Abstract: A system (10) and method (42,44,46,48,52,54) for generating an index (38,132,40,134) commensurate with the degree to which a tube array degrades over a period of time due to corrosion in a particular operating environment. A data array (62,114) is created defining the number of tubes in the tube array, a plurality of time points defining time intervals during which the degradation is to be assessed, and operating conditions that induce corrosion during each time interval. The expected degradation value of the array is computed over each of a plurality of time points using a deterministic failure model (88) having at least one parameter (102,104,106) that is assumed constant at each time point. For each time point and at least one parameter, a plurality of values of the parameter (108,110) that deviate from the assumed constant value, are generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting nets for tennis, badminton, volleyball or the like made up of a portable structure to enable quick and easy erection, compact storage, light weight for transportation and is strong and durable when erected. A cross member is pivoted to the lower end of a post and is adjustable to account for an inclined surface. A leg is swingably attached to the post and of adjustable length so that the post can be adjusted perpendicular to a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp with a safety switch which automatically shuts off the lamp upon rupture of the outer envelope. The switch is formed by a carbon rod disposed in the interior space between the arc tube and the outer envelope and connected in series with one of the electrodes so that the current flow through the rod maintains it at an elevated temperature during operation of the lamp. Upon rupture of the outer envelope, the carbon rod oxidizes and falls, thereby interrupting the electrical path to the electrodes.

Abstract: In association with a vehicle engine, a fuel system including a fuel tank with an inlet pickup for discharging fuel from the tank, pump means to transport fuel from the tank pickup to the engine in a quantity normally in excess of the quantity needed for engine operation at normal operating speeds, and means to return excess fuel back to the tank into a relatively small volume reservoir device surrounding the fuel pickup which enhances the fuel level about the fuel pickup under conditions of low fuel level in the remainder of the tank. The excess fuel returned to the tank passes through a flow control device including a jet aspirator which is the means to enhance the reservoir fuel level and including alternate flow control means to maintain continuous flow into the reservoir whenever the jet aspirator is blocked.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a lighting fixture louver of the type which has parabolic cells that are open top and bottom. A cleaning roller of a graft polyol polyether urethane having an indentation load deflection of the order of 100 has a surface which consists of circumferentially discrete rows of individual cleaning lugs, and each row has enough lugs to clean an entire row of cells in a louver module, with a longitudinal and circumferential lug pitch equal to the pitch of the louver cells. Each cleaning lug has a perimetrical surface that may scrub the surface of the entire wall means of a cell, and has a radial depth slightly greater than the louver depth. The cleaning roller is journalled atop a cleaning liquid tank with its lower portion in the liquid, and a pressure roller surmounts the cleaning roller to press a louver onto the cleaning roller with a row of louver cells fully engaged with the row of cleaning lugs at the top of the roller.

Abstract: In an automobile fuel system and particularly for a diesel powered vehicle, it is desirable to provide a water separator to prevent passage of water to the engine and particularly the fuel induction components. It is also desirable to provide ejection means for the separated water which may include a provision to prevent the ejected water from falling to the ground.

Abstract: In a vehicle with a vapor fuel vent conduit between the fuel tank and a vapor storage means, a liquid fuel condensate trap and dump valve which opens in response to a given liquid level to discharge liquid fuel back to the fuel tank or to the fuel pump. The preferred embodiment provides a hollow housing with three ports and containing a float type valve which moves from a valve seat in response to liquid level.

Abstract: A clamp particularly suited for crimp joining the telescoped end portions of thin walled tubing which is prone to inward collapse when overly constricted. The clamp includes an upper and a lower member each of thin metal material and each forming a curved mid-portion the arcuate edge of which contacts the surface of the outer telescoped tube member. Overlying portions at one side of the two clamping members forms a hinging action about the tube. At the opposite side of the members, tubular contours are formed in aligned relationship to one another to receive a bolt and nut fastener. The fastener is operated to draw the upper and lower members together about the exhaust tubes. Prior to operation of the fastener, the configuration of the members is such that a gap is formed between the facing end surfaces of the adjacent tubular portions.

Abstract: The outlet of an exhaust manifold for a transversely mounted vehicle engine is coupled by an articulated connection with the inlet of an exhaust header. The articulated connection has portions associated with the manifold and header respectively and includes an annular seal ring with a spherical sealing surface thereon. The sealing surface engages a conical seating surface on the manifold at the urging of a spring between the manifold and header. The seal ring is composed of many metal wires which are packed together to define the annular structure and thus produce a wear resistant, relatively impervious sealing surface having a slight resiliency to permit good sealing conformation against an imperfectly formed geometric seating surface.

Abstract: The exhaust manifold for a transversely mounted automobile engine terminates adjacent to the engine in an outlet having an articulated connection with the inlet of an exhaust header that terminates in an exhaust pipe discharging to the atmosphere.The articulated connection comprises an annular coupling portion having a spherical surface at the header inlet removably interfitting within a downstream enlarging conical sealing surface at the manifold outlet. An annular flange adjacent to the inlet of the header may be seated in sealing engagement against a second sealing surface of the annular coupling portion. A collar is yieldingly urged against the annular flange by spring means removably secured to the header to enable replacement of the annular coupling portion and to maintain the latter during operation in sealing engagement with the conical sealing surface.

Abstract: The exhaust manifold for a transversely mounted automobile engine terminates adjacent to the engine in an outlet having an articulated connection with the inlet of an exhaust header that terminates in an exhaust pipe discharging to the atmosphere.The articulated connection comprises an annular coupling portion having a spherical surface at the header inlet seated in sealing engagement with a downstream enlarging conical sealing surface defining the manifold outlet. An annular flange adjacent to the inlet of the header may be seated in sealing engagement against a second sealing surface of the annular coupling portion. The sealing engagements may be maintained by a collar yieldingly urged against the annular flange by spring means that engage the collar at spaced locations on a line parallel to the roll axis of the engine and passing through the center of the first named spherical surface.

Abstract: A resiliently deformable crash resistant seal is provided between an automobile gasoline tank and a filler tube for the tank, wherein the filler tube may freely slide axially with respect to the seal without disrupting the latter or rupturing any fixed connection between the tank, tube and seal.