Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is sized and constructed for insertion into the lower portion of a flow control valve used within the opening of a cylinder for storing a compressed gas. When the flow control valve is removed, the normally open poppet valve assembly of the present invention is closed by escaping pressure of the compressed gas. The pressure of the compressed gas causes seals to be formed within the poppet valve assembly of the present invention between the exterior of a substantially hollow movable seat plug and the interior of a substantially tubular valve body.

Abstract: The liquid cargo mooring and fluid transfer system of the present invention includes a first column affixed to the ocean floor. The first column supports one end of an extended length space frame. At the opposite end of the space frame is a buoyant support. The buoyant support includes a flat tank and a buoyant column. Fluid transfer equipment is attached to the column portion of the buoyant support on the second end of the space frame.

Abstract: A relief device for a high-pressure gas container, comprising a main body having a generally uniform outer circumference and that defines a primary bore, the primary bore in fluid communication with an interior volume of the high-pressure gas container, the main body having a secondary bore, the secondary bore located within the outer circumference and in fluid communication with the primary bore, a spud assembly seated in the secondary bore, the spud assembly including a rupture disc that relieves to the atmosphere the contents of the container when the container reaches a certain pressure, the rupture disc located within the secondary bore and within the outer circumference, the spud assembly and rupture disc fixedly attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for indicating a broken shear pin on a snow blower head cutter drum in a rotary snow blower. At least one shear pin connects the snow blower head cutter drum to a drive shaft on the snow blower. The indicator system utilizes a proximity sensor which is mounted on the drive box of the vehicle and focused on at least one target on the snow blower head cutter drum. As the snow blower head cutter drum rotates, the proximity sensor detects the passage of the target and resets a timer. When the shear pin breaks, the cutter drum stops rotating. Because the proximity sensor does not detect the target, the timer is not reset. When the elapsed time equals or exceeds a predetermined amount, an electrical impulse is transmitted, activating the broken shear pin indicator.

Abstract: Two sheets having geometric perforations formed in a regular pattern are mounted such that they are spaced apart in parallel planes and the geometric perforations are congruent. The pair of sheets may be used either for the decoration of the facade of a building or as an interior structural building component.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated balancing hoist includes a housing forming a gas chamber, an inlet for communicating with the gas chamber, a sliding piston, and a rotatable longitudinally movable cable drum. The rotatable longitudinally movable cable drum contains one or more longitudinal openings which slidably accommodate drive rods. The drive rods impart the rotation of the cable drum to a flywheel. Exterior to the flywheel are rotating brake shoes which contact a stationary braking surface when the rotation of the longitudinally movable cable drum exceeds a predetermined angular acceleration. A conically shaped brake system attached to the flywheel is mechanically engaged to prevent rotation of the cable drum until pressurized gas is supplied to the chamber.

Abstract: A small boat lifting device for use between two substantially parallel docks includes two substantially cylindrical longitudinal cable winding reels. Attached to the substantially cylindrical longitudinal cable winding reels are flexible cables which are in turn are secured to a small boat lifting cradle. As the substantially cylindrical longitudinal cable winding reels are rotated the flexible cables are wound therearound thus causing the small boat to be lifted from the water into the space between the two substantially parallel docks.

Abstract: A system for tilting and lifting a device includes three pulleys and a cable. A portion of the cable is adjustable. Two of the pulleys are connected to a stationary surface and the third pulley is connected to the object. One end of the cable is connected to the object and the other end provides for the application of force.

Abstract: An improved method for draping curtains which allows one person to form a decorative window treatment known as a bishop tail without requiring any specialized skills or training. The method described hereinafter allows a fabric scarf to be draped from a rod of conventional configuration in a decorative manner about a window opening. The method uses hook and loop type fasteners means to secure the fabric scarf to the rod and thereby prevent the fabric scarf from sagging at the top. Curtain rings are placed over the ends of the depending fabric scarf and then installed on the rod near its ends to allow a portion of the fabric scarf to form a decorative downwardly curved arc of fabric. The newly formed arc is then "dressed" or folded into pleats in accordance with the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,972 to William L. Tacchella. A hook closure ring is then installed through the previously hemmed edges of the fabric scarf and hung by a cord from the wall bracket to form the bishop tail.

Abstract: A device and method for receiving, transporting and positioning parts such as covers or frames for computer includes a cart having a plurality of substantially horizontal shelves. The horizontal shelves are constructed so as to receive and hold the parts in position for easy transport.

Abstract: An electronic switch comprises a photosensitive semiconductor (1,11,12) and a light source (14,24) which, when actuated, illuminates the semiconductor and causes the latter to become conductive, the photosensitive semiconductor being a sintered mixture comprising, by weight, 58-72% of cadmium, 14.8-21% of selenium, 7-15% of tellurium, 7-12% of sulphur, 0.1-1% of chlorine, and 0.005-0.1% of copper.

Abstract: The improved fuel injection valve assembly includes a valve body adapted for mounting in a cylinder head of a reciprocating gas engine including a valve seat sealing between the cylinder head and the valve body; a valve stem with a frustoconical end portion sealingly engaging the valve seat with stem threads at the opposite end for a tappet nut; a spring biasing the frustoconical end portion into sealing engagement with the valve seat; a stem piston guiding the valve stem within the valve body; an annular seal sealing the annulus between the valve body and the stem piston; an oil permeable bushing with a lubricating fluid reservoir positioned between the stem piston and the valve body; a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a rocker arm support mounted on the cylinder head; a push rod engaging one end of the rocker arm; and a tappet button positioned on the opposite end of the rocker arm.

Abstract: An indexing coupling for a drill includes a hollow inner race, a hollow outer race, and a sleeve member. The hollow inner race and hollow outer race are affixed to one another by a plurality of ball members which are positioned by a plurality of detents in the hollow inner race. The balls also extend into holes in the hollow outer race. When the balls are positioned within the holes in the hollow outer race and within the detents in the hollow inner race by the sleeve member, the hollow inner race and the hollow outer race are rigidly connected one with respect to the other. When the sleeve member is moved the ball members become disengaged from the hollow inner race thus allowing indexing of the outer race with respect to the hollow inner race. This indexing of the hollow outer race with respect to the hollow inner race allows selective rotatable indexing of the drill housing with respect to the nose piece.