Abstract: A process of refining phosphate-ester fluids includes the steps of contacting the fluid with a source of saturated, straight-chain hydrocarbon material and subsequently splitting the mixture by the introduction of water. Organic contaminants originally present in the phosphate-ester fluid ultimately reside in the straight-chain hydrocarbon phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cured polyethylene insulation about high voltage cables by applying uncured polyethylene around a core of the cable. The polyethylene is heated, cured and then cooled to room temperature in a pressurized nitrogen gas atmosphere. In one form the molding apparatus comprises first and second mold forms which define a cavity and which include means for heating the mold halves to the polyethylene curing temperature. Means is also provided to introduce the pressurized nitrogen into the cavity and for subjecting cable portions that extend beyond the mold to pressurized nitrogen until such cable portions are sufficiently cooled to prevent their deformation under pressure, to prevent the oxidation of polyethylene and/or to prevent the formation of voids or enclosures.

Abstract: A gas pressure stabilizer system and valve are disclosed for use with beverage bottle filling apparatus and the like. Gas flow from a pressurized source to a filler bowl is permitted along a conduit, but reverse flow, caused by filler bowl gas pressure fluctuation, is prohibited by a check valve. Rather, a rise in filler bowl gas pressure forces a diaphragm in a stabilizer valve to move away from and uncover a relief port. This port opening permits excessive gas pressure to be vented. Long system service life is encouraged by forming the diaphragm of several membranes.

Abstract: An air eraser is provided generally in the nature of a slightly enlarged pen. Compressed air carries particulate abrasive material from the pen for abrasive removal or erasure of indicia or the like on a base. A trigger controlled air valve is provided upstream of the abrasive material whereby it is impossible for any abrasive material to clog the valve. The flow stream through the air eraser is a straight-through one so that there is no problem of abrasive errosion of corners within the eraser.

Abstract: A wheel interference monitor used with articulated vehicles and vehicles pulling connected trailers or the like, such as a tractor pulling a connected farm implement. The apparatus includes a sensor for monitoring the clearance between the drive vehicle and the pulled trailer or implement, and a circuit for providing a warning alarm to the operator if the clearance reaches a point where the operator must exercise caution, and an additional alarm for warning the operator as the clearance becomes even more critical, approaching a danger area. Also included is a control for setting in the degree of clearance at which the warning and alarm circuit will begin to go into operation.

Abstract: In plowing or towing of other vehicles or implements with a tractor it generally is desirable to move as fast as is economically feasible. Attempting too high a speed may be self-defeating through wheel slippage of the pulling tractor which may reduce efficiency to an uneconomic level. In accordance with the present invention an electronic signal is provided corresponding to the speed of the driving wheels of a tractor, and another electronic signal is provided corresponding to the ground speed of the tractor. These signals are compared electronically, and a visual readout is provided for the operator of the tractor so that he may know if he is operating within acceptable conditions of efficiency. Both audio and visual warning signals are provided to the tractor driver if slippage exceeds a predetermined maximum, corresponding to a predetermined minimum allowable efficiency.

Abstract: An automatically controlled seed planter apparatus is disclosed for planting seeds concurrently in a plurality of rows with controlled seed spacing, including a rotating drum for holding the seeds and transporting the seeds to a plurality of chutes. The apparatus includes transducers for detecting the rotational speed of the drum and for detecting the speed of the planter along the ground. The operator is provided with input controls for setting in signals corresponding to the desired seed spacing and to the configuration of the drum used. The above-mentioned signals are then fed to a control system which processes the signals to form an output signal which controls the rotational speed of the drum, resulting in a controlled seed spacing. A readout device is also provided for the operator to monitor the expected seed spacing produced in this manner by the apparatus, as well as warning the operator of any malfunctions in the system.

Abstract: A moisture tester is provided for testing a sample of feed of the silage, haylage, and like compressible variety. The tester includes a chamber for receiving a feed sample. A compressible piston compresses the feed sample in the chamber to a predetermined density to provide accurate, reliable, reproducible results. The chamber comprises spaced electrodes constituting a capacitor such that the dielectric constant of the capacitor is modified in accordance with moisture within the feed sample. A circuit functionally including the capacitor develops a signal in accordance with the moisture content of the sample. A readout, responsive to the circuit signal, provides a visual indication of the feed sample moisture content. A circuit trigger is automatically operated by the compression exerted upon the feed sample to start circuit operation and provide the feed sample moisture content readout.

Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle jack including a novel release valve is disclosed. The jack is of the type having a high pressure cylinder, a ram partially extensible from and retractable into the cylinder, and a high pressure pump for forcing fluid from a reservoir into the cylinder to extend the jack. When it is desired to lower the jack, the release valve needle is turned so as to withdraw a needle tip from fluid-flow-halting engagement with a valve seat. This needle tip is formed in the shape of a cone having an altitude of a dimension greater than the cone base radius. When the needle tip is withdrawn from its position against the valve seat, a small but precisely defined fluid-flow-permitting orifice is created. Valve lowering action then occurs over an extended time period which permits the jack operator to precisely control or halt valve lowering action as desired.

Abstract: A non-volatile programmable memory storage system for use with electronic musical instruments is provided which utilizes an erasable and reprogrammable read only memory (EPROM). The EPROM is provided with suitable erasure means, either electrical or ultraviolet light. Also provided is means for entering and retrieving data from the EPROM and means for bidirectionally transferring data between the EPROM and the electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: A pouring spout member that is arranged for assembly to the mouth of the container includes a tubular spout and an initially longitudinally extending, anti-drip finger. A cooperating closure cap member deformably engages the anti-drip finger upon assembly with the pouring spout member to convert the finger to its use position.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for offering branch programming for instructional purposes. The apparatus comprises a tape player of the cassette variety, preferably having a tape index or counter. A prerecorded tape cassette carrying the program of instruction is also included. The tape has a plurality of segments of primary material recorded over corresponding spans of tape in a forward direction on a first track. A plurality of segments of supplemental material related to the primary material are recorded in a reversed direction on a second track. The primary material segments each terminate in segment-defining indicia aligned with the initiation of the corresponding secondary material segment. In use, the listener plays a primary material information segment, and then stops the tape player. If further development of the subject is desired, the listener removes the cassette, and flips it over or reverses its orientation. He then reinstalls it in and upon the tape player.

Abstract: A pill dispenser device is disclosed comprising a circular base provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced compartments defined therein. A knurled actuator ring is provided having the same circumference as the base which is affixed to the base outside of the compartments therein and is rotatable within limits defined by an opening in the ring which cooperates with a stop in the base. A cover is provided rotatably attached to the base having a single pill exit opening formed thereon. The cover is also provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth which cooperates with the knurled ring and the base for advancing the pill exit into alignment with successive compartments to allow the removal of individual pills therefrom.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack is disclosed, of the type comprising a ram having a head portion reciprocable in a cylinder between two cylinder ends, and sealing means carried on the ram head portion to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal between the ram and the cylinder interior surface. In this jack, an open sided pressure relief trough is formed in the interior surface of the cylinder adjacent one end to permit the flow of fluid past the sealing means when the head portion is located substantially adjacent the cylinder end and relief trough. Fluid bleeding action past the relief trough thus prevents forcing the ram head and sealing means against the cylinder end. When the jack is so constructed, the sealing means can include an elastomeric seal cup member which will not be damaged by its travel past the trough.

Abstract: A photocopying machine is provided with a repeat mechanism. After the original material to be copied has left the exposure station a feed mechanism is provided by optionally returning the original material to the exposure station for making of a second copy. Two return mechanism paths are provided for originals of different length.

Abstract: An automatic control system is provided for regulating the emission of an X-ray tube of the type which is activated by the heating of a cathode filament by passing current through the filament, and which emits X-ray radiation systematically in accordance with the amount of tube current flowing between the anode and cathode of the tube, with a relatively high voltage being applied between the anode and cathode. Current is passed through the filament and a tube current sensor is coupled to the X-ray tube for developing a tube current signal representative of the magnitude of the current flowing between the cathode and anode of the X-ray tube. Coupled to the current sensing circuit and responsive to the tube current signal is a circuit for generating a filament current control signal.

Abstract: A duct for use with mine equipment is provided with an elongate aperture normally closed by a displaceable sealing means to retain a fluid, under pressure, within the duct, the sealing means, in use, being displaceable by fluid pick-up means carried by a mining machine to convey fluid from the duct to the machine. The invention also includes conveyor trough section provided with such a duct and a mining machine combination.

Abstract: A brake system for a towing vehicle and trailer is disclosed. An electromechanical transducer controller connected to the towing vehicle brake system develops an electrical signal which varies continuously and systematically in accordance with braking action pressure in the towing vehicle brake system. In a fluid trailer brake system, an electromechanical control receives this signal, and continuously and systematically varies the fluid pressure in the trailer brake system accordingly. A vacuum or other fluid power booster can be included to assist in amplifying and applying this fluid brake pressure. Trailer braking action in caliper-type trailer disc brakes varies in accordance with this fluid pressure.

Abstract: A feeder pan assembly is provided for use with poultry and the like. A hood includes a shell which extends into a pan to define an annular feeding area accessible to the poultry. A hood-pan interconnector includes a number of supports which are curved and inclined to slide over a corresponding number of ramps formed upon the shell. When the hood and interconnectors are relatively rotated, the interconnector supports slide over the ramps to raise or lower the pan. This pan position readjustment increases or decreases the amount of feed flowing into the feeder pan assembly feeding area.

Abstract: An electrical jack for telephones or the like is disclosed. The jack includes a box-like cover in which a number of bi-ended wires are mounted. Each wire terminates at one end in a spring contact adapted and located for engagement with a screw connector carried on a terminal block. At its other end, each wire terminates in a resilient folded spring contact. A clip member receives and mounts these folded spring contacts in a fixed, electrically spaced apart relationship. The clip is carried in the cover in such a location as to form part of a socket adapted to receive a multi-wire electrical plug.