Abstract: A flexible coupling for connecting a rotary drive to a rotary load where the respective axes are subject to angular or parallel misalignment. An input hub on the drive shaft is connected to an intermediate member through a tripodic connection assembly and the intermediate member is in turn connected to an output hub on the load shaft through another tripodic connection assembly. Each tripodic connection assembly comprises three flexible resilient elements in the form of strips generally arranged to form an equiangular triangle. The strips are each connected by rigid connections to one of the hubs at one of their ends and to the intermediate member at the other of their ends. The respective connections for corresponding ends of the strips are at three symmetrically spaced locations around a circumscribing circle. The strips are adapted to flex intermediate their ends during rotation of the drive and load to accommodate angular misalignment and/or parallel misalignment between the respective axes of the shafts.

Abstract: A method of assembling a dynamoelectric machine with the desired concentricity of the stator and rotor by mounting rotor bearings in loose supporting relationship with bearing brackets having a fixed relationship with the stator, and then locating the bearings in their respective brackets to support the rotor concentrically of the stator, and finally fixedly attaching the bearings to their brackets in their concentrically supportive positions.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for disposing of radioactive waste materials by placing them into a steel drum together with cement and water, mixing the contents, and then storing the drum for a period of time to permit partial decay of radioactive materials. Also disclosed are a decanting tank for forming a dispersion of radioactive resin particles and water in predetermined proportions, said tank having an internal mixer to effect stirring, means for sensing the levels of the water and the resin particles, and means for removing excess water by decanting.

Abstract: A padlock is disclosed having an outer case preferably of hardened steel and having no shackle or bow which can be sawed or broken off. The case has an opening for insertion of a staple and has a slide bolt which extends through the opening to engage the staple. The slide bolt is secured by a locking means which includes a lock sleeve located within a cylindrical bore in the case, the sleeve being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The slide bolt is attached to the sleeve and extends through the opening when the sleeve is in the locked position. The lock sleeve has a retractable locking member projecting from a hole in the wall of the sleeve. The locking member is capable of fitting within an indentation in the interior bore wall when in the locked position to hold the sleeve in the locked position and capable of retracting into the hole to free the sleeve when in the unlocked position. A lock cylinder is fixedly mounted within the shell.

Abstract: A perforated abrasive metal sheet is adapted for use instead of sandpaper in a reciprocating sander.

Abstract: A control system for use in central heating and air-conditioning installations to control the volumetric flow rate of conditioned air through a supply duct to an enclosed space to be serviced. The system is adapted to maintain a desired ambiant temperature in the enclosed space by regulating the circulation of conditioned air in accordance with the demand generated by prevailing conditions. An adjustable restrictor valve defining an orifice is located in the supply duct and sensors are provided to continuously measure the orifice diameter and the pressure drop across the orifice. Electronic circuitry is provided to generate a flow rate voltage signal representative of the product of the orifice diameter and the pressure drop across the orifice and to compare the flow rate voltage level with a fixed or temperature controlled reference voltage to obtain either an "increase" or "decrease" control voltage signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for charging material into a shaft furnace, such as a blast furnace. The apparatus includes gas lock means for introducing charge material into the furnace while the furnace is under gas pressure, and distributor means below the gas lock means that causes charge material to be deposited and distributed in the upper portion or throat of the furnace either toward the outer periphery of the cross section in the furnace bounded by the interior surface of the furnace wall or toward the center of such cross section, or in both places, to provide an upper surface or stockline of charge material that is essentially level or of any other desired shape within substantial limits.

Abstract: A system for checking and controlling a sequence of operations including a plurality of logic circuits corresponding to the number of operations. A bistable latch circuit has complementary outputs connected to inputs of two gates. A counter counts timing pulses and has its output connected to another input of each gate. If a signal is received by the latch indicating completion of an operation prior to the counter reaching a predetermined count, one gate provides a signal enabling the sequence of operations to continue. If the counter reaches the predetermined count prior to receipt of the signal by the latch, the other gate provides a signal to interrupt the sequence of operations.

Abstract: A lever-operated latching device for securing in endwise coupled relation a socket portion and mating shank of axially aligned auger sections of an auger mining machine. The latching device is designed to be of minimum radial dimension so as to fit in a hole of limited radial cross section bored by the auger machine, and includes a latch pin that reciprocates in a passage formed in the socket portion between an extended position in latching engagement with the shank and a retracted unlatching position. The pin is biased by a spring toward its extended position and is retractable by a lever that engages a retractor element on the pin and that also acts as limit means that prevents the pin from extending beyond its extended latching position against the force of the spring. Openings are provided to permit removal by the latch pin of debris that could impair operative movement of the latch pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning nuts to be welded to a base such as a steel sheet. The base is located between a pair of relatively movable welding electrodes, one of which has a retractable nut supporting and locating pin with a tapered shoulder, the pin being movable in the electrode and extending from its contact face. A nut is placed on the pin and locked onto the tapered shoulder. As the electrodes move together to a welding position the supporting and locating pin is depressed so that the nut comes into engagement with the contact face of the respective electrode. The nut is consequently freed from its taper lock on the supporting and locating pin as it is pressed against the base by the contact face of the respective electrode. Welding current is then passed between the electrodes through the nut and the base to weld the nut in place.

Abstract: A holder and display device for a socket wrench tool drive component such as a ratchet handle or the like. The drive component is of conventional design and has an operating head and a relatively thin elongated cylindrical stem portion connecting the head to a handle. The display and hanger device is formed of relatively thin flat rigid formable plastic material and has a rectangular opening at its lower end portion of sufficient size to permit positioning therein of the operating head with the stem portion extending downwardly therefrom. The opening is defined by two parallel side portions and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a semi-cylindrical hump formed therein with an inner diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the stem. A rectangular strip is initially formed contiguous with the bottom portion and with a semi-cylindrical hump formed therein corresponding in size and shape to the hump in the bottom portion.

Abstract: A shelter or seal structure for truck docks whereat the cargo body of a truck or trailer is loaded or unloaded. The doorway in a warehouse or the like, against which the end of the cargo body is backed is provided with an exterior perimetric compressible seal structure engageable with the back end of the cargo body along the top and opposite sides. The seal structure at the sides comprises in each instance an elongated upright compressible block formed, for example, of foam rubber or the like and affixed to the outside wall adjacent the doorway. The block has a base layer of plastic sheet secured to the outer-face and an outer strip of plastic sheet fastened to the base layer at spaced locations along horizontal seams to define bulges between the seams.

Abstract: A sawhorse which is easily assembled and is portable, light and compact when knocked-down. The sawhorse has a horizontal cross beam with several vertical, rectangular, hollow recesses extending from its bottom side. At least two pairs of legs are attached to the cross beam by inserting the ends of a pair of legs into a single vertical recess. Each leg has a wedge-shaped upper end allowing the pair of legs to be wedged into engagement with the recess. The sawhorse is made from a structural foam thermoplastic material, permitting the sawhorse to be light yet capable of supporting heavy loads. In addition the plastic will not rot, splinter, warp, or rust. A vertical brace may also be added between a pair of legs to provide additional stability to the structure.

Abstract: A ground wire monitoring circuit particularly adapted for use in connection with mining machinery that is supplied with alternating current through a flexible cable from a power source remote from the machine. The cable contains phase conductors, a ground wire and a pilot wire. The ground wire is energized through the pilot wire from a voltage derived from the alternating current power supply at the remote source. Any failure of the pilot wire or ground wire is detected by circuit means adjacent the remote power source and in the event of such failure the power circuit leading to the machine is immediately opened. The power circuit is opened in the event of failure of the ground wire even though there may be low resistance parallel ground paths between the machine frame and the remote power source.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and compacting waste material such as paper, fabrics, plastics, light metal, etc., for convenient disposal and for capturing particles of dust such as radiation contaminated particles, generated during the receiving and compacting operations. The apparatus is adapted to support a removable drum in which the waste material is loaded, subsequently compacted by a vertical ram and then disposed of. A cylindrical loading chamber over the drum has access doors that are closed during the compacting operation to define when closed a confined space through which the loaded waste material is guided during the initial portion of the compacting operation. An exhaust system communicating with the loading chamber draws off surrounding atmosphere during the compacting operation and includes filters for removing particles of dust and/or other contaminates entrained in the surrounding atmosphere. Particle laden filters are disposed of in a drum.

Abstract: A connection means between a part of a skeletal prosthesis such as a foot or hand and a cosmetic cover. A connecting link is fastened to the open front end of the cover with the surface of the connecting link extending transversely across the front end of the cover. The connecting link has at least two pin sockets running perpendicular and contiguous to its surface with a catch abutting one side of each socket. The link is preferably plate-shaped having a central portion projecting outwardly on one surface and recessed on the other with a central opening to permit passage of a skeletal member. A connecting plate is mounted on the foot or other working part of the prosthesis and has connecting pins for connection with the pin sockets.

Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint including a foot part having a plastic impregnated upper surface portion, an ankle part having a lower plastic impregnated articulation surface and a bifurcated joint connecting the two. The bifurcated joint has a lower part which contains an articulation axis and is connected into the foot part through the plastic impregnated surface portion of the foot part. The bifurcated joint also has an upper part generally U-shaped in cross-section which contacts the articulation axis from below. The upper part of the bifurcated joint is connected to the ankle part through the plastic impregnated recessed articulation surface of the ankle part. An elastic articulator is provided between the ankle part and the foot part and has a central opening for receiving the lower part of the bifurcated joint. The articulator has only a front dorsal projection and side rotation surfaces for cooperation with the plastic impregnated articulation surface of the ankle part.

Abstract: A unique rotary hermetic heat pipe is disclosed for transferring heat from an external source to an external heat sink. The heat pipe has a tapered condensing surface which is curved preferably to provide uniform pumping acceleration, the heat pipe being rotated at a velocity such that the component of centrifugal acceleration in an axial direction parallel to the tapered surface is greater than 1G and so that the condensing surface is kept relatively free of liquid at any attitude. The heat pipe may be incorporated in an air conditioning apparatus so that it projects through a small wall opening. In the preferred air conditioning apparatus, a hollow hermetic air impeller is provided which contains a liquefied gaseous refrigerant, such as freon, and means are provided for compressing the refrigerant in the evaporator region of the heat pipe.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed which removes an automobile ignition lock of the type having a keyway and opposed radial extending ears. The tool has an inner cylindrical core with opposed recesses along its sides which engage the ears of the lock and retain the core from turning. The core contains means for securing the core to the lock by insertion of a member, such as a screw, into the keyway of the lock. A hollow cylindrical housing fits over the core, and the forward edge of the housing bears against the lock enclosure or against a collor mounted around the lock enclosure if there is insufficient bearing surface on the enclosure. The lock removal is accomplished by means, such as a threaded rod and nut, for retracting the core into the hollow housing interior. The retracting core pulls the secured lock out of the lock enclosure. Removal of the lock is accomplished without the necessity of disassembling the steering column of the automobile.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for disposing of radioactive waste materials by placing them into a container such as a steel drum, together with cement or other solidifying agent and water or other suitable liquid in amounts sufficient to provide eventually a solidified mixture of predetermined amounts of cement or other solidifying agent and radioactive material, closing the drum, mixing the contents, and then storing the drum for a period of time. Also disclosed is a unique metering pump for delivering the radioactive dispersion to the drums in accurately measured quantities while preventing leakage from the radioactive side. The pump is mounted on a metal shield wall so that pump and valve parts can be removed for repair or maintenance from the safe side of the wall. The valves are independently operated by remote control to permit reverse operation for back flushing and flushing of the lines with clean water.