Abstract: A reusable diaper pad is disclosed for the absorption, dispersion and retention of a liquid. The pad comprises an interior layer of hydrophobic material for receiving the liquid, a median layer consisting of non-woven webs of carded and cross-laid viscose rayon fibres having a cross-section of substantially rigid multilimbed configuration with the webs being stitchbonded to form a cohesive layer for dispersing and absorbing the liquid and an outer layer of a substantially waterproof polyurethane film. The interior layer, median layer and outer layer are joined to form a pad of unitary construction and capable of being washed for reuse.

Abstract: A composite bearing plate for a fifth wheel comprises a steel base plate having a layer of polyurethane bonded thereto presenting a bearing surface. The base plate has a plurality of apertures communicating with a plurality of corresponding apertures in the polyurethane layer. The apertures present an opening for welding the bearing plate to the fifth wheel.

Abstract: A process for the production of powdered metallic cobalt by reduction of cobaltous ammonium sulphate solutions. A soluble silver salt, preferably silver sulphate, is added in an amount to provide a soluble silver to cobalt weight ratio in the range of 1 to 10 g silver:1 kg cobalt, an organic dispersant such as bone glue or polyacrylic acid, or mixture thereof, is added in an amount of 0.01. to 2.5% of the weight of the cobalt, an ammonia to cobalt mole ratio of about 1.5:1 to 3.0:1 is established, and the solution is heated to a temperature in the range of 150 to 250.degree. C., preferably about 175.degree. C., with agitation under a hydrogen pressure of 2500 to 5000 kPa for a time sufficient to reduce the cobaltous sulphate to cobalt metal powder.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is used in mounting a supporting element to support a burner. The mounting assembly includes at least two arms to engage the leg portions of a burner and further provides an upwardly extending leg for connection with the supporting element. The mounting assembly when connected to the supporting element provides a cantilevered support relative to the plane of the burner, which provides enhanced stability for the burner.

Abstract: A method for chilling carcasses which comprises the steps of introducing a cryogenic fluid into a rotatable drum of a meat tumbler, the drum having inner walls which are cooled by the cryogenic fluid; placing carcasses to be chilled inside the drum; and rotating the drum so that the carcasses contact each other and the inner walls until they are chilled to a sufficient degree. The cryogenic fluid cools the drum to a temperature of approximately 32 .degree. F. A small quantity of water may be introduced into the drum of the tumbler either immediately before or immediately after the introduction of the cryogenic fluid. The water forms an ice layer on the inner walls to prevent the carcasses from sticking to the inner walls. The primary chilling of the carcasses takes place between the tumbling carcasses and the cold inner walls and/or ice layer. The carcasses may also be tumbled in the drum in an inert gas or vacuum atmosphere to massage surface moisture back into the carcasses.

Abstract: An electronically and mechanically expandable camera in which a tubular metal casing having removable front and back plates has a CCD image sensor mounted on a secondary front plate removably received within the casing for a direct thermal path to the casing. A driver board is removably receivable at a position between the secondary front plate and the back plate. A logic board is removably receivable at a position between the driver board and the back plate. The camera's functions may be expanded or altered by adding option electronic board modules between the logic board and the back plate of the camera, or by reconfiguring the logic board or by adding a different image sensor. All of the components within the camera, all of the enclosure elements and all of the mounting hardware used in the camera can be easily and conveniently changed as desired.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing the surface of contents of a container comprises a disc-like member having a central portion and a flexible perimeter and having a centrally located upstanding hollow handle having a purge valve at the upper end thereof. The purge valve has a closed position for preventing egress of air upwardly through said hollow handle and an open position to permit free passage of air therethrough. The disc-like member is contoured to correspond with the shape of the interior plan of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a deficiency in refrigerant in a refrigeration system is disclosed. The apparatus has an extension arm for mounting onto a refrigerant line downstream of the expansion valve. The extension arm is cantilevered for amplifying the vibrations of the refrigerant system when deficient in refrigerant. Mounted on the extension arm is an accelerometer for detecting this vibration and sending an electrical signal upon detection thereof. Electrically connected to the accelerometer is a signalling device for providing a warning or alarm signal of a deficient refrigerant situation.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a continuous solution gradient wherein solutions of differing concentrations are layered in a tube and the tube disposed at an angle with respect to the vertical and is rotated for a predetermined period of time thereby to generate a continuous solution gradient, i.e. continuous variation in concentration between the concentration of the initial solutions.

Abstract: A lighting system is described having an electronic means for controlling the color, color temperature, magnification and focus in response to predetermined signals from a computerized system. A wide spectrum light beam having a wavelength of from 380 nm to 700 nm is passed through a heat absorbing condenser to control the predetermined color temperature thereof and said portion of the beam is separated into a first color beam having a wavelength of from 445 nm to 450 nm, a second color beam having a wavelength of from 555 nm to 570 nm and a third color beam having a wavelength of from 525 nm to 535 nm. The separated color beams are maintained at substantially equal focal length and the intensity of the respective color beams varied in response to an electronic signal. The color beams are then combined to form a composite beam of predetermined color. The color and intensity of the resulting beam is thereby more accurately predetermined.

Abstract: A rolling or overhead door assembly is disclosed comprising a shaft having an external thread bounded by a first and second bearing surface, a hub screwingly engaging the shaft and adapted to travel along the shaft, a first sprocket rotatably mounted on the first bearing surface and operably connected with a take-down device for unrolling a flexible door and a second sprocket mounted on the second bearing surface and operably connected with a take-up roller for rolling up the door, and abutments on opposite sides of the first and second sprocket. Upon rotation of the shaft the hub advances along the shaft and frictionally engages the first sprocket until the first sprocket and shaft rotate together and upon counter rotation of the shaft the hub advances back along the shaft and frictionally engages the second sprocket until the second sprocket and shaft rotate together.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an air conditioner unit on a sill of a window opening in a wall wherein the apparatus comprises a substantially horizontal platform adapted for resting on a sill and receiving an air conditioner unit. The platform comprises a first and second jaw extending below the platform from opposite ends thereof and adapted for opposed relative movement at ends of the jaws remote from the platform for contact with said wall. The apparatus further comprises a biasing means for releasably securing the jaws in contact with the wall whereby the apparatus, sill and wall form a non-yielding structure.

Abstract: A masons scale for use in laying courses of brick, adapted to allow a mason to calculate appropriate mortar thicknesses between rows of bricks when constructing a brick wall, so as to evenly space the rows of bricks in such wall. Such scale consists of a plurality of groups of mutually adjacent, individually colored bands arranged along a substantially elongate, flat surface, each group spaced a progressively decreasing distance apart from the next group progressing from bottom to top of the scale, the midpoint of each colored band spaced a uniform distance from the midpoint of a correspondingly colored band in an adjacent group of colored bands. A masonry guide incorporating such scale is also provided, further comprising an elongate post member, and bracket means affixed at each end of the post member, to allow the masonry guide and the associated scale to be affixed to the side of a structure in a vertically upright position.