Abstract: The present invention uses a pivotally mounted damper to cover the port and provide damping to the boiler furnace. The damper is aligned with and superjacent the rodding mechanism and is supported intermediate the port and the pivotal mounting by a linkage which raises and lowers the damper responsive to linear motion of the rodding mechanism.

Abstract: A connector for use in constructing an earth stabilizing structure with the capability of yielding horizontally to excessive impact loads. The connector comprises a slotted metal plate which may be used to form connections along a horizontal reinforcing member or between the reinforcing member and a facing element. The slot has a larger transverse dimension at one end and narrows toward its opposite end. A bolt, pin or connecting arm having a cross-sectional dimension which allows for insertion into the widest end of the slot, but which provides resistance upon movement toward the opposite end of the slot, is inserted through the slot, providing a connection between the metal plate and another component of the earth stabilizing structure. As the bolt, pin or connecting arm is moved toward the narrow end of the slot, it engages the edges of the slot and provides full design strength by mechanical interference.

Abstract: A system of mounting a plurality of wall panels to a soffit layout which defines the building module's layout, utilizes exterior and interior wall panels which are hingedly mounted at the bottom and are actively displaced to permit the casting to be removed. The panels are movable through the use of manual or hydraulic actuators. When the interior panels are positioned to receive the mold material they are exactly vertical. To permit the creation of orthogonal corners, the invention employs a trapezoidal corner panel for use in each interior corner. This corner panel is movable independently of the wall panels although it fits in precise confronting relation with specially designed terminal sections of the wall panels. A spacer or filler segment is also utilized above each interior wall panel and outwardly of the marginal roof panels with the filler segment defining a horizontal junction for the casting wall and roof.

Abstract: A tissue slicer having a reciprocating tissue holding blade. A mechanically activated pumping system for flushing liquid medium past a cutting blade into a collection trap. The cutting blade is moved by a reciprocation drive system adjacent and above the cutting blade. The entire slicing assembly is fully autoclavable.

Abstract: A rotating adapter for connecting two tubular fluid carrying members in a catheterization system. The adapter (10) includes a standard threaded Luer connector at one end (28) for connection to a flexible catheter, and is rotatably affixed about a stem (22) at its other end. The adapter includes a temporarily expansible collar (40) for engaging with a shoulder (52) on the stem (22) in a snap fit. The shoulder (52) engages an annular rim or undercut (65) located on the interior wall of the collar (40). Notches provided in collar (40) permit the collar to temporarily expand radially to receive the stem, and the collar snaps around the shoulder when the stem is inserted into the shoulder. A tubular reinforcer ring (14) slidably interfits over the collar after the stem is fully inserted into the collar and engages the undercut, thereby resisting radial expansion of the collar during pressurization.

Abstract: Improved grate plates are designed to produce multiple eddy currents in the absence of clinker and to provide even greater air distribution when overlaid by clinker. Each grate plate has a plurality of upwardly flaring wells which open to the upper surface on which the clinker bed is supported. Within each well is at least one semi-annular slot providing ingress for cooling air from a remote source. The slot extends only partially around the wall of the well such that air is injected into the well somewhat tangentially to the flaring surface to induce cyclonic motion of the air which is enhanced by the flared conic walls of the wells. Accordingly, the energy imparted the air by injection is diminished by the rotational energy dissipated and the cooling air's initial vertical component of velocity is diminished.

Abstract: A handle for a paint roller that can be used to paint horizontally (left and right, or 90-degree direction), vertically (up and down, or 0-degree direction), or any angle between 0 and 90 degrees by simply adjusting the roller handle-shaft configuration; said configuration possessing one of the following features: (1) having at least one transverse hole, making an angle of approximately 90 degrees or less with the handle length, which can accommodate a telescopic rod; (2) comprising two detachable handle segments wherein one segment has at least one transverse hole to accommodate one end of the second handle segment or a telescopic rod; (3) comprising at least a wire coil, female thread, near one end of the shaft, that constitutes a transverse hole to accommodate the male thread of a handle or a telescopic rod to facilitate horizontal paint rolling. In each case, the opposite end of the handle could optionally have one vertical hole to accommodate a telescopic rod.

Abstract: An adhesive trap for capturing snakes. The trap includes a flat base and means for securing the base into position against a wall. A specially shaped non-adhesive crawling surface is adjacent the wall, and permits a snake to crawl onto the trap without encountering any adhesive. The crawling surface diminishes in width from its entry end to its terminal end, and is surrounded along its outer boundary by an adhesive capture area. The capture area includes a high-strength adhesive, such as that used in rodent glue traps. The adhesive-free crawling surface narrows sufficiently near its terminal end to cause a snake to throw a loop of its body laterally into the adhesive, either in the process of crawling forward, or when the snake attempts to turn around or pull back from the adhesive at the end of the crawling surface. The snake will be securely trapped when it pushes its chin down into the adhesive in an attempt to free its neck or throws a loop of its body laterally onto the adhesive area.

Abstract: A novel club construction utilizes a permanent magnet fixed within the club head at a selected spot. Separated from the magnet by a non-magnetic spacer material is a keeper of ferromagnetic material which is believed to shape the flux field of the permanent magnet. This combination is used to establish a permanent field of flux within the club head.

Abstract: A device for actuating switches in a power winch apparatus used in livestock enclosures. An actuator block is mounted on a linear rod within the frame of the power winch. When the winch is operated the movable load bearing block of the power winch engages and moves manually adjustable limits on the rod. Subsequently the actuator block mounted to the rod moves relative to a series of switches which are electrically connected to auxiliary devices as well as the power supply and drive motor of the power winch.

Abstract: A doorstop including an elongated shaft slidably and rotatably received within a receptacle seated in a floor proximal a door. The shaft extends vertically from the receptacle and has a cross-member integrally connected thereto and extending therefrom in opposing lateral directions such that the door, when opened toward the shaft, will contact the cross-member and rotate the cross-member into planar contact with the door. Thus, the movement of the door will be limited by the shaft and laterally extending cross-member. A rigid plate may be connected to the door to protect the door from damage from the cross-member and shaft and, further, to distribute the force placed on the door over a larger surface area thereof.

Abstract: A tamper resistant gate latching mechanism utilizes a pivotal latch bar extending from a tamper resistant housing mounted to a free end of a movable gate and a cooperative catch member mounted to a gate post for engagement with said latch bar such that alignment of the latch bar with the catch member obscures the fasteners latching catch member to the gate post thereby shielding the fastener from tampering.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing and maintaining control over an area of the sea from a remote location, consisting of a remote control point, a number of submersible satellite stations and means for communicating by radio or conductive cable between the control point and each station. Each battery-powered satellite station includes either a flotation chamber or airbag and a stabilizing chamber. The stabilizing chamber is equipped with pumps for intake and discharge of water, allowing adjustment of the buoyancy of each satellite station. Detection devices, such as infrared or acoustical sensors, and weapons systems, such as missiles, are mounted on a platform affixed to a mast on top of each station. The remote control point is equipped with a programmable logic system, which converts data received from the satellite stations and graphically depicts it on computer screens, providing real-time input for combat command decisions.