Abstract: An architectural system comprises a number of free-standing wall modules of cruciform configuration, with each of the wall modules having a bearing surface adjacent the end of each of its arms. A square or rectangular supporting beam arrangement or network is disposed with each of its corners engaging one of the bearing surfaces. A floor/ceiling module is supported on the beam arrangement. The cruciform wall modules are oriented and spaced from one another to define a floor area extending therebetween and having its perimetric edges angularly displaced about 45.degree. relative to the perimetric edges of the beam network such that the floor area is substantially wider than the length of one of the beam segments comprising the beam network.

Abstract: A preformed structural panel comprises a generally rectangular precast slab having sufficient thickness for load-carrying capability, and a joining arrangement extending across the slab and spaced from opposed sides thereof. About one-half of the joining arrangement is a tapered solid region and the remainder of the joining arrangement is a complementarily tapered void region. The solid joining region is capable of interfitting tightly within the void region of a similar structural panel, and the void region is capable of receiving the solid region of the other panel in tightly interfitting relationship, so that the structural panel when thus interfitted is positively prevented from angular displacement with respect to such other panel.The invention also contemplates unique building structures constructed from such panels.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contact tower comprises a tower shell and a plurality of superimposed generally horizontal contact plates mounted in vertically spaced relation within the tower shell, with the plates being grouped into at least one subassembly thereof. A supporting and sealing arrangement is provided for removably supporting said plate subassembly within the tower shell and for preventing any of the contact liquid from bypassing the plate subassembly. The supporting and sealing arrangement includes a first annular component permanently secured and sealed to adjacent inner surfaces of the tower shell, and a second annular component joined circumferentially to the plate subassembly and sealed detachably and circumferentially to the first supporting and sealing component. An annular gasket arrangement is inserted generally between the first and second components of the supporting and sealing arrangement and is circumferentially loaded by a loading arrangement mounted on at least one of the components.

Abstract: In an automatic valving device, the combination comprises a container, an exhaust valve mounted in a lower portion of the container, an arrangement for actuating the exhaust valve, a pilot valve mounted in an upper portion of the container and coupled to the actuating arrangement, and an elongated guideway extending generally between the pilot valve and the exhaust valve. A float is movably mounted on the guideway and is operatively coupled to the pilot valve. The float is movable along a length of the guideway between an upper pilot valve opened position and a lower pilot valve closing position. Magnetic members are mounted on the guideway and the float respectively. At least one of the magnetic members is magnetized, and the magnetic members are shaped for magnetically attractive engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A pollution control unit comprises a tank having an outlet and an inlet for gases treated therein. A pair of spray compartments are spacedly situated within the tank, and a de-entrainment compartment is situated between the spray compartments. A series of spaced baffles define the spray and de-entrainment compartments and in addition define the flow path of the gases serially through the compartments. Spray devices are provided for directing water sprays into the gases but only within the spray compartments. Additional spray and de-entrainment compartments are contemplated.

Abstract: A valve structure comprises an elongated housing having a passage extending therethrough, and a control member mounted in the passage for rectilinear movement with respect to the housing. The housing has a plurality of spaced valve ports extending therethrough in communication with the housing passage. A plurality of sealing means are non-uniformly spaced along the length of the control member for movement therewith, with each of the sealing means sealingly engaging adjacent wall surfaces of the housing passage. The sealing means in one position of the control member define a given flow circuit among the valve ports, and in another position of the control member its sealing means define a different flow circuit among the valve ports.

Abstract: An alarm system indicates unauthorized use or entry of a facility having an access arrangement and a source of electric potential. The alarm system comprises an alarm device and a first sensing circuit coupled in series with the alarm device and the potential source. The first sensing circuit is sensitive to breaking or entering or other unauthorized use of the access arrangement. A delay circuit is coupled in series with the alarm device and the potential source. The delay circuit normally completes a circuit path therethrough between the alarm device and the potential source but is effective when triggered to interrupt this circuit path for a predetermined interval sufficient to permit authorized entry or use of the access arrangement.

Abstract: I disclose a conveyor construction comprising a support, a plurality of conveyor rollers rotatably mounted on said support and defining a pass line for articles conveyed by said conveyor construction, a drive member for each of selected ones of said rollers, a common drive shaft rotatably mounted adjacent said drive members, a magnetic coupling connecting each of said drive members with one of said drive shaft and the associated roller, and a flexible drive belt coupling each of said drive members to the other of said drive shaft and said associated roller.

Abstract: A quick-opening package comprises a layer of formable material, at least one pocket in the formable layer, and a frangible backing layer adhered to the formable layer for enclosing an item contained in the pocket. An arrangement is provided for strengthening portions of the formable layer, and the strengthening arrangement defines an angulation fold line extending between the formable layer portions and across the pocket. A layer of protective material is adhered at least peripherally to a side of the frangible layer opposite from the formable layer. The protective layer has a line of weakening therein extending adjacent to and generally parallel with the fold line of the package.

Abstract: A quick-open blister package comprises a base member and a blistered containment member peripherally secured to the base member. The base member is frangible substantially along a plane contained therewithin, and first and second series of score lines extending at least in part about the periphery of the blister are cut into the base member substantially to the depth of the plane of frangibility. The blister is secured to the base member within that area thereof which is defined by the series of score lines. A considerable area of the base member can extend laterally of the blister for front printing.