Abstract: A link, used to allow retraction of the latchbolt against the bias of a spring, is formed of a fusible material to insure that, in the presence of intense heat, the link will melt and will no longer override a deadlocking pawl to allow the latchbolt to be withdrawn.

Abstract: A door closure delay system produces a first signal when a person approaches a doorway housing the door. The first signal is applied to a timing system and a voltage comparator so that a second signal is produced to limit closure of an open door. The second signal is maintained for a predetermined and adjustable time period after the first signal has been removed. More patricularly, a voltage regulator provides a base or reference voltage to the comparator. A sensor, monitoring the doorway or portal, provides a signal voltage to the comparator when a physical presence is in, or in proximity to the doorway. The comparator passes on an output voltage which is stretched (i.e., has its time line extended) to circuitry coupled to a door closer, to delay the closure of the door by the closer.

Abstract: A mechanism for dogging a door latch assembly of a panic exit device having a retractible door latch biased to move outward from the door latch assembly, with inward movement of the door latch being activated by a push bar, includes a mechanism for holding a key cylinder positioned adjacent to the door latch assembly. A catch mechanism linked to the door latch is configured to move as the door latch is retracted, and a arm is pivotably mounted adjacent to the key cylinder holding mechanism. The arm is configured to retain the catch mechanism, with the door latch being prevented from outwardly moving with respect to the door latch assembly.

Abstract: A crankshaft bearing inspection system for confirming the presence of bearing inserts and the proper amount of bearing crush during assembly of reciprocating machines accomplished by measuring a fastener tension related function and a function fastener rotation, and evaluating the curves thus obtained to confirm and identify a characteristic signature of the bearing presence as, for example, a first constant rate of tension increase followed by a second increased constant rate of tension increase falling within expected inspection limits.

Abstract: A crankshaft bearing inspection system for confirming the presence of bearing inserts and the proper amount of bearing crush during assembly of reciprocating machines accomplished by measuring a fastener tension related function and a function fastener rotation, and evaluating the curves thus obtained to confirm and identify a characteristic signature of the bearing presence as, for example, a first constant rate of tension increase followed by a second increased constant rate of tension increase falling within expected inspection limits.

Abstract: In the floor of a pulp slurry inlet chamber an opening is provided. The opening is elongate and arranged substantially tangential to the outer, bounding wall of the chamber. Barriers of arcuate cross-section depend from the opening, at opposite ends of the opening. The barriers are incurvate, relative to the opening. The opening has a length across which junk cannot bridge. Consequently, the junk falls through the opening and is captured in an accumulator which underlies the opening. Knots substantially bridge across the opening, and impinge upon the arcuate barrier at the far end of the opening to be thrown upwardly for assimilation with the slurry flow coursing through the chamber. An elutriative liquid is supplied to the accumulator, at a given flow velocity, to wash up and out of the accumulator any organic particles which, due to irregularities, pass through the opening, to return the organic particles to the chamber.

Abstract: A door latch for passage and privacy applications provides capability for non-handed installation as well as independent bolt operating cams which may be selectively locked or may be unlocked by retraction of the bolt or by pushing the bolt inward when the door is closed. The latch also provides for removal of the bolt from the latch assembly when the faceplate is not attached. Dual backset capability is provided by means of telescopic forward housings and bolt-to-drawbar assemblies which may be placed in two indexable positions to adjust the length.

Abstract: A vertical steam conditioning chamber, for feed grains and other steam conditioned particles, has a circular cross section and is formed from a plurality of stackable modules, each such module having a larger diameter than the module next above. A flange like member permits stacking and joining of the cylindrical modules and prevents the upper modules from telescoping downward into the modules below. This permits generation of a stepwise diametric expansion or even a variable stepwise diametric expansion in a conditioning chamber to accommodate different conditioning responses of different particulate materials. The ratio of cylindrical module height to diameter and the change thereto from one module to the next succeeding module provides the versatility and the variability of the stepwise diametric expansion.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled exit device assembly for remote latching and unlatching of a door by controlling air pressure directed to the exit device from a pneumatic pressure source is described. The device includes a push bar operated exit device for retracting a latch of the emergency door, with the exit device having an air cylinder assembly biased to control retraction of the latch in response to changes in applied air pressure. In addition, a pneumatic transfer assembly is provided in fluid connection between the pneumatic pressure source and the air cylinder assembly, with the pneumatic transfer assembly having an air line and a mechanism for protecting the airline positioned between the door frame and the door.

Abstract: A stationary scalper removes coarse trash, from feed material entering a roll mill grinder, by diverting the trash across an adjustable inclined grate to a trash discharge chute. The grate is fitted with parallel grate bars extending in the direction of inclination for easy trash transport. A flow director spreads the feed material over the full length of the grate below the feed inlet and an adjustable rigid door defines a gap above the grate which controls the flow rate of trash toward the discharge chute. By controlling flow rate, the efficiency of trash separation may be maximized for a given production rate.

Abstract: A hydrofoil in close proximity to an outboard surface of a rotatable slurry screen, and a hydrofoil in close proximity to an inboard surface of the screen, cooperate to create high and low slurry pressures at the surfaces which result in causing the slurry to surge through the screen to backwash the latter, thereby dislodging slurry-borne substances which tend to clog apertures in the screen.

Abstract: A door latch has a housing for installation in a prepared cavity at a door edge and has interchangeable faceplates for finishing the door edge. The interchangeable faceplates each have an opening for permitting extension and retraction of a latch bolt, have a peripheral shape required for compatibility with the prepared cavity, and have features providing for releasably securing the faceplates to the housing and to the door edge. This permits installation of door latches regardless of the door preparation by merely interchanging the faceplates to match the door preparation.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic device for generating negative pressure excursions in a pulp slurry during fine screening, includes at least one half-foil member disposed on a substantially cylindrical outer surface of a rotor. The rotor is mounted within and co-axial with a substantially cylindrical screen having a circumferentially continuous apertured zone to define an annular screening chamber between the rotor and the screen. The half-foil member is collectively at least axially co-extensive with the apertured zone and has a leading edge which, also collectively, is inclined at a spiral angle relative to the axis of the rotor such that, in one embodiment, during rotation, the leading edge of the half-foil member conducts large particles downwardly through the screening chamber. A selection of hydrodynamic foil configurations is provided in order to adapt to a wide range of pulp types and screening conditions.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive compression of a reactive gas such as ozone employs a liquid used as a compressant or sealant in a compressor where the liquid is substantially free of elements which decompose the gas. Provision is also made for extraction of heat of compression absorbed by the liquid of the compressant or sealant, for addition of chilled and pH adjusted liquid, and for addition of acid, if necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing reduced crystal damage in a sugar centrifugal includes provisions for avoiding scratching and other crystal damage by eliminating asperities and sharp edges at the transition between the screening zone and the discharge zone of a centrifugal basket. In addition, the distance on an upper shroud ring across which high velocity crystals slide is minimized to reduce the likelihood of scratching crystals on the surface of the shroud ring. Finally, the tangential velocity at which crystals are released from the centrifugal basket is minimized to reduce impact damage to the crystals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing sugar, crystal impact damage and lump formation in a centrifugal provides a resilient barrier ring which absorbs most of the impact energy of the crystals and which deflects the crystals so they are not struck by trailing high speed crystals. An air flow causes vibration of the barrier ring to prevent crystal sticking which could lead to lump formation. This air flow also reduces moisture content in the sugar housing to further reduce lump formation.

Abstract: A fluid connection and control device for fluid machines permits fluid inlet or outlet connections without the necessity for threaded connection to the machine. This is accomplished by an elongate radially symmetrical body having first and second ends and a central axial fluid passage connecting the ends. The body is appropriately sized for the fluid channel of the fluid machine and has a provision at the first end for attachment of a flexible hose. The second end has a provision for a fluid tight seal between the body and the fluid channel as well as a mechanism by which the body is retained within the fluid channel of the fluid machine while permitting rotation thereof. Options are provided for incorporation of a valve mechanism for controlling the fluid flow. This provides the advantages of rapid assembly and avoidance of undue stresses to the fluid machine housing.

Abstract: A sugar centrifugal operates at decreased speed to reduce crystal damage but suffers no loss of sugar crystal/molasses separation rate. This is accomplished by superposing a partial vacuum on the molasses chamber of the centrifugal which promotes removal of syrup and water from the sugar crystals through the centrifugal basket wall. Additional drying of the separated crystals is provided by injection of air above the sugar chamber to replace that which is extracted through the centrifugal basket wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering pulp fibers from a pulp slurry, using a combination of vacuum, hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces in order to achieve a more effective deposition of pulp fibers onto the filter surface and enhanced flow of filtrate through the cylinder. The apparatus is in the form of an improved vacuum filtration system, in which the filtrate outlet tube is disposed along the axis of rotation of the rotary cylinder and the filtrate inlet and outlet ports of each filtrate conduct are radially offset from one another in the direction of intended rotation of the cylinder. During various phases of filter operation, vacuum forces generated by the vacuum source cooperate with either hydrodynamically or hydrostatically generated forces, which together act upon columns of filtrate in the filtrate conduits as the cylinder rotates.

Abstract: An ergonomically adjustable handle for attachment to the body of a tool has a handle member with first and second ends with an axis between. Provision for attaching the first end of the handle to the tool body allows rotation of the handle about the axis through the attachment point. A pivot point is located on the axis of the handle member near the first end and permits deflection of the second end of the handle with respect to the first end. In addition, an outer layer portion of the handle member near the second end may be rotated about its axis to provide a comfortable position for the ellipsoidal cross section of the handle. Finally, clamping provisions at the articulation point and the two rotation mechanisms secure the handle in the desired position.