Abstract: A compartmented waste receptacle for segregating different types of waste, such as cans, paper, g=lass containers and the like. The receptacle has an upper compartment and a pair of lower compartments which are interconnected by two tubular chutes. The tubular chutes include a gasket located between the upper and lower compartments for limiting the speed within which the deposited articles land in the lower containers.

Abstract: A full motion color digital video signal is compressed, formatted for transmission, recorded on compact disc media and decoded at conventional video frame rates. During compression, regions of a frame are individually analyzed to select optimum fill coding methods specific to each region. Region decoding time estimates are made to optimize compression thresholds. Region descriptive codes conveying the size and locations of the regions are grouped together in a first segment of a data stream. Region fill codes conveying pixel amplitude indications for the regions are grouped together according to fill code type and placed in other segments of the data stream. The data stream segments are individually variable length coded according to their respective statistical distributions and formatted to form data frames.

Abstract: A holder and dispenser for knife blades which includes a sliding partition biased toward a discharge opening by rubber bands in a double loop configuration. The double looped configuration orients the rubber bands which loop around the back of the holder, and loop adjacent the front of the holder and loop around the back of the sliding partition. The rubber bands are oriented in slots or grooves in the holder and dispenser for protection. The sliding partition bias blades held in the holder toward a discharge slot through which blades are slid laterally.

Abstract: A knock-down type workbench including a three piece support structure assembly which may be assembled in rigid form entirely without the use of nails, screws or other fastening means. The knock-down workbench includes a plurality of table tops which have different functions and are interchangeable. The panels of the workbench are interlockingly stressed to create a structurally tight workbench held together by forces created by the interlocking parts. Thus, the workbench may be lifted or severely jolted without fear of it collapsing.

Abstract: A multi-pipe once-through boiler having at least one row of a plurality of circumferentially arranged pipes on which a plurality of fins are arranged in such a manner that the fins are in contact with the flow of the combustion gas in a substantially parallel maner. Elements are provided for increasing the heat transfer effect, such as slits in the fins, or an inclined arrangement of the fins, or pipes without fins at the region near to the inlet of the combustion gas passageway, are provided. Furthermore, a heat insulating member for decreasing operational noise as well as a cleaner device for blow-cleaning the combustion gas passageway are provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a holder for blades having a dispensing opening through which a single blade can be slideably ejected by either a sliding ejector or manual manipulation through a thumb slot. The blades within the holder are aligned by a free floating partition which is biased toward the dispensing opening by at least one rubber band formed in a double loop configuration. The double loop configuration orients the rubber band such that it loops around the back of the holder, loops adjacent the front of the holder, and loops around the back of the sliding partition. The ejector includes an extension to occlude the edge of a dispensed blade.

Abstract: A damper operator for use with a damper having a frame and a damper blade pivotally associated with the frame, which damper operator comprises a bi-metallic element provided with a heating pad which may be remotely activated to control the damper. The bi-metallic element is linked to the blade by a linkage which includes an over center spring which applies force in both the fully opened and fully closed blade position. The bi-metallic element and over center spring arrangement acts to snap the damper blade into position thereby providing greatly reduced response times for a bi-metallic actuated damper. The damper blade operator may also include a knee action locking arrangement to maintain the damper blade in a selected position, particularly fully opened or fully closed, when the locking members assume an over center, substantially longitudinal alignment. The bi-metallic operator may include a mechanical linkage or stop to allow blade adjustment to regulate air flow through the damper.

Abstract: A variable weight hand held exercise apparatus in the shape of a jump rope handle. The apparatus may be attached to a jump rope, providing variable weight handles or attached to hand straps providing variable weight hand held weights. The apparatus is hollow to allow a selected number of weights to fit snugly inside the handle. A removable end cap allows the user to easily vary the amount of weight added to the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically stacking battery plates and separators is disclosed. Battery plates and separators elements are alternately and automatically combined on a conveyor belt to form sandwiches wherein a plurality of such sandwiches are later assembled for use in battery cells. Prior to combining the elements, the plates and separators are arranged in respective chutes for access by pivotably mounted vacuum pickup heads, which cycle between the chutes and the conveyor belt. The vacuum pickup heads capture the topmost elements in the chutes irrespective of the height at which the plates and separators may be stacked therein. In order to access the elements within the chutes, a jet sensor is provided with the pickup head that acts as a proximity detector. When vacuum is not being utilized for pickup purposes, it is utilized in an environmental mode where it is used to remove lead dust and particles around the stacking area.

Abstract: A water temperature measuring device includes a temperature sensor which is located adjacent one end of an elongated member such as a hiking/wading staff or a fishing rod. A temperature readout device is located in the vicinity of the other end of the elongated member. The output of the temperature sensor is electrically coupled to the temperature readout device which is powered by an electric storage battery or a solar power supply contained in a handle of the hiking/wading staff or fishig rod. In another embodiment, the temperature readout device is located in a fishing reel which is mounted on the handle of the fishing rod. Mounting of the reel on the rod causes the making of electrical contact between the readout device and the temperature sensor and power source.

Abstract: A gang vent cap for commonly venting a plurality of cell apertures of a storage battery in which a vent cap having a cover and a base which define a selectively configured hollow enclosure. A venting path is defined within the hollow enclosure which interconnects one or more battery cell ports with the venting port of the vent cap. Associated with each battery cell port of the vent cap is a projecting battery engaging member which sealingly engages one of the cell apertures of a storage battery. Each cell port includes a splashguard disposed between the battery cell and the cell port to retard the ingress of battery acid into the vent cap. A cylindrical condensation chamber is defined within the hollow enclosure above each cell port to trap and condense battery acid contained in the gases venting from the battery cell. Pathways defined within the vent cap include primary and secondary acid retention chambers, a corridor system and a venting chamber.

Abstract: An intra-amniotic loop catheter which allows direct access to a free floating segment of the umbilical cord for direct blood sampling. The loop catheter is formed of a flexible, resilient material with a distal, hook shaped end which may be straightened by an insertion or a removal tool but which returns to a hook shape when released. The hook is adapted to be oriented around a free floating section of the umbilical cord to allow insertion of a blood sampling needle into the umbilical cord through an opening in the proximal region of the hook.

Abstract: A tamper evidencing closure for a container, such as a bottle, in which a tamper indicator is completely separated from the closure upon removal of the closure. The tamper indicator is separated from the closure as the closure is removed from the container by contact between the tamper indicator and a finish on the container. The tamper indicator may form a product outlet in the closure when it is separated from the closure.

Abstract: A storage battery shrink wrap enclosure which includes foam pads to protect battery terminals and vent covers, and an outer form fitting shrink wrap covering. The enclosure allows batteries to be stacked, reduces potential for user contact with acid, and provides access to battery terminals for testing the battery charge level or boost charging the battery. The enclosure also includes a handle to facilitate battery handling and installation.

Abstract: A non woven fire blocking seat fabric particularly suited for aircraft applications is disclosed. The fabric is a nonwoven, multiplied flame resistant fabric comprised of at least two felted plies, each ply being further comprised of fibers selected from the group consisting of aramid fibers, polybenzimidazole fibers, and phenolic fibers, wherein the combined percentage by weight of said aramid and phenolic fibers is approximately 80% by weight of said felted ply with the aramid fibers being present in the range of about 10% to 60% and the phenolic fibers being present in the range of about 20% to 70%.; and the plies are united into a single fabric by fibers which are needled from the respective ply into the other ply. In the preferred fabric a stabilized woven scrim is positioned between the plies of the fabric. In the preferred fabric the scrim is of glass material.

Abstract: A fishing reel having shiftable concentrically-mounted gears engageable with each other via respective gear core members, with one core member of one gear having at least one perpendicular projection which is receivable by at least one well disposed in the core member of the other gear to thereby accomplish engagement of the two gears.