Abstract: A thickness responsive blank gauge is disclosed for comparing the thickness and length of a flat blank to a standard blank. The gauge includes a thickness sensor positioned by the blank and an output indicator engaged by the thickness sensor. Operably associated with the output indicator is a device for shifting the output indicator a distance equal to the change in length from the standard times the reciprocal of a predetermined constant. The output indicator will shift a distance equal to the distance through which the thickness sensor moves if the ratio of the change in length of the blank from the predetermined standard to the change in thickness of the blank from the predetermined standard is equal to the predetermined constant.

Abstract: An instrument for indicating proper racquet-handle grip circumference for a given human-hand-characteristic size comprises a plate having a plate-longitudinal-alignment pointer and a scale spaced from the pointer for indicating characteristic length, and between the pointer and scale a plate orienting and laterally aligning fin for insertion between third and fourth human digits; transparent-scale and offset-scale embodiments are described and method is disclosed.

Abstract: A segmented longitudinal measuring device is disclosed which includes a plurality of hollow tubular housing segments. Inside each housing segment is mounted an intermediate support member which in turn serves as a mounting surface for a measuring scale segment. Thus, each segment forms a complete modular unit containing a length of measuring scale, intermediate support member, and housing. Generally the coefficient of thermal expansion of the support members is matched to that of the scale segments, and the support members are mounted on the housing segments in a longitudinally displaceable manner, as by a layer of resilient elastomeric material, for example. The measuring device also includes means for compressing the support members together, end to end, to form a continuous structure extending along the measuring direction. Adjustable contact members are provided between adjacent support members for precise adjustment of the separation between adjacent support members.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring the amount of coating material that has been applied to a pipe. Opposed parallel sensing arms are positioned in contact with the coated pipe. One of the arms is movable relative to the other arm and in response to variations in the thickness of the coating. A direct mechanical linkage may be utilized to provide a readout of the variations in coating thickness or the movements of the arm may be used to vary the output of a potentiometer to provide an electrical readout. The potentiometer output may, in turn, be coupled with digital circuitry to provide a digital display. The circuitry may also include logic circuitry which will translate the variations in readings into positive or negative deviations from a desired predetermined coating thickness.

Abstract: A device for use in fitting lenses to spectacles frames wherewith ophthalmic measurements are applied directly to frames selected by patients. A frame without lenses is adjusted to fit the patient, the fitting device is applied to the frame and the whole placed upon the face. Measurements of distances from extreme lateral and inferior points on the frame rims to the patient's visual axis in the case of each eye are taken for use in edging the lenses to a size and shape which will locate their optical centers in coincidence with the patient's visual axes when the spectacles are glazed and put to use.

Abstract: A shoe having a slip resistant or gripping surface on the sole thereof. Preferably, the shoe is an outer shoe, such as a rubber or boot. The gripping surface is applied to the sole in separated, discrete bands within channels in the sole and comprises a mixture of a grit, such as silicon carbide, and an adhesive. The gripping surface is used to prevent or curtail slipping by the wearer on smooth surfaces, such as ice or snow.

Abstract: A ski boot comprises a shell, a part hinged to the shell, means for closing the hinged part to the shell, a foot-retaining system located between the shell and the skier's foot to enable the skier to immobilize his foot in the boot after he has placed his foot therein. The invention is characterized in that the foot-retaining system is caused to bear against the foot by the hinged part when the latter is moved to be secured to the shell by the closing means.

Abstract: A tube of plastic or the like having a flexible bellows middle section and straight section ends with identifying indicia of color or shape thereon to represent information about garments contained on clothing hangers. It may have a flared section and a tapered section on opposing ends of the signal tube; the flared section to fit about the shoulders of a hanger and the tapered section to fit snugly about the neck area. The flared section may have locking nibs to help secure the signal tube to the neck of the hanger. Serrations may extend upwardly from the upper straight section to permit a closer fit to the hanger and help prevent the accidental removal of the signal tube.

Abstract: A page turner capable of turning the pages of a book forwards or backwards which includes a roller mounted on a mounting above a book support. The mounting is movable relative to the support so that the roller can engage pages on either side of a book spline. The roller is rotatable in opposed senses and is operable so as to displace a page to be turned under the roller to release the page and a flap carried on the mounting alongside the roller is movable relative to the support to move the released page to the opposite side of the book spline.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture are disclosed for the controlled delivery of pest controlling substances. Methods for producing such articles and utilizing them in pest control programs are also described. Laminated articles are provided which comprise one or more layers containing active pest control and pest attractant substances and which allow the controlled release of the pest controlling substance from within the laminate to the surface of the laminate so as to maximize efficiency against target species in the surrounding environment. The laminated structure also permits prolonged, controlled release of pest controlling substances and properly timed combinations of such substances that might otherwise be prematurely dissipated, decomposed or inefficiently applied. Various combinations of polymeric materials and active agents and a number of different laminated structures are utilized to optimize efficient use of the pest controlling substance against a variety of target species.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fireants is disclosed which combines an insecticide with a refrigerant into a mixture and injects the mixture into the fireant hills.

Abstract: A hollow structural element for assembling a structure, has a hollow body part having an open side and being provided with means for connecting the body part with another structural element, and a cover insertable in the body part through the open side thereof. The cover is provided with at least one connecting element for connecting the same with a further structural element. The connecting element projects outwardly beyond a side margin of the cover and thereby forms a stop preventing the cover from excessive movement inwardly of the open side of the body part. Two such connecting elements may be arranged on the cover. The body part and the cover may be cup-shaped. The connecting means of the body part may be formed as undercut grooves and elongated undercut members. The connecting elements of the cover may also be formed as elongated undercut members.

Abstract: A toy doll has a mouth opening adapted to receive a simulated nursing bottle from which water is fed to the interior of the doll, some of such water producing a wetting action. The doll is also adapted to produce a burping sound when its back is patted, and simultaneously to spit up through the mouth opening some of the water previously fed from the bottle. The burping sound is produced by a bellows in the body portion of the doll which is successively compressed upon patting the back of the doll and which progressively feeds air into another bellows located in the head of the doll until the head bellows reaches an expanded position. An actuating member then automatically releases the air from the expanded head bellows, which air flows in a sudden controlled flow through a sound producing device. Some of this released air also causes liquid to be emitted from the mouth opening to produce the spitting-up effect.

Abstract: A toy flying craft including provisions for generating realistic engine whines in accordance with the attitude of the craft. Provisions for simulating weapons fire are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heavy, immobile ground based enclosure surrounds growing plants. A cover assembly is removably engaged on the enclosure during periods of inclement or unfavorable weather, and is maintained in place by releasable engagement means. The cover assembly has ventilation means, heat transfer means, and liquid spray means associated therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed is a garden canopy having a frame for supporting a plurality of parallel spaced elongate panels. The panels are positioned on the frame to provide a light and moisture aperture therebetween. The panels are formed from uniform wall thickness material and each have a flat bottom with curved or arcuate edges.

Abstract: Pots for growing plants, wherein an outer pot has an upwardly facing interior annular shoulder therearound which is disposed below a downwardly facing exterior annular shoulder of an inner pot fitted within the outer pot. The inner pot has an inwardly projecting vertical sidewall formation which provides a channel through which water may be introduced into the bottom of the outer pot. The bottom of the inner pot is spaced above the bottom of the outer pot, and the inner pot has a downwardly extending well at its center which is spaced closely above the bottom of the outer pot, and which extends below the surface of the water in the bottom of the outer pot. The bottom of the inner pot has holes therethrough through which excess water in soil in the inner pot drains into the outer pot. The bottom of the well has holes through which water rises into the well, which is filled with a material such as perlite which causes water to rise into the soil in the inner pot by adsorption.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat insulating window shutter arrangement comprising a plurality of slats of organic polymeric foam material. The slats comprise configured side edges to mate substantially flush with complimentarily configured slats. The shutter mounting arrangement includes a convex deformable element in continuous engagement with an end surface of each slat.

Abstract: A suspension device for a support, in particular a support for a fixing panel, in which a body portion is formed as an integral structure and has two laterally extending diverging arms extending from junction points on the body portions. The body portion has downwardly extending feet, which extend at least up to the junction point of the lower of the clamping arms, and the arms are provided with axially aligned apertures to receive a support bar on the panels. Locking feet are provided at the lower ends of the legs to engage in an orifice in a support member.

Abstract: A number of identical, regular, hexagonal and semi-hexagonal structural units are formed and some are interconnected in side by side abutting relation in the course of forming a dome structure of generally part spherical configuration. As the first units are interconnected, recesses are formed that are of generally distorted partial hexagonal form. Others of the structural units are then distorted as required to fit into the distorted recesses and assembly is continued to completion of the structure. The hexagonal units are readily distorted by constructing them of a number of elongated structural elements that are connected to each other in end to end relation for limited pivotal motion. The structural elements have broad outer faces that make an angle of 71/2 with respect to a normal to the plane of the hexagon to facilitate abutment and interconnection of part circular rows of structural units in a generally circular configuration.

Abstract: A roof having an insulating blanket of plastic foam covered by a protective sheath made up of a shell of reinforced concrete covered by a weather-impervious rubbery textured membrane. The membrane and the shell are married together in the sheath, the shell providing load bearing strength and the membrane protecting the shell and preserving its properties. The shell adheres tenaciously to the insulating blanket and the membrane to the shell. In a preferred construction, the sheath forms a protective bonnet having a girdle surrounding the eaves and verge further anchoring the roof covering to the superstructure of the building. Shingles of special construction preferably make up the insulating blanket. Special cement and latex binder compositions are disclosed for the shell and membrane respectively.

Abstract: To form a seal between a roof and a pipe projecting through this roof, it is known to construct roof flashing structures having a flat plate which has a centralized opening and an upstanding tapered housing attached to the flat plate and extending around said opening. Such roof flashing structures can be improved by providing the top of the housing with an annular sealing ring seat which has an external wall formed as an extension of the housing wall, an interior wall, parallel to the exterior wall, and a top wall connecting the exterior and interior walls. These three walls define a channel within the housing. The channel opens in a downward direction toward the plate and a rib on a sealing ring fits into this channel and seats the sealing ring into the sealing ring seat.

Abstract: An interior storm window construction which is formed with a pair of identical window sashes affording the reversal of the window sashes and a frame comprised of four frame members, three of which are identical in cross section and one of which varies in depth to permit easy insertion and removal of the window sash from the frame. The frame members are formed to be easily adapted to out of square existing window casings. Each of the window panes of the window sashes are coated on one surface with a reflective material, the material on each window pane of the window construction being on a surface which is opposite the coated surface of the other window pane. Each window sash is adapted to slide within the frame formed by said frame members and they interlock along an adjacent edge to afford a seal and support along said locking edge.

Abstract: Modular panel units are constructed to provide an insulating barrier to heat, cold and sound. Tests on the modular units have proven the success of providing panel units which have maximum insulating properties. Panel members of insulating material and approximately 1/8 inch in thickness have rectangular elements applied to one face thereof in spaced horizontal position to form a structural element and a like panel member having rectangular elements disposed in spaced vertical position on one face thereof to form a second structural element. The structural elements are alternately sandwiched together with an air space therebetween and with facing reflecting surfaces on opposite faces which inhibits the passage of heat, cold and sound.

Abstract: A floor joist formed of a pair of parallel wood chords, such as 2.times.4's, which are spaced apart and interconnected by sheet metal plates. The plate is normally vertically arranged and its upper and lower edge portions are slit and bent into alternatingly opposed legs having a horizontal wood engaging support portion and a vertical connector portion for overlapping the wood strip vertical faces. The central portion of the sheet forms a pre-sized spacer for fitting between the two wood chords. Thus, each connector plate forms upwardly and downwardly channel-like formations to each receive a chord, with a central spacer portion for maintaining the spacing between the chords. The leg connector portions are formed with struck-out teeth which are embedded into the wood chords for providing the complete joist assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening the front flap of a container moving on a conveyor line toward a filling station. The invention includes a circular brush maintained above the conveyor line and rotatable by means of an air motor. The air motor is mounted upon a support member having rollers at the bottom thereof and movable between adjustable stops defining a track, the track running parallel to the conveyor. An air cylinder, pivotally mounted to a bracket at one end thereof, has an extendable rod connected to the top of the support member at another end thereof. Actuation of the air cylinder and air motor causes the rod to pass the rotating brush along the conveyor with the brush making lifting engagement with the front flap of the container. At the end of the track, the support member stops and the rod causes the brush to pass through an arc, assisting in the opening of the flap. A limit switch senses the arcuate motion of the brush and causes the rod to retract to an original position.

Abstract: Packaging method and apparatus for depositing a predetermined number of sheets, such as bookplates, in a rectangular box bottom having a bottom wall and four upstanding side walls, placing a box top of the same shape but slightly larger size over the box bottom and applying a label to the box top. The box bottoms are conveyed past a loading station at which a predetermined number of bookplates are "extruded" through a slot in a front wall of a hopper, with the height of the slot being adjusted as desired to allow just the desired number of bookplates to be pushed or extruded through it to a box bottom positioned opposite the loading station. As the loaded box bottoms move past the loading station they are intersected by the box tops which move at right angles to the box bottoms and, just before each box top meets a box bottom, the box top leading edge is lifted by means of a suction so that it clears the side wall of the box bottom.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for packaging a group of beverage bottles, or similar articles, in a wrap-around type blank of foldable sheet material which machine is characterized by a traveling conveyor onto which successive cut and scored blanks are fed and advanced through successive work areas where there are mechanisms for partially folding handle and wall forming panels into which the blanks are divided, which mechanisms include continuously traveling pairs of forming die members which are arranged to move into mating relation against the opposite faces of successive blanks so as to fold certain of the panels while the blanks are advanced to a transporting conveyor which carries the partially folded blanks to an assembly area and deposits them on a group of bottles advancing on a bottle conveyor traveling beneath the blank transporting conveyor, mechanism at the assembly area which is operative to seat the partially folded blanks in telescoping relation on the bottles with the handle panels depending between p

Abstract: A safety device for a case packer filling head wherein an individual pivotally positioned stop member is provided for each of the rows of articles being fed to the filling head and wherein an article moved completely into the filling head strikes a stop member to move it to an operative position but with the stop member having a normally inoperative safety position, a control bar extends transversely of the filling head and through a non-circular aperture provided in each stop member, and a stop device on the control bar for each of the stop members and sized complementary to part of the aperture provided in said stop member to be movable into such aperture when the stop member is moved to an operative position but only when all stop members are so operatively positioned, the control bar being movable transversely of the filling head for a control action on the filling head and articles positioned therein when all stop members are moved to operative positions.

Abstract: A forage harvester and fixed-construction row crop attachment therefor are disclosed. The attachment has three plant-receiving passages consisting of a central passage and a pair of side passages on opposite sides of the central passage. Each passage has an inner or channel section comprised of substantially parallel walls, an intermediate section or throat comprised of outwardly diverging intermediate walls and an outer section or mouth comprised of outwardly diverging outer walls. A cutter is provided in association with each of the throats or intermediate sections. Each of the intermediate walls of each side passage is constructed and arranged to define a comparatively wide cut-off area at the bottom. The cutter associated with the intermediate section or throat of each side passage is arranged adjacent its cut-off area. The comparatively wide cut-off areas and associated cutters cooperate with gathering chain sets to assure harvesting of plants having both narrow and wide row spacings.

Abstract: A drive for a mower of the type having a multiple number of vertically disposed drum cutters. The cutting elements are at the bottom of each drum and cut in a horizontal plane. A horizontally disposed pneumatic tired wheel is associated with and acts to impart rotation to each of the drum cutters. External drive is imparted to effect rotation of one of the pneumatic tired wheels. The other pneumatic tired wheels are mounted to have frictional circumferential engagement with each other and with the driven wheel to cause all of the wheels to be driven.

Abstract: A continuous tree crop harvester is fitted with right and left catching surfaces. The right half catching surface is designed to move back and forth over the left half catching surface. At the same time and without interrupting the forward motion of the harvester, a rotating trunk seal is provided to enclose and seal the trunk of the tree to be harvested. Thus sealing of the catching surface and tree trunk is reversed after harvesting and the harvester is moved to the next crop harvesting position.

Abstract: A feeding wagon has a wheeled frame and a reinforced, enclosed receptacle with an entrance through which crop can be loaded. The receptacle can be attached to the frame by hydraulic cylinder and swash plate assemblies that engage coupling points on upwardly extending supports that are fastened at the sides of the receptacle. The swash plates are pivoted to lift the receptacle onto the frame with the aid of guides. A crop feeding device, including a pick up and advancing member on an auxiliary frame, is connected to the front of the receptacle frame adjacent the entrance. After the receptacle is loaded by the device, it is transported to a site and separated from the frame. The sidewalls of the receptacle have openings that can be exposed so that cattle can withdraw fodder until the receptacle has been emptied. In the meanwhile, a second receptacle can be loaded by the same feeding device and on the same wheeled frame.

Abstract: A random signal generator using a maximum-length shift register sequence to provide control pulses to a slub yarn producing open end spinning system. The time between control pulses is random to prevent any discernible pattern appearing in the fabric made from the yarn.

Abstract: A guide is placed between a strand of fibers and a winder, which twists the strand as it is wound. The guide is circular so the strand may be maintained in an unconstrained twisting path between the receiver and the supply as it is being wound and twisted and includes an optical sensor mounted about the area of movement of the filament to detect the presence of the filament and stop the winding process if the strand breaks.

Abstract: A chain link bracelet of the cross-weave or polynese type is lengthened or shortened by adding or removing a chain link assembly which consists of a pair of flattened helices which are coupled permanently in mesh by a captive hinge pin. The assembly is coupled to the bracelet by means of a releasable headed pin which passes through the intercalating convolutions of the link assembly and the bracelet.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant includes a gas turbine and an afterburner to which fuel is supplied for speed and load control. Water is injected into the turbine combustors by a controlled water injection system to control total NOx emissions from the turbine and the afterburner as a function of turbine load corrected for changes in inlet air temperature and inlet guide vane position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for purifying exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine having four cylinders. The apparatus comprises: an exhaust pipe provided with two entrance pipes, each of which is communicated with two engine cylinders, respectively, and a joint joining the entrance pipes together; a three way catalyzer for converting the exhaust gas disposed at a position downstream of the joint; a secondary air device for supplying secondary air into the exhaust pipe device, the secondary air device being communicated with the first entrance pipe; an air switching device, the entrance of which is communicated with the secondary air device and the exit of which is communicated with the second entrance pipe, for switching secondary air, and; a device for detecting the operating characteristics of the engine and for actuating the air switching device.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system for internal combustion engines having at least two cylinders of which the port of each exhaust valve communicates with a port passage provided in the cylinder head, and a pair of the adjacent port passages communicate with a common port passage forming a siamese port passage therewith. A secondary air intake passage having a check valve communicates with the port passages for introducing secondary air by exhaust pulsation. In order to enhance the exhaust pulsation effect, the exhaust pipe connected to the opening of the common port passage has a constant cross section of a fixed diameter. Heat insulation is provided along the siamese port passage and a portion of the exhaust pipe for good oxidation of the unburned constituents. The total volume of the exhaust passage through the siamese port passage and the heat insulated exhaust pipe portion is equal to the displacement volume of the corresponding cylinders for introduction of a sufficient amount of the secondary air.

Abstract: A system comprising an engine with a low pressure ratio having an inlet and outlet; a turbocompressor consisting of a turbine having its exhaust side connected with the engine outlet via a gas line, and a compressor having its inlet side connected via an air line with the engine inlet, which turbine and compressor are mounted on a common shaft. A combustion chamber is incorporated in a line communicating with the air and gas lines and provided with a fuel system. An air control valve and a fuel control valve are arranged to control the delivery of air and fuel into the combustion chamber. This is connected to a turbocompressor speed control circuit intended to maintain a predetermined speed during prestarting to provide independent operation of the turbocompressor and the combustion chamber. The turbocompressor speed control circuit is connected with an engine speed pickup.

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration apparatus provided with a single pipe boiler system having a pump and a standpipe containing a rectifier, and a boiler, with the latter having heat supplied to it. The arrangement permits one to choose a more favorable reaction ratio of the pump in the apparatus, or the absorber vessel can be placed at a lower level, with one choice resulting in a lower consumption of energy, and the other choice a greater cooling effect.

Abstract: A liquid additive dispensing device, including interconnected receiving and storage containers, adapted for use with an appliance such as a washing machine with the additive storage container located remotely in the washer cabinet from the additive pour-in or receiving container readily accessible to the operator. The receiving container has a generally funnel-like configuration operative, upon additive being poured into its top inlet, to cause the additive to gravity flow by means of a connecting tube into the first of a series of reservoir portions of the storage container. The storage container is separated into upper and lower chambers with the lower having an outlet discharging gravitationally into conduit means in communication with the treating zone of the appliance. The receiving container has additive level indicating means in the form of stepped surfaces disposed at predetermined descending additive storage levels corresponding to their associated storage container reservoirs.

Abstract: An automobile lock guard for protecting a key-operated lock cylinder to prevent unauthorized entry into the automobile trunk, comprising a guard plate having an aperture formed therethrough positioned over the lock cylinder and permanently attached to the automobile surface, a circular insert plate having a diameter larger than the lock to overlie the surrounding automobile surface to prevent punching-in of the lock, and having a key slot formed therein, and means for rotatably retaining the insert plate in the guard plate aperture to prevent retraction of the insert plate and lock through the aperture of the guard plate. The lock guard may also include means to conform the guard to automobile surfaces which are other than flat.

Abstract: A hand-grippable device having hanger loops at its opposite ends for detachably hanging keys, an alarm whistle, identification tags and the like. The device also includes provision for releasably securing a selected set of keys, preferably three, thereto in such spaced positions along its length as to project outwardly from between the fingers of a gripping hand whereby they can be used to strike or be twisted with force into the person of an attacker.

Abstract: A water emulsifiable lubricant and coolant for the cold forming of metal, as in the forming and stamping of sheet metal parts and in the drawing of wire. The composition has superior lubricant and coolant properties and also imparts some degree of corrosion protection for the part after forming. The composition contains oleic acid, an ethanolamine, a mixture of mineral oils or a mixture of mineral oil with a wax, and a mixture of emulsifiers. The emulsion is stable at various strengths and at pH values ranging from 7.0 to 9.5, thus being useful with various plated or coated metals, as well as with uncoated metals.An example of the lubricant is as follows:Lubricant(a) water base(b) oleic acid(c) ethanolamine(d) heavy mineral oil(e) dialkylphenoxypoly (ethyleneoxy) ethanol(f) sodium salt of alkylpolyoxyethylene phosphate ester, and(g) a member selected from the group consisting of light mineral oil, paraffin wax, oxazoline wax.

Abstract: A method for winding a spiral coil involving the steps of winding a metal band on a mandrel while in advance of the mandrel continuously forming a succession of regularly-spaced deformations in the band edges which protrude alternately from the opposite band surfaces to space the coil turns. During the winding, and for each successive turn, the sequence of deformations is shifted along the band, in one direction or the opposite, by a predetermined dimension such that oppositely-protruding deformations on adjacent turns come into tangential locking engagement with each other at the start of every succeeding turn and all projections on each turn come into such locking engagement. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transfer press having a plurality of generally linearly spaced die stations, a transfer mechanism for successively advancing blanks or partially stamped parts from one station to the next each cycle of the press and quick change upper and lower die plates mounted in fixtures attached to the press slide and bed or bolster, respectively. Each of the die sets includes a plurality of die fixtures having extendible and retractable clamps which open to permit a die plate to be slid therein and approximately located by means of locating ears on the die plate which contact the forward surface of the respective fixture or by contacting locating blocks at the rear of the fixture. When the clamps are retracted, the die plates are pulled downwardly and are accurately located by means of a plurality of locating pins which engage corresponding apertures in the plates. The clamps lock the plates in their final operative positions for the successive stamping operations.

Abstract: The contaminants in the exhaust gas emissions from a motor vehicle such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) are analyzed within a nondispersive infrared analyzer which includes means for assuring that the vehicle being tested has achieved a predetermined engine speed and that no blockage has occurred in the gas transport system when the measurements are made.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the diffusive resistance of plant stomata includes a cup adapted to be sealingly clamped to a plant leaf being tested to define an enclosed air volume in the cap adjacent the surface of the leaf. A humidity sensor in the cup provides a signal indicative of the humidity of the air in the cup. Control means are provided to receive the output signal from the humidity sensor and are operative to start a counter at a lower set humidity value and to stop the counter at an upper set humidity value thereby to time the rise in humidity between the lower and upper values. Drying means for drying the air within the cup down to a value below the lower set humidity value after each measurement cycle are provided. The control means are adjustable to vary the lower or upper set humidity value and to vary the difference between the lower and upper set humidity values.

Abstract: A water washable, wash resistant biodegradable dye penetrant composition is described. It comprises one or more dyes and at least 70% of a substantially linear primary alcohol ethoxylate containing 2 to 4.5 ethoxy groups per molecule.