Abstract: A system for alerting drivers of vehicles which have an overall height too great to clear an overhead obstruction in their path. Respective pairs of cooperating light sources and light sensors are spaced at appropriate distances from each other and in advance of the overhead structure, with the light beam from each light source being directed to the corresponding light sensor with which such light source is paired. The respective light beams are momentarily interrupted or broken as a vehicle having an excessive overall height passes the successive pairs of light sources and light sensors. When the light beams have been broken in sequence and within a preset, given time period, a signal is sent to the control station which in turn activates a visible, flashing, electric sign indicating that the approaching vehicle is too high to clear the obstruction and warning the driver of the vehicle to stop or exit from the thoroughfare.

Abstract: Unique identifying symbols, such as bar codes, are preprinted on, or affixed to, each of a plurality of source documents. A scanning and recording device simultaneously reads the identifying symbol appearing on a given source document and records the image thereof on an image storage medium, such as photographic film. Also stored on the image storage medium, adjacent to each image stored thereon, is an address symbol to indicate the relative location at which a desired image is stored. Synchronization means coupled to the scanning and recording device generate an electrical data address word corresponding to this address symbol. This data address word is then combined with a similar data identifying word, generated as the scanning device reads the identifying symbol appearing on each source document, to form a data index word.

Abstract: A puzzle type toy comprises a hexahedral, solid body having a plurality of bores of uniform depth extending inwardly from three sides thereof. A plurality of uniform length rods, equal in number to the number of bores in the solid body, are adapted to be inserted into the bores. The rods have various combinations of notches in the sidewalls thereof whereby the rods can all be received in the bores only when the rods are inserted in their respective bores in a particular, preset order, otherwise an interference will occur between the rods as they are inserted into the bores.

Abstract: A flow regulating device provides continuous, regulated flow of a medical fluid, as well as intermittent, manually controlled larger flows of fluid to a catheter system. Such apparatus includes a control member having an inlet means adapted to be connected by tubing to a source of medical fluid and an outlet means adapted to be connected by tubing to a catheter. A flexible conduit defines at least a portion of a first passage between the inlet means and outlet means of the control member. A cylindrical, hollow extension extends from the outlet means coaxially within and to about the midsection of the flexible conduit. Positioned in the flexible conduit is valve means adapted to open when the conduit is squeezed, thereby providing the larger, intermittent, manually controlled flow of fluid to the catheter system, and to automatically close when the conduit is released.

Abstract: A chuck assembly which is adapted for quick and easy engagement and disengagement with work arbors having various working tools mounted thereon. The chuck assembly comprises an elongate cylindrical chuck member having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough. One end of the chuck member is adapted to be attached to the shaft of a drive motor and the other end is adapted to receive a work arbor in concentric engagement therewith. Means are provided in combination with the chuck member for positively locking the work arbor in engagement with the chuck member when the chuck member and arbor are in rotational movement about their longitudinal axes. When the chuck assembly is at rest, the arbor is easily and quickly disengaged from the chuck member by moving the locking means to its disengaging position and pulling the arbor from the end of the chuck member.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting when the tying mechanism of a baler has failed to properly tie a cord or wire around a bale which has been formed in the baler, and further for producing an alarm for the operator of the baler that the tying mechanism is not functioning properly. The apparatus includes a sensor needle which is mounted for pivotal movement over one of the surfaces of the bale and beneath the tying cord which extends lengthwise along the surface of the bale of material which is being formed. If the tying mechanism has securely knotted the cord around the bale of material, the tied cord will engage the sensor needle and pivot the sensor needle back as the tied bale moves towards the discharge end of the bale forming chute. A clock mechanism is provided which activates an alarm if the sensor needle is not engaged and swung back within a preset time interval.

Abstract: A valve unit adapted to be attached to a faucet and to divert water from the faucet through a water purification system and to a drinking fountain formed as part of the valve unit.

Abstract: A device for winding and storage of ropes, cables, wires, etc., comprises a substantially elongate body portion having a pair of horn-like members extending from opposite ends thereof. The horn-like members are adapted to have a rope or the like coiled therearound, with at least one of the horn-like members being made so that it can be readily turned toward the other horn-like member, whereby the coil of rope or the like is readily disengaged and removed from the device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for minimizing evaporative losses of liquid hydrocarbon fuels from fuel tanks installed on motor vehicles wherein the fuel tanks are shielded from sources of heat which would otherwise cause significant evaporation of the hydrocarbon fuel contained therein. The shielding is achieved by covering the surfaces of the fuel tanks which are exposed to radiation and convection from hot pavement, reflected solar radiation, and direct solar radiation with a heat insulating and radiation reflection coating.

Abstract: An inexpensive, reliable lift unit is provided for a pick-up truck wherein the lift unit is readily attached to and detached from the end of the bed of a pickup truck without the use of tools or other apparatus. There is no portion of the lift unit of this invention which is permanently or even semi-permanently attached to the truck. Th unit comprises a stationary support structure which rests on the bumper of the truck and has hook members connecting the upper portion thereof to the stake wells at the rear end of the bed of the truck or to the conventional tailgate of the truck. A load carrying platform is mounted to the support structure, with the platform being movable from a lowered position to an elevated position and vice-versa. The lift unit is adapted to support the load in its lifted position, without requiring movement of the load into the bed of the truck.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for handling one or more large bales of material. A mobile chassis forms a load-carrying chamber open at the rear end so that the chassis can be backed over one or more bales. A tongue is attached to the forward end of the chassis. The tongue is preferably attached to the chassis for between a position in which the motive vehicle and the chassis are in longitudinal alignment and a second position in which the motive vehicle is parallel with and laterally offset from the chassis, leaving the front of the chassis open to be pulled forward over one or more bales. A pair of load-lifting and supporting members are pivotally attached to the respective sides of the load-carrying chamber. Track members extend transversely across the top of the load-carrying chamber, with a pair of carriages adapted to move outwardly along the track members. Longitudinally expandable force members are connected between the carriages and the load-lifting structures.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification and storage system includes a hydride container holding hydride forming material adapted to adsorb hydrogen and gaseous impurities exposed to the material. A mixture of hydrogen and impurities is applied under pressure to the hydride container and there adsorbed by the hydride forming material. Application of a cooling fluid to the container into proximity with the hydride forming material facilitates the adsorption of hydrogen and impurities by the material. After adsorption of the hydrogen and impurities, the temperature of the hydride forming material in the container is increased to a point where hydrogen will be released from the material but where the impurities will generally not be released. The hydrogen so released is then conveyed to a hydrogen utilization unit connected in the series with the container.

Abstract: A method of producing ferrotitanium alloy from sponge titanium includes placing sponge titanium in a receptacle and pouring molten iron or steel onto the titanium so that the molten metal flows downwardly and outwardly through the titanium to melt the titanium and mix therewith. While the molten iron or steel is being poured onto the titanium, an inert gas in introduced into the receptacle to prevent oxidation of the titanium. After the molten iron or steel has melted the titanium, the mixture is stirred to eliminate porosity in the resulting alloy.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, method and apparatus are provided for picking up and moving a large bale of material, such as large, cylindrically shaped bales of hay having diameters up to about 4 to 5 feet and longitudinal lengths up to about 5 or 6 feet. The apparatus includes a mobile chassis and a tilt frame mounted at the end of the chassis for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis extending transversely of the chassis. Means are provided for tilting the tilt frame from a position extending essentially vertically upwardly from the end of the chassis to a position leaning forward towards the front of the chassis. A pair of bale clamping members are pivotally attached to the tilt frame in mutually spaced relationship and means are provided for swinging the bale clamping members toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A pair of extensible leveling and stabilizing legs are connected pivotally to the underside of a trailer, the legs can be raised from their ground engaging position extending downward to the ground in an outward direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, to a retracted position extending parallel to the underside of the trailer. Force means are provided which tend to move the legs toward each other and thus continuously maintain stabilizing and leveling contact of the ground engaging portion of the legs with the ground. The force means can also be used to maintain the legs in a raised and retracted position.