Abstract: A die apparatus for assembling a part carried by a part strip onto a carrier strip is disclosed. The die apparatus includes a die housing defining an assembly station, with a portion of the die housing including a punch generally aligned with the assembly station. A part strip conveyor is provided and is adapted to convey the part strip to a position adjacent the assembly station, while a carrier strip conveyor is also provided and is adapted to convey the carrier strip to a position aligned with the assembly station. Accordingly, upon operation of the punch a part is separated from the part strip and inserted into a part receiving aperture of the carrier strip during a single punch stroke.

Abstract: An interposer for interconnection between microelectronic circuit panels has contacts at its surfaces. Each contact extends from a central conductor, and has a peripheral portion adapted to contract radially inwardly toward the central conductor response to a force applied by a contact pad defining a central hole on the engaged circuit panel. Thus, when the circuit panels are compressed with the interposers, the contacts contract radially inwardly and wipe across the pads. The wiping action facilitates bonding of the contacts to the pads, as by friction welding, or by a conductive bonding material carried on the contacts themselves.

Abstract: Methods for forming packages for housing an integrated circuit device are disclosed. In one embodiment, step 1 provides a plastic sheet having an adhesive first surface. Step 2 provides a patterned metal sheet on the first surface of the plastic sheet. The patterned metal sheet includes an array of package sites. Each package site is formed to include a die pad and a plurality of leads around the die pad. Step 3 places an integrated circuit device on each of the die pads. Step 4 connects a conductor between the integrated circuit device and the leads of the respective package site. Step 5 applies an encapsulating material onto the array. Step 6 hardens the encapsulating material. Step 7 removes the first plastic sheet. Step 8 applies solder balls to the exposed surfaces of the leads. Finally, step 9 separates individual packages from the encapsulated array.

Abstract: An improved impact tool head having separate and distinct pressing and cutting blades integrally molded therein. The impact tool head allows for independent and optimal material and dimensional design of the pressing blades and the cutting blades to minimize impact damage to a terminal block and to ensure longer useful tool life. Also, through the use of multiple components, the impact tool head is readily adaptable to a wide variety of different terminal block configurations. Furthermore, sets of pressing blades and sets of cutting blades may be formed with each set comprising a continuous piece of material in order to simplify manufacturing and to ensure uniformity of production. Additionally, the integral molded structure is designed to allow post-molding sharpening of the cutting blades in order to ensure blade uniformity to further improve blade durability.

Abstract: A method of repairing a heat exchanger tube in a steam generator includes the step of removing a degraded tube segment from an operative heat exchanger tube in a steam generator. A weld metal ring is then positioned between the operative heat exchanger tube and a new tube segment. The weld metal ring is then welded to the operative heat exchanger tube and the new tube segment to form a linking tube section. The linking tube section is then heat treated. The new tube segment is then expanded toward a steam generator tubesheet. Finally, the new tube segment is welded to the tube sheet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger comprising a core assembly having a plurality of tubes connected by an array of fins, with ends of the tubes extending from the fin array on at least one side of the core assembly and resilient, polymeric grommets disposed around the tube ends. The heat exchanger includes a tank portion for receiving fluid entering or leaving the core assembly and a header portion having openings to receive the tube ends and grommets to create a sealed, fluid-tight tube-to-header joint. There is provided a reinforcing member across the opening of the tube ends extending from the tube end opening to the portion of the tube end around which the grommet is disposed without substantially extending into the fin array portion of the core assembly. The header portion comprises a substantially planar base having openings therein with side and end walls extending out of the plane of the base and connected by one or more fluid-tight welds to the tank portion.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a work machine, such as a mining dump truck, comprises a rotatable wheel having inboard and outboard rims mounted thereto. The outboard rim is mounted to a segmented rim-mounting flange which is secured to the inboard side of a flange projecting from the wheel. A final drive adapter is secured to the outboard end of the wheel opposite the segmented rim mounted flange. The segmented mounting flange permits the use of a larger final drive ring gear than in known wheel assemblies. Moreover, because the mounting flange is segmented, it can be fastened to the wheel inboard of the gear reduction housing, which permits the final drive assembly to be serviced without removal of the outboard rim from the wheel. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a razor having a retaining mechanism assembly adapted to receive more than one blade with one of the blades being capable of lateral movement beyond the confines of the retaining mechanism assembly into a straight razor configuration. The retaining mechanism assembly has components for retaining and aligning the blades both within and beyond its confines. The retaining mechanism assembly has a pivotally attached handle to allow ergonomic adjustments to the shaving angle.

Abstract: A combined sheathing stripper and sheathing cutter tool for non-metallic sheathed cable. The tool includes a body that is used to retain a slitter-blade and a cutter-blade. The slitter-blade includes a first knife edge that is located on a first side of the tool body when the blade is mounted in the body and a second knife edge that is located on the other side of the tool body. The knife edges are oriented such that the first knife edge may be used for slitting a cable sheathing by pushing the tool while the first knife edge is engaging the sheathing and the second knife edge may be used for slitting a cable sheathing by pulling the tool while the second knife edge is engaging the sheathing. An opening is provided within the body and the cutter-blade includes a knife edge that faces the opening when the cutter-blade is mounted in the body. A cable sheathing that has been slit may be passed through the opening and cut off using the cutter-blade.

Abstract: A device including a scissor assembly for trimming synthetic braided hair extensions and a heating element for sealing the cut ends.

Abstract: The archery sight includes a mounting plate that is mounted on an archery bore. A sight support assembly is attached to the mounting plate by adjustment members. An elongated tubular sight tube is secured to the sight support assembly. A scintillating optical fiber rod is mounted in the forward end of the sight tube. A small diameter hole is bored in the center of the optical fiber rod. An opaque paint or a translucent material is placed in the hole. A tubular sleeve is mounted in the rear end of the sight tube. A light housing with a light and battery is secured to the mounting plate. A fiber optic cable carries light from the light housing to the forward end of the sight tube.

Abstract: A laser marking device for marking a reference point with laser light so that accurate measurements can be made to that point. The laser marking device includes a support bar that has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are adapted to slidably rest on the horizontal portions of an adjacent pair of T-bars of a suspended ceiling. An illuminating device emits a beam of light to illuminate a reference point. The illuminating device is slidably mounted to the support bar.

Abstract: The closed container for an clinometric sensor is assembled of a tube-like member with a circular cross section, and a pair of side boards shaped like a disc and closing both opening ends of the tube-like member. On the inside flat plane of one side board, a pair of first electrodes are formed with a gap passing the central axis of the tube-like member and trending in the radial direction of the tube-like member. On the other hand, on the inside flat plane of the other side board, a second electrode is formed through the approximately whole area thereof. In the closed container, an electrolytic solution of approximately a half of the volume thereof is injected.

Abstract: A ruler system for measuring workpieces includes a multi-surfaced ruler with rules inscribed along the edges of several surfaces. The ruler contains grooves and T-slots in its surfaces that run along the length of the ruler. In addition, apertures are located in the end surfaces of the ruler. The T-slots and apertures allow several accessories to be attached to the ruler for additional functionality. The accessories include a wheel attachment for drawing parallel lines, storyboard indicators for repeated measurements, a hook rule for measuring from the end of a workpiece, and trammel points for drawing arcs and circles. Connectors may be placed in the grooves of the ruler to link together multiple rulers.

Abstract: The ball diameter automatic measurement device according to the present invention preferably comprises a displacement sensor, a dividing plate, a slider and a measurement controller. The displacement sensor measures the diameter of a ball positioned in a measurement position. The dividing plate holds a ball to be measured and reciprocates the same between a predetermined position and the measurement position. The slider rotates the ball in the predetermined position by a predetermined angle when the dividing plate is moved. The measurement controller stores and outputs measured values obtained by repeated measurement and measurement after the rotation of the predetermined angle. According to the device, it is possible to measure a ball diameter accurately without being influenced by body temperature, air temperature and individual workmanship when the diameter of a ball is measured.

Abstract: A movable member is slidably mounted on a fixed member so as to be moved in a predetermined direction, and a linear sensor is attached to the fixed member, a slider is slidably mounted on the linear sensor so as to be moved in the predetermine direction. A fixed rack is attached to the fixed member, and a movable rack is slidably mounted on the fixed member and connected to the movable member so as to be moved in the predetermined direction. A first gear is pivotally mounted on the slider and engaged with the fixed rack and movable rack.

Abstract: A turf inspection instrument offering an expandable depth of field and enhanced vertical scale for observing and assessing turf conditions is provided wherein the instrument includes an end wall having a gauge surface carrying graduated measuring indicia thereon, opposing longitudinal ends, and arms extending therefrom to form a substantially U-shaped frame having an open end opposite the end wall. The end wall further has a beveled bottom edge for satisfactory turf penetration. A selectively adjustable viewing assembly is carried by the frame (i.e., between the arms) substantially parallel to the end wall for movement with respect thereto. The viewing assembly includes a prism and arm engaging members adapted to support the prism moveably upon the arms, with the prism being tiltably received by the arm engaging members. A turnbuckle assembly connects the arms near the open end of the frame.

Abstract: The micrometer includes a sleeve provided with an at least partially threaded inner surface and an at least partially threaded outer surface. The outer surface includes at least one deformable, tapered portion. A micrometric screw is engaged in the sleeve, and is able to be set in rotation with respect to the sleeve in such a way as to displace itself along the longitudinal measuring axis (x) of the device. A nut is engaged on the external threading of the sleeve and is able to be put in contact with the tapered portion in such a way as to deform it in order to adjust the play between the screw and the sleeve. The tapered portion is devoid of longitudinal slits; its deformability is provided by an external diameter variable along its periphery, preferably by an odd number of flat segments.

Abstract: A processing unit for a substrate has a vertical thermal processing furnace 4 having a bottom and an opening provided at the bottom. A boat holding substrates in vertical multistairs can be placed on a first lid, and the first lid can open and close the opening of the vertical thermal processing furnace with the boat placed thereon. The processing unit also has a boat-placing portion on which the boat and another boat can be placed and a boat conveying mechanism for conveying the two boats alternatively between the boat-placing portion and the first lid. A second lid hermetically closes the opening of the vertical thermal processing furnace when the first lid opens the opening but no boat passes through the opening. The processing unit can effectively reduce the undesirable influence from the opening when the first lid is taken off from the opening and the boat is conveyed out, and can also reduce the wasted energy by preventing the fall of the temperature in the interior of the thermal processing furnace.

Abstract: A toploading weighing instrumentality which determines loss on drying by a cylindrical microwave. The cylindrical cavity of the microwave includes a power supply, a magnetron, a power module operatively coupled between said power supply and said magnetron for driving said magnetron, a wave guide communicating with the magnetron and with a microwave containment chamber for delivering energy thereto, at least one microwave energy sensor for sensing microwave energy or magnetic and/or electric field strength within the chamber for controlling, inter alia, the loss on drying process of the sample being assayed and determining when the drying process is complete. A precision electronic balance is operatively disposed within the microwave chamber for allowing a specimen being assayed to be weighed. In addition, a ventilation chamber is provided for venting moisture from the microwave chamber.

Abstract: A blow box used in the drying section of a papermaking machine and a method for sealing a pocket provided with a blow box, and a blow nozzle. The blow box is arranged to eject air away from the space between a wire and the blow box and/or maintain an underpressure zone in this space. In the interface between the desired underpressure zone and an outside volume, the blow box is provided with a sealing element, such as a blow nozzle, protruding towards the wire to a certain distance “d” seen from the wire, for forming a seal between the underpressure zone and the area remaining outside the underpressure zone. The sealing element is connected to the blow box so that the element may be moved away from the wire to a distance “D” by a push and/or by an actuator, the distance “D” being greater than the distance “d”.

Abstract: A footwear ventilation system that introduces fresh air into a shoe upper using an air displacement chamber actuated by the downward force of a foot. The ventilation system comprises a lasting board and a ventilation unit comprising a one-way inflow check valve, an air displacement chamber positioned in the heel area, a set of non-pinching tubular channels connecting the inflow valve to the displacement chamber, and a one-way outflow check valve that expels air from the displacement chamber to the atmosphere. The lasting board is placed on top of the ventilation unit to evenly distribute the deceleration force produced by the ventilation unit. As a shoe contacts the ground under the user's weight, the foot compresses the displacement chamber, forcing air out of the outflow valve and into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The shoe system comprises a shoe that has a toe section and a heel portion. A shoe sole is disposed inside the shoe and has a groove defined therein. The groove extends angularly from an upper surface of the shoe sole rearwardly towards the heel portion of the shoe. A wedge section is removably attached to the shoe sole. A shoe insert has a stiff first member and a resilient second member attached to the first member. The second member is inserted into the groove. The second member has one side that may be thicker than the opposite side so that the second member is only twistable in one direction.

Abstract: A shoe insert includes a support layer having a bottom surface and a top surface opposing the bottom surface. The shoe insert further includes a cushion layer fixedly superposed onto the top surface of the support layer. The bottom surface includes a generally planar distal portion, a proximal portion and a medial portion interconnecting the distal portion and the proximal portion. The distal portion cushions the toes and the ball of the foot. The proximal portion supports the heel of the foot and has a centrally disposed depression concave and a generally planar border located posteriorly with respect to the centrally disposed concave depression. The centrally disposed concave depression and border together produce a medial and lateral wedging effect against the heel of the foot. The medial portion supports the mid-region of the foot.

Abstract: A grind shoe apparatus incorporating a variable friction grind plate complementally received in the recess of the shoe sole and having a downwardly facing trough and an outwardly facing rail with respective slide surfaces for contacting a support surface to slide therealong. Such plate further includes at least one speed control compartment positioned within one of such slide surfaces and having an insert removably carried therein for varying the frictional resistance occurring during sliding maneuvers.

Abstract: A telemark ski boot including a shell of plastic material and a sole is provided. The shell is provided with a pair of lateral walls and a flexible portion extending transversely to the shell in the metatarsus area from one side to the other of the sole. The shell includes a pair of stiffening elements which extend along respective lateral walls between an intermediate portion of the sole in proximity with the flexible portion and a rear portion of the shell.

Abstract: A removable ice cleat for an outer frame member of a snowshoe provides traction for snow packed and icy conditions. For looser conditions including powdery snow, the ice cleats are quickly removable thus making the snowshoe versatile for all weather conditions. The ice cleat is attached using a metal band clamp that is tightened by a screwdriver or nut driver thereby making deployment of the ice cleats possible while outdoors. The ice cleat has an ice pick that is clamped by the band to the bottom of the outer frame member of the snowshoe. Several ice picks can be clamped in this manner. The picks have legs that extend downwardly and outwardly from a mid portion thereof to pointed ends having a generally triangular shaped penetrating portion that maintains good penetrability even as the pointed end becomes dull.

Abstract: A pair of wing assemblies for attachment to a snow thrower or snow blower employing an impeller within a housing and having a forward opening therein to facilitate the feeding of snow to the impeller. The wing assemblies are pivotally attached to the sides of the housing. In a first operative position, suitable for use after a light snowfall, the wings are positioned so as to diverge forwardly and thus increase the catchment area of the snow to be fed to the impeller, thereby improving the efficiency of operation of the snow thrower. In a second operative position, the wings are positioned so as to diverge rearwardly so as to push snow away from the snow thrower and increase the width of the path cleared. An inoperative third position with the wings folded laterally in front of the snow thrower permits compact storage of the snow thrower without having to remove the wing assemblies.

Abstract: A multipiece excavating tooth assembly including an adapter, a digging or excavating tooth, and retaining pin structure for interconnecting the adapter and tooth in operable combination relative to each other. The tooth and adapter have a uniquely configured interface or conjuncture therebetween. Moreover, the conjuncture between the digging tooth and adapter is configured to advantageously orientate the retaining pin structure to avoid those problems inherent with conventional vertical and horizontal pin systems.

Abstract: A set of simple and economical components is used to transform an existing back lighted sign into a self-propelled scrolling banner display. Only two structural parts are used, and the electro-mechanical components are limited to a step-down transformer, a rectifier circuit, a pair of motors, and a switch and voltage step-down diode assembly.

Abstract: A display plate kit 10 is provided which allows a message display plate 20 to be attached to the rear bumper B of a vehicle V in various modes without the use of adhesives. In a first mode, the plate 20 may be attached to a tow ball T on a vehicle V by means of a top tab 30 having a slot 35 to receive a post P of the tow ball T which is threadably secured to a tow ball nut N. In a second mode, the plate 20 may be attached by means of bottom tabs 40 with holes 45 whose spacing corresponds to those of a standard license plate L so that the same screws 47 used to attach the license plate L to the vehicle V may be used to secure the display plate 20 to the front or rear bumper B of the vehicle V. In a third mode, the display plate 20 may be attached to a receiver R extending from a vehicle V by means of a tube 60 which is attachable to a front surface 24 of the display plate 20 and slidably mates with the receiver R.

Abstract: A modular, mobile sign assembly which has the appearance of a permanent installation including a base module formed of a frame with a set of height-adjustable support posts and a pair of wheels on an axle for movement of the unit between locations, and a display module mounted on the base module providing a lighted sign with display panels having a battery of fluorescent lighting tubes within the sign and a message formed of letters or tiles through which the light projects, and an electrical source, either self-contained by the use of batteries or solar panels or by connection to a remote electrical source. The base module is provided with an appearance of permanence by the use of fascia support panels which are mounted to depend from the upper edge of the base frame to adjacent the ground and removable horizontal panel sections which cover the upper surface of the base module and form seating thereon.

Abstract: A method for the fire control of flat trajectory weapons, which comprises the steps of measuring the target range and cross wind velocity along the intended projectile trajectory prior to firing the weapon and, using the know ballistic equations of the projectile, determining the expected vertical and horizontal deflection of the projectile and adjusting the weapon sight to compensate for said deflections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fish bait protector which is a mesh, tubular structure having an open end and a closed end, with the open end having a member for closing the open end located proximal to the open end so that the member can open and close the open end. The fish bait protector will slip over a baited hook and close, thereby holding the bait in proximity to the hook.

Abstract: A fishing lure is disclosed which is molded from the cast of a natural baitfish in a method which has increased the thickness in dimension of the original fins and tail section for the purpose of increasing the fishing lures durability and ease of manufacture.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus includes a buoyant collapsible pole assembly which has first and second elongated buoyant poles connected by a pivotal connection. The pivotal connection allows the first and second poles to pivot between an extended position wherein the poles extend in opposite directions from the pivotal connection, and a folded position wherein the poles extend in the same direction from the pivotal connection. A plurality of line storage and dispensing stations are attached to the pole assembly at spaced locations along the pole assembly.

Abstract: A fishing bobber which has a threaded rod positioned internally of the bobber, and which has a weight at one end. The weight can be adjusted along the threaded rod to alter the disposition of the bobber in the water.

Abstract: A sea trap (20) includes a first jaw (22) which cooperates with a second jaw (24). Jaws (22) and (24) are connected to a base (30), and the jaws (22) and (24), and the base (30) are covered with an animal-retaining enveloping material (26) such as netting. Jaws (22) and (24) are biased by springs (32) and (34) to a closed animal-retaining state. The sea trap (20) is placed in an open animal-receiving state and a trigger mechanism (28) is armed. An animal (500) activates the trigger mechanism (28) thereby causing the sea trap (20) to rapidly close to the animal-retaining state and capturing the animal (500) within the enveloping material (26). In a preferred embodiment sea trap (20) is used in a body of water (502) to trap marine animals (500). In this embodiment a float (50) provides a visual indication that sea trap (20) has been closed and an animal (500) captured.

Abstract: A method of exterminating gophers uses a pest exterminating apparatus which comprises a tank for storing anhydrous ammonia and a supply line connected to the tank for dispensing the anhydrous ammonia from the tank. The supply line can be connected to a gas valve in a gas dispensing position or a liquid valve in a liquid dispensing position. An elongate wand having a flexible tube mounted on a free end is connected to a dispensing end of the supply line for insertion of the flexible tube into a gopher's burrow. A person holding the supply line is spaced from the ammonia being dispensed due to the elongate wand. In use, the person positions the tank adjacent a gopher's burrow and inserts the flexible tube into the burrow. A lever on the dispensing end of the supply line allows a valve to be opened for dispensing a portion of the ammonia into the burrow. The tank may then be relocated adjacent another burrow.

Abstract: A fluid exchange system includes at least one container. A feed tube connected to a fluid source is positioned to dispense fluid into the container. A drain tube is connected to the container and is adapted to remove fluid from the container. The container is removable for cleaning.

Abstract: A stabilized turf (10) particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat (18) interposed between upper (24) and lower (16) layers of growth media, the mat (18) having a horizontally disposed, biodegradable primary backing (22) and generally upwardly extending fibers (20) secured thereto, wherein the fibers (20) extend above the upper layer (24) of growth media. Natural grass plants (26) extend upwardly above the upper layer (24), with the roots extending down through the backing (22) and into the lower layer (16). The mat (18) stabilizes root growth, particularly during initial grow in. The biodegradability of the primary backing (22) results in a loss of all or most of its horizontal structural integrity within a predetermined time period. The primary backing (22) may be treated with a decomposition agent to control the predetermined time period for decomposition, a stabilizing agent to assist in holding the upright fibers (20) or a growth agent for the natural turf grass.

Abstract: The improved hydroponic device is an invention that because of its unique design, is readily constructed by mostly standard off the shelf components. The invention is self contained, self cleaning, adjusts to various grow methods, is capable of pumpingly evacuating it's liquid contents, employs a pressure equalizing liquid harness and unique quick insert and quick release plant support baskets, and is modularly expandable.

Abstract: There is provided a plant container wherein there is an insert adapted to be placed within the container, the insert having a soil supporting member spaced from the bottom of the container, the soil supporting member having a plurality of apertures formed therein. There is at least a first liquid outlet from the container which is located between the bottom wall and the soil supporting member and also provided are gas communication means to permit gaseous communication to a space intermediate the liquid outlet and the soil supporting member.

Abstract: A window operator, particularly, operators for venting casement windows is provided. The base housing of the operator is of a plastic polymer, which is a non-corrosive and non-thermal conducting material. The top and bottom base components are then sonic welded with a heat-treated steel worm gear welded inside of the plastic base of the window operator creating a one-piece assembly. The worm gear and pinion gear with attached operator arm are placed within the base body before fusion welding the top body. The use of the plastic polymer for the base housing eliminates the possibility of corrosion of the base material. Also, the polymer does not require finishing or painting to protect it from corrosion.

Abstract: A door seal for an automotive vehicle that requires low insertion effort and high extraction effort, that makes correct insertion onto a weld flange easier, and that provides a complete seal even in tight corners without adversely affecting door closing effort. The seal attaches to a weld flange located around the perimeter of a side door opening of the automotive vehicle and has such features as a channel with hinged gripping fingers and digits, an anti-rotation member, a bulb shaped hollow sealing member, interior trim gap hiding lip and weld hiding member.

Abstract: A combination door assembly and partition system includes a plurality of partition panels configured to be abuttingly supported on a floor surface and detachably interconnected to form a workspace having an opening of sufficient size to permit user ingress and egress therethrough. The shape and size of the workspace in plan view can be readily varied. The door assembly includes a curved support panel having a curved bilinear plan shape. The curved support panel is interconnected with the partition system adjacent the opening of the partition system adjacent the opening of the workspace. A curved door having a curved bilinear plan shape is slidably interconnected with the curved support panel and defines a lower edge. At least one roller is mounted adjacent to the lower edge of the curved door for movably supporting the curved door on a floor surface.

Abstract: An adjustable bracing system is configured for supporting poured concrete wall systems and includes a vertical brace for engaging the wall. A slider slides vertically along a channel of the vertical brace. An adjustable length leg member connects at an upper end to the slider and extends outward away from the brace and connects at a lower end to a foot member. The leg is rotatably mounted at one end to a threaded member, wherein rotation of the leg in a first direction extends the threaded member and the length of the leg member, and rotation in a second opposite direction retracts the threaded member and shortens the length of the leg member. When needed, scaffolding framework mounts along a first edge to the slider.

Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90°). The base bracket is bent at an angle of 45° from the horizontal which provides extra strength and resistance to lifting from the horizontal according to I.C.B.O. tests. The locking bracket has a conforming bend.

Abstract: A motion-magnifying seismic shock-absorbing construction for placement in the frame of an extremely stiff building structure wherein there is a relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the building in response to a seismic event including a first link connected to the structure and having a shock-absorbing member therein, a plurality of additional links connected between the structure and the first link to transmit to the first link and to the shock-absorbing member therein the relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the structure due to the seismic event, and the plurality of links including a motion-magnifying linkage for magnifying the aforementioned relatively small relative movement so that a magnified movement is applied to the shock-absorbing member. A building structure containing a plurality of the above motion-magnifying shock-absorbing constructions.

Abstract: A factory made building such as a mobile home (10) utilizing a connector (32, 60) attached to each of a plurality of outrigger beams (18) for stabilizing the mobile home (10) against strong winds. The mobile home (10) includes a structural support beam such as an I-beam (16) and a plurality of outrigger beams (18). An outrigger connector (32, 60) with an L-shaped portion (34) including a slot (46) and a protruding portion (56) extending outward from the L-shaped portion (34) at a substantially perpendicular angle is attached to each outrigger beam (18) at the protruding portion (56). A hurricane strap (48) is attached to the slot (46) and to a ground anchor (88) to secure the mobile home (10).