Abstract: An annular thread cutting die head for a power driven threading machine is comprised of an annular support plate assembly supporting a plurality of radially displaceable threading cutting dies spaced apart about the axis of the die head, and a cam plate assembly coaxial with and pivotal relative to the support plate assembly to radially displace the cutting dies. The cam plate assembly is spring biased to pivot relative to the support plate assembly in the direction to radially retract the cutting dies, and pivoting in the latter direction is controlled by a keeper mounted on the support plate assembly and engaging a keeper track on the cam plate assembly.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle for carrying and moving heavy loads providing the vehicle with a gross weight of more than about 100 tons includes a vehicle platform or deck for carrying the loads and wheel assemblies at either end of the platform for both steering and driving the vehicle along a predetermined path. Each of the wheel assemblies includes a differential gear assembly and a drive arrangement therefor for driving the wheels, and each wheel assembly includes a drive arrangement for rotating the wheel assembly to steer the vehicle. Suspension arrangements are disclosed for supporting the vehicle against the imposition of undesirable forces on the wheel assemblies during loading.

Abstract: A deck structure for a floating dock is comprised of a rectangular frame having opposite sides and opposite ends defined by interconnected C-shaped channel members facing inwardly of the frame and a plurality of cross members between and interconnected with the sides of the frame and constructed from C-shaped metal channel. The cross members have upper flanges spaced below the upper flanges of the side and end members of the frame, and deck units of wood material rest on the flanges of the cross members between the upper flanges of the side and end members of the frame which restrain displacement of the deck units relative to the frame in the directions between the opposite sides and opposite ends of the frame. The deck units have upper surfaces coplanar with the upper flanges of the frame, and the deck units are movable as such from the frame to provide access to passageways provided in the frame beneath the decking to accommodate utility lines and the like.

Abstract: A hemostatic gelatin sheath is fitted as a portion of an outer cannula over the distal portion of the inner cutting cannula of a biopsy needle. Positioning means associated with the cannulas accurately deposits the hemostatic sheath at the position where the biopsy specimen was taken and the needle with the specimen therein is then withdrawn. The in situ sheath minimizes bleeding from the biopsy site before the gelatin is absorbed by the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping the sides and covering the top of a load. The apparatus comprises of a reel of wrapping film and a load support that can be rotated relative to each other about an axis that is coincident with the vertical axis of the load to thereby wrap the sides of the load. The film reel and the load support are further pivotable relative to each other about a second axis that is orthogonal to the load axis as well as slidable relative to each other along this second axis to thereby cover the top face of the load.

Abstract: The tension head of a strand carrier for a braiding machine comprises coaxial head members, the first of which is fixed and the second of which is axially displaceable toward the first, and a plurality of tension spring cartridges therebetween biasing the second head member away from the first head member. The carrier further includes a bobbin coaxial with the first and second head members and a clutch arrangement including a clutch plate interposed between the bobbin and the second head member of the tension head. A plurality of clutch spring units are interposed between the first head member of the tension head and the clutch plate to bias the latter toward the bobbin. Each of the clutch spring units includes a compression spring releasably compressed in place by a corresponding retaining member mounted on the first head member.

Abstract: A launching and lift assembly for small watercraft such as a jet ski comprises a skid cradle for seating the watercraft thereon for sliding movement off an end thereof. The skid cradle is mounted on a dock for rolling movement thereon forwardly over a launching edge thereof on a rear caster and on a pair of forward support rollers secured to the dock at its launching edge, for downward tilting of the skid cradle on the support rollers over the launching edge to cause the watercraft to slide downwardly off the tilted skid cradle and into the water when the skid cradle and seated watercraft are rolled forwardly on the dock to a position wherein their center of gravity is located forwardly of the support rollers.

Abstract: A system, method and circuit for protecting a plasma nozzle of the type including an electrode within the nozzle and a paper supply for creating an arc between the electrode and nozzle for establishing a plasma issuing from the nozzle toward a workpiece, which system, method and circuit detects when the nozzle contacts or drags along the workpiece and shifts the power supply to a low current operating mode if the power supply is in a high current operating mode.

Abstract: An anti-theft device that is adapted to be connected adjacent to or on a battery of a motor vehicle and including a power switch for disconnecting the battery from its standard battery cable when current flowing through the cable exceeds a preselected substantial amount of current associated with an attempt to start the vehicle. A lockout circuit is actuated by a remote transmitter for generating an external command signal to override the operation of the power switch. This device can be attached directly to a battery without external wiring and still provide the passive or self-arming anti-theft device.

Abstract: An improved connection for a rack system joining together first and second elongated structural members in transverse relationship. The first member has a plurality of longitudinally spaced aligning holes, each of which include an inside bearing surface, while the second member consists of at least one fastening hole and one load bearing wedge action seating lug. The seating lug is spaced from the fastening hole a distance equal to the longitudinal spacing between aligning holes in the first member. The seating lug is adapted to extend within one of the aligning holes in the first member to position another aligning hole in registry with the fastening hole in the second member. A bolt or other fastener means is then protruded through the fastening hole and the other aligning hole. A cam means on the seating lug engages the inside bearing surface of one of the aligning holes moving the first and second members into side-by-side contact when the fastener is tightened.

Abstract: A fuel fired, high capacity, high efficiency water heater uses a cylindrical plastic tank. The strength of the plastic tank is maintained by keeping the side wall imperforate and providing all access to the interior through metallic top and bottom plates.

Abstract: In a carbonated beverage dispensing apparatus including a dispensing valve, carbon dioxide gas is introduced into a liquid to be dispensed through the dispensing valve, and a temperature sensor is arranged to sense the temperature of the liquid, either in a carbonation tank or in the path through which the liquid is fed to the carbonation tank. A control, responsive to the temperature sensor, controls a valve which regulates the pressure at which carbon dioxide is introduced into the liquid. The carbon dioxide pressure increases with increasing liquid temperature, so that the carbonation level in the liquid dispensed through the dispensing valve is maintained at a substantially constant level. Both mechanical and electronic controls are disclosed.

Abstract: Glass fibre reinforced plasterboard comprising a gypsum matrix of high density with embedded staple glass fibres therewith forming a pressure resistant solid body frame in which are embedded a plurality of very small hollow spaces of 5-350 .mu.m diameter, produced by a fine-pore foam or at least partially by small particles of non-porous and non-water absorbing fillers. During the manufacturing process of such glass fibre reinforced gypsum board, the gypsum and the fibre pieces are given only so much water that the water/gypsum ratio does not exceed 0.6, whereafter a foam and/or pourable or free-flowing fillers are added in such quantities that the apparent density of the entire board is at least 20% smaller than the density of the bonding means component of the matrix and the paste are subjected while being formed, to a vibration.

Abstract: A telescoping mast assembly includes a plurality of interconnected mast sections nested within each other for movement between a fully retracted height and a fully extended height. A novel, rigid drive assembly, disposed within the interconnected mast sections, telescopes the mast sections to any position between the fully retracted and the fully extended heights. The rigid drive assembly is constructed of two interconnected, flexible chain elements which accurately position the interconnected mast sections.

Abstract: A fire resistant modular building adapted to house flammable and/or toxic materials is prefabricated of a box-like structure with exterior walls and a roof and partitions of stacked sheets of gypsum board with a skin of sheet metal secured thereto to define the interior walls and ceiling of the building.

Abstract: A standard atmosphere furnace constructed of a steel casing formed as a cylinder with fibrous insulation attached is operated as a vacuum furnace. A plurality of radiant, fuel-fired ceramic heat tubes positioned in a centered but circumferentially spaced arrangement provides heat input to the furnace to permit it to operate at high, vacuum associated temperatures. The ceramic tubes are vacuum sealed to the furnace case by an elastomer seal/water jacket arrangement which uses an outboard clamp arrangement to establish a ceramic-to-metal contact to permit thermal cooling and prevent tube-flange movement so that the integrity of the elastomer seal can be maintained. In addition, an articulated joint connector is provided so that the tube can be supported in a pivotable manner permitting thermal movement while reducing tube stress to prolonged tube life.

Abstract: A woven wire belt for an apparatus in which the belt runs in the direction of its warp wires over rotatable rollers has weft wires which have lower projections which protrude at the lower side of the belt, for lateral guidance of the belt. Upper projections in the weft wires or inserted guide lines protrude beyond the upper side of the belt and serve for the punctiform support of a conveyed product or engage as carriers behind the conveyed product if the latter is conveyed by a belt running obliquely upwards or obliquely downwards.

Abstract: Metal workpieces having portions of different mass are sequentially stepped through a series of induction heating units having differently contoured inductors for inductively heating the workpiece portions of different mass so as to progressively elevate the portions of different mass to a uniform temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing metal shot includes pans having rows of apertures in the bottom walls thereof, a deflector member for each row of openings vertically underlying the corresponding row of openings and having a planar surface disposed at an angle to horizontal, and an inclined conveyor spaced below the deflector members. The pans and the deflector members and conveyor are vibrated, and the deflector members are cooled. Molten metal is placed in the pans, and vibration of the pans causes the molten metal flow downwardly through the openings therein to be interrupted, whereby droplets fall from the openings onto the corresponding deflector member. The descent of the droplets through air and the impingement of the droplets on the cooled deflector members cool and solidify the droplets. The droplets are somewhat flattened by impingement against the deflector members and are deflected laterally therefrom and fall downwardly onto the conveyor.