Abstract: A microprocessor based system for detecting leaks from underground gasoline storage tanks and the product lines through which the gasoline is pumped to above ground dispensers. Hydrocarbon sensitive probes spaced around the tank in monitoring wells detect gasoline leakage from the tank. Each probe can be independently programmed as to the threshold hydrocarbon concentration considered to be indicative of a leak. Pressure transducers sense the product line pressure and distinguish thermally induced contraction from true leaks by comparing the time required for a preselected pressure drop to occur during successive cycles. A time comparison is also used to detect the presence of excessive air in the product line. An alarm condition sensed by either type of sensor generates audible and visible alarm signals and automatically dials a programmed telephone number. The alarm times and dates are stored in memory and may be called up on the display screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for transporting hazardous materials, especially materials such as biological samples contained in vials. The device comprises an enclosure having a top that locks onto a body section so as to substantially preclude removal of the top after it is in place on the body. The body section includes a tab which can be grasped and pulled along a line of weakness to rip open the device once it reaches its destination. The inside of the enclosure including the top is lined with a resilient material along with a moisture impervious outer liner. The resilient material is preferably highly liquid absorbing and is impregnated with a germicidal/pesticidal substance so that in the unlikely event the container breaks its contents will be absorbed and contained within the protective enclosure.

Abstract: For an inside to outside dust collector, a self tensioning device for bag filters for connecting the upper end of a fabric sleeve filter to an overhead support. The device includes a modified double draw bar spring assembly interposed between the overhead support of the baghouse and the upper end of the bag filter. Prior to installation, the spring is compressed and captured by a retainer member. After installation, the retainer member may be removed and the spring flexed to appropriately tension the filter sleeve and to permit controlled flexure during cycling from a filtering to a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a squirrel guard which prevents squirrels from reaching the bird seed held by the feeder. The squirrel guard is mounted on the base of the feeder and includes roller elements which extend completely around its perimeter. The roller elements are positioned so they must be gripped by the animals, and the elements then rotate to prevent or grip secure enough to allow the animal to climb past the squirrel guard onto the feeder. The guard can also be used by itself to protect posts and trees against climbing animals.

Abstract: A device for protecting a padlock from tampering. The device consists of two separate plate sections which wrap around respective posts of a gate to be padlocked and are secured onto the posts via nut and bolt assemblies. Extending outwardly on the front of each plate section is a semicircular shield which, when the two plates are brought together, will meet the shield on the companion plate and encircle the padlock. On the back side of one plate section is a housing which is also secured to the plate section via a nut and bolt assembly and which receives the shackle of a padlock. To lock the gate (or other similar opening), the padlock shackle is passed through an opening in the plate section, into the housing, and through an opening in the companion plate section. An alternative form of the invention utilizes hinged latch plates secured to the flat portion of a solid door instead of the plate sections of the former embodiment.

Abstract: A cover for a pre-cordial stethoscope provides protection for the stethoscope and reduces external noise contamination. The cover fits closely on the stethoscope body and includes a slot for receiving a tubular fitting which extends from the stethoscope body to transmit the monitored sounds. A shell presenting an internal vacuum chamber may be interposed between the cover and stethoscope body for enhanced noise suppression. Different embodiments of the cover are provided for adult and infant pre-cordial stethoscopes.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump/motor in which working piston elements are arranged for radial reciprocation. A cam is arranged eccentrically to a rotor which carries the pistons. Fluid cavities are provided in feet on the pistons, in the faces of a polygon to which the feet are attacahed, and in bearing pads in the outer ends of the cylinders to provide hydrostatic balancing. The pistons are hollow and are equipped with check valves to prevent centrifugal force from expelling fluid from the polygon and foot cavities. The cam includes mating spherical surfaces which compensate for bending forces applied to the cam. An improved mechanism for adjusting the cam position uses inherent forces to eliminate the need for a power assist device for cam adjustment. Port plates on opposite sides of the rotor provide inlet to the unit near the axis of the unit and outlet near the outer edge to alleviate stresses and increase efficiency.

Abstract: A housing for an industrial baghouse constructed of a plurality of panels having a stiffening element integral with the wall. Each panel is similarily constructed in the shape of an elongated "U". The panels are arranged upright in juxtaposition to, and in an alternating manner with, each adjoining panel. A channel is formed between two adjoining panels by overlapping the ends of each panel with the next adjoining panel. This channel creates a stiffening element to give structural rigidity to the housing wall. A housing wall so constructed can withstand the internal pressure associated with a baghouse.

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle which provides a trailer compartment for transporting horses and other animals and living quarters for humans. A cab has a frame which is connected with the trailer frame by a special connection system that enhances the strength and rigidity of the frame. The cab body and trailer body are welded together with flat steel plates. The vehicle provides a low elevation for the trailer floor to facilitate loading and unloading of animals. Front wheel drive propulsion eliminates the need for a drive line to the rear wheels which would interfere with the low to the ground floor.

Abstract: The combustion efficiency of an internal combustion engine is improved by providing reservoirs in the plenum floor of the intake manifold to collect liquid fuel which precipitates out of the air-fuel mixture. A venturi is mounted in each manifold conduit and is connected with the reservoir by passages which lead to a port in the downstream, low pressure end of the venturi. The air-fuel mixture flowing toward the engine cylinders passes through the venturis and draws the liquid fuel into the flow stream, causing it to atomized into fine droplets that burn more completely in the combustion chambers. A modified form of the invention uses a venturi to receive and effect atomization of liquid fuel from a fuel injector, thus allowing the fuel injector to utilize a relatively large injector port which is less susceptible to clogging than the hair sized ports of conventional fuel injectors.

Abstract: A wind diverter for deflecting incoming wind away from the discharge end of a ventilator fan of the type which ventilates agricultural buildings. The diverter includes a conical wind deflector which is mounted to an exhaust hood of the fan by rigid brackets. The deflector is in line with the exhaust hood and spaced away from its discharge end to permit exhaust of air from the hood. Incoming wind is deflected past the periphery of the deflector to create a low pressure region which assists the discharge of air from the exhaust hood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to work piece holders for use with scroll saws having reciprocating blades. The device is made of integrally molded resinous material having a relatively low coefficient of friction. A first generally planar portion of the holder engages the work piece behind the blade and is integral with opposed forwardly projecting spaced apart feet which engage the work piece on the sides and in front of the blade. A second generally planar portion is spaced away from the first planar portion and adapted to be secured to a stationary arm of the saw. A resilient bridging section couples the first and second planar portions and has a unique ribbed construction which provides the necessary strength while still accommodating a degree of flexure relative to the rigid upper planar portion.

Abstract: An improved actuator for the damper of a ridge vent. The actuator includes coil springs constructed from a shape-memory alloy. The springs are contracted below a selected temperature at which the damper is to open, and the contracted springs maintain the damper closed on its seat. Above the transformation temperature of the springs, they expand and raise the damper off of its seat to an open position for venting of air through the ridge vent.

Abstract: An algorithmic based method and apparatus for registering halftone color separations using edge based registration techniques. Digital pictures are taken at two locations on each film, and, following optimal thresholding of the data, the edges are located by application of a Laplacian of a Gaussian edge detection operator. Sampling is used to reduce the computational requirements, and full resolution is restored by interpolation. The edge locations are corrected for operator edge bias, and the corrected edge points are linked into segments which are registered by the parameter space method. The initial offset is corrected for size differences by application of least squares correction techniques.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing poultry carcasses utilizing ozonated water applicable to a mass poultry processing facility. Ozonated water is produced to a concentration of at least 0.5 parts per million ozone in water and introduced into a trough through which partially processed poultry carcasses can be fully immersed. The trough is equipped with rows of nozzles along the bottom that are directed into the trough to stream jets of ozonated water into the inner body cavity of a poultry carcass and at the back side of the carcass as it moves through the trough. The trough is filled with ozonated water, at a temperature of about 33.degree. F., in addition to the jets of ozonated water from the nozzles. The carcasses are immersed into the trough at a downstream location and move through the trough upstream against the flowing ozonated water. The carcass is placed on a rack that holds the carcass upright while moving through the trough.

Abstract: A fragrance fixative and method of fixation of a fragrance along with a novel fragrance composition constitute the subject matter of the present invention. Phenylxylylethane and phenyltolylethane are known compounds which surprisingly exhibit superior qualities as a fragrance fixative. In addition to being desirable as a fragrance fixative, the compositions according to the invention exhibit desirable olfactory properties in and of themselves and can be useful in providing finishing touches to the bouquet or dominant note of the fragrance. The quantity of fixture utilized in carrying out the method and composition of the invention can vary over a wide range from 1-70% by weight. The fixative compositions can be combined with any known desirable fragrance composition.

Abstract: A fluid delivery manifold especially designed for water systems in buildings and residences is the subject of this invention. The manifold is formed from a plurality of identically configured fittings provided with male and female ends so that like fittings may be frictionally joined without the need for thermal welding. Retaining rods extend the length of a gang of joined fittings and are designed to provide compressive forces to maintain the fittings in sealing relationship. The fittings are joined together in pairs which make an integral unit so that side-by-side hot and cold water manifolds may be presented in one assembly operation. The juncture between the integral pair of fittings is, however, designed to present a line of weakness so that the two fittings may be separated if desired. Each fitting has three equal flat elongated surfaces which are disposed at 90.degree. relative to each other so that fittings may be joined in three different rotational positions.