Abstract: A wheel for belted track vehicles includes a hub with an upright central disc. A series of individually cast and machined segments are mounted to the disc in side-by-side relation about the periphery of both sides of the disc. Each segment takes the shape of a truncated sector having a general “L” shape as viewed from an end, with a back or base engaging a side of the disc, and belt support elements extending laterally of the disc for engaging and supporting the track.

Abstract: A hook-like carrier adapted for attachment to and support by the belt of a user includes an attachment member having a pair of generally vertical, spaced slots which are adapted to receive the user's belt. Attached to an outer portion of the attachment member is a first element of a foldable hook. The first hook element is pivotally coupled to a second hook element such as by a first hinge and the second hook element is, in turn, pivotally coupled to a third hook element, such as by a second hinge. The hook elements are pivotally movable between a first folded configuration, such as when not in use, and a second extended configuration for engaging and supporting an article and maintaining the article securely in position in closely spaced relation to the user's waist.

Abstract: A device and method of making same. The device or hydrogen detector has a non-conducting substrate with a metal film capable of absorbing hydrogen to form a stable metal hydride. The metal film is being on the threshold of percolation and is connected to mechanism for sensing a change in electrical resistance in response to the presence of hydrogen in contact with the metal film which causes an increase in conductivity.

Abstract: An absolute or relative pressure sensor formed of a monolithic plastic body (2) includes a carrier body (3) and a membrane (4). A printed circuit including wire strain gauges and comprised of a polymer paste is disposed on the membrane (4). The membrane (4) is shaped so as to be very soft affording high pressure sensitivity, while the circuit includes electric terminals (7) which may be embedded in the monolithic body (2) during manufacture to eliminate subsequent mounting of these terminals in simplifying production and reducing cost. By connecting the membrane (4) to an element embedded in the monolithic body (2), membrane elasticity may be adjusted to provide the pressure sensor with a desired sensitivity for a specific application. The embedded element is preferably formed as a core of the membrane which is completely surrounded by the plastic monolithic body (2) using a vacuum container (8).

Abstract: A dry mix particulate composition of a calcined oxide of Mg and/or Ca, an acid phosphate, and fly ash or equivalent, wherein the calcined oxide is present in the range of from about 17% to about 40% by weight and the acid phosphate is present in the range of from about 29% to about 52% by weight and the fly ash or equivalent is present in the range of from about 24% to about 39% by weight when sand is added to the dry mix, it is present in the range of from about 39% to about 61% by weight of the combined dry mix and sand. A method of forming a structural member is also disclosed wherein an aqueous slurry of about 8–12 pounds of water is added to dry mix and sand.

Abstract: An A and/or A? site deficient perovskite of general formula of (A1-xA?x)1-yFeO3-? or of general formula A1-x-yA?xFeO3-67, wherein A is La alone or with one or more of the rare earth metals or a rare earth metal other than Ce alone or a combination of rare earth metals and X is in the range of from 0 to about 1; A? is Sr or Ca or mixtures thereof and Y is in the range of from about 0.01 to about 0.3; ? represents the amount of compensating oxygen loss. If either A or A? is zero the remaining A or A? is deficient. A fuel cell incorporating the inventive perovskite as a cathode is disclosed as well as an oxygen separation membrane. The inventive perovskite is preferably single phase.

Abstract: An air seed meter for an agricultural planter includes a vacuum cover which has a central opening which exposes the central portion of the seed disc to the exterior. The central opening of the vacuum cover is centered on a location offset from the axis of rotation of the seed disc. This reduces disc wear at the disc-vacuum cover interface, and renders the disc more accessible for self-cleaning, visual inspection and verification of the proper disc. Openings in the central, open portion of the disc, the back wall of the seed housing and the side wall of the seed housing cooperate to equalize the air pressure in the seed reservoir to atmospheric pressure and reduce or eliminate reverse air currents in the discharge chute. An adjustable brush with three separate stations cooperates with an edge-release, beveled disc to apply a progressively more forceful singulation force to eliminate duplicate seeds.

Abstract: A multi-section roll-up curtain is raised and lowered by plural support/rotational drive mechanisms disposed in a spaced manner along the length of the curtain. Each drive mechanism is symmetrically loaded with a curtain section attached to opposed sides of each drive mechanism. Each curtain section includes plural vertically spaced curtains which are simultaneously rolled-up and unrolled. Each drive mechanism includes plural vertically spaced drive motors each connected to first and second curtain-bearing roll-up tubes disposed on opposite sides of a drive motor. A generally vertical guide member is coupled to each drive motor by a respective carriage assembly allowing the drive motors to travel up in rolling up the curtains and down in unrolling the curtains. This arrangement accommodates the large torques encountered in operating long curtain sections permitting multi-section curtains 600? and longer in length to be reliably and safely operated without using large, powerful motors.

Abstract: A light fixture includes an extruded metal housing having open ends, and a wall defining an elongated opening extending between opposing wall edges. First and second slots extend along opposing edges of the wall to receive at least one panel. A pair of end plates is attached to the open ends of the housing. A lamp assembly is mounted within the housing for transmitting light through the elongated opening. More than one lamp assembly may be slid into the extruded housing, with spacer plates inserted between lamp assemblies to present a closed, finished look. The extruded housing may by cut to size and end caps inserted with screws to finish the fixture.

Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring device for fastening laces which includes a structure having a supporting base and a pair of overlapping throat members which hold sections of the fastening lace. The bottom throat member forms a reel and includes retention ledges which retain a winding section of the lace that is wrapped about the reel. The upper throat member forms a reel having retention ledges which retain a winding section of the lace that may be wrapped about the reel.

Abstract: A decorative fly trap for household use includes a sconce having a housing including a bottom section and an overhead cover partially enclosing a source of UV light, and an adhesive trapping medium. The cover includes an intermediate surface extending from behind the UV light source upwardly and over the UV light source to a location forward of the light source. A base mount is removably assembled to the bottom of the unit so that the unit may either be wall mounted or supported on a horizontal surface, such as a table. A UV reflective coating is applied to the interior exposed surfaces of the housing including the curved intermediate surface of the cover to enhance the reflection of UV light out into the room and downwardly in front of the to attract insects. The housing includes a horizontal aperture for admitting reflected light from within the sconce onto a front surface of a lower tier of the bottom section for attracting insects as well as for presenting an attractive appearance.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for continuously making an organic ester from a lower alcohol and an organic acid is disclosed. An organic acid or salt is introduced or produced in an electrode ionization (EDI) stack with a plurality of reaction chambers each formed from a porous solid ion exchange resin wafer interleaved between anion exchange membranes or an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane and a bipolar exchange membranes. At least some reaction chambers are esterification chambers and/or bioreactor chambers and/or chambers containing an organic acid or salt. A lower alcohol in the esterification chamber reacts with an anion to form an organic ester and water with at least some of the water splitting with the ions leaving the chamber to drive the reaction.

Abstract: The head assembly of a floor burnisher is suspended by a main lift assembly and a fine adjustment assembly. The main lift moves the head assembly between a raised position in which the pad assembly is raised and tilted for access, and a lowered position in which the pad driver is suspended slightly above the floor, ready for use. The fine adjustment assembly permits the operator to control very accurately and conveniently the final operating pressure of the pad when the burnisher is turned on.

Abstract: Apparatus for observing and measuring in realtime surface and subsurface characteristics of objects having complex shapes includes an optical fiber bundle having first and second opposed ends. The first end includes a linear array of fibers, where the ends of adjacent fibers are in contact and are aligned perpendicular to the surface of the object being studied. The second ends of some of the fibers are in the form of a polished ferrule forming a multi-fiber optical waveguide for receiving laser light. The second ends of the remaining fibers are formed into a linear array suitable for direct connection to a detector, such as a linear CMOS-based optical detector. The output data is analyzed using digital signal processing for the detection of anomalies such as cracks, voids, inclusions and other defects.

Abstract: A lithium metal oxide positive electrode for a non-aqueous lithium cell is disclosed. The cell is prepared in its initial discharged state and has a general formula xLiMO2.(1-x)Li2M?O3 in which 0<x<1, and where M is more than one ion with an average trivalent oxidation state and with at least one ion being Ni, and where M? is one or more ions with an average tetravalent oxidation state. Complete cells or batteries are disclosed with anode, cathode and electrolyte as are batteries of several cells connected in parallel or series or both.

Abstract: Disclosed are two embodiments of a coaxial electrical connector designed for use in hazardous locations. Mating connectors are connected coaxially, and coupled together by means of a threaded connection. When the mating connectors are connected, they cannot be disconnected manually. Rather, a tool is necessary to disconnect the connectors. In one embodiment, each connector includes a generally cylindrical coupler member having integral, axial fingers or tines spaced circumferentially. The couplers are rotatably mounted to inserts in which the connecting elements are embedded. A ratchet assembly permits the couplers to be threaded together to make a connection but is overridden in the unconnecting direction, requiring a tool to be placed in the space between adjacent tines to connect the coupler to an associated outer housing which may then be turned to disconnect the connectors.

Abstract: An ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) having an average grain size between 3 and 5 nanometers (nm) with not more than about 8% by volume diamond having an average grain size larger than 10 nm. A method of manufacturing UNCD film is also disclosed in which a vapor of acetylene and hydrogen in an inert gas other than He wherein the volume ratio of acetylene to hydrogen is greater than 0.35 and less than 0.85, with the balance being an inert gas, is subjected to a suitable amount of energy to fragment at least some of the acetylene to form a UNCD film having an average grain size of 3 to 5 nm with not more than about 8% by volume diamond having an average grain size larger than 10 nm.

Abstract: Plural spaced projections attached to the outer surface of a branch pipe of a tapping sleeve positioned on a main water line are disposed in contact with a rubber gasket also positioned on and disposed about the branch pipe. A two-piece split gland is also positioned about the branch pipe and engages a first surface of each of the projections. The split gland is adapted for coupling to the flange of a mechanical joint tapping valve by plural nut and bolt combinations for urging the gasket into intimate contact with a second opposed surface of each of the projections and the tapping sleeve's mechanical joint in forming a seal with the branch pipe. The split gland coupling allows for vertically orienting the tapping sleeve even when the main water line is not level, or horizontal, to facilitate tapping valve access via an extension pipe when the tapping sleeve is buried.

Abstract: An air seed meter for an agricultural planter includes a vacuum cover which has a central opening which exposes the central portion of the seed disc to the exterior. The central opening of the vacuum cover is centered on a location offset from the axis of rotation of the seed disc. This reduces disc wear at the disc-vacuum cover interface, and renders the disc more accessible for self-cleaning, visual inspection and verification of the proper disc. Openings in the central, open portion of the disc, the back wall of the seed housing and the side wall of the seed housing cooperate to equalize the air pressure in the seed reservoir to atmospheric pressure and reduce or eliminate reverse air currents in the discharge chute. An adjustable brush with three separate stations cooperates with an edge-release, beveled disc to apply a progressively more forceful singulation force to eliminate duplicate seeds.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing protons or hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at dissociation temperatures the hydrogen from the dissociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the dissociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is thereafter reacted with methane to produce syngas which optimally may be reacted in a water gas shift reaction to produce CO2 and H2.