Abstract: A releasable link is mounted on the wall of a duct, plenum, chamber or the like. The link releases in response to a predetermined increase of temperature within the duct. The link is resettable without having to gain access to the interior of the duct. In addition, the link can be released manually or remotely from the outside. In another embodiment, in addition to being resettable as well as manually and/or remotely releasable from the outside, the link is releasable in response to a predetermined temperature increase occurring either within or outside of the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating paired battery plates into individual plates is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus has an improved alignment means which assures that the plates are separated about a fixed centerline. The apparatus is also suited for separating a plurality of stacked plates in a single cycle.

Abstract: An industrial battery cell lifting apparatus which includes an outer framework to which are attached, and adjustably spaced from each other, two endplate members. Inflatable bags are attached to the insides of the endplate members and the bags are connected by tubing through a control valve to a fluid source suitable to inflate the bags. Suitable lift members, such as eye bolts, are connected to the endplate members so that cables may be attached thereto for lifting the entire framework and endplate members. The battery cell to be lifted is positioned between the inflatable bags and is held securely in that position by inflating the bags. To release the battery cell, the bags are deflated. The bags may also be covered with a protective covering.

Abstract: A vented battery cap is provided which is adapted to engage at least one of a plurality of fill holes in an automotive storage battery or similar lead acid battery and which has pressure release means for venting the combustible gases produced within that storage battery under conditions such as ovecharge conditions into the atmosphere. The cap itself is comprised of substantially two portions, a base member which fits into at least one of the fill holes and a top member which snap-fits through the base member. The pressure release means comprises a plurality of extremely narrow slits on both the top and underside of the cap which have widths in the order of 0.003 to 0.005 of an inch. The remainder of the battery cap is tightly sealed to prevent any extraneous leaks of battery gases received form the automotive battery form leaking into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Method for injecting molten lead from a reservoir into a die mold cavity formed about an aperture in the wall of a plastic battery for casting lead-alloy battery terminal connectors. Batteries are positioned adjacent the molten lead reservoir of the apparatus and mold portions move together to hold the battery containers in a clamp-like action. Molten lead is die cast under pressure into the mold cavity in which a stainless steel threaded nut is positioned. The lead is forced through a heated chamber into a portion of the mold which may be water cooled. The mold is designed to allow venting of gases, thereby eliminating porosity; and the apparatus is designed to provide casting which is free of jagged projections in the sprue hole. The aperture in the battery wall is surrounded by a series of plastic annular rings extending outward from the battery wall but being a part thereof. The molten lead surrounds the annular rings and fills the spaces therebetween when it is injected into the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the sequential testing of series connected lead-acid storage batteries for short circuits between plates of opposite polarity within a cell and for electrical continuity between cells of said battery is disclosed. The apparatus comprises power and control circuitry working in conjunction with a terminal block containing a plurality of pins which are connected to the intercell lugs on the positive and negative straps which when welded together form the intercell connections within the battery. Within this block, the pins are partially wired together so that if there is complete continuity of the intercell welds a continuous electrical circuit is formed. Midway in the electrical wiring is a blocking diode which acts to permit the passage of a DC test current in only one direction. If a positive polarity voltage is impressed on the cathode side of the diode, current will only flow if there is a short circuit between plates of opposite polarity within the cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically removing flash from a plastic weld bead formed around the outer periphery of a heat seal juncture between a plastic cover and container of a lead-acid battery cell. The container and cover are automatically positioned with respect to a first set of spaced, heated platens, which are then driven laterally across a first pair of opposed surfaces of the cell along the weld beads formed on these surfaces. The cell is then automatically positioned with respect to a second set of spaced, heated platens, which are then driven longitudinally across a second pair of opposed surfaces of the cell along the weld beads on these surfaces, whereupon the cell is automatically removed.

Abstract: A novel damper kit is described wherein blade stock having a hook-shaped hinge portion formed therein, and notched angle bracket stock having periodically spaced hook-shaped hinge elements formed therealong can easily be cut and assembled at the job site to custom fit and install a damper in a duct, opening, or plenum.

Abstract: An improved manifold vented battery cover is disclosed. The disclosed battery cover has an improved manifold construction which is defined by the assembly of mated inner and outer members. In addition, the disclosed cover includes an external terminal post having a repositioning portion encapsulated within the mated inner and outer members.

Abstract: An expandable filing container which has a front panel, a back panel and an expandable connecting panel connecting the front and back panels. Hinged panels or flaps are positioned inside at each end of the container near the connecting panel. When the connecting panel is expanded to accommodate material in the container, the flaps are folded toward the connecting panel and are positioned between the front and back panels. A plurality of different degrees of expansion of the connecting panel, and flaps may be positioned at various locations inside the container to divide the container into compartments.

Abstract: A container for a lead-acid battery includes novel venting means in the form of louvers which are formed by a flange extending downward toward a tray from the perimeter of a tray cover. The flange covers and protects an open space formed between cover support members which extend upwardingly from the side walls of the tray. A novel arrangement of the battery output terminals within the container minimizes the possibility of short circuits developing between the terminals and the container.

Abstract: In a system which includes a blower for pnuematically off-loading solid particulate matter from an over-the-road carrier, such as a dry bulk tractor/trailer combination, the blower is integrated into the undercarriage of the tractor. The blower is rigidly suspended below a main frame member of the tractor by a bracket which positions the center of gravity beneath the frame member while maintaining the blower in a vertical position with respect to the undercarriage such that the lowest portion of the blower does not extend below the lowest portion of the undercarriage.

Abstract: A lighted hand mirror includes a case member having a battery, electric lights and a switch therein. Pivotally connected to the case member is a cover member of complementary peripheral configuration which carries a mirror thereon and light diffusing means adjacent thereto which overlies the electric lights when the cover is in place over the case member. A cam carried by the hinge between the case and cover members engages the switch to turn the same on or off. A tab extends from the cam to allow it to be manually and selectively pivoted between the on and off positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cylindrical container which is slit longitudinally and is designed to receive kindling material thereinside. The container is opened along the slit and lined with paper that extends beyond and folds back over the ends of the cylinder when it is closed. Fastening members keep the cylinder closed along the slit when in use, and cutout portions are provided through the cylinder through which tape can be affixed to the newspaper so that it will not fall apart when the cylinder is opened. Kindling material is simply inserted into the paper-lined cylinder from either end to form a kindling bundle. When the bundle is completed, the ends of the paper are unfolded away from the cylinder; the fastening members are released; the cylinder is opened; and the paper wrapped bundle is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A novel "cast-on" method and apparatus are disclosed wherein in the preferred embodiment only one major moving part is provided which is indexed through various positions to cast a group or element from a battery plate stack engaged thereby. In the preferred embodiment, a mold carriage block having a plurality of mold voids formed therethrough slidingly reciprocates along a base plate on which are defined fluxing (loading), casting and part-release positions. In the casting position, lead gravitationally siphons into the mold voids defined in the mold carriage through molten lead supply orifices defined in the base plate along which the carriage slides. Once the casting operation is completed, sliding the carriage out of the casting position effectively seals the molten lead supply orifices. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for use by a single operater who manually loads stacks into the apparatus and subsequently unloads completed groups or elements from the apparatus.

Abstract: A novel operator is disclosed for use in combination with a butterfly fire and volume control damper, which operator may be concealed behind a standard concentric diffuser. Only a screwdriver aperture need be provided in the diffuser to facilitate volume adjustment or resetting of the bufferfly damper. In response to excessive heat in the vicinity of the damper, or alternatively, in response to a remote signal received by the operator, the blades of the damper will move to their fully closed position. Once activation conditions have passed, a screwdriver is used to reset the damper to resume its volume control function.

Abstract: A storage battery has a temporary side terminal cast integrally with the permanent side terminal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel electrode construction for use in extrusion-fusion type battery intercell welders, which alters the current carrying characteristics of the electrodes and produces a homogeneous weld exhibiting a superior grain structure, higher strength, and superior durability.

Abstract: A motor driven cup member is mounted on a support structure for rotation about a vertical axis. The support structure also houses and supports the motor and the power supply for the motor. The cup is divided into two sections, the upper section including a brush element lining the interior wall thereof and the lower section being adapted to contain a supply of nail polish remover solution. An electric switch supported by the support structure is operated with one hand while the fingers of the other hand are inserted, one at a time, into the cup to remove the nail polish from the nails thereof. A cover adapted to enclose the support structure includes a seal which seals against the top of the cup thereby preventing evaporation of the solution.

Abstract: An optic art kit is disclosed comprising one or more pieces of a pre-cut frame material (a section of which is constructed with an internal light source), a sheet of abradable material, a one scriber having engraving and abrasive portions, several triangular supports for freestanding assembly, and line drawings or other pictorial material for use as a pattern when abrading the sheet material. The pre-cut frame material is extruded from plastic and has a flat base, substantially perpendicular side portions and rounded top portions which terminate in parallel spaced apart clamping flanges which engage opposing sides of the sheet material. This frame material is preferably mitered so that it may adhere to all the edges of the sheet material to frame the sheet or, alternatively, to cooperate with one or more triangular supports to create a freestanding assembly. The resulting kit produces a professional, attractive edge-lit product which may be used for decoration or to provide information.