Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing rotation of bottles in a capping machine while caps are screwed onto bottle necks with capper heads which develop slight axial forces. An especially configured stationary guide member develops an off-center, mechanical force on the shoulder of the bottle which produces an anti-rotation frictional force at the bottle base while wedging the bottle into frictional engagement with an especially configured neck pocket in the capper star wheel. The guide and neck pocket are shaped to maintain the bottle in axial alignment with the capper head while the cap is started onto the bottle neck which support is removed when the cap is tightened so that the aforedescribed pocket frictional engagement can occur.

Abstract: A direct venting system for an indoor domestic type water heater vents the combustion chamber of the water heater directly with the outdoor atmosphere by means of natural convection both to supply incoming combustion air and to expel flue gases. A conduit assembly extends from an indoor end associated with the water heater to an outdoor end in communication with the outdoor atmosphere, and provides continuous combustion air inlet and flue gas outlet plenums to isolate the combustion chamber of the water heater from the indoor room air.

Abstract: There is provided a composite sheet stock for convection heating of the surface of a food items, such as a pizza, by microwave energy. The composite sheet stock includes a layer of metal foil, such as aluminum, adhered to a microwave susceptor sheet stock having a dielectric support layer and a heater layer of microwave interactive material allowing passage of microwave energy as it is heated thereby whereby the foil is heated by conduction from the susceptor stock when the susceptor stock is subjected to microwave radiation.

Abstract: An improved medical needle is disclosed which has a bioabsorbable gelatin cutting or puncturing tip formed therein. The gelatin characteristic renders the needle incapable of penetration after initial use. Additionally, the gelatin partially dissolves to leave a coating on the punctured tissue margin which acts to minimize hemorrhaging complications. Hemorrhaging complications are alternatively addressed by a non-bioabsorbable in situ sheath positioned at the punctured tissue site which compresses the tissue.

Abstract: An especially configured, ringless, container-lid, design is disclosed having improved sealing characteristics applicable to paint containers for the consuming public. The rim portion of the container is provided with a tapered, especially shaped wall section terminating in a circular bead which is received in a sealing groove in the lid. The wall section flexes to maintain the seal established between the lid and the bead while sufficiently rigidized to prevent collapse of the container's sidewall. The design disclosed permits easy modification of the container for serially stacking thereof.

Abstract: A lap joint structure for adjoining panels of a sheet metal roofing assembly permits shifting of the joint panels longitudinally and transversely with respect to the joint as caused by thermally induced expansion and contraction, as well as providing a securely anchored connection of the panels to the roof substrate. Two adjacent panels are rigidly connected to one another, an underlying cleat is rigidly connected to the roof substrate, and the two joined panels are securely connected to the cleat with clearance allowed for thermally induced movements of the panels across the substrate.

Abstract: A motor vechicle steering wheel lock for mounting diametrically across the rim of the steering wheel and having an extended portion adapted to block complete rotation of the steering wheel has locking means which simplify and reduce the number of manual manipulation required to mount and remove the steering wheel lock. A locking means is provided to permit only axial extension of the elongated steering wheel lock when in the locked condition, and to permit axial contraction of the elongated steering wheel lock only when in the unlocked condition.

Abstract: A stressing element of fiber composites is disclosed as well as a process and device for the stressing and anchorage of such a stressing element, in which the stressing element ends are embedded in synthetic resin mortar in a transversely-corrugated anchoring or stressing sleeve, which deforms during stressing and allows cracks caused by stretching of the stressing bars inside the sleeve, which cracks divide up the anchorage body over a part of its length into slices and thereby allow a movement of the stressing bars under a vibrational loading effect. After stressing, the stressing bars of the stressing elements can be anchored by anchorage mortar introduced directly into encasing tube widenings.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, which apparatus comprises an anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with the selected surface of the workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least about 0.050 inches, means for supporting this anode in a fixed position to define the elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through the gap in a generally closed path at a velocity to exchange electroplating solution in the gap at a rate of at least 25 times per minute; and, means for applying current flow between the selected workpiece surface and the active surface of the anode through the gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in.sup.2. The invention also involves the method of using this apparatus to rapidly deposit metal, such as nickel, onto the inner cylindrical surface of a bore on a complex part such as an aircraft landing gear forging.

Abstract: Polyethylene float drums are constructed as modules, in various configurations, and then assembled into various modular systems to float a variety of structures. All float drum modules utilize at least one flat, perpendicular side wall to insure accurate assembly of the float drum modules into a flanged load bearing modular float assembly having desired float characteristics.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch system includes a fault detect circuit for sensing a short between the electrode and the nozzle and disabling the power supply when the short is sensed. A sensing circuit within the torch cable is provided for actuating the fault detect circuit when the cable is severely punctured. The sensing circuit includes a foil embedded within the cable which circumscribes the main conductor to which a drain lead is connected. The drain lead senses a short between the foil and main conductor from a penetrating foreign object and actuates the fault detect circuit. Additionally, the fault detect circuit is effective in combination with a unique continuity interlock circuit disclosed to insure a safe torch. Further, a rectified control circuit is provided to maintain a stable arc preventing erosion of the nozzle and subsequent exposure of the electrode.

Abstract: A track-adjusting wheel for farming tractors and the like, is disclosed, in which the screw connection of the adjustable wheel dish to the rim designed as a drop-well rim (Dw rim) is made via retaining brackets which are positively supported on the drop-well flanks in the axial direction and which are connected to the rim via welding seams extending in the peripheral direction of the rim. The positive connection absorbs the axial forces, so that the welding seams are relieved of these forces.

Abstract: A forced draft direct vent system is provided for an indoor domestic type gas water heater having an atmospheric burner. The forced draft system permits adaptation of the water heater as a combined water heater and space heater in a compact continuous upright arrangement of components.

Abstract: A water heater having the inner door that closes the inner access opening leading into the combustion chamber formed as a component part of a unitary manifold assembly which also includes the main burner with its manifold gas supply tube, the pilot burner with its gas supply tube, and the pilot burner control thermocouple with its support tube. The inner door thus may not be removed for servicing of the water heater unless the complete manifold assembly is removed from the inner access opening, in which case the water heater is then rendered inoperative and incapable of main burner ignition to produce burner flames which could otherwise spill-out through an uncovered inner access opening left open by an unreplaced inner door. The inner door component of the manifold assembly has a pilot burner lighting port which is normally closed off by a spring loaded door and which also enables observation of the pilot and main burner flames.

Abstract: A semi-continuous pyrolysis arrangement is disclosed which is particularly useful in the reclamation of a base material in a substantially pure form from a composite material which has organic compounds. The furnace base barrier free zones wherein the waste material is continuously pyrolyzed as it is indexed through the furnace and each zone is controlled in a preset manner established from pyrolyzing a sample waste specimen under controlled conditions. Preferably, the waste is containerized as a particulate solid in discrete static beds permitting a fan exhaust arrangement to establish convective heat transfer with the bed while also establishing the furnace zones. An exothermic zone is provided at the end of the furnace to remove fixed carbon from the pyrolyzed waste by bleeding substoichiometric amounts of air in an oxygen temperature controlled manner to permit recovery of the waste in a substantially pure form.

Abstract: Concrete fender pile having prestressing members (19, 20) of elongated, high-strength fiber composite elements (21) with a low modulus of elasticity which, during a ramming impact (p), permit a large elastic deflection of the fender pile (14) and are insensitive to aggressive environmental effects.

Abstract: A display stand for water heaters presenting information in an orientation easily read by a prospective purchaser is disclosed. The display stand is comprised of three flat panels, a top panel engaging the top of a water heater, a presentation panel, presenting information at an orientation slightly inclined with vertical and a stand off panel at the bottom of the presentation panel holding the presentation panel at a specific angle with respect to vertical and slightly away from the body of the water heater.

Abstract: An improved cast cylinder head for a high performance internal combustion engine is provided by an especially configured quench surface from which a contoured combustion chamber extends having a metal mass buildup shrouding the exhaust gases through the exhaust valve seat. A metal mass buildup configuration is also provided about the intake valve seat which acts in conjunction with an especially configured and proportioned valve intake passage to draw the fuel-air mixture into the combustion chamber in an unshrouded, helical flow pattern. The intake passageway configuration is such that a rich fuel-air mixture is drawn through the intake valve seat at a portion thereof remote from said exhaust valve seat while a lean fuel-air mixture exits the intake valve seat adjacent the exhaust valve seat. Positioning the fuel-air mixture in such a manner in combination with the unshrouded metal mass buildup minimizes short-circuiting of the fuel through the exhaust valve seat in a valve overlap condition.

Abstract: Closed circuit emergency breathing apparatus is disclosed which is comprised of concentrically associated oxygen container and scrubber components, and a flow control valve assembly mounted on the open end of the compressed oxygen container and against the corresponding end of the scrubber. All valve functions are performed by valve components provided in a common support arrangement by which the valve assembly is mounted on the compressed oxygen container and structurally interrelated with the corresponding end of the scrubber. Breathing hose, pressure gauge and burst valve components are also mounted on the common support, and a breathing bag is mounted on the scrubber between the opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: A drain cleaner machine having a drain cleaning cable storage drum rotatable on an axle which is fixedly mounted on the machine frame or chassis. The drum is provided with releasable retainer mechanism for positively locking the drum in place on the axle for rotation thereon while being quickly releasable to free the drum for easy removal from the axle.