Abstract: An improved system and method for facilitating pipe and conduit coupling comprises a clamp having at least one screw hole for insertion therethrough of at least one screw for insertion for a further clamp for being screwed to fasten the clamps together on ends of pipes to be coupled, at least one gasket between the clamps and pipe and including at least one retainer to engage with the screw to prevent the screw from displacement prior to being screwed into fastening relationship with the gasket and the pipe. An improved method for facilitating pipe coupling comprises providing clamps fastenable together around ends of pipes, a gasket to be placed between the clamps and the pipe ends and providing at least one retainer to engage the screw to prevent it from being displaced through a screw hole prior to fastening the clamps around the pipe ends.

Abstract: A superheated vapor generation system includes at least one vapor generator with a vapor generation space in its interior for generation of superheated vapor upon entry thereinto of liquid. At least one thermal element is disposed within the interior vapor generation space. A method for fabrication of a superheated vapor generation system includes providing at least two sections for fastening together, providing at least one thermal element, and fastening the sections together to form an interior vapor generation space, with the thermal element disposed therein.

Abstract: An improved bearing usable, among other applications, in a suspension system for heavy vehicles and in other machines includes an internal member, a journal fitted to the internal member and an external member fitted to the journal member, at least one end of the external member extending beyond at least one and of the journal member and defining a recess for receiving a seal member, to seal against either the bushing, shaft or journal member, for preventing intake of extraneous matter such as dirt and for preventing leakage of lubricant from the bearing. A method of fabrication of bearings Alternatively, the journal and internal member may comprise a single part includes the steps of machining or pressfitting an inner member with a journal section in turn fitted or slipped into an external member. Apparatus for fabricating a bearing component comprises a slide tool with at least two adjustable receiving mounts for receiving a cutting tool and a pressblock.

Abstract: An improved superheated vapor generator for generating superheated vapor comprises a vapor generating volume for receiving liquid and including a vaporization member having a portion defining a plurality of holes for vaporizing contact with the liquid. The widths and/or depths of the holes may vary substantially randomly. The vaporization member may define grooves and ridges of substantially randomly varying height and depth and may further include intersecting grooves and ridges, intersecting the first-mentioned ridges and grooves, these ridges and grooves varying substantially randomly in height and depth. Two or more vapor generators may be arranged such that the vapor generated thereby and vapor pressure are additive.

Abstract: A waste disposer safety device comprises a first member positionable adjacent access to a waste disposer and a second member with access restriction, the first and second members being rotatable with respect with one another to achieve an "off" position and an "on" position whereby in the "on" position, in which operation of the waste disposer is enabled, there is no hazardous access to the grinding chamber thereof, and an "off" position in which the second member can be removed for access to the grinding chamber whereby in that position the grinder motor is inoperable. Switches for accomplishing the on/off condition of the first member and second member and of the waste disposer may be electromechanical or magnetic, among other types of switches.

Abstract: A cleaning and waste management system comprises a cleaning chamber substantially isolatable from the ambient and including at least one openable closure for accomplishing said isolation, the cleaning chamber for accommodating objects to be cleaned being connected to a collector for waste and contaminants from cleaning, and a cleaning member insertable into the chamber without substantially affecting the isolation of the interior of the cleaning chamber from the ambient. The cleaning member generates superheated vapor such as steam and to dispense such superheated vapor directed to an object to be cleaned so that the object may be hand-held in the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: An infant and baby seating system comprises a first closure element, second closure element, and connector therebetween detachably fastenable to connect the first closure element and the second closure element, the distance between the two closure elements being adjustable to the size of the user. Securement members may be fastened between the closure elements.

Abstract: A superheated vapor generator system comprises at least two vapor generators connectable to a controller for causing at least one of the superheated vapor generators to generate superheated vapor during a time interval in which the at least one other superheated vapor generator does not generate superheated vapor whereby at least one superheated vapor generator produces superheated vapor as desired during a selected time interval. The system may be adjusted to generate vapor substantially continuously.

Abstract: A self-reversing tapping attachment comprises a forward drive member and a reverse drive member drivingly engageable with a tap spindle drive member, as well as gear members drivingly engageable with the forward drive member and the reverse drive member, and includes shock absorbers cushioning impact between the driver members and the gear members. An exchangeable chuck holding a tap is detachably mountable on the tap spindle driver, permitting use of taps of different weight and material.

Abstract: A ring member connectable with at least one other ring member comprises a shank and a connector on the shank for connecting to a connector on at least one other ring, the latter connector being on the shank of the second ring.

Abstract: Fluid dispensing and control system for tapping attachments includes a controller mountable upon a machining center and connectable between the tapping attachment and a source of cutting fluid, as well as to the machine's recirculating coolant flow. Connection of the tapping attachment to the machine through the controller determines whether cutting fluid or coolant will circulate to the tapping attachment.

Abstract: A sensored composite structure comprises a coherent bundle of fibers having structural strength and optical transmissivity properties embedded in a matrix, whereby stresses and other parameters of the structure may be measured by reference to the image resulting from light transmitted through said coherent fiber bundle. Other properties of the fibers, such as magnetic and thermochromic, may be utilized to measure other parameters such as temperature and magnetic flux.

Abstract: The invention is a quick change holding device for tools and, more particularly, for taps. The holder has an axially movable collar cooperable with holding elements which can be placed in holding position relative to an annular groove in the tap and released therefrom. The holding elements are curved, that is arcuate individual members having rounded, that is, curved, surfaces on the outsides thereof. The inner rounded or curved surface of the holding element comes into contiguous flush mating engagement with the annular groove in the tap, whereby improved holding capability is achieved.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is a control mechanism adapted for actuation by a human, in the exemplary embodiment by a person's foot. The invention provides for control or actuation of a plurality of devices to be controlled. A plurality of control elements, preferably arranged arcuately with respect to an actuating member is provided with a structure for accurately indexing the actuating member to a particular control element by way of one mode of movement and for actuating an individual indexed control element of a second mode of movement. Particular structure is provided, by way of a foot pedal, in the exemplary embodiment, with particular adjustments so as to adapt the actuating member, that is, the foot pedal, to various sizes and positions of an operator's foot, as well as amplitude of actuating movement.

Abstract: An improved breech lock adapted for locking the barrel and slide of a handgun together to provide for improved securement between these parts. Typically, the firearm is of the type having a slide and a relatively movable barrel along with a handgrip and trigger. The rear part of the barrel has an end configuration or conformation which cooperates with an opening or recess in the upper part of the slide. In the preferred form, the barrel has an end conformation, the forward part of which is shaped as a point configured to be received snugly in a V-shaped opening in the forward end of the recess in the slide. The breech lock provides for locking as between the slide and the barrel, preventing relative forward movement of the barrel with respect to the slide and further locking with respect to relative lateral movement as between the parts or vibration which could effect the accuracy of the firearm.

Abstract: A grounding system for grounding a static dissipative surface or an object that is static dissipative. A bolt is provided that extends through a hole or bore in the product wherein a static charge is to be grounded. A unique form of head is provided which is conical in shape and is adapted to fit into a conical counterbore to assure that connection is made for electrical conductivity. In one form, a fitting serving as a nut is utilized, which is preferably round and knurled, to provide ease of finger tightening. The outer surface of the conical head is knurled to assure an electrical grounding connection. In a second form of the invention, the head has a bore extending through it with a tapered counterbore which receives the tapered head of a bolt which comes flush with the flat upper surface of the head. Ordinary nuts and washer may be used on the stem of the bolt.

Abstract: Clutching device particularly adapted for use in tapping attachments. The clutch is of the type having axial aligned driving and driven elements. The invention is illustrated in a reversible tapping attachment. In a preferred form the driving element is in the form of a sleeve having axial splines. The driven element has axial grooves. A ball retainer with angularly spaced balls provides for drive between the drive element and the driven element, the balls being engageable with the axial splines and with the axial grooves in the driven element. The improvement resides in that the axial grooves are not of the same width as the diameter of the balls but are of a width greater than the diameter of the balls, the width being preferably twice the diameter of the balls. Improved operation is realized in clutching and declutching and in the transfer through a neutral zone from direct drive to reverse drive. In the preferred embodiment the tapping attachment is of the free-axial float type.

Abstract: A method for obtaining access to the end of a valve stem of a valve in a buried water main having a gate can extending from the valve to the surface. The gate can may be filled with debris or other material which has become solidified so that it cannot be removed with a known type of tool. An additional or accessory tool is provided having a blade which can be inserted into the gate can and utilized to break up, granulate or pulverize the material in the gate can. The accessory tool is operated by a manual operating tool. After the material has thus been broken up, a second tool is used which is of a type which can be inserted into the gate can and operated to collect the granulated or pulverized material and to remove it from the gate can. Both of the tools can be operated by a single manual operating tool or instrumentality having an extensible handle and which is also usable to operate a nut at the end of the valve stem after access has been obtained.

Abstract: A tapping attachment particularly adapted for use with machines under numerical computer control. The attachment embodies tension cushion for the spindle by way of a tension spring as well as compression cushion for the spindle. The compression cushion is provided by way of an adjustable spring member which is in a bore of the spindle and which has a helical spring formed in it. The tension spring is on the inside of the compression spring member. The attachment as a whole is of relatively short overall length, adapting it for use in an automated system wherein attachments are automatically inserted in the machine and interchanged. The attachment embodies a hard start feature provided by way of releasable securement which will release the spindle for movement in response to predetermined axial force, so that in the case of a dull tap the automated movement of the attachment under computer control will be kept accurately programmed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for use in fruit harvesting, that is, for clipping the stems of citrus fruits. The device is organized for one-hand operation, that is, it can be held in one hand or attached to the wrist of one hand, the device having an operating member, that is, a trigger, to be operated by a finger of the user. The device is powered by a pneumatic cylinder which, through linkage, operates a cutting blade which moves relative to a stationary member. Devices are provided for attaching the tool to a person's wrist and a finger of the user with the trigger member or button positioned for easy manipulation.