Abstract: An evacuation priority system for use in installations having a plurality of separate areas therein includes a plurality of detecting means, such as fire or smoke detectors, each for detecting an appropriate alarm condition in the respective area. Inputs from each area responsive to the alarm condition are received by a central processing unit (CPU), and a priority is computed between the inputs on a predetermined basis dependent upon the relative emergency between the alarm conditions detected. An evacuation route is then selectively fed into an indicating means within each area, on a priority basis or simultaneously, to identify appropriate evacuation routes from each area. Information received by the CPU is forwarded to the appropriate emergency agency, for determining the appropriate equipment and manpower to be used. In addition, information received and processed by the CPU is stored to document the emergency to help reconstruct and avoid similar occurrences.

Abstract: An air heater and blower system is incorporated into an air filter for an internal combustion engine carburetor and blows heated air into the filter and into the carburetor under control of a thermostat. The air filter has an opening and a deflector plate to deflect some of the heated air against the carburetor and bowl beneath the filter so as to accumulate heat around the carburetor under the filter casing thereby increasing the efficiency of the engine in cold weather or when the temperature drops below the setting of the thermostat.

Abstract: A well point system is provided having automatic regulation of the flow of fluid through each riser in order to shut off an individual riser when the water level drops below the well point of that particular riser. The automatic regulation of the flow of water is controlled above the surface of the earth and includes a float actuated valve for preventing the pump from drawing air. The float actuated valve has a controlled air bleed for evacuating the riser and allowing the water to unseat the valve when the water rises around the well point.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of a liquid through a solar heating system of the type having the output of a solar energy collector coupled to the input of a storage tank and having a circulating pump interposed along a return liquid pipe coupled between the recirculating output of the storage tank and the input of the solar energy collector. A first element senses the temperature of the liquid adjacent to the output of the solar energy collector and generates a first signal responsive thereto. A second element senses the temperature of the liquid at a second location within the solar heating system and generates a second signal responsive thereto. A first comparator is coupled between the first and second elements for generating a run signal responsive to the difference between the first and second signals exceeding a predetermined level.

Abstract: A tool for disassembling hydraulic valve lifters of the type having a housing enclosing a plunger longitudinally movable through a cylindrical cavity therein, the plunger having a coaxial cavity therein with a circumferential lip or groove adjacent the open end thereof. A shaft communicates into the coaxial cavity of the plunger. The shaft has at the distended end thereof an annular head for engaging the circumferential lip adjacent the open end of the plunger. The distended end of the shaft and the annular head also include a longitudinal slot therethrough parallel to the axis of the shaft. An activating device is included adjacent to the longitudinal slot for enlarging the annular head to engage the circumferential lip inside the plunger. The tool also includes a frame for communicating with and restraining the longitudinal movement of the housing.

Abstract: A surgical punch instrument having an elongated, hollow sleeve with an elongated rod sliding therein and extending through one end of the hollow sleeve. The elongated rod has a narrowed end portion and fixed cylindrical blade attached thereto while the open end of the hollow sleeve has a hollow, cylindrical blade removably attached thereto. The sliding rod may be actuated by a handle attached thereto and extending through the elongated sleeve to pull the blade on the end of the rod into the hollow blade in the hollow sleeve thereby shearing or punching an opening in tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A footwear assembly in the form of a sandal or like device designed to be attached to the foot after a pedicure has been performed thereon and specifically configured to both keep the foot from becoming soiled and concurrently separating the various toes of the foot. More specifically, a plurality of finger elements are integrally attached at one end to a plug element which itself is attached to the base portion and disposed to extend upwardly therefrom into separating relation to the toes of the foot on which the footwear assembly is mounted. The base means includes a sole portion which is configured at least in part and preferably entirely in corresponding relation to the configuration of the foot so that upon receiving a pedicure one may place the sandal on the pedicured foot and thereby be mobile without dirtying the foot or ruining the pedicure by inadvertent engagement of the toes of the foot.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic apparatus and method for coupling a workpiece to a specified position along a continuous length of line and then cutting the line to a predetermined length. A length of the line is clamped adjacent a leading section thereof and tensioned over the workpiece to which it is to be fastened. The tension is then regulated for providing slack in the line. Loop sections are then folded into the line and stuffed through one or more one way apertures in the workpiece. Additional tension is provided for unfolding the line within the apertures, thereby coupling the line to the workpiece. The length of line is then moved to another work area for being cut to the predetermined length. An apparatus in accordance with this method is also provided.

Abstract: A time accounting system including at least three distinct elements: a magnetic stripped card, a recording clock and a recorder/encoder assembly. The magnetic stripped card is fed into the recording clock which prints and electromagnetically encodes predetermined information such as the date and time upon the card. The card is then output from the recording clock. At the end of a given accounting period, the cards are gathered and stacked in the input portion of the recorder/encoder assembly. The recorder/encoder assembly accepts each card and transfers the information contained onto magnetic tape for direct input to a computer. As each used card is read, the recorder/encoder prints and encodes a new card.

Abstract: An intersection emergency warning apparatus, remotely controlled from an emergency vehicle, for warning persons in proximity to an intersection as to the approach of the emergency vehicle, independent of other intersection traffic control devices. A transmitting device is mounted on the emergency vehicle for transmitting activation signals to a receiver which is mounted on a housing adjacent to the intersection. A visual warning device and an audible warning device are also attached to the housing and to the receiver. As the emergency vehicle approaches the intersection the activation signals are transmitted from the vehicle and received by the receiver located at the intersection. The activation signals activate the audible and visual warning devices, thereby alerting persons in the proximity of the intersection as to the approach of the emergency vehicle. This warning is independent of other intersection traffic control devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously molding a plurality of bottles, and removing flash tails from the bottom of all of the bottles prior to removal from the mold includes a die having a plurality of cavities therein corresponding to the shape of the bottle to be molded. The die includes a plurality of concavities along an outer surface thereof, each next adjacent one of the cavities. A shaft is rotatably supported immediately adjacent this outer surface of the die, and extends substantially parallel with the row of cavities, the shaft further including a flat surface immediately adjacent each concavity along the outer surface. A blade is mounted on each flat surface, each blade having a greater dimension between the shaft and the second portion of the cutting edge with respect to the dimension between the shaft and an outer extremity of the cutting edge.

Abstract: A switch comprises a housing and a shaft movable into and out of the housing with two circuit paths carried by the housing and adapted to be interconnected only during movement of one of the paths across the other path. Means are provided for moving the one path across the other path; in one embodiment, this means comprises a cam and bevel arrangement carried by the shaft.

Abstract: A method of making a handbag having an illuminatable interior includes steps of attaching an illumination source to the interior of the handbag, along with locating and attaching a latching clasp to the exterior wall of the handbag and a switch to the interior wall of the handbag directly across from the latching clasp on the exterior wall. The clasp and the switch are connected through the wall and a shaft extends from the clasp which will actuate the switch which is connected to the illumination source, thereby lighting the interior of the bag.

Abstract: One or more strap holder assemblies attached to a musical instrument or like device for purposes of attaching opposite ends or predetermined portions of a strap to the instrument or device wherein a base means is fixedly attached and specifically configured to form a socket in which a swivel means is rotatably mounted. A strap connector element having a strap attachment device integrally connected thereto is pivotally mounted within the socket between certain limits which are defined by the ends of an upwardly extending and curvilinear flange which at least partially defines the socket in which the swivel means of the strap connector element and attachment device are mounted.

Abstract: An electrical counting scale of the type having a sample pan for receiving a known number of pieces of like weight, a commodity receiver for receiving an unknown number of pieces to be counted and a first lever for coupling, in a fixed first ratio, the sample pan to the commodity receiver. The load transducer is coupled to the first lever for generating a load signal representative of a load force thereon, with the load signal being coupled to a load indicating device for displaying a representation thereof. A second lever is coupled between said first lever and said commodity receiver for reducing in a fixed second ratio the primary load force transmitted therebetween. A second commodity receiver is provided for receiving another unknown number of said pieces to be counted. A third lever couples said second commodity receiver to said load transducer for increasing the load force thereon by a fixed third ratio.

Abstract: A heavy duty fishing reel apparatus having a line-receiving reel rotatably attached to a frame. An extending member is pivotally attached to the frame, and an elastic restraining device, which is attached between the distended portion of the extending member and the frame provides an adjustable restoring force in response to the rotation of the extending member about its pivot axis. A sealed bearing pulley device having a simplified line-guiding wheel and rotational bearing assembly is pivotally attached to the distended portion of the extending member.

Abstract: A conveyor idler and idler terminal bearing apparatus has a one-piece molded, elongated, flexible polymer idler having a plurality of rollers formed thereon and having a tread formed on the surface thereof. Each end of the idler has an enlarged portion which is engaged by terminal supports surrounding the enlarged portion to rotatable hold the idler to its' mount. The terminal supports may have a steel pin or the like mounted thereto for mounting to the conveyor idler mount.

Abstract: A coated, lightweight aggregate for mixing with cement, sand and water for producing a lightweight construction material is provided in which expanded polystyrene beads are coated with a mixture formed of dehydrated lime and hydrated alumina with water in an amount to impart a suitable consistency and a wetting agent. A method of making the mixture and coating the beads is also provided.

Abstract: A fruit pitting machine apparatus for separating unpitted fruit from pitted fruit having pitting needles which force fruit pits through a pair of springloaded jaws. As a pit is forced through the jaws a pneumatic valve actuates a pneumatic pressure switch which generates electric signals in an electrical memory. If the jaws are not actuated by a pit being forced therethrough an air ejector will eject the unpitted fruit into a separate container following a predetermined positional relay for aligning the unpitted fruit with the ejector.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting a fluid below a soil or turf surface includes a handle with a support rod attached thereto, and a plurality of nozzles carried by the support rod, each nozzle forming a stream of fluid passing therethrough. Each nozzle is provided with a skid having a curved surface for low friction contact with the soil or turf surface and for holding the nozzle out of contact with the surface. The apparatus is provided with a pump which cooperates with the nozzle to inject the fluid substantially below the soil surface.