Abstract: A case for holding, protecting, yet allowing easy linear access to a keyless entry device, the case comprising an open ended enclosure with a springlike element provided to frictionally hold the device securely yet slidably within the case.

Abstract: A device for separating liquid particles from an entraining gas or vapor stream. The device employs mechanical centrifugal forces to concentrate liquid droplets in a limited space for further extraction from the gas flow using an electrical field and an electrically charged collecting surface whereby the particles are attracted to and deposited on the surface for further extraction by the gas flow without reintrainment of the liquid back into the vapor stream. The device is constructed to provide an area of low gas velocity for removing the liquid from the device.

Abstract: A floodback detector for refrigerant systems employing any of: minimum suction temperature, temperature rate of change and duration thereof; minimum superheat, superheat rate of change and duration thereof.

Abstract: A retractable enclosure for moveable areas such as barges or trucks and for stationary areas such as swimming pools and areas which must be covered at one time and open at another time such as those housing telescopes, cranes, reactors, etc. The enclosure comprises a multiplicity of rail moveable frames having fabric covered peripheries and constructed to allow the frames to be moved close together at one time whereby the area is uncovered, and to be moved apart or extended to the extent allowed by the attached fabric, whereby the area is covered. A pair of parallel rails is positioned one on each side of the area to be covered. Each frame is supported by a pair of multi-axis trolleys, one trolley positioned at each frame end and engaging one of the rail pair, thereby allowing the frame to move readily.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering an animal attractant scented liquid to a spot on the ground. The device is intended to be positioned on the ground. It employs a flexible walled container with an external gas filled balloon strapped to the container so positioned that expansion and contraction of the gas within the balloon, in response to temperature changes, causes the wall of the container to flex so as to discharge liquid from the container when the temperature rises, and cease discharging on a temperature drop.

Abstract: An optical liquid level sensor for distinguishing between the presence of oil and vapor within a compressor crankcase. The sensor has a light transmitting window positioned to interface the crankcase interior and a planar side facing the crankcase exterior. A light source and a light sensor are both positioned adjacent the exterior face of the window. The sensor has a first condition when the prismatic face is immersed in oil and a second condition when the prismatic face is immersed in vapor. An electronic circuit having a dual MOSFET switch for alternating current is mounted adjacent the light source and sensor. The circuit provides power to the source and monitors the sensor. When the sensor is in the first condition, the circuit closes the switch. When the sensor detects the second condition, the circuit starts a timer and continuously tests the condition of the sensor. If the first condition is detected, the timer resets to its initial value.

Abstract: A reversible compression type refrigeration system is provided having a heating mode and a cooling mode. The system includes a liquid receiver and a liquid refrigerant line for feeding refrigerant to an expansion device. A main service heat exchanger is provided for absorbing heat from a fluid stream in the heating mode and for rejecting waste heat to the fluid stream during the cooling mode. A main process heat exchanger is provided for cooling or heating a load. A sub-cooling heat exchanger is positioned in the liquid refrigerant line between the receiver and the expansion device and connected in heat exchange relation with the fluid stream entering the main service heat exchanger, whereby the liquid refrigerant flowing to the expansion device is sub-cooled both during the heating and the cooling modes and the fluid stream flowing to the main service heat exchanger is warmed.

Abstract: A portable, storable lifting device for invalids. The device includes a jack base having a backwardly inclined jack upright on which is mounted a jack platen including a hook. Forward and rearward facing wheeled legs are provided attached to the jack base. Each forward facing leg is hinged to the jack base though a universal joint thereby allowing the legs to be folded into a compact position for transportation or storage. A segmented lever is provided. A folding seat is provided having a back hinged to a bottom. Strap means are attached to the seat bottom and to the seat back for securing to the seat both the upper and lower torso of a fallen invalid who is positioned prone on a floor surface.

Abstract: A fluid cooler having contiguous air cooled and evaporative portions and having a heat exchanger common to both portions. The heat exchanger employs a series of straight tubes which traverse both the air-cooled and the evaporative portions. Separate fans are provided for the air-cooled and for the evaporative portions. The segments of the straight tube laying within the air-cooled portion are finned. The segments of straight tubes laying within the evaporative portion are partially finned and extend further downwards as a sub-cooling section of the evaporative coil portion, thereby providing means for cooling the fluid to a temperature lower than ambient dry-bulb temperature.

Abstract: An improved aerodynamic surface for the exterior of vehicles moving through a gas and vehicles employing such improved surfaces. The improved surface comprises a matrix of dimples or depressions formed into the portions of the surface of the vehicle. The improved surface is most beneficially located either at a leading edge, where the vehicle first cleaves the pool of air through which it is traveling, or on vehicle surfaces which tend to move the air pool to accommodate the presence of the vehicle itself or on vehicle surfaces to which the designer wishes to provide a lift function. Wings, ailerons and rudder surfaces are examples of surfaces to which a lift function is most applicable. The vehicle may be of the nature of an automobile, a boat or an airplane. The invention is also applicable to the internal surface of pipes for conveying fluid.

Abstract: An optical sensor, having serviceable electronics, for monitoring the level of a liquid within a vessel having an exterior and an interior and for providing an electrical signal on the traverse of the liquid level past the sensor. The sensor comprises a fitting adapted to traverse the vessel wall, the fitting including a window having a prism shaped interior face and a planar exterior face sealed into the fitting and providing a fluid-tight optical path from the vessel interior to the vessel exterior. The fitting includes a chamber adjacent the planar face of the window and an electronic module shaped to fit the chamber. The module has an optical face. A light source and a light detector are positioned in the optical face to provide substantially zero clearance light communication between the window and both the source and the sensor, when the module is positioned within the chamber.

Abstract: In a tub - shower environment comprising a tub enclosed on three sides by walls and open on the fourth side, where spray from the shower is intended to be retained within the tub - shower enclosure by a flexible shower curtain suspended from a curtain rod by hooks engaging grommet holes in the curtain and the rod, and extending across the open fourth side, between walls defining the ends of the tub - shower enclosure, there are provided mating pairs of hook-and-loop pads backed with waterproof pressure sensitive adhesive. The pads are positioned both on a vertical edge of the shower curtain and on the wall adjacent the shower curtain edge. A disposable rule is provided with means for attachment to a shower curtain hook.

Abstract: A wall mounted alarm switch assembly intended to be positioned at the site of an existing electric circuit includes a remote mechanical actuating mechanism for the switch assembly. The actuating mechanism comprises dual side-by-side manual interfaces or knobs which are positioned at a location immediately below the position of the switch assembly. The manual interfaces are connected to the switch assembly by rigid members. The distance between the manual interfaces and the switch assembly is adjustable. The alarm switch is activated when both interfaces are moved, each in a direction away from the other, thereby separating the two interfaces.

Abstract: An improved refrigeration evaporator having a first heat exchange element including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, for cooling a fluid stream traversing the evaporator by evaporating a volatile refrigerant liquid in heat exchange relation to the fluid stream. The volatile refrigerant liquid is supplied to the evaporator at relatively high saturated condensing temperature and slightly subcooled. The improvement in the refrigeration evaporator comprises a second heat exchange element, positioned in the fluid stream entering the first heat exchange element. The second heat exchange element cools and thereby further subcools the volatile refrigerant liquid prior to the refrigerant liquid entering the first heat exchange element via a pressure reducing device. The fluid stream being cooled may be either gas or liquid and the evaporator may be of the type best adapted for the type of fluid being cooled.

Abstract: An improved aerodynamic surface for the exterior of vehicles moving through a gas and vehicles employing such improved surfaces. The objectives of employing such improved surfaces are reduced air resistance and increased lift.The improved surface comprises a series of dimples or depressions formed into the portions of the surface of the vehicle. The improved surface is most beneficially located either at a leading edge, where the vehicle first cleaves the pool of air through which it is traveling, or on vehicle surfaces which tend to move the air pool to accommodate the presence of the vehicle itself or on vehicle surfaces to which the designer wishes to provide a lift function. Wings, ailerons and rudder surfaces are examples of surfaces to which a lift function is most applicable. The vehicle may be of the nature of an automobile, an airplane, a rocket or missile or a projectile fired from a gun. The invention is also applicable to the internal surface of pipes for conveying fluid.

Abstract: A cascade vapor compression refrigeration system having a high stage and a low stage, each stage having a compressor, evpaorator, condenser and expansion device. The high-stage evaporator is in heat transfer relationship with the low-stage condenser. There is further provided an air-to-refrigerant heat exchange element, including means for moving air over the element. The heat exchange element is connected in the discharge line of the low-stage system and is positioned to be subject to a fluctuating outoor ambient temperature. Control means are provided which are responsive to some characteristic related to outdoor temperature whereby high-stage compressor operation is permitted when the outdoor ambient is below a preset temperature and high-stage compressor operation is prevented when the outdoor ambient is above a preset temperature.

Abstract: A portable single or two channel, electrically energized device for applying a series of therapeutic pulse type electrical stimulations to a human body member including individual channel controls for pulse frequency, pulse width and pulse amplitude and circuitry therefore.

Abstract: A single lens reflex camera having no flop-up mirror but instead having a focal plane shutter positioned in the same plane that a flop-up mirror would have occupied, with the side of the focal plane shutter facing the lens silvered to act in place of the flop-up mirror.

Abstract: The means and method of pitching a refrigeration evaporator toward its drain outlet which includes a top plate of variable thickness. The evaporator is secured to the top plate. When the top plate is secured against the horizontal ceiling, the evaporator is caused to pitch, so that condensate leaving the coil and entering the drain pan flows directly to the drain fitting which is positioned under the portion of the top plate having the greatest thickness.

Abstract: A compressor having an oil sump, an external oil reservoir, a conduit connecting the bottom of the oil reservoir to the compressor sump, a pump in the conduit for pumping excess oil from the reservoir to the compressor sump, and an overspill from the compressor sump back to the oil reservoir and a high side or a low side oil separator for removing oil from the refrigerant flow stream and returning it to the reservoir.