Abstract: A combustion powered cooling system (10, 100) includes a power loop (12, 102) and a cooling loop (14, 104). Heat produced by combustion is used to produce superheated steam in a steam generator (18). The steam is used to move a reciprocating steam piston (26) in a power unit (16). Power is transferred from the steam piston through a energy transfer mechanism (44) to a compressor piston (40) in the cooling loop. Refrigerant material in the cooling loop is used to provide air conditioning for a residence or other facility through a chilled water circuit (60). The system is also operative as a heat pump for heating a residence or other facility.

Abstract: A capping machine (10) and method for installing a cap (12) having a threaded portion onto a container (14) having a threaded portion, the threaded portion of the cap corresponding to the threaded portion of the container, the capping machine having a rotatable turret (20) and a rotatable cap chuck (16) which grips the cap and positions the cap on the container. The cap chuck is rotated by a spindle (22) driven by a servo motor (24) at adjustable and reversible rotational velocities independent of the rotational velocity of the turret. The number of rotations of the cap is determined by monitoring the number of rotations of the servo motor compared to the number of rotations of the turret and is transmitted to a spindle drive control(70). The torque imparted to the cap is monitored by a torque monitor (50) and is transmitted to the spindle drive control. The rotational velocity of the cap is adjustable in response to the compared monitored number of rotations and monitored torque.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for selectively discharging a stream of liquid has a body (102) adapted for connection to a source of liquid under pressure, a throttle valve assembly (120) for maintaining a constant output flow throughout changes in supply pressure, a smooth bore barrel (140) for providing a deluge stream, a fog tip (160) for providing an aspirated fog spray and a shut off valve (180). The fog spray pattern is variable from a straight stream parallel to the axis of the apparatus to a wide spray at an angle to the axis of the apparatus. The deluge stream and the fog spray are selectable separately or in combination.

Abstract: A filler product supply apparatus (10) and method has one or more conduits (17) for delivering filler product under pressure to a manifold (30). Filler product is delivered through manifold (30) to one or more filling heads (18, 28) integral with the manifold. The filling heads (18, 28) deliver the filler product directly from the manifold into containers.

Abstract: A bushing (20) is placed in an aperture in an electrical box. Placement of a plurality of plugs (40) in the bushing leaves a plurality of interstices (30) through which wires may enter the electrical box. Interstices are selected to allow wires to feed straight into their connection point from outside the electrical box.

Abstract: A retrofit system for a multi-spindle machine which includes a brake clutch (72), a feed clutch (70), and a high speed clutch (68) which are incorporated into the drive train gear layout of the multi-spindle machine. All three clutches are controlled by an electrical control circuit which includes a timer (80). When the multi-spindle machine shifts from high speed to low speed the control system activates the brake clutch for a short time period set in the timer, which causes the drive train gears to quickly slow down, allowing synchronous meshing with the low speed drive train of the multi-spindle machine and enabling a reduction in machine cycle time.

Abstract: A flexible sheet reinforcing apparatus (10) reinforces holes and tears in flexible sheets such as curtains, covers and tarpaulins. The reinforcing apparatus includes a first member (12) and a second member (14). Reinforcing is accomplished by inserting a first connector (30) through a hole into a second connector (50). Reinforcements (20) reinforce the flexible sheet around the hole. For repair of a shower curtain or tarpaulin or providing a grommet, first connector (30) has a hollow shaft (32) and second connector (50) has a hollow tube (52) through which a shower curtain hook, tie down or other device may be inserted. The repaired curtain or tarpaulin or the grommet is ready for its next use. Flexible sheet reinforcing apparatus (10) may be used through two or more sheets having registering holes. Flexible sheet reinforcing apparatus (10) may be removed for use in a different repair or grommet application.

Abstract: A chuck (10) has a jaw bell (20), a lower bell portion (22) surrounding a plurality of jaws (40) and a hub (28) surrounding an upper portion of a jaw stem (60). A second portion of the jaw stem extends beyond a jaw bell hub (28) and is surrounded by a compressed jaw stem spring (76). The jaw stem spring is retained between a bell hub collar (34) and a jaw stem collar (70). The force of the jaw stem spring holds the jaw bell around the jaws, holding the jaws in a closed position. A stripper (80) has an upper end (82) carried within the jaw stem. A stripper spring (90) located above the upper end of the stripper is compressed and surrounded by the jaw stem. The lower end of the stripper has a disk (84) with a frusto-conical cross-section in slidable contact with the jaws. The jaw stem spring exerts more force downward on the jaw bell than the stripper spring exerts downward on the stripper to hold the jaw bell around the jaws and the jaws closed.

Abstract: A pneumatic control apparatus and method controls gas pressure inside a tire (40) mounted on a wheel (32) which rotates about the centerline of an axle (30). A bleeder valve (28) is mounted on a body coaxially aligned with the axle centerline and is in fluid connection with a pneumatic fitting (23) on the tire. The bleeder valve allows gas inside the tire to be relieved to the atmosphere when the gas is above a set pressure. The coaxial alignment of the bleeder valve with the axle centerline permits the bleeder valve to relieve gas pressure unaffected by centrifugal forces.

Abstract: A threading clutch apparatus (10) for a multiple spindle machine which allows for selective engagement of connected gears with a rotating shaft (12) which is connected to the threading clutch apparatus. The threading clutch apparatus includes a hub (14) which is positively connected with and rotates with the shaft (12), and a housing (18) which is supported from the hub via bearings (28 and 30). The threading clutch apparatus further includes a pair of pistons (48 and 66) which are positioned to communicate with a compressed fluid source. The threading clutch apparatus further includes a first and second plurality of friction disks (92 and 122) which are operably connected with the gears of the multiple spindle machine. When compressed fluid is communicated to a piston, the piston compresses the associated plurality of the friction disks which results in the positive engagement of the associated gear and rotation of the gear with the shaft.

Abstract: A patient weighing system includes novel load sensing casters (12) or load lift modules (92) installed on a hospital bed or other patient housing device. The casters and load lift modules each include pneumatic lifts (54, 106). The lifts are operative to load and unload the weight of the device onto a piezoelectric load cells (60; 150, 152). The load cells are electrically connected to control units (14, 98) which include visual displays (16). In operation, the discharge time constants for the load cells are calculated by first raising the weight of the bed off the load cells with the lifts. Thereafter, the load is reapplied to the load cells by exhausting the air from the lifts. The control unit compensates for the short duration and decay of the sensor signals and sums the weights sensed by the load cells to determine a total weight.

Abstract: A pneumatic control apparatus and method controls gas pressure inside a tire mounted on a wheel which rotates about the centerline of an axle. A bleeder valve is mounted on a body coaxially aligned with the axle centerline and is in fluid connection with a pneumatic fitting on the tire. The bleeder valve allows gas inside the tire to be relieved to the atmosphere when the gas is above a set pressure. The coaxial alignment of the bleeder valve with the axle centerline permits the bleeder valve to relieve gas pressure unaffected by centrifugal forces.

Abstract: A wood door system (10) provides enhanced weather durability for use on outdoor wooden storage buildings. The door system includes trim (30) and one or more movable doors (40). Wood trim members (32, 34) cover a gap between the exterior wall of the wooden storage building. Movable door members (40) are operably attached to the wooden storage building. Bracing members (42, 44, 46) are attached to movable door members (40) to strengthen said movable door members. Wood trim members (32, 34) and bracing members (42, 44, 46) also provide a decorative feature for the wood doors system (10). The wood trim member (32) and the bracing members (42, 44, 46) have an upper surface tapered outwardly and downwardly from the wooden storage building wall to prevent precipitation and contamination from collection on said upper surfaces. Such shedding of precipitation serves to wash any airborne contaminants from said surfaces.