Abstract: Flow control valve includes angled metering ports in the valve sleeve for directing the momentum of the fluid flow against the respective valve flow metering edges in a direction producing an opening reaction force on the valve upon initial valve opening in opposition to the usual axial flow forces tending to close the valve to reduce the flow force gain acting on the valve. Preferably, the angled metering ports are disposed at an angle of approximately 45.degree. or greater from a line perpendicular to the valve axis. Also, a single set of circumferentially spaced angled metering ports is desirably provided for each return or high pressure flow path for producing the desired opening reaction force on the valve.

Abstract: A refueling system is characterized by the delivery of fuel through a multi-stage telescoping cylinder assembly which uses the fuel as the pressure media for extending and retracting the cylinder assembly. Provision also is made for rotating or pivoting the cylinder assembly about two orthogonal axes which, when combined with telescopic extension and retraction of the cylinder assembly, enables a normally closed nozzle connected to the forward end of the innermost piston cylinder to be positionally directed to the fuel inlet portion of the combat vehicle to be refueled. Another attribute of the system is that when properly seated in the fuel inlet port, the nozzle automatically opens.

Abstract: A hydraulic tire curing press comprises a center column and two outer columns respectively located at the apex and ends of a shallow V, and a pair of press cavities each located between the center column and a respective outer column. The press cavities each include a lower cavity part and an upper cavity part, the latter being supported by and between the center column and respective outer column for vertical movement by an in line or shallow V arrangement of actuators which raise and lower the upper cavity parts in order to open and close the press cavities. The center column, when at the front of the press, is used as a common mount for a pair of tire loaders respectively associated with press cavities.

Abstract: High-low speed drive system includes a main drive shaft which may be selectively driven off one or the other of a pair of continuously driven high and low speed shafts by selective engagement and disengagement of associated pneumatic operated disc clutches. Such clutches have fast response times, and the clutch associated with the low speed shaft acts as a brake when engaged to rapidly decelerate the main drive shaft down to the speed of the low speed shaft. The timing of both the high speed and low speed pneumatic operated disc clutches are closely controlled so that the low speed clutch is engaged practically instantaneously with the disengagement of the high speed clutch. The clutches are located in substantial radial alignment with each other in close proximity to the gear train between the high and low speed shafts and main drive shaft within the main housing for ease of maintenance and simplified porting of fluid through lines on the same path to all of the clutches.

Abstract: Multiple drive paths are provided between the valve plunger and force motor of a direct drive valve and force motor assembly whereby should one of the drive paths fail, the force motor can still be used to drive the valve plunger through another drive path. One of the drive paths consists of a drive shaft having one end drivingly connected to an eccentric on the motor output shaft and the other end connected to the end of the valve plunger remote from the motor output shaft. The drive shaft is desirably provided with an enlarged head portion having a flat annular surface on the axial inner end thereof in close proximity to a corresponding flat end face on the end of the valve plunger closest to the motor output shaft, whereby should the valve plunger break, the drive shaft will hold the valve plunger together and allow for degraded valve performance.

Abstract: A liquid crystal apparatus includes a plurality of volumes of liquid crystal material in a containment medium. At least some of the volumes also have a filler or spacer material therein. Some volumes may be interconnected. The walls defining the volumes and the wall of the spacer tend to distort the natural liquid crystal structure in the absence of an electric field, and the optical and electrical properties of the materials are such that in the absence of a field incident light is scattered or absorbed and in the presence of a field, scattering and/or absorption are reduced. The apparatus may be used in an optical display, optical shutter, billboard, etc., and it functions independently of polarization. Methods of making and using the apparatus also are included in the invention.

Abstract: A mobile chair for the handicapped includes a seat frame, a front support frame and a removable rear support frame. The seal frame is pivotable with respect to the front support frame selectively to vary the position of the seat frame. The rear support frame is releasable from the front support frame and is connected thereto by a toggle mechanism at the rear and a pivotal releasable ball and socket joint at the front. To place the chair in a car or other vehicle, the front of the chair is first placed on the vehicle floor, the rear toggle connection is released and the seat frame and front support frame are placed on the vehicle seat. The ball and socket joint permits the seat frame and front support frame to be pivoted into the car and placed on the seat while the rear support frame remains essentially stationary outside the vehicle. Once the chair is in the vehicle, the ball and socket connection is released and the rear support frame may be removed and stowed elsewhere.

Abstract: A direct drive valve and force motor assembly including interchangeable stator assembly and method for accurately setting the magnetic spring null of the motor with respect to the servo valve hydraulic null independent of the actual motor stator assembly, whereby the motor stator assembly may be configured as an interchangeable plug-in module with interface electrical connector. This is accomplished by using a simple fixture which simulates the motor stator assembly and senses rotor magnet position. The stator simulating fixture may be used to rotatably adjust the position of the rotor casing so that the magnetic spring null corresponds to the hydraulic valve null. Both the stator simulating fixture and motor stator assembly include an index pin engageable with a stator alignment keyway in the rotor casing for maintaining the desired orientation therebetween. Also, rotor over-travel stops keyed to the rotor casing may be centered during the nulling process.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system for use at a pipe manufacturing facility includes a computer and memory; a storage/retrieval crane operable in a storage yard; a plurality of containers, each being capable of containing material for storage and a load crane for at least one of loading or unloading respective containers. The computer is on-site proximate the storage yard and includes means for monitoring and controlling the storage/retrieval crane and load crane, means for monitoring and storing in memory information of container positions in the storage yard and means for coordinating operation of the storage/retrieval crane and load crane. The crane stores and retrieves containers in the yard in a three dimensional array, can carry containers on the crane feet, and may deliver or retrieve containers relative to load/unload stations including a load crane. At such stations pipe is transferred between containers and the load crane.

Abstract: An electrical component for mechanical mounting and electrical connection with respect to plated through holes of a printed circuit board compatibly with a surface mount attaching process includes an electrically non-conducting body, plural generally elongate contacts extending from the body for insertion into such plated through holes, and the component having a reservoir for retaining solder type material for melting, for flow into respective plated through holes, and for re-solidifying mechanically and electrically to couple the component to such printed circuit board. Preferably the component is a connector, such as a header, and the contact pins or leads thereof provide interface connection between the printed circuit board and a separate or portable connector.A method for attaching such an electrical component to a printed circuit board compatibly with surface mount attaching processes and an apparatus to carry out such method also are part of the invention.

Abstract: There is provided an article for use by persons lying on the ground at the sea or like locations.The device serves as a head rest for the reposing person and as a sun shade. When not in use as stated, the device serves as a carrying bag.

Abstract: A DC kickless water cooled cable used in welding is disclosed in which the cable strand ends are crimped into the cable terminations with the aid of a D-clip, and then the D-clip, crimped cable end, and termination are press resistance welded together to form a low cost substantially integral connection.

Abstract: A one piece, biphasic media culture container, as disclosed herein, includes a first compartment for a solid nutrient culture medium, a second compartment for a liquid nutrient culture medium and a common headspace enclosure above and extending between said first and second compartments to provide selective fluid communication therebetween. The first and second compartments are discrete from one another except for the common headspace enclosure and are spatially separated by an air space between their respective inner walls.

Abstract: An improved electrical clip-like connector having a low profile and being capable of connecting the conductors of an electrical cable with the leads of an integrated circuit package or the like, employs reinforcing shrouds to prevent breakage of gripping teeth and improper installation of the connector. Provision also is made for convenient and secure attachment of an external ground and for good electrical connection between contacts of the connector and the leads of the integrated circuit package that might have an oxide film on their surface. A further feature of the invention provides a less stiff and easier to use handle for installing and removing the clip whereas a still further feature of the invention provides for reinforcement of relatively wide clip bodies in the proximity of contact supporting walls.

Abstract: A quick-connect tube coupling includes a body member having a bore for receiving the end of a tube, a first counterbore adjacent the outer end of the body member for receipt of an annular ring portion of a gripper ring surrounding the tube, and a second smaller diameter counterbore between the bore and first counterbore for receipt of radially and axially inwardly extending gripper ring fingers. The second counterbore provides limited and controlled outward deflection of the gripper ring fingers when a pulling force is applied to the tube so that the fingers bite into the tube surface preventing the tube from being pulled out of the coupling. A hand-threaded nut on the outer end of the body member retains the gripper ring within the body member when a pulling force is applied to the tube. An O-ring seal is also desirably contained within the first counterbore axially outwardly of the gripper ring to form a seal between the tube and body member.

Abstract: For use with a CRT monitor, a copyholder assembly comprises a copyholder including a display framing panel and at least one copyholding panel extending from a respective side of the display framing panel. The panels are joined either integrally or for pivotal angular adjustment of the copyholding panel relative to the display framing panel. The display framing panel, which includes a window positionable in front of the CRT screen, is adjustably detachably secured to a mounting assembly removably securable atop the monitor or to a mount removably securable beneath the monitor. The mounting assembly is adjustable for universal use with different monitors notwithstanding different top surface configurations. Optional accessories for the copyholder also are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing transition metal salt compositions of organic carboxylic acids having improved properties wherein the transition metal is one capable of having a multiplicity of oxidation states is described. The process comprises the steps of (a) providing at least one transition metal compound wherein the transition metal is at one of its higher positive oxidation states, (b) treating said transition metal compound with at least one reducing agent forming an intermediate containing the transition metal in a lower positive oxidation state, (c) reacting said intermediate with at least one organic carboxylic acid to form the transition metal salt of said carboxylic acid, and (d) mixing said transition metal salt formed in step (c) with (i) at least one antioxidant, or (ii) at least one additional metal salt wherein the additional metal is more electronegative than the transition metal, or (iii) mixtures of (i) and (ii).

Abstract: A reinforcing and or confining structure for an earth formation comprising a plurality of anchor members anchored at spaced intervals in an earth formation, the anchor members being connected to the adjacent anchor members by tensile members to form a substantially continuous tensile member adjacent the surface of the ground formation. Point loads resulting from earth movements are dissipated as a tensile load throughout the system. The anchor members may be tensionable to reinforce the earth formation. The tensile elements may be formed integrally with the anchor members in a substantially L-shaped configuration or they may be separate therefrom. The substantially continuous tensile members may be formed in spaced parallel rows or they may overlap or be interconnected to form a mesh-like structure.