Abstract: A combination card dealing shoe and protective guard plate is disclosed. An improved card follower device is also included for more effective control of the cards when the shoe is in use. The guard plate may be formed integrally with the shoe or it may be fabricated as a separate item for retrofitting attachment to an existing shoe. The plate is bifurcated and the two parts are joined by a hinge with a coil spring which urges the lower portion of the cover plate downward and inward to substantially cover the finger opening in the front panel of the shoe to conceal the card which is in position ready for dealing. The hinged portion of the cover plate has a projecting member defining an opening which is sufficient to give the dealer's thumb and/or finger access to the shoe without exposing the card that is being dealt, thus preventing one type of cheating by a dealer.

Abstract: A passive caging system for use in gyro-stabilized sensor platforms and the like, employing a pneumatic dashpot in place of automatic caging gyro brakes, pin-locking devices, springs, fluid damped pistons, or air bladders. A pneumatic dashpot in combination with a normally closed solenoid valve provides effective damping of shock forces while the system is in the unpowered state. When power is applied to the system, the solenoid valve is open and unrestricted movement of the sensor platform is enabled.

Abstract: A decorative and durable vehicle license plate cover is a flat, rigid, relatively thick, mar-resistant plate of optically transparent stable plastic, such as acrylic plastic. The plate has a solid body, with a front surface, a rear surface and sides interconnecting the front and rear surfaces. At least one and preferably all of the sides slope at about 30-60 degrees forwardly from the larger area rear surface to the smaller area front surface. The sloped sides are smooth and light reflective to enhance the appearance of the cover. Spaced holes are drilled or otherwise formed in the perimeter of the front surface and extend to the rear surface for attaching the cover to a vehicle license plate. The plate includes at least one of laser etching or engraving and printed indicia. The laser etching is disposed on the front and/or rear surface and/or interior of the plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a book or the like with its pages in an open position to permit viewing the displayed pages. The page holding assemblies on right and left sides of the book have rotatable members which facilitate the turning of a page from one side to the other without disrupting the function of holding the other pages of the open book in place.

Abstract: A chewing gum stick dispenser includes a generally box-shaped container having a slot therein for dispensing a single stick of gum. A scissoring pair of swing arms utilizes tensioning means for urging the contained sticks of gum toward an operator wall. The operator wall retains a slidable operator having a seat adapted to engage a single stick of gum and push it partially through the dispensing slot. The container further includes a pivoted cap which can be opened to provide easy refilling of the container.

Abstract: A seal mechanism for conveniently coupling bayonet-type connectors while providing stable compression of the seal therebetween. The mechanism enables a more rigid configuration providing increased resistance to deformation from lateral forces. The mechanism incorporates an internally threaded coupling nut support element which cooperates with a threaded flange projecting from the plug sleeve to maintain a hermetic seal under conditions applying lateral forces to the connection. Interaction between the support element and the threaded flange permit the support element to be installed onto or removed from the connector assembly.

Abstract: A coaxial cable structure incorporating a physical interruption in the outer jacket or sheath of the cable. This interrupts the continuity of the outer conductor and serves to block DC (direct current) and low frequency electrical signals. Also, it greatly reduces heat transmission along the cable. The interruption is achieved by placing a specially fabricated stub in series with the coaxial cable. The resulting coaxial cable assembly acts like a band-pass filter which, although blocking DC and lower frequency electrical signals, is able to transmit RF (radio frequency) signals at selected frequencies. The entire assembly, including the stub, can be made hermetic.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic actuator cover/fin release system designed for high G forces of gun-launched-systems. As safety feature, system allows the pyrotechnic actuator to be installed as one of the last steps of the final testing sequence and removed safely on disassembly. A first cam action develops initial ejection. Subsequently firing the pyrotechnic pushes both the fins and the covers outward via a second cam surface. The release system both holds covers securely latched until commanded to release and then unlatches covers prior to pushing them open. The cover eject sequence results in the flight forward edge of cover being kicked into air stream. Thereafter the cover is lifted and rotates about its aft release hinge until, at about 30 degrees of rotation, the hinge disengages. The fins then are driven into the fully deployed state by a spring and piston/wedge mechanism on the actuator shaft.

Abstract: Stereo apparatus having angled speakers so as to direct sound at a desired angle relative to the ears of the listener. The disclosed arrangements enhance the stereo sound effect and provide accurate stereo imaging, as well as sound stage expansion, through the proper placement and orientation of speaker units relative to the ears of a listener. The speaker units may be positioned at optimum angles of incidence and distances relative to the ears of a listener. Adjustable positioning means are provided to enable control over the horizontal spatial dimension of the stereo sound. The speaker units may be fixed at a preset orientation, or pivotally mounted for positional adjustment by the listener. Speaker units and releasable mounts may be provided for attachment to eyeglass-style temple pieces for added convenience and comfort. A number of mounting arrangements for simplifying selection of the desired earphone angle are disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable tensioning arrangement for modular security door systems has modular components interchangeable for use on either side of the door system, thereby reducing significantly the number of parts which must be manufactured for the door. The adjustable tensioning arrangement is capable of accommodating a variety of tensions desired by individual users. The adjustable tensioning arrangement may be produced with a minimal number of required parts, and at very low cost. Construction of the adjustable tensioning arrangement may incorporate readily fabricated steel components, or utilize injection molded or other plastic type materials.

Abstract: A lock down apparatus for use with an oil well pumping unit of the walking beam type. It includes upper and lower clamps for attachment to the walking beam and to the bottom frame of the unit, respectively, and an adjustable tensioning arrangement extending between the two clamps. Part of the tensioning unit is a wire rope with plastic buttons pressed onto the rope at suitably spaced intervals. A coupler for latching to the particular button which is selected for adjustment for the distance between the walking beam and its frame is provided. Once the tensioning unit is in place, a turnbuckle is tightened to increase the tension to hold the walking beam in a lowered position, against inadvertent release of the pumping unit safety brake.

Abstract: A shrouded engine valve having a shroud wall so as to direct and swirl a mixture of fuel and air into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The arrangement of the invention improves the efficiency of combustion and thereby engine performance. The shrouded engine valve may be manufactured as a single unit, or with a multiple piece design.