Abstract: Apparatus for applying fluent material to a moving surface comprising a housing having an elongated continuous opening therein positioned adjacent to and extending generally transversely across the path of a moving surface, a row of rotatable spray heads mounted in the housing for rotation about parallel axes and positioned along the elongated opening to direct fluent material through the elongated opening and onto the moving surface, with next adjacent spray heads rotating in opposite directions to centrifugally discharge fluent material onto the moving surface in multiple overlapping patterns to blend the material in a substantially uniform concentration across the width of the moving surface.

Abstract: A housing assembly for protective support of illuminated glass tubing of the neon tube type comprising a base section, a central section, and a transparent cover section, each having wall portions forming an open sided elongated channel, a support plate mounted in the central section, elongated glass tubing disposed in the cover section and supportably mounted on the support plate in fastening clips, the base, central, and cover sections being formed of resiliently deformable material, such as plastic, and being assembled in snap-fit relation with each other to enclose the open sides of the channels. End caps enclose ends of the cover and central channels and protect the glass tubing and an electrical transformer and wiring disposed therein against weather.

Abstract: Automated pressure relief mattress support system including method and apparatus for supporting a bed patient comprising an air mattress construction having a plurality of longitudinally extending flexible air compartments or tubes which are connected to a pressurized air source and uniformly pressurized to an optimum air pressure to minimize interface surface pressure between a patient and the mattress. The system is of simplified economical construction and can be operated both passively and actively to minimize patient/mattress interface pressures and to roll a patient to right and left side positions, typically to selected angles of up to about 30 degrees for preselected times, with roll position air pressure set points in the mattress air tubes for particular roll angles of the patient being automatically established, based on patient body weight.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating a patient by electrotherapy and fluidized bed thermal therapy. A body portion of a patient is submerged in a fluidizable bed of solid particles, and the bed is selectively fluidized and de-fluidized as desired while controlling the temperature of the bed of solid particles. Electrotherapy treatment is applied to the portion of the body of the patient submerged in the bed of solid particles through electrodes attached to the body part which are connected to an electrical generator which produces radio frequency signals in continuous or modulated modes. The electrotherapy and fluidized bed thermal therapy may be applied consecutively or concurrently to the body part for treatment thereof.

Abstract: A method of modifying surface characteristics, such as hairiness, and trash content by passing a spun yarn through an air jet nozzle. Data show reduced hairiness and improved cleanliness over normally wound yarn.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for immobilizing at least a portion of a domestic animal for treatment in which the portion of the animal is submerged in a fluidized bed of solid particles, and the bed de-fluidized to immobilize the portion of the domestic animal for a desired period of time. The invention may be employed to immobilize a large domestic animal, such as a horse, up to the chest of the animal, for post-operative care, and to immobilize a body portion of an animal, such the leg, for purposes of X-ray photography.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting breakage in a yarn strand being wound onto a yarn support member rotatably driven by a DC motor and having a closed-loop motor control system for maintaining a desired velocity of the motor and for signaling commutation of the phases of the motor during the yarn winding operation. The closed-loop motor control system monitors the signal conduction angles delivered to commutate the phase windings of the motor, detects a sudden minimum preestablished decrease in the monitored conduction angles, and generates a control signal in response to a sudden decrease in the conduction angle resulting from a yarn strand breakage. The control signal may be employed to stop current supply to the motor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for closed-loop microprocessor control of an electric motor having one or more phase windings and commutation of the phases by rotor/stator position sensors to provide improved efficiency in motor operation wherein the conduction angle of a phase energization of the motor at a given speed of operation is measured, the phase advance adjusted in a positive or negative direction to obtain a subsequent conduction angle, and the two sequential conduction angles compared. Based on the comparison, further phase advance and comparison of sequentially measured conduction angles is carried out, in positive or negative directions of phase advance, to maintain a minimum conduction angle and improve operating efficiency of the motor.

Abstract: A brushless DC motor-driven spindle assembly for a textile ring spinning frame wherein a shaft for rotatably supporting a bobbin for yarn collection is mounted for rotation about a central axis of rotation in a bolster section and, under certain conditions of operation, for rotation about axes which are incrementally angularly displaced from the central axis of rotation, and including rotor/stator position detecting elements comprising sensed elements mounted on the motor rotor for rotation therewith and sensing elements mounted in fixed position relative to the rotor and adjacent the path of movement of the sensed elements so as to maintain the same radial distance between the sensing elements and the sensed elements during incremental angular displacement of the axis of rotation of the shaft and motor rotor.

Abstract: A variable reluctance motor having improved means for detecting the relative position of the rotor and stator during rotation of the rotor whereby signals may be employed to commutate the motor, comprising sensed means on the rotor including four sets of elements, each set located within an arcuate length of 90.degree. and each set having two sensed portions with leading edges in the direction of rotation being separated by alternating arcuate lengths of 30.degree. and 60.degree.. Sensing means comprising two sensors arcuately separated by 30.degree. times n wherein n is 1, 2, 4, or 5 are located adjacent the path of rotation of the sensed elements. In a preferred embodiment, the sensed means is a permanent ring magnet having unequal alternating arcuate North and South pole lengths, and the sensing means are two Hall effect sensors. Commutation of a three-phase motor having four rotor poles and six stator poles can thus be effected with the use of only two sensors.

Abstract: Method of producing a calcium nitrate composition, and the resulting composition, for use as a accelerator for time of set for portland cement in concrete and mortars comprising the steps of reacting a calcium ammonium nitrate hydrate composition with a tri- or tetramethylolglycoluril (TMGU) to crosslink with and convert the ammonia present therein into non-reactive, water-soluble components which exist in an aqueous medium at selected conditions of time, temperature, and pH.

Abstract: An improved mechanical joint construction for pivotally interconnecting two members, particularly members of an orthopedic or orthotic body appliance, to limit the degree of pivotal movement between the members and adjustably control the position of limited pivotal movement of the two members; comprising first securement components for attachment to a first appliance member to be interconnected and presenting a generally flat planar surface with pivot pin extending outwardly from the surface and a protrusion on the surface spaced radially from the pivot pin; second securement components for rigid attachment to a second appliance member to be interconnected and comprising an inner peripherally serrated plate with central opening for receipt of the pivot pin to support the inner plate for rotation thereon, an arcuate slot in the inner plate spaced radially from the opening therein and receiving the protrusion for movement between ends of the slot to limit relative rotational movement of the inner plate on the p

Abstract: A recreational device with the shape of a dish or plate that can be manipulated to rotate and track over a bearing surface requiring considerable skill from the user. The dish device includes a platform that is rotatably mounted over a contact plate and a locking mechanism that allows the user to lock the rotation or allow, selectively, to rotate in one direction or the other. The platform in the preferred embodiment has substantially the same diameter as the plate member. In one of the alternate embodiments, however, the platform member has a smaller diameter and a static platform member is added to provide the user with an area that is rigidly mounted to the contact plate member.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for automatically adjustably sealing the exposed end portions of the vacuum slot of a vacuum extractor pipe of vacuum extraction equipment over which a running length of web material is passed for vacuum removal of materials therefrom, comprising an elongate flexible element anchored at one end in fixed position adjacent the end of the vacuum pipe slot with the element extending inwardly of the end to overlie and sealingly engage the end portion of the slot, and fluid-actuated motor means operatively attached to other end of the flexible element for exerting a pulling force thereon to lift the element from sealing engagement with the end portion of the slot.

Abstract: An assembly for adjustably supporting a luminous tube of a neon sign comprising a clamp post having a C-shaped end portion for frictionally engaging and retaining an outer surface of a luminous tube therein, a tubular column telescopically receiving the clamp post into one end thereof for movement along the longitudinal axis of the column, a ball-shaped portion on the other end of the column engageable in a semi-spherical socket of a base for positional adjustment of the column and clamp post within a 360.degree. circle of movement, and means on the base for frictionally gripping a support member to provide positional adjustable support of a luminous tube in spaced relation therefrom. The clamp post, tubular column, and base are preferably formed of molded plastic and engage in snap-fit relation. Spring means are provided in the tubular column to bias the clamp post against movement along the longitudinal axis of the column.