Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved position sensor for a latching solenoid (15). In the preferred embodiment, the solenoid has a permanent magnet (16), a coil (18) adapted to be selectively energized by either a positive or negative current, a first pole-piece (19) and a second pole-piece (20), a first armature (21) positioned between the pole pieces, a first air-gap (22) and a second air-gap (23) between the armature and the first and second pole pieces, respectively, and a first magnetic flux path (24) and second magnetic flux path (25) associated with the first and second pole pieces, respectively, the armature being movable between an alternate first position (26) and second position (28) wherein flux from the magnet will hold the armature in either of the positions, the armature, magnet and air-gaps being so configured and arranged that selective energization of the coil produces a coil flux to cause the armature to move to and latch in one of the positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in a two-axis pointing motor (20) having a frame (21) and an armature (22). The armature has an axis (x-x) passing through a point (P). The armature is mounted on the frame for controlled omni-directional pivotal movement of the axis about the point. The motor has a permanent magnet (24) mounted on the armature, and has a plurality of coils (25,25,25,25) mounted on the frame for creating controllable electromagnetic fluxes for urging the armature to pivot about the point. In one aspect, the improvement comprises the coils being positioned such that the entire volume of each of the coils is entirely within an imaginary hemisphere (h) generated about the point. This hemisphere is of arbitrary radius, but encompasses the coils. In another aspect, the improvement comprises the armature having a magnetically-conductive surface (33) which is configured as a segment of a sphere.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved portable on-board mass emissions measuring system for internal combustion engines. In the preferred embodiment, the system is comprised of an exhaust analyzer (16), at least one sensor (18, 22 or 29) which may be temporarily attached to the engine for sensing parameters of the engine, and a processor (19) programmed to collect and manipulate data from the analyzer and the sensor, whereby the mass emissions of the engine may be calculated. The system may further comprise a display (20) for displaying the mass emissions of the engine and an engine-control interface (21). The sensor may be capable of sensing engine RPM, engine oil temperature, or intake manifold pressure. The exhaust analyzer may be capable of measuring concentrations of the engine exhaust constituents, particulates, aerosols, and gases in the engine emissions.

Abstract: A tooth bleaching tray (20) broadly includes a U-shaped trough-like member (21) having a central arcuate portion (22) and having an extension portion (23, 24) continuing from either end thereof and terminating in a distal end (25, 26). The tray has an outer wall (28) adapted to face toward the outer surface of a person's teeth, an inner wall (29) adapted to face toward the inner surface of such person's teeth, and a bottom surface (30) joining the lower margins of the inner and outer walls. A thin flexible wall (31, 32) is located at each extension portion distal end (25, 26) and joins the margins of the inner and outer walls and the bottom surface. This flexible portion is adapted to conform to the shape of such person's rearwardmost molar without deformation of the trough-like member, and functions as a dam to prevent bleaching composition from flowing out of the trough-like member through the distal ends.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved cutting tool point. In the preferred embodiment, the cutting tool is comprised of a marginal end portion (15), adapted to selectively remove material from a work piece when the tool is moved relative to the work piece and having a leading cutting lip (16), a trailing dam (18), a recessed surface (19) extending into the marginal end portion between the cutting lip and the dam, and a coolant hole (20) communicating with the recessed surface, such that the recessed surface forms a reservoir (40) for coolant (36). The present invention also discloses a marginal end portion having an axis of rotation (42), at least one flute (21), and at least one chip-forming notch (31) extending from the flute into the marginal end portion and beyond the axis of rotation. The present invention also discloses a marginal end portion having a chip former (37) and a chip breaker (32).

Abstract: The invention refers to a tilting mechanism for creating track curve-dependent tilt of the superstructure of rail vehicles (1), consisting of a coupling (15) with which the superstructure (2) is movably connected to a bogie (3) in such a way that the superstructure can be transferred from an upright initial position into a tilted position relative to the bogie and having a drive (31) and an transfer mechanism including a transfer mechanism by which means the superstructure can be movably transferred from its initial position into its tilted position relative to the bogie. To be able to manufacture such tilting mechanism in a more inexpensive way, the invention aims at equipping the transfer mechanism with a mechanism with a variable transmission, the transmission of the mechanism increasing with increasing inclination angle of the superstructure relative to the bogie during transfer of the superstructure from its initial position into its tilted position.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a holder (32) for adjustable positioning of reinforcing rods (49). The holder has a horizontal support structure and a means for holding a reinforcing rod (49). The holder is comprised of a first leg member (33), a second leg member (34), a spring (35) and a retaining member (41). The leg members are elongated for spanning one of the cells of a hollow block (20). The first and second leg members are configured and arranged to create a gap (37) therebetween for receiving the reinforcing rod. The spring is adapted to bias the leg members against the reinforcing rod to vertically suspend and selectively permit adjustment of the vertical position of the reinforcing rod during the construction of a hollow block wall (47). In the preferred embodiment, the leg members and the spring are integrally formed from a continuous wire member having a U-shaped profile.

Abstract: A storage system (20) has substantially-parallel stationary first and second walls (21, 22) spaced from one another. A third wall (29) is mounted for movement relative to the first and second walls. The improvement comprises track means (26) for guiding movement of the third wall relative to the first and second walls. The track means has a first track (31) mounted on the first wall, a second track (32) mounted on the second wall, a carriage (33) mounted on the third wall and operatively engaging the first track for movement therealong, and a second carriage (40) mounted on the third wall and operatively engaging the second track for movement therealong. The improvement further includes locking means (28) operatively arranged to releasably hold at least one of the carriages to the associated track for preventing unintended movement of the third wall relative to the first and second walls. Thus, the third wall may be releasably held in an adjustable position relative to the first and second walls.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved box-belt attachment system (15) for attaching a box (16) having a lid (21) to a belt (18). In the preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises a box loop (19) and a belt loop (20), whereby the lid of a box may be folded over the box loop and the belt loop may engage a user's belt. The box loop and belt loop may be formed from a continuous wire member comprised of a flexible elastic material. The elastic material may be spring steel having a substantially circular cross-section. The lid may include two male connections (22) and the back panel (23) of the box may contain two corresponding female connections (24), whereby the lid may be temporarily attached to the back panel of the box. The box may include a reinforced crease (25).

Abstract: A sensor for determining the location of the surface of liquid in a container, includes: a hollow tubular stainless steel probe inserted into said container, said probe having one portion arranged above the surface of the liquid and having another portion submerged in the liquid; a first thermocouple operatively arranged within the probe to sense the temperature above the liquid surface; a second thermocouple operatively arranged within the probe to sense the temperature of said liquid at a point beneath the liquid surface; a resistance wire operatively arranged within the probe; a current source operatively arranged to apply a constant-current to the ends of the wire; and an ohmmeter for measuring the electrical resistance of the wire according to the equation: RT=ƒ[kaTaHh+kwTwH(1−h)] where RT is the resistance of the wire, ƒ is the symbol for “a function of”, ka is a constant for the probe first portion, Ta is the temperature sensed by the first temperatur

Abstract: A method of starting gas turbine engine (17) having a variable-speed motor-driven pump (13) operatively arranged to supply a source of fuel to the engine through at least one combustor nozzle (19) when the engine is operating normally, includes the steps of: providing a calibration orifice (16) sized to simulate the pressure-flow characteristics of the nozzle; initially directing the flow from the pump through the orifice; operating the pump at preselected speeds; measuring the temperature of the flow at each of such speeds; measuring the pressure drop of the flow across the orifice at each of such speeds; calculating the fuel mass flow rate as a function of pump speed and temperature; thereafter redirecting the flow from the orifice to the nozzle; and subsequently controlling the speed of the pump to produce a desired fuel mass flow rate for starting the engine.

Abstract: An improved door closing apparatus (20) is adapted for use with a door frame (21) that comprises an elongated header (22), a sill (23) and a pair of side jambs (24, 25). A door (26) is adapted to be mounted on the frame for pivotal movement about an axis (y—y). The improved comprises a base (29) adapted to be mounted on the header, a closer mechanism (30) mounted on the base and having a first shaft (31) adapted to be oriented perpendicularly with respect to the axis of elongation of the header. The closer mechanism is operatively arranged to selectively urge the first shaft to rotate relative to the closer mechanism. A second shaft (33) is mounted on the base for pivotal movement relative thereto. The second shaft is substantially aligned with the pivotal excess of the door. First and second arms (34, 35) are mounted on the first and second shafts, respectively, for movement therewith.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved actuating mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the actuating mechanism (15) is comprised of a split housing (16), a gear transfer system (18) enclosed in the housing, a threaded barrel (19) extending from the housing, a screw rod (20) threaded for movement through the barrel, an end plate (21) mounted to the housing opposite the barrel, the transfer system communicating with a driver input (22) and the barrel, whereby rotation of the transfer system will cause rotation of the barrel and axial movement of the screw rod through the barrel. The transfer system comprises beveled ring (23) and pinion (24) gears. The driver input comprises a square recess set in the pinion gear. The driver input may be adapted for operation with either a pneumatic driver or a manual driver. The housing is filled with grease and the barrel and housing are adapted to be greased by means of a conventional grease gun. The end plate and screw rod include clevis end connections (28, 32).

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a holder (32) for adjustable positioning of reinforcing rods (49). The holder has a horizontal support structure and a means for holding a reinforcing rod (49). The holder is comprised of a first leg member (33), a second leg member (34), a spring (35) and a retaining member (41). The leg members are elongated for spanning one of the cells of a hollow block (20). The first and second leg members are configured and arranged to create a gap (37) therebetween for receiving the reinforcing rod. The spring is adapted to bias the leg members against the reinforcing rod to vertically suspend and selectively permit adjustment of the vertical position of the reinforcing rod during the construction of a hollow block wall (47). In the preferred embodiment, the leg members and the spring are integrally formed from a continuous wire member having a U-shaped profile.

Abstract: An improved motorcycle frame (20) has a first part (21) and a second part (23) mounted for pivotal movement relative to the first part about an axis (x--x). The improvement includes a cushioned bushing (17) operatively arranged between the two frame parts for enabling pivotal movement therebetween and for damping vibrations transmitted therebetween. The bushing has a rod (45) substantially coincident with the pivotal axis; a first cushion (27) provided with a blind recess for receiving one marginal end portion of the rod; a second cushion (27') provided with a blind recess for receiving another marginal end portion of the rod; and compression means (37) for exerting axial forces on the cushions to create forces between the cushions and the rod marginal end portions. In a preferred embodiment, the cushions are made of dual-durometer urethane materials.

Abstract: The present invention broadly provides an improvement in a deuterium arc lamp having structure (e.g., anode 27, baffle 28, etc.) mounted on the distal end of an electrical conductor (26) within an elongated tubular glass envelope (21) in spaced relation to the side wall (22) of the envelope. The improvement broadly comprises spacer means (24), such as axially-spaced disk-like first and second members (32, 33), that operatively engage the structure, and that restrain transverse movement of such structure within the envelope.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved cutting tool point. In the preferred embodiment, the cutting tool is comprised of a marginal end portion (15), adapted to selectively removed material from a work piece when the tool is moved relative to the work piece and having a leading cutting lip (16), a trailing dam (18), a recessed surface (19) extending into the marginal end portion between the cutting lip and the dam, and a coolant hole (20) communicating with the recessed surface, such that the recessed surface forms a reservoir (40) for coolant (36). The present invention also discloses a marginal end portion having an axis of rotation (42), at least one flute (21), and at least one chip-forming notch (31) extending from the flute into the marginal end portion and beyond the axis of rotation. The present invention also discloses a marginal end portion having a chip former (37) and a chip breaker (32).

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a switch apparatus (6) for operating a surgical evacuator (14). The switch apparatus broadly comprises a surgical device (39) having a power unit (12), a vibration generator (10) for producing vibrations in response to the operation of the surgical device, a vibration sensor (22) for generating an output as a function of vibrations sensed, a control unit (23) for producing a control signal as a function of the vibrations produced by the vibration generator and a surgical evacuator for removing a waste product generated by the use of the surgical device. The vibration generator is adaptively coupled to the power unit. In addition, the control unit is adaptively coupled to the vibration sensor. The evacuator is responsive to the control signal and is activated or deactivated based on the operation of the surgical device.