Abstract: Pulse-generator-based reciprocal quantum logic (RQL) bias-level sensors are fabricated on an RQL integrated circuit (IC) to sample AC or DC bias values provided to operational RQL circuitry on the RQL IC. The bias-level sensors include pulse generators having strengthened or weakened bias taps (transformer couplings to RQL AC clock resonators or DC bias lines) as compared to bias taps of Josephson transmission lines in the operational RQL circuitry, or Josephson junctions (JJs) with larger or smaller critical currents as compared to JJs in the operational RQL circuitry. Pulse generators with weakened bias taps or larger JJs can have lower limits of their operational ranges placed near an optimal bias point at the centroid of the operating region of the operational RQL circuitry. The bias-level sensors can be staged by relative strength to indicate whether a provided bias value is an improvement when varied over a range.

Abstract: A pour spout for pouring a fluid, such as fuel, by gravity from a container to a tank. The spout includes a conduit having one end connected to the fuel container and having a second end to be positioned within the neck of the tank. A sleeve is mounted for sliding movement within the conduit and the outer end of the sleeve carries a closure which closes off the discharge end of the conduit. A vent tube is disposed within the conduit and has an inlet end which is adapted to communicate with the fuel tank when the closure is in the open position. A check valve is mounted within the vent tube and permits the flow of fuel vapor and air from the tank through the tube to the container, but prevents flow of fuel in the opposite direction. An annular collar is mounted on the conduit and with the collar engaged with the neck of the fuel tank, a downward force applied through the container on the sleeve will open the closure to admit fuel through the conduit to the tank.

Abstract: A lawnmower handle assembly is disclosed for manually-starting lawnmowers in which the starter rope handle is retained by the bale lever. The rope handle is preferably retained by an aperture in the bale lever, with the starter rope passing through the aperture. The handle assembly enables the starter rope handle to be more accessible to the operator during starting, and decreases the time required for the lever to engage an ignition or blade stopping mechanism when the lever is released.

Abstract: A centrifugally responsive compression release mechanism for an internal combustion engine. The release mechanism includes a yoke pivotally mounted to the camshaft and having an auxiliary cam member that is movable between an operative valve-unseating position and an inoperative position. A counterweight is associated with the legs of the yoke and causes the center of mass of the yoke to be offset from the plane containing the pivot axis. With this configuration, the yoke is biased by gravity at low rotational speeds to position the cam member in the operative valve-unseating position to thereby release compression in the combustion chamber of the engine. At engine running speeds, centrifugal force overcomes the gravitational force to pivot the yoke and the attached cam member to the inoperative position so that normal operation of the engine is not impaired.

Abstract: A small gasoline engine with a relatively inaccessible crankcase oil fill port is equipped with an elongated funnel member having its bottom sealingly secured in that port. A removable cap for the funnel member comprises a suction chamber having a transparent side wall and the interior of which is communicated with a depending tube that has its bottom end at the prescribed minimum oil level. With adequate crankcase oil, depression and release of a downwardly displaceable, upwardly biased top wall of the suction chamber draws oil into it to be visible through its transparent wall. The interior of the transparent wall is cleaned of residual oil by a wiper moving in unison with the displaceable wall.

Abstract: A combination clutch and brake for rotary power mowers of the type wherein the blade is fixed to a spindle driven by the engine through an endless belt type drive transmission. A medially pivoted lever has an idler roll at one end to engage and tension the belt and thereby activate the drive transmission when the lever is rocked in one direction and a claw at its other end which, upon movement of the lever in the opposite direction, engages the notched periphery of a brake disc encircling the blade spindle and frictionally engaged with a companion disc that is fixed with respect to the spindle. The lever is spring-biased in the direction to engage the brake disc and thereby stop blade rotation concomitantly with deactivation the drive transmission whenever a deadman control on the mower handle is released.

Abstract: In a walk-behind rotary lawn mower powered by a gasoline engine, two pushbutton-type switches are so connected in the engine ignition circuit that at least one must be actuated for the engine to run. One switch comprises a dead-man control actuated by gripping the mower guide handle. The other is actuated by a treadle so located on the mower deck as to be depressed by one foot of a person who has his other foot in a safe position and who is operating the engine rope starter in a natural, convenient manner. Depression of the treadle also actuates a brake that prevents the mower from rolling.