Abstract: A structure comprising a first fixed unit and at least a second unit encompassing the fixed unit, whereby the second unit is located so as to be able to slide transversely relative to the axis of the fixed unit in order to extend the internal volume of the structure. The floor of the movable unit comprises an horizontal section and a pivotable section connected to the horizontal section by means of an horizontal hinge. The extendable structure can be moved in the form of a trailer or a semi-trailer or is transportable in the form of a container.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, curved building module comprises a saddle-shaped module bounded by at least four edge surfaces. Each of the edge surfaces lie in a respective plane of a circumscribing cube. Connecting means are formed along the edge surfaces for joining the modules in edge-to-edge relation with one another. The building modules permit construction of complex, three dimensional forms which divide space into two distinct but intertwining volumes. The building modules may be used as a child's construction toy, or to build sculptures, or to build architectural structures.

Abstract: A survey monument has a simple spring clip extraction restricting means formed as a wire form spring member to provide a straight leg inserted in a diametral opening in the rod and a curved co-planar leg which effects a snap fit with the outer periphery of the rod. An axially extending leg is offset radially outwardly and yields to displacement while imparting rotational torque to the rod when the rod is driven into the ground, but opens and restricts extraction when the rod is moved in an opposite direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular construction joint made up of a high-strength, composite plastic material, possibly embedding a glass fiber or similar filling material, said joist being suitable for realizing grid-like and closure members which can stand the traffic of pedestrians and vehicles.

Abstract: Structural support members are surrounded with a cover that insulates the outer envelope of the support member. The cover may be made of an elastomeric material sufficiently flexible to permit the cover to be physically installed about the structural member. The structural member and cover may also be provided with interlocking means that will retain the cover on the support member once it is installed. Disclosed is a skylight framework formed of a plurality of spaced rafters joined by a plurality of crossbars wherein the rafters and crossbars each include an elongated central support member having a cover member that surrounds the outer envelope of the elongated support member except for a central fastener opening.

Abstract: Modular chimney components are arranged for interengaging relative to one another, wherein each component includes a base member having a support plate receiving four inner flanges at four corners of the support plate, with second outer flanges projecting upwardly of the inner flanges to mount a continuous mesh fence thereabout, wherein the mesh fence is arranged to receive a mortar layer thereon to an interior surface thereof, with the mortar layer projecting through the mesh fence securing a matrix of work plates continuously to an exterior surface of the fence. The modular components are arranged for interengagement relative to one another to provide for a chimney covering arrangement about a flue.

Abstract: Bird protector apparatus for attachment to the outlet end of a flue gas stack that emits flue gases into the atmosphere. The stack has a concentrically arranged outer annular member spaced from the inner stack for flow of gas therebetween. The protector apparatus prevents birds from alighting on the end of the stack as well as on the protector itself. The protector apparatus comprises a conical wire mesh screen of a size to preclude birds traveling therethrough and to freely allow flue gases to flow therethrough, and has a lower end opposed to an apex. A clamp attaches the lower end of the wire cone to the upper end of the stack, with the apex being axially aligned with the centerline of the stack. An apparatus can be included on the exterior of the wire cone to frighten birds from perching on the apex.

Abstract: A modular framing system having a plurality of framing units between which panels may be retained. Each framing unit includes a main body having a plurality of circumferentially spaced receiving chambers having semi-circular configuration. One or more panel retainers may be connected to the main body, each including a panel cup and a chamber rod. The chamber rod is a which may be lowered into one of the receiving chambers to connect the panel retainer to the main body. The chambers have an angular extent less than that of the chamber rods, such that the rods and panel cups may be rotated to the desired angular position with respect to the main body. Each of the panel cups is adapted to receive a lower corner of a panel. With this arrangement two frame units may be located at spaced positions, with the panel cups of associated panel retainers opening towards each other to support the panel. The framing units may include a stake for driving into the ground.

Abstract: First and second clamp members are arranged to secure a utility pole therebetween, with the utility pole in a spaced relationship relative to an underlying ground surface to prolong effective life of the associated utility pole. The clamp members each include a clamp base, with a clamp leg extending upwardly relative to the clamp base, with the clamp legs converging towards one another at an acute angle therebetween, with confronting semi-cylindrical clamping surfaces whose axes are coincident with a utility pole axis.

Abstract: A two sided colonial grid assembly for a closure and an assembly, such as a glass pane door or window, wherein the grid structure incorporates both real and false muntin bars as well as integral and false glazing beads. The assembly is structured to allow a snap-fit type of attachment of the glazing beads into the grid assembly and in engagement with the glass panes such that the entire assembly is structured to facilitate and reduce cost of assembling and manufacturing while providing an authenticate and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: This invention relates to building blocks, and more particularly to building blocks having greater strength in the individual blocks, and which are capable of embodying greater strength between side edges of the blocks. The inside vertical edges of the blocks are slotted with rounded end portions to receive on the inside portions of the wall to provide the contoured side ends of the cross members to provide a strong rigid support, and firm connection between the side members and the connection between the cross pieces. In this way the outer edges of the wall members can be formed smooth with no interruptions except for the side edges of the blocks.

Abstract: A vapor permeable roof covering comprised of an asphaltic-type shingle and a coated underlayment sheeting, the shingle and sheeting having an array of pierced openings therethrough spaced along the length and width thereof constructed and arranged to permit only the passage therethrough of water vapor under vapor pressure and concurrently prevent passage of liquid water therethrough.

Abstract: A construction element for limiting a fore part of a formwork consists of a prefabricated element having a width which corresponds to the thickness of the construction work to be erected and a modular length. The element comprises openings for being able to push through reinforcing irons, pipework or the like tubes. Because the element is foreseen to remain in the wall, it is produced preferably with a relatively fine concrete in which a reinforcing mesh of synthetic material is enclosed, which extends also over the openings and prevents the outflow of concrete at the time of pouring the latter into the formwork. Such a shuttering element allows a fast and precise limiting of the formwork in the case the construction work is not poured in one part or is needing recesses for a crane. It requires no cleaning off or pulling off wooden parts when the joining part is produced.

Abstract: A grating assembly comprising end rails, substantially J-shaped, with a bottom, outside wall and substantially parallel inside wall, about one-half the height of the outside wall. The inside wall is formed with slots to hold intermediate spacer bars that support tread rails which are in a spaced relation to one another.

Abstract: A unique suspension device adapted to all styles and sizes of welded wire mesh concrete reinforcement fabric. The device rigidly suspends all schedules of reinforcing fabric in a predetermined, fixed parallel position with respect to the horizontal plane to which concrete is poured to form flat concrete slabs. The suspension device consists of a thin-walled bushing or ring composed of polyvinylchloride incorporating slots or cavities radially positioned at right angles to each other on its circumferal cross-section to accept, secure, and lock the reinforcing material into place to provide the desired level of suspension. The device maintains stacking characteristics in order to allow multiple parallel reinforcing fabric layering for industrial, high-stressed applications.

Abstract: A method for erecting buildings is characterized in that cassettes (10) made in a form between sectional elements (11) are positioned, at the building site, in such manner that the sectional elements (11) are close to one another and together define vertical cavities in which preferably concrete is injected to form supporting columns. Horizontal beams (23) are joined to the sectional elements (11) to be connected to the supporting columns when these are being cast, thereby to achieve a structural skeleton. A structural assembly for carrying out this method comprises cassettes (10) made in a form between sectional elements (11). The sectional elements (11) serve as supporting means when the cassette (10) is handled, and as a form for producing supporting columns after the cassettes (10) have been positioned at the building site.

Abstract: A method and resulting wood frame that can be used to construct a wall. To create a curved wall, lines are scribed onto the floor to define the wall radius. The wood frame is constructed by first arranging a plurality of studs in a spaced apart arrangement. The studs have first and second surfaces along the longitudinal axis, which terminate at first and second ends that have bottom and top surfaces respectively. A flexible flat member is then attached to the first end of the studs. The flexible member has a base portion which is nailed to the first surface of the studs and a plurality of spaced apart tabs. Some of the tabs are immediately adjacent the bottom of the studs, while other tabs are located between the spaced apart studs. The attached studs are then lifted into place and the flexible member is bent until the curved member follows the scribed outline. The frame is then nailed to the floor through the tabs that are located between the studs.

Abstract: A masonry tool is provided for a concrete block wall which consists of a mechanism for positioning a side end of a first concrete block, with mortar applied thereto, next to a side end of a second concrete block on the wall when being built, so as to form front and rear mortar joints therebetween. A structure on the positioning mechanism is for preventing the mortar from entering into a vertical open space in a third concrete block located below the front and rear mortar joints.

Abstract: A device of novel design employed as a support and guide during the installation of horizontally-disposed building siding, said device comprising principally a shelf-like component and a means incorporating a camming action for clamping the shelf-like component onto an installed length of siding. When two or more of the devices are clamped vertically at spaced intervals onto the uppermost length of installed siding, the shelf-like components provide a horizontal base on which the siding to be installed at the next higher level can be supported during installation, thereby enabling an installer to work alone. The shelf-like components further function to correctly position the siding to be installed relative to the siding already in place without the need for constant measuring and leveling. The device operates in a quick, easy and trouble-free manner, and it assures efficient, accurate and uniform siding installation.

Abstract: An article rotating assembly and process for rotating articles to a predetermined orientation on a moving conveyor. The assembly comprises movable article control structures and cooperating vertical motion and rotational motion assemblies which are synchronized with the conveyor. Each article control structure is constructed and arranged for vertical and rotational movement above the moving conveyor and is controlled by cam follower and guide track structures to engage and rotate articles on the moving conveyor to a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus for forming a flower pot or flower pot cover from a sheet of material by engaging a sheet of material about the outer surface of a mold, die or pot. The cover forming apparatus includes a plurality of pivotable forming members resting in a surface which supports a sheet of material upon which is positioned a flower pot mold or flower pot. When the forming members are pivotally moved from the storage position to an extended position, the forming members cause the sheet of material to be appressed to or engaged with the mold or pot. The article formed in accordance with the present invention may be separable from the mold or pot and usable as a flower pot or flower pot cover or may be more or less securely attached to the pot by adhesive, cohesive, barbs, friction pinches or other securing means thereby forming a decorative cover connected to a flower pot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for grass collectors and the like that allows the trailer boxes of such collectors to be easily emptied. The invention includes a liner disposed within the trailer box of a collector cart. The liner is pulled out of the trailer box to remove the material accumulated in the collector. The preferred apparatus is easily manufactured as it includes only a rod and cloth including clips. The rod is attached near the rear of the trailer box and the liner is rotatably attached to it. The opposite end of the liner is suspended to a frame in the front of the collector by clips. In between, the liner lies in the bottom of the trailer box and the grass clippings, leaves, etc. are allowed to fall on it during operation of the collector.

Abstract: Methods for trimming trees with a machine that includes an elongated boom pivotally connected to the upper portion of a mast for elevational movement with the mast, an inboard rotor and an outboard rotor both rotatably mounted on the boom and a plurality of saws rotatably carried on each of the inboard and outboard rotors for rotation in a generally parallel plane are improved to prevent cuttings from accumulating in the tops of trimmed trees by rotating the inboard rotor and the saws carried thereby counterclockwise and rotating the outboard rotor and the saws carried thereby clockwise. Machines for carrying out the improved methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in a reel type lawn mower for maintaining a constant uniform pressure between V-shaped reel blades and a bedknife. The blades are arranged to maintain continuous contact with the bedknife on both sides of the center of the reel. A biasing unit acts between the reel unit and the bedknife unit to apply a regulated pressure on both sides of the reel center.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower blade has a plurality of shredders with cutting edges affixed to the blade. The shredders provide additional cutting edges for fine shredding of vegetation. These shredders may be bolted, welded or cut out of the blade. A ridge is provided for aiding the grass clippings to drop to the ground.

Abstract: A shaker rod constructed in two parts of different rigidities for a harvester is disclosed. The first part, in plan, includes a hook shaped region, so that it is generally the shape of a head of a shepherd's crook with a handle which is curved. The second and more rigid part is generally straight and is joined to the hook shaped end of the first part. This forms a generally continuous U-shaped end of the first part. The end of the shaker rod are mountable to shaker posts or shaker frames of a harvester which creates movement in the shaker rod when the harvester is used.

Abstract: The case of a spinning machine system with several adjacently arranged ring spinning machines to the spinning stations of which one sliver respectively is fed, which is deposited in a can, it is provided that the cans are set up on a platform situated above the ring spinning machines. Conveyor belts lead from the cans to the individual spinning stations. The cans are arranged in rows in such a manner that the interior rows of two machine sides facing the center plane of the respective ring spinning machine have a distance from one another which corresponds to approximately 1/10 to 1/4 of the distance between the exterior rows of cans of two adjacent ring spinning machines.

Abstract: In the case of a spinning machine for the spinning of slivers fed in cans into yarns, drivable transport belts are provided which transport the slivers between the cans and the spinning stations. Stationary lateral guides are assigned to the transport belts immediately before they run onto deflecting rollers, the distance between these stationary lateral guides being maximally as large as the width of the deflecting rollers. At the point of the lateral guides, a rear support is provided which is in a slight contact with the transport belt.

Abstract: A method for pneumatic threading in a two-for-one twisting spindle having a double hollow mandrel. The method comprising seizing the initial portion of wound yarn from a bobbin positioned on the lower hollow mandrel in the spindle basket and feeding a sufficient length of it through the upper hollow mandrel to enable it to be then placed alongside the initial wound yarn portion unwound from the bobbin mounted on the upper hollow mandrel. The two initial yarn portions are then held jointly and rested on the mouth of the upper hollow mandrel, on which a head connected to a compressed air source is placed and pressed, in order to achieve pneumatic yarn threading.

Abstract: A knuckle connector is used to connect spacedly end knuckles of a chain strand to form a chain loop. The knuckle connector includes a pair of link units, each of which has a link pin and an oval-shaped link plate formed with a circular through-hole on one end and a retaining hole on an opposite end. The link pin has a head secured in the through hole and a tail end formed with a peripheral channel. The link pin of one of the link units extends through a pin hole formed in a corresponding one of the end knuckles such that the peripheral channel initially extends into a large insert part of the retaining hole in the link plate of a remaining one of the link units. The peripheral channel of the link pin of one of the link units engages the link plate of the remaining one of the link units in a diameter-reduced retaining part of the retaining hole when the end knuckles are pulled apart.

Abstract: An external combustion engine having a combustion expansion chamber. The ine includes a combustion chamber for generating a high-pressure, energized gas from a monopropellant fuel, and a cylinder for receiving the energized gas through a rotary valve to perform work on a cylinder disposed therein. A baffle plate is positioned between the combustion area and expansion area for reducing the pressure of the gas. The combustion area and expansion area are separated by a baffle plate having a flow area which is sufficiently large to eliminate the transmission of pressure pulsations from the combustion area to the expansion area while being small enough to provide for substantially complete combustion in the combustion area. The engine is particularly well suited for use in a torpedo.

Abstract: A support assembly for a gas turbine engine combustor includes an annular frame having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tenons, and an annular combustor liner disposed coaxially with the frame and including a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tenons circumferentially adjoining respective ones of the frame tenons for radially and tangentially supporting the liner to the frame while allowing unrestrained differential thermal radial movement therebetween.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes an annular supporting flange disposed coaxially about a centerline axis which has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart supporting holes therethrough. An annular liner is disposed coaxially with the supporting flange and includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart mounting holes aligned with respective ones of the supporting holes. Each of a plurality of mounting pins includes a proximal end fixedly joined to the supporting flange through a respective one of the supporting holes, and a distal end disposed through a respective one of the liner mounting holes for supporting the liner to the supporting flange while unrestrained differential thermal movement of the liner relative to the supporting flange.

Abstract: A Primary Force Ring for magnetohydrodynamic propulsion of a vehicle including: an endless closed loop vehicle housing; a plurality of spaced pairs of positive and negative electric field plates coupled to at least one voltage source and mounted in the housing for generating a plurality of discrete spaced electric fields within the housing; and, a plurality of electromagnetic field coils mounted in the housing with one field coil intermediate each pair of field plates for generating an endless segmented closed loop magnetic field contained within the housing and intersecting the discrete electric fields at substantially right angles.

Abstract: A cooling device cools a conditioned space (6) by transferring heat from the conditioned space to a working fluid (2) in a heat exchanger (4). A compressor (10) compresses the working fluid (8), which is then condensed in a condenser (14). Heat from the condenser is transferred to a dehydrogenation reaction zone (104) that includes a dehydrogenation catalyst (106) to supply a portion of an endothermic heat of reaction. The catalyst (106) is contacted with an organic hydride (102) to dehydrogenate the organic hydride to form H.sub.2 (108) and at least one dehydrogenation product (110). A combustor (112) burns the H.sub.2 (108) to form combustion products (144) that expand in a turbine (116) to drive the compressor (10). A portion of the heat of combustion is used to supply the remainder of the endothermic heat of reaction required in the dehydrogenation reaction zone (104).

Abstract: A method of liquefying natural gas, wherein the gas (1) is cooled and separated into a liquid phase (6) and a gaseous phase (8) which is expanded (9) and added to the liquid phase in the column (7), at the head of which the gas enriched with methane (21) is separated and recompressed (27) and carried to the liquefaction (32, 33, 34) whereas the liquid phase from the bottom of column (7) is expanded and rectified in column (14); the head effluent (19) being condensed (20) and conveyed as a reflux (25) to column (7); the pressure in column (7) being higher than that of column (14); the C.sub.3 + hydrocarbons from the bottom (16) being separated and the methane liquefaction (33, 34) being conventional.

Abstract: The apparatus is of the type having a double column and a mixing column. The latter is fed at the bottom portion with auxiliary air that is compressed at a pressure different from that of the mean pressure column, and at the top by means of a liquid withdrawn from the bottom of the low pressure column and pumped at the same pressure as the auxiliary air. Impure oxygen is withdrawn at the top of the mixing column as production gas, and substantially pure oxygen is produced at the bottom of the low pressure column.

Abstract: A vapor recovery apparatus consumes a source of liquified gas to condense vapors in a source of vapors. The apparatus includes an economizing heat exchanger and a finishing heat exchanger. The economizing heat exchanger has a vapor path adapted to be connected to the source of vapors, and a recovery path for exchanging heat with, and cooling vapors in, the vapor path. The finishing heat exchanger has a finishing path connected downstream of the vapor path of the economizing heat exchanger, and a coolant path adapted to be connected to the source of liquified gas for cooling and condensing vapors in the finishing path. The coolant path is isolated from the finishing path to avoid interpath mixing. The finishing path is connected to feed the recovery path of the economizing heat exchanger.

Abstract: An adjustable alignment assembly for a cryogen venting system for a superconducting magnet including a radially adjustable floating flange connection with a cryogenic seal to enable precise alignment of the cryostat vent pipe with the ceiling vent pipe of the room in which the superconducting magnet is installed.

Abstract: Defrosting tool for maintaining the temporarily exposed cold head interface of a cryostat in frost-free condition. A plurality of electrically heated heat exchange surfaces of the tool simultaneously contacts a like plurality of cold head interface surfaces to vaporize frost formed on the latter. The tool further provides a passage for venting the vaporized frost to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: To ensure that only liquid helium is delivered to a cryostat dureing liquid helium refill, the arrangement automatically diverts hot gas which is produced during cooling of the transfer tube, away from the cryostat. The arrangement comprises a three way valve which is operated by pressure variations as a result of cooling part of an enclosed volume of helium gas to a temperature near the normal boiling point of the liquid at atmospheric pressure. The arrangement provides the advantage in that the transfer of helium to a cryostat now becomes very much a less skilled operation.

Abstract: A deodorizing device is provided in a refrigerator. This device includes a tubular heater and a water droplet prevention member provided above the heater. The deodorizing heater is provided in an air circulation path and below a cooling coil. On the outer periphery of the heating portion of the heater, there is provided a catalyst coat layer for absorbing odor components. The water droplet prevention member is disposed immediately above the tubular heater so as to cover the heater to prevent water droplets falling from the cooling coil, defrosted by the heater, from falling thereon. When the heater is heated, the catalyst coat layer is heated directly by the heater, and the odor components having been absorbed therein are efficiently decomposed. The heat from the heater heats the cooling coil by convection for effecting defrosting thereof.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system including an automatic air purge system. The refrigerant reclaim system has an evaporator, oil separator, compressor, condenser, storage tank, and a filter-drier. An improvement relates to an automatic air purge system having an evaporator to concentrate noncondensable gases in an isolated area of the refrigerant reclaim system so as to minimize the loss of refrigerant vapor during purge operations. The air purge system is not limited to use with a refrigerant reclaim, and is suitable for use with any refrigeration system from which noncondensable gases are to be purged with minimal loss of refrigerant vapor.

Abstract: Liquid pressure amplification with superheat suppression is used in an air-conditioning or refrigeration system which includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, interconnected by conduits in a closed refrigerant loop. A first conduit coupling an outlet of the compressor to an inlet to the condenser. A centrifugal pump is coupled to the condenser (or receiver) outlet for boosting the pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant by a substantially constant increment. A second conduit transmits a first portion of the condensed liquid refrigerant from outlet of the pump through the expansion valve into the evaporator to effect cooling. A third conduit transmits a second portion of the condensed liquid refrigerant from the pump outlet into the condenser inlet, which cools the superheated vapor refrigerant entering the condenser, reducing head pressure.

Abstract: A method of operating a refrigeration unit to improve the uniformity of temperature distribution in a conditioned space, with the refrigeration unit including a refrigerant compressor and an evaporator fan driven at a selectable one of high and low operating speeds by a prime mover arrangement. The method includes the step of periodically operating the compressor and evaporator fan at the higher of the two operating speeds, notwithstanding a set point temperature control algorithm calling for operation of the compressor at the lower of the two speeds. When the refrigeration unit is operating in a continuous mode, the value of a constant entered into an operating program by the user determines the minimum number of minutes of each hour the prime mover should be forced to operate in the higher speed mode.

Abstract: A refrigerated container for receiving, storing, and transporting materials without necessity of personnel contacting the materials after deposit in the container. The container is particularly adapted for use with medical wastes which may contain infectious materials. The container comprises a lower portion and a lid portion. The container lower portion includes an open-topped inner box for holding waste materials, and an open-topped insulated outer box surrounding and spaced apart from the inner box forming an annular space therebetween. The lid is releasably attached to the outer box and has doors for access into the inner box of the container. A refrigeration unit and air circulation fan are attached to the lid, and are in communication with the annular space for cooling the inner box by circularing refrigerated air through the annular space.

Abstract: An electric control apparatus for an ice making machine includes an initial water supply cycle control device for opening a water valve for a predetermined time, and a water level sensor mounted within a water tank for detecting whether or not a level of water in the water tank is more than a predetermined level. A first check-up device is provided for permitting operation of a defrost/water supply cycle and an ice making cycle when the level of water in the water tank exceeds the predetermined level after an initial water supply cycle is conducted under control of an initial water supply control device. The first check-up device also repeats operation at the initial water supply cycle when the level of water in the water tank is less than the predetermined level.

Abstract: An air condition control apparatus includes: a thermal sensation estimating device for estimating an actual thermal sensation on the basis of the history of a thermal sensation information in a predetermined period output from an indirect thermal sensation information detecting device for detecting information relating to a thermal sensation in the vicinity of a human in a room; a control pattern storage device for storing a predetermined thermal sensation control pattern for achieving a target thermal sensation; a control value determining device for determining control values of air to be supplied into the room so that the thermal sensation output from the thermal sensation estimating device coincides with the stored thermal sensation control pattern; an air condition control device for controlling the temperature of the air to be supplied into the room, on the basis of the control value output from the control value determining device; and an air blower for supplying the temperature-controlled air into the

Abstract: An energy transfer system for a household refrigeration appliance. The energy transfer system includes a compartment for enclosing a condenser which is associated with the refrigeration appliance, and a set of conduits for enabling the transfer of outside air into, through and out of the compartment. The system also includes a movable barrier for selectively controlling the transfer of air through the compartment. In one form of the present invention, the system also includes a thermostatically actuated fan for forcing outside air into, through and out of the compartment in response to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A micro-climate heating/cooling method and apparatus for vests and the like operates with reaction of working fluid, such as water, with an adsorbent material. A lightweight pump is the only moving component needed to provide the desired heating and cooling requirements.