Abstract: Connector method and apparatus for coupling together two systems or combinations of systems, for example, vessels such as pipes, conduits, chambers, tanks or the like to provide intercommunication between them while automatically excluding the environment from the system interiors during and after the coupling operation and while preventing any dilution of or loss of the fluid or vacuum within the respective system interiors. The connector apparatus of the present invention includes a male connector element, coupled to a first system, defining a conduit which communicates with the interior of this first system and having a nonplanar sealing surface which forms an apex. A female connector element is coupled to a second system and defines a conduit which communicates with the interior of this second system. The female connector element also has a sealing surface adapted to engage with the male sealing surface, and at least one of these sealing surfaces is deformable.

Abstract: Dispensing device for underwater respiration apparatus having a plurality of floating valves operating according to an improved system with pivots free from mechanical connections, said device being constructed in a single piece and comprising a central three-way distributor leading the compressed air or gas towards the center of the undersurface of a diaphragm of the floating valve, said diaphragm being located in a chamber containing a spacer member and, above the center, in a suitable central seat and loaded by a very weak spring, a service small valve with upright stem having fixedly mounted thereon an arm that operates in an upper chamber and is directly acted upon by the main control diaphragm, wherein the latter chamber communicates, through a suitable passage, both with the inspiration opening and with the expiration opening the latter containing a non-return valve, and also with the space below the undersurface of the diaphragm of said floating valve.

Abstract: A valve assembly for automatically controlling the flow of a fluid comprises a casing having formed therein a first chamber, a second chamber normally communicating with the first chamber and a pressure chamber in constant fluid communication with the second chamber. Means in the form of a bellows or piston is disposed in the pressure chamber to operate a valve member such that communication between the first and second chambers is interrupted upon the increase of the fluid pressure in the latter beyond a normal level.

Abstract: A two-way pressure-control valve has a housing formed with an axially extending bore adjacent whose front end opens a front port and adjacent whose rear end opens a rear port. A valve body is slidable in the bore between the rear port and the front end and a piston is slidable in the bore between the rear end and the rear port. Thus the valve body can slide across the front port and block fluid flow between the ports via the bore, and the valve body and the piston define a front compartment, a middle compartment always connected to the rear port and connectable to the front port when the valve body is moved forwardly, and a rear compartment. A passage is formed in the housing for connecting the front port to the rear compartment so that the pressure in the middle and rear ports is always effective across the piston. In addition the valve body is formed with an axially through-going small-diameter orifice that allows pressurization of the front compartment to the same pressure as the middle compartment.

Abstract: A discharge valve for controlling the discharge flow of water from the delivery end of a fire pump including a valve body having an integral extension portion forming an inlet waterway for delivering water from the delivery end of the fire pump to the valve chamber of the discharge valve, a valve cover having an integral discharge portion for directing the water to the fire hose in a downward direction, and a push-pull drain valve formed integrally with and contained within the valve cover.

Abstract: A load responsive direction and flow control valve for use in a fluid power load responsive system. The valve maintains a selected constant flow level for control of both positive and negative loads in parallel or series type circuits, irrespective of the change in the load magnitude or change in the fluid pressure, supplied to the valve. When controlling positive or negative loads the valve maintains a constant pressure differential across a flow control metering orifice utilizing a single load responsive controller, first by throttling fluid entering the inlet chamber and then by throttling the fluid leaving the outlet chamber. The load responsive controller blocks the pump flow to the motor while controlling negative load, providing the motor inlet with fluid from the motor exhaust.

Abstract: Anti-scald apparatus for inclusion on a water mixing valve of the type commonly used in showers. The apparatus permits normal manual operation of the valve from an off position, through intermediate positions that allow mixtures of various proportions of hot and cold water to pass through the valve and toward the maximum temperature hot water position. However, the valve cannot be adjusted to reach this maximum temperature position without the performance of a positive, manual procedure by the valve operator, thereby reducing the possibility of accidental or inadvertent scalding. Stop means carried by the valve operating handle and easily accessible to the valve operator cooperate with a fixed stop on the valve to preclude valve adjustment beyond a predetermined high temperature setting until the stop means manually are disengaged.

Abstract: This application discloses a reed valve which comprises a means for keeping the reed sealingly seated on the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve including a pressure operated movable diaphragm which selectively seats against a movable ball member.

Abstract: The device adapts the rate of flow of an automatic drinking bowl as a function of the pressure prevailing in the installation to which it is connected, and is constituted by a cylindrical part threaded at its two ends and provided with two oblique internal channels having different diameters, each being located in a radial plane of the part and opening to the outside of said latter on the other hand at one of its ends and on the other hand in its median, non-threaded zone; the part is inserted between an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the supply pipe of the drinking bowl at a union, by being screwed in a threaded hole made in the male element of the union and from the bottom of which issues the downstream portion so that the communication between the two portions is established through one of said channels. The invention finds advantageous application in equipment used in stock raising.

Abstract: A flexible metal hose unit comprising in combination: a spigot formed with an annular flange and an annular gripping area, both coaxial with the spigot axis, a corrugated or helical flexible inner metal tube fitting over the spigot and welded to said flange, one or more flexible sheaths fitted over said gripping area, a ferrule comprising an annular member fitted over said sheath or sheaths and crimped or swaged onto the sheath or sheaths in an area radially corresponding to said gripping area.

Abstract: An apparatus for the form-locking or positive connection of two overlapping band portions, comprising a first tool movably mounted in a housing and driven by means of a drive and a second tool arranged to rest upon a base plate member fixedly attached at one side with the housing. The base plate member is releasably connected with the housing by means of a counter-holder member at the side opposite the side where the base plate member is fixedly attached with the housing. The housing is hingedly connected either with the counter-holder member or the base plate member in such a manner that the counter-holder member and the base plate member can be brought into and out of engagement with one another.

Abstract: Filling apparatus comprising a filling valve which controls the flow of a carbonated liquid from a reservoir to a container. The filling valve includes a tube which extends from the reservoir to the container for equalizing the pressure in the container as the container is filled. When the liquid in the container reaches a predetermined level, venting by the tube automatically ceases. A valve control automatically closes the valve in response to the reduced flow into the container as the pressure builds up within. The initial opening of the valve to permit the flow of liquid into the container and initial opening of the pressure communicating tube is controlled by the two different cams of the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: There is described a wood shearing machine for the production of veneers, having the wood supporting table with the supporting surface for the wood stock, vertical and running on slideways, alternatively upwards and downwards, characterized in that in addition it has the blade-holding unit placed above the bar-carrying unit and both being slidable on horizontal slideways, the arrangement being such that the cutting operation may take place while the wood stock moves upwards and that the sheet is obtained with the edges turned downwards.

Abstract: A plurality of rows of vertically spaced discs are located on opposite sides of the path of movement of a shake blank as it is pushed along a cutting plane into the path of a bandsaw blade. The discs on each side of the cutting plane have respective radii either uniformly progressively increasing for a portion of their perimeters or uniformly progressively decreasing for a portion of their perimeters so that as the discs rotate they engage opposite side faces of the blank, advancing the blank in the cutting path and simultaneously skew the rearward end of the shake laterally of the cutting plane so that the shake blank is cut along a diagonal. The framework supporting all of the discs can be moved to simultaneously shift all discs laterally to accommodate cutting characteristics of a particular saw blade. Initial positioning of the forward end and final positioning of the rearward end of the blank for overly thick blanks is obtained by cam surfaces on the two rows of discs closest upstream of the blade.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced plastic tool handle for engaging a handle receiving aperture of a tool, such as the eye of a hammer. A plurality of elongated fiber-reinforced plastic members or shafts are used to define the handle, allowing the handle to be readily secured in the aperture with a wedge.

Abstract: A screw having a head and a threaded shank and, in the head, a cruciform shaped recess comprising a central cavity and four grooves radiating from the central cavity at 90.degree. angular spacings, the bases of the grooves lying on a conical (or pyramidal) surface and wherein the included angle at the vertex of such cone (or pyramid) has a value within the range of 40.degree. - 45.degree., the preferred value being 40.degree..

Abstract: An inflatable container is disclosed comprising a substantially flexible outer wall and inner wall defining an inflatable envelope, the inner and outer wall terminating in a bottom wall member. A first collar extends around the periphery of the upper portion of the outer wall and a second collar extends around the periphery of the bottom section of the outer wall. The first and the second shoulder are releasably securable to one another through a cap member. The envelope has an openable and a closable opening therein for inflating and deflating the container.

Abstract: An assembly securely mounted to a wheel of an automotive vehicle to provide continual availability of cleats to be fitted around the treads of a tire for use in driving an automotive vehicle through mud or snow. The assembly consists of a cylindrical plate with a series of round through holes for affixing to a range of automotive wheel configurations with elongated lug nuts and bolts, a series of L-shaped brackets securely affixed around the outside perimeter of the mounting plate, a spring-loaded telescoping shaft extending from each L-shaped bracket parallel to the outside of a vehicle tire, a cleat affixed on the outside end of each telescoping shaft, so that each cleat can be locked in position around the tire treads with the telescoping shaft in the telescoping position and with each cleat further being placed in a locked position near the side of the tire when the telescoping shaft is in a retracted position so as to be out of the way when not in use.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a laminate of several layers of rubber compounds. The laminate may be in sheet or strip form with various cross-sectional shapes. The layers in the laminate comprise rubber compounds, some of which contain agents which either assist or retard cure by irradiation so that the layers will have different physical characteristics during the manufacture of end products containing the laminate. The laminate may be cured by any known method, either irradiation or thermal, after its assembly into the final product.

Abstract: A backdrop display apparatus is disclosed for selectively displaying one of plurality of flexible backdrop sheets wound on backdrop supply rollers, respectively, including a stationary bracket device to which the backdrop supply rollers are rotatably connected in parallel, generally horizontally arranged relation, in combination with at least one first guide roller arranged parallel with, adjacent and at a lower elevation than one end roller of the supply rollers, whereby the backdrops unwound from the remaining ones of the supply rollers are guided by the first guide roller for suspension adjacent the position at which a backdrop sheet is suspended from the said one end roller. Second guide rollers are associated with the said remaining supply rollers to guide the backdrop sheets during transport toward the first guide roller in spaced relation to the other backdrop supply rollers. Transverse rods are secured as weights to the free ends of the backdrop sheets to tension the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a foundry mould or core box with a sand-based foundry moulding mixture. The mixture is blown into the box under pressure while suction is applied to the box.

Abstract: The method is a "cold box" method in which a porous or thoroughly vented pattern is used. The pattern is preferably completely filled with sand, packed tightly, and then gassed through the pattern with a binder-curing gas catalyst. Control of depth of penetration of the gas catalyst is achieved by control of pre- and post-gassing pressures. The residual pre-gassing interstitial inert gas (usually air) is utilized as an internal cushion which limits penetration of the advancing catalyst gas.

Abstract: The present invention describes a preformed, multi-part casting mold having a preformed gating system integral therewith for providing smooth, bottom feeding of molten metal to the mold cavity while simultaneously removing contaminants from the metal prior to entry into the cavity. The improved mold is especially useful in casting columnar grained or single crystal metal and alloy articles, such as gas turbine blades.

Abstract: Cooling the highly viscous reaction mass during catalytic polymerization of liquid olefins to polyolefins by pumping it to and from the reactor through the tubes of a heat transfer single pass cooler rather than a heat transfer multi-pass cooler as has been done in the past, increasing the number of the tubes in the single pass cooler as compared to the multi-pass cooler, reducing the diameter of the tubes and increasing the pump capacity. The number of tubes and pump capacity are increased sufficiently and the internal diameters of the tubes are decreased sufficiently so that the heat transfer coefficient of the single pass cooler is between 10 and 20 BTU/ft.sup.2 hr. .degree. F.

Abstract: Ordinarily and naturally heat, once freed, tends to travel upwardly. Here means and a method causes heat to travel downwardly, to heat any out of sight area where warmth is required.

Abstract: An integrated unit for manufacturing food products, the food being processed in a vat having a double-wall defining a jacket which surrounds the vat chamber. Associated with the vat are two tanks, one containing a heated liquid and the other a cooled liquid. A selective valve arrangement is provided to recirculate the heated liquid from the hot tank through a closed circuit or to circulate it through the jacket to heat the vat contents, or to recirculate the cooled liquid from the cold tank through a closed circuit or to circulate it through the jacket to cool the vat contents.

Abstract: A flow divider for use in a direct expansion heat exchanger coil as typically utilized in an air conditioning system. The divider is adapted to receive an entering flow of refrigerant from a first circuit and equally distribute the flow into a plurality of leaving circuits. The geometry of the divider is arranged so that the force of gravity acting upon the working fluids passing therethrough is negated thereby enhancing the ability of the divider to produce an equal flow distribution in each of the leaving circuits.

Abstract: A modular heat exchanger comprises modules connected in parallel. Each module represents by itself a casing inside of which there is provided a bundle of straight pipes for the first coolant; the open ends of the straight pipes adjoin tube plates. The latter are secured on the casing which has an inlet and outlet for the second coolant coming into contact with the intertube space. The modules are arranged in a shell for a first coolant, to pass therethrough which is fed into the straight pipes and the space between said modules. The shell is provided with an inlet and outlet for the second coolant. Displacers are arranged in the space between the modules, over the entire length of the latter, which displacers ensure equality of the heat-exchange coefficient inside the straight pipes and between the modules.

Abstract: A heat-exchanger for fluids is designed with an outer cylindrical casing and, inside the same, a plurality of coaxial heat-exchange surfaces forming axial flow passageways for fluids therebetween, with two ends each bearing a connection-box for the fluid inlets and outlets. This connection-box is connected to the outer peripheral heat-exchange surface and includes partitions extending from the axis to the periphery and engaging the edges of the heat-exchange surfaces. Obturators join pairs of edges of successive heat-exchange surfaces whereby each end of the succession of heat-exchange surfaces offers annular passageway portions and annular obturated portions.

Abstract: An internally tapered production shoe for securing to the bottom of production tubing having no sharp projections, thereby permitting the removal of wireline tools from an initial location below the shoe without snagging. The shoe is particularly useful for slanted boreholes. The wireline tool being carried by a wheeled locomotive further minimizes attendant friction problems.

Abstract: A method of producing combustible gases, synthetic crude oils, coal chemicals and heat from coal in situ utilizes the combined teachings of in situ gasification, liquefaction and pyrolysis.

Abstract: A method for recovery of heat generated by the combustion of coal in situ within coal seams in the earth. Three embodiments are described: one, in which the coal seam crops out and into which can be drilled and inserted a pipe, through the coal seam, to a central point, where it is joined with a vertical pipe drilled from the surface. Water is supplied to the pipe at the point of outcrop. Fires are started within the coal seam and supplied with air from the surface by means of drilled boreholes. The heat of combustion converts the water in the pipe to steam which travels up the vertical pipe and is used to drive a turbine generator system. A second embodiment is used where there is an overlying aquifer above the coal seam. Fires are started by means of air supplied through boreholes leading from the surface into the coal seam. The heat of combustion converts the water in the aquifer to steam, which then is circulated out of the aquifer and up to the surface where it drives a turbine generator system.

Abstract: A well is drilled from the surface of the earth into an underground coal formation. The coal seam is fractured by fluids injected under pressure. Methane entrained in the cracks and fissures is removed to surface facilities. Coal seam in the vicinity of well bore is partially dewatered. Diameter of well bore in the coal section is enlarged first by underreaming the hole, then by a vertical in situ burn to form a collection chimney. Methane desorbed from the coal is withdrawn to surface facilities.

Abstract: A combustion zone is advanced through an in situ oil shale retort containing a fragmented permeable mass of oil shale particles by introducing into the retort on the trailing side of the combustion zone: water, at least sufficient fuel to vaporize the water, and sufficient oxygen to oxidize the fuel for vaporizing the water and to form a gaseous combustion zone feed containing water vapor and oxygen. The gaseous combustion zone feed is for introduction into the combustion zone to advance the combustion zone through the fragmented mass of particles and produce combustion gas in the combustion zone.

Abstract: This specification discloses a method of cementing pipe in a well and discloses a cement slurry which may be used for cementing pipe against evaporite sections penetrated by the well. The cement slurry is formulated from hydraulic cement, silica flour, attapulgite, sodium chloride, weighting agent, dispersing and retarding agent, and water, and has a density within the range of about 13.0 to 21.0 pounds per gallon.

Abstract: An adaptor means for aligning two members to be connected in coaxial, sealed relationship in which the adaptor means includes an adaptor body member having an inner central portion with a throughbore and of preselected length, at least two-part cylindrical or arcuate segments spaced radially outwardly of said inner portion and in concentric relation thereto, said arcuate segments having a length greater than the length of the inner portion; and tubular nipple members carried in passageways in said body member, said tubular members having a length not greater than the length of the inner portion or the segments and lying on a radian between a segment and the inner portion. The arcuate segments each subtend a different angle and are slidably, precisely received in corresponding arcuate recesses provided on a mandrel end of a well tool for precise alignment of the tubular nipple member with a passageway in the well tool.

Abstract: A roller unit for removing copy paper from an electrophotographic copying machine, the unit comprising a drive roller and an idler roller, each having a plurality of longitudinally extending portions where the diameter of every other portion is larger than its adjacent portions, the rollers being disposed adjacent one another so that the larger portions of the drive roller are adjacent the smaller portions of the idler roller, and a plurality of rings disposed about the rollers to establish a substantially uniform clearance not greater than 1.5 mm. therebetween so that if any of the copy paper is ignited within the copying machine, the fire will be extinguished because of the clearance between the rollers, the copy paper being delivered from the copying machine with a predetermined rigidity along its direction of movement because of the disposition of the rollers with respect to one another to thereby lessen the tendency for the copy paper to turn over as it is delivered from the copying machine.

Abstract: A device having combined features of a glove and a garden tool is disclosed. The device includes a glove element having a bar grip installed therein, with a tool element attached to the bar grip. In one embodiment, a horizontal bar grip is employed in conjunction with a tool element having forks or tines, such as a rake. In a second embodiment, a vertical bar grip is employed in conjunction with a tool element which has the form of a scoop or spade.

Abstract: A hammer and more particularly a fluid operable hammer wherein alternating impetus provided by pressurized liquid and gas means actuates a reciprocable hammer piston to generate repetitive impact loads. A work member is provided to receive blows from the hammer and includes an enlarged portion located in a sealed, variable volume cushion chamber. Means are provided to provide fluid above atmospheric pressure in the chamber. The chamber is sealed before hammer operation to provide a variable gas pressure cushioning chamber for the work member.

Abstract: Improved end closures for shaped charge unit chambers in borehole perforating tools have flanged peripheral portions to be clamped in the threaded joint when sidewalls of adjacent chambers are threadedly joined. Also disclosed are sealing means for conductor wires passing through the end closures, which sealing means involves means for compressing and deforming the conductor insulation so that the conductors with their insulation sealingly occupy a predetermined space between surfaces of cooperating compressing and deforming means.

Abstract: A large hole earth boring bit with a clevis-type coupling for mounting the rolling cutters to the bit. The mounting apparatus includes a first member having two ends with aligned holes and a second member having its end inserted between the two ends. The end of the second member has an aperture that is spaced slightly out of alignment with the apertures in the first member, providing a generally elliptical passage. Bearing surfaces prevent them from coming into alignment. A pair of wedges are inserted into the elliptical passage and drawn together to exert a force in the direction toward alignment of the apertures. The force exerted is transmitted into the base, positively locking the two members together.

Abstract: A wheel drive system for a surface vehicle has a dirigible wheel with its steering axis on the vertical center line of the wheel, a disc brake with annular braking surfaces in vertical planes adjacent to the center line, caliper type brake shoes to engage the surfaces, and power driven gears for driving the wheel.

Abstract: In an automobile having an independent motor driving each wheel, the effective unsprung mass is minimized, and impulse shock is reduced, by arranging each wheel at the end of an arm pivoted about a normally horizontal axisof gravity of the motor, having a center of percussion approximately at the wheel axis, and having a corresponding axis of suspension at the arm's pivot.

Abstract: Binding device for connecting a transverse-mounted power unit to the body, chassis or like structure of a motor vehicle comprising in one of the anchoring systems a retaining member, for instance a cable, having a negligible rigidity, except when tensile efforts are applied thereto, and the opposite end of said retaining member is rigid with the other anchoring system, in order to limit the angular movements of the power unit.

Abstract: A drive mount and housing for a vehicle provides cantilevered support for a prime mover while enclosing a drive train interconnecting the prime mover with the vehicle transmission. The housing is suspended from angled mounting brackets formed on the vehicle frame by a suspension arrangement which includes fastening brackets and elongated resilient fastening elements.

Abstract: An adjustable ratcheting wheel hub comprising a reversing pawl driven wheel hub, an axle containing a plurality of pin receiving apertures, a bearing cover assembly, and a hub tube. The hub tube operationally connects the axle to the pawl driver and contains a pin receiving aperture such that the hub tube slidably engages the axle and is secured to the axle by means of a locking pin through the hub tube and axle. The axle contains a plurality of pin receiving apertures and the width between the wheels is varied by selecting the pin receiving axle aperture that corresponds to the desired width.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve system uses spool type pilot valves with the valve openings notched to provide non-linear response to movement of pilot valves. A servo type valve with a four-way spring centered spool is operated either manually or hydraulically by the spool pilot valve. A limit stop is located at each end of the servo spool valve. The notching geometry in the spools of both the pilot valve and servo valve provide a non-linear response such that controllability and safety are improved, without hysteresis.The system has a manual override on both ends of the servo valve which is operated independently of the pilot spool valve.The system is proposed for use on articulated aerial towers which consist of a mobile platform, a rotatable mounting for a lower boom, an upper boom having an articulated mounting on the lower boom, and personnel or tool carrying basket at the outer end of the upper boom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scaffold consisting of section members, joining members, supporting shoulders and keys. The section members are provided with equidistantly spaced openings, the dimensions of which correspond to the outer dimensions of the section members. The scaffold is assembled by providing the section members, constituting the lower upright members, with support shoulders; threading section members on said upright members to rest against said support shoulders to constitute horizontal beams; by disposing a working platform on said beams; by threading guard railings through the openings of said upright members; by fixing said members and shoulders where necessary by means of keys; by joining further section members to the lower upright members by means of the joining members. The lastmentioned section members are provided with support shoulders and the above steps are repeated.

Abstract: The hook assembly includes a hook which passes through a hollow top rung of the ladder and an enclosed locking assembly which secures the hook to the rung for selective rotation between a storage condition and a hooking use condition.