Abstract: The present invention is a combination of a motor having an unbalanced load thereon and an attitude switch (typically a mercury switch) in the activating circuit of the motor. The motor and the switch are securely attached to a substantially rigid framework in such a manner that, when in its stable horizontal position, the switch is in its off position and no motion of the motor, framework or switch occurs. When disturbed from the stable horizontal position, the switch closes the electrical activation circuit for the motor, resulting in vibration of the motor, switch and framework. This vibration causes the switch to be frequently, but not continuously, in the on position sustaining thereby the vibrational motion of the unit indefinitely until the framework (and the motor and switch securely attached thereto) is firmly held in the horizontal position for a brief period of time, typically a few seconds, causing the switch to come to rest once again in the stable off position.

Abstract: A container for the high temperature, high pressure processing of workpieces is disclosed. Such container has a removable plug with a deformable seal permitting rapid access to the interior of the container following processing. The removable plug contains various access ports allowing continuous monitoring of the interior of the container, continuous evacuation of gases, and introduction of controlled processing gases as may be required for various workpieces.

Abstract: A method is described for the recycling of scrap vehicle tires using high pressure water jets. The use of high pressure water provides for the production of shredded rubber material in useful sizes and also provides for a separation of the shredded rubber from the cording and beading material of the tire. Recovery of steel cording material in a form suitable for reuse is one feature of the present invention. Also, the present invention avoids mechanical shredding entirely and the attendant wear on shredders from differing tire sizes and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the compaction and densification of materials using heat and high pressure in which pressure is applied isostatically to the workpiece to be compacted, heat is applied to the pressurized workpiece as rapidly as feasible, effecting thereby full compaction and densification. Heating is terminated and the workpiece cooled while the workpiece is still pressurized. This process effects hot-isostatic-processing of workpieces while reducing the time such workpieces spend at elevated temperatures. The resulting parts can have novel structures, properties or compositions not obtained with other processing procedures.

Abstract: The present invention describes a water retardant material produced by a mixture of earthen clay and 15% to 25% by weight of recycled paper pulp sludge. Paper pulp sludge is incinerated in a rotary kiln, typically a rotary cement kiln asphalt dryer, or fluidized bed incinerator. Paper pulp sludge is fed continuously into said rotary kiln while temperature are maintained in the range of approximately 800.degree. to 3500.degree. F. During incineration, mixing catalysts (typically casein or soy protein) and wood pulp fibers are burned while moisture is evaporated. The resulting incinerated product consists essentially of carbonate particles which are collected for subsequent use. Use of this material as a water retardant covering for landfills is described.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for recycling paper pulp sludge. Paper pulp sludge is incinerated in a rotary kiln, typically a rotary cement kiln, asphalt dryer, or fluidized bed incinerator. Paper pulp sludge is fed continuously into said rotary kiln while temperatures are maintained in the range of approximately 800.degree. to 3500.degree. F. During incineration, mixing catalysts (typicaly casein or soy protein) and wood pulp fibers are burned, while moisture is evaporated. The resulting incinerated product consists essentially of carbonate particles which are collected for subsequent use. Typically, but not exclusively, later use of the resulting product could be as mineral filler binding agents in the manufacture of construction products such as concrete, asphalt and others; or in gravel-based construction operations; or in earthen-fill constructions operations; or in other ways.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the rapid generation of high hydrostatic pressures and the concurrent delivery of said pressures to a workpiece. The apparatus and methods comprise the rapid thermal expansion and vaporization of a volatile fluid. The volatile fluid is typically liquid argon and heated typically by means of a controllable electric heater, delivered to the workpiece typically by means of a pressure-rupturable membrane. The disclosed apparatus and methods permit the application of high hydrostatic pressures to commercial-scale workpieces, in an economic manner and with reduced cycle times.

Abstract: The present invention describes a fluid absorbing pad for use with a typical ostomy appliance, specially suited for absorbing various body fluids external to the ostomy bag. This device absorbs perspiration, as well as acidic waste fluids as they may leak through an imperfect joint between a typical ostomy bag and adhesive wafer near the end of the useful service life of the ostomy appliance. The present invention increases the comfort of the ostomy patient in the wearing of the typical ostomy appliance, especially when used in combination with an ostomy belt. The present invention also extends the useful life of each ostomy appliance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the rapid generation of high hydrostatic pressures and the concurrent delivery of said pressures to a workpiece. The apparatus and methods comprise the rapid thermal expansion and vaporization of a volatile fluid. The volatile fluid is typically liquid argon and heated typically by way of a controllable electric heater, delivered to the workpiece typically by way of a pressure-rupturable membrane. The disclosed apparatus and methods permit the application of high hydrostatic pressures to commercial-scale workpieces, in an economic manner and with reduced cycle times.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for contour hardening a gear by means of induction heat treatment in a single heating cycle, using a single frequency of induction current. The typical frequency of alternating current is 50 KHz, applied in a single heating cycle for a duration in the general range of 0.3-1.0 seconds, having a power in the typical range of 200-1,000 KW. The power level required for any particular gear is typically 120% to 150% that required in the final heating step of a hardening process which requires preheating. An important advantage of the process disclosed herein is the elimination of the need to preheat the gear, yet contour harden tooth and root regions of said gear with a single heating cycle of a single frequency heating current.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the induction heat treatment of conducting workpieces. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for heat treating irregularly shaped workpieces lacking rotational symmetry about a central axis. The heat treatment applied by the apparatus or method of the present invention effects the surface of the workpiece substantially uniformly at all points around the perimeter of a workpiece lacking rotational symmetry, and accomplishing such substantially uniform heat treatment without requiring excessive current flow, without requiring interruptions of large current flow.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical radiating apparatus constructed on one end of a light-conducting optical fiber such that, upon encountering this radiator, light is caused to leave the fiber and radiate in a spherical pattern with respect to the end of the fiber. This optical radiator is constructed such that the pattern of radiated light is nearly uniform in intensity in a spherical pattern, without areas of light intensity significantly different from the average distribution around the surface of a sphere. The present invention also discloses a method to manufacture the above-described light radiating apparatus, ensuring uniformity of light intensity and the ability to transmit relatively intense light without developing regions of optical, thermal or mechanical damage.

Abstract: A method for preserving biological material is disclosed in which the biological material is stored at cryogenic temperatures for long periods of time without incurring fatal damage to cells, tissues or organs. The process comprises freezing the biological material under conditions of temperature and pressure to avoid the formation of crystalline ice I at all times during the freezing process. Rather, metastable phases of ice are exploited to reduce damage to the biological material upon freezing, storage or subsequent thawing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical radiating apparatus constructed on one end of a light-conducting optical fiber such that, upon encountering this radiator, light is caused to leave the fiber and radiate in a cylindrical pattern with respect to the central axis of the fiber. This optical radiator is constructed such that the pattern of radiated light is nearly uniform in intensity in a cylindrical pattern, without areas of light intensity significantly different from the average distribution around the circumference of the cylinder. The present invention also discloses a method to manufacture the above-described light radiating apparatus, ensuring uniformity of light intensity and the ability to transmit relatively intense light without developing regions of optical, thermal or mechanical damage, and without the need to reshape the core of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed which permits rapid assembly, disassembly and reassembly in a variety of furniture configurations. The assembly requires no tools and can be carried out at a location remote from the factory in which the kit is produced. The kit may be assembled in a variety of configurations allowing several forms of furniture to be constructed as well as a variety of children's furniture, toys, and playthings. The assembly is sufficiently simple to be carried out by the child and the kit is sufficiently flexible to permit the child to experiment and build many different configurations as the child's ingenuity may suggest. When disassembled, the parts of the kit are easily transportable.

Abstract: Stability of the optical path in a laser resonator cavity is achieved by means of two reflective surfaces mounted orthogonally with respect to each other, serving as the reflector at one end of the resonator cavity. Return and feedback mirrors are rigidly mounted at the opposite end of the aforementioned resonator cavity. Changes in relative orientation not self-compensated by the use of orthogonally-mounted mirrors are corrected by means of a real-time servomechanism. A typical servomechanism comprises an auxiliary laser mounted rigidly to one end of the laser resonator cavity reflecting a collimated light beam from a reflector mounted rigidly to the opposite end of the resonator cavity. The reflected spot is detected by a detector, sensitive to positional changes in the reflected light, rigidly mounted with respect to the auxiliary laser. The positional changes of this reflected spot are used to drive a linear translator to correct the relative orientation in real-time.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for cooling the inner circumference of an annular laser window. A cylinder, conductive to heat, is inserted in the central opening of the annular window. Compliant metal wires are used to maintain good thermal contact between the cooling cylinder and the inner circumference of the annular window. A spring compression device is used to maintain constant pressure on the compliant metal wires. The portion of the cooling cylinder outside the window, in the region external to the laser, is slotted. A cooling fluid, typically refrigerated air, is passed through the slots to provide effective heat exchange with the metal cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus is described permitting rapid rehanging of fallen freight bracing bulkheads and trolleys, comprising a movable shaft mounted on the existing trolley tracks, a portable winch for raising detached bulkheads, and a ceiling jack, attachable to said movable shaft, causing the apparatus to be suitable for raising fallen bulkhead trolleys.