Abstract: A mounting structure for a cylindrical window section of a pressure vessel, wherein the mounting structure includes a cylindrical outer band, a mounting block mountable within the cylindrical outer band, securing members for securing the outer band and mounting block a predetermined fixed axial distance from the end portion of the pressure vessel, and a seal member for axial movement with respect to the outer band for maintaining sealable engagement of the cylindrical window section between the seal member and the end portion of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A retractable ramp mechanism for a vehicle includes a frame mounted to the vehicle and a ramp mounted to the frame by way of a linkage for movements between stowed and extended positions. The linkage is constructed and arranged to permit an inner end of the ramp to pivot upwardly with respect to the frame from a lower position to an engagement position. In the engagement position, the inner end of the ramp may be engaged with a work surface of the vehicle. The linkage includes a mechanism for applying a biasing force to bias the inner end of the ramp upwardly to the engagement position when the ramp is in the extended position.

Abstract: A multicolor display system comprised of a matrix of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Each display dot or pixel is comprised of one red LED and one green LED. The display data is stored in a selected one or more discrete locations of a random access memory as a bit map, depending upon the desired display color. Each memory location is associated with a particular primary color "field" (e.g., red or green). The bit map indicates which of the LEDs is ON and which is OFF in order to display selected data. The data associated with each field is displayed sequentially during a display cycle so that the relative mixture of red fields and green fields determines the resulting display color. The duty cycle of each LED is therefore controlled in software, which reduces the need for complex hardware such as voltage drivers and counters needed in prior art multicolor display systems.

Abstract: A ring of the type adapted to worn on a person's finger is comprised of three distinct ring members. Two of the ring members are engageable for capturing the third ring member and are disengageable to allow the removal and replacement of one or more of the ring members. In one embodiment, a first ring member has substantially cylindrical first and second portions, the second portion being enlarged radially with respect to the first portion to define a first shoulder between the first and second portions. A second ring member has substantially cylindrical third and fourth portions, the fourth portion being enlarged radially with respect to the third portion to define a second shoulder between the second and third portions. The first portion is adapted for mating engagement with the third portion, whereby the first and second ring members are joined together. The third ring member is positionable in concentric relationship with the joined first and third portions.

Abstract: A multicolor display system comprised of a matrix of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Each display dot or pixel is comprised of one red LED and one green LED. The display data is stored in a selected one or more discrete locations of a random access memory as a bit map, depending upon the desired display color. Each memory location is associated with a particular primary color "field" (e.g., red or green). The bit map indicates which of the LEDs is ON and which is OFF in order to display selected data. The data associated with each field is displayed sequentially during a display cycle so that the relative mixture of red fields and green fields determines the resulting display color. The duty cycle of each LED is therefore controlled in software, which reduces the need for complex hardware such as voltage drivers and counters needed in prior art multicolor display systems.

Abstract: A variable capacity evaporative humidifier includes a housing, evaporative media disposed within the housing, and variable bypass apparatus for diverting a portion of the flow of air through the housing away from the evaporative media, such that the rate of moisture added to the flow of air through the housing is variable by selecting the relative proportions of air flowing through the evaporative media and the bypass passageway. Deflector panels disposed downstream of the evaporative media and damper blades disposed within the bypass apparatus intermix the bypass airstream with the humidifier airstream, thereby avoiding stratification.

Abstract: An AC power supply circuit for an AC motor having a main winding and an auxiliary winding includes a capacitor between the auxiliary and main windings to produce a signal having a phase related to the deviation of the motor from a desired rpm. A rectifier receives the phase signal to generate an error signal of magnitude related to the deviation of the motor rpm from the desired operating rpm. A pulse width modulator circuit generates a square wave having a variable duty cycle for connection to the motor, the duty cycle being minimum at the desired operating rpm. The pulse width modulator circuit is responsive to the error signal to increase the duty cycle of the square wave as the motor rpm deviates from the desired operation rpm, so that the motor rpm is maintained over a range of power supply voltages and other operating conditions.

Abstract: A router guide assembly for guiding a router over a workpiece for making a precise cut on the workpiece, including an elongate rail member, a router trolley mounted for movement along the length of the rail member with the router trolley supporting the router for cutting operations on the workpiece, and a securing member fixed to the rail member for securing the rail member with the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a conical flange about a circular opening in a malleable sheet material are provided. A plurality of flange-forming members are adapted to engage the circular opening in a material-opposing relationship. The members are then translated about the opening while maintaining the material-opposing relationship and varying the angular positions of the flange-forming members with respect to the material such that the conical flange is formed therein when the members are translated.

Abstract: A nipple waterer consists of a valve body including a base with exterior and interior bosses projecting in opposite directions from that base. A pair of spring fingers project from that base generally parallel to each other and to the interior boss. These fingers are provided with interior cylindrical recesses for engaging the cylindrical exterior of a water pipe; and the pipe is provided with a radial hole to receive the interior boss which communicates with the interior of the pipe. A bore extends axially through the two bosses and the intervening base and defines a valve chamber. A cap, secured to the exterior boss, is provided with a central hole and defines a valve seat. A valve closure member consists of a headed stem, with the stem projecting through the hole and the cap to be actuated by an animal to unseat the closure member.

Abstract: For an entry door, a doorknob lock set includes an elongated stem which extends through a transverse opening in the door and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis to actuate the door latch. Doorknobs are provided at both ends of the stem to rotate the stem; and the stem includes a key lock mechanism including a key slot at the outer end of the stem. To illuminate the key lock slot, the outer doorknob is replaced by a knob fabricated from a translucent material. The translucent knob is provided with a central bore to receive the outer end of the stem; and the knob is mounted on the stem to frame the key slot. The knob is provided with at least one cavity opening from the inner face of the knob and extending toward the outer face. An illuminating device such as an incandescent bulb is placed in that cavity. Electric conductors connected to the illuminating device extend out of the cavity for connection to a source of electric energy.

Abstract: A linkage apparatus comprised of two interconnected levers extending between a valve actuator for a rotatable valve and a rotatable operating shaft of the valve. The relative position of the interconnection between the levers is presettably adjustable so as to enable varied operation in the rotational displacement of the operating shaft. Effecting the adjustment is independent of the actuator operation.

Abstract: A water line, made up of joined sections of PVC pipe, may have any desired length. The pipe is suspended from drops at ten (10) foot intervals for example. The pipe is partially supported in plastic drop hangers having insulating and elastic properties. The drop hangers have an aperture at the upper end for connection to a drop, a laterally opening recess at the lower end to receive the pipe in snap-in relation, and a laterally opening recess intermediate its ends for receiving a metal conduit in snap-in relation. The metal conduit is formed as a continuous line and functions as a part of an electric circuit. Plastic support hangers have corresponding laterally opening recesses for the pipe and conduit. The support hangers are used as needed between the drop hangers to maintain the pipe in non-sagging relation relative to the conduit or to support a shocker wire. The pipe carries spaced animal operated drinker valves, which may be mounted in drinker cups.

Abstract: A transmitter/manifold with integral transducer for measuring the differential pressure of a fluid conveying pipeline is provided. Valves are arranged to provide automatic sequencing for service functions. Means for heating the transmitter/manifold is provided. Interface modules are provided to provide for adaptability to a variety of user requirements. A sealing arrangement for interface modules is also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable ratio rocker arm is provided for use in combination with the valve stem and push rod of an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm has an elongated slot defined between a rod seat and a toothed rack. A fulcrum rod is provided with a toothed sector and a curved sector, with the toothed sector being engaged with the toothed rack portion of the rocker arm. A roller bearing assembly is movably disposed between the rod curved sector and the rod seat, with the roller bearing assembly being rollable along the rod seat. An actuator arm is coupled to the fulcrum rod for simultaneously rotating and translating the fulcrum rod through the rocker arm slot. The operating arm causes the fulcrum rod to rotate and translate along the mating toothing from one point of pivotal engagement, corresponding to a first engine operating condition, to another point of pivotal engagement, corresponding to a second engine operating condition.

Abstract: A ball joint coupling assembly permits universal movement and positioning of an object with respect to a vertical support shaft. Quick release/lock action is provided by a ball joint assembly having a housing in which a ball and piston are movably coupled. The ball is captured between annular jaw portions of the housing and piston, with locking action being provided by gripping engagement of the piston jaw portion and the housing jaw portion. The ball member is gripped in line-contact, compressive engagement by the annular edges of the piston jaw and housing jaw on opposite sides of the ball. The piston is constrained for axial movement within the housing with locking engagement and release being effected by rotation of a threaded actuator shaft.

Abstract: An inflatable beverage insulator for receiving a beverage container for keeping the beverage container in a thermally protected environment, including a container receptacle for receiving the beverage container with such container receptacle including a jacket portion and a base portion formed integrally therewith, with the jacket portions and base portions forming a pneumatically secure cavity which, by means of inflating members, permits the inflation of the cavity to permit the thermal insulation of the beverage container so disposed in the container receptacle.