Abstract: A corner protector is provided for insertion between a shipping container and a packaged article generally at points likely to be impacted during shipping and storage to prevent or reduce damage caused to the article. The protector includes an inexpensive and lightweight outer shell which provides adequate cushioning for the packaged article against many types of compressive loads, and an impact resistant inner plug which is more pliable and has higher structural integrity than the shell. In one form, the shell is preferably constructed of an expanded polystyrene material having an inner tapered aperture, and the plug is preferably constructed of a molded polyethylene copolymer. The plug seats within the aperture and cooperates with the shell to form a tetrahedrally shaped corner protector having the plug at the apex to absorb an impact directed toward the protected corner of the article if the container is dropped or mishandled.

Abstract: A tape transport of the belt driven type, wherein an endless belt engages a drive pulley and peripheral portions of tape packs on a supply reel and a take-up reel. The transport is mounted on a support frame, which is in turn mounted for sliding movement in a housing. A drive belt roller is mechanically coupled to movement of the support frame, and withdrawal of the support frame from the housing results in movement of the drive belt roller and disengagement of the belt from the supply tape pack, to facilitate tape loading and unloading. Drive belt pick-off posts affixed to the housing retain a portion of the drive belt in the housing, to maintain belt tension during tape loading and unloading, and to ensure disengagement from the supply tape pack.

Abstract: A process for making an aluminum vehicle wheel. The process includes casting the body of the wheel from aluminum. The drop center of the wheel is shot peened to seal air-transfer holes and also to increase the fatigue strength thereof. Next, both the drop center and the face of the wheel are shot peened with a finer shot to thereby reduce the surface roughness of the drop center and the face.

Abstract: An alarm device for indicating the optimum humidity conditions for baling of hay is disclosed which comprises a humidity sensing device with its normally closed switch in circuit between an electrical power source and an audible alarm. The device is mounted at a location where it is responsive to the ambient atmospheric, i.e., outside, air humidity and is set to trigger the alarm when the air humidity reaches a value of at least about 55 percent. This indicates an optimum condition for baling since at this outside humidity the hay absorbs sufficient moisture that it is not defoliated when baled.

Abstract: An assembly for launching a projectile comprises a launching tube having a smooth or rifled bore, a charge of gunpowder located in the tube for firing a projectile which is loaded in the tube in front of the charge, and a body of braking propellent which is located in the tube behind the gunpowder charge and which consists almost entirely of combustible substances. The body of braking propellent may be connected to the projectile by means of a cylindrical sleeve to form a rigid unit which is loadable as a round in the launching tube, the sleeve containing the gunpowder charge.