Abstract: A counterbore for enlarging an existing hole in the presence of a wire having an end extending through the hole. The counterbore includes a twist drill bit of a size of the enlarged hole to be drilled, a shank at the rear end of the bit for engagement with a drill chuck, and a pilot shank extending from the cutting end of said bit. A swivel is mounted at the leading end of the pilot for engagement with the wire during counterbore drilling. The swivel and pilot guides the wire into the hole without twisting during drilling of the counterbore and extracts the wire from the counterbore as the twist drill bit and pilot shank is withdrawn.

Abstract: A descent controller (30) for lowering a load along a rope (32). Controller is a friction cylinder or capstan (31) of a length adapted to receive a plurality of turns of rope (32) between top and bottom end plates (34, 35) adjacent the upper and lower ends of said cylinder which overhang the cylinder (31) and define radial slots (40, 41) sized to loosely receive the rope. An upwardly narrowing tapered slot (44) defined diametrically through the capstan (31) receives and releasably grips the rope. An annular clamp ring (48) is slidably mounted on the cylinder (31) and defines a radial aperture (49) which loosely receives the rope as it exits from the tapered slot (44). A spring (41) biases the ring (48) upwardly along the said friction cylinder (31) for releasably wedging the rope (32) in the tapered slot.

Abstract: An ultraviolet driven photocatalytic post-treatment technique for the purification of waste water distillates, reverse osmosis permeates and spacecraft habitat atmospheric humidity condensates is described. Experimental results show that organic impurity carbon content of simulated reclamation waters at nominal 40 PPM level are reduced to, PPB using a recirculating batch reactor. The organic impurities common to reclaimed waste waters are completely oxidized employing minimum expendables (stoichiometric oxygen). This paper discusses test results and parameteric data obtained for design and fabrication of a bread-board system. The parametric testing includes UV light source evaluation, photolysis vs photocatalysis comparison, oxygen concentration dependence, temperature dependence, reactor mixing, disinfection features, photocatalyst loading, photocatalyst degradation studies and power consumption estimates.

Abstract: A storage container mountable on the exterior spare wheel of a vehicle. The storage container has a storage space defined by a base and a removably mounted cover. The container is removably mounted against the outer side of the spare wheel in contact with the tire. The cover includes a threaded sleeve which extends through the base for engagement by a nut. A threaded shaft is mounted on the spare wheel and extends through the sleeve for engagement by a fastener to secure the container to the wheel. Access to the storage space is gained by first removing the container from its position against the spare wheel and then separating the base and cover.

Abstract: Hydrophilic hydrogels capable of a high degree of water imbibition are contacted with aqueous feedstocks containing metal and metal anion values to collect the water and dissolved or suspended values or materials. The term metals includes the free base and precious metals, alloys, salts (including their solvated and complex precious metal ions) and compounds, including base metal anions, and mixtures of the above which are soluble or insoluble in water. The feeds can be ores, industrial or other wastes. After contact, the hydrated hydrogel can be partially dehydrated and separated from the aqueous feedstock. The material values can be recovered by using a strong oxidant to destroy the hydrogel. The aqueous feedstock can be recycled or further purified.

Abstract: A photocatalytic slurry reactor is driven by solar or artificial ultraviolet illumination. A cylindrical ultraviolet lamp is suspended by an O-ring within a cylindrical reactor jacket, creating an annular region through which a photocatalytic slurry is pumped. An optional streamlined nose cone at the inlet end of the lamp reduces flow turbulence and increases flow velocity. A helical stainless steel wire wrapped about the bulb acts as a turbulence promotor to disturb the boundary layer for increased radial mixing. A three-electrode charging-arrangement may be used to regulate the charge of the solution. In another embodiment, a reactor uses a solar collection trough to focus solar rays on a C-shaped reactor jacket, the interior of which is provided with ridges or ribs to disturb the boundary layer.

Abstract: A suspension bridge pickup mechanism for stringed musical instruments. Vibrations from the strings are transferred to a suspended bridge which is in contact at spaced points with resonator plates of a plurality of bimorphic piezoelectric elements. The bridge has a high length to transverse thickness ratio resulting in a signal of wide frequency range and high amplitude. The tonal characteristics and the relative harmonic content of the signal can be altered by selecting or rejecting specific transducers which will contribute to the output signal utilizing a switching circuit. The transducers may be positioned under different portions of the bridge resulting in greater low frequency response in the median region of the bridge, maximal mid frequency response in the paramedian region, and maximal high frequency response near the ends of the bridge.

Abstract: An egress and evacuation harness consisting of a single piece of strong, flexible material cut to a generally sector-shaped T-shaped pattern, the ends of which are secured together to form a seat. A shoulder strap secures a wearer in the seat.

Abstract: A descent controller for lowering a load along a rope from an elevated position to a relatively lower position. The controller is a friction cylinder or capstan or a length adapted to receive a plurality of turns of rope between top and bottom end plates attached respectively adjacent the upper and lower ends of said cylinder. The end plates overhang the cylinder and define radial slots sized to loosely receive the rope. An upwardly narrowing tapered slot defined diametrically through the capstan receives and grips the rope. An annular clamp ring is slidably mounted on the cylinder and defines a radial aperture which loosely receives the rope as it exits from said tapered slot. A spring biases the ring upwardly along said friction cylinder for releasably wedging the rope in the tapered slot. A gripping cylinder is secured to the ring for sliding said ring along the friction cylinder to release said rope from the narrow end of said tapered slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing frangible or friable material using a gyratory action. The crushing apparatus includes a bowl (13) having a chamber (15) for receiving material to be crushed. The chamber (15) has a central discharge opening (27) disposed at the base thereof. The discharge opening (27) defining a throat (38) having a circumferential wall (39). A pivotable crushing head (17) is disposed generally centrally within the discharge opening (27) in spaced relation to the wall of the throat (38) to define an annular nip (41) between the wall of the throat and the outer surface (37) of the head. The crushing head is centrally supported about a pivot point (B) to permit rotational and oscillatory motion of the crushing head about the pivot point. A means including a spindle (43) is provided for imparting oscillatory motion to the crushing head.

Abstract: A cleat cover for use on a bicycle shoe equipped with a pair of bicycle pedal engaging shoe cleats. The cleat cover is formed as an elastomeric shallow oval cup shaped housing for engaging, covering and protecting said front and rear cleats. The cup-shaped housing defines a parabolic toe portion cup for receiving the front cleat, and a rectangular heel portion cup for snugly receiving and covering the rear cleat. The cleats are enclosed and protected by the cover to adapt the bicycle shoe for temporary use as a walking shoe.

Abstract: A computer disk holder for disks of the three and one-half inch format attachable to a three-ring notebook with snap rings is disclosed. The disk holder includes a frame of relatively rigid plastic having tabs formed along an edge thereof so that the disk holder can function as a page flipper for documentation when connected into the notebook. Disks are inserted into the disk holder along guide means and received by retention means. Bias means are biased as the disk is inserted into a compartment of the disk holder defined in part by the guide means. Once the bias means are biased, the disk is held in place by the retention means and the bias means.

Abstract: A time delay corrector corrects the relative time delay or phase error between two signals, for example, stereo audio signals. A window of no correction is established between two threshold levels. So long as a signal representative of the relative phase error on a relatively fast integration basis does not logically exceed the thresholds which define this window, no rapid phase error or time delay correction is accomplished. The window of zero correction thereby prevents any time delay or phase error corrections which might otherwise result from the normal phase fluctuations inherent in the two correlated stereo signals, thereby preserving the stereo imaging and information content of those signals. Upon the occurrence of the need for a relatively major time delay error correction, such as that which originates with tape splices and the like, detection signals logically exceed the thresholds of the window and a phase correction is rapidly attained.

Abstract: A descent control device for lowering a load along a rope from an elevated position at which said rope is anchored to a relatively lower position. The device includes a vertical friction capstan such as a drum, shaft or cylinder, of a length adapted to receive a plurality of turns of rope wrapped therearound. Top and bottom end plates are attached respectively adjacent the upper and lower ends of the capstan; each having a portion overhanging the surface of the capstan and defining apertures sized to loosely receive the rope. The bottom aperture includes arcuate slot which tapers as it follows the contour of the capstan. A hook or eye depends from the lower end of the capstan for attaching a load carrying device. A locking end plate is rotatably mounted on the capstan below the lower end plate and includes an aperture for loosely receiving the rope.

Abstract: A foldable step for a pickup truck end gate or tailgate. The step is formed by a plurality of step rails secured between parallel side bars or frame members. A pair of depending riser arms or links are suspended from a pair of horizontal end gate arms or links to position the step about half-way between a lowered tailgate and the ground. The end gate arms are secured to brackets which are mounted on the interior tailgate surface. A toggle or jack knife linkage extending betewen the step and the riser arms holds the step in a generally horizontal position. The entire assembly may be folded flat to lie against the inner surface of the tailgate, and the assembly is locked in place with a locking clip or strap. The folded step may be folded into and retained in a recess in the inner surface of the endgate.

Abstract: A food serving device for holding and serving a warm food product such as bread or rolls includes a flexible wrapper within a receptacle for holding the food product. A battery powered heater applies heat to the receptacle and wrapper and is located in a housing below the receptacle. The housing has a cover with heat transmitting openings.