Abstract: A quenching apparatus and a method for hardening steel parts is disclosed. The method optimizes cooling conditions preventing the occurrence of film boiling and the “self-regulated thermal process” while optimizing the depth of the hardened layer and providing increased strength for the steel part. The optimum depth of hardening is considered to be when the surface compressive stresses on the part are at their maximum value and depth. In addition, “maximum” steel strength is achieved when the cooling rate of the part is above a certain minimum level. However, additional strengthening of the part occurs when the rate of cooling avoids both film boiling and subsequent nucleate boiling, and cooling of the part proceeds directly into the convection cooling process. At the end of the quenching process, some steel parts may benefit from isothermal cooling in air, i.e., self tempering.

Abstract: An adjustable camera mounting device or bracket is disclosed. The camera mounting device includes a base member having a curved recess portion which receives a camera mounting member having a complementary curved configuration. A spring-biased pressure member and oppositely positioned guide members are mounted within the curved recess portion of the base member and are received within a complementary groove in the camera mounting member permitting the camera mounting member to be rotatably movable within the base member. Spaced-apart pressure members provided within the base member apply a compressive force to the camera mounting member permitting the camera mounting member to be rotatable within the curved recess portion of the base member and to be grippingly retained after the desired orientation of the camera has been attained.

Abstract: A refreshable Braille display comprising a plurality of Braille dots that extend and retract arranged in Braille characters such that the Braille dots are operable as a personal computer monitor allowing a blind person to discern the information displayed thereon by reading the Braille characters formed by the extended Braille dots. At least one microelectromechanical device operably connects to the Braille dots such that the Braille dots retract and extend based upon the operation of the microelectromechanical device.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting admixture for concrete is disclosed comprising a combination of organic (amines) and inorganic (nitrites) fractions that provide a synergistic effect when present at a specific ratio. Such a synergistic effect occurs when the amine:nitrite ratio (% by weight) is between 1.5 to 2.5 resulting in the admixture providing excellent corrosion inhibiting capabilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing the integrity of fuel or gas caps for leaks is disclosed. A microprocessor controls the pressurization of an air reservoir which selectively allows air to pass to either the combination of the fuel cap under test and a reference orifice or to only the reference orifice and computes the ratio of the time required for the pressure within the air reservoir to drop between predetermined pressure levels for the combination of the fuel cap under test and the reference orifice versus only the reference orifice and compares same against a standard ratio to determine whether the leakage rate through the fuel cap meets an acceptable limit.

Abstract: An automated pretzel forming machine that produces fresh unbaked pretzels with hand formed characteristics by extruding premixed dough onto a folding table. This table is moved by a bi-directional positioning stage, forming the unfolded and untwisted pretzel shape. The folding table twists the ends of the extruded dough rope then folds the twisted portion on top of the main body of extruded dough resulting in the classic hand twisted pretzel shape. The twisted and folded pretzel is transferred from the folding table through the use of a lift and rotate unit and is subjected to a patterned soda spray and salted before being unloaded from the lift and rotate unit to an existing conveyor oven.

Abstract: A vehicle washing device that concentrates a spray of high pressure water on the wheels of the vehicle for an extended period of time is disclosed. A vehicle washing device is located on either side of the vehicle so as to direct a spray of high pressure water therefrom toward the vehicle as it passes thereby. An actuating mechanism is provided for each of the vehicle washing devices permitting the washing device to rotate about its vertical axis so as to direct the water spray therefrom for an extended period of time toward each of the vehicle wheels. In this manner, the “dwell” time of the high pressure water spray from each vehicle washing device is increased on the front wheels and on the rear wheels of the vehicle, thus allowing the wheels to be cleaned without manually scrubbing same.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescopically adjustable extension pole is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a collar member and a locking trigger mechanism preferably comprising a bottom trigger member and a top trigger member having a locking pin therein. The top trigger member grippingly engages the collar member which is attached to the outer sleeve of the pole. By depressing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally outwardly retracting the locking pin from an aperture in the inner sleeve permitting the length of the extension pole to be telescopically adjusted. By releasing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally inwardly causing the locking pin to be received within an aperture in the inner sleeve so as to interlock the inner sleeve within the outer sleeve at the approximate desired length of the extension pole.

Abstract: A collapsible shower chair is disclosed. The shower chair has a plurality of suction cups on an edge of the seat portion thereof permitting the chair to readily grip the wall of the shower stall when not in use. Each suction cup is received within a longitudinally extending slot in the seat portion of the chair and is readily movable therein permitting alignment of the suction cup with the surface of the wall of the shower stall. A ball and detent arrangement is provided for engagement of a support arm with the seat portion of the chair ensuring that the legs are firmly attached to the seat portion when the chair is in use.

Abstract: A learning toy based upon the concept of design or pattern formation is disclosed. The toy is comprised of a tray having a transparent bottom and a plurality of blocks which are arrangeable in the tray to form a design or pattern. Each block is painted with a primary color on four of its surfaces while the fifth surface of the block is painted with two of the primary colors with the boundary therebetween being on a diagonal across the surface of the block and the sixth surface of the block is painted with the other two primary colors with the boundary therebetween being on a diagonal across the surface of the block. When the blocks are arranged in the tray to form a design or pattern, a juxtaposition of dark and light colors is created on the top surface of the blocks and an “opposite” design or pattern is formed on the bottom surfaces of the blocks which can be viewed through the transparent bottom surface of the tray.

Abstract: A snare clamp assembly is disclosed that provides for the selective precise rapid engagement and disengagement of the snares against the snare head and also provides for the precise rapid adjustment of the tension within each of a plurality of snare groups without affecting the tension in the remaining snare groups. The clamp includes a primary element, a secondary element that is adjustably coupled to the primary element, and one or more engaging, disengaging and adjusting mechanisms received through the secondary element and adjustably movable therein permitting the precise rapid engagement and disengagement of a snare group against the snare head and provides for the precise rapid adjustment of tension in each snare group against the snare head. Another group of snares can be received between the primary and secondary element and adjustably clamped therebetween.

Abstract: A pallet type transfer device utilized to transport parts or components along a conveyor-type assembly line is disclosed. The pallet type transfer device includes a body member having a rear bumper member with a pair of oppositely disposed idler wheels rotatably mounted thereto and having a front bumper member attached to the front surface thereof. The top surface of the rear bumper member is inclined upwardly towards the rear surface of the body member. Parallel, longitudinally extending, spaced-apart complementary grooves are provided on the bottom surface of the body member, each groove having a conveyor belt received therein.

Abstract: A bellows structure for use in high velocity, linear motion applications and which incorporates self-damping is disclosed. The bellows structure utilizes a plurality of thicker convolutions at each end of a regular bellows section to join the bellows section to its terminations. The thicker convolutions are distributed asymmetrically with the greater number of thicker convolutions being placed adjacent the stationary end of the bellows. The bellows structure increases the energy absorption capabilities of the stationary end of the bellows, and causes the intersecting, energy-absorbing waves traveling through the bellows section to intersect more frequently resulting in their internal cancellation.

Abstract: An electric arc spray gun wherein the spray tips can be precisely aligned is disclosed. The gun body includes converging wire guides located at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal. The diameter of the central portion of each wire guide is slightly less than the bore in which it is received permitting the wire guide to be deflected by the application of pressure to its outer surface. Such pressure is applied by the advancement or retraction of threaded fasteners received through the gun body. By deflecting the wire guides relative to one another, the spray tips can be precisely aligned. The wires which pass through the wire guides and the spray tips come together within the air cap on the gun resulting in the gun producing a very highly defined metallic spray.

Abstract: A guitar tremolo stabilizing device is disclosed. The stabilizing device is comprised of a base member having a ring-shaped member slidingly attached thereto. One end of the ring-shaped member is attached to a connecting rod which is biased by a compression spring. The opposite end of the ring-shaped member is attached to a section of roller chain which, in turn, is connected to the bridge for a tremolo arm. In the normal operating position of the device, a "pre-load" is applied to the spring causing the ring-shaped member to contact a stop member preventing any lateral movement therebetween, and the section of roller chain is taut. When it is desired to lower the "pitch" of the guitar, the bridge and lever arm are rotated in a first direction causing the ring-shaped member to move laterally with respect to the base member resulting in further compression of the spring while the roller chain section remains taut.

Abstract: An electrode assembly having a structure which minimizes stress cracks within its outer housing is disclosed. The outer housing is comprised of a ceramic tube having a bore therethrough which is coated with an epoxy material. An insulated electrical conductor with the wires contained therein in an exposed condition adjacent the end thereof is received in one end of the tube and is slidably advanced within the bore to the approximate midpoint of the tube. An electrode member is received in the opposite end of the tube and is slidably advanced within the bore so that its end contacts the exposed wires of the electrical conductor causing the ends of the wires to flare outwardly and grippingly engage the surface defining the bore in the tube. Subsequent heating of the electrode assembly causes the epoxy within the bore of the tube to bind the tube to the electrode member, the exposed wires and the insulated portion of the electrical conductor resulting in a solid, unitary construction for the electrode assembly.