Abstract: A buckle for securing together two ends of a material such as a leather belt. A bail having a cross-bar end is provided. Pivotally secured to the cross-bar is a tongue assembly having a main barrel and an articulating toggle. The toggle can be set into two different positions. When the buckle is closed, the end of the toggle is set into a detente such that the material that has been fed through the belt is minimally bent. When the toggle is set into the second position, the end of the toggle is positioned so that the toggle is substantially perpendicular to the hole end of the material so that the toggle can be easily inserted into one of the toggle holes in the material.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle for insertion of a male lug designed to resist the action of a belt pretensioner, comprises a load bearing frame with a catch bolt slidingly mounted thereon and adapted to be moved between an unlocked and a locking position in which it engages the inserted male lug, a release button adapted to be operated to slide the catch bolt into its unlocked position for release of the male lug, a multiple-arm locking lever for preventing unintentional displacement of the release button, a pivot axis for the locking lever, and an inertial mass body movably mounted on the locking lever. The locking lever has a first and a second arm and being mounted on the frame for pivoting about the pivot axis. The first arm of the locking lever is pivotally coupled to the release button. Abrupt changes in velocity of the buckle in two opposite directions, appear during the belt pretensioning.

Abstract: A singeing machine, especially for the flame treatment of carpets made in the tufting process, with a burner unit (3) and disposed downstream of the burner unit (3) a smooth roller (14) which has a moistened surface (15), and which smooth roller (14) is cooled, wherein the smooth roller (14) is so strongly cooled that its surface (15) is below the dew point.

Abstract: A lid support releasably locks a casket lid in an open position relative to a casket body. A curved arm with a curved slot is pivotably connected at one end to the lid and the other end having a circular opening at the adjacent end of the slot. A follower has a stem disposed in the slot and is movable therein as the lid is moved between its open and closed position. A tubular boss coupled with the stem is adapted to enter the circular opening under the influence of a spring to releasably lock the lid in its open position. Upon depressing the stem against the bias of the spring, the boss is adapted to be withdrawn from the opening and the stem is adapted to enter the slot to permit the lid to be moved to its closed position.

Abstract: A columbarium in the form of a structure includes a plurality of components forming urn chambers for receiving at least one urn. The front opening of each component is closed by a door. The components are arranged in horizontal rows with the side walls of the components being located next to one another. At least two rows of components are arranged on top of each other, wherein an upper of the two rows is rearwardly offset relative to the lower of the two rows so as to form a step. The structure may be pyramid-shaped with four corners, wherein the rows are arranged in a square configuration on a plurality of levels.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of machining workpieces such as crankshafts, camshafts or similarly shaped members, having surfaces which are disposed both concentrically and also eccentrically relative to a workpiece axis and which are rotationally symmetrical or approximately rotationally symmetrical. The machining of the concentrically curved surfaces is effected by means of turning, rotational broaching and/or turning-rotational broaching and the machining of the eccentric workpiece surfaces is effected by means of end-milling wherein the axis of rotation of the milling cutter is transverse with respect to the spindle axis 3, and the workpiece is subjected to cutting finishing machining and the clamping means.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing burrs from flame cut steel slabs having a rotating shaft and burr knocking members loosely mounted on the shaft for impact removal of the burrs.

Abstract: A ring compressor is provided including a resilient compression band for encircling, and applying a compression force to, the ring, and a band actuation device connected to the compression band for moving the compression band between a decompressed position in which the band ends are spaced and a compressed position in which the band ends are positioned in end to end, nonoverlapping abutment preventing further compression of the ring. The band actuation device may include an outer band encircling the resilient compression band and a hand operated lever assembly. The outer band provides radial support to the ends of the compression band to guide the first and second ends radially into abutment. A ring end axial alignment device may also be provided for guiding the ends of the compression band into axially aligned abutment when in the compressed position.

Abstract: A drill press including a vertically disposed support post and a pivot assembly supported upon the support post is disclosed. A table is supported on the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly is pivotable about a first substantially horizontal axis, with the table pivoting about the first horizontal axis jointly with the pivot assembly. The table also is pivotable relative to the pivot assembly about a second substantially horizontal axis. The pivot assembly also may be pivoted around a vertical axis defined by the post and may be raised and lowered along the vertical post. A clamp plate is adjustably secured to the table and a telescoping extension arm is fixably secured relative to the table by the clamp plate. A guide fence is slidably disposable along the upper surface of the table and may be secured at various locations. A clamp may be adjustably secured either directly to the table or to the guide fence to vertically clamp a workpiece on the table.

Abstract: Stator coil lead wires are coursed along complex, circuitous paths on the end of a stator core and trimmed at a precise predetermined distance from the stator core. Improved end effector wire-guiding tooling member are provided in place of conventional gripper jaws to permit the lead wires to be coursed along complex, circuitous paths. In addition, an improved lead pull assembly, improved temporary wire clamps, and a wire former assembly are provided.

Abstract: The drive unit is improved in precision while the number of its manufacturing steps is a minimum. The drive unit reduces its manufacturing cost, and comprises a base plate 1 assuming a predetermined shape in cross-section so as to form a pair of frame portions 2 in its opposite sides. The plate 1 is made of metal, formed by using an extrusion process, and provided with: a concave portion 4 with a central hole 3a through which a motor M is mounted on the plate 1; and, a mounting hole 3c through which a swing arm is mounted on the plate 1. The motor M has its spindle 5 mounted in the central hole 3a of the plate 1 in an insertion manner. The swing arm 6 has its base portion supported by a pivot 8 through a pair of ball bearings 7. The pivot 8 is mounted on the plate 1 through the mounting hole 3c in an insertion manner.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tool connectable to a robot for automatic installation of a sealing joint in a fillister or groove. The tool can be used, for example, for the automatic installation of a sealing joint around a vehicle door. The tool includes a frame designed to be attached to the wrist of a robot, and to which a functioning part of the tool is pivotally attached. The functioning part works in conjunction with the frame by means of pneumatic jacks which flexibly and precisely adapt the motion of the tool to the contour of the joint or of the element housing the joint along the path which the robot causes the tool to follow.

Abstract: A die bonding apparatus for separating a chip from a tested wafer including a plurality of chips and attaching the chip to a lead frame comprising a chip-transferring part for separating the chip from the wafer and transferring the chip to a place where a lead frame is prepared for die bonding; a stage where the transferred chip is placed; a bond head for compressing the chip and the lead frame to bond them together; and a lead frame-transferring part for transferring the lead frame to a predetermined place, the chip-transferring part being comprised of a first rectilinearly moving picking tool and a second revolving picking tool.

Abstract: A terminal feeding unit reducing preparation time and adapted for multi-item and small-lot production of wire harnesses and a multi-crimping apparatus employing the same are disclosed. Plural terminal feeding units (210) are incorporated into the multi-crimping apparatus (20). Each terminal feeding unit (210) has a carrier cutting section for severing a terminal portion (BS) from a terminal belt (B), a crimping section (214) located at a pressing position (A), and a feeding section (215) for feeding a terminal (T) to the crimping section (214).

Abstract: A power distribution structure for a multichip module and a method for fabricating the same are shown. According to the method of the present invention, a base plate is provided, a plurality of mesas arranged in a pattern are formed on the base plate, the mesas having electrically conductive upper surfaces which lie substantially in a single plane. A thin, conformal dielectric layer is then formed over the exposed surfaces of the mesas and the support base and a conductive material is deposited over the dielectric material filling the area between and surrounding the mesas. The resulting structure is then planarized, as by polishing, such that the upper surfaces of the mesas and the upper surface of the conductive material surrounding the mesas lie in substantially one plane and are electrically isolated from each other by the dielectric material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of a dielectric substrate panel suitable for supporting a plurality of independently packaged ICs. The substrate panel has a plurality of conductive landings arranged on its top surface, a plurality of conductive contacts arranged on its bottom surface and a multiplicity of electrically conductive vias. The vias pass through the substrate panel and are arranged to interconnect selected landings with their associated conductive contacts. The top surface of the substrate panel also includes a number of die attach areas. During packaging, dies are secured to their associated die attach areas on the substrate panel and electrically coupled to appropriate conductive landings. An encapsulant is then formed over each of the dies for protection.

Abstract: A method of producing a press-connecting connector, in which even if the insert molding is effected by pouring a non-electrically conductive material while supporting press-connecting terminals by a fixing pin within a mold, an exposed portion, resulting from the trace of the fixing pin, is covered with the non-electrically conductive material. In the press-connecting connector, press-connecting terminals for press-connecting sheathed wires are positioned by a fixing pin provided in a mold, and are insert-molded in a non-electrically conductive material. An exposed portion, formed by the fixing pin at the bottom of the press-connecting terminals, is closed by pressing and fusing a plurality of hole closure pieces, molded at the same time, together. Therefore, the efficiency of the operation is enhanced, and also the production cost can be reduced, and the highly-reliable press-connecting connector can be obtained.

Abstract: Manufacture of a liquid cooled cylinder head for an internal combustion engine is described which reduces incidence of casting fins that may block or impede coolant flow through the cylinder head. The head is cast without internal liquid coolant passages to interconnect the first and second cooling cavities. An opening is machined through an outer surface of the head to define a passage interconnecting the first and second cooling cavities to provide for communication of cooling liquid therebetween. The opening formed by machining through the outer surface of the head is closed. Throat area of the the passage may be selected to control coolant exchange between the first and second cooling cavities and additional passages may be machined in each head to provide additional coolant interchange or to vent air from the cooling cavities.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow controller has a valve which is controlled by a controller rod which is substantially pivotally mounted on a metallic diaphragm which stretches and unstretches with the movement of the rod. The actuation of the rod movement is by the expansion and contraction of an actuator wire which is heated for the expansion and allowed to cool for the contraction. The primary fluid flow path through the controller is straight. A sensor conduit, providing a parallel sensor fluid flow path, is connected in position using metallic sealer members which extend into openings to the primary fluid flow path and which are rounded along the direction through such openings. The pressure drop, along the primary fluid flow path, to create flow through the sensor conduit, is provided by a fluid flow restrictor having a core and having lengths of wire along the core which are squeezed between the core and a tapered fluid flow path wall in the vicinity of the sensor conduit input and output connections.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger using fluidic expansion, the heat exchanger having tubing sections interconnected to form at least one circuit for transporting a first heat transfer fluid and conductive fins secured to the circuit for increasing the surface area thereof and increasing the heat transfer between the first fluid and a second fluid flowing among the fins. The tubing sections are positioned in a predetermined manner and the fins are disposed therewith and along the length thereof. The inlets and outlets of the tubing sections are then interconnected to form said the fluid circuit. Next, the fins are secured in place so as not become damaged during the sealing of the interconnections, which follows immediately thereafter. Finally, the entire circuit is expanded to enmesh said fins by enclosing the volume of the circuit and introducing an expansion fluid therein at a pressure which surpasses the tube yield strength of the tubing and causes the walls thereof to expand radially outward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a sharp small radius bend in a rigid thermoplastic pipe having a close fitting metal sleeve without kinking or cracking in the thermoplastic at the bend. Furthermore, the invention comprises a rigid thermoplastic pipe having a metal sleeve with a bend formed in the area of the sleeve.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning a development roller includes a roller portion for conveying developer, and a plastic flange portion connected to one end of the roller portion to transmit a driving force; wherein after the flange portion and roller portion are separated, a part of the roller portion, which is deformed is removed, and a flange portion, which is longer in the axial direction of the roller portion than the separated flange portion, is joined with said separated and shortened roller portion.

Abstract: A cutting head for a nylon-cord mower and the like, comprising a case housing an inner spool on which it is wound at least a length of nylon cord, elastically loaded by a helical spring, with the two ends of said nylon cord protruding through pairs of annular members mounted on said case in diametrally opposed locations. The inner spool is formed by a cylindrical body with at least two holes aligned along an axis intersecting the axis of the spool, and that can be axially aligned with the two annular members for allowing the replacement of the nylon cord without opening the cutting head.

Abstract: A new and improved wallcovering creaser and trimmer with a tool portion having a rounded periphery. A threaded projection and a pair of projections are secured to the tool portion. A handle projection is integral with the rounded periphery. A radially extending aperture is formed through the rounded periphery of the tool portion. A blade portion has a first sharp edge, a second sharp edge, a central aperture and two oblong apertures formed through the center of the blade portion. The blade portion is secured on the tool portion. The first sharp edge is positioned within the radially extending aperture of the tool portion. The second sharp edge is positioned with one end extending outwardly of the rounded periphery of the tool portion.

Abstract: A rotary cutter includes an elongated handle having a gripping portion connected to a platform having a peripheral edge. A generally circular blade is rotatably mounted on a shaft extending through an aperture formed in the platform. The cutter also includes a blade guard having an arcuate portion. The guard is rotatable by the user to expose the cutting edge of the blade prior to using the cutter.

Abstract: An adaptable tip sensor is useful for detecting the angular tipping of an object relative to a selected frame of reference. The sensor comprises a case that defines a two dimensional straight sided V-groove in which a disk can roll. A sensing device detects the presence or absence of the disk within the apex of the V-groove. As long as the object does not tip to a predetermined angle, the disk remains in the V-groove apex, and the sensing device produces a first signal. If the object tips to the predetermined angle, the disk rolls out of the V-groove apex, and the sensing device produces a different signal. Fluid in the case damps spurious vibrations. A labyrinth and air bubble in the case enhance desired rolling of the disk when the predetermined tipping has occurred.

Abstract: A compressed gas system comprises a pressure generator and a consuming installation, a gas drier disposed between the pressure generator and the consuming installation, and an in-flow line connecting the pressure generator to the gas drier. Desirably, an out-flow line connects the gas drier to the consuming installation. A by-pass line also connects the pressure generator to the gas drier in parallel to the in-flow line. The by-pass line includes a pressure-controlled blocking device, such as a check valve, which allows the passage of gas from the pressure generator to the gas drier only when a predetermined opening pressure has been reached.

Abstract: An attachment for a hair dryer is provided which is allowed to move relative to the barrel of the hair dryer in use. This is achieved by forming the attachment in two parts, a first part being a tool member for actually performing the desired function of the attachment, and the second part being a connecting member for fixing the attachment to the barrel of the hair dryer. Each of these parts is formed with a complementary part-spherical portion which are disposed one within the other to form a rotatable joint in the manner of a ball-and-socket joint. The attachment can take any of a number of conventional forms.

Abstract: A process for treating paint sludge in which previously cured paint sludge powder is used as a diluent and mixed with wet paint sludge. The paint powder/sludge mixture is agitated and heated to cure the paint sludge. Processing can occur either continuously or in batch mode, and can be accomplished using a mixer charged with heated gases, or a heated mixer.

Abstract: A wide printed paper web is longitudinally separated into at least two partial paper webs after the last printing unit of a printing press and before being dried. The plural partial paper webs are dried in a drying device on separate or the same level. The partial paper webs are dried in a smudge-free manner and are free of longitudinal creases or folds.

Abstract: A two piece shoe bottom construction including a platform structure and a heel structure. The platform structure has a forward toe support portion and a rear raised portion, the rear raised portion being elevated substantially above the toe portion so that it will correspond to a particular height of a heel portion. The heel structure has a heel portion and a downwardly inclined protruding tongue portion integrally formed with the upper front part of the heel portion. The protruding tongue portion has a concave shaped lower side. An alignment anchor is integrally formed with the protruding tongue portion and located at one end which is remote from the heel portion. The platform structure has a closed cavity which extends from the middle of the toe portion through the end of the rear raised portion.

Abstract: An exercise shoe is capable of adapting its fit while being worn. The shoe has a quarter which is split into an upper portion and a side portion on each side of the shoe. In the gap between the upper portion and each respective side portion is an elastic gore which will stretch to permit the upper portion and side portions to move apart from each other as the foot moves during exercise or should the foot swell while being worn. A comfortable fit may be maintained without manipulating the shoelaces. The elastic gore has a substantial resiliency to pull the upper and side portions of the quarter back together as the foot contracts to maintain a secure fit.

Abstract: A protective overshoe which reduces the risk of injury from industrial impact, compression, chemical, puncture, and electrical hazards and simultaneously protects both a foot and a street shoe worn by the foot. The overshoe may include a protective sole, a protective upper, and a toe box. The protective sole is made with conventional materials such as butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, nitrile, and combinations thereof. An optional puncture guard in the sole protects against punctures. The protective upper is large enough to substantially cover the upper of the street shoe. Protective uppers are made of the same or similar materials as those used in the protective soles. The toe box, which substantially covers and protects the user's toes, is formed of a conventional rigid material such as steel, rigid plastic, or fiberglass. The overshoe may also include a metatarsal guard, an upper which extends up along the user's calf, or a strap for tightening the overshoe about the street shoe.

Abstract: An athletic shoe formed of a sole, an upper attached to the sole and including an ankle portion extending around the medial and lateral malleoli, and an inflatable bladder attached within the ankle portion. The inflatable bladder has a medial section and a lateral section, with an inlet mechanism for supplying pressurized gas to the interior of the bladder. Weld lines divide the medial and lateral sections into upper and lower portions and prevent the formation of restrictive vertical columns of pressurized gas in the medial and lateral sections.

Abstract: A ski boot that satisfies both the ease of operation and a sense of fitness, having a shell including a lower shell for covering mainly a part lower than the ankle, an inner cuff fixed to the lower shell for covering mainly an upper part above the ankle, and an outer cuff fixed to the lower shell and the inner cuff to be clamped by buckles in a manner to wrap the inner cuff from outside. The lower shell is restricted to rise at both side portions thereof at both sides of the leg approximately to a height of the ankle. The inner cuff includes at least side walls for covering the upper part above the ankle at both sides of the leg and, front walls for supporting the shin. To the outer cuff are fixed upper buckles for clamping a calf portion and lower buckles for clamping an ankle portion.

Abstract: A shoe activated sound synthesizer device that enables movement of a shoe to be translated into audible sounds. The sound synthesizer device consists of a shoe in which there is disposed at least one trigger element capable of producing a trigger signal when the shoe is flexed to a predetermined degree. As the shoe is worn and is brought into contact with the floor, the shoe is flexed. By bringing different parts of the shoe into contact with the floor in a controlled manner, a person can selectively control the production of trigger signals from any trigger element contained within the shoe. A sound synthesizer circuit is provided that is coupled to each trigger element contained within the shoe. The sound synthesizer circuit produces an audible sound, via a speaker, when a trigger signal is received from the shoe.

Abstract: A retainer pin assembly for releasably securing a ground engaging tool in position relative to an implement such as an excavator bucket, shovel and the like. The ground engaging tool is configured to fit about an apertured portion of the implement. Those portions of the tool fitting about the implement define a pair of axially aligned holes. The retainer pin assembly includes an elongated retaining pin extending through the aperture defined by the implement and the axially aligned holes in the tool for securing the tool to the implement. The retaining pin of the assembly is operably secured toward a central portion of the pin in positive locking relationship relative to the implement to inhibit axial or endwise movement of the retaining pin within the bore of the implement.

Abstract: An ammunition transport for use in a repeating weapon includes a transition component that presents a pair of converging sloped surfaces so that cartridges provided in a side-by-side fashion from a cartridge magazine may be transferred to a cartridge chamber of the weapon.

Abstract: Rifling for the barrel of a firearm includes a first gain twist region for increasing the rotational velocity of a bullet as it travels from the breech towards the muzzle end of the barrel, and a second region in which the rifling is of a constant twist so that the bullet exits the muzzle end of the barrel at a constant rotational velocity. The bore defined in the barrel is tapered in a direction from the breech end to the muzzle end so that the diameter of the muzzle opening of the barrel is less than the diameter of the breech opening. The angle of the rifling is variable with the rate of the gain twist of the rifling. The gain twist of the rifling in the barrel is formed by a button, preferably having a sinusoidal shaped periphery, which is pulled through the barrel during the manufacturing process. The smooth periphery of the button prevents shredding of the barrel when the button is twisted at different speeds to provide the variable gain twist of the rifling in different sections of the barrel.

Abstract: A process for growing a light weight, transportable sod-mat and for facilitating the implantation of such a mat on a lawn bed comprises germinating lawn-grass seeds (5) in a thin layer of growing medium (4) spread over a mat of non-woven polypropylene (3) laying on an impermeable membrane (2). After germination, the mat and the inseminated growing medium is installed over a layer of porous material such as decomposed granite covering a conditioned subsoil. Drip irrigation lines are run through the upper region of the porous material.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for increasing the size of a rose head prior to cutting the rose head from its plant comprising at least partially preventing the rose head from opening prior to cutting the rose head from the plant. This is accomplished by constricting the rose head with an elastic material wrapped around the rose head. The elastic material is preferably a netting sleeve having at least one open end suitable for placing over the rose head, the netting sleeve being comprised of an elastic netting material such as nylon or rubber capable of stretching so as to fit snugly over the rose head. In particular, the rose head is at least partially constricted for a predetermined time period prior to cutting from the plant.

Abstract: An article forming system for forming at least one sheet of material into an article, such as a decorative flower pot cover for example, and a novel article formed utilizing such a system. The article forming system includes a male die, a female die and a platform having a support surface and an opening extending through the support surface. The female die is disposed generally within the opening in the platform with the upper end of the female die being disposed near the support surface. The article forming system includes means for slidingly holding portions of the sheet of material generally against portions of the support surface while permitting such held portions to slide on the support surface during the forming of the article for cooperating in forming a decorative border on the decorative flower pot cover type of article which flares generally away from the flower pot object when the decorative flower pot cover article is applied to the flower pot.

Abstract: A compact blind system capable of controlling the amount of light, heat or air flow entering a room by means of multiple, independent slat systems. The slats can work either in combination or independently with each other and can be fit either inside multi-pane glass windows or doors or simply used with existing openings.

Abstract: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash relative to a frame with a raised surface along a frame sill thereof, wherein the operator includes a base having a first support surface, an aperture and a bottom exterior surface with a slot therein, the base attached to the frame with the raised surface fitting substantially within the slot. The operator also includes a cover secured to the base and having a second support surface with a hole therethrough defining an internal shoulder, the second support surface mating with the first support surface. A post extends from the cover and through the aperture in the base when the operator is assembled. An arm is pivotally secured to the post and attachable to the sash to control the movement of the sash between open and closed positions. A worm driveably engages the arm and has a worm shaft and a worm shoulder disposed on the worm shaft.

Abstract: A mullion latch is provided that will firmly secure a mullion post and yet permit the mullion post to be readily removable and reinstallable without tools. The mullion latch is used in conjunction with a double door opening that is designed to accommodate two single doors making use of the mullion post for their locking mechanisms, such as panic rim devices. Adapters are provided which may be used with the mullion latch in combination with a variety of mullion shapes, extruded or otherwise, that are employed in double door mullion assemblies, thereby negating any need to replace existing mullion posts when being adapted to employ the mullion latch. An assembly kit is provided for retrofitting or adapting existing mullion posts to be readily removable and reinstallable which includes the mullion latch combined with an adapter for use with a variety of existing moveable hollow core mullion shapes.

Abstract: A frangible window panel mounting system for mounting an automotive window panel onto a window regulating mechanism for raising and lowering the window panel of a vehicle includes a U-shaped spring clip and a mounting flange for attaching the window panel to the window regulating mechanism. The U-shaped spring clip has a horizontal base member and first and second leg members extending upwardly from the base member, thereby forming a U-shaped channel for receiving a bottom edge of a window panel. The mounting flange is downwardly depending from, and coupled to the horizontal base member of the spring clip. The mounting flange is frangible so as to allow the spring clip to detach from a window regulating mechanism upon a side impact of the vehicle to thereby minimize the likelihood that the window panel will shatter.

Abstract: The present invention involves a finger door guard device and method for covering the gap between an open door and its frame. The guard protects children or others from getting their fingers pinched by this gap when the door is moved from an open to a closed position. The guard is comprised of an elongated member having two edges, one of which is pivotally attached to the door frame, and the other of which is free-standing and rests against the surface of the door. The bottom surface of the guard is spring biased to the door frame so that the finger guard is biased to move with the door as it opens and closes. The method involves pivotally attaching a member to a door frame and biasing the surface of the member toward the frame.

Abstract: An access panel for installation over an opening in panelling of a wall or ceiling of a structure includes a plate having two opposite side edges and a positioning flange extending rearwardly from a rear surface of the plate, this flange being located inwardly from adjacent edges. The panel includes two elongate clamping elements, each extending towards a respective one of the side edges from a central region of the plate attached to a rear side of the plate. Each clamping element is made of a resilient springy material so that an outer end portion can be pulled away from the plate during installation. These elements are used to secure the panel to opposite sides of the opening. Preferably each clamping element has a special profile to enable fast and easy installation over the opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for structural deflection control, as well as associated sequential controls that are based on new control laws. The apparatus of this invention is of relatively low cost and performs better than prior art devices. The essence of the invention is to adjust the dynamic parameters (mass, damping, stiffness coefficients of the structure and/or input forcing coefficients) adaptive to input dynamic loads, by using the new devices and the suggested control laws. In so doing, the structure performs an adaptive function to effectively counter the effects induced by multi-directional external excitations. The required control power can be nil, or many times lower than prior art active control devices, and the effectiveness can be equivalent or even better than the current state-of-the-art active controls. The devices used by the apparatus of this invention can readily be manufactured for immediate application in structures, buildings and contents, and other constructed facilities.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sensory interactive multi media entertainment theater for presenting innovative, sensory oriented interactive productions combining live theater and motion picture technology in a 360.degree. visual effects theater building. The present invention relates to a theater comprising a circular arena having a 360 degree media surface and tiered seating on preferably hydraulic platforms that can be raised or lowered automatically. Seats may rotate by sections and follow the action of the show to ensure that the audience witnesses every aspect of the production. The individual seats may rotate via automated control and preferably include surround-sound speakers built into the headrests. Appliances built into the seats, armrests and nearby flooring can create a changing thematic environment to complete the sensory experience. A center stage along with stage runners may be hydraulically raised or lowered depending upon the production.