Abstract: A bowling ball weighing device is provided for determining weight imbalance between various opposed sides of bowling balls comprising a support stand having two substantially vertically oriented standards supporting a circular cradle freely and pivotally therebetween for free rotation of the cradle about an axis of rotation extending between the standards. The cradle is adapted to receive a bowling ball therein, with the geometric center of a bowling ball lying in a vertical plane which includes the cradle axis of rotation and which divides the ball into opposed sides. An elongate indicator is securely attached to the cradle and registers on an indicia carrying field attached to the support stand the degree of weight imbalance between the opposed sides of the bowling ball.

Abstract: A detachable load carrier for automobile-type vehicles comprises a longitudinal member positioned substantially lengthwise of the vehicle and having a first portion and a second portion. A first connector is provided for detachably mounting the first portion of the longitudinal member to a surface of the vehicle. A rigid upright structure has an upper portion attached to the longitudinal member second portion and a lower portion with a second connector for detachably mounting the upright structure lower portion to one end of the vehicle. The second connector comprises a bracket with a strap for attaching it to a bumper of the vehicle. The strap includes an end attachable to either the bracket or a free edge of the bumper. A platform is attached to the upright structure lower portion and is movable from an extended position with respect to the upright structure for supporting a load thereon to a retracted position adjacent and substantially parallel with the upright structure.

Abstract: A low restriction multiple outlet valve includes a housing having an interior chamber with an inlet opening thereinto, at least two outlets, and a flow directing member. The flow directing member snugly rotates about a portion of the chamber on an axis. The flow directing member also includes at least one aperture therethrough which is spaced from the axis and which is selectively positionable so as to allow flow communication between the inlet and a selected outlet. Preferably, the flow directing member is hemispherical in shape and includes two apertures spaced 90 degrees to each other relative to the axis and the housing includes a pair of outlets spaced 180 degrees from each other relative to the axis. In addition, the valve is normally utilized in conjunction with at least one pressure relief mechanism such as a rupture disc associated with one of the outlets thereof. The valve is normally positioned so as to flow communicate the inlet thereof with the relief device.

Abstract: A protective container for snow skis is provided comprising an elongate body having inner and outer wall members fabricated of a pliable material and which are retained in spaced apart relationship by a resiliently deformable cushion member placed therebetween with the inner wall defining a compartment for receipt of a set of snow skis therein. The inner and outer walls can include therebetween bladders made of an airtight material allowing pressurized air to be forced thereinto to function as the cushioning material. A sock comprising a single layer of pliable material is placed over the snow skis to facilitate the placement of the skis into the container.

Abstract: An integrally formed tamper indicating closure cap for use on a container having a locking shoulder on a neck thereof includes a top wall with a peripheral skirt depending therefrom. Positioned within slots formed in the skirt are tamper tabs having inwardly projecting lugs which engage the shoulder during removal of the cap from the container to thereby cause at least partial separation of the tabs from the cap so as to indicate that the container has been opened. In modified forms of the cap, the cap is manufactured with the lugs in outwardly projecting positions, the lugs subsequently being folded and locked into the inwardly projecting positions.

Abstract: A process is provided for burning refuse containing polyvinyl chloride without the consequent production of phosgene. The refuse is carbonized in a rotary furnace at temperatures below 1200 degrees F., especially 700 degrees F., in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. A burnable gas containing the carbonized refuse is drawn from the furnace by an air jet wherein same is mixed with oxygen and selectively combusted. Uncarbonized refuse is collected and withdrawn after exiting the furnace. An apparatus is provided for combustion of the refuse in the nonphosgene generating process and includes the rotary furnace. Special seals are provided for the furnace to prevent excess oxygen from entering thereinto. In particular, the seals are utilized between the rotary ends of the furnace and stationary head associated with each end respectively.

Abstract: A process is provided for burning refuse containing polyvinyl chloride without the consequent production of phosgene. The refuse is carbonized in a rotary furnace at temperatures below 1200 degrees F., especially 700 degrees F., in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. A burnable gas containing the carbonized refuse is drawn from the furnace by an air jet wherein same is mixed with oxygen and selectively combusted. Uncarbonized refuse is collected and withdrawn after exiting the furnace. An apparatus is provided for combustion of the refuse in the nonphosgene generating process and includes the rotary furnace. Special seals are provided for the furnace to prevent excess oxygen from entering thereinto. In particular, the seals are utilized between the rotary ends of the furnace and stationary head associated with each end respectively.

Abstract: Agents and methods of use thereof for replacing the conventional triglyceridal shortening in yeast-raised bakery products, particularly pan breads, with resulting fresh slice characteristics comprising about 20% by weight succinylated monoglycides, or edible salt derivatives thereof, and a remainder portion of a combination of sodium stearoyl lactylates and calcium stearoyl lactylates. Preferably, the triglyceridal shortening of the bakery products is totally replaced by the agents in powdered form.

Abstract: A valve assembly and a valve member therefor including a fluid passage in the valve assembly with inlet and outlet portions and a valve seat. The valve member includes a valve member face selectively engaging the valve seat and defining a contact area therebetween with an inlet peripheral edge adjacent the passage inlet portion, and an outlet peripheral edge adjacent the passage outlet portion. An inlet pressure relief groove extends along one of the valve seat and the valve member face from the inlet peripheral edge to an interior portion of the contact area. An outlet pressure relief groove extends along one of the valve seat and the valve member face from the outlet peripheral edge to an interior portion of the contact area. The contact area includes a continuous sealing portion whereat the valve seat and the valve member face are in engagement for preventing fluid flow from the passage inlet portion to the passage outlet portion with the valve member in its closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus therefor for providing an individual a magnified view of the manual manipulations of the individual, particularly those of a surgeon during surgery. Video cameras are provided for viewing the manual manipulations of the individual. Electric signals representing an image of the manual manipulations are transmitted to a video screen placed in optical alignment with eyes of the individual. The image viewed by the individual is selectively magnified and focused by the individual. An image other than that of manual manipulations of the individual can be transmitted to and projected on the video screen to provide the individual with additional visual information.

Abstract: A floating knife assembly is provided to be used in conjunction with a meat defatting machine to trim a portion of a layer of fat from a piece of meat while leaving a desired thickness of fat layer thereon.The knife assembly includes a gauge plate which engages the piece of meat, riding on an upper surface thereof as the meat is urged toward the knife. The gauge plate and knife are mounted on a linkage system which allows the gauge plate and knife to float upwardly or downwardly. The distance between the knife and gauge plate is selectively adjustable to accommodate pieces of meat of different thickness.

Abstract: A light emitting mounting bracket is provided for a handrail arrangement. The bracket comprises a body portion which supports the handrail on an associated wall and which has a cavity therein which contains a light emitting source and provides access to associated wall fasteners. A translucent lens is wedgedly and flushly mounted on the bracket so as to give the appearance of being molded therewith, thereby presenting a clean profile.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic device is provided which includes a fluid holding and U-shaped conduit having a first leg and a second leg, an electrical generating device positioned between and in flow communication with the first and second legs and being motivated by passage of the fluid therethrough, and injection means for injecting a substance of substantially less density relative to the normal density of the fluid within the second leg and at a location spaced below the top end of the first leg. The second leg diverges substantially where the low density substance is injected thereinto so as to accommodate expansion of the fluid occasioned by injection of the low density substance thereinto.

Abstract: A suspension mount is provided for suspending a light bulb in a lamp housing for use on vehicles, which mount inhibits the transmission of vibrations to the filaments in the light bulb. The mount is molded of a resilient material and comprises a light bulb receiving cup integrally formed with and suspended between two arms which support the mount on an associated housing. The arms are generally trapezoidal in plan view and have triangular recesses formed therein. Tubular members, having apertures therein, are formed in free ends of each arm. The tubular members fit over pegs extending outwardly from a surface of the lamp housing such that the mount is retained spaced apart from the housing surface.

Abstract: The decelerating movement of a vehicle during a skid test is sensed by an accelerometer which provides an analog signal representative of the deceleration to a computer where the analog signal is periodically sampled and converted into a digital deceleration signal for storing in a computer memory. Alternatively, the decelerating movement of the vehicle may be sensed by a radar speed detector providing digital signals representative of the initial speed and final speed of a time increment to a computer processor which records and stores the digital speed signals in computer memory to be later recalled to produce a digital deceleration signal. The computer processor effects storing of the digital deceleration signals in the computer memory at the beginning of a skid test when the magnitude of the signals exceeds a predetermined threshold level as sensed by a threshold level detector or, alternatively, when a mercury position switch is operated by the deceleration force.

Abstract: A gas producing and handling system is provided comprising a rigid reservoir enclosure containing a continuous and variable supply of gaseous fuels and a suitable engine capable of utilizing the total amount of fuel provided by the gas supply for producing electrical energy. The gas supply comprises an anaerobic digester adapted to receive organic waste and which is in gaseous flow communication with the engine. The engine has a supply regulated throttle responsive to gaseous pressure in the anaerobic digester. Upon the increased production of gas such that the gaseous pressure in the digester increases, the throttle regulator controls the throttle setting of the engine to increase the output of the engine to fully use the gas supplied by the digester, thereby eliminating the need for auxiliary gas storage devices.

Abstract: A submersible vehicular lamp assembly comprises a base plate, an elastomeric lens base and a lens body. A lip member extends from lens body side walls and is snugly received within a groove formed in a surface of the elastomeric lens base to form a sealed, watertight inner cavity. A light bulb is resiliently mounted in the inner cavity to dampen the bulb from road induced vibrations, shocks and the like. Associated wiring for the lamp assembly passes through apertures in the lens base which are smaller than the thickness of the individual wires to prevent entry of water, dust, and other damaging elements.