Abstract: A plural display burial casket utilizes two substantially equal top portions which are hingedly attached to opposed sides of a casket body. The top portions utilize quick release mechanisms which allow the top portion acting as the unselected foot end of the casket to be expediently turned aside during casketing procedures. The unselected top portion is then returned to its original position. The casket is adapted to be either a protective type or non-protective type casket.

Abstract: A reusable ankle support for providing support to the ankle region comprises a socklike elastic sheath with a pair of crossed elongated elastic straps attached thereto. After the sheath is positioned on the foot of the wearer, the straps are wrapped around the ankle in a predetermined manner, and thereby present a pair of stirrups. Stretch locks limit the amount of stretch which may be pulled from the stirrups. The stirrup-lock system and the relative positioning of the straps on the ankle provide support to the lower region of the ankle to thereby help prevent low sprains.

Abstract: A portable, self heating, container assembly for use in a motor vehicle includes an electrically heated double-walled insulated vessel having a lower end portion telescopically, rotatably and removably received in a tubular socket of a separate base unit. The socket bottom has a pair of electrical contacts connected through a power switch and fuse to a power cord adapted to be plugged into the vehicle cigarette lighter socket. The pair of contacts are engageable with cooperating electrical contacts on the vessel bottom for energization of the heating element upon the vessel being received in the recessed in the socket. The vessel bottom and socket have cooperating spaced, interengageable radial locking flanges arranged to securely lock the vessel and base unit together upon rotation of the vessel relative to the base unit after the lower end portion of the vessel is placed in to the socket.

Abstract: A configuration of an aeration chamber for an activated-sludge treatment plant includes an elongated, hydraulic plug-flow aeration chamber with a floor having a sloped portion and a level portion. The level portion, which acts as a collection area for the activated sludge, is adjacent the air diffusers of the aeration chamber at the point of maximum turbulence within the chamber. By using the force of gravity to assist in returning the activated sludge to the point of maximum turbulence, the aeration chamber of the present invention is able to process sewage in a more efficient manner.

Abstract: Overheated railroad journal bearings, wheels, and wheel components on a moving or stationary railroad train are detected by amplifying the current signal from an infrared radiation sensor comprising a pyroelectric cell. A reference temperature is sensed by chopping the incident infrared radiation with an asynchronous shutter that momentarily closes at successive time spacings of shorter duration than the scanning period of the sensor. The amplified signal is converted to a digital signal and processed by a microcontroller and associated hardware and software. The software comprises a free-running loop Main Program which is subject to several interrupts. The output signal may be digital or analog and is transmitted to remote signal processing equipment for further processing.

Abstract: A new method and an apparatus for manually rotating the adjusting screw mechanism or star wheel of a vehicle wheel brake is adapted to displace the pawl of the brake adjusting mechanism and disengage it from the star wheel, thereby allowing rotation of the star wheel while the pawl remains disengaged through the use of a single tool, leaving both hands of the mechanic free to manipulate the brake tool.

Abstract: An activated-sludge sewage treatment plant includes an aeration chamber having at least two aeration sections and an intermediate sludge scalper device. The sludge scalper device is positioned to receive the effluent of a primary aeration section the effluent of the sludge scalper being received by a hydraulic plug flow section. The primary aeration section may be a complete-mix basin, a hydraulic plug-flow basic or a combination of both. The secondary aeration section must include at least one hydraulic plug-flow basin. A final clarifier receives and treats the effluent from the secondary aeration section. By removing the more settleable fraction of the activated sludge from the sewage being treated, prior to the final stage of plug flow aeration, the sludge scalper avoids settling of this sludge in the final aeration chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for the marking of wires and the like comprises a preparation board consisting of a base portion and a neck portion, the neck portion having an extension piece thereon with a plurality of spaced, essentially flat tabs extending therefrom. Flexible, tubular heat recoverable sleeves are positioned on the tabs in a temporarily deformed manner to present a flattened writing surface on each of the sleeves. After writing or otherwise placing identifying indicia thereon, the sleeves are removed from the tabs and recover their original tubular shape. The sleeves are then positioned coaxially about the wires to be identified, and are permanently heat shrunk thereon. The entire installation is accomplished at the job site.

Abstract: A high efficiency gasifier employs a rotary kiln having an indirect fired gasifier and a recycle system. The rotary kiln provides an essentially oxygen-free gasifying chamber into which raw feed material is introduced. Radiant tubes within the chamber transfer heat to the incoming raw feed material to pyrolyze it and convert it to char and product gas as the material advances toward the outlet end. The recycle system within the chamber returns both product gas and hot char to a receiving end of the kiln to aid in heat transfer to the raw feed material. The feed is thus heated more rapidly, and less heat input is required. Efficiency is further aided by providing additional residence time and gasification of the char.

Abstract: AN artificial fishing lure having hidden hooks recessed within the body thereof to prevent snagging on weeds, rocks or the like when the lure is moved through the water. A trigger is provided and is attached at one end to a fishing line, and at a second end to a spring hook assembly. The spring hook assembly is formed from a single wire member, and has a medially positioned bite portion engaging said trigger assembly, and opposed ends respectively terminating in hook arms and hook ends. Snapping the fishing line activates the trigger assembly, which in turn activates the spring hook assembly, causing the hook arms to extend outwardly from the body of the fishing lure through longitudinal slits therein.