Abstract: A hydropyrolysis process for upgrading heavy, high molecular weight feedstocks such as coal-derived liquids, petroleum crudes, tar sand bitumens, shale oils, bottom residues from process streams, and the like, to lighter, lower molecular weight liquid products. The process includes subjecting the feedstocks to pyrolysis in the presence of hydrogen under carefully controlled conditions of temperature and pressure. The process can be defined as hydrogen-modified, thermal cracking in the specific temperature range of 450.degree. C. to 650.degree. C. and in the hydrogen pressure range of about 120 psi to 2250 psi. The amount of hydrogen present can be varied according to the type of feedstock and the liquid product desired. Although the hydrogen is not consumed in large amounts, it does participate in and modifies the process, and thereby provides a means of controlling the process as to the molecular weight range and structural type distribution of the liquid products.

Abstract: An adjustable sawhorse having a work platform removably mounted atop two pairs of side rails. A pair of hinges connect the side rails of each side rail pair at one end thereof. The hinges may be selectively locked or unlocked to accommodate folding and unfolding of the sawhorse from a folded configuration to an upright configuration and vice versa. Each pair of side rails is also slidably mounted on another pair of side rails to accommodate extension thereof. Locking handles are provided for each extensible set of side rails so that they may be locked into one or more extended positions. Steps are mounted between each pair of side rails to enhance the versatility and use of the sawhorse.

Abstract: A solar energy collector apparatus and method, the apparatus including an open-top shell structure configured with either an enclosed or lattice configuration and having a Fresnel lens system covering the open top of the shell structure. A mirror system and solar energy absorber apparatus are placed inside the shell structure. The shell structure is mounted upon a hollow axle for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The shell structure is also mounted for vertical movement of one end of the longitudinal axis to adapt the shell structure for following north-south changes in the sun's seasonal position. The hollow axle supports the solar energy absorber apparatus nonrotatably inside the shell structure and in fluid communication with insulated heat transfer conduits that pass nonrotatably through the hollow axle.

Abstract: A regenative absorption engine apparatus and method, the apparatus including a closed cycle system having a first fluid and a second fluid, the first fluid having a relatively lower boiling point, the second fluid having a relatively higher boiling point and also a relatively high degree of absorptivity for the first fluid. The apparatus further includes a distillation column, a superheater, a mechanical expansion engine, an absorption column, and heat exchange apparatus. The distillation column is used to separate the first fluid from the second fluid with heat while the superheater increases the thermal energy of the first fluid prior to passing the first fluid through the mechanical expansion engine. The mechanical expansion engine converts thermal energy in the first fluid to mechanical energy. The backpressure in the first fluid on the downstream side of the mechanical expansion engine is lowered by absorbing the first fluid with the second fluid in the absorption column.

Abstract: An aerial amusement projectile and method of manufacture, the projectile including an aerodynamic body having a streamer secured therein. The aerodynamic body is fabricated from a resilient, penetrable material and has an ornamental design on a leading face opposite the streamer. The streamer is fabricated from a plurality of multicolor ribbons and is secured inside the aerodynamic body by a novel fastener apparatus and method. The fastener may be fabricated as a U-shaped staple from a resilient wire with a pair of barbed probes or as a harpoon-like device to hold the streamer in the body. The configuration of the fastener and resiliency of the aerodynamic body material assists in securing the fastener against dislodgment from the body material. A padding member is mounted on the staple fastener to protect the streamer against abrasion. The harpoon-like fastener includes a coaxial, countersunk bore for receipt of an insertion tool.

Abstract: A flow switch apparatus and method for use in determining the quantity of a beverage liquid passing through a conduit, the apparatus including a light path across the conduit and an actuator arm interposed across the light path, the actuator arm being activated by fluid flow through the conduit. The light path is formed by a light source transmitting light toward a light detector. The light detector produces an electronic signal when adequate light received by the light detector. The signal produced by the switch apparatus is in the form of digital logic voltage levels which can be monitored remotely by conventional electronic apparatus to accumulate the flow information provided by the flow switch. The conduit is adapted to be vertically oriented to accommodate the actuator arm resting under gravity in occulusion of the light path when there is no fluid flow in the conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering fluids that are parenterally administered to a patient. The fluid metering device consists of a plastic housing having a primary fluid channel formed therein that is in fluid communication with a fluid source. A secondary fluid channel is also formed in the housing and is connected at one end to the primary fluid channel so as to be in fluid communication therewith. Fluid flows through the primary fluid channel and through a fixed resistor that is in series with the primary fluid channel. The fluid then flows through a drip tube in series with the fixed resistor. From the drip tube, the fluid is collected in a drip chamber. The secondary fluid channel is vented into the drip chamber so that the pressure at the open end of the stationary fluid channel will be the same as the pressure in the drip chamber. Thus, the fixed resistor will cause the fluid to back up, entering the secondary fluid channel.

Abstract: An automated cooker for sandwiches and the like. The automated cooker includes a pair of heating elements spaced one from the other so as to provide passage therebetween. A motor drives a conveyor which carries a plurality of individual sandwich holders through the passage between the heating elements. Each sandwich holder consists of a handle which can be attached to the conveyor and a top portion which encloses the sandwich to be cooked. A bar is placed below the heating elements and extends along the length of the cooker. The bar is used to trigger a switch which activates the heating elements and which turns on a motor that drives the conveyor. The bar may be activated by the handle of any sandwich holder placed on the conveyor. The bar is deactivated so as to turn off the heating elements and the motor which drives the conveyor when the handle of the last sandwich holder reaches a notch placed in the end of the bar.

Abstract: A solar energy collector apparatus and method, the apparatus including an open-top shell-like structure. A Fresnel lens system and a mirror system inside the shell structure focus and direct solar energy toward a solar energy absorber apparatus also inside the shell structure. The shell structure is mounted upon a hollow axle in a framework for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The framework supports the longitudinal axis in a position generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the earth to provide an equatorial mounting for the solar energy collector. Rotation about the longitudinal axis adapts the solar collector for following the east-west movement of the sun. The optical apparatus in the shell structure is adapted for movement to follow the north-south seasonal changes in the sun's position.

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 strong, lightweight monorail guideway assembly for carrying a monorail train vehicle in transport having selectively joined load-bearing rails which are structurally reinforceable on site in relation to support columns holding the track in suspension. Variations in stresses placed on the track are accommodated by the track structure while minimizing overall weight and material consumption. An easily accessible hollow interior provides protection and serviceability for electrical conduit placed therein. A conduit immediately adjacent the running surface may be selectively heated to inhibit icing.

Abstract: A solar energy collector apparatus and method, the apparatus including an open-top shell-like structure with a reflective optical system in the shell structure for directing solar energy toward a solar energy absorber apparatus inside the shell structure. The shell structure is mounted upon a hollow axle for rotation about its longitudinal axis and may be mounted for vertical movement to follow north-south changes in the apparent seasonal position of the sun. The solar energy absorber apparatus is nonrotatably mounted inside the shell structure in fluid communication with heat transfer conduits that pass through the hollow axle thereby avoiding rotatable couplings in the conduits. Photovoltaic apparatus for converting at least a portion of the solar spectrum to electrical energy may also be included in the shell structure. This combination of features provides higher solar efficiencies and higher temperatures in the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging sterile surgical masks so that individual masks can be dispensed one at a time without disturbing the masks remaining in the dispenser. The method employs stacking surgical masks one upon another and aligning the tie strings so that they have essentially the same direction. The stack of sterile surgical masks with tie strings thus aligned is then inserted into a bag and the bag is tied at one end so as to enclose the masks therein. The bag and its contents are then sterilized and placed in a container. Both the bag and the container are long enough to permit the tie strings to trail loosely behind the stack of masks, and the bag and container are wide enough to permit the tie strings at the sides of the stack of masks to lie loosely and in a generally horizontally aligned fashion, thus permitting the masks to be serially removed without tangling the tie strings.

Abstract: A needle valve and a method of manufacturing the needle valve. The needle valve has a metal needle with a leading end that is elongated and tapered so as to provide carefully restricted fluid flow along the length of the tapered end. A portion of the needle is threaded so that the position of the tapered end may be adjusted by screwing the needle. A housing for the needle is manufactured by placing the needle into a mold. The housing is then injection molded around portions of the metal needle. The molded housing forms an inlet port around the tapered end of the needle and a collar around the threaded portion of the needle. An outlet port is molded adjacent to the tapered end and is in fluid communication with the inlet port of the housing. As the housing cools, the plastic shrinks thus conforming the inlet port to the tapered end of the metal needle and creating a hermetic seal around the tapered end. A plastic knob is also molded onto the opposite end of the metal needle.

Abstract: A cyclone separator-type vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner has a cylindrical housing having three sections. Each section of the housing is joined to an adjacent section by latches provided on the housing. By releasing the latches the internal mechanisms of the vacuum cleaner can be easily accessed for cleaning or maintenance. The vacuum cleaner has a first baffle that is funnel-shaped and a second baffle in the form of an outwardly-flared skirt member. The skirt member is attached at the base of the funnel-shaped baffle. The two baffles together form an exhaust path through their center through which the incoming air exits after the dirt has been separated therefrom. The funnel-shaped first baffle directs the incoming dirt-laden air inwardly in a circular path of decreasing cross-sectional area so that the speed of the circulating air is increased, causing centrifugal separation of dirt.

Abstract: A milking apparatus and method for improved lactation, the apparatus including means for applying suction to at least the nipple portion of a mammary gland while simultaneously and/or selectively imparting a constrictive, manipulatory force to the nipple and/or the mammary gland adjacent the nipple. An inflatable toroidal member is adapted to be placed in encirclement of the nipple portion of the mammary gland. The manipulatory force is supplied by selectively inflating the inflatable toroidal member. Inflation of the toroid causes an inner wall surface to be distended inwardly thereby imparting a constrictive force to the nipple and/or adjacent, underlying mammary gland. The toroidal member may also be provided with an inner wall thickness which is selectively predetermined so as to be preferentially distended during inflation of the toroidal member.

Abstract: A saddle pack including an elongated support web with a pannier-like side housing mounted at each end. The web includes a curvilinear cut-out along one edge of a center segment of the web, the curvilinear cut-out being specifically configured to conform to the cantle base of a saddle. Each of the side housings include an open top compartment and a cover for the compartment, the cover being adapted to securely enclose the compartment. An overflap is also included and substantially encloses the cover, the cover thereby providing a shelf or floor for a subcompartment formed on top of the compartment between the cover and the overflap. The side housings may also include end pockets mounted to the ends of the side housings. The web also includes at least one pouch formed therein, the pouch being foldable to provide a generally flat configuration or expandable to receive bulky items therein.

Abstract: A tie down assembly for use in securing one object to another, such as a camper to a truck, the tie down assembly including a specially configurated anchor member rigidly secured to a surface and having a head spaced from the surface by a diametrally reduced neck portion. A bracket member is provided with an interlock slot configurated to permit removable attachment of the bracket member to the anchor member only when the interlock slot in the bracket member is oriented in a predetermined complementary way with respect to the special configuration of the camper anchor. Once attached to the anchor member, the bracket member may be freely rotated with respect to the anchor member but can be removed only when properly aligned.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for gas-liquid equilibration (tonometry) in a transportable vessel. Specifically the method and device is concerned with tonometry of blood or buffer solution in a syringe. The compartment formed when a syringe plunger is partially inserted into a syringe barrel serves as a tonometer chamber where gas of known composition is bubbled through a liquid sample. Gas enters the chamber through small holes in the tip of the syringe plunger and bubbles upward through the sample. The syringe plunger itself is a second chamber which is used for heating and humidifying the gas prior to entering the tonometer chamber. The entire syringe is housed in a temperature controlled environment during equilibration. This environment allows observation of the entire tonometry process. After equilibration the syringe tonometer is easily removed from the heat controlled environment and is used as the sample's transport vessel. The syringe configuration allows easy entry of the sample into the target sytem, e.g.

Abstract: A torch chamber apparatus and method for providing a more thorough combustion of a fuel/air mixture in a combustion chamber of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The torch chamber is configurated as a hollow, cylindrical body having a jet nozzle and external threads at a first end and an axial, internally threaded, spark plug-receiving opening at the second end. A diametrally enlarged shoulder, wrench engagement nut with an indicia thereon is also included at the second end. The dimensions of the hollow cylindrical body and the shoulder are selectively predetermined to adapt the torch chamber to be inserted into a spark plug access bore with a deformable gasket sealingly engaged between the shoulder and the rim of the access bore. The method includes interposing the torch chamber between the spark plug and the combustion chamber while aligning the jet nozzle inside the combustion chamber by viewing the indicia.