Abstract: A method for increasing the hydrogen:carbon ratio of an organic compound is disclosed. The organic compound can be one having any of the following functions: hydroxyl, carbonyl, epoxide, acetal, ketal, hemiacetal and hemiketal. The method involves introducing the organic compound and a silicon hydride into a liquid which is either chemically inert or acidic and introducing BF.sub.3 into the liquid to produce a reaction product having a higher hydrogen:carbon ratio than the starting organic compound. Examples of organic compound starting materials disclosed include undecanal, benzaldehyde, p-methylbenzaldehyde, p-chlorobenzaldehyde, p-methoxybenzaldehyde, p-cyanobenzaldehyde, p-nitrobenzaldehyde, 2-undecanone, cyclohexanone, 2-methylcyclohexanone, adamantanone, p-cyanoacetophenone, fluorenone, 1-naphthaldehyde, p-nitroacetophenone, fructose and cotton.

Abstract: A water mattress construction is disclosed. The construction involves a folded one piece vinyl sheet wherein the various panels are joined at the vertical corners, along the lengthwise lower edges and side to side across the middle of the bottom. By so locating the seams, not only are all but the vertical corner seams supported directly by the mattress frame, but they are also removed from the upper area of the mattress which is generally subjected to flexing. A cappable fitting to facilitate filling and emptying of the mattress is included. The various panels are joined by overlapping the vinyl material, and subsequently heat-sealing them to produce strong lapped seams throughout.

Abstract: A primarily oil-fueled engine is disclosed in which the engine compression ratio is established well below the level at which compression ignition of oil fuel will occur and in which the oil fuel charge is ignited by the discharge from a spark ignited, gas-fueled precombustion chamber. The compression ratio and peak firing pressures are similar to those encountered in a gas-fueled engine.

Abstract: An improved structure for transporting on a semi-trailer large sheets of flat rigid material such as large sheets of flat glass. A generally A-shaped platform having sloped sides is secured over a conventional semitrailer frame. Stacks of the material being transported rest on a plurality of rigid girders which project outwardly from the lower edges of the sloped sides. A novel clamping mechanism is adjustable to engage both edges and the side of each material stack during transport and is removable to facilitate loading and unloading the trailer.

Abstract: The invention is a compact in-line fluid filter. Two nested filter baskets have circumferential walls of fine mesh filtering media which is capture molded into a supporting structure. A magnet, transversely mounted to the fluid flow, attracts and retains ferromagnetic particles traveling in the fluid. This configuration provides a fluid filter with a larger filter area in a small package which is not position sensitive. Fluid entering the filter is divided into two parallel paths which have a low pressure drop. By distributing the flow and therefore trapped particles over the large filter area, a long service life is also attained.

Abstract: A speed responsive shutoff for a pneumatic tool such as a nut runner is disclosed. The shutoff, effective to terminate air supply to the air motor under load, employs a centrifugally operated air valve having a flat valve head which is biased against a valve seat through which pressurized air travels en route to the motor. A small orifice in the valve head leads to an expansible chamber behind the head. In operation of the tool, when the throttle valve is open, initial air is supplied to the motor by a slight opening of the air valve due to a higher pressure in front of the valve head than behind it. The motor quickly reaches a predetermined speed level at which time the air valve is fully opened by centrifugal weights. Under loading approaching stall, the motor slows to a speed low enough to allow the air valve to move toward closure under the influence of a spring.

Abstract: A directional loop antenna, particularly for television signals, comprising a conductive member shaped into a folded dipole configuration is disclosed. Covering the conductive member is a plastic material which may comprise two coaxial coatings of different dielectric constants. The folded dipole legs are formed into a generally circular configuration with the folded ends brought together and overlapped to form a pair of loops. The two loops thus formed lie in planes which intersect each other at a point beyond the forward side of the antenna. At the opposite side of the loops, the two ends of the conductive member emerge to form terminals for connection to a transmission line. At this side of the antenna the loops are spaced farther apart than at the side where the folded dipole ends overlap. This construction results in a highly directional antenna capable of wide frequency band reception with a good match to a 300 ohm transmission line.

Abstract: An adjustable stroke length fluid cylinder used to move agricultural or industrial machinery is disclosed. The cylinder is an enclosed unit having a movable piston therein which is attached to an axial piston rod secured to the load. A fluid valve directs the application of pressure fluid to either side of the piston to extend or retract the piston rod. One end of the cylinder houses a head unit containing an internal valve which is operated by a stop member positioned on the piston rod. The internal valve is effective to stop retraction of the piston rod when actuated by the stop member by blocking fluid flow through the cylinder. Subsequent extension of the piston rod automatically returns the internal valve to its open position.

Abstract: A device for releasably retaining together in air-tight relationship the edges of a plurality of film layers which may be used, for example, in an inflatable structure. The device includes a pair of elongate strips, one of which is snapped into the other with the edges of the film layers positioned therebetween, thereby forming a seam at the film edges. The strips are preferably extruded shapes which are coextensive in length with the edges of the film to be sealed together. Means are provided for anchoring the strips to the ground after they have been engaged with the film layer edges, with the anchor means designed to enhance the locking force placed on the device.

Abstract: Friction compositions of glass fibers bonded with cured organic binders and containing a heat-conducting particulate metal and a binder modifying agent are disclosed. The compositions can optionally contain friction-modifying materials, an elastomer or particulate fillers. The compositions have particular utility as brake or clutch materials and are excellent for automotive application.

Abstract: A well pipe connector for connecting a horizontal pipe outside a hollow well casing to a vertical pipe extending inside the casing. The connector has a first unit for external connection to the horizontal pipe which first unit is externally secured to the casing over an aperture therein with a hollow sleeve extending therethrough in alignment with the aperture. Extending into the aperture is an annular seat, the lower periphery of which rests upon the lower edge of the aperture with the remainder of the periphery being generally flush with the inner surface of said casing. A blind channel extends from the upper seat edge inside the casing downwardly at an angle outwardly toward the casing exterior. The second unit has an angled fluid passage with one end for connection to the vertical pipe and the other end extending through a generally planar flange adapted to be slidably received by the blind channel of said first unit.

Abstract: A water mattress construction is disclosed. The construction involves a folded one-piece vinyl sheet wherein the only longitudinal seam is located on the bottom, thereby avoiding side seams on the mattress and wherein the end seams are located below the upper mattress surface. Lap seams are used throughout for additional strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a stratified charge to a reciprocating internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical rotary valve body disposed for rotation within the head of an internal combustion engine. The valve body defines diametrically extending inlet and exhaust passages which, during rotation of the valve body, place a cylinder of the engine in sequential communication with an inlet manifold and an exhaust manifold secured to the head. The inlet manifold comprises a double-passage gallery for transporting a lean fuel/air charge in a first passage and a rich fuel/air charge in a second passage. Rotation of the inlet passage into communication with the cylinder also brings the inlet passage into sequential communication with the first throat and then the second throat for transporting the first lean charge and then the second rich charge to the cylinder.

Abstract: A heating plant monitor system for visually signalling the presence and location of a malfunction or abnormal condition is disclosed. The system is particularly adapted for use with residential or mobile home heating systems and includes a visual display panel with indicator lights with each indicator light corresponding to a particular system condition or component to be monitored. The arrangement of the light sequence on the panel corresponds to the order in which each component should be checked by a serviceman so that the condition of the entire panel, when one or more malfunctions occurs, will indicate which component should first be checked for malfunction and which other components need not be inspected. Other household components, spaces or services can also be monitored for the presence of an operating abnormality or for water, smoke, etc., by adding monitors and indicator lights to the basic heating plant system.

Abstract: A swimsuit, particularly for women comprising a tight-fitting body having an elongated opening porous seam down the back, extending from the neck to adjacent the waist for the escape of air or water from inside the swimsuit.

Abstract: An overspeed shutoff device for use in a rotary pneumatic tool is disclosed. The device is operable to shut off air supply to the motor on failure of its governor to function properly in preventing overspeeding of the motor. The device includes a valve closing plate positioned in the path of air flow to the pneumatic motor, just upstream of an inlet port for passage of air into the motor. In normal operation of the tool the valve plate, which rotates with the motor drive shaft, is retained in a position spaced from the air inlet port by a locking mechanism engaging the drive shaft of the tool to prevent axial movement therealong. The plate locking device comprises a cantilever mounted spring wire in engagement with a groove in the drive shaft and a centrifugally responsive weight operably connected to disengage the wire from the groove in response to the attainment of a predetermined rotary speed.