Abstract: A frame structure having collapsed and erected conditions and comprising a plurality of rigid frame sections (21) hingedly connected one to another by hinges (23). An erection means is provided for effecting relative pivotal movement between the frame sections to erect the frame structure. The erection means comprises at least one cable (39) having one end thereof connected to one of the outer frame sections (21a) and the other end thereof fixed to a power device (40) connected to the other outer frame section (21a) whereby operation of the power device to tension the cable effects movement of the outer frame sections in a direction towards each other.

Abstract: A device for use with a closure magazine of a closing or capping machine for introducing crown corks or similar closures into a closure channel from a chamber that accommodates a plurality of such closures. The closures are conducted in the closure channel in a successive manner and in single file. At least one magnetic conveyor is provided at a transition that is formed partially in the chamber and partially in an entry region of the closure channel. At this transition, the conveyor exerts a conveying effect upon the closures in a first conveying direction from the chamber into the closure channel.

Abstract: A device for applying adhesive bands to packets, whereby an annular conveyor feeds the bands along a path having a first portion extending along a portion of the path along which the packets are supplied, a second portion extending between the output of the first portion and a loading station where the bands are loaded on to the conveyor, and a third portion extending between the loading station and the input of the first portion and past a gumming device; the conveyor being a suction conveyor having at least a first suction chamber wherein a selective vacuum is formed and extending along the first and second portions of the path along which the bands are fed, and a second suction chamber wherein a constant vacuum is maintained and extending along the third portion of the path along which the bands are fed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting closing caps in vessel closing machines. In order to eliminate the risk of caps getting crushed and to increase the operating reliability and efficiency, the apparatus is characterized in that the end portion of the conveying duct is directly followed in the direction of movement of the engaging means by a guide channel for guiding the caps, the guide channel comprising guide elements extending at both sides of the path of the engaging means, and that the transporting device is so formed that prior to the arrival of the associated engaging means it transports the respectively foremost cap from the end portion of the conveying duct at least partly between the guide elements and retains it there, if necessary, until the arrival of the engaging means.

Abstract: A packaging machine for individual flat strip-like articles, in particular chewing gum strips (10), comprises means for cutting (110) and supplying (100), wrapping (300) and grouping (400; 500) of the individual articles. The packaging machine comprises a first fast section through which the articles pass continuously, i.e. substantially without retardations or accelerations. In this machine section the chewing gums are first cut from sheets (20) to strips (10) in a cutting device (110) and thereafter individually wrapped, a turning drum (340) possibly being employed. Subsequently, they are combined to groups in a grouping means (400; 500). In this second machine section the chewing gum groups are further conveyed intermittently in cycles with lower speed to a collective packing machine. By exchanging components in the grouping means of the fast machine section the articles can be combined to groups different in number and arrangement.

Abstract: Snap and fill plastic film bags and a process of opening and placing product in the plastic film bags. A reclosable zipper is provided at the opening of the bag leading to the bag cavity. A lip extends from the front wall above the reclosable zipper and a header portion extends from the back wall above the reclosable zipper. A part of the header portion is supported on a support structure for carrying the bag and a perforation is provided on the header portion above the reclosable zipper. The bags are initially closed and, during the process of opening and placing product therein, the operator grips the bag front wall lip and by pulling the lip away from the support structure, the complementary zipper profiles are separated and, thus, opening the bag. Further pulling of the lip from the support structure causes the severing of the bag from the header portion at the perforation.

Abstract: A tractor-supported lawn mower which has raising and lowering controls for automatically raising the mowers to a predetermined elevation and for automatically lowering the mowers to the ground, both raising and lowering functions being effective in response to minimal operator manual control.

Abstract: A combine has a forward vertically adjustable header or attachment for removing crop material from the field. The header is pivotally mounted on the combine frame and is vertically adjusted by varying the length of a hydraulic cylinder that has one end attached to the header and its other end attached to the combine frame by a pivot pin that includes a force sensor that generates an electric signal proportional to the weight of the header supported by the cylinder. The electric signal provides an input to a control system that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A conventional four wheeled lawn motor carriage having a vertically mounted electric motor with flexible cutting, lines attached to the bottom end of the motor axial drive shaft. A Hand lever is attached to the electric motor enabling the electric motor to rotate from a vertical position to a transverse horizontal position wherein the flexible cutting lines rotate in a vertical plane parallel to and outside of the carriage.

Abstract: Impact cutter teeth that cut and lift the crop to improve both cutting and transport of the crop are novel features of this invention. The novel construction of this tooth results in actions which reduce undesired recut characteristics present in impact cutters with prior art teeth.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for turning, and otherwise agitating, compost materials in an elongated windrow, is described. The invention includes a chute structure, that can be moved into, and along, the windrow. A toothed drum, at the leading end of the chute structure, penetrates the compost material, and throws it upwardly, and rearwardly, onto an inclined conveyor. The conveyor transports the materials upwardly to a discharge point, located at the trailing end of the chute structure. Gravitational forces cause the materials to intermittently fall back toward the drum, thereby churning and mixing the materials. Pressurized air is continually sprayed onto the materials on the conveyor, in order to aerate the materials while they are being churned and transported.

Abstract: Links suitable for use in assembling rope chains are produced by utilizing a progressive series of punch and die sets which pierce and blank such links from a sheet of metal. If the metal sheet is in a long strip, the strip can be incrementally advanced through multiple series of punch and die sets so that several links can be created simultaneously. Because the links are die cut or stamped, the shape of the link can be arbitrary and can be a straight sided polygon such as a square, hexagon or octagon, or may be curvilinear such as a circle.

Abstract: A flat top conveyor chain comprising a plurality of flat top links, each link having flat top surface for carrying articles. The links are chained by means of connecting pins to form a conveyor chain. The flat top link each are made from a polyacetal resin material having a long chain alkyl ester based lubricant therein.

Abstract: A shackle-type connector for the rapid attachment of a round-linked chain to an external device, such as hydraulic rescue equipment. The connector includes a body having an attachment opening which is capable of removably receiving the device, to attach the connector thereon. The chain can be extended through a chain passage hole in the body of the connector. A holding slot communicates with the hole through a transition region. A securing nose defines a chain passage channel in the transition region. The chain can be drawn through the chain passage hole, and a link of the chain is then slid over the securing nose, through the chain passage channel and into the holding slot, whereby the surrounding links, which are rotated with respect to the link in the holding slot, cannot slide into the holding slot. Thus the securing nose secures the chain in the connector.

Abstract: A power plant having a system for converting coal to power in a gas turbine comprises a coal fed pressurized circulating bed for converting coal to pressurized gases, a gas turbine having a compressor for pressurizing air for the pressurized circulating bed and expander for receiving and expanding hot combustion gases for powering a generator, a first fast acting valve for controlling the pressurized air, a second fast acting valve means for controlling pressurized gas from the compressor to the expander.

Abstract: A multifunction integrated power unit (MIPU) for use aboard aircraft provides the functions both of an auxiliary power unit and of an emergency power unit while being smaller, lighter, and less expensive than the two units it replaces. Additionally, the integration of both functions in a single unit allows elimination of duplicated service devices and a further reduction in size, cost, and weight in the aircraft itself. The MIPU includes two turbine engines operable under differing conditions, an integrating gear box receiving power from the two engines selectively, and a plurality of accessory devices receiving shaft power from either of the two engines via the gear box.

Abstract: The known control systems for reducing NOx in the combustion systems of past gas turbine engines has incorporated a variety of expensive and complicated techniques to reduce the NOx level. The present apparatus reduces the formation of NOx within the combustion zone by controlling the air portion of the air/fuel ratio. The present apparatus includes a device for controllably varying the quantity of compressed air directed into a manifold resulting in controlling the air to a plurality of injection nozzles and into a combustor. A throttling mechanism moves between an open position and a closed position varying the flow rate of compressor air to the combustor apparatus provides an economical, reliable and effective method for reducing and controlling the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) emitted from the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A poppet valve system for controlling the air distribution within the combustor of a gas turbine. The cylindrical combustor includes a concentric combustion lining where air and fuel are mixed and burned near a flame holder, and a dilution air manifold that injects dilution air into the combustion lining downstream of the flame holder. Air enters the dilution air manifold and the liner mixing zone through openings that can be closed by poppet valves. Each poppet valve is operated to close either an opening in the combustion liner to the mixing zone or a corresponding opening in the dilution air manifold. The volume of air mixing with fuel in the mixing zone is controlled by operation of the poppet valves.

Abstract: A cascade type fan jet engine thrust reverser system. A radially arranged opening is provided along the aft edge the of fan cowl of a fan jet engine. Cascade sets each including a plurality of turning vanes are fixedly positioned in each opening. A blocking door and an actuating linkage system are positioned flush with the inner wall of the fan cowl adjacent to the openings, with the linkage system substantially out of the air flow path during normal engine operation. A sleeve like member covers the outer surface of the cascade sets and at least partially covers the stowed linkage system. When reverse thrust is desired, the sleeve is caused to translate aft, uncovering the cascade set and linkage. The linkage system is caused to move the blocking doors to positions where air flow through the fan cowl is substantially blocked and diverted out through the cascade sets in an outward and reverse direction. Upon completion of thrust reversal operation, these components are returned to the stowed position.

Abstract: A rocket motor has a reloadable, reusable hollow casing which contains solid fuel, a nozzle and preferably a delay ignition cartridge and ejection charge. A nozzle gasket holds the nozzle in place at the exhaust end of the casing and a delay cartridge gasket holds the delay cartridge and ejection charge in place at the ejection charge end of the casing. The gaskets fit loosely against the casing and are deformable so that upon ignition they are pressed outward against removable flanges at each end of the casing to create a seal against the casing.

Abstract: A compressed gas engine (20) has a piston (25) mounted for reciprocating movement within a cylinder (22). A valve (29) is slideably mounted on the cylinder head (31) to control the flow of compressed gas from a source (24) through an inlet (23) to a plenum chamber (28). The valve is arranged to be selectively engaged and opened by the piston to permit flow of compressed gas into the plenum chamber. When the valve is closed, compressed gas within the plenum chamber is permitted to flow into the variable-volume chamber (26). Spent gases are exhausted through ports (69) as the piston approaches its bottom dead center position. Residual gases in the variable-volume chamber are recompressed into the plenum chamber (28) as the piston moves upwardly toward its top dead center position.

Abstract: The tool includes a housing having two substantially semi-cylindrical members. An air motor in the housing has motor end members located adjacent each end thereof. Two O-rings, respectively disposed between the motor and the end members, are squeezable axially so as to be forced radially outwardly to abut the housing. A manifold includes a chamber of a size that dampens Helmholtz frequencies in the exhaust air. A bearing block includes an outer surface configured to transfer operating loads from a crank shaft extending through the bearing block to the housing. Each of the members of the housing has an arm with a cylindrical opening for receiving a rotatable drive body. The drive body has a knob including a shaft having an ear cooperating with an O-ring in the drive body for preventing the knob from inadvertently rotating between operating positions while the tool is in use. An O-ring between the knob and the drive body isolates the housing from shock to the knob resulting when the tool is dropped.

Abstract: A Stirling engine with mechanical output through a crankshaft (57) has piston(s) (42) reciprocable in cylinder bore(s) (41). The piston to crankshaft connection includes a lever arm (74) on pivot pin (77) and a connecting rod (75). The lever arm passes through opening (76) which is sealed from the engine crankcase by an annular seal member (94) engaged against part spherical seat (91) on the lever arm by gas pressure and by a spring washer (65).

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotary pump or engine or compressor or expander comprising a spherical cavity divided by a pivotable disc into two sections. First and second wedges are pivotally connected at opposed disc surfaces. One wedge may be driven causing the disc to pivot and rotate the second wedge covering and uncovering suitably positioned inlet and outlet ports for transferring fluid. Novel constructions to simplify manufacturing and improve sealing are described. Other features include a transparent housing part, altering the angle between input and output shafts to vary the displacement and output, and a combined compressor-expander interconnected by a Cardan joint to reduce vibration.

Abstract: Rapid internal cooling of shape memory effect material actuators during cooling portion of thermal cycle by means of embedded micro-heat pipes enables one, two and three dimensional actuators comprised of composite structures with rapid response times. Structures are able to operate in high-temperature environments, have low thermal hysteresis, have improved positional control for robotics applications and enable large scale shape memory effect material actuators with rapid response characteristics.

Abstract: A liquid fuel power plant (100) including an open-ended combustion chamber (102) and a first mechanism (110) for delivering a combustible liquid fuel to the combustion chamber (102). A second mechanism (118) is included for delivering compressed air to the combustion chamber (102) to provide a pressurized air-fuel mixture. A third mechanism (130) ignites the pressurized air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber (102) and a fourth mechanism (134) is provided for extending the length of the combustion chamber (102) for decomposing the pressurized air-fuel mixture to provide an exhaust gas comprised of fundamental elements. Finally, a fifth mechanism (142) is provided for using the exhaust gas to perform useful work. The air inlet line (116) delivers compressed air from a turbocharger (118) which is preheated in an air passageway (128) and thereafter mixed with the fuel in the combustion chamber (102).

Abstract: A process is set forth for producing a krypton/xenon enriched stream from a cryogenic nitrogen generator. Distillation of the oxygen product stream at the top of the low pressure column is suggested in order to concentrate krypton and xenon while rejecting the majority of methane in the oxygen product stream.

Abstract: A cryogenic system for recovering a gas product stream and a liquid product stream from a hydrocarbon gas stream is provided which operates at process temperature of -50.degree. F. or less. A portion of a refrigerating liquid stream and a cooled liquid stream produced during operation of the cryogenic system are passed heat exchange relationship with an inlet vapor stream and define a partially closed refrigeration loop. The partially closed refrigeration loop permits the low process temperatures to be achieved.

Abstract: An improvement to a gaseous oxygen cycle in which refrigeration is provided by two expansion turbines each fed with nitrogen. In addition, some nitrogen is recompressed, returned though the main heat exchanger, condensed and used to form a liquid nitrogen product.

Abstract: The temperature differential in the vapor-phase storage area of a liquid nitrogen refrigerator is reduced by producing turbulence in the nitrogen gas in the vapor-phase storage area without materially affecting the level of liquid nitrogen in the refrigerator. In one embodiment, turbulence is induced by introducing gaseous nitrogen into the refrigerator chamber near or below the level of the liquid nitrogen. In another embodiment, an atomized spray of liquid nitrogen is injected adjacent the top of the refrigerator chamber to absorb heat from the warmer nitrogen gas and to produce turbulence or circulation in the nitrogen gas in the chamber. In another embodiment, a gas circulating fan is provided in the top of the refrigeration chamber, with the fan being operated in response to a signal indicating that the temperature has reached a predetermined high level at a critical point in the chamber.

Abstract: A method of freezing a standard donor unit of red blood cells such that it can be stored for long periods and subsequently recovered in a form pure enough for transfusion purposes involves centrifuging a blood unit to remove plasma and platelets and to provide a Packed Cell Volume of the red blood cells of not less than 90%, adding the red blood cells to a freezing bag, containing HES solution such that the ratio of HES/red blood cell freezing unit is not more than 7% (preferably 6%) w/v, positioning the freezing bag in a freezing frame adapted to maintain the thickness of the contents of the bag constant, and placing the frame without shaking, into liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: In a normal mode, a primary heat exchanger for heated bleed airflow is situated upstream of an aircraft air conditioner compressor. A secondary heat exchanger is located downstream of the compressor. In response to hot and humid environmental conditions, three-way switching valves reposition the primary heat exchanger downstream of the compressor. The result will be the reduction of heat exchange exit temperature, which translates into lower turbine inlet and outlet temperatures at satisfactory airflow rates.

Abstract: The system in the present invention is an outside air ventilation cooling and room dehumidification system for use in commercial HVAC applications. The system includes a high-efficiency air filter, chilled water or evaporator precooling coil, a refrigeration compressor, an evaporator coil, a heat exchanger for removing heat and moisture from the air entering the evaporator coil and supplying heat to the air leaving the evaporator coil, a condenser coil located in the discharge airstream that reheats the air, and a fan to move the air through the coils. The heat exchanger can be a phase-change heat-pipe-type heat exchanger; a water cooling/heating coil "runaround loop"; an air-to-air plate-type heat exchanger; or a rotary heat exchanger.

Abstract: An air handler for conditioning recirculated or make-up space air and including a conditioning chamber and air flow means for moving air therethrough. An evaporative air cooler of the air handler has an air permeable pad extending across the chamber and a fluid spray system for maintaining a moist condition of the pad. The spray system is constructed and arranged to discharge cooling fluid spray patterns covering the upstream side of the pad in a plurality of predefined zones, and further includes a plurality of moisture sensors positioned at predetermined locations adjacent to the downstream side of the pad. A controller is responsive to sensed moisture conditions for controlling the activation and deactivation of the spraying mechanism to maintain at least a preselected moisture content in the pad.

Abstract: System and process are disclosed for reacting to conditions that may arise in a plurality of discrete chiller units all individually controlled by dedicated control units. The system and process react to temperature conditions of the coolant when it enters and when it leaves the chiller units. The system normally supervises the manner in which the chillers are allowed to individually increase or decrease chilling capacity. The system furthermore overrides this supervisory control of the individual chiller units when the coolant entering the chiller units drops below a threshold value. The chilling capacity of all running chiller units is decreased when this latter condition occurs.

Abstract: The operation of indoor devices in a multiple unit air conditioning system are monitored by an operation sensing portion. After all the indoor devices are turned off, the compressor continues to operate for a length of time determined by the time constant delay portion and then is turned off. Once the solenoid valves 4 feeding refrigerant to the indoor heat exchangers 3 are closed, the continued operation of compressor 6 causes an over-pressure relief valve 8 to open. This equalizes the pressure difference between the suction line and the high pressure discharge line of the compressor and thereby allows for faster restarts than a conventional bypass line 9.

Abstract: A thermal purge system includes a purge vessel into which is introduced hot gaseous refrigerant fluid from the outlet of a conventional chiller. A first coil having very cold refrigerant fluid flowing through it is positioned within the vessel so that much of the hot gaseous refrigerant fluid from the chiller is condensed upon contact with the coil. The condensate collects on the bottom of the vessel until it reaches a depth sufficient to initiate a syphoning action by an artesian well which returns the condensate to the chiller. Uncondensed gases are reheated and re-expanded external to the vessel and returned to the vessel through a second coil in heat transfer relation to the first coil so that further condensation occurs. Noncondensibles which remain after the reheating, re-expansion, and recooling are purged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A thermostat which provides a pulse width modulated signal to a gas engine heat pump controller. The thermostat varies the width of the pulse width modulated signal to indicate the load required to heat or cool the room. The thermostat provides an initial idle time for the gas engine heat pump. The thermostat further steps the gas engine heat pump down from high speed operation and idles the engine prior to shutting the engine off.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for an electric car capable of preventing condensation from forming on windshields, while decreasing electric power consumption. A duct forms therein a first passageway connecting an inside air inlet 8 with a lower outlet (foot outlet) 10 for discharging an air flow toward a lower part of a passenger in a cabin, and a second passageway for connecting an outside air inlet 11 with a defroster outlet 12 for discharging an air flow toward an inside surface of a windshield. A heat exchanger(s) is (are) arranged in the duct to make contact with the flow of air in the first and second passageways so as to heat the flows of air therein. The inside air after being heated by the heat exchanger is discharged from the lower outlet 10 to the cabin, while the outside air after heating is discharged from the defroster outlet 12 toward the windshield.

Abstract: An air-to-air heat pump has a first passageway having an inlet and an outlet both communicating with air outside the building, and having a first heat exchanger constituting an evaporator for a first refrigerant contained therein during a heating cycle, and has a second passageway having an inlet and an outlet both communicating with relatively warm air inside the building, and having a second heat exchanger constituting a condenser for the first refrigerant contained therein during the heating cycle and having the usual active heat pump circuit including the first and second heat exchangers. The invention provides a heat pipe containing a second refrigerant and having a first normally higher end in the first passageway and a second, normally lower end in the second passageway, the second refrigerant being capable of being evaporated by said relatively warm air in the second passageway and being capable of being condensed by cold air in the said first passageway.

Abstract: An air conditioning system in which a single heat source unit (A) comprising a compressor (1), a four-way valve (2), a heat source unit side heat exchanger (3) and an accumulator (4) is connected to a plurality of indoor units (B, C, D) through a first and a second connection pipes (6, 7). Each indoor unit (B, C, D) comprises a suction air temperature detecting device (50) for detecting a suction air temperature of the indoor unit, an opening degree setting device for setting a minimum valve opening degree of the first flow rate controller 9 in accordance with the difference between the target temperature and the suction air temperature and a first valve opening degree control device (52) for controlling the valve opening degree of the first flow rate controller 9 at a predetermined rate to the minimum valve opening degree. A bypass system is further provided to enable an effective defrost operation.

Abstract: An automatic in-feed conveyor system for use with an ice injector, having three sections of roller conveyors, a pallet shuttle, and sensors for detecting stacks of cartons and providing signals to a controller. The first conveyor section is a powered conveyor for receiving pallets loaded with cartons of produce. The second conveyor section positions a loaded pallet for insertion into the ice injector and supports the shuttle for inserting and retrieving the pallet into and out of the ice injector. The third conveyor is a discharge conveyor for moving the loaded pallet away from the ice injector. The second and third conveyors have catch basins for collecting the ice melt water from the loaded cartons and returning it to the ice injector.

Abstract: An air cycle machine (10) has four wheels mounted on a common shaft (20) for rotation therewith about a longitudinal axis (12), including a second stage turbine rotor (30) mounted to a first end (20a) of the shaft, a fan rotor (40) mounted to a second end (20b) of the shaft, a first stage turbine rotor (50) mounted to a central portion (20c) of the shaft, a compressor rotor (60) mounted to the central portion of the shaft in back to back relation to the first stage turbine rotor, the first and second stage turbine rotors being operative to extract energy from a flow of compressed air for driving the shaft (20), and the fan rotor (40) and the compressor rotor (60), in rotation about the axis, and first and second hydrodynamic gas film foil bearings (70, 80) for supporting the shaft for rotation about the longitudinal axis (12).

Abstract: A refrigeration system particularly suitable for an automobile air conditioning system is disclosed. The system includes an ejector to raise the pressure of the working fluid to the condenser pressure and a boiler which utilizes waste heat from the automobile engine. The boiler produces a near sonic velocity saturated vapor for input to the primary nozzle of the ejector. The near sonic velocity input maximizes the stagnation temperature and pressure of the fluid entering the primary nozzle for a given low or limited temperature heat source such as automobile waste heat. The refrigeration system uses a working fluid having a property such that its entropy when in a saturated vapor state decreases as pressure decreases, which maximizes the input pressure for a given heat source and prevents the vapor from condensing in the ejector. A high efficiency primary nozzle is also provided, allowing the system to take advantage of the decreasing entropy property of the saturated vapor.

Abstract: A tamper proof device is assembled with a pierced earring and clutch wherein it is operative for indicating if the pierced earring and clutch are subsequently disassembled. The tamper proof device includes an outer ring portion, an inner disc portion having a tapered central aperture and a plurality of break-away gates which extend radially outwardly from the disc portion and merge with the ring portion. The clutch is received within the ring portion wherein it is held in position by a plurality of inwardly extending protuberances, and the earring post is received through the tapered aperture and into the clutch. The tapered aperture in the disc portion frictionally engages a groove in the earring post so that when the earring post and clutch are pulled apart, the disc portion breaks away from the ring portion.

Abstract: A system for feeding a plurality of strands of material such as yarn, in unison, along an array of separate feed paths that extend from a bank of supply packages to a knitter head utilizes a bank of positive drive units that are arranged in an array that extends about the knitter head to coordinate and uniformly tension such strand reaches as extend from the positive drive units to the knitter head. The feeding of the strands takes place while the bank of supply packages, the bank of positive drive units, the knitter head and the array of feed paths all are rotated about an axis that extends substantially centrally among the rotating feed paths. Each feed path has a first reach that extends from a separate supply package to the capstan of a separate one of the positive drive units, a second reach that is wrapped around the capstan of its positive drive unit, and a third reach that extends from its positive drive unit to the knitter head.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine comprises a water container and a washing tub disposed in the water container to form a space therebetween for containing wash water. A tourmaline ceramic coating is applied to an outer bottom surface of the washing tub or to an inner surface of the water container for reacting with the wash water to form hydroxyl ions therein which reduce surface tension of the water. An ultrasonic vibrator is mounted on the water container across from the coating to generate waves in the water to accelerate the reaction between the coating and wash water. Alternatively, the tourmaline ceramic coating could be applied to an agitator disposed in the washing tub.

Abstract: A theft-deterrent tack for application to an article to be protected against theft comprises a first component including a first housing having an open end and ceiling and wall structure bounding an interior space extending to the open end, the ceiling and wall structure being continuous, a second housing secured to the first housing and closing the interior space except for at least one opening extending therethrough into the interior space, the second housing having a generally flat surface facing the interior space and vial-confining members extending upwardly thereof into the interior space, at least one frangible vial disposed in the interior space and positioned in preselected position by the vial-confining members, the vial being disposed on the generally flat surface of the second housing, and vial-fracturing means disposed in the interior space and supported for movement therein in interference path with the vial, and a second component including securement means for securing the first component to t

Abstract: A padlock having a body, a U-shaped keeper at one end of the body, and a key receptor at the opposite end of the body, the body containing a row of pieces to be engaged by key teeth comprising an indicator device on the body; the device having a location on the body relative to the pieces to indicate the left or right directional orientation of key teeth insertion into the receptor, to effect opening of the padlock keeper; and the indicator device extending in the direction of key insertion.

Abstract: A locking device for locking an outboard motor onto a boat. The locking device includes a housing of greater length than a line formed between the clamping screws holding the motor onto the transom of the boat. A slot is formed in one side of the housing, and is closed on both ends, permitting only transverse sliding application of the housing onto the clamping screws, with the screw handles being received by and confined within the slot. The locking device also includes a padlock, at least one leg of the shackle of that padlock being insertable through a corresponding leg opening formed for that purpose in the housing. The leg opening is positioned so that the handles are thereby trapped in the slot. The padlock thereby locks the shackle into the body so as to impede unauthorized removal of the housing from the clamping screws, thus forming a stop to prevent sliding removal of the housing from the screws.