Abstract: The dc to ac power generator has a DC power source which is connected at one pole to the primary of a conventional voltage transformer, and at its other pole to a relay controlled switching system. A mechanical switch of the relay is connected to the opposite pole of the transformer primary and it also responds to the presence of voltage on the secondary windings of the transformer, i.e., when the relay is energized. Due to inherent time delays introduced by a combination of the transformer circuitry and the relay energizing circuitry, the relay switching system functions at precise and equal time intervals to reverse polarity of the DC power source with respect to the coils of the transformer, such that output power signals provided at the secondary of the transformer define a precise square wave configuration with waves of equal time duration and approximately equal and opposite magnitudes.

Abstract: An inflatable, self-supporting cover suitable for placement over a body and comprising a top sheet, a bottom sheet and ribs extending between such sheets to form a plurality of compartments extending transverse to the length of the cover. The ribs are formed in the shape of a flattened oval and then fastened between such sheets. A duct extending longitudinally of the length of the cover connects with the compartments and with a source of pressurized air which inflates the compartments, causing them to assume an arch-like shape extending transverse to the length of the cover and spanning said body. An alternative embodiment includes a second cover section fastened to the cover bottom sheet and having a plurality of compartments, each with at least one port therein. The second cover section compartments connect with the duct whereby pressurized air passes to the second cover section compartments and from each port therein to circulate air about the body beneath the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automatic production of ice from water filled stalls and comprised of means applying heat absorption thereto until an iced condition is reached, followed by the simultaneous application of heat thereto to thaw the stall-to-ice interfaces and of refill water thereto to eject the ice by means of floatation; and comprised of one or a series of stalls embraced by the evaporator of a refrigeration system having a hot gas bypass that is intermittently discharged through the evaporator simultaneously with refill water applied to the stall or stalls to eject the ice, a temperature sensor and refrigerant control alternately reacting to effect the iced and thaw conditions of the stall, thereby automatically cycling the apparatus for continued operation.

Abstract: A method for the production of ice from water filled stalls and comprised of applying heat absorption thereto until an iced condition is reached, followed by the simultaneous application of heat thereto to thaw the stall-to-ice interfaces and of refill water thereto to eject the ice by means of floatation; to be embodied, for example, in apparatus to perform this method comprised of one or a series of stalls embraced by the evaporator of a refrigeration system having a hot gas bypass that is intermittently discharged through the evaporator simultaneously with refill water applied to the stall or stalls to eject the ice, a temperature sensor and refrigerant control alternately reacting to effect the iced and thaw conditions of the stall, thereby automatically cycling the apparatus for continued operation.

Abstract: An electroplating process and apparatus employs a horizontally oriented zirconium plate supporting the entire weight of a plurality of zinc anode blocks in an electrolytic solution with a zirconium bus bar connected to the zirconium plate on one end but having an opposite end external of the electrolytic bath.