Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transmission brake disengagement apparatus which eliminates the disadvantages of transmission brake disengagement apparatus having mechanical switches thereby improving the starting consistency of a drag race car. In particular, the present invention provides an improved transmission brake disengagement apparatus which incorporates a mechanical actuation switch for providing an electrical signal to effect the disengagement of an electrically actuated transmission brake of a drag race car, without the need of applying continuous pressure on the switch.

Abstract: A drum and pump connector for attaching a pump having a cap with internal threads to a drum having a bung hole with internal threads, the drum and pump connector comprising a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body, said first cylindrical body having a threaded outer surface sized and adapted to mate with the internal threads of the cap; and the second cylindrical body having a threaded outer surface sized and adapted to mate with the internal threads of the bung hole.

Abstract: A transmission brake disengagement apparatus for mounting on a drag racing car having a transmission brake safety switch and an infrared radiation actuated starting switch for providing an electrical signal to effect the disengagement of an electrically actuated transmission brake of a drag race car.

Abstract: A vault system is disclosed herein for the disposal of hazardous waste formed from vault cells, each of which has a liquid collection and monitoring system. Each vault cell comprises a liquid impermeable floor slab having a drainage channel for collecting liquids, a wall assembly disposed around the periphery of the floor slab, a ceiling slab overlying the wall upper edge of the assembly, and a monitoring and inspection aisleway disposed between the wall assembly and radioactive waste stacked within the vault cell that encompasses the drainage channel to render it both observable and accessible. The floor slab includes a plurality of feeder channels arranged in a rectangular grid pattern that ultimately drain into the drainage channel and are arranged such that each feeder channel collects liquid from a different rectangular zone within the floor slab so that the location of a leakage condition may be generally determined by observing which feeder channel conveys liquid to the drainage channel.

Abstract: A child carrier usable as a backpack and as a stroller. The carrier includes a frame having upper and lower ends in a lengthwise axis extending between the ends. Front wheels are supported by the lower end of the frame, and a child seat and backpack straps are connectable to the frame. Rear wheels are connected to the frame via a rear support assembly that includes sliders movable along the longitudinal axis of the frame, first members pivotally connected to the sliders, and second members pivotally connected to the first members and to the frame. The rear support assembly is movable to a first position in which the rear wheels are adjacent to the frame, for permitting use of the carrier as a backpack, and to a second position in which the rear wheels are positioned away from the frame, for use of the carrier as a stroller.

Abstract: A beverage warmer assembly comprising a support unit having an electrically heated surface on which a beverage-container unit such as a cup may rest, the container unit and the support unit having magnetically coacting elements so mounted to the respective units that a switch is (a) connected for electrical heating of the surface for one orientational relation of container-unit seating on the surface and (b) is inoperative for a different orientational relation of container-unit seating on the surface.

Abstract: A utility handlamp, comprising battery jar means having enclosure means detachably secured thereto, is disclosed. Optical control means including light transmitting means, having reflector means affixed thereto, is engaged in threaded, rotatable relationship with a tubular extension of the enclosure means. A light source in the enclosure means may be focused by rotation of the optical control means. Stop means are provided to limit the extent of rotation of the optical control means.The enclosure body is further provided with a resilient, depending clip element which cooperates with parts of the battery jar means and enclosure means for mounting the handlamp on a belt, pocket, etc. and for providing a plurality of stable positions of the handlamp such that the path of travel of an emitted light beam may be varied along desired directions of angularity.

Abstract: An irrigation control system is provided which includes circuitry for minimizing electrical power consumption to permit battery-powered operation. The system also includes a microcomputer which is in a quiescent mode except when actuated by a rising edge of a clock signal which has been processed by two type C flip-flops. The microcomputer is programmed to drive a display and to control a valve which includes a bi-stable solenoid for controlling an irrigation cycle.

Abstract: A door seal for a room shielded against electromagnetic radiation in which the door is mounted on a frame to move between open and closed positions. The door may be slidable or hinged. The door seal is formed of peripheral flexible plates that are welded together on their outer edges. Spaced between the plates and between the frame and the door there is a peripheral tubular bladder which when expanded with compressed air, for example, forces the plates outwardly against the door and the frame to form a seal. A seal is also formed within the plates by the bladder forced thereagainst. There are a series of peripherally spaced magnets adapted to hold the door sealing plate away from the door, when the bladder is not expanded. When the bladder is expanded, the plate is moved off of the magnets by the force of the expanding bladder.

Abstract: A luminaire apparatus includes a housing having a source of radiant energy mounted therein, a rotatable light transmitting member supported at one side of the housing and reflector means. The reflector means consists of a stationary reflector body and expansible reflector means for controlling the configuration of radiation energy projected through the light transmitting member located between the stationary reflector body and the light transmitting member. In one desirable form the stationary reflector body is provided with a specular surface which projects reflected light in a spot configuration while the expansible reflector means is provided with light diffusing surfaces which are operable to progressively modify the spot configuration to provide a flood configuration.

Abstract: A water reservoir tank storing a primary body of water for release to a toilet bowl for flushing is associated with a pressure tank that stores a minor amount of water at a pressure considerably higher than that of the primary body and is discharged during flushing to join the water released from the reservoir tank and impart increased overall energy to the water in the bowl. A predetermined time delay is introduced between start of the flushing action and discharge of water from the pressure tank. The pressure tank is automatically discharged and recharged during each flushing cycle.

Abstract: A water reservoir tank storing a primary body of water for release to a toilet bowl for flushing houses a pressure tank that stores a minor amount of water at a pressure considerably higher than that of the primary body and is discharged during flushing to join the water released from the reservoir tank and impart increased overall energy to the water in the bowl. The pressure tank is automatically discharged and recharged during each flushing cycle.

Abstract: The means comprises a sleeve for envelopment of a substantial portion of the drill rod or drive stem of an earth boring machine to provide stabilization of the drill rod during its rotation and earth penetration. Additionally, the sleeve prevents the drill rod from undue abrasion and scoring which normally would occur from direct contact of the rod with the earth. The sleeve is non-rotatable; that is, it is carried on the drill rod by bearings to provide a stable surface within which, and upon which, the drill rod can rotate. As the drill rod moves through the earth the sleeve is carried along therewith.

Abstract: .Iadd.Apparatus for method of vacuum freeze-drying frozen granular material in spaced, substantially vertical product beds is provided by vertical cell units designed for this purpose. Sublimed water vapors are conveyed from the product beds to the condensing area by open spaces between said product beds. The open spaces contain heating means for supplying heat of sublimation to the frozen material within the product beds..Iaddend.