Abstract: A method of making a building panel and the panel made by the steps which include laying a mold form horizontally, laying bricks in the pattern indicated in the mold form and depositing a fibrous and cementitious mixture in the spaces between the bricks and over the tops of the bricks. Providing a reinforcing lattice work and forcing it into the still soft cementitious mixture. Subsequently, a resin insulating material is foamed in situ in the mold cavities formed between the elements of the lattice work. Optionally, a smooth finish coat of material may be troweled or sprayed over the insulation material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein an electrial impulse source transmits a radar-type signal through an antenna into the ground and is reflected by a target. The reflected signal or echo is detected by the antenna and an analog-to-digital converter converts it to a digital form which may be readily operated on, stored and recalled. A memory stores the information until recalled for comparison with a subsequent signal to give an indication of the location of metallic and non-metallic buried targets.

Abstract: A process and combination for improving the growth of plants and preventing the plant support medium from retaining too great a quantity of water. A foraminous body is placed in the bottom of the container and prior to the time it is placed therein, it is perforated to form cylindrical conduits vertically completely through the foraminous body wherein the perforations are about 1-5 mm in diameter and are spaced apart about 1-8 mm. Soil is placed on top of the foraminous body, a plant is germinated or planted, watered and fertilized to grow in the container. The water will be retained in the sponge-like foraminous body around the conduits and be available to the plant roots. The conduits themselves will be free of water and will provide a reservoir of oxygen for the roots.

Abstract: Solid waste is fed to a confined zone under pressure and contacted with hydrogen containing gas. Partial conversion of the solid waste to methane occurs and the methane containing gas mixture is removed from the confined zone; it is subsequently purified and methanated so as to be a replacement for natural gas. The remainder of the solid waste is discharged from the confined zone as a carbon containing char which is delivered to a separate reaction zone where it is contacted with steam and oxygen under pressure to convert it to synthesis gas (a mixture of hydrogen, water vapor, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide). The synthesis gas is drawn from the reaction chamber and serves as the hydrogen feed gas into the confined zone. Between the two zones, metal and glass are separated from the char by virtue of their much higher density than the carbonaceous char by entrainment of the char in a jet of steam.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition obtainable by extraction from Montanoa tomentosa is useful for controlling fertility in female mammals. By internal administration of an effective luteolytic amount of the herbal product, blood levels of progesterone can be controlled and in the case of female humans and other primates such as monkeys, menses may be induced. Antiimplantation or pregnancy termination methods may be utilized for humans and lower animals. Biologically synchronized and controlled fertility techniques permit members of a mammalian group to become fertile in a close time period for reducing the time span in which newborn animals, such as sheep, are delivered.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a buried, hidden object in the vicinity of a digging tool in order to prevent a human disaster and damage to utility lines or other buried structures. The apparatus includes an impulse generator and data processing means connected to a slot antenna formed in the tool of an earthmoving machine for radiating a burst of broad spectrum electromagnetic energy into the ground and for receiving and data processing reflected electromagnetic echoes. One antenna embodying the invention comprises a slot formed through a wall of a hydraulically driven shovel and filled with a ceramic absorber. The slot has four radially extending, orthogonally arranged loops having unclosed central portions of the loops joined end to end to form four apexes.

Abstract: A digitizer comprising electromechanical and optical components arranged to provide a precision metrology aid for sensing, displaying, recording, and ultimately "playing back" the coordinate values of selected features or locations of all or parts of two dimensional contours taken from drawings, pictures, and other two dimensional media. Data pertaining to a third dimension may also be entered into the digitizer. Precision is achieved from a combination of factors including the inherent rigidness of the structure, built-in mechanical force control, and the inclusion of apparatus for the elimination of input vantage point parallex.

Abstract: A loading dock leveling apparatus including a ramp pivotable about its rear end and having a pivotable lip on its forward end. Apparatus is provided for projecting the lip outwardly after the ramp is raised beginning when the ramp is walked down to provide that the lip will engage the bed of a vehicle to be loaded or unloaded. The projecting apparatus includes a knuckle joint which pivots to projecting position on the ramp upswing and which is subsequently pivoted by a lever to release the projecting apparatus during the walk down but before the ramp descends to the highest serviceable vehicle level. A lip lock is provided for holding the lip in its projected position until the lip rests on the bed of the vehicle to be unloaded or until the ramp passes well below dock level and the lip lock is disengaged by a lip lock release.

Abstract: A generally rectangular shaped heater having an open front and a pyramid shaped roof is designed with a double wall at its rear section. Air is blown into the cavity between the two walls where it absorbs heat and is thereafter expelled through ducts which project through the front of the heater. A grate is recessed in a horizontal opening below the open front of the heater and damper means are provided to admit air below the grate and thereby facilitate the combustion of the material deposited on the grate. Air passes into the heater below the grate, up through the grate, upward against the inner surface of the rear wall which is sloped forwardly, up around the ducts to the roof section of the heater and rearwardly to exit at a flue.

Abstract: A temperature modifying system for a building having windows, some of which are exposed to the direct rays of the sun and some of which are not. The system includes a plurality of double paned windows, a heat exchange unit, an air ducting system interconnecting the windows and heat exchange unit, and an air handling unit for forcing air through the ducting system. The air moves sequentially through the heat exchange unit, the air handling unit, the ducting to the windows, through the double paned windows and back through ducting to the heat exchange unit. Each window includes parallel transparent panels spaced apart in a conventional manner, but including apertures for the entrance and exit of air conducted through the system. Light and heat reflecting slat means are mounted between the parallel panels to reflect outwardly the radiant heat from the sun. A temperature sensing device is mounted to measure the temperature of the air exiting from each active window unit.

Abstract: A brush guard attached to the side of a tractor between the front and rear wheels. Deflector bars attached to the outer extension of a cross-piece prevent branches from springing up and striking the tractor driver after the front axle of the tractor has passed over the vegetation and before the rear axle begins to deflect the same vegetation downward. The deflector bars and cross-piece also prevent large obstructions from slipping between the wheels and coming to rest against an axle, thereby immobilizing the tractor when, due to the slope of the terrain the tractor cannot drive itself away from the obstruction.

Abstract: A digital read-out or indicator attachment for a utility meter which features a tensioned, flexible stranded cable connected at one end to a crank driven in rotation by the index of the meter and having an opposite remotely extending end connected to operate a digital counter located in a position remote from the meter. The cable is supported between the crank and the counter by a low friction sheath having a coefficient of thermal expansion approximately equal to that of the cable.

Abstract: A method for making a building panel and the panel made by the steps which include laying a mold form horizontally, laying bricks in the pattern indicated in the mold form and depositing a fibrous and cementitious mixture in the spaces between the bricks and over the tops of the bricks. Providing a reinforcing lattice work and forcing it into the still soft cementitious mixture. Subsequently, a resin insulating material is foamed in situ in the mold cavities formed between the elements of the lattice work. Optionally, a smooth finish coat of material may be troweled or sprayed over the insulation material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein an electrical impulse source transmits a radar-type signal through an antenna into the ground and is reflected by a target. The reflected signal or echo is detected by the antenna and an analog-to-digital converter converts it to a digital form which may be readily operated on, stored and recalled. A memory stores the information until recalled for comparison with a subsequent signal. A processing means compares the stored and subsequent signal to give an indication of the location of metallic and non-metallic buried targets.

Abstract: The specification and claims disclose a method and apparatus for performing two manufacturing steps substantially simultaneously during the formation of a caulking tube cartridge. In general, the disclosed method includes the steps of providing a generally cylindrical anvil member adapted to be received in the piston end of the caulking tube; providing a flange ring member including a cylindrical open-ended section having a radially-extending flange; and, providing a protective cap adapted to snap on the nozzle end of the caulking tube. The open-ended section of the flange ring is positioned in the piston end of the tube with the flange overlying the end of the tube. The cap is axially aligned with the tube, and a force is applied to move the tube onto the anvil member. The force is sufficient to snap the cap onto the tube. Thereafter, the tube is rotated and the flange portion is deformed into a bead engaging the end of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering, washing and cooling gases including a chamber having inlet ducting and outlet ducting. Gases conducted through the inlet ducting into the chamber are cleaned and cooled therein and removed through the outlet ducting. Within the chamber is a convoluted foraminous wall extending transverse to the direction of gas flow to maximize the area where water droplets will impinge and vaporize. Some means such as a fan is used to force the gas through the foraminous wall. A pool of water stands in the bottom of the chamber between the inlet ducting and foraminous wall and a curtain of said water is sprayed from said pool by means of rotating discs and directional control mechanisms, whereby gas entering the chamber passes through the water curtain and is cleaned and cooled.

Abstract: A cap for a caulking cartridge of the type having an elongated dispensing spout extending generally coaxially outward from one end thereof. The cap includes a spout receiver which, when the cap is in position, closely embraces a portion of the elongated spout to prevent undesired emission and hardening of the caulking or the like compound during cartridge storage between uses. The cap also includes a resilient u-shaped bead receiver for closely engaging the end of the caulking cartridge adjacent the dispensing spout and structure releasing the cap from its engaging position. The releasing structure may also be used for conveniently hanging the cartridge during storage. The cap is dimensioned so at least the outermost end may be received in another, substantially identical cartridge at the opposite end from its dispensing end for ease of packing, shipping and shelf storage purposes as to a substantial number of the cartridges having the caps. A forming blade may be attached to the side of the cap.

Abstract: A method of immobilizing an enzyme is presented which comprises (1) providing an active support member which is capable of reacting with an enzyme to thereby cause the enzyme to become chemically bonded thereto and (2) contacting the active support member with an enzyme-substrate complex which has been formed by mixing together an enzyme and a specific substrate while minimizing the transformation of the substrate to product, whereby the enzyme component of the enzyme-substrate complex becomes chemically bonded to the support member. Subsequently, the substrate is removed from the enzyme-substrate complex by conventional means, such as water washing, thereby leaving the active enzyme chemically bonded to the support member.