Abstract: A bracket for connecting a first extruded member having spaced and generally parallel extrusion fins to a second member. The bracket comprising a base plate, a longitudinal wedge element configured to be inserted in between the extrusion fins, an extrusion fin receiving channel to receive a first extrusion fin of the first extruded member, fastener receiving apertures through the base plate to receive a fastener to rigidly couple the bracket to the first extruded member, and a deformation cavity adjacent the fastener receiving aperture configured to receive a deformed extrusion portion of the first extrusion fin. The fastener receiving aperture is located on the base plate such that the deformed extrusion portion is forced into the deformation cavity and at least partially out of the extrusion fin receiving channel to form a rigid connection in a deformed condition when a fastener is located in the fastener receiving aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is a duct assembly having a duct connector for use in ventilation. The duct connector has a lipped portion and a gasket secured to the duct connector. The gasket has a slot to receive the lipped portion of the duct connector. A duct assembly of the present invention may also have a handle to facilitate manipulation of the duct assembly. The handle also has a back stopper to protect a conduit installed to the duct assembly.

Abstract: A mounting head, a system incorporating the mounting head and a support such as a monopod, and a system including the mounting head, the monopod, and a camera enable a photographer to tilt a monopod or other camera support while maintaining a substantially level horizon of an image. An upper head assembly and a lower head assembly are connectable to the camera and the monopod respectively. The assemblies are interconnected by a universal joint which allows the upper assembly to remain level as roll and pitch vary. A resilient member dampens relative motion of the head assemblies. As a photographer moves the camera to capture a scene, force is transmitted from the photographer's hands via the mounting head through the monopod. The photographer maintains a level horizon as the monopod tilts. A test apparatus enables design of a resilient member for desired interaction with selected classes of equipment.

Abstract: A monopod includes an elongated housing and a pneumatic actuator having a cylinder bounding a compartment in which a pressurized fluid and/or gas is contained, and an elongated piston having a piston head mounted in the compartment and a piston rod movable along a longitudinal axis through an upper open end of the housing when the pressurized fluid is released. A support for a portable device, such as a camera, is mounted on the piston rod exteriorly of the housing. A foot-operated control is mounted on the housing adjacent its base. The control is movable by pressure exerted by a user's foot to a control position in which the pressurized fluid and/or gas is released to jointly move the piston rod and the support to an adjustable elevation relative to the base.

Abstract: A mounting head, a system incorporating the mounting head and a support such as a monopod, and a system including the mounting head, the monopod, and a camera enable a photographer to tilt a monopod or other camera support while maintaining a substantially level horizon of an image. An upper head assembly and a lower head assembly are connectable to the camera and the monopod respectively. The assemblies are interconnected by a universal joint which allows the upper assembly to remain level as roll and pitch vary. A resilient member dampens relative motion of the head assemblies. As a photographer moves the camera to capture a scene, force is transmitted from the photographer's hands via the mounting head through the monopod. The photographer maintains a level horizon as the monopod tilts. A test apparatus enables design of a resilient member for desired interaction with selected classes of equipment.

Abstract: A monopod includes an elongated housing and a pneumatic actuator having a cylinder bounding a compartment in which a pressurized fluid and/or gas is contained, and an elongated piston having a piston head mounted in the compartment and a piston rod movable along a longitudinal axis through an upper open end of the housing when the pressurized fluid is released. A support for a portable device, such as a camera, is mounted on the piston rod exteriorly of the housing. A foot-operated control is mounted on the housing adjacent its base. The control is movable by pressure exerted by a user's foot to a control position in which the pressurized fluid and/or gas is released to jointly move the piston rod and the support to an adjustable elevation relative to the base.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to long-fiber-reinforced two-phase incompatible matrix-fiber composites which include fibers wetted completely by an incompatible mixture of thermoplastic materials. The resin mixture generally includes a polyester oligomer/polymer combination and a high polymer thermoplastic resin. The composites of the disclosure exhibit a reduced level of fiber attrition after melt-processing into articles, and show substantial improvements in mechanical properties.