Abstract: A maneuverable, deltoid-shaped, inflatable kite having, when inflated, a bulbous nose portion, a central air beam, two diverging side air beams and an uninflated airfoil between the central air beams and each side air beam. Three control line anchors, one on the central air beam approximate the flying point and one on each of the side air beams; a control bar; control lines extending from each control line anchor to the control bar; and two maneuvering strings extending in a parallel path from the control bar to the kite flyer provide means for maneuvering the kite.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an improved apparatus for recovery of a dead track in NRZI tape data format having parallel transmission of data bits is provided in which a dead track recoverer circuit is provided for sensing the absence of a necessary data bit to replace the dead track data bit, and provides means for inserting the data bit in proper time sequence with the data character to reconstitute the data character and thus recover the data information, even though one channel may be dead or inoperative. In combination with the dead track recovery circuit is an improved clock track generator which electronically simulates a clock track to generate strobe signals by utilizing the bit scatter average of the bit characters, averaging them over several characters and generating a variable periodic clock that generates strobe signals having a delay of one-half cell time between data characters.

Abstract: In one exemplar embodiment, an improved ball valve is provided in which a movable seating ring is concentrically carried by the inner diameter of a spring washer concentrically disposed in the inlet port of the ball valve housing. The spring washer is retained in place about its outer diameter portion by means of a retaining ring removably inserted in the inlet port of the valve body. The spring washer is sealed to the valve body by means of a conventional circular seal disposed between the face of the spring washer and the valve body. When the valve is closed, the differential pressure developed across the ball acts on the outer surface of the spring washer and transmits additional sealing force to the seating ring in contact with the ball for increased sealing.

Abstract: A swimming pool alarm system which is responsive to the height of waves resulting from unauthorized entry, and which includes provision for changing its sensitivity. An alarm circuit is provided with a switch having a plurality of stationary contacts spaces apart as a function of wave height, and another contact movable by a float positioned in the water. A switch is provided to select the stationary contact which corresponds to a preselected wave height of interest.

Abstract: Method of extruding a plastic film using a single roll which is rotatably and horizontally mounted between spaced-apart supporting members, each having curved recesses partially accommodating and encompassing opposite portions of the circumference of the roller. Molten plastic is distributed along the length of the roller, and the roller is preferably revolved to carry the molten plastic through the first recess to the second recess, whereby a substantially equal accumulation of plastic is collected in each recess and at opposite locations on the surface of the roller. The second accumulation of plastic is further located at a die aperture in the adjacent one of the two supporting members, whereby plastic from the second accumulation is extruded through the die aperture to form the sheet stock sought to be produced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for deriving an audible indication of a person's brain wave frequency, and for actuating a tape player or the like to deliver a recorded program of material educational in content when said frequency reaches a preselected frequency value or range. Means may also be included for rendering the audible indication of the measured frequency of the subject person inaudible upon actuation of said tape player.

Abstract: A porous pipe primarily of rubber and synthetic rubber reclaimed from rubber tires, ground to a relatively small granular size, with metal removed; such as, for example, would pass through a 30-mesh screen, process-mixed through a pipe extruder, with a much smaller binder mix of primarily polyethylene, along with vinyl, ABS binder, and a trace of attaclay. The resulting product is useful as a subsurface irrigation buried pipe, having high structural integrity effectively resisting soil-loading pipe collapse, and it even resists collapse from moderately large rocks in the soil, and yet has a high degree of flexibility along its length. A pipe is provided with cross sectional area of pipe wall more than twice the cross sectional area of the pipe opening.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for use in decorative water fountains, dish washers, and the like, wherein one or more pairs of oppositely projected fluid streams are collided to form dispersals having preselected shapes and movement or location functionally related to the relative magnitude, pressure or impact velocity, and alignment of the streams.

Abstract: Irrigation sprinkling apparatus according to the present invention may include structural means for supporting at least a portion of a mobile sprinkling apparatus that is adapted in use for rotation about a fixed point for irrigating a generally circular ground area. Each of the mobile base structures for the irrigation apparatus will include ground contacting elements such as wheels, tracks or other devices that serve to propel the respective mobile base over the land area during irrigation operations. Each of the ground contacting elements is supported for rotation relative to the respective portion of the mobile base to which it is connected and is positionable in an operating position that substantially establishes an arcuate track about said fixed point during irrigation operations and is rotatable substantially 90.degree. from said operating position for allowing substantially linear movement of said irrigation sprinkling apparatus.

Abstract: A universal coupling for irrigation pipes that are incorporated into continuously movable land surface irrigation systems may incorporate pipe sections having extremities that are adapted to be positioned one within the other. A connector projection extends from one of the pipe sections and is adapted to be received within a connection aperture defined in the opposite one of the pipe sections upon assembly of the pipe sections. The coupling has a load bearing capability which is promoted by one of the extremities of each one of the pipe sections being supported directly by a mobile tower which the opposite extremity thereof bears upon the supported extremity of the adjacent pipe section, thereby causing both of the pipe sections to be supported one relative to the other. At least one of the extremities of one of the pipe sections is formed to allow substantially vertical movement of the opposite pipe section during assembly and disassembly thereof.

Abstract: A swivel joint for pressure containing conduits such as movable flow lines may comprise a pair of hub elements each having means establishing interconnection with a section of flow line, the hub elements being abutted in such a manner as to define a flow passage through the swivel joint construction. A thrust flange is formed on each of the hub elements, the flanges being retained within a split housing structure that services to retain the swivel joint in assembly. Rotatable relationship between the hub elements and the body structure is established by a pair of thrust bearings that are interposed between the housing and the respective thrust flanges of the hubs. A lubricating spacer element may be disposed between the thrust flanges of the hubs to prevent the development of friction retardation of swivel movement. The hubs interfit to define a sealed recess within which is received a seal sleeve that is of sufficient length to transition the joint between the abutted hubs.

Abstract: A pilot valve mechanism for controlling the flow of a pressure medium responsive to predetermined variations in a pressurized system. The pilot valve mechanism is constructed in such manner that a plurality of pilot valves may be connected in assembly and may be operative to shut down operation of a flow system responsive to sensing of pressures that are above or below a predetermined range of operating pressure.Each of the valves may include a shuttle valve mechanism capable of interrupting fluid communication between the inlet and outlet of the pilot valve mechanism or between the outlet and vent of the valve assembly, depending upon the position of a shuttle valve actuating piston that is proportionally movable responsive to variations in the pressure that is sensed by the pilot valve mechanism. Movement of the piston and shuttle valve to the various positions thereof may be controlled by an urging means that may be adjustably preset for a particular high or low pressure.

Abstract: A power-actuated de-horning system is provided wherein a guillotine-type blade is driven through the horn of an animal by means of a hydraulically-actuated cylinder and piston assembly.

Abstract: A protective enclosure and position warning device for the lower drive gear unit of outboard motors carried by boats and for the outdrive portion of inboard/outdrive type boat engines comprises an enclosure formed of water impervious material which is adapted to be fitted about the drive unit of a marine engine for protection of the drive unit from deterioration by water, dirt, dust, etc. The enclosure is provided with closure means that secures the enclosure in assembly with the drive unit and is also provided with a reinforced drain opening that will allow any water that might enter the enclosure to exit by way of the drain. The material from which the enclosure is composed is of a color that is highly visible during the light of day and the material is also light reflective, enabling the protective enclosure to be readily seen when lighted by the light of automotive head lamps at night.

Abstract: An inventory information device for facilitating merchandise inventory control in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing defining a chamber therein. Means is provided for retaining the housing in assembly with a merchandise display shelf in order that inventory information provided on the device may be inspected by inventory control personnel. An inventory information element is movably received within the chamber of the housing and is capable of being moved from a retracted position where the element is substantially fully received within the housing, to an extended position, where the element is at least partially extended from the housing and exposing indicia that is present on the inventory information element. A recess is formed in the housing that is aligned with an aperture formed in a portion of the inventory information element in the retracted position of the inventory information element.

Abstract: An extendable and flexible trailer mechanism according to the present invention is adapted to be towed by a tractor on a roadway and the length of the trailer mechanism is adjustable between minimum and maximum lengths in order to accommodate loads of varying length. The trailer mechanism may include front and rear chassis means, the spacing of which may be varied by varying the position of a telescoping flexible connector element that has telescoping relationship with at least one of the chassis means. Each of the chassis means may be supported by separate wheel and axle assemblies that may be disposed in justaposed relation in the contracted condition of the trailer mechanism and may be disposed in spaced relation in the extended condition thereof.

Abstract: A linearly movable irrigation system, according to the present invention, may include a plurality of interconnected power driven irrigation sections supporting a water supply conduit which sections are capable of moving over a land area and depositing a controlled amount of water thereon. At one extremity of the irrigation system may be provided a mobile power and control unit that accepts water from a water supply system and conducts it to the overhead irrigation pipe under sufficient pressure to cause proper distribution of water through sprinkler devices located along the length of the irrigation conduit. A power driven pump may be supported by the power and control unit in order to pressurize or provide boosting pressure for the water received from the water supply. The power and control unit is adapted to move in proximity to an elongated reference which may be straight or curved as desired.

Abstract: A box-like kite formed of a single strut on which a pair of airfoils are pivotally connected in spaced relation. Each airfoil is constructed of a rectangular sheet of formed plastic folded into a generally triangular, hollow, open-ended box having curved walls.