Abstract: A means is described for restraining axial movement of an output shaft of a prime mover which protects the prime mover from undesired axial impact loads applied thereto. The protective means comprises a first body mounted to a rotating output shaft for motion in an axial direction upon the application of a thrust force to the body and a second body which is stationary relative to the output shaft. Means bias the bodies apart and enables mutual engagement therebetween which restricts movement between the bodies in an axial direction when an impact force is applied to the first body.

Abstract: A worktable adapted to be mounted to the surface of an auxiliary support structure is disclosed having means for selectably orientating a worktable surface to enable a gripped work piece to be positioned at different attitudes.

Abstract: A vise having jaw gripping members supported by a body having a bowl shaped body member is described. The body member is positioned in a cavity of a base member and a means is provided including a lock body positioned within the bowl member for selectively restraining the support body at a plurality of different orientations.

Abstract: A portable, electrically energized, cordless grass trimmer device is disclosed having a rotatable hub which is adapted to alternatively mount, for substantially balanced rotation therewith, a flexible cutter strip and a line cutter and mechanical counterbalance.

Abstract: An improved vehicle is described which is adapted both for the handling of refuse containers and for general utility purposes. The vehicle has a chassis, an elongated lifting frame supported by the chassis, and means for elevating a rearward segment of the frame with respect to a rear segment of the chassis. Refuse container engaging arms are supported near a rear segment of the lifting frame and a utility vehicle body is mounted on the lifting frame. The vertical position of the container engaging arms is varied in accordance with movement of the lifting frame.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus is described having a non-dispersive, multiwavelength photometric analyzer which is adapted to provide simultaneous display of chromatography peaks at a plurality of different analytical wavelengths. In a particular arrangement, the apparatus includes a chromatograph for separating a sample to be examined into components.

Abstract: A radiant energy collector is described having a generally scroll-shaped configuration and exhibiting a hemispheric energy acceptance angle. Substantially all diffuse and direct radiant energy which is incident on a reflective surface of the collector is reflected toward an elongated energy conversion means. In one arrangement, the energy conversion means comprises a fluid container in which a transfer fluid is heated. In another arrangement, the energy conversion means comprises means for converting incident radiant energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: An improved resilient support for a floor is described. A rigid support means is positioned between a base platform surface and the floor for rigidly supporting the floor above the base surface. A pneumatic support means is also positioned between the base platform surface and the floor for vertically displacing and resiliently supporting the floor above the rigid support. Control means cause the pneumatic support means to alternatively seat the floor on the rigid support means in order to provide a rigid support or to raise the floor above the rigid support in order to provide a resilient floor support. The control means is adapted for establishing a desired floor resiliency by varying operating pressure of the pneumatic support means.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is disclosed having a magnetic circuit which provides a plurality of annular, concentrically located air gaps and a plurality of annular actuator forms which are positioned in the air gaps. A winding is mounted on each of the forms and each winding is adapted when electrically energized to establish a field which reacts with a field of the magnetic circuit and causes rectilinear motion of the form in an axial direction. A single magnetic circuit is thereby provided for a plurality of actuating forms and advantageously reduces the iron requirements of the actuator.