Abstract: A divider system for the cargo area of a vehicle is provided comprising one or more dividers and inserts for bracing the dividers. The inserts are of two embodiments. In the first embodiment, a tapered, V-shaped insert is provided for attachment to the slots conventionally provided in a vehicle bed liner. In the second embodiment, an insert is provided that is attachable to the inner wall of a vehicle's cargo area which does not necessarily attach to a liner. The second embodiment is held in place by either an adhesive or a clamping assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing dental enamel and dentin. This apparatus is also capable of cutting soft tissue. The apparatus includes a laser which, when activated, produces a laser pulse having a wavelength of between 1.5 and 3.5 microns, a beam diameter at the target site in the range of 10 to 5,000 microns, a pulse duration of between several picoseconds and several milliseconds, an energy level of between 0.1 millijoules and five joules per pulse, and pulse repetition rates from one pulse per second to 10,000 pulses per second. The pulse is focussed on the dental enamel or dentin thereby reaching high enough energy densities to vaporize the material. In the case of soft tissues, a special tip is used to concentrate the laser on the tissue so that cutting action can be easily executed.

Abstract: A device for dividing a collection of wood pieces and piecemeal cross feeding thereof in a direction away from the collection place comprises a feeding arrangement (2), which is moveable reciprocatingly in a substantially rectilinear, sloping movement path (3) for feeding the wood pieces along a rising support path (4). The feeding arrangement and the support path both have a stairs-like design with a plurality of steps (6, 7), which in profile have substantially similar form and each of which comprises a first portion (9) sloping upwardly in the direction of rise of the support path followed by a downwardly sloping second portion (10). The steps (6, 7) of the feeding arrangement and the support path are mutually displaced, viewed perpendicularly to the first portions (9) of the steps, with a measure smaller than the length (1.sub.2) of the second portions (10). The first portions (9) of the steps (6, 7) of the feeding arrangement as well as the support path have a steeper slope than the movement path (3).

Abstract: An improved open-center improved valving sub-assembly of the type used for power steering systems for motor vehicles is disclosed. In particular, the improved open-center improved valving sub-assembly has a valve spool member with first and second sets of input slots and first and second sets of return slots, and a valve sleeve member with output slots and diversionary slots wherein only the output slots are coupled to a power cylinder member of a host power steering system. The output slots are linked fluidically to the first sets of input and return slots by input and return flow control orifices each comprising overlapping tangentially disposed areas therebetween. The diversionary slots are linked fluidically to the second sets of input and return slots by input and return flow selective control orifices each comprising overlapping tangentially disposed areas therebetween.

Abstract: Described is a circuit arrangement for amplifying weak sensor currents, in particular the photoelectric current of a photoelectric diode (1), in which the photoelectric diode is connected to the base or gate electrode of a transistor (2). A constant current source (3) is connected into the collector circuit of the transistor (2). Connected between the collector and the base is a negative feedback which includes a current step-down circuit using at least one current mirror (6). The mother or sum current (I.sub.S) is coupled out as the amplified signal current.

Abstract: A ground support system for providing a stabilizing surface in conjunction with loose soil is disclosed. The system finds particular utility in agricultural applications, such as where horses, cows or bulls and the like are kept. The support system comprises a number of interlockable planar sheets, each planar sheet including a number of conical projections disposed on its bottom side. The conical projections are hollow and open-ended and, in combination with apertures defined in the planar sheet, permit fluids to pass through the system. Traction on the upper surface of each sheet is optionally provided by either scoring or by adhered reground material such as a plastic. The planar sheets may be anchored to the ground by a stake having at one end a conical plug attached thereto, the plug being matable with the inside of one of the conical projections.

Abstract: A rotating sign assembly includes a number of multi-sided, rotatable sign segments driven by an elongated drive shaft operably interconnected with each of the sign segments. The drive shaft includes at least one multi-armed driven cam fitted to the drive shaft. Each arm of the driven cam includes an outer sloped driving surface and a peaked extremity. The driven cam is rotatably driven by a driving arm assembly comprising a driving pin plate and a driven arm stop plate. The driving pin plate includes a pair of pins, one situated on each end of the plate. Each driving pin alternatingly interacts with the outer sloped surfaces of the cam for rotation thereof, this rotation being halted by interaction of the peaked extremities alternatingly with the ends of the stop plate.

Abstract: A rack for supporting goods, such as hot food, on the seat of a car during delivery includes a platform having a leg extending in one direction at one side, and a second leg extending in an opposite direction from an opposite side. The first leg acts as a edge or rail to catch the object on the support surface of the platform and the second leg extends from the platform to the car seat to maintain the platform on a generally horizontal plane. The first and second legs have differing lengths, so that the rack may be inverted to accommodate different depths of seat crevices. Also disclosed is an extension member for seats having unusually deep crevices.

Abstract: Electrical resistance spot welding is controlled by stopping the welding current upon detection of indentation of the work pieces by the electrodes. Indentation is detected indirectly by monitoring the deformation on at least one arm supporting an electrode. The piston of the welding gun cylinder is prevented from displacing in direct proportion to displacements of the electrodes during formation of the weld so that the squeezing force applied by the electrodes to the work piece, and therefore the deformation in the electrode holders, varies as a function of electrode displacements.

Abstract: A fuel cell has a plurality of first and second plate members laid one on another with a predetermined phase relationship therebetween. Each first plate member houses a cell. The first plate member includes a cell-housing portion, a cell-insertion opening having two spaces communicating with opposed openings of an inner-cell flow passage of the housed cell and a plurality of communication openings. The second plate member includes an inter-cell flow passage forming portion facing the cell housed in the first plate member, an inter-cell flow passage forming opening having two spaces and a plurality of a plurality of communication openings. The inter-cell flow passage forming portion forms an inter-cell flow passage between adjacently disposed cells as the first and second plate members are laid one on the other. The communication openings and the spaces of the plate members provide air feed passages and air exhaust passages for the inter-cell flow passage and the inner-cell flow passage.

Abstract: A portable supply box particularly for use in ice fishing is disclosed. The holding unit includes a body mounted on a pair of parallel ski-type runners. The unit includes an interior that is divided into three sections. The first section is a lantern section, the second is an intermediate section, and the third is a rear section. A seat is provided over the intermediate section. Both the intermediate and rear sections include hinged covers. One or both of these sections may be used for storing goods. A tray is provided for holding fishing articles such as hooks. The user straddles the body so that his hands are disposed over the lantern section. There is an opening provided over the lantern section so that rising heat may be used to warm the user's hands. A window is provided on the front end of the lantern section so that light may pass therethrough for illuminating the local environment for fishing during the evening or at night.

Abstract: A reaction type control valve, primarily intended for controlling a power assisted steering system, comprising a hydraulic interface having variable effective reaction areas, the extent of which is determined by selected functions of values of torque applied thereto. Differential hydraulic fluid pressure is generated by the valve, which differential hydraulic fluid pressure is proportional to the applied torque and inversely proportional to any particular effective reaction area. Hydraulic fluid is induced to flow through a hydraulic interface between first and second valve members wherein primary and secondary sets of input and return orifices are selectively utilized to define the effective reaction areas as a function of the input torque. The primary and secondary sets of input and return orifices are located at selected radii.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydro-mechanical or electro-hydro-mechanical control system utilized for positioning a mechanical device. The control system incorporates an improved closed-center control valve for selectively controlling the differential pressure applied to the input ports of a power output transducer and the differential flow therebetween in response to a mechanically applied rotational input. The power output transducer is then utilized to position a mechanical device. The control system is a closed loop circuit adapted to supply hydraulic fluid at a desired supply pressure to the control valve. The improved closed-center control valve is a modified rotary valve wherein parasitic leakage slots are formed for providing a leakage flow pathway through the control valve between the input ports of the power output transducer.

Abstract: A novel friction pad is disclosed for use with a motor vehicle window stabilizer of the type having at least one face which frictionally engages a window pane as it moves between its raised and its lowered position. The friction pad is constructed from an elastomeric substrate having a planar base and a plurality of spaced apart projections extending outwardly from one side of the base. The projections and the base are of a one piece construction. A coating of synthetic material, such as nylon or polyester, is then flocked onto the side of the base thus covering both that side of the base as well as the projections. The resulting friction pad is then secured to the confronting face of the window stabilizer.

Abstract: An organization device for use with a storage compartment of a vehicle is disclosed. The organization device has a base member having legs which have notches or scoring for adjusting the length of the legs. The legs have removable mounting feet. The mounting feet are provided with suction cups to secure the base member within the storage compartment. The base member supports a tray having receptacles formed to transport specific items, such as tape cassettes, litter and beverages. The tray may be provided with removable and interchangeable receptacles.

Abstract: A testing device and method for determining the coefficient of restitution of a rebounding object, such as a ball, by comparison of the bounce periods of successive bounces of the ball. The ball is dropped onto the reaction plate from which it is permitted to rebound at least three times. A transducer such as a microphone is mounted near the reaction plate to detect the impacts on the reaction plate. An electronic circuit times the interval or bounce period between impacts, stores the bounce periods for comparison. The coefficient of restitution for the rebounded object is determined by comparing a subsequent bounce interval to a preceding bounce period as a ratio. The coefficient of restitution so determined is displayed on an LCD display.

Abstract: A one piece partition for the interior of van type vehicles molded of plastic material and extending transversely from side to side and from the roof to the floor with the partition being positioned directly behind the driver and passenger seats to give maximum cargo space in the rear compartment of the vehicle. A console extends forwardly from the partition into the forward compartment between the driver's and passenger's seats and opens rearwardly to elongate the storage space offered by the rear compartment. The entire perimeter of the partition and the bottom of the console is in close proximity to vehicle portions so installation is made by attaching means such as double sided tape fixed to the perimeters and to the adjacent vehicle portions to form a thermal and safety barrier between the compartments.

Abstract: A golf club cover support formed from an elongated member shaped to define the perimeter of a head portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion including a pair of generally parallel support portions adapted to be disposed at opposite sides of the wall of a golf bag with the support portions spanned by a clamping member permitting the support portions to be pressed towards each other against the walls of the golf bag to support the head portion in a position above the opening of the bag to receive and temporarily support the cover of a golf club.

Abstract: A tamper indicating closure having a threaded cap and a tamper indicating band connected to the cap by frangible webs and by a tether structure which permits threaded attachment of the closure to the container with the band positioned below an annular flange on the container so that unthreading of the cap permits deformation of the tether structure until all of the webs are fractured after which unthreading causes the tether structure to pull a localized area of the band over the annular flange to permit removal of the band and cap as a unit from the container.