Abstract: A distributor funnel for receiving friction material and for dispensing the friction material to a mold for a friction product is disclosed. The container comprises first and second half bodies. Pivot joints connect the first and second half bodies pivotally such that they are pivotable relative to one another about a pivot axis. The two half bodies resemble a duck bill which, in a closed position, form a closed funnel receiving the friction material. The two half bodies are spring-biased into the closed position. When the two half bodies are squeezed together at the top, the friction material is dispensed at the bottom of the funnel.

Abstract: A rod and reel storage system for a fishing boat. In one embodiment, trays are mounted in the gunwale walls and provided with guide tubes through which stored fishing rods extend into the gunwale cavity. The trays have separate compartments which receive and hold the reels. Hinged hatches on the gunwales cover gunwale hatchways that provide access to stored rods and reels. In another embodiment, a reel storage compartment is located to one side of the control console of the boat, and tubes extend forwardly beneath the bow fishing deck to hold the rods. A hinged door opens and closes the storage compartment and may be locked closed.

Abstract: In a fishing boat, a built-in tank which serves the combined function of a livewell for holding fish that are caught and a bait well for receiving a minnow bucket. An electric pump powered by the battery of the boat pumps water from the lake into the tank in a manner to aerate the water and circulate it in the tank. A drain tube drains off water from the tank and prevents overflow. One half of the tank serves as a bait well in which a minnow bucket may be suspended. The other half of the tank is a livewell which receives newly caught fish. The livewell and bait well have separate hinged lids.

Abstract: A power actuated mechanism for raising and lowering a console mounted windscreen and/or electronics panel on a fishing boat. An electric actuator has its base end pivoted to the console and its rod end extending downwardly to a pivot connection with the lower end of a rigid bracket. The bracket is secured at its upper end to the electronics box so that retraction of the actuator raises the box and windscreen about a hinge axis while extension of the actuator effects lowering of the box-windscreen.

Abstract: A retractable boat cleat which moves alternately between extended and retracted positions upon alternate depressions of the cleat. A pivotal latch with notched ends cooperates with a specially spaced recess in the cleat and a pair of compression springs to provide the alternate extension and retraction.

Abstract: An automated self propelled lawn mower utilizes a pair of drive motors for independently driving left and right hand drive wheels. Each drive motor is coupled to the respective drive wheel by a double output gear reduction unit. One side of the output shaft from each gear reduction unit is provided with a rotary photo encoder for providing speed and position information relating to each drive wheel. This information from each rotary photo encoder is fed to a computer control via a computer interface. Each independent wheel drive motor is computer controlled through an interface and motor drive relays. An infrared obstacle detector is mounted on each corner of the mower frame for detecting obstructions.

Abstract: The subject invention involves reduction of light reflection into a photoresist coating over a reflective substrate by the use of a photoactive compound in a photoresist formulation that is the reaction product of a diazooxide and curcumin.

Abstract: A coated article useful in high temperature environments substantially in excess of 500.degree. C. comprising a substantially transparent substrate formed of a material adapted to withstand said high temperature environment and an optical coating formed on one surface of said substrate and comprising a first set of layers consisting at least primarily of silicon dioxide and a second set of layers consisting at least primarily of tantalum pentoxide. The optical coating comprises an interference filter formed of alternating layers of fused silica and tantalum pentoxide. A halogen cycle lamp with visible light transmitting, IR reflecting filter formed on the outside surface of the lamp envelope improves energy efficiency by at least twenty-five percent.

Abstract: A computer programmed battery control system responsive to current flow during charge and discharge conditions and comprised of a microcomputer and memory programmed to respond to current passing through a battery shunt; to determine charge condition, to govern shut-off point of charge, to indicate a bad battery or cell thereof, to warn of extreme discharge, to show and cope with power interrupts, to govern long term storage of batteries without overcharge, and to indicate ampere hours consumed between charges.

Abstract: A night light is provided having a generally disc configuration. The disc is made up of a near shallow dished cylindrical housing and a slightly smaller shallow dished cylindrical lens. The lens fits within the housing and is latched to be retained in the housing in rotatable relation to the housing. Decorative configuration and decoration is applied to the exposed lens surface. The lens protrudes from the housing sufficiently to permit finger grip for rotation. Power blades are mounted through the rear wall of the housing and are fixed in the wall to permit the night light to be supported from the blades. A source of light is electrically connected to the blades.

Abstract: A novel stripping composition and method of using same is disclosed, which stripping composition comprises:(a) a solvent comprising one or more compounds of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R and R' are each selected independently from straight and branched alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and phenyl, each of which phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more hydroxyl, or R and R' together are alkylene of 3 to 6 carbon atoms; and(b) a suitable organosulfonic acid.The stripping composition is especially useful for stripping positive photoresists faster and at lower temperatures than known strippers. A preferred composition comprises 10% by weight para-toluenesulfonic acid in dimethyl sulfoxide.

Abstract: A control means is provided in the control circuit for a heat pump whereby a change in mode of the heat pump will result in the compressor being deenergized and maintained deenergized for a period of time determined by the control means, to allow equalization of refrigerant pressure within the heat pump system.

Abstract: A dimmer device is provided with an improved illumination of its control knob. The light is transmitted to the knob from a light source such as a glow lamp positioned close to the shaft of the control knob. An opening is provided in the dimmer housing at this point so that light can pass from the dimmer to and through the conventional opening of a conventional switch plate. A plastic lens is mounted in the opening in the housing to close it against entry of dust or articles which might damage the glow lamp or the internal controls of the dimmer. The lamp is held in place at the opening in part by a portion of the internal structure of the dimmer and in part by cooperation between the lamp power supply and the lamp protecting lens.