Abstract: A game (1) for two players has as its object the entrapment of a particular playing piece of one player by a playing piece or pieces of the other player. A game board (3) is divided into a plurality of individual spaces. A plurality of individual playing pieces are distinctively identified to form two sets (5 and 5') of pieces. The pieces are manuverable between spaces on the game board to capture pieces of the other set. Movement of pieces is governed by a set of rules. An overlay (11 or 11') is placeable over a portion of the game board by a player. The overlay is divided into spaces corresponding to the spaces on the game board. Two sets of barrier pieces are provided, one set for each player. Each set includes barrier pieces (17 or 17') a player may position on his overlay. The barrier pieces establish barriers around and over which playing pieces of both players must be manuvered during the game.

Abstract: An improvement for a controller (C) for controlling the idle speed of an engine. A logic circuit (1) is responsive to the position of switches (S1, S2) and the direction in which an extendible and retractable member (T) is to be driven by a motor (M) to energize the motor. The logic circuit includes logic gate (3) responsive to both switches being open when the member is at its extreme extended position and the member is to be retracted to energize the motor to retract the member. The logic circuit also includes a logic gate (5) responsive to both the switches being open when the member is at its extreme retracted position and the member is to be extended to energize the motor to extend the member. The motor is thus energized to move the member in the appropriate direction even though a switch which should be closed is open due to dust or debris preventing switch closure.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for use with a carburetor (C) to control the discharge volume from the carburetor's accelerator pump. A valve (5) controls flow of fuel from a fuel discharge port (O) of the pump. A vacuum operated means (9) moves the valve (5) from a position blocking fuel flow from the discharge port to a position permitting fuel flow. A switch (39) controls application of a vacuum to the vacuum operated means (9). A temperature sensor (57) senses engine coolant temperature and switches switch (39) when engine coolant reaches a predetermined temperature so the vacuum operated means (9) is exposed to atmosphere rather than engine vacuum.

Abstract: A spark control apparatus (1) for an internal combustion engine using a breaker point (3) or solid state (5) ignition to control current to an ignition coil (11). The waveform of the ignition signal from the ignition system is applied to a converter section (35) of the apparatus to convert the signal waveform to a predetermined waveform. A sensor (25) senses engine vibration and generates a representative electrical signal which a signal processor (41) processes to determine engine knock by comparing the peak and average values of the signal. A delay circuit (45) delays termination of current to the ignition coil and thus the ignition timing as a function of the comparison of the peak and average values of the control signal. When there is no knock, the timing slowly returns to normal. A driver (50) responds to current signals to control current to the ignition coil. The driver is shut off when the engine is not running to reduce current drain.

Abstract: A control arrangement is provided to control discharges of compressed gas to vessels containing difficult to unload material comprising one or more control valves connected in operative relation to discharge valves operative to discharge compressed gas from an accumulator. The control valves are provided with a time control circuit for controlling the time of discharge of compressed gas from the accumulator(s). This time control circuit may comprise a pneumatic, electro-mechanism and/or electronic timers. The control arrangement may also include an arrangement for applying pressure gas to discharge valves which are in operative relation with accumulator discharge devices which are not being utilized for unloading. Various arrangements for mounting the accumulators, discharge valves, conduits, and discharge devices are illustrated in connection with a railway hopper car. Certain discharge devices mounting arrangements are preferred in unloading certain types of lading.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the idle speed of an internal combustion engine. A contact arm contacts a throttle lever to limit movement of the lever in one direction and to move the lever in the opposite direction so to control the position of a carburetor throttle valve. A vacuum operated unit maintains the contact arm at one position and moves it from one position to another. The vacuum pressure at which the vacuum unit operates is modulated by an electrically operated solenoid to maintain the contact arm in one position when the vacuum pressure is maintained at one level. The contact arm is moved to a new position when the solenoid operates to change the vacuum pressure to a different level.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for controllably opening the choke valve (V) of a carburetor (C). An actuator (3) is supplied signal elements of an electrical command signal. The actuator is responsive to the command signal elements to move a choke shaft (S) and open the choke valve. A spring (13) is connected to the actuator and the choke shaft to exert a choke valve opening force on the choke shaft when command signal elements are supplied to the actuator. A sensor (21) senses the temperature of the engine and generates an electrical signal representative thereof. A processor (23) processes the electrical signal from the sensor and generates and supplies signal elements of the electrical command signal to the actuator if the engine temperature represented by the electrical signal is less than a predetermined engine temperature. The choke valve is fully opened when engine temperature reaches the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the idle speed of an internal combustion engine. A contact arm contacts a throttle lever to limit movement of the lever in one direction and to move the lever in the opposite direction so to control the position of a carburetor throttle valve. A vacuum operated unit maintains the contact arm at one position and moves it from one position to another. The vacuum pressure at which the vacuum unit operates is controlled by an electrically operated variable position solenoid which controls flow of bleed air to the vacuum unit. When the solenoid is maintained at one position, the contact arm is maintained at a particular position by the vacuum unit. The contact arm is moved to a new position when a change in the solenoid position changes the vacuum pressure in the vacuum unit to a different level.

Abstract: In a railway hopper car the void space previously provided between the slope sheets of adjacent hoppers is eliminated except for a small area in the longitudinal center of the car. Transversely spaced hopper slope sheets extend downwardly to an outlet mounting frame located in the lower portion of the car, and longitudinally spaced transverse slope sheets extend across the car to divide the car into two large unloading compartments. Two large outlets are attached to the mounting frame extending throughout the lower portion of approximately one-half of the car. Each outlet includes outlet side slope sheets which extend inwardly and downwardly from the outlet mounting frame on either side of the car. In addition, a pair of center outlet slope sheets extend downwardly and away from each other. On either side of the car an outlet side slope sheet and an outlet center slope sheet are laterally spaced to define a discharge opening.

Abstract: A vacuum pressure transducer (1) for sensing vacuum pressure levels and for developing an electrical signal indicative of the vacuum pressure sensed. A housing (3A, 3B) has an inlet (5) connected to a vacuum source (M). A flexible diaphragm (7) extends across the housing for one side of the diaphragm to be exposed to vacuum pressure, the diaphragm flexing within the housing as vacuum pressure changes. An electrical contact (13) is coupled to the diaphragm and movable therewith, and an electrical switch (25) includes a plurality of electrically conductive segments (27) arranged in a predetermined pattern. The electrical contact contacts one or more of the segments as it moves with diaphragm, each combination of segments contacted by the electrical contact at any one time representing a discrete vacuum pressure.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a three phase voltage sensor senses the presence of all three phases of the voltage to be applied to a three phase inductance. If all three phases are present, a gate member such as a triac or quadrac remains in the closed positon permitting the voltage to be applied to the three phase inductance. If all three phases are not present, the gate member moves to the open circuit position preventing application of the voltage to the three phase inductance until all phases are supplying voltage. The preferred three phase voltage sensor is at least one optical isolator which senses the presence of all phases in the power supply. Preferably a pair of optical isolators are used in parallel with the voltage across any two of the phases being applied to one of the optical isolators. Preferably the optical isolator contains a photo-resistive material which has low resistance in the presence of light, and a lamp.

Abstract: A pivoting hatch cover and strap assembly has an overcenter latch assembly which is pivotably mounted upon the car roof at a location opposite the common hatch cover and strap pivot axis. This latch assembly includes a bifurcated overcenter locking handle which has a pair of cam surfaces which in closed position engage spaced wear plate surfaces located on the strap. A tab is located on the wear plate adjacent to but outboard of the cam surface on the operating handle. The tab makes a sufficient angle with the horizontal and extends upwardly and outwardly from the cam surface a distance sufficient to prevent the cam portion of the operating handle from moving longitudinally, and disengaging from the strap until pressure within the car is dissipated and thus prevents the strap and cover flying open.

Abstract: At least one ball valve segment is located within a partial valve cage mounted within a tank. The cage is integral with a valve housing removably mounted within a tank mounting flange. The housing includes an inclined sealing surface which the ball valve segment engages in closed position. A lading outlet chamber is located below the inclined sealing surface. An operating shaft is inclined with respect to the outlet chamber. Inclined openings are provided in the valve housing and in the outlet chamber through which the operating shaft passes. The operating shaft includes an eccentric head which is located within a non-round slot in the ball valve segment. Rotation of the operating shaft rotates the eccentric head which drives the valve segment between open and closed positions. Preferably a pair of ball valve segments located approximately 180.degree. apart are connected with supports or ribs. The valve segment which closes the opening into the discharge chamber is larger.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an unloading assembly for a top operated lading valve is disclosed. The unloading assembly includes means for connecting an unloading outlet chamber to the existing depending valve outlet chamber of the lading valve. The unloading outlet chamber is hollow and is in fluid communication with the lading valve outlet chamber. The unloading assembly includes an operating shaft extending upwardly through the unloading outlet chamber and through the valve outlet chamber. The operating shaft includes a non-round connection portion adapted to engage a non-round connection portion of the top operating rod.

Abstract: An end closure (1) for a pulsing solenoid P attached to a carburetor (C). A unitary cover (3) has a base section (5) configured to fit against an end wall (EW) of a solenoid housing (H). A forwardly extending skirt section (9) fits about the side wall (SW) of the housing adjacent the end wall thereof. The skirt section has a plurality of tabs (11) projecting from the inner wall of the skirt section. The tabs are received in appropriate openings (0) in the side wall of the housing. A connector shield (13) projects rearwardly from the base section of the cover. A pair of electrical connectors (15A, 15B) are mounted in the shield and extend through the base section of the cover. The electrical connectors matingly connect with a pair of electrical connectors (FC) in the solenoid housing and further connect with an electrical cable routed from an electronic control unit.

Abstract: An improvement to apparatus for adjusting the position to which a carburetor throttle valve closes. A switch 1 senses when the throttle valve moves toward its substantially closed position. The switch includes a set of electrical contacts (3A and 3B). A pin (11) engages an extendible and retractable member (M) for moving one the contacts into contact with the other when the throttle lever contacts the member as the throttle valve closes. A spring (5) biases the pin against the member to preload the member. An adjustment screw (21) adjusts the position of the electrical contacts relative to each other.

Abstract: An open loop electronics circuit (1) for altitude compensation of a carburetor (C) installed on an internal combustion automobile engine (E). The carburetor has an associated solenoid (S) controlling auxiliary air bled into fuel circuits of the carburetor thereby to control the air-fuel ratio of the mixture produced by the carburetor. A bridge (7) continuously senses the density of air which varies as a function of altitude and generates an electrical signal Es the amplitude of which changes in response to changes in air density. A converter (13) is responsive to the electrical signal for generating a variable pulse width control signal Cs supplied to the solenoid. The converter (13) varys the pulse width of the control signal in response to amplitude changes in the electrical signal generated by the bridge circuit whereby the air-fuel ratio of the mixture produced by the carburetor is varied as a function of changes in air density.

Abstract: An air by-pass valve (1) has an air inlet (5), an air outlet (7), a relief port (11), and a relief valve (37) responsive to excessive air pressure for opening the relief port and dumping air to atmosphere. The relief valve comprises a valve member (39) mounted on a stem (23) and movable relative thereto. One side of the valve member is acted on by a spring (41) biasing the valve member to close the relief port. Air pressure acts on the opposite side of the valve member to move the valve member against the spring and open the relief port. The side of the valve member against which the spring acts is contoured so the spring force is unevenly applied to the valve member over the surface on which the spring acts.

Abstract: An improved by-pass valve (1) for use in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine has control means (69) responsive to engine vacuum for exposing a chamber (27) to engine vacuum. The control means is responsive to an abrupt change in engine vacuum such as occurs during engine decelerations for spoiling the vacuum in the chamber and causing a vacuum responsive means (19) to close a first valve (15) and open a second valve (17). The control means reestablishes the vacuum in the chamber after a predetermined time interval causing the vacuum responsive means to open the first valve and close the second valve. The controlled opening and closing of the first and second valves prevents engine backfires. Means (117) overrides operation of the control means when engine temperature reaches a predetermined value whereby the vacuum responsive means maintains the first valve closed and the second valve open.

Abstract: A carburetor improvement comprising a step-up spring (S) seat (1) attachable to a metering rod lifter (L). The step-up spring bears against the spring seat rather than against a step-up piston (P). Part throttle adjustment of the step-up piston position on the metering rod lifter does not alter the step-up spring force from that which the step-up spring is designed to exert when changes in engine vacuum occur and a throttle shaft (TS) is stationary.