Abstract: A method is provided for colorizing an electronic schematic including a set of features, wherein each feature includes one or more elements. First, a set of features to be colorized on the schematic is identified. A color scheme is established that includes a color associated with each of the features. An element is associated with one of the features. The element is then automatically colorized based on the color scheme.

Abstract: An ear piercing stud comprises a machined piercing post of titanium or other metal suitable for being in contact with flesh, a stud head of material capable of being gold plated and a shield of a material suitable for being in contact with pierced flesh. The shield lies against the stud head where the post meets the stud head to shield flesh from contact with the stud head in use. The post, shield and stud head are made separately and are assembled with part of the post passing through the shield and engaged in the stud head to hold the post, shield and stud head permanently.

Abstract: A hinge assembly which includes two sleeves, two U-channels, a spring to effect pivotal movement between the sleeves and several links which both transmit drive force from the spring and act as an overcenter latch to lock the hinge assembly in an unfolded configuration. Each U-channel is disposed within one of the sleeves and is pivotally connected to the other U-channel to provide the pivotal connection between the sleeves. The spring and links are contained within the interior of the hinge assembly to provide a smooth, snag resistant exterior.

Abstract: A deployable truss which includes at least one foldable module. Each module includes two fixed frames, two gate assemblies, two base members and diagonal braces which are arranged for folding compactly. Foldable panels can also be attached to the module. The truss can include multiple modules sharing common fixed frames or common gate assemblies.

Abstract: A semi-self-contained hydraulic lash adjuster includes a generally cylindrical cup-shaped follower which will be positioned with the open side down, defining a chamber within the follower. A body is positioned axially within the chamber and is supported by a spacer whose periphery is attached to the follower. A plunger is reciprocally movable within the body and a high pressure chamber is defined between the plunger and body. A check valve in the plunger controls fluid access into the high pressure chamber. A diaphragm-type seal is peripherally attached to the body and is in sealing engagement with an internal surface of the follower. Fluid is positioned within the reservoir defined by the seal, which fluid is in communication with the high pressure chamber through the check valve.

Abstract: Brake horsepower of an internal combustion engine is determined rapidly and without necessarily removing the engine from a vehicle or other work installation and without requiring a complex test installation such as a dynamometer. It has been found that the power output of an engine at a specific engine speed and constant load, is a function of the rate of fuel consumption by the engine provided that certain readily detectable engine malfunctions are absent. A compact instrument, preferably using digital circuits to provide a horsepower readout, is coupled to the engine through a digitizing flow meter disposed in the engine fuel line and through a digitizing tachometer coupled to a rotating element of the engine, the instrument also having means connected to the engine to assure that readings are taken only under substantially constant load conditions.

Abstract: A special-purpose computer instrument is coupled to an engine through a digitizing flow meter which measures fuel consumption, a digitizing tachometer which detects engine speed and a device for signaling if the load on the engine should vary. Utilizing this electrical input data, the instrument calculates and displays engine power output by multiplying the known Specific Fuel Consumption factor (e.g., pounds of fuel per brake horsepower per hour) for the particular engine model by the time required to consume a predetermined quantity of fuel and by correction factors for units and fuel density if necessary. To minimize test time and to simplify test operations, the instrument performs computations other than division by measured test time prior to completion of the fuel consumption time measurement and then senses completion of the time measurement and automatically performs the final portion of the computation. The instrument may also display engine RPM.