Abstract: A battery powered smoke detector includes a battery powered discriminator circuit which periodically senses the chemistry of the battery represented by its volt-ampere output and internal impedance. An external impedance comparable to the alarm circuit load on the battery is connected in parallel with the battery such as to trigger an alarm when the battery energy delivered through the impedance approaches a level inadequate to drive the alarm.

Abstract: An electrical connector including male and female sections which are adapted to be joined together and clamped with extensions from the sections to insure a tight fit without permanently stressing the yieldable material which is used to form the device.

Abstract: A flameless catalytic combustion apparatus includes a combustion chamber with a hydrogenous fuel inlet and a mass of catalyst in the chamber between the inlet and an outlet. Preferably the catalyst mass comprises porous pellet bodies supporting varying high and low concentrations of platinum family metals dispersed therein. For spontaneous starting of combustion the fuel is one of the lower alcohols and the high catalyst concentration is at the fuel inlet. The fuel may be in a container pressurized by air, or a lower ether or lower hydrocarbon which is also a fuel. Preferably separate, valved conduits from the fuel container first supply either atomized fuel droplets or air and fuel vapor to the high catalyst concentration for spontaneous ignition of combustion and vaporized fuel for continued combustion throughout the catalyst mass. The catalytic combustion apparatus may include a heat exchanger for fluids such as air, water or personal care foams and creams, or may be used in heating and cooking apparatus.

Abstract: A diamond dressing tool including a tool holding head member and supporting shank having cooperating conical bearing surfaces urged together in tight frictional engagement by spring means operatively mounted therebetween. The head member is so mounted on the shank to permit its longitudinal movement along the shank bearing surface.

Abstract: A cassette for a facsimile recorder comprises a plastic housing for a roll of recording web with opposed lips forming an exit path for the web. At least one lip has two parallel ribs pressed in the sheet material extending across the web path so as to stiffen the lip and urge it against the opposite lip and the web in between.

Abstract: In a facsimile recorder receiving a cassette holding a supply of recording paper and having a linear recording electrode, the recorder has a frame detachably receiving the cassette. A scanning electrode on the frame cooperates with the linear electrode on the cassette to mark the recording paper with electrical signals applied to the electrodes as the paper is drawn from the cassette. A cover hinged to the frame carries a resilient member engaging the cassette to urge the linear electrode toward the path of the recording paper and scanning electrode thereby insuring good recording contact with the paper.

Abstract: A facsimile recorder of moist electrolytic recording paper includes a tray under the helical scanning electrode which traverses the paper. The tray performs the dual function of collecting chaff abraded from the paper by the scanning electrode and of containing a supply of moisture for the paper.

Abstract: An optical smoke detector has a housing which forms a dark chamber into which light is directed on a path viewed by a photocell. Light scattered from the path by smoke causes the cell to trigger an alarm. The housing includes an interior wall around the dark chamber and an exterior wall exposed to ambient light. A wire mesh extending between offset ports in the exterior and interior walls screens insects from the chamber and obstructs light from passing directly to the interior part.

Abstract: Facsimile apparatus which graphically records electric signals on recording paper drawn through a recording zone has a linear recording electrode on one side of the zone and a cooperative scanning belt carrying one or more recording styli. The styli are orbitted on the other side of the recording zone by a drive sprocket wheel engaging the belt. At the other end of the recording zone the belt passes over an idler guide which has integral flanges at each end of its semicylindrical body receiving the belt. The guide also has a plunger portion sliding against a spring in a socket on the recorder frame, the spring causing the guide means to tauten the belt.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical recording medium is provided which comprises a support impregnated with an electrolytically conducting solution containing an electrolyte, a chelating or sequestering agent, and a marking compound; and characterized by the inclusion of a six-membered hetero-aromatic nitrogen-containing compound having at least one acidic substituant adjacent to a nitrogen atom of the hetero-aromatic ring. The hetero-aromatic compound unexpectedly provides improvement in color, tone and definition of recorded mark.

Abstract: A stylus for attachment to a facsimile recording belt is formed of springy sheet metal such as stainless steel in the form of a foot with a toe bent downwardly from the end of the foot, and a leg extending upwardly at an angle over the toe to a recording surface. The leg has a cut-out portion intermediate the recording surface and a flexible hinge between the leg and the foot.

Abstract: An electric heating element for igniting gas fuel comprises a hermetically sealed envelope made of at least 99% pure alumina and filled with a non-oxidizing gas such as hydrogen or one of the inert gases. A self-supporting coiled coil of tungsten or other refractory metal conductor dimensioned to carry a linear power loading of at least one hundred watts per inch is disposed in the envelope with coiling of the coiled coil pressing the peripheral surfaces of the coiled conductor into thermal and mechanical contact with the interior wall of the envelope. Terminals are provided for supplying current to the conductor at said power loading to heat the exterior of the envelope wall to a temperature above 900.degree. centigrade.

Abstract: In a cassette for a facsimile recorder with a moving electrode which scans across a recording web and marks the web with graphic signals electrically applied between the moving electrode and a cooperating linear electrode, the cassette has a tubular housing and a lip extending from the housing. The linear electrode is polygonally cylindrical in cross section and is attached to the underside of the cassette lip.

Abstract: In a facsimile recorder of the type having a relatively fast moving helical scanning electrode opposed by the linear portion of a very slow moving looped electrode or blade, the linear portion is guided in a track with a wall engaging one side of the blade. On the opposite side of the linear portion a strip with spring fingers holds the blade electrode precisely straight against the track wall.

Abstract: A cold cathode arc discharge flash lamp has a cathode assembly in which an electron emissive pellet is secured on the lead wire or rod entering the flash tube envelope. One or more coils of molybdenum or a similar body of ceramic refractory shield the emissive face of the pellet from destructive ion bombardment while exposing the face for electron emission.

Abstract: Apparatus for training players in baseball and other sports employs a mirror which permits the player to view all his body movements while projecting the ball toward the mirror as a target. The apparatus comprises a shock resistant mirror which may be variously mounted for angular adjustment to permit the player a full body view of his image. One mount comprises a standard with a cross bar tiltingly suspending the mirror independently of a netting or like web surrounding the mirror. Tie members between the bottom of the mirror and the standard adjust the angle of the mirror so that the player sees his full image throughout natural delivery of the ball.