Abstract: A cooling apparatus and method for temperature sensitive components or equipment housed in an enclosure are provided. The cooling apparatus and method removes hot air from the enclosure upon power or air conditioner failure or rise in temperature. The cooling apparatus and method helps to regulate the temperature of air in the enclosure. The cooling apparatus and method may be combined with existing enclosures either as a primary or auxiliary or “back-up” cooling system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mixing device for a feed screw for melting and conveying plasticated material of the type which rotates about a longitudinal axis in a barrel of an apparatus for melting and conveying plasticated material. The feed screw includes consecutive feed, transition, and metering sections, and further includes at least one helical main channel for conveying material in a downstream direction. The mixing device includes a cylinder having a clearance from the inside of the barrel, which cylinder rotates with the feed screw about said axis within the barrel. The outer surface of the cylinder is provided with at least one continuous mixing channel which extends over the surface of the cylinder, the channel being disposed in alternate upstream and downstream directions wherein material conveyed in the mixing channel is caused to alternately reverse its direction while proceeding through the mixing channel.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system for detecting the presence of moisture in a given location such as the attic of a building or house before the moisture has had an opportunity to penetrate plaster walls or cause other damage. The disclosed invention includes a detector for detecting the presence of minute quantities of moisture contemporaneous with their initial appearance, which responds to the presence of moisture by exhibiting a decrease in its internal impedance. An audible signal-generating circuit is coupled to the detector and responds to the resultant decrease in the impedance of the detector by commencing to oscillate at a pre-determined audio frequency.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for melting and conveying plasticated material. The invention includes a screw conveyer which has a shaft with one or more helical flights rotating in the bore of the barrel of an extruder. At a location in the screw channel after which the melted material will be dispersed into the remaining solids bed, there is provided a groove in the shaft of the screw through which the semi-melted or agglomerated material is diverted by a protrusion which extends across the channel of the screw to the groove. The additional heat transferred to the material resulting from the enhanced distribution of melted and solid material which occurs as the semi-melted material is diverted through the groove and back into the screw channel improves the quality of the processed material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device for holding an object such as a microwave oven above the burner area of a kitchen stove or range of the type commonly used in homes. The disclosed invention includes a platform for holding the object which is rigidly secured to a support. The support is adapted to engage the drip rails on both sides of the burner area of the range to hold the platform at a predetermined height above the burner area. A stiffening member is secured to the platform and to the support to provide rigidity to the shelf which stiffening member has a heat reflective surface extending substantially across the burner area of the range to reflect heat back toward the burner area and away from the shelf.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device for protecting the flint, flash pan, and hammer, and the powder contained in the flash pan of a muzzle-loading rifle. The disclosed invention includes a cover which envelops the hammer, flint, flash pan and powder contained therein. The cover is secured to a band which is removably attached to the barrel and forestock of the rifle in proximity to the flash pan and hammer.Fasteners are provided such that the cover may be secured around the flash pan and hammer and the band may be secured around the barrel of the rifle in proximity to the hammer and flash pan of the rifle.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing a continuously molded thermoplastic sheet from heat expandable granules in a heated zone within a molding channel. The disclosed invention includes introducing a predetermined amount of water into the molding channel to wet the granules either prior to or contemporaneously with the introduction of a hot gas into the granules to expand the granules into a continuous thermoplastic sheet. The water is drained from the channel subsequent to the expansion of the granules.