Abstract: An internal combustion reciprocating engine including a drive shaft, at least one piston, and a piston coupling corresponding to each piston wherein each coupling includes: a crank rotatably coupled to the piston, a first and second toothed crank cam gear fixedly coupled to the crank, a first and second complementary toothed drive cam gear fixedly coupled to the drive shaft and drivingly engaged with the corresponding first and second crank cam gears for at least a first and second portion, respectively, of a complete revolution of the drive shaft so linear movement of the piston is converted to rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Combustion variables are diagnosed using sensors to measure turbulence in the post-flame zone as well as in the flame envelope of a combustor. Output signals from the sensors are processed and a set of statistical functions are calculated which are correlated with specific combustion variables, such as the concentration of unburned carbon in fly ash. A special sensor mounting box provides reliable long-term operation in harsh combustor environment, without a supply of cooling or protective air flow.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas-sensing probe for use in a combustor includes an elongated support member, a housing, a gas sensor and sensor wires. The housing is attached to an end of the support member, and the gas sensor is rigidly supported within the housing. In another embodiment, a gas-sensing probe for use in a combustor includes an elongated support member, a housing, and a gas sensor. The housing is removably attached to an end of the support member, and the gas sensor is disposed within the housing so that the gas sensor and housing are removable from the distal end of the support member as a unit. In another embodiment, a gas-sensing probe comprises an elongated support member, a gas sensor, and a calibration tube. The elongated support member has a proximal end and a distal end, and supports the gas sensor at the distal end thereof.

Abstract: A method of providing the inside surface of a hollow object with at least one microscopic feature, comprising the steps of coating at least a part of the inside surface with photo-sensitive material, directing light onto the material to photo-expose a selected portion of the material, removing the exposed selected portion or the unexposed material thereby to leave an opening through the coating, applying an etching substance to etch the inside surface through the opening to form a microscopic feature in the inside surface, characterized in that the light which is directed onto the photo-sensitive material comprises a collimated beam and during exposure, the beam and the inside surface are relatively moved so that the beam impinges upon the selected portion of the photo-sensitive coating to be exposed.

Abstract: A Nernstian-type gas sensor for monitoring changes in a concentration of oxygen present in an environment. One embodiment includes a mass of solid-electrolyte material, and first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are each in fluid communication with the environment and are arranged to generate a signal therebetween indicative of a difference between an oxygen concentration at the first electrode and an oxygen concentration at the second electrode. The sensor may be free of a temperature control device.

Abstract: An oil distribution system for machinery such as a vacuum pump is disclosed. The system features an auxiliary oil pump integrally mounted adjacent to one end of the vacuum pump's drive shaft. The drive shaft drives the oil pump and has a longitudinal passage extending substantially along its length in communication with the outlet from the oil pump. Oil ports, positioned at points along the drive shaft adjacent to bearings supporting the drive shaft, extend from the passage. Lubricating oil, drawn from a reservoir by the oil pump, is pumped into the passage. The oil exits the passage via the oil ports and lubricates the bearings. The oil passes into the pump cylinder where it provides an oil seal between the piston and cylinder wall. Either a rotary vane pump or a gerotor-type pump is preferred as the auxiliary oil pump.

Abstract: The invention includes a composition, method and apparatus for use in treating a bale of hay. The composition is essentially free of ammonia, urea and lye, and contains about 10% to about 50% by volume sweetener, about 0.5% to about 8% by volume liquid fat, about 0.5% to about 10% by volume gelatin, at least about 0.2% by volume phosphoric acid, at least about 0.3% by volume elemental calcium, at least about 500 IU Vitamin A per gallon of composition, at least about 100 IU Vitamin D per gallon of composition, and water. The method includes injecting this composition into a bale of hay. A concentrate is also provided that may be mixed with water to form the liquid composition, which concentrate is essentially free of ammonia, urea and lye, and contains about 30% to about 85% by volume sweetener, about 1.5% to about 40% by volume liquid fat, about 1.5% to about 40% by volume gelatin, at least about 1% by volume phosphoric acid, at least about 1.

Abstract: A spinner for randomly selecting a number has a very low friction bearing between a transparent spinner member and a transparent base plate. In one embodiment the base and spinner are formed of a transparent plastic such as Plexiglas, with a cone point set screw mounted in a threaded hole of the base plate and providing a narrow point for seating of the spinner member. A transparency with annularly arranged numbers may be placed at the bottom side of the transparent base plate, and different numerical arrays or symbol arrays may be selected. The spinner member has a central hole fitted with a central hub that has a recess formed into an internal cone shaped apex. The cone angle of the set screw point is steeper than that in the apex of the hub recess, so that the spinner member rests essentially only on the narrow point of the set screw.

Abstract: An integral water heating assembly is mounted to the tank wall or bottom of a water heater. The integral water heating assembly in accordance with the invention is able to detect conditions such as overheating of the heating element or boil dry conditions and accordingly switch off power to the heating element. This sensing and switching of the electrical power to the water heating element is accomplished without any sensing element external to the water heating assembly housing. The water heating assembly includes a sheathed heating element having ends which pass through apertures in the housing. The heating element preferably has a number of U-shaped bends and an intermediate section which contacts the housing at a point. The electrodes of the heating element are connected to a source of electrical energy through a control unit. The control unit includes a switching element for turning the power on and off, the switching element being controlled by a silicon chip.

Abstract: A golf club head for drivers and fairway wood configurations having a planar face and two rear projections which extend rearwardly from the face of the golf club head is described to allow an adjustment of compression characteristics by changing the tension of the face. A tensioning assembly consisting of a nut and bolt attached to the two rear projections such that the tightening or loosening of the nut and bolt combination affects the pre-tension condition at the impact face area of the club head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed tray for singularizing objects. The tray includes at least one guide path extending the length of the tray for transporting and singularizing objects. The path comprises a number of segments, at least some of which define a direction of movement oriented at an angle with respect to the drive axis of the tray.

Abstract: An audio/videodisc synchronizer accepts random access frame numbers and records digital ques on one track of a magnetic tape. Other tape tracks are available and are used for recording audio or for synchronization of other videodiscs. When the digital ques are played back through the synchronizer, a videodisc player is controlled through its computer interface. As a result, by use of ordinarily available components, virtually unlimited audio is available per still video frame. The device of the present invention provides for remastering of the program audio independent of the videodisc source and thereby eliminates the need for video frames with audio to be recorded on the videodisc in the same sequential order in which they will be played, when continuous audio is required, and allows video frames to be removed or added into an existing presentation.

Abstract: A wide range flux monitoring assembly is provided for in-core neutron flux monitoring in a nuclear reactor vessel. The assembly comprises a fixed in-core power range monitor and a fixed in-core extended range start-up monitor which are connected to signal processing circuitry means for generating signals representative of neutron flux in the reactor vessel. The extended range start-up monitor includes a fission chamber including an anode, a cathode, a neutron sensitive material interposed between the anode and the cathode and a cable assembly for communicating electrical signals between the anode and the cathode to the signal processing circuitry means. An insulating oversheath is disposed about the extended range start-up monitor for insulating the fission chamber from reactor vessel potential. The oversheath comprises a casing having an inner wall and an outer wall and includes an insulating layer interposed between the fission chamber and the inner wall.

Abstract: An electric hotplate formed by taking a heating element comprising an unsheathed resistance wire which exhibits a substantial increase in resistivity within an increase in temperature thereof; an insulating material around the wire and a casing enclosing the wire; and insulating material, locating said element in a mass of metal powder, compressing the solid mass to form a body containing said element, and heat treating the body to cause bonding between the powder particles and to form an electrical hotplate having said element embedded therein.

Abstract: A method of making a bowling pin is disclosed, incorporating both injection molding and compression molding. The pin is formed in a split cavity, into which a core pin is extendable. The disclosed method includes the steps of first injecting a quantity of high density plastic material through a gate in such fashion as to cause it to strike a specially formed, concave distal end of a core pin while the core pin is slightly retracted. The molding operation is "programmed" in such fashion as to further insert the core pin following injection of a predetermined quantity of the plastic material, whereby the core pin compresses the previously injected material.