Abstract: A method determining the extensional elasticity of a fluid includes the step of determining the shear viscosity of a fluid in a flow field where the shear rate of the fluid is substantially uniform. A valve indicative of the shear viscosity and extensional elasticity is obtained by performing measurements in a flow field where a portion of the body of the fluid is accelerated. The two values are then compared to obtain an indicator of the extensional elasticity.

Abstract: Apparatus 1 for monitoring impurity in a liquid, specifically toxin(s) in activated sewage sludge, comprises a vessel 2 with a plurality of chambers 3 and 4 through which the liquid (sludge) is circulated in use to promote mixing, and a compartment 5 in the vessel in fluid communication with the chambers 3 and 4 and adapted to promote a quiescent settlement zone from which liquid is removable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic apparatus, computer controlled, for monitoring the settlement of solids in a liquid, specifically sludge in effluent from a sewage treatment plant. The apparatus enables the determination of the parameter known as the Stirred Specific Volume Index (SSVI) of the sludge. The apparatus includes a standard cylindrical vessel for receiving the sludge, and opposed banks of the LEDs and sensors which monitor the settlement height of the sludge as it settles in the liquid. Stirring is effected by an eccentric stirrer controlled by a Hall Effect device and the output from the sensors is fed to an electronic circuit fed by a computer for providing a determination of SSVI and hence control of a sewage works.

Abstract: A litter box or container holds granulated litter material for an animal's use and is configurable between the shape of a rectanguloid closed container confining the litter material and an open bin or tray in which the litter material is disposed for use. An arrangement of deformable and foldable wall portions in the container permits reconfiguration without removal of the litter material, permitting easy transportation, use and disposal as a unit. The container is formed of sheet material containing fold lines. The fold lines alternately define within the sheet material a closed package that has an essentially square shaped cross section along at least one axis of said cavity and an open tray, the tray having upstanding continuous side walls defining an open cavity, with the volume of the tray cavity being at least twice as large as that of the alternate configuration as a packaage. Litter material is disposed within said container and is carried between the two configurations.

Abstract: An electronic game having a display field of illuminatable segments arranged in a matrix or array of rows and columns, with a plurality of manually operable switches equal in number to the number of columns, the switches having different functions determined by the rules of one of a plurality of games playable on the electronic game. At least one segment is illuminated in a predetermined column and upon initiation of the game segments in that column are successively illuminated, one at a time. Depending on the function assigned to the switches manual operation of one of the switches causes one of three displayed results, the reversal of the direction of successive illumination, the varying of the speed of successive illumination, or the ceasing of the sequence of illumination displaying the then illuminated segment in a static condition.

Abstract: An electronic amusement apparatus having control electronics selectively energizing one or more of the segments of an array of illuminatable segments, with a unitary light control member having an array of portions in overlying relation with each of the segments. Each portion may be identically configured with the exit ends of all portions being in generally planar relation adjacent a transparent or diffused viewing surface. Each portion includes a peripheral wall defining a tapered aperture with the exit end of the aperture configured to provide the visual appearance of a desired object on the viewing surface. Light rays from the illuminated segment pass through the entrance end of the aperture and are internally reflected by the tapered walls toward the exit end while simultaneously light from the segment passes through the peripheral wall to provide a sharply defined edge for the viewed object.

Abstract: A cap-firing arm for a toy figure, the arm being frictionally secured for rotation at the shoulder of the figure by a hollow hub having a pinion gear internally of the figure. The arm is hollow and includes a spring-loaded hammer member slidably mounted therein with a cocking pin extending outwardly through a slot in the lower portion of the arm. The hammer member includes a firing pin adapted for coacting with an anvil secured within a hand mounting member which is slidable for loading the cap. The hammer member includes a tear drop shaped lobe extending through a similarly configured aperture adjacent to the shoulder portion and an actuating rod extending through the hollow hub disengages the lobe upon depression of a back plate of the figure which simultaneously elevates the arm to a horizontal position whereupon the cap is fired.