Abstract: An electrical tripping mechanism for protecting an electrical device from mechanical and over temperature problems. The tripping mechanism includes a copper conductor encased within an insulative layer, where the insulative layer is provided with a helically wound metallic strip amenable to easy tearing when subjected to mechanical damage. When the continuity of the strip is broken, a sensor detects the damage and shuts-down the electrical device.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship system, having a multitude of uses, with a primary purpose being the dispensing of water over a raging fire, where access by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided in part by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism preferably consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water, like an artificial rain, over selected areas to control or extinguish the raging fire. Alternate systems are provided for replenishing or filling the holding tank from ground locations.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensor, disposed in the insulation of a wire or cable, provides a means of detecting damage to the insulation of the wire or cable. An optical measurement device, such as an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), coupled to the sensor, detects the presence and location of a sensor fault or stress. The sensor is positioned between the conductor and the outside surface of the conductor so that the OTDR will sense damage before the conductor is exposed or contacted by a damage element.

Abstract: A reforestation and nourishing practice by the use of a lighter-than-air airship system, for dispersing and planting tree saplings, primarily in remote regions which may have been devastated by fire, where access to such regions by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water over selected areas to water or nourish the newly planted trees. The mechanism for temporarily storing and eventually dispensing the tree saplings is a rack mounting at least one cylindrical canister containing plural compartments.

Abstract: A reforestation and nourishing practice by the use of a lighter-than-air airship system, for dispersing and planting tree saplings, primarily in remote regions which may have been devastated by fire, where access to such regions by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water over selected areas to water or nourish the newly planted trees. The mechanism for temporarily storing and eventually dispensing the tree saplings is a rack mounting at least one cylindrical canister containing plural compartments.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship system, primarily for the purpose of dispensing water over a raging fire, where access by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water, like an artificial rain, over selected areas to control or distinguish the raging fire.

Abstract: A modular roof assembly adapted to be secured to a generally circular structure consisting of an essentially continuous upstanding wall to which the modular roof assembly may be fastened. The modular roof assembly comprises a predetermined number of roof panels to be positioned in a circular manner to form a generally conical configuration. A prime feature of the modular roof assembly is the uniquely configured, interlocking panel edges that virtually eliminate any concern for leakage through the panel joints or seams.

Abstract: An improved rotational mechanism, or roller assembly, including a central roof support, for use with a rotational building that is characterized by a movable vertical wall. The improved rotational mechanism was designed to prevent binding during rotation of the building, and to prevent or minimize lateral movement and tipping. The rotational mechanism comprises in part an angled member having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, said horizontal leg projecting inwardly and mounted internally about the lower edge of the building wall. Cooperating with the angled member is an L-shaped angle member, where a radially projecting leg thereof includes at least one ball/transfer caster, preferably a plurality about the building foundation. In operation, the ball/transfer caster is in rolling contact with one horizontally disposed leg of the U-shaped channel. A comparable, laterally directed ball/transfer caster or conventional roller may also be incorporated into the mechanism.

Abstract: An electrical safety device is disclosed which utilizes a sensor conductor configured in a continuous loop and disposed in an electrical component so as to sense overtemperature or mechanical damage over a length or wide area of the component. The sensor may be simple insulated or non insulated copper wire. A low voltage potential is maintained across the sensor conductor. The sensor circuitry includes ambient temperature compensation.

Abstract: A heater for heating liquid by friction includes a rotor rotatable within a housing filled with liquid, the rotor having passages arranged to expel liquid through friction orifices by centrifugal force from a pair of inlet cavities on opposite sides of the rotor. The outlets of the passages lie in a common plane on the periphery of the rotor whereas the inlets of alternate passages open alternately into the respective inlet cavities. The housing has a plurality of outlets lying in the plane of the rotor outlets with one of the housing outlets leading to a heat utilization device while the other housing outlets are connected to by-pass passages leading back into the housing through the side or sides thereof. The constant in-flow from the by-pass passages virtually eliminates cavitation while the pre-heated liquid in the passages adds to the heat of the liquid in the housing otherwise frictionally heated by rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning clinging residual material from a conveyor belt including a ribbed cleaning roll supported rotatably adjacent to a surface of a conveyor belt to be cleaned by mounting assemblies on opposite sides of the conveyor belt. A drive motor for rotating the ribbed cleaning roll is mounted to one of the mounting assemblies by a motor mount which includes an alignment mechanism for selectively locating the drive motor along three perpendicular axes for movement to coaxially align the motor and the cleaning roll.

Abstract: The lower edge of a wall of a cylindrical rotatable building has a radially inwardly extending flange of inverted U-shape which encompasses the upper peripheries of wheels rotatably mounted on horizontal axles carried on a fixed foundation for the building. The inverted U-shape of the flange not only supports the building for free rotation about a vertical axis but it at all times spaces the building wall from direct engagement with the wheels while restraining the building against substantially any lateral movement relative to the fixed foundation for the building.

Abstract: A rotatable circular building has at and adjacent the lower edge of its annular wall an inwardly extending annular horizontal flange providing a track which rests on an annular series of ground supported horizontal rollers on which the building rotates, an annular series of vertical rollers also being provided to prevent binding of the relatively movable parts when the building is moved laterally.

Abstract: An electrical safety device is disclosed which utilizes a sensor conductor configured in a continuous loop and disposed in an electrical component so as to sense overtemperature or mechanical damage over a length or wide area of the component. The sensor may be simple insulated or non insulated copper wire. A low voltage potential is maintained across the sensor conductor. The sensor circuitry includes ambient temperature compensation.