Abstract: A train detection circuit is provided to determine whether a particular section or block of railroad track is occupied by a train. In one embodiment, a bias current generator is used to provide a low current signal that flows through the rails and through the wheels and axles of a railroad engine or car, such bias current ultimately being directed into a train detection circuit which measures the magnitude of the received bias current. If the bias current is greater than a certain magnitude, that is indicative of the particular block being occupied by a train. In second embodiment, a continuous pulse signal is directed into one rail, through a resistance bond, and through the other rail into a train detection circuit. The magnitude of this received pulse at the detection circuit will be quite small unless a train occupies the block. The received magnitude of the pulse signal can be compared to a predetermined threshold to determine the presence of a train in the block.

Abstract: An optical waveguide H-tree design is provided for global clock distribution on multichip modules (MCM) which has nearly zero clock skew and is useful for a distributed computer system environment. The optical waveguide H-tree design utilizes channel waveguides, curved sections and directional couplers formed using silica glass and silicon oxynitride (SiON) channel waveguide technologies. A hybrid combination of both SiON and silica glass is disclosed which has the advantages of each. The achievable clock speed is limited by the laser diode source and photodiode receiver at each chip module, and not by the optical waveguide distribution network. The high-speed optical waveguide can be configured to transmit clock signals, or for use as a multi-wavelength communication network that communicates signals to various integrated circuits (ICs) mounted on the multichip module. This is achieved using multiple laser diodes having different output wavelengths and directing their outputs into an optical multiplexer.

Abstract: A coal sampling device is provided for the efficient extraction of a core sample of coal from a container, such as a coal truck or railroad hopper car, and crushing of the extracted coal sample into particles useful for laboratory analysis. Uncrushed pieces of extracted coal are transported to a separating device that allows most of these extracted coal pieces to fall back into the container through several open windows. The separating device also includes an additional window through which extracted coal pieces fall into a crushing device, where the coal pieces are crushed to pebble-sized pieces. The crushed coal pieces are allowed to fall out of the bottom of the coal crushing device, and a portion of the crushed pieces are collected by a sample collecting receptacle, which accumulates portions of the crushed coal throughout the core extraction process so that a true representative sample of the total extracted core is collected.

Abstract: A surgical drape has a series of retractor tunnels on opposite lateral sides of a fenestration for accommodating a vertically extending rail clamp of a table mounted retractor system. The retractor tunnels are defined by first and second portions of the sides. The first and second sides are secured to each other at longitudinally spaced intervals. The drape has flaps that are selectively movable to a position covering the retractor tunnels whenever they are not in use.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a valve with a rotary actuating shaft includes a top seal formed of a plastic diaphragm and a metal diaphragm, both of which are in sealing relationship with the actuating shaft. The metal diaphragm has a cantilever supported lip that is spring fitted into resiliently biased relationship with the actuating shaft. The sealing surface of the metal diaphragm provides a fire-tested seal in the event that the seal of the plastic seal is destroyed by fire.

Abstract: A method for the production of refractory products, non-reactive with molten aluminum, other molten metals and with molten alloys is provided. A formed refractory product is made non-reactive to molten metals/alloys by impregnating the product with a solution containing fluosilicic acid, fluoroboric acid, hydrogen fluoride and mixtures thereof, and subsequent heating of the impregnated product to cause the formation of non-reactive surface.

Abstract: An air amplifier is provided for use in pneumatic control systems that can operate over a wide range of flow and pressure characteristics, and can additionally operate against a back pressure. The air amplifier utilizes a tapered shim that causes the pressurized air to follow a Coanda profile over a wider range (and against a back pressure) than is possible when using only a slotted, non-tapered shim. The shim is ring-shaped with a planar surface and includes inwardly directed tangs that are cut-off to provide an open central area. Some or all of the tangs are tapered along either one or both sides of the tang.

Abstract: A motor driven assembly to assist in the raising and lowering of the lid of the vat of a large capacity pressure cooker. The assist assembly comprises a vertically oriented support frame secured to the rear of the pressure cooker housing. The support frame comprises a pair of vertical, inwardly opening, U-shaped guide rails joined together by top and bottom horizontal support frame members. The front, rear, sides and top of the support frame are enclosed by panel members completing the overall housing of the pressure cooker. A vertically oriented, frame-like carriage is mounted within the support frame. The carriage has rollers received within the support frame guide rails and is vertically shiftable within the support frame. The carriage mounts a pair of horizontal arms which extend through vertical slots in the pressure cooker housing and which support the vat lid. The top frame member of the support frame carries a drum which is driven by an electric motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reflector unit for attachment to the sides of abnormally long vehicles and trailers. The reflector units have reflecting surfaces which reflect incident light towards the rear, sides and front of the vehicle thereby providing an indication, particularly at night, of the overall length of the vehicle. It is envisaged that this will reduce the hazards of overtaking abnormally long vehicles at night.

Abstract: There is provided a frame measurement platform for measuring the perpendicular distance between the two temples of an open eyeglass frame, and a method for using such a device. The platform includes a support, two spaced-apart reference members which are moveable with respect to each other, and measuring scale. The reference members define respective temple measuring planes which are substantially perpendicular to a reference measuring plane defined by the support. The measuring scale is used to measure the perpendicular distance between temples of an open eyeglass frame.

Abstract: An orthodontic wire for selectively moving teeth is provided. The wire comprises a first layer made from a first metallic material, and a second layer made from a second material, wherein the wire exhibits a predetermined degree of springback suitable for the selective movement of teeth. The first layer is preferably of a material which, because of its mechanical properties, would be suitable for use as an orthodontic wire by itself, and wherein the second layer is preferably of a material which has less elasticity than the material of the first layer, and this wire is capable of delivering a light, substantially continuous force to teeth when used in orthodontic treatment. The wire further has a cross-sectional area, and, when used in the orthodontic treatment of teeth, the wire can deliver a force which is lighter than that delivered by a wire of identical cross-sectional area made solely from the first layer. A method for selectively moving teeth is also provided, and utilizes the same wire.

Abstract: A carbon containing material for use in particular as an anode of electrolytic cells for the production of aluminum by the electrolysis of alumina in a cryolite-based electrolyte, consists substantially of a mixture of one or more particulate carbonaceous material(s) with a binder based on compounds of aluminum with carbon, oxygen and/or nitrogen, such as aluminum carbide or aluminum oxycarbide, or such compounds mixed with aluminum. This binder is obtained by mixing the particulate carbonaceous material(s) with particulate aluminum and with at least one lithium compound and/or with at least one aluminum compound in a liquid carrier, and heat treating to form the binder. The liquid carrier may comprise a binding agent selected from methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol and colloidal suspensions, in particular colloidal alumina.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic solvent-free composition useful as an adhesive for bonding natural rubber compounds, synthetic rubber compounds and a combination of natural and synthetic rubber compounds, especially during the formation of a tire.

Abstract: A golf club having an adjustable head with a positive locking mechanism. The lower end of the golf club shaft terminates in a spherical ball which is restrained within a cooperating bore in the golf club head which permits free rotational and pivotal movement of the head with respect to the shaft. A locking screw, when tightened within the bore, holds the pivot ball in place against rotational and pivotal motion. A portion of the locking screw is designed to break off after tightening so that the position of the head cannot be changed during play.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting serving both as a test closure and a trap bushing for a T-fitting. The test and trap fitting comprises a tubular member of circular cross section having an open end and an integrally closed end. The fitting can be inserted through an opening in a wall (if present) and into the intermediate port of a T-fitting constituting a pan of a soil pipe and a vent pipe assembly. The test and trap fitting has an outside diameter such that it is received in the intermediate port of the T-fitting with close tolerance, enabling a fluid-tight connection to be made in any appropriate manner such as by solvent welding. The test and trap fitting serves as a closure for the intermediate port of the T-fitting enabling pressure testing of the plumbing system, or the maintenance of head of water therein. The test and trap fitting can be cut substantially flush with the wall and serves as bushing to which a plumbing fixture trap can be connected in fluid-tight fashion by solvent welding and the like.

Abstract: A patient rescue bag is provided with an upper portion and a lower portion for use in carrying an injured person from a remote location that is not accessible by normal emergency vehicles. Once the injured person is placed between the upper and lower portions of the patient rescue bag, that person may be easily carried by rescue workers while being kept comfortable and warm. In addition, each of the outer edges of the upper and lower portions can be detached from one another so that the patient can be reached from any location around the periphery of the patient rescue bag. By use of multiple strips of hook and loop fastener material, such as VELCRO.RTM., the width of the patient rescue bag can be adjusted to the size of the injured person being carried. The outer materials of the patient rescue bag are weatherproof and reusable, and the inner materials that touch the patient are clean, disposable sheets similar to those used in hospitals.

Abstract: A flexible, light-transmissive, factory sealed, tubular display package having multiple channels which may rotate around or fluctuate parallel to the longitudinal axis of the package is disclosed. The channels may have coextruded linings and contain light-producing, luminescent materials, chemiluminescent materials, bioluminescent materials, fluorescent materials, colored dyes, liquid crystal materials, and the like to provide a multi-colored display of the liquid products contained therein. When used with chemiluminescent compounds, the package finds particular application as jewelry, lightsticks, and in advertising exhibits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic motor having a motor body comprising a first and a second part (71, 72) which are joined to each other in a parting plane (74). A motor chamber (2) with driving cogwheels (10, 11) is formed by borings (84, 85), which extend from the parting plane into a certain depth in at least one of the first and second parts (71, 72). A by-pass conduit (15) is provided between the inlet and outlet hydraulic conduits of the motor chamber. In the by-pass conduit there is provided a main valve (20) for closing and opening the by-pass conduit for starting and for stopping the hydraulic motor, respectively. The by-pass conduit is formed by portions (16, 17) of a first (100) and a second (101) connection between the parting plane (74) and the inlet conduit (5), and between the parting plane (74) and the outlet conduit (7), respectively, and by a cross link (18) between the first and second connections (100, 101).