Abstract: Disclosed is a work holder assembly for retaining jewelry articles, the work holder including a clamp assembly for clamping retention of the jewelry article, a bench mount assembly, and a gimbal-type connector coupling the clamp with the bench mount. The gimbal connector includes a ring assembly rotatably and hingedly connected with the bench mount and rotatably connected with the clamp. A filing block, interchangeable with the clamp assembly, is adapted for connection with the bench mount.

Abstract: Disclosed is popcorn vending apparatus including a hot air cooker assembly, an elevator type supply assembly for furnishing raw kernels to the cooker, a cup dispenser, a dispenser including a pump for withdrawing butter flavoring from its original container and dispensing to the vended container of popcorn, and a salt dispenser for delivering tubes of salt to the purchaser. The cooker includes a transparent receptacle tiltable from a cooking position to a dispensing position; and a chute assembly for delivering both the cups and cooked popcorn to a delivery station includes means for preventing unauthorized access to the interior of the apparatus housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination system incorporating light pipes distributing light to large numbers of building spacial units, the system employing artificial or natural light sources, light splitters, optical switches, and light fixtures or lamps. Alternate embodiments of light splitters and optical switches are also disclosed as well as a specific type light fixture employing reflector cones, lenses, and a pyramid shaped reflector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pilot valve assembly for preferred use in conjunction with pneumatically operated safety valves of a well head assembly, the pilot valve apparatus including an automatic trip assembly composed of a pair of bourdon tubes adapted to engage respective thumbwheels on a translatable stem; a seal carrier assembly responsively translated between first and second blocking and non-blocking positions between entrance and exit ports; a reset valve assembly for placing the pilot apparatus in its initial "untripped" position; and a manually operated trip valve assembly for independently translating the seal carrier assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is combination surge voltage protective and test apparatus for an AC supply system, the apparatus including a plurality of surge voltage protectors switchably connected with the supply lines and an interconnected test network operable to test the status of the supply voltages when the switch is closed and to test the status of the surge voltage protectors when the switch is open. The apparatus is disposed with an enclosure having a door which, when closed, closes the switch and prevents application of power to the test network, while otherwise allowing access to operation of the test network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vane support assembly for interconnecting and supporting the diametrically opposed vanes in rotary type positive displacement apparatus. Alternate embodiments translatably couple the support rods with the vanes or rigidly couple the support rods with the opposed vanes and translatably couple intermediate portions thereof. Alternate forms of bearing assemblies are disclosed in conjunction with the assembly as well as various positioning of the associated springs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled combustion of combustible materials is disclosed whereby the combustion is confined within a slot defined by a plurality of combustible logs in longitudinal contact and opening toward the objects to be heated.

Abstract: Disclosed is ground supported automatically operated cable insulation stripping apparatus having a pair of cable clamping assemblies, one of which being adapted to substantially sever a portion of the cable insulation being removed and thereafter translated away from the other assembly to strip the so-severed portion. The clamping and unclamping of the cable is effected by cooperating jaw assemblies having mutually aligned semicircular recessed surface portions for gripping the cable, the jaw assemblies of the translatable cable clamping assembly additionally having cooperating cutting blades for severing the insulating casing, ejector pins carried by pin carrier frames of the clamping assemblies assisting in the ejection of the cable. A pneumatic system is disclosed for operating the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cable connector assembly consisting of telescopically mateable male and female connector portions having means such as spirally wound insulating band around the male extension and winding tubing associated with the female receptacle for establishing an indirect, elongated fluid path to electrically isolate the situs of conductive coupling between the male and female connectors. Sealing means are provided to exclude sediment and marine life from the assembly when it is disposed underwater and cable terminator housings are connected with both male and female assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lid assembly having a lid support and cooperating lid constructed of structural foam molded synthetic polymeric material, the lid support including a base portion adapted for nontranslatable removable engagement with various diameter protective housings and having an upstanding wall portion defining a surface access opening, the closure lid having a construction adapted to fit within and close off the surface access opening. The lid support includes a plurality of circumferentially extending reinforcing ribs, selected ones of which are flat and thus define stacking ledges; and the lid includes a network of transversely intersecting ribs providing the principal structural support for the lid.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for indicating or measuring the frequency of an incoming signal of unknown frequency. The system includes a plurality of processing channels, each of said channels including a pair of oscillators offset in frequency coupled to a pair of harmonic generators for producing respective output signals harmonically related, wherein the fundamental frequency of said harmonic generators are correspondingly offset. A combination of mixers, filters, amplifiers, and frequency-to-voltage convertors are utilized in combination with logic comparator means for producing analog voltage signals representative of the unknown frequency. Examples of utilization and display of these analog signals are illustrated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ski binding release assembly for releasably clamping the toe or heel of a boot with a ski, the extent of pressure necessary to effect lateral release of the boot and ski provided by a plate and coupled shaft rotatably mounted with the assembly housing and rod and spring assembly for adjusting pressure against the shaft; the extent of pressure necessary to effect upward release of the boot and ski provided by adjustable spring pressure against rollers resiliently urged into engagement with a pivotally mounted clamp support body. Slidable coupling between the release assembly housing and the mounting plate affixed to the ski enables limited longitudinal movement between the ski and release assembly.

Abstract: Negative sequence compensation apparatus for reducing, and thereafter minimizing the increase of, negative sequence currents flowing in a three phase motor includes variable impedance elements, and means for adjusting the impedance thereof, disposed in the motor supply lines. Alternate embodiments disclose saturable reactors as the variable impedance elements electrically connected with the supply terminals by way of alternate transformer connections.

Abstract: Motor protector apparatus for independently sensing the respective positive, negative, and zero sequence currents flowing in the supply lines to a three phase motor for interrupting power to the motor whenever such positive, negative, or zero sequence components reach levels indicative of abnormal operating conditions. The protector network includes bridge means for segregating the negative and positive sequence components, indicators for visually displaying the source of the abnormality, and means for restoring power to the motor after a defined time period.

Abstract: A device for protecting a tennis racket from damage during use having a portion which conforms to the curvature of the frame of the racket and spaced resiliently biased fingers which clamp onto the frame to retain the device on the racket during use.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for vending sealed water filled bags of live bait by way of a plurality of helical conveyors coupled with support shafts rotatably driven by selectively actuated motors. The apparatus includes a spring loaded platform assembly having a dispensing chute aligned with the opening in the housing; transparent windows for viewing the bags prior to vending; and a switch assembly responsive to the weight of the bags for preventing initiation of the vending cycle when the supply of bags is exhausted.

Abstract: Disclosed is signal generating apparatus for presenting data, the status of which is to be detected, by converting to an electronic signal having an amplitude representative of that status, the so-converted electronic signal being utilized to generate a single sideband signal coupled to one or more color primary channels for respectively producing one or more output signals representing the amplitude, appropriate output means being connected to each channel for displaying or responding to the output signals.

Abstract: A brake locking mechanism for heavy vehicles, adapted to be installed in existing braking systems without altering the normal operation thereof, functions to prevent involuntary movement of the vehicle, due to system failure such as air or hydraulic fluid leakage, while standing. The mechanism includes a spring biased pawl engageable with rack teeth formed on the diaphragm actuated brake rod, the pawl being operated by an air or hydraulically actuated piston associated therewith and connected into the vehicle air or hydraulic system.