Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for continuously determining the moisture content of a spoilable foodstuff, in particular, of grain and processed products of the latter, which is moved along a production line as a product stream and passed, at least in part, through a measuring section of a housing in accordance with the process, a pourable average of the product stream is created continuously within the measuring section, and the product moisture content of this product average is measured electrically on a continuous basis. In accordance with the device, the measuring housing has a capacitor as a continuous-flow measuring section and a device for continuously controlling the creation of a pourable product average. One of the central concepts of the invention is found in the interaction of the following factors: --continuous creation of a product average, continuous trickling-type flow of the product, with simultaneous electrical measurement on a continuous basis.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, multiple fixtures are set forth which function as support structures for thermal fluxmeters. A fluxmeter wafer or pad having top and lower faces and forming an output signal by means of thermopiles connected to both faces is used. It is supported by first and second alternate forms of fixtures. A force is applied to the fluxmeter wafer which is approximately normalized in both fixtures. This establishes a stabilized contact force against a surface to measure heat loss through the surface. This avoids variations in surface contact.

Abstract: A large number of equally spaced Hall-sensors form a column. They are mounted in a tube with a closed bottom. Each sensor is a packaged integrated circuit with a Hall-cell connected to a Schmitt Trigger circuit. An annular float being fitted slidably about the tube carries a compound magnet that generates a pattern of regularly spaced apart magnetic field regions each having the same dimensions and each capable of switching an immediately adjacent Hall-sensor. The Hall-sensors are energized sequentially and one at one time. By counting the number of Hall-sensors scanned, from the beginning end of the column to the first Hall-sensor that is switched, a rough measure of the liquid level is obtained. The magnetic field regions are spaced apart by a distance that is not equal to the Hall-sensor spacing so that the pattern of Hall-sensor output voltages provides a unique vernier measure of the liquid level that is appropriately added to the afore-said rough measure.

Abstract: A template set for inscribing a plurality of curvilinear figures with pencil, inking pen or other marking means is disclosed. The invention comprises a two-part unit for small circles, or a three-part unit for larger circles, enabling an individual circle or family of circles to be drawn without a compass, where such circles have a common center. The device can further be used to draw ellipses of varying size, the ellipses having varying sizes and degrees of eccentricity, and having common foci. The device consists of an exterior holder, an interior holder, a large-circle guide portion and a small-circle guide portion. In the embodiment for drawing large circles, a shim is used to maintain the large-circle guide portion in spaced relationship from the drafting medium.

Abstract: A battery cap indicator has a transparent cap which permits the viewer to read both electrolyte level and density simultaneously, the indicators also giving the viewer the ability to determine whether the readings are at the higher or lower end of an acceptable range. The float assemblies of the indicator are configured for minimum friction with the guiding structure of the indicator body.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer probe and cover assembly includes a probe extending from a handle and having limited axial movement into the handle against a resilient force. An elongated cover having open and closed ends fits over the probe. Cooperating elements on the open end of the cover and the handle snap together when the probe is moved into the handle by the cover to retain the cover in position with intimate contact between the probe end and cover. Actuation of a thumb button on the handle increases the force urging the probe out of the handle to unsnap the cover from the probe handle.

Abstract: For measuring single flank error, the toothed wheels are secured onto respective shafts, so that the toothed wheels intermesh. Each shaft has a disk on it having a diameter equal to the diameter of the respective toothed wheel, and a single length of wire or tape is wound around the first of the disks, over a measuring disk disposed on a displaceable carriage, and then around the other of the disks. Upon rotation of the toothed wheels, the carriage moves to maintain the wire or tape taut, and rotation of the measuring disk provides a measure of the single flank error.

Abstract: A distance safety stick for a bicycle and the like is provided and consists of a guard arm and mounting device for supporting the guard arm in a horizontally disposed position at one side of the bicycle from which position the guard arm may be swung upwardly into a vertically retracted position. The guard arm has an arrow shaped reflector portion to indicate the bicycle presence to vehicles approaching from the front and rear. In a modified form the guard arm is adjustable.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a consistently perpendicular tension force to a dolly is provided for testing of the adhesive bond strength between a coating and a substrate. The tester comprises a ram passing through an axially centered opening in a dolly bonded to the coating. Piston and cylinder means are associated with the ram and the dolly so that pressure within the piston chamber formed thereby causes the development of a tension force within the dolly which is perpendicular to the coating being tested because of its coaxially centered orientation with respect to the ram.

Abstract: A balloon distress marker wherein the balloon has, in a wall thereof, a small compartment interiorly of the balloon and accessible through an aperture in the wall of the balloon for retaining an article therein. The compartment is substantially smaller than the volumne of the balloon and is useable for interconnecting balloons in series or inserting a flashlight therein to illuminate the balloon. A coupling for interconnecting balloons is preferably a small balloon in itself which can be inflated when in the compartment. A two-part balloon wherein the two parts are interconnected by a narrow neck portion rendering the marker useable as a life preserver. A rescue kit consisting of a casing having a removable top that can be illuminated by flashlights in the cap. Located within the container is a cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas for inflating the balloon.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring apparatus for a refrigeration system for detecting a liquid component in refrigerant leaving the evaporator of the system through a suction conduit associated with a heating element heating the tube wall. The measuring apparatus includes a first temperature measuring sensor in thermal contact with the suction conduit located just sufficiently away from the heating element so as to be substantially unaffected by the heating element. A second temperature measuring reference sensor is in thermal contact with the suction conduit an optimum distance downstream from said heating element to provide a reference temperature indicative of the dry temperature of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A lid knob for a pressure cooker contains a whistle which informs the user when boiling has occurred. The lid knob is designed so that the whistle hole of the knob may be rotated into alignment with the steam hole of the lid of the pressure cooker during initial heating and then rotated out of alignment with the steam hole once boiling has occurred. The lid knob is simple in structure and is easy to disassemble for cleaning.

Abstract: A scoring device for golf comprising a cylindrical rod or tube having a plurality of numeral sets printed circumfluently along its surface about which a plurality of partially open snap rings are rotatably affixed for the purpose of recording one's score while playing golf.

Abstract: An archery sight for attachment to a bow for facilitating proper vertical and lateral alignment of a bow shot with respect to targets at different distances. A base housing is adapted to be attached to a bow handle and an elongated member is operably attached to the base housing. A plurality of sight reference point structures are operably attached to the elongated member for alignment in the line of sight between an archer and targets disposed at respective distances from the archer for causing an arrow shot from the bow to strike such respective targets when released under proper alignment conditions. A structure is provided for selectively pivoting the elongated member about a longitudinal axis of a first one of the sight reference point structures for adjusting the distance that the other sight reference point structures will be disposed vertically from the first sight reference point structure. The elongated member can be then locked into whatever position is desired.

Abstract: Test apparatus for on-site testing of an air compressor to obtain a measurement from which the operating efficiency of the air compressor and air flow rate may be calculated to enable the owner of the compressor to determine whether replacement or rebuilding of the compressor is justified. The apparatus comprises an inlet for connection to the air compressor being tested and branch circuits through which the air flow from the compressor is selectively passed. Each branch circuit contains a particular size orifice and an associated shut-off valve, and the condition of the shut-off valves determines the orifice selection. The orifice selection is made to match the running compressor and attain a balanced condition. In this regard a pressure regulator and by-pass control valve, in parallel with each other, are also in the test apparatus for adjustment to obtain the balanced condition.

Abstract: A portable ground insert signal indicator designed to be utilized by an individual to indicate his or her presence in a wooded or forested area and to direct others to his or her location. The signal indicator of the present invention comprises an elongated stake having a flag attached to an upper end portion thereof and a directional indicator pivotably attached to an intermediate portion of the stake. Also provided is a sleeve axially movable on said stake and movable between a closed position where the same encompasses and encloses the directional indicator and said flag and an open position where said directional indicator and said flag are exposed.

Abstract: A liquid level determining and sampling device which takes the form of a transparent elongated tubular member which has a sealing plug attached at the lower end thereof. Fluid conducting openings are located about the sealing plug to permit liquid to be conducted past the sealing plug to within the tubular member. A sleeve is threadably engaged to the lower end of the tubular member. The sleeve interiorly includes a sealing plate within which is formed a hole. The sleeve is to be movable with respect to the tubular member so the sealing plug can either be spaced from the hole or tightly engaged with the wall of the hole. Fluid conducting openings are formed through the side wall of the sleeve adjacent the outer end thereof to permit liquid to be conducted through the hole, through the fluid and into the tubular member. The outer end of the sleeve includes a resilient ring which is to frictionally engage with the bottom of the tank which contains liquid the level of which is to be measured.

Abstract: The output of a capacitance fuel sensor is supplied to two switches that are controlled by a switching control unit. The two switches are opened and closed in synchronism and antiphase with one another, and in quadrature with the drive voltage applied to the sensor. The output of one switch is supplied to the input of a first integrating current-to-voltage amplifier which in turn supplies a signal representative of fuel quantity to a fuel indicator. The output of the other switch is supplied to another integrating current-to-voltage amplifier which in turn supplies a signal representative of the quantity of contaminants to a contaminant indicator.

Abstract: In a sorter for data carriers, in which the data carriers, for testing, run past an arrangement of sensors located on both sides of the transport path, at least the sensors on one side of the transport path are arranged on a separate mounting plate. This mounting plate is pivoted so that the sensors located opposite each other can be moved apart, thus exposing the transport path.

Abstract: At the point or points in a vessel (1) at which the liquid or agitated charge level is to be monitored, a heat stream is fed into or out of the interior of the vessel (1) via a heat-conducting element (2) which is in thermal contact with the interior of the vessel (1) on the one hand and with a heat source or cold source (4) on the other hand. In order to indicate the level, the change in the heat stream when the liquid or agitated charge comes into contact with the elements (2) is determined by measuring the temperature of the element in the region of contact by means of a temperature sensor (5).