Abstract: The present invention provides a chain link for use with a fingered transfer plate. The link comprises a base portion and a raised portion integral with and supported by the base portion. The raised portion includes a plurality of coplanar fork-shaped members, each of the fork-shaped members comprising two prongs and a stem, wherein the prongs of each fork-shaped member are parallel to each other and the width of the stem is less than the distance between the prongs, the fork-shaped members being arranged in a regularly spaced row.

Abstract: A low-profile, over-center tension latch assembly is provided which has a handle (20) which opens fully for inspection or adjustment of the assembly while under load, and which may be indexed into a position with a link mechanism (70) in order to act therewith for releasing a keeper engaging member (50) from engagement with a keeper assembly. The handle (70) is locked in a closed position in a manner which secures it to the link mechanism (70) while trapping the keeper engaging member (50) therebetween. The arrangement of the handle (20), keeper engaging member (50) and link mechanism (70) is such as to allow the assembly to be aerodynamically flush mounted with the surface of the structure in which it is installed. Both the handle (20) and the keeper engaging member (50) are pivotally mounted at an end of the link mechanism which is opposite that end which mounts the link mechanism to the aircraft structure.

Abstract: A floating as well for a covered gas storage tank is provided which rests on the tank cover until enough gas is introduced into the tank to inflate a gas collection membrane. The stress loads created by an increasing volume of stored gas on the gas collection membrane are diverted from the tank cover and through a series of cables attached to the floating gas well. The stress load is ultimately transmitted to the tank wall.

Abstract: A device 10 for a receptacle secured to a substructure is provided. The torque arm has a first portion 11 and a second portion 18, formed integral and substantially normal to the second portion, so as to provide a load transferring mechanism which prevents rotation of the receptacle as a torque load is applied. The torque arm 10, secured adjacent the substructure is constructed so as to allow use within a range of adjustment as determined by the distance from the substructure end edge 27 to the center of the opening in the substructure 24.

Abstract: A chain link assembly comprises a pair of inner sidebar portions, each defining an aperture and having innermost and outermost surfaces. A hollow bushing is secured to the pair of inner sidebar portions. The bushing includes a central portion which extends between the inner sidebar portions and integral stud portions at each end of the central portion which project into each of the apertures of the inner sidebar portions and terminate at the outermost surfaces of the inner sidebar portions. A pair of seals encircle each of the stud portions, each seal lying between the innermost surface of the inner sidebar portion and the central portion of the bushing.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical orientation system for conveyed articles having a distinguishable top and bottom such as a rail tie plate or the like is disclosed comprising a sensor frame having a transverse pivot axis, a plurality of elongate sensor fingers pivotable about that axis and subject to a biasing force, a plurality of notched beam interceptors, one mounted to each sensor finger, a corresponding plurality of opto switches and a logic circuit, whereby the frame is oriented in relation to a conveyor surface so that the sensor fingers intercept and are triggered by the conveyed article. The pattern of triggered sensor fingers is transmitted through the beam interceptors and opto switches to the logic means, from where it may be used to trigger a conveyed article reorientation device.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor element prepared by the process of applying, to a sheathed wire coil, separate coats of catalytic wash each heated in a furnace, separate and alternating coats of porous ceramic and platinum each heated by passing an electric current through the coiled wire filament, and separate coats of porous ceramic top coating, each heated by passing an electric current through the filament.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-retracting, captive fastener assembly which allows the application of a controlled preload not requiring separate measurement during or after application. The assembly includes the use of a hold-out spring (31) which is isolated and fully retracts the assembly when the installed assembly is not engaged with a substructure. A housing (32) is provided for the hold-out spring (31) and contains the spring (31) when it is fully compressed. For the controlled preload, disc springs (40) are used. The shoulder (60) of the bolt shank portion (24) is staked so as to form protrusions (61,62,63,64) for captivating these mentioned elements upon the bolt. A removable, retaining element or stop-nut (50) is also provided for securement of the fastener to a first structure 65. The stop-nut (50) is constructed so that it must be seated against substructure (70) in order to achieve the controlled deflection of the disc springs (40) and thereby achieve the desired preload application.

Abstract: A mechanism of the hold-down type is provided which permits a predetermined load to be applied to a unit, e.g. an avionics box, secured upon a structure, while also permitting insertion and extraction of that unit through operation of the mechanism. The mechanism is particularly adapted for use in relatively confined areas. It includes a hook (70) which is mounted to the unit itself, and a housing (20) which is constructed for releaseable engagement with the hook (70) and which houses the clutching mechanism components (28, 30, 38, 42, 43, 45). A drive shaft portion (31) extends from one end only of the housing (20) and is retained by a hinge-type mounting which includes a bracket member (50) secured to the structure supporting the unit, and a nut element (51). The nut element (51) and bracket member (50) are constructed so as to limit both the downward and upward pivotal movement of the housing (20) and the drive shaft (30).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting cracks in a flexible rotating coupling is disclosed in which the flexible coupling includes a flexible element having a plurality of flexible discs. An electrically conductive, normally continuous, line is affixed to at least one of the flexible discs and connected to a circuit. The conductive line becomes discontinuous if the disc cracks. The circuit is mounted on the coupling and transmits a signal indicative of the continuous or discontinuous condition of the conductive line and thereby the intact or cracked condition of the flexible disc. The transmitted signal is received by a stationary circuit which provides an output indication of the disc's intact or cracked condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fastener assembly for use in materials which cannot be successfully fastened by conventional screw threads. The assembly includes an insert (20) constructed as a coil to expand uniformly along its convolutions and thereby exert a force upon the adjacent material (50). A fastener (30) has outer threads compatible with the inner threads of the insert (20) such that when a tightening or seating torque is applied to the fastener (30) it is transferred to the insert (20). The transferred force expands the insert (20) outwardly with respect to the fastener (30), without rotation of the insert (20) relative to rotation of the fastener (30). The invention is also provided with an anti-rotation feature to secure the fastener from rotational movement after installation.

Abstract: A key for transferring rotating driving force between a driven and driving member. The key has a leg portion and a cross portion wider than and integral with the leg portion. The leg portion is positioned in a keyway of a first rotatable member and the cross portion is positioned in a keyway of a second rotable member. Rotating force applied to one of the rotating members is transferred to the other member through the keyways and the leg and cross portions of the key.

Abstract: An optical triangulation probe is provided for measuring the distance and inclination of a surface. A light source is utilized for projecting a beam toward the surface to form a light spot on the surface. The image of the light spot is reflected and formed on a light detector means which produces a signal representation of the image intensity distribution of the light spot image and the location of the image on the detector means. Estimating means utilizes the signal representation of the light spot image and a signal representation of a theoretical image to estimate the location of the light spot image on the detector means. The distance of the surface and its inclination as established upon making the estimation due to the known triangulation relationship between the location of the light spot image on the detector means and the location of the light spot on the surface.

Abstract: A conical crusher having a power draw of approximately 1,000 Hp and capable of being installed in a conventional crusher foundation is provided with an annular frame shell with support means capable of withstanding the higher than normal crushing forces, a hydraulic circuit capable of counterbalancing the crusher bowl while it is in a raised position to allow material to be cleared from a jammed crusher, and a mechanical anti-spin head bushing. A method is provided for increasing the production of conical crushers by altering head throw and diameter, increasing the power draw and increasing the internal volume of the crusher.

Abstract: A mechanism for reliably adjusting and securing the load applied through a keeper and a tension latch assembly is provided. The mechanism includes a housing (25, 35), a drive system (50, 70) for effecting the adjustment, and a clutching arrangement (50, 60, 70, 80) within the housing which prevents the drive system from effecting any further adjustment when a pre-determined load is achieved between the keeper and the hook of the latch assembly. Other features include the placement of the driving component, accessed by the operator, at a location external to the housing and provision of audible and physical indicators for the benefit of the operator when the desired load adjustment has been accomplished.

Abstract: A flexible coupling in which one or more flex elements are positioned in a spaced apart relationship between two torsional force transfer members. Each of the flex elements are connected to another flex element or a transfer member and maintained at a spaced distance by spacer links positioned along the periphery of the flex elements. Areas of potentially high stress in the flex elements are distributed within the elements by varying the thickness of the flex elements in peripheral directions along the peripheral length of the flex elements and in radial directions relative to the axis of the flex elements.

Abstract: A bucket for attachment to the chain in a mill duty bucket elevator, includes a one piece wrapper member bent into a U-shaped trough defined by a sloping front wall, a horizontal bottom wall, an upright rear wall, a forwardly sloping rear wall, and a horizontal top lip. A rectangular hole in the wrapper plate defines the outside edges of a chain channel in which the chain lies when the bucket is fastened to the chain. Four side pieces having identical shapes and outside dimensions lie transversely across the trough to provide two end walls and two inside partitions. The partitions brace the front wall and act as side walls of the chain channel. A back plate fastened to the partitions and to the top lip and bottom wall adjacent the rectangular hole acts as the front face of the chain channel. The top lip, fastened to the two end walls and the two partitions, provides torsional stiffness to the bucket.

Abstract: A conveyor chain of the type comprising a plurality of pintle links and a plurality of pins connecting the links together. The pins have a first end which is necked-down and has a noncylindrical cross-section so as to resist rotation relative to the link, and the second end of the pin is knurled to limit axial movement.

Abstract: In a belt press of the type used to dewater heavy slurries, an improved belt drive system is provided. The upper belt is driven by at least two rollers, one of which is situated in the dewatering section wherein the upper and lower belts are squeezed and traveling together. The improved drive arrangement provides a more uniformly increasing tension in the belt as it passes through the dewatering section than in such presses heretofore. Further because the lower belt is at least partially driven by its frictional engagement with the upper belt, through the sandwiched slurry, the synchronization of the belt speeds is improved. Further improved control of the belt press performance is provided by means for sensing the speeds of the belts and responsive means for regulating the belt tensioning systems accordingly.

Abstract: A conveyor roller and bearing arrangement rotatable about a pair of fixed stub axles lying between spaced side frame members includes a pair of self-aligning bearing assemblies in each end of the roller. Each bearing assembly includes an inner bearing race mounted on one of the stub axles, an outer bearing race rotatably mounted on the inner bearing race and an outer cushioning sleeve secured to the roller and outer bearing race for maintaining axial alignment between the inner and outer bearing races. A roller support assembly is positioned between the frame members to provide external support for the roller and cooperate with the bearing assemblies and stub axles to reduce the bending influence of the roller under loads.