Abstract: Methods and compositions of matter are disclosed, useful in detecting the source of particulate, gaseous borne effluents, comprising lanthanides which may be introduced into combustion processes. Sources may thereby be identified from the analytical responses of effluent particles as compared to those predicted for the introduced lanthanides which have been subjected to the known combustion conditions at the source.

Abstract: An extrusion die having adjacent the die lips a metering roll characterized by an axial ridge limiting a cavity in the roll surface having a different depth at leading and following edges.

Abstract: Embodiments useful as means for inhibiting the accumulation of leaves and other debris in household rain gutters. Embodiments include structures which comprise a deflector having a sloped portion, the top edge region of which is adapted for juxtapositioning to the roof shingles, and the bottom edge region of which is arcuate through a large radius cross-section. In such embodiments, the farthest outward extension is outside the outermost edge of the associated rain gutter and the lower edge is positioned between the edges of the rain gutter. Embodiments include means for attenuating the force of water and reducing the localized concentrating of water flowing thereover, such as longitudinal ridges and/or means for improving the surface wettability.

Abstract: A spring, particularly adapted for use with hand tools, comprising springy material formed into a flat, V-shaped configuration wherein the end region of one of the arms is adapted for removeable affixation to one of the elements to which the spring is to provide bias, and the other is adapted to impart bias to another of such elements, upon its outermost end being impinged upon by said other element as the two elements are moved pivotally toward each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for stranding filaments, such as wire, and in one embodiment comprises a lightweight frame with low centripetal and friction force generating characteristics for mounting a spool containing a multiplicity of parallel-wound wires on a "floating" bed, and imparting twist to the wires prior to the finished strand being accumulated on a take-up reel, with the bed mounted at each end to the interior of a twisting frame by means of bearings such that the twisting frame may revolve about the stationary bed.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention, particularly useful as X-ray protective gloves, include an outer X-ray proof glove, and an associated inner glove, wherein the latter has an outer surface of polyester foam and an inner surface of knitted polyester, and the inner surface of the outer glove and the outer surface of the inner glove have correspondingly positioned elements of a velcro fastener in the wrist region, whereby the inner glove may be rendered removable with minimal tendency to slip with respect to the outer glove while in use.

Abstract: This invention relates to solar collectors of the type having associated reflectors to increase their efficiency, and includes a method of establishing the orientation of the collector with respect to the sun such that the unit may be operated at a high level of efficiency with only a semi-annual adjustment in the angular positioning of the reflector with respect to the collector.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include methods and apparatus for the production of flour from which products such as corn tortillas, tortilla chips, "taco shells", and the like, may be produced, in a continuous process, by pre-cooking the grain, stabilizing its moisture content, milling it to particulate form for suspension in a super-heated stream of air, replacing the ambient air with air which has lower moisture content and is cooler, and segregating out the flour-size particles from larger particles which are further processed into flour.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for heating and cooling, which may include solar energy heating devices and direct heating by solar energy, utilizing ground water in connection with a heat pump and/or one or more direct coils to effectuate desired heating or cooling.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for processing grain, such as corn, into flour and dough useful in making foodstuff products, such as tacos, tortillas, corn chips, etc. In one embodiment, atmospheric pre-heating of the grain with consequent cracking of the hull is combined with the softening effects of a lime water spray to deliver partially cooled grain in a comparatively dry state to a mill for efficient pulverization, following which it is made into a dough which is finally cooked and formed into the desired end product.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of packaging and fuel saving devices and to articles and methods therefor. One embodiment comprises a shipping container for unitized attic stairs. The container is made from rigid plastic foam material which has good thermal insulating characteristics and is so dimensioned as to fit snugly on the peripheral frame of the stair unit after it has been installed. As such, it provides a removeable thermal barrier for the stair-well between an attic and the living quarters of a home. Other embodiments include a matching container member made from similar material which may be utilized in conjunction with the first member so as to further enhance the fuel saving characteristics of the finished installation.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for making stranded wire, and in one odiment comprises a lightweight frame with low centripetal and friction force generating characteristics for receiving individual wires from spools mounted on a "floating" bed, and imparting twist to them prior to the finished strand being accumulated on a take-up reel. Other embodiments may include a wire stranding machine wherein a spool tray for holding spools of wire to be stranded is removeable mounted at each end to the interior of a twisting frame by means of bearings such that the twisting frame may revolve about and relative to the tray.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for maintaining uniform the slack of a continuum of material while it is in process. One embodiment, particularly useful with machinery for wrapping tire-bead chafing strips, comprises an axle-mounted idler roll wherein the axle is supported by a pair of ball bushings mounted one each on support rods. The axes of the rods are parallel and variably inclineable so as to increase selectively the slope of the axes along which the ball bushings are impelled gravitationally, in opposition to the continuum of material as it is looped about and moves past or over the surface of the roll.

Abstract: Tortilla dough is shaped and precooked by being inserted in a region between the arcuate outer surface of a heated rotatable drum and the arcuate surface of a heated compression plate. The plate is pivotally-mounted and swung into position parallel to the surface of the drum to compress the dough while the drum is in a stop-phase of step motion. Thereafter, the plate is swung out of position and the drum is then rotated to cause the compressed dough to pass under the pivotally fixed end of the plate and out of said region.

Abstract: This invention relates to packaging "sleeves", or multi-sided, tubular structures which may be used for packaging articles, as blanks for boxes, or the like, which are made from multiple layers of spirally wrapped strips of paper, fabric, or the like; which sleeves may have discrete corners at the junctures of their sidewalls, which corners may be permanent where rididity is desired, or foldable so that the sleeves may be flattened for storage and/or shipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for producing a packaging sleeve of polygonal cross-section, particularly adapted to be foldably collapsed, wherein circular or tubular sleeve stock is formed on a stationary spindle or mandrel from a plurality of glued, thin layers of paper, fabric, plastic material or the like, wound or wrapped one over the other. The sleeve is thereafter shaped into a polygonal cross-section. During the shaping of the tubular packaging sleeve while it is in the glue-wetted state, at least one continuous folding edge impressed into the sleeve wall and extending in the longitudinal direction of said sleeve is press-formed at the desired longitudinally extending edge corners of the polygonal cross-section.

Abstract: This invention relates to packaging "sleeves", or multi-sided, tubular structures which may be used for packaging articles, as blanks for boxes, or the like, which are made from multiple layers of spirally wrapped strips of paper, fabric, or the like; which sleeves may have discrete corners at the junctures of their sidewalls, which corners may be permanent where rididity is desired, or foldable so that the sleeves may be flattened for storage and/or shipment.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for processing grain, such as corn, into flour and dough useful in making foodstuff products, such as tacos, tortillas, corn chips, etc. In one embodiment, atmospheric pre-heating of the grain with consequent cracking of the hull is combined with the softening effects of a lime water spray to deliver partially cooled grain in a comparatively dry state to a mill for efficient pulverization, following which it is made into a dough which is finally cooked and formed into the desired end product.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing compressible, heat settable material, and in one embodiment, useful in producing foodstuffs including so-called tortillas made from wheat flour, comprises a step-motion, rotatable, heated drum; a curved, pivotally-mounted, heated compression plate positioned in proximity to the drum for being swung into position parallel to the surface of said drum when the drum is in the stop-phase of step motion; feed means for feeding foodstuff materials into the region between the drum and the plate when the plate is swung away from the drum; and means for conveying compressed foodstuffs away from the drum surface as it rotates in the motion phase of the step motion.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for applying liquids to objects under vacuum, and in one embodiment, particularly suitable for injecting potting compounds into electronic components, comprises a portable, bell-shaped housing, preferably made from transparent material and having a bottom, circular aperture surrounded by a vacuum gasket, conduit means for introducing vacuum into the interior chamber of the bell-shaped housing, regulator means for regulating the degree of vacuum so introduced into said housing, gauge means for monitoring the degree of vacuum within said housing, container means for holding the potting compound in liquid form, liquid conduit means for transferring liquid potting compound from said container means to a desired location within said housing, and a liquid flow regulation valve for controlling the rate of flow of liquid potting compound through said liquid conduit means.