Abstract: A warning device for generating a warning signal when the driver of an over the road tractor-trailer vacates the cab without setting the parking brake. A pressure sensor is used to sense the pressure on the air ride seat and to close an electric switch element whenever the seat is unoccupied. Another switch element is closed when the parking brake is in its release position. The two switch elements are arranged in series with a warning buzzer in a battery powered electric circuit to energize the buzzer if the seat is vacated without the parking brake having been set.

Abstract: A stripping composition which does not contain methylene chloride. Equal parts methylethyl ketone, methanol, toluene, and acetone are mixed together to form the preferred composition. The stripping composition may be packaged in aerosol form using a isobutane and propane mixture as a propellant. In the aerosol formulation, a thickening agent such as Cab-o-sil EH-5, silica and a water washing agent such as Solemulose B ethoxylated emulsifier are added to the formulation.

Abstract: An article for performing solid-phase immunological assays and method for performing assays utilizing the article of the invention. A solid-phase support suitable for immunological assays is stained with an organic dye that has a net-positive charge and a hydrophobic aromatic ring structure. An immunologically reactive component having a net-negative charge is immobilized by the dye to the support through non-covalent interactions. The immunologically reactive component is tightly bound by the organic dye. This is advantageous when performing immunological assays utilizing automated washing instruments. A sample of a biological fluid is added to the article having the immunologically reactive component bound thereto to detect the presence of antigens or antibodies in the biological fluid specific for the bound immunological component. The presence of the antigen-antibody complex may be determined by any known method.

Abstract: An improved mounting bracket for mounting diffusers on submerged air lateral pipes in a waste water treatment system. Each mounting bracket includes a pair of complemental saddle sections which can be clamped securely yet releasably on the air lateral with an outlet spout of the saddle in registration with a discharge port in the bottom of the air lateral. A Tee fitting has a pipe nipple connected with its inlet, and the pipe nipple can be threaded into the outlet spout. Virtually any type of diffuser can be solvent welded to each outlet of the Tee fitting. The mounting bracket surrounds and reinforces the air lateral at the diffuser connection point and takes advantage of relatively large diameter pipe at the threaded connection between the outlet spout and pipe nipple. All parts can be PVC or a similar plastic and can withstand the stresses which are applied because of the structural strength of the diffuser mounting arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the extent of damage to a vehicle body prior to its repair includes first and second means to be coupled with the vehicle body for holding a first string in spaced relationship to the body. First string means is coupled with the first and second string holding means and drawn taut. Third and fourth means adapted to be coupled with the vehicle body on the opposite side from the location of the first and second means is adapted to hold a second string in spaced relationship to the vehicle body. A second string means is drawn taut between the third and fourth holding means. Comparative measurements are then taken between the first string and the undamaged area of the vehicle body which corresponds to the damaged area on the opposite area. Second measurements are taken between the second string and the damaged area of the vehicle body and compared with the first measurements. The amount of damage to the body can then be determined by this comparison.

Abstract: A filtration module of tubular members in series and method of preparing same. The tubules are arranged in series and are joined by a unitary header plate together with a single end plate. This construction eliminates the need for multple components used in the prior art devices thus reducing construction and maintenance costs and opportunities for leakage, and provides for faster and more effective cleaning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reactivating spent granular activated carbon is the subject of this invention. The carbonaceous material is to be activated is fed to a drying zone where it is dried until incoming air and recycle gases fluidize the drying zone thus causing the dried material to be pneumatically conveyed to the regeneration or activation zone. In this zone, the temperature is raised to effect the oxidizing reactions thereby volatilizing at least some of the contaminants while converting residual carbon to carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Some of the produce gases from the drying and regeneration zones are utilized to fluidize both of these zones and the remaining gases are directed to the afterburner where combustibles are consumed. The product gases from the afterburner are then directed to a conditioning zone where combustible fuel is introduced so as to consume any residual oxygen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming reclosable packages for food and other items. The package is formed from webs of thermoplastic material and include a separable fastener strip which is reclosable to permit reclosing of the package. Forming, filling, sealing and cutting stations are included for forming the package. A heater heats the fastener strip while it is under tension prior to application to the webs to straighten the fastener strip for improved alignment and sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in preparing both metal and porcelain dental crowns. The apparatus has a plurality of upright supports and arms coupled therewith that are moved to contact with the tooth opposing the tooth to be crowned in the proper occlusal locations such that when the permanent crown is prepared it has all of the proper occlusal characteristics of the opposing dental structure. The apparatus is intended for use in and with a replica of the patient's dental structures. The apparatus has a plurality of pathways upon which the upright supports may be moved so as to position the supports in the proper contact points. Methods for utilizing the apparatus when preparing metal and porcelain crowns are also provided. A preformed, imitation dental crown having four layers for use in preparing porcelain crowns where each layer corresponds to one of the layers of porcelain or metal necessary to prepare the finished porcelain crown is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for repairing broken stringers of wooden pallets and a method involving the use of the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pair of interconnected jaws having pads mounted on one end with magnets to secure studded repair plates to the pads. A broken stringer is inserted between the pads and the jaws are swung together to imbed the studs in the wood with the plate extending across the break effecting the repair. The pads are provided with limiting pivoting movement to insure proper alignment of the plates with respect to the stringer sides irrespective of the angle of the jaws when the studs contact the wood. A jack is used to adjust the vertical positions of the jaws for convenient use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable exercise device which provides the benefits of working out with free weights. Adjustable foot pads on opposite sides of a central housing accommodate different stance widths and retract to a compact storage position. Right and left reels in the housing receive cords which extend through the foot pads and carry special hand grips. Outward pulling on the cords is resisted by spring packs having clock-type coil springs. The spring packs can be stacked on one another to vary the resistive force applied to the reels. The two resistance systems are independent of one another but are adjusted to the same initial tension by a common cable adjustment mechanism. Attachment of added components allows rowing exercises to be carried out.

Abstract: Apparatus which enhances the load carrying capacity of a dump truck without interfering with dumping of the dump bed. A rigid frame which is added to the back end of the truck includes a beam carrying an axle and a pair of wheels. A hydraulic cylinder pivots the beam between a load bearings position in which the wheels travel on the roadway to bear part of the dump bed load and a raised position in which the beam extends vertically between a pair of side by side tail gates. A hinged door operates in the space between the two tail gates to prevent spillage of the load through the space while accommodating extension of the beam through the space when the dump bed is raised to dump its load. A diverter in the dump bed deflects material away from the space and toward the tail gate openings.

Abstract: A knife gate valve for regulating particular material flow in a pneumatic or vacuum covering system. An actuated, reciprocative gate is mounted within the valve housing on guide bars which define the path of gate movement between open and closed positions. The guide bars seal the side edges of the gate and the adjacent portion of the lower gate surface. A seal plate is loaded by a pair of o-rings to seal against the top gate surface. Transverse seals are accessible for cleaning or replacement through releasable side seal assemblies. Fluid ports allow the transverse seals to be lubricated in place or air purged. The guide bars are cleaned by the gate during closure with the opposed gate surfaces being cleaned by the seal plate and an underlying wiper bar during gate movement. The cleaning actions cooperate with dynamic loading of the various seals to assure a proper seal about the gate upon closure.

Abstract: A waste container cover which can be vertically raised and lowered to open and close the container and rolled to either side from the open position. The cover has special tracks which ride on rollers to allow side to side movement of the cover. When the cover is above the opening, notches in the tracks are in registration with the rollers. A sliding plate in each track can be slid until inclined slots in the plate register with the notch and allow the cover to lower onto the container to tightly seal it closed. Crank and screw mechanisms operate the sliding plates. The cover can be tipped alongside either side of the container and is then supported in a vertical position by hook shaped levers which bear on pins on the container top.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling ventilation of a laboratory fume hood. The face velocity of air entering the fume hood is sensed by a velocity sensor, and a stepping motor controls damper blades in the exhaust duct to normally maintain the face velocity at a nearly constant level. A potentiometer senses the position of a sash that controls the fume hood face opening. When the sash is 40% open or less, the damper blades are adjusted to keep the volume rate of flow through the fume hood nearly constant. An alarm signal is generated if the flow is unduly low. The damper blades are fully opened either if a switch is operated or if the sash is abruptly opened. An unoccupied mode permits reduced air flow when the sash is nearly closed and the laboratory is unoccupied.