Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the shielded counter-rotating spinner assembly for microparticalization of liquid consists of two opposed, coaxial, counter-rotating, conical, sharp-edged spinners whose edges are in close proximity and whose outer surfaces are in close proximity with non-rotating shields which extend to the edges of the spinners. The purpose of the shields is to greatly reduce the spinner induced air drafts so that, when liquids are applied to the inside surfaces of the spinners through the axes of the driving motors, the droplets produced on the edges of the spinners are injected into very low velocity air.

Abstract: The electronic lock system is useful for a key safe where many different persons must have controlled, recorded access. Each user has a card key which is connected to one of a plurality of key safes to complete the system. The user inserts his personal identification number (PIN) into the card key in order to activate the card key. The card key is laid against a key safe so that an exchange of data takes place between key safe and card key to perform the security, access and control functions. The card key and key safe interact to exchange information so that the key safe may have memory of which card key is being used at which time, and vice versa. Updating of other memory functions can be accomplished. Validity is verified if a board number and a security level number in the card key relate correctly to their counterparts in the key safe and if the card identification (CID) number is not in the lock invalid CID number list. When valid, the key safe can be opened.

Abstract: A float has a bore which slidably embraces the overflow tube in a toilet tank. The float carries a valve actuator therebelow with structure which permits adjustment of the downward position of the valve actuator. The float and/or valve actuator may be non-round in order to fit closely adjacent the wall of the toilet tank. When the flapper valve at the bottom of the toilet tank is raised to release flush water, the float descends with lowering water level and the actuator closes the flapper valve before all toilet tank water is released, to thereby conserve water.

Abstract: Optical sensor has divergent light from a source, preferably from a single optical fiber, and a lens which collimates the light into a broad beam. The broad beam is acted upon and passes to another lens which focuses the beam onto a single optical fiber for detection. The beam is acted upon by reflecting off of a surface when the surface is dry or dissipating when the surface is wet, or is acted on in other ways to interrupt the beam to provide a water presence signal or the like.

Abstract: A sensing cavity is directed towards the radiation to be measured. An identical reference cavity is directed towards a heat sink which is maintained at a constant temperature. An electric heater and a temperature sensor are mounted on both the sensing cavity and the reference cavity. The temperature sensors are connected to a bridge which is powered only when an observation is made. The heater on the sensing cavity is controlled by bridge imbalance to equalize the temperature of the two cavities. The heater power is then a direct measure of the difference in the power entering the sensing cavity and the power entering the reference cavity. By knowing the power entering the reference cavity, the power entering the sensing cavity can be calculated. The two cavities are mounted together to a common heat sink and have a directly associated preamplifier circuit included in the modular mounting. A plurality of such sensors is used to obtain radiance measurements in many directions simultaneously.

Abstract: The recreational vehicle tank flushing system has associated with each water tank on the recreational vehicle a way of providing multiple rinses and sanitizing material into each of the potable water tank, gray water tank and black water tank.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having a cam on a cam shaft and a valve operated thereby, valve opening duration is decreased or increased and valve opening is performed earlier or later by shifting the lifter relative to the line of cam action so that it is acted on earlier or later by the cam.

Abstract: Bubble trap has a hollow body with an upwardly directed mixed fluid inlet on its side directed to introduce mixed fluid in a tangential direction so as to rotate the liquid within the body. This rotation permits separation of the gas bubbles from the liquid and permits withdrawal of the debubbled liquid from the bottom of the body. The inlet and outlet from the body are respectively upwardly and downwardly directed to permit draping of inlet and outlet hoses. In one embodiment, a filter is installed to facilitate gas bubble separation.

Abstract: Soil moisture control system senses subsoil moisture by AC conductivity and turns on irrigation valve when the sensor indicates the need for additional moisture. An adjustment is connected to the sensor to adjust the level at which adequate soil moisture is signaled.

Abstract: Into patients intubated with an endotracheal tube for patient ventilation, a sound tube is inserted into the hypopharynx. A valve between the endotracheal tube and the ventilator can be manually actuated so that the patient's exhaled breath passes through a buzzer in the sound tube. The sound emanates from a location just above the natural vocal chords and can be articulated into intelligible speech by lips and tongue.

Abstract: Radio frequency antenna is buried in the earth with its top substantially flush with the surface with a significant portion of the antenna buried therebelow. The antenna is configured so that, if much of the top is removed, as by blast, the remaining portion of the antenna remains operative without significant functional deterioration.

Abstract: A float is slidably mounted on the upright overflow tube or other upright guide in the toilet tank. As the water level lowers during flushing, the float descends so that a valve actuator on the bottom of the float closes the flapper valve when the water level is partway down the tank, to conserve flush water.When it is desired that the user have a choice between a limited flush for the flushing of liquids and a full flush, a hook is provided so that it can be manipulated to engage the float to hold the float in its raised, non-actuating position. By manipulation of the flush handle, the hook on the flush lever can be moved between the float-engaging and the float non-engaging position.

Abstract: Outdoorsman's stove is light, compact, efficient, stands securely, and provides excellent support for a pot. The windscreen is cup-shaped, embraces the burner, is large enough to define a substantial heating area on the bottom of the pot, and holds the pot support. The windscreen is held slightly elevated on divergent legs. When not in use, the legs, pot support and burner demount and can be stored within the windscreen.

Abstract: The valve is positioned in the left ventricle drain line and includes a check valve which permits flow only away from the heart and downstream of the check valve includes a vent valve which prevents buildup of pressure. In addition, the valve includes a vacuum orifice to limit left ventricle drain line vacuum intensity applied to the heart.

Abstract: The angular timing relationship of the cams opening and closing the inlet and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine can be varied while the engine is running to improve combustion efficiency. The angular relationship is varied by shifting of idler rollers 78, 80 acting on the camshaft driving timing chain adjusted by providing two cams 108, 110 for the same valve intake 104 so that cam 108 controls opening and cam 110 controls closing. Exhaust valve 105 has its opening controlled by cam 115 and its closing controlled by cam 113. An idler 122 between the two camshafts controlling cams 110 and 115 acts on the timing chain. The timing is also varied by moving the pivot point 104 of the rocker arm 62 to obtain later closing of the inlet and earlier opening of the exhaust valve 46 at high speed. Valve timing and duration is also controlled by adjusting the length of the push rod 108 and its point of contact with rocker arm 62.

Abstract: An electrically operated valve controls the flow of irrigation water. A clock controls the time of day and maximum irrigation time. The clock signal is serially connected through a control circuit which senses subterranean moisture and prevents solenoid actuation when moisture is adequate.

Abstract: The climbing shoe is covered with thin, flexible, high-friction rubberlike material on the outside of the shoe from the area of contact of the ball of the foot forward to the toe all the way up to the midline of the shoe. This comprises an engagement surface so that the shoe can be turned and the toe inserted into a crevice with the engagement surface against one wall of the crevice to enhance traction and protect the shoe upper.

Abstract: A rigid receptacle has an open top, and a removable lid seals by vacuum onto the open top. The lid carries dependent therefrom into the receptacle a flexible disposable collection bag. The bag is supported from the lid by means of an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting which extends from the lid. The inlet fitting is for attachment to a tube which extends into the thoracic cavity of the patient. The outlet fitting has an outwardly facing check valve therein to prevent buildup of pressure within the collection bag. The lid is also provided with a vacuum connection, by which vacuum can be drawn into the receptacle but outside of the collection bag to close vacuum in the vacuum bag without the need for continuous vacuum or the connection of a vacuum line to the interior of the collection bag.