Abstract: A high efficiency spark plug includes a ground electrode having formed of a wire having a circular cross section. The ground electrode has a pair of stanchions and a loop extending over the center electrode of the spark plug. The loop has a center circular portion and a pair of curved portions which form a gap between the two sides of the loop generally equal to the diameter of the wire.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of preparing a fluoropolymer composite tube comprising the steps of forming a fluoropolymer substrate, and thereafter layering and chemically bonding the fluoropolymer with a polymer layer, preferably a thermosetting or thermoplastic elastomer. The fluoropolymer substrate can be activated by subjecting the substrate to a charged gaseous atmosphere formed by electrically ionizing a gas which contacts the substrate. Thereafter, a layer of a thermosetting or thermplastic elastomer is applied to the activated fluoropolymer substrate resulting in a stronger chemical bond. The ionizing step can be described as a mixed gas plasma discharge or an electrically formed plasma. The thermosetting elastomer can, but does not have to contain a curing agent.

Abstract: A combination motor brush support and electromagnetic suppression circuit comprises an assembly having a base which is affixable to a portion of a motor housing and which supports all components requiring precise mechanical alignment, including motor brushes, brush guides and brush springs. The base can also support the choke coils, and at least some of the capacitors of the noise suppression circuitry. The base includes a terminal support board affixed to, and projecting therefrom. The terminal support board has at least one of the capacitors of the noise suppression circuitry retained thereupon, and provides a set of motor contact terminals which are in electrical communication with the motor brushes supported on the base. The support member of the present invention functions as its own assembly tool for supporting and retaining the coils, capacitors, springs and the like.

Abstract: An electric discharge machine allows machining of a stationary workpiece by a device for moving the machining head and therefore the electrode vertically along the Z axis, a first chariot sliding along one of the X and Y axes, mounted on a cross beam resting on two shoulders laid out on both sides of the work zone, and cut out at the center to allow a shaft fixed to the device for moving the machining head to pass through. A second chariot slides along the other of the X and Y axes. The workpiece is supported by a worktable is supported by a column that is movable by a pair of fluid actuators. The fluid actuators may be powered hydraulically or pneumatically.

Abstract: A support/sport sock for enhancing athletic performance. The sock includes a sock body of an elastomeric material which exhibits a pressure gradient against the calf of the leg which varies from a maximum proximate the foot portion of the sock to a minimum at the top end. The sock may include a padded heel portion and ball portion and an absorbent lining. A plurality of biomechanical support panels are incorporated into the sock body at locations thereon corresponding to the major muscle-tendon groups of the lower leg. These biomechanical supports serve to stabilize and support these muscle-tendon groups during athletic activity. The sock may be combined with an athletic shoe or other footwear.

Abstract: A laminated counterweight for connecting the main shaft with the crankpin of a crankshaft in which the counterweight includes a pair of end laminations which are circular in shape and have a central opening dimensioned to receive the main shaft and a crankpin opening radially spaced from the central opening and dimensioned to receive the crankpin. A plurality of central laminations is sandwiched in between the end laminations. Each central lamination, like the end laminations, includes a central opening dimensioned to receive the main shaft as well as a crankpin opening dimensioned to receive the crankpin. A pair of cutouts is provided through each central lamination and, said cutouts being disposed on opposite sides of the radius extending between the central opening and the crankpin opening.

Abstract: A floor sag eliminator that includes a floor plate assembly which is configured to be fastened to the underside of an existing floor between adjacent joists. One or more support arms are pivotally connected to the floor plate assembly at one of their ends. The other ends of the support arms are configured to engage and be retained by the side walls of floor joists. The support arms cooperate with the floor joists to provide support to the floor and to eliminate the sag.

Abstract: A metal anchor for mounting screws in thin wall boards made of plasterboard, pressed wood or similar building material includes a body (1) formed from a sheet metal plate and provided with semi circular retention ridges (2) projecting alternately to each side, which are matched in width and pitch to the thread shape of the screw (13) to be tightened such that the retention ridges (2) engage into the latter's thread grooves (19). The entire body (1) is formed of three sections, of which the first section (4), situated on the outer end, bears the retention ridges (2), the second section (5), situated in the middle, has two axially running outer bending ridges (7) and two inner bending ridges (8) which are mutually separated by slits (12) and can be bent off in opposing directions, and the third section (6), situated at the head end, is provided with semi circular guide shells (9) extending in opposed directions for inserting the screw (13.).

Abstract: A welding device is disclosed having an elongated actuator arm which is secured to a main post by a cross arm. The cross arm is both slidably and pivotally mounted to the main support post and also pivotally and slidably secured to the actuator arm by an arcuate link. An elongated linkage bar extends through the actuator arm and a welding gun is attached to one end of the linkage bar. An elongated handle is perpendicularly secured to the linkage bar at its other end adjacent the opposite end of the actuator arm so that movement of the handle simultaneously moves the welding gun. The handle, furthermore, includes a hand grip at each end and the linkage bar is secured to the handle at a position closely adjacent one of the hand grips and thus at a position between the center of the handle and one of the hand grips.

Abstract: A system for sensing the manner of operation of an automotive vehicle and for generating feedback signals to the vehicle operator as a function of the manner of operation includes a pressure sensor connected to the brake pedal so as to generate a multi-state output signal as a function of the instantaneous pressure applied to the brake, and a plurality of acceleration sensors supported so as to sense the rate of change of the motion about different axes. The sensor output signals are all provided to a controller which compares their outputs to values stored in a table to generate one of a stored set of output values. An audio signal generator receives the output values and generates an audio feedback signal to the vehicle operator as a function of the status of the sensors. The system may also provide a signal to the vehicle engine to prevent operation of the vehicle when excessively erratic operation is detected.

Abstract: An optical component comprises at least one substantially planar element having a plurality of elementary surfaces capable of acting to reflect by total internal reflection light incident thereon through the corresponding said element within a first range of incident angles associated with each surface, and to refract light incident thereon through the corresponding said element within a second range of incident angles associated with each surface. Refracted light at low angles of incidence passes straight through to provide a view through the component.

Abstract: A tow bar assembly adapted to extend between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. A frame is provided which includes a bearing element secured to the front end of the frame and a mounting element secured to the rear end of the frame. The mounting element is adapted to be selectively connected to the receiver hitch of a towing vehicle, while the bearing element extends rearward toward the towed vehicle in one embodiment. A pair of elongated, telescopic swing arms are pivotally secured to the bearing element and extend to the towed vehicle for attachment thereto. The bearing element further includes a yoke rotatable about a ball joint having at least two degrees of freedom which allows for movement of the swing arms in both vertical and horizontal planes. The swing arms further include pivot flanges that are pivotally secured to the swing arms at an end nearest the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A dual bore completion sub-sea test tree (10) is described which has main bore (18) and an auxiliary or annulus bore (20). Two identical ball valves (22, 24) are located in series within the main bore (18) and two smaller identical ball valves (26, 28) are located in series in the annulus bore (20). The ball valves (22, 24, 26, 28) are operated by respective independent control lines acting on the operating mechanisms of the respective valves within the test tree (10) to move the valves between open and closed positions to allow or deny communication through the respective bores (18, 20). The completion sub-sea test tree (10) provides isolation of the main bore (18) and/or the annulus bore (20) when required by application of hydraulic pressure to assist closure to spring forces sufficient to cut coil tubing in the event of an emergency situation requiring rapid disconnect.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for reducing the likelihood of cardiac arrhythmia or halting the arrhythmia after it begins without having to give a large shock which can be painful or may damage the heart. The device includes an elongated primary strip having a plurality of electrodes positioned at spaced intervals along its length. The strip is dimensioned so that, upon insertion into a patient, the electrodes on the strip electrically contact the heart tissue, either directly or through an intermediate high resistance conductive layer. The electrodes are then energized with an electrical energy sufficient to hyperpolarize heart tissue adjacent to each of the electrodes. Furthermore, the electrodes are spaced along the strip sufficiently close to each other so that, upon energization of the electrodes, a line of heart tissue is hyperpolarized to thereby prevent cardiac electrical conductance across that line. Optionally, secondary electrode strip(s) extend alongside, or encircle, the primary strip.

Abstract: A cargo support bar for use with a truck bed or truck bed liners has a pair of spaced equipment holders. Each holder has at least two upwardly extending arms which define slots for carrying cargo and equipment. A center area is formed between the equipment holders for carrying sheet material. Straps with hooks are provided to extend over the cargo. The support bars have a plastic shell extending over a 2'.times.4' wooden core. Two or more of the bars are positioned within pockets formed in the side walls of a truck bed or a truck bed liner to extend across the width and to support cargo and equipment in a double tier arrangement.

Abstract: A connector housing for an electrical terminal includes a base member configured to engage a top member having two discrete segments. One of the segments engages the base member so as to retain an electrical terminal therebetween in a preconnection mode which exposes a portion of the terminal so as to permit electrical connection to be made thereto. A second segment of the top member engages the base member so as to enclose the electrical connection which was made to the terminal so as to provide a closed, assembled electrical connector.

Abstract: A mold assembly for creating a resin casted countertop exhibiting a built-up edge having a non-constant radius. The mold assembly includes a substantially horizontally planar and upwardly facing mold surface and a plurality of elongated member which are releasably securable upon the planar mold surface to create an outline of a countertop product to be produced. Each of the elongated members include a planar edged top, a likewise planar edged bottom, a rear face and an inwardly contoured front face. The inwardly contoured front face includes a first constant center radius throughout a first degree of angular rotation and at least one additional upper and/or lower constant center radii throughout additional degrees of angular rotation proximate the top and bottom locations of the inwardly contoured front face.

Abstract: A golf club divider assembly for use with a golf bag creates a desired plurality of subdivided and axially extending compartments for receiving a plurality of golf clubs. A plurality of elongated divider members are inserted axially within the golf bag and each divider member includes a plurality of either three or four outwardly and axially extending vane portions. A like plurality of sleeve members may be slidably engaged over the divider members to facilitate the creation of the individual club carrying compartments. Axially repositionable golf club head covering assemblies are provided and are secured to upper ends of the divider members in association with each of the club carrying compartments. The covering assemblies are repositionable in a vertical manner to cover an upwardly projecting club head of a golf club and to isolate and protect the golf club from the remaining golf clubs.

Abstract: A match design exhibiting burn preventative safety stem construction with a match head having an ignitable composition formed thereon. An elongate stem includes a first end and a second end with the match head being formed onto the first end. The elongate stem is subdivided into a first section extending a selected distance from the first end. A second section extends beyond the first section a further selected distance and terminates in the second end. The first section is impregnated with a scenting composition and the second section is impregnated with a flame resistant composition such that, upon striking and ignition of the match head, flame travel along the stem is limited to the first section to release the scenting composition.