Abstract: An underpinning machine includes a worktable (11) having a central recess (17) housing one or a pair of underpinning heads (20,21; 120). The or each head has a magazine (18,19) of V-nails or wedges associated with it. In a single head version, the underpinning head (120) is power driven between two stop positions and is capable of operation by a drive plate (27) power operated (28,29) from spaced pneumatic rams disposed below the worktable. In another embodiment, two underpinning heads (20,21) are both selectively positionable within the area of the drive plate (27). The operation of the drive plate therefore automatically operates the underpinning heads whatever their position relative to fixed guides (31,32) of the apparatus which locate framing members (42) to be underpinned.

Abstract: A two-stage float actuated shut-off valve for use in underground fuel storage tanks utilizes a drop tube coaxially mounted within the storage tank fill pipe. Fuel flowing into the tank is passed through the drop tube which projects downwardly into the interior of the tank to a valve housing located at the lower end of the drop tube. Floats slidably mounted in a recessed area in the housing outside of the drop tube within the tank independently operate pivoted valve doors to a closed position within the valve housing, a lower float closing one valve door to block a major portion of incoming fuel flow passage when the level of fuel in the storage tank reaches a predetermined first level and a second upper float causing the secondary valve door to overlap an aperture in the main valve door to almost completely close the flow of fuel to the tank.

Abstract: An air distribution plate for incorporation into a material conveyor or a material separator has a plurality of apertured zones alternately arranged along the length of the plate. The apertures in the first series of zones are inclined in the direction of the desired flow of material in the case of the conveyor and in the direction of the desired air flow in the case of the separator and the apertures in the second series of zones incline in the opposite direction by the same amount. Each zone in the second series of zones has fewer apertures than the zones of the first series of zones.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a needlework pattern display and visual guiding device. The device provides a mechanism for displaying a needlework pattern, and a mechanism for releasably attaching the pattern display mechanism to a needlework stretching apparatus. The device includes a mechanism for visually guiding a user to a desired position on the pattern, and a mechanism for attaching the guiding mechanism to the pattern display mechanism. Patterns affixed upon stretching apparatus can be displayed in varying positions in closest proximity to needleworking, while guiding the eyes, with minimal effort, to specific pattern symbols, thereby markedly reducing eye and neck strain while significantly increasing speed.

Abstract: A paint application device for painting a surface having an inside edge includes a handle, a paint application member and a guide member connected to the handle for guiding the paint application member with respect to an inside corner of the surface to be painted. Preferably, the guide member is extendible from the handle for an adjustable distance to adjustably set a desired distance between the inside corner and the paint application member. The guide member extends along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle. A wing screw is provided for holding the guide member in a desired extended position. The guide member preferably has at least one roller engageable with the inside corner of the surface to be painted. The guide member is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. A hinge tightening handle is provided to prevent rotational movement of the rotatable portion of the guide from a desired angular position.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing fluid having a volatile organic component from one container, for example, a fuel storage vessel to a receiving container such as an on-board fuel storage tank of an automotive vehicle with reduced discharge of organic vapors into the surrounding atmosphere, the apparatus including a filler cap having at least one positively sealing quick connect fitting through which fluid can be introduced which is releasable attachable with a mating fitting located on the filler nozzle of an external fluid delivery device.

Abstract: A watthour meter socket adapter includes at least one additional jaw terminal for receiving one blade terminal of a plurality of blade terminals of a watthour meter, which blade terminals are provided in a greater number than the available jaw terminals in a watthour meter socket which normally receive the line and load blade terminals of the watthour meter. The additional blade terminal extends through and outward from the watthour meter socket adapter housing. An electrical connector is mounted on the additional blade terminal externally of the watthour meter socket adapter housing for electrically receiving an electrical conductor in the socket adapter not normally connected to the line and load jaw and blade terminals in the socket adapter. A jumper is disposed within the watthour meter socket adapter housing and extends between selected additional jaw and blade terminals in the watthour meter socket adapter.

Abstract: A simulated vehicle includes body panels arranged in a simulated vehicle position and movably mounted on an internal support structure attached to a platform. The body panels are moved by a control unit in any of up/down, fore/aft, cross car and tilt directions. Certain of the body panels are formed of first and second telescopingly overlapping panel sections which are extendable and retractable with respect to each other by the control unit. The panel sections are configured to present a solid exterior surface in any extended and retracted position.

Abstract: A billiard/pool cue chalk holder includes a spool rotatably mounted in a housing, A spring mounted in the housing biases the spool to a first normal position; while allowing rotation of the spool in an opposite direction by an external force. A flexible line is wound around the spool and has one end extending outward from the housing and connected to a cue chalk block receptacle in the form of a hollow cubical body having closed side walls, a bottom wall and an open front end spaced from the bottom wall. A connector is attached to the housing to releasably connect the housing and the cue chalk block receptacle to an article of clothing worn by a player.

Abstract: A battery includes a case with two pairs of connectors mounted on exterior walls. One pair of connectors are connected to electroactive material within the case to form positive and negative electrodes. The other pair of connectors are interconnected by an insulated electrical conductor extending through the case. A jumper interconnects one connector of each pair of connectors to form a series electrical path through the interconnected modules. Separate connectors are complimentarily-shaped to the connectors in the case for releasably interconnecting a plurality of like modules together. The separate connectors may be mounted in a single planar carrier insertable between two adjacent modules. The carrier has guide members formed thereon to facilitate the alignment and positioning of adjacent modules with respect to each other. A voltage tap may be mounted on one of the separate connectors to provide an external voltage monitoring tap between interconnected modules.

Abstract: A passive process for selectively sensing analyte molecules in a fluid by reflection of acoustic waves from a sensing surface of a bulk accoustive wave quartz sensing device to which analyte molecules bind is provided. The sensing surface has a plurality of receptors for which analyte molecules have an affinity. The process has the following steps:i) contacting a fluid in which analyte molecules are suspected with the sensing surface so that acoustic waves are reflected from the sensing surface;ii) directing acoustic waves at the sensing surface; andiii) detecting a change in a characteristic of acoustic waves reflected from the sensing surface due to analyte molecules binding the receptors. The change in a reflected acoustic wave characteristic being measured by electrical means detecting values which are related to the amplitude and phase of the reflected acoustic waves.

Abstract: A fuel pressure pulsation dampener valve is disclosed as having a housing with an internal chamber into which inlet and outlet tubes communicate to transfer fuel under pressure to the fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine. The outlet tube of the valve includes a plurality of ports which are positioned in the valve below the normal operating fuel level of the engine while the opening from the inlet tube through which fuel is supplied to the interior of the valve is positioned above such fuel level. A bleed orifice above the inlet tube opening communicates the interior of the valve to the return line of the fuel system.

Abstract: A small-sized air cushion vehicle includes a hull having a planar bottom surface with an upstanding lower flange disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface. A plurality of apertures are formed in the peripheral flange. An upper hull is mounted on the lower hull and includes a centrally located occupant area. The upper hull engages the lower hull to form a hollow plenum chamber extending internally around the periphery of the upper and lower hulls. A plurality of inflatable members are mounted on the exterior surface of the peripheral flange and are each disposed in fluid flow communication with an aperture in the peripheral flange. A motor driven fan is mounted on the upper hull and directs a portion of an air stream rearward of the vehicle to propel the vehicle and another portion of the air stream into the plenum chamber to inflate the inflatable members and to lift the vehicle a short distance above an underlying surface.

Abstract: A new device and method to detect the presence of live microorganisms are described. The device employs a liquid phase which supports microbial growth by utilizing appropriate media. A secondary phase which consists of semi-liquid material forms a barrier layer through which only small particles can diffuse and which prevent the presence of any large particles. Noise-free optical measurements are carried out at the barrier layer which are indicative of metabolic changes associated with microbial growth.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ozone from oxygen includes at least one discharge electrode and counterelectrode which are separated by a dielectric of high heat conductivity and tightly bear on the dielectric that is cooled in a direct manner. The discharge electrode, around which oxygen flows, forms a non-closed surface and is in the form of a wire. By applying an electric field, the discharge electrode triggers a discharge in the gas space surrounding the discharge electrode and on the dielectric. The discharge electrode is made of molybdenum, tungsten, niobium or tantalum and is directly exposed to the oxygen flow.

Abstract: A pressurizable flushing toilet includes a pressurizable water container having a movable stopper closing a water discharge outlet in the container. A controller energizes a solenoid to move the stopper between an outlet closing position and an outlet opening position. A water level sensor is mounted in the container and supplies a signal to the controller indicative of the build-up of a predetermined level of water within the container. The controller activates a compressor to pressurize air in the container above the water to a predetermined pressure level. A pressure sensor is mounted in the container and generates an output signal when a predetermined pressure level is reached within the container.

Abstract: An induction coil for joining structural members by heating a bonding material disposed between the structural members. The induction coil includes first and second elements disposed in a non-parallel arrangement adjacent one surface and along one side edge of two juxtaposed structural members. In one embodiment, the first and second elements are joined together at adjacent ends. A base and a riser are connected to intermediate spaced ends of the first element for attaching the induction coil to a source of high frequency electrical current. The first and second elements, the base and the riser are formed of hollow, tubular members to form a coolant flow path therethrough.

Abstract: A drive mechanism with a symbol-carrying, rotary symbol carrier, particularly for use in coin-operated gaming machines. The drive mechanism for the symbol carrier is a motor-gear combination, which drives the symbol carrier in such a way that it rotates about two rotation axes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a break-away clutch for a robot end-of-arm tooling device for placement between a robot and a tooling device. The break-away clutch comprises a housing having a forward surface, a stud member, and a top plate having an underside facing surface. The housing has one end closed to form a cavity. The cavity holds a compression spring, and a piston that encapsulates the spring. The stud member has a ball end at one end resting on the piston and a distal end attached to the end-of-arm tooling device. The piston moves axially within the cavity and reacts to movement of the stud member. Notches located on the stud member, and pins located on the underside facing surface of the top plate translate rotational movement of the stud member to axial movement of the piston. A sensing device senses axial movement of the piston when the piston compresses the spring, and send a signal to the robot or end-of-arm tooling device if movement is beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A load indicating socket tester includes a base and an annular sidewall. A plurality of pairs of line and load terminals are mounted in and extend outward from the base for removable insertion into electrical contact with jaw terminals in a watthour meter socket. A cover closes an open end of the side wall of the housing and has fuses, lamps, an amp meter, and a lamp test switch mounted thereon. The fuses and lamps are preferably provided in pairs and electrically connected with the lamp test switch such that the switch, when in a first position, connects each lamp in parallel with one of the fuses and, when in a second position, electrically connects each lamp in series with one of the fuses to test the operation of each lamp. A current transformer is mounted within the housing and detects the current drawn by a load when the socket tester is mounted in a watthour meter socket.