Abstract: A vertical panic exit device is interchangeably mountable on either left-hand opening or right-hand opening doors and comprises a latch mechanism for engagement with a strike mounted to a doorjamb to alternately transition a door mounted to the jamb in a latched and unlatched configuration. A central portion includes a push bar; an action rod interlinked to said push bar such that a depression of the push bar causes the action rod to be translated in a direction orthogonal to the push bar, and a center case mechanism movable between a latched and an unlatched position. The center case mechanism comprises a housing, and a main link carriage horizontally slidably mounted within the housing. The main link carriage is linked to and is acted upon by the action rod for translation between the latched and unlatched position. An actuator link has a first end pivotally attached to the main link carriage. A pivoting member is pivotally mounted to the housing and has first and second pivotal attach points.

Abstract: A movable advertising system and method that can be produced inexpensively in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes and easily installed in consumer purchasing locations. The movable advertising system is designed to attract the attention of the purchasing public and enhance the sales of advertised product. The unique feature of the system is a self-contained support mechanism that reinforces the system and provides sufficient support to enable the advertising system to carry a tear-pad for sweepstakes, coupons, and/or other consumer offers.

Abstract: A method of installing fiber optic cables consists of cutting a shallow and narrow trench or channel within a road surface or building wall. A narrow fiber optic cable is laid within the channel, and subsequently covered with a patch material. A branching cable network is provided by cutting at periodic and selected locations, a slightly broader and deeper region of the channel, within which cable loops and/or junction boxes are installed. The nodes may consist of branching nodes, or alternatively non-branching nodes containing a cable loop and/or junction box, the installation of which at a location permits a junction node to be formed at a close by location. The invention also consists of a junction box for use with the system.

Abstract: A novel power block distribution block kit is disclosed. The blocks may use MAXI or AUG, or other types of commercially available type fuses. The present invention discloses a variably fusable power distribution block kit that permits custom configuration of the fuse to circuit relationships on a common base, and with a common cover to achieve higher circuit ratings with the same device, fuses, and component parts.

Abstract: An excavating machine, representatively a tracked excavator has a boom stick portion on which both an excavating bucket and a hydraulic breaker are mounted for hydraulically driven pivotal movement between first and second limit positions. The bucket may be operated independently of the breaker for digging operations. Similarly, the breaker may be operated independently of the bucket for refusal material-breaking operations. The same excavating machine may now use the bucket and breaker in a rapid and continuous exchange, to frequently remove small quantities of broken refuse material with the bucket, exposing the bucket and breaker to fresh refuse material. A deployment system is disclosed having a bracket for closely aligned pivotal support of both the breaker and a single hydraulic cylinder on a single bracket. An end stop and latching assembly are also disclosed to increase the control and reliability of the device. An extension stop is disclosed to stabilize the device during operation.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for trimming an irregular open end of a container body is disclosed. The improved trimmer cartridge includes a sealed gear housing, for retention of interior lubricant and to reduce contamination. An adjustment mechanism, accessible from the exterior of the housing, is provided to adjust a gap between two blades of the trimmer cartridge. The adjustment mechanism provides improved control over the gap width, which is between 8-25% of the can metal thickness. Additionally, a tang that is removably connected to a shaft for a first blade provides rotational power for the trimmer. The tang is replaceable without requiring the housing to be opened or requiring replacement of the blade shaft. Another blade shaft is provided for a second blade, with the two blade shafts having substantially equal mass. The trimmer also includes spur gears, which do not have the thrust load associated with prior art helical gears.

Abstract: A hollow auger head assembly for penetrating geological formations that utilizes drill bit assemblies to which both blades and finger bits are attached. The method of securing the individual drill bit assemblies to the auger head reduces incidents of the drill bit assembly becoming detached from the auger head during drilling operations. Additionally, a rust-resistant attachment mechanism is used attach the drill bit assemblies to the auger head, which makes the drill bit assemblies easier to remove and replace. The configuration and arrangement of the bits improves cutting efficiency, increases wear life and reduces the likelihood of the bits breaking during operation.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for injecting resin into a mold comprises an injection cylinder in fluid communication with the mold, wherein movement of a piston relative to the cylinder injects a selected quantity of resin into the mold. A plasticizing unit includes a flighted screw rotating in a heated containment barrel for plasticizing resin. The plasticizing unit is in fluid communication with the injection cylinder for supplying the injection cylinder with plasticized resin. A valve is provided for selectively placing the injection cylinder in fluid communication with the mold and placing the plasticizing unit in fluid communication with the injection cylinder, wherein the valve exerts pressure on resin in the mold independently of the injection cylinder or plasticizing unit. The valve is actuated by relative movement between the mold and one of the injection cylinder and the plasticizing unit.

Abstract: A child safety restraint system is disclosed for use on private and commercial aircraft. The invention includes a removable, portable strap assembly for safely securing automotive child safety seats to aircraft seats and frames in compliance with present and pending federal aviation safety regulations. A system is disclosed which includes a pair of anchors attached to the front beam on an aircraft seat. A pair of connectable and adjustable belt assemblies are attached one each, to the anchors. One belt assembly is passed through the frame of a child safety seat and connected to the other belt assembly. The combined length of the connected belt assemblies is then adjusted to place the system in tension, and thereby secure the child safety seat to the aircraft seat. The resulting system provides significantly improved safety for children over the use of the lap belts to secure child safety seats in commercial aircraft.

Abstract: The panic exit device includes several features which improve its ease of use and operability over earlier devices including: (1) an improved latch deadlocking mechanism; (2) an improved latch to pad mechanism; (3) a pad lock down feature; (4) an improved universal mounting plate and easily mounted strike; and (5) a vertical rod-bottom bolt deadlocking mechanism in its center case. The latch deadlocking mechanism includes a deadlock link, which in the event of a fire, will block the movement of the latch bolt.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate chuckwall extending radially outward from the annular countersink, an arcuate step portion extending radially outward from the arcuate chuckwall, a transitional portion extending radially outward from the arcuate step portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the transitional portion.

Abstract: An enclosed and concealed lock device is disclosed which provides a high degree of security. The device is resistant to tampering and to brute force destruction. One or more latches are engageable with a strike plate in a door jamb or with a strike box, which is also enclosed. A seal trim prevents access to the latch. A slide assembly having a padlock is located within a latch enclosure. An orifice on a pivotal link attaches to the shackle of the padlock. Locking the padlock raises the padlock body into the protective latch box enclosure, and prevents movement of the slide assembly. A first limiter restricts vertical movement of the shackle, allowing the padlock to be engaged by upward movement of the padlock body.

Abstract: A stay-on-tab container closure suitable for use on beverage cans and the like, said closure including an center panel with an downwardly displaceable tear panel, which, in one aspect, has a smooth upper surface having no visually perceptible contour features, and which, in another aspect, has low-relief contour features on its upper surface. Closures according to the invention have reduced stresses across the score defining the tear panel, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress-induced fatigue cracking which can lead to score failure when the container closure is joined to a can body and the resulting can is internally pressurized.

Abstract: Acid gas is liquified by compression and cooling, mixed with water under pressure and flowed into a disposal well.