Abstract: A laser welding apparatus and method utilizes a pressure foot carried on a laser welder as the laser welder traverses an elongated weld line. The foot is L-shaped comprising a vertical mounting leg for attachment to the welder and a horizontal pressure plate at the lower end of the mounting leg. The pressure plate includes a cylindrical bearing element that creates a contact area with the items being welded that closely surrounds the weld site being contacted by the laser beam. At least one adjustable biasing unit forces the pressure plate into engagement with the items being welded to tightly press such items against an underlying support surface to cause close contact of the items only adjacent the weld site. Since the pressure foot is carried on the welder, the contact area of the pressure foot will move in concert with relative motion between the welder and the support surface to traverse along the weld line. No other clamps are used.

Abstract: A suspension arm mounting assembly for mounting a single or a pair of suspension arm assemblies to an actuator arm. The mounting assembly includes spaced finger projections extending from a base plate member of the suspension arm which extend through a hole in the actuator arm and include shoulder portions for snapping to and being secured against the opposite surface of the actuator arm.

Abstract: Hybrid suspension arm assemblies for use in magnetic head/arm assemblies. The suspension arm assemblies utilize plastic components in conjunction with steel to provide excellent damping and rigidity. The hybrid suspension assembly requires much more input amplitude before resonance would become a problem.

Abstract: Magnetic head suspension assemblies are improved by adhesively bonding a flexible circuit to a suspension. Damping is provided as well as a reduction in height.

Abstract: A rotary cutting assembly with an automatic filament feed. The assembly includes a driven member which is coupled to a drive source and contains a storage spool for the cutting line. The line or filament is automatically advanced from the spool upon displacement of the same through engagement of a ground engaging hub with a surface. Such displacement causes operation of a ratchet means mounted in part on the movable spool or associated therewith and in part on the driven member to permit a limited rotary displacement of the spool within the driven member during rotation of the driven member.

Abstract: A rotary cutting assembly with an automatic filament feed. The assembly includes a driven member which is coupled to a drive source and contains a storage spool for the cutting line. The line or filament is automatically advanced from the spool upon displacement of the same through engagement of a ground engaging hub with a surface. Such displacement causes operation of a ratchet means mounted in part on the movable spool or associated therewith and in part on the driven member to permit a limited rotary displacement of the spool within the driven member during rotation of the driven member.

Abstract: A visual marker means for attachment to the floatation gear of a water skier to enable the skier to be more readily detected when down in the water. The marker means includes a staff having a flag member secured to the upper end thereof, and attachment means are secured to the lower end of the staff to permit releasable attachment of the staff and flag member to the floatation gear of the water skier. The attachment means includes a resilient belt or strap member which is coupled at its upper end to the staff, and at its lower end to the staff securing buckle or plate, the attachment being such that the belt and the staff form a closed loop for the attachment of the safety flag to the floatation gear of the skier.

Abstract: An open-face spinning reel having a conventional line spool assembly, spool cap means, and line bail means, the reel structure being further provided with an adjustable drag mechanism for controllably adjusting the rotation of the line spool upon the spindle shaft. The drag assembly includes an indicator bezel which is arcuately fixed to the spindle shaft. A drag adjustment knob means threadedly engaged upon the spindle shaft applies a drag force against the indicator bezel and the drag assembly, the adjustment knob means having indicia cooperatively arranged with indicia on the indicator bezel so as to provide for an absolute indication of the force being applied to the drag assembly and accordingly the amount of frictional force resisting free rotation of the line spool.