Abstract: In the disclosed device, a square wave generator drives a network composed of a parallel resonant circuit in series with a series resonant circuit. The resonant frequency of the parallel resonant circuit is substantially equal to the fundamental frequency of the square wave voltage generator and lower than the resonant frequency of the series resonant circuit. The resonant frequency of the series resonant circuit is lower than the frequency of the third harmonic of the square wave voltage generator. A load coupleable to the parallel resonant circuit has a complex impedance which shifts the current at the fundamental frequency about 30.degree. relative to the fundamental square wave voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking vessel for use with an induction heating appliance. The vessel bottom is formed at least partly of a non-magnetic conductive layer which, when coupled to a coil of the appliance, detunes the appliance's resonant circuit. The layer has a thickness of less than about 0.2 mm when the resistivity of the layer is less than 0.035.times. 10.sup.-6 .OMEGA.m, and a thickness greater than 0.2 mm when the resistivity is higher than about 0.035.times.10.sup.-6 .OMEGA.m.

Abstract: A locking device includes a key having a locking code and a device for reading the locking code on the key and comparing it with a predetermined locking code. The key has a grip portion and an elongated information carrier extending outwardly from the grip portion. The key is insertable into an opening in the reading device. Magnetic information elements are provided along the information carrier and reading elements in the reading device read the information elements when the key is inserted. A projection extends outwardly from the information carrier transversely of its elongated direction. An information element is located on the projection and a corresponding reading element is provided within the reading device. The dimension of the projection outwardly from the information carrier is such that only the information element located on the projection can excite its corresponding reading element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the purification of liquids utilizing anodic oxidation wherein the electrodes are composed of an austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum steel which contains about 0.07% by weight carbon, more than about 17.0% by weight chromium, about 12.0 to 14.5% by weight nickel and about 2.5 to 4.5% by weight molybdenum. By using the electrodes of the present invention, one can avoid the precipitation of chromium which normally occurs during the purification processes of the prior art.

Abstract: A key assembly for operating a coded security system is structured with a plurality of information carrier members mounted on a longitudinal member of the key assembly and angularly arranged thereon to define a code for a security system operated by the key. Alteration of the code is effected by changing the relative orientation of the information carrier members by threadedly loosening the longitudinal member upon which the carrier members are held, readjusting the position of the carrier members and tightening the longitudinal member to hold the information carrier members fixed in a desired relative position defining the code.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a lock and the like is operated by means of a key on which permanent magnets may be secured in available magnet positions of a fixed pattern of such positions, selected positions being occupied by magnets. A reading device includes a reader body and a guide for guiding the key into a predetermined position in which respective sensors are contiguously adjacent each available magnet position and respond to the presence of a magnet in the adjacent position by generating an electrical signal. The several signals are compared with a reference signal, and an operating signal is generated by a comparator connected to the sensors and to the source of the reference signal when the sensor signals agree with the reference signal.

Abstract: In a device for measuring redox gases, such as alcohol, in a person's breath, a disposable tubular mouthpiece forms an elongated flow passage and is displaceably securable in a measuring head. The mouthpiece has an opening at one end for blowing air into it and openings along its length for directing the air into the measuring head. A check valve is located in the flow passage so that air exhaled into the opening in the end of the mouthpiece can flow to the measuring head, but inhaling on the mouthpiece places the check valve in a closed position. The mouthpiece can be formed of a single molded piece or two tubular portions secured together. The end of the mouthpiece opposite the open end is closed and is spaced from the openings into the measuring head for forming a moisture chamber for collecting saliva.

Abstract: A magnetic security system is controlled by a magnetic key having magnetic devices defining an operating code which may be operatively interposed relative to a sensing device which will read the code defined on the key and will activate an electrical control system for delivering an electrical signal depending upon the code sensed upon the interposed key. The sensor device includes a code storage element and when the magnetic key is interposed relative to the sensor device, a comparison is drawn between the code on the key and the code programmed into the storage element. The storage element includes means for changing the code which is stored therein and lock means are provided to enable and disable changing of the code stored in the storage element.

Abstract: Gear shifting in an automotive vehicle with internal combustion engine, particularly a motorcycle, is facilitated by a mechanism which automatically inactivates the ignition circuit in response to operation of a speed or gear shifting member, and again activates the ignition circuit with a predetermined delay after inactivating.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a cordless flat iron is energized by a one or more high-frequency oscillators subjacent the normally horizontal work supporting surface of an associated ironing board. The sole plate of the iron consists of a thin layer of conductive material and is electrically and thermally insulated from the handle of the flat iron. The magnetic field of a polarity alternating at high frequency which is generated above the work supporting surface by the oscillator generates eddy currents in the sole plate when the flat iron is placed on the surface or separated from the surface by normally nonconductive textile material to be ironed.

Abstract: A laminate composed of a web of carrier material and a thick layer of contact adhesive thereon wherein the thick layer is composed of a series of thin layers of contact adhesive which are bonded together. Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for preparing the laminate. Using such methods and apparatuses, thick layers of contact adhesive may be simply and economically produced.

Abstract: A magnetic field for coupling to a load is produced by means of apparatus having first and second amplifiers operating in phase opposition and connected to a first oscillating circuit for generating a first oscillating voltage of predetermined fundamental frequency, an inductor producing the magnetic field being an element of the first oscillating circuit. A second oscillating circuit connected to the first circuit furnishes a second oscillating voltage having a frequency corresponding to the third harmonic of the fundamental frequency and includes a coil positioned relative to the load in such a manner that substantially no energy is transferred from the coil to the load.

Abstract: A drunkometer in which the rate of airflow toward an alcohol vapor sensing device in an input channel is sensed mechanically or electrically, and a resulting flow signal is integrated. The direction of airflow in the input channel is also sensed either by photoelectric means or by a negative-temperature-coefficient resistance and an error signal is furnished if the direction of flow corresponds to inhaled breath. A validity signal signifying that the measured value is a value representative of the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream is furnished if the integrated signal representing the total exhaled air volume exceeds a predetermined minimum value before an error signal is furnished.

Abstract: The casing of apparatus for purifying water encloses a chamber and is formed with two orifices spaced from the chamber in opposite directions and communicating with the same for gravity flow of the water to be purified from one of the orifices through the chamber and out of the other orifice. Two electrodes spacedly mounted in the chamber for flow of the water therebetween are conductively connected to an electric battery in the casing by circuitry which causes current to flow between the electrodes through the water when the water and the battery satisfy proper conditions for the functioning of the apparatus, such conditions being indicated by a sensible signal. A compartment in the casing, sealed from the electrode chamber, encloses almost all the circuitry.

Abstract: A purification unit includes an electrolytic cell adapted to hold a body of water to be purified and provided with two electrically insulated electrodes, a pump supplying the water to be purified to the cell through a filter and driving purified water out of the unit, a power supply for supplying electrolyzing current to the electrodes, a control circuit which generates a sensible signal indicative of the operating conditions of the pump, the power supply, and the filter, and a housing which encloses the cell, the pump, the power supply, and the control circuit. The housing is partly received in a container for the raw water. The portion of the housing projecting from the container carries a discharge spout for purified water, a connector for an external source of current, and the signal display elements of the control circuit.

Abstract: Water contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms is passed over a silver anode of an electrolyte cell in a layer 1 to 4 mm thick. The anode surface and the rate of water flow through the cell are related according to the equation F .gtoreq. c .times. V, wherein F is the anode surface area in cm.sup.2, V is the water flow rate in cm.sup.3 /second and c is a constant of the dimension sec/cm, with a value of 2 to 5. The density of the current in relation to the area of the anode surface is between 1.5 and 3.0 mA/cm.sup.2 and the voltage is such that active oxygen is generated at the anode. The effluent from the cell is safe to drink.

Abstract: The electrodes of a water purification cell are immersed in the water to be sterilized. The current through the cell is kept constant by varying the resistance of an emitter-collector circuit of a transistor connected in series with the cell to compensate for changes in the cell's internal resistance. The voltage across the cell is monitored by two threshold circuits to determine if the conductivity of the water is within an allowable conductivity range. If the conductivity falls outside the range, a light-emitting diode is energized. The light-emitting diode is also energized if the voltage of the battery supplying the power for the cell falls below a given value. If no water is present in the supply line to the cell, a switching transistor is blocked, thereby disconnecting most of the equipment from one side of the battery.

Abstract: An electrolytic water purification system operated from a battery includes an electrolytic cell which may purify water properly only when an applied voltage exceeds the battery output voltage. A power supply circuit energized by the battery furnishes the necessary higher voltage. An electrically driven pump is directly energized by the battery for pumping the water to be purified through the cell. The pump is automatically deenergized when the conductivity of the water or the available voltage is outside prescribed limits.

Abstract: The disinfecting effect of electric current passing between a contaminated aqueous liquid and an anode immersed in the liquid is enhanced by providing bipolar electrodes between the directly energized anode and cathode so that the flow channels for the liquid between the electrode faces are limited to a width of 3 mm or less, the auxiliary electrodes being insulated from each other and from the directly energized electrodes and disposed in such a manner that the potential difference between each pair of adjacent electrodes is equal.

Abstract: The housing of an electrolytic purification apparatus defines a receiving chamber and an electrolytic cell. The receiving chamber communicates with a filling aperture at the top of the housing which is upwardly open in the operating position of the apparatus. A first conduit connects a bottom portion of the chamber with an inlet portion of the cell, and a second conduit connects an outlet portion of the cell, upwardly spaced from the inlet portion but lower than the filling aperture, with a discharge aperture at the lower end of the housing. The chamber, cell, and conduits define a continuous path of liquid flow from the filling to the discharge aperture, the path extending downward in the chamber, upward in the cell, and downward again in the second conduit. Two electrodes, offset from the flow path in the cell in opposite, transverse directions, are supplied with direct current for passage of the current in the cell through liquid flowing in the afore-described flow path.