Abstract: A threaded insert including a main body being generally cylindrical with a central bore extending therethrough having outer ring members with knurling in opposed directions for preventing rotation after implanting of the insert into a carrier substrate. The main body includes upper pilot ribs positioned on the outer surface of the main body adjacent the upper end to facilitate entry of that end into the carrier substrate during implanting thereof. The rib includes an upper leading surface which is arcuate to facilitate this insertion by facilitating movement of the substrate material during insertion. A lower pilot rib configuration is also included to allow insertion of the one-piece metallic threaded insert with either the upper or lower end entering the carrier substrate first.

Abstract: Spin drying of a stack of flats such as egg trays is performed within a housing by movement of a rotatable lifting head into engagement with the undersurface of the stack. A stack lifting device lifts the lifting head and the stack of flats positioned thereon vertically upwardly into engagement with a drive engagement device thereabove which is rotatably powered by a drive with an optional braking device. Operation of the drive will cause rotation of the lifting head, the stack of flats and the drive engagement device simultaneously. The stack of flats will be held between the lifting head engaging the lower surface thereof and the drive engagement device engaging the upper surface thereof for fixedly securing these three elements together during powered rotation thereof. The rotation will spin off any liquids remaining on the flats such as would be present after being washed.

Abstract: An improved seal configuration for use primarily with a spherical plain bearing wherein the sealing member includes a base with two outwardly extending lips, one extending in an inner direction and one extending in an outer direction. Both of the lips engage the bearing surface of an inner race member. The seal base member of the seal is mounted within a seal mounting groove defined in the bearing surface of the outer race member. The seal is preferably circular and includes a downwardly flexibly resilient inner and outer lip configuration which provide dual sealing and enhanced contaminant control for a spherical plain bearing.

Abstract: A solid state arc suppression circuitry is defined for placement in parallel extending over the mechanical contacts of a conventional coil and contact mechanical relay mechanism for the purpose of eliminating arcing between the relay contacts which usually occurs immediately prior to closing thereof or immediately after opening thereof. This arc suppression circuitry includes a first circuitry section positioned in parallel with respect to the coil energizing circuit which is activated simultaneously with activating the coil and which is operable through an optical coupling device to activate a second solid state circuit which is positioned extending in parallel with respect to the relay contact to eliminate the transient arching currents thereover during opening and closing of the contacts. The sensing circuit preferably includes a light emitting diode photocoupled to an optotriac for linking operation of the first and second solid state circuits with respect to one another.

Abstract: A dimmer control device is disclosed which determines when to switch a voltage level supplied to a light fixture comprised of a plurality of light bulbs by monitoring the phase relation between an input voltage and input current. When the phase relation is within acceptable tolerance limits, external control inputs to lower, i.e., dim, or raise the illumination level are accepted and processed. The dimmer control device further compensates for warmup and startup transistions by directing input voltage through relays that provide full voltage until desired voltage/current phase relation is established within acceptable tolerance levels. And further provides for a full voltage output when a failure or abnormal conditions are determined.

Abstract: A device for significantly enhancing the ability of ice hockey players of all experience levels for developing stick control and correct shooting movements while also increasing strength, balance and accuracy thereof which includes a framework defining a practice zone thereunder wherein a flexibly resilient member is secured to uniquely configured apertures defined in the blade of the training hockey stick to encourage correct stick movement and to discourage incorrect stick handling and shooting movements. The apertures are preferably located in the heel, the toe and/or the tip of the blade of the stick and are attached to the resilient member for building up strength and providing resistance thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for propelling an object by pneumatic air flow along one or more individual track sections utilizing a unique air controller providing a conduit for entrance of the object thereinto and an exit as well as a switching means for moving the object from one track to another and for maintaining uniform flow such that the object continuously moves through the tracks and the tunnel defined in the air controller therefore. The design includes a unique directional flow tapered air inlet for receiving air under pressure from an air pressure chamber for the main powering pneumatically of an object through the propulsion track. Also included is a uniquely configured object which may include a decorative body externally thereon for aesthetics. An air recycling chamber is included for minimizing the effects of back pressure and maximizing efficiency of operation of the object. This device could be used for amusement purposes or commercial purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece for a woodwind instrument wherein the reed is formed with a special configuration having a slot in the non-vibrating clamped portion to facilitate mounting thereof with respect to a uniquely configured mouthpiece of a woodwind instrument such as a clarinet or saxophone. A uniquely configured mouthpiece in combination with a uniquely configured reed provides a unique method for self-aligning and self-centering installation of a reed which eliminates the requirement of a conventional ligature and provides for faster and easier installation of a reed to a woodwind mouthpiece. Correct installation is quickly and easily achieved even by those unskilled such as young beginners.

Abstract: A parachute with enhanced pocket bands positioned adjacent the points of securement of suspension lines and radial lines with respect to the lower edge of the canopy of the parachute wherein the pocket bands are oriented angularly with respect to the radial lines and with respect to the direction of flow during initial inflation of the parachute in order to enhance inflation of air pockets between the pocket bands and the external surface of the canopy adjacent the radial lines in order to more rapidly inflate the canopy of the parachute to facilitate use thereof at lower altitudes and to provide a more controlled canopy inflation. Pocket bands are attached to the lower canopy edge at an angular relation thereto such that the bands catch significantly more air than in the prior art design in order to facilitate inflation of the pocket bands and achieve rapid controlled inflation.