Abstract: A transom missile launching system is configured to mount rigidly above the water line on the stern of ships designated to carry missile type ordnance. The missile launcher consists of two symmetrical modules containing eight missile cells each. Missiles are launched in the normal mode from a "all up round" canister at a fixed angle of about 60.degree. from a line athwartship both to port and to starboard. At this angle the probability of launch into a wave in heavy seas due to ship roll is eliminated. The missiles propulsion motor exhaust gases are vented directly overboard at launch without being directed either within the ship or across the weather deck. At ignition a water tight cover at the base of the launching chamber is blown directly overboard into the water by the exhaust gas pressure and a path is therefore provided for the exhaust gas to be discharged directly into the sea.

Abstract: A folding tray holder for attachment to the rear of a stadium seat has hook like members on each side thereof which engage upright seat supports on each side of the seat and support the holder on the back of the seat. The holder has a rigid planar member in a bottom panel which may be folded upward from a supporting position when emptied to a stowed position to allow persons to pass along the aisle. The holder may be secured in the folded or stowed position and has a shoulder strap for carrying when removed from the seat back.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting and sorting mushrooms includes an inclined plate along which the mushrooms move, a tunnel for erecting an air dam in the path of movement of the mushrooms to singulate the mushrooms, and a photoelectric mechanism for sorting the mushrooms according to size.

Abstract: A system for varying the speed and displacement of a variable-displacement hydraulic motor and for providing a feedback signal which prevents the motor from stalling when an operator tries to reduce the motor displacement below the stall level. The system is especially useful for operating a hydraulic winch system on a wire rope crane. A variable displacement hydraulic pump provides pressurized fluid to operate a variable displacement hydraulic motor for lifting loads supported by the wire rope. The motor speed is controlled by varying the displacement of the pump and/or the motor, with the motor speed generally increasing as motor displacement decreases. The motor could stall if the crane operator decreases motor displacement below a critical value. A feedback signal coupled to the motor controls the motor displacement to prevent motor stalls.

Abstract: A projectile is shown which has stacked bays to receive packs of flechettes. The flechettes of each pack are bound together and supported by a frangible matrix. The matrix consists of small smooth glass spheres bound together and to the flechettes by a resin. The matrix prevents the flechettes from becoming damaged during acceleration of the projectile.

Abstract: A laser transmitter emits a beam which scans about a scanning axis to effect a curtain of light which defines a boundary of a working space. Photosensors mounted on the outboard portion of a crane or other construction equipment generate warning signals to the construction equipment operator and other nearby personnel whenever these photosensors move into the light curtain. Additional curtain sensing equipment positioned to intercept the rotating laser beam with each cycle of rotation develops an alarm signal which activates an alarm horn and/or alarm light whenever the laser transmitter fails to provide the light curtain.

Abstract: A car wash brush, which includes a plurality of annular bristle-carrying rings secured to a central core to form a cylindrical brush, features a unique arrangement for mounting the rings on the core in driven engagement so that the contour of the brush can be readily varied and so that a minimum of wear takes place between the driving and the driven elements of the brush.

Abstract: A tire changing machine for breaking tire beads on a wheel rim having a drop center is disclosed. The machine includes a bead breaker mechanism including upper and lower bead breaking shoes, driving levers for each of the bead breaking shoes, and horizontally and vertically adjustable mechanism for positioning the upper bead breaker, which mechanism is frictionally locked where manually adjusted. The tire changing machine also includes a rack and pinion drive arrangement for centrally located rotating tire tool driving post. The rack is driven by the upper bead breaking drive lever. Dual power cylinders are provided, one to drive the lower bead breaker drive lever and one to drive the upper bead breaker drive lever. The drive levers are driven bi-directionally by their respective cylinders. The center post is also driven bi-directionally by the upper bead breaker power cylinder.

Abstract: An improved direct-loading crop harvester for vine crops is disclosed as having a shaker head capable of being rotatively oscillated about its axis and having tines adapted to engage the vines of the crop to be harvested. A support conveyor is provided to support the vines while the tines of the shaker head shake the fruit therefrom. A collector conveyor is provided to collect the fruit as it falls from the vines and to transport the fruit for further processing.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for drying coal in a fluidized bed wherein the heat necessary for drying is provided by partial combustion of the coal in the bed. Proper control of the reaction parameters, particularly reaction temperature, provides an acceptably high drying rate along with an acceptably low production of pollutants in the off-gases. A particular embodiment of the invention provides for cooling of the dried coal by mixing such dried coal with an additional stream or additional streams of undried coal.

Abstract: A vehicle jack adapted to mount on a drive-on vehicle hoist comprises a lower platform suspended between the two rails of the hoist, an upper platform having a plurality of shoes adapted to contact the vehicle frame, an air bag between the upper and lower platforms to provide the force necessary to raise the vehicle from the rails, and a pair of scissor-type assemblies each having opposite corners attached to the upper and lower platforms respectively and adapted to maintain the upper and lower platforms in a parallel orientation. A plurality of latch plates connected to the upper platform are canted against latch posts mounted on the lower platform in such a way that downward movement of the upper platform is prevented unless the latch plates are moved out of contact with the posts. A pneumatic interlock system allows the latch plates to be moved only when there is sufficient air pressure in the air bag to support the vehicle. In this way, sudden collapse of the jack is avoided.