Abstract: Wooden members are joined with sheet metal connector plates having integrally struck teeth projecting from one side. The wooden members are placed between first and second pressheads. A coiled composite of connector plate stock has first and second lengths of connector stock in juxtaposition and with intermeshing teeth. The first and second lengths of connector stock are unwound separately and oriented so that the teeth thereof point toward the wooden members to be joined. A cutting means associated with the pressheads cut connector plates from the stock and the plates are positioned on opposite sides of the wooden members and at the junctures to be joined. The pressheads press the plates into the wooden members. The connector stock is provided as a free coil and has the advantage that no spool, reel, or like supporting device is required. Further, the composite of connector stock has no teeth projecting from outer surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A method of laying an offshore pipeline employs a pipe laying vessel with a fixed stern ramp and includes repeated steps of launching pipe while allowing pipe tension to drop between safe limits. Fresh pipe sections are welded on during the forward movements of the vessel.

Abstract: A combined refrigerated display case and walk-in cooler wherein an improved refrigeration system combines a single air circulation means and two distinct refrigeration units, a first refrigeration unit dispersing refrigerated air for a plurality of air curtains travelling across an access opening provided at the front of the display case portion of the combination, a second refrigeration unit dispersing refrigerated air rearwardly to the walk-in cooler portion of the combination. The front access opening provides unimpeded access to the refrigerated space of the display case. Support means are provided between the walk-in cooler portion and display case portion extending between a lower surface of the refrigeration system and the floor for carrying shelves associated with the refrigerated display case portion of the combination.

Abstract: An improved change of phase refrigeration system utilizing low compressor head pressures to maximize compressor efficiency, employing a relatively low temperature cooling medium to cool refrigerant gases, using a metering device which is operable at a relatively low pressure differential to feed condensate to the evaporator coil and providing additional controls to temporarily increase head pressure and thus condensate temperature when such increased temperature is needed for heat recovery or gas defrost. Because the proposed refrigeration system employs condensate at a relatively low temperature it may be necessary to enlarge the supply line for liquid refrigerant running from the condenser to the metering device to minimize evaporation of the condensate in the supply line. Further, it may be preferable to insulate the liquid refrigerant line so as to minimize premature evaporation of condensate in that line.

Abstract: An expansion seal for use with a product pipeline which extends through a larger casing is disclosed. The seal may also be adapted to function as a coupling if a leak occurs in the product pipeline. The device comprises a cap having an axial opening to receive a sleeve which then surrounds the pipeline. The periphery of the cap is adapted to be welded to the casing end. The sleeve defines an internal circumferential recess which contains packing, and the sleeve carries means for compressing the packing into sealing engagement between the pipeline and sleeve. The device may function as a coupling by welding the sleeve to the pipeline.

Abstract: The forward movement of a pipe-laying vessel when laying pipe offshore is controlled to maintain the position of the pipe as laid on the sea bed as close as possible to the desired track. The position of the touch down point on the sea bed of the pipeline suspended from the vessel is measured at periodic intervals by driving a survey vessel fitted with an echo location device along the already laid line. The measured position of a touch down point is compared with the desired track and any deviation is computed. Further movements of the pipe-laying vessel are adapted to minimize this deviation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for automatically synchronizing incoming digital data with a local clock. Incoming clock pulses are compared with the local clock pulses after being delayed by a sufficient amount to produce synchronization between the incoming and local clock pulses. The incoming data pulses are delayed by the same amount as the incoming clock pulses so that they too are synchronized with the local clock. Both digital delays are variable and may be used to provide both fractional clock period delays or multiple clock period delays for accurate synchronization over a relatively long communications cycle.

Abstract: A commercial refrigerator, having an open front display section and a rear storage section in which first air circulating fans draw air from the storage section and propells it through refrigeration coils to a bifurcated conduit for which directs at least some refrigerated air propelled by the first fans through the refrigeration coils along a first path directly into the storage section and for directing other refrigerated air propelled by the first fans through the coils along a second path directly across the open front of the display section to form an inner air curtain; return fans are provided for directing the downstream end of the inner air curtain along the floor of the display section and into the storage section; a second set of air circulating fans are provided in a further conduit for directing air around the exterior of the storage and display sections and across the access opening to form an outer air curtain; and a divider is provided which separates the display and storage sections, the divid

Abstract: An improved method for handling and transporting thermoplastic materials such as chewing gum base is disclosed. Chewing gum base, formulated as a hot viscous blend, is initially extruded and then pelletized. The pellets are subsequently cooled in a liquid medium such as water. Instead of drying the pellets and coating the pellets with a lubricating powder for packaging and shipment, a slurry of the cooling medium and pellets is conveyed to bulk containers or railroad tank cars for transport to the customer-user, a chewing gum manufacturer. By transporting in a liquid the tendency of the tacky pellets to agglomerate is eliminated, and the prior steps of drying and coating the pellets with a lubricating power are unnecessary. The customer-user, in the case of chewing gum base, furthermore, does not have to separate agglomerated pellets before use, and the pellets need only be strained and conveyed directly to a blender for formulation into chewing gum compositions.

Abstract: A protective, retaining device for shelf items stored in refrigerated or unrefrigerated enclosures to protect the items from spilling or breakage when the enclosure is jarred or moved is disclosed. The device of this invention is particularly adapted for use in recreational vehicles. The device consists of parallel, mutually spaced rods interconnected by at least one support. Each of said rods telescopes, and is longitudinally adjustable and spring-loaded. In addition, each rod has a skid resistant foot at either end so that the device may be mounted between opposed structural walls to retain objects on storage shelves while permitting access to the objects without removal of the retaining device of this invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snap action circuit breaker with a compact one piece steel frame in a two part, telescoping molded circuit breaker case. The compact construction is combined with a symmetrical toggle actuator to provide a pleasing appearance suitable for mounting at readily accessible and visible locations on the front of an instrument panel. A variety of handle constructions are usable with the same basic mechanism. By providing a snap actuated contact construction with substantial overcurrent trip delay the device combines the best features of modern manual switches and circuit breakers so that it is in effect a manual switch with nuisance free over-current trip protection.

Abstract: Microcrystalline 3-(alpha-acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxy coumarin (warfarin), having a crystal size not greater than 4.0 microns, is stable for long periods of time, is advantageous in that it is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and thus provides a highly desirable level of bioavailability not previously possible. It is crystallized from a buffered alkaline solution of warfarin by acidification thereof. Compositions thereof are useful for anticoagulant and rodenticide purposes, and methods of making such compositions and of using the new microcrystalline form of warfarin for such purposes are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved stirrer for homogenizing glass in a forehearth of a glass furnace. It comprises a paddle having both upwardly and downwardly slanting holes that is reciprocated in the manner of a hoe back and forth across the forehearth. A novel drive linkage causes the paddle to raise and lower as it passes back and forth to produce a clawing action for better mixing.

Abstract: The sea sled includes a pair of pontoons mounting depending rollers for straddling a pipeline disposed on the sea bottom. Water jets fluidize the sea bottom to form a trench in which the pipeline settles. The slurry formed by the water jets is removed from the trench by the eductor system which includes a pair of conduits each having a suction inlet at its lower end for location within the trench, a discharge at its upper end, a pair of pump nozzles each having an inlet external to the associated conduit and an outlet within the conduit directed toward the corresponding discharge, and a pair of primary nozzles, the outlet ends of which respectively project into the inlet ends of the pump nozzles. A high pressure, low volume, fluid is pumped from the surface through the jet nozzles. Ambient fluid is entrained with the high pressure, low volume fluid emanating from the jet nozzles in the respective pump nozzles to deliver low pressure, high volume fluid to their corresponding discharges.

Abstract: This invention relates to new and useful brush making apparatus which allows the manufacture of a wide variety of different type brush constructions having flared tufts. The apparatus is capable of picking, trimming and assembling all the synthetic filament tufts required in a tufted brush construction simultaneously and fusing the tufts at different angles from one another onto a separate substrate. The apparatus comprises a filament stock box for dispensing cut-to-length synthetic filament, a new and improved picking element containing movable means for changing the parallel attitude of at least two adjacent picker tubes, melting means for fusing one end of the synthetic filament, and mounting means for attaching fused filament ends onto a substrate.

Abstract: A multi-function LED wristwatch in which all the required functions may be performed with the use of only two push button switches. These switches are time demand for displaying hours, minutes and seconds and date demand for alternatively displaying day of month, month of year, AM or PM of time, and day of week. They also perform all the setting functions for these displays and through sequential button depression and digital logic circuits, five of the functions, namely hours, minutes, day of the month, month of the year, and day of the week may be set independently.

Abstract: An open well type refrigerated display case for low temperature application having reverse flow of refrigerated air access the access opening in the top of the display case to produce the lowest temperatures toward the front of the display case. Multiple horizontal air bands are circulated across the opening provided in the top of the display case to dissipate radiant heat impinging on the product displayed in the case, with the inner air band being refrigerated and the outer air band being partially refrigerated and dehumidified. Dehumidification of the outer air band is achieved by aluminum fins provided in a lower portion of the duct work which conducts the outer air band.

Abstract: The tow line system permits a determination of the direction and magnitude of tow line forces on the underwater tow. The response of the underwater tow to the tow line forces is also monitored. The system is adaptable to any system capable of measuring forces and angles remotely and transmitting these values to the surface by means of electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic signals. The underwater tow can be any object which responds to the force of gravity and which is directed by one or more tow lines. The system consists of symmetrically placed horizontal and vertical load cells, two each in number, at the base of an isosceles triangle formed by a chain or cable tow bridge, the vertex of which is connected by means of another cable or chain or combination thereof to the tow vessel which also houses the display console.

Abstract: A press which is suitable for use in fabricating wooden trusses is disclosed, wherein the press includes a lower stationery press platen and an upper moveable press platen opposing the lower press platen. Bellcranks are mounted on the lower press platen supporting structure on opposite sides of the press. A transfer bar interconnects the upper ends of the bellcranks. A hydraulic cylinder connects the moveable, upper press platen and a bellcrank. Guide rods are provided to guide the moveable upper press platen during vertical movement above the lower press platen.The press exerts substantial pressures upon the trusses or the like being pressed between the platens, while maintaining the platens in a generally parallel relationship, in spite of uneven press loading.

Abstract: Preventive as well as therapeutic treatment to alleviate the symptoms of diseases characterized by defects in keratinization consisting of the topical application of a solution, lotion, cream or shampoo containing one or more of the .alpha.-hydroxy or .alpha.-keto acid amides and/or ammonium salts is disclosed. The compounds include amide and/or ammonium salt forms of citric acid, glycolic acid, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucuronolactone, gluconolactone, .alpha.-hydroxybutyric acid, .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyric acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, pyruvic acid, .beta.-phenyllactic acid, .beta.-phenylpyruvic acid, saccharic acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid and .beta.-hydroxybutyric acid. The therapeutic composition may include one or more of the compounds present in a total amount of from 1 to 20 percent. Topical application to affected areas has been found to achieve from a substantial to a complete remission of dandruff and acne.