Abstract: A self-sticking removable marker arrow system in which a series of consecutive marker arrows are defined either transversely or longitudinally on a strip of sheet material with a pressure sensitive adhesive being applied on the strip on the contact surface of the marker arrows in the area of the heads and at least some of the area of the shafts thereof. Means are provided such that individual marker arrows can be detached from the others on the strip for use as a removable marker or signal on a document and in tailoring and dressmaking and the like.

Abstract: A spark plug with a heat pipe in the centerbore of the insulator thereof for controlling the operating temperature of the spark plug firing end automatically. A vaporizable medium in the heat pipe vaporizes when the load on the engine causes the temperature of the engine cylinder in which the spark plug is installed to rise into a temperature range in which damage to its firing end can occur. In that temperature range, the change of state of the vaporizable medium extracts heat from the firing end to prevent its overheating. The vapor pressure of the vaporied medium moves the vapor to a condensation zone where it condenses and releases its heat by a change of state. The condensate is returned to the vaporization zone by capillary means and the cycle is repeated as long as the firing end is in the overheating range of the spark plug.

Abstract: An electrode for electrical devices subject to electrical erosion effects such as spark erosion. Selected areas of the surface of the firing end of the electrode are provided with a thin coating of electrical-erosion resistant material such that the erosion of the electrode adjacent the coating produces a thin edge which promotes current emission therefrom. Preferably the coating is a layer of aluminum from 0.5 mil to 10 mils in thickness. In further embodiments, the electrode is aluminum or an alloy thereof coated with an unalloyed aluminum. In other embodiments, a longitudinal coaxial hole or one or more slots are provided in the firing end of the electrode.

Abstract: A spark plug having a heat pipe incorporated in the center conductor assembly in the insulator centerbore. The heat pipe is thermally non-conducting below a design temperature such that the firing end of the spark plug retains heat to burn off fouling deposits. Above the design temperature range, a vaporizable medium in the heat pipe vaporizes such that its change of state extracts heat from the firing end, the vapor moving to the cooler part of the heat pipe and condensing to release its heat by a change of state. Capillary means running the length of the heat pipe returns the vaporizable medium to the firing end of the heat pipe. This circulation of the heat pipe medium which occurs when the firing end exceeds the design temperature transfers heat from the firing end to prevent its overheating. The heat pipe in the insulator thus controls automatically the operative heat range of the spark plug.

Abstract: A VTOL aircraft having a fuselage with fixed ring wings on either side thereof. Each ring wing has a rearwardly extending nacelle associated with it. Each nacelle has a ring tail empennage at its after end and a propulsor fan in its nose operating in the bore of its associated ring wing. The propulsor fans provide propulsion thrust for conventional flight in which the flow created over the lifitng surfaces due to forward velocity of the aircraft generates lift for flight. The propulsor fans operate to induce a flow over the lifting surfaces to generate lift for VTOL flight without a requirement for forward velocity by the aircraft. Aerodynamic control means such as spoilers are provided in the ring wings and empennages for pitch, roll, and yaw control in conventional flight.

Abstract: A plant stake having an elongated stem or stock with one or more ties removably affixed to the stem along its length. In use, a length of one or more of the ties is peeled or otherwise separated from the stem, preferably before the stake is driven into the ground next to the plant being staked. When the stake is driven into place, the free end of the separated tie is used to secure the plant to the stake such that it is supported thereby.

Abstract: A universal nozzle which has a tubular body with a coupling end that fits on the hose of a vacuum cleaner and an inlet end distal from the coupling end. The nozzle has a smooth bore and is made from a resilient material which is manually deformable such that the inlet opening and configuration can be altered by the operator to suit operating conditions. The nuzzle material has sufficient resiliency to regain its original configuration after being manually deformed and to resist collapse because of suction pressures whether in a deformed or undeformed condition. A synthetic organic compound such as plastic resin or a natural material alloyed with fillers or reinforcing agents to produce a formulation having a Shore-A hardness of 60-95, preferably 80.+-.10, is a particularly suitable nozzle material.

Abstract: A spark plug having a heat pipe located between the insulating core and the shell in the skirt portion thereof to vary the heat range automatically in response to the operating conditions of the engine in which it is fitted. The heat pipe is charged with a non-condensible gas and a working medium that undergoes a phase change at a predetermined design temperature to transport heat by means of an evaporation-condensation cycle from the firing end of the spark plug to prevent the overheating thereof. Below the design temperature, the heat pipe is thermally non-conducting such that the firing end of the spark plug is allowed to reach a temperature that will burn off combustion deposits that cause misfiring. In one embodiment, the heat pipe is fabricated as a separate integral annular element which is installed in the skirt of the spark plug during the manufacture thereof.