Abstract: A quick connect assembly provides a male portion with a pair of arms defining teeth on their outer surface, and a female portion having a sleeve, defining inward facing teeth corresponding to the outward facing teeth of the male portion. Insertion of a handle upon which the male portion has been secured into the female portion will cause the teeth of the male portion to engage the teeth of the female portion, securing the handle in its desired location.

Abstract: A compressed gas powered gun provides recoil simulating the recoil of a gun firing gunpowder propelled projectiles. The valve assembly provides both consistent shot to shot pressure, and rearward gas pressure for generating recoil. Preferred embodiments of the compressed gas powered gun may include means for adjusting the amount of recoil provided. A trigger mechanism permitting semi-automatic operation, or full automatic operation at a user selectable cyclic rate, is provided. The air gun provides consistent gas pressure behind the projectile from shot to shot. A magazine and magazine indexing system for loading projectiles into the firing chamber in a manner contributing to the accuracy of the air gun is also provided.

Abstract: An improved nozzle for thermite cutting torches provides an elongated nozzle dimensioned and configured to direct a maximized flow of cutting flame to the desired cutting location on a workpiece. The nozzle includes an exterior wall defining the nozzle face having an arc dimensioned and configured to center the cutting aperture over the desired cut when the cutting torch is clamped to the workpiece. The nozzle also includes a groove for directing the flow of reaction products, thereby minimizing backpressure in the nozzle region, and eliminating the need for a standoff distance.

Abstract: A continuously installable/removable collector trolley includes a plurality of selectively extendable and retractable bearing assemblies. The bearing assemblies may be retracted to permit insertion and removal of the trolley into a conductor bar track at any point along the track. The bearing assemblies may then be extended to secure the trolley within the track, and to permit the bearings to roll along the track, permitting movement of the trolley.

Abstract: An aerially deployable position marking device includes an elongated housing, a handle secured to the housing, a ground engaging portion at or adjacent the lower end of the housing and at least one locating element which may take the form of visibility enhancing elements which are nonenergized, electrically energized, visibility enhancing devices or acoustic devices or energy releasing elements which release RF signals or other sources of energy as well as other types. Appropriate sources of energy and switch or switches may be provided.

Abstract: A grit blasting nozzle and nozzle fixture assembly provides for both rapid installation of the nozzle within the fixture, and precise alignment of the nozzle when installed in the fixture. Corresponding flat surfaces and shoulders on the nozzle and nozzle fixture orient the nozzle within the fixture, and a spring-biased pin engages an angled surface in the nozzle housing to fully seat the nozzle within the fixture. A proximity sensor facilitates consistent setting of the proper distance between the nozzle and the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of preventing an ink from increasing in viscosity is praticed by repeatedly performing the steps of supplying provided from an ink supply-aspiration nozzle to an ink reservoir provided between an inking roll and a squeeze roll pressed into contact with the inking roll, moving the nozzle toward one end of the reservoir and causing the nozzle to aspirate a predetermined amount of ink to produce a flow of ink in the reservoir toward the end thereof, and moving the nozzle toward the other end of the reservoir and similarly causing the nozzle to aspirate a predetermined amount of ink to thereby produce a flow of ink toward the other end. A diluting liquid is supplied to the reservoir while performing these steps.

Abstract: A pressure regulator suitable for use as a breathing demand valve in self-contained breathing equipment comprising a first chamber incorporating an inlet port having an inlet valve therein, preferably in the form of a poppet valve and biased so as to seal of the inlet port, and separated from a second chamber by a diaphragm. The diaphragm co-operates with the end of a stem extending from the poppet valve member of the inlet valve such that, upon inhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected towards the inlet valve and exerts a force on the poppet valve stem sufficient to open the poppet valve and, upon exhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected away form the inlet valve so that the diaphragm no longer contacts the end of the poppet valve stem and the inlet valve closes.

Abstract: A compressed gas powered gun provides recoil simulating the recoil of a gun firing gunpowder propelled projectiles. The valve assembly provides both consistent shot to shot pressure, and rearward gas pressure for generating recoil. Preferred embodiments of the compressed gas powered gun may include a system for adjusting the amount of recoil provided. A trigger mechanism permitting semi-automatic operation, or full automatic operation at a user selectable cyclic rate, is provided. The air gun provides consistent gas pressure behind the projectile from shot to shot. A magazine and magazine indexing system for loading projectiles into the firing chamber in a manner contributing to the accuracy of the air gun is also provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is formed from a semiconductor on insulator substrate, with the insulator or dielectric layer being formed from a polymer precursor to ceramic. The polymer precursor to ceramic may be SiC, diamond, or diamond-like carbon. The resulting device has improved thermal properties, smoothness, dielectric properties, ease of processing, and performance. A method of making the semiconductor device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A floor assembly having a plurality of elongated extrusions and a cooperating snap connector that is secured to a rigid underlying support. Each extrusion includes a pair of outer leg members and a pair of inner leg members, each of the outer leg members being connected to an adjacent inner leg member by horizontal support member. Each inner leg member includes a retaining tab extending therefrom. The snap connector includes an elongated base portion and a pair of flanges attached to opposed major sides of the base portion. The retaining tabs cooperate with the bottom section of the flanges to mechanically secure the extrusions to the snap connector. The snap connector is secured to the rigid underlying support.

Abstract: An improved backup system for computer networks provides simplified operation, reduced utilization of computer system resources, and increased recovery potential in the events of information loss. At each backup time interval, the computer system sends all files created or modified since the time stamp to the backup system. The file stream flowing from the computer system to the backup system contains metadata at the boundaries of each file. Once all files are received from the computer system, the backup system produces a new full backup tape by merging the present backup tape with the newly received files, replacing each file on the presently existing tape that was modified with the newer version of that file. The resulting backup tape contains substantially the same set of files that would result from a full backup, or, if desired, a higher level backup.

Abstract: Domed building structures are disclosed comprising a series of concentric rings or frustums, each comprising a plurality of panels (4, 5, 6, 8, 30, 32A, 32B, 32C) connected end to end around the ring. Some rings comprise only trapezoidal panels (4) whilst others comprise combinations of trapezoidal (6, 30) and triangular (8, 32A, 32B, 32C) panels. Some rings or frustums may incorporate bracing comprising ties (52, 54) disposed in the interior of the structure and connected with junctions between panels (50).

Abstract: Harmonica structures designed for enhancing harmonica play are disclosed. In one aspect, a reed comb is provided with a common bridge having reeds formed integrally therewith. The reed plate has a plurality of reed slots formed therein and is adapted to receive the reeds of the reed comb into corresponding slots formed in the reed plate. A stepped portion formed in the reed plate is adapted to receive a reed of the reed comb therein to permit substantial encasement of the reed within the reed slot. A key benefit of this arrangement is to resist leakage of air between the reed plate and the flanks of the reed during harmonica play. The reed plate can also include a first stepped portion upon which the roots of the reeds are positioned and a second stepped portion positioned adjacent to the tips of the reeds. Other structures are disclosed that include a radiused surface formed on a portion of the reed or on the surface of the reed slot in which the reed is positioned.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a composite structure involves providing at least two polymeric sheets as outer layers such that a cavity is formed therebetween, adhesively bonding fibrous layers to the polymeric layers to hold the fibrous layers in place during processing, and injecting into the cavity a polymeric core material capable of exhibiting a foamed character and a resinous character. The cavity is evacuated during filling with the core material, and a blowing agent of the core material is activated upon exposure to the evacuated cavity. The core material contacting the fibrous layers is reconverted to its resinous character and forms a relative dense, resinous interface between the core and fibrous layers. Upon filling the region of the cavity between the fibrous layers, a catalytic reaction is initiated in the core.

Abstract: A restraint locking mechanism provides a spring for biasing the bolt toward the jaw, and for resisting movement of the stop when the stop is in the double lock position. The resistance provided by the spring to movement of the stop increases to a maximum level of resistance as the stop is moved toward the single lock position, and then decreases, as contrasted with providing maximum resistance at the beginning of the stop's movement, and no resistance thereafter. Such a locking mechanism is more difficult to pick, and is less likely to be moved from its double lock position to its single lock position, by a blow to the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A railway tie plate insertion vehicle includes operator's chairs mounted on both sides of the vehicle; with the occupants of each chair being provided with a tie plate insertion wand including controls for movement of the vehicle. A tie magazine deposits a tie plate on the tie upon actuation by the operator when a tie plate has not been previously deposited. A first rail clamp includes a pair of rollers for engaging the rail, attached to the ends of a pair of scissor arms, so that raising the rail draws the scissor arms closer together, increasing the gripping pressure on the rail. A similar rail clamp is located at the rear of the vehicle, which also includes an electrical connection for the operator's wand, thereby permitting tie plate insertion from the rear of the vehicle when obstacles are present along the sides of the vehicle.

Abstract: A railway tie insertion system includes a guide plate having an easily adjustable height, and in many embodiments including a pair of side guides. The tie plate extends for substantially the entire distance between the rails, thereby minimizing the escape of ballast. During insertion of a tie, the tie guide plate and associated side guides provide guide surfaces along three sides of the inserted tie, thereby ensuring that the tie is inserted perpendicular to the pair of rails.

Abstract: An enclosure for natural gas wellheads includes a fixed enclosure portion and a removable enclosure portion. The removable enclosure portion facilitates access to the wellhead, while the fixed enclosure portion protects the wellhead's computer and meter systems. The enclosure provides ventilation to prevent accumulation of natural gas within the enclosure in the event of a leak, and electrical grounding to prevent static electricity discharges in the presence of natural gas.

Abstract: A railway tie bed scarifier mounts on a tie remover/inserter machine. The tie bed scarifier is dimensioned and configured to widen the pre-existing channels left in the ballast through the removal of old ties. The tie bed scarifier includes a carriage moving between a raised travel position and a lowered work position, and a pair of tines reciprocating between a retracted position wherein they fit between the rails, and an extended position wherein they extend towards the sides of the ballast. A method of inserting a railway tie is also provided.