Abstract: A sparkplug having multiple side discharge negative electrodes and employing an integral capacitor extending from the plug body to the area of the connector to the ignition system to effectively store the electrical energy normally lost during the rise time of the ignition transformer, and to discharge the stored energy across the electrode gap. The body (2) has a cylindrical extension which serves as the negative plate (10) of the capacitive element. A positive electrode (8) forms the interior portion of the sparkplug. One end of the positive electrode forms a spark gap (9) with two or more negative electrodes (7). The other end of the positive electrode (8) connects by means of a resistive connector (4) to a conventional high-voltage ignition cable. The positive electrode (8) serves as the positive plate of the capacitive element.

Abstract: A self-contained, trailer-mounted, portable wash and paint facility particularly useful to retrieve a grease disposal container having a removable lid, wash dirt and grease from the container, repaint the container, and return it to service. The facility contains an extendable boom and winch to handle the container and bring it into the facility. A vat agitated with compressed air is provided containing a heated caustic solution wherein lids are soaked as part of the cleaning process. A trolley mounted winch is provided which assists in removing the container lid and moving it to and from the soaking vat. A circulating high pressure wash system is provided for high pressure spraying of heated soapy cleaning solution. The cleaning system has a high-pressure washer and tank with a delivery hose and nozzle for the operator to employ when washing the grease container. The floor of the facility contains a grate where used cleaning solution is collected in a catch tank.

Abstract: A platform assembly designed for use in supporting a crane during the construction of a multi-story building is described. The assembly includes a platform for supporting a crane and means for fixedly attaching the platform to differing locations along the length of a structural column of such building during construction of the latter.

Abstract: A device which is designed to simultaneously store and sterilize the head of a stethoscope within the pocket of a user during periods of non-usage. The small sterilizer is a box-shaped unit constructed of glass and plastic which fits into a shirt or jacket pocket, and which has a U-shaped lip which leads into an opening for receiving the head of the stethoscope. Beneath the lip is a switch that operates on contact with the stethoscope head to activate the unit, and the unit is powered by a small pen light batteries. An ultraviolet light is located proximate the U-shaped lip and delivers ultraviolet light rays through a circular transparent window aligned with the stethoscope head, and a clip on the back of the unit enables it to be easily attached to a user's pocket.

Abstract: A discharge system for a destructive distillation apparatus wherein the discharge solids act as plug to avoid the unwanted flow of product gas or ambient air therethrough while effectively discharging finely divided, disperse solids material from a continuously operating distillation apparatus. The use of a positive displacement two-stage auger having close clearance between the auger and auger cylinder wall, combined with an open section within the auger cylinder where a sealing material plug forms, results in improved sealing of the inventive system from unwanted transfer of gases. The hot, disperse, and finely divided solids exiting a distillation apparatus, such as carbon black formed from the distillation of automobile tire chips, is effective in the formation of a seal plug.

Abstract: A combination stance limiting and muscle flexing device particularly useful in karate training. The device consists of a flexible strap which is adjustable in total length, connected at opposite ends by means of swivel connectors with cuff assemblies to be worn on the legs or arms of an individual. The flexible strap is made up of two length-adjustable portions connected by an elastic portion. The length-adjustable portions form loops at their free ends which receive the swivel connectors and are adjusted by folding the strap material over on itself at selected positions along the body of the strap material. The strap material is made of Velcro material which easily attaches and detaches to allow for easy adjustment. The elastic portion of the strap allows a limited stretch capability of about two inches.

Abstract: A combination liquid seal and spiral auger conveyor feeding system which provides both a liquid seal, effective under normal operating conditions, with a sealed spiral auger conveyor, which is effective to seal against the surge flow of distillation gases back through the feeding system. This is attained while providing for a reliable, continuous flow of solid bulk material such as rubber tire chips to a reactor or distillation unit. A bulk feeding system having a partially submerged inclined spiral auger conveyor is provided, communicating at its base with a liquid reservoir so as to form a liquid seal within the combined apparatus. Solid bulk material is introduced to the upper end of the liquid reservoir above the liquid level where it descends by the action of gravity into the liquid and sinks to the bottom of the reservoir to by picked up by the partially submerged rotating auger conveyor and elevated thereby.

Abstract: Apparatus for "top-down" construction technique is described. Deck formwork assemblies for each structural concrete slab are lowered and supported from the level above the same. This application describes and claims a support arm portion of the apparatus for transmitting the load of a deck assembly to a vertical column of the building framework.

Abstract: A mechanical/thermal stress transducer consisting of a piezo-pyroelectric material in electrical communication with a electroluminescent material, an electrode positioned between the piezo-pyroelectric material and the electroluminescent material forms the electrical communication at disjunct intervals so that the luminous intensity of light emitted by the electroluminescent material at any point is related to the mechanical/thermal stress acting at that point on the transducer. Selected applications of the transducer are included.