Abstract: Sheets of garneted polyester are separated into a plurality of small pieces and each of the small pieces is generally formed into a rounded body suitable for blow injecting into an insulation receiving pocket formed in goods such as coats, sleeping bags and the like, in accordance with the method and apparatus provided. The rounded bodies formed may generally be used similarly to and as a substitute for natural down insulation. The rounded bodies formed are approximately uniform in size and weight, and the size of each of the bodies is sufficiently small to avoid clogging of the blow injecting tubes and paths of the apparatus utilized in filling the goods with insulation. Each of the rounded bodies include a plurality of randomly oriented polyester fibers therein, and each of the rounded bodies provides a substantial resiliency to permanent deformation after the application of force to them.

Abstract: A hollow capillary tube or cartridge is received within the interior of a hollow tubular syringe-like device to collect a blood sample. A fluid inlet means of the capillary cartridge connects in a fluid conductive relationship with a hypodermic needle attached to the syringe-like device to conduct a blood sample to the interior of the capillary cartridge. A fluid outlet means of the capillary cartridge allows the blood sample to fill the capillary cartridge by expelling air from the interior of capillary cartridge. The fluid outlet means includes a removable piece of fluid conductive fibrous material which allows the air to escape as the blood sample is received and which conducts a small amount of blood sample when the capillary cartridge is completely filled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for weighing down to provide a predetermined quantity for use in filling a garment. An amount of down is withdrawn from a supply of fluffed down maintained within a container, and is conducted into a weighing container. The weight of the down received within the weighing container is measured and the measurement signal determines the amount of down selectively withdrawn from the fluffed down container. The amount of down selectively conducted into the weighing container is controlled independently of the amount of down withdrawn from the fluffed down container. After an amount of down representing a desired weight has been conducted into the weighing container, the down is discharged from the weighing container and used to fill a garment or the like. Selectively controllable inlet and outlet doors and gates control the flow of down from the down container into the weighing container, and also control the discharge of the down from the weighing container after measurement has occurred.

Abstract: A parachute harness release mechanism for use on a parachute harness such as a torso restraint garment vest carrying releasable buckles for connection with parachute riser shoulder harness straps, releasable buckles for connection with survival kit lap belts, and an oxygen mask hose terminating in a releasable coupling for connection with an oxygen supply conduit. The release mechanism includes a hand operated control with a compressed air supply connectable selectively to either the releasable parachute riser shoulder harness strap buckles or alternatively to all of the releasable buckles and the oxygen hose coupling. In the latter mode, the compressed air is further connected to a pressure reducing valve for supplying air to the oxygen pressure regulator, mask hose, and mask for a time sufficient to enable the crewman to escape from the aircraft even though it is underwater or surrounded by fire, dense fumes or smoke.

Abstract: An arrangement for testing an alarm system, requiring only a single individual. The alarm system itself includes an alarm activation circuit, a main alarm, for example an audio alarm, and a plurality of remote sensors all connected together such that activation of at least one of the remote sensors activates the alarm circuit which, in turn, activates the alarm. The testing arrangement senses whether the alarm activation circuit has been activated in response to the activation of one of the sensors. If it has, the testing arrangement automatically deactivates the alarm circuit and the alarm, preferably in an adjustably fixed period of time after activation of the circuit. Thereafter, preferably after a second adjustably fixed period of time, the arrangement automatically causes the alarm activation circuit to be reset. In addition, the testing arrangement preferably includes its own alarm preferably an audio alarm, which is activated during this second adjustably fixed period of time.

Abstract: A mechanism for actuating a restraint divestment system for instant release of a crewman equipped with a parachute and restraint harness from an aircraft ejection seat mounted restraint assembly in the event of any emergency requiring such separation. In non-ejection emergencies, the mechanism effects the release of leg restraints, seat lap belt, and the disconnect couplings connecting the parachute riser and shoulder straps and survival kit to the harness so that, in the event of a surface emergency, the crewman can escape from the aircraft with his harness intact.

Abstract: A hat having an adjustable sweat band for controlling the tightness of the fit of the hat. A hat is provided with a sweat band of a flexible material having a draw strap secured at one end to the band and extending circumferentially of the sweat band on the side of the band adjacent the crown. Cooperating fastening means at the free end of the strap and on the band are employed to adjustably locate the free end of the strap relative to the band so that the effective circumference of the sweat band, and thus the fit or size of the hat can be adjusted by a draw loop or drawstring arrangement which is shielded from contact with the wearer's head by the sweat band. A strip of resilient padding which may be of a moisture absorbent material extends circumferentially of the sweat band between the strap and sweat band to provide a further cushion between the fastening means and the head of the wearer.

Abstract: A releasable fastener for securing together two straps, includes a link adapted for attachment to one such strap and shaped as a generally plate-like strike having a pair of spaced-apart locking lugs on opposite edges defining locking notches. A guide channel is provided in one surface of the strike intermediate the lugs for guiding the link into engagement with a buckle adapted to be secured to the other such strap. The buckle is formed by a body having spaced-apart upper and lower plates defining a slot for receiving the strike. A pair of spaced-apart lock-pins extend through the upper plate and said slot into the lower plate, with the portion of said lock-pins exposed between the said plates being notched to define lands for engaging into the locking notches on the strike. The lock-pins are rotated to position the lands in the notches by a slide mounted on the upper plate.

Abstract: A bracket mountable on a supporting surface for retaining a pair of awning support members in a retracted juxtapositional storage position has a pair of side plate members retained in spaced parallel vertically oriented relationship by a cross-web member defining uniform channels on opposite sides thereof. The side plate members pivotally support the lower end of one of the support members and defines a space rearwardly of the one support member into which the lower end of the other support member can be inserted to retain the support members in juxtapositional relationship adjacent to the supporting surface.

Abstract: The syringe of the present invention includes a tubular body having a plunger slidably received therein in fluid tight relationship so as to define a void space at the leading end of the syringe when the plunger is fully inserted, the void space being in communication with (1) a connector adapted to receive a hypodermic needle or the like and (2) a vent opening laterally through the side wall of the tubular body. The vent has a conduit connected thereto so that the initial flow of blood into the syringe will pass through the void space and into the conduit to purge air from the void space so that the subsequent flow of blood into the syringe will be free of air contamination. In the preferred form of the syringe, the conduit is connected to a second tubular body having a plunger therein adapted to create a low pressure zone to draw blood from the artery of a patient whose blood pressure is not sufficient to pump blood naturally into the syringe.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder for supporting a fishing pole then for lifting the pole in response to a pull on the fishing line is formed by a swingable handle engaging socket mounted upon a ground or other support and biased to a vertically upright position by a coil spring. The pole handle socket is latched in a generally horizontal position by a line releasable latch mechanism. Upon a pull on the fishing line in response to a bite by a fish on the bait, the latch is released and the pole swung upwardly to tension the line and set the hook. In the upright position, the pole is held with the line under tension to prevent escape of the fish.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling cartons and delivering the cartons in rows to preselected locations includes a framework upon which a conveyor is positioned to receive cartons and to advance the cartons to an assembly station, a stop gate at the assembly station adapted to stop-forward movement of the cartons as they are received at the assembly station, a positioning gate at the assembly station mounted for lateral, reciprocal movement to alternately shift cartons received at the assembly station in opposite lateral directions until a complete row of cartons extending laterally of the apparatus is assembled at the assembly station and a pair of pusher members disposed adjacent the assembly station to push the assembled row of cartons off the forward end of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of heating a liquid and a solar heating panel therefor is disclosed. The method comprises forming one or more obstruction free, longitudinally extending liquid passageways one side of each passageway being formed from a metallic material whereon the outer surface of said metallic material contains a solar radiation heat absorbing coating and each passageway has a width to depth ratio varying between approximately 6.5 to 15 and a mean hydraulic radius varying between approximately 0.018 to 0.027, exposing the solar radiation heat absorbing coating to solar radiation energy, and heating a liquid by passing said liquid through said passageway and simultaneously maintaining a substantially constant cross-sectional area flow path through said passageway. By such means the liquid is accelerated as same flows from one end of said passageway to the other end. The liquid is passed through said passageway while maintaining a laminar or non-turbulent flow therethrough.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal and other carbonaceous materials in which solid particulate carbonaceous material is dried without pyrolysis or oxidation by direct contact with a fluent stream of hot synthesis gas product. The dried carbonaceous material is separated from the moist synthesis gas, water is removed from the moist gas and converted to steam, and the steam is mixed with oxygen bearing gas and reacted with the dried carbonaceous material to produce synthesis gas and an ash residue. The oxygen and steam mixture is heated by direct contact with the ash residue, while the hot synthesis gas is utilized to dry the incoming particulate carbonaceous material. Synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon oxides is recovered from the process.

Abstract: A syringe for taking blood samples includes a tubular body having a main plunger slidably received therein in fluid tight relationship. The tubular body has an opening through the leading end in communication with connection means for receiving a hypodermic needle or the like. The main plunger has a passage there-through in communication with the opening in the leading end of the tubular body and an auxiliary plunger is slidably received in said passage to assist in initially drawing blood into said passage to purge gaseous materials from the opening in the leading end of the tubular body before blood is allowed to flow into the internal chamber of the tubular body.

Abstract: A ski boot made of a rigid shell having a flexible sole thereon includes a toe member which is telescopically related to a rear member at a location corresponding to the ball of a user's foot so that the shell will flex during walking movements but can be retained in a rigid condition for skiing.

Abstract: The phenylethyl group, ##SPC1##In polymer carriers for the synthesis of peptides and peptide amides, particularly polymer carriers such as styrene-1% divinyl benzene polymers for use in solid phase peptide synthesis.The invention described herein was made in the course of work under a grant or award from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

Abstract: A restraint divestment system for releasing a crewman equipped with a parachute and restraint harness from an aircraft ejection seat mounted restraint assembly in the event of a ground emergency. A single point crewman actuated mechanism releases the leg restraints, seat lap belt, and the disconnect couplings connecting the parachute riser and shoulder straps and survival kit to the harness so that, in the event of a ground emergency, the crewman can escape from the aircraft with his harness. The actuating mechanism includes an interlock which prevents release of the parachute risers and survival kit in the event of an emergency ejection from the aircraft when in-flight, so that the system can then be utilized by a crewman for manual seat separation and parachute descent. The actuating mechanism includes a pull cord actuated bell crank mechanism which actuates the various release mechanisms and is latched in its full release position.

Abstract: The process of the invention includes the concept of igniting a coal formation in situ with hot granular material and subsequently allowing the material to flow into the burning coal formation to serve as a propping agent in the event of a cave-in. Gasifying agents are injected into the formation in an alternating pattern to alternately oxidize and reduce the coal environment to optimize the BTU content of the recovered gas. Further, a heat receptive liquid is circulated through the casing in the well connecting the coal formation to the surface to strip the sensible heat from the produced gases so that the heat can be used for useful purposes apart from the produced gas.

Abstract: A bracket system for mounting the box or housing of retractable roll-up awnings on curved or straight sides of recreational vehicles. The bracket system includes a generally L-shaped mounting bracket for supporting the awning housing, bracket clamps for securing the housing to the mounting bracket, and an adaptor bracket for supporting the mounting bracket on a variety of curved sloping surfaces such as exterior walls of recreational vehicles. The bracket clamp engages with the mounting bracket by means of a dovetail mortise and tenon joint while the awning housing is secured to the mounting bracket and bracket clamp by tongue and groove engagement. The mounting bracket is supported on the adaptor bracket by a keyhole mortise and tenon joint in cooperation with a tongue and groove joint. The adaptor bracket is designed to provide a plurality of mounting positions in order to accomodate the mounting bracket to a wide variety of curved walls or surfaces on recreational vehicles.