Abstract: A product which is one having a static-free grounded work surface. There is a first component which is a relatively thick particle board but of a predetermined thickness. Overlying the particle board is wire mesh screen of particular gauge mesh with its edge portions secured to peripheral parts of the particle board. Overlying the wire mesh screen is a relatively thin plastic sheet of melamine which provides the working surface. A static charge is dissipated through the plastic laminate and through the wire mesh screen to ground connections.

Abstract: An article of manufacture which is a conductive floor tile for control of generation of static electricity and method of installation. The tile includes a thin, hard layer of plastic material having bonded to it a lamination which is an electrically conductive mesh screen which is bonded to the top surface lamination by an electrically conductive adhesive. The product is a tile, the tiles being adapted for being bonded to a surface adjacent to each other with electrically conductive strips positioned beneath the joints between adjacent tiles to provide electrical continuity. The method includes the fabrication of the tiles and the steps in the installation of the tiles as described by being bonded to a surface or subsurface.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an individual credit card account particularly during a predetermined monitoring period. The steps of the method include the steps of setting up a form, preferably on a piece of erasable material of wallet card size. A series of numerals is provided on the card adapted to accommodate the step of being checked so as to identify a particular amount owing on the account. A series of individual purchase amounts is identified with a series or group of spaces opposite to, or related to, each monetary amount for the step of entry of indicia identifying a purchase of that amount or approximately that amount. A masking member is provided to accommodate the step of covering the spaces associated with one or more of the monetary purchase amounts to remind and warn the user of his intent not to make purchases in those amounts in order to remain within a predetermined budget.

Abstract: The method and device disclosed are for the testing of microelectronic components in a centrifuge. The method includes the steps of loading the components to be tested into a holder or stick and then providing a device controlling the dispensing of the microelectronic components from the holder into receptacles circularly arranged in an insert which fits into the rotor of the centrifuge. The control device in the form disclosed is in the form of a manual tool having a passageway into which the end of the holder can be extended. The tool is positioned between the holder and a receptacle in the insert so as to be able to control the dispensing of components into the receptacle or unloading them from the receptacle. The tool embodies a trigger and a plunger member actuatable thereby which can obstruct the passageway through the tool or to open the passageway for the passage of components through it.

Abstract: A heat exchanger unit for use with spas or hot tubs. The unit is constructed to be installed in a side wall of a portable spa or hot tub. The unit has an exposed front plate or panel, and the unit is constructed so as to limit the temperature to which this panel can reach. The heater unit includes a finned tube construction and a blower with a double impeller. Flue gases enter into one end of the blower unit, and fresh air enters this end and also the opposite end so that the flue gases mix with fresh air. The discharge from the blower is through louvers in the front panel. The temperature of the front panel does not rise above a limiting value. The heat exchanger unit is automatically controlled and controls the temperature of the water in the spa or hot tub. A control is provided including a pitot tube positioned in the blower outlet whereby to shut down the system in the event of absence or failure of flow of gases which could allow the temperature to rise above the limiting value.

Abstract: An improved nursing bottle for infants is disclosed. The bottle has an angular configuration having an upper part which is disposed at an angle to the lower part of the bottle. The angle between the two parts is between the top end of the bottle and the middle or center part of the bottle. The top end of the bottle has a fitting including a nipple. The angular configuration of the bottle accommodates it to unique capabilities, either when an infant is lying down and nursing or in a sitting posture.

Abstract: A suspension member for a magnetic head and for use in a floppy disc drive mechanism and for supporting the head for contact with the surface of a disk. The suspension member has in it a group of openings in the form of Archimedes spirals. The suspension member is constructed to have the characteristic of having stability in that any deviation out of its plane is along a central axis normal to the surface of the member; a predetermined loading force producing a predetermined deflection. Associated with the member is a magnetic shield secured to the suspension member for shielding the magnetic head.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a gas-fired system. Three diaphragm-operated valves are in series providing a stage operation. The valves are pilot controlled. A booster pump is provided for cooperation with the pilot valves to boost the line pressure to the first of the valves, the boosted pressure being sufficient to operate the diaphragm valves, and the boosted pressure being controlled by the pilot valves. The booster pump operates only when needed. Diaphragm-operated pilot valves means are provided which operate two separate pilot valves which control the pressure on the opposite sides of the diaphragm of the diaphragm valves. The system provides stage operation, the stages including a first stage which is closing of a vent valve connected between diaphragm control valves, opening of a first diaphragm valve, and a third stage which is a controlled slow opening of the second diaphragm control valve. The first diaphragm valve is both a control valve and a pressure regulator.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling the ends of pipes which may or may not have spigots at the ends and in which there may be variations in the diameters of the pipe ends and/or the spigots. A circular gasket spans the ends of the pipes being coupled. A clamping device clamps around the gasket and against the pipe ends. The gasket has a smooth, uninterrupted, intermediate exterior portion. A space or cavity is provided between this portion of the gasket and the inside of the clamping device. One or more external ribs are provided on the outside of the gasket between the intermediate portion and each end. These ribs are enlarged or enhanced in height or depth to provide the cavity between the intermediate part of the gasket and the inside of the clamping device. A spigot on the end of one pipe or both will force the intermediate part of the gasket into the cavity which provides space to accommodate the presence of spigots and variations in diameter.

Abstract: A miniaturized toy saddle constructed and configured to be adapted for mounting on the back of an adult person positioned on his hands and knees. The saddle is constructed to make it possible for a child to ride in the saddle when it is mounted on the adult's back. The saddle has a unique contour and configuration on its underside, including padding. The contour and configuration provide a substantially flat part to rest on the person's back with padding between the underside of the saddle and the person's back and additional padding of greater lateral extent extending downwardly and on the inside of lower portions of the saddle and contoured to comfortably be engaged by side parts of the adult person's back.

Abstract: A tool for obtaining access through a gate can to the end of a valve stem of a valve in a buried water main. The gate can extending from the valve bonnet to the surface may be filled with silt, dirt, or debris. The tool is cylindrical, having a helical rib and cutting edge providing an auger so that by turning the tool the debris within the gate can can be cut into and removed by the tool. The tool has a fitting at the top adapted to receive a socket on the end of a manual operating tool which is the same tool that can be used to engage a fitting on the end of the valve stem for operating the valve.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for guns having an openable breech. Guns of this type have a manual lever for operating the breech locking mechanism. The invention provides a linkage between this lever and a trigger block member which prevents trigger actuation. As a result, the gun cannot be fired unless the breech is in a fully closed and locked position.

Abstract: A control mechanism for floppy disk drive units. A single control rod having cam lobes is mounted with an operating end extending through the front bezel of the unit. The control rod has a lobe cooperating with surfaces to establish positive loaded and unloaded positions of the driving cone and spindle of the unit. The driving cone is carried from an arm having an actuating spring cooperating with a lobe of the control rod. The actuating spring has angular detent parts whereby the control rod moves with a snap action between loaded and unloaded positions of the cone. The control rod has a further cam lobe carrying a pressure pad which comes into contact with the diskette in the loaded position along with an arm dropped or loaded with the head.

Abstract: A driving motor of low profile construction for use in a disk drive assembly or unit having shallow or low profile construction. The chassis has an integrally molded motor housing which is circular. A stator is received in the upper part of the integral motor housing with the rotor below the stator in the integral housing and held in position by the magnetism in the rotor. The end of the rotor shaft is coupled to the drive spindle by way of coupling in the form of a belt.

Abstract: A disk drive assembly having a shallow or low profile construction. The assembly includes a drive spindle and drive cone for the diskette. The drive cone is mounted directly from a part of the frame or chassis of the assembly. The drive spindle is cylindrical having a bottom which is dished or raised upwardly providing a bottom recess. The bushing which contains the journal bearings for the spindle shaft extends into the recess so that overall dimension of the assembly is minimized.

Abstract: A conductive laminate product capable of dissipating static charges and adapted for use on vertical and horizontal surfaces. The laminate product is formed of a thin, hard layer of plastic material, a thin layer of metallic foil which is electrically conducted, bonded to the top layer by way of an electrically conducted adhesive material and a layer of backing material secured to the metallic foil.

Abstract: A fixture or fixtures and method for assembly and/or fabrication of a component of magnetic information storage apparatus. The component is a flexure arm carrying parts including a gimbal plate; transducer, that is, a magnetic slider head; and a flex cable connecting to the magnetic poles of the magnetic slider head. A fixture is provided having a configuration and holding pins for holding the magnetic slider head; for holding the gimbal plate, and a flexure arm with parts in aligned relationship, the fixture having a removable part which holds the gimbal plate and which is removable from the fixture for subsequent positioning of the flexure arm. Fixture parts are provided for configurating the flex cable. The method comprises a series of steps including positioning parts to be assembled in relationship to the fixture; taking out the removable fixture part; positioning the flexure arm and bonding and attaching the parts together to complete the fully assembled and fabricated component.

Abstract: A gun mechanism for guns embodying safety mechanism. The mechansim includes a trigger, a sear, and a hammer in operative relationship. A disconnector member is carried by the trigger and is operative to disconnect the sear from the hammer for firing. An extending member extends from the bolt carrier to a position over the trigger mechanism. A link member is positioned between the extending member and the disconnector member and is operative to hold the disconnector member in an inactive position, that is, a safe position at all times unless the said extending member is in a fully forward closed and locked position of the bolt. A bolt carrier has a limited sliding relationship with the bolt which includes a bolt locking member. The carrier undergoes an initial movement before the bolt moves which operates the link member to the safe position, after which the bolt is unlocked for movement. Positive safety is provided in that the disconnector member is held inactive unless the bolt is fully closed and locked.