Abstract: A lathe for turning a workpiece by means of a headstock and a tailstock includes a lathe bed having an elongate main support structure and bedrails extending along a side of the structure, these rails adjustably supporting the tailstock. Leg supports are provided at opposite ends of the support structure and two pivot connectors each join a respective one of the bed ends to a support leg. The bed can be pivoted about a horizontal axis extending through these pivot connectors between an upright position which can be used when the lathe user is standing and a sideways position which can be used when the user is sitting. In the upright position, the bedrails are on top of the main support structure.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a substantially cylindrical filter media and a pressure relieving structure. The filter media is adapted to allow fluid to pass from an exterior of the filter media to an interior space of the filter media. The pressure relieving structure is disposed at an upper end of the filter media, and the pressure relieving structure opens when a predetermined pressure level is established across the filter media to maintain the predetermined pressure across the filter media.

Abstract: A gripper assembly has an extended position and a retracted position. The gripper assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw that are each coupled for movement of a range of motion. The range of motion of each of the first jaw and the second jaw is independently adjustable from the range of motion of the other of the first jaw and the second jaw.

Abstract: A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator operative for moving the at least one gripper jaw. A support is fixed relative to the actuator for supporting the at least one gripper jaw. A stop member is removably affixable between the at least one gripper jaw and the support for limiting movement of the at least one gripper jaw.

Abstract: A gripper assembly includes at least one gripper jaw and an actuator head linked with the at least one gripper jaw. An actuator selectively operates to move the actuator head between a plurality of positions. A support is fixed relative to the actuator and includes a guide slot that guides the actuator head. One of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a channel and the other of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a guide member extending there from at least partially into the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously removing connector clips of a workpiece from a gauge. The present invention includes at least one gauging fixture having at least one aperture extending therethrough in a predetermined position. The at least one aperture is adaptable to receive a connector clip connected to the workpiece wherein the connector clip is engageable with the aperture between a non-engaging position, wherein the connector clip does not engage the aperture, and an engaging position, wherein the connector clip engages the aperture for securing the workpiece against the gauging fixture to gauge the position of the connector clip. At least one linear actuator is connected to the gauging fixture adjacent the aperture to move between a retracted position, wherein the connector clip remains engaged with the gauging fixture, and an extended position, wherein the linear actuator disengages the connector clip from the gauging fixture.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus is disclosed for water desalination including steps of transferring water vapor from salt-water in a vaporization zone 7, via a water vapor transfer zone 12, to a condensation zone 11, and condensing the water vapor into fresh-water. The water vapor transfer zone 12 is maintained substantially free of any gas other than water vapor. Heat is supplied to the vaporization zone 7 and extracted from the condensation zone 11, at relative rates such that there is a net transfer of water from the vaporization zone to the condensation zone. Also disclosed is a method of and apparatus for degassing salt water using at least two degassing chambers 17A, 17B each provided with a valved vent 47 and a valved inlet 21,29,90,91, with a valved pipe circuit 17a, 72-82,85-87, having a pump 71.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting air conditioning coolant lines. The apparatus comprises a coupler body, a coolant line, a flexible annular seal, a nut, and a deformable annular retainer. The coupler body has a passageway extending therethrough and a coolant line has an end portion disposed at least partially within the passageway. A flexible annular seal is disposed within the passageway in the coupler body for sealingly engaging the deformable annular retainer. The nut receives the coolant line therein and threadedly engages the coupler body. The deformable annular retainer engages with the nut and the coupler body, and the end portion of the coolant line is disposed within the deformable annular retainer, wherein the threaded engagement of the nut with the coupler body urges the deformable annular retainer into a sealing engagement with the coupler body and the coolant line.

Abstract: A car wash brush comprises an axial core structure and a plurality of foam plastic media sheets attached to the core structure in angularly spaced relationship to one another. The media sheets are preferably made of closed cell, low absorbtivity foam plastic material between about ? and ½ inch thick and thermoformed into a pleated configuration with a surface pattern of raised and recessed geometric figures. The media sheets are split at least partially into individual pliant fingers.

Abstract: An improved mold assembly for producing an article and for use with an air source is disclosed. The mold assembly is of the type including at least two mold portions configurable to form a mold having an interior mold cavity in the shape of said article, one or more of said mold portions each including an interior conduit for delivering air from said air source in use. The improvement comprises, for each of said one or more mold portions, a pair of mold parts each having an abutment surface, one of said abutment surfaces having defined therein a groove. The pair of mold parts is disposed in an operative configuration whereat they define at least in part said each mold portion, whereat the abutment surfaces lie flush against one another and whereat the groove defines at least part of the interior conduit in said each mold portion.

Abstract: A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass in a motor vehicle. The regulator includes at least one rail defining at least one track, at least one glass carrier for receiving the window glass and mounted for movement along the at least one track, at least one cable where the at least one cable is attached to the at least one glass carrier generally parallel to the at least one track, and a drive unit for operably engaging the at least one cable to move the at least one glass carrier along the at least one track. The cable attachment includes at least one aperture of the glass carrier for receiving an end of the at least one cable and at least one elongated aperture of the glass carrier for receiving a length of the at least one cable generally parallel to the at least one track. The glass carrier additionally includes a cushioned support member for supporting the lower edge of the window glass.

Abstract: A lock operated by a corresponding key. The lock has a housing, and a keyway is formed in the housing along a keyway axis for receiving the corresponding key therein. A latch is moveable with respect to the housing between a first position, wherein the lock is secured, and a second position, wherein the lock is not secured. A permutation surface is formed on the latch, and a plurality of intermediaries are disposed within the housing. Each intermediary has a first portion engageable with the permutation surface of the latch and a second portion engageable with the corresponding key, wherein insertion of the corresponding key into the keyway selectively engages the intermediaries with the permutation surface in a predetermined sequence, thereby moving the latch from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the synthesis of formaldehyde from methane starting with the oxychlorination of methane to produce methylene chloride. Hydrolysis of methylene chloride yields the product formaldehyde. Byproduct chloroform and carbon tetrachloride are recovered and hydrogenated to provide additional methylene chloride.

Abstract: An electronic level indicator for facilitating the leveling of RV's including battery-powered base and handheld mobile units with an RF link between them. A sensor in the base generates a coded signal transmitted to the mobile unit which activates LED's in a pattern showing low corners of the RV.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door module assembly including a door module plate assembly mounting a bell crank having a first arm portion positioned to be engaged by an outside door handle and a second arm portion connected to a link arranged to trip the door latch. The door module assembly is integrally formed with a socket pivotally receiving the bell crank. The bell crank includes a pivot shaft portion sized to be journaled in the socket. The pivot shaft portion is configured to be inserted into the socket in a first angular position and, following insertion, the bell crank is rotated to rotate the pivot shaft portion in the socket to a second, operative angular position where the link may extend between the bell crank second arm portion and the latch and inadvertent withdrawal of the pivot shaft portion is precluded.

Abstract: A sunshade apparatus for use with an automobile having a roof includes a plurality of panels, the panels, in use, having respective retracted positions wherein they are disposed on top of one another in stacked relation on or in the roof, and each being movable from its retracted position to an extended position projecting beyond the roof. The panels are substantially coextensive with one another when viewed in overhead plan in their respective retracted positions. In their extended positions, the panels define a substantially contiguous sunshade extending beyond the roof both lengthwise and sideways with respect to the automobile. The apparatus also comprises a panel guide mechanism for constraining each panel for movement along a respective substantially linear path between its extended and retracted positions. One version of the apparatus can shade both the roof and the windows of a vehicle.

Abstract: A switch-type power converter comprising an PET switch operating in a variable duty cycle mode under the control of a Unitrode 3846 integrated circuit controller. Indications of excess input voltage and reverse battery connections are provided by circuits including an element which permanently changes state. A cooling fan mounted on a finned heat sink is operated in a variable speed mode. A single thermistor sensor provides inputs to both the fan speed control and a thermal shutdown circuit connected to shut down the gate drives to the FET switch in the event of a high temperature condition. Another shutdown function is provided in response to an input overvoltage condition by way of an operational amplifier. The converter uses foldback for short circuit protection and is compatible with microprocessor units to selectively provide multiple output voltage levels.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp apparatus for use in automated handling equipment includes a ball mount portion that provides rotational adjustment and a clamp portion for securing a support arm in a plurality of different positions. The clamp portion comprises an opening having a rectilinear cross-section.

Abstract: A method of protecting coal mill journals from abrasive wear due to impingement of coal fines includes the steps of fabricating and attaching a mild steel liner form to the journal and welding wear plates to the liner form. Welding the plates to the form can occur before and/or after the form is attached to the journal. The liner form is made up of plates providing only flat exterior surfaces.