Abstract: The present invention recognizes that the limiting structures to size reduction for an optical encoder were the laser diode/photo diode package and the photodetector with amplifier package(s). The invention includes removing the discrete components from the laser diode cover package and mounting the much smaller discrete components on a base framework. The photodetector with amplifier package of the invention have an altered photodetector/amplifier geometry including shortening the leads between them. This resulted in significant size reduction of the encoder, a reduction in required gain and resulting increase in bandwidth. The entire base framework is temperature cooled by disposing two thermo-electric coolers between the base framework and an adjacent heat sink. Such positioning of the two coolers between the base framework and it's adjacent heat sink stabilizes both the laser diode's and the photo detector's outputs.

Abstract: A unique fluid pipe/duct coupling/fitting having flexible arcuate pliable and deformable gaskets such as an O-ring providing the seal between an OD pipe and the ID coupling or fitting and an uncouple retard structure for promoting the insertion of the tubular fluid connector from backing away or withdrawing from the fluid pipe into which the ID coupling is being inserted. The uncoupling retarder structure includes a first starting groove and a last or final resting groove both disposed on the tubular wall of the fluid connector pipe, the first beginning and last final resting groove being disposed and having a predetermined longitudinal distance along the length of the pipe wall between them.

Abstract: A universal split ring ligature that is versatile enough to fit differing sized mouthpieces. The ligature of the invention accomplishes this by comprising two elongated inverted U-shaped ring retaining bars that have at least one but preferably two or more apertures disposed therein through the vertical side faces of the U-shape ring retaining bars. Multiple sized metallic (or non-metallic equivalent such as plastic, nylon, etc.) rings or bands having concentric apertures disposed in their opposite ends may be inserted within the U-shaped retaining bars and whereby these opposite ends of the multiple sized rings or bands are drawn together by use of suitable thumbscrews penetrating through said cooperating band and U-shaped ring retaining bars' apertures, so as to unyieldingly embrace and clamp a reed that may be disposed between the ring or band and the mouth piece of the wind instrument.

Abstract: A movable self supporting tool implement stand having a separation means for separating, holding and storing tool implements in the vertical position and a mobility means for permitting desired movement of the implement stand to, from and across a work area. The invention accomplishes this by comprising an outer peripheral shell frame and an inner fixed tubular frame having top and bottom surfaces disposed thereon. The outer peripheral shell frame may be a cylindrical bucket and the inner fixed tubular frame is completely removable therefrom to provide a free standing movable self supporting tool implement stand with a separate free standing bucket that may be used at the job sight.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible, folding emergency escape ladder having an attachment means for permanently affixing it to a window frame rough opening structural components that are present within the walls of all residential housed, a retention means for securing the ladder in the folded position, and a multiplicity of swivel link means for joining the multiplicity of ladder sections to one another. The attachment means for permanently affixing the emergency escape ladder to a window sill includes a rigid framework having attachment bolts/screws apertures disposed therein at predetermined locations that line up with the inner wall structural framework found surrounding windows in most, if not all, residential dwellings. The retention means for securing the ladder in the folded position includes a pin arrangement that may cooperate with a chain for gathering the collapsed foldable sections in a compact area next to the rigid framework attachment means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to wash blood cells in a discrete manner that is compatible with automated sample preparation systems. The test tube containing the cells to be washed is mounted on a rotatable spindle. The spindle includes central passageways for the introduction of wash fluid and air into the test tube, and radial exit passageways at the bottom of the spindle. The test tube is first spun about its vertical axis to centrifuge cells against the inner wall of the test tube. A vacuum is then applied to the exit passageways so cell supernatant is aspirated out through the exit passageways. Wash fluid is then introduced into the test tube, and aspirated out through the exit passageways, thereby washing the cells. Rotational acceleration and deceleration of the test tube then resuspends the cells in wash fluid.

Abstract: A radial-inflow large volume-rate low pressure-differential, single-stage compressor comprising 2 periphiral concentric sets of axial blades spaced circumferentially between two supporting rings and further strengthened against bending by intermediate rings if necessary. The outer set of blades rotates to impart energy to the working fluid and the inner set is stationary to recover kinetic energy. Stationary guide surfaces concentric with the blades direct the radially inward flow to axial. A diverging duct recovers further the kinetic energy. The compressor fills the pressure-ratio gap between blowers and turbo-compressors. Its use in desalination instead of the currently used centrifugal compressors, can scale-up the vapor-compression unit-size to more than three fold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to means and method for grinding waste asphalt shingles in combination with limestone ore to provide a very fine particulate substance that is suitable as an admix to raw materials used for asphalt shingle production. When grinding the asphalt shingles/limestone ore combination, it was found that the limestone scrubs the asphalt, including temperature softened asphalt, from the grinding mechanism and therefore prevents clogging of the asphalt/limestone ore grinding equipment. According to the teachings of the invention, the limestone and asphalt shingle constituents can be ground into fine homogeneous particulate powder that is free of agglomeration. A desired size reduction was achieved. Ninety-eight percent of the homogenous particulate powder passed through a thirty-five mesh screen.

Abstract: A wafer support platen heating system for low pressure chemical vapor deposition of apparatus includes multiple resistance heaters for individual heating of multiple portions of the platen to provide a predetermined uniform or non-uniform temperature gradient/profile across the platen. The multiple graphite resistance heaters of the preferred embodiment include a spiral shaped main resistance heater and two single turn edge loss graphite resistance heaters located within the inner diameter and along the periphery of the outer diameter respectively of the main spiral shaped resistance heater.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker with an improved space saving structure comprises first and second movable contacts 11 and 12 which are held respectively on first and second contact arms 31 and 32 and are driven individually by a switching mechanism 20 including a manual handle 22 with a contact tripping capability and by a remote control signal responsive electromagnet 60. An L-shaped actuator 80 with a horizontal member 81 and a vertical member 83 is provided to operatively connect the second contact arm 32 to an axially movable core 63, the output member of the electromagnet 60. The actuator 80 is pivoted at its connection between the horizontal and vertical members 81 and 83 and carries the second contact arm 32 on its vertical member 83 for pivotal movement of the second contact arm 32 between operative and inoperative positions respectively enabling and disabling the contact closing.

Abstract: A polarized electromagnet with improved response sensitivity includes an axially movable core 63 extending through an excitation coil 61 to be movable between two positions upon energization and deenergization of the coil 61. The core 63 is formed at its opposite ends respectively with pole plates 69 extending transversely of the core axis. Inner and outer yokes 64 and 65 are arranged in parallel to the core 63 and are magnetized to the opposite polarities by a permanent magnet 65. Inner and outer yokes 64 and 65 have at respective ends inner and outer pole ends 67 and 68 which are spaced axially to each other so as to form therebetween magnetic gaps in each of which the adjacent one of the pole plates 69 is located.

Abstract: A thermal storage furnace system having a mixing means in fluid communication with both a thermal storage means and a thermal storage means bypass conduit for mixing both heated fluid from the thermal storage means and unheated fluid from the thermal storage means bypass conduit to provide for storage of heat in the thermal storage means at a first predetermined higher temperature than desired for heating the interior of the structure, while providing a second predetermined temperature fluid for space heating the interior of the structure by mixing the heated fluid from the thermal storage means with the unheated fluid from the thermal storage means bypass conduit.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable mobile abrasive entrained high pressure fluid jet apparatus having a mobile framework for moving one or multiple abrasive entrained high pressure fluid jet nozzles in both the horizonal and transverse directions and a swivel connection for rotating the one or multiple fluid jet nozzles to provide for scarifying large sections of pavement, removing large sections of pavement, or cutting a large circular perimeter of pavement to provide for removing manhole type portions of pavement.

Abstract: A fuel pellet for a nuclear core fuel rod for use in a nuclear reactor fuel assembly having a predetermined radial distribution of burnable poison, fertile, and fissile nuclear material to provide the desired control of reactivity of the fuel pellet with the minimum amount of burnable poison material and to provide control of the nuclear reactivity of the fuel assembly.

Abstract: A catalyst and process useful at low temperatures (below about 160.degree. C.) and preferably in the range 80.degree.-120.degree. C. used in the production of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen is disclosed. The catalyst is used in slurry form and comprises a complex reducing agent derived from the component structure NaH--RONa--M(OAc).sub.2 where M is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd, and Co and R is a lower alkyl group containing 1-6 carbon atoms. This catalyst is preferably used alone but is also effective in combination with a metal carbonyl of a group VI (Mo, Cr, W) metal. The preferred catalyst precursor is Nic (where M=Ni and R=tertiary amyl). Mo(CO).sub.6 is the preferred metal carbonyl if such component is used. The catalyst is subjected to a conditioning or activating step under temperature and pressure, similar to the parameters given above, to afford the active catalyst.

Abstract: An air conditioning system and method of operation for reducing cyclic losses due to non-steady state operation at the start of operating cycles are disclosed. A bi-flow expansion valve assembly is provided in the refrigerant line between the heat exchangers, and the valve assembly can meter refrigerant flow between the heat exchangers or can permit substantially unrestricted flow therethrough. At the start of a cycle, the valve assembly is adjusted to allow refrigerant to flood between the heat exchangers, thereby correcting mislocation of refrigerant caused by the migration of refrigerant to the evaporator during the off-cycle, or caused when heat exchanger functions are switched, as, for example, during a defrost cycle of a heat pump.