Abstract: A high pressure fluid delivery system including an improved reciprocating pump is disclosed. The pump has a fluid cylinder block, with a stuffing box mounted on one side and a suction manifold on the other. A cylindrical passage extends into the fluid cylinder block from the stuffing box side of the block to receive a plunger which is mounted in the stuffing box. A cylindrical chamber, coaxial with the passage, extends from the passage to the suction manifold side of the fluid cylinder block. In the suction manifold, a suction port leads to the cylindrical chamber of the fluid cylinder block.The cylindrical chamber holds a suction valve, with a valve seat and a valve guide. A discharge valve and valve seat are provided in a cylindrical opening extending from the chamber to an outer wall of the fluid cylinder block. A plug or cover in the cylindrical opening holds the discharge valve elements in place and serves as a guide for the discharge valve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a digital data word representative of the position of a switch element which is selectively engageable with one of a plurality of driver conductors which are utilized for conducting actuating signals from a source to a data display system of the type having a plurality of display elements for visually indicating alphanumeric data. The display elements have visually perceptible and imperceptible data indicating states and are characterized by a lagging response to either the application or interruption of the actuating signal wherein a turn-on or turn-off transition interval elapses during a change from one state to the other with the preexisting state of the display element appearing to an observer to remain unchanged during the transition interval. The actuating signals are periodically applied during a load energizing interval through one or more of the driver conductors and are interrupted during a sampling interval.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting errors in addressing as well as transfer and storage of data. Both odd and even parity are alternately assigned to data words as a function of the memory address where a particular data word is stored. A parity error on reading occurs when either an error has occurred in the data word itself or when the memory has been incorrectly addressed.

Abstract: An energy conserving thermostatic control system having digitally implemented control functions for use with a heating and/or air conditioning system is disclosed. The digital thermostat includes an LCD data display for simultaneously displaying present time and ambient temperature. Slide switches are provided for setting and indicating set point information such as day temperature, night temperature, night-to-day transition time, and day-to-night transition time. The switch contacts of each slide switch are multiplexed to the display driver conductors for conveying time and temperature set point data during time and temperature scan intervals which alternate with a display interval. Strobe signals which are applied to the driver conductors are counted during the alternate scan intervals for selecting a day temperature different from a night temperature, for selecting the times whichdivide night from day and for providing set-back to night temperature during a predetermined time of the day.

Abstract: The metal surfaces of a lock mechanism are covered with a shield of a relatively low thermal conductivity material to insulate the fingers of the user from direct contact with metal to prevent possible burning or discomfort while operating the lock mechanism. In a preferred embodiment for use with automotive ignition switches of the type having raised metal wings for rotating a lock cylinder, the thermal shield comprises rubber or plastic pockets or caps which are secured in place over the metal wings to enable rotation of the lock cylinder with the fingers contacting only the surfaces of the pockets or caps.

Abstract: A swing check valve having a generally cylindrical body with a fluid passageway extending therethrough, an annular resilient seat molded in place within the passageway and oriented normal to the passageway axis and a clapper assembly pivotally mounted for rotation about an axis normal to the passageway axis. The clapper assembly includes an arm removably connected to a shaft extending through the body and a generally circular valve loosely mounted to the arm and adapted to engage the seal. The shaft is disposed for rotation within a bore extending completely through the body and a lever is removably attached to the external end of the shaft to permit manual operation of the valve. In order to prevent the valve from slamming shut in the event of a sudden flow reversal, it is spring biased toward a closed position with a spring attached to the lever.

Abstract: A holder for supporting a pair of pet tags while preventing rattling therebetween comprising an elongated base member having means at one end for connection to a pet collar and carrying a post on a second end for engaging a hole in pet tags. A pair of spring arms are carried by the base member and have free ends spaced in opposition about the post to urge the tags against the base member to thereby prevent rattling. In a preferred form the base member comprises a flat plate having dimensions comparable to a pet tag and providing a surface for carrying identifying indicia.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry monitors the electrical energy consumption of a system and displays the current cost of the energy usage. The projected monthly billing cost is calculated at the current rate of consumption, and an alarm signal is generated if the projected cost is higher than a budget amount. The current flow is sensed and digital pulses are fed to a microprocessor for counting and conversion to cost parameters. Clock pulses are also directed to the microprocessor for calculating the billing period and for displaying time parameters. A keyboard enables initializing and modifying the cost and time parameters in the microprocessor.

Abstract: Frying apparatus including a fry pot and a filter system operable during a cleaning cycle for dislodging food particles which cling to the fry pot and for removing food particles suspended in the cooking oil is disclosed. The filter system includes a shower apparatus which discharges jets of cooking oil along the interior side surfaces of the fry pot to dislodge food particles clinging thereto. The cooking oil is drained into a drain pan, strained through a filter and means are provided for pumping the filtered cooking oil back to the fry pot where it is discharged through the shower apparatus. Food particles are continuously separated from the cooking oil as it is conveyed from the fry pot through the filter into the drain pot. In a preferred embodiment, a control circuit is provided for automatically turning off the fry pot heaters when the cooking oil is drained during the filter cycle.

Abstract: A control valve for actuating a double acting hydraulic jack or lift cylinder features a pressure compensator assembly for limiting the rate of retraction of the cylinder and piston relative to each other under heavy loading conditions to prevent dropping a load or letting the load get out of control. Pressure compensation is provided by a floating piston which is movably coupled in releasable engagement with a spool, wherein engagement of the piston with the spool defines a restricted flow path for limiting hydraulic flow out of the blind end of the cylinder to tank during retraction. According to a preferred embodiment, the spool is provided with a plurality of notches defining restricted flow passages which are covered and uncovered by the piston as it moves into and out of engagement with the spool. A compression spring is coupled between the piston and the spool for biasing the piston for movement away from the spool.

Abstract: The color balance of color photographic printing paper is determined by making three successive exposures of separate portions of a sample sheet of printing paper through a neutral-color optical wedge of linear density gradient, each exposure consisting essentially of a different primary color of light of predetermined intensity and duration to selectively stimulate each of the three color-sensitive emulsion layers in the printing paper. The three images produced upon development provide a means for objective quantitative measurement of the relative responsiveness of each of the emulsion layers using a reflection densitometer to locate points of equal optical density, the relative linear displacement of the points providing color-balance correction factors. An easel is provided with a sliding carriage for positioning the sample sheet of printing paper in proper relationship to the optical wedge, which is fixed in place in an aperture in a light-proof cover.

Abstract: Concrete railroad crossties are mass-produced by slip-forming concrete using a specially adapted continuous casting machine to deposit concrete over a plurality of forms arranged side by side and end to end above an elongated casting bed. Each group of side-by-side casting forms is supported above the bed on a carriage longitudinally moveable on rollers, thereby permitting relative movement of adjacent end-to-end carriages to compensate for concrete contraction when pretensioned wire strands in the concrete are detensioned and for a slight recoil action when adjacent end-to-end crossties are separated by sawing. An apparatus for lifting side-by-side crossties in groups is equipped with hydraulic jacks for forcibly ejecting the concrete crossties from their forms.

Abstract: A system for mass producing prestressed concrete railroad ties using a slip-forming method of casting concrete over a plurality of molds arranged side by side and end to end on a casting bed; a specially equipped continuous casting machine for slip-forming the railroad ties in an upside-down orientation; techniques and equipment for separating and removing finished railroad ties from the casting bed; a plant layout to facilitate casting and handling operations; a specially adapted apparatus for rotating groups of railroad ties to permit stacking thereof in right-side-up orientation.

Abstract: An improved quadraphonic headphone arrangement in which a first audio signal is coupled to a speaker in each headphone and a second audio signal, usually monaural, is coupled to an amplifier and then to a second speaker in each headphone. Switching means are also provided so that the second speakers may be connected directly to the second audio source without amplification. The headphone is used as a musician's practice aid or for track-making or similar purposes. A prerecorded signal is coupled to the first speakers while the musician's electronic instrument output is coupled through the amplifier to the second set of speakers.

Abstract: A system for mass producing prestressed concrete railroad ties using a slip-forming method of casting concrete over a plurality of molds arranged side by side and end to end on a casting bed; a specially equipped continuous casting machine for slip-forming the railroad ties in an upside-down orientation; techniques an equipment for separating and removing finished railroad ties from the casting bed; a plant layout to facilitate casting and handling operations; a specially adapted apparatus for rotating groups of railroad ties to permit sticking thereof in rightside-up orientation.

Abstract: An improved solar collector system includes a reflective surface to reflect solar radiation onto an energy receiver. The reflective surface is disposed along the surface of a movable support panel which is a monocoque sheet metal construction. Suitable control equipment is affixed to the support structure to enable the reflective surface to be oriented toward the sun to achieve maximum solar energy recovery.

Abstract: An improved compact electronic switch for controlling an electric motor comprising a housing into which a trigger actuator reciprocates for selecting motor speed and a reversing switch mounted on the housing and interlocked with the trigger actuator for selecting motor direction. Improvements include; an improved switch contact arrangement which reduces arcing on switching from full power to variable power motor control, an improved printed variable resistor for the electronic speed control circuitry, and an improved and simplified reversing switch unit.

Abstract: A catalyst containing steam generator is lowered to the formation to be steamed. A packer is set at the upper extension of the generator to retain the steam. Fuel gas and oxidizing gas are passed through the catalyst which causes combustion within the catalyst bed. Water is passed over the heated tube retaining the hot catalyst bed or through the catalyst bed to produce steam.

Abstract: An improved drapery connector assembly for draping a table, stage, or the like, is disclosed. The assembly is utilized to drape a table, stage, or the like, having a peripheral edge with a downwardly extending flange member around the peripheral edge, includes a plurality of clips that are resiliently and slideably clamped along the peripheral edge. The clips generally comprise a face section, having an inner surface and an outer surface with a first fastener disposed on the outer surface of the face section. An upper leg section transversely intersects the face section along the upper portion thereof and a lower leg section is affixed to the lower portion of the face section with at least a portion of the lower leg section extending upwardly along the inner surface of the face section whereby at least a portion of the lower leg section is adjacent the inner surface of the face section at a point intermediate the upper and lower portions of the face section.