Abstract: Apparatus for propelling projectiles and particularly suited to throwing footballs. The apparatus includes (a) a structural frame having elongate bearing surfaces and a forward end from which the projectiles are ejected; (b) a ball carriage adapted to contain the projectile, the carriage being slidingly mounted on the bearing surfaces; (c) at least one resilient member for so urging the carriage along the bearing surfaces towards the forward end that the projectile is propelled from the carriage at the forward end of the frame; and (d) a ball rotating assembly mounted on the ball carriage for applying rotation to the projectile as the projectile is propelled from the apparatus. A locking apparatus may also be provided for releasably locking the ball carriage relative to the structural frame. The propelling apparatus, when used in conjunction with a supporting pole, can be accurately aimed and operated by one person.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal graphite brush comprises steps of preparing natural graphite powders of 60-70 wt %, electrolytic copper powders of 30-40 wt %, molybdenum disulfide and lead of 2.5 wt % and the mixed resin of novolak phenol resin and furfural resin powders of 1-15 wt % which are adhesives, wet-mixing graphite powders with adhesives, pulverizing mixed powders to diameters of less than 200 .mu.m, press-molding all the powders under a pressure of 2-3 ton/cm.sup.2 and heating at a temperature 700.degree. C., and attaching a lead wire thereto, simultaneously, wherein the average particle distribution of the powders is 27 .mu.m. The compound ratio of graphite powders: copper powders: molybdenum disulfide: lead is 62.5 wt %: 35 wt %: 1.5 wt %: 1.0 wt %, the adhesives comprising the mixed resin of novolak phenol resin and furfural resin by 50:50 is added by a weight ratio of 7.5 wt % to the graphite powders.

Abstract: A magnetic suspension system for a vehicle/rail transportation system, where interacting sets of magnets are positioned on the vehicle and the rail to suspend the vehicle from the rail and permit low friction movement along the rail. Also, laterally facing air castors are provided for lateral support. Magnet sets are provided in both linking and opposing relationship to provide support and (in at least some embodiments) prevention of lift off.

Abstract: An assembly for containing fluid leaking or overflowing from an appliance to a destination of waste fluid. The fluid containing assembly comprises a wall protecting member, a floor protecting member, and an overflow conduit for channeling water to the destination of waste fluid. The appliance is placed on the floor protecting member with the wall protecting member between the appliance and the wall. The wall and floor protecting members are fluid impermeable. The wall protecting member has a fluid supply orifice, a waste orifice, and a power supply orifice formed therein. The floor protecting member has an overflow orifice formed therein. The orifices in the wall protecting member and floor protecting member are arranged such that fluid leaks or overflows from the appliance are directed from the wall and floor and into the overflow conduit to the destination of waste fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying ink to an image on an ink stamp. The apparatus comprises an ink-impregnated sponge having side walls that intersect at a first end, where an angle between the side walls is acute at the first end. The side walls are so curved that: (a) a user can see the first end while bringing the sponges into contact with the image; and (b) the likelihood that ink will be applied to an undesired portion of the image is decreased.

Abstract: Methods of treating liquid, semiliquid and solid foods to make them safer to eat and/or to improve the keeping quality of the product. Among the steps that can be employed are: the use of a biocidally active form of oxygen to reduce the population of indigenous microbes, the removal from the food of indigenous gases which may cause spoilage, the replacement of gases removed from the product with gases which are chemically inert or biologically sterile or both, and the asceptic packaging of the treated product. The selected process steps are carried out for a time and at a temperature sufficient to facilitate production of substantially more natural and safer foods than can be obtained if traditional methods of pasteurization are employed.

Abstract: An hydraulic anti-skid braking system for automobiles, comprising a master cylinder, a brake, a flow control valve, a solenoid valve, a piston pump, and an expander cylinder. During a skid condition, the solenoid valve is opened, and a the pump draws fluid from the brake through the solenoid valve and delivers fluid to the flow control valve to shut off a hydraulic connection between the master cylinder and the brake, while reducing fluid pressure to the brake. When pressure is equalized between the brake and the hydraulic line that is connected to the master cylinder, the control valve returns to its initial operation position.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating concrete products having first and second ends. The apparatus includes first and second engaging assemblies for engaging the first and second ends of the product. The engaging assemblies are mounted on a structural assembly. At least one of the engaging assemblies is displaced along the structural assembly towards the other of the engaging assemblies to grip the concrete product therebetween. A rotational actuator may be provided for each of the engaging assemblies for rotating the concrete product from a casting orientation into an installation orientation. The structural assembly may accommodate one or more sets of engaging assemblies and may be designed to allow fine adjustment of these assemblies relative to the concrete products to be manipulated.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect damage in the metallic magnetically permeable reinforcing cables in a conveyor belt. The apparatus includes a field coil to generate a magnetic field passing through the cables, and Hall effect sensors to detect change in reluctance in the field adjacent to the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is moved relative to the apparatus so that when there is a damaged area, this will change the reluctance path, which changes the field intensity and is in turn detected by the Hall effect sensors.

Abstract: A sit-on-top kayak having a brace member mounted in the cockpit area between the kayaker's legs. The brace member is outwardly canted and forwardly flared to accommodate the kayaker's legs. The brace member does not extend over the top of the kayaker's legs, but is instead gripped therebetween to allow the kayaker to have more control of the kayak. The brace member should be adjustable fore and aft to accommodate different kayakers.

Abstract: A magnetic toy or puzzle comprising a plurality of essentially two-dimensional pieces that may be assembled to form a hollow three-dimensional object. Each piece has at least three edges, and a magnet is mounted along each edge of each piece to allow the edges of the pieces to be joined together. The magnets are preferably keyed to allow: (a) only certain edges to attach to each other; or (b) the edges of the pieces to fit together in only one orientation. The magnets allow the edges to be joined in certain configurations to obtain the three-dimensional object. A holder for the puzzle pieces is provided that adds additional puzzle possibilities.

Abstract: A cable TV distribution system in which an AC power signal is generated according to the following steps: (a) generating an AC power signal having at least a positive half-cycle, where the positive half-cycle comprises a rising portion, a falling portion, and a central portion; and (b) limiting the slew rate of the AC power signal within the rising portion to a range of 30 V/ms and 50 V/ms inclusive. Preferably, the slew rate of the AC power signal within the falling portion is limited to the range of -30 V/ms and -50 V/ms inclusive.

Abstract: Electrolyte matrix structures for molten carbonate fuel cells which: have a fine, uniform, and controlled porosity; are stable under operating conditions; and readily meet acceptable performance levels. These structures or matrices are easily manufactured by a simple and scalable technique from a slip containing particulate LiAlO.sub.2 dispersed in an organic vehicle and an acrylic-based binder. The solvent is evaporated, leaving a flat, flexible, green structure. The green-structure is heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to thermally decompose and thereby remove the binder. This leaves a porous structure which is impregnated with molten carbonate by capillary action.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sit-on-top kayak having a recessed cockpit surface and an integrally formed hatch flange surrounding a hatch opening. The hatch flange is substantially parallel to the cockpit surface. Such a kayak is formed with a mold having a void formed therein, the void having a recess portion for forming the flange. The recess portion of the void provides negative draft to the mold. Space is provided in the mold such that, during rotational molding, a mass of molten polyethylene accumulates adjacent to the recess containing the polyethylene that will form the flange. When the polyethylene cools and shrinks, the shrinkage of the mass of polyethylene pulls the flange at least partly out of its recess, allowing the kayak blank to be withdrawn from the mold.

Abstract: An audio frequency amplifier having a switching converter comprising source and sink rectifiers configured for sourcing and sinking current, in which the source and sink supply voltages of the rectifiers track the audio frequency signal being amplified. The amplifier has a circuit or element for discharging the output capacitors of the source and sink rectifier as necessary to prevent floating of the source and sink supply voltages. The discharging element can be a locking capacitor or one or more Zener diodes connected across the source and sink supply voltages. The discharge circuit can be one or more switching transistors connected across the freewheeling diodes of the source and sink rectifiers to actively pull the source and sink voltages down to discharge the output capacitors and thereby prevent floating. Low voltage rated parts can be used in the output stage amplifier, and in certain configurations a high voltage low current preamplifier stage can be eliminated.

Abstract: Fuel cells which have a solid-oxide, thin film electrolyte and thin film cermet air and fuel electrodes. Processes for manufacturing thin film fuel cells in which air electrode, electrolyte, and fuel electrode films are deposited on a porous refractory substrate by magnetron sputtering.