Abstract: Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting the valve in a housing, the mounting mechanism including a shaft having an outside end extending through the housing. A conversion mechanism converts fluid pressure in the housing into torque exerted on the shaft. A release mechanism is located outside the housing for preventing rotation of the shaft and valve when the torque exerted on the shaft is below a selected magnitude. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the housing and the valve in the closed position. The seal has a first portion secured to the housing on a first side of the rotational axis of the valve, a second portion secured to the valve on a second side of the rotational axis, a first transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis, and a second transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis.

Abstract: The water, sediment and erosion control apparatus of the present invention includes a water-permeable foam barrier extending generally longitudinal. The barrier has an upstream surface and a downstream surface. The apparatus also includes an apron extending laterally away from at least one surface of the barrier. The apparatus is reconfigurable for different applications by rotating the barrier relative to the apron. The method of the present invention comprises providing a reusable apparatus having an angled barrier and a protective apron, and anchoring the apparatus generally perpendicular to a natural flow of water, such that the water carrying the sediment is slowed and sediment is deposited upstream of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for salvaging core laminations from the core and windings of an electric motor include a first station for inserting a stop between adjacent core laminations at a first point such that the stop contacts the flux zone of the laminations in order to prevent motion of the core along the longitudinal axis of the core. A second station is provided for separating adjacent laminations at a second point between the first station and a free end of the core and windings, thereby breaking the bonding agent adjacent the second point and creating an end section of the core laminations. A longitudinal force is exerted on the flux zone of the laminations at the second point and directed toward the free end of the windings in order to move the end section toward the free end of the windings. The longitudinal force shears the laminations in the end section from the bonding agent and windings.

Abstract: A method of processing the carcasses of animals which die during the course of a grow-out operation. The inventive method comprises the steps of: (a) collecting and freezing the carcasses in a freezing apparatus and (b) transporting the frozen carcasses to a processing facility. It is preferred that (1) the processing facility referred to in step (b) is a rendering facility and (2) the inventive method further comprises the step of (c) rendering the carcasses.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's prostate. An endoscopic instrument is inserted through the patient's urethra such that a distal portion of the endoscopic instrument is inserted into the patient's prostatic urethra and engaged with an interior wall of the prostatic urethra. A laterally transmitting laser fiber tip of a laser fiber is placed in the endoscopic instrument adjacent to a window therein such that the tip is spaced laterally from an area of the interior wall of the prostatic urethra. Laser light energy is transmitted laterally from the tip through the window onto the interior wall for treatment thereof. A telescope may be placed adjacent the laser fiber tip so that the interior wall of the prostatic urethra may be viewed. Irrigating fluid may be provided from a source external of the patient through the endoscopic instrument to a proximity of the tip. Excess fluid may be returned through the instrument to a fluid dump zone external of the patient's body.

Abstract: A process for the precipitation and separation of inorganic species form aqueous solutions. The method comprises the step of adding a miscible organic solvent to inorganic-aqueous solution so that a solid precipitate from the aqueous solution is formed. The resultant solid precipitate is separated from the organic-water mixture. After separating the solid precipitate, the miscible organic solvent is removed and recovered from the organic-water mixture by applying vacuum or other means of recovery. The separated miscible organic solvent can then be condensed and returned to the process. The water is stripped of traces of miscible organic solvent and removed from the system as product water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved rotary handpiece for cleaning and enlarging the root canal of a tooth with a rotary endodontic file. The handpiece includes a retractable support rod attached to and extending from the handpiece positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to the endodontic file. The support rod is adapted to rest on a tooth whereby the retraction of the support rod controls the advance of the endodontic file into the root canal. The control of the advance of the endodontic file insures that the file does not self thread into the canal or become excessively loaded whereby it sticks or breaks off while the root canal is being cleaned and enlarged.

Abstract: A mobile, self-propelled, multicapability apparatus useful for gripping, lifting, moving, rotating, and otherwise manipulating heavy articles. The inventive apparatus comprises: a base structure; a turret rotatably attached to the base structure; a first boom structure having a first end portion pivotably attached to the turret; a second boom structure having a first end portion pivotably connected to the distal end portion of the first boom structure; a first hydraulic assembly for pivoting the first boom structure with respect to the turret; a second hydraulic assembly for pivoting the second boom structure with respect to the first boom structure; a head assembly having a first end portion and a second end portion; and a third hydraulic assembly, connected to the second boom structure and to the first end portion of the head assembly, for pivoting the head assembly with respect to the distal end of the second boom structure.

Abstract: An antenna support consisting of a mast resting on a mast plate adjacent a building and including an adjustable length wall bracket secured to the building and bracketed to the mid-section of the mast, a guy arm secured to the mast and extending about 180.degree. from the wall bracket, a bowed guy wire connected from the antenna mast top through the guy arm to the mast plate, and two or more guy wires connected in spread array between the mast top and the adjacent building.

Abstract: Vacuum support and rupture disk assembly in which the vacuum support member does not restrict flow through the rupture disk includes a rupture disk having opposite faces defining a plane and a blow-out portion of selected planar dimension; a vacuum support member positionable adjacent a face of the rupture disk and being smaller in planar dimension than the blow-out portion; and a retainer for holding the vacuum support member adjacent the face of the rupture disk and restraining motion of the vacuum support member in all directions except through the rupture disk in such a manner than the entire vacuum support will pass through the blow-out portion if the rupture disk ruptures.

Abstract: An improved nautical clock apparatus of this invention is comprised of a clock base, a tide state indicator attached to the base, and an electronic controller attached to the tide state indicator and to the base for operating the tide state indicator to continuously indicate a time between successive like tide states based on a set time interval therebetween of about 12 hours and 25.235 minutes adjusted such that the time is longer than about 12 hours and 25.235 minutes during at least one portion of each lunar month and shorter than about 12 hours and 25.235 minutes during at least one other portion of each lunar month.

Abstract: An inverting, rupturable, pressure relieving apparatus includes a structure having a wall for containing pressurized fluid and an asymmetrical indentation in the wall. The indentation has a base connecting the indentation to the wall, a protuberant side for contacting the pressurized fluid, a recessed side opposite the protuberant side, and an axis about perpendicular to the base and extending through the center of the indentation at the base. The asymmetry of the indentation creates an inversion initiation face in the indentation having a smaller angle with the base and less resistance to inversion than the remainder of the indentation.

Abstract: A protective boat cover for trailered craft which consists of a top cover for secure positioning over the topside of the boat in combination with a cushioning bow cover extending over the forward underside of the boat to deflect and protect against roadway debris.

Abstract: A therapeutic ultrasonic device which will transmit multiple ultrasonic frequencies through one ultrasonic applicator. The applicator includes a handle; two diaphragms connected to one end of the handle with each diaphragm having an applicating face directed away from the handle and a rear face directed into the handle so that the applicating faces may be independently applied to a patient during therapy; and at least two piezoelectric crystals. A piezoelectric crystal is connected to the rear face of each diaphragm for converting periodic electrical energy into ultrasonic energy and transmitting the ultrasonic energy through the diaphragm to which the crystal is connected independently of the other diaphragm.

Abstract: A composite, prestressed structural member and methods of forming such a member. The apparatus includes a plurality of longitudinally extending girders and a deck unit attached thereto. The deck unit may comprise a plurality of adjacent composite units disposed on the girders, with each composite unit having a plurality of beams with a molded deck portion formed thereabove. In one method, the structure is formed by positioning the girders on a construction support adjacent to a center portion of the girders such that the free ends of the girders cantilever and deflect downwardly. The beams of the composite units are attached to the girders in this construction position. In a second method, the structure is formed by positioning the girders in their normal operating position such that they are supported on opposite ends, and then providing a support for a center portion of the girders such that at least a portion of the lower edges of the girders are placed in compression.