Abstract: In a coal-fired power plant having an exhauster fan for delivering coal/air flow through a discharge chute to a combustion chamber and further having a riffle box in the discharge chute, a mixing device located in the discharge chute between the exhauster fan and the riffle box for causing heavy and light distribution regions of the coal/air flow from the fan to converge upstream of the riffle box, thereby mixing them into a more homogeneous flow. In a preferred form, the device comprises a plurality of concentric, inwardly-angled rings located in the discharge chute to cause the heavy and light distribution regions of coal/air flow to converge after passing through the rings.

Abstract: An extractor for removing inaccessible broken key portions from keyways of tumbler locks wherein the extractor tool consists of a pair of thin elongated elements capable of being inserted into the lock on opposite sides of the broken key end portion and wherein twisting of the elements grips the broken key end to permit extraction from the lock. Extraction is aided by a pliers-like spreader tool having thin jaws inserted into the lock keyway for retracting lock tumblers, the dust shutter door and buzzer electric switches to prevent such items from interfering with the key extraction.

Abstract: A protective device for the rear surface of a guitar, especially an electric guitar, comprising a flat pad of protective material adapted to be removably secured to the rear surface of the guitar to protect areas likely to be scratched by a player's clothing, for example by a belt buckle. In a preferred form the pad comprises a vinyl or leatherlike material with a plurality of elastic loops sized to be secured to existing guitar strap studs on the body of the guitar, or to be looped directly over the upper and lower horns of the typical electric guitar body.

Abstract: A method of attaching a vehicle door handle to the a vehicle door, and a door handle assembly to facilitate such attachment. The door skin includes a plurality of individual, spaced apertures. The door handle assembly includes a handle member, a base plate pivotally mounting the handle member and defining a planar surface, a plurality of lugs on the base plate each sized to pass through a respective aperture and each defining a web portion extending outwardly from the planar surface, and a flange portion rigid with the web portion and a spring clip device on the base plate biased outwardly from the planar surface and including a latching free edge.

Abstract: A bus bar type conductor arrangement for a vehicle-type electrical junction box, used to electrically connect components such as relays and fuses with wire harnesses from vehicle electrical systems. Three dimensional bus bar conductors are mounted on a three-dimensional array of post-type mounting points formed in the junction box, such that the conductors can cross paths and connect components and terminals of varying height in the junction box. The conductor arms are preferably coated between the conductive contact ends with an electrically insulating material, and can include intermediate conductive regions adapted to be mounted to components or other bus bars in the same fashion as the conductive ends.

Abstract: An internally lit address sign for mounting near the street for easy viewing by passing vehicles, and for comprising an aesthetically pleasing, fixture-like appearance which enhances the overall landscape or architecture of the residence or business which it identifies. The sign has two angled front faces facing the street for an angled display of the address to vehicles approaching from either side. The sign is preferably formed with the appearance of an elongated, upright post with the address located near the top of the sign. The sign may additionally include an emergency flashing light which can be selectively actuated by an alarm or the occupants of the residence of business.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a novel active material which is a lithium-rich, manganese oxide active material in the form of a single phase tetragonal crystal structured Li.sub.2 Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 compound having lattice parameters a=b=5.665 .ANG..+-.0.003 .ANG., and c=9.265 .ANG..+-.0.003 .ANG.. A unique characteristic of the compound is that when lithium ions are deintercalated (extracted) from the Li.sub.2 Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 at first and second voltage plateaus, the crystal structure is transformed to a cubic structure characterized by lattice parameters a=b=c=8.235 .ANG..+-.0.004 .ANG.. On subsequent charge and discharge of the battery, corresponding to subsequent extraction and reinsertion of lithium into the electrode material at the second voltage plateau, the cubic structure is maintained.

Abstract: A trephine device for preparing apertures through a flexible material, such as skin of a patient, including a base plate having an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, where the upper surface has at least one upwardly protruding skin deforming contoured surface. The base plate is adapted to be removably inserted into a pocket surgically prepared in tissue of the patient. The device can include a handle member mounted on and projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the base plate. A clamping member is connected to the trephine device in overlying relationship to the upper surface of the base plate. The clamping member facilitates deformable, clamping, sandwiched engagement of the flexible material between the upper surface of the base plate and the clamping member. When the base plate is inserted into the pocket surgically prepared in the tissue of the patient, the skin of the patient is engageable between the base plate and the clamping member.

Abstract: An electrical interconnection module forms part of the structure of an automotive vehicle instrument panel and connects electrical components disposed thereon with a bulkhead connector on the forward fire wall of the vehicle. The interconnection module has electrical connectors disposed thereon at various locations for making connection with the electrical components. A plurality of bus bars are disposed in a group on the surface of the module and form part of an electrical junction block integrated with the module. Narrow grooves extend along the surfaces of the module and have wires embedded therein to provide electrical interconnection between the connectors and the bus bars. The bus bars and the terminals of the electrical connectors comprise insulation displacement connectors for making connection with the wires.

Abstract: An in-line skate frame includes a pair of elongated rails extending parallel and spaced apart from one another. Each rail has a series of apertures formed therein. A plurality of bracing members are provided with each member having opposite sides. Each opposite side includes a tab extending laterally outwardly for engagement with one of the series of apertures of a respective rail. Adhesive is applied to adhesively secure the tabs within the respective apertures. The rails and bracing members of the skate frame are formed from aluminum or magnesium by a metal stamping process.

Abstract: A vertical rack-type spline-forming machine based on a novel slide base arrangement comprising a pair of vertical slide bases structurally joined by a symmetrically arranged set of tie bars. The structurally-joined vertical slide bases can be rested in an upright position on a non-structural space frame which provides improved access and lift capabilities to the vertical machine. The machine also includes a novel drive system using independent electric motors, one motor associated with each vertical slide base to drive the rack on that base through a roller screw shaft mechanism. The racks are further electronically synchronized through position signals communicated between the motor drives, and the rack home positions are calibrated with electronic "datums" programmed into the motor drives and capable of being re-calibrated in programmable fashion if one of the racks loses synchronicity.

Abstract: A firearm rest connectable to a tripod having vertically and longitudinally adjustable front and rear rest mounts and pivotally and longitudinally adjustable arm rests. The front and rear rest mounts and arm rests are selectively connectable to a base plate. The base plate has a plurality of rows of apertures therethrough for positioning threaded rods attached to the front and rear rest mounts. The arm rests have longitudinal slot for positioning the arm rests relative to the length of the gun and for receiving lock nuts which connect the arm rests to the base plate via the slots and apertures.

Abstract: A power distribution center for an automotive vehicle electrical system comprises a junction block having a plurality of receptacles formed on an upper surface thereof to receive electrical components such as fuses and relays, and a holder insertable into engagement with the junction block to retain electrical terminals properly positioned within the junction block to make contact with the electrical components. A rectangular gap is formed in a side wall of the junction block. Passages extend from a recessed surface within the gap into the junction block. The terminal holder has arms which are inserted into the passages to engage the terminals and inhibit downward movement thereof, and an end plate which fits into the gap. The terminal holder end plate is configured to fit into the gap such that the outer surface of the end plate substantially matches the contours of the side wall and effectively seals off the openings of the passages in the gap.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a battery pouch or container which is highly resistant to shorting. This electrical protection is produced by a folding of the packaging laminate such that the cut edge of the laminate is physically removed and electrically protected from the electrode tab which protrudes from the battery pouch. In one embodiment, the cut edge of the film is folded away from the electrode tab. In a preferred embodiment, the laminar packaging material includes a convex flap of material where the electrode traverses the package. The convex flap is folded away from the electrode tab without wrinkling or distorting the pouch shape. In an alternate embodiment, an intervening layer of insulative material is placed between the cut edge and the electrode tab.

Abstract: A control system for an inflatable chamber operably positionable with respect to an aorta of a patient monitors an actual flow duration time for inflating and/or deflating the inflatable chamber with a predetermined volume of pressurized fluid and compares the actual flow duration time to a target flow duration time. The system controls the fluid pressure in a high pressure reservoir, and/or in a vacuum reservoir, based on the results of the comparison. If the actual time for inflation is too short compared to the target time, the fluid pressure in the high pressure reservoir is reduced. If the actual time for inflation is too long compared with the target time, the fluid pressure in the high pressure reservoir is increased. If the actual time for deflation is too short compared to the target time, the vacuum in the vacuum reservoir is decreased. If the actual time for deflation is too long compared with the target time, the vacuum in the vacuum reservoir is increased.

Abstract: A gas injection apparatus for use with a gas assisted injection molding system. The gas injection apparatus includes a mold part defining an elongated bore communicating upstream with a source of gas and downstream with a mold cavity, and an elongated pin positioned in the bore and coacting with the bore to define a gas flow passage therebetween for movement of gas from the gas source to the mold cavity. The bore and pin include first, second and third corresponding portions. The pin and bore define an annular axial clearance in the first portion, a close fit with an axial linear passage in the second portion and an annular axial passage in the third portion. This arrangement ensures that the pin will remain concentric with respect to the bore so as to discourage entry of resin into the annular axial passage.

Abstract: A shearable fastener has a threaded shank (10) adapted for engagement with a threaded bore and a head (12) formed for engagement with a drive tool. The shank (10) is formed with a series of axially separated weakenings (14) defining a series of shear planes, the weakenings (14) being formed such that the applied torque necessary to cause the shank (10) to shear increases progressively from the shear plane (14) furthest from the head (12) to the shear plane (14) nearest the head (12).

Abstract: An automotive door handle assembly includes an escutcheon sized to fit in a door aperture; a handle pivotally mounted on the escutcheon; a fastener device extending rearwardly from the escutcheon; and a clip of U-configuration having a bight portion and upper and lower leg portions extending forwardly from opposite edges of the bight portion in outwardly splayed relation with an aperture in the bight portion fitted over the fastener device to position the clip rearwardly of the escutcheon with the leg portions extending forwardly in embracing relation to the escutcheon. A resilient cushion member is fitted between the clip upper leg portion and the adjacent surface of the escutcheon and dimples upstand from the clip lower leg portion for slidable engagement with the adjacent escutcheon surface.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses apparatus and methods to provide compression of an electrochemical cell independent of atmospheric pressure. One aspect of this invention is directed towards a lithium ion cell assembly which is surrounded by a layer of material under tension, so that the material applies pressure which compresses the cell to enhance contact between the anode, separator, and cathode layers. Specifically, a heat shrink material (material which reduces in size, or contracts in at least one dimension of a three-dimensional conformation, due to the application of heat) is provided about a laminar battery and shrunk in situ to provide a battery package. Another embodiment of this invention is directed towards a lithium ion cell asembly in which a sealed package contains both the battery and a spring element. The spring element within the package applies pressure to the battery to compress it and improve contact between the anode, separator, and cathode layers.

Abstract: An extensible shoring bar for bracing vehicle loads wherein telescoping tubular elements are spring biased toward an extended position for wedging the bar between the sides of a van or truck. An actuator interposed between the tubular elements includes a rotatable locking detent which automatically rotates between locking and release positions upon full retraction of the elements permitting the shoring bar to be locked in a retracted position for handling and positioning purposes, and by fully retracting the elements, the detent is automatically released permitting the elements to be expanded under the influence of a compression spring. The automatic locking and unlocking action of the actuator occurs upon sequential retractions of the tubular elements.