Abstract: A high speed load transfer system for use with critical loads, e.g. computers, includes a high speed transfer logic circuit which has rapid sensing and rapid contactor energizing means; so that in the event of power failure, power to the critical load can be switched instantaneously to an alternative power supply. A solid state sensor, responsive to a step change, detects instantaneous power failure and operates an output to a contactor. A voltage doubler circuit using an AC input capacitor and a DC output capacitor is provided at the contactor, with the DC capacitor connected across the contactor; so that when a transfer signal is received at the contactor, the DC capacitor is discharged across the contactor, so as to provide a surge of power through the switch means when the switch means closes and to minimize contactor response time--as well as to ensure connection to the critical load. The power supply can be a commercial AC line, or a hot standby inverter.

Abstract: An enclosure or cabinet is provided for single phase rectifiers that has a very low profile, low noise, efficient cooling, low temperature rise, and which is competitive with switch-mode technology rectifiers. The rack includes a chassis which is very strong and that has a horizontal base and a rear vertical wall secured to each other, and all of the components are mounted to the base or rear wall, or to components already mounted, with the single exception of a supervisory control panel which is mounted on the door panel that has been hinged to the front edge of the base. Light-weight sheet metal side walls and cabinet cover may be formed as a hood and placed over the assembled components to close the enclosure. A UI transformer and an EI saturable reactor are each mounted to the rear wall of the chassis, one above the other, and are wound in such a way that adequate air spaces exist between the coils on the core legs. Generally the UI transformer is also supported from the base.

Abstract: A package for one or a plurality of card-like items is provided, having a protective outer shell and an inner insert into which the card-like items may be placed. The shell and insert may be a monolithic structure, or they may be produced separately, possibly of different materials--although both are typically corrugated cardboard. The insert has front, bottom, and rear articulated panels, each having a fold line along the length thereof so that each panel protrudes inwardly into the interior of the shell at the fold line, and a cover panel. At least one and usually a plurality of slots is formed in each of the articulated panels, so that an edge of any card-like item to be placed into the package is inserted into the slots. In general, as the edge of each card-like item intrudes into the slot in the bottom articulated panel, and the cover panel is closed over the top edge, at least the rear articulated panel tends to protrude further into the shell to secure the item.

Abstract: A thin plastic disposable lid for use with a cup, typically a disposable plastic styrofoam or paper container, is disclosed. The lid includes a small foldback portion that is partially removed from the remainder of the lid by tearing it along tear lines that are coincident with the oriented fibers of the plastic material, thus creating an opening in the lid. No pre-formed score lines, slits or notches are required to facilitate proper tearing of the lid. Further, the foldback portion is hinged and retained in intimate engagement by the lid when it is fully open. A specific feature of the lid is that the foldback portion is easy to fold back and to engage. The foldback portion is also resealable over the opening in the lid.

Abstract: This invention relates to rechargeable manganese dioxide cells (usually alkaline cells with zinc anodes or cells having non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium anodes), and particularly to the cathodes therefor. In keeping with the present invention, the cathodes are essentially unconstrained--that is, no cage is used in the cell between the cathodes and the anodes. The cathode is restricted from significantly changing its dimensions during discharge of the cell, when it is inclined to swell--as opposed to the tendency of the cathode to contract during a charge cycle. The cathode substantially fills the entire space alloted for it within the cell, with a slight accommodation for height-wise or longitudinal expansion or growth of the cathode of bobbin-type cells, or cross-wise expansion or growth of button-type cells.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided whereby a template for a pre-printed survey page is developed and captured as a computer data file, so that a number of pre-printed pages having the same form may be analysed to determine the presence or absence of a mark in each response position found on that form. The forms are analysed by feeding them, seriatim, to a reading station where a digital image of each form is captured using one or more video cameras. The same station is used to set up the template in the first instance, whereby data determining reference frame lines, landmark and whitemark positions within the reference frame, and response positions, may all be pre-determined. A plurality of cameras may be used for each pre-printed page, each camera viewing only a small portion of the page, with the fields of the cameras overlapping to some extent.

Abstract: A storage bin suitable for use as a compost bin is disclosed. Such a storage bin is prefabricated and is made to be easy to assemble and disassemble, without the use of tools. Furthermore, the unassembled storage bin provides its own container for storing the bin itself or for transporting the bin. As a compost bin, as inexpensive, lightweight, weather resistant, aesthetically pleasing unit, that will provide a good composting environment, is provided.

Abstract: An electrically insulated pipeline joint for use in fluid or gas pipelines is disclosed. Such a joint is used to electrically insulate one section of a pipeline from an adjoining section pipeline. The joint is further designed to preclude physical failure therein and also to preclude leaks from forming therein, in the case of mechanical failure.

Abstract: A realistic situation simulator kit for classroom training of fork lift operators includes a mechanized fork lift model incorporating a reversible drive motor, a hoist drive, and including a cord-connected remote control. Manual adjustment of fork inclination also is provided. The kit also includes scaled loads and variable ramp means, together with a lurch-inducing surface obstacle, to enable simulation of real-life operating conditions, so as to illustrate the outcome of adopting sound and unsound operating practices and techniques.

Abstract: Porous electrodes for use in fuel cells and other electrochemical cells are disclosed. Principally, the electrodes a catalytically active layer on a porous conductive substrate, which catalytically active layer is derived from non-noble metals. The loading of the catalytically active layer is lower in terms of weight of catalyst per unit area of geometrical electrode surface than heretofore. Several alternative methods of forming the electrode are taught, including impregnating a porous conductive substrate with a metal salt solution, followed by chemical or thermal formation of the porous catalytically active layer; or mixing the catalytically active material with the material of the porous conductive substrate, followed by fabrication of the electrode; or depositing pyrolitic carbon from the gas phase onto a porous conductive substrate, at elevated temperatures in a gas atmosphere. The electrode may also have a porous metallic current collector, and also a further gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: An ear covering apparatus for improving the hearing of a person in a rearward direction is disclosed. The apparatus is shaped so as to have a front, a first side, a top, and a bottom and to be open at the opposite side and the rear. The apparatus is worn over the ear such that a concavity is formed between the ear and the apparatus. The opening at the rear is located behind the ear. Further, the apparatus is shaped so as to reflect sound from a rearward direction to the ear. The apparatus also employs a slot in the side for reducing air pressure within the apparatus and thus increasing the level of sound reaching the ear.

Abstract: In rechargeable, electrochemical cells, oxygen may evolve on charge, overcharge or any reversal of polarity. The invention concerns an auxiliary, electrochemical, transfer electrode to catalyze the recombination of such oxygen with the anode mass. The auxiliary electrode may comprise a porous carbon bonded with PTFE, or it may comprise a zinc gel having graphite particles and/or metal-plated zinc particles--where the metal that plates the zinc particles may be copper, or may be any of cobalt, cadmium, nickel, or silver. The auxiliary electrode for rectangular electrodes as used in flat plate or jelly roll cells may have the catalytically active material PTFE bonded to the current collector. The cell is generally one having a zinc anode, a metal oxide cathode (usually manganese dioxide), and an aqueous alkaline electrolyte (usually potassium hydroxide) contacting both anode and cathode.

Abstract: An exhaust system for fume extraction from a work area such as the vicinity of a welding gun is provided, having an articulted exhaust duct with a fume hood mounted at the forward end thereof. A signal emitter is mounted on the work tool, and three sensors are mounted on the fume hood, one at the front and one at each side so as to form a triangle. One motor is provided at the joint between the front and rear portions of the articulated exhaust duct, and two further motors are provided at the rear end of the exhaust duct. The first motor opens and closes the angle between the front and rear portions of the exhaust duct, and the second motor moves the rear portion of the exhaust duct backward and forward in the same vertical plane as that in which the front and rear portions of the exhaust duct move under the influence of the first motor. The third motor turns the entire assembly in an arc.

Abstract: A golf glove that is adapted to preclude movement of the end of a golf club in a golfer's hand during the swing, and especially during the uppermost portion of the swing, is disclosed. The golf glove securely holds the ends of the fourth and fifth fingers in place around the grip of a golf club through the use of a fastening means that keeps the ends of the fourth and fifth fingers in a set position with respect to the palm of the hand in the area of the flexor brevis pollicus muscle of the hand.

Abstract: A support rack used for holding plastic bags used for receiving and retaining household refuse is disclosed. Such a rack comprises a frame, preferably of an open nature, and a pair of arms connected to the frame near the top. The arms are used to each support one handle of a plastic bag and are spaced apart relative to one another such that the plastic bag is held open. The frame is preferably open at one side thus allowing for easy depositing and removal of plastic bags. One of the handles is adapted to neatly store an inventory of plastic bags thereon, thus keeping the inventoried bags readily acessible. The inventoried bags are held neatly and out of the way by a spring biased arm.

Abstract: This invention relates to rechargeable alkaline electrochemical cells, having manganese dioxide cathodes. Generally, those cells have zinc anodes and an alkaline electrolyte, but several other options are considered. In any event, the present invention provides an improved cell by providing a pre-conditioned manganese dioxide cathode, where the net oxidation state of the cathode at the time that the cell is finally assembled and sealed is such that the manganese dioxide is, in fact, MnOx where x is between 1.70 and 1.90. The preconditioned cell may be preconditioned by cycling the cathode in a unsealed cell, then replacing the zinc anode and sealing the cell; or by adding a reduction agent to the manganese dioxide cathode prior to the time when the cell is finally assembled and sealed; or by adding an overcharge reserve material to the cathode.

Abstract: A test cell structure for fuel cell or electrochemical cell technology is disclosed. Principally, the test cell may be used for testing gas diffusion or solid electrodes in a controlled environment, and such other matters as quality assurance tests of fuel cell components including electrodes, electrolytes, etc. In a simple embodiment, the test cell includes a body having an electrolyte chamber extending from one side to the other, and an electrolyte reservoir above. reactant fluid (usually gas) chambers are formed in blocks that are secured to each side of the body, so that the gas chambers face the electrolyte chamber; and means are provided to conduct gas to and away from each of the gas chambers. Electrodes are mounted in interposed relation between the electrolyte chamber and the gas chambers at each side thereof, where the electrodes are mounted in a separable frame which, when in place, provides a fluidtight seal between the body and each of the respective gas chambers.

Abstract: The invention concerns twist on wire connectors for electrically connecting ends of wires. A cap is provided in combination with an expansion spring for gripping the wires, the cap having thin walls and external ribs providing the walls with rigidity and a gripping surface. Within the cap is a hollowed out region to allow the spring space to expand. Preferably the spring is of slightly concave shape in an axial direction i.e. it is waisted. The new connector caps permit the economic use of expansion springs and permit a greater range of wire sizes and number of wires to be gripped by a connector.