Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying a protective coating to the surfaces of air vents in a vented brake rotor wherein the method include the steps of rotating the rotor, directing coating material along with a stream of air toward the inlets of the vents to flood the vents with coating material to the surface, applying a suction to the outlets of the vents to remove and recover the excess material, and curing the coating. The apparatus includes fixtures for mounting the rotors that are driven to rotate the rotors during the coating operation, and for automatic operation a conveyer for advancing the rotors through a vent coating station, an exterior coating station for coating exterior rotor surfaces, and a curing station.

Abstract: A power coupling mounting for a quick-disconnect coupling between the boom and stick on a heavy-duty machine having coupling elements to connect a power supply from the machine to the stick that eliminates the need for one or more persons to manually connect or disconnect the coupling elements when the quick-disconnect coupling is coupled or uncoupled. The quick-disconnect coupling includes a coupling member mounted on the boom of the machine and a coupling member mounted on the stick. The power coupling includes a male coupling element mounted on the stick coupling member and a female coupling element mounted on the boom coupling member. The female coupling element is slidably mounted on a plate extending from the boom coupling member for orbital movement and the male coupling element is gimbally mounted on a plate extending from the stick coupling member to facilitate alignment of the coupling elements along the X, Y and Z axes during coupling and decoupling of the coupling members.

Abstract: A glove donning apparatus for donning a glove with a single hand, which comprises a pair of upstanding elongated bars supported by rods from a stationary member, wherein the bars are shaped and sized so that the glove may be trained over the bars at the open or cuff end of the glove to thereafter hold the glove in position for insertion of the hand.

Abstract: A centrally rotating periodontal probe for measuring the depth of gingival pockets or sulci, including a handle having a handle-engaging end and a head end, wherein the head end includes a tubular shank rotatably shank rotatably supporting an axle having a substantially planar blunt end.

Abstract: A refuge bay monitoring system including a radio system connected to a computer in an above-ground control room, and a controller connected to a radio system in a below-ground refuge bay or safe area for mine workers. The controller monitors the operation of equipment in the refuge bay and any doors to the refuge bay. The refuge bay radio system communicates with the radio system in the above-ground control room so the computer can monitor the refuge bay. The radio systems provide intercommunication for data and voice.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a quick-connect/disconnect coupling for a heavy-duty machine including a boom and a stick to facilitate the interexchangeability of work tools wherein the locking mechanism can be remotely controlled to lock and unlock the coupling members when they are in mating engagement. The coupling includes a male member attachable to the boom of the machine and a female member attachable to the stick. The locking mechanism includes a pair of planetary gear assemblies, a motor and a brake that drive and maintain a pair of wedge shaped bars within their respective sockets. The coupling also includes proximity sensors to facilitate the proper engagement of the coupling members.

Abstract: A rapid discharge railcar door consisted of a plastic main body reinforced by an aluminum frame, and which provides sufficient strength against load-bearing forces and withstands changes in temperature. The main body of the door is made from a polymer in a reaction injection molding process. The door reduces the overall weight of the railway car, thus allowing more coal to be shipped per car.

Abstract: An impact liner for an impact surface in a chute of a conveyor or on a screen deck in a granule classification machine, the conveyor bearing granular coal, aggregate, or other granular material which is within a given granule size range. The chute has at least one impact surface against which the granular material impacts when the material is input to or discharged from the conveyor; usually, there are plural impact surfaces in the chute. The chute or impact liner includes a base plate of molded elastomer conforming to and mounted on the impact surface of the chute or on a screen deck. A multiplicity of elastomer knobs are molded integrally with the base plate and project toward the interior of the chute when the liner is mounted on the chute impact surface.

Abstract: A low friction orthodontic appliance in the form of a solid one-piece buccal tube or a convertible buccal tube, which includes a lumen having a close-fit control portion at one end for receiving torque forces from an archwire and a loose-fit relieved portion at the other end providing clearance between at least three sides of the archwire and the appliance to reduce sliding friction.

Abstract: A rescue guiding system for underground mine personnel to guide the movement of a person during hazardous life-threatening situations from a work area through a passageway to a refuge bay, including a network of short-range radio transmitters each transmitting a different digitally coded signal and a receiver for each person having an indication device to guide the person in the correct direction to reach the refuge bay.

Abstract: An orthodontic elastomeric appliance with a polymer coating that becomes slippery when wetted, and a method of making the appliance which comprises the steps of forming an appliance of elastomeric material and coating the appliance with a polymer film capable of making the appliance slippery when wetted.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying a protective coating to the surfaces of air vents in a vented brake rotor wherein the method includes the steps of rotating the rotor, directing coating material along with a stream of air toward the inlets of the vents to flood the vents with coating material to coat the surfaces, applying a suction to the outlets of the vents to remove and recover the excess material, and curing the coating. The apparatus includes fixtures for mounting the rotors that are driven to rotate the rotors during the coating operation, and for automatic operation a conveyer for advancing the rotors through a vent coating station, an exterior coating station for coating exterior rotor surfaces, and a curing station.

Abstract: A self-lubricating plastic center plate assembly bearing liner for placement between a body bolster center plate and a truck bolster center plate of a center plate assembly in a railroad car, wherein the liner is configured to substantially mate with the center plates and includes a body having an integrally formed electrically conductive ring of plastic material which provides electrical continuity between the plates in the center plate assembly.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for correcting minor incisor irregularities and/or retaining incisors in orthodontically corrected positions, which includes a labial plate engaging the labial surfaces of the incisors, a lingual bar or plate engaging the lingual incisal surfaces, and shape memory wire interconnecting the ends of the labial plate with the lingual bar and resiliently urging the plate and bar toward each other so that when the appliance is mounted on the teeth of a patient, it will actively and continuously grip the incisors for tooth control and to prevent dislodgement.

Abstract: A wire for orthodontically treating patients in the application of corrective forces to teeth made of a titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy providing a substantially constant significantly lower force than stainless steel wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an improved adhesive to a series of sheets of insulation having drainage channels, wherein the apparatus includes a frame with a power-driven conveyor, a magazine for receiving sheets in stacked relation, and an elongated adhesive dispensing hopper adapted to apply an adhesive mixture having spacer beads or particles mixed therein on the top surface of each sheet of insulation adjacent to the drainage channels and including a shutter mechanism for forming transversely extending substantially adhesive-free pathways between the drainage channels and a screed attached to the hopper having optional scraper blades which wipe away any adhesive that may flow in the drainage channels.

Abstract: A sealing device for a hatch cover closing a hatch on a railcar, wherein the hatch cover includes a pocket for receiving a gasket, and the pocket includes projections mating with recesses on the gasket or projections on the gasket mating with recesses in the pocket for removably retaining the gasket in the pocket.