Abstract: An in-plane shear and multi-axial tension or compression testing apparatus having four-bar linkages pivotable to two sleeves on an opposite vertices with the sleeves of each vertex rotationally attached to each other. Lateral links of each linkage are pivotally attached to load transfer plates in which the plates secure a test specimen. Each linkage is rotatable to the other linkages while the vertices are subjected to a compression or tensile load. The vertices are also capable of rotation by a testing machine for shear testing. During compression or tension of the vertices of the apparatus, the plates respectfully move toward or away from each other thereby applying compression or tension to the specimen. The bars of one linkage can be rotated with respect to the other, thereby applying torsional loading to the specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically washing, sanitizing and drying a toilet seat. The apparatus comprises a toilet seat cover having independent fluid and gas conduits, a toilet seat and a runoff pan means, a control unit box and means for connecting the fluid and gas supply lines from the control unit box to said toilet seat cover. The toilet seat and the toilet seat cover and the runoff pan are pivotally connected by a hinge means and can independently move to an up or down position. Upon closing, toilet seat cover means are provided for automatically initiating the washing and drying cycles after each use. The control box unit further comprises an electric process unit including means to control and adjust the starting and finishing time of washing and drying cycles. The toilet system is sealed during the washing cycle to avoid splashing the fluid out of the toilet system.

Abstract: A manually operable hand tool apparatus for providing a radially outward flare, known as push connect flare, away from the distal end of a deformable tube. The hand tool comprises a gripper-die means for securing the tube, a yoke portion having internal threads and a manual hydraulic pump portion. The yoke moves axially on a threaded positioning screw that is rigidly connected to the manual hydraulic pump portion. A vise means comprising a screw and a tightening rod is attached to the yoke. The vise is used to secure the gripper-die means to the yoke. The pump portion comprises a cylindrical body, a flaring piston, a threaded positioning screw, a pumping linkage system and a relief valve. An adapter-die is secured by a guide nut which is connected to the flaring piston. Alternative adapter-die and guide nut designs are also used to connect the die to the flaring piston.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus for various rowing and non-rowing exercises having an erected tubular frame comprising two parallel elongated front and back legs, two parallel top and bottom arms, a tubular top, a tubular middle and a tubular bottom axle, a handle and a pulley system, a weight cable system, an extended base, two elongated tracks, and a platform. The said legs are pivotally connected to the top axle that is also connected to the top arms that in turn are pivotally connected to the middle axle and the bottom arms. The bottom axle can slide perpendicularly over the front legs thus creating a folded positions of the arms for rowing exercises or creating an unfolded position of the arms for the non-rowing exercises. The said extended base frame is used as a bases for the platform which is used in the non-rowing exercises. The said base frame also serves as the foundation for a pair of tracks for the wheeled seat which is used in the rowing exercises.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for crimping fittings to hose assemblies. A pair of drive rollers are used for rotating a fitting. A pair of deflector rollers are positioned opposite of the drive rollers. A fitting and hose assembly is placed between the drive rollers and the deflector rollers. The deflector rollers and the drive rollers include a raised portion for producing a crimp in the fitting, thereby expeditiously securing the fitting to the hose and providing a leakproof connection.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting the service port of a refrigeration fluid-containing system to an exit conduit has a stem threadably for axial movement within the coupling body between a first open position when fully advanced and a second closed position when fully retracted. A plunger axially extends from sealing means in the stem into a service port collar and unseats spring biased sealing means, permitting passage of refrigeration fluid, when the stem is in a substantially fully advanced position and the service port of a refrigeration fluid-containing system is positioned in a service port collar. When the stem is threadably retracted from a substantially fully advanced position, the plunger assumes a retracted position insufficient to unseat the spring biased sealing means and thereby prevents passage of refrigeration fluid.

Abstract: A spark plug is manufactured by assembling an insulator body and an outer metal shell using an improved crimping die having a specially configured annular working face. The working face includes a flat, annular leading working surface configured to exert a substantial portion of the die force initially on an annular lip of the metal shell to plastically deform the lip inwardly onto an adjacent annular shoulder of the insulator body and a flat, annular trailing working surface configured to subsequently engage the lip and exert a substantial portion of the die force on the shoulder of the insulator body generally perpendicular to the shoulder to internally seal the insulator body and the metal shell by plastically compressing an annular gasket therebetween. The crimping die improves the distribution of the die force on the metal shell and the insulator body to reducew excessive deformation of the metal shell and to enhance compression of the sealing gasket for improved internal sealing purposes.