Abstract: A fluidized bed charcoal particle production system, including apparatus and method, wherein pieces of combustible waste, such as sawdust, fragments of wood, etc., are continuously disposed within a fluidized bed of a pyrolytic vessel. Preferably, the fluidized bed is caused to reach operating temperatures by use of an external pre-heater. The fluidized bed is situated above an air delivery system at the bottom of the vessel, which supports pyrolysis within the fluidized bed. Charcoal particles are thus formed within the bed from the combustible waste and are lifted from the bed and placed in suspension above the bed by forced air passing upwardly through the bed. The suspended charcoal particles and the gaseous medium in which the particles are suspended are displaced from the vessel into a cyclone mechanism where the charcoal particles are separated. The separated charcoal particles are quenched with water to terminate all further charcoal oxidation.

Abstract: A method for preventing the accidental activation of controls both electrical and mechanical such as switches, buttons, levers, triggers, etc. This consists of requiring the user to activate the control two or more times within a predesignated time period (usually very short) before the control will perform its control function. The method can be used for safety purposes such as preventing firearm triggers from being tripped accidentally and turning machines on by mistake. Or it can be used for convenience such as with a lamp that will only turn on or off when a physical object such as a hand is placed near it twice or more within a short time span. It is ideal, as mentioned above, for making proximity switches more practical because they no longer can be triggered accidentally with ease as is possible in their present forms. One electrical means of performing this method is shown and described in this patent application, but many means can be used.

Abstract: A power unit for medical and like stools and chairs, the first disclosed power unit comprising a post assembly comprising a cylinder, a ram or piston tube which telescopes within the cylinder and a reservoir containing oil under pressure of compressed air, which reservoir is carried by and wrapped slenderly and cylindrically around the lower part of the ram. A dip tube in the reservoir accommodates oil flow across a two piece interiorly and exteriorly sealed plastic control valve disposed in the hollow of the ram, adjacent the top of the reservoir, by which (a) the effective length of the power unit is extended and retracted depending on whether the weight of the user is imposed on a seat carried by the upper end of the ram tube when the control valve is caused to be opened by manual manipulation of a lever pivotally secured to the ram tube above the control valve and (b) any selected length is retained when the control valve is closed.

Abstract: A system comprising a method and apparatus by which a double cone dispenser causes discharge of granular or particulate materials from a vessel at a uniform rate across the entire cross section of the vessel. In one form, the invention comprises a fluidized bed vessel which was a tramp removal and bed recirculation system associated therewith, which system comprises a novel dual cone apparatus at the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus and method for remotely starting an internal combustion engine, the apparatus being simplified and having transmitting circuitry issuing a predetermined set of coded signals, selectively enabling receiving circuitry and receiver control circuitry by which the engine is remotely started and accessories remotely actuated.

Abstract: A police restraint device utilizing the principle of the second class lever and method of making the device, the device in its disclosed form comprising a presently preferred arm clamp having two rigid elongated handles or sticks, adapted to be held and manipulated manually, with a single strong flexible cord or rope of predetermined length spanning between and integrally joining the distal ends of the handles one to the other. Each end of the cord is snugly enclosed within a crimped metal cap or sleeve which in turn is snugly inserted in a blind bore at the distal end of the associated stick and pin-secured in that position.

Abstract: A filtering cell through which milk from each cow of a herd is caused to pass for immediate detection of mastitis. Milk from the different teats of each animal is combined and passed through the filtering device which comprises a housing and a filter through which the milk passes. A light producing device is located on one side of the filter and a photoelectric cell on the other side. Thus, any decreased flow of light through the filter caused by the collection of a white clotted material from the milk infected by mastitis will be optically identified. If desired, a signal device may be used to notify the on-site operator of the existence of mastitis. The housing comprises two funnel shaped pieces which are connected to each other by a hinge. The suction of the mechanical milking machine holds the two halves together during use. A valve is closed to retrieve the suction and accommodate opening the housing via the hinge. An overflow passageway is provided in the event the filter becomes clogged.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fluidized bed incineration of waste containing phosphorus wherein the bed comprises lime or limestone which negates heretofore existing problems incident to the presence of phosphorus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fluidized bed incineration of waste containing phosphorus wherein the bed comprises lime or limestone which negates heretofore existing problems incident to the presence of phosphorus.

Abstract: Hydrofoil swim fin assemblies, each assembly comprising a streamlined foot housing and a separate hydrofoil blade mechanism which is pivotably connected to the foot housing so that by rotation the angle of attack of the blade is reversed between each up and each down leg stroke of the swimmer. Furthermore, the sail portion of the blade mechanism is flexed at the beginning of each stroke, so as to be convex on the top and concave on the bottom during the down-stroke and visa versa during the up-stroke. Thus, the forward propulsion of the swimmer is enhanced by hydrofoil action during both the up and the down strokes.

Abstract: A one-man portable multi-purpose construction table comprising an elevated frame supported on floor engaging legs. Three horizontal platform sites or table areas at staggered elevations accommodate central mounting of a lower miter saw having a workpiece receiving surface which is horizontally aligned with the other two higher platform sites for workpiece stability. Each of the higher platform sites comprise a hinged plate for releasably mounting a portable power router, a portable power saw or the like at the underside of the plate. A circuit and exposed switches are used to cause electrical power to be selectively delivered to any desired tool receiving site.

Abstract: An energy-time conserving low cost home pressure cooking system for canning, sterilizing and cooking food and the like, comprising method and apparatus, the illustrated apparatus comprising a pressure cooker having a short lower body or vessel and an elongated upper lid, sealed and releasably secured together when assembled at a relatively low elevation by fasteners locked and sealed (at a single annular seal site) and unlocked and unsealed at said low elevation merely by relative rotation of the body and the lid, a vented platform disposed a short distance above a small amount of water in a shallow reservoir in a lower compartment of the body of the pressure cooker, thus accommodating rapid generation of steam, when heated, which passes through the platform vents, accumulates at the top of the upper compartment and enlarges downwardly, with the air being efficiently exhausted substantially exclusive of steam, through an air escape-steam trap valved port in the side of the body of the pressure cooker just abo

Abstract: A bathtub comprising a body having an insulated interior, preferably wood or pressed wood fibers bonded together by a suitable adhesive, an exposed exterior covering of fiberglass, plastic or the like with a non-skid impervious surface. The body comprises a uniquely configurated concavity or well adapted to comfortably receive the body of any size person and to conserve water while entirely covering the body, with the exception of the head. The well comprises opposed peanut-shaped vertical sidewalls each having an inwardly extending non-splash lip. A contoured area between the sidewalls runs from the front to the back of the tub in the well. The front of the mentioned area comprises a vertical front end wall which merges into a generally horizontal front bottom area which accommodates a standing position by the user when the bathtub is used for showering.

Abstract: Exchangeable key covers, and a related system and method, each key cover at least partially enclosing the proximal end of a hotel or like key, each cover being preferably formed of synthetic resinous material, such as polyethylene, and removably force-fit over the proximal end of the key to display room identification indicia and, if desired, other indicia, whereby no key interconnecting chains, tags or the like are required and the key covers are easily and accurately exchanged between keys in correspondence with rotation of the locks.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a vortex tube for separating isotopes. A gas mixture containing the isotopic molecules, with or without a carrier gas, enters the vortex tube under pressure and is separated into a hot discharge flow stream and a cold discharge flow stream. The hot discharge is enriched in lighter isotopic molecules whereas the cold discharge flow stream is enriched in the heavier isotopic molecules. The vortex tube can be used in a single stage or multistage isotope separation apparatus. An electromagnetic beam may be used in conjunction with one or more vortex tubes to selectively and simultaneously excite the vibrational mode of other than the major isotopic components.

Abstract: A relatively flat and entirely portable can lid removing device comprising can end retaining structure which permits relative rotation of the can and the lid removing device, a can lid cutter which cuts the lid from the remainder of the can during the mentioned relative rotation and creates no sharp edges or burrs in the process, so that the remainder of the can may be used as a container, e.g. a drinking can.

Abstract: An intravenous needle assembly and an associated manufacturing method, wherein the needle assembly comprises a hypodermic needle attached to a hub at its trailing end, a transparent blood detection chamber integral with the hub, a catheter disposed around the needle and the needle hub and a plug closing the blood detection chamber, the plug having air breathing capacity so that upon venipuncture blood from a vein may flow through the needle into the blood detection chamber without substantial air resistance to such flow to visually confirm the accuracy of the introduction of the needle into a vein. The plug is centrally hollow and has an axially directed leading projection connected to an annular shoulder or flange. The projection comprises a symmetrical hollow truncated conical extension with a hollow interior and walls having pairs of longitudinally directed ribs insuring ready passage of air from the flashback chamber along the outside of the projection under pressure of the heart.

Abstract: An underwater shock control system, including apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising one or more large underwater cylinder shock or dynamic load dampeners especially adapted to protect against seismic loads (particularly in a high gamma radiation environment) while allowing movement due to temperature. Each underwater cylinder is mounted between underwater equipment to be stabilized and underwater support structure. Each underwater cylinder uses the surrounding water as the working hydraulic fluid which water is drawn in and expelled through various orifices in the cylinder by relative movement between the equipment and support structure.

Abstract: A fireplace implement for hauling and storing wood adjacent a fireplace comprising a cart having open sides, cradling fore and aft frames, handle members bridging between the top of fore and aft frames. The resulting assemblage is a vertically elongated cart which may be displaced in either direction parallel to four wheels which are floor or ground engaging when the cart is vertically erect and which accommodate support of the load on either set of two wheels when the cart is tilted for displacement across selected terrain, ground, floors and/or stairs, an curvilinear runner being provided adjacent each axle mounted idler wheel to assist in negotiating stairs. As a result, the cart provides ready access for loading and unloading at either open side of the cart and, when loaded, presents a relatively narrow vertical stack of firewood which may be retained in the cart, transported to a fireplace or like location and left stored out of the way though adjacent the fireplace for use from time to time.