Abstract: A rectangular rearing tank is provided with an underflow outlet conduit extending to beneath a tank corner where it couples to a smooth-curved transitional conduit section forming a bottom part of a weir chamber through which both underflow and overflow effluent from the tank may be passed in a stress-relieving manner that avoids injury or death to fry and fingerlings.

Abstract: A method and a device for collecting oyster broods utilizing a collecting grill with the following features: (a) a rectangular frame onto which are attached a series of parallel bars, (b) a series of ribs encircling each bar, spaced the length of one oyster apart, and which rise above the bars, a height slightly less than the height of the lime coating, which forms on the grill.A number of sections are formed by the intersection of the bars and ribs; each section is large enough for one oyster.The oysters attach to the lime coating on each space. When a sudden force is applied to the grill, the coating and the oysters detach from the collector, without the oysters coming into contact with each other.

Abstract: A liquid flow sensing device which comprises a weight sensitive control means movable between first and second positions though biassed towards the first position. A first valve section is provided which is movable in response to movement of the control means while a second valve section is fixed in relation to the first section. First and second ports are provided with either of the first and second sections and a third valve section is located in a cooperating relationship with said first and second sections. The third valve section has means for providing communication between the first and second ports and is movable independently of the first and second sections so that the first and second ports are isolated when the control means is in said first position and moves to the second position. Means are provided for coupling said first and third valve sections whereby as the control means reverts to the first position the first and second ports are connected.

Abstract: A pet play house utilizes an enclosure supported by rubber-like feet affixed to the exterior lowermost surface thereof. An opening is provided in the side wall of the enclosure through which the pet may ingress and egress the cavity formed thereby. A lid is slidably attached to the open-mouth portion of the enclosure. The lid is provided with an opening therein of sufficient size to allow the pet to reach a plaything or catnip, affixed to the free end of a wire-like spring material whose other end is slidably engaged to an upright dowel secured to the outermost lateral surface of the lid and extending upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A farrowing crate for sows which crate is adjustable in size to accommodate different sows. Adjustability of the crate is accomplished by pivotally mounted side panels each of which has flared ends spaced different distances from the pivot. When the side panels are swung 180.degree., the interior dimensions of the crate are varied.

Abstract: A scratching post assembly is provided for cats, and other pets, which comprises an upright elongated post which is covered with carpeting, or equivalent material, and which is detachably mounted on a base which, likewise, may be covered with carpeting, or equivalent material. In accordance with the invention, the post is readily demountable from the base, and the base is formed of two hinged sections which may be folded against one another, so that the assembly may be packaged to occupy minimal space for shipping purposes and for display in retail outlets.

Abstract: This invention relates to clamps for attachment to the legs of animals, especially sheep, and among other things may be used for suspending the animals by their four legs for shearing and other treatment operations.A clamp according to the invention comprises two pivotally connected clamp members between which the leg is clamped. The clamp is normally maintained in its open condition by at least one return spring, and is closed, in opposition to the spring or springs, by means actuated by a fluid under pressure.Preferably the clamp, is normally locked or retained in its open condition so that it cannot be closed by the said fluid pressure means until it is released by operation of an actuating member.One of the said clamp members is preferably fixed to a clamp carrier member, in which case the other or pivoted clamp member is opened and closed by the said spring and fluid pressure means respectively.

Abstract: A fluidized bed boiler is equipped with a plurality of slidable sleeves circumscribing the vapor generator tubes disposed therein. By selectively extending or retracting the sleeves over the tubes, the heat transfer characteristics of the tubes exposed to the heat generated within the boiler may be altered. As a consequence, steam output quantity and quality may be easily modulated. In addition, by virtue of the design, tube cleaning may be accomplished with each adjustment pass.

Abstract: A modular, heat recovery system is provided for use with furnaces, boilers, and the like where otherwise waste exhaust heat is utilized to heat water for home or apartment use. This system includes a plurality of modular pipe loop sections interconnected with one another and mounted in proximity to the stack of the furnace. Each section includes several courses of longitudinally extending U-shaped loops supported on a common perpendicular pipe section at one end and which forms part of a supply line for other sections. Each section is provided with unions and valves by means of which an entire section maybe disconnected for repairs from the other sections without interruption of the operation of the other sections. A drip pan is provided at the lower end of the system to prevent water leaks from dripping onto the furnace.

Abstract: A closed-loop, steam generating and distributing system with uniform fluid temperature and pressure everywhere and devoid of any steam-trap or like phase separator, comprising a boiler, a receiver collecting condensates through gravity feed, a pump drawing condensates from said receiver and forcing them back into said boiler, a water make-up tank connected through a feed pipe-line and a feed pump to the bottom of said receiver, and a condensate bleed duct leading from the discharge side of the condensate pump to the top of said receiver through a restriction.

Abstract: An anti-wear compression ignition fuel for use in diesel engines comprising (1) a monohydroxy alkanol having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, (2) an ignition accelerator and (3) a wear inhibiting amount of a dimerized unsaturated fatty acid and an ester of a phosphorus acid.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for an internal combustion engine of the direct injection type formed by a cylinder head, a cylinder liner and a piston head, the piston head having formed therein a cavity in which the air swirl can be produced by known device. A fuel injection nozzle is disposed substantially in the central part of said cavity for injecting jets of fuel radially against the cavity wall. Said cavity comprises an equilateral polygonal cavity formed in said piston head and a circular shaped cavity formed in the generally intermediate part of said equilateral polygonal cavity.

Abstract: An improved electrical system particularly suitable for use in a motor vehicle. The improvement provides compensation of a signal used in association with an electronic circuit. Such compensation is made necessary because of variation in the potential that occurs at a source of electrical energy in the system relative to the sensor reference potential. The variation in potential results from currents flowing through a conductor interconnecting the sensor and the energy source, which current many be of varying character due to the operation of other devices associated with the system. Compensation is achieved with a differential amplifier coupled both to the energy source and to the sensor.

Abstract: Rotary power engines driven by explosive or expansive media have pistons which reciprocate in cylinder cavities of a rotor at opposite sides of the rotor axis and which contact the walls of a stator by means of rollers. The rotor is turned by the reactive force of the pistons on the stator and by the reactive force of the working medium which exhausts from the cylinders as jets. In an internal combustion embodiment, one set of cylinders is used for compression of the working medium, and the compressed medium is transferred cyclically to adjoining cylinders for driving the rotor.

Abstract: A method of operating a four-stroke internal combustion engine of the carburator or fuel injection type, with one or several reciprocating pistons or one or several rotary pistons wherein during the intake movement of the one or the several pistons an additional gaseous or liquid or gas-liquid mixture fluid is introduced into the cylinder working space through a cylinder side wall aperture in the vicinity of the piston to establish a layer charge overlying the piston. The introduction of this fluid may be effected by suction effects caused by the piston movement. The amount of fluid supplied may be controlled in dependence upon combustion pressure and/or exhaust gas composition. The internal combustion engine includes an aperture in a cylinder wall in communication with a fluid source whereby this aperture is adapted to be obstructed or exposed by the moving piston to control the admission of the additional fluid. Between the aperture and the fluid source may be provided control valve means.

Abstract: A variable drive means for cam-operated intake and exhaust valves in an internal combustion engine, the variation being responsive to changes in load and rpm of the engine while the engine is running and being completely automatic. The disclosed device provides a slip drive for the camshaft, virtually unaffected by wear and with a predictable, constantly damped biasing action making the device suitable for mass production to suit any engine and preventing vibration and rough operation of the engine and giving automatic wear compensation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a valve for use in the automatic control of a vehicle and which may conveniently be powered from a vehicle speed monitoring electronic system. It is essentially a solenoid operated valve for vehicle control comprising a hollow body of non-magnetic material having an inlet and an outlet axially aligned with each other, valve seats at the inlet and outlet, a piston of magnetic material slidable in said body between positions closing the opening through either one or other valve seat, and a bore through the piston and in communication with a normally open outlet from the body. A considerable constriction is provided between the piston controlled inlet and the outlet from the body. The normally open outlet is suitable for connection to a vacuum operated servo-mechanism, the piston controlled outlet is suitable for connection to the vehicle engine vacuum line and the inlet is open to ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A fuel injection pump in which the onset of fuel injection can be varied by way of a device operating in dependence on speed in a conventional manner by turning the roller ring which cooperates with a cam plate which in turn is connected with the pump and distributor piston. In accordance with the present invention the angle of twist of the roller ring is limited by a stop which engages this ring.

Abstract: An ignition system for a spark-ignition type internal combustion engine comprising an ignition device capable of performing the spark timing control function, wherein in order to improve the engine torque, a temperature detecting element for detecting the temperature having an effect on the engine torque efficiency is provided in addition to the ignition device, so that the ignition device is actuated to advance the timing of the spark at a lower temperature as compared with that employed at a higher temperature in accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature detecting element.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control system for an internal combustion engine, in which an EGR control valve including a vacuum-operated actuator governs the flow of recirculated exhaust gas according to the admission of air into the engine. To accomplish the control with high precision, the control system includes a flow sensor which provides an electrical signal representing the volume flow rate of air in the induction passage and a control circuit for controlling the magnitude of vacuum for the EGR valve through the operation of an electromagnetic valve based on the signal from the flow sensor. Optionally the control system has another flow sensor which provides an electrical signal representing the volume flow rate of recirculated exhaust gas to the control circuit to accomplish a feedback control.

Abstract: In a carburetor, a heating device comprises a honeycomb heater element disposed within at least one of fuel and air passages of the carburetor to heat the fuel and/or air passing therethrough, the honeycomb heater element being made of a ceramic composition to have a positive temperature coefficient of resistance and being connected at the opposite ends thereof with an electric power source across an ignition switch of the engine, whereby the liquid fuel and/or air is heated by the heating device when the temperature of the liquid fuel or the air is lower than a critical temperature defined by the ceramic composition of the heater element.

Abstract: A fuel economy system for an internal combustion engine which, when installed in a motor vehicle, obviates the need for a conventional carburetor, fuel pump and gasoline tank. The system operates by using the engine vacuum to draw fuel vapors from a vapor tank through a vapor conduit to a vapor equalizer which is positioned directly over the intake manifold of the engine. The vapor tank is constructed of heavy duty steel or the like to withstand the large vacuum pressure and includes an air inlet valve coupled for control to the accelerator pedal. The vapor equalizer ensures distribution of the correct mixture of air and vapor to the cylinders of the engine for combustion, and also includes its own air inlet valve coupled for control to the accelerator pedal. The system utilizes vapor-retarding filters in the vapor conduit, vapor tank and vapor equalizer to deliver the correct vapor/air mixture for proper operation.

Abstract: A device for increasing the uniformity of the air-fuel mixture in internal combustion engines, comprises a hollow truncated cone having a collar about its major opening, the collar being disposed between the carburetor flange and the manifold flange of the internal combustion engine. The cone extends into the manifold inlet and is perforated and has a member therein secured to its internal wall, that directs the mixture from the carburetor against the internal wall of the truncated cone.

Abstract: An electromechanical engine timing device for installation in an ignition system distributor having one or more breaker points which provides a visual indication of maladjustments and malfunctions, permitting easy detection and correction. The system is comprised of light-emitting diodes permanently mounted within the distributor, connected in parallel with each set of breaker points to visually indicate the correct static setting of the breaker point. The light-emitting diodes are mounted on a semi-circular bracket for permanent attachment to the adjustable base plate in the ignition system distributor. The light-emitting diodes can be viewed through a transparent cover on the distributor providing a continuous indication of the proper sequencing of each breaker point by a rotating cam.

Abstract: Two ignition plugs are provided for each cylinder of an engine. Since it is desirable that these two plugs be sparked by one ignition coil, separate output terminal of a secondary coil of the ignition coil are respectively connected to each of the two plugs. An impedance circuit element is provided between one terminal of the secondary coil and ground to disturb a balance of the output voltages from the secondary coil terminals. The voltage of the other terminal of the secondary coil then reaches the break-down voltage between the air gap of its respective ignition plug first due to this imbalance of terminal voltages. The voltage of the one terminal then reaches the break-down voltage between the air gap of its respective ignition plug after the breaking-down of the other ignition plug. The two ignition plugs of each cylinder can thus be sparked at approximately the same time by providing the impedance circuit element between one output terminal of the ignition coil and ground.

Abstract: A dual spark plug ignition system for an internal combustion engine to decrease the production of air pollutants in the exhaust gases thereof, in which the spark plugs are set at an angle with respect to each other, and one is insulated, while the other one is grounded to the cylinder head. The electric spark is caused to jump the gap between the side electrode of the grounded spark plug and the central electrode of the insulated spark plug.

Abstract: Engine starting device which, if engine temperature is at a level such that vaporized fuel may be present in a carburetor while an engine is stopped, causes a throttle valve to open a certain amount when the cranking motor is actuated, whereby such vaporized fuel is rapidly evacuated and an air-fuel mixture having the correct air-fuel ratio to permit rapid starting is supplied to the engine.

Abstract: A glow plug or plugs for a Diesel engine is energized directly or indirectly through the normally closed contacts of a thermally operated switch, preferably a bimetal switch, in thermal communication with the engine and a local electric heater that is energized by the same source as the glow plug and controlled in unison with the glow plug. The bimetal switch is arranged to switch off at a temperature of the order of 80.degree. C. which, at an initial engine temperature of the order of -18.degree. C., permits the glow plug to heat to the order of 900.degree. C. The hysteresis in the bimetal switch is arranged to close the switch when the glow plug has cooled to the order of 810.degree. C., thus the glow plug is cycled between the order of 800.degree. C. and 900.degree. C. It has been found that the glow plug temperature rise at elevated temperatures is substantially less than proportional to heat input.

Abstract: Feeding means supplies lubricant to a lubricant metering pump on a machine or engine which contains at least one shaft of which a bearing surface is mounted in a journal bearing and is pressure-lubricated.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a deteriorated condition of an oxygen concentration sensor mounted in an exhaust pipe for an internal combustion engine for controlling an air-fuel ratio is described. The apparatus includes, in addition to the sensor, a reference oxygen concentration sensor mounted in the exhaust pipe downstream of a cleaning device, and a discrimination unit for determining the deterioration of the oxygen concentration sensor for controlling the air-fuel ratio by measuring at least one of a duty factor and a period of an output signal from the reference oxygen concentration sensor.

Abstract: A diesel engine fuel control apparatus is disclosed wherein a control unit for controlling the amount of the supply of fuel by a key switch which selectively connects a start position terminal, a normal position terminal and an interruption position terminal to a power supply, includes a control lever position sensing switching means for controlling a fuel injection pump and switchover means which are connected to at least the start position terminal and the normal position terminal, respectively, to control the energization of an actuator of a pump control lever, and a normally closed switching means which is turned off when an exhaust brake is applied is connected between said normal position terminal and one of said switching means.

Abstract: Thin sections of marble or like stone are made by sawing of a block to produce preliminary slabs which are held together, either by integral bridging portions, bonded base portions, or external shoring, while a spacer material, for example resin, is introduced into the clefts between the slabs. A second sawing operation then divides each slab into two halves, which can be ground and polished before separation.

Abstract: Three wire leg members are attached to a relatively small hub member and are movable between a folded position in which all three leg members are relatively together and an in use position in which the three leg members are substantially equally spaced apart and extend radially outwardly from the hub member. A gas burner unit is received within an upwardly directed recess formed in the hub member and includes an upwardly directed burner head. The wire leg members have lower portions restable on a support surface and upper portions providing a pan support at a level above the burner head. A flexible hose extends from the burner unit to a control valve and adaptor assembly attachable to the top of a can of butane gas. The control valve includes a knob and means controlled by rotation of the knob for moving a depressable member which is a part of an outlet valve built into the can, for both turning the gas flow on and off and regulating its flow rate.

Abstract: A store having a parallelepiped-shaped combustion chamber and a parallelepiped-shaped flue chamber smaller in all dimensions than the combustion chamber and with four similar shaped flue outlet frames on the top, rear and sides thereof. The stove includes one flue outlet collar and three blanking plates which can be fitted in any chosen arrangement to the flue outlet frames. The stove has a lift-off hob giving access to the flue chambers even when the flue outlet collar is fitted in the top outlet frame. The fire door occupies the full frontal area of the combustion chamber and the side walls are each formed in two parts of substantially uniform section. The combustion chamber base has sinuous finning.

Abstract: A heater includes a first housing which forms a fuel reservoir and a base support to maintain the heater in an upright position. A first elongated hollow or tubular member is secured to the top of the first housing with its lower end communicating with the interior of said first housing and extends upwardly therefrom. A second housing is mounted on top of the first housing and is provided with opening or port means to communicate the top of the first housing with the second housing. Port means in the second housing also communicates the second housing with the first elongated tubular member. A second elongated, hollow or tubular member is mounted on the second housing and extends upwardly therefrom. Its lower end communicates with the top of the second housing for communicating air to the second housing. Valve means are provided in each the first and second elongated hollow members for selectively controlling communication therethrough.

Abstract: A freestanding fireplace stove is provided with an air space surrounding the firebox with air circulation means for circulating air between the firebox and the outer walls of the fireplace. The air circulation may be forced.

Abstract: This invention provides for an unusually efficient, lightweight, economical and durable solar collector employing a fibrous absorber in an evacuated-tube type solar collector. The depth of the absorber, measured in centimeters more efficiently traps radiation than the shallow depth of a plate absorber surface. The fibers are arranged in irregular order with space for a fluid. Sufficient fiber mass is used to blanket all radiation. The absorber is disposed inside the inner tube of a two tube collector. The second tube fits about the inner tube in a manner that allows the space between the walls of the tubes to be evacuated of air. A reflector may be disposed inside the lower half of the outer tube to improve efficiency. A fluid enters one end of the collector and passes via ducts through the absorber conducting heat from the highly radiation absorptive fibers and exits the other end. The fiber may be compressed to opacity and a tube fitted within the ducts for the heating of another fluid in the tube.

Abstract: A device, and controlled solar heating system incorporating the device, for providing an electrical control signal responsive to the rate of flow of species of radiant energy through an area. The device includes means for providing an electrical input signal responsive to the rate of flow of the species of radiant energy, such as solar energy, and an electrical circuit for receiving the input signal and for providing a control signal in response to the input signal. Solar cells may provide the input signal to a Schmidt Trigger Circuit set to provide two control signals at predetermined rates of solar energy flow through an area. The device, incorporated into a solar heating system, may be used to control the circulation of fluid through solar heating panels.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously applying electromagnetic alternating directional energy, thermal, and vibrational energy to various areas of the body which has been found to reduce or even eliminate the pains and symptoms caused from arthritis, bursitis and other bone joint maladies. The device includes a housing, an electromagnet disposed in said housing, an elastic band having a pair of permanent magnets coupled magnetically on each side of the band to each other with the elastic band being suspended at each end to the housing and positioned within the alternating magnetic field of the electromagnet. The electromagnet has a shaped steel core which acts to concentrate the magnetic flux lines through the suspended permanent magnets and is driven by low frequency alternating current causing the suspended magnets to vibrate. The electromagnet core is contructed in such a way to contribute heat for thermal application to the body simultaneously in conjunction with the concentrated magnetic field and vibration.

Abstract: An improved rotary biopsy device for extracting biopsy samples and the like from specific specimen extracting locations. The device includes an elongated inner needle member used for initial penetration of the body tissue, with an outer hollow cylindrical cutting tube thereafter being slidably received over the needle member. In use, the needle member is first penetrated, by rotating same, into the desired specimen extracting location. The outer tube is then slidably disposed thereover and pushed downwardly until it also penetrates the body tissue, and both the tube and needle are simultaneously withdrawn with the sample collected interiorly of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring mechanical characteristics of a material capable of transmitting vibration, particularly skin of a living subject. An impulse from a generator such as a small hammer causes a disturbance to propagate a wave along the material. A receiver includes a source of radiation and two photocells spaced apart and isolated from each other. The photocells receive the radiation after reflection from spaced locations on the surface of the material. The travel time of the propagated wave between the two reflection points is measured to determine the speed of wave propagation in the material.

Abstract: A system for testing the dental pulp of a tooth by electrically stimulating the pulp with a pulsating signal having a continuously increasing amplitude. The system includes a probe having an electrode adapted to the tooth, and a contact device for sensing when the probe electrode makes contact with the tooth and for increasing the amplitude of the stimulus from an initial value. The intensity continues to increase as long as the probe electrode is in contact with the tooth. The electrical stimulus may be generated by a voltage controlled pulse generator driving the primary of a transformer, with the secondary of the transformer connected to the electrode probe. The transformer has a relatively low cutoff frequency so that the amplitude of the signal across the secondary is proportional to the pulse width of the incoming signal. Consequently, as the control voltage to the voltage control pulse generator increases, the amplitude of the pulses across the secondary also increases.

Abstract: An implantable device for monitoring heart action or action of any other periodic-moving living organ or part of a living body. The device includes a piezoelectric energy converter which is driven by the adjacent moving tissue and which thereby generates electrical energy. The device also includes a pulse generator which in turn keys a radio transmitter circuit. The transmitter circuit is modulated during "on" periods by a signal from the organ being monitored, for example, an EKG signal from the patient's heart. The components are energized solely from the piezo-generated electrical energy. The rate and duration of the keyed bursts of modulated radio transmission depend on the amount of electrical power furnished by the converter. A method of using the device to monitor action of an organ such as the heart of a living body includes implanting the device, powering it from a pulsating portion of the body producing short, spaced r.f.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for measuring circulatory parameters by external route.The apparatus of the invention consists of a pressure-applying device such as a cuff 1 to which is connected a Y-shaped tube 2 of which one of the branches 2a is connected to one pole 3a of an electronic differential pressure gauge 3, in itself already known, and the other branch 2b is connected to an airtight air-reservoir 4, there being situated on the said other branch between the air-reservoir and the pressure-applying device a device 5 for closing the said other branch together with the outlet 6 of an air-pump 7, the outlet of the said air-reservoir being connected to the other pole 3b of the differential pressure gauge.The invention may be used for determining the shape, amplitude and frequency of the pulse, for monitoring variations in arterial pressure and for measuring and indicating digitally systolic, mean and diastolic pressures.

Abstract: A device to facilitate accurate placing of sutures for closing a wound or incision which takes the form of an elongated wire member the ends of which are to be located at the ends of the wound or incision. The device is to be resilient forcing outwardly the ends of the device and thereby making the wound or incision taut. The side walls of the wound or incision are maintained in accurate apposition so as to facilitate the location of the sutures.

Abstract: A device for exercising a person's foot so to improve blood circulation to the feet; the device consisting of a roller for rolling upon a floor, the roller having a toothed barrel upon which the bottom of a foot is placed, a strap fitting over the foot, so that as the roller rotates on the floor, the toothed barrel kneads the foot bottom so to circulate the blood into the region.

Abstract: An automatic massaging device comprising at least one massaging element having resilient prong-like extensions, driven by a motor, with automatic switching means to reverse the direction of rotation of the device.

Abstract: A prosthesis implant particularly for use in a penis has an encasing body in which a stiffening bar is embedded. The implant is bendable in only one direction from its straightened position because of a special bending joint. The joint is formed with slits to permit the unidirectional motion. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A knee pillow having a resilient pad forming a surface contoured by formation of an indentation to conform to the knee area of a leg of a person wearing the pillow, and including straps attached to the pad for removably securing the pad to the inside portion of a wearer's leg and preventing the knees of the wearer's leg from digging into one another.

Abstract: A restraining belt for securing a patient to a wheelchair, stretcher, bed or similar implement and for inhibiting the accidental uncoupling thereof or the intentional uncoupling by a patient being restrained. The belt comprises a flexible strap of a desired length which is adapted to be passed around the body of the patient and around the implement to which the patient is being secured and has the cooperating parts of a Velcro-type hook and loop fastener elements disposed on opposed surfaces thereof and extending a predetermined distance from the ends of the belt towards its center, such that when the ends are overlapped, the Velcro hook pad abuts the Velcro loop pad. Further included is a flexible, fabric sleeve, having a length generally the same as that of the Velcro pads. The sleeve is attached to one end of the strap at a point intermediate the two ends thereof and can be drawn back or collapsed so as to expose the Velcro pad on one of the ends.