Abstract: A thermally integrated system combining a water heater tank with a refrigeration unit in a manner whereby heat dissipated by the unit serves to heat the water in the tank, the efficiency of the unit being maintained despite changing temperatures in the water tank. In this system, an external line conducting the refrigerant and acting as an auxiliary condenser is extended between the compressor and the main condenser of the refrigerator unit. The external line first passes through the upper region of the tank where it acts in conjunction with a water jacket interposed in the tank outlet pipe as a heat booster, the line then running in a coiled formation through the lower region of the tank in heat exchange relation with the relatively cold incoming water supplied by an inlet pipe.

Abstract: A gas-fired infrared heater for projecting an infrared beam in a radiation pattern having a predetermined geometry for irradiating the surface of a food product or other body to effect uniform heating thereof at a rapid rate. The heater includes a ribbon-type burner having an elongated pre-mix casing into which is fed air and gas, and an outlet extending along a slot in the casing and projecting therefrom. The outlet is provided with two sets of corrugated ribbons separated by a gas pressure chamber, whereby the air-gas mixture from the casing passes through one set into the chamber where the pressure thereof is equalized before the mixture passes through the other set from which it emerges as a sheet of flame of uniform intensity. The outlet is inserted in the longitudinal socket of a refractory body to impinge on a surface thereof whereby the surface is heated to a temperature level causing the surface to emit infrared energy which is projected by an array of radiation horns formed in the assembly.

Abstract: An article of sportswear formed by a composite fabric which, when worn by an athlete undergoing strenuous physical activity, functions to regulate the factors giving rise to perspiration and evaporative cooling in a manner conductive to optimum performance. The composite fabric which is foraminated to afford air ventilation is composed of a hydrophobic inner layer in contact with the skin of the wearer and a hydrophilic outer layer exposed to the atmosphere. The inner layer is formed of non-absorbing fibers which act to convey perspiration away from the skin to the second layer, these fibers having a black pigmentation to absorb infrared energy emitted by the wearer. The second layer is formed of absorbent fibers functioning to absorb the perspiration conveyed thereto and to disperse this perspiration throughout the exposed surface thereof to promote evaporative cooling at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A manifold valve assembly for selectively interconnecting a row of ports to control the flow of fluid in a group of lines coupled thereto. The assembly includes a valve block having a like row of cylinders formed therein which communicate at their lower ends with the row of ports. The upper ends of the cylinders are interconnected, whereby fluid admitted into any one cylinder flows into the other cylinders in the row. Supported coaxially within the cylinders is a corresponding row of expandable tubular nipples, the ends of the nipples in their unexpanded state reaching a first point. Projecting into the nipples are a group of push-button actuated rods. Each rod, when pushed in by its associated button causes the nipple to expand to reach a second point in the cylinder.

Abstract: A single-channel microfiche master housing a strip of microfilm containing one or more frames of reduced scale images, the master being manipulatable in one axial direction only by optical readers and other microfiche-handling machines. The master is constituted by a rectangular tab having a pair of keyhole notches at spaced positions in the lower edge thereof and a single channel transparent jacket accommodating the microfilm strip, one end of the jacket being secured to the tab at a position intermediate the notches to form a T-shaped structure. The microfiche master may be stored in a standard pull-out drawer by a raised pair of rails which is bridged by the tab, the rails passing through the notches whereby the jacket is suspended therebelow in the drawer.

Abstract: A flangeless electromagnetic flowmeter unit interposable between the flanged ends of upstream and downstream line pipes for metering fluid passing through the line, the unit being encaged by bolts extending between the flanged pipe ends and being subjected to compression by these flanged ends to effect a fluid seal. The flowmeter is constituted by a non-magnetic spool of high strength to provide a flow conduit for the fluid. Surrounding the spool and concentric therewith is a cylindrical housing to define an annular inner chamber. Mounted at diametrically-opposed positions in the chamber along a coil axis normal to the longitudinal flow axis are electromagnetic coils, a strap joining these coils to define a magnetic circuit therewith. Electrodes are supported on the spool at diametrically-opposed positions along an electrode axis at right angles to the coil axis.

Abstract: A toy vehicle having a spring-operated clockworks motor which is charged by a pumping action, the vehicle having a chassis on whose front and rear ends are supported front and rear wheel axles, and a body resting on the chassis. The front of the body is hinged to the front end of the chassis, a stop being provided whereby the back of the body is liftable with respect to the rear end of the chassis within fixed limits. The clockworks motor, which includes a spiral spring, is mounted on the chassis and is operatively coupled to the rear wheel axle, the motor having a spring-biased crank arm which engages the underside of the body and acts to normally raise the back thereof to its upper limit. The crank arm is operatively coupled to the spiral spring whereby by repeatedly depressing the back of the pivoted body while holding the vehicle to prevent rotation of the rear wheels, the crank is reciprocated to produce a rotary motion to wind the spring and thereby charge the motor.

Abstract: A mechanized work transfer system in which a robot assembly riding on a horizontal rail and driven by an external motor acts to convey a basket carrying work along a row of processing stages on a work bench. The assembly includes a robot provided with an elevator operated by an internal motor which serves to lower the basket at each stage on the work bench and to deposit it into a processing tank for a predetermined dwell period, after which the basket is hoisted out of the tank and transferred to another stage where the procedure is repeated. To render the assembly substantially immune to corrosive vapors emanating from the tanks, the robot housing is sectioned into left and right compartments, the left compartment being reserved for those moving and stationary components which can be fabricated of corrosion-resistant materials.

Abstract: An aroma disc usable in conjunction with a conventional table lamp whose light bulb socket has a harp secured thereto to support a lampshade, the harp being provided with an upwardly projecting bolt on which is received the center collar of the lampshade spider. The aroma disc includes a round pad of porous material impregnated with a liquid fragrance, the pad being sandwiched between two round plies of reflective metal which are peripherally joined together and are provided with a center hole to accommodate the harp bolt whereby when the disc is installed on the lamp it is placed above the bulb. Concentric with the center hole on each ply of the disc is a circular array of openings which define ports to expose the pad. When the lamp is turned on, heated air currents arising from the bulb penetrate the ports and pass through the pad to volatilize the liquid fragrance, thereby generating an aromatic vapor which suffuses the room illuminated by the lamp.

Abstract: A toy automobile which simulates both the appearance and performance of a modern hard top convertible. The convertible is provided with a unitary top piece which normally covers the cockpit of the car and is formed by top and side walls both joined to a rear panel. The rear panel is linked by a pair of flexible racks to a mechanism operatively coupled to the front wheel axle and adapted to swing open the top piece to expose the cockpit. In operation, when the convertible body is grasped by the player and the front is pressed down and pushed forward on a running surface, the top piece is caused to swing open, the vehicle when released by the player then continuing to travel in the forward direction. And when this same action is carried out by the player in the reverse direction, the top piece is caused to resume its normal closed position.

Abstract: A game in which play elements are immersed in liquid within a transparent cell contained in a cartridge insertable in an optical viewer or projector. The play elements have a specific gravity which is either slightly higher or lower than that of the liquid whereby the elements normally sink to the bottom of the cell or rise to the top thereof. The cartridge is provided with an external actuator which when manipulated by a player causes the play elements to move towards targets or other goals, this activity being viewable by the player on a screen.

Abstract: An automatic dough-producing system including a controllable mixing stage into which are fed flour and a dough-forming solution to produce a paste which is then supplied to a development stage yielding dough. In the development stage, the incoming paste is fed through a lateral inlet to a screw rotating within an elongated tube at a variable speed, the inlet position being adjustable along the screw to vary the length of that portion of the screw which acts to knead and develop the paste to produce the dough, this adjustment being independent of the mixing stage.

Abstract: A toy stacker assembly for pre-school children which inspires players to improve their skills in regard to size and color discrimination, hand-eye coordination and in other respects vital to proper childhood development. The toy is constituted by a multiple post ring stacker operating in conjunction with a series of cards each displaying a different pattern of rings of various colors and sizes stacked on the posts. The player is required to replicate the pattern of the selected card on display, the cards in the series presenting progressively more difficult patterns.

Abstract: A standardized, expandable cap for a newborn infant to reduce heat losses from the skull during the hours immediately following birth. The cap is fabricated by die cutting a sheet of non-woven, spunlaced, synthetic fiber material to create blanks having an arched shape, each blank including an arcuate margin and a straight base, the grain of the non-woven material being normal to the base to render it laterally stretchable. A pair of such blanks are superposed and ultrasonically seamed along a line conforming to the arcuate margin to create the dome of the cap. The cap is completed by puckering the lower rear section thereof to create a shirred zone and ultrasonically welding an elastomeric tape thereacross to provide an expandable cap which when worn adjusts itself to the head of the wearer regardless of head size.

Abstract: A system operating in combination with a gas discharge lamp, such as a fluorescent lamp having electrodes therein, to effect ignition in a cold state without an ignition delay. Applied across the electrodes through a current-limiting coil is a voltage derived from a standard alternating-current supply. The supply voltage is also applied through an ignition switch to a starter coil inductively coupled to the current limiting coil to define therewith a step-up transformer, such that when this switch is closed, a high ignition voltage is imposed on the electrodes to produce an arc-discharge which heats up the electrodes. The resultant electron emission from the electrodes makes it possible to re-open the ignition switch after a brief interval, the lamp thereafter continuing to operate on the relatively low supply voltage.

Abstract: A modified low-density flexible polyurethane foam product having a relatively high degree of firmness as well as commercially acceptable dielectric heat sealing characteristics. The product formulation includes an intermediate constituted by a mixture of polyol and a polymer/polyol in a ratio imparting to the product a predetermined degree of firmness, and a thermoplastic additive whose dielectric loss index is greater than the loss index of polyurethane foam to impart to the product an acceptable dielectric heating response in a high frequency electric field. This response is enhanced by acrylonitrile/styrene components included in the polymer/polyol.

Abstract: A foldable toothbrush and toothpaste supply unit usable under circumstances where a standard toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser are ordinarily not available, thereby making it possible for the user to brush his teeth, and after one or more times of use, to dispose of the unit. The unit is formed by a single, generally rectangular plate of semi-rigid plastic material having a strip extending from the longitudinal center axis at one end thereof to support a brush. Formed in the other end of the piece and integral therewith is a trough which depends from the piece and is in alignment with the brush, the trough being dimensioned to accommodate the brush and a bed of toothpaste. A transverse score line on the piece creates a living hinge dividing the piece into a brush section and a trough section, such that in the storage mode when the brush section is folded over the trough section, the brush is then nested in the trough and partially immersed in the toothpaste.

Abstract: A counter-top oven adapted to effect low-temperature cooking of food at a relatively rapid rate whereby food nutrients and other valuable constituents are preserved. The oven includes a food-receiving compartment having a perforated wall and means to heat air to a temperature well above the cooking temperature of the food and to force the heated air through the perforations to cause the air to flow at high velocity through the compartment in heat-exchange relation with the food.