Abstract: A gas generating apparatus and method is described which utilizes a novel catalytic halogen evolving electrode for electrochemical systems, such as an electrolysis cell for the generation of chlorine. The electrochemical cells include a catalytic cathode and an improved catalytic anode positioned on opposite sides of, and bonded to, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. A source of direct current potential between the cathode and the anode and means for removing gas from at least one of the electrodes are provided. The improved catalytic anode is an alloy of ruthenium oxide and manganese oxide.

Abstract: A button attaching tool is provided with a base, a pair of needles which have collapsible and expandable thread receiving eyes and which project from the base for use in penetrating a layer of material and the holes of a button to be attached to the material, and a member for stripping the material and button from the needles.

Abstract: A button attaching hand tool is provided with a box-like structure which includes a fixed and adjustable needle, and which includes a button storage compartment. A slidable shroud on the box-like structure for extricating a button and material from the needles is movable between a position in which an operator is shielded from injury by the needles and another position in which the needles are exposed for button sewing use.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus and method is described which utilizes a novel catalytic oxygen evolving electrode for electrochemical systems, such as an electrolysis cell for the generation of oxygen. The electrochemical cells include a catalytic cathode and an improved catalytic anode positioned on opposite sides of, and bonded to, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. A source of direct current potential between the cathode and the anode and means for removing gas from at least one of the electrodes are provided. The improved catalytic anode is an alloy of ruthenium oxide and manganese oxide.

Abstract: An aqueous suspension of particles is treated by introducing into the system an anionic polymeric flocculant and at least one counteracting anionic deflocculant, the activity of the anionic deflocculant being reduced or eliminated by bringing into contact therewith in the system an aqueous solution containing cations having a valency greater than one, a material which generates such cations, or a polycationic organic compound.

Abstract: The metal surfaces of a lock mechanism are covered with a shield of a relatively low thermal conductivity material to insulate the fingers of the user from direct contact with metal to prevent possible burning or discomfort while operating the lock mechanism. In a preferred embodiment for use with automotive ignition switches of the type having raised metal wings for rotating a lock cylinder, the thermal shield comprises rubber or plastic pockets or caps which are secured in place over the metal wings to enable rotation of the lock cylinder with the fingers contacting only the surfaces of the pockets or caps.

Abstract: A secondary seal arrangement for use in a rotor to ensure the retention of the fluid sample within the test tube cavity of the rotor during high speed centrifugation in an ultracentrifuge. The secondary seal arrangement acts in cooperation with both a spacer member over the centrifuge tube and a sealing plug for the rotor cavity to provide a seal of the cavity over the test tube to reduce the possibility of escape of any fluid which may inadvertently exit the centrifuge tube itself. The secondary seal is positioned within the rotor tube cavity above the capping seal for the centrifuge tube to provide a closure of the rotor tube cavity above the centrifuge tube.

Abstract: An improved antenna system is disclosed in which a single antenna array is simultaneously used in conjunction with several independent radio devices. Isolated and independent radio transmitters are coupled, without any signal cancellation, to each and every one of a plurality of isolated independent antenna elements by a combining network which maintains the isolation between each of the radio transmitters and each of the antenna elements. The combining network comprises an array of hybrid networks and creates a predetermined electrical phase difference between each signal received by an individual antenna element. The antenna elements form a single antenna array consisting of circularly disposed corner reflector antennas. Each reflector independently creates an individual radiation pattern and these patterns combine to form a single desired composite radiation pattern.

Abstract: A foot cushioning device having a body defining a cup-like recess to receive at least the heel or os calcis portion of the foot which is insertable in ordinary footwear. The exterior of the body carries shock absorbing projections extending from at least the rear of the heel portion to the underside of the foot. The projections deform and deflect to protect the foot by absorbing shock forces on the weight bearing portions of the foot. The cushioning device of the present invention may also be adapted to extend substantially along the entire plantar surface of the foot and may be integrally incorporated as a part of footwear.

Abstract: A low tolerance device for converting the rotary motion of a motor shaft into linear motion for use in influencing the stitch bight and work feed mechanisms of a sewing machine. The shaft of a motor is provided with a worm rigidly attached thereto. Two half nut sections are clamped around the worm and are urged against it by a leaf spring. The half nuts are connected to a drive arm by a pin which freely passes through one half nut and the drive arm and is rigidly connected to the second half nut. The leaf spring acts as a guide for the half nuts and prevents their rotation about the worm. Rotation of the motor in either direction causes the half nuts to translate along the axis of the worm. The translation of the half nuts is transferred to the drive arm through the pin.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed wherein positioning of the work feeding regulator is controlled by a digital actuator responsive to digital signals applied thereto. The positioning of the work feeding regulator is thereby adjustable in discrete increments. A manual override and feed balance mechanism is provided for effecting continuous positioning of the work feeding regulator.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for pivotal placement on a swinging carrier rotor wherein the carrier has a support member which maintains the carrier assembly in a centered location between the hinge pins on the rotor. The carrier assembly has a frame unit which holds a microtitration plate containing samples to be centrifugated. The support member in the carrier assembly is slidably engaged with the frame unit and eliminates the need for welds. Each end of the support member has a generally semicircular sleeve portion which provides for the easy placement and removal of the carrier assembly from the rotor hinge pins. Retaining means are positioned on the support member to prevent deflection of the carrier frame unit along the support member during centrifugation.

Abstract: A generally U-shaped clip of spring steel is adapted for holding plants in a predetermined position along a brick wall or the like. The clip comprises generally flat legs extending outwardly from a bend at a relatively wide angle when the clip is in its untensioned state. The free ends of the legs are separated by a greater distance in such untensioned state than the distance between adjacent bricks at a mortar joint of the brick wall. By forcing the legs together, the clip can be installed in the crevice at the mortar joint with the free ends of the legs engaging the opposed surfaces of adjacent bricks. The spring tension retained by the clip when installed in the crevice secures the clip to the wall by frictional engagement with the surfaces of the adjacent bricks. A suitable retainer, such as a twist of wire attached to the bend of the clip, permits vines or the like to be fastened in place against the wall.

Abstract: A method and composition for inhibiting the corrosion of metals in contact with an acid-gas absorbing medium comprising adding a product of the reaction of (1) copper or a copper salt, a copper oxide or a copper sulfide and (2) sulfur or a sulfide and an oxidizing agent and (3) a monoalkanolamine (monoethanolamine). The reaction is carried out at from 21.degree. to about 100.degree. C for a period of time to produce a stable non-precipitating product, i.e., reacted for from 0.1 to about 20 hours. The product is added to a gas treating plant absorbent in an amount of at least 0.00002 pounds of copper and 0.0002 pounds of sulfur per pound of medium per day.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a quantity of particles is stored for being dispensed gradually therefrom. The particles remain stored therein when the apparatus is stationary, and are discharged therefrom when the apparatus undergoes oscillatory movement.

Abstract: A fluoroescence spectrometer or fluorometer for simultaneously presenting the excitation and emission spectra of a multicomponent sample in the form of an intensity matrix is disclosed which comprises an elongated cuvette for holding the fluoroescent sample, along whose length a spatially distributed spectrum of exciting energies is simultaneously directed, and a polychromatic analyzer which simultaneously analyzes the excitation and emission spectra given off by the sample along its length by producing a spectrally dispersed image of the cuvette. The matrix of spectral intensities so obtained may be converted to electrical signals by a low-light-level television detector and displayed on a video monitor or processed with appropriate analog or digital computers for immediate analysis. The instrument can acquire 241 emission spectra taken at 241 different exciting wavelengths in 16.7 milliseconds.

Abstract: An array of independent sound cancellation units is arranged over a vibrating noise generating surface. Each unit includes an arrangement of acoustic transducers (sensors) positioned adjacent the surface to obtain an electrical average of the local acoustic noise generated by a predetermined zone of the surface. The summed average is changed in phase and gain by an active filter whose output drives an acoustic projector also positioned adjacent the surface and the acoustic output of which sums with the original noise signal in the acoustic far field, thus tending to cancel the noise. In essence, each vibrating surface zone and its associated sound cancellation unit tend to form an acoustic doublet. A signal indicative of the projector output is used as a feedback signal, with appropriate time delays, to cancel the effect of the projected output signal being picked up by the unit's transducers, and to cancel the effect of the output of other projectors of the array.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing an electrostatic latent image. The apparatus is moved from an inoperative position spaced from the latent image to a position in operative communication therewith. After the latent image is developed, the apparatus is moved to the inoperative position thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus in which one component of at least a two component mix deposited on a support surface is transferred to a sheet of support material. Initially, the attractive force between the support surface and mix is reduced, preconditioning the mix. Thereafter, the other component of the pre-conditioned mix is removed from the support surface. The remaining one component of the pre-conditioned mix is then transferred from the support surface to the sheet of support material.