Abstract: A joist bridging component comprising a one-piece molded plastic member generally of X-shape having crossheads at the ends of the diagonals of the X adapted for being nailed facewise against joists and to act as gauges for establishing the joist spacing.

Abstract: A novel mechanical hip joint for attaching a robotic leg to a body member is described, which comprises, a housing adapted for connection to the body member, a spherical socket defined within the housing, a ball joint received by the socket for rotational movement about a first horizontal axis, a bearing member rigidly interconnecting the leg and the ball joint and presenting a bearing surface confronting the housing and socket, and a motor interconnecting the housing and bearing surface for selectively imparting rotary movement to the leg, about a second horizontal axis transverse of said first axis, between first and second angular limits.

Abstract: A flash plug for an internal expansion heat engine is heated by a non-ferrous coil surrounding the ferric steam flash plug and connected to a source of alternating current. The coil may be a conduit for the passage of cooling water.

Abstract: A flash plug for an internal expansion heat engine is heated by electromagnetic microwave energy. The flash plug is an annular ceramic dielectric body having electrically connected metal rings on the inside and a metal sleeve on the outside supplied by a high frequency alternating current.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a fluid line to a manhole includes a ring having an eccentric hole therein through which the fluid line passes. The ring is attachable in a circular mounting ring in the manhole whereby rotation of the ring adjusts the level at which the eccentrically located aperture is disposed and thus adjusts the height of entry of the fluid line. Sealing against fluid leakage is provided by a compression member which is compressed and sealed during attachment of the ring.

Abstract: A constriction in a pipeline forces a portion of the pipeline flow to follow a bypass channel wherein it drives a turbine or Pelton wheel before being returned to an output beyond the constriction. In one embodiment, a pump provides a high velocity flow along a second bypass path which is applied through one or more nozzles to accelerate the fluid in the main bypass path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for converting the potential energy stored in an upper reservoir of water into electrical energy, whereby, during periods of high energy demand, water is introduced from the upper reservoir into an underground salt dome by way of an underground shaft which connects the upper reservoir with the underground salt dome. Hydroelectric generators which are located along the shaft convert the kinetic energy of the falling water into electrical energy to meet periodic high energy demands. The water empties into the underground salt dome and dissolves a cavity in the same to produce a large underground reservoir. During periods of electrical energy surplus, electric pumps are utilized to pump the water back to the surface so that the process may be repeated.

Abstract: A concrete rail bed is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending laterally spaced rail-supporting pedestals with a connector between them, and each having a rail-receiving slot. The bed may be either precast or cast in place and may be reinforced as required. A rail has a head, a stem extending downwardly from the head, and flanges extending outwardly from the bottom region of the head. The rail is configured such that the stem fits into the slot of the concrete bed, with an elastomeric material inserted between the stem and the walls to substantially fill the slot.

Abstract: A solar still apparatus having a condensation chamber is disclosed. A plurality of hollow columns are connected to the chamber at the open upper ends of the hollow columns and the lower ends of the hollow columns are adapted to engage a support surface for the still apparatus. The hollow columns also function to contain distilland liquid and to support parabolic solar collectors for heating the liquid to form vapor at the upper end of the hollow columns. The vapor is introduced into the condensation chamber for condensing to form a distillate liquid. Means including a shield and an evaporative surface layer are disclosed to aid the cooling of the condensation chamber relative to the vapor to facilitate the condensation of the vapor in the chamber.

Abstract: A rotary engine has a housing and a pair of spaced, coaxial rotors in the housing connected for joint movement. Each rotor rotates in a separate rotor chamber, and each carries radially movable vanes, the outer edges of which engage the configured inner surface of the housing. An axially extending passage in the housing communicates the rotor chambers. The parts are few in number and readily made.A method of operating such a rotary engine in either gasoline or diesel modes, includes the addition of additional fuel after initial combustion.

Abstract: A cast concrete rail bed is provided which includes plural panels, each panel having a pair of longitudinally extending laterally spaced rail-supporting pedestals, with a connector between them, and each having a rail-receiving slot in its top. Each pedestal has a bottom support surface and inwardly sloping surfaces connected to the top and bottom surfaces. Reinforcement within each pedestal includes a horizontal support below the slot, and a supporting rod extending downwardly from the support and through the bed. A pair of longitudinally extending reinforcing members are supported on the horizontal support, one on each side of the slot, and extending upwardly above the bottom on the slot. A transverse spacer connects the reinforcing members above the horizontal support; tendon ducts are supported by the horizontal support, below the spacer.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing solar energy to the side of a longitudinally extending laser in pulses comprising a first cylindrical opaque body having a central cylindrical bore in which the laser is mounted, the body having longitudinal passages extending radially outwardly from the central bore. The body is mounted for rotation on its longitudinal axis within a second, non-rotating longitudinally extending opaque body, the second body also having longitudinally and radially extending passages. The outer ends of the passages in the second body are provided with focusing lenses, and mirrors are pivotally mounted on the exterior of the second body to direct sun light into the passages thereof. The laser may be fixed to and rotate with the first inner body, or may be fixed relative to the outer body, and not rotate.

Abstract: A system for using solar heat to supplement the heat supplied by a conventional furnace in a house. Solar energy collector panels include conduits for the flow of water, the conduits heating water in a cistern. Heated water from the cistern is pumped through a heat exchanger located in an auxiliary duct communicating with the duct system in the house, the duct system also being connected with the conventional furnace. An air valve is movable between positions closing communication between the auxiliary duct and the duct system, while leaving open the communication between the furnace and the duct system, and opening communication between the auxiliary duct and the duct system, while closing communication between the furnace and the duct, to thereby heat air in the duct system from the furnace or the solar-heated water, respectively.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for treating sewage, by first comminuting raw sewage in a comminuting compartment to provide a slurry and then digesting the raw, comminuted sewage by oxygen-dependent bacteria in a roofed compartment. Oxygen is supplied by electrolysis of the water in the sewage, utilizing spaced anode and cathode. The anode is located in the roofed digestion compartment, and the oxygen generated at the anode is used by the bacteria; the cathode is located in a chimney which extends through the roof or top of the plant, to atmosphere, and the hydrogen generated at the cathode is discharged to atmosphere through this chimney. A stirrer is provided in the digestion compartment to stir trapped oxygen back into the mass of sludge. A trapping or sedimentation compartment is provided after the digestion compartment, for settling out indigestible solids, and drawing off the remaining liquid.

Abstract: A joint bar for joining a first rail having a head and a depending terminal web, and a second rail having a head, a depending web and a transverse flange; the joint bar has a first U-shaped portion with a lower bight and upstanding legs, and a second portion comprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extending elements, each extending from a leg of the first portion. Each element has an upper bulbous head, a lower flange, and a connecting web.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for treating sewage, by first comminuting raw sewage in a comminuting compartment to provide a slurry and then digesting the raw, comminuted sewage by oxygen-dependent bacteria in a roofed compartment. Oxygen is supplied by electrolysis of the water in the sewage, utilizing spaced anode and cathode. The anode is located in the roofed digestion compartment, and the oxygen generated at the anode is used by the bacteria; the cathode is located in a chimney which extends through the roof or top of the plant, to atmosphere, and the hydrogen generated at the cathode is discharged to atmosphere through this chimney. A stirrer is provided in the digestion compartment to stir trapped oxygen back into the mass of sludge. A trapping or sedimentation compartment is provided after the digestion compartment, for settling out indigestible solids, and drawing off the remaining liquid.

Abstract: A transportable bridge is provided which may be erected across a wide, e.g. 150 foot, depression, and with access to only one bank of the depression. The bridge comprises a pair of abutments and a plurality of deck units. The abutments are laterally extensible, and erectible, from a collapsed state; they each comprise a base, a pair of backstays pivoted to one end of the base, and a pair of beam columns pivoted to the other end of the base, the backstays and beam columns being at small, acute angles to the plane of the base in the collapsed position, and being erected to form a triangle in the use position. Connecting means at the free ends of the backstays and beam columns are automatically engaged upon erection. A pair of reaction beams each has one end pivoted to a beam column, intermediate its ends, and extends over the base and past the one end of the base: anchoring means anchor the reaction beams to the ground.