Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting the number of cycles of a sensor signal and of a reference signal that occur during respective time intervals associated with a sampling interval defined by a sample signal. Sensor and reference gate signals are produced and respectively define sensor and reference intervals. The sensor interval begins and ends synchronously with respect to the sensor signal, and the reference interval begins and ends synchronously with respect to the reference signal. The sensor, reference and sampling intervals are approximately coextensive with one another. Cycles of the sensor and reference signals are counted during the sensor and reference intervals, respectively. The process may be repeated for a plurality of successive sampling intervals.

Abstract: A visual guide for sharpening chain saw teeth. Magnetic material is affixed to one leg of an elongated member having an L-shaped cross section. The magnetic material is affixed to the external portion of the leg such that when the device is magnetically attached to a chain saw blade, the other leg of the device will extend away from and parallel to the chain saw blade. Markings are formed on the upward-facing portion of the second leg indicating the correct angle for applying a circular file to the cutting edge of the chain saw tooth. Notches are formed on the device for use as a template in gauging the proper shape of the chain saw tooth being filed.

Abstract: A device for securing a number of cartridges in proper position for rapid insertion into a firearm cylinder. A substantially annular flat member is formed with several semicircular resilient bands. Each band flexes to accommodate a cartridge that is forced into the recess formed by the bands. The bands wrap around a portion of the cartridge's circumference securely holding it in place. Gaps between each recess allow the holder to alter its overall circumferential shape to adapt to minor variations in manufactured firearm cylinders.

Abstract: In a jet engine in which the engine cowling includes an inlet cowl and an engine containment case and in which at least a portion of the interior surface of the inlet cowl is covered by an acoustic treatment material, a system for attaching the inlet cowl to the engine containment case icludes an attachment ring that is substantially U-shaped in cross section having a web and first and second legs extending orthogonally from the web. The first leg abuts an engine flange that is a part of the engine containment case. The first leg and engine flange are secured to one another by threaded fasteners. The web is attached to the acoustic treatment material by fasteners that pass through the web and the acoustic treatment material. The acoustic treatment material is effective up to the interface between the inlet cowl and the engine containment case.

Abstract: A chemical heat pump and storage system employs sulfuric acid and water. In one form, the system includes a generator and condenser, an evaporator and absorber, aqueous acid solution storage and water storage. During a charging cycle, heat is provided to the generator from a heat source to concentrate the acid solution while heat is removed from the condenser to condense the water vapor produced in the generator. Water is then stored in the storage tank. Heat is thus stored in the form of chemical energy in the concentrated acid. The heat removed from the water vapor can be supplied to a heat load of proper temperature or can be rejected. During a discharge cycle, water in the evaporator is supplied with heat to generate water vapor, which is transmitted to the absorber where it is condensed and absorbed into the concentrated acid. Both heats of dilution and condensation of water are removed from the thus diluted acid.

Abstract: A stationary exercise apparatus intended to simulate the action of pedaling a bicycle includes a base and a flywheel mounted on the base for rotation about a vertical axis. The flywheel is coupled in driven relationship to a pair of pedal cranks mounted on the base. The pedal cranks are mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis as in a conventional bicycle. Preferably, the flywheel is mounted directly below the pedals on a shaft whose upper end is formed to be a worm, the worm being driven by a drive gear attached to the pedal cranks. The orientation and location of the flywheel add to the stability of the exercise device as well as aiding in the outward appearance of the device.

Abstract: An information system for communicating information from each of a plurality of separate locations to each of a plurality of mobile objects includes a beacon at each location and a beacon triggering and detecting apparatus mounted on each object. Each beacon triggering and detecting apparatus is assigned a predetermined and unique time window within a common system cycle. During the initial portion of its window, the beacon triggering and detecting apparatus transmits a trigger signal at a frequency f.sub.1, with the trigger signal as transmitted having a substantially constant amplitude and with frequency f.sub.1 being chosen so that the intensity of the trigger signal decays as the cube of radial distance from the object. If the object is within a predetermined beacon trigger range of a location, the beacon at that location detects the trigger signal and transmits a beacon signal at a frequency f.sub.2 (substantially greater than frequency f.sub.

Abstract: A structural framework (20) is constructed from primary members (22) that are interconnected in adjacent side-by-side relationship by an expanable, unitary fastener member (26) receivable within the aligned slots (28) formed in the primary members (22). The fastener members (26) are enlargeable to occupy the entire volume of the primary member slots (28) to securely lock the primary members together. The primary members (22) may be secured together to form a frame structure (20) in a desired shape since the swaging effect imposed on the fastener members when they are enlarged causes the fastener members to retain the shape of the primary members (22).

Abstract: A dual-mode ratchet wrench usable in either a reciprocating or a nonreciprocating mode is disclosed. The ratchet wrench includes a wrench body having a head portion and a handle portion, a rotatable drive unit, a ratchet mechanism, and a sleeve assembly that is axially translatable along the handle portion. In the reicprocating mode, the sleeve assembly is moved to a disengaged position wherein the wrench is operated by swinging the handle back and forth through an arcuate path. Due to the action of the ratchet mechanism, the drive unit is forced to rotate when the handle portion is swung in one direction, but not the other. In the nonreciprocating mode, the sleeve assembly is moved to an engaged position, wherein the inner end of the sleeve assembly engages the drive unit through a bevel gear system. The wrench is operated by rotating the sleeve assembly about an axial centerline through the handle of the wrench.

Abstract: A saw guide and marking template for marking and cutting pin and tail face cuts required in making dovetail joints. A central template having end faces that provide angled saw guides is clamped to the edge of the board to be worked. The angled saw guides can be repositioned by either rotating them about the end of its central template or inverting the entire device.

Abstract: A building wall panel (14) is adapted to be mounted directly on the framework of a building and includes an exterior facing composed of thin, presized masonry panels (16) of, for instance, granite or marble, mounted on a support frame (18) by a plurality of attachment assemblies (24). Each attachment assembly (24) also includes a first subassembly composed of a pair of studs (30) extending diagonally rearwardly from panel (16) to extend within a pocket (28) defined by an enclosure member (26) of a second attachment subassembly secured to the support frame (18). The studs (30) together form a forwardly open bight which loops around a crosspin (32) extending through the enclosure member, through the interior of pocket (28) to engage with support frame (18). Pocket (28) is filled with a bonding medium (34) that creates a rigid interconnection between studs (30) and support frame (18).

Abstract: Spray gun (10) includes a unitary valve (22) for controlling the flow of polyester resin and catalyst through the gun and discharging the polyester resin and catalyst in converging streams from nozzles (24) and (26) so that the two liquids thoroughly mix as they flow together through the air. Valve (22) includes a rearward, catalyst mixing section (82) composed of an inlet sleeve (90) and an outlet sleeve (91), and a forward resin flow control section (84) composed of an elongate inlet sleeve (144) and an end sleeve (150). Inlet ports are formed in sleeves (90) and (144) and outlet ports are formed in sleeves (91) and (150) to permit the flow of catalyst and resin when an elongated needle (80), extending longitudinally through the center of the sleeves, is disposed in rearward, activated position and to prevent the flow of catalyst and resin when the needle (80) is disposed in forward, deactivated position.

Abstract: Plated high strength steel articles having a metallic plated coating exhibit high corrosion resistance and low hydrogen reembrittlement characteristics when an acrylic polymeric coating, such as a methyl methacrylate polymer is applied to the article. A corrosion inhibitor and adhesion promoter such as benzotriazole and a leveling agent such as an alkyd polymer can be incorporated with the acrylic polymer in minor proportions to further enhance the corrosion resistance characteristics of the coating. A benzotriazole-containing acrylic polymer formulation also enhances the corrosion resistance characteristics of an unplated metal substrate.

Abstract: A controller for regulating the current applied to the windings of a brushless DC motor by pulse width modulating transistors arranged in a six-switch bridge. Current feedback signals are obtained from sense resistors provided in the lower legs of the bridge circuit and are employed to generate a loop error signal. A bilateral arrangement of hysteresis comparator circuits monitors the current feedback signals and provides signals that disable the transistor switches when the current is sensed to be in excess of a safe level of operation for the transistors. The shutdown circuit continues its disablement of the transistors until the current is sensed to fall back within the designed range of control. To ensure smooth transition between regenerating and motoring modes, a circuit monitors both positive and negative excursions of the integrated error signal.

Abstract: A combined switch and circuit breaker device. The circuit breaker includes trip means for interrupting current flow when the current exceeds a predetermined level and for preventing the resumption of current flow until the trip means is reset. The device is adapted such that after interruption of current flow by the trip means, opening the switch resets the trip means.

Abstract: Method or apparatus for unwinding gangions from a longline fishing line by first wrapping all of the gangions in a first direction about the longline and thereafter unwrapping them to leave them relatively free from the longline. Wrapping and unwrapping can be accomplished by running the longline through a series of hollow cylinders having permanent magnets mounted on the interior surface. The cylinders are rotated in opposite directions. As the gangions enter the first of the cylinders, the hooks are attracted to the magnets in the rotating cylinders and are rotated about the longline so as to wind all of the gangions in a common direction. Thereafter, the hooks are attracted to the magnets in the second cylinder, which is rotating in the opposite direction, thereby unwinding the gangions. In this manner, regardless of the original wrap of the gangions about the longline, each can be completely unwrapped and left dangling from the longline.

Abstract: A hook assembly for suspending a bag or other member from an overhead support, such as a tree limb in a safe manner and with the use of only one hand, includes a hook and a hood adapted to slide up and down the shank of the hook. The hood serves as an umbrella to prevent rain, dust and other foreign matter from falling into the bag. An elongate downwardly open socket is integrally formed with, and extends along the slope of, the outer surface of the hood. The socket is sized to receive the upper end of a pole used to lift the hook assembly up to an overhead limb or remove the hook assembly from the limb. The hook assembly also includes a lock mechanism for maintaining the hook engaged with the limb. The lock mechanism is automatically actuated by the movement of the hood as it slides up and down along the hook shank.

Abstract: A combination keyboard including a first set of switches closed by depressing discrete keys (b 21) and a second set of switches closed by depressing selected areas (69) of a flexible overlay (49) is disclosed. The first set of switches includes a printed wire board (pwb) (23) having switch terminals (31) on one surface. Overlying the switch terminals are switch closing elements, which may take the form of caged metal domes (29). Overlying the closing elements are the discrete keys (21). The second set of switches also includes a pwb (41) having switch terminals (51) on one surface and overlying switch closing elements, which may also take the form of caged metal domes (59). The flexible overlay (49) is positioned atop the switch closing elements. Further, the pwb and flexible overlay include aligned apertures (57, 71) through which the discrete keys (21) pass. Thus, both the discrete keys (21) and the flexible overlay (49) lie in substantially the same actuation plane.