Abstract: A method of treating piston rings to render their surfaces extremely hard-wearing, wherein the rings are assembled in batches on a tubular mandrel which is then surrounded by a matching cylinder, the mandrel bearing the rings and the cylinder being subjected to relative cyclical motion while a slurry of hard silicon carbide particles is poured into the cylinder. Either the wall of the tubular mandrel, or the wall of the cylinder, or both, are provided with holes to allow the slurry to flow away. The cyclical motion may consist of relative rotation at 170 r.p.m. and simultaneous relative reciprocation at 5 cycles per minute. The slurry may consist of 220 mesh silicon carbide powder in oil, with the treatment lasting for one minute, and preferably this is followed by a further treatment of one minute with a 400 mesh silicon carbide particle slurry.

Abstract: An educational toy and method for demonstrating characteristics of a latticework of spacepoints including demonstrating (a) the commonality of latticework between tetrahedron configuration latticework and octahedron configuration latticework, (b) that octahedron latticework merges with tetrahedron latticework, (c) the 13-plane structure of the common latticework, (d) how simultaneous twinning in more than one of the 13 planes can form multitudes of combinations of domains of tetrahedrons and octahedrons, and (e) the altering of latticework by appropriately selecting the dimensions of structure members that define spacepoints in the latticework. Preferably, the structure members are similarly dimensioned and oriented ellipsoidal elements which are gravity stacked and optionally connectable and wherein the centerpoint of each ellipsoidal element represents a spacepoint in the latticework.

Abstract: The apparatus provides a moving target for practicing perceptual and perceptual motor skills particularly for education, therapy, athletics and amusement. The moving target may be large or small at ground level or above ground level and may be propelled at various different speeds in opposite directions. The interval of movement in a given direction is variable selectively or randomly as is the pause time between intervals of movement and speed. The movement of the target permits the practice for training and increasing motor skills, adaptability and attentiveness to time, distance, direction and force at all levels of skill.

Abstract: A reflection type overhead projector employs a Fresnel concave mirror adapted for allowing a transparency to be put on the mirror surface thereof. The beam of light emitted from a light source lamp is reflected by the Fresnel concave mirror, enters a projecting lens and then is projected on a screen. A reflecting mirror is interposed in an optical path between the Fresnel concave mirror and the projecting lens to thereby bend the optical path. The Fresnel concave mirror, the light source lamp and the projecting lens are all mounted to a single case.

Abstract: A dual conversion variable bandwidth telemetry receiver employs a phase locked loop which controls the second local oscillator to maintain lock on the carrier frequency; the phase locked loop employing a loop filter with a variable time constant integrator, the time constant of which can be varied as a function of receiver bandwidth and the integrator with its associated capacitor and resistor banks being employed in a sweep, i.e. search, oscillator circuit enabled when the carrier signal is lost. A coherent double-balanced mixer is employed to detect carrier lock and if lock is lost but the carrier is still detected, a rapid response anti-sideband circuit in the phase detector of the phase locked loop is employed to suppress the sidebands and greatly increase the probability of relocking on the carrier. A synchronous AM detector employs quadrature IF and reference signals at the same frequency to produce a dc signal when phase lock occurs; the signal falling rapidly upon loss of lock.

Abstract: A small joint spacing prosthesis comprises an elongate silicone rubber body reinforced by a Dacron or nylon string and is made by moulding the body with the string therein. The middle of the body forms a spacer of spherical shape with flat end faces providing shoulders for abutment of the bone ends. The remainder of the body forms intramedullary stems with rounded outer ends.

Abstract: An integral rear end bracket for facilitating the mounting and proper positioning of a prefabricated truck body onto a prefabricated truck chassis when the bracket is attached to the rear end of the chassis' longitudinal frame member. The bracket includes a plate member having a hook-like profile comprised of a stem portion and hook portion. The stem portion extends rearwardly of the chassis and the hook portion extends upwardly and rearwardly. The hook is so located that a forward portion of a usually C-shaped cross-member of the truck body contacts the hook when the body is at the proper position on the chassis and serves not only to locate the body but prevent forward movement thereof. The stem portion of the hook may be provided with preset holes which align with standard holes in the chassis frame for connection thereto. The stem portion may have further extending rearwardly therefrom a flange which properly locates and connects a bumper to the chassis.

Abstract: A transmit-receive burglar alarm system provides for code changing so that the user may readily change the transmitted code to which the system will respond. The transmitter is battery powered, and the transmission circuits are disabled except during transmission intervals to conserve battery life, the transmitter transmitting a weak battery signal when the battery voltage falls below a prescribed level, the receiver providing a distinctive signal in response thereto. The transmitter may select one of two channels at the receiver depending upon the desired response and may also select a delayed or immediate response if the receiver is in the delay mode. The home or base station includes a receiver and a microprocessor to determine first if the transmitted code is proper to respond to and then on which of two channels the response is to be indicated; the channels determining the format of the audio signal to be generated both on internal and external audio devices.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle has a chassis based on two longitudinal box section members and designed to permit a degree of torsional flexibility, with four beam axles equally spaced along the wheelbase. The drive transmission is arranged so that drive to the wheels on all four axles, or only the center two, can be selected, and the wheels on both the front and rear axles are steerable. The front axle wheels are positively steered whereas the rear axle wheels are arranged to castor to a smaller turning angle than the front wheels. All the wheels are fitted with extra large balloon tires. The axles are of the beam type, with coil suspension springs and swing axle radius rods permitting a considerable amount of vertical movement; limited lateral movement is permitted by Panhard rods.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing and a soft-rubbery matrix material composed of 0.3-70 micron particles of a 50,000-300,000 molecular weight cross-linkable polymer dispersed in a fluxable elastomer where the polymer's softening point temperature exceeds the elastomer's fluxing temperature and the polymer and elastomer are combined and mixed at a temperature maintained above the fluxing temperature of the elastomer but below the softening point temperature of the polymer.

Abstract: An improved meter for measuring RF power. The RF power is applied to thermocouple means which transforms the RF power into a low level d.c. signal which then passes through a chopper stage that is driven by a clamped sinusoidal input. The output of the chopper stage includes periodic pulses with a prescribed pulse spacing: pulse duration ratio, the pulses being passed through a band-pass filter at a harmonic of the chopper drive signal. The filtered signal, which is also amplified, undergoes synchronous detection with a tri-level square-wave signal which is centered in phase relative to the amplified, filtered signal when the two signals are in phase. The power meter measurements adjusted for zero drift and calibration drift by a microprocessor; based on zero measurements and calibration measurements made before and after an RF measurement is made. Measurements are stored and processed digitally to enhance accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention achieves constant voltage at radio frequencies to drive a constant voltage to constant current converter, by employing a tightly coupled d.c. feedback loop to control the voltage via a transformer to the drain of a FET operated as a Class C amplifier in the saturated mode whereby among other advantages, the amplifier can withstand, without damage, very high VSWRs. Control is affected by a high gain differential amplifier which compares a d.c. voltage derived from the r.f. output of the system against a highly stable d.c. voltage reference. A controller, responding to the output of the differential amplifier causes a first level of voltage to be applied to the drain of the FET when the system is not loaded and causes a second voltage varying between said first level and a higher level when the system is loaded.

Abstract: A modular deck structure comprises a plurality of rectangular flooring platforms; joists that intersect in criss-cross fashion to form a plurality of rectangular frames; and planks coupled to extend along the interior surface of at least two joists of each rectangular frame; each rectangular frame and the planks coupled thereto are dimensioned to enable at least one of the platforms to be seated within a corresponding frame and to be supported by the planks coupled thereto; wherein some of the joists have at least one end with a notch thereonwhich may be reinforced; and wherein pairs of joists are joined at respective intersection points thereof by positioning a notched end of a second criss-crossing joist on the plank along a first criss-crossing joist, the second joist being supported at one end by the plank of said first criss-crossing joist where the entire deck may be supported above ground by ground posts. The invention also relates to a method of constructing the deck.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for selectively heat treating at least a portion of an article in the field with autoregulated heating. The autoregulated heating is provided by a heater including at least a first magnetic material disposed along the portion of the article to be heat treated. The first magnetic material has a magnetic permeability which sharply changes at temperatures at or near the autoregulating (AR) temperature thereof. The changes in permeability result in corresponding changes in the skin depth of the first magnetic material and, hence, the heating produced therein responsive to a.c. current passing therethrough. By maintaining the a.c. current constant in amplitude and frequency, the first magnetic material and the portion of the article are regulated at substantially the AR temperature of the first magnetic material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining an input electrical characteristic of a device under test by power-related measurements made by the device under test, wherein the input characteristic to be determined is related to the input impedance of the device under test. Specifically, the input impedance, the reflection coefficient, or the standing wave ratio of the input to the device under test is determined by a plurality of power, voltage, or current measurements made by a meter or sensor in the device under test. The plurality of measurements are made when the device under test is in a network including (a) a first leg having a first fixed impedance and a selectively variable impedance forming a series and (b) a second leg having a second fixed impedance and the device under test in series, an electrical input of constant amplitude being applied to the network with power being split symmetrically between the two legs.

Abstract: A valve bag having an upper bottom with a valve and a lower bottom symmetrically folded in a manner where the bottoms lie atop the central bag portion in a side-by-side and parallel manner is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel application of VELCRO-type fasteners, apparel and indicia bearing patches to provide combinations and methods for interchangeability of patches on apparel and convertibility of the identifying patches.

Abstract: Return valve for a bag (1) for collecting liquid excretions from a human body, which valve comprises a valve flap (9,10) made of flexible film and placed between a reservoir portion (8) of the bag and a portion having a coupling to be connected with corresponding fastening means placed around an opening in the body. In order to ensure an extreme security against leakage through the return valve, the return valve further comprises a second valve flap (13, 14) arranged downstream of the first valve in the direction of the flow of the liquid secretions, which second valve flap comprises a film portion passing the opening (at 11) of the first valve, and together with the valve flap of the first valve forming a passage to the region between the first and second valves.

Abstract: This specification describes a lock where a key sets a multiplicity of elements such as disks, levers or others. After setting the elements, the key and the key slot (through which the key enters the lock) is moved out of contact with the elements and is subsequently completely isolated from them. The fence or any other component that co-acts with the previously set elements to open the lock cannot be brought into contact with them until the above isolating action has been completed.

Abstract: Irradiation treatment of an effluent gas by means of electron beams can be carried out efficiently by controlling the velocity and the velocity distribution of the stream of gas when it passes through a zone to be irradiated. Such control can be effected conveniently according to the present invention by first introducing the stream of gas into a velocity reduction zone and then leading it to a velocity re-accelerating and velocity distribution adjusting zone immediately before the thus adjusted stream of gas reaches the zone to be irradiated.An apparatus suitable for practicing such process is also disclosed.