Abstract: A multiple-tube flexible pipe (1) including a central flexible member (2) having high tensile and compressive strength, a casing (8) and a plurality of circumferentially arranged tubes (3) wound around the central flexible member to form at least one ply in a ring-shaped space between said central flexible member (2) and said casing (8). At least one of said circumferentially arranged tubes (3) has low compressive and/or tensile strength. The flexible pipe further comprises at least one flexible compressive force transmitting member (5) arranged in said ring-shaped space and adjacent to said tube (3, 4) having low compressive and/or tensile strength.

Abstract: A master control system for conserving water used by sprinkler systems within a predetermined geographical region includes a plurality of sprinkler systems each of which is assigned an identifying indicia. A transmitting station is arranged for transmitting control signals receivable at any location within the geographical region. A valve connects each sprinkler system to a water source for selectively feeding water to an associated sprinkler system when the valve is open and for precluding water from being fed to the associated sprinkler system when the valve is closed. A receiver is provided for each sprinkler system within the region connected to an associated valve for receiving the control signals and generating a disabling signal for causing only said valves for the sprinkler systems assigned said identifying indicia to open independently of their status.

Abstract: In fluidized catalytic cracking, enhanced efficiency is produced through the use of a spray nozzle having two transversely elongated discharge orifices for effecting fine atomization of liquid hydrocarbon feed as the latter is sprayed from the nozzle. The orifices preferably are inclined so as to produce a converging spray but can be inclined to produce a diverging spray or a substantially flat spray. Alternative forms of pressurized air atomizing heads are disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel line assembly for an engine fuel system contains a length of nominally circular walled metal tube and a connecting fitting disposed on the tube proximate a terminus of the tube for making connection of an end of the tube containing the terminus to an engine fuel system component. The tube has a formation in a segment spaced from the terminus where the nominally circular wall has been re-formed to a non-circular oval cross section to provide an interference with the connecting fitting that prevents the fitting from sliding past the re-formation.

Abstract: An atomizer for atomizing a liquid has a gas chamber adapted to be connected to a supply of gas and a liquid chamber adapted to be connected to a source of liquid. A mixing tube extends from the gas chamber in a downstream direction, and atomizing gas flows through the tube at subsonic speed. A liquid conduit fluidly connects the liquid chamber with the mixing tube so that liquid from the conduit can be entrained in the gas flow for discharging a mixture of gas and partially atomized liquid from the tube. The mixture then flows through an exit gap to the exterior of the housing. The exit gap has several successive shear steps which contact the mixture as it flows through the gap to thereby substantially fully atomize the liquid as it is being discharged from the atomizer.

Abstract: An automatic water sprinkler assembly is provided. A main conduit is connected to a source of water pressure, at least a portion of the main conduit is buried underground with a releasably connected vertical portion extending above ground. A main horizontal feeder conduit having at least four vertical output conduits is connected to a source of electrical power for operating electrically controllable valves associated with each of said at least four vertical output conduits for selectively controlling fluid flow therethrough. Each of the four vertical output conduits has an end portion terminating above ground and releasably connected to a primarily horizontally extending discharge conduit. The vertical portion of the main conduit, the horizontal feeder, and the vertical output conduits are all releasably connected above ground so that the entire distribution assembly is portable. Alternatively, the valves may be manually operated.

Abstract: A non-spill liquid bottle having an extended curved neck in the form of a number seven "7", a letter "Z" or a letter "S" incorporated into the design of its mouth opening. This non-spill design allows a full bottle of liquid to be partially turned over with liquid level inside the bottle being higher than the liquid level at the mouth opening and no liquid will flow out from the bottle. Liquid will start to flow out only after the bottle is turned further and the tilting angle reach the predetermined pouring angle. The pouring angle is the tilting angle of the bottle when outside air starts to enter the bottle and liquid inside the bottle starts to flow out. This design makes pouring liquid from a full bottle much less likely to spill.

Abstract: A tubing assembly for conveying fluid under pressure such as from a source of air pressure in a vehicle to an airbrake system of the vehicle. The assembly includes a flexible first and second tubing member, each having an outer surface and extending axially from a forward distal end to a rearward distal end. The first tubing member is wound intermediate the forward and the rearward distal end thereof radially about a generally cylindrical surface to define a first expandable, self-retracting coil portion having a plurality of first turns. The second tubing member, in turn, is wound intermediate the forward and the rearward distal end thereof radially about the cylindrical space to define a second expandable, self-retracting coil portion disposed within the curve of the cylindrical surface space as extending parallel to the first coil portion and as having a plurality of second turns.

Abstract: A water dispensing system has collapsible water bags locatable on a stand above a water cooler. The water cooler may be of conventional form or any convenient form having a cooling reservoir. A conduit leads from the collapsible bag into the cooling reservoir and is provided with a control valve to control the flow of water into the reservoir. The stand may be locatable on the top of the water cooler and have a bowl to hold the water bag. A sharp extension of the conduit extends upwardly into the bowl to puncture the water bag when It is placed in the bowl. The bags may be provided with a peel-off cover for reasons of hygiene. The peel-off cover may be removed immediately before the bag is located in the bowl. Advantages of the collapsible bag water dispensing system include easy of location of the bag in the water cooler. Lids may be provided above both the bag and for the cooling reservoir to further enhance hygiene.

Abstract: A slurry dispenser dispensing slurry by a pair of counter-rotating wheels is provided in a chemical mechanical polishing process used in manufacturing integrated circuits. The slurry dispenser is driven by variable speed motors at a predetermined speed empirically determined to dispense a desired amount of slurry. The shape of the rotating wheels controls the vertical distribution of the spray. Openings in the housing of the slurry dispenser and the speed of rotation of the wheels controls the horizontal distribution of the spray. The slurry dispenser can be constructed out of materials chemically inert with respect to the slurry.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding an additive, such as a marker, to a base fluid, such as oil, includes a blender having a receptacle or diffusion chamber in which mixing of the additive and the base fluid occurs. The additive is injected in discrete amounts. Resistances to fluid flow in the receptacle or chamber cause fluid flow to occur at different rates in order to reduce the slugging effect caused by additive injection in discrete amounts.

Abstract: A portable automatic misting device (20) uses a misting device assembly (38) to automatically disperses a mist (36). The misting assembly (38) includes a hollow cylinder (40) that forms a liquid reservoir (50) that is in fluid communication with a one-way valve (76) that permits liquid flow into the reservoir (50). The reservoir (50) has fluid communication with a misting nozzle (34) through a hollow plunger rod (28). A plunger (42), a spring (48) and a portion of the hollow plunger rod (28) are located inside the hollow cylinder (40). The spring (48) is biased to move the plunger (42) and the hollow plunger rod (28) to automatically shrink the liquid reservoir (50).

Abstract: A fire is extinguished and suppressed, by a dual stage fire extinguisher. In a first stage, a sufficient amount of an inerting agent is delivered to extinguish the fire. Once the fire is extinguished, in the second stage, a different amount of inerting agent is delivered to the fire to prevent its re-ignition. Since suppression typically requires less of the inerting agent than extinguishing, a reduction in the weight of the inerting agent is achieved with the dual stage process making the system particularly amenable to aircraft applications such as in an engine nacelle or cargo dry bay.

Abstract: A device for fighting fires in at least one cable or line run At least one pipe, which contains a fire-extinguishing agent under positive pressure, is laid in at least one cable or line run. The wall of this pipe is produced from a material whose melting point is chosen to be lower than the ignition point of the cable sheath of an adjacent cable.

Abstract: A low-cost atomizing nozzle suitable for use with viscous fuels and other liquids in high and low temperature environments. The nozzle structure comprises a cylindrical hollow tube forming a venturi having inlet and outlet ends, a cylindrical hollow barrel and a fuel catheter. The nozzle provides maximum surface contact between the liquid fuel and atomizing air streams.

Abstract: A self-propelled irrigation machine including an elongated main boom pivoted at one end to a center pivot and supported on a plurality of self-propelled, non-steerable drive towers. An extension boom is pivotally secured to the other end of the main boom for irrigating corner areas of the field. A steerable drive tower supports the extension boom and includes a pair of steerable drive wheels. The guidance and control for the extension boom utilizes GPS receivers as position sensors. The system is comprised of two GPS units, two microprocessor based smart boxes, a communications link running from the pivot to the steerable drive unit, and an angle sensor to monitor the angle of the corner arm steerable wheels.

Abstract: A spray system designed for use with animals and in particular a system designed to wash the udders of cows while avoiding injuries to the cows usually encountered with such systems. The present spray system includes a low profile spray head which contains an upwardly directed recessed channel within which are placed a plurality of spray holes to direct water or other fluid spray materials at the udders. The position of the spray holes within the recess causes the fluid emitted from the spray holes to form an upwardly directed fine particle spray or mist which rises from the spray head up to three feet above the spray head, enabling the spray head to completely bathe the utters even though the spray head may be placed at floor level.

Abstract: An irrigation system comprising a container for holding a liquid, a tap, a device for simultaneously puncturing the container and securing the tap to the container and a device for regulating the dispersement of the liquid from the container. Also provided is a method of irrigation comprising the steps of attaching at least a portion of a spike to a tap thus forming a tap and spike assembly, puncturing a container for holding a liquid with the tap and spike assembly and simultaneously securing the tap to the container wherein the spike automatically dislodges from the tap and falls into the container, and dispersing the liquid from the container to a desired irrigation area.

Abstract: A wheeled fire hydrant diffuser has a wheeled frame having a trailering tongue for attachment to the rear of a towing vehicle. The housing is formed with walls and attached to the wheeled frame and has an inner chamber therein having an open bottom. An elongated walled passageway extends through the housing chamber and has an opening therein facing the top of the housing. A flexible fire hose is attached to a coupling in the walled passageway and has a removable fire hydrant coupling on the other end thereof so that the fire hose can be connected to the fire hydrant and the fire hydrant opened to direct water therefrom through the walled passageway into the housing inner chamber and out the bottom of the housing inner chamber. The housing has a storage compartment for storing the flexible fire hose.

Abstract: A water-powered aircraft/sprinkler utilizes an airfoil and a water jet nozzle power source to provide a manually maneuverable aircraft/sprinkler supplied with a pressurized water stream through a movable boom and a portable stationary gantry.