Abstract: A slide is provided with a simplified support construction involving a reduced number of parts at reduced cost. Also, the appearance of the slide is improved by placing a substantial portion of the reduced support directly under the slide path. Each slide path may include only four vertical supports with the slide supported on those supports with only four cantilevered brackets. The brackets hold four girder segments extending end-to-end directly under the slide path.

Abstract: A slide is provided, preferably a water slide, which is self-supporting and may be erected adjacent any amusement location. The slide of the invention provides a substantially longer sliding surface for the amusement of users without requiring an inclined ground surface for support of the slideway. The slide incorporates a pathway for ascending the slide, and preferably a water supply facility to enhance the sliding action. The entire structure is supported on one or more vertical supports resting on the ground.

Abstract: The invention covers a passenger slide with bearings or ties installed at a slope, with length-adjustable interlocking supports resting on the bearings for the slide segments which fit on the tubular carriers arranged at the upper end of the length-adjustable supports.

Abstract: Water-soluble quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each represent H or an alkyl radical of C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 chain length wherein the sum of the carbon atoms in R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is 9 to 20,R.sub.3 represents H, an alkyl radical of C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 chain length, a hydroxyalkyl radical of C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 chain length, or a benzyl group,R.sub.4 represents an alkyl radical of C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 chain length or a hydroxyalkyl radical of C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 chain length,R.sub.5 represents an alkyl radical of C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 chain length, a hydroxyalkyl radical of C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 chain length, or a benzyl group,R.sub.6 represents a benzyl group,m represents 2 to 6,p and q represent 0 to 4, wherein p + q = 1 to 4, andX.sup.(-) represents a salt forming anion,Are effective retarding-levelling agents in the dyeing of anionic polyacrylonitrile fibers with basic (i.e., cationic) dyes.

Abstract: A dual braking system is provided for high speed sleds in which the center of gravity of the operator is placed between fore and aft brake shoes, which are operated simultaneously by the operator without the need for shifting positions. Thus, the brake system is effective even though the operator is naturally shifted forward by the braking action. Also included in the brake system is a wheel assembly, which may be operated by the single brake lever to accommodate fast acceleration. Operating the brake lever to shift the wheel assembly into effective operative shifts the center of gravity of the operator over the wheel assembly. The dual brake shoes pivot around horizontal axes and are disposed adjacent the longitudinal centerline of the sled to avoid lateral deflection of the sled when the brakes are applied.

Abstract: A protective housing is provided for electrical rails and the like, namely, reaction (secondary) rails and slide pick-up lines for operating electro linear propulsion motors for monorail vehicles. The new and improved housing is of simplified construction and enables comparatively large protective plate members to be assembled in the form of a tight housing on elevated monorail structures. The protective plates may be readily removed and slidingly displaced to expose the normally protected electrical components for maintenance, replacement or repair.

Abstract: A plurality of longitudinally extending straight and curved, slide segments, the upper ends of consecutive ones of which are overlapped by the lower ends of the preceding segment to define a continuous, sledding run having a predetermined configuration, including straight and curved portions. Each segment is of generally trough-like configuration and has a cross-sectional configuration comprising a shallow, concave central sled-supporting portion terminating in convex side rail portions. The convex side rail portions have a generally inverted U-shape cross section with depending flanges extending integrally and downwardly from the outer portion thereof. Butt straps removably fastened to the depending flanges interconnect each slide segment to an underlying support. The underlying supports consist of universally mounted and adjustable struts each having a tube-shaped rail insertable in the inverted U-shape of the slide rail portions.

Abstract: Method of providing position, e.g. attitude control for space vehicles having control thrusters producing thrust for imparting momentum upon the vehicle, further having a control apparatus for the thrusters causing them to produce thrust bursts or pulses so that controlled, incremental momenta be imparted upon the vehicle, such thrust bursts being triggered respectively when the vehicle tends to move beyond selected descrete deviations and error position levels. The highest level, one in either direction, define a range of positional tolerance, and the thrusters are operated, so that a relatively small momentum is produced when the vehicle tends to move past either of said maximum levels; the thrusters are operated on the other levels under these conditions.