Abstract: An improved system for maintaining atmospheric conditions within prescribed parameters throughout the interior of a building. The building interior is essentially an enclosed system and sufficient outside air is admitted through air handling units to continuously maintain the interior of the building under a slight positive pressure throughout. Controllable vents are provided at strategic locations around the perimeter of the building, and sensing units are located throughout the building to continuously monitor atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, and the level of particulates and pollutants. The sensing units or monitoring stations are periodically polled by a central computer, with signals from each station providing an indication of atmospheric conditions at that station. The signals representing existing atmospheric conditions are compared with stored data indicative of prescribed parameters for desired atmospheric conditions at the stations.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy comprising a solid molded body having a layer of burlap-like material adhesively secured to its outer surface. The fabric covering is coated with the adhesive. A shaped head is affixed to the body, and the coated fabric layer is painted to resemble a selected waterfowl species. A keel including means for securing and retaining an anchor line is provided on the bottom of the body. The keel includes a recess particularly adapted for retaining a deployed anchor line.

Abstract: An improved system for maintaining atmospheric conditions within prescribed parameters throughout the interior of a building. The building interior is essentially an enclosed system and sufficient outside air is admitted through air handling units to continuously maintain the interior of the building under a slight positive pressure throughout. Controllable vents are provided at strategic locations around the perimeter of the building, and sensing units are located throughout the building to continuously monitor atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, and the level of particulates and pollutants. The sensing units or monitoring stations are periodically polled by a central computer, with signals from each station providing an indication of atmospheric conditions at that station. The signals representing existing atmospheric conditions are compared with stored data indicative of prescribed parameters for desired atmospheric conditions at the stations.

Abstract: Inspecting paired sheets of transparent material for determining their fit or conformity to one another. A highly collimated light beam, such as a laser beam, is directed through a pair of transparent sheets supported in closely spaced or nested relationship. The major surfaces of each sheet are known to be substantially parallel. As the primary beam passes through the sheets, beams are reflected from each of the four surfaces. The reflected beams are re-reflected from the next surface encountered to pass beyond the pair of sheets. Beams reflected from the parallel front and rear surfaces of each sheet exit the sheets parallel to and closely spaced from the primary transmitted beam. If the adjacent interior or second and third surfaces of the pair of sheets are not parallel at the point of inspection, as where the two sheets do not properly nest or conform, the beam reflected from the third surface and re-reflected from the second surface is deflected relative to the primary beam.

Abstract: A tool for installing valve stems in the rims for tubeless tires from the outside of the rim. The tool includes a cylindrical barrel having a tip for insertion in the opening in the rim, the interior walls of the barrel converging toward the tip end. The barrel is removably affixed to an actuating mechanism including a push rod adapted to be advanced and retracted within the barrel. The forward end of the push rod has an internally threaded fitting for mating with the threaded end of conventional tubeless tire valve stems. The actuating mechanism may be operated to incrementally advance the push rod, and thereby a valve stem affixed thereto, along the converging barrel to eject the valve stem through the barrel tip and seat it within the opening in the rim. An indicia may be provided on the push rod for visually indicating the axial position of the valve stem.

Abstract: A cushion for vehicle safety belts or harnesses comprising a cylindrical body of resilient material adapted to be detachably affixed to a shoulder belt adjacent the neck of the wearer. The cylindrical body is partially split along its longitudinal axis to provide a slot for reception of the belt, and a fabric sleeve is fitted over the two sections of the split cylindrical body. Fastening means are provided on the sleeve for securing the open side of the tubular body together with the belt encased therein. The cushion thus presents a broad, resilient, gently curved surface in all directions and prevents abrasive contact of the belt with the clothing and neck of the wearer.

Abstract: A two speed axle assembly for automotive vehicles, providing positive shift engagement in shifting between direct and overdrive modes. Input and output shafts carry respective input and output sun gears meshed with compound planetary gears within a rotatable planet carrier. A pair of clutch packs selectively lock the planet carrier either to the input sun gear for rotation therewith as a unit for one mode of operation, or to the axle carrier case so that rotation of the planet carrier is prevented and the planet gears rotate about their axes to provide the other mode of operation. Compression springs are utilized to normally load the one clutch pack and lock the planet carrier to the input sun gear for the direct drive mode. A hydraulic bladder assembly is provided for shifting from the direct to the overdrive mode. Upon hydraulic inflation of the bladder, a bladder piston simultaneously unloads the one clutch pack and loads the other, locking the planet carrier to the axle carrier case.

Abstract: A prismatic tubular brick of refractory material for constructing the checkerwork structure of regenerative furnaces, the brick having mirror image top and bottom surfaces and a central passage extending therebetween. Two pairs of opposed parallel side walls of uniform thickness having aligned recesses in the top and bottom surfaces thereof, are connected together by angle portions at their adjacent corner edges. The top and bottom surfaces of the angle portions are elevated with respect to the recessed top and bottom surfaces of the side walls and are of similar size and shape. Accordingly, the elevated and recessed surfaces of one brick cooperate with the elevated and recessed surfaces of another brick to interlock the bricks together in an offset stacked arrangement.

Abstract: A cruise control servo cable assembly comprising a standard cable including a universal shielded cable end having means at its extremity for attachment to the appropriate one of a set of clevises or adapters provided with the cable assembly. The celvises are of a low cost stamped metal or molded plastic type and are appropriately marked so that by referring to an accompanying chart the installer can select the correct clevis for a particular vehicle and engine option and discard the remaining unused clevises. Means is provided for securely locking the selected clevis to the cable end. The shield encloses the cable end and moves back and forth with the clevis or adapter.

Abstract: A machine for felling standing trees, cutting logs into segments of the desired length and splitting logs lengthwise. A shear blade is mounted for reciprocal movement within a framework by means of a hydraulic cylinder or cylinders so as to urge the log against an anvil at the rear of the frame upon the forward cutting stroke. The frame is pivotably affixed to the drawbar lift assembly of a tractor so as to be rotatable between a horizontal attitude for felling standing timber and a vertical or upright attitude for cutting and splitting logs. The anvil is pivotably connected to the frame, and includes an operating mechanism whereby it can be swung open to admit a standing tree and then closed and latched to sever the tree. The cutting edge of the shear blade is in the form of a V-shaped notch so that the log is stabilized while being severed in opposed directions upon the forward, cutting stroke.

Abstract: A vault for secure underground storage of valuables, comprising a one-piece molded container of a non-magnetic material and a removable lid for the container which, when in place on the container, prevents entry of moisture thereinto. An integral flange projecting outwardly from the container around its periphery is adapted to be embedded in the surrounding earth when the container is buried to thereby prevent the vault from being lifted due to its natural buoyancy should the water table in the earth rise above the bottom of the vault. Movable partitions are provided within the container for accommodating papers and other valuables of differing sizes and configurations.

Abstract: A safety device for boaters wherein a tethering line is secured at one end to the boat occupant. The line is wound upon a self-retracting reel affixed to the craft which permits the occupant to withdraw line and move about the boat with relative freedom while assuring that he does not become separate from the boat if he should accidentally fall overboard. The line is of such maximum length that in that event it will enable the boater to pull himself back to the boat. The reel may be of the inertial type which will permit withdrawal of line at a normal speed but which will lock and prevent further withdrawal in the event of sudden lurching movement. The line may also be connected to an inflatable life belt or harness worn by the occupant which automatically inflates upon manual disengagement from the tethering line.