Abstract: A system for cleaning grates includes a first power wash portion for applying a pressurized wash fluid to a first side of a grate, and a second power wash portion for applying a further pressurized wash fluid to a second side of the grate. A receiving portion, which is detachable from the first power wash portion, receives the grate, and a transport arrangement transports the grate along a grate path through the first and second power wash portions. A grate delivery portion, which is detachable from the second power wash portion to enhance portability and facilitate maneuverability, delivers the grate after it has been transported through the second power wash portion. A grate drive arrangement engages mechanically with the grate and urges same along the grate path from the receiving portion to the first power wash portion.

Abstract: In a multi-layer armor system (10), useful for military vehicles, a metallic foam is provided as the shock energy-absorbing element. In a typical arrangement, the metallic foam shock-absorbing element (12) is sandwiched between a high strength strike plate (11) and a backing plate (13). Typically, the backing plate is a highly deforming metal, such as titanium, aluminum, or steel. However, the backing plate may comprise one or more layers of metal, ceramic or polymer-based composites. The high strength strike plate may be ceramic or metal. The shock-absorbing element is preferably a closed-cell metal foam with a high porosity that is effective in containing rearward deformation of the strike plate from a projectile strike. In a preferred embodiment, the shock-absorbing element is an aluminum foam with a porosity of 80 percent by volume.

Abstract: System and apparatus for determining a relationship between transportable or storable materials and plural transportation or storage modes for the materials. In a transportation system, placard rules that correlate placards, materials, and transportation or storage modes are pre-stored in a computer memory. Materials data is entered corresponding to a first predetermined material, as well as data corresponding to a predetermined transportation mode or a predetermined storage mode. One of the plurality of predetermined placards is selected in response to the materials data, the transportation or storage data, and the placard rules data. The transportable or storable material may be a hazardous material, and the placard rules therefore correspond to safety rules. In an apparatus aspect, an arrangement selects one of a plurality of placards.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating an energy transfer system while it is subjected to a test process for noise. The energy transfer system is of the type having an energy input and at least one energy output, and may be mechanical or electrical. The isolation arrangement has a base that supports the energy transfer system in isolation support supporting the energy transfer system, yet affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The energy transfer system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the energy transfer system to the isolation support. The engagement arrangement has a first position with respect to the base wherein the energy transfer system is installable on, and removable from, the isolation support, and a second position wherein the energy transfer system is secured to the isolation support means.

Abstract: A system for forming a precision shaft for a permanent magnet motor employs a working surface region of the precision shaft and a coaxially arranged rotor region. A cutting tool is used to make a first machining or cutting pass along the entire length of the working and rotor regions. Subsequent passes of the cutting tool are limited to the working region of the motor shaft to form a threaded ball screw shaft portion. The rotor region, however, remains with but a continuous shallow groove that is surrounded by a helical shaft portion having the original diameter of the precision shaft. Thus, preparation of the shaft to effect bonding of the magnetic rotor does not affect the shaft diameter. The depth of the shallow groove in the rotor region is approximately between 0.001″ and 0.004″, and preferably 0.003″. The permanent magnet rotor is bonded to the rotor surface region of the precision shaft by an A+B heat cured type of epoxy.

Abstract: A surface-modified lipoprotein-like oil-in-water emulsion useful as a blood-pool selective delivery vehicle for lipophilic imaging agents or lipophilic derivatives of water-soluble imaging agents. The blood-pool selective delivery vehicle remains in the blood for several hours, shows very little early hepatic sequestration, and is cleared from the blood within 24 hours. The mean diameter of the oil phase is less than 150 nm which minimizes sequestration by the reticuloendothelial system. The surface of the oil phase is modified with a polyethyl glycol-modified phospholipid to prevent normal interactions with the receptor sites of the hepatocytes.

Abstract: A suspension spring arrangement for a vehicle having an upper elongated spring leaf (12) and a lower elongated spring leaf (14) with an upper elongated spring leaf (12) is provided with a slot (22) and a lower elongated spring leaf (14) is provided with a protuberance (24). When the upper and lower spring leafs (12, 14) are joined to one another, the protuberance (24) is accommodated within the slot (22) so as to prevent lateral displacement of the upper and lower spring leafs (12, 14) with respect to each other. Pounding and squeaking noises are prevented by the installation of a polymeric insert between the slot and the protuberance. The slot (22) and the protuberance (24) are configured in accordance with square, rectangular, and/or circular shapes, depending upon the particular application. A protuberance (24) and a slot (22) can be provided at each end of the suspension spring arrangement.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating an energy transfer system while it is subjected to a test process for noise. The energy transfer system is of the type having an energy input and at least one energy output, and may be mechanical or electrical. The isolation arrangement has a base that supports the energy transfer system. An isolation support supporting the energy transfer system, yet affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The energy transfer system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the energy transfer system to the isolation support. The engagement arrangement has a first position with respect to the base wherein the energy transfer system is installable on, and removable from, the isolation support, and a second position wherein the energy transfer system is secured to the isolation support means.

Abstract: A switch for controlling delivery of electrical power to a plurality of vehicle lighting systems, such as headlamps and parking lamps, as well as specialized vehicle lighting systems, such as a fog lamps, and one or more automatic mode settings. The switch has a first circuit contact system for controlling delivery of electrical energy to one or more combinations of the vehicle lighting systems. A second circuit contact controls delivery of electrical energy to the specialized vehicle lighting system. Manipulation of a switch control selects the control states of the first and second circuit contact systems. The first circuit contact system is urged in a rotational direction of travel, as the second circuit contact system is urged in an axial direction of travel. A control state limiter is provided to limit the second circuit contact system to the first control state when the first circuit contact system is in a predetermined one of the plurality of corresponding the selectable control states.

Abstract: A work holder support arm for supporting a work article at a desired orientation with respect to a support structure is provided with a first clamp (12) having clamped and unclamped states for coupling with the support structure. The first clamp (12) has an opening therethrough for accommodating the support structure, and there may be provided a through-hole arranged transverse to the opening. A shaft portion (27) is coupled to the first clamp (12), the shaft portion (27) having a longitudinal bore therethrough arranged to be axial in registration with the through-hole of the first clamp. Additionally, a second clamp (11) couples with the work article and has clamped and unclamped states. A tube portion (14) is coupled to the second clamp (11) for accommodating telescopically therewithin the first shaft portion (27). An expansion portion (30) is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion (27) within the tube portion (14) and is provided with a threaded section.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: A deployable bleacher arrangement has deployed and un-deployed states and is provided with a plurality of seating level members, each arranged in sequentially elevated relation to one another. Each seating level member is disposed beneath an immediately superior seating level member in stacked relation when in the un-deployed state. In the deployed state, each seating level member is disposed beneath and forward of an immediately superior seating level member. A plurality of seats are disposed in side-by-side relation on a seating level member. Each of the seats has a bottom portion coupled to the associated seating level member for accommodating a user. The seat bottom has forward and rear portions and is arranged parallel to the associated seating level member.

Abstract: A deployable telescopic seating structure employs a backstop arrangement to prevent users and operators from coming into contact with structure that may cause injury, such as interengaging metal elements that limit the extent of deployment The backstop portions are arrangement in the aisle region of the telescopic seating structure and have an overall height that is responsive to the height of one seating level above another, or in another embodiment, to the difference between such height and an intermediate step. The backstop arrangement has an engagement portion with an edge portion that precludes a discontinuity on the walking surface of tile seating structure. Structural integrity and strength of the riser portion is enhanced by forming same as a multi-fascia structure having a reinforcing corrugation therebetween. A curved back portion along the lowermost edge serves as a termination and additionally adds strength to the backstop arrangement.

Abstract: An arrangement for variably mounting an illumination device in an enclosure, such as a safety sign, is provided with a longitudinal track having a longitudinal engagement portion. One or more illumination devices are provided with associated mounting feet for engaging slidably with the longitudinal engagement portion of the track. The track then is fixed onto a pair of stanchions having a respective plurality of engaging portions so that any of several heights can be achieved with respect to a base portion of the stanchion. Engagement of the mounting feet and the longitudinal track is effected by a longitudinal bent portion of the track that defines a space therewithin that accommodates the mounting feet. In addition, the longitudinal track accommodates the engagement portions of the stanchion for supporting the longitudinal track at the desired height.

Abstract: A lighting system for installation on a mounting surface employs a lighting fixture having a housing with a lamp therein, a roof, and sides. Each side is provided with an integrally formed receiver that defines a receiver aperture. A coupler has a mounting portion for coupling with a mounting surface and an engagement portion that resiliently engages with the receiver aperture. The mounting portion of the coupler mounts directly onto a mounting surface and engages with a metal bar of the type used in metal furniture, or mounts on a track that is interposed between the roof of the lighting fixture and the mounting surface. Track-mounted embodiments use a threaded fastener engaged with the coupler to exert a locking force on the inside surface of the mounting track. In a dual-mount arrangement, a fixture mounting arrangement formed of substantially planar portions offset from one another permits engagement with a track, or facilitates mounting on a surface.

Abstract: A therapeutic support appliance for a patient disposed in a seating orthosis is provided with a base portion with casters coupled to its underside. A plurality of stanchions extend upwardly from the base member for engaging an adjustable handle and an adjustable orthosis support member, respectively. The handle can be adjusted to a height determined in response to a physical size characteristic of an operator or a therapist, and the orthosis support can be raised, lowered, or tipped in response to a physical size characteristic of the patient, the height of a table, or the administration of physical therapy. In one embodiment the appliance is formed of a vinyl coated steel tubular elements joined to one another.

Abstract: A deployable telescopic seating structure employs a backstop arrangement to prevent users and operators from coming into contact with structures that may cause injury, such as interengaging metal elements that limit the extent of deployment. The backstop portions are arranged in the aisle region of the telescopic seating structure and have an overall height that is responsive to the height of one seating level above another, or in another embodiment, to the difference between such height an an intermediate step. The backstop arrangement has an engagement portion with a flange element that extends transversely therefrom and which engages with a top surface of the seating level. Preferably, the engagement portion forms a forwardmost edge termination. A fastening portion is arranged intermediate of the engagement portion and the riser portion of the backstop member.

Abstract: A flexible lighting system and method of making same. The flexible lighting system includes a flexible translucent rod and an attachment flange. Preferably, the outer casing and the attachment flange are integrally formed to facilitate installation. The flexible translucent rod includes an outer casing and a lighting core. The lighting core is disposed within an axial aperture defined by the outer casing and contains a series of lighting elements. In the preferred embodiment, a texture, such as axial grooves, is applied to a surface of the flexible translucent rod. This texture is applied to the outer surface of the lighting core or the inner surface of the outer casing to diffuse the light emitted by the discrete lighting elements, thereby providing an appearance similar to a solid bar of light. A mounting arrangement is provided for engaging the flexible translucent rod, or a coupler portion thereof, and is arranged to facilitate coupling of the flexible lighting system to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A welding arrangement for welding first and second sheets of material to one another, the sheets having different figures from one another, employs a source of energy, illustratively a laser, for producing a primary beam of energy and propagating the beam toward a focusing element and a splitter. The splitter is formed of stepped mirrors that facilitate adjustment of the distance between the beams. The distance can be adjusted in response to the width of a gap between the sheets to be welded. The welding beams impinge upon respective ones of the sheets to be welded with an intensity characteristic that is responsive to the thickness of the sheets. Thus, the thicker sheet will be subjected to a higher intensity beam to insure penetration sufficient to effect a good continuous weld. One or more heat sources are provided to preheat the sheets of material so that thermal expansion will close the gap between them.