Abstract: An apparatus for testing an industrial machine safety system that allows the machine to begin operation only when a plurality of safety push buttons have all been depressed, and that stops the machine's operation when any safety push button is released. The apparatus includes an artificial hand that can depress and, upon command, release one of the safety push buttons, and has a release detector for detecting the release of the artificial hand. The release detector operates optically. A lamp directs a light beam along a path that is blocked by a plunger when releasing the safety push button and not blocked when depressing the safety push button. A photodetector detects interruption of this light beam. Thus release of the safety push button is detected upon detection of interruption of the light beam. The machine begins to stop upon release of the safety push button. A motion detector detects the stoppage of the machine.

Abstract: The invention concerns C-glycosylated derivatives of soft carbon nucleophile compounds, particularly compounds which contain acid-labile structural units. The invention further concerns a mild, cost-effective, non-hazardous and stereoselective method of general application employing a glycal as a glycosyulating agent and iodine as a catalyst for the preparation of C-glycosylated soft carbon nucleophile compounds.

Abstract: The present application discloses a magnetostrictive linear displacement detector with an axial coil torsional strain transducer. The displacement detector includes a magnetostrictive wire, a return wire and a magnet disposed for displacement along the magnetostrictive wire. A torsional strain sensor at the head end generates an electrical indication of the torsional strain within the magnetostrictive wire induced by passage of an electrical excitation by the position of the magnet. The torsional strain sensor includes two serially connected coils wound in opposite directions. The total length is short compared with the rate of electrical propagation within the magnetostrictive wire and long compared with the rate of torsional strain propagation within the magnetostrictive wire. The induced current within the two coils from electrical excitation of the magnetostrictive wire substantially cancel out because generally the whole sensor is excited simultaneously.

Abstract: A metallic ceiling facing comprises a supporting grid and cassettes. The supporting grid has longitudinal struts and transverse struts provided with projections upon which the cassettes lie in a sealing manner. In order to obtain a cassette arrangement that satisfies aesthetic requirements and ensures the tightness required, the projections have vertically projecting webs upon which the cassettes rest. Seals are mounted on the projections and bear against the cassettes in the mounted position. A secure, consistent mechanical arrangement of the cassettes in the supporting grid is thus ensured, as well as a sufficiently tight sealing fit.

Abstract: The invention is a compressed gas rocket apparatus for deployment of emergency parachutes, rescue lines and similar payloads. A pressurized vessel is equipped with a stopping or sealing mechanism which, when removed or punctured, causes the pressure vessel to be launched. A drag line connected to the vessel pulls the payload away from the launch point, in the direction of the pressure vessel travel.

Abstract: A welding enclosure includes a central work chamber; a plurality of horizontally spaced welding work stations within the central work chamber; an exhaust chamber beneath and generally coextensive with the central work chamber; a floor over the exhaust chamber, underlying and substantially coextensive with the central work chamber, and including vents operative to allow air to pass through the floor between the central work chamber and exhaust chamber; an exhaust fan for exhausting air from the exhaust chamber; a blower arranged to establish a positive air pressure in the plenum chamber; and a ceiling over and substantial coextensive with the central work chamber, underlying the plenum chamber, and including air registers operative to pass air downwardly through the ceiling from the plenum into the central work chamber for passage downwardly through the central work chamber and through the floor vents into the exhaust chamber for removal by the exhaust fan.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve testing device is provided in a configuration to be utilized with a variety of motor vehicles. The portable device is adaptable, through a collection of interchangeable wiring harnesses, for connection to a wide variety of vehicles of various manufacture. A plurality of independent EGR solenoids may be selectively operated and tested by the selective operation of a plurality of switches incorporated in the invention. Operation of the invention also provides visual feedback of the position of the EGR solenoid pintle. The invention is also equipped with external signal outputs for operating external test devices.

Abstract: A weldable vapor vent valve assembly comprising a heat-resistant valve body and a weldable connector portion fastened to an upper end of the valve body for welding onto the outer surface of a polymeric fuel tank. In one embodiment the weldable connector portion is overmolded onto an upper end of the valve body, with the mechanical connection and fluid seal between the weldable connector portion in the valve body strengthened by one or more sets of circumferential anti-leak ribs on the upper end of the valve body. In another embodiment the weldable connector and the valve body are manufactured separately, and the seal and connecting means for assembling the two in a fluid- and vapor-tight manner allow the valve body to be assembled to the weldable connector in a simple axial press-fit.

Abstract: A plastic pallet including an upper plastic platform structure defining a load receiving surface and a lower plastic base structure defining the pallet support surface. The platform structure and the base structure are interconnected by leg or strut structures which coact with the platform structure and the base structure to define tunnels for the entry of material handling equipment. A series of upper beams are provided in the platform structure, a corresponding series of lower beams are provided in the base structure, and the struts interconnecting the platform structure and base structure serve to interconnect a respective upper beam with a respective lower beam so as to form of series of trusses within the pallet and optimize the rigidity of the pallet.

Abstract: Pulse frequency modulation is used to control brakes and clutches which are operated by fluid pressure actuators controlled by electrically actuated solenoid valves. Short pulse periods for all duty cycles are generated by feedback from the solenoid valve or from the actuator. In one circuit an electrical control triggers a flip-flop which starts solenoid current. Solenoid movement results in back-emf and its effects on the solenoid flux field or current is detected and used as a feedback signal to reset the flip-flop to thereby turn off the current as soon as the valve is operated. In another circuit, a computer control emits a command for a certain pulse period. Actuator pressure or position is monitored to produce a feedback signal to the computer. If the signal is not received, the pulse period is increased for the next pulse command so that a sufficient pulse period will be found. If the magnitude of the actuator response exceeds a threshold, the pulse period is decreased for the next pulse command.

Abstract: A thermally deformable denture base adapted to be fitted to an edentulous ridge and the surrounding tissue surfaces and a method of producing and fitting complete dentures incorporating the thermally deformable denture base. The denture base has an inner surface and an outer surface and is formed by a molding process from a doughy mixture of a plasticized liquid monomer and a methyl methacrylate polymer powder in a 1:3-3.5 ratio. When heated to a temperature above about 135.degree. F., the denture base is malleable and may be molded in the mouth of a patient to attain an approximation of the tissue surfaces. The denture base may be incorporated into a complete denture by curing an unpolymerized resin material denture liner to the inner surface of the denture base and affixing teeth to the outer surface of the denture base.

Abstract: An automatic clutch controller for a vehicle that reduces the oscillatory response to clutch engagement. The automatic clutch controller receives inputs from an engine speed sensor and a transmission input speed sensor and develops a clutch actuation signal controlling a clutch actuator from disengaged to fully engaged. The clutch engagement signal at least partially engages the friction clutch in a manner to cause the measured transmission input speed to asymptotically approach engine speed employing an approximate inverse model of this oscillatory response. The automatic clutch controller preferably includes a slip integral function and a differential engine speed function, which together adaptively adjust clutch engagement corresponding to vehicle loading. The automatic clutch controller includes a prefilter and a compensator constructed to reduce the need for detailed particularization for individual vehicles or vehicle models.

Abstract: A divisible container apparatus comprising a molded plastic tapered cylindrical open head container, a divider having a centrally located upstanding hollow handle and a tapered peripheral skirt, the divider being locatable within the container in parallel, spaced relationship to the bottom and supported by a plurality of interior support ledges with the peripheral skirt in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the container. A snap-on lid is provided for the container along with a bail for carrying the container apparatus and its contents.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing viscous, putty-like materials directly from a cylindrical, factory-filled can is used in conjunction with a can having one end and a hole formed in the other. A support shelf holds the can in place, the support shelf having an aperture in alignment with the hole formed in the can to allow the material therein to flow therethrough. A circular ram plate conforming in peripheral size and shape to the interior of the can is inserted into the can opening to pressurize the contents. In the preferred embodiment, a cutting knife is moved from side to side beneath the shelf to control the flow of the material from the can.

Abstract: A twin sheet plastic panel structure, a twin sheet plastic pallet utilizing the panel structure, and a methodology for forming the panel structure and pallet. The panel structure is formed by thermoforming an upper plastic sheet to include rows of hollow bosses extending downwardly from the main body of the sheet; thermoforming a lower plastic sheet to include rows of hollow bosses extending upwardly from the main body portion of the sheet; and bringing the sheets together while still in a heated flowable state to position the bosses of the upper sheet in intermeshing relation to the bosses of the lower sheet so that the annular side wall portions of the upper and lower bosses fuse together, the bottom walls of the upper sheet bosses are fused to the upper surface of the main body portion of the lower sheet, and the upper walls of the lower sheet bosses are fused to the lower surface of the main body portion of the upper sheet to form a series of parallel rigid column structures between the sheets.

Abstract: A molded plastic lid of the drink-through type for use in connection with a conventional beverage cup. The lid exhibits a cup-engaging rim and, radially inwardly thereof, a raised crown portion having a side wall and a top. The top is generally flat but has formed therein a centrally located recess, the floor of which extends laterally to the side walls and which is at all times above the maximum fill line of the cup during normal operation. The recess exhibits a structure which may be depressed into a stable inverted condition which provides an enlarged drink-through aperture immediately adjacent the side wall.

Abstract: A method of producing a sign having raised colored characters arranged in a predetermined design.

Abstract: A motor truck for use in collecting and processing solid waste material such as scrap tires. The truck includes a chassis including a cab; a body structure positioned on the chassis behind the cab and defining a storage chamber; a shredder mounted on top of the body structure forwardly of the storage chamber; a compactor positioned within the body structure beneath the shredder and forwardly of the storage chamber; and a conveyor system for conveying tires from a curbside location upwardly for discharge downwardly into the open upper end of the shredder. The shredded tires are discharged downwardly into the body structure rearwardly of the compactor, whereafter the compactor is actuated to stroke rearwardly and compress the tire shreds into the storage chamber.