Abstract: The window panes delimit a leak-tight air chamber and a narrow leak-tight space which can be filled with immiscible liquids having different optical indices supplied from a bottom reservoir and a top reservoir housed within the window frame. The top reservoir has decompression vents and the bottom reservoir is connected to a pump for injecting one of the fluids through a distribution chamber into the leak-tight space. The window serves to ensure heat insulation, to store and redistribute heat and to provide shielding against radioactive radiation.

Abstract: A one piece extrusion for use in the manufacturing of structures including structures such as frames, wall partitions, display boards, signs, covers, filters, screens, mesh, window sash and window-like structures, such window frames, window sash and other structures and methods of making such structures and especially of making window sash. The extrusion comprises a locking element of which the main portion is formed of a substantially rigid plastic material, which is provided with spaced integral, flexible projections extending angularly outwardly from the stem of the element, and which is adapted to be inserted in a channel formed in the entire periphery of a rectangular frame so as to hold a flexible translucent, transparent, or opaque sheet locked in the channel. The flexible sheet is forced into the channel. In so doing the flexible sheet is stretched to give a smooth appearance and is locked in the channel and sealed by the extrusion.

Abstract: A pressurized plate-type reversing valve for A/C systems having unobstructed straight through fluid reversal passageways with pilot and main operating valves and control connections built into the housing structure.

Abstract: An improved system for producing methane-containing product gas by the hydrogasification process. With the system, solid municipal waste is comminuted and dried following which it is introduced to the lock hopper receivers for transference to an elongate hydrogasification reactor. Synthesis gas is introduced to a lower region of the reactor and the comminuted waste, including inorganic materials, is dried and converted to methane-containing product gas and char. The char is removed from the system by a variety of separation systems including cyclone separators or aspirators and the inorganic fractured waste materials pass through the reactor but are undamaged and in a sterile condition ideally suited for recovery. A gasification reactor is incorporated with the system which receives char from the process as well as oxygen to produce the synthesis gas utilized in the hydrogasification reactor.

Abstract: An engine for converting temperature differentials to power or for converting power to heating or cooling. In the more obvious use, heat is applied to designated segments of metal belts to cause the designated segments to expand for the conversion of heat to power. If desired, cooling fluid is also applied to other segments of said belts to cause these other segments to contract and thus cooperate with the above stated application of heat in the conversion of temperature differences to power. In the preferred embodiment, two pairs of pulleys are provided. The two pulleys of each pair are mounted on and keyed to a common shaft. The two shafts are spaced apart but are parallel to each other. One of the pair of belts extends around one pulley of each pair and the other belt extends around the other two pulleys. The belts are positioned in planes parallel to each other. One pulley of each pair is larger than the other pulley of the pair to which it is connected by the associated shaft.

Abstract: A controller system for a flowing gas well utilizing battery powered solid state production and cycle time-out circuitry. In addition to expanded cycle interval capabilities, the system permits a broad range of automated controls over well production through the continuous monitoring of and reaction to such parameters as casing pressure, tubing string pressure, plunger elevation, sales line pressure and flow rate, as well as liquid level monitoring within separation and storage facilities. The solid state circuitry incorporates such features as liquid crystal readout, battery voltage level monitoring and automatic reset at the commencement of each timing cycle. Motor valve actuation is provided by electromagnetic actuation of a controller mounted shuttle piston valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively masking the film frame of a larger format camera as of the self-developing variety. A frame type retaining member removably fits over the film frame opening of a film cassette. This member slideably retains a rectangular mask which is dimensioned to cover about one half of the extent of the film frame opening.

Abstract: A solid state timing circuit exhibiting very high reliability under adverse environmental operational conditions such as are encountered in automatic truck lubrication systems. The circuit utilizes an electrochemical timing device operating in plate and deplate modes to achieve a periodic actuation of an inductive load. Two transistor stages are operatively associated with the electrochemical timing device and an R-C timing network is used to control one of these transistor stages.

Abstract: A vertically extending rectangular pole which is designed for aligning courses of brick includes a pivotable arm which is attached to the lower end of the pole for nailing into a brick or mortar joint. The upper end of the pole includes a slideable nail bar which is adjustable relative to the pole to allow the nail bar to be nailed to insulation or external sheathing and to allow the pole to be adjusted to a plumb position.

Abstract: Bulk tree bark removed as a preparatory procedure to pulping wood for use in the paper industry is converted into a useful humus by-product through the use of a system and method wherein the bark is delivered to a receiving station in an aerobicly untreated state. This material then is adjusted to optimize the nitrogen content thereof through the addition of nitrogenous material. Additionally the pH level thereof as well as the moisture level is optimized through the utilization of a mixing arrangement which agitates and retains the materials over a predetermined time interval. The material then is transferred to a digester apparatus where it undergoes aerobic thermophilic phase digestion under the influence of induced atmospheric air and agitation. Two digester arrangements are described.

Abstract: System and apparatus for treating organic waste material, suited, for example, for the aerobic-thermophilic treatment of cattle manure. The waste material initially is commingled with an expanded, size limited dry cellulosic material in a mixing stage, preferably, a pug mill device, to achieve a bulk density and moisture content optimized for thermophilic digestion. A digestion arrangement is provided assuming a reliability for complete aerobic treatment of all material removed therefrom.

Abstract: A system for composting solid waste material wherein in initial treatment stages an optimum particle size is developed at a comminution station following which through an initial air classification arrangement, heavy inorganic materials are segregated to the extent that aluminum, glass and paper characterized products are removed for recycling purposes. A characterizing feature of the invention resides in the development of an optimized moisture content or digestible classified size optimized material at a relatively early stage prior to maceration developing a pulpous substance for digestion. A pug-mill arrangement is utilized for adding optimized moisture prior to digestion and maceration and a cage-mill is utilized for the maceration stage of the process.

Abstract: The heat exchanger comprises at least one heat-transfer wall which forms a separation between a hot primary fluid and a secondary fluid to be heated. Each heat-transfer wall is either a vertical cylinder having a cross-section in the form of a circle with a wavy profile in the case of a tubular heat exchanger or a vertical rectangular plate having wavy corrugations in the case of a plate-type exchanger, a series of assembled plates being intended to form leak-tight compartments for receiving primary fluid and secondary fluid in alternate succession. The secondary fluid is introduced into the upper end of the heat-transfer wall in the vicinity of the wave crests of the wall face which is directed towards the fluid.

Abstract: A trailer mounted apparatus for preparing logs for fireplace usage which includes an assembly frame upon which a hydraulic ram is mounted in alignment with an elongate platform for receiving logs to be split. The ram is actuated to engage one side of the log and urge it into a composite log splitting wedge assembly mounted upon the frame. The wedge assembly includes a vertical wedge positioned coaxially with the ram and elongate platform as well as two transversely oriented horizontal wedges, the splitting edges of which are arranged at an acute angle with respect to the ram axis of splitting. The elongate platform is arranged to taper to a terminus located at the entrance to the composite wedge assembly. A receiving platform is positioned beneath both the elongate platform and the wedge assembly for collecting log segments as they are split. The trailer mounted assembly further incorporates a circular saw positioned upon a saw frame which is pivotally mounted upon an assembly frame.

Abstract: A surface used as a space filter in electromagnetic space. The filter surface is formed as a periodic array of recurrent filter components clustered in groups of three each incorporating pairs of elements extending outwardly at an internal angle of 120.degree.. A reactive load present as a U-shaped loop is coupled with the terminal portions of each element and extends outwardly therebetween.

Abstract: A ceramic composition composed of a hydrothermal, high magnesium, plastic clay combined with suitable sources of MgO, SiO.sub.2, and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 to result in a composition, the fired product of which results in a cordierite ceramic having low coefficient of thermal expansion characteristics that permit the use of said ceramic in flameware cooking utensils. For a similar cordierite like composition the mineral tremolite can be included in the composition to enhance moist workability and drying and firing dimension stability.

Abstract: An improved space-filter formed as a composite multi-layered structure. Utilizing a periodic slot array structure nested between first and last strata of a dielectric material, the filter exhibits a constant bandwidth characteristic over a broad range of angles of incident radiation. Where two slot arrays are utilized in parallel relationship, an intermediate dielectric layer is provided which has an effective dielectric function selected to achieve critical array component coupling.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and system for sorting objects exhibiting identifiable dynamic response to vibrational phenomena, such objects including tomatoes and other comestibles. The system utilizes an elongate sorting zone incorporating a surface which oscillates at a predetermined frequency and amplitude which varies from a minimum at the input of the zone to a maximum value at the output thereof. Conveyor belts transport the objects to be sorted along the zone for a coding interval promoting their dynamic reaction with the oscillatory surface. Objects with higher resilience characteristic are rejected from the zone, while those exhibiting a lesser resilience are transported therethrough. The oscillatory surface is dynamically balanced and readily mounted upon field harvesting devices. By adjustment of frequency of the sorting zone oscillatory surfaces, a multi-stage sorting system is made available.

Abstract: An annular lubrication reservoir is mounted on the periphery of a rotatable shaft, the reservoir defining a fluid tight annular enclosure having one or more apertures through its surface. Conduit means are connected to the apertures for conducting lubrication from the reservoir to a bearing surface. Valve means are mounted adjacent the aperture to limit the lubricant flow to one direction, out of the reservoir toward the bearing surface. A piston pump is mounted in association with the apertures whereby on rotation of the shaft the piston is driven radially outward to force lubricant out of the reservoir through the valve and into the conduit.