Abstract: An automatic microphone mixer for a multi-microphone audio system in which each microphone audio channel is provided with a control channel including a comparator that compares the microphone output, as an A.C. signal, with a D.C. threshold signal, and that switches the microphone channel to "on" condition when the microphone signal exceeds the threshold; the threshold signal starts at a maximum level for a time T1 and then decreases as a function of time. A D.C. offset is added to the threshold signal in order to prevent low-level extraneous noise sources from activating a channel. All of the control channels are coupled to a threshold signal restoration circuit that drives the threshold signal back to its maximum level each time an audio channel is switched "on." An audio channel that has been switched "on" remains "on" for a time T2 substantially longer than the time T1.

Abstract: A unique retainer is disclosed having a plurality of resilient arms securing a tube within a housing bore. The arms include a radially inner section having a pair of circumferentially extending braces which increase the strength of the arms. The braces have axial ends which are bent radially outwardly and increase the strength of the arms, and also result in a more consistent, predictable buckling force for the retainer. Arm bends are formed between the arm radially inner section and a radially outer section. The axially outer bends of the braces are generally axially aligned with these arm bends, such that the bends provide a planer surface for positioning the retainer within the housing. Also, "bumps" are defined at a radially inner face of the radially inner sections of the arms to create a high force resisting tube insertion. The bumps are at an angle relative to a central axis that is greater than the angle of the remainder of the radially inner section of the arms.

Abstract: A faucet handle assembly for concealed attachment to a valve operating stem includes a handle and a handle adapter which is attached to it. There is a valve body which holds a valve member which has a valve stem extending outwardly therefrom into the handle adapter for attachment thereto. There is an exterior hub which is attached adjacent one end thereof to the valve body. The hub has interlocking means with the handle and handle adapter which prevent relative longitudinal movement between these elements but provides for rotary movement of the handle relative to the hub. There is a bearing positioned between facing surfaces of the handle and hub to provide for smooth rotation therebetween.

Abstract: An improved means is provided for emptying dust and debris accumulated in the air filter box of a surface maintenance machine having vacuumized dust control.

Abstract: Water-resistant electrical splice enclosure characterized by a tube for a contained wire connector, wherein a cone presenting flexible lock fingers is insertable into the open end of the enclosure tube to permit passage and entry into the tube of connectors of different size, to resist removal of a connector out of the tube, and to restrain or limit displacement of the waterproofing composition which may be present.

Abstract: A metal hydride battery includes a metal hydride vessel for storing hydrogen and a battery cell in another enclosure having the capability of fluid communication between the vessel and enclosure through in-line piping. The in-line piping includes a catalytic converter and a molecular sieve dryer for adsorbing water from the hydrogen being piped from the battery cell enclosure to the hydrogen storage metal hydride vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to barrier seal systems for sealing the annular space between a housing and a rotating shaft which extends through a bore in the housing. The seal system has inboard and outboard mechanical end face seals. The inboard seal faces have spiral grooves for pumping a buffer fluid from a buffer chamber between the two seals toward the high pressure side of the inboard seal. The primary ring of the inboard seal may be double balanced. For high pressure applications, the buffer fluid may be pressurized and a pumping ring may be included in the outboard seal to circulate buffer fluid. High pressure applications also require two hard seal rings and optimum dam and face widths. Buffer fluid can be supplied to the seal system by a reservoir connected by a gravity feed line. A buffer fluid containment device may be attached to the high pressure side of the seal to prevent process fluid from contaminating the seal faces or secondary seals.

Abstract: A tension measuring device for accurately measuring the tension applied to a fine, metallic wire, or the like, being uncoiled from a spool of wire, or the like. The tensioning device includes a pulley around which the wire is looped. The pulley is rotatably mounted at the end of an arm which itself is mounted on an axle for rotation under the influence of a first torsion spring which biases the arm against the tension forces exerted against the uncoiling wire and a second torsion spring which biases the arm against rotation caused by the weight of the arm and pulley. A knob is provided to twist the first torsion spring to increase the biasing force on the arm and pulley which counteracts the uncoiling tension on the wire. A pointer is associated with the knob and it moves across a scale indicating the amount of force applied to the first torsion spring. Another pointer is mounted on the arm and it moves across a second scale indicating movement of the arm above and below a zero point.

Abstract: A disposable litter container for pets, usually cats, includes a molded tray of water-absorbent paper material that does not lose appreciable structural strength upon absorption of limited quantities of water. The paper material preferably includes an appreciable wax content. The tray has a bottom wall formed integrally with side walls, enclosing a litter chamber, with the side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall for a predetermined height greater than the litter chamber height. Lid retainers are molded into the side walls at the top of the chamber. A lid interfits with the lid retainers to seal the top of the litter chamber. There are complementary, interfitting supports on the lid and on the tray that adapt the lid to service as a base for the tray when the lid is removed. The lid can be replaced, when the litter is spent, to re-seal the container for disposal.

Abstract: A sensor-activated, battery-powered toilet room flush valve has a body with an inlet and an outlet. There is a valve seat in the body and a diaphragm which closes upon the seat to control flow between the inlet and the outlet. A cover mounted on the body defines a pressure chamber with the diaphragm and there are a sensor, solenoid and battery mounted on the cover and connected for operation of the flush valve. There is a passage in the cover connecting the pressure chamber and the outlet. Operation of the solenoid opens the passage to relieve pressure in the chamber to the outlet whereby the diaphragm moves off its seat to open communication between the inlet and outlet. A stop is positioned within the chamber and attached to the diaphragm to limit its movement toward the cover, which in turn controls the volume of water passing through the flush valve prior to closure of the diaphragm upon its valve seat. The stop is adjustable from the outlet side of the valve.

Abstract: This is a drain hose for a tank such as on a floor scrubbing machine and a means for attaching it to the tank. When not in use the hose is stored inside the tank, where it is protected from damage such as may occur to externally stored hoses. When it is to be used the hose is pulled from the tank and extended to a suitable site such as a floor drain and the contents of the tank are emptied through it. After use the hose may be pushed back into the tank again. The means for attaching the hose to the tank may include a cover over an opening in the tank which is amply large to permit cleaning out the tank.

Abstract: A turn prevention electrical connection assembly to prevent cable or other conductor connection lugs from turning on an electrical bus includes a turn prevention member, usually of cross-like configuration and having at least as many arms as there are connection lugs on one side of the bus. The turn prevention member is mounted on the bus in nested alignment with the connection lugs so that each connection lug is aligned closely adjacent to at least one arm of the turn prevention member. The turn prevention member and the connection lugs interact with each other to preclude turning of the lugs from their preset alignment.

Abstract: Lead-free copper-nickel corrosion resistant, low friction, castable alloy, particularly for food processing machine parts, with the following weight percent rangeNi=15-45Zn=2-6Tin=2-7Bi=1-6Fe=0-3Mn=0-3Cu=balanceand food processing machine parts made therefrom.

Abstract: A pesticide device holder for railroad cars has a frame resting in a hatch coaming. The frame has a gas-permeable underside support sheet and an impervious upper membrane. Pesticide devices, such as fumigant packages, rest between the support sheet and membrane. A separator is provided to prevent contact between the fumigant packages.

Abstract: A table top board game including a game board having a plurality of playing pieces. Each playing piece is formed of a soft moldable easily deformable material in the shape of an upstanding figurine. A mold is provided for molding new playing pieces and repairing playing pieces which have been deformed during the course of the game. A path of travel for the playing pieces is depicted on the game board. This path of travel includes a series of discrete stations each of which is spaced apart a sufficient distance from another station so that a station can receive one of the playing pieces without that playing piece interfering with another playing piece positioned on an adjacent station. The playing piece cutting mechanism includes a scissors-like mechanism having a pair of blades one of the blades being movable relative to the other blade by a link which is driven by the crank operated mechanism.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar construction provides a handlebar having first hand gripping portions and a forward extension having second hand gripping portions. There is a pair of arm rests mounted on the handlebars for support of a rider's arms when using the forward or second hand gripping portions. There are means for positioning the arm rests a distance away from the first hand gripping portions to prevent interference therewith when the rider is using the first hand gripping portions.

Abstract: A guide for placement in an opening in an electrical junction box and which will extend into a conduit mounted at the box opening includes a generally tubular body having an axially extending opening. The body is resilient so that external pressure applied thereto will reduce the width of the opening to permit the body and thus the guide to be positioned within the conduit. When pressure is released, the body will expand into an interference fit with an appropriately sized conduit. There is a roller mounted to one end of the tubular body for movement about an axis generally perpendicular to that of the body. Wires or other flexible members may be passed over the roller in moving from a conduit into a box and from the box into a conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flushing of a toilet device detects use of the toilet device and compares the actual number of uses against a preset number of uses which are permitted before flushing of the toilet device. When the actual number of uses equals the predetermined number of uses, the toilet device is flushed. At the first use of the toilet device after flushing, a timing cycle is initiated and the timing cycle will cause flushing of the toilet device unless there is the predetermined number of uses of the device within the period of the timing cycle.

Abstract: An electric circuit for operating a toilet room soap dispenser includes a sensor and an electric operator, with the sensor providing an operating signal in response to the presence of a person positioned to use the soap dispenser The electric operator, which is responsive to a signal from the sensor, provides a measured amount of soap from the soap dispenser. The improvement is specifically directed to a prime circuit for causing a predetermined number of operations of the electric operator to prime the soap dispenser for normal use, after refilling the soap supply.