Abstract: A knife sheath device includes a gripping or cutting type of tool such as a pair of pliers or wire cutters. The device includes a sheath pivotally mounted upon a back plate with the back plate and sheath cooperating to form and operate the tool. Portions of the tool are formed or attached to the sheath and also to the back plate, and the tool is operated by pivoting the sheath in relation to the back plate.

Abstract: An improved photoionization detector has a sweep gas inlet which is used to introduce sweep gas near the window of the detector's ultraviolet lamp. The detector's chamber has a vent which allows selective removal of spurious analyte. The detector is adapted to have directly mounted on it, a second detector. Sweep gas used to keep analyte away from the window may be used as a reagent in the second detector. In addition, a means for regulating the ionization lamp voltage is disclosed which prolongs lamp life expectancy.

Abstract: A self-aligning electrical connector is provided for aligning and connecting multiple pins of a male coupler with corresponding multiple pin sockets of a female coupler in a blind environment. A cylindrical standpipe is attached to and extends axially from the female connector. The end of the standpipe remote from the female coupler comprises a ramp or cam sloping to a lug slot in the standpipe that extends toward the female coupler. The male coupler includes a lug comprising a cam follower or roller for following the cam of the standpipe. During connection of the couplers, the action of the cam follower on the cam causes axial rotation of the male coupler until the cam follower engages the lug slot to align the couplers. A jackscrew extending through a longitudinal bore along the axis of the male coupler engages a threaded socket located at the axis of the female coupler to draw the pins of the male coupler into mating connection with the pin sockets of the female coupler.

Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a source for producing a beam of light and pair of color wheels. Each of the color wheels has a plurality of dichoric filters mounted on the periphery of the wheel with the filters positioned contiguous to each other. The light beam is directed to a focal point. Each of the color wheels can be rotated to place the peripheral dichroic filters in position to intercept the beam. One of the color wheels is equipped with long wave pass dichroic filters while the other color wheel is equipped with short wave pass dichroic filters. By aligning various combinations of these filters, a large number of different colors with different saturations can be produced. The cutoff wavelengths for the dichoric filters are selected to be different at the long and short wavelengths of the filter set, such that there is produced a perceived uniform graduation of colors across the spectrum.

Abstract: An improved hold-down clamp (14) is disclosed for fastening a non-metallic grate (10), preferably formed of fiberglass, to a structural member (12). The clamp (14) includes a restraining clip (20) which prevents spreading of adjacent beams of the grate, and a hold-down clamp (46) which bears on the inner portion of the base of each beam. A threaded fastener (50) urges the hold-down clamp (46) toward the structural member (12), thereby forcing the bases of the beams into engagement with the structural member to clamp the grate to the structural member.

Abstract: A dynamically reconfigurable time-space-time (DRTST) switching system for use in conjunction with a high speed transmission media which conveys a plurality of time division multiplex (TDM) channels within a repeated frame of data is provided. The system includes a bypass for selectively opening the transmission media. A control store is connected to the bypass for receiving selected channels, one of said selected channels comprising a control channel. A TST switch having a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports is provided wherein the inlet ports are connected to receive selected channels from the bypass, and the outlet ports are connected to the bypass for transferring data from the TST switch to the transmission media.

Abstract: A system of threaded components is provided for hanging and supporting multiple conduit lines from a support structure. The system includes threaded rods of various lengths, internally threaded cross members, and support rings having threaded connectors and various inside diameters for clamping around pipes of different outside diameters. The support rings and cross members may be threaded onto the threaded rods in any configuration to support sections of multiple conduit lines from a single threaded rod attached to the support structural. The three basic components of the system in various sizes allow sections of several parallel conduit lines to be supported from a single point and allow additional conduit lines to be added later to a previously installed support system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a real-time method for determining when a drill bit that is being used in drilling operations should be replaced, given the objective of minimizing the total expected, controllable costs of a well. The basis of the bit replacement decision is a direct comparison of the total expected, controllable unit cost of the current bit in the borehole to the total expected, controllable unit cost of a replacement bit over a specified interval of analysis.

Abstract: A bookmark and page holding device is provided for automatically holding and marking a page of a book. A spring clip attaches the bookmark to the rear cover of a book. A spring-loaded swing arm is pivotally attached to the spring clip at one end and has a page holder plate pivotally attached to the other end. As the book page is turned, the page holder plate pivots up and away from the page, allowing the page holder plate to return to the next page under the action of the spring-loaded swing arm. In one embodiment, the page holder has an arcuate, inwardly curving edge for engaging the edge of the turned page to facilitate its use with lightweight paper. The page holder plate marks the last page being read when the book is closed as well as when opened.

Abstract: A subpurlin (100) is provided for use in constructing an insulated wall assembly having a plurality of horizontal support members (104) and wall panels (102). The subpurlin (100) is provided with a first cell rib area (110) and a second cell rib area (112) and interconnecting spanner sections (28) to provide insulation space (116) between the wall support members (104) and the subpurlin.

Abstract: Particulate expandable styrene polymers are coated with a distilled acetylated monoglyceride product to reduce the cooling time of articles molded from such expandable styrene polymers. Coating of the expandable particulate styrene polymer is obtained by contacting the polymer with an emulsion of a distilled acetylated monoglyceride and water with a suitable surfactant. The distilled acetylated monoglyceride is a liquid at room temperature and is substantially completely acetylated.

Abstract: A capstan drive assembly for electric arc welding receives filler wire which can have an undetermined cast to the wire. The assembly provides for self feeding of the wire from the inlet completely through to a welding torch. No portion of the assembly must be opened or disassembled to feed the filler wire. The wire is captured in a groove on the periphery of a capstan and held in place by spaced apart pressure rollers which serve to impart a predetermined cast to the filler wire. The predetermined cast overcomes any previous cast which was present in the wire. After the wire has received this cast, it is directed between opposite sides of wire straightening rollers which serve to bend the wire in the opposite direction of the predetermined cast and apply sufficient force to counteract the set cast. This apparatus and procedure results in producing a filler wire which is substantially straight.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optically measuring temperature by spectroscopically determining the temperature-induced changes in the wavelength spectrum of light interacting with a semiconductor temperature sensor. The method includes providing illumination from a radiant energy source with a broad wavelength spectrum, guiding the radiant energy to a remote semiconductor sensor, returning the radiant energy after interaction with the semiconductor sensor, and analyzing the returned wavelength spectrum to determine the temperature-induced spectral changes due to the absorption edge of the semiconductor sensor. One embodiment of the invention comprises a quartz-halogen lamp, an optical multiplexer, optical fiber lightguides, a gallium arsenide semiconductor sensor, a fast scan spectrometer, an analog to digital converter and a microprocessor for processing the information of the returned wavelength spectrum for determining and displaying the sensor temperature.

Abstract: A light pattern generator is utilized to produce an image which is projected onto a stage or screen. The image is derived from a beam of light. The light pattern generator comprises a heat resistant glass plate having a reflective layer deposited on one surface thereof. A nonreflective layer is deposited on the surface of the reflective layer. Both of the layers are etched to produce an opening extending through the layers wherein the opening has the shape of the desired image. The beam of light is directed through the transparent plate and the portions not passed through the opening are reflected by the mirror surface of the reflective layer. This prevents the buildup of heat within the light pattern generator. Any extraneous light which is received at the nonreflective layer is absorbed to prevent the escape of unwanted light and its projection to the stage.

Abstract: A Fuel Tank Access Plate (10) is provided for mounting on a fuel tank (12) formed of cross linked polyethylene. The access plate (10) includes an inner plate (14) which has a pair of seal ridges (24, 26) which engage the inner surface of the fuel tank in sealed engagement. The inner plate (14) and an outer ring (16) are secured together by screws (20) which clamp the access plate (10) to the fuel tank (12) and urge the seal ridges into sealing engagement with the fuel tank. The inner plate (14) is provided with ports (54, 62) for movement of fuel to and from the tank and also provides a mount for a combination visual fuel gauge and fuel sender assembly (34).

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-in-oil macroemulsion for use in combination with a solid oxidizer in preparing a high density explosive composition. The macroemulsion comprises 1-70% by weight of water, 5-85% by weight of a fuel oil, and 0.1-10% by weight of an emulsifier with an HLB number within the range 0-8. The invention also provides an explosive composition comprising 2-20% by weight of a water-in-oil macroemulsion as just described and 80-98% by weight of a solid oxidizer. The preferred solid oxidizer is selected from the group of ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, ANFO, and mixtures thereof. In addition, water soluble fuels, oil soluble fuels, or solid fuels may be added to the erxplosive composition. The invention further provides a method of preparing a solid oxidizer based explosive having a higher density than that obtainable in a mixture of fuel oil and the solid oxidizers.

Abstract: Sealing assemblies (16, 18, 20) are disclosed for isolating electronic circuitry (14) within a magnetometer (12) from the effects of water intrusion when the magnetometer is used under water. The electronic circuitry (14) is positioned within an inner cylindrical member (24) and the ends of the inner cylindrical member are sealed by RTV rubber plugs (50, 52). Passages (54) through the plugs permit signal cables to extend from the electronic circuitry to the surface. The compression of the resilient plugs seals against the cable and the inner wall of the inner cylindrical member. Interior O-rings (46, 48) seal between the exterior of the inner cylindrical member and the inner wall of an outer cylindrical member (62) to seal the annular space therebetween. Couplings (66, 68) are secured at each end of the outer cylindrical member (62) and accept nipples (70, 72). Caps (78, 82) are slid over the nipples.

Abstract: A moveable enclosure for use in applying a sprayed material on the surface over which the enclosure is moved includes a frame assembly defining a plurality of side walls with roller means for movably supporting the frame. A mesh skirt is supported by the frame adjacent the plurality of side walls and is positioned with its lower edge adjacent the surface. A mesh top canopy is positioned on the top of the frame with its lower edge overlying the upper portion of the skirt to complete the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of packaging baked goods for commercial distribution is particularly suitable for brown and serve bakery products, which are more suscepticle to microbiological spoilage than fully baked products, and especially for brown and serve french bread, because the method alleviates the need for the addition of microbiological inhibitors while maintaining high product quality, the characteristics of European-style bread and long shelf life. Such advantages are achieved by packaging the product, while hot enough to inactivate microbial organisms, in a specially adapted container.

Abstract: A dry cementitious composition which is shrinkage compensating and fast-setting for use in grouting repair of concrete surfaces. The cementitious composition comprises a hydraulic cement mixture of a major amount of a first portland cement constituent and a minor amount of a second expansive ettringite sulfoalumina cement constituent, an aggregate component, and an accelerator component. The accelerator component is a polyvalent metal salt of formic acid, specifically an alkaline earth metal formate such as calcium formate. Specific formulations include a mixture of Type I, Type IP, or Type III cement as a first constituent with Type K, Type M, or Type S cement as a second constituent, with the ratio of the first to the second constituent within the range of 2-3.