Abstract: A clip-type fastening device having a deformable and resilient body which is constructed of first and second deformable aperture defining portions which in combination define an aperture within the body. First and second engaging members are integrally formed with the deformable aperture defining portions and are inter-engageable to clamp the body around a fixed member in a step-lock fashion. The aperture defining portions and engaging members may be deformed and separated in a twisting manner to release the body from the fixed member and a deformable clip portion is likewise separable to releasably secure an object such as a length of cord or a flag grommet.

Abstract: A fuel management system for a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine is disclosed in which a mass air flow sensor as well as a mass gas flow sensor provide input signals to an electronic control unit (ECU) which then determines the air/fuel ratio. The ECU in turn generates output signals to a fuel valve to control the mass of fuel flow to the engine and thus the air/fuel ratio. A turbocharger bypass valve, a precooler for the gaseous fuel supply, a pressure accumulator upstream from the fuel valve, as well as a system to calibrate the engine to the specific gaseous fuel is described to enhance the accuracy of the fuel management system. An improved pressure balanced valve for controlling the fuel flow to the engine is also provided as well as a cylinder pressure transducer to optionally provide an output signal to the ECU to determine the air/fuel ratio.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine with a machine is shown bed, a work tank filled with a dielectric fluid and vertically adjustable in which a work table is arranged, a generator and a control unit. All units of the machine are surrounded by a metal structure. Additional units can be integrated into the metal structure.

Abstract: A removable, separable rug for the cargo area of a vehicle such as a pickup truck or a van comprises interattachable panels. The panels include a pair of side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a floor. One or more of the panels may be selectively used at a time. The panels may be composed of a resiliently soft material such as an expanded plastic or a closed-cell polyethylene foam or may be a laminated, bi-layered pad comprising an upper layer of carpeting and a lower layer of resiliently soft material such as an expanded plastic or foam. Each of the panels is attached to the other panel by hook-and-loop fasteners or by zippers. The panels are removably attached to the vehicle cargo area by magnets, conventional fasteners such as screws, rivets, or snaps, or by hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: A yoke assembly for a rack and pinion steering system includes a bearing disc member having a pair of bearing surfaces for slidingly supporting and urging the rack toward the pinion. The bearing disc member is kinematically supported by an elastomeric member. The elastomeric forces are conically applied toward an apex located well within the rack and away from the bearing surfaces. This results in the bearing disc member rotating slightly in a contra-pitch direction and forming a lubrication wedge whenever the rack moves along its axis of translation. The yoke assembly is of a compact design that can be substituted for the yoke assembly of any conventional rack and pinion steering system.

Abstract: A removable vehicle top assembly for use with a Jeep-type vehicle for attaching a combination hard top and flexible soft top cover. A first hard top cover is fastened over a forward passenger area of the vehicle. A rearward storage area of the vehicle is defined in part by a pair of roll bars which extend to a rear of the vehicle. A first U-shaped and extensible assembly is pivotally secured to the sides of the vehicle and envelops the roll bars. A second generally U-shaped member is pivotally mounted to a rearward end of the roll bars and includes a spaced middle elongated portion. The flexible cover is drapped over the second U-shaped member and is attached to the U-shaped extensible assembly and to portions of the sides and rear of the vehicle. The second U-shaped member includes a pivot mechanism which rotates the second member between a material installing, a material tautening and a rearward non-use position.

Abstract: A microwave oven with built-in food covering mechanism, the microwave having a body defined by a top, bottom, sides and rear. A door is hingedly connected to the body and is opened to reveal an open interior of the body. A covering member is suspended within the oven interior and is operably connected to an electric motor built into the microwave body. The motor includes a rotating gear head which rotates in one of two directions to either wind or unwind the cord to either elevate or lower the covering member within the interior. A microprocessor energizes and deenergizes the motor and is operated by any of a selection of spring loaded, pressure actuated or sensing switch assemblies within the microwave interior.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the extraction of oil from fried food products, especially thin food products, such as snack products, in which the food product is not damaged and which enables an especially homogeneous distribution of the seasonings.

Abstract: An X-ray source is disclosed having an enclosure, typically made of metal or glass. A cathode assembly is contained within the enclosure and the cathode assembly has two through openings along a predefined axis. An anode is also contained within the enclosure at a position spaced from the cathode assembly. The anode, furthermore, has a face normal to the predefined axis so that a portion of the X-rays emitted from the anode pass through the cathode assembly opening and exteriorly of the enclosure.

Abstract: In a metalworking process, an aqueous based degreasing solution which is used to clean manufactured parts, is recycled as a component of an aqueous based coolant fluid which is employed in the metalworking process used to fabricate the parts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tunable, solid state laser utilizing room temperature, stable, color centers of LiF:F.sub.2.sup.+ ** material. Also disclosed is a method of lasing. An object of the present invention is to develop and optimize LiF:F.sub.2.sup.+ thermostabilized active media, to propose a method of pumping, and to realize a room temperature, stable and efficient operation of the color center laser. These and other objects are achieved by introducing special dopants in the crystal at the stage of crystal growing; applying special regimes of ionizing treatment of the crystal, resulting in thermostabilization of the F.sub.2.sup.+ centers in LiF crystals; and utilizing alexandrite laser radiation for color center crystal pumping with a pump radiation frequency which is appropriate for the selective excitation of the F.sub.2.sup.+ color centers.

Abstract: Method and improved apparatus for reduction of fluid borne noise in a hydraulic system are disclosed. A shortened noise suppression assembly comprising first, second and third volumetrically compliant members with first and second inductive flow members providing fluidic coupling therebetween is disclosed. The shortened noise suppression assembly acts similarly to an electronic low pass filter network in deterring fluid borne noise from entering portions of the hydraulic system located therebeyond. At least one of the first and third volumetrically compliant members are comprised within a stub line. The remaining one, or ones, of the first, second and third volumetrically compliant members, and the first and second inductive flow members form conduit members of a passage for connecting a pump to the portions of the hydraulic system located therebeyond.

Abstract: A low resistance current interrupter for detecting the occurrence of an unsafe condition and terminating power to an electrical circuit. The current interrupter comprises two in-line connectors having a gap formed therebetween. An electrically conductive pin is disposed in the gap for movement between a first, extended position, wherein the pin bridges the gap to establish electrical contact between the connectors, to a second, retracted position wherein electrical contact is broken. The device further includes means for sensing the occurrence of an unsafe condition and generating a signal indicative thereof, and an electromechanical means such as a solenoid which, upon receiving said electrical signal, is activated and causes the pin to move to the second position.

Abstract: An improved welding apparatus and method of use including a pair of opposed electrodes mounted on arms which are fixed against outward displacement during the application of the welding current. One of the arms includes a cylinder for moving an electrode to and away from the work piece. The cylinder includes a pilot operated check valve which permits a one-way flow of hydraulic fluid while the weld current is applied. The check valve prevents movement of the electrode away from the work piece during expansion of the weld nugget, however, permits inward movement of the electrode after the nugget is softened.

Abstract: A compact exercise device includes a pair of crank arms pivotably supported on a frame for rotation about a pivot axis. Each crank arm engages a respective intermediate link at its first end. A second end of each intermediate link travels on a guide member so that as the crank arms rotates, the first end of each intermediate link traces an arcuate path, and the second end of each intermediate link traces a reciprocating path. The device includes a pair of foot links, each foot link is coupled, through a first end thereof, to a respective one of said intermediate links at a point between the first and second ends thereof; a second end of each foot link engages another guide member which directs it along a preselected path of travel, as the intermediate link is moved by the crank arm. The device provides a range of foot and leg motion simulating a natural running and stepping action.

Abstract: A cutting tool for piercing a sealant surrounding a vehicle windshield including a cylindrically shape body which is internally hollowed and first and second blade housing members which, upon assembly, are axially slidably mounted within a first selected end of the body and form a blade receiving cavity. A blade includes a first insertable portion with at least one aperture and a second cutting portion extending at a desired angle with respect to the insertable portion. A spring loaded tang is mounted within the second blade housing member and is upwardly biased so that an upwardly projecting button portion engages through the at least one aperture of the blade insertable portion in a first blade retaining position. An inwardly displaceable disengaging member is axially slidably mounted within a second selected end of the body and is contoured along a forward face so that it unseats the spring loaded from the blade aperture in a second blade release position.