Abstract: An irradiation apparatus is disclosed in which a low-pressure mercury lamp having a flat, elongated lamp tube is provided that is suitable for high intensity photochemical disinfecting and sterilization of materials. The irradiation apparatus includes a flat outer envelope, surrounding the lamp tube and ducts positioned along the narrow sides of the lamp tube to permit cooling of the apparatus and optionally the efficient generation of ozone. Various structures into which the apparatus may be incorporated for the immersion irradiation of fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: A controller and method for controlling the operation of electrically powered pool related apparatus in recreational pool system, and more particularly for controlling the flow of pool water through the pool system and water-conditioning apparatus, is disclosed. The controller includes a logic circuit formed with a plurality of logic gates coupled to pool-water-sensing apparatus and programmable input apparatus in accordance with a predetermined logic sequence. The pool system includes a swimming pool and spa, and the pool-water-conditioning apparatus includes a solar water heater and a non-solar water heater. The controller is capable of preferential solar heating and of temperature-switched operation, time-switched operation and a combination thereof, as well as manual switching.

Abstract: A method of utilizing empty aluminum cans to provide a source of electrical energy is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing the cans in an electrolyte medium, preferably a salt water solution, and positioning a carbon depolarizer in the electrolyte to form an aluminum-air cell. A cup-shaped, inverted, carbon depolarizer and suitable mounting structure for positioning the depolarizer inside a beverage-type can is also disclosed.

Abstract: The three port two-way diverter valve includes a generally T-shaped valve body having one input and two output ports connecting to its hollow cylindrical interior. A cylindrical diverter valve member is rotatably disposed within the cylindrical interior of the valve body. The cylindrical valve member is closed at one end and open at the other with the open end disposed in fluid communication with the input port at the base leg of the T-shaped body. The diverter valve member includes a side port of generally semi-cylindrical shape such that when the side port of the valve member is rotated into alignment with one or the other of the two other output ports, the flow entering at the base leg input port is directed through the respective output port disposed in alignment with the side port in the cylindrical valve member. In this manner, the flow entering the base leg may be diverted to either of the output ports, as desired.

Abstract: A high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous chemical apparatus particularly designed for oxidation of silicon wafers and providing for pressure equalization across the wall of the vessel providing the reaction chamber, for a water boiling enclosure within the reaction chamber and the injection of liquid water under pressure into the enclosure and for the continuous flow through of water vapor at high temperature and high pressure in the reaction chamber while maintaining the aforementioned pressure balance.

Abstract: A linear mechanical variator or stepless variable speed drive of the type wherein the transmission ratio between two members or shafts is varied by increasing or reducing the center distance between a radial discs unit of the variator associated with one of said shafts, and a roller crown unit of the variator, associated with the other of said shafts, the rollers being interposed between the discs.

Abstract: A tool rack providing a pair of transversely spaced tool receiving recesses defined by transversely aligned tool supporting walls; a spring mounted between the walls in position for engagement by a tool inserted in the recesses with the spring positioned to engage a midportion of the tool between the walls and to be resiliently deflected away from the walls to resiliently hold the tool in a three-point support. The walls are preferably inclined to the direction of resilient deflection of the spring and in the direction of increasing the spring deflection upon removal of the tool from the recess.

Abstract: A joint sealant composition that is compatible with Portland cement and with asphalt including, on a weight basis, from 57% to 75% of an aromatic petroleum tar boiling between 220.degree. C. and 650.degree. C., from 5% to 18% of an oil-soluble ground rubber, from 10% to 17% of inorganic filler, and from 3% to 6.5% PVC with the combined weight of PVC not exceeding 23% of the composition.

Abstract: A rotating pad support structure for a floor buffing machine adapted to secure and mount in contact with a floor to be buffed and to rotationally drive a flexible circular floor buffing pad. The structure comprises a drive disc which is normally supported and driven in a horizontal plane and the buffing pad is mounted on the underside of the disc so as to present the bottom working face of the pad to the floor. The disc is specially structured to provide an effective floor buffing area of the pad confined to a peripheral annulus not exceeding about 40% of the area of the pad face.

Abstract: A side mirror for vehicles, with two mirrors arranged at a given angle to each other, of which the first, larger mirror is the normal side mirror and the second, smaller, additional mirror is intended to encompass the blind spot.

Abstract: A device for lifting a cover plate, the cover plate having a hole therein with opposed beveled surfaces, preferably at the center of gravity of the plate, which device includes a lifting element having an eye extended above laterally expanded, beveled portions, the beveled portions being slightly shallower than the thickness of the plate and of dimensions adapted to correspond in size and angle with the beveled surfaces of the plate.

Abstract: A cold setting molding material which includes sand and a polyurethane binder with the polyol portion of the polyurethane reaction mixture containing a tertiary amino group and phenolic hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the level of solution in a plant container of a hydroponic irrigation system is disclosed. The valve includes a chamber having a top wall with an opening for the passage of liquid therethrough and having an inlet port below the top wall. Hydroponic irrigation solution is pumped into the container by way of the inlet port. A closure member within the chamber is moveable into a position blocking the flow of liquid through the opening by a lost-motion connection to a float and is held in its blocking position, so long as the pump continues to operate, by the pressure of the liquid in the chamber.

Abstract: Cold-setting, polyurethane-based molding material binder for producing molds and cones comprising phenolic polyol and a polyisocyanate characterized in that the polyol is dissolved in a polar high boiling solvent which has a Hansen hydrogen bonding solubility parameter of at least 3.5.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the resonant frequency of an optical interferometer cavity having a part having a dimension defining the resonant frequency. An electrical conductor adapted for connection to a source of electrical potential is mounted on and mechanically secured to the part of the cavity which has the dimension defining the resonant frequency. The electrical conductor provides a conduction path substantially parallel to the frequency defining dimension of the aforementioned cavity part and has a coefficient of thermal expansion. Mechanical force is transmitted to the aforementioned cavity part as a function of electrothermally induced change in the length of the electrical conductor, thus causing a change in the resonant frequency of the cavity.