Abstract: A low-pass filter passes a spectrum of electrical signals which are utilized to establish a threshold level with which electrical signals having frequencies in a relatively higher range are compared to determine if a warning sound is present in the sounds in the vicinity of a receiver unit for receiving the ambient sound. If the rectified magnitude of the signals having the higher frequencies exceeds the rectified and variably adjusted magnitudes of the signals having lower frequencies, a visual indication is given to communicate the existence of a warning sound in the ambient sounds.

Abstract: A sonic logging tool which includes a relatively short sonic wave isolation section and further includes a structural member surrounding a pressure wave generating apparatus for creating a damping shorted turns effect is disclosed. The isolation section includes interlocking ends having serpentine edges which are spaced from each other, but which are interlocked for preventing longitudinal separation of the two ends. The isolation section also includes a damping material disposed between the spatially separated serpentine edges. The structural portion permits an electrical current to pass therethrough around the pressure wave generator apparatus.

Abstract: Two roller elements are spatially related so that grooves therein are aligned to define an opening between the roller elements. The grooves have pluralities of cavities formed therein into which material from a line is squeezed as the line is passed through the opening so that protuberances are formed on the line. A heating element is provided to soften the line prior to having the protuberances formed, and a cooling chamber is provided to cool the line after the protuberances have been formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the metering of additives which are to be blended with a primary substance includes an element which determines how much additive is being discharged from an additive storage container. This element includes a weight detecting device which detects a first portion of the additive contained in a metering container and includes another weight detecting device for detecting the weight of a second portion of the additive contained in an inventory container which feeds the additive into the metering container. This element also includes a volumetric flow rate monitoring device for monitoring the flow rate of a liquid additive. Each of these detecting and monitoring devices generates respective electrical signals proportional to the respective monitored conditions. The apparatus also includes an element for sensing how much of the primary substance is being discharged from a primary substance container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transcutaneous coupling apparatus comprising a first member subcutaneously positioned in a user of the invention and also comprising a second member positioned supercutaneously, or outside the skin of the user. Rare-earth magnets are associated with the first and second members to magnetically secure the second member with the first member without significantly adversely affecting the user's skin intervening between the first and second members.

Abstract: An apparatus which automatically balances the magnitudes of each phase current in a multi-phase power system includes electrical conductors, or phase lines, variable reactance evices, and control elements. Each phase line connects to a variable reactance device which can change the reactance of the line to thereby control the magnitude of the phase current. The variation of the reactance in one line is controlled by a control element which supplies the reactance device with a direct current converted from the alternating current of another phase line. This direct current generates a magnetic field which saturates the reactance device and thereby balances the controlled phase's current by interacting with the magnetic fields generated in the reactance device by that phase's alternating current. Total balancing is obtained by concatenating the control elements to reactance devices of all phases, i.e., one phase controls a second phase, the second controls a third, . . ., the n.sup.th -1 controls the n.sup.

Abstract: A string comprises an elongated member having a plurality of protuberances extending outwardly therefrom. These protuberances include a first set of protuberances which are disposed along a first perimeter of the elongated member. The plurality of protuberances also includes a second set of protuberances which are disposed along a second perimeter of the elongated member. Each of these protuberances of the second set is offset from each of the protuberances of the first set. In particular, the two sets of protuberances are positioned so that they are substantially parallel to respective radii which are in the opposite set of protuberances and which bisect consecutive ones of the radii with which the protuberances within that opposite set are associated. The line forms an improvement in an article for imparting spin to a ball of the type including a framework having a handle and a hoop extending from one end of the handle.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a master control unit associated with a first locomotive and a slave control unit associated with a second locomotive. Each of the control units is identically constructed to include an electronic processor and memory. The memory includes a program which is also identical for both units. Each of the units is connected to at least a portion of a train line extending between the locomotives, and inter-unit communications are accomplished over only a single spare line within the train line. Under control of the program the control units detect the setting of the throttle in the first locomotive, and in response thereto the control units operate the throttle of the second locomotive so that the combined operation of the first and second locomotives functions at an optimum power output-to-fuel consumption ratio within a predetermined range of power levels for each setting of the throttle in the first locomotive.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is to be connected to a domestic sewing machine for converting it into one capable of sewing heavier materials and sewing materials having edgewise designs so that the designs are maintained in alignment. The converted machine can also be capable of having an adjustable amount of hook throw. This apparatus includes a member which pivotally connects a needle bar and a feed foot to the sewing machine. The apparatus also includes a member which pivots the connecting member back and forth in a feed direction and a reverse feed direction. So that the workpiece being sewn by the machine will not slip during pivoting in the reverse feed direction, the apparatus also includes a clamp element for retaining the workpiece against a workpiece supporting surface during this time. Additionally the apparatus includes a mechanism which lowers and raises a feed dog when the connecting member has been pivoted to the substantial extremes of the feed direction and reverse-feed direction.

Abstract: A control unit for use with a hand-held probe and an electrosurgical generator is disclosed to include a power input transformer which isolates the primary power supply from two electrically isolated circuits within the control unit. A first one of the electrical circuits receives a channel select signal from a hand-held probe connected thereto and, in response thereto, actuates either a first channel circuit or a second channel circuit within the second circuit. Each of the first and second channel circuits includes an alternating current actuated relay for electromagnetically moving a switch element therein in response to the channel select circuit so that either a first or a second control signal is provided to the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling a watering system in response to a comparison of an ambient condition with a time-varying reference level having an adjustable maximum value is disclosed. The invention includes an electrical circuit for monitoring and sensing the magnitude of the ambient condition and for converting the sensed magnitude into a proportional electrical signal. The invention further includes a first timer circuit for generating a triggering signal when the time-varying reference level exceeds the magnitude of the proportional electrical signal. This triggering signal is applied to a second timer circuit which actuates the watering system for a predetermined period of time in response to the triggering signal.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for allowing one person to releasably connect a first object to a second object, which second object has a first engageable portion, a second engageable portion and a third engageable portion, is disclosed. The coupling apparatus includes a first connector mechanism associated with the first object for releasably engaging the first engageable portion of the second object. The coupling apparatus further includes a second connector mechanism associated with the first object for releasably engaging the second engageable portion of the second object. The coupling apparatus further includes a third connector means associated with the first object for releasably engaging the third engageable portion of the second object. Also included in the coupling apparatus is a support member, such as a frame, for interconnecting the first, second and third connector mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring conditions in a fluid flow path so that the composition and operation of the flow path can be determined is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid flow detector, such as a gas flow logging tool, which detects the velocity at which a fluid, such as a gas, flows along the fluid flow path, such as a gas injection conduit used in a gas lift program for extracting oil from a well. The monitoring apparatus also includes a pressure detector and a temperature detector. Each of these detectors provides a respective electrical signal to a recorder unit, such as a strip chart recorder, for creation thereby of respective logs. The logs generated by the recorder unit permit qualitative and quantitative analyses of identifiable fluid flow path phenomena, such as the locations of valves and the volumetric flow of the fluid, to be made.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting the displacement of a presser bar reciprocatingly mounted in a frame of a sewing machine is disclosed to include a contact member for contacting the presser bar after the presser bar has moved a predetermined distance. The apparatus further includes a latch member, having the contact member associating therewith, for releasably engaging the frame of the sewing machine so that the contact member is prevented from moving in the same direction as the presser bar. So that the latch member may be disengaged from the frame, the present invention also includes a mechanism for decoupling the latch member. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for positioning the latch member so that different portions of the contact member overlie the path of movement of the presser bar during different portions of a stitching cycle.

Abstract: A reserve power supply for providing backup power to a computer system includes a first battery and a second battery which are switchably interconnected in series or parallel by a switch means. When the batteries are connected in parallel they may be charged by a primary power supply which normally drives the computer system. When the batteries are connected in series they provide power to the computer when the primary power supply fails. This association with the primary power supply and the computer system is effected by a coupling circuit of the reserve power supply. The reserve power supply further includes an indicator circuit which visually and audibly signals when the batteries are providing power to the computer system. The reserve power supply further includes an electrical circuit which connects the voltage from one of the batteries to a second voltage output of the primary power supply and a second voltage input of the computer system.

Abstract: An apparatus for motivating one or more animals to move within an enclosed area is disclosed. The apparatus includes a track disposed within the enclosed area and a carriage movably mounted on the track. Also included are a drive mechanism for moving the carriage around the track and an actuating element for actuating the drive mechanism. The invention also includes one or more of a number of elements which are perceivable by the animal and which cause the animal to move within the enclosed area. The actuating element includes a docking member which is connected adjacent the track and a switch which interacts with the docking member to control the movement of the carriage along the track. The actuating member further includes a temperature sensing element which causes the carriage to move along the track whenever a temperature is sensed which is outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: Electronic transmitter means are used for generating and emitting a control signal which is detected by an animal-handling mechanism associated with the animal for physically manipulating the animal to control its movement. The animal-handling mechanism includes motors for controlling the tensioning of reins connected to the head of the animal. A control signal can also be transmitted to activate a bat mechanism for striking the animal to urge it forward.

Abstract: A system for protecting a transducer connected thereto by damping, through a pressurized fluid, a signal to be converted by the transducer is disclosed. The system includes a transducer protector apparatus having a housing and an element for damping the signal to be converted by the transducer. The housing includes a first connector for coupling with the transducible signal source and a second connector for joining the transducer. The housing also has a fluid-containing cavity and a member for transferring to the fluid in the cavity the transducible signal received through the first connector. The damping element includes a bore defined in the housing to directly communicate the cavity with an aperture in the second connector and a pin, having a predetermined diameter less than the diameter of the bore, disposed within the bore.