Abstract: A sliding gauge for measuring animal carcasses for slaughter, tree trunks, whole cheese or other objects. The sliding gauge includes a rod and a slide mounted for sliding movement on the rod by a form-locking guide arrangement. The rod and the slide are each equipped with a jaw projecting therefrom at a right angle, such that the jaws are parallel. Longitudinal markings and at least one length sensor are included with the rod and slide. A force sensor on one of the jaws may operate to disable further operation of the length sensor such that repeatable measurements may be made of soft or elastic articles. The length sensor is connected to electronic circuit components, which may include a microcomputer, for evaluation and processing of the signals supplied by the length sensor.

Abstract: A method and composition for enhancing the visual effect of a combustion explosion without substantially increasing the explosive force is the subject matter of this invention. A solid explosive compound is combined with a ground combustible particulate material that is characterized by a wide distribution of particle sizes. Preferably the surface area of the particles will vary by a factor of at least 500 percent and no more than 10 percent of the total number of particles will be represented by any one particle size.

Abstract: A method for constructing a bridge joint in a channel overlying an expansion joint involves lining the channel with a thermoplastic asphaltic elastomeric binder followed by successive applications of layers of aggregate and binder mixture wherein the thickness of each layer is restricted to about the maximum dimension of the aggregate in the layer. Care is taken to insure that both the binder and the aggregate are hot when the layered joint is formed to insure good bonding between layers and with the roadway material. The aggregate of each layer is raked to project upwardly from the mass of the layer before a subsequent layer is applied to enhance the interlock between layers. A final layer containing smaller aggregate is applied at the joint top and the joint is then sealed and rolled to form an integrated, resilient load bearing structure.

Abstract: An algorithmically based method and apparatus for registering halftone color separations using edge based registration techniques and three registration points on each film separation in order to handle image stretching in both directions. Improved techniques include the use of gray level transformation, an improved U.S.C. predicate, double accuracy interpretation after systematic convolution sampling, finer angle sweeping to achieve smoother edge transitions around sharp corners, elimination of gaps in the edge continuity, enhancement of final edge linking, a more accurate and robust segment matching algorithm, invocation of a registration quality index for quality control checking of each segment picture registration, and reduction of machine cycle time by performing computations concurrently with machine movement.

Abstract: A flexible hosing for circulation of a heat transfer fluid to effect heat exchange within a concrete or other type of slab. An inner wall comprising nylon, rayon or other similar material forms an inner wall of the hosing to resist corrosive attack by the heat transfer fluid. A locator wire is embedded within the hosing for transmission of a locating signal so that the position of the hosing within the slab may be accurately determined. The wire may also serve as an electrical resistance heating element should the heat transfer fluid become frozen, or should it be desired that the heat exchange system be operated without an external boiler or other heat source.

Abstract: A suspension system for improving the ride quality and service life of the tractor used in a tractor-trailer combination. An A-shaped sub-frame is connected at its front apex and with the tractor frame for universal pivotal movement and is rigidly connected at its back end with the rear axle of the tractor. The lift cylinders for the fifth wheel that bears the trailer weight are mounted on the arms of the sub-frame, thus applying the trailer load to the sub-frame rather than to the tractor frame. Suspension elements are interposed between the tractor axle and frame and provide the same cushioning effect regardless of whether the tractor is traveling empty or fully loaded. The universal joint mounting of the sub-frame allows tilting of the rear axle and accommodates other irregularities while avoiding undue stresses on the axle. A transverse link applies side loads from the sub-frame to the frame to avoid undue stressing of the spherical bearing that mounts the sub-frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating the centers of crosshair register marks and using the mark center locations to register the color film separations or other objects which bear the register marks. A digital picture is taken of each mark, and the picture image is transformed into a picture in which the pixels range between 0 and 1. Weighting windows are constructed and scanned over the pictures along the x and y axes to record the intensity level at each pixel location. Weighted summation calculations are then made to determine the intensity centroid location in x and y. A special screening technique is used to reject contributions of dirt, dust and other noise to enhance the accuracy.

Abstract: A load bar for extension between opposite side walls of a cargo vehicle to restrain the cargo. The bar includes a pair of main tubes pivoted end to end at a toggle joint. An extension tube has a telescopic fit in one of the main tubes to provide length adjustment over a wide range. A clamp may be tightened to rigidly clamp the extension tube in place. The toggle joint may be covered and locked in its straight condition by a sleeve which fits closely yet slidably on the main tubes of the load bar.

Abstract: A simulated vegetation product and method of making same is the subject of this disclosure. The method includes the steps of providing a mass of ground rubber-like particles, preferably urethane foam, providing a quantity of an adhesive solution capable of binding the ground particles together followed by mixing of the adhesive and the ground particles to present a homogeneous mass. The mass is then spread into a uniform layer or formed into another desired shape and dried to present the finished product.

Abstract: A sump pump powered by a rechargeable battery has a circuit for monitoring the battery voltage and controlling charging of the battery. Four comparators monitor the battery and control two flip flops one of which operates the pump in cooperation with a float switch and the other of which turns the battery charging circuit on and off. The circuit is arranged so that when the battery is in its discharge cycle, the float switch controls the pump and the charging circuit comes on only when the battery voltage is in a low range. In the charging cycle, the pump is locked out in a low voltage range of the battery and is controlled by the float switch only in a high voltage range.

Abstract: A wate water aeration system in which tubular diffusers are arranged with short and long diffuser assemblies alternating along the length of each air lateral submerged in the treatment basin. This arrangement provides application of air which is widely distributed in the basin and descreases the upward water velocity to increase the air bubble residence time for enhanced oxygen transfer efficiency. When plural air laterals are used, each long diffuser assembly is axially aligned with a short diffuser assembly on the adjacent air lateral. Each long diffuser can either be constructed to discharge air along its entire length or it can include an imperforate pipe section which occupies one half of the diffuser length adjacent to the air lateral.

Abstract: A method of reducing alkaline earth metals contamination of activated carbon by washing the contaminated product with an inorganic acid, preferably hydrochloric, and then rinsing the acid washed carbon with water. Preferably, the washing step is carried out from three to thirty minutes at a pH of 2.5 or less. The rinsing step is continued until a pH of 5 or greater is obtained, preferably for a time period of at least three to five minutes. The method is applicable to any alkaline earth metal but particularly calcium and magnesium. Any inorganic may be employed with those forming water soluble salts being preferred. The invention also encompasses a method of regenerating spent activated carbon employing the acid wash and rinsing steps noted above followed by separating the washed carbon from the rinse water followed by drying and then pyrolizing the dried carbon at a temperature of approximately 500 degrees C. to 1100 degrees C. so as to effect the water gas reaction.

Abstract: An instrument for removing chemical vapors from air and concentrating the chemical vapors in a liquid scrubbing medium has been invented. A cylindrical receptacle receives a preselected amount of scrubbing liquid. Air is pulled tangentially into the cylinder through an inlet slit and swirls toward the cylinder top, carrying the liquid with it so that the cylinder wall is coated with the liquid. At the end of a sampling cycle, the air flow is shut off and the liquid is allowed to settle before being drained off for analysis. A cleaning cycle between sampling cycles is possible, during which the cylinder can be heated by an electrical heater cable.

Abstract: A leak-tight rotatable plug valve for controlling water flow to and from a fish livewell in a fishing boat. The valve body has opposite ends connected with an inlet hose for fresh water intake and a drain hose extending from the livewell drain. A pump inlet passage in the valve body intersects with the valve flow passage and mounts a pump having its discharge connected with a supply hose leading to the livewell. When the valve is open, fresh water can be pumped to fill the livewell when the pump is active and the livewell can be drained when the pump is inactive. When the valve is closed, the pump recirculates water through the drain hose and supply hose to avoid stagnation and provide aeration for the livewell.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing and vacuum drying long necked laboratory flasks is presented. The apparatus includes a cabinet which presents a washing and drying compartment and a pump and rotary spray arm. A special rack which can be rolled into and out of the compartment includes a central manifold and a plurality of distribution arms extending radially from the manifold. Upright spindle tubes extend from the distribution arms to receive the inverted flasks such at that the tubes extend through the narrow necks of the flasks with the open ends of the tubes located within the bodies of the flasks. A diaphragm coupling allows water to be pumped to the manifold for delivery to the spindle tubes during washing and rinsing cycles. The tubes spray the water directly inside of the flask bodies for thorough washing and rinsing. A vacuum conduit extending from the manifold carries a seat which engages a gasket to couple the manifold with a vacuum blower when the rack is moved into the cabinet.

Abstract: A coating exhibiting superior resistance to petroleum products and an absence of known carcinogens as well as a method of preparing same is the subject of the present invention. The coating comprises a combination of a water slurry of filler material to which a latex polymer and coupling agent have been added together with a polyphenyl compound to which plasticizer and surfactant have been added. The water slurry comprises 40-60 weight percent water, 15-35 weight percent filler, 1-10 weight percent latex polymer, 0-2.0 weight percent coupling agent and up to 1 percent by weight colorant. The binder base comprises 10-50 weight percent tertiary or higher polyphenyls, 1-6 percent by weight compatible plasticizer, and 0.05 to 1.0 weight percent nonionic high molecular weight polyester surfactant and is heated. After heating, the binder base and water slurry are combined to form the composition of the invention. A thickener, adhesion promoter and bacteriostat may be added to the product.

Abstract: A grass and brush mowing attachment for a fork lift or other front loading machine which is operated hydraulically and which includes forwardly projecting tines. The mowing attachment has a deck with side skirts having runners on their lower edges. Sleeves on the deck receive the tines of the fork lift, and chains are also connected between the deck and the machine. The mowing deck has a blade which is driven by a reversible hydraulic motor that has detachable hose connections with the hydraulic pump on the fork lift. The blade is sharp on both edges and is equipped with pivotal kick back blades on its opposite ends.