Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for preparing the ends of large diameter metal pipe, such as that employed in cross-country pipelines, for welding of two pipe sections in end-to-end relationship with each other. Apparatus is provided for performing the method under which the pipe end to be prepared is first radially expanded uniformly around the entire circumference beyond its elastic limit to a predetermined diameter. While the expanding device holds the pipe end in this expanded position, a lathe aligned and associated with the expanding device is actuated to a machine beveled surface on the pipe end.

Abstract: A rotisserie is disclosed which includes a pair of supporting frames that rotatably support a cradle that has means for vertically adjusting the opposite ends of the rotating cradle so that the position of the cradle with respect to a source of heat may be varied. In the selected embodiment the cradle comprises a pair of end plates with a plurality of rods extending between the end plates for securing food to be cooked thereto and in which a selected number of the rods may be moved radially inward to clamp the food in position.

Abstract: A solar powered vehicle utilizing incident solar radiation to charge storage batteries for energizing an electric motor mounted within the vehicle. The solar panel comprises a lower panel mounted on an exterior surface of the vehicle and first and second upper panels pivotally connected on opposed sides to the lower panel and movable between a first inboard position overlaying the lower panel and a second outboard position in-line with the lower panel in which the lower panel and the first and second upper panels are disposed for receiving incident solar radiation. The first and second upper panels are releasably interlockable with the lower panel in a secure, spaced-apart position when the first and second upper panels are disposed in the first inboard position overlying the lower panel. A plurality of solar panels may be provided on the roof, hood and/or trunk of the vehicle.

Abstract: By contacting a combustible fluid fuels with a metallic medium, such as metallized pellets, the fuel efficiency of the fuel can be increased. The metallic medium is maintained at a temperature sufficiently low so as to not alter the fluid phase of the fuel, e.g. if liquid, it remains liquid. The metallic medium is, preferably, a noble metal, such as platinum.

Abstract: A telescoping, extensible fire escape chute is mounted on a vehicle carrying a telescoping boom having a passenger basket mounted at an upper end. The fire escape chute is formed of a plurality of telescoping sections which automatically extend and retract upon extension or retraction of the telescoping boom. In one embodiment, support cables under variable tension are attached to the sides of the chute to prevent sideways tipping of the chute during use. In another embodiment, pins and wedges are used with selected chute and boom sections to securely mount the chute to the boom as the boom is extended. In yet another embodiment, a scissor-action locking bolt with extensible and retractable links is used to releasably connect selected chute sections to the boom.

Abstract: A thermal wave imaging apparatus generates a real time image of the surface and subsurface of an opaque solid object. A.C. electrical signals indicative of the configuration of the surface and subsurface of the object which are generated during a thermal wave scan of the object by a first heating beam which generates a localized temperature gradient on the object and a deflectable second probe beam heating beam, which deflection is detected by a detection device mounted adjacent to the object, are stored in an image memory under the control of a central processor. A refresh counter generates sequential, incremental signals used to control the X and Y axis deflection of a display monitor. Such signals also address the image memory and generate output data controlling the intensity of the display point at each generated X and Y axis deflection point.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel assembly prepared by a process comprising the steps of:(a) Inserting a bicycle rim assembly comprising a central hub, a plurality of radially extending spokes joined to said hub at one end and a rim having a channular cross section joined to the opposed ends of the spokes into a mold cavity configured to form a bicycle tire around the rim;(b) Injecting a foamable polyurethane composition into said mold cavity;(c) Foaming and curing the polyurethane composition in the mold cavity; and(d) Cooling the so-foamed polyurethane composition to cause it to shrink fit around the rim.

Abstract: Metal parts, such as bolts, fasteners, and the like having improved corrosion resistance are obtained by (a) phosphating the metal part and, thereafter (b) coating the metal with an aqueous coating composition consisting essentially of: (1) a phosphating oil, (2) a siloxane which is either a polyalkylsiloxane or an alkylpolysiloxane, and (3) water.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder suitable for operation by the sportsmen's foot including a base to which a foot pedal is pivotally attached and a vertical support member affixed. The fishing rod holder has a fishing rod receiving member which is pivotally attached to a foot pedal and the support member. The weight of the fishing rod when mounted in the rod holder maintains the holder and rod in an essentially horizontal position. Pressure on the foot pedal counterbalance the weight of the fishing rod causing upward movement. Rapid depression of the foot pedal will set the fish hook. In the preferred embodiment, the fishing rod holder has spikes attached to the lower side of the base to firmly position the device and a set screw located on the fishing rod receiving member to securely attach the fishing rod to the device.

Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding helical gears or the like is formed with an extrusion passage having a predetermined draft by initially forming a blank with a central bore and frusto conical outer side surface coaxial with the bore. The formed blank is then forcibly pressed into a frusto conical bore in a die case. The frusto conical bore in the die case is tapered at an angle less than that of the outer surface of the die blank, thus when seated in the bore, radial compressive forces are applied to the blank which progressively increase in magnitude from the small diameter end of the blank to its large diameter end. While so compressed, helical gear teeth are cut into the wall of the central bore of the blank. Upon removal from the case, the blank metal expands radially to provide the machined central passage with the desired draft.

Abstract: A face badge reader is located in proximity with a lockable closure allowing access to a predetermined area and includes a first camera for scanning an individual's face, a receptacle for receiving an identification badge bearing the individual's photograph and a second camera for scanning the badge. The video signals are transmitted to a remotely located monitor for viewing comparison. The face badge reader receives inputs from sensor switches and push buttons and includes control devices for energizing a door strike release mechanism associated with the closure for unlocking the closure. A remotely located controller controls the selective unlocking of the closure and camera selection. The face badge reader and the controller include transmitters and receivers which communicate via digitally encoded control signals.

Abstract: A four bar linkage is movable from a first position to a second position by a continuous motion of a linear actuator. The linkage comprises a first leg and a second leg shorter than the first leg spaced from and parallel to the first leg in the first position. The first and second legs are supported at their lower end by being pivotally attached to a base, and the upper ends of the first and second legs pivotally support an upper platen at their upper end. The first and second legs, the base, and the upper platen comprise the elements of a four bar linkage. The linkage is translated from a first position where the first and second legs are parallel and extend vertically upward to a second position wherein the platen is rotated up to 90.degree. or more and is displaced laterally from the base and can face to the side and upward allowing access to the base and the upper platen from overhead.

Abstract: A leaf-type filter system in which a suction pump is employed to pump filtered fluid from a series of individual filter leaves is connected to the individual leaf chambers via fluid couplings located above the surface of fluid being filtered. The couplings are of inverted U-shape and have a sliding sealing fit with the vertical outlet tube of a leaf and a vertical receiving tube mounted in a manifold or header external of the main filter tank.

Abstract: A telescoping, extensible fire escape chute is mounted on a vehicle carrying a telescoping boom having a passenger basket mounted at an upper end. The fire escape chute is formed of a plurality of telescoping sections which automatically extend and retract upon extension or retraction of the telescoping boom. Support cables under variable tension are attached to the sides of the chute to prevent sideways tipping of the chute during use. A deflatable cushion is mountable on the vehicle below the lower end of the chute and includes a plurality of vertically stacked inflatable members which, during deflation when a person or object strikes the cushion, gradually slow movement of the person or object in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A three-level stacking container is formed with uniformly spaced openings extending downwardly from the upper edge of each of two opposed sidewalls of the container. The sidewalls take the form of a relatively thin planar web in which the openings are formed and each web is formed with three horizontal, vertically spaced shelves projecting forwardly from the rear edge of each opening. Stacking feet on the outer side of the web may be supported on a selected set of one of the three sets of shelves on an underlying like container, access to the two lower shelves being achieved by passing the feet of the upper container downwardly in the openings forwardly of the shelves. The lowermost of the three shelves constitutes the bottom edge of the opening and the front end of the next uppermost shelf projects forwardly beyond the front end of the uppermost of the three shelves.

Abstract: A locking cover apparatus for underground fuel tanks includes a cover having a depending annular flange mountable over the open end of a fuel tank filler tube. A lock is mounted on a boss secured to the bottom surface of the cover and rotates a plate between a locked position and an unlocked position. A plurality of lock bars are pivotally attached to the plate and are extensible and retractable through apertures in the depending flange and apertures in the filler tube for attaching and releasing the cover from engagement with the filler tube. First and second cover members respectively cover the lock and the boss in which the lock is mounted on the cover. Specially configured keys are insertable into cavities formed in the first and second cover members to permit authorized removal of the cover members from the cover.

Abstract: A gage block case includes a plurality of gage blocks mounted within the case, each gage block having opposed gage surfaces with a nominal dimension therebetween and a known deviation from the nominal dimension. Sensors associated with each gage block sense the removal of each gage block from the case. A signal generator provides a distinct signal corresponding to which gage block is removed from the case. A memory stores the known deviation of each gage block within the case. A control unit responsive to the signal generator addresses and retrieves from the memory the known deviation for each gage block which is removed from the case, combines the known deviation with the deviations of previously removed gage blocks and outputs the total deviation to a display device. In a second embodiment, the control unit selects and indicates which gage blocks are to be removed from the case to form a specified stack height input to the control unit.

Abstract: A container for storing and securing drawings. The container consists of an elongated tubular member that has a releasable cover at one end. The cover, which may be lockingly secured to the tubular member, contains a downwardly depending post upon which are secured one or more drawings that describe a specific piece of equipment to which the container is attached or located in close proximity. The drawings may be wrapped around the post and received within the tubular member which is enclosed by the cover.