Abstract: A power supply or inverter circuit is provided for regulating power to electroluminescent lamps over a range of lamp sizes. The power supply may have an AC and/or DC input and includes at least one switch having a power input to be coupled to an electrical power source, a control input, and an output to be coupled to an electroluminescent lamp for being switched on and off to generate a drive signal to the lamp having a predetermined constant frequency and current level that is selectable over a range of frequency and current levels. A constant current mode controller has a control output coupled to the control input of the switch for turning the switch on and off so as to maintain a constant current level and frequency of the drive signal to the electroluminescent lamp substantially over its operating life. The voltage applied to the lamp is allowed to increase to a predetermined voltage limiting value in order to provide compensation due to aging of the lamp.

Abstract: A bottle (1) for storing a fluid and for applying the fluid to a human body comprises a container (2) having an opening; and an elongated rod member (11) having a longitudinal axis, the rod member (11) being located in the opening, and the rod member being slidable along its longitudinal axis relative to the container (2) and being sealed against the container (2) so that an inner end of the rod member (11) is located within the container (2) and an outer end of the rod member (11) is located outside the container (2). The rod member (11) has at least one duct (15) extending at least partially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod member (11), the at least one duct (15) forming a fluid connection between an outlet at the outer end of the rod member (11) and an orifice that is situated within the container.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method and apparatus for packaging articles, and cushioning the packages with biodegradable, starch based materials. The materials, packed as loose nuggets within the package, are converted to a single, unitary cushion in-situ to protect the article.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for uniformly twisting hollow, open-seam rods with preferably rectangular cross-sections for use as decorative curtain rods are disclosed. The twist extends throughout substantially the entire length of the rod. This feature enables a telescoped pair of rods, that is, a pair of rods with an inner rod dimensioned to slide into and out of an outer rod, to be twisted simultaneously such that the telescoping feature is maintained after twisting. The apparatus includes a rotatable first chuck and a substantially non-rotatable second chuck. Each chuck has male and female components to engage the inner and outer surfaces of a respective end of the rod. These components prevent buckling along the open seam and permit twisting throughout substantially the entire length of the rods. Sensor controls ensure uniform twisting and controlled unwinding of the rods.

Abstract: Actuation of downhole tools is accomplished by inducing motion in the wireline. The downhole tool monitors such motion for predetermined patterns. Detection of a predetermined pattern actuates performance of a desired function. The pattern selected is sufficiently unique to avoid random or premature actuation. The tool may thus be actuated using ordinary nonconducting cable. In like fashion the tool can transmit stored information to the surface by a mechanical means such the resonant frequency of a mechanical signal in the cable.

Abstract: A compact, gravity fed storage and dispensing rack for beverage containers. The box-like rack comprises a pair of rigid, generally parallel, and spaced-apart side walls terminating in a rear wall. A pair of upper and lower lengthwise inclined shelves extend generally transversely between the opposing sides. The upper shelf is inclined downwardly interiorly from an access end of the rack. The lower shelf is inclined downwardly from the rear wall towards the access end. Containers roll from the upper shelf at the rack access end into the interior of the rack, through a transfer throat, and then down the lower ramp back to the rack access end for access. To encourage reliable bottle transfer, both shelves are edgewise inclined and transfer throat is defined within the frame between the end of the upper shelf and the beginning of the lower shelf. A variable extension tongue is slidably associated with the input shelf.

Abstract: An optical testing and exercising device including a stereo film viewer having a pair of eyepieces and one or more lenses which can be interposed along the user's line of sight to change the apparent distance of an image. The viewer also includes a housing with a pair of juxtaposed eyepieces and an opening to receive a film having a series of frames bearing images to be viewed. A frame advancing mechanism advances successive frames of the film into the line of sight of the device for viewing by the user through the juxtaposed eyepieces. The frame advancing mechanism also changes one or more lenses mounted in the housing between the eyepieces and the film receiving opening into the viewer's line of sight. The interposed lenses can be utilized for various effects, such as to change the apparent distance of the image from the viewer, thus causing the eye muscles to be exercised.

Abstract: A thin, high performance swept wing of the tapered type with an improved leading edge characterized by (1) camber that increases from a minimum near the wing root to a maximum near the wing tip, and (2) substantially a constant leading edge radius extending substantially across the wing span which defines a "blunt" contour. The wing in combination with a T-tail aircraft with a stick shaker/pusher activated by a rate of change of angle of attack sensor and optionally a strake between the leading edge and a wing tip tank which intrinsically combine to define a system that enhances aircraft performance by reducing minimum airspeed without impairing aircraft performance at high subsonic Mach (M) numbers.

Abstract: Ammonium nitrite is commercially produced by contacting a gaseous stream containing nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen with an aqueous solution containing a basically reacting ammonium compound in an absorption system. However, at normal production rates, serious problems have been encountered because of the emission of unreacted nitric oxide which causes pollution of the atmosphere. It has now been found that by adding controlled supplemental quantities of nitrogen dioxide to the absorption system, nitrogen oxide emission is substantially reduced.