with the quench fluid flowing from the opened-up stack as it approaches the fire, then continuing such flow until the fire goes out and the fuel vapors and equipment in the former flame zone are below autoignition temperature.

Abstract: A process for making alternate S and Z twist plied yarn from individual singles yarns includes the steps of tensioning the singles yarns as they move in a path through the process, twisting the individual yarns in either an S or Z direction, stopping the forward movement of the yarn, then bonding the ply-twisted yarns at a node while applying twist, stopping the twisting operation, then repeating the procedure while twisting in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A power steering control unit for use with an electric motor assisted vehicle power steering system. The control unit includes two microprocessor controllers that monitor vehicle speed and a torque applied through a vehicle steering column in calculating a duty cycle for the assist motor. The response to the speeed and torque inputs can be adjusted by setting a group of four control switches on the vehicle dashboard. Each microprocessor not only calculates an optimum motor energization but also monitors motor performance. In the event this performance deviates from an expected range the assist is removed and in some cases corrective steps taken to correct the unit's performance. An electrically erasable read only memory coupled to the microprocessors stores constants needed in calculating an energization sequence. The EEROM also stores indicators of the control unit performance to aid in diagnosing difficulties.

Abstract: A process for making alternate S and Z twist plied yarn from individual singles yarns includes the steps of tensioning the singles yarns as they move in a path through the process, twisting the individual yarns in either an S or Z direction, stopping the forward movement of the yarn, then bonding the ply-twisted yarns at a node while applying twist, stopping the twisting operation, then repeating the procedure while twisting in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enhancing the performance of filters, particularly oil filters for internal combustion engines. The apparatus includes a frame having a top and bottom section connected together by a plurality of spaced longitudinal elements. The longitudinal elements are disposed radially apart from the filter housing so as to create a flow path for circulating air to cool the fluid within the filter. A magnet is mounted in the bottom section to help attract small magnetic particles which may not have been removed by the filtering medium within the filter. A wire coil is mounted in the top section to further assist in removal of suspended magnetic particles and to aid in precipitation of carbonaceous materials suspended in the circulating oil.

Abstract: A speech synthesizer circuit for use in an automobile. The circuit includes a dedicated microprocessor and a speech synthesizer integrated circuit which has an output couplable to the speakers of the automobile's radio. The microprocessor monitors various automobile status condition and, based upon these conditions, causes various preprogrammed voice messages to be transmitted to the motorist. The circuit includes various novel features. These features includes novel circuit energization, conditions sensing, failure detection, and voice activation mechanisms.

Abstract: A speech synthesizer circuit for use in an automobile. The circuit includes a dedicated microprocessor and a speech synthesizer integrated circuit which has an output couplable to the speakers of the automobile's radio. The microprocessor monitors various automobile status conditions and, based upon these conditions, causes various preprogrammed voice messages to be transmitted to the motorist. The circuit includes various novel speech synthesizer features. These features includes novel circuit energization, condition sensing, failure detection, and voice activation mechanisms.

Abstract: Calcium fluorophosphate phosphor co-activated by specific levels of antimony and manganese emits in a narrow portion of the yellow region of the spectrum making such phosphor useful in fluorescent lamps. Furthermore, when blended in specific proportions with a blue-emitting divalent europium activated strontium halophosphate, and incorporated into a fluorescent lamp, the resultant lamp gives an increased lumen per watt output over a "cool white" lamp incorporating a standard "cool white" calcium halophosphate phosphor.

Abstract: A clamping device including a pair of counter-opposing angularly shaped beams each having a forward jaw portion and a rearward portion interconnected by a pair of connecting straps and a force exerting element. Each connecting strap is pivotally attached at one end to a forward jaw portion of one beam and the rearward portion of the other beam. The point of intersection of the connecting straps moves progressively closer to the workpiece held between the jaws as the jaws are closed and exert simultaneously equal forces ont the workpiece. In one embodiment the clamping device is adapted for use as a portable tire bead breaker suitable for use on large truck or tractor tires.

Abstract: A power steering control unit for use with an electric motor assisted vehicle power steering system. The control unit includes two microprocessor controllers that monitor vehicle speed and a torque applied through a vehicle steering column in calculating a duty cycle for the assist motor. The response to the speed and torque inputs can be adjusted by setting a group of four control switches on the vehicle dashboard. Each microprocessor not only calculates an optimum motor energization but also monitors motor performance. In the event this performance deviates from an expected range the assist is removed and in some cases corrective steps taken to correct the unit's performance. An electrically erasable read only memory coupled to the microprocessors stores constants needed in calculating an energization sequence. The EEROM also stores indicators of the control unit performance to aid in diagnosing difficulties.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit for monitoring the condition of, for example, a remotely situated structure is shown as having a transducer responsive to the occurrence of a preselected condition in the remotely situated structure and effective for causing a signal indicative thereof; timing apparatus actuated upon the occurrence of the signal effective to establish the validity thereof; a power circuit electrically closed upon the expiration of a time span established by the timing apparatus, and sensory warning apparatus actuated upon electrical closure of the power circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed, in combination, are a combustion engine, an electric storage battery, an electrically powered starter motor for at times driving the engine in order to start the engine, and an electrical system monitor; the electrical system monitor has a first monitoring portion which senses the actual voltage across the battery and a second monitoring portion which monitors the current through the battery; an electrical switch controls associated circuitry and is actuatable into open or closed conditions; whenever the first monitoring portion senses a preselected magnitude of the actual voltage across the battery or the second monitoring portion senses a preselected magnitude of the current flow through the battery, the electrical switch is actuated.

Abstract: An electrical switching and timing assembly is shown having a manually actuatable switch selectively closable and openable, an associated electrical circuit has an input end and an output end, the input end is intended for connection to a source of electrical potential while the output end is intended for connection to an electrical load, the associated circuit has a timing circuit effective for opening the associated circuit within a preselected span of time after the associated circuit has been closed by the manually actuatable switch, the manually actuatable switch being effective for opening the associated circuit even before the expiration of the preselected span of time.

Abstract: An electrical system monitor is shown as employing a quad-chip C-MOS integrated circuit for sensing when the voltage of a monitored circuit, monitored sub-circuit, monitored branch circuit or monitored circuit portion deviates, by a preselected magnitude, from a selected magnitude of voltage; upon such deviation occurring, a related switch is actuated causing energization of sensory warning apparatus and, in another aspect of the invention, a switching device is actuated to open a related load circuit.In a further embodiment the quad-chip C-MOS integrated circuit is, in the same general manner, responsive to sensing preselected deviations from a selected magnitude of current and, upon the occurrence thereof causing actuation of related switch means.