Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved apparatus and method for providing a necktie restraining apparatus. The present invention employs a fusion cloth to stiffen necktie material so that it may be employed as vertical and horizontal members on an apparatus for securing a four-in-hand necktie to a shirt button while automatically adjusting to compensate for changes in the amount of slack on the necktie. An improved method of manufacture of such a necktie restraint apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus and method for binding stationery items, such as stacks and rolls of paper, file folders, and the like. The invention provides an elastic strip which includes hook and loop attachment means on its ends to bind to itself to form a continuous band. In the preferred embodiment, one end of the strip is provided with a Y-shaped end to form a more secure attachment. The present invention provides all the benefits of conventional rubber bands, but is easier to use and avoids many of the problems normally encountered with existing stationery binding methods.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a reusable cap adapted to hermetically seal the top of a standard beverage can so as to contain the carbonation within the can and to prevent spills. The cap comprises a flat topped hard outer shell, a resilient inner coating on the shell, and an elastomeric inner member adapted to mate with the entire recessed top of the can to form a liquid and airtight seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for automatically counting and permanently disposing of tickets and similar markers, such as those dispensed at arcades. The apparatus employs motor driven wheels to draw tickets through it in very rapid fashion, a sensor and counter to tally the number of tickets, and a blade to permanently destroy the tickets. The present invention lends itself to many security and accounting protections presently unavailable using conventional manual systems.

Abstract: An electro-rheological valve controller. The invention comprises a generally cylindrical casing holding an electro-rheological fluid; a reciprocating tappet attached at one end of the cylindrical casing, said tappet contacting cam means for thrusting said tappet into said casing toward a reciprocating valve lift member; a plunger member coupled to said tappet, said plunger being perforated to permit the flow of electro-rheological fluid therethrough; a reciprocating valve lift member situated within said casing and separated from said perforated plunger member by a biasing spring and said electro-rheological fluid, said lift member communicating with a valve to be lifted; and electrode means coupled to said perforated member for generating an electric field within said perforated member such that said electro-rheological fluid within said perforated member solidifies, whereby said plunger applies a compressive fluid force against said reciprocating lift member thereby lifting said valve to be lifted.

Abstract: A linear motor driven conveyor apparatus is disclosed for conveying trucks carrying articles to be processed through a paint booth or other treatment area having a dirt-laden atmosphere, and water supply means are provided to produce a continuously flowing film of water over the upper surfaces of the primary members of the linear motor to keep such surfaces free of contaminants.

Abstract: A sports implement swing analyzer. The present invention comprises an implement having means for supporting acceleration measurement means; acceleration measurement means for measuring the acceleration of said implement through a swing for outputting a signal characteristic of said acceleration; means for transmitting said acceleration signal to a processing means; means responsive to said transmitting means for processing said acceleration signal according to a prestored algorithm and for translating said signal into an output characteristic of swing performance; and means for displaying said output characteristic of swing performance.

Abstract: A real estate sales aid is disclosed in the form of a three-dimensional house which may be mounted next to the "For Sale" sign on property for sale. It includes a first chamber containing sheets providing information as to the house for sale. This chamber is accessible to the public through a hinged door. A second locked chamber is provided into which a reply card may be inserted through a mail slot.

Abstract: A fuel injector controlled by electro-rheological valving is disclosed. The present invention comprises a cylindrical casing having a compression chamber for holding a metered quantity of fuel and a nozzle for injecting said fuel into an engine; a fuel inlet for supplying a metered quantity of fuel to said compression chamber; an outlet coupled to said compression chamber for permitting fuel to exit said chamber to be recirculated back to said inlet; reciprocating plunger means for driving compression fluid into said nozzle and outlet; and electro-rheological valve means for controlling the flow of fuel through said outlet whereby the amount of fuel injected into said nozzle is precisely metered.

Abstract: An electro-rheological shock absorber. The invention comprises a generally cylindrical inner casing holding an electro-rheological fluid; a reciprocating arm means attached at one end of the cylindrical casing; a dampening plunger member coupled to said arm and extending into said electro-rheological fluid, said dampening plunger being perforated to permit the flow of electro-rheological fluid therethrough; and electrode means coupled to said perforated member for generating an electric field within said perforated member such that said electro-rheological fluid within said perforated member solidifies, whereby said plunger applies a compressive fluid force against said fluid so as to provide a dampening force. In an alternative embodiment, the unique electrode configuration of the present invention are utilized in a shock absorber having a by-pass conduit.

Abstract: A linear motor driven conveyor which includes a carrier rail and primary members provided within a pit, main trolleys adapted to run along the carrier rail and connected with a carrying frame, and front and rear trolleys. The connecting members are pivotably connected vertically and horizontally with each trolley within the pit, the lower surfaces of the connecting members each having a reaction plate of a linear induction motor.

Abstract: Pressure reduction and conditioning valve for simultaneously reducing the pressure and temperature of steam.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for rejuvenation of strip acid employed in the reclamation of expended lead-acid battery acid through extraction and filtration for removing metallic impurities from the battery acid. In the process of removing impurities from battery acid through extraction, the extractant becomes loaded with impurities and loses its effectiveness. Extractant may be regenerated by contacting it with an strip acid. In the present invention, a reduction process is employed to regenerate the strip acid so that it may be used repeatedly. By recycling the extractant and the strip acid in the present invention, the present process further increases the effectiveness of battery acid regeneration--producing a reclaimed battery acid fluid which performs very well in new batteries and substantially reducing by-product waste in the regeneration of the battery acid.

Abstract: A conditioning valve for simultaneously reducing the pressure and temperature of steam. The invention comprises a valve body divided into first and second chambers, the first chamber having an inlet port for the introduction of superheated steam under high pressure into said conditioning valve and the second chamber having an outlet port for expelling desuperheated and depressurized steam out of said conditioning valve; an annular seat affixed to the interior of said valve between said first and second chambers; a hollow cylindrical cage slidably coupled with said seat, said cage permitting the flow of steam between said first and second chambers when said cage is in a first position and preventing said flow of steam when said cage is in a second position; and water stem means coupled to said cage for adjusting said cage between said first and second positions, said stem means having an outlet for injecting desuperheating water into said second chamber to be mixed with said steam.

Abstract: A linear motor driven conveyor apparatus is disclosed for conveying trucks carrying articles to be processed through a paint booth or other treatment area having a dirt-laden atmosphere, and a water tank is provided in the treatment area in which the secondary member of the linear motor is immersed to keep its surfaces free of contaminants.

Abstract: A strainer for preventing debris from entering a turbine. The strainer comprises a casing having an inlet conduit for introducing a flow medium into said strainer and an outlet conduit extending substantially perpendicular to said inlet conduit for expelling said flow medium, said outlet conduit having conically expanding interior side walls; an annular seal affixed to said casing between said inlet and outlet conduits for forming a seal between said inlet and outlet conduits; a bonnet attached to said casing, said bonnet having an upper bonnet section affixed to said casing and hollow cylindrical lower bonnet cage which mates with said annular seat, said hollow cylindrical lower bonnet cage opening into said outlet conduit and having a plurality of apertures so as to permit flow into said hollow cavity and out said outlet conduit and strainer screen means surrounding said hollow cylindrical lower bonnet, said screen means preventing debris from entering said apertures.

Abstract: There is disclosed a truck for use with a linear motor drive conveyor for conveying articles such as automotive bodies through a paint station. Shield means are provided carried by the reaction plate which in turn is carried by the truck. The shield means includes a central flat plate and downturned side edges which overlie and protect the gap between the reaction plate and the primary members of the linear motor from paint or other foreign particles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for proving a test meter comprising a standard for a test gas to a meter; encoder means for determining the amount of test gas supplied from said standard; valve for regulating the flow of gas from said supply means; a sensor comprising two metallic reeds encapsulated in a housing, said reeds being maintained in a non-contacting position the magnetic field of at least two magnets, said sensor being placed in proximity to the oscillating diaphragm of a gas meter whereby said oscillating diaphragm periodically interferes with said magnetic field thereby resulting in the periodic contact of said reeds and the generation of a signal at said sensor representing the passage of a predetermined quantity of test gas; and an electronic sensing device which activates upon the contact of the metallic reeds. The mechanism includes a device for adjusting the sensitivity of the reeds.