Abstract: A pair of interval timer units including a lower right timer (LRT) and a lower left timer (LLT) for controlling a pair of D.C. motors (RM, LM) to drive a pair of load devices accurately and consistently a predetermined lowering distance. The load devices are raised together until stopped by limit switches (LS1, LS2) but can be lowered individually under the interval timer (IT) control. Each timer unit (LRT) includes a voltage regulator (ZD1, ZR1) to provide a constant voltage to a ramp voltage generator (RG) and a reference voltage to a voltage inverter (VI). The ramp voltage is applied through a buffer (IC1B) to one input of a comparator (IC1C). The variable supply voltage is also applied to the voltage inverter (VI) that provides a time reference voltage that varies inversely with respect to variation in the supply voltage.

Abstract: There is provided a stabilized aqueous base tackifier composition characterized by the presence in an aqueous medium of a resinous tackifier composition having an acid number in the range from 30 to 150 and a softening point in the range of from -40.degree. to 150.degree. C., a minor amount of a nonionic or anionic surfactant and a minor amount of an elastomeric latex. There is also provided a method of stabilizing an emulsifiable tackifier composition which comprises adding to such composition, a minor amount of a surfactant and a minor amount of an elastomer.

Abstract: A dual voltage engine starter system having a first battery pack (B) for supplying power to the system and a second battery pack (A) and contactors (SC,PC) for connecting the battery packs in series mode for cold weather starting or in parallel mode for warm weather starting, a pilot relay (SPR) for controlling the standard start solenoid (SOL), and a starter contactor (SMC) that controls the starter motor (SM) circuit to protect the solenoid contacts (SOL1). A control logic system (FIGS. 2a-b) has a single timer (TMR) and a sequencing timer circuit (STC) for controlling the contactors and relay in particular sequences, both for high and low voltage start cycles and for starting and terminating start cycles. A low voltage detector (LVD) controls a start-terminate latch (STL) to abort the start cycle if the start motor (SM) voltage is too low. A frequency sensor (FS) sets the latch (STL) to end the starting cycle when the engine reaches running speed.

Abstract: A circuit control device combining the functions of a current sensor, a time delay circuit, an undervoltage sensor, and a lockout such that, once tripped, the device must be reset intentionally. The current sensor includes a coil (16a) surrounding two reed switches (18, 20), the reed elements (18a, 20a) of each of which being perpendicular to those of the other for vibration resistance. The coil is then surrounded by a magnetic shield (28) in order to shield out some of the leakage flux from the main relay coil (14c). The time delay circuit includes a PUT (Q1) which compares a steady voltage from a voltage divider network with the increasing voltage across a capacitor (C3). The undervoltage sensor includes a second PUT (Q3) which compares the voltage of the DC source (10) with the steady voltage across a zener diode (D5).

Abstract: A bottom hole well pump comprising a pump housing supported by a control cable for raising and lowering the housing within tubing in a well, a linear motor within the housing causing reciprocation of a plunger extending into a pumping chamber formed by the housing with inlet and outlet check valves for controlling flow of oil or other liquid into the pumping chamber and from the pumping chamber into the tubing above the pump housing. In one embodiment, Belleville-type springs are employed for storing energy as the plunger approaches its opposite limits of travel in order to initiate movement of the plunger in the opposite direction. In this embodiment, a single pumping chamber is formed above the linear motor with a single-valve block arranged above the pumping chamber and including inlet check valve means for controlling liquid flow into the pumping chamber and outlet check valve means for controlling liquid flow from the pumping chamber into the tubing interior above the pump housing.

Abstract: An electronic remote control D.C. power control and overload circuit breaker for the cockpit controlled D.C. power system of an aircraft or the like. Electronic sensing of overcurrent conditions provides better accuracy, stability and reliability and easier adjustment or adaptation to specific applications. These are attained by using a combination of a shunt resistor in the D.C. line feeding a transient suppressing input bridge and an instrumentation amplifier with common mode rejection followed by a trip time delay network, a threshold comparator and logic and relay control circuitry, as well as supply voltage regulation plus secondary regulation of the comparator reference voltage. A remote cockpit unit affords control and indication. Modifications afford bidirectional sensing of the D.C. bus overload as well as different trip time delays for the two polarities of overload currents.

Abstract: A reset lockout addition to an A.C. overload current sensing, remote power controller of minimum size and weight and integral construction. Current rate sensing wound toroids are used that are small enough to fit around the line terminal studs without having to enlarge prior insulator space available therein. The electronic overload current detecting and tripping control circuit, is replaced by a pair of modules, detector and control modules, having improved performance and a shape and size such that they fit within the relay housing alongside its operating magnet. The detector module has integrator means for converting current rate of change signals into magnitude indicative signals thereby enabling use therewith of rate sensing wound toroids of about one-tenth the size of equivalent current transformer wound toroids.

Abstract: An improved circuit for energizing and quickly deenergizing the DC operating winding of an electromagnetic relay or contactor from sources of AC supply. It employs a full wave rectifier bridge, a transistor for initiating and maintaining the energization of the relay or contactor control winding when AC is supplied to the bridge, and a zener diode connected in parallel with the main conducting path of the transistor to facilitate quick deenergization of the control winding when the AC supply to the bridge is interrupted.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay is provided with a high current "boost" coil, a lower current normal operating or "seal" coil and a static, electronic circuit that functions under low voltage conditions to energize the boost coil to retain the relay closed. An additional function of this static, electronic circuit is to energize the boost coil for a time interval on initial power application in order to assist in closing the relay, and this time interval automatically varies in the correct direction with variation in the supply voltage available to the coil so that the lower such available voltage is from its normal value, the longer the boosting time interval. At other times, both coils are energized in series at low current to hold the relay closed. This static, electronic circuit is small enough to be integrally incorporated within the housing of a conventional sealed power relay.

Abstract: A protective control for the starter and electrical systems of a motor vehicle, including a main relay for controlling the electrical system, and a starter relay for controlling the starter system. Electronic logic is provided for the electrical system which: (1) prevents energization of the main relay if the battery polarity is reversed; (2) if the battery polarity is correct, turns on the main relay when a master switch is closed; and (3) maintains the main relay in an ON condition when an AC signal from the alternator is sensed even if the masterswitch is subsequently opened. The latter prevents disconnection of the battery from the electrical system while the engine is running.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, irrigation pipe couplings for movable irrigation systems may include a spherical coupling structure that allows articulation of sections of the irrigation pipe during operation of the irrigation system. A sealing element is provided that maintains a positive seal when the various sections of irrigation pipe of the irrigation system are static or are moving. The internal and external components of the coupling structure and the sealing element of each of the couplings cooperate in such manner that the sealing elements are easily and quickly replaceable should they become worn or damaged. It is not necessary to cause longitudinal separation of the sections of irrigation pipe to which the coupling structures are affixed in order to achieve replacement of the sealing element.

Abstract: A method for forming high carbon hard alloys using powdered metal techniques wherein the carbon content of the atomized powdered metal particles is minimized and the carbon content to achieve the desired composition is provided by blending carbon or carbon containing powder with the powdered metal particles prior to compaction and sintering. The compact may be sintered just above the solidus temperature of the alloy.

Abstract: A deceleration indication system for use on motor vehicles to indicate to the trailing driver that the leading vehicle is decelerating thereby to prevent rear end collisions. The system is of the solid state type and is arranged to detect and respond to decrease in the rate of operation of the ignition system of a motor vehicle to light amber indication lamps at the rear of the vehicle. Since the speed of the vehicle is proportional to the rate of operation of its ignition system, these lamps will give an immediate indication to the trailing driver that the leading vehicle is decelerating thereby affording the trailing driver with more time for braking.

Abstract: A universal coupling for irrigation pipes that are incorporated into continuously movable land surface irrigation systems may incorporate pipe sections having extremities that are adapted to be positioned one within the other. A connector projection extends from one of the pipe sections and is adapted to be received within a connection aperture defined in the opposite one of the pipe sections upon assembly of the pipe sections. The coupling has a load bearing capability which is promoted by one of the extremities of each one of the pipe sections being supported directly by a mobile tower which the opposite extremity thereof bears upon the supported extremity of the adjacent pipe section, thereby causing both of the pipe sections to be supported one relative to the other. At least one of the extremities of one of the pipe sections is formed to allow substantially vertical movement of the opposite pipe section during assembly and disassembly thereof.

Abstract: A single-phase induction motor is provided with a simple capacitor-start control system. A precision current detector (reed relay) is used in the main winding circuit to fire a bidirectional thyristor and precisely control the starting and stopping points of energization of the start winding to cause the motor to accelerate to the desired speed. Although this small reed relay is a fast acting device that picks up on the leading side and drops out on the trailing side of each current half-cycle, chopping up of the current wave is avoided by the combination used. Thus, in view of the nearly 90 degree phase-shift between the main winding and start winding currents, the reed relay, with its dropout point being lower in current value than its pickup point on each half-cycle due to the inherent differential in its magnetic characteristics, applies a wide firing pulse to the thyristor at the most desirable time, that is, it widely overlaps the point where the start winding current passes through zero.

Abstract: Self propelled sprinkling irrigation apparatus according to the present invention includes an elongated pipe line for transporting water which pipe line includes a plurality of interconnected pipe spans each having sprinkler mechanisms carried thereby for distribution of the water. A pair of tension elements is provided for each pipe span, the tension elements being connected adjacent the extremities of each pipe span. A plurality of pair of load supporting elements are spaced along each of the pipe spans, the load supporting elements being interposed between the pipe and the tension elements and additionally are disposed in substantially normal relation to the respective pipe span and tension element. A transverse brace is interposed between each of the pairs of load supporting elements and maintains the load supporting elements in stabilized diverging relation.