Abstract: A fluid operated control device which co-operates with reciprocating means, such as a pneumatically driven shaft. The device includes a main cylinder and piston backed at each end by valves which each include auxiliary cylinders and pistons. The valves provide signal inlets and outlets which can be cross connected to cause continuous reciprocation of the main piston. Alternatively, the valves are operated to displace the main piston selectively or are connected to a delay to vary the timing sequence. Stroke adjustment is possible by a rod attached to one of the auxiliary valves. The main piston is mounted on a shaft passing through the other auxiliary valves.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for purifying or desalinating relatively small quantities of water using one or a few membrane units with relatively modest power requirements. The apparatus uses a pump, an eductor or a combination of both in recirculating a portion of the feed water through a reverse osmosis membrane assembly. The method includes recirculating a portion of the feed water through the membrane assembly and discharging a portion of the recirculated feed water from the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating krypton isotopes utilizing low temperature selective infrared excitation of .sup.85 krypton difluoride in an isotopic compound mixture. Multiphoton IR excitation and UV excitation techniques are used, as well as cryogenic matrix isolation and inert buffer gas isolation techniques.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for filtering frying oil in a cooker apparatus includes the steps of adding diatomaceous earth to oil in the cooking vessel; draining the oil into a drain pan; drawing the oil through a filter positioned in said drain pan, such that said earth is deposited on the surface of said filter; and returning said oil to the cooking vessel. Thereafter, the oil is filtered by the steps of draining the oil into said drain pan such that the earth is not disturbed to any substantial extent off of the surface of said filter; drawing the oil through said filter; and automatically returning said oil to the cooking vessel.The improved method includes attaching said drain pan and filter to said cooker apparatus and positioning a metallic plate between the drain opening of said vessel and said filter such that the oil drained into said drain pan is initially deflected to prevent disturbing the diatomaceous earth deposited on the surface of said filter.

Abstract: A means for regulating the power of a fluorescent tube in a vehicle supplied by a DC source by providing the control circuit of an oscillator transistor of an inverter with an adjustable RC circuit. Even very much dimmed tubes can be lighted with the use of a switch by-passing the RC circuit.

Abstract: A holding chamber may be supplied from a storage vessel system with a cryogen, such as liquid CO.sub.2, or it may itself be large enough to take the place of a separate storage vessel. The temperature within the holding chamber is reduced to the triple point or below to form a refrigeration reservoir of solid cryogen, as by removing vapor from the chamber to cause evaporation or by employing mechanical refrigeration. The stored cooling power of the reservoir is later employed to meet a large or a periodic refrigeration demand and is thereafter replenished over a number of hours, preferably during a period of non-peak electric demand. This storage principle can be incorporated into a variety of different refrigeration systems. For example, a CO.sub.2 storage system may be used to produce and store solid CO.sub.2 during a period of low demand upon a coupled mechanical refrigeration system; thereafter, the solid CO.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending particles in a fluidized bed within a coating chamber where the particles are coated with a substance contained in a reactant gas introduced into the chamber by means of a centrally arranged nozzle extending upwardly from the coating chamber floor. Levitating gas for suspending the particles in the fluidized bed is introduced into the chamber from around the centrally arranged nozzle and generally parallel with the chamber base to promote particle circulation through the fluidized bed and minimize deposition within the chamber in one species of the apparatus, the nozzle is supported upon a movable probe which forms a closure for an opening in the chamber base through which coated particles are unloaded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for use in converting heat to electrical energy and comprises a plurality of capacitors which have a temperature dependent capacitance. Heat is used to decrease the dielectric constant in the capacitors causing charge to expand from the capacitors into an associated circuit and do electrical work. The invention also includes reeds which are caused to vibrate by the flow of vapor carrying heat between stages. These reeds serve as thermal switches which pulse heat at the proper frequency and phase through a large number of stacked capacitors. The efficiency of the apparatus is optimized by operating the individual capacitors through cycles approximating Carnot cycles.

Abstract: Apparatus for assisting the pneumatic conveying of generally dry particulate matter through a closed conduit is disclosed. The apparatus is for use where vacuum pressure applied at one end of the conduit creates a suction force which moves the dry particulate matter through the conduit, and involves the use of a small tube or the like for injecting a gaseous fluid under positive pressure into the particulate matter to loosen it and enable it to be conveyed through the conduit.

Abstract: A removable closure for a hollow container carries a member for dispensing the contents of the container and the member is mounted on the closure for movement between a retracted position within the container when the closure is secured on the container and an extended position in which the member may contact substantially all parts of the interior of the container when the closure is removed from the container.

Abstract: A free-standing, electric heater assembly for an electric furnace includes a heating element support structure of refractory material in the shape of an I-beam. Ceramic rods are inserted through holes in the I-beam web and cemented in place to support the electric heating element. One of the I-beam flanges serves as a base for the assembly while the second flange serves to protect the heating element from damage from falling materials in the furnace.

Abstract: A hair length measuring apparatus includes a measuring roller and holding clamp operatively mounted on a handle, said holding clamp holding against said roller the hair being measured, such that as said handle is moved along the length of said hair, said roller is caused to rotate thereby. An optical switch detects the rotation of said roller, a decimal counter counts said rotating, and a display displays the state of said counter, thereby providing a continuously updated indication of the length of hair that has traveled across said roller during a given hair measuring operation.

Abstract: A method for preventing reproduction by administering to male mammals a peptide which inhibits the secretion of gonadotropins by the pituitary gland and inhibits the release of steroids by the gonads. The peptide has the structure:p--Glu--His--Trp--Ser--Tyr--D--Trp--Leu--Arg--Pro--NH--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3.

Abstract: Blanket designs comprising hot, molten, rotating liquid vortex systems suitable for rapidly compressing confined plasmas, in which stratified immiscible liquid layers having successively greater mass densities outwardly of the axis of rotation are provided, such that each may be optimized for specific functions.

Abstract: Nuclear fuel rods are manufactured utilizing a graphite flour-pitch matrix formulation containing an additive. The matrix formulation has a decreased viscosity at fabrication temperatures which permits manufacture of the fuel rods with lower fabrication pressures. Also, the matrix formulation does not cause the fuel rod to adhere or bond to the fuel element during heat treatment of the fuel rod in the fuel element. The nuclear fuel rods are suitable for use in high temperature gas cooled nuclear reactors.

Abstract: Peptides containing a disulfide bond between two cysteine residues are formed by an oxidation process. The oxidation step is accomplished under conditions whereby the sulfhydryl concentration in a reaction mixture is maintained at substantially zero during the reaction. In the process, an aqueous solution of a peptide containing at least one pair of cysteine moities is added incrementally to a buffered solution containing an oxidizing agent. The period between addition of the increments of the peptide solution is sufficient that the reaction to form the disulfide bond occurs substantially instantaneously. The increments are of such size that the sulfhydryl concentration during the reaction remains substantially constant and at a level of substantially zero, equivalent to infinite dilution.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a plurality of fluid dispensers, such as gasoline pumps or the like in a self-service gasoline station is disclosed. The system includes an operating console that may be located in a station building and has electronic displays, dispenser selecting push buttons and a keyboard including numeric and functional switches, all of which an operator can use to control the operation of the system. A mode select switch permits operation of the system in various modes, selected ones of which permit an operator to obtain various period totals of both volume and cost, to control normal postpay or prepay dispensing transactions, check inventory as well as set or reset the cost per volumetric unit, among other operations. The system can include electronic displays at the gasoline pump and permit price setting of the fluid product from the console.

Abstract: A sweetened fluid yogurt beverage having a relatively low acidity which will remain stable during storage without separation is provided. A base mix of non-fat milk solids, fat and sugar is provided. The base mix is inoculated with a yogurt culture and is permitted to ferment to provide a sweetened yogurt beverage having from about 0.75% to about 1.25% titratable acidity. The coagulum is broken by agitating the coagulum to provide a fluid yogurt. A stabilizing composition containing xanthan gum and guar gum is added to the fluid yogurt. The stabilized fluid yogurt is then pasteurized to stop any further bacterial fermentation. The fermented fluid yogurt is then homogenized and packaged.

Abstract: Peptides which inhibit the secretion of gonadotropins by the pituitary gland and inhibit the release of steroids by the gonads. The peptides have the structure:R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.3 --Ser--Tyr--R.sub.4 --R.sub.5 --Arg--R.sub.6wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of D-pGlu, D-Pro, D-Trp, D-His, D-Arg, D-Leu, Formyl D-Pro, Acetyl D-Pro, Benzoyl D-Pro and .beta.-Ala; R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of D-Phe, Phe, N.alpha. Me-Phe, His, D-His, D-Trp, Trp and N.alpha. Me-Leu; R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of D-Trp, Trp; D-Phe, Phe, Pro and D-His; R.sub.4 is selected from the group consisting of Gly, D-Trp, D-Phe and D-Tyr; R.sub.5 is selected from the group consisting of Leu and N.alpha. Me Leu; and R.sub.6 is selected from the group consisting of Pro-Gly-NH.sub.2 and Pro--NH--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3.

Abstract: Rennet casein is added to water to provide a casein dispersion. An orthophosphate salt of a monovalent cation is added to the casein dispersion so as to solubilize the casein. A rennet casein product is then recovered. In a preferred embodiment, a magnesium salt is added to the casein solution and a casein product is thereafter recovered from the solution.