Abstract: A zinc-based alloy comprising about 50 to 90 weight percent zinc and about 10 to 50 weight percent of at least one other metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and iron. The zinc-based alloy according to the invention is particularly suitable for use as coating material for producing thermal-sprayed coatings having improved corrosion resistance and adherence.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are derivatives of 5-(lower alkyl)-7-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione having substituents on the amino group. The derivatives have luminescent properties which render them useful as analytical tools in clinical chemistry. Adaptation of the derivatives for luminescent immunoassay provides valuable reagents and assays with outstanding sensitivity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for ultrasonically characterizing polymer materials under simulated processing conditions are disclosed. According to the invention, a sample of a polymer is held in confinement between two axially aligned buffer rods having opposed parallel end surfaces spaced from one another to define a gap filled with the polymer sample, the polymer sample being acoustically coupled to the opposed end surfaces of the buffer rods. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted through one of the buffer rods in a direction toward the polymer sample for interaction therewith, and the polymer sample is subjected to controlled temperature or pressure variations over a predetermined period of time, the variation in temperature or pressure being effected via the buffer rods.

Abstract: A photograph booth for providing a hologram of a human subject positioned inside the booth in facing relationship to a holographic sheet film on which the hologram of the subject is to be recorded. The booth comprises a Q-switched laser source for generating a pulsed laser beam having a coherence length of at least about one meter and a pulse duration of about 20 to about 100b nanoseconds, and a sheet film holder for supporting the holographic sheet film in a plane facing the subject.

Abstract: An animal transport unit comprises a housing having a bottom, a top, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls, the top being movable between an open position whereat the housing is fully uncovered to provide a top opening and a closed position whereat the top forms a closure covering the top opening, and a floor inside the housing and overlying the bottom, the floor being movably mounted for movement between an upper limit position adjacent the top and a lower limit position adjacent the bottom.

Abstract: An elongated rod, having a longitudinal direction, has a plurality of frameholders spacedly mounted thereon. Each frameholder includes a butterfly-like arrangement having a first wing and a second wing spaced from the first wing in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rod. The wings flare outwardly from the longitudinal axis and in the longitudinal direction of the rod.

Abstract: A toolbox receptacle with a sloped face typically inclined at 5.degree.-85.degree. to the horizontal, with a preferred slope of 15.degree.-65.degree., contains a series of compartments inside, specifically designed for holding tools and materials of various sizes; the series of compartments may be removable; the compartments recede in a sloped fashion, but not necessarily with the same slope as the terminating margins of the receptacle; this design facilitates use by a user since all the tools in the sloped compartments can be seen at once and may be stored more easily; the toolbox may contain a top wedge shaped nesting section which slides along a flanged sloped face of the lower section of the toolbox assisted by longitudinal slots in the flanges of the bottom section of the toolbox and corresponding slots in the top wedge shaped section; the receptacle in its preferred form is made from metal or plastic, and may include folding wheels and support framework.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engine including a cylinder defining a combustion chamber which receives a combustible mixture for the combustion thereof, a piston slidably mounted therein for reciprocation between a first limit position whereat the chamber defines its minimum and maximum volume, a pair of rotatably mounted parallel crankshafts arranged equidistantly relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, each having a crank-arm rotatable about its respective crankshaft axis, and means coupling the crankshafts together for synchronizing rotation thereof with the crank-arm of one crankshaft having an angular advance over the crank-arm of the other crankshaft.

Abstract: An automatic shut off valve for shutting off the water supply to a building in the case of a detected water leak. A conventional valve is provided with an apparatus for rendering the valve automatic when the valve has a sliding stem projecting from the valve body. The apparatus includes a jacket adapted to fit over the valve body to contain the stem having a roof normal to the axis of the stem and spaced from the end thereof and a plunger slidably mounted through the roof extending coaxial with and connected to the stem. A compression spring extends between the roof and the plunger to urge the valve stem to retract to close the valve. A lever member is pivotally mounted to the plunger and extends exteriorly of the jacket. The lever member includes a cam head abutting the roof between plunger extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An automatic animal feeder for automatically exposing feed at predetermined substantially regular intervals, comprises a frame having a base portion and an upwardly extending rear portion, at least two feeding troughs arranged side-by-side in the base portion and adapted to contain animal food, and a lid associated with a respective one of the feeding troughs, the lid being movable between open and closed positions and normally biased toward the open position. A retention element is associated with a respective lid for retaining same in the closed position, and a liquid-operated release mechanism is asociated with a respective retention element the release mechanism including a chamber with an inlet for receiving a liquid and being operative to release the respective retention element when the liquid reaches a predetermined level in the chamber, the chamber having liquid discharge for emptying same after use.

Abstract: A hat is provided having a sweatband which is discontinuous over a portion of the crown and has overlapping sweatband extensions with fastening means for adjusting the size of the hat. A stiff plastic strip is provided in this area on the crown to keep it from gathering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for filtering solid matter from a gas. It particularly relates to improvements in bag house type filters for use in cleaning gas streams. There is provided a gas filter apparatus consisting of, in combination, a chamber having a top, base, and side walls, a conveyor tube for passing the solid laden gas into the chamber and centrally of a partition wall dividing the chamber into upper and lower compartments, gas and solid matter exit ports on the conveyor tube, in the lower compartment only, for use in distributing the gas and solid matter from the conveyor tube and directing at least a portion of the solid matter toward the base by gravity. The partition includes a number of openings communicating the upper and lower compartments, and filter tubes are provided in the lower compartment covering the openings.

Abstract: A wireless hand held hot air hair dryer comprises a nozzle for exhausting air, a heating chamber disposed proximate the nozzle, a fuel reservoir for storing a vaporizable fuel in a liquid state, and catalytic heating means in fluid flow communication with the fuel reservoir and including a catalyst member disposed within the heating chamber for combusting vaporized fuel supplied from the fuel reservoir. The dryer further includes a battery-powered motor and a fan driven by the motor for passing air through the heating chamber so as to contact said catalyst member, to thereby heat the air prior to exhausting through the nozzle. Manually operated control means are also provided for controlling the amount of current applied to the motor and proportionally adjusting the flow of fuel to the heating means to thereby regulate the temperature of the heated air in relation to the amount of air flow exhausted through the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the opening and closing operation of a liquid flow valve dispensing fluid fed thereto from a reservoir, using the inherent gas pressure from the reservoir, comprising in combination (a) an actuator means operably connected to the flow valve for opening and closing the same; and (b) control means for controlling the operation of the actuator means, the control means comprising circuitry having pneumatic linear timer means and pneumatic control valve means operably connected one to another and to the actuator means. Also disclosed is a method of controlling the opening and/or closing operation of a liquid flow valve dispensing liquid fed thereto from a reservoir, using the inherent gas pressure from the reservoir.

Abstract: A massaging assembly includes a massaging arrangement mounted on a seating arrangement which has a seat and back support. Two longitudinally extending parallel arms extend on either side of the seat, and the arms are pivotally supported. Handles are disposed at the ends of the arms remote from the back support and a massaging brush is disposed between and pivotally supported by the other ends of the arms. The assembly can be folded into a compact arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and pumping manure from a reservoir including an elongated frame adapted to be pivoted from a vehicle bed from a lying position to an upright position within a reservoir to be pumped. Pump means are provided at the base of said elongated frame communicating with a conduit extending the length of the frame, a first slurry mixing impeller adjacent the pump at the base of the frame and driven by a common shaft with the pump, a second mixing means in the form of a screw having an axis of rotation parallel to the elongated frame and having a common drive shaft with the impeller and the pump and a third mixing device in the form of a jet nozzle communicating with the pump at the base thereof and being spaced from the second mixing means. The first and third mixing means have jet nozzles directed at right angles to the axis of the elongated frame.

Abstract: An arrangement for top entry ball valve, providing relief from seating load when turning the ball to effect either opening or closing of the valve by a handle connected to the ball via a stem.