Abstract: A concrete-embedded, machinery-anchoring floor system includes parallel, accurately-extruded steel rails each having a unique cross-sectional configuration. Vertical loading of the rails improves the load-bearing strength of the concrete, whether the loading is in tension or compression. Each rail includes a pair of spaced angularly-extending, outwardly and downwardly-projecting flanges. When a downward compressive load is applied through the rails from above, the load also applies downward and inward force vectors generally perpendicular to the angular flanges, compressing concrete therebetween. If tension is applied to a rail from a cantilevered load, the angular flanges are fulcrumed toward each other about their connecting joints with the rail, also compressing and strengthening concrete therebetween. The angular flanges are rounded at their distal edges to enable supporting and interconnecting reinforcing bars to be easily welded to the rounded edges, irrespective of the angle of the bars to the edges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the production of panels for a large segmented parabolic telescope reflector, using a simple adaptation of a technique common to a lathe. The reflective surface of each panel is contoured both radially and circularly by oscillating a platen supporting the panel about a fixed axis relative to a tool which is fixed during platen oscillation. The tool is repositionable between oscillations along an x axis to achieve the radial contour and along a z axis to achieve the desired parabolic or spherical contour. Contrary to the normal contouring of such a surface with a 5-axis CNC machine, tool positioning along either axis is independent of tool location along the other axis, simplifying the machine structure as well as its computerized operation. A unique hinge is provided to restrain the platen in a radial direction while allowing floating action of the platen on an air cushion during its oscillation.

Abstract: A housing supports input and output shafts disposed at right angles, and the shafts are connected by a set of reduction gears and a spring biased clutch sleeve splined to the output shaft for axial movement. An electric motor is flange mounted on the housing and has a motor shaft connected to the input shaft which is surrounded by an electrically actuated brake effective to brake the input shaft to the housing. A shift lever operates a control shaft which extends into the housing parallel to the output shaft, and the control shaft supports a rotary cam which moves a spring biased clutch yoke for shifting the clutch sleeve between positive engaged and disengaged positions with respect to a drive gear rotatably supported by the output shaft. The rotary cam provides for spring biased overtravel of the lever operated control shaft and over center action between the engaged and disengaged positions.