Abstract: A device for testing sheet material, such as wood veneer, includes a rolling transducer for introducing ultrasonic signals into the veneer so as to cause travel of the signals generally in the plane of the veneer. Coupling oil filling this transducer facilitates the transmission of the signals into the veneer. Another similar rolling transducer is provided to detect the travelling ultrasonic signals. Each rolling transducer includes a special rim with an annular focusing ring for directing the ultrasonic signals to and from the veneer. A timer circuit produces a signal representing the travel time taken for an ultrasonic signal to pass between the transducers. An averaging circuit obtains an average of such travel times for each sheet and a grading circuit causes the sheet to be marked with a grade corresponding to the average travel time. A signal threshold detector prevents travel times for detected signals of a magnitude less than a preselected minimum level from being included in the average.

Abstract: A split flow water treatment plant includes a settling basin comprising a pair of banks of generally horizontally extending settling tubes and an inlet baffle comprising a plurality of parallel vertical perforated sheets upstream of and adjacent to each of the banks. An inclined diverting plate extends from the downstream end of the lowermost tube in the first of the banks to the upper upstream end of the inlet baffle adjacent the second bank. The distribution of flow between the banks may be regulated by an adjustable weir or by water level control.

Abstract: Marine detection apparatus includes a sound transducer mounted below the water line of a vessel for emitting and receiving sound signals and imperviously sealed within a transducer housing together with a temperature detector for sensing the temperature of the water. A display is provided capable of displaying water depth and water temperature. The water depth reading is proportional to the elapsed time between the transmission and the reception of the sound waves, and the temperature reading is proportional to an elapsed time determined by a timing circuit in which the resistance value of the temperature sensor operates to determine the charging time of a capacitor. The display is of a circular, dial type using lighted spots and a lighted arcuate shaped column to display the depth and temperature.

Abstract: A log centering apparatus and method are described employing an optical log scanner for determining the longitudinal axis of the log for optimum wood product production by transmitting light to detectors through the space between the side of such log and reference edge members. The detectors each include a linear array of photosensitive diodes which are electronically scanned to take a reading. Before scanning, rough centering arms clamp the log and its opposite ends are engaged by rotation spindles. The log may be rotated intermittently or continuously during scanning to measure at different angles the distance between the reference edge and the surface of the log at a plurality of points spaced longitudinally along the log. These distance signals are fed to an electronic computer to compute the optimum yield axis of such log.

Abstract: A baseball pitching machine includes a pair of adjacent ball engaging wheels each provided with a groove or concave surface formed in a body of an elastomeric material. As the baseball is received between the grooved wheels, the groove edges are laterally distorted, since the edges are unrestrained, to grip the baseball securely on opposite sides thereof and pitch the baseball in an accurately predetermined direction.

Abstract: A water vapor supply unit having a partition dividing a water tank into two compartments above a water line but allowing communication below the water line. A water level control in one compartment maintains the water level in both. One or more air inlet nozzles for each compartment are provided and are of angular form. They are side wall mounted for adjustment for regulation purposes. Each compartment has one or more vapor outlet fittings. A mount for a water level controller assures its proper disposition when mounted in place.

Abstract: A cant or plank is moved forwardly on a conveyor system, where its irregular leading lateral edge is measured by a plurality of fixed scanners. In response to measurement of the cant, conveyor movement is altered for orienting the cant relative to a fixed saw line to be executed by a movable saw. The cant is held or clamped in stationary position while the saw is moved on a carriage relative thereto, resulting in severing of the undesired irregular forward edge. The sawn edge is employed as a reference as the cant is then moved forwardly on a conveyor system, where the measurements obtained from the scanners may be further utilized in cutting the cant into desired widths.

Abstract: A holder or nest for pin-type replaceable cutting inserts having a circular aperture centrally disposed therein, includes a pin extending perpendicularly to the face of the holder, the pin being cylindrical and being formed with a pair of discrete opposed axially-extending portions, each of the portions comprising a segment of a circular cylinder having a periphery less than 180.degree.. The radius of each of the portions is selected equal to the radius of the aperture in the cutting inserts. The portions meet in a plane normal to the face of the tool holder and disposed perpendicularly to the axis of the clamping screw which is threadedly receivable in the body of the holder.

Abstract: Athletic shoes with molded cleats of resilient material for use on artificial turf or other hard surfaces are disclosed including first cleats provided on the bottom of the shoe sole positioned beneath the foot of the wearer and second cleats provided on both sides of the shoe. The second cleats are molded integral with a cover strip of resilient material bonded to the outer surface of the shoe upper at its lower edge so as to extend around the toe portion, along the opposite sides and around the heel portion of the shoe upper. Such second cleats provide added traction and enable more rapid changes in running direction, such as when playing football, baseball or soccer, especially under wet conditions. The cover strip may be a separate strip from the outer sole or may be a border portion formed integral with such outer sole layer of less thickness than such outer sole layer. The second cleats are preferably of smaller size and may be of different shape from the first cleats.

Abstract: A first solution of an electrolyte is injected underground into a volume of soil having negative surface charges on its particles. A cationic surfactant suspended in this solution neutralizes these surface charges of the soil particles within the volume. Following the first solution, a cationic asphalt emulsion suspended in a second solution is injected into the volume. The asphalt emulsion diffuses through the volume and electrostatically bonds with additional soil surrounding the volume such that an electrically conductive water repellant shell enclosing the volume is formed. This shell prevents the leaching of electrolyte from the volume into the additional soil. The second solution also contains a dissolved deliquescent salt which draws water into the volume prior to the formation of the shell. When electrically connected to an electrical installation such as a power line tower, the volume constitutes a grounding electrode for the tower.

Abstract: A key holder comprises an elongate, resilient member adapted to receive thereon a plurality of keys which have respective member receiving apertures in their heads. The member is configured to provide a coiled intermediate portion and a pair of leg portions which extend therefrom at an acute angle. The ends of the leg portions remote from the intermediate portion are configured to provide means for releasably clasping the leg portions together when the same are compressed toward each other by the hand of a user. The overlying sections of the intermediate portion contact each other adjacent one leg portion and diverge from each other toward the other leg portion. Sliding of a key from a segment of the intermediate portion is substantially inhibited without manual aid and a key can slide relatively freely on the overlying sections over a majority of their lengths. This permits the user to isolate one key from the other keys so that the key can be more conveniently used.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe laying crosswise of a series of furrows has gate valves mounted in its side spaced to match each furrow. Each gate valve includes a generally elliptical, elastomeric, grommet-like frame fitting on the periphery of a recessed lip portion of the pipe defining an opening, and also includes a tubular slide slidable in the frame between a closed position and three open positions, one perpendicular to the pipe and two others cocked to either side to direct water to the outer of the three furrows.

Abstract: Cookie dough in a dough hopper is extruded through a die by means of a pair of dough rolls, and the extruded dough is separated into a plurality of cookie-shaped deposits employing a cutoff wire reciprocated beneath the die. After each movement of the cutoff wire, a conveyor carrying a tray moves a short distance for spacing the dough deposits on the tray. The dough rolls are operated independently from the cutoff wire and conveyor so that a variable quantity of dough can be extruded for each deposit, and a time delay is provided for operation of the cutoff wire such that a sufficient quantity of dough is extruded before initial severing of the dough.

Abstract: The specification discloses a multiple dental handpiece control system in which lifting one handpiece out of its hanger blocks supply of power and coolants to all other handpieces. Each handpiece has an individual control unit and a blockout unit. When a handpiece is lifted from its hanger, it actuates a valve to cause a piston in its control unit to shift to a condition causing supply of power and coolant fluid to that handpiece and cutting off power to the corresponding pistons in the other control units thereby preventing supply of power and coolant fluids to the other handpiece.

Abstract: A one-piece elastic fastener includes a pair of spaced elastic, generally dish-shaped head members adapted to fit on opposite sides of pieces of material to be joined. The head members each have a rim and are disposed concavely inwardly with their rims facing each other. An elastic shank member joins the head members and is adapted to pass through an opening in the pieces of material. In one embodiment an elongated loop member is centrally attached to one of the head members and is adapted to pull it through an opening in the pieces of material to be joined. In another embodiment a boss is positioned on one of the head members and a hook is used to pull it through the opening.

Abstract: An applique or attachment for a station protector spark gap device includes an insulated enclosure housing a gas tube spark gap device together with fail safe shorting means located circumferentially therearound. Auxiliary gaps in parallel with the gas tube spark gap device are provided as back up should the gas tube vent. Wire leads welded to end plates within the enclosure make connection with the ends of the gas tube spark gap device, the fail safe shorting mechanism and the auxiliary gaps.

Abstract: Plural scanners are employed for detecting the surface features of a wood cant preparatory to sawing the cant into one or more boards. A scanner includes a radiation detector disposed above the cant on the wane side thereof, and a radiation source below the cant whereby the edges of the cant may be detected. A further pair of radiation sources are also located above the cant on the wane side thereof in angular relation to the detector for producing radiation beams which intersect the detection path of the detector only at a surface level corresponding to a predetermined acceptable wood thickness, as distinguished from the forward and rearward wanes. The wanes are detected as the region between detector illumination by the source below the cant, and detector illumination from the pair of sources above the cant.

Abstract: A locking device for skis or the like comprises two lengths of cable having loops formed at their remote ends and an intervening length of chain. By inserting the free ends of the cables through appropriate links in the chain and thereafter locking the free ends together, the size of the loops can be adjusted so that objects to be locked together can be snugly embraced by the opposite cable lengths.

Abstract: A drainage foil apparatus for removing liquid from material carried across the foil by a moving foraminous conveyor such as the wood pulp stock in a paper making machine, is described. The drainage foil apparatus includes a foil having at least a nose portion of ceramic material formed by laterally spaced ceramic segments. The segments are mounted on a support means enabling individual replacement of such segments when they become damaged or worn. The support means includes a mounting member of metal which extends into a slot in a lower surface portion of the ceramic segment and is bonded thereto by a bonding material provided within the slot. For easy replacement of the ceramic segments, the mounting member and slot are shaped to enable each segment to be inserted and removed from such mounting member without moving other segments. In one embodiment, the ceramic nose portion is separate from the rear portion of the foil, such rear portion being made of a different material such as a synthetic plastic.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel variety of Callery Pear tree, distinguished by its globe shape which is normally apparent two to three years after budding, more vigorous growth rate, green waxy foliage which consistently turns to the same red to red-purple colors each autumn, thornless branches, profuse blooms, with blooms first appearing when the trees are quite young, and its sparse fruit.