Abstract: A security electrical interrupt device for preventing unauthorized usage of an electrical appliance such as an electric stove, while retaining operation of auxiliary electrical equipment such as the lights and an electrical clock. The device comprises a relay controlled by a micro-processor based programmable controller which measures the amount of electrical supply current being drawn by the appliance. A software computer program stored in the microcontroller commands the relay to disconnect the supply power if any person attempts to operate any part of the appliance which draws electrical current exceeding a preset limit while the controller is in the interrupt mode. In a preferred embodiment the microcontroller is programmed to enter the interrupt mode by 1) key sequences entered on a detachable key pad, 2) when a selected amount of time has elapsed since the last authorized usage, or 3) by removal of the detachable key pad.

Abstract: An improved vacuum arc coating apparatus is provided, having a tube defining reaction zone with a plasma channel defined within a series of aligned annular substrate holders, or between an outer wall of an axial chain of substrate holder blocks and the inner wall of the tube. The substrate holders thus act as a liner, confining an arc within the plasma channel. Carrier and plasma-creating gases and the reaction species are introduced into the tube, and the deposition process may be carried out at a pressure between 100 Torr and 1000 Torr. Magnetic coils may be used to create a longitudinal magnetic field which focuses the plasma column created by the arc, and to create a transverse magnetic field which is used to bias the plasma column toward the substrates. Substrates can thus be placed anywhere within the reaction zone, and the transverse magnetic field can be used to direct the plasma column toward the substrate, or the tube itself can be rotated to pass the substrate through the plasma column.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable shelf bracket having means for making fine adjustments in the attitude of the bracket relative to the supporting surface, which allows the shelf to be levelled both longitudinally and transversely, and substantially facilitates alignment with adjacent shelves. In one embodiment this is accomplished by pivotally suspending a shelf clip from a vertical mounting gusset designed to be hung on the supporting surface, such that the attitude of the clip relative to the supporting surface can be adjusted. Adjusting means such as an adjusting screw engaged in a hole tapped through the clip bears against the mounting gusset to limit the travel of the clip under the weight of the shelf. The position of the adjusting screw thus determines the attitude of the portion of the shelf being supported by the clip.

Abstract: A phase shifting polygonal transformer or autotransformer for a three phase electrical distribution system is provided, in which the transformer output winding or autotransformer winding is composed solely of three main coils and three auxiliary coils, alternately interconnected in series. The outputs for the transformer/autotransformer are connected to taps in the coils offset from the connections between coils, which eliminates the need for multiple auxiliary coils in each phase. The transformer/autotransformer of the invention is thus much simpler and less expensive to manufacture than a conventional phase shifting transformer or autotransformer, but reduces harmonics just as effectively.

Abstract: Novel sparse array structures are described which greatly reduce the total number of independent transmit and receive elements in the array without significantly degrading imaging performance. Periodic sparse transmit and receive arrays, one with a first spacing between elements or groups of elements and the other with a different spacing between elements or groups of elements, are combined through interpolation to create a sparse array having imaging capability comparable to that of an equivalent dense array.

Abstract: A device for repairing cast iron pipe joints comprises a head having a motor for actuating a tool and a body, the head being pivotally connected to the body so that it can be pivoted from an axial position to a radial position within the pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the head includes a motor driving a drill bit. A retractable foot is extended to force the head against the pipe wall to be pierced by the drill bit, following which sealant is injected into a hollow drill shaft and flows up the helical grooves of the drill bit into the pipe joint cavity. Preferably a pair of guide wings maintains the device centered in the pipe and raised off of the pipe floor, and the operator monitors progress of the device through a video monitor.

Abstract: A security display case provides top and bottom frames, each comprising an inner frame nested within an outer frame. The inner frames are assembled around top and bottom panels, and side panels are provided along their top and bottom edges with components for the outer frame which are inserted laterally into channels formed in the inner frame. Once the door is mounted the ends of the inner frame channels are closed off, and the side panels cannot be removed. The resulting display case is secure yet has no vertical frame components, leaving an unobstructed view of the display compartment.

Abstract: The invention provides a disposable litter bag system comprising a holder with a clip for holding a bundle of tear-off bags. Each bag is provided with a flap adjacent to a top opening in the bag having at least one flap opening for insertion therethrough of engaging tabs projecting from the clip. The clip has opposed jaws hingedly connected together, with engaging stops projecting from one jaw and a receiving channel formed in the second jaw for detachably lodging the engaging stops therein. The holder preferably comprises a pair of flexible straps extending through the clip which can be trapped in the clearance between the panels of an automobile cabin, for example the glove compartment.

Abstract: A tailgate for an open bed truck is provided in the form of a tubular grate, with openings between tubes to allow wind to flow through the tailgate even when it is closed, improving fuel economy. The openings provide defined passages in which long articles can be supported, and an optional solid panel can be secured to the front face of the tailgate to retain loose loads.

Abstract: A tool for removing a broken incandescent light bulb has a handle with a head projecting therefrom and preferably a resilient gripping member which snugly enshrouds the head, to frictionally engage an inner wall of the base of a broken light bulb such that when the tool is rotated the base can be dislodged from a light bulb socket. In a preferred embodiment a collar with stiffening ribs surrounds the tool, positioned to protect the user's hand from falling shards of glass. In a further preferred embodiment an accessory tool having one or more heads of different sizes is adapted to fit within a hollow end of the handle.

Abstract: A security electrical interrupt device for preventing unauthorized usage of an electrical appliance such as an electric stove, while retaining operation of auxiliary electrical equipment such as the lights and an electrical clock. The device comprises a relay controlled by a micro-processor based programmable controller which measures the amount of electrical supply current being drawn by the appliance. A software computer program stored in the micro-controller commands the relay to disconnect the supply power if any person attempts to operate any part of the appliance which draws electrical current exceeding a preset limit while the controller is in the interrupt mode. The micro controller is programmed to enter the interrupt mode by 1) key sequences entered on a small detachable keypad, 2) when a programmed amount of time has elapsed since the last authorized usage, or 3) by removal of the detachable key pad.

Abstract: An improved vacuum arc coating apparatus is provided, having a reaction zone with a plasma channel defined within a series of aligned annular substrate holders, or between an outer wall of a chain of substrate holder blocks and the inner wall of the tube. The substrate holders thus act as a liner, confining an arc within the plasma channel. Carrier and plasma creating gases and the reaction species are introduced into the tube, and the deposition process may be carried out at a pressure between 10 Torr and 1000 Torr. Magnetic coils may be used to create a longitudinal magnetic field which focuses the plasma column created by the arc, and to create a transverse magnetic field which is used to bias the plasma column toward the substrates. Substrates can thus be placed anywhere within the reaction zone, and the transverse magnetic field can be used to direct the plasma column toward the substrate, or the tube itself can be rotated to pass the substrate through the plasma column.

Abstract: A method and device for distinguishing between partial discharge and electrical noise in high voltage conductors such as in motor and generator stators, power cables, gas insulated switchgear and other equipment where high voltage insulation is subject to deterioration. A series of comparators sets a trigger threshold and a voltage range, set by a computer, whereby pulses falling within the voltage range are sampled at four short intervals and then four longer intervals to produce a general pulse width profile. The voltage range is varied by the computer so that a number of voltage ranges are sampled during each selected portion of an ac cycle. The pulse width of pulses falling within each voltage range is recorded by the computer, and displayed graphically. In a preferred embodiment the device is provided with two channels, for receiving a signal from each end of a partial discharge detector described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,001.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for a resiliently deformable container includes a flange diaphragm having a sealing surface abutting a seating surface surrounding a dispensing opening in the cap. The flange diaphragm is retained against the seating surface at specific points, leaving portions of the flange diaphragm free to deform away from the seating surface. Thus, after the dispensing operation as the walls of the container try to return to their rest position, air can ingress into the container through the dispensing opening by forcing portions of the flange diaphragm away from the seating surface, to allow for quick and efficient venting of the container.