Abstract: Digital interface circuitry is utilized to analyze the condition of alarm detecting loops. The new circuitry is utilized as an alarm system of the type which has a detecting loop extending between a central station and a remote zone at which is provided a normally open detection switch in parallel with a resistor. At the central station a digital high voltage is supplied to the input loop lead and a resistor is connected to ground from a reference point on the return lead, to provide a voltage divider network with the remote resistor. Two voltage-sampling branches connect to the reference point; the first branch has a comparator or pull-up circuit to indicate digitally whether the voltage level is substantially zero or greater, while the second branch has a level detector and pull-up circuit or a comparator to indicate digitally whether the reference point voltae is greater than its normal level.

Abstract: Bicycle wheels are mounted on single suspension struts, each having an axle secured horizontally. Adjacent to the strut is an independently rotatable assembly. For the rear wheel, the assembly includes an overrunning clutch having its outer driven portion, which bears a brake disc, splined into the inner surface of the wheel hub, and its inner driving ratchet operably coupled to a drive sprocket. For the front wheel, an identical wheel hub is splined into the outer surface of a rotatable assembly which bears a brake disc.

Abstract: For thrusting perpendicular to a tire to demount it, or similar purposes, a hydraulic cylinder bearing a thrust shoe is pivotably mounted, by trunnion pins on its casing, to a support frame beneath a slotted platform. A forward arm and follower assembly pivots on the trunnion pins and extends diagonally forward normally to bear on the hydraulic cylinder casing; while a similar aft arm and follower assembly likewise pivots on the trunnion pins, extending aft and normally bearing on the opposite side of the hydraulic cylinder casing. Corresponding portions of these aft and forward assemblies are connected by coil springs; their inward pivotal movement is limited by a stop on the support frame; thus they constantly urge the hydraulic cylinder toward upright position. To correct angular drifting of the actuator rod, its shoe has a downward projecting centering shield having a tapered tip which engages a platform slot when the hydraulic cylinder is retracted, rotating the shoe to its proper position.

Abstract: A simulated T-top installation is provided for automotive vans. Cut-outs for roof windows are made, and a molded fiberglass fairing is superimposed, extending between the opposite rain gutters from the windshield to aft of the doors. Removable window panes are installed on continuous gasket strips on recessed ledges projecting from downward-formed rims of the fairing, inwardly of the cut-outs in the sheet metal roof. Notches cut in the sheet metal at the forward outer corners of the cut-outs accept locally deepened sections of the fairing, each having a drain passage leading outward from the recessed ledge. Water entering about the window pane edges will flow along the ledges between the rims and the window gaskets to these forward outer corners, to drain through the passages.

Abstract: Steam to be supplied to a turbine is generated in a single pressure chamber reservoir by solar energy concentrated on the head of a conductor mounted in the top wall of the reservoir chamber with its conductive portion extending downward through a head space into the water. Convector surfaces on the conductor in the head space super heats the steam as it flows to the turbine. The solar energy is supplied from a parabolic reflector and directed through a lens system to a focus on the head of the conductor. The focus may be modulated to assure optimum operation without overheating.