Abstract: An electronic frequency inverter circuit receives input electrical power at a lower frequency and energizes a load circuit including gaseous discharge lamps in a range of higher frequencies. First and second semiconductors are operated alternatively by a logic circuit in current mode control such that the switches operate at the high frequency range and the frequency of current in the load circuit varies as the magnitude of said source voltage varies. The load circuit has an impedance which varies with frequency such that the peak amplitude of the load current remains substantially constant despite variations in the magnitude of said source voltage to achieve a desirable crest factor for the lamp current. A high current limit circuit rapidly turns off the switches when excessively high current begins to flow through the switches. Low voltage is supplied in port from the high frequency current. Normal operation is ensured during start-up, for reduced line voltage and for a semiconductor chip embodiment.

Abstract: A low voltage track lighting system includes a flexible power track and one or more light fixtures removably attachable to the track for energization. The track has an elongated support member of an electrical insulating material, the support member being generally I-shaped, defining lateral electrical conductor-receiving channels, the conductors being flat strips extending on-end along the sides of the support member and exposed therealong, the conductor orientation enabling the power track to be bent in a horizontal plane, but not in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A rotary vane compressor or vacuum pump having an extended service life in which the rotor housing is composed of cast iron, the rotor of either cast iron or powder metallurgy materials, and the associated adjacent surfaces which form the rotor chamber are coated with a material having the characteristics of plastic with respect to friction and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable container for liquid. The container has a reservoir with an upper opening for filling and an outlet forming a source of supply. The container is equipped with a strap which operates both as a shoulder strap and a carrying handle. The strap is made of a single piece of material and two upper locations are fixed to the upper part of the container, while the ends of the strap are adjustably attached to the lower part of the container.

Abstract: A combination skid resistant and vibration dampening device formed from rubber-like material having a high coefficient of friction which is integrally bonded to cellular foam type material which has high impact absorption capacity.

Abstract: A diaphragm compressor composed of non-metallic parts capable of being manufactured and assembled so inexpensively as to be suitable for one-time use. Conventional expensive fasteners such as screws are eliminated and assembled parts are joined by press fitting, sonic welding or similar inexpensive functionally similar means.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a panic exit device for doors having in their active side vertically operating bolts extending from the top and bottom of the door and a mechanism for retracting the bolts. Usually, the retracting mechanism may be activated by using a key in an exterior door lock or by depressing a panic bar on the interior of the door. The improved panic exit device of this invention provide a device for actuating the bolt retraction mechanism which is mounted inside a semi-hollow enclosure which is integral with the door. The mounting is accomplished with screws hidden from view by the glass pane securing mouldings. The panic exit device of the invention also provides an improved dogging mechanism to lock the actuator device in the actuated position, while simultaneously preventing excessive play in the panic bar.

Abstract: A pad-type paint applicator includes a base adapted to releaseably receive a paint applicator pad, and a handle assembly removably attachable to the base and including an adjustment mechanism which permits the handle to be locked in virtually any position between a position with the handle located normal to the base and a position with the handle located parallel to the base, the locking mechanism including a serrated surface at the base of the handle adapted to be driven into engagement with a complementary serrated surface on the upper surface of the base.

Abstract: A plaster frame or base for recessed lighting fixtures has hanger bar receiving corners which are bendable to accommodate parallel or perpendicular axis orientation relative to ceiling joists or suspension grids. The frame spans the space between a pair of hanger bars and its corners have a plurality of mountings to accommodate different types of hanger bar such as flat horizontal, flat vertical, and adjustable interlocking hanger bars. The frame is preferably a rectangular metal plate with a flat base having upstanding side flanges, a fixture receiving aperture through the base between the flanges having a depending skirt or collar to surround and mount the fixture, mountings on the base for a junction box adjacent the aperture, and bendable hanger bar securing corners. The plate is sufficiently narrow to fit through the conventional ceiling aperture for the fixture.

Abstract: In a fluorescent lamp, a "soft" start-up circuit initially applies a lamp, or inter-electrode, voltage which is limited to a peak voltage that will not start the lamp prior to heating of the lamp cathode to the proper temperature. The lamp cathode is then heated to the proper start-up temperature after which the lamp voltage is increased to a value well in excess of the ignition voltage required for all lamp types and operating characteristics in initiating lamp operation. The increased lamp voltage is applied in a pulsed manner until the lamp is ignited, whereupon the lamp may be operated at normal lamp current and cathode voltages or the lamp filaments may even be turned off with a consequent savings in input power.

Abstract: The aspirator system of this invention is directed to an economical regulator assembly which can provide a substantially uniform vacuum without the need for periodic adjustment. The vacuum of the system can be easily and accurately adjusted, thereby accommodating changes in system pressure demands. The system is not prone to vacuum leakage or undesired vacuum fluctuations.

Abstract: A thermally protected recessed lighting fixture includes a generally cylindrical housing divided by a partition into a closed upper chamber and an open-bottom lower chamber. A reflector assembly including a reflector and lamp socket is removably mountable in the lower chamber. The reflector assembly carries a thermally insulating and flame-resistant shroud which encloses its rear side and is generally conical in shape. In use, the shroud is spaced from the walls of the lower chamber to form a heat sink space therein. Conductors from the lamp socket extend through a slit in the shroud to a plug which is matable with a receptacle in the partition, the receptacle being connected to associated circuitry in the upper chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending articles from a surface is disclosed having a head portion and three arm members extending outwardly from one side of the head portion, arranged at an angle with respect to the head portion and having a triangular configuration.An article to be suspended is hung from the first arm member and extends between the second and third arm members which restrict the articles transverse movement. Both the first and third arm members are bent near their distal ends to restrict the articles movement in a longitudinal direction with respect to the arm members. The first arm member is also provided with an extension beyond the second and third arm members to allow for easy replacement of an article.

Abstract: A seal and retainer assembly for an air compressor piston includes a cup-shaped seal with its marginal edge extending at an angle relative to the cylinder wall, the seal having a notch extending circumferentially at the base of its marginal edge defining a hinge which allows pivoting of the marginal edge relative to the main body portion of the seal which is clamped to the piston. A head plate includes an air intake port for communicating the compression chamber with an air inlet and a discharge port for communicating the compression chamber with a compressed air discharge outlet, each of the ports having a flexible spring closure member cooperating with an inclined valve seat to allow the ports to be open whenever the compressor is shut off.