Abstract: A multi-chambered combuster apparatus for the controlled burning of all forms of light combustible organic material and the generation of steam or dry heat energy, resulting in essentially pollution free combustion as atmospheric emissions have zero opacity and low particulate discharge. A primary combustion chamber in which air and fuel are introduced in controlled ratio has interior walls acting as ignition surfaces which also direct combustants in a cyclonic flow path. Combustion gases then expand into a counterflow chamber where cooling and deceleration causes settling of pollutants. The gas stream next enters a purification chamber, passing through a hot filtering medium which entraps any remaining fine particulate matter.

Abstract: In an improved food freezing tunnel, an improved freezing air flow apparatus, more uniformly distributes upwardly flowing freezing air through a horizontally traveling porous food conveyor, thereby more effectively freezing the conveyed food pieces. The improved freezing air flow apparatus utilizes a centrifugal fan wheel, without a surrounding volute or housing, mounted with its rotational axis arranged vertically. It is dependingly mounted from a fan motor, in turn centrally supported, on horizontal frame, within the fan chamber located over an open bottom lower air souce chamber of the freezing tunnel. Returning air, after passing from the fan chamber up through the freezing coil chamber, and beyond up through the porous conveyor belts of the freezing chamber, is drawn down within the overall freezing tunnel building alongside each side of the freezing tunnel, to be again drawn upwardly through the open bottom air source chamber and then back up into the fan wheel and fan chamber for recirculation.

Abstract: A winding machine for the continuous glass filament winding of bonded fiberglass structures, such as cryogenic tanks for liquid natural gas, often referred to as LNG tanks, comprises, a hemispherical male mold mounted on a turntable, a half circular track which rotates over the male mold about a horizontal axis, a carriage which moves along the inside of the half circular track, and a bobbin wound with fiberglass tape secured to the carriage, whereby, the combined motions of the turntable, track and carriage are coordinated by numerical control, to produce a desired winding pattern to completely cover the hemisphere in manufacturing bonded fiberglass structures and parts thereof.

Abstract: A louver attachment for lights is constructed so that it is collapsible and portable to permit its use in a variety of applications wherein it is placed over the front of a light source to limit lateral distribution of the light. This configuration is advantageously used in connection with photographer's lighting systems. A framework is provided having two oppositely positioned parallel horizontal members having a series of openings along their lengths. A pair of parallel vertical side members connect corresponding ends of horizontal members together. The interconnections are allowed to pivot so that the parallelogram shaped structure may be collapsed. A wide ribbon is then woven between the horizontal members passing through the openings to form louvers. The ribbon is secured at either end to the framework. Conventional methods of attachment serve to attach the louver attachment over the front of a light source.

Abstract: To determine apparent power consumption in a distributed-load, constant voltage audio distribution system, a test instrument is provided which is substituted for the amplifier in the system during the test. A constant, known AC test voltage at a convenient audio frequency is applied to the distribution system or a portion thereof. The resultant AC current passing through the distribution system is measured and read on a meter calibrated directly in watts. The apparent power consumed in the system is directly proportional to the current. The instrument is provided with an internal audio frequency oscillator as a test signal source with a provision for bypassing it so that an external oscillator may be utilized. The oscillator signal is processed by a voltage controlled amplifier and a power amplifier wherein the signal level is controlled. The processed test signal is applied to the system under test. The voltage across a resistance in series with the tested circuit is monitored through an isolating buffer.

Abstract: A continuously and adjustably inflatable cushion supports the entire body length of a prone, face down, expectant mother, and is shaped to accommodate and conform to the enlarged contours of her body during pregnancy and immediately afterward. An essentially circular opening passes completely through the central portion of the supporting cushion, to surround and partially support the enlarged abdomen of the expectant mother. The depth and softness of this opening is varied during progressive stages of pregnancy through a valve mechanism, to add or release air.When deflated, the cushion is folded into a compact, lightweight configuration for economical packaging and storage. The inflatable cushion has the additional advantages of light weight and portability in either its collapsed or inflated configurations; continuous range of adjustment to accommodate the shape of a human body; and the cushion is preferably constructed from material which is non-flammable, odor free and easily cleaned.

Abstract: Dual oncoming air spoilers for vehicles are mounted near the hood to deflect air carried bugs, rain, road spray, snow, and lightweight debris up and away from the windshield. They are provided essentially in a one embodiment kit having: two plastic panels; two bottom channels to respectively receive the two panels; four bendable and breakaway pre-drilled and countersunk brackets to be used in securing the bottom channels and their inserted bottom edges of the dual oncoming air spoilers to a front of a vehicle on or near the hood and standard fastener assemblies, all these components being assembled and installed using conventional hand tools for drilling access holes to receive the fastener assemblies and to secure them. By following selective installation procedures, the contents of this one embodiment kit are mountable on many different vehicles having many different hood widths and hood contour designs.

Abstract: Apparatus for repairing portions of damaged material such as clothing fabric is described. A piece of mending cloth identical to the damaged material is placed over the damaged area of a fabric to be repaired, aligned and further placed upon a flat cutting die of metal having several different sized round holes therein. The proper hole is selected, the top edge about the parimeter acting as the cutting die. A cooperating punch assembly containing a cylindrical holder which can contain one metal sphere or two such spheres. If the punch assembly contains two such spheres, one may be swiveled or turned end for end so as to cut with the desired sphere. The spherical ball partically protrudes from the one end of a holder through a hole about which surrounds a shoulder area for cooperating with the die plate. The spherical ball is held loosely within the holder by retaining means opposite to the shoulder region.

Abstract: An electrical strain gauge is mounted to respond to movements between two sections of a structure. The gauge is mounted on a surface that deforms in response to mis-alignment of the sections in a selected plane. The mis-alignment or the deflection is detected electronically utilizing the strain gauge and the degree of deformation, mis-alignment, or flexure is monitored. Upon reaching selected magnitudes in either direction, signals are generated which may be used to control the amount of deflection. When utilized to control the alignment of sections of a traveling irrigation system, the strain gauge is attached to a bar between adjacent sections which bar flexes upon mis-alignment of sections in the horizontal plane. A pair of electrical sensors monitor the deflection but only one is permitted to generate a signal. A switching circuit selects the appropriate signal generator depending on the direction of travel of the equipment.