Abstract: A string mounting system for a stringed musical instrument (10), comprising a helical tension spring (22a-f) connected in series with each string (14a-f), each string (14a-f) being collinear with its corresponding helical tension spring (22a-f), wherein each string (22a-f) is provided with an inertial damper (16) which is received within the body of the respective helical tension spring (22a-f).

Abstract: An illuminating system for emitting a uniform amount of intense scattered light. The illumination system comprises an integrated chamber having a cavity large enough to contain at least two florescent lamps and a reflective interior surface. The chamber is further comprised of a front surface and rear surface. The front surface of the elongated chamber has an elongated opening (i.e. front opening) for emitting the light directed from the florescent lamps and the rear surface has a corresponding elongated opening (i.e. rear opening) aligned with the front opening. This rear opening allows a scanning mechanism, such as a camera, to read any information being illuminated through the front opening of the illuminating system.

Abstract: A suction device system comprising a suction tip and a containing unit wherein the containing unit is configured to allow the suction tip to rest within the containing unit such that the suction tip does not contact the containing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating, positioning and fitting stiffener members to panels for use in barge construction. The method and apparatus includes a stiffener locator assembly, a stiffener handling/loading gantry and a stiffener fitting gantry. In use, the stiffener handling/loading gantry sequentially moves the stiffeners and loads them over the barge panels and into successive stiffener locators positioned along the assembly. The stiffener fitting gantry then successively presses the stiffeners against the barge panels for tack welding thereto.

Abstract: A sheet feeder apparatus and method with throughput control. By varying the speed at which sheets are fed from a supply, the sheet feeder apparatus and method assures that the throughput capacity of a downstream operation is never exceeded. Speed is varied based upon the length of the sheets being fed. Furthermore, the sheet feeder apparatus can have worn components replaced quickly and by operators of minimal skill level.

Abstract: A gun support system for a paintball gun comprises a support frame and a strap attached thereto. The support frame consists of a bracket and a support arm. The bracket is defined by an opening and has a front side. The support arm has a proximal and distal end and extends outwardly from the front side of the bracket. The system may also consist of an adjustable opening thereby providing the support of various different paintball gun sizes and shapes. The system may also consist of an adjustable support arm to better support guns with a larger nozzle.

Abstract: A stage and thread assembly is disclosed for use in a high speed envelope packing apparatus. The assembly receives from the side, a single envelope with flap open. The assembly precisely aligns and positions the envelope in a pre-stage area via a plurality of entry ramps, continuously running belts, and back stops, correcting any misalignment. Once positioned in the pre-stage area, the apparatus stages the envelope in a position above the thread roller of the high speed packing apparatus so that the envelope can be threaded on the packing plate for insertion of material into the envelope. The staging of the envelope is achieved via a plurality of rollers including, d-rollers, flipper rollers, and stage rollers. The envelope is staged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of entry of the envelope.

Abstract: A composite gasket comprising a metal flange having graphite sealing surfaces overlaid thereon, has load stabilizing ribs formed in the metal flange in the parallel sides not having bolt holes therein. The ribs provide a more even load distribution in the graphite sealing surfaces such that a more efficient and longer lasting seal is provided, particularly in mis-designed or misapplied applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a continuous flow transfer system designed to transfer the contents of a mail tray into a cartridge for subsequent processing and then, after processing, to transfer the contents of the cartridge back into a mail tray without disrupting the facing or orientation of each piece of mail. The continuous flow transfer system comprises both a cartridge loader and a cartridge unloader, both of which have a tray section, a transfer conveyor and a cartridge section. The tray section, or infeed section, of the cartridge loader is designed to deliver filled mail trays to the transfer section of the loader. At the transfer section, the contents of each mail tray are deposited into an intermediate container that is affixed to the transfer section. The transfer section then delivers the contents of the intermediate container into empty cartridges being fed onto the cartridge section, or discharge section, of the loader.

Abstract: A system for locking a hubcap to a wheel comprising a wheel, said wheel having a plurality of bolts extending outwardly therefrom, a hubcap cover having a plurality of holes adapted to fit over said bolts, and a plurality of nutcovers to fasten over said bolts and lock said hubcap to the wheel.

Abstract: A separator and sequencing apparatus comprising a first selective document transport means for selective movement of documents and a second selective document transport means for selective movement of documents positioned adjacent to the first selective document transport means, the first and second selective document transport means configured to move at least one of a pair of documents located in said separator and sequencing apparatus.