Abstract: A compact preheater for heating air before it is fed to the intake of an internal combustion engine that is adaptable to fit within existing space in an engine compartment, including a versatile mounting system. The preheater includes heating coils and a blower adapted to be powered by an engine battery, with a timer to automatically de-power the heater after a predetermined time. The preheater can be used as an add on part without any alteration or change in existing engine parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tree stand having a large water basin and a plurality of extending support sections for supporting a tree. The extending support sections form part of a sidewall of the water basin. The spacing of the extending support sections allows lower limbs of the tree to extend between the support sections and above lower sidewall sections of the water basin. This arrangement allows the stand to be secured closer to the center of gravity of the tree than conventional tree stands and allows a large breadth water basin design.

Abstract: A template for guiding a cutting tool for cutting cloth, paper, or the like is provided having a transparent body, a marked seam allowance, and a handle for accurate repetitive cutting of simple or complex pattern shapes.

Abstract: A device for dissipating static charge collected on the surface of a laminated aircraft window having an outboard plastic ply includes a plurality of electroconductive static charge collecting wicks extending through the thickness of the outboard ply from the outboard surface of the ply to its inboard surface where the wicks are interconnected by wire runs adapted for connection to ground. The device may be laminated to additional transparent structural plies to form a composite aircraft transparency. The device is advantageously used to protect heating facilities in a composite transparency from static discharge damage, as well as to prevent damage to the plies of the transparency from static discharge through the plies.

Abstract: In a regenerative furnace of the type used for melting glass, localized overheating of the regenerator packing is minimized, heating of the regenerator packing is made more uniform, and regenerator efficiency is improved by employing flow control gas jets in the space alongside the regenerator packing to counteract flow imbalances in the regenerator.

Abstract: In a multiport combustion furnace having a plurality of firing ports in undivided communication with a common source of combustion gas or air, the invention provides a method and apparatus for selective control of combustion air flow into one or more of the ports. A small quantity of pressurized gas, e.g. air, is injected, e.g. by way of a flow control pipe in an individual port, generally along the flow path of combustion air through the port to alter the amount of combustion air flowing into the port for mixing with fuel. Combustion air is increased by injecting air cocurrent with the combustion air flow to induce additional flow into the port. Combustion air is decreased by injecting air countercurrent to the flow to impede flow through the port.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for selective control of combustion gas flow in a furnace firing port in a furnace of the type having a plurality of firing ports, each port having a passageway for receiving combustion gas, e.g. preheated air, from a common plenum chamber, wherein the chamber includes a back or target wall in opposed spaced relationship to each of the passageways. A flow control pipe is inserted through a plenum wall directed toward the passageway between the plenum and port. A small quantity of pressurized gas, e.g. air, is injected generally along the flow path of combustion air in the plenum toward passageway to alter the amount of combustion air flowing into the port. In a preferred embodiment, combustion air is increased by injecting air through a target wall flow control pipe cocurrent with the flow to induce additional flow into the port and combustion air is decreased by injecting air countercurrent to the flow adjacent to the passageway to impede flow into the port.

Abstract: A window closure for sealing a viewing and access port in a glass forming chamber includes a handle pivotally mounted to a glass pane supporting frame, the frame being hinged to the wall of the forming chamber below the viewing port. The handle and hinging facilities are secured to the frame outside the perimeter of the port to provide an unobstructed view into the chamber when sealed, and to provide unobstructed access through the port when opened. The handle is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed hooks for engaging correspondingly located pins secured to the chamber wall. The closure is opened by pivoting the handle to disengage the hooks from the pins, and the handle is then used to rotate the entire closure about the hinge to come to rest below the port, parallel to the chamber wall. The closure further includes facilities for detachably securing the glass pane to the frame for easy replacement of the glass.

Abstract: Nip width of a glass ribbon advancing on a molten metal bath is determined by repeatedly, at selected intervals, advancing an edge detector from a first home position toward and into contact with the ribbon edge and then back to a second home position. The first and second home positions are compared at the end of each interval to determine nip width and/or change in nip width. The facilities for determining nip width include a detector responsive to fluid pressure changes. Facilities are also taught relating to measurement of substrate displacements by contacting the substrate edge with a pivotal member to activate an electrical system.

Abstract: Silk-screening apparatus for applying a pattern on a substrate surface includes suction applying facilities for returning residual pattern forming medium back through a screen member to the upper surface thereof after a pattern has been applied. Means are provided for adjusting the magnitude of suction from a minimal value adjacent imperforate portions of the screen member to a substantially constant value adjacent perforated portions sufficient to draw the pattern-forming medium back to the upper surface. Means are provided for maintaining a substantially constant magnitude of suction as a suction applying member passes over perforated portions of the screen member having varying degrees of porosity.