Abstract: A carbon reinforced, partially cross-linked butyl rubber matrix sealant composition as described is particularly suitable for use as a self-healing tire puncture sealant. The sealant composition comprises a high average molecular weight butyl rubber and a low average molecular weight butyl rubber in a ratio of high to low molecular weight butyl rubber of between about 20/80 to 60/40, in admixture with a tackifier present in an amount between about 55 and 70 weight % of the composition. A partially hydrogenated block copolymer may be included in the admixture.

Abstract: An Eddy Currest Tester for detecting defects in conductive materials employs phase rotation circuitry for eliminating the effects of lift-off signals from the reactive component of the output of an eddy current probe. An operator digitally selects a frequency which is input to the eddy current probe which is adjacent a test material. The signal output from the eddy current probe is amplified and demodulated into reactive and resistive components which are processed by phase rotation circuitry. The phase rotation circuitry is calibrated by applying a lift-off signal thereto while a phase adjust switch is on. When the phase adjust switch is on the reactive signal component is applied to a zero crossing detector which in conjunction with a flip flop controls the counting direction of an counter which addresses a sine-cosine table in a eraseable programable read only memory.

Abstract: An irrigation control system is provided which includes circuitry for minimizing electrical power consumption to permit battery-powered operation. The system also includes a microcomputer which is in a quiescent mode except when actuated by a rising edge of a clock signal which has been processed by two type C flip-flops. The microcomputer is programmed to drive a display and to control a valve which includes a bi-stable solenoid for controlling an irrigation cycle.

Abstract: A variable pressure wand or gun for connection to the flexible conduit of a pressure fluid cleaning system such as used in car washes and the like. Parallel high pressure and low pressure barrels are connected by a fluid passage having a normally open pressure fluid discharge valve plunger therein. A selectively hand operable grip and lever are provided for closing or seating the valve plunger against fluid pressure in the system, the degree of closing being proportional to the force applied to the grip. The high pressure barrel is equipped with a spray or jet nozzle and the flow of fluid to the low pressure barrel is controlled by the operation of the valve plunger.

Abstract: A universal steering and propulsion unit for marine craft utilizes a power train which includes a differential gearing unit with control of the power delivered being accomplished through selective braking of one side of the differential. Steering may be accomplished by a 360.degree. rotating ability of the propeller without interruption of the power delivered to the propulsion unit. The power train also provides a special gearing arrangement whereby the propeller drive shaft may be driven so as to provide forward thrust regardless of the direction of rotation of the output drive shaft of the power unit, thus obviating the necessity for oppositely rotating output shafts when dual drive units are required. The oil pressure about the propeller shaft and gear transfer housing is used for feathering the propeller blades.

Abstract: A dental chair headrest which may be positioned and locked in a predetermined angular orientation relative to the seat back. A support base allows height adjustment and has a headrest frame pivotally connected thereto. The locking mechanism includes a locking shaft pivotally connected to the support base and extending through a bore within a locking block pivotally connected to the headrest frame. Alignment of the locking shaft and bore allows the adjustment of the headrest angle, and pivoting the locking block engages the edges of the bore with the surface of the locking shaft to retain the locking shaft in a predetermined position within the bore. The headrest is covered by a resilient material, and a positioning lever extends from the locking block to a location where the positioning lever may be actuated by pressure on the resilient material to disengage the locking block from the locking shaft.

Abstract: A control system for a shiftable multi-speed hydraulically operated transmission system. The transmission includes internal clutches which are selectively operated by the control system to effect shifting in neutral, reverse or forward speed ranges. The transmission system includes a manually operable multi-position speed range selector switch, sensing devices for ascertaining transmission input and output speeds, and other condition responsive switches. The control system includes logic circuits therein for receiving input signal information from the switches and sensing devices and for providing output signals to effect automatic shifting of the transmission to a selected speed range. The electronic controller provides operational safeguards, responds appropriately to system failures, and displays of relevant system information.

Abstract: A spring and damper suspension system which comprises one or more elastomeric spring elements in compressive load bearing relation to the members to be supported. A tubular housing surrounds said spring elements and supports a frictional surface or surfaces in its interior. Stabilization of the springs is achieved by mounting pairs of slidably engaged wedges between said springs. Compressive force on said wedges urges one face of each such wedge into sliding contact with the interior walls of the housing and maintains the upper and lower surface of the wedge pair, and hence the springs in proper alignment to the housing. For applications involving vehicle suspension, the tubular housing may be combined in telescoping relation with a second tubular housing for the purpose of resisting bending moments normally applied to the suspension of such vehicles.

Abstract: The suspension includes a moveable load arm assembly adapted to support a railcar axle, at least one elliptical cross-section rod spring carried by the load arm assembly in load bearing relation with a railcar body, a frictional damping surface connected to the body adjacent the load arm assembly, a frictional damping element, and a tapered operator carried by the load arm assembly in underlying relation with each rod spring such that one component of a load bearing force transmitted from the load arm assembly is applied to the rod spring as a transverse load bearing compressive force only, while a perpendicular component thereof is applied to and urges the damping element toward the friction surface. The suspension is suited for usage in railcar and rubber tired vehicle suspensions.

Abstract: A protective body covering for a four-legged mammal which will hold a bandage against its body includes a tube of elastic fabric having at least four holes through which the animal's legs may be inserted, the tube being substantially closed at one end and the head of the mammal being inserted through the open end, and adhesive strips, ties, or the like for attaching a bandage to the elastic tube, rather than to the animal.

Abstract: The low inflation warning device is a mechanical sound generating apparatus designated for attachment to a wheel assembly such that the apparatus is contained within the pneumatic space formed by the tire and rim. Whenever a condition of low pressure or overload exists on the wheel assembly a warning signal is generated. The signal is initiated by contact of the interior surface of the tire casing with the apparatus. The contact causes a portion of the apparatus to strike an anvil with sufficient force to generate an audible sound. The apparatus is self-setting under the influence of centrifugal force and will generate a warning of insufficient tire pressure or excessive tire load. The apparatus will generate a signal with each revolution of the wheel assembly to which it is mounted. Under extreme low inflation conditions the apparatus will continue to generate periodic warnings without damage to the tire.

Abstract: The suspension includes a moveable load arm assembly adapted to support a vehicle axle, at least one elliptical cross-section rod spring carried by the load arm assembly in load bearing relation with a vehicle body, a frictional damping surface connected to the body adjacent the load arm assembly, a frictional damping element, and a tapered operator carried by the load arm assembly in underlying relation with each rod spring such that one component of a load bearing force transmitted from the load arm assembly is applied to the rod spring as a transverse load bearing compressive force only, while a perpendicular component thereof is applied to and urges the damping element toward the friction surface. The suspension is suited for usage in railcar and rubber tired vehicle suspensions.

Abstract: A nest or hive for bee culture having spirally wound alternate layers of flat and corrugated materials respectively and contained within a predator and parasite resistant holder for attachment to a field support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting simultaneously firing multi-cylinder engine ignition systems to sequential firing. The apparatus includes an adapter attachment to the circuit breaker block of a conventional ignition system, a rotor, and a distributor cap. Upon rotation of the adapter the rotor distributes the spark to the individual cylinders of the engine. Modification of the adapter allows attachment to various existing vehicles.

Abstract: A servo controlled multi-mode steering system for a wheeled land vehicle. Slave wheels respond to the angular position of a steered master wheel and a steering mode select switch to provide front wheel, coordinated or crab steering.

Abstract: An ultra high pressure water jet cutting nozzle is disclosed which comprises a lightweight poppet valve assembly coupled by a lost motion connection to a valve actuator. The poppet valve assembly seals directly to the jet-forming element of the nozzle insuring continuous high pressure fluid in the system at all times. The maintenance of constant high fluid pressure in the system protects the supply tubing of the system against damage due to pressure waves generated by repeated opening and closing of the valve assembly. The maintenance of continuous high fluid pressure also prevents dislodgement of the jet-forming element of the nozzle.

Abstract: Ice tool with a handle formed from the shaft providing clearance for the user's hand when the shaft is parallel and adjacent to an ice surface. The tool having a pick and spike for imbedding in the ice surface and a means for attachment of a line. A force supplied to the line further imbeds the pick and spike into the ice surface.

Abstract: A fluid jet drilling nozzle and associated drilling method. The nozzle is adapted to be connected to a source of high pressure fluid and to be rotated about a rotation axis, and comprises a body formed so that it partially encloses a cavity, which cavity is in fluid communication with the source of high pressure fluid when the nozzle is connected to such source. The nozzle further comprises means for allowing high pressure fluid in the cavity to exit the nozzle in the form of a high velocity fluid jet which intersects the axis of rotation of the nozzle. Such a nozzle may be mounted in any drilling apparatus capable of supplying high pressure fluid to the cavity and of rotating or oscillating the nozzle about its rotation axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning bee culture nests or hives of the spirally wound type, which are formed by spirally wound strips of corrugated and separator material. Bee larvae are removed and the nests cleaned by unwinding and separating the corrugated and separator strips, mechanically cleaning the strips and rewinding them to form a hive for reuse. The mechanical cleaning of the corrugated strip is accomplished by a plurality of fingers arranged to move through the flutes on each side thereof to remove the bee larvae. Scrapers contact both sides of the separator strip to remove the remaining adherent nesting material or "debris".