Abstract: In one form of the invention, an electronic device having a conformally coated Faraday cage, comprising a non-conductive conformal layer (30) substantially coveting the electronic device (10, 12) and a conductive conformal layer (34) substantially coveting the non-conductive conformal layer.

Abstract: A heating assembly is provided for attachment to an existing ceiling fan to heat airflow being generated by the fan blades. The heating assembly is adapted to connect to the base of the ceiling fan directly below the blades by means of the centrally located mechanical attachment mechanism associated with the fan and conventionally provided to allow attachment of a light kit thereto. The heating assembly includes a vented housing enclosing on or more electrical filaments, heat tubes or other heating elements arranged to radiate heat outwardly of the vented housing into the airflow generated by the fan blades and electrically connected by electrical leads extending through the attachment mechanism to wiring extending from the ceiling fan, which is normally used for a light kit assembly. The heating apparatus may also include an on/off switch and thermostat control located on the fan or at a remote location.

Abstract: A service station dispenser for gasoline with a vapor collection system is disclosed which processes the electrical signal typically produced by the fuel meter which represents the volume flow rate of fuel to the tank to control the displacement volume of an electrically driven vacuum pump so that a simple vacuum intake disposed preferably inside, but not sealed with, the filler neck can be used to collect only the vapors displaced from the fuel tank by the fuel. The vacuum pump is controlled by a digital processor which prestarts the vacuum pump after a customer demands dispensing to establish a vacuum at the vacuum intake is established by the time fueling is allowed to take place so as have an immediate vacuum available to assist recovery of an initial rush of vapor displaced by commencement of fueling. Once fuel flow starts, the digital processor operates the vacuum pump to produce a vapor flow rate having a proportional relationship with the flow rate of the fuel.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are provided for processing the drilling mud used to flush cuttings from the bore hole while maintaining control of bore hole pressure. Air is injected into the lower regions of drilling mud in the working pits to agitate the drilling fluids and thus maintain particulate additives in suspension while simultaneously facilitating the settling of larger cuttings from the earth formations. Air is also injected into the bottom of the drilling mud and other waste fluids which are placed into the discard pit to evaporate the water and thereby accelerate consolidation or ultimate drying of the drilling mud for final disposal. This can be done as required during the drilling operation so that the consolidated or dried drilling mud can then be more easily and economically handled for transport to a hazardous waste disposal site, or can be more easily covered with earth while remaining in the discard pit.

Abstract: A generally "U" shaped self adhering plastic extrusion is firmly fitted to the bottom portion of a chain link or wooden fence without fasteners. Upstanding walls of the elongated plastic body are tapered towards the center having a neck for accepting the fence and a curved bottom to provide a channel on each side to rapidly drain off water. The tapered walls grip the fence in frictional engagement to hold the body member in place. The assembly includes short coupler members shaped to slide longitudinally in close frictional engagement over the outer surface of the body members where abutting ends are found. Couplers help secure the body members in place and cover the joint. The raised central ridge running along the length of the bottom positions the edge protector with respect to the bottom of the fence and holds the bottom of the fence elevated above drainage channels to protect the fence from moisture or termite damage.

Abstract: An accessory for detecting leaking and flowing conditions in safety valves and safety relief valves utilizes a load sensing device to sense a change in a load on the valve of the safety relief valve caused by a displacement of the valve disc and provides a low-voltage output signal indicating the nature of the load change.

Abstract: The present dump block (100) comprises an internal plate (106) attached to an external plate (108) with a rotatably mounted sheave (110) therebetween. The external plate (108) presents a smooth convex surface. Bearings (126) are mounted between the sheave (110) and a centrally located shaft (122). The position of the bearings (126) is maintained by a bearing side plate (116) A side plate bearing cushion (124) is located between the bearing side plate (116) and the bearings (126). The bearing cushion (124) absorbs the force of any impacts experienced by the dump block (100). Likewise, the convex surface of the external plate (108) turns any impact into a glancing blow, thereby extending the life of the dump block (100).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating the apparatus is disclosed for transferring reclaimed refrigerant from multiple recovery cylinders to a larger shipping cylinder using a vapor compressor and four-way valve to first transfer liquid refrigerant and then vapor to the shipping cylinder. This system includes flexible hoses for liquid and vapor transfer and employs valves near the couplings for connections of the hoses to the cylinders. Operating methods then permit transfer from successive cylinders to the shipping cylinders and change-outs in the shipping cylinders without loss of significant refrigerant to the atmosphere, and without inclusion of air into the refrigerant in the shipping cylinder.

Abstract: Chemical cutting tool for use within a well bore for cutting very small diameter tubular goods. The tool has an elongated tool body having anchoring means for anchoring the tool within a conduit and a pressure generating section. A cutting section of the tool body has a longitudinal bore having at least one cutting port for expelling cutting agent. A chemical section in the tool body is between the pressure generating section and the cutting section. The chemical section includes a casing having a chamber containing a source of fluid cutting agent. The tool further comprises closure means at at least one end of the casing. The closure means comprises a diaphragm body which is inserted into one end of the casing by an interference fit and which has spaced transverse rupture diaphragms. One of the rupture diaphragms fits into the diaphragm body in an interference fit. The other rupture diaphragm may fit into the tool body in an interference fit, or may be formed integrally.

Abstract: A self-contained trailer mountable boat launching assembly makes it possible for one person to launch a boat from a launching ramp. A small air compressor and accumulator tank are mounted on the trailer frame in combination with a control valve and an operating cylinder. A remote switch routes pressure from the tank through the control valve to operate the cylinder which provides a launching force on the prow of the boat. In one embodiment, the end of the operating cylinder is mounted to a flexible member having an open hook in the end which passes up and through a laterally extending eye on the prow of a boat. A roller aft of the hook changes direction of the flexible member to pull the boat off the trailer and allows the hook to automatically release from the eye as the boat moves in response to the operating cylinder rod moving opposite the launching direction. Linear movement of the hook is magnified by a mechanical advantage.

Abstract: Chemical cutting processes and tool for use in a well bore useful in the cutting of high strength and corrosion-resistant downhole tubular goods. The cutting tool has an elongated tool body adapted to be inserted into a well conduit and positioned at a downhole location for effecting a cutting action. The tool body comprises a chemical section and a cutting section having a plurality of cutting ports therein for discharge of the chemical cutting agent. The cutting ports extend transversely of the major axis of the elongated tool body and are arranged in at least first and second groups. The first group of cutting ports is arranged in a configuration conforming to the desired shape of the cut and define a first pattern. The second group of cutting ports conform generally to the first pattern and are in a canted relationship with respect to the first pattern. At least some of the cutting ports in the first group are in a staggered relationship relative to at least some of the cutting ports in the second group.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process of using a static dissipative, polymeric composition to prevent electrostatic discharge. The static dissipative, polymeric composition is both humidity independent and water insoluble. The present invention also provides an article comprising a substrate to be protected from electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system, comprising a liquid filled reservoir, a control microprocessor, and a plurality of outlets connected to the reservoir. A filter may be provided between the reservoir and the outlets for filtering the liquid. A valve provided with each outlet controls flow through the outlet. Each valve is individually controlled by the processor so that each outlet can be selected individually. The processor is adapted to receive a signal signifying a demand for liquid from a particular outlet. On reception of the demand, a selected valve is opened responsive to a signal from the processor while other valves remain closed, allowing liquid dispensing through only the selected outlet. An orifice included with each outlet and a predetermined pressure applied to the liquid sensed adjacent the selected outlet controls the rate of flow through the selected outlet. The controller provides a signal to the selected valve at the end of a predetermined time period to close the valve.

Abstract: A movable floor mechanism (10) is adapted for placement in the bed of a truck. The mechanism includes a frame (12, 14, 16), a movable floor (26) encircling the frame, a motor (24) attached to the frame, and at least one sprocket (22) attached to the motor, the sprocket engaging the movable floor. The frame is made from a pair of longitudinal beams (12), a plurality of lateral beams (14) attached between the longitudinal beams, and at least one guide rail (16) attached to the lateral beams. The movable floor (26) is made from a plurality of interengaged floor elements (26a, 26b). Each of the floor elements is made from a central portion, a connector, and a receptor, wherein the receptor is configured to accept the connector of an adjacent floor element. The receptor contains an axial slot (52) and the connector contains a pin receiving hole (56). When two floor elements are engaged the axial slot of the first floor element and pin receiving hole of the second floor element align to receive a pin (54).

Abstract: A vehicular suspension system incorporates, at each wheel, a liquid spring which internally utilizes a compressible liquid to generate spring and damping forces that yieldingly resist vertical wheel deflection relative to the vehicle frame. The spring and damping characteristics of each liquid spring are computer adjusted during vehicle operation in response to sensed variations in various liquid spring and vehicle operating parameters.

Abstract: The external oil pan magnet (10) is placed on the external surface of the oil pan (2) where it attracts and captures metallic particles suspended in a motor's oil supply. In a first embodiment, the external oil pan magnet (10) is comprised of magnet (12) coupled to a channeled shield (14). The shield (14) leaves at least one surface of the magnet exposed and amplifies the magnetic force of the magnet. The exposed surface magnetically attaches to the external surface of the oil pan (2). After the oil is drained during normal maintenance, the operator slides the magnet assembly across the bottom of the pan and over the oil pan plug hole. Metallic debris is evacuated through the oil pan plug hole. The plug is replaced and the oil supply replenished. In a second embodiment, the magnet assembly is configured to encircle the oil pan plug. The magnet temporarily magnetizes the plug which attracts metallic debris from the oil.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbons are capable of forming solutions of methane which is substantially soluble for example in liquefied petroleum gas creating a potential for the production of liquid fuel solutions of methane and liquefied petroleum for storage, industrial use and vehicular fuel. A binary mixture of hydrocarbons, comprised of methane dissolved in propane or butane is presented which enhance the amount of methane soluble in propane and butane thereby providing a product and methodology for establishing natural gas as an alternative fuel. A binary liquid fuel solution of methane is provided by directly mixing a liquefied petroleum gas into liquefied natural gas thereby cooling the liquefied petroleum gas in order to dissolve an enhanced amount of methane into the liquid by contacting the cooled liquefied petroleum gas/liquefied natural gas liquid blend with dried pipeline natural gas or other sources of natural gas.

Abstract: A pasta cooking system including an automatic control which permits a cooking vat containing water to be automatically filled to a predetermined level in response to turning the system on, maintained at a constant level by the addition of water during repeated cooking cycles, remove the starchy froths resulting from a cooking cycle in response to a manual input by adding additional water to cause water to rise above the automatically maintained level and overflow a skimming weir, drained by manually opening a valve and automatically rinsed by leaving the control system on during the drain time as water is continually added by the automatic fill system to clean the pot. The water is introduced by the automatic system in such a manner to cause surface agitation during the skim procedure, and to rinse the walls of the vat during the drain cycle. A water level sensing uses a single stainless steel probe and a low voltage a.c. current between the probe and a stainless steel vat to prevent cathartic corrosion.

Abstract: To save energy in hotel and motel rooms, apartments and temporarily occupied rooms generally, an apparatus for saving energy includes a temperature control circuit that overrides a thermostat for controlling an air conditioning unit in a hotel room and a switching circuit to disconnect power to lights when the room is not being occupied. The temperature control circuit maintains the temperature of the room at a higher temperature to save energy, but not so high as to return the temperature of the room to a comfortable temperature. To return power to lights and control of the air conditioning unit to the thermostat, a tag attached to a key necessary for entering the room must be inserted into a switch included with the apparatus. A delay circuit permits the person sufficient time to leave the room after removing the tag before the thermostat is overridden and power to the lights disconnected.