Abstract: Apparatus for removing and securing a plug-in electronic unit or the like to or from an avionics tray comprises a threaded spindle carrying a transverse pin at one end thereof and having an arrangement of three concentric sleeves located about the spindle. Stop members are provided to limit the movement of the sleeves in both axial directions along the threaded spindle. A rotatable grip is fitted about the innermost of the three concentric sleeves at that end of the sleeve remote from the transverse pin. A ring member is positioned about the middle of the three sleeves and cooperates with an extended flange of the latter to define an annular recess which contains a resilient element. A torque-limiting arrangement is provided between the rotatable grip and a co-operating surface portion of the middle of the three sleeves.

Abstract: A constant velocity, "Tri-Pot" type joint comprises first and second members respectively rotatable about first and second axes and a coupling for connecting the first and second members. The coupling comprises three trunnions rotatable with the first member. The trunnions have respective radial axes extending radially from and perpendicular to the first rotation axis and intersecting the first axis at a common intersecting point. The coupling also comprises rods connecting the trunnions to the second member, and laminated elastomeric bearings, disposed about the trunnions for carrying in compression torque transmitted between the first and second members and for carrying in shear axial misalignment of the first and second members and relative angular motion between the first and second members about the common intersecting point.

Abstract: A tactile sensor for sensing an object in contact therewith. In its preferred form, the sensor comprises a plurality of layers disposed in a sandwich arrangement. A top layer is comprised of a flexible, electrically-insulating material and a plurality of parallel flexible conductive rods. A bottom layer is comprised of an electrically-insulating material and a plurality of parallel conductive rods that extend at right angles to the conductive rods of the top layer, thus forming a sensory array comprising a plurality of superimposed intersection points arranged in a grid pattern. An intermediate layer is comprised of a resilient, electrically-insulating material in which is disposed a plurality of parallel conductive posts that extend perpendicular to the plane of the three layers. These posts are comprised of a resilient conducting material.

Abstract: In a coupling operating on the principle of the Oldham coupling, parallel drives are disposed orthogonally relative to one another and include pairs of guide rods. In order to reduce the axial measurements of such a coupling, the guide rods are disposed in recesses located in the intermediate member. This permits the guide rods to be located, according to one embodiment of the invention, in a single plane.

Abstract: A document holder for releasably binding together loose-leaf stationery items and securing them to either single- or double-rail suspension filing systems is provided by a loose-leaf binder which incorporates a thin external spine structure incorporating at least one hook suitable for suspending the binder from single-rail suspension systems and retractable head- and tail-end hooks suitable for use with double-rail suspension systems.

Abstract: A variable speed motor controller for an AC motor, said controller including a DC to AC converter for providing adjustable frequency AC signals to vary the speed of said motor, and a sensing device and energy saving control for detecting the magnitude of the current signal being supplied to the motor and adjusting the AC voltage to the motor depending upon the magnitude of the current signal. The smaller the motor current being sensed, the smaller the voltage applied to the motor, thereby effecting a saving of energy. Energy is saved using this controller because when the lesser motor current indicates that it is driving less than full load, the input voltage applied to the motor is reduced thereby effecting a power saving.

Abstract: Laminated elastomer bearings of the type comprising alternating bonded layers of resilient material and non-extensible material are improved by forming at least some of the resilient layers of at least two different stocks having different elasticity characteristics.

Abstract: An improved Bartlett type flexible coupling includes cylindrical laminated elastomeric bearing means between opposing cylindrical bearing surfaces and substantially flat laminated elastomeric bearing means between opposing flat bearing surfaces. One disclosed embodiment is an improved high angle fixed joint coupling comprising additional spherical sections connected to both of the driving and driven members and to each other so as to fix the axial position of each driving and driven member while allowing the members to rotate about axes which extend at an angle between 0.degree. and 90.degree.. The cylindrical and flat laminated elastomeric bearing means comprise alternating layers of an elastomeric resilient material and a nonextensible material to provide a more reliable coupling with improved performance.

Abstract: A workholder for an elecrodeposition system for carrying, with improved electrical communication therewith, items to be painted or otherwise coated, comprising: a carrier; a cane-like structure having a hook, a shank connected to said hook, and a plurality of cross beams connected perpendicularly at their midpoints to said shank and in spaced parallel relation one to another, said structure being suspendable from said carrier by said hook; and means for removably securing said items on said cross beams, said means adapted to contact said items only within a hole in the item. The securing means being a spring clip of formed spring steel which has a proboscis-like distal end adapted for insertion with reversible distortion through the hole in the item, and a proximal end which slideably connects to one of the cross beams, and with spring action is removable therefrom.

Abstract: A flexible fluid conductive coupling for use with fluid flow systems has short fluid conductive cylindrical sections having different diameters so chosen that the smaller diameter section may fit within, and well clear of, the larger. A pair of external mating flanges are provided at the end and near the end, respectively, of the larger and the smaller cylindrical section, and a combination coupling and seal laminated from alternating layers of resilient and rigid materials is held in compression between these two flanges. The facing surfaces of the flanges are shaped to provide for the desired motion or displacement. The slight extension of the smaller cylindrical section into the larger provides a stagnation region between the two cylindrical sections, thereby protecting the seal from abrasive injury which might be caused by particulate matter in the fluid stream.

Abstract: Vibration isolators are manufactured by a co-injection molding process. Outer and inner parts of the isolators are molded first from a rigid or stiff thermoplastic material such as polystyrene and intermediate spring-like parts of the isolators are made of a thermoplastic elastomer such as copolymer of butadiene and styrene formed and bonded to the outer and inner parts in a subsequent molding step.

Abstract: An improved coupling device for joining two rotatable members which may undergo misalignment is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of balls for operatively coupling the two rotatable members. One disclosed embodiment of the coupling device is a plunging joint and another disclosed embodiment of the coupling device is a fixed joint. The joints can be used independently or, alternatively both types of joints can be combined in tandem to provide an improved transmission drive. Each joint is connected between a driving member and a driven member. The coupling device comprises laminated bearing units of alternating layers of resilient and nonextensible materials. The units are designed to carry in compression torque loads transmitted through the device.