Abstract: This is a method and means for maintaining a constant supply of a fluid with specific characteristics within a fluid supply conduit from a supply source of the fluid with specific characteristics at a point of service of the fluid with specific characteristics in which a first open end of a recirculation conduit is located within the fluid with specific characteristics supply conduit adjacent the point of service. A second end of the recirculation conduit is connected to pump means in such manner that a portion of the fluid with specific characteristics within the fluid with specific characteristics supply conduit adjacent the point of service is constantly circulated back. In an alternate embodiment a similar recirculation conduit is utilized in a manner to prevent freezing of conduits in a total fluid supply line which includes portions in relatively warm areas and in areas subject to freezing.

Abstract: This is an electrically heated ceramic kiln and a method for varying the size of the kiln chamber by moveable top and/or bottom walls which can be moved vertically within the kiln chamber, together with a new method of insulating the kiln and providing captive air chambers about the kiln.

Abstract: This invention is an airbag system for vehicles in which a multiplicity of small individual airbags are stored at various vehicle locations such that upon the occurrence of an accident the airbags will be deployed in such manner that they surround and accommodate all parts of persons who may be in the vehicle.

Abstract: A thermocouple sensing element comprising a first electrically conductive member formed of one of two dissimilar metals and a second electrically conductive member formed of the second of the two dissimilar metals attached to the first electrically conductive member, and located within the first electrically conductive member, the first electrically conductive member and the second electrically conductive member forming two elements which generate an electrical potential difference under varying conditions of heat.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus specifically directed to strengthening vehicle elements subject to possible bending forces during a vehicle accident. The method consists of forming hermetically sealed elongate hollow support members filled with air, or other fluid, under pressure so as to prestress them in such manner that they are under tension and resist bending and crushing in an accident, and mounting such support members in conjunction with various vehicle elements. In alternate embodiments, the elongate hollow support members may divided into multiple compartments, and the tube may be placed under compressive as well as tensile forces.

Abstract: An improved airbag system for vehicle consisting of a compartmentalized airbag wherein inflation of the airbag is controlled so that at least one compartment inflates at a lower pressure than the pressure with which at least one other compartment inflates in order that the affect of the airbag impacting upon vehicle occupants or cargo is cushioned; further enhancement of safety is accomplished by using hook and loop material to hold the inflated bag in position with respect to the vehicle and the occupants or cargo when inflated in order to reduce damage or injury due to excessive movement during and after an accident; and safety is further enhanced by prestressing vehicle comparments with inflated airbags within the vehicle compartments.

Abstract: An electrically heated furnace wherein electrical heating elements are mounted and supported so that they face the inner furnace walls and are isolated from direct communication with articles being treated within the furnace such that clean air flows over the heating elements providing oxygen to create an aluminum oxide coating on the heating elements and maintains a clean atmosphere about the heating elements. Air circulation from exterior the furnace is through ports in the furnace walls and over the electrical heating elements; exhaust from the furnace is through ports in the furnace walls into a plenum and out through a flue creating pressure differentials with the pressure in the furnace area where articles are being subjected to heat is lower than the atmosphere and the area in which the heating elements are located.

Abstract: A vacuum furnace method and apparatus including unique heat dissipation means and methods, including reduced area of the vacuum chamber extension, heat reflecting discs, and unique cooling methods, wherein the vacuum furnace is constructed and operated at a small fraction of the previously known vacuum furnace costs.

Abstract: A vacuum/pressure seal method and apparatus including a closure for a vacuum/pressure chamber which includes the use of a flexible fin between the chamber and a closure member, which fin depends angularly toward the direction of greater pressure between a chamber opening surface and a closure member surface.

Abstract: A kiln method and apparatus wherein a kiln chamber is formed of appropriate material, preferably having an oval cross-section with grooves in the narrower sides of the oval and oval shaped shelves which can be inserted into the oval chamber and turned so as to be supported within said grooves, and heat producing apparatus exterior of said chamber surrounded in turn by appropriate insulating material, resulting in a kiln having the mechanical structure of an endo skeleton supporting heating elements, shelves, lid, insulation, temperature control apparatus, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an economical vacuum furnace for heat treating of heat treatable articles including: A vacuum furnace heat treating chamber having reduced thickness at its ends in order to arrest heat transfer at seals at the ends of the chamber; and Heating apparatus exterior of the heat treating chamber for heating the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting impurities from the interior of a kiln, when in operation, and for creating a uniformly heated atmosphere within the kiln, which involves the introduction of air through an air passage opening through the top of the kiln and affiliated openings in other portions of the kiln through which small amounts of air are drawn and exhausted by means of a blower located within the control panel of the kiln and wherein a kiln setter is maintained free of impurities by drawing air containing impurities past it and away from it by means of said blower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an economical vacuum furnace for heat treating of heat treatable articles including heat transfer arresting means at two ends of a vacuum furnace heat treating chamber such that the construction of said chamber is simplified and said heat transfer arresting means comprise reduced area portions of sealing and exhaust means for said vacuum chamber by reason of which seals are economically protected from deterioration by the heat normally associated with vacuum furnaces, and wherein the heating of the interior of the vacuum furnace is outside the heat treating chamber.

Abstract: An automatic heat control apparatus for use with an electric heating element in a kiln or the like comprises a first power controller having a plurality of on and off intervals. The first controller supplies electric current to the kiln heating element during its on intervals, and further includes means for adjusting the duration of the on intervals relative to the off intervals. A constant speed electric motor is mechanically coupled to the first power controller for gradually increasing the duration of the on intervals and decreasing the duration of the off intervals; such control ensures that the temperature inside the kiln increases very gradually to lessen the risk of breaking the ceramic material being fired. Furthermore, the average speed of the motor may be controlled by means of a second power controller, similar to the first controller, having a plurality of on and off intervals which intermittently energize the motor for rotation thereof.