Abstract: A process for producing micropellets of lightweight aggregate having a substantially spheroidal configuration which includes continuously mixing ceramic clay and liquid in a high speed rotating pin mixer to encapsulate substantially all other non-volatile inorganic solid materials present in micropellets having a diameter not exceeding about six mesh. The spheroidal micropellets are then fired at a temperature of at least 2,000.degree. F. to oxidize all volatile organic compounds present. The light-weight aggregate of micropellets can advantageously-be used to replace sand in a cement or concrete matrix, as a well as for numerous other uses.

Abstract: In a seeker head assembly in a guided missile, particularly a high-speed guided missile, the seeker head (22) is covered by a dome (28) which is rotatably mounted in the structure and is rotated. The dome (28) is circumferentially surrounded by the structure (10) of the guided missile except for a window section (14). A coolant is supplied to an interspace (46) formed between dome (28) and structure (10) of the guided missile.

Abstract: An operating assembly for use in a liquid operating environment includes a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a light reflecting tip mounted thereon for reflecting the light beam laterally. The tip includes a number of features which minimize undesired heating of the tip. The tip is preferably made of solid gold and has a reflecting mirror surface coined on the gold tip. A lateral flushing passageway is disposed through the tip and allows surrounding ambient liquid to flow across the surface of the mirror to aid in cooling the tip and to aid in keeping the mirror clean. The tip is preferably mounted on the fiber by crimping.

Abstract: An improved pressure relieving rupture disk assembly is provided which includes a rupture disk having at least one perforation therein. The perforation at least partially defines a blow-out part in the rupture disk which opens and relieves pressure therethrough when the perforation is sealed and a pressure differential of predetermined magnitude is exerted on the rupture disk. A sealing member is positioned over the perforation in the rupture disk for sealing the perforation when a pressure differential is exerted on the rupture disk.

Abstract: A roll or strip feed system for inserting flat stock to the operative position of a machine tool consisting of an automatic material lift apparatus working in conjunction with a centralizing guide to feed flat stock intermittently into an entry guide roller which pushes strip stock to an operative machine position, and thereafter, pulls the remnant strip by means of exit rollers to a discard position. The roller assemblies are pneumatically controlled as to tension and driven electrically as the total operation is under control of a pre-programmed controller.

Abstract: A tire pressure indicator which includes a valve stem over-pressure indicator and a valve stem cap under-pressure indicator. The valve stem includes an air porting scheme that releases over-inflation air for escape through a whistling reed configuration. The valve stem cap includes a top translucent panel for coaction with a diaphragm spring contained therebelow. Normal tire pressure distends the diaphragm spring to an upward convex attitude in contact with the underside of the translucent panel to project a visual indicator.

Abstract: A grass-bagging apparatus for use with a lawn mower. The apparatus includes a chute with a disposable bag disposed therearound. An attaching frame is used to fasten the chute to the mower and retain the bag thereon. Grass and other cuttings discharged from the lawn mower are directed in the bag through the chute. After the bag is filled, the chute may be removed from the bag while leaving the cuttings in the bag. The filled bag may then be closed for disposal and a new bag positioned on the chute. A protective screen may be provided between the plastic bag and the operator in the event that objects discharged from the mower penetrate the material of the bag.

Abstract: A fishing rod handle for providing a more comfortable and efficient grip during retrieving includes two distinct grips, one to be utilized during the casting motion and a separate grip to be utilized during the retrieving motion. The handle includes a reel seat on which a fishing reel is mounted, and a casting grip defined on the handle behind the reel position. The handle further includes a retrieving grip which is attached to the handle forward of the reel. The retrieving grip includes a support segment which extends upwardly from the handle, and a gripping segment which extends rearward from the support segment, so that the gripping segment is positioned above the fishing reel. This configuration is advantageous in that it provides the fisherman with a gripping location which facilitates improved balance, and which allows the fisherman to more comfortably and efficiently overcome the difficulties incurred due to the opposing upward and downward forces created during hook setting and fish retrieving.

Abstract: A process for extracting metals from a flotation concentrate containing gold, platinum group minerals, copper, nickel and sulfur. The process involves roasting the concentrate in the presence of oxygen to reduce the sulfur content of the concentrate to approximately two percent; leaching the roasted concentrate with an acid solution containing hydrochloric and nitric acids to dissolve substantially all of the metals; and recovering the metals from the solution.

Abstract: A control device for garage door opener to provide automatic reclose and safety reverse if obstruction occurs is disclosed. Photoelectric sensors are positioned across the door opening to detect the passage of a vehicle through the door and signal the device to reclose the door. The sensors also detect obstruction and reverse closing movement of the door or, otherwise, disable activation of movement. An oscillator causes the door to reclose if the door remained open for a predetermined time interval. Safety warning signal is generated shortly before the oscillator controlled reclosure.

Abstract: A vascular sheath apparatus is used for placement of a medical device through a perforation in a side wall of a patient's blood vessel. An elongated cylindrical sheath has a distal end portion constructed to be received through the blood vessel. An annular expandable sealing device is disposed about the sheath and expandable radially outward beyond the outer surface of the sheath. The sealing device preferably lies generally in a plane oriented at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the sheath. A clamp is slidably disposed on the sheath proximally of the sealing device and can slide toward the sealing device so as to sandwich the vessel wall and overlying tissue between the clamp and the expanded sealing device. The sealing device may be either an inflatable balloon or an accordion fold. Other features include the particular geometry of the clamp which makes it especially suited for use in clamping a sheath in place in the femoral artery.

Abstract: A downhole rotary cutting tool used with a rotational motor sub and powered by fluid pressure consisting of an elongate body housing having an axial piston cavity and plural, equi-spaced cutter blades mounted in plural equi-spaced longitudinal slots which communicate with the axial piston cavity. A piston in the piston cavity is subject to moving upward with application of fluid pressure to urge the cutter blades outboard into contact with surrounding tubular goods, and further increase of fluid pressure effects rotation of the cutting tool at relatively high speeds to cut the tubular goods.

Abstract: A combination clean-out and fishing tool for use under rotary power in a well bore. The tool is adapted for connection to the drill string by means of an elongated connector sub. The connector sub then carries a cylindrical sleeve thereon which houses a cylindrical hub secured within the sleeve by means of shear pins. A cylindrical extension then secures below the cylindrical sleeve to support a clean-out tool of selected type therebelow while the hub and extension sub carrying a selected fishing tool are inside the cylindrical extension. After rotary operation of the clean-out tool to expose the fish, sufficient weight jarring the drill stem shears the shear pins to lower the connector sub, hub, extension sub and fishing tool into rotary engagement with the fish.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering one or more condensable compounds from inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is provided. The inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is flowed through a first bed of solid adsorbent whereby the condensable compounds are removed from the mixture and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially condensable compound-free inert gas is produced and disposed of, e.g., vented to the atmosphere. A second bed of solid adsorbent is evacuated by vacuum pumping using a cooled liquid seal vacuum pump. As the resulting inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is contacted with the cooled seal liquid of the liquid seal vacuum pump, a major portion of the condensable compounds are condensed. The condensed compounds are recovered and a portion thereof are cooled and recycled as cooled seal liquid for the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A fingerboard is provided for a stringed musical instrument of the type having a nut, a bridge and a plurality of strings supported by the nut and the bridge. The fingerboard has a top surface underlying the strings and has a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the strings. A plurality of raised playing areas are located upon the fingerboard to correspond to chromatic fingering points on the fingerboard. Each raised playing area has a width generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fingerboard. The width of each raised playing area is sufficient that a fingertip of a musician playing the instrument may finger one of the strings on the raised playing area with the fingertip selectively defining an end point of vibration of one of the strings at any selected position across the width of the raised playing area.

Abstract: A restraining device for use in securing a hand-cuffed prisoner consisting of a control strap gripped through a releasable cam buckle that is resiliently secured to the handcuffs. A selected amount of control strap is looped around the prisoner's ankles and led through the cam buckle to expose the control end which may be pulled to shorten the control strap connection between ankles and handcuffs, or the cam buckle can be actuated to release the control strap thereby to allow greater prisoner freedom and movement.

Abstract: Improved methods and burner apparatus are provided for discharging mixtures of fuel and air into furnace spaces wherein said mixtures are burned and flue gases having low NO.sub.x content are formed therefrom. The methods basically comprise discharging a first fuel mixture containing a portion of the fuel and flue gases from the furnace space into the furnace space whereby the mixture is burned in a primary reaction zone therein and flue gases having low NO.sub.x content are formed therefrom, and then discharging the remaining portion of the fuel into a secondary reaction zone wherein the remaining portion of fuel mixes with air and flue gases to form a second fuel mixture which is burned in the secondary reaction zone and additional flue gases having low NO.sub.x content are formed therefrom.

Abstract: An insect-proof, form-fitting undergarment consisting of top and bottom parts formed of selected breathable material and having omnidirectional stretch properties, and which top and bottom parts may be securely joined at the waist to prevent insect entry. A light cotton lining may be utilized in either or both of said top and bottom parts.