Abstract: A bed including user adaptable sleep support structure is disclosed, the support structure having a frame and a plurality of flexible support straps anchored between side members of the frame in selected spaced relationships relative to one another, a number of unsupported areas of different widths thus being defined between selected adjacent straps. Adjusting buckles are located at each of the support straps accommodating individual length adjustment of each strap. The support straps together provide the sole body weight support in the support structure.

Abstract: A bed including user adaptable sleep support structure is disclosed, the support structure having a frame and a plurality of flexible support straps anchored between side members of the frame in selected spaced relationships relative to one another, a number of unsupported areas of different widths thus being defined between selected adjacent straps. Adjusting buckles are located at each of the support straps accommodating individual length adjustment of each strap. The support straps together provide the sole body weight support in the support structure.

Abstract: An improved assembly apparatus and method of assembling workpieces together. The apparatus includes a drive linkage with a linearly movable ram for pushing one workpiece toward the other. The drive linkage also includes a rotatable drive train. In the improved assembly apparatus, a transducer is provided to determine the load existing in the drive linkage, and a resolver is provided to determine the stage of the assembly cycle. A programmable controller is used to correlate this information, and a device is provided for communicating a message related to the correlated information. The transducer may be a strain measuring device or a pressure transducer measuring the pressure in an hydraulic cylinder in the drive linkage. The communications device may be a visual monitor, alarm, recording device, or similar communicator.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus, kit and method of making roller chain of different pitch are disclosed. The apparatus and kit include a main drive mechanism rotatable about its central longitudinal axis and a plurality of assembly stations. Each assembly station has a movable assembly mechanism to act on a workpiece and a drive train to move the assembly mechanism in response to rotation of the main drive mechanism. Each assembly station has a drive shaft substantially perpendicular to the main drive mechanism axis. One of the assembly stations is movable in a direction parallel to the main drive mechanism axis between a plurality of positions to vary the distance between the assembly stations without disconnecting the connection between the drive train and the main drive mechanism. Each assembly station has a locator unit for moving a workpiece. The locator units have workpiece supports to provide a continuous path between assembly stations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming fine, relatively dry particles into shaped refractory, ceramic and porcelain preforms or similar compacted articles by confining the loose particles in a shaped enclosure having at least one movable, preloaded side to maintain the particles in a loose but contiguous mass, accelerating the mass particles and at least a portion of the mold in such a manner as to induce a positive or negative acceleration of the mass of a magnitude at least 25 to 50 G's, depending upon the particle composition, and preferably in the range of 500 G's to 5000 G's, or greater, again depending on the particle composition in order that each particle undergoes a force generating impact with adjacent particles to homogeneously compact and fuse the adjacent particles one to the other in a nonbridging manner.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming particles into shaped preforms by confining the loose particles in a shaped closure having at least one moveable side, subjecting each particle of the mass and at least a portion of the mold to an acceleration of a magnitude of at least 25 to 50 G's, and preferably in the range of 500 G's to 5000 G's, or greater, to generate at each particles a force causing such particle to impact with adjacent particles and form a homogeneous, fused article, and articles so formed.