Abstract: An improved dynamic current interruption-type flashover indicator responsive to lightning strikes for releasing from the tip of arc horns located on power transmission towers and for interrupting the resulting dynamic current. The present invention utilizes a uniquely designed propellant having a formed center hole extending the longitudinal length of the propellant and containing therein a fuse wire extending from a separation plate at one end and engaging an inserted pin at the other end. When lightning strikes, the resulting arc is lead into and throughout the formed center hole by the fuse wire, the fuse wire melts and the temperature of the arc causes the propellant to vaporize uniformly into steam and the resulting gaseous force causes the indicator to become rocket-like and to suddenly leave the tip of the arc horn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for attaching facing pieces to building structures in predetermined horizontal row and vertical tier arrangements. This method and apparatus is particularly well-suited for mounting removable marble face stones to crypt vaults in mausoleums. Anchor blocks are set in the structure in predetermined vertical and horizontal alignment positions and mounting bolts upon which the facing pieces hang are inserted into the anchor blocks. The mounting bolts are characterized by their ability to produce an eccentric motion which is used to cam the facing piece horizontally or vertically and thereby providing means for making small adjustments necessitated by the fact that the building structure and/or the face pieces have slightly irregular dimensions. Shims are used to make adjustments in the third dimension.

Abstract: A pump primarily intended for use in a portable ventilator. The pump includes a piston-cylinder arrangement in which the piston is reciprocally moved within the cylinder by rotating a shaft. The shaft is threaded and mounted for rotation within the cylinder at a fixed location along the axis of the cylinder. The piston has an aperture through its center and the shaft extends substantially between the end walls of the cylinder and through the center of the piston. The piston is held against rotation relative to the shaft and cylinder by a collapsible hinge and is attached to the shaft by an arrangement including a ball nut and sealing nut. The piston forms a variable volume, working chamber with one end of the cylinder and in operation, the shaft is selectively rotated to move the piston toward and away from the end wall. This positioning of the shaft within the cylinder reduces the overall size of the pump and specifically adapts it for use in a portable ventilator in which size limitations are critical.

Abstract: This invention involves methods and apparatus relating to the assembly and structure of a dot matrix print head. The invention includes a single unit, coil assembly of a bobbin, coil, and clapper which can be removeably placed as a unit among fixed pole pieces and yoke members in the print head. The print head also includes a supporting arrangement for the coil assemblies which automatically aligns the clapper of each coil assembly with the impact end of one of the print wires during the assembly of the print head. Other disclosed features of the invention are novel designs for the wire guide members, a heat sink member, and mounting structure by which the print head is attached to the main guide and rail guide bearings of the printing mechanism.

Abstract: A process for selectively extracting and ultimately recovering copper from acidic chloride solutions containing the same wherein an acidic chloride solution containing copper is initially contacted with an extractant to selectively extract copper, as copper chloride, therefrom. The loaded extractant is contacted with a suitable aqueous stripping solution to strip copper therefrom. Thereafter, the pregnant aqueous stripping solution is contacted with an active hydrogen ion exchange extractant, such as hydroxy oxime, a beta diketone or mixture thereof dissolved in an inert organic carrier solvent. The active hydrogen ion exchange extractant selectively extracts copper from the pregnant aqueous stripping solution with hydrochloric acid being formed.

Abstract: The present invention involves a central pivot assembly for a self-propelled, center-pivot irrigation system. The assembly includes an hydraulic slip ring arrangement, a pivot arrangement, and a support arrangement for the pivot pipe of the irrigation system. The hydraulic slip arrangement includes first and second concentrically positioned rings which permit hydraulic fluid to continuously flow along out and return paths between a stationary source and the moving, pivot pipe. The pivot arrangement of the present invention includes a pivot bar, sleeve member slideably positioned about the pivot bar and fixedly secured to the pivot pipe, and pillow blocks which slideably receive the ends of the pivot bar. This arrangement allows the pivot pipe to move in vertical planes to accommodate the up and down motion of the distribution pipe as it revolves about the central axis of the system.

Abstract: A solar heat collector having an elongated housing, a segmented absorber plate, inlet and outlet header pipes fluidly connected by a plurality of riser pipes for conducting heat transfer fluid through the collector, multilayered insulation for minimizing heat losses from the collector and at least one segmented, arcuate transparent cover for allowing passage of solar radiation therethrough while isolating the interior of the collector from the elements. The multilayered insulation is constructed so as to withstand temperatures of about 400.degree. F. without any attendant thermal degradation.

Abstract: A transport system for a dot matrix printing mechanism including an improved overall design for the transport system and improved designs for individual elements of the system and combinations of elements. The overall design of the present invention uses snap fits extensively throughout for ease of assembly and disassembly, integrates many previously separate parts into one-piece members, employs common part designs wherever possible, and uses single parts to perform multiple functions wherever possible. For examples, the strike bar and ribbon frame of the present invention are combined into one piece and the ribbon cartridge is releasably mounted to the ribbon frame using one end of a latch member while the other end of the latch member is used to bias a pressure roller against the paper advancing roller. The overall design also includes a common drive train interconnected between the moving parts of the transport system whereby all of the moving parts can be powered by a single motor.

Abstract: A highly efficient class-B current source audio amplifier with little heat generation having one amplifier half fixedly biased with the other amplifier half slave biased to the first. Each amplifier half contains a tandem chain of unmatched transistors. The first amplifier half has separate ambient and load temperature controls to substantially minimize distortion due to any change in the operating characteristics of the transistor chains and to substantially minimize the possibility of power transistor failures due to overheating.

Abstract: A specialty hand tool primarily for removing upholstery trim buttons from their spring steel retainers in an efficient and effective manner without destroying the ability of the retainers to be reused immediately. The tool has two elongated members pivotally mounted to each other in a general plier configuration. One of the opposing jaw members of the tool has a substantially flat surface with a dimple therein for engaging the apex of the trim button stud. The second jaw member is bifurcated into two, free-standing portions which straddle the shaft of the trim button stud. The second jaw members has first and second generally U-shaped edges of different sizes which are spaced from each other with the larger of the two edges being positioned closer to the first jaw member. An inclined surface extends between the two U-shaped edges giving the second jaw member an overall appearance of a horseshoe-shaped or open-ended sport's arena when viewed head on.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selectively adjusting the stiffness of a ski using prestressed, curved rod members. The rod members are positioned lengthwise of the ski in bores and the stiffness of the ski can be selectively adjusted by rotating the rod members about their longitudinal axes. For a stiff ski, each rod member is rotated so that the prestressed curve faces upwardly and for a soft ski, each rod member is rotated so that the prestressed curve faces downwardly. By rotating the rod members between these extremes, intermediate degrees of stiffness can be obtained. One or more rod members can be used and when plural rod members are used, the stiffness of the ski can be adjusted both lengthwise and crosswise. Indicating means are provided for showing the rotational position of each rod. The rod members can be placed directly in drilled out bores in the ski, in drilled out bores of a housing which can then be inserted in the ski, or in tubes mounted within or atop the ski.

Abstract: The present invention involves a portable taping tool for applying tape over joints in wallboard, sheet rock, gypsum board, drywall, and the like. The taping tool has a main frame which has a dispensing chamber for joint compound, a mounting for a roll of tape, main rollers, a second roller, and a tape cutting blade. In one embodiment, the second roller is a corner roller that not only creases the tape but also squares it in the corner. In another embodiment, the second roller is a substantially cylindrical roller which has a slightly concave shape to its working surface. The cylindrical, second roller is used to apply tape over flat joints and its slightly concave shape serves to concentrate the joint compound towards the middle of the tape so that joint compound will be more evenly distributed when the tape is wiped down. The second roller of each of these embodiments can be rigidly supported in a forward, extended position or spring biased in a forward, extended position.

Abstract: A method for installing solar collector panels as part of the roof of a building. Chalk lines are scribed on the roof to define the center of each vertical roof joist and to define the upper and lower extremes of the roof over which the solar collector panels are to be mounted. Upper and lower mounting brackets are aligned along the upper and lower horizontal scribed chalk lines and are attached through the roof to the joists as determined by the vertical chalk lines. Vertical rails are then mounted between the upper and lower brackets, aligned over the vertically scribed lines and mounted to the joists. One or a plurality of the solar collector panels are then installed between the vertical rails and between the upper and lower brackets. Cover and weather sealing plates are then installed to protect the mounting system and the solar collector panels from the environment.