Abstract: A rotary tong used in well-drilling operations to make-up and break-out drill strings which incorporates readily-interchangeable sets of jaws, one of which may be used for drill pipe and the other of which can be used for relatively thin-walled well casing.

Abstract: A rotary actuator is supported within the cutter drum of a drum-cutter mining machine for pivotally positioning a clearing shield about the outer peripheral surface of the cutter drum. A holder used to pivotally support the clearing shield from the cutter drum is resiliently coupled to an outer ring member of the rotary actuator. An inner ring of the actuator encircles a reduction drive gear for the cutter drum and is connected thereto by bolt fasteners that extend through projections from the inner ring while received in recesses in the reduction drive gear. The bolt fasteners resist loading in the axial direction of the drum; while spring members between the reduction drive gear and the inner ring absorb peripheral loading.

Abstract: A composition for compressing and sintering to produce high-wear resistant articles essentially includes between 2% and 10% by weight, preferably 5% by weight, basalt powder and the remainder being metallurgical powder. The metallurgical powder is preferably comprised of austenite steel powder of high commercial quality and the basalt powder is a commercial quality basalt. The article of manufacture is for an internal combustion engine supplied with lead-free fuel wherein the article is comprised of compressed and sintered metal powder having the entire resulting pore space filled with basalt. The article takes the form of a cylinder liner, a valve seat and/or a valve-seat ring.

Abstract: A flexible retention catheter includes a soft, pliable cone-shaped tip with a reduced urethral contact surface defined by spiral grooves or hair-like projections. A magneto-insert embedded within the tip is used in cooperation with an electromagnet externally of the catheter to propel the catheter along the urethra by repulsive or attractive lines of magnetic force. In one embodiment, the tip of the catheter is partially divided along one transverse line to form a hinged tip segment and in another embodiment, the tip portion is divided longitudinally along a line intersecting with a transverse dividing line forming two hinged tip segments. The segments are releasably joined by releasable fasteners. The hinged tip segments are swung about the hinge connection against the inflated surface of the balloon by tension strips that extend along the balloon and move in response to a distention thereof to expose the drainage lumen within the tip.

Abstract: Apparatus at the operator's side of a rolling mill is used to move the chock for one of a pair of rolls in an axial direction thereof for alignment between roll pass openings in the bodies of the pair of rolls. The apparatus includes a chock extension sleeve having an externally-threaded surface and a flange at one end attached by bolts to the roll chock at the operator's side. Two nut members are jammed together under sufficient torque for a stressed engagement with the threaded surface of the sleeve. The nut members are joined together by a threaded bolt for simultaneous rotation of the nut members. Gear teeth are formed on an outer annular section of one of the nut members to mesh with a pinion gear rotatably supported by a clevis forming part of the keeper blocks supported by the mill housing.

Abstract: An artificial forearm and hand having a fully-articulated wrist motion. The invention provides an integrated digitally-controlled remote manipulator device capable of reproducing all of the major motions of the human forearm, wrist and hand in a cmpact in-line package. This motion is accomplished without the requirement for feedback thereby making the invention ideally suited to digital computer control. The packaging of the device permits it to be sealed, meaning that it can be used as a remote manipulator that can reproduce human arm and hand motions. The packaging also produces a lightweight, cosmetically pleasing prosthetic device for use by humans.

Abstract: A thimble construction for filter bags used in baghouses and the like which reduces the pressure drop in air approaching the thimble radially along a wall surface by causing a generally laminar flow of such air as it enters the thimble opening. The invention also contemplates a new and improved configuration in the upper portion of the thimble which provides a wedging action against the inner surface of a filter bag to promote a tighter seal and prevent gas leakage.

Abstract: Double heating flues are arranged transversely to the horizontal axes of coke oven chambers within heating walls therefor. Side walls between each double heating flue have an internal passageway in the lower part communicating by exit orifices at vertically-spaced locations with the heating flues at the opposite sides of the side wall. The lower parts of the side walls converge horizontally into side wall portions some of which abut against the vertical heating wall and others extend through the vertical heating wall in an alternating arrangement of superimposed bricks. The upper parts of the side walls extend into load-bearing contact with the roof for the coke oven chambers. In the heating walls, three identical stretcher bricks in each course interlock by tongue-and-groove abutment joints. The middle brick abuts in a symmetrical relation with a flue side wall.

Abstract: Charging gases from each coking chamber in a battery of coke ovens are withdrawn through a closable ascension pipe into only a first gas main. The gases liberated during carbonization of the coal charge in each oven chamber are withdrawn through a closable ascension pipe into only a second gas main throughout the remainder of the carbonization process. The gases in each gas main are sprayed with flushing liquor. Gases are continuously transferred from the second gas main through pipes into the first gas main to equalize the gas pressure within the gas mains. Flushing liquor removed from the first gas main is processed to remove the tar content therefrom and to provide a clear flushing liquor which is used to spray charging gases within the first gas main.

Abstract: A document holder and position locator assembly is provided for use by a pilot or navigator to maintain a log and for access to flight or ground data. The assembly includes a releasable strap fastener to attach the concave surface of a support base onto the top thigh portion of a pilot or navigator while seated. A carrier plate is permanently connected by a centrally-located pivot to the support base. Flight plans, maps and similar documents are held onto the carrier plate by releasable clamps secured along two adjoining sides of the carrier plate for orientation by rotation of the plate.

Abstract: Electrical currents and potentials in test leads associated with underground piping, cables and the like are monitored by a test station apparatus which essentially includes a collar supported by a tubular plastic conduit for subterranean implantation or carried aboveground by a carrier plate. A plastic tube projecting from diametrically-opposed sides of the conduit provides one form of anchor means to maintain the conduit within the ground while in another form the anchor means consists of a collar retained on the lower end of the conduit by a sleeve. Further embodiments include two different forms of carrier plates for aboveground support of the test station. A collet-type compression fitting is used to attach a collar onto the upper end of the conduit. Pedestals extend vertically from the end wall at opposed sides of an annular opening in the collar.

Abstract: A synchronizer is provided for synchronizing the movements of two hydraulic actuators. The synchronizer consists of a two-piston pump which supplies hydraulic fluid to both actuators. The two pistons are mechanically connected so as to move simultaneously through equal distances, and on each complete stroke of the pump, each actuator receives fluid from both cylinders of the pump, so that both actuators receive precisely equal amounts of fluid.

Abstract: An aircraft aerial cargo delivery system for aircraft having a rear cargo receiving and delivery opening and ramp. Cargo is ordinarily secured to pallets which move backwardly and out of the rear cargo delivery opening under either the pull of a parachute when the aircraft is airborne or under the influence of rapid acceleration of the aircraft during a rapid (i.e., combat off-load) discharge of the cargo onto the ground. Locks must be provided (1) which will positively retract (unlock) for ground loading of pallets, (2) which will secure the pallets against forward or aft movement during normal flight conditions, (3) which will permit free aft movement but not forward movement only during combat off-load conditions, and (4) which will permit, through the use of a metallic fuse, aft movement only after a parachute connected to the pallet opens and exerts a predetermined force on the pallet sufficient to overcome the resistance presented by the fuse.

Abstract: A protective welding lens assembly for use as the eyepiece of a welding helmet in which the lens assembly can be changed from a light-transmitting condition to an essentially opaque condition of very small light transmission, and vice versa, in response to an electrical signal and wherein the electrical signal for changing the light-transmitting characteristics of the lens assembly is controlled by energy emanating from the mouth of the user of the welding helmet. Preferably, the lens assembly comprises a liquid crystal light shutter; however any lens assembly can be used which can be electrically actuated to change its light-transmitting characteristics. A transducer is disposed within the welding helmet so as to be in front of the mouth of the welder when the helmet is positioned over his face. The transducer can comprise either a microphone responsive to sound from the welder's mouth or a pressure transducer responsive to blowing from the welder's mouth.

Abstract: A motor control system, particularly adapted for use with a battery-operated atmospheric hazard sampling pump, which can vary motor speed over a range of 50:1 with the use of a voltage controlled pulse width modulator. The system includes a back EMF circuit which develops a voltage, proportional to motor speed, which is compared with a speed reference signal to develop an error signal for the pulse width modulator. Automatic shutdown of the motor occurs for controlled periods when a blocked pump condition occurs and motor current rises above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating a welding helmet liquid crystal light shutter wherein opening of the liquid crystal light shutter is delayed by two or three seconds after a welding arc is extinguished to permit the welder to apply a welding electrode to the workpiece after the aforesaid two or three seconds to reheat a rapidly-cooling bead. The invention is particularly adapted for use in welding aluminum wherein it is a common practice to place a short weld at the end of a weld head to prevent rapid chilling of the head. In another embodiment of the invention, a liquid crystal light shutter for a welding helmet is caused to open or become transparent quickly; is held open for a few seconds; and is then closed for a few seconds during which latter time the auxiliary welding bead is applied to prevent rapid chilling.

Abstract: A process or method used to produce a free-machining, high sulfur steel alloy is accomplished by continuously casting the molten metal rather than ingot casting and processing in a blooming mill. The process begins with a molten alloy having a high sulfur content (0.40-0.65%). The molten metal is poured from the ladle into the tundish of the continuous casting machine. From there, the molten metal is fed into an oscillating mold having the desired cross section. As the molten metal passes through the mold it is cooled to form a solidified metal body. Finally, the metal body is withdrawn and cut into the desired lengths. Additional measures may be incorporated into the process to improve the machinability and surface characteristics. They include feeding aluminum wire into the mold, protecting the casting stream from the atmosphere, and using a slide gate ladle pouring system.

Abstract: A hollow gearwheel has internal teeth that mesh directly or through an intermediate gear with the teeth of a drive gear of a machine drive on a drum cutter mining machine. External teeth on the hollow gearwheel mesh with the teeth of a rack extending over the distance traversed by the mining machine along the face of a longwall mine. A plate pivots about the rotational axis of the drive gear while the plate forms a closure to the side of the hollow gearwheel facing the mining machine. The plate carries a bearing support for the arbor shaft of the hollow gearwheel and forms a seal along the outer peripheral edge of the hollow gearwheel. A carrier includes a bearing to support the outer end of the arbor shaft. The carrier is moved along a recess in a housing for the hollow gearwheel to adjust, by pivotal positioning, the hollow gearwheel.

Abstract: An integrating hydrophone sensing element is provided having improved sensitivity and capability of withstanding high pressures. The sensing element consists of a rigid cylinder with semicylindrical sensing surfaces rigidly connected to the cylinder at diametrically-opposite points. A membrane of piezoelectric polymer material extends diametrically across the cylinder and is attached to the cylinder at points displaced 90.degree. from the connections of the sensing surfaces. Vibration of the cylinder by acoustic signals transmitted from the sensing surfaces causes vibration of the membrane and produces an electrical output signal.

Abstract: A combination outdoor Bar-B-Q smoker and grill is provided wherein multiple levels of cooking racks on runners within an enclosure are capable of being positioned either directly over a charcoal heat source at one end of the enclosure or at the other end of the enclosure where they are not exposed to direct heat. The enclosure is provided with a slideable top which can be used as a work surface which can be closed or moved to an open position where it is supported in cantilever beam relationship.