Abstract: An apparatus for applying images to a strip of print media is disclosed. The apparatus includes a printing mechanism having a platen and a thermal print head mounted on a mounting bar, for biased engagement with the platen, the strip passing intermediate the thermal print head and the platen, a thermal printing film passing intermediate the strip and the thermal print head and a print head lifting mechanism which is movable between a first position, in which the print head lifting mechanism is disengaged from the mounting bar, thereby allowing the print head to be biased into engagement with the platen, and a second position, in which the head lifting mechanism engages the mounting bar, thereby lifting the print head out of engagement with the platen.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying images to opposite first and second sides of a continuous strip includes a back plate, and first, second, and third printing stations each being cooperatively actuatable for applying first, second, and third images to a continuous strip. The first, second, and third printing stations have a predetermined equal distance therebetween. The third printing station is positioned at a slightly higher elevation on the back plate than the second printing station and the second printing station is positioned at a slightly higher elevation on the back plate than the first printing station.

Abstract: A trimpiece for a pickup truck tailgate includes a base for mounting on an upper/outer edge of the tailgate and a lip projecting upwardly from the base. The base and the lip form a shoulder located above the base and behind the lip with the tailgate in its closed position. The lip is adapted to interlock with a rear flange of a tonneau cover mounted on the pickup truck bed. With the tonneau cover and the tailgate in their closed positions, the tonneau cover rear flange is received in the shoulder and interlocks with the trimpiece lip for securing the tailgate in its closed position. The tonneau cover and the tailgate in their closed positions thus provide a secure enclosure for the pickup truck bed and its contents.

Abstract: The subject invention is a tube welding apparatus for the welding of small tubes, such as those one-sixteenth of an inch to one-half inch in diameter. The tube welding apparatus includes a drive housing to which is supplied inert gas, cooling water and electricity. Different torch housings are to be mountable in a removably disengaged manner on the drive housing with only a single torch housing being mounted to the drive housing at any given time. The torch housing includes a rotor gear within which is mounted the welding electrode with this rotor gear to be rotatably driven about the tube that is to be welded. Also mounted within the torch housing is an electrical brush which is to be in engagement with the rotor gear with the brush also including electrical connecting plugs which are to engage in a mating manner with sockets formed on the drive housing on which mounts the torch housing on the drive housing.

Abstract: A sheet feeder (10) has a plurality of feed rollers (A,B,C) driven by a drive shaft (62) contacting at least one sheet from a stack (S) of sheets and feeding that sheet downstream. Pull rollers (D) downstream of the feed rollers (A,B,C) driven by an intermediate shaft (84) feed the one sheet to an output location. A first sensor (130) in communication with the drive shaft (62) controls the drive shaft (62) between a driving condition and a non-driving condition. A second sensor (140) in communications with the intermediate shaft (84) controls the intermediate shaft (84) between a driving condition and a non-driving condition. In a driving condition, the drive shaft (62) drives the feed rollers (A,B,C) at a first radial speed and in a non-driving condition the feed rollers (A,B,C) free-wheel.

Abstract: A reflector assembly for use in antennas or solar collectors in which light weight and high reflector surface shape accuracy are essential for maintaining desired RF or light reflection requirements. The assembly is provided with a rigid, deployable outer support rim and at least one curved frame net supported by the outer rim. The frame net may be formed of a network of intersecting bands extending across the surface. A reflective material is placed against the frame net. A load is applied to the frame net to form a concave surface. The assembly is collapsible for convenient delivery into space prior to deployment.

Abstract: An agent for preserving freshness of cut flowers, which contains, as an active ingredient, at least one water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of:i) a polycondensation product obtained by a reaction of (a) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an epihalohydrin, an alkylene dihalide, a diepoxide and a dihalogenoalkyl ether, with (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an amine, a diamine and a polyamine,ii) an alkyleneimine polymer, andiii) a mixture of the polymers i) and ii).

Abstract: Thermal printing apparatus is operable for applying images to opposite first and second sides of a continuous strip. The apparatus includes first, second, third and fourth thermal printing assemblies actuatable for applying first, second, third and fourth images to the continuous strip at first, second, third and fourth printing stations. The first and third thermal printing assemblies are mounted on reversible mounting assemblies capable of mounting the respective thermal printing assembly in a first position wherein the printing assembly is actuable for applying an image to a first side of the strip, and a second position wherein the printing assembly is actuable for applying an image to a second side of the strip.

Abstract: Flattened, padded, envelopes for dispatch packages, comprising a rectangular inner paper liner and a rectangular outer paper sheet and a rectangular thin layer of macerated paper positioned therebetween. The rectangular, macerated paper layer is of such a size that the edges thereof lie away from the edges of the inner paper liner and the outer paper sheet. The edges of the inner paper liner and the outer paper sheet are affixed together in a non-folded manner. The inner paper liner, the outer paper sheet and the macerated layer of paper are folded so as to form the rectangular envelope having a chamber for shipping material. The envelope has a front wall and a back wall. The two ends of the envelope are shorter than the top of the envelope. Each of the ends of the envelope are formed by the ends of the facing front wall and back wall of the envelope, which are affixed together in a non-folded manner. The front wall of the envelope extends beyond the back wall of the envelope so as to form a top flap.

Abstract: A fishing reel comprising a circumferential drag system including a drum structure within which an expansion member rests. The expansion member carries at its circumference an O-ring brought against the interior surface of the drum structure upon expansion of the expansion element. In this manner, controlled adjustment of the radially outward expansion element establishes a given magnitude drag coefficient for the drag system.

Abstract: A release mechanism for attaching and releasing appendages from a main body such that shock and frictional effects are minimized. The release mechanism comprises a housing, a main cylindrical body, a collet, a toroidal spring and actuators, where the main cylindrical body includes radial projections. A wrap spring couples the collet and the toroidal spring.

Abstract: A low concentration solar array for spacecraft and other uses which has a series of solar panels which can be deployed from a folded stowed configuration to a planar configuration. When the solar panels are stowed, the padding of reflector panels cushions and protects the solar panels from the stresses and vibrations of launch and space flight. Once the solar panels are extended into a deployed planar configuration, the reflector panels are raised to concentrate sunlight upon the solar panels. These reflector panels are constructed from rigid honeycomb substrates and therefore are the active structural members of the solar array, providing the structural rigidity for the solar array.

Abstract: A multi-mission spacecraft bus structure is provided which has a plurality of internal thermally-isolated cells, and a plurality of external mounting surfaces. The spacecraft bus structure comprises a plurality of half frame panels, which are secured to plurality of longerons. The half-frame panels each have a pair of broad planar surfaces, a center abutting surface, a pair of end-abutting surfaces, and a pair of miter joint surfaces. Adjacent half-frame panels can either join at the center abutting surfaces, or at the edge mounting surfaces. The bus structure is further sealed at the top and at the bottom by mounting plates. External electrical equipment bays can be secured to a plurality of the external mounting surfaces. Externally mounted radiators are provided to remove excess heat from the internal cells. The radiators each face in directions distinct from each other.

Abstract: A waterjet machining process and system applied to a heat-treated hollow device for cutting a predetermined pattern therein. The hollow device is mounted in the holder that applies rotational, axial, and transverse movements to the hollow metal device as needed in relation to an abrasive water cutting jet stream to cut a predetermined pattern therein. The pattern may be digitized and stored in a computerized numerical controller for moving the holder as necessary to cut the predetermined pattern therein. Inserts may be provided within the hollow device when cutting asymmetrical patterns to protect the inside diameter wall opposite the waterjet from erosion.

Abstract: A circuit for resetting a computer upon detection of changes in the signals of an RS-232C communications port in the computer. The changes may indicate an incoming phone call or loss of a previously established communication link. The circuit may monitor the RING INDICATE (RI) signal of the RS-232C port to detect the former condition and either the DATA CARRIER DETECT (DCD) signal or the DATA SET READY (DSR) signal of the RS-232C port to detect the latter condition. A timer prevents spurious changes in the monitored signal from causing the computer to reset.

Abstract: A switching circuit places a load across the TIP and RING signals of a telephone line when the computer is reset and removes the load when the computer accesses a selected memory location. Thus, the telephone line remains in an off-hook state after the computer is reset and remains in that state until the computer executes software that causes the telephone line to return to the on-hook state. The computer may also execute software that causes the telephone line to enter the off-hook state.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a molded article of a foamed thermoplastic resin and articles produced thereby. A molten mass of an expandable thermoplastic resin is accumulated in an accumulator while it is prevented from foaming. A quantity of the accumulated formable melt is extruded through a die orifice having a shape adapted to reflect the shape of the desire finished product. The extruded foamable melt commences foaming as it comes in contact with the atmosphere. As the extruded thermoplastic resin foams, it is pulled vertically downward from the die orifice by gravity. The downward-hanging, foamed, thermoplastic material is captured between the halves of a vertically-oriented mold before the foaming expansion of the foamable melt has been completed. The foamed thermoplastic material is compressed by the vertically-oriented mold into the desired shape.

Abstract: An improved drum bottom for facilitating the emptying of drum containers. This invention allows for increased removal of drum contents. This drum bottom employs a sloped channel for drainage of the contents of the drum into a well for removal by a pump.