Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to charge a battery including a DC charge current supply having a variable output. The charging current is varied in accordance with several sensed parameters in the circuit so that battery voltage is accurately controlled. Initially, constant charging current is applied, and upon detecting that battery voltage increases to the gassing voltage, an incremental step reduction in charging current is triggered. The step reduction causes a decrease in battery voltage, dropping it below the gassing voltage. The step reduced charging current is then applied to increase battery voltage back up to the gassing voltage, thereby triggering another step reduction in charging current. This process is repeated multiple times providing a stepped current profile, i.e., each battery voltage increase to the gassing voltage triggering a step reduction in charging current, and in turn a corresponding voltage reduction.

Abstract: A robotic gripping device comprises a fixed frame, and a hold down plate vertically moveable in relation to the fixed frame between a raised release position and a lowered hold down position. A moveable support platform retained by the fixed frame is moveable between an extended position where the support platform is opposed to the hold down plate to permit the retention of packages therebetween, and a retracted position where the support platform is no longer opposed to the hold down plate. The support platform further comprises pairs of generally parallel side members, with roller members disposed between each pair of side members, and a belt member looped around the roller members. A package receiving portion of the belt member faces the hold down plate when the support platform is in its extended position.

Abstract: A truss bend correction system having a pair of in-feed correction rollers, a pair of finish rollers, and an out-feed correction roller define a path for counterbending the joints of a truss to reform the nail plates and thereby flatten the overall truss. The in-feed correction rollers and the out-feed correction roller are oriented downwardly with respect to the finish rollers so that an undesired upward bow of a truss joint is counterbent downwardly, thereby straightening the joints of the truss.

Abstract: A guard apparatus for covering the cutting edge of a circular blade of a radial power saw includes a pivoting guard member extending over a portion of the cutting edge of the blade, mounted to rotate essentially coaxially with the blade, and a fluid driven cylinder and piston mechanism connected to the pivoting guard member for automatically rotating the pivoting guard member to an open position to expose the cutting edge of the blade to a work piece to make a cut and to a closed position upon completion of the cut. The guard apparatus preferably includes an electric circuit and valves for controlling the flow of the fluid into the cylinder and piston mechanism to cause the cylinder and piston mechanism to rotate the pivoting guard member to a closed position upon completion of a cut, a switch mechanism for operating the electric circuit, and a cam portion protruding from the pivoting guard member for bearing against and activating the switch mechanism.

Abstract: A damper valve includes a base, a valve element pivotally mounted on the base and adjustable valve seat portions on opposite sides of a pivot axis, the valve seat portions being positioned on opposite sides of the blade. Each valve seat portion includes a stationary member fixed to the base, an adjustable element movable relative to the stationary member, and bolts fixing the adjustable element to the stationary member. In addition, adjustment devices are provided for moving the adjustable element toward the valve element to provide a precise fit along the entire length of the valve seat.

Abstract: A protective device is provided for discontinuing the operation of an internal combustion engine having two banks of cylinders, each cylinder bank having an associated pressurized cooling circuit. Each cooling circuit has a separate pump which circulates liquid coolant by increasing the coolant fluid pressure at the pump outlet relative to the pump inlet.

Abstract: An enhancement for use with a sawing system for allowing an operator to communicate with a computer control to more efficiently carry out the cutting operations in a manual manner. The enhancement of the invention computes optimized cuts, controls a stop block for use during the cutting operations, and detects manual strokes of the saw. The computer system interacts with the operator to prompt the operator to input defect-free lengths of the material and when to manually carry out the cutting operations, thereby providing an overall enhancement to the manual sawing system.

Abstract: A fuel filler pipe assembly is provided which controls the release of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank so as to limit the amount of fuel vapor released into the atmosphere. The assembly includes an outer tube which is partitioned into two conduits--one for carrying fuel to the vehicle's fuel tank and the other for carrying fuel vapors to an on board vapor capture device. Passage of fuel vapors to the vapor capture device is controlled by a valve which itself is controlled by the attachment and detachment of a fuel filler cap to the assembly such that attachment of the cap causes the valve to close while detachment causes it to open. In certain preferred embodiments, the assembly includes a second valve for preventing the passage of substantial quantities of liquid fuel to the vapor capture device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to charge a battery including a DC charge current supply having a variable output. The charging current is varied in accordance with several sensed parameters in the circuit so that battery voltage is accurately controlled. Initially, constant charging current is applied, and upon detecting that battery voltage increases to the gassing voltage, an incremental step reduction in charging current is triggered. The step reduction causes a decrease in battery voltage, dropping it below the gassing voltage. The step reduced charging current is then applied to increase battery voltage back up to the gassing voltage, thereby triggering another step reduction in charging current. This process is repeated multiple times providing a stepped current profile, i.e., each battery voltage increase to the gassing voltage triggering a step reduction in charging current, and in turn a corresponding voltage reduction.

Abstract: A saw apparatus for automatically sawing pieces of material at various predetermined lengths and angles includes a power saw mechanism, a rotatable saw mechanism mounting structure, a motor for rotating the mounting structure, a translational power saw moving mechanism, powered anchoring mechanisms for anchoring the pieces of material during sawing, a mechanism for longitudinally positioning the pieces of material relative to the power saw mechanism for cutting at desired lengths, a power supply and power supply connecting mechanism for delivering power to the mechanism for longitudinally positioning the pieces, to the powered anchoring mechanism, to the power saw mechanism, to the motor for rotating the mounting structure, and to the translational power saw moving mechanism, switches for controlling the flow of power through the connecting mechanism, a computer and program for the computer for operating the switches so that at least one piece of material is longitudinally positioned by the mechanism for long

Abstract: A double wide, double deep pallet storage rack has a lowermost frame assembly provided with open front central aisles D opposite each double depth of pallets to facilitate storage and order picking as in distribution center warehouses providing an improved method of storage and order picking permitting individuals to enter the storage rack for article removal from a rear pallet of each double depth of pallets after a respective front pallet has been removed.

Abstract: A liveload assembly having a stack guide with a thread on the exterior side wall, a plurality of compressible belleville washers stacked inside the stack guide, and a retainer cap having a thread on an inner side wall for matingly engaging with the stack guide to hold the belleville washers in compression. The gland follower of a fluid flow apparatus is liveloaded by placing the liveload assembly over the bolt extending upwardly from the gland follower. A nut is threaded on the bolt to contact the stack of belleville washers and the retainer cap is unscrewed to a second position on the stack guide and fixed by turning a set screw through a bore in the cap and against the side of the stack guide. Compression of the gland follower is monitored by viewing the relative movement of the stack of belleville washers through a longitudinal slot in the side wall.

Abstract: An improved gas flow diverter is provided, which includes a rotatably mounted diverter blade, a rotatably mounted turning vane assembly, a drive shaft adapted for receiving torque from a drive mechanism, and a toggle assembly, including a pair of toggle joints, mounted on the drive shaft and linked to the diverter blade and turning vane assembly. The improved construction of the gas flow diverter allows dependent synchronous rotation of the diverter blade and turning vane assembly.

Abstract: In "C" dolly systems, it is conventional to provide a resistance to steer of approximately 0.3 G in order to improve the steering thereof particularly in an evasive action and to decrease the tendency of high speed off tracking. The higher this resistance to steer, the better the high speed off tracking characteristics are. However, high resistance although relatively satisfactory at high speeds, at relatively low speeds below approximately 30 miles an hour, results in the creation of severe and undue stresses and forces in the dolly and hitch structures particularly during relatively tight turning maneuvers. The present invention comprises a two phase control system. The speed of the vehicle is sensed continuously and when the speed is below approximately 30 mph (approximately 50 kph) the steering axle of the dolly is free to steer under the control of the axle steering dampening system but above 30 mph (50 kph), the axle is locked thus giving the maximum resistance to steer.

Abstract: A paint spray gun is provided with a mounting bracket for mountably supporting the housing of the gun. The bracket has a clamping section with a substantially circular opening therein. The bracket includes a split ring for clamping the gun within the circular opening, and has a shaft extending outwardly from the clamping section for mounting in a support. The mounting bracket allows placement of plural guns in close proximity for specialty work. The gun may further be provided with a thumb operated wheel disposed in a recess in the housing for controlling the flow of fanning air, and may have the needle which controls paint flow fixedly attached to an actuator piston assembly. In a preferred embodiment, all of the seals within the gun are formed from a material which will not swell or deteriorate when the gun is immersed in an organic solvent for a period of three hours. Preferred material for the seals is polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: Classifying apparatus and methods are disclosed for the classification of extremely small solid particles of 18 mesh or less in which low frequency, high amplitude vibrations are imparted to a screen simultaneously with high frequency, low amplitude vibrations. The screen may be inclined at an angle of about 20.degree. from the horizontal and the screen mesh may be about 18 mesh or smaller and have openings which are approximately square in shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a battery charger to an electric vehicle including a battery and a drive motor in an electrical circuit includes first and second cooperating connectors. The connectors are adapted for mating in electrical contact. A bracket is provided for mounting the first connector to the vehicle. The second connector is mounted on the distal end of cables leading from the battery charger. The apparatus also includes a switch for interrupting the electrical circuit between the battery and the drive motor prior to mating of the first and second connectors. The invention also relates to a battery charging system incorporating a battery charger, a charger receptacle mounted on the vehicle and a plug for operatively connecting the battery charger to the charger receptacle. Both the charger receptacle and the plug include cooperating electrical contacts.

Abstract: In a lubricant delivery system for use in an air compressor having a rotatable crankshaft and an internal chamber accessible by removal of an inspection plate having inner and outer surfaces, a positive displacement fluid pump mounted in the internal chamber and fluid lines for conveying lubricating fluid from the pump to a removable filter mounted on the outer surface of the inspection plate. Pressure relief means are associated with the filter for relieving pressure above a set point, and a distribution ring is adaped to circumscribe the crankshaft for introducing lubricating fluid to the crankshaft and from there to areas where lubrication is required.