Abstract: Water having calcium compounds therein is softened by admixing an alkaline precipitating agent and finely divided crystalline calcium carbonate therewith in a mixing zone prior to the addition of a flocculating agent containing trivalent metal ions whereupon the calcium compounds are then changed inside a reaction zone into calcium carbonate. At least a part of the calcium carbonate newly precipitated from the water in the reaction zone prior to addition of the flocculation agent is immediately withdrawn and recycled to the mixing zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting a reel from a supporting surface with the reel having centrally disposed axles projecting laterally from opposite sides. Upwardly inclined guide rails are supported in spaced, parallel relation with the upper surfaces of lower portions thereof engaging the under surfaces of the axles while the reel is supported on the supporting surface. A flexible member is connected to each axle and extends toward the upper portion of the adjacent guide rail. Drive means is connected to and pulls the flexible members and the axles connected thereto upwardly along the guide rails toward upper portions thereof to lift and support the reel above the supporting surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting aquatic life carried by water passing through a vertical traveling band screen unit having inwardly opening screening baskets. Each basket carries a longitudinally extending, inwardly projecting baffle adjacent its trailing side with the portion thereof adjacent the basket being imperforate. The area along the length of each basket at the inner side of the baffle is imperforate and defines with the baffle a pocket for receiving water and aquatic life carried thereby upon upward movement through the water and is adapted to discharge the water and aquatic life carried thereby upon movement of the pocket to a predetermined elevation. A low pressure stream of water transfers the aquatic life from the pocket to a discharge trough located inwardly of the screening unit.

Abstract: A fuel burning heater has a lower combustion chamber with a door at the front thereof and an upper heating chamber with a discharge port for products of combustion at the rear thereof. A common wall between the heating chamber and a portion of the combustion chamber defines a bottom for the heating chamber and at least a portion of a top for the combustion chamber. A discharge passageway through the common wall conveys products of combustion into the heating chamber with means directing at least a portion of the products of combustion toward the front of the heating chamber. Draft regulators in the lower portion of the door introduce controlled amounts of combustion air for fast burning and other draft regulators in the upper portion of the door introduce controlled amounts of combustion air for slow burning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing snow which embodies an inner tubular housing mounted within and spaced from a closed outer tubular housing defining a passageway therebetween for receiving air under pressure. Water under pressure is supplied to the inner tubular housing. Longitudinally spaced discharge orifices are provided in a side of the outer tubular housing and the adjacent side of the inner tubular housing with each orifice in the inner tubular housing being in alignment with an adjacent orifice in the outer tubular housing and aiming the stream of water ejected from the inner tubular housing toward the center of the adjacent orifice in the outer tubular housing and into a column of air as the stream of water passes through the adjacent orifice in the outer tubular housing.

Abstract: A latch for a fire screen folding door assembly having a projecting guide adjacent its inner edge adapted to move in a horizontal guideway in a supporting frame. A latch element carried by the frame is movable selectively to a first position in the path of movement of the guide and to a second position out of the path of movement of the guide. The latch element is resiliently held in its first position until the guide engages the latch element and moves the same to its second position. A recess in the latch element receives the guide upon movement of the door assembly to extended, closed position permitting the latch element to return to its first position and thereby secure the door assembly in closed position. An actuator is connected to the latch element for moving the latch element to a position to release the guide.

Abstract: An illuminated bar for a sign embodying a housing having side members spaced from each other with a lamp mounted therebetween. Magnifying lenses are carried by the side members at opposite sides of the lamp in position to transmit and magnify light emitted at opposite sides of the lamp.

Abstract: A pigment composition for high build protective coatings material comprising special combinations of pigments selected from a first group consisting of low density pigments of smooth nodular shape having a maximum particle size of 325 microns with not less than 40% by weight retained on a 325 mesh screen and a second group consisting of pigments having a median particle diameter ranging from 0.5 to 20 microns and being shaped so that not more than 20% by weight of the particles have ratios of any two dimensions exceeding 10. The total pigment volume concentration of the coating material is not less than 40% and the total volume of both groups of pigments is not less than 75% of the total volume of pigments in the coating material with a blend of both groups containing from 20 to 95% by volume of the first group of pigments and from 5 to 80% by volume of the second group of pigments.

Abstract: A hand climber for use with a foot actuated tree climbing platform embodying an elongated bar slidably connected to the forward ends of a first pair of links which extend along opposite sides of the tree. A second pair of links extend forwardly along opposite sides of the tree with the forward ends thereof being pivotally connected to the rearwardly extending ends of the first pair of links. The rear ends of the second pair of links are pivotally connected to each other whereby all of the links are movable to adjust themselves to the contour of the tree and are movable to extended and collapsed positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for endotracheal and esophageal intubation embodying an elongated tubular member having a first portion with an open outer end and a second portion with an open inner end and a lumen extending therebetween. A first inflatable member is carried about the second portion of the tubular member for inflation within a body canal to form a seal with the walls thereof. A second inflatable member within the lumen seals the lumen when inflated and an air control unit between the outer end of the tubular member and the second inflatable member selectively communicates the lumen with the exterior of the first portion.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating molten metals and alloys of the iron group with a reactive metal to produce nodular iron. The composition is in the form of a self-contained body formed by compressing a mechanical mixture of particles of a reactive metal, particles of synthetic graphite and a binder with the particles of synthetic graphite surrounding and protecting the particles of reactive metal so that there is controlled release of the reactive metal into the molten metal upon submerging the self-contained body into the molten metal.

Abstract: A hammock embodying an elongated body supporting member formed of netted cords with end portions of the cords projecting beyond each end of the body supporting member. A transverse bar adjacent each end of the body supporting member has longitudinally spaced passageways therethrough for passing the end portions of the cords. Elongated flexible supports converge from opposite ends of each bar toward a support point beyond the adjacent end of the body supporting member with the support point being in alignment with the longitudinal center line of the body supporting member. The end portions of the cords are connected to the elongated flexible supports at spaced intervals along the flexible supports.

Abstract: A fuel burning heater has a lower combustion chamber with a front door and an upper heating chamber with a discharge port at the rear thereof for products of combustion. A common wall between the combustion chamber and the heating chamber defines a top for the combustion chamber and a bottom for the heating chamber. A first discharge passageway through a forward portion of the common wall conveys products of combustion into the forward portion of the heating chamber. A second discharge passageway through a rear portion of the common wall conveys products of combustion into the rear portion of the heating chamber. A damper is mounted in the second discharge passageway for movement selectively toward an open position for faster burning and toward a closed position for slower burning. Lower and upper draft regulators are mounted in lower and upper portions, respectively, of the door for introducing controlled amounts of combustion air.

Abstract: A pair of movable frame sections of a window guard are adapted for horizontal movement selectively to an inner retracted position and an outer extended position. Actuator means is operatively connected to the frame sections for moving the frame sections selectively to retracted position and extended position. Projections are carried by outer portions of the movable frame sections in position to penetrate adjacent frame members of a window opening upon movement of the frame sections to extended position.

Abstract: Drive and steering mechanism for a vehicle embodying a frame supported by a pair of transversely spaced wheels separately connected to a pair of transverse shafts rotatable about a common axis with adjacent ends being rotatable relative to each other. A sleeve mounted non-rotatably on adjacent ends of the shafts is movable axially of the shafts to a first position in contact with both ends of the shafts so that both shafts rotate as a unit and to a second position in engagement with only one of the adjacent ends. Drive means connected to one of the shafts rotates the same while the sleeve is in the second position and rotates both shafts while the sleeve is in the first position.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispatching boards of lumber from packages of sawn boards delivered to at least one predetermined position. At least one arm is pivotally supported adjacent one end at a pivot point with its other end being rotatable around the pivot point. A dispatch pan mounted for rotation at the other end of said arm has a face at its forward side, as viewed in the direction of rotation of said arm, disposed to engage at least one board adjacent said first position and transfer it to a preselected position at an angular distance from said first position. Controlled means rotates the arm about its pivot point to move the dispatch pan from said first position to preselected positions and subsequently around to said first position to start another cycle of operation.