Abstract: A wooden vent block for use in construction to provide attic ventilation has patches of screen pressed into vent holes in the wooden member, in an interference fit. The elastically deformable screens are of an undeflected size slightly larger than the vent holes, so that they deform when pushed in and become springingly locked in place. At the opposite side of each hole is an air conduit tube press fit into that side of the hole, with the vent block angled in accordance with the roof line so that the air conduits angle upwardly into the attic. This puts the ends of the conduits above the attic floor insulation, so that the insulation never interferes with ventilation.

Abstract: An improved lightweight diffuser assembly having a plenum chamber formed of fiberglass laminae is provided. The diffuser assembly is universally adapted for interfacing with various size conventional ducts of an air delivery system. The plenum chamber has a variable density across its surface and further includes a fibrous textured interior surface to optimize the sound absorption characteristics. Sheets of laminae fiberglass impregnated with uncured phenolic binders are placed in an appropriate die mold cavity and subjected to both compression and heat. The plenum chamber is cured in approximately a temperature of 700.degree. F. to 900.degree. F. for a time period of approximately 25 to 45 seconds to provide an interior fibrous textured surface. Carbon black and an interior sealing sheet can be introduced into the fiberglass laminae prior to compression.

Abstract: A wiener steamer housing has a bun compartment, and has a wiener compartment over a base containing a heating element. A juice catch tray with side walls is suspended in the wiener compartment, and inserted in it is a wiener holding grill. The tray bottom catches juices from the wieners, and its sides, with holes at their upper ends, provide steam passages conducting heat to the upper wieners stacked on the grill.

Abstract: A stamping machine for stamping identifying symbols into steel plates. A hammer is reciprocally carried by a guide track. An anvil with a die on its lower end is also reciprocally carried by the guide track for receiving blows from the hammer. The anvil has a platform with a spring compressed between it and a point on the guide track. A linking member with end stops on its upper end extends between the platform and the guide track near the top of the hammer stroke. The plate is mounted above the hammer and carried by the rods. The hammer lifts the plate, and the plate lifts the rods, as the hammer approaches the end of its return stroke, to allow the workpiece to be removed. The spring urges the anvil downward to retain the die against the workpiece prior to the anvil being struck by the hammer.

Abstract: The specification discloses an embosser in which diecast aluminum embossing segments are adhered by epoxy to a roll in rows along long spirals. The roll is driven, and is adjustable toward or away from a resilient backing roll, and co-acts therewith to emboss a web advanced therebetween.

Abstract: A casing for a projectile that includes a combustible propellant container is improved by the addition of a flexible spring steel bearing plate that includes a number of holes for the purpose of facilitating combustion of the propellant container and a number of radial slits to increase the plate's flexibility.

Abstract: A low cost graze sensor fuze arrangement for a point detonating spin stabzed projectile in which firing pin actuation for detonation purposes is accomplished where the projectile may only graze the target and a graze sensor element will be laterally moved a limited amount to cam a firing pin assembly rearwardly toward a rotor armed detonator.

Abstract: A fuzing device for a submunition or munition comprises an airtight housing ontaining a pressure chamber communicating through an orifice to a diaphragm with a firing pin attached thereto. The fuze is actuated by pressurizing the chamber with gas which flows through the orifice at a predetermined rate until the total pressure on the diaphragm causes it to deform sufficiently to activate a detonator.

Abstract: A strong, light-weight pallet adapted for use with a fork lift or the like includes a flexible arched member arranged between upper and lower sheet members and secured in place by means of an adhesive insulating material such as structural grade polyurethane foam, the ends of the flexible arched member being fixed or restrained relative to the lower sheet member. The arched member is effectively rigidized by the adhesive material to act as a load carrying member. Means for engaging elongated tines of a fork lift or similar load carrying elements are formed beneath the ends of the arched member so that a load carried upon the pallet is transferred to the tines substantially through the arched member.

Abstract: Moist combustible matter is burned in a fluid bed reactor following a drying treatment in which the combustible matter is brought into contact with hot sand circulated from the fluid bed reactor. The water in the combustible matter is evaporated at a relatively low temperature in the drying treatment, thereby conserving heat in the system. The exhaust vapor from the drying treatment is handled separately from the reactor exhaust gases to condense the vapor therein before subjecting the remaining gas to odor-destroying high temperature.

Abstract: The amount of soot and slag formed during the combustion of carbonaceous waste material is appreciably reduced by combusting said waste material in the presence of at least 0.0001%, by weight, of sodium bentonite, based on the weight of carbonaceous material being combusted. The sodium bentonite may be added directly to the waste material before entering the furnace or the sodium bentonite may be added directly to the furnace.

Abstract: Dewatered sewage sludge (i.e. sewage sludge containing e.g. 75% water when dewatered) is incinerated when mixed with coal fines recovered from a wet benification process for coal, the coal fines being in the form of either coal filter cake or ex-lagoon sludge. If the coal fines are added to the sewage sludge before or during dewatering of the latter by filtration, the coal acts as a filter aid. Autothermic combustion of the mixture can be obtained.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed wherein the positional coordinates for successive stitch penetrations are stored in a memory having addressable locations corresponding to a plurality of operator selectable patterns, one of which is a buttonhole pattern. The buttonhole pattern includes two parallel rows of zig-zag stitches forming a pair of buttonhole side bars, the inner stitches of the side bars defining a cutting space therebetween and the outer stitches of the side bars defining the width of the buttonhole pattern. Means are provided for operator initiation of an override command to selectively alter the operation of the bight actuator to selectively control the position of only the inner side bar stitches so as to selectively vary the width of the cutting space while maintaining constant the overall buttonhole pattern width.

Abstract: Process for smoothing the eye of a needle during maufacture using high power density radiation from a laser to melt the surfaces of the eye area and subsequently permitting the melted surfaces to solidify giving smoother surfacing.

Abstract: An automatic guiding method and device for work piece in a sewing machine, in which whether or not the side edge of a work piece is in a proper position or a control position, or biased in a direction away from the control position, is detected upstream of a stitching point. When the side edge of a work piece is biased in a direction away from the control position, the work piece is drawn back to the control position. The side edge of the work piece is restricted from being biased past the control position beyond an allowable amount.

Abstract: A method of forming a buttonhole pattern including two spaced-apart rows of zig zag stitches so that each row is formed in a like manner includes sewing a row of narrow zig zag cording stitches in a first direction and subsequently covering the cording stitches with one of the parallel rows of zig zag stitches formed in a second direction and repeating these steps for the second of the parallel rows.

Abstract: A windsurfer comprising a board-like floating body and a sail connected therewith by means of a mast or pole. The floating body, viewed in cross-section, comprises a number of adjacent hoses communicating with one another, and a rigid plate is arranged between both of the outer hoses.

Abstract: A control system for a hydrofoil characterized in that a transition from the foil-borne to the hull-borne mode of operation is initiated and the craft caused to descend or land automatically due to a failure in the primary power source for the control system or some other off-normal condition. The invention constitutes an improvement in prior art systems of this type in that, should the primary power source fail, an auxiliary gyroscope automatically provides stabilization about the roll axis to the unstable craft. This causes the craft to maintain an essentially level deck attitude or, should the craft be in a turn, to roll out of an inclined deck attitude toward a level deck attitude as the craft descends to the hull-borne mode of operation subsequent to primary power source failure. In this manner, the severity of impact with the water as the craft descends during a turning maneuver is reduced.

Abstract: A marine craft has one or more hulls, each hull being provided with a pair of downwardly-depending walls disposed symmetrically on each side of the longitudinal axis of the hull to define a pair of laterally-spaced tunnels therewith, and so that, in operation of the craft, the walls extend into the water over which the craft travels. The walls are shaped so as to divert and accelerate bow wave water sternwards, through the tunnels, whereby a dynamic lift force is applied to the hull.

Abstract: Apparatus for submerging a floatation body for placement beneath a floating structure is comprised of a tank which is divided into at least two sealed compartments. The tank has a total gross weight which is greater than the buoyancy force of the floatation body and yet has a volume which will allow it to float when filled with air. In order to tailor the gross weight of the tank for use with floatation bodies having a range of buoyancies, weights are removably attachable to the tank. Fluid passageways are provided in the bottom of each compartment, and an air outlet, containing a control valve, is located near the top of each compartment to permit selective flooding of the compartment to submerge the tank. Air inlets entering the top of each compartment are provided with control valves to allow selectively refilling the respective compartments from a remote air generating system.

Abstract: A flat support includes a first series of markings corresponding to a pre-existing measurement system of an instrument, such as miles per hour of an automobile speedometer. On the same support is a second series of markings corresponding to a second measurement system, such as kilometers per hour. Each marking of the second series is in registry with a marking of the same relative value in the first series. A speed value from the first series is selected, and a corresponding speed value from the second series is removed from the support and transferred to a point on the speedometer corresponding to the selected speed value of the first series of markings. This is repeated until a complete set of speed markings is transferred to the speedometer.

Abstract: A furnace boat has a plurality of wells therein. A first slide movably extends through the boat along and across the bottom of the wells. The first slide carries a substrate on which layers of semiconductor material are to be deposited. A second slide movable extends through the boat and across the wells adjacent the open tops of the wells. The second slide supports the starter deposition materials. A wafer extends partially across each well adjacent each slide, and an inclined guide plate extends partially across each well from adjacent the second slide to an edge of the wafer. Molten deposition material is deposited from the second slide onto the inclined guide plate and rolls into an end of the space between the wafer and the substrate carried on the first slide. The deposition material is then sucked into the space between the wafer and substrate by capillary action. Upon cooling the furnace boat, the semiconductor material will deposit from the deposition material onto the substrate.

Abstract: A wallpaper paste applicator comprises a container having an inclined tray bottom portion along which a strip of wallpaper travels with its decorative surface facing downward. The paper is pulled through a slot in the forward portion of the apparatus formed by a vertically adjustable wall and the bottom of the tray. A quantity of paste is maintained on top of the wallpaper in the tray, and is distributed to the back of the paper by a flexible notched wiping bar.

Abstract: An egg collector for use in conjunction with a multi-tier poultry cage system to collect eggs from cage belts at various levels and to transfer the eggs to a common cross-belt conveyor. The collector comprises a series of intermediate conveyors each including an endless belt having a series of individual egg-receiving cups disposed in longitudinally spaced relation along the belt. Transfer means located alongside each belt gathers the eggs from each cage conveyor belt and delivers them individually to successive egg-receiving cups of each intermediate conveyor. The eggs are conveyed downwardly by the intermediate conveyors to a location adjacent the cross belt where means is provided to control unloading of the eggs from the cups.

Abstract: An acceleration enrichment pulse generation circuit which is utilized to generate enrichment pulses, the frequency and duration of which are controlled in accordance with the rate of change of throttle position sensed by a linear potentiometer, the angle function of the throttle position and the engine coolant temperature. The circuit also includes a closed throttle signal generator and a wide open throttle signal generator. The control circuit includes a differentiator which controls the output frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator, the voltage level of the output from the differentiator being indicative of the rate of change of the throttle position. This frequency output signal is fed to a single shot multivibrator to control the duty cycle of the single shot multi-vibrator and thus the duty cycle of the acceleration enrichment pulses being fed to the fuel injectors. The operation of the single shot multivibrator is varied by the throttle angular position function and the engine coolant temperature.

Abstract: Anti-pollution method and apparatus for increasing combustion efficiency in an internal combustion engine in which a fuel-air vapor is produced in an evaporation chamber, under vacuum, and is fed through a vacuum trap to the internal combustion engine downstream of the carburetor, whereby the cooled fuel-air vapor may be drawn into each combustion chamber prior to each fuel-air charge from the carburetor.

Abstract: This invention relates to improving the internal combustion and internal use of fuel in reciprocating engines, and more particularly to reciprocating engines which are compounded in order to effect extension of the expansion event of the four-event work cycle of such engines and which are enabled especially thereby to receive and use, for the furtherance and prolongation of the combustion process, secondary air inducted by such engines or made available by external means, said air being directly applied to the engine's working medium after the original ignition of each fuel/air charge or any equivalent thereof, and during the power-producing period in which that working medium expands.

Abstract: This invention relates to improving the internal combustion and internal use of fuel in reciprocating engines, and more particularly to reciprocating engines which are compounded in order to effect extension of the expansion event of the four-event work cycle of such engines and which are enabled especially thereby to receive and use, for prolonging and substantially improving the combustion process, secondary air inducted and compressed by secondary cylinders of such engines, said air being subsequently applied directly to and into the engine's working medium after the original ignition of each fuel/air charge or any equivalent thereof, and during the power-producing period in which that working medium expands in two coacting cylinders.

Abstract: A system for controlling or interrupting the fuel supply in an internal combustion engine operating under a braking condition, in response to the vacuum level in its intake system. This system is equipped with an air pump driven by an output shaft of the engine, and a pressure responsive valve including two chambers partitioned by a diaphragm, a valve body coupled to the diaphragm and a valve seat therefor. A discharge pressure from the air pump is applied to one of the chambers, and a vacuum from the intake system, downstream of a throttle valve in the carburetor, is applied to the other of the chambers. This pressure responsive valve readily discriminates between the engine braking condition and the idling condition of the engine, by widening the sensible or detecting range between the maximum possible vacuum level in an intake pipe, upon idling and the minimum possible vacuum level in the intake pipe, upon engine braking.

Abstract: A multi-stage engine ignition timing control providing dual stages of advance movement by the use of carburetor spark port vacuum applied to one diaphragm and engine driven air pump pressure applied to a second diaphragm, and the use of a constant reference pressure against one or both of the diaphragms to render the movements independent of barometric pressure changes, and including a one-way coupling to effect a retarded ignition timing setting upon switching of the actuating force acting against the one diaphragm from spark port vacuum to air pump pressure.

Abstract: An improved air assisted fuel atomizer is disclosed herein. The atomizer receives air from a source having a higher pressure than the output environment of the atomizer and fuel under pressure from a pulsed source. Each fuel pulse is injected tangentially into a circular fuel swirl chamber to form a rotating fuel ring concentric with air path through the atomizer. Fuel from the rotating fuel ring is gradually carried off by the air flow to produce uniformly distributed effectively continuous air/fuel mixture. In the preferred embodiment the air assisted fuel atomizer is embodied in an internal combustion engine, single point fuel injection system.

Abstract: An articulated, spring-controlled intake valve, for use in controlling induction flow through an intake port of an induction passage in an internal combustion engine, includes a valve head and a separate valve stem connected together by a hinge member with one end thereof pivotally secured to the valve stem and its opposite end fixed to the valve head with one end of a flexure spring sandwiched therebetween, the opposite end of the flexure spring being secured by a clamp member to an internal wall defining a portion of the induction passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic toy projectile launching device including a launching barrel, a reservoir for air under pressure, a pump inflation member and a flexible conduit joining the pump to the body of the device. The single conduit is employed both to fill the reservoir and for triggering launching of the projectile.

Abstract: A solar collector comprising an evacuated, transparent cover tube sealed at its ends and an associated selective absorber, the inner surface of at least one end of the cover tube being provided with a metallic reflective layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar energy collector of the type comprising a pick-up receiving the solar radiation and converting at least a part of this radiation into heat, and heat-exchange means bringing a heat-exchange fluid into thermal contact with the pick-up and evacuating this fluid towards a user station, said pick-up comprising an assembly of juxtaposed plates which are substantially parallel to one another and form a layer, wherein the distance between two adjacent plates is chosen so as to constitute a well of heat in which the solar radiation is subjected to at least two reflections, at least one of the opposite faces of this well of heat is selectively absorbent for the infrared part of the solar radiation, the two faces of this well are substantially reflecting for the rest of the solar spectrum, and the layer of plates is disposed between a front transparent wall receiving the solar radiation and a rear wall, these walls being substantially parallel to said layer and defining therebetween an e

Abstract: A solar energy collector and heat exchanger for use in a solar energy system that provides space heating and preheating of water for a building or residence is disclosed. The solar collector and heat exchanger comprises a rectangularly shaped, box-like housing. A thermal pane glass panel covers the top of the housing and permits radiant energy to pass therethrough to the interior of the housing. An arrangement of transversely extending baffles are placed in the lower portion of the housing to define an uncovered serpentine channel running longitudinally through the housing. An air inlet port and an air outlet port are provided in the bottom of the housing to direct air into and out of the channel defined by the baffles. A metallic sheet covers the channel and has airflow connections therethrough leading from the air inlet and air outlet ports to the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: A low-cost solar panel is fabricated from three laminated plastics layers, the upper two layers being transparent to luminous and infra-red solar radiation and the bottom layer being opaque; in one version water to be heated flows first between the upper two layers and then between the lower two layers to be further heated in flowing over the bottom layer.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a plurality of elongate parallel reflectors mounted for rotation about their respective longitudinal axes, together with mechanism coupled to the reflectors for simultaneously rotating the same. An elongate absorber is arranged parallel to the reflectors for collecting solar radiation focussed thereon by the reflectors. Tracking means including two solar sensor reservoirs containing a vaporizable/condensible liquid working medium is provided for rotation of the reflectors to control the focussing of solar radiation on the absorber.

Abstract: Water or other heat-conducting liquid is heated in an upwardly open, substantially hemispherical outer bowl, the inside surface of which is treated to absorb heat from the sun's rays. The water or other liquid is introduced at the rim of the outer bowl and runs down the inside surface thereof, thereby being heated by the combined effects of the sun's rays and the heat absorbed by the outer bowl. A transparent, substantially hemispherical inner bowl is positioned within and spaced from the outer bowl to form a passageway for the water or other liquid. A tube or pipe is provided at the bottom of the outer bowl for allowing heated water or other liquid to drain from that bowl, and another tube or pipe is provided at the bottom of the inner bowl for allowing rain or melted snow to drain from that bowl.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion unit having a collector forming a focal area in which is disposed a core assembly including a governor arranged for varying the surface area of fluid carrying tubes partly forming the core assembly that is exposed to solar radiation so as to maintain a desired fluid pressure within the conversion unit. At such time as the solar radiation impinging the collector becomes substantially less than that necessary to maintain suitable pressure in the fluid system of the unit, an auxiliary heater provided as part of the core assembly can be employed to supplement or replace the solar radiation.

Abstract: The disclosure is of an improved blood gas syringe, particularly a self-filling arterial blood gas syringe. In one embodiment, the improved syringe comprises a conventional syringe barrel, a plunger rod and an elastomeric piston at the bottom of the plunger rod. The plunger rod is connected to the piston by a flexible coupling permitting the plunger rod to flex out of alignment with the piston component of the plunger without axially displacing the piston, thereby assuring that a seal is maintained between piston and syringe barrel. The syringe has several advantages over prior art blood gas syringes, such as the obviation of inadvertently drawing air into the syringe when the plunger is not kept in axial alignment therewith when being drawn back.

Abstract: An improved footstool has a heating element and a vibrating element in a cushion and adapts for use in a plurality of configurations. The cushion is releasably fastened to a base of the footstool for use alone, and the legs of the footstool retract for use of the footstool in an inclined position as well as an upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus for personal hygiene which includes a reservoir for containing liquid to be applied to selected parts of the body is provided with a dispenser containing a dentifrice to be dispensed therefrom upon demand. The dispenser is adapted to be housed in the bottom part of the casing of the apparatus. The dispenser is provided with a dentifrice container closed at the bottom by a flexible membrane and with an intermediate wall located above this membrane defining upper and lower container compartments. The intermediate wall includes an opening which permits communication between the two compartments. A closure finger attached to the membrane opposite the opening in the intermediate wall is adapted to be shifted between positions at which it is spaced from the opening and also disposed within the opening. In this manner, pressure applied to the membrane causes the closure finger to enter the opening and permits a measured quantity of the dentifrice to be taken off from the lower compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for compression and realignment of animal bone structures and passage of a drill pin therethrough to retain them in a desired alignment. The apparatus comprises a rigid U-shaped jig having a threaded aperture adjacent the end of one leg and an unthreaded aperture adjacent the end of the other leg thereof, the apertures being axially aligned; a threaded adjustment screw engaged in the threaded aperture and movable toward the other leg upon rotation; a cylindrical bushing slidably engaged in the unthreaded aperture having a threaded axial passage therethrough; means for clamping the bushing in a desired position of adjustment; a threaded drill pin engaged in the passage in the bushing and movable toward the one leg upon rotation; and means for rotating the drill pin thereby piercing and traversing the bone structures and holding them in a desired position of alignment. Correction of splay foot deformity and other surgery of the human foot, hand and knee can thus be effected.

Abstract: When the regulator is stored, a removable spacer is interposed between the pressure sensing diaphragm and the regulator case in order to position the resilient closure of the demand valve away from its seat. The resilience of the unconfined closure causes it to assume its normal free configuration. A compression set, which would impair sealing capability, is avoided.

Abstract: A disposable douche made up of two sheets of a thin plastic material sealed together along their edges to form a bag having a closed end. A treated paper tubular joiner section extends into the bag opposite the closed end with the sheets being sealed to the joiner section along a portion of its length. A treated paper tubular probe section is adapted to slidably and sealingly engage the interior of the joiner section. The bag may be filled with a liquid when the probe is removed from the joiner section.

Abstract: A tightly coiled, substantially cylindrical wick of compressed, dehydrated, sponge-like material having sufficient rigidity to be inserted endwise into an ear canal will, when hydrated, uncoil and expand radially whereby to substantially engage the inner surface of the ear canal for applying medicament to said inner surface while securing it against accidental or unintentional dislodgment therefrom. When hydrated, a central opening is provided through the uncoiled member through which opening sound waves may freely pass en route to the ear drum.

Abstract: A means is shown for delivering a prescribed liquid medicine or other fluid to a subcutaneous tissue. The device includes a reservoir on the outside of the body for holding a supply of the prescribed liquid, the reservoir being adhesively attached to the skin near the tissue to be treated. The reservoir feeds the liquid to absorbent or capillary wicks adapted to pass through the skin to be installed in the subcutaneous tissue to which the fluid is to be fed. The wicks may be provided in several forms such as twisted or braided suture material, the ends of which, in some instances, may be encased in plastic. The wicks, in whatever form, are guided from the outside into their installed positions in the subcutaneous tissue with conventional cutting or tapered surgical needles, and in the modification making use of a plastic casing, a slightly modified needle is used to install the wick cover.

Abstract: A sanitary pressure relief device which includes a rigid sleeve having an annular resilient collar secured to one end thereof, as by a ring clamp. This resilient collar is adapted to be clampingly and sealingly engaged around the end of a cleanout fitting, as by a further ring clamp. An elongated resilient glove is clampingly and sealingly engaged to the other end of the sleeve, as by a further ring clamp, which glove permits removal of a screw plug from the cleanout fitting. The sleeve has a discharge opening formed in the sidewall thereof, and a length of hose is connected to this discharge opening. A suitable valve or clamp is associated with the hose for opening and closing same, to permit the controlled discharge of liquid from a drain pipe.

Abstract: An improved pressure regulator for an inflatable cuff on an endotracheal tube or the like includes a housing which contains a valve assembly and a pressure regulating chamber. The housing is adapted to be connected to an inflatable cuff so that the pressure regulating chamber communicates with the cuff through the valve assembly. The valve assembly (1) permits slow increases in air pressure in the cuff to be transferred into the pressure regulating chamber, thereby preventing over-inflation of the cuff, and (2) closes in response to relatively rapid pressure changes in the cuff to prevent collapsing of the cuff when the pressure of the air or other gas delivered through the endotracheal tube (e.g., by a respirator) is relatively high. A spring-biased piston is disposed in the pressure regulating chamber for regulating the pressure in an inflatable cuff to which the regulator housing is connected, and a rolling diaphragm covers the piston.