Abstract: An electrode quide for electrical discharge machines and welding apparatus. The electrode guide includes at least three sphere-shaped balls in contact with one another and forming an opening therebetween whereat the electrode is received and is guided by the outer surface of each of the balls. The balls are urged toward a frusto-conical shaped bore which forces the balls toward the longitudinal axis of the frusto-conical surface and in contact with one another. The balls can be located within a sphere-shape passageway whereat the balls can rotate with respect to one another in response to angular displacement of the electrode thereby providing a smooth bearing surface for taper cutting. A second set of three sphere-shaped balls can also be provided adjacent the first set of balls in a nesting relation therewith for guiding the electrode through the openings created by both sets of balls.

Abstract: An apparatus in combination with or attachable to a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower for transporting the operator therebehind. The apparatus includes a first arm pivotally connected to the lawn mower, a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm and a support platform pivotally connected to the second arm. The apparatus is spring loaded for biasing the first and second arms and the support platform in a retracted storage position during which the operator can walk behind the lawn mower. The apparatus is selectively extendable to an in use ride behind position during which the operator may stand on the support platform and ride behind the self-propelled lawn mower. The support platform includes a sliding plate for sliding on the ground and reducing frictional forces when the operator is standing on the support platform.

Abstract: A particulate and free water contamination measuring apparatus includes a slide tray adapted for carrying either particulate sample filter elements or free water sample filter elements. The slide tray carrying the filter elements is inserted in a reading chamber whereat, in the particulate mode, the apparatus reads the opacity of two sample filters and, in the free water mode, the apparatus reads fluorescence of the free water filter element. The voltage signals representative of particulates or free water are digitized by an analog to digital converter and read and stored by a digital computer. The digital computer monitors the location of the slide tray within the reading chamber by monitoring location detection switches operable in response to the location of the slide within the reading chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual tool-carrier for hand drills with the following features: two shafts are provided each for mounting one tool e.g. drill chuck, screw attachment etc.;the shafts form an angle with one another which swivels the tool not being used out of the working area;a fixture is provided, said fixture frictionally connects alternately the axes with the driving shaft of the drill.

Abstract: A radiation sterilization unit for sterilizing biological products, prolonging shelf-life of foodstuff, decontamination of clinical waste, and decontamination of microbiological products. A power unit, modulator, and an ultra-high frequency generator are connected via microwave waveguide elements to an electron injector, accelerator and beam deflecting system. The injector, accelerator and beam deflecting system are located in shielding made of cast iron or lead. A manipulator is provided and is selectively received in a cavity in the shielding. Products to be irradiated are placed on the manipulator and the manipulator is linearly received in the cavity placing the products in the field of accelerated electrons. The shielding and the manipulator block dangerous levels of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A modulated electronic ballast for driving a gas discharge lamp includes a full wave rectifier for supplying a modulating signal to a series fed parallel resonant circuit including two transistors. Inductors are provided on both the hot and neutral alternating current power source lines for shielding the power source from electromagnetic interference and providing transient protection. A biasing circuit supplies a small direct current to the resonant circuit for retaining the resonant circuit in a continuous oscillating mode during substantially zero voltage valleys of the modulating signal. A diode is provided across the base and collectors of each transistor in the resonant circuit for preventing over saturation and co-conduction.

Abstract: A radiation sterilization conveyor unit for sterilizing biological products, prolonging shelf life of food stuff, decontamination of clinical waste and decontamination of microbiological products. A power unit, modulator, and an ultra-high frequency generator are connected via microwave waveguide elements to an electron injector, accelerator and beam scanning system. The injector, accelerator and beam scanning system are located in shielding made of cast iron or lead. A disk-shaped transporter is provided and extends in part in a cavity in the shielding. Products to be irradiated are placed on the disk-shaped transporter and the transporter is selectively rotated for placing the products in the field of accelerated electrons. The shielding and transporter block dangerous levels of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for use with a pair of tractor lift arms for selectively detachably attaching implements to the tractor. The hitch apparatus includes a pair of hook members that are detachably attached to the lift arms of the tractor. A spreader bar extends between the hook members and functions to both attach the hook members to the lift arms and to retain the hook members apart from one another at a preselected distance. A safety arm is pivotally connected to the hook members and is biased via a spring in a first position over the hook mouth for preventing an implement shaft from exiting the hook, or in a second position whereat the implement mounting shaft can easily be inserted or withdrawn from the hook mouth.

Abstract: An electrical switch functioning as a tilt, proximity or relay switch includes an elongate cylindrical housing with a first open end and a second closed end. A flexible spring extends longitudinally in the housing and is supported away from the housing by a seal at the open end. The housing and spring are electrically conductive and an electrically-conductive spherical ball is located within the housing for selective rolling engagement with the spring and housing. The switch functions as a single pole single throw type switch. A second spring can be located at the closed second end of the housing and supported similar to the first spring. By locating the spherical ball between the two springs, a single pole double throw switch is formed.

Abstract: A balancing compound comprising an epoxy resin, a photoinitiator in an effective amount to cure the resin at ambient temperatures upon the application of ultraviolet light (10 nm to 400 nm) of less than 40 watts per square centimeter in less than about 30 seconds, and a filler in an effective amount to give the compound a specific gravity above 1.1.

Abstract: A dryer for use in an asphalt plant for heating and drying virgin aggregate and also pre-heating reclaimed asphalt products (RAP). A drying drum cylinder having a burner at one end heats and dries virgin aggregate traveling therethrough. A second cylinder near the burner surrounds the drying drum and creates an annular cavity. RAP is introduced and travels through the annular cavity and exits adjacent the drying drum aggregate exit opening. Heat given off by the drying drum increases the temperature within the annular cavity and heats the RAP traveling therethrough. Heated aggregate and RAP first come in contact with one another after exiting the annular cavity and the drying drum and are, thereafter, delivered to a mixing drum.

Abstract: A steering wheel drive assembly for steerable wheels of vehicles. A hydraulic motor is provided for driving the wheel and includes a fluid distribution assembly located between the bearing assembly and piston drive assembly. Upper and lower bores are provided in the distribution assembly cover and extension arms attached to the vehicle chassis extend over the bores and are provided with pivot pins detachably attached to the extension arms and extending into the distribution cover bores. The distribution cover bores are coaxial and thereby allow the fluid motor to pivot about an axis of rotation. The motor axis of rotation is preferably colinear with the vertical center line of the steerable wheel. Sleeve bearings are provided within the distribution cover bores and thrust bearings are provided inbetween the extension arms and the distribution cover.

Abstract: A reference electrode (2) which features an ion barrier (20) based on the redox principle and which is fashioned as an independent unit or as part of a combination electrode, for instance a single-rod measuring chain. Metal ions to be blocked and contained in the reference electrolyte (24) and the material forming the ion barrier (20) together form a redox system. The ion barrier (20) is preferably a reduction agent which reduces the metal ions to the respective metal, and its properties are such that it will not cause contamination of the diaphragm (6) in oxidized state.

Abstract: A femoral sizing apparatus includes a plurality of flat templates, each having specific anterior to posterior first dimensions and medial to lateral second dimensions. Each of the plurality of plates correspond to a specific femoral component size. A handle is attached to each of the templates and is used for lifting and placing the plate against the distal femur after the distal femoral cut is made. When the template is placed against the distal femur, both the anterior to posterior dimension and the medial to lateral dimension are considered in determining the appropriate femoral component size. The template includes anchoring pin holes for receiving anchoring pins therethrough and attaching the template to the femur distal end. Drill guide holes are also provided. The template is flat and generally U-shaped for slipping over an intramedullary rod.

Abstract: A ballast circuit enclosure and grounding structure for electrically grounding a ballast circuit to a housing and for capturing transmitted RFI and EMI therefrom. The ballast circuit enclosure includes an elongate housing for receiving and surrounding the ballast circuit. End caps are attached to the housing opposite open ends in closing engagement with the housing. The end caps are fastened to the housing with fastening members extending through holes in the end caps and into elongate channels formed on the inside of the housing. The ballast circuit board rests on elongate abutment shoulders within the housing and is sandwiched between the abutment shoulders and longitudinal walls forming the elongate channels. A grounding wire on the edge of the circuit board is coupled to the ballast circuit and is in electrical contact with the fastening member and/or the channel forming elongate wall of the housing.

Abstract: An air propelling apparatus/fan is provided having an air intake grill and an exhaust grill mounted on the ends of a cylindrical shroud. A shaft is mounted inbetween and on the intake and exhaust grills and a fan blade assembly is provided on the shaft. In one embodiment, the fan blade assembly is adapted for rotational movement about the shaft and a driven pulley is affixed to the fan assembly and is caused to turn via a belt and an electric motor mounted on the shroud. In another embodiment, the fan assembly is affixed to the shaft and the shaft is adapted for rotational movement. The driven pulley is affixed to the shaft and caused to rotate by an electric motor mounted on the shroud.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering machining liquid of an electrical discharge machine. The apparatus includes a plurality of cross flow filters placed in series with one another and with a pump drawing dirty liquid from a capacity tank. The permeate from the cross flow filters is provided to the electrical discharge machine. The permeate outlets of the cross flow filters are provided with valves that are selectively opened only upon demand for machining liquid by the electrical discharge machine. The permeate valve of the cross flow filter having the smallest cross member pressure is opened prior to opening other permeate valves. A capacity tank includes a baffled area and sludge accumulating within the capacity tank is drawn from the baffled area to paper filters. The cross flow filters are back flushed on a timed interval and the particulates dislodged during back flushing are dumped into the baffled area of the capacity tank.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine apparatus including a guide assembly for guiding a wire in cutting engagement with a workpiece and having a working end closest to the workpiece. The apparatus incorporates a bore-type or a barrel-type current pickup in sliding engagement with the wire for transferring current to or from the wire. A ring gear is provided on a flush cup coupled to gear teeth on the current pickup in a manner whereby turning of the flush cup causes turning of the pickup for exposing a new surface to the wire. A process is provided for indexing current pickups from the working end of the guide assembly. A process is also provided for removing and replacing guide assembly components from the working end of the guide assembly.