Abstract: A direct current power apparatus for control of current amplitude during overload, short circuit, switching and similar events. During normal operating conditions, current flows substantially unaffected through the windings on a pair of commutated reactors. However, when current exceeds a predetermined value, reactor flux is varied to increase the counter electromotive force within the reactors to thereby limit the output current to a safe level.

Abstract: Apparatus for control of direct current by means of systematic switching and progressive variation of magnetic flux in associated magnetic paths. Subdivision of the input DC power between two transformer devices permits transformation by controlled electromagnetic induction into stabilized outputs which may be recombined into continuous DC power at controlled voltage or current levels.

Abstract: Apparatus for conversion of alternating current at a first frequency to alternating current at a second (lower) frequency in a power control circuit by means of progressive variation of magnetic flux in associated magnetic paths. Control is achieved by progressive saturation or domain rotation for selected portions of the magnetic paths to yield a uniformly controllable permeance within the magnetic paths. Feedback circuits provide a means for external control of the output in combination with a reference source.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring velocity is disclosed. The apparatus in its prefed embodiment comprises a first lens and a first array of photodiodes and a second lens and a second array of photodiodes. The photodiode arrays are functionally equivalent to low resolution vidcon camera tubes and momentarily store the image. As an object passes beneath the first lens, its image is stored on the photodiode array. The object then passes beneath the second array and the image is stored on the second array. After the image is stored on the second array a correlation is made between the two images by making an element by element comparison of the serial outputs of the two arrays. Instead of relying on the storage properties of the arrays to make the correlation, the arrays can be read into a small memory for comparison. Each array is exposed for only a short period of time. The invention includes apparatus for controlling the time interval between the exposures.

Abstract: An alternating to direct current power converter utilizing dynamically controlled electromagnetic induction. A feedback system controls permeance within a network of magnetic paths by progressive saturation or domain rotation within selected portions of the paths to provide unidirectional direct current power from an ac input.

Abstract: A heterodyne optical correlator allows a correlation function to be computed for plural portions of a stereo pair of transparencies which is normalized to thus reduce the possibility of false correlation peaks. To obtain the correlation function, a pair of stereo transparencies are illuminated by an intense monochromatic light source producing an image at a common image plane in which a detector array is located. The relative path length, between source and transparencies, is periodically modulated producing at plural locations of the detector array plural alternating current signals representing the correlation between the amplitude transmittances at various corresponding locations on the transparencies for a given relative displacement between the transparencies. To normalize this correlation coefficient a second signal is produced by illuminating only one transparency and a corresponding third signal is produced by illuminating only the other transparency.

Abstract: A dredge swinging system for automatically swinging a dredge in a leftward and rightward direction a predetermined degree in response to the equalization of electronic compass output signals representative of the position of a dredge and electronic memory output signals representative of the degree to which it is desired that the dredge be swung.

Abstract: A cast concrete rail bed is provided which includes plural panels, each panel having a pair of longitudinally extending laterally spaced rail-supporting pedestals, with a connector between them, and each having a rail-receiving slot in its top. Each pedestal has a bottom support surface and inwardly sloping surfaces connected to the top and bottom surfaces. Reinforcement within each pedestal includes a horizontal support below the slot, and a supporting rod extending downwardly from the support and through the bed. A pair of longitudinally extending reinforcing members are supported on the horizontal support, one on each side of the slot, and extending upwardly above the bottom on the slot. A transverse spacer connects the reinforcing members above the horizontal support; tendon ducts are supported by the horizontal support, below the spacer.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing solar energy to the side of a longitudinally extending laser in pulses comprising a first cylindrical opaque body having a central cylindrical bore in which the laser is mounted, the body having longitudinal passages extending radially outwardly from the central bore. The body is mounted for rotation on its longitudinal axis within a second, non-rotating longitudinally extending opaque body, the second body also having longitudinally and radially extending passages. The outer ends of the passages in the second body are provided with focusing lenses, and mirrors are pivotally mounted on the exterior of the second body to direct sun light into the passages thereof. The laser may be fixed to and rotate with the first inner body, or may be fixed relative to the outer body, and not rotate.

Abstract: A testing apparatus comprising two platens one of which is a self-aligning pecimen contacting platen which includes an upper portion comprising a first member which contacts the specimen and a second member which is spaced from a base by a plurality of balls. The first and second members are movable relative to each other to pivot the specimen into proper alignment between the platens when the specimen is subjected to compression. The plurality of balls are juxtaposed between and engage the second member of the upper portion and the base and serve to support the upper portion for lateral and rotational movement relative to the base to facilitate alignment.

Abstract: A system for using solar heat to supplement the heat supplied by a conventional furnace in a house. Solar energy collector panels include conduits for the flow of water, the conduits heating water in a cistern. Heated water from the cistern is pumped through a heat exchanger located in an auxiliary duct communicating with the duct system in the house, the duct system also being connected with the conventional furnace. An air valve is movable between positions closing communication between the auxiliary duct and the duct system, while leaving open the communication between the furnace and the duct system, and opening communication between the auxiliary duct and the duct system, while closing communication between the furnace and the duct, to thereby heat air in the duct system from the furnace or the solar-heated water, respectively.

Abstract: An underground high temperature conduit is intermittently anchored against axial displacement in concrete blocks by means of radially extending metallic anchor plates. The central conduit includes an adjacent insulation layer and a non-continuous reinforced fiber plastic outer casing which is connected through first an insulating flange, and second a metal sleeve to the oppositely disposed sides of the intermittent anchor plates. Surrounding the outer casing at each anchor station is an annular outer housing which extends beyond the width of the concrete block. Additional insulating flanges are placed at the respective conduit end locations. Each insulation flange includes a steel flange plate which faces a reinforced fiber plastic flange plate and is secured by an insulated fastening means through an intermediate asbestos gasket.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for treating sewage, by first comminuting raw sewage in a comminuting compartment to provide a slurry and then digesting the raw, comminuted sewage by oxygen-dependent bacteria in a roofed compartment. Oxygen is supplied by electrolysis of the water in the sewage, utilizing spaced anode and cathode. The anode is located in the roofed digestion compartment, and the oxygen generated at the anode is used by the bacteria; the cathode is located in a chimney which extends through the roof or top of the plant, to atmosphere, and the hydrogen generated at the cathode is discharged to atmosphere through this chimney. A stirrer is provided in the digestion compartment to stir trapped oxygen back into the mass of sludge. A trapping or sedimentation compartment is provided after the digestion compartment, for settling out indigestible solids, and drawing off the remaining liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting measurements of displacement, deflection, tilting, nd/or rotation of structures such as floodwalls, retaining walls, dam piers, buildings, embankments and the like is disclosed. The apparatus of this invention has the capability of simultaneously making measurements in two planes, parallel and perpendicular, with respect to an axis or other predetermined reference. Further, the apparatus of this invention includes means for determining the azimuthal bearing of the apparatus relative to the axis or other predetermined reference when the aforementioned measurements are conducted. The apparatus of this invention includes a measuring unit having a housing that houses first and second servo-accelerometers; first, second and third amplifiers; and a rotational variable differential transformer. The amplifiers are electrically coupled to a meter by means of a cable having electrical conductors.

Abstract: An alternating current power control circuit utilizing progressive variation of magnetic flux in associated magnetic paths. Voltage and current sensors at an output provide feedback signals to permeance control devices to apportion flux between a pair of magnetic paths such that the primary magnetizing current remains essentially unchanged during the control process.

Abstract: A low cost container for paper tape or the like from which the contents may e manually dispensed but which prohibits reinsertion of a tape once removed. The internal structure includes a maze-like path or labyrinth through which the tape may be easily pulled for removal. Efforts to move the tape backwards forces the tape into one or more small cavities which are filled by a small quantity of tape, thereby prohibiting further reinsertion.

Abstract: A compost container including a base section for receiving fertilizer sap, and an upper compost containing section having multiple compartments for receiving decomposable garbage and waste mounted on the base section. A floor divides the upper section from the base section for retaining the decomposable garbage and waste in the upper section but permits the fertilizer sap to gravitate therethrough to the lower section. Access means are provided for adding the decomposable garbage or waste to the compartments, and for removing compost and fertilizer sap from the upper section and base section respectively.

Abstract: A portable compost container including a base section for receiving fertilizer sap and having outlet means to draw off the sap therefrom. A perforate inner section is supported by the base section into which decomposable garbage and waste is placed, the perforate section having access means to permit removal of compost from the lower portion thereof. An imperforate section is placed over the perforate section and is supported by the base section, the imperforate section being removable for ready access to the perforate inner section. A lid covers the container.

Abstract: A joint bar for joining a first rail having a head and a depending terminal web, and a second rail having a head, a depending web and a transverse flange; the joint bar has a first U-shaped portion with a lower bight and upstanding legs, and a second portion comprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extending elements, each extending from a leg of the first portion. Each element has an upper bulbous head, a lower flange, and a connecting web.

Abstract: A free-flowing explosive composition exhibiting high brisance and high blasting power is described, comprising 35-80% by weight TNT, 10-30% by weight aluminum and 0-45% by weight RDX, in spheroidal prill form.