Abstract: Apparatus for detecting defects such as fissures in the ferrous metal of elongated workpieces such as pipe may take the form of wall thickness and material continuity inspection apparatus that is located at an inspection site, with the inspection site being provided to receive an elongated metal workpiece such as a section of drill stem. A movable magnet support structure is located at the inspection site and carries a magnet and coil assembly in movable shoe means that is capable of engaging the outer periphery of the workpiece and establishing a predetermined spaced relationship between the workpiece, the magnet and the coil. The magnet support shoe, together with the magnet and coil, are movable in helical manner about the workpiece, causing the shoe to traverse the entire outer periphery of the workpiece during a single inspection pass.

Abstract: A liquid seal for isolating a source of unwanted gas from an outlet from where it is to be discharged. The seal is particularly for use at the bottom of a flare or vent stack and comprises a cylindrical housing comprising two liquid seals, one above the other. If the seals are arranged in parallel a high rate of flow of gas through the system is permitted without increasing the diameter of the cylinder beyond an unacceptable dimension. Alternatively, if the seals are arranged in series a greatly improved sealing action is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing reinforced composite marble-like sinks and bathtubs. A sandwiched article is provided and wherein a polyurethane foam filler is interposed between a solid marble mix layer and a reinforcing layer of fiberglass reinforced resin embedded in the marble mix layer. The foam layer reduces the overall weight of such lavatory structures.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating spent hydrochloric acid from a galvanizing pickling bath wherein the spent acid is neutralized with ammonium hydroxide and aerated to form a solution of ammonium chloride with suspended iron oxides and hydroxides. The ammonium chloride solution, freed of the magnetite, is usable as a recycle material in the galvanizing process.

Abstract: A sealing device is provided for use in a butterfly valve, ball valve or the like wherein a seal ring is provided which forms a seal in co-operation with a rotating valve member, in which the seal is held in position by an annular pressure member which is impelled towards the body of the valve by springs, and whose inner periphery is adapted to form an emergency seal in co-operation with the valve member, should the seal itself be damaged or destroyed by fire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the purification of water in emergency situations is provided, comprising a manually operated pump having a discharge port connected to a plurality of series-connected treatment filters. Each filter is chosen for its ability to perform a desired purification function in a preferred sequence which enhances the performance of the subsequent filter in the series. The filters are designed to accept water from a contaminated source, thereafter removing particulate matter, organic impurities and inorganic impurities, and finally physically filtering out bacteria and other organisms larger than 0.20 microns in size to deliver potable water from the outlet port of the final filter. Preferably, all components are mounted in a suitable portable enclosure for ease of storing and for transporting the unit to a water source in an emergency situation.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in a residential shower stall and the like, wherein one or more sets of projected fluid streams are collided against the human body in dispersals having preselected shapes and movement or location functionally related to the height of the occupant in order to scour and cleanse the body of the bather. In an alternate embodiment, a system operating from city water pressure alone provides for a flip-flop spray pattern from a plurality of nozzles releasably attached to various points on the wall of the shower stall or the like.

Abstract: A method for producing a solar cell having an increased open circuit voltage. A layer of cadmium sulfide (CdS) produced by a chemical spray technique and having residual chlorides is exposed to a flow of hydrogen sulfide (H.sub.2 S) heated to a temperature of 400.degree.-600.degree. C. The residual chlorides are reduced and any remaining CdCl.sub.2 is converted to CdS. A heterojunction is formed over the CdS and electrodes are formed. Application of chromium as the positive electrode results in a further increase in the open circuit voltage available from the H.sub.2 S-treated solar cell.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for delivering water to a chemical or agricultural tank wherein a base plate is provided to removably attach the dispenser to the tank. An upstanding screw-threaded pedestal member extends from the base plate and carries a valved dispensing line that may be pivoted with regard to the horizontal as well as adjusted vertically. The screw-threaded pedestal member also allows the dispensing line to be revolved to any desired horizontally disposed dispensing position.

Abstract: An improved trimmer section is provided for use in a sawmill, together with method and means for automatically selecting timbers and the like to be trimmed, and for automatically routing trimmed timbers to a preselected one of a plurality of different storage and loading points in the sawmill. In particular, the operator is required to select which of several stations is to receive each timber after it has been cut to a designated length. Thereupon, the timber is automatically transferred through several stages of mechanical manipulation to the designated station while, simultaneously therewith, another un-trimmed timber is promptly conducted to the trimming saws. Actuation of the entire operation is effected by merely selecting the station to receive the trimmed timber, since the cycle will repeat as long as there are timbers to be trimmed.

Abstract: An improved method for fabrication of a photovoltaic cell preferably of the CdS--Cu.sub.x S type, having a copper electrode adjacent the Cu.sub.x S. A portion of the CdS is converted to Cu.sub.x S through ion exchange wherein the CdS is immersed in a first solution of cuprous ions and a second solution of cupric ions to produce a non-stoichiometric Cu.sub.x S. A layer of metallic copper is applied by conventional techniques, such as vacuum deposition, and the photovoltaic cell heat treated to affect formation of the CdS--Cu.sub.x S heterojunction. Metallic copper diffusing through the CdS and Cu.sub.x S from the electrode is captured by the non-stoichiometric Cu.sub.x S whereby the Cu.sub.x S is substantially stoichiometric in the completed photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: This invention comprises a technique for constructing concrete foundation columns in underwater locations, wherein the steel casing members used to form the columns may be recovered for subsequent re-use. In the technique, an inner and outer casing are partially imbedded in the ground submerged in the water and in concentric relationship with one another. The annulus formed between said inner and outer casing is filled with unconsolidated sand, while the inner casing is filled with reinforcing material and concrete to form the column. The inner casing is then vibrated at a suitable frequency to reduce the friction between it and the sand and concrete, whereby the inner casing may then be drawn upwardly and from between said concrete and the sand. The sand will then support the concrete until after said concrete has hardened, whereupon the outer casing may then be removed, either by vibration or by conventional techniques.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel leaching methods and apparatus for recovering minerals such as ores, high viscosity oil, and the like, from the subsurface earth formation. More specifically, the formation is penetrated by a plurality of mine shafts or large-diameter boreholes which are spaced apart as a function of the lithological characteristics of the formation. Thereafter, a suitable leaching fluid such as a liquid solvent, steam, free hydrogen, or carbon dioxide is injected into the formation through a plurality of drill holes radially extending from the lower portions of the shafts.In a particular technique for recovering high viscosity oil, the formation is initially subjected to a sequence of "soaking" cycles, wherein fluid is injected into the formation during separate discrete time periods, and wherein dissolved minerals or reduced viscosity oil is drained from the drill holes during the interval following each injection period.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell having an electrically conductive substrate, which may be glass having a film of conductive tin oxide; a first layer containing a suitable semiconductor, which layer has a first component film with an amorphous structure and a second component film with a polycrystalline structure; a second layer forming a heterojunction with the first layer; and suitable electrodes where the heterojunction is formed from a solution containing copper, the amorphous film component is superposed above an electrically conductive substrate to resist permeation of the copper-containing material to shorting electrical contact with the substrate. The penetration resistant amorphous layer permits a variety of processes to be used in forming the heterojunction with even very thin layers (1-6.mu. thick) of underlying polycrystalline semi-conductor materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an opener for an adhesive container with a nozzle, which comprises a sharp member capable of making a hole in the closed end portion of the nozzle provided on the adhesive container body, the sharp member having a tapered sharp section which is used to make the hole in the closed end portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved stop and loader assembly for use in a sawmill and the like, and more particularly includes an improved combination slapper bar and log turner. The combination slapper bar and log turner preferably includes a rectangular hollow slapper bar section which contains a movable member having a plurality of teeth pivotally attached thereto. A fluid-actuated piston assembly is provided for drawing the movable member and teeth longitudinally in and out of the slapper bar. A slot is further provided in the upper end of the slapper bar and adjacent any sawlog reposing on the carriage next to the slapper bar, whereby the teeth fall out of the slapper bar in an extended position to engage the log when the movable member is thrust upward in the slapper bar, and whereby the teeth fold into the slapper bar whenever the movable member is drawn downward therein.

Abstract: Improved method for corrugating paperboard, wherein a web of a corrugating medium is treated with a solid lubricant for a release agent and supplied to heated corrugating rolls to which a water mist has been applied evenly over the rolls. The web is shaped between the rolls by the application of pressure from the rolls and steam formed from the water spray. The availability of steam at the nip of the corrugating rolls provides improved flute formation and the solid lubricant allows the corrugated paperboard to release from the corrugating rolls without damage to the flutes. Standard corrugating equipment is enabled to operate at higher production rates and to accept lower quality paper for corrugating. Equipment is provided to maintain a supply of solid lubricant in a water suspension for application to the paperboard, preferably via a water spray directed on the corrugating rolls.

Abstract: A miniaturized tape cartridge is provided and which is designed to fit within a cartridge container of dimension allowing the container/cartridge assembly to be inserted into and played in a conventional-type eight-track player machine. The container is designed and provides for the insertion of the tape cartridge within either end of the container, and either end of the loaded container may be inserted into the eight-track playing machine. The container includes a pair of pinch wheels, one at each end thereof, whereas the pinch wheel of the tape cartridge is effectively eliminated. Within the tape cartridge is a continuous loop of magnetic tape. The tape cartridge is so constructed and arranged whereby it will record and play the same amount of material as the conventional eight-track tape musical album.

Abstract: An improved fully mechanized sawmill is provided which is composed of structurally independent modules which are removably mounted on a platform composed of a plurality of side-by-side longerons supported horizontally on files of spaced-apart vertical piers and columns. The longerons provide horizontal stress support for the platform along the files of piers and columns perpendicularly to the cutting axis of the sawmill, and the modules mounted thereon provide horizontal stress support for the platform along the ranks of the piers and columns parallel to the cutting axis. In addition, improved mechanisms and techniques are provided for handling and selecting the sawlogs to be cut, for selecting and distributing the pieces cut therefrom according to shape and utility, and for stacking and handling the distributed pieces at preselected locations according to shape and utility.

Abstract: A method of making low cost solar cells on a large scale basis by means of a continuous process of fabricating float glass and coating the float glass, in sequence, with tin oxide, cadmium sulphide, and copper sulphide, while the glass floats atop tanks of molten material in a furnace of proper temperature for each step of the process, the application of the coatings, in a preferred embodiment, being accomplished by depositing materials which form the coatings on contact with heated surfaces at such slow rates and, in the case of spray application, via drops of such uniformity that the float glass may (1) remain at uniform temperatures by virtue of the superior thermal conductivity of the molten material and retain those temperatures despite the abstraction of heat from the glass by evaporation of liquids and/or formation of crystalline layers, and (2) be substantially free of temperature gradients along the surface of the sheet glass.