Abstract: An X-ray cassette holder (10, 10') includes a frame (12) on which an associated X-ray cassette C is to be centered by two pairs of opposed clamp members 52, 52' and 54, 54' slideably arranged on the frame (12) for movement toward and away from one another in first and second perpendicular directions of movement. At least one pair of opposed clamp members are resiliently connected to an actuator arrangement (18) which will cause the members to move toward one another and center an associated cassette C on the holder frame (12) as holder (10, 10') is being inserted into an associated X-ray machine.

Abstract: A positive drive system including a coined drive cable (26) having a plurality of regularly spaced nodules (29) rigidly attached along at least a portion of its length, and one or more positive drive sheaves (20, 22, 23, 24) configured to receive the cable and its nodules to provide a positive, nonslip drive engagement between the drive cable and the sheaves.

Abstract: A component sorting apparatus (110), (210) having a shuttle carrier (142), (278) on which are provided a pair of shuttle rails (116), (118) and (216), (218) spaced from one another in fixed relation a distance determined by the spacing between any two contiguous paths (122), (222) of an output tray (120), (220) associated with the shuttle carriage. By this arrangement, each of the rails of the shuttle (114), (214) need travel only one half of the width of the associated output tray; a distance corresponding to roughly one half of the number of outputs, depending on whether there are even or odd number of same. It is proposed to employ either a slide-crank mechanism (164), (166), (170) or a capstan/encoder drive system (306) for reciprocating the dual shuttle (114), (214), largely depending on the number of output paths provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: A brake assembly comprising a spindle, two components having concave part-cylindrical bearing faces embracing a cylindrical portion of the spindle, and a housing accommodating the components and carrying an adjuster for urging the bearing faces of the components into engagement with the surface of said portion of the spindle. The bearing face of each component either comprises a single material or surface portions of different materials having relatively high and relatively low coefficients of friction so that when the bearing faces of the components are urged into engagement with the spindle they provide resistance to turning of the spindle while at the same time providing a low friction bearing for the spindle. The assembly may be incorporated in an exercising apparatus comprising a frame, a seat and a handlebar, the assembly being supported by the frame and the spindle carrying pedals to be turned by a user to rotate the spindle against resistance to turning of the spindle.

Abstract: A collapsible rebound exercise apparatus (10) as a resilient, flexible mat (12) capable of forming a substantially planar surface when an associated frame (14) supporting the mat has an open framework (16) thereof disposed in a substantially planar, open position. The framework is provided with two pair of hinges (18, 20) arranged perpendicularly to each other and which permit the framework to first fold symmetrically in overlying relation on itself, and subsequently to collapse on itself by pivotal movement perpendicular to the folding movement. Once folded and collapsed, the framework and associated mat form a generally rectangular package which can be placed in a suitable container, such as a flexible bag (32), for storage and transport.

Abstract: A pivotal spark plug connector (10) has a wire clamp part (12) and a spark plug terminal receptacle part (16) pivotably connected together and held in a desired position by a position-retaining mechanism (18) including a pair of substantially planar, circular portions (32, 34) disposed with opposed faces (40, 42) of each in abutting relation such that teeth (36, 38) formed on the opposed faces (40, 42) in the form of radially extending ridges can interengage with one another under the bias of a spring (52) or other resilient element (70, 74). The wire clamp part (12) and terminal receptacle part (16) can be positioned relative to one another under a force which overcomes the bias of the resilient element on the circular portions (32, 34) of the position-retaining mechanism (18). A boot (58) having a bore (62) of two different diameters and external serrations (68) to facilitate flexing is arrangeable over the connector for shielding it from contaminates.

Abstract: An adjustable indicator holder including a body member rigidly attached to a shaft adapted to be engaged by a spindle, a lever arm pivotally secured to the body member and having fine adjustment means engaging one end thereof, an articulated linkage, one end of which is pivotally secured to the other end of the lever arm and clamping means disposed at the distal end of the articulated linkage for matingly engaging a standard linear indicator device.

Abstract: A pannier bag (10, 10') for bicycles, and the like, comprises a frame (22) shaped to be streamlined in a forward direction of travel of an associated bicycle. A cover (12) arranged on the frame (22) retains same in the desired streamline shape. A three-point mounting arrangement (16) is associated with the frame (22) and cover (12) for mounting them on an associated bicycle in a rigid manner, while a top front to bottom rear zipper (72) provided with a pair of slides (74, 76) permits access to any part of the interior of the bag. A strip (14) of reflective fabric preferably is provided on the outer surface of the cover (12) of the bag so as to run from the front to the rear thereof in order to increase the visibility of the bag, and hence, an associated bicycle, during darkness.

Abstract: A disposable inker cartridge (10), (210), (310) mountable in a holder (110) attachable to a marking head of a semiconductor wafer testing machine, and the like, provides a large reservoir of ink or other marking fluid a predetermined amount of which can be deposited on an article to be marked by actuation of a solenoid coil (128), (228) associated with the holder. The reservoir of ink can be sealed against leakage during shipment, storage, and handling, but can be easily installed on its associated holder when ready for use. Cartridges according to the invention permit much larger reservoirs of ink to be placed on a testing machine, thus reducing downtime for refilling conventional non-disposable arrangements and eliminating routine maintenance and necessary cleanup encountered with refillable devices.