Abstract: A digital communication system is disclosed for communicating among two central consoles and a plurality of local controllers, such as may be used in a radiation and monitoring system and the like. Communication occurs between each of the consoles and all of the local controllers via dual paths. Each path is independent of the other and each extends from one of the consoles to all of the local controllers from opposite directions, thereby forming a unique noncontinuous loop.

Abstract: An illuminated number display device is disclosed which includes a generally rectangular housing having a front wall on which is mounted one or more number plates so that each number plate overlies an opening in the front wall. Each number plate defines a number visible in daylight and has a plurality of frustoconical light passages therethrough which outline the number and facilitate improved illuminated number display at night from a plurality of low energy light bulbs mounted internally of the housing so that the light from each bulb passes through at least two openings in the front wall and through the light channels in the corresponding number plates. Light diffuser plates are preferably disposed between the front wall openings and the light bulbs, and, optionally, over an opening in a bottom wall of the housing to provide downwardly directed auxiliary lighting.

Abstract: A railroad car has an elongated cylindrical car body formed of thin cylindrical longitudinal walls and closed at each end by a respective end wall, a coupler at each end of the car body for coupling the car to other cars, a truck at each end of the car body, and a supporting structure mounted on each of the trucks for supporting the car body on the respective truck for transport on rails. As described, the end walls are conical and truncated, the longitudinal and end walls comprising continuously wound filaments impregnated with resin with the filaments lying in the longitudinal walls at an angle of less than 30.degree. to the longitudinal direction and extending in the end walls to the region of the truncation.

Abstract: A dispensing pump is disclosed for dispensing a fluent material through a compressible conduit having a portion disposed within a pump housing in which is rotatably mounted a rotor operative to effect a peristaltic pumping action on the conduit. An actuating handle is interconnected to the rotor through a unidirectional drive to effect a predetermined quantity discharge upon each movement of the actuating handle in a dispensing direction, and several alternative mechanical arrangements are provided to effect drawback through the conduit to prevent dripping after each discharge while also preventing undesirable back siphoning of the fluent material. In one embodiment, the actuating handle is connected to the rotor through a constant force extension spring operative to effect rotational multiplication of the rotor upon movement of the actuating handle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reclining chair which moves forward on its base coincidentally with the extension of the self-contained retractable footrest to provide clearance behind the chair for the unobstructed recline of the backrest of the chair.The forward movement of the footrest and of the chair as a whole is self-propelled by energy previously stored in the mechanism by the occupant's retraction of the footrest by flexing the knees.

Abstract: A reclining chair is disclosed in which the seat is movably supported on the base of the chair at each side by a pair of links which are inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the base to the seat, and the forward link is longer than the rearward link so as to increase the pitch of the seat as the seat is raised and moves forward.The backrest is pivoted to the seat well above the plane of the seat frame, and is supported by an upstanding link pivoted to the base. The backrest, in reclining, pivots on the upper end of the upstanding link as a fulcrum, and raises the seat.The elevation of the seat is guided by its supporting links, which move the seat forward, with the lower end of the backrest following, as the seat is lifted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a display, carrying and/or storage case for containers such as beer cans and to a blank for erection into such a case. The carrying case is formed from a single piece, paperboard blank which is suitably scored or otherwise provided with fold lines for erection into an attache-like case having handles for facilitating carrying of the case. The case is formed with a pair of opposed container display sections which are joined about a hinged axis so they may be swung outwardly from a closed position to a generally V position for displaying the containers therein. A divider means divides each of the display sections into an array of compartments each of which receives and holds a container therein.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus for transferring heat from a reactor gas coolant to a secondary fluid medium. The heat exchange apparatus comprises an elongated vertically extending hole in a concrete shield. Supported within the hole in spaced relation to the wall thereof is an elongated vertical extending tubular shroud which shroud has a gas entry at its lower end and a gas exit at its upper end. Means are provided for dividing the annular space between the shroud 16 and the wall of the hole into an upper and a lower region. Disposed in the shield is an inlet for reactor coolant which communicates with the lower region and is positioned vertically so as to be spaced above the gas entry to the shroud to thereby suppress natural convection during non-operating standby conditions of the apparatus. An outlet for reactor coolant, which is disposed in the shield, communicates with the upper region.

Abstract: A frame assembly for use in a bedstead, such as for the headboard thereof, includes a pair of lateral standards, at least one pair of tubular cross rails connected to the standards in transverse relation thereto, and one or more spindles connected to and between the cross rails transversely thereof. Each spindle has its opposite ends received within a pair of axially aligned openings formed in the cross rails and is retained in assembled relation by a pair of connector members each of which is inserted within one of the aligned openings and cooperates with the associated spindle to maintain it in relatively fixed relation to the associated cross members. The connector members are adapted for snap-fit connection with the cross rails so as to eliminate the need for tools in assembling the spindles and cross rails.

Abstract: This invention teaches an improved exhaust system to be used with a paint spray booth and having a continuously operating power exhaust fan. The exhaust system has a damper that is opened when spraying actively is taking place in the spray booth and that is closed when there is no spraying actively taking place in the spray booth. A control switch is mounted in any of several locations to determine when the spray gun is in use or is not in use. Thus, the control switch is actuated when the spray gun is hung up . . . indicating a nonuse condition of the spray system; whereupon use of the spray gun lifts the gun from the hook to indicate spraying activity. A motor drives the damper to the opened position; and a spring biases the damper to the closed position. A timer is also used to delay the closing of the damper until between twenty and possibly two hundred seconds have lapsed after spraying activity has terminated.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automatically substituting a fully threaded bobbin assembly for a used bobbin assembly in a thread shuttle of a sewing machine having the bobbin assembly latched to the thread shuttle. A pivoted hook unlatches the spent bobbin assembly from the thread shuttle and then a plunger extracts the spent bobbin assembly and places it in a magazine. The magazine carries a new and full thread bobbin assembly and the plunger transfers the full thread bobbin assembly into latched engagement with the thread shuttle. An electric control system including an automatic counter counts the number of sewing operations and after a predetermined number of sewing operations causes the automatic exchange of bobbin assemblies.

Abstract: A system for sealing the rotary tube of a rotary tubular kiln relative to the casing at inlet and outlet portions with first packings which contact radially extending sealing surfaces, as well as second packings abutting axially extending sealing contact surfaces, as well as at least one sealing ring element receiving said second packings and arranged in concentric relation to said rotary tube, said sealing ring element having a certain degree of axial and radial freedom of movement and being provided with mounting means taking up the weight of said sealing ring element including the weight of said packings, and said sealing ring element being urged in the axial direction, when mounting said first packings, against a sealing contact surface mounted stationarily to said casing, or against said packings secured to said casing.