Abstract: A locking system for a tape measure includes a locking pad located inside the case in which the coiled tape measure is contained. As the tape is dispensed from its case, the locking pad locks the tape against the inside of the housing. When it is desired to unlock the tape, a force from the side of the tape housing causes the locking pad to lift out of its position in contact with the tape. The tape is then recoiled into the housing.

Abstract: A microfuse (10) with a ceramic chip (12), thick film pads (14), fusible wire (16), attached to pads (14) without solder or flux, in an insulating enclosure or fuse tube (40). Ferrules (42) are attached to metallized areas (14) with solder (44). Performance and manufacturing of fuse (10) is improved by utilizing a wire bonding technique to improve the quality of the manufacturing process and increase the reliability of the fuse, and to reduce manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An accurate, setting-protected, temperature controlled soldering iron has a control circuit including a non-adjustable replaceable resistor mounted near the junction of the handle and the tube which holds the soldering tip. When it is desired to change the temperature of the soldering tip, the handle must be disassembled from the tube to replace the non-adjustable resistor. Very accurate control of temperature at the soldering tip is maintained by the utilization of different laser trimmed resistors having extremely accurate resistances. A window is provided in the soldering handle to observe a number associated with the value of the non-adjustable replaceable resistor.

Abstract: A space saving multipole fuse block 20 wherein side poles 32 are tilted outward approximately 30.degree. from center pole 30. In control panels for electrical equipment it is necessary to save space by minimizing the base area of components. Tilting side poles 32 to put the bottom of fuse clips 24 on side poles 32 under the fuse clip 24 of center pole 30 and also using fuse clips 24 with a U-shaped base results in further space saving.

Abstract: A rail mounting apparatus 10 comprising a spring clamp holder (20) and spring clamp (30). Rail mounting assembly (10) is attached to the bottom of a fuse block (52) and is used to clamp the fuse block (52) to a rail (50) such as a DIN rail in an electrical panel. Arms (36) on spring clamp (30) rests against tang (26) of spring clamp holder (20) so that arms (36) flex against tang (26) and rail clamps (32) and (28) grip the rail (50) mounted in the electric fuse panel.

Abstract: Track lighting apparatus is disclosed which includes a track section, plug box and plug connector designed to incorporate two lighting circuits independently controllable within the same track section. The track section includes a neutral bus and a grounding bus on one lateral side and two independent voltage busses on its other lateral side. The head of the plug box inserted in a bottom slot running the longitudinal length of the track section, may be rotated into position in only one direction, thereby preventing inadvertent connection of neutral and grounding contacts to voltage busses and vice versa. The plug box head has a voltage contact which may be mechanically moved between two positions for alternative connection to either of the voltage busses of the track when the plug head is connected to the track.

Abstract: A snap action switch is provided with an operating member in the form of an operating lever and a one piece actuating lever with a compression spring interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A distribution line switchgear control which is particularly suitable for use with recloser switchgear which requires small amounts of power from the control for operation. The control is most usefully powered for continued operation by small amounts of line current provided through a power source current transformer and includes multiple capacitors which are arranged in a cascaded control power supply having a plurality of isolated stages. The line current is precisely monitored through sensing current transformers by the control which causes the recloser to trip, reclose and lockout, as is appropriate to protect the distribution line and distribution electricity. Inhibit circuits prevent the control from issuing a trip signal, unless sufficient energy exists in a trip portion of the cascaded power supply. A variety of volatile timers and counters enable the control to cause the recloser to trip, reclose and lockout.

Abstract: A fluid pressure sealing assembly 40 adapted for bi-directional sealing of the annulus between two coaxially disposed cylindrical surfaces 16, 48 and including a stack of packing rings 41 sandwiched between a pair of retainer rings 43, 45. The packing assembly is held together by a plurality of pins 80, each of which extends through aligned openings in the packing rings 41 and into blind bores 81, 82 in the respective retainer rings 43, 45 on both sides of the packing rings. The surface of a retainer ring at each end of the sealing assembly 40 which is to be exposed to fluid pressure in the annulus is of greater area than the surface contact area of the adjacent packing ring 41 contacting the retainer ring because of the cross-sectional area of the pin holes so that the force which is transmitted to the packing rings from a retainer ring is amplified and increases the packing and sealing effect of the packing rings. Means 53 for mechanically applying a pre-load to the sealing assembly 40 may also be included.

Abstract: A swimming pool heating system includes in sealed tank, a refrigerant cooling coil system contained within the sealed tank and a water flow distribution manifold within the refrigerant cooling coil system. Cool swimming pool water is pumped through the water flow manifold such that is imparts a cyclical flow of water over the refrigerant cooling coil system. The warmth of the warmed refrigerant is imparted to the cool swimming pool water and the warmed swimming pool water then exits the water flow manifold and is returned to the swimming pool.

Abstract: A braking device controls retraction of the tape blade of a retractable blade tape measure. The tape measure includes a tape measure case and a coiled tape blade inside the case. A motor mechanism retracts the tape blade into the case. A braking device contacts the coiled tape blade inside the case before the end of the tape blade strikes the case. The braking device reduces or stops retraction of the tape blade before the end of the tape blade strikes the case.

Abstract: A test fixture for comparing the performance characteristics of air feed drills includes a frame and a simulated linear thrust load. Included also is a peck counter, a linear transducer for measuring stroke length, and an rpm counter. These measurements are visually displayed and may be optionally used as inputs for the calculation of various operational ratios which may also be displayed.

Abstract: A switch apparatus comprising a switch mechanism including a first contact, and a second contact movable into and out of engagement with the first contact for respectively closing and opening the switch mechanism, an operating rod assembly connected to the second contact for moving the second contact into and out of engagement with the first contact in response to movement of the operating rod assembly, the operating rod assembly including an operating rod having an outer surface, a first end adapted to be connected to a prime mover, and an opposite second end, and a conductive member connected to the second end of the operating rod and to the second contact, the conductive member having a construction for reducing the magnitude of electrical stress adjacent the outer surface and for positioning electrical stress away from the outer surface, and a pressure vessel for enclosing the switch mechanism and the operating rod assembly and surrounding the switch mechanism and the assembly with dielectric gas.

Abstract: A self-igniting portable torch includes source of electrical potential mounted on the outside of the torch tip downstream of the orifice in a heat resistant housing and an electrode which extends into the mixing chamber. The source of electrical potential and the electrode are electrically coupled by a connector contained entirely within the torch tip.