Abstract: A wear sensor system for detecting erosion, corrosion and wear of a component is disclosed. Conductive loops of a sensor probes are embedded at spaced locations through the component. As erosion, corrosion or wear of the component is sustained, each conductive loop is subjected to such wear condition in turn and is interrupted only as the component is worn away at its particular location. The continuity status of each loop is evaluated periodically, with an electrical closed circuit condition indicating structural integrity at that particular loop location, and an electrical open circuit condition indicating such a wear condition.

Abstract: A displacement transducer for accurately detecting both linear and angular displacements and velocities, between objects moving relative to one another. The displacement transducer is structured to accurately operate under large gravitational accelerations and vibration extremes as well as minimize the adverse effects of environmental degradation upon the displacement transducer's performance.

Abstract: A support device for maintaining the lower drive unit of an outboard engine in a tilted position for travel. The device is comprised of a substantially U-shaped steel bar having a first pin member extending inwardly from one side of the bar and second and third pin members extending inwardly toward the first pin member from an opposite side of the bar. The first pin member is adapted to be inserted through a corresponding opening on one side of a stationary portion of the outboard drive unit and the second and third pin members are adapted to be inserted through respective openings on the opposite side of the stationary portion of the outboard drive unit. The steel bar engages the movable portion of the outboard drive unit to hold it in a tilted position as desired.

Abstract: A new and improved crane adapted to be rotatably mounted about the guide tower of a vertically movable leg of an offshore jack-up platform. In one form, the crane is mounted for rotation about the leg tower section on a bearing tube having a thrust bearing interposed between a tower section flange and the lower end of the bearing tube. In a second form, the crane is mounted about the leg tower section utilizing upper rollers and hook rollers coacting with a support flange mounted with the tower section.

Abstract: A control system for a hyperbaric chamber and method for doing same which provides for an initial purging of a portion of the oxygen contained in the air within the chamber until an analyzer detects that the oxygen concentration has been reduced below the oxygen concentration of air at one atmosphere absolute pressure. Having reduced the oxygen concentration within the chamber using a pressurized inert gas, valves are operated to pressurize the chamber at a desired rate to a desired value. The patient within the chamber is connected to an independent breathing system where breathing gas is delivered to the patient at substantially the same pressure as the pressure in the hyperbaric chamber.

Abstract: A disposable oil drain pan and container combination features a large sidewall opening which is sealed by a removable screw cap. The oil pan and container combination is intended for use as (a) a container for new motor oil for purchase at a retail establishment, and (b) a disposable drain pan receptacle for use in changing oil in an automobile. The capacity of the container is preferably five quarts so that its contents can be emptied directly into the crankcase of an automobile during an oil change. After the contents have been emptied into the crankcase, the container assembly is set aside until time for the next oil change. At that time, the large screw cap is removed from the side for the container and the container is laid flat beneath the crankcase so that the used oil can drain directly into the container through sidewall opening. After the draining procedure has been completed, the cap is screwed on securely so that the filled container can be discarded.

Abstract: A method for determining the volumetric capacity of a fluid metering roller is disclosed. A measured amount of ink is deposited onto the transfer surface of the roller and is then dispersed into the underlying cells. A sheet of low-absorbancy transfer material is spread over the roller and the ink deposit lying in the interface between the roller transfer surface and the impression sheet is spread by the application of a roller or scraper across the back side of the transfer paper. The engraved cells are filled by the excess ink as it spreads across the cell transfer surface. The area of the transfer paper impression is measured by overlaying the impression area with a transparent sheet of graph paper having grid lines of known spacing.

Abstract: A copy holder assembly mountable onto the CRT cabinet of a data processing work station is disclosed. The copy holder includes correspondence boards and a memo board which are coupled to a harness assembly. The harness assembly includes an elastic strap, first and second hinge assemblies and a cross bar. The elastic strap is lashed around the cabinet bottom and tensions the hinge assemblies into compressive engagement with the CRT cabinet. In an alternate embodiment, the hinge assemblies and cross bar are coupled to the CRT cabinet by hook and loop fasteners. The correspondence boards are adjustable in elevation and pitch for optimum presentation of printed sheet material.

Abstract: A suspension frame and clamp assembly for attaching surgical support apparatus onto an operating table is disclosed. The assembly includes a releasable clamp which allows the attachment part to be installed onto the side rail of an operating table or removed from the side rail at any intermediate side rail location. The suspension frame includes an elongated support tube or bar attached in such a manner that the support bar is offset laterally below the side rail and outside of the sterile field of the operating table. In a preferred embodiment, the suspension assembly includes parallel vertical struts which are rigidly attached at their lower ends to the horizontal support bar, and which are attached at their upper ends to a releasable clamp assembly. According to an alternate embodiment, the vertical support struts are releasably coupled to the horizontal support bar by a releasable box clamp. Transverse support struts provide additional stability.

Abstract: An edge wear tab for high temperature valve components, such valve components having an upstream face and a downstream face. The edge wear tab of the present invention has an increased mounting area for enhanced ease in mounting the tab body with the valve and for increased anchoring of refractory or composite material with the valve component. Further, the edge wear tab of the present invention enhances valve component strength by increasing localized compressive forces in such refractory or composite materials in the area adjacent to such tab body.

Abstract: Pre-cooled aerosol spray fuel/air mixture is discharged through an array of metering tubes which are housed within a heat exchange chamber. Engine coolant is circulated through the heat exchange chamber. As the aerosol fuel/air mixture is drawn from the carburetor through the metering tubes and into the manifold, heat transfer from engine coolant circulating through the heat exchange chamber causes the aerosol mixture in the metering tubes to vaporize. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature rise within the heat exchange chamber is limited by heat transfer to an air circulation tube which is coiled within the heat exchange chamber.

Abstract: A scaffold assembly for supporting members of a musical choir in a standing arrangement simulating the appearance of a traditional Christmas tree is disclosed. The scaffold assembly is arranged in tiers of horizontal standing boards rising one above and one behind another in stairway fashion from a base tier of standing boards to an uppermost tier of standing boards. The horizontal standing boards of each tier are arranged to form a segmented arc in a plane which is transverse to the vertical axis of the scaffold assembly. The tiers are stabilized by a plurality of horizontal support beams and upright support posts and a central stanchion. A first set of horizontal support beams project radially outwardly from a central plate, which is attached to the central stanchion, to the underside of the standing boards, and are attached to the respective support posts at the perimeter of selected ones of the tier.

Abstract: A livestock feed block comprising a compacted mass of cotton burr and other residue produced in the process of ginning cotton. The burr is compacted in a mold apparatus including a movable power operated tamping or compacting ram fitted with a spray manifold for coating the feed block material with a settable liquid binder prior to the compaction process. Compaction is carried out in a series of steps to compact plural layers of material to build the feed block in the mold. The mold is supported on retractable transport wheels which provide for jacking the mold upward off the ground surface to release the block whereby it may be transported by motor truck from its point of manufacture to its point of use.

Abstract: An operating handle for an aerosol container features a hand grip portion, a shell portion and a trigger assembly interconnecting the hand grip portion and the shell portion. The trigger assembly includes an actuator arm for engaging the plunger head of an aerosol container and a trigger arm projecting along the hand grip portion whereby the trigger arm can be squeezed toward the hand grip portion to drive the actuator arm against the plunger head. The shell portion serves as a receptacle in which the aerosol can is secured and as a shield for isolating the hand and fingers from exposure to the aerosol spray. A quick release fastener assembly is carried by the shell portion for securing the aerosol container in a stable, upright operating position within the shell.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for use in surgical operating procedures and the like comprising one or more generally vertically extending support arms which are connected at their lower ends to universal positioner mechanisms which may be adjustably positioned along a support bar suspended from and substantially rigidly connected to an operating table or the like. The positioning mechanism includes a ball and socket coupling including spaced apart support block having socket portions for forcibly engaging the ball under the urging of a plurality of springs. A lever actuated cam connected to a foot pedal is operable to release the biasing force on the support blocks whereby the position of the support arm connected at one end to the ball may be finely adjusted over a wide range of positions. The positioning mechanism may also comprise clamping members adjustable about three mutually perpendicular axes to provide universal movement of a support arm.

Abstract: A clamping or coupling apparatus for clamping an extension rod telescopically extendable from a tubular member includes two separate and independent clamping adjustments. The clamping apparatus is adapted to rotate freely relative to the tubular member, yet is prevented from axial movement relative to the tubular member. The extension rod is adapted to extend linearly relative to the clamping apparatus, but is prevented from rotating relative to the clamping apparatus. In this manner, a first clamping adjustment inhibits the axial movement of the extension rod relative to the clamping apparatus, so that the extension rod is prevented from axial movement and rotational movement relative to the clamping apparatus. A second clamping adjustment prevents the clamping apparatus from rotating relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: Flexible production tubing is wound about a reel for convenient transport to and from a well site. A submersible pump is attached to the end of the flexible tubing and is inserted through the well casing to a producing formation. The flexible production tubing includes a high strength injection core, a tubular production conduit, auxiliary hydraulic/pneumatic conduits, signal conductors, power conductors and a load bearing tension member. Insertion and withdrawal of the flexible tubing and pump are accomplished by a hydraulically powered drive assembly mounted above the well head. The production tubing is characterized by a generally pentagonal cross-section and is compressively engaged between a hydraulically powered drive sheave and a pneumatically biased idler sheave.