Abstract: A process is proposed for the fireproofing treatment of textile materials by impregnating them initially with a melamine-formaldehyde resin or organosilicon substances, and then with a solution of a complex compound of the ammonia salt of amidoalkylphosphonic acid with ammonium chloride. Materials treated in accordance with the invention have reduced combustibility and low toxicity of the gases given off during combustion.

Abstract: A display lifting device which is mounted within a ceiling plenum and is arranged for concealing a support framework, lifting arm and display within the ceiling area. A support arm for the display is pivotally mounted within the framework and is biased in the downward position and supported by a cable mounted on a cable drum drivingly connected to a reversible motor. The support arm comprises at least two telescoping sections with the cable connected to the end of the inner lower most section so that as the cable is extended the arm pivots downward with the telescoping sections extending through gravity to their fullest extent. In this way, the display can extend a considerable distance from the ceiling for viewing by the audience while in the retracted position a very small opening and space within the plenum is required for concealment. Mechanical stops and limit switches are provided at both extremes of the movement of the display and support arm to restrict the angular movement of the arm.

Abstract: Components of and method for making a tube and fitting framework having panel recesses accepting structural panels in a plane tangent to the tubes. The tubes and fittings allow easy assembly of large structures. The panels secured within the panel recesses bear loads imposed on the structure and minimize torque at the fittings. The finished structure is streamlined, with flush junctions of all components. Alternative embodiments include panel recesses in angular or channeled shapes which act to secure the panels to the framework, and other panel securing devices which are externally invisible on the completed structure. Panel securing devices include screws, bolts, studs, pins, adhesives, welding and equivalents. Fittings are secured to tubes by connectors which may engage the interior of the tube in known ways, or by use of O-rings or rubber flanges. Tubes, fittings and panels may be made of any of a wide range of materials including metals, alloys, plastics, rubbers, wood, and composites.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to inform an online computer user of the presence of an incoming telephone call without disturbing an associated modem connection is disclosed. A device is connected to a telephone line, modem and telephone set, and utilizes a call waiting service provided by the telephone company. Upon detection of a call waiting signal the device generates a four second warbling tone to a piezoelectric sounder alerting the user to the presence of an inbound telephone call. The user may answer or ignore the telephone call. Caller identifiers included in incoming calls may be used to alert the user of the origin of the incoming call before the user decides to accept or ignore the call. When the device determines that the user has lifted the telephone set, it places the modem on hold, generates a signal displayed as a colored LED display, connects the telephone to the incoming tip/ring connection, thus establishing a connection to the caller.

Abstract: A device for removal of sediment particles from the water in a cultivating tank for aquatic organisms. The cultivating tank has a cylindrical outlet connected to an outlet tube located on the vertical axis of symmetry of the cultivating tank. A plate is spacedly positioned above the upper edge of an annular chamber formed at the bottom of the tank around the outlet to form a slotted opening into the annular chamber. The annular chamber has a separate outlet formed in or near the bottom for carrying away particles accumulated within the chamber. The portion of the cylindrical outlet near the upper area of the chamber includes a plurality of orifices arranged to collect and withdraw relatively clear water. In an other embodiment, the cultivating tank having a flat bottom can have a cone shaped inwardly tapering section surrounding the cylindrical outlet which forms the annular chamber.

Abstract: A custom fit body part guard or shield is disclosed which includes a thin shell formed from an ionomer resin which has a softening temperature within the range of 60.degree.-80.degree. C. The shell material of approximately 1-6 millimeters thickness is partially molded to fit the area of the body where the device is intended to be used. A layer of perforated foam material can be adhered to the inside surface of the guard to further protect the user's skin and absorb or distribute impact energy during use. By holding the guard under ordinary hot tap water it can be softened to a moldable consistency. By firmly applying and holding the guard on the surface of the area of the body where it is intended to be used and allowing the guard to cool to ambient temperature the guard will take a permanent set to a custom shape which follows the exact shape and contour of the body part.

Abstract: A retrieving device for the assembly and disassembly of probes into process pipes and tanks comprising a hydraulically activated cylinder attached to a nipple and ball valve mounted on the wall of a pipe or tank and the cylinder may be operated by applying a suitable pump. A pair of pistons are inserted within the cylinder and these pistons are arranged in telescoping fashion. A piston rod attached to one of the pistons is constructed so that it can securely attach to a probe or other device. a fluid pressurizing means which includes a pair of hydraulic tubes are attached to the upper and lower ends of the hydraulic cylinder so that hydraulic pressure can be applied to extend the pistons and insert the probe or retract the pistons and remove the probe. The ball valve is closed and the retrieving device can then be removed from the valve to service and replace the probe. When the probe is inserted within the nipple a sealing device seals the probe against fluid leakage from the pipe or tank.

Abstract: A remote control, ceiling mounted lifting device is provided for concealing, supporting and providing floor level access to audio visual objects such as color video/data projectors. The overall height of the lifting device is extremely shallow to allow the device to be mounted and concealed within the ceiling clearance area. The device has an outer frame with an open inner section. A support carriage is provided which is sized to fit and nest with the open inner section of the support framework. The carriage has an inverted U-shaped structure which allows the projector to be recessed upwardly within the confines of the carriage. A scissor-like stabilizer mechanism is mounted on each side of the carriage and support structure. These stabilizer mechanisms are located on the outer edges of the device to minimize the overall height of the device.

Abstract: Flame retarding and smoke retarding aqueous solutions consisting essentially of: 70-96 weight % of a mixture of ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulphate, 1-20 weight % NaHCO.sub.3, 1-10 weight % EDTA, and water in an amount resulting in an aqueous solution comprising 11-45 weight % solids on the basis of the total weight of the aqueous solution. Methods of producing and using the flame retarding and smoke retarding aqueous solutions to impregnate absorbent porous materials, such as wood, rayon, cotton, wool and similar textile materials are also taught.

Abstract: The invention includes a pull-wire igniter for a pyrotechnic distress or signalling device which includes a hollow, elongated, tubular body which has a pyrotechnic composition mixture packed into one portion of the body and a small diameter, central passageway is formed through the pyrotechnic composition. A thin elongated plastic center tube is inserted through the central passageway. The outer end of the center tube is recessed at the outer end of the composition. An igniter cup is positioned firmly within the end of the center tube. A pull-wire device extends through the center tube and is exposed at the opposite end of the body so that the user can grasp the pull-wire. The igniter cup is partially filled with an igniter mixture and the end of the pull-wire extends through the igniter cup and is coated with a scratch material. A short section of shrink tubing is positioned over the coated end of the wire to isolate the scratch material.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering people from a building or platform which includes a lowering line that is looped through a block member having a cylindrical ratchet with a grooved rim that is rotatably mounted on a shaft centrally positioned between two side plates forming the sides of the block member. The block member includes a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the shaft mounting the cylindrical ratchet and includes an attaching device which is offset a predetermined distance to one side of the longitudinal axis. On the opposite side of the block member from the attaching device is a pair of spaced pivots which make up a narrow entry and exit opening through which the incoming and outgoing ends of the lowering line extend. The pivots are equally spaced on either side of the longitudinal axis with the outgoing end of the lowering line passing adjacent to the pivot which is arranged on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis from the attaching device.

Abstract: An electrical switching circuit comprising an electromagnetic relay and a bye directively controlled contactless switch. The electrical switching circuit being able to make and break a capacitive, inductive or pure resistive electrical loads without forming arcs and without substantial heat loss. A control voltage as applied through a phase detecting opticoel coupler to a bye directively controlled contactless switch, such as a triac. The same control voltage is also connected to a time delay circuit wherein the time delay circuit after being charged energizes an electromagnetic relay connecting the load circuit. Upon disconnecting the load the sequence of operation is reversed. The electromagnetic relay is deenergized while the time delay circuit retains the opticoel coupler connection which in turn retains the energization of the contactless switch until the phase of the load energy source to be precisely at the zero voltage crossing at which time the contactless switch is also deenergized.

Abstract: A novel bait retainer for fish hooks is disclosed which includes a wire type helix with at least one end of the retainer left open and having a sharp point. The body of the retainer is an elongated cylindrical configuration with a diameter and length which corresponds with the type of bait and size of hook with which the retainer is to be used. The retainer is positioned slidably over the shank of the hook with the open end positioned nearest the curved portion of the hook. In use the bait is inserted over the end of the hook and is moved to the shank portion. The retainer is rotatably threaded through the mass or body of the bait and the retainer and bait is then moved backward around the curved portion of the hook until the bait is properly positioned with respect to the barbed end of the hook. In this way the retainer supports the bait and holds the bait in the proper position to catch fish.

Abstract: A large-format plotting device is provided for transferring an image to a relatively large sized medium. A data processing device is used to divide the surface of the medium into a plurality of relatively narrow segments. A beam sweeping device, which can include a high energy beam such as a laser beam, is provided for sweeping the beam the width of the segment. The data processing device causes the beam to turn on and off to define a portion of the desired image. A movement mechanism is included to either move the beam generating device or the support for the medium at a desired velocity so that each sweep of the beam will produce a raster line whereby the entire segment will be swept forming a plurality of parallel raster lines covering the entire segment. The movement mechanism also includes placement mechanism for laterally moving the medium support or beam generating device to the next adjacent segment in sequence until the surface of the entire medium has been imaged.

Abstract: An object retention form liner is described for use in holding and transferring objects, such as thin bricks to the finished surface of concrete structures. The form liner is produced by strategically positioning a plurality of bricks in a face-up position in a flat, shallow mold. Recesses sized to fit the bricks can be provided in the surface of the mold with a sealing ridge provided between each of the recesses. The bricks are positioned in the recesses and a liquid elastomeric material is poured into the mold to cover the bricks. Reinforcing fiberglass mesh can be embedded in the elastomeric material to provide additional tensile strength to the liner. Upon setting, the liner and retained bricks are removed from the mold and the liner can be stored, shipped or used in concrete construction. The liners are attached to the inside surface of concrete forms and the bricks are held rigidly in place while the concrete is poured and sets.

Abstract: A remote control, ceiling mounted lifting device is provided for concealing, supporting and providing floor level access to audio visual objects such as color video/data projectors. The overall height of the lifting device is extremely shallow to allow the device to be mounted and concealed within the ceiling clearance area. The device has an outer frame with an open inner section. A support carriage is provided which is sized to fit and nest with the open inner section of the support framework. The carriage has an inverted U-shaped structure which allows the projector to be recessed upwardly within the confines of the carriage. A scissor-like stabilizer mechanism is mounted on each side of the carriage and support structure. These stabilizer mechanisms are located on the outer edges of the device to minimize the overall height of the device.

Abstract: A building element for masonry walls, particularly load-carrying walls in the foundation walls of dwellings and industrial premises and in outer walls, such as in outbuilding, the element comprises a core of insulating materials, surrounded by side members that are respectively the inner and outer side of the finished wall. Massive end members are cast in connection with the side members. Side members are made completely with concrete or of other strong materials which can easily withstand vertical and lateral loads. The end members are made of lightweight concrete or similar materials. The end members are located to connect the inner and outer walls and at the same time provide good insulation characteristics.

Abstract: An improved archery quiver mounting device is provided which includes a base support member and a quiver mounting arm. The base support member includes an attaching arrangement for attaching the mounting device to the belt or waistband of the archer. In addition, a clevis device having bifurcated legs is provided for pivotally receiving the quiver mounting arm. The mounting arm has an aperture to receive a tension adjusting bolt which has a convenient hand knob for quickly adjusting the friction between the clevis parts and the mounting arm so that the mounting arm can be positionally adjusted in any desired position. The opposite end of the mounting arm has a number of properly placed mounting holes for attaching the coupler flange for a standard quiver mount whereby a quiver can be quickly and easily attached to the arm. The mounting arm can be bent inwardly toward the leg of the archer so as to properly position the quiver during use.