Abstract: An electrical enclosure including a box and a cover is molded largely of plastic, but is intended for use with metallic conduit. One or more metallic inserts is molded within the box, and also another insert is molded within the cover, to provide ground continuity to all fully or partially contained wiring or control devices as well as to provide ground continuity to conduit leading into the box. The electrical enclosure optionally is explosion proof, requires a minimum of machining, provides means for the harmless run-off of all static electrical charges, and exposes a minimum of metallic surface area to the surrounding atmosphere which may contain metal degrading contaminants.

Abstract: A plug (10) carries terminals (38) which also act as switch contacts and which insert into a receptacle (12) with essentially zero insertion force. The receptacle also carries terminals (84) which similarily double as switch contacts. After insertion of the plug into the receptacle, the plug terminals and receptacle terminals are electrically bridged by electrical bridges (68) driven forward by actuator means (62, 122) which also doubles as an integral part of an interlock arrangement. A first bayonet type of polarizing means ensures that the plug will only insert into the receptacle in a single orientation, whereas a second polarizing means permits keying a given plug to a given receptacle. The combining of switch and interlock into a minimum of parts provides simplicity and interlock protection as well as creates an exceptionally compact design.

Abstract: A connector for connecting jacketed, metal clad cable to an electrical box includes a tubular metallic body with a stamped and formed retainer element preferably staked therein. This retainer element has an annular rim with radially inwardly directed fingers formed or bent toward the electrical-box end of the connector for permitting insertion of the cable therein preparatory to affixing the two together, for preventing withdrawal of that cable in the opposite direction, and also for providing an electrical grounding continuity. The connector also features an elastomeric compression grommet that compresses into the cable jacket upon the tightening of a nut onto the connector body. A Teflon washer between grommet and nut minimizes the frictional resistance therebetween as the nut is tightened onto the connector body.

Abstract: Engines, pumps and compressors having one or more pistons mechanically connected to a crankshaft (30; 100; 200) incorporates an eccentric disc (35, 35; 111, 112; 210) skewered by and mounted on a crankshaft crankpin (34; 101; 201-203). The eccentric disc is either a part of the piston (220) or is itself the piston (35, 36; 111, 112), and it tangentially engages the internal sidewall (42, 43) of the cylinder or "piston Chamber" so as to receive the brunt of the piston side force. The eccentric disc may also include a freely rollable peripheral portion (90; 115) to minimize internal frictional resistance and wear. The embodiment of FIG. 3 additionally features the combination of double-acting pistons; a four-to-one piston-stroke to crankpin-offset ratio; and two 90.degree. out-of-phase eccentric discs rigidly connected together side-by-side with each eccentric disc contained in a different piston chamber that are banked 90.degree. from one another.

Abstract: Stirling engines (10; 150) and other Stirling devices especially of the type incorporating double-acting pistons (41; 168, 170) are simplified, more easily sealed, reduced in overall size and weight, and made easier to balance by mounting the crankshaft (45; 100; 110; 176) centrally within the gas enclosure housing (22, 23; 164, 166) such that it perpendicularly intersects the cylinders' sidewalls and skewers the pistons, thus eliminating the conventional outboard crankcase. Each crankpin or equivalent (46-49; 82; 104; 112; 178, 180) on the crankshaft is rotatably contained between the piston's endwalls and interacts essentially directly with that piston, thus eliminating the connecting rod normally located therebetween. A number of alternative lubricating arrangements are disclosed for lubricating crankshaft associated bearings including one wherein liquid lubricant is circulated through the crankshaft, and another wherein liquid lubricant is particulated and forcibly circulated around the crankshaft.

Abstract: An electrical terminal for a receptacle or other electrical connector and the method of making it. The terminal is preferably a cylindrical screw machine part cross-slotted at one end for receiving a male blade terminal therein in either of two angularly different orientations. When the terminal is used in a combination receptacle and switch, the other end of the terminal, the end opposite the cross-slotted end, may include an integrally formed switch contact for direct interaction with another and mating contact inside the switch portion of the receptacle.

Abstract: A hinge construction particularly for pivotally connecting the housing and cover of an electrical enclosure together is preferably formed integrally as part of the lid and as part of the housing so as not to require separate fasteners or hinge pins, yet the hinge portions on both housing and cover are formed in a straight-draw die casting operation not requiring side cores. The housing includes two outwardly extending appendages, each carrying a laterally extending pin cantilevered in the same direction as the other pin and axially aligned therewith. One pin at its outer end carries an obstruction jutting transversely outwardly therefrom in a predetermined angular orientation. Hinge portions on the cover also include appendages, but in the form of a pair of outwardly lugs with a laterally extending hole in each which is axially aligned with the hole in the other lug.

Abstract: A stamped, sheetmetal fastener for attaching electrical boxes or the like to steel studs or the like includes a first portion designed for attachment to an electrical box and a second portion designed for attachment to one of the flanges of a metal stud. The electrical box attachment portion comprises a wide and flat strip of sheetmetal with its midportions struck out so as to form a leg parallel thereto that has teeth thereon for gripping the electrical box. The flat strip and its parallel leg together slip snugly over the edge of an electrical box sidewall, and the teeth on the leg bite into that sidewall to create a semi-permanent connection therewith.

Abstract: An automobile with a conventional and enclosed luggage compartment or trunk includes a forwardly and rearwardly movable, combination partition and rear seat between the passenger compartment and the luggage compartment so as to permit an occupant to trade-off between leg room in the rear seat and trunk volume, depending upon his or her immediate needs.

Abstract: An electrical cable connector for use in a knockout opening of an electrical box or the like includes a cam element with a slot therein arranged to receive the tip of a screwdriver transverse of its rotational axis so as to permit the application of a significant torque on the cam with a minimal force to thereby securely wedge the cable in the connector body and prevent its removal. This connector features a tubular body with an enlarged inner end to permit its installation into a knockout opening from the inside of the box, an integrally molded pressure pad opposite the cam element to permit the connector to accommodate several sizes of cable, and snap locks designed to defeatably hold the cam element selectively either in its open or its locked positions.