Abstract: A process for preparation of long wood strands is disclosed. Long wood strands are required for the production of structural lumber products. These strands must be split, and a method of splitting logs into longitudinal-grain wood strands comprises the steps of radially splitting a log substantially along the grain of the log into a plurality of sector shaped segments, parallel splitting each of the sector shaped segments along the grain of the segments into a plurality of substantially parallel slabs, and further splitting each of the parallel slabs substantially along the grain of the slabs into a plurality of longitudinal-grain wood strands.

Abstract: A cardiac prosthesis having a hydraulically actuated compressible blood pump. An actuation chamber adjacent the blood pump receives pulses of hydraulic actuation fluid from an actuator pump through a fluid inlet path to compress the blood pump during systole and eject blood therefrom. Between pulses the actuation fluid is permitted to drain from the actuation chamber through an outlet path into a reservoir. Discharge of fluid through the outlet path is controlled by a dump valve which is adapted to close or open the outlet path primarily in response to forces which vary as a function of the flow of actuation fluid through the fluid inlet path.

Abstract: A locking device (10) for locking a locker (12) is disclosed. A bracket (26) attaches a padlock (50) to the interior surface (36) of a door (18). A latch plate (28) is connected to a shackle (54) of the padlock (50). A handle (30) extends through a slot (58) of the door (18) and is connected to the latch plate (28). A strike plate (34) cooperates with the latch plate (28) and the shackle (54) to lock the door (18).

Abstract: A simple and versatile folding exercising apparatus which enables the user to perform a wide variety of weight training exercises. The apparatus includes an upstanding frame and a bench pivoted to the frame for movement between a laterally extended use position and an upright, compact storage position juxtaposed with the frame. The apparatus includes barbell support cradles, a rope and pulley weight pull device, a lat bar device with squat rack and chinning bar, and readily detachable devices for performing curling, sit-ups, leg lifts and head lifts.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns printed wiring boards for recording or displaying information. The printed wiring board comprises an insulated substrate, a plurality of functional elements placed on the insulated substrate, a plurality of strip wires formed on the insulated substrate, each of the strip wires connected to a respective functional element, and at least two of the strip wires having different lengths such that one is longer than the other, each of the strip wires comprising a first portion having a first resistivity and a second portion having a second resistivity which is higher than the first resistivity, wherein the resistance of the second portion of the shorter strip wire is higher than the resistance of the second portion of the longer strip wire.

Abstract: A vent valve (10) is disclosed. The valve (10) is comprised of a conduit (12), a cap (14), a nut (16) a bolt (18) and a coupling (20). The coupling (20) connects with a conduit (12) to a radiator (12). A pair of slots (44) in the nut (16) form a vent passage for steam and air to escape the valve (10).

Abstract: A novel hydroxy-cinnamic acid ester hydrolase can be obtained by cultivating, in a medium, a mold strain belonging to Genus Aspergillus or Genus Botrytis and having an ability to produce a hydroxy-cinnamic acid ester hydrolase specifically hydrolyzing the ester linkage of hydroxy-cinnamic acid ester substances represented by the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen atom, hydroxyl group or methoxyl group and X is tartaric acid residue or quinic acid residue, followed by collecting the hydroxy-cinnamic acid ester hydrolase from the cultivated product.

Abstract: A tied back retaining wall structure is disclosed comprising channel-shaped sheet piles, a reinforcing bar matrix and a concrete wall encasing the matrix and filling the channels of the piles. The reinforcing bar matrix comprises an array of laterally disposed reinforcing bars which span the spaces between the piles. Headed studs welded to the piles insure a secure connection of the wall to the piles. A method of constructing such a wall is disclosed which comprises excavating downwardly in stages after installing sheet piling in the ground, erecting a reinforcing bar matrix and pouring or spraying concrete over the structure to form the finished wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermal recording head. The thermal recording head includes an insulated substrate, a plurality of thermal resistive elements placed in a line on the insulated substrate, a plurality of drive circuits having signal input terminals, current supply terminals and output terminals, each output terminal of the drive circuits being connected to each thermal resistive element. A shift register having a plurality of memory units, the number of which is the same as the number of thermal resistive elements, is connected to the drive circuits with each memory unit being connected to each signal input terminal. The shift register receives serial input (pictures) signals and supplies these signals to the drive circuits in parallel. A metal cover is placed on the insulated substrate to cover the shift register and the drive circuits, the metal cover being connected to the current supply terminals of the drive circuits.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for components has means for washing components with high pressure water at a pressure above 1000 psi and preferably about 3000 psi, and an airknife drying means for drying components with a high volume of air at low pressure. Valve means are provided in the high pressure water line so as to selectively control the application of the water.The washing and drying means may be effected at different stations, transfer means being provided for transferring components between stages, or alternatively the washing and drying may be carried out at the same station. The dirty water from the washing is recycled for re-use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a picture tube comprising an electron gun installed within an evacuated envelope which receives various potentials supplied from a potential source. The electron gun comprises a cathode for generating an electron beam and a plurality of successively arranged electrodes for focusing and accelerating the electron beam. One or more supporting rod secures the electrodes. Each of the supporting rods comprises an insulator portion and a glass resistance portion. The glass resistance portion acts as a solid bulk resistor and secures in direct connection with at least one electrode of the electron gun. Consequently, potentials from the potential source are applied to certain electrodes through the glass resistance body. In a further embodiment the entire supporting rod consists of a homogeneous glass resistance body.

Abstract: A sheet transfer apparatus (10) is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a first station (14), a second station (16) and a transfer mechanism (18) for transferring stiff sheets (20A,B) from the first station (14) to the second station (16). A conveyor mechanism (48) moves the sheet (20B) in a first direction (49) from the second station (16). Push-plates (32) are provided for releasing the sheet (20B) from the transfer mechanism (10) at the second station (16). A pair of longitudinally spaced bar members (50) apply downward pressure to a sheet (20B) falling downward onto the conveyor mechanism (48). Each bar member (50) is supported in an inoperative position by one of the push-plates (32).

Abstract: An outer sole (16) for use with an athletic shoe (10) is disclosed. The outer sole (16) is comprised of a base member (18) from which three layers of projections extend. The layers of projections include a first plurality of horizontal bars (24) whose width varies in accordance with the load exerted on the bottom of the sole during normal running; supplemental and intermediate bars (26, 28) extending downwardly from the first set of bars (24); and pairs of ridges (30) extending down from each intermediate bar (28) adjacent the lateral edges of the intermediate bars (28).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for splitting wood slabs substantially along the wood grain into longitudinal-grain wood strands are provided. The apparatus comprises a rotating disc splitter having a pair of parallel rotary shafts each having centered thereon and secured thereto a series of spaced apart circular discs, means for counter rotating the shafts to pull a slab of wood between the series of discs and to split the slab into strands, and a series of floating spacer rings on each shaft interspaced between the discs, the floating spacer rings being positioned on either side of the shafts adapted to permit the spacer rings to move away from the discs when a slab is being split therebetween.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of rigid beads, of cross-linked polyester resin which beads may be solid or vesiculated, by forming an oil-in-water or a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion in which the oil phase contains an unsaturated polyester resin and an unsaturated organic monomer to provide said cross-linking and thereafter heating the emulsion to a temperature of at least 45.degree. C. before initiating polymerization of the oil phase by the introduction into the system of a polymerization initiator, and promoter system, if the latter is not already present in the emulsion.

Abstract: The thermal recording apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of thermal resistive elements placed in a line, a plurality of drive circuits connected to the thermal resistive elements to drive the thermal resistive elements and a plurality of latch circuits connected to the drive circuits to supply recording signals in order to the drive circuits. A first memory receives and stores incoming recording signals formed by a series of 1 and 0 signals. These recording signals are supplied to the latch circuits. A second memory stores previously received recording signals which are output from the first memory. A comparator then compares the incoming recording signals with the previously received recording signals after the first memory supplies the incoming recording signals to the latch circuits. The comparator generates modified recording signals.

Abstract: A track shoe is described having a cushion member of resilient elastomer material secured to the bottom surface of its spike plate beneath the metatarsal bones of the wearer's foot. The cushion member is positioned behind and separate from the rearmost spikes on such spike plate. Such cushion member has an average width longitudinally of the shoe greater than its thickness. The cushion member absorbs shock, helps runners stay on their toes by preventing "rock-back" onto the heel of the shoe, and aids in foot stability during landing.

Abstract: A refractory setter device for supporting glazed ceramic ware incident its firing within a kiln comprises an open spider having an upwardly facing surface above which the ware article is to be supported with such surface having a plurality of conical pockets arranged in at least three radial locations relative to the center of the spider and a spherical ball engaged within the conical pocket at such three radial locations, such that the ceramic ware article when supported on the setter device has three point contact engagement with the spherical balls.

Abstract: A system for biocular viewing of a distant scene or object especially under daylight conditions comprises an objective lens which produces an initial image, one or two relay lenses with associated reflectors which produce from that initial image a pair of tilted images, and a biocular magnifying eyepiece lens through which an observer views so that each eye receives light from a respective one of the tilted images. The system can be incorporated in a combined day and night viewing system employing common objective lens and eyepiece lens components for the day and night viewing paths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal recording apparatus comprising: a plurality of aligned thermal resistive elements; a plurality of drive elements, each serially connected to the thermal resistive elements, for driving the thermal resistive elements; a DC power source connected in parallel with the thermal resistive elements and the drive elements and having a smaller current capacity than the necessary current to simultaneously drive all the thermal resistive elements; a capacitor having a large capacitance connected, in parallel, to the DC power source; a detecting means for detecting the voltage across the capacitor and comparing it with a predetermined voltage; and, a limiting means for limiting the number of the thermal resistive elements simultaneously driven when the detected voltage falls below the predetermined voltage.