Abstract: Apparatus for producing metal powders by atomization, the apparatus including melting means for melting the material to be atomized, an atomizing enclosure in which a dispersion head rotating at high speed is disposed to scatter the molten material in atomized form, means for cooling the atomized material and the head, and means for collecting the cooled powder material obtained in this way, said melting means including at least one vertical inductive plasma furnace producing an envelope of plasma-generating gases containing the top face of the dispersion head, and said cooling means comprising both a first series of members for dispensing a cooling fluid disposed in the top portion of the atomizing enclosure to create a cold zone at the periphery of the envelope, and a second series of members for circulating a cooling fluid disposed in the bottom portion of the enclosure to create a cold zone at the bottom face of the head.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a partially miscible solvent from a contaminated water stream. The apparatus includes a fully enclosed containment vessel having an internal volume bounded by a plurality of walls which define the width, length and height of the internal volume. Devices for feeding the contaminated water, for discharging a solvent rich vapor stream, and for discharging a purified water stream are provided. A dam separates the internal volume into a phase separation zone and a falling film stripping zone with the dam located proximate one end of the internal volume. The dam includes a wall sealably disposed across the entire width of the internal volume and extended upward to a terminal location a distance from the bottom of the internal volume over a portion of the height of the internal volume. In use, the dam determines and maintains a maximum liquid level in the phase separation zone.

Abstract: An applique for affixation to a surface of a video game cartridge. The applique is a thin profile sheet so that, when it is affixed to the game cartridge, it does not appreciably alter the dimensions of the cartridge. The applique is provided with a first side on which indicia is printed and spaces are provided where information can be recorded with respect to the highest score achieved by a player playing the game. The first surface of the applique can be plasticized so that information can be written in the appropriate locations and erased once a particular high score is surpassed. An opposite side of the applique is provided with an adhesive to effect affixation of the applique to the game cartridge body.

Abstract: An electrode belt assembly for positioning an electrically conductive electrode against the body member of a patient, particularly an infant, includes a flexible web belt having a plurality of apertures therein and an electrode pad assembly that can be selectively positioned in a desired aperture. The electrode pad assembly includes a disk pad having a receptacle that is received within a selected aperture in a form fit and a lead probe assembly receivable within the receptacle. The receptacle presents a probe receiving channel oriented generally parallel to the surface of the belt. The engagement of the disk pad and lead probe assembly with the opposed surfaces of the belt, together with the form fit of the receptacle within a selected aperture, provide for a secure positioning of the electrode pad on the belt.

Abstract: A game card for playing rounders or bingo. The game card comprises a matrix having a plurality of polygons interfitted to define a multiplicity of intersections formed by adjacent angular portions of contiguous polygons. Each angular portion of a polygon carries a number or a blank with no number. Alternatively, the game card may also be used for promotional purposes by covering the intersections and numbers surrounding the intersections with a removable opaque coating.

Abstract: A drain system for adapting the drain/extraction plumbing of a front-loading washing machine which includes an agitator drum mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, means for driving the drum in rotation about the axis during the various cycles of the machine, and a drain pipe extending downward from the agitator drum and disposed to convey a water/suds mixture vacated from the agitator drum away from the drum. The system includes a conduit into which the water/suds mixture is conveyed from the drain pipe. The conduit is oriented generally horizontally with a first end of the conduit intersecting, and being in fluid communication with, the distal end of the drain pipe. The water/suds mixture, as it is channeled through the conduit, separates into a water component and a suds component floating on the water component. The system includes a water scavenger line and a suds duct, both of which diverge and extend from the second end of the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piezoelectric resonator having adherent or non-adherent electrodes, the piezoelectric crystal comprising a central portion and a peripheral portion forming a ring that surrounds the central portion and that is connected thereto by an intermediate portion in which a slot is formed, the peripheral portion being connected to the central portion by a single connection bridge constituted by a non-slotted portion of said intermediate portion that extends over a small fraction of the periphery of said intermediate portion. The central portion constitutes the active vibrating portion of the crystal and the peripheral portion is held in the box by fastening means disposed in such a manner as to be thermally as remote as possible from the single connection bridge. The secured portion and the bridge constitute means for suspending the crystal.

Abstract: A system for calibrating the input tray of an integrated circuit handling device for temperature. The system includes a plurality of fixed sensors mounted at locations along the input tray of the handling device. The fixed sensors serve to sense temperatures within defined zones corresponding to the locations at which the fixed sensors are positioned. Various heaters are also included, and these heaters adjust temperature within the defined zones in response to temperature readings sensed by the fixed sensors. Each of a plurality of thermocouple sensors is received within an integrated circuit body. Such an IC body-carried thermocouple sensor is positionable at a location along the input tray of the handling device at a location closely proximate the location of a fixed sensor. Such thermocouple sensors serve to sense the actual temperature to which an IC passing along the input tray would be exposed as it passes through a zone defined by a corresponding fixed sensor.

Abstract: A one-piece back support for a chair. The support includes a substantially integral backing member having a front side, a back side, and top and bottom edges. The backing member defines, on its front side, a substantially vertical, concave channel. The channel communicates with the bottom edge of the backing member and terminates proximate the center of the backing member. The channel is sized and shaped to receive a "T"-shaped support member so that the backing member is supported by the support member. The backing member, in view of the manner of mounting, can be pivoted about the support member, the channel including laterally extending notches. Such notches project from the main channel portion at its end generally centrally located within the backing member. The "T" portion of the support member is, thereby, received within the channel and notches. The support also includes means to limit the extent to which the backing member can be pivoted with respect to the support member.

Abstract: A chip removing device used in an electro-discharge machining using a discharge electrode. The device comprising a lower plate adapted to be disposed to the surface of the workpiece to be machined, an upper plate having an inner surface defining a cavity, and a machining oil chamber adapted to communicate with a gap defined between a discharge electrode and the portion of workpiece machined by the discharge electrode and supply machining oil under pressure thereto. The machining oil chamber is defined by the cavity and the outer surface portion of the discharge electrode exposed to the cavity as the discharge electrode penetrates the upper plate and the lower plate during the electro-discharge machining. A nipple is also provide for communicating with the machining oil chamber and supplying machining oil under pressure from a machining oil supply thereto. As machining oil under pressure is supplied to the gap, the removal of chip is effectively achieved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical connector housing for mounting a plurality of connector elements. Such a housing mounts elements to be engaged by corresponding contacts of an integrated circuit device which are disposed in an array. The method includes the steps of providing a block made of an appropriate material such as a polyamide. The block provided has a relatively thin wall which is defined by two oppositely facing surfaces. Typically, the thickness of the wall is less than about 0.15 inches. A trough, generally conforming in size and shape to the size and shape of the contact array of the integrated circuit, is formed in at least one of the two oppositely facing, spaced surfaces defining the wall. Such a trough is intended to receive a connector element support. In manufacturing the housing for mounting the connector elements, each trough is filled with a rod, generally conforming in cross-section to a cross-section of the trough.

Abstract: A safety window for a car which is capable of being automatically moved to its window closing position when the car speed exceeds a predetermined speed. The safety window comprises a control device for controlling the operation of the power window, which comprises a sensor for detecting a car speed, a comparator for comparing the car speed with a predetermined window closing car speed, and a power supply circuit for supplying the reference voltage to the comparator in an automatic window operation mode. The power supply circuit includes a select switch provided with a manual operation contact and an automatic operation contact, a reference voltage generator connected to the automatic operation contact and adapted to generate the reference voltage in the automatic window operation mode, and a limit switch adapted to send selectively the reference voltage from the reference voltage generator to the comparator.

Abstract: The tent includes an inflatable frame which, when it is not inflated, is flaccid. The frame is continuous and is defined by a generally-tubular member. The frame includes segments which define a floor-forming portion and a pair of oppositely-facing, wall-forming portions. Means are provided to inflate the frame, when desired, to impart a measure of rigidity thereto. A fabric enclosure is provided to surround the frame. At least one substantially-rigid, elongated member is provided for insertion between frame segments defining the pair of oppositely-facing, wall-forming portions of the frame. Those portions are, thereby, maintained at a desired distance from one another.

Abstract: An improved distillation device (1) which uses a combination of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps to purify raw liquid in an area of limited space. The device (1) includes evaporation assembly (2) having a boiling chamber (5), a valve and float switches (15, 16, 17) for maintaining the liquid level (20) in the boiling chamber (5) at a predetermined level, and connecting conduit (21) for directing vapor to a condensation apparatus (3). The condensation assembly (3) includes a condensation chamber (6), a collection chamber (7), and at least one bubble tube (22) connecting the two chambers (6, 7). Leading from the collection chamber (7) is first transfer conduit (50), a tube (51) for permitting vapor to bleed from the collection chamber (7) back to condensation chamber (6), and second transfer conduit (52) for returning only distillate from collection chamber (7) to condensation chamber (6) to cool condensation chamber (6).

Abstract: A plate device (22) and method for manually sharpening clipper blades (12). The plate (22) has an upper, rough sharpening surface (20) to which an abrasive sharpening compound (28) is applied. The compound (28) is applied as a thin film (32) covering substantially the full rough sharpening surface (20). A plurality of annular, concentric troughs or recesses (34) are formed in the surface (20). Compound (28) in excess of that necessary to form the thin film (32) can seep into these recesses (34). The rough sharpening surface (20) is domed to form a convex processing surface (20).

Abstract: A device for identifying a specific station, among a plurality of geographically-dispersed stations represented by a common phone number and serviced by a common PBX, which has initiated an emergency "9-1-1" telephone call. The specific station having initiated the call is identified to the appropriate public safety answering point (PSAP) which is connected in an enhanced "9-1-1" emergency call network. Typically, the PSAP and PBX have different protocols. The device functions to convert the protocol of the PBX to the protocol of the emergency call network. Further, it assigns an arbitrary designation representing the specific station identified as having initiated the emergency call. Further, the invention transmits the arbitrary designation to the appropriate PSAP for responding to the call.

Abstract: A tool for use in conjunction with a firearm to facilitate the performance of various functions with regard to the firearm. The tool includes a cartridge case simulator which is mounted at a distal end of a tubular rod. The end of the simulator opposite an end at which a bullet is to be positioned for subsequent identification of a desired location relative to an intended corresponding cartridge case is provided with an aperture, and an axial passage in the simulator, thereby, communicates with an axial duct in the tubular rod, the rod and simulator being axially aligned. A gauge shaft is disposed for reciprocal movement along the axial aligned passage and duct. A distal end of the shaft is intended to engage the base of a bullet so that the bullet can be urged to a desired axial position relative to a mouth of the cartridge case simulator.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in integrating multiple glass panels into a latticed-type structure (e.g., a door or window). The structure is a light-admitting, unified entity and includes a muntin which is positioned between two adjacent, coplanar glass panels. The Muntin carries a flange which is generally parallel to a plane defined by the glass panels, the flange being in engagement with first sides of the panels. A cap is positioned overlying the Muntin on a side of the glass panels opposite that on which the flange is disposed. The cap is positioned immediately adjacent, and in engagement with, second sides of the glass panels. Structure is provided to secure the cap to the Muntin in a manner such that visible surfaces of the cap and the flange are not marred. Securement is effected in a manner so that the glass panels are sandwiched between the cap and flange.