Abstract: A torque coupling system includes an impeller that is connected to one end of an impeller shaft without the use of threads. The connection is made by cement and dowels. A drive system for the shaft includes a hollow coupling into which the other end of the shaft can be fitted. The shaft includes longitudinally extending slots formed at its end. The coupling includes spaced, longitudinally extending keys adapted to be fitted into the slots formed in the shaft. The drive system also includes a torque limiter that is connected intermediate the coupling and a drive motor. If the drive motor is an electric motor, the motor can be provided with automatic shut-down circuitry that is activated in the event of a current/torque overload. Visual and aural alarms are provided to alert the user that a shut-down has occurred.

Abstract: The filtration of molten ferrous metal is accomplished by providing a porous ceramic filter preferably comprising particles of alumina and partially stabilized zirconia that are spaced by interconnected cells to form circuitous and tortuous pathways throughout the ceramic body. The filter is a disc-like structure that can have different surface configuration such as corrugations or a waffle design. The filter can be flat-surfaced with an array of cylindrical openings or counterbored openings extending completely through the filter, or with openings extending partially into the filter from the upper and lower sides of the filter. Several relatively thin filters can be arranged in tandem, if desired.

Abstract: A head support for the physically disabled, particularly those suffering from cerebral palsy, is provided. The head support is comprised of a helmet, elastic tethers, a collar, a breastbone bridge, a waistband and two vertical straps. Optionally, a chin support may also be used. The elasticity and length of the tethers permit its head movement; but the system will return the head to its upright position. The head is held upright by the elastic tethers, from above. This flexible head support system is an improvement over existing rigid braces which are uncomfortable and often serve to increase spasticity of head and neck muscles. In addition, the present head support is aesthetically more pleasing than conventional rigid braces.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of etching an etch material consisting at least partly of metal and an arrangement for implementing that method. According to the invention, the etchant is applied through jet assemblies arranged perpendicularly to each other on the top and the bottom side of the etch material. During the passage of the etch material, the spray pressure at the jet assemblies or the jets may be set to constant values and/or by individually controlled as a function of the quantity of metal to be etched off the top and the bottom side. The invention is particularly suitable for etching circuit boards, whose conductors on the top and the bottom side are arranged perpendicularly to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting gas into molten metal includes a porous ceramic body having a first surface through which gas can be introduced into the body, and a second surface through which gas can flow from the body. A refractory member is attached to the body and surrounds at least the first surface, while leaving the second surface exposed. The refractory member is impervious to gas, while having a coefficient of thermal expansion approximating that of the body. Preferably, a refractory sealant securely attaches the refractory member to the body. By use of the present invention, the refractory member and the body remain tightly connected to each other at all times. Accordingly, gas leaks are prevented and all gas flowing into the body is discharged through the second surface, as desired.

Abstract: Hydrogen and oxygen are generated by directing the output of a solar-pumped laser through a beam expander and a frequency multiplier to increase the frequency of the laser beam to the ultraviolet level. The frequency-multiplied laser beam is directed onto an anode and a cathode disposed in a reactor vessel. The anode is electrically connected to the cathode. An electrolytic solution surrounds the anode and the cathode. Hydrogen is evolved at the cathode, and oxygen is evolved at the anode.

Abstract: A swivel wheel wheelbarrow includes a pair of spaced beams that project forwardly from a tray. The wheel is supported by a fork from which a post extends. The lower end of the post is connected to the beams by a lower yoke support, and the upper end of the post is connected to the beams by an upper yoke support. The lower and upper yoke supports are maintained in a stationary position in order to provide optimum support for the wheel. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a lock is provided for the post. When the lock is engaged, the wheel is locked in a wheel-straight position; when the lock is disengaged, the wheel can pivot freely about the post.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a lever in the form of an elongate board that is supported for pivotal movement by a fulcrum disposed at or near the center of the board. Weights are connected to one end of the board, while a handle is attached to the other end of the board. The fulcrum is connected to a base in the form of a pair of spaced, parallel runners to which a seat can be connected. The machine permits a variety of "pull-down, push-down" exercises to be performed.

Abstract: A tibia retractor includes a receptacle into which one's foot can be placed. The receptacle can be adjusted to attain a tight-fitting relationship between the foot and the receptacle. A strap extends from one side of the receptacle and is connectable to the other side of the receptacle. The strap is long enough to pass over the femur so that, when the strap is secured in place, the tibia will be held in a fixed position relative to the femur.

Abstract: A molten metal pump includes a filter that prevents ingestion of foreign material such as dross from molten metal within which the pump is immersed. The filter is a large structure that is secured to the base of the pump surrounding the pump's inlet. The filter forms a cavity adjacent the pump's inlet. The ratio of the surface area of the filter to the inlet area of the pump is very large; the filter has a low porosity while maintaining a high flow rate for the pump.

Abstract: A sports equipment rack includes a pair of spaced frame members connected to, and projecting from, a vertically extending wall. The frame members are connected by a plurality of laterally extending, tubular members. The tubular members are arranged relative to each other and to the wall so that items of sports equipment of different sizes can be held in place against the wall. The frame members preferably are formed in a molding operation from a plastics material. The tubular members preferably are formed in telescopically connected sections that can laterally space the frame members a desired distance from each other. The rack also includes baseball bat holders that are secured to the frame members, and hooks that project from the frame members.

Abstract: A synthetic rutile is prepared from a titaniferous slag, typically containing at least about 1.0 weight percent magnesium oxide and at least some portion of its titanium values as Ti.sub.2 O.sub.3, by a method comprising contacting the slag with chlorine gas at a temperature between about 400.degree. C.-800.degree. C., such that the magnesium oxide and chlorine gas react to form magnesium chloride, and then removing the magnesium chloride from the slag, typically by washing the slag with water. In one embodiment, the synthetic rutile can be further upgraded by subjecting it to either a caustic or acid leaching treatment.

Abstract: Strip steel is continuously cast by immersing a mold into a melt of liquid steel, solidifying liquid steel on a starter bar disposed within the mold, and oscillating the mold as the starter bar is withdrawn upwardly from the mold. The mold includes, at its lower end, an insulating ceramic entry die. The remainder of the interior surface of the mold is defined by a water cooled copper or copper alloy liner. The mold can be vertical or it can be inclined at an angle to the horizontal in order to facilitate feeding strip steel directly into a rolling mill or hot coiler. Alternatively, the interior of the mold can be curved so that strip steel issuing from the mold is directed horizontally into the rolling mill or hot coiler.

Abstract: Gas is dispersed into molten metal by immersing a shaft-supported impeller into the molten metal and by pumping gas through the shaft and out of the impeller. The impeller is in the form of a rectangular prism having sharp-edged corners that shear the gaas into finely divided bubbles. The particular shape of the impeller provides an especially effective bubble-shearing and bubble-dispersing action.

Abstract: A medical dispenser includes a portable housing having a plurality of cannister-containing magazines disposed side-by-side. The cannisters are adapted to be loaded with medicines that are to be taken at different intervals. The cannisters are discharged from the magazines one at a time, the frequency of discharge being dependent upon which magazine the cannisters occupy. The cannisters are ejected from the magazine by means of a motor-driven feed slide. Dispensing operations are controlled by a motor-driven cam shaft that is operatively connected to the feed slide. The dispenser includes alarms and indicator lights that advise the user whenever a dispensing operation or a power failure has occurred.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a molten metal-resisting ceramic fiber composition includes mixing ceramic fibers, a frit, ceramic additives, a low temperature binder, and water. The mixture is formed into a desired shape, preferably by being extruded through a die. The shaped mixture is baked at low temperature, and then is fired at high temperature. During firing, the low temperature binder is oxidized and the frit is melted so as to substantially coat the fibers and fuse them into a porous matrix.

Abstract: A swivel wheel wheelbarrow includes a pair of spaced beams that project forwardly from a tray. The wheel is supported by a fork from which a post extends. The lower end of the post is connected to the beams by means of a lower yoke support, and the upper end of the post is connected to the beams by means of an upper yoke support and braces. The lower and upper yoke supports are maintained in a stationary position in order to provide optimum support for the wheel.

Abstract: A mop head for holding a removable mop includes first and second elongate support members that are movable relative to each other to clamp a mop therebetween. The support members are releasably connected to each other at one end by a projection which can be fitted into an opening, and are connected to each other at the other end by a spring-biased handle. The support members can be pivoted relative to each other to enable a mop to be removed and replaced easily. In an alternative embodiment, the support members can be displaced relative to each other by a movable portion of a handle.