Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foam strip.

Abstract: A solar collector panel and a method of making the collector panel. The solar collector panel has four layers of fiberglass mat which are each saturated with a catalyzed liquiform resin. Between the first two layers, unimpregnated Kraft honeycomb paper having an open cellular structure is placed so as to form a resinated honeycomb core between these first two layers. A plurality of fluid channels are then bonded to the second layer of resin saturated fiberglass mat. The fluid channels are made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion essentially equal to that of the fiberglass mat. The third layer of resin-saturated fiberglass mat is placed over the fluid channels. A second layer of Kraft honeycomb paper is then placed between the third and fourth layers of resin-saturated fiberglass mat, and a clear gel coat mixed with an ultraviolet inhibitor solution is rolled out over the top of the solar collector panel to partially screen out ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: An improved monorail guideway assembly including unencumbered running surfaces that are supported by a truss. Electrical bus bars are attached to the underside of the running surfaces and a protective skirt is attached to the edges of the running surfaces along their entire length. The skirt is bent so as to form a smoothly curved shoulder that shields the bus bars and guideway surface from snow or rain.

Abstract: A system and method for producing rapid, high resolution hard color copies from computer-based graphics and image processing including a computer-controlled color video signal graphics system for producing electronically generated digital character and/or graphics data in response to programmed commands that are input to the graphics system. Thereafter, the graphics system transforms the digital data into blue, green and red color video signals which are input to a color camera system through a color control panel that is controlled by a microprocessor. The color control panel sequentially switches each of the red, blue and green video signals through to a video monitor where the signals are transformed into video images on a screen of the monitor. The video images appearing on the screen of the monitor are filtered by a color filter wheel which is also controlled by the microprocessor of the camera system. One of two types of film may be selected for exposure to the filtered video images.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foamstrip.

Abstract: A fire-resistant, cellulose insulation and method, the cellulose insulation including a predetermined quantity of talc to impart the desired degree of fire-resistant characteristics to the cellulose. Predetermined quantities of boron compounds can be added with the talc to improve the fire-suppressant characteristics of the insulation. The method includes directing ground cellulose from the primary grinding stage into a surge bin to accommodate metering the talc with the cellulose to thereby assure the appropriate distribution ratio of talc in the cellulose.

Abstract: A novel tent apparatus and method, the tent apparatus including a first tent shell having sidewalls and a floor. The support structure for the tent shell includes a plurality of interconnectable pole structures and an external, umbrella-type rib structure for placing the tent poles in an outwardly directed tension. The tent pole structure is integrally joined to the tent shell so as to provide a unitary, man-portable and erectable tent structure.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for determining osmolarity and/or specific gravity of a sample solution, the apparatus including a plurality of test solutions, each test solution having a predetermined specific gravity within a predetermined specific gravity range and also containing the dye, the dye being activated by substances in the sample solution. Test solutions having a higher specific gravity than the sample solution will experience osmotic diffusion across the semipermeable membrane and activation of the dye therein. The test solutions are sequentially arrayed on a support member so that the next succeeding test solution without a color change indicates the degree of osmolarity and/or specific gravity of the sample solution.

Abstract: A novel overhead door section system and method, the section including a section facing fabricated from a high tensile steel and secured to a novel end stile and center stile. The end stile includes an angle support secured therein. The angle support clamps an end of the section facing against a front face of the end stile and is secured to ribs in the section facing and to a side wall of the end stile. A novel back facing and method provide additional strength to the panel and may also enclose an insulative layer inside the panel.

Abstract: A device and method for its use in medical transfusion or bypass circuits wherein biological fluids, such as blood, are introduced onto the interior surface of an essentially cylindrical cavity in a vortical flow such that unwanted gas bubbles are separated from the biological fluids. The degassed biological fluids are collected and returned to the patient.

Abstract: A novel process for enhancing the leaching rate of a mineral wherein the mineral is characterized by the tendency to form a reaction product layer during leaching. A suitable particulate modifier such as carbon is mixed with the mineral prior to leaching and selectively alters the characteristics of the reaction product layer. The process is particularly useful for leaching chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena.

Abstract: An improved process for increasing (1) the removal of sulfur from lead concentrates and (2) the ratio of fresh, lead concentrate in the feed to a conventional lead concentrate sintering machine. Oxygen is added to the air of the updraft ignition section in predetermined amounts coupled with predetermined reductions and finally, termination of oxygen enrichment at a predetermined distance from the point of downdraft ignition. Additional cooling is supplied by use of finely dispersed, liquid water introduced into preselected wind boxes at predetermined positions downstream of the termination of oxygen enrichment.

Abstract: A novel thermal process for recovering hydrocarbon and other products from tar sand. The process includes blending tar sand with a bitumen-rich concentrate while heating the same with a hot, burnt sand. The products are recovered by passing the combined feed through a fluidized bed and selectively controlling the temperature and residence times to obtain predetermined ratios of products. Coked sand residue from the fluidized bed is burned to produce the hot, burnt sand, a portion of which may be recycled to provide heat to the fluidized bed. Coked sand may also be recycled into a known, hot-water, caustic separation process where it synergistically improves the separation efficiency of the hot-water, caustic separation process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved cover for enclosing the ends of medical tubing and which is capable of maintaining the sterile condition of the tubing prior to its use in surgical or medical procedures. The cover is designed with an inner diameter of constant cross section and with several tapered ribs along the surface of the inner wall of the cover.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for suppressing unwanted resonance in an electromanometry system. The apparatus includes a compliant air cavity connected through a variable impedance device which is coupled in parallel to the liquid-filled catheter of the electromanometry system. By varying the hydraulic impedance through which the compliant air cavity is coupled to the system, precise impedance matching capability is provided over a wide range of hydraulic impedance values, thereby permitting suppression of unwanted resonance and improved frequency response of recorded waveforms in a wide variety of catheter-transducer systems.

Abstract: A cylindrical primer cup having a top end which may be sealed so as to safely contain granular or liquid explosive matter is disclosed. A cylindrical conduit extends in a straight path through the cup, providing an opening at either end permitting through-passage of detonating cord or blasting caps. The cylindrical conduit additionally has a fixed diameter throughout, facilitating its travel along a detonating cord. A frustoconical conduit extends well within the primer cup for the placement and frictional retention of blasting caps therein. The sidewalls of the two conduits are relatively thin to provide for easier primer detonation. Symmetrically placed columnar-shaped ribs provide longitudinal structural support for the cylindrical conduit.

Abstract: A blended ethanol-based fuel for use as a substitute to conventional petroleum fuels in existing engines, without modification, comprising water, a gaseous hydrocarbon (such as acetylene or propane), a binding component (such as benzene), and a lubricating oil.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for absorbing solar energy, the apparatus providing a sealed envelope having a transparent upper panel with a solar energy absorbing panel thermally isolated against convective and conductive heat losses by a partial vacuum in the sealed envelope. The transparent panel has an upwardly extending curvilinear surface which increases its strength characteristics against the pressure differential between the ambient and the partial vacuum inside the envelope. Support structure is also provided in conjunction with the apparatus to place the periphery of the transparent panel under constriction to compensate for tensile stresses imposed thereon by the pressure differential. The inside surface of the transparent panel and the absorber panel are selectively coated with an infrared reflective surface to reflect and reduce losses of infrared radiation emitted by the absorber panel.

Abstract: A valve having stacked disks with alternate circular grooves in the faces thereof to provide a high pressure drop surface in fluid flow transverse to said grooves and ridges. The disks are circular in shape with a circular center opening to provide a central fluid opening when the disks are stacked with the center openings in register. Fluid enters the center opening and flows radially between the adjacent faces of a pair of disks to flow transversely across the continuous circular grooves and ridges.