Abstract: A dual coil pick-up assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of moveable strings includes a case having a longitudinal channel with first and second sections. The pick-up assembly also includes first and second magnet structures disposed in the first and second sections having opposite polarities and a coil structure disposed in the first and second sections of the channel for eliminating hum in the pick-up assembly due to stray magnetic fields.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a pick-up of a stringed musical instrument includes at least one mounting stud connected to a case of a pick-up and a disc disposed about the mounting stud for dampening vibrations. The mounting assembly also includes a mounting bracket structure disposed adjacent the disc and operatively connected to the mounting stud for attaching the pick-up to a stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: An acoustic pick-up assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of moveable strings includes a structure forming a longitudinal channel. The pick-up assembly also includes magnet structures disposed in the channel and a coil structure disposed in the channel for receiving an induced voltage due to movement of the moveable strings across the magnetic field.

Abstract: A sensor measures an unknown pressure having to a sensitivity on the order of 1 micro-torr. The sensor includes two 10 micro-torr sensitivity capacitance manometers which each receive the unknown pressure. The capacitance manometers are positioned about a common axis around a common pressure chamber that receives the unknown pressure so that the flexible diaphragms of each of the capacitance manometers simultaneously deform either outwardly or inwardly from the common pressure chamber in response to changes in pressure. When a vibrational or gravitational force is applied to the sensor, one flexible diaphragm deforms outwardly away from the common pressure chamber and the other deforms inwardly towards the common pressure chamber. Hence, changes in pressure cause each of the capacitance manometers to produce a like change in their output signal; however, vibrational or gravitational forces produce an opposite change in their output signal.

Abstract: A dual coil pick-up assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of moveable strings includes a case having a longitudinal channel with first and second sections. The pick-up assembly also includes first and second magnet structures disposed in the first and second sections having opposite polarities and a coil structure disposed in the first and second sections of the channel for eliminating hum in the pick-up assembly due to stray magnetic fields.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for providing a fluid flow and mounting system comprised a mounting nipple, a coupling for threaded engagement with a valve assembly, and a rigid flow line having preselected dimensions. The system of the present invention is particularly adapted for supporting a sampling pump from a pipe line, with the sampling pump including a manifold block having a pair of fluid ports for passing fluid in a hot-loop between the flow line and a sampling pump, and with the valve assembly being mounted to the flow line and including a pair of through passageways. The mounting nipple has a stop surface at each end thereof for engaging the manifold block and valve assembly, respectively, to fix the axial position of the manifold block with respect to the valve assembly. The coupling is rotatable about the mounting nipple for threaded engagement with mating threads on the valve body.

Abstract: An improved system and method are provided for normally interconnecting a stationary flow line and a flexible flow line, and for automatically separating the flow lines in response to movement of the flexible flow line in excess of a preselected limit. A connection comprises a socket housing sealed to one flow line and a ball housing sealed to another flow line. The housings are separated automatically when a lateral force is transmitted through the flexible flow line to cause excess pivoting movement of one housing related to the other housing. The connection of the present invention is particularly useful for preventing rupture of a flow line during an intermittent pullaway of a portable vessel with respect to a stationary holding tank. In one embodiment, the connection includes at least three ball swivel surfaces for mating engagement with a socket swivel surface.

Abstract: A swivel for transmitting fluid be sing and female housing includes a bearing assembly and seal ring assembly. The seal ring assembly comprises a pair of seal rings each including a plastic ring having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a stop leg for static sealing engagement with a stop surface of one housing and an opposing dynamic leg. Each seal ring member also includes an elastomeric ring which is fitted within the cavity for urging the dynamic leg axial away from the stop leg, and for maintaining a static seal with a static sealing surface on the respective housing. The swivel of the present invention is particular well suited for use between a hose and a fill valve of a propane or LPG gas tank. The swivel of the present invention is able to withstand jarring and shock, and has surprisingly long life and low maintenance.

Abstract: A propane gas distribution system according to the present invention substantially enhances safety by providing a gas lockout device within the enclosure containing the distribution lines to the propane appliances for closing off a gas distribution line in response to either a sensed low pressure level or a sensed high pressure level. The closure member within the lockout device is biased closed, but is normally prevented from closing by a stop member which in turn is held in position until the unsafe low pressure or unsafe high pressure condition exists. A security control member is utilized for restricting the re-opening of the lockout device to select personnel, which typically would be a propane company representative. According to the method of the present invention, gas from the high pressure source is regulated and output to a low pressure gas distribution line.

Abstract: An apparatus which provides selectively either constant power, constant current or constant voltage to the heating elements of the thermods. The soldering system power supply apparatus includes devices for monitoring and controlling individual temperature profiles of each soldering thermod heating element. A computerized arrangement controls the power to each thermod in a very accurate manner. For the purpose of adjusting the power to each thermod element as a function of its temperature and the desired temperature profile, a set of temperature sensors are coupled to each of the thermod elements for measuring its temperature. Similarly, a set of energy sensors are also coupled to each of the thermod elements for detecting the amount of electrical energy supplied to each thermod.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a safety release disconnection for a fluid conduit. The connection includes a pin and a U-shaped slot with an ejector spring adjustably biased by a loading nut. Check valves are provided in both connection elements and are opened by contact or interfacing of the valves. A rigid moment arm points in a direction perpendicular to the direction that a vehicle pulls away from the filling stand. A pull away while the system is connected to the vehicle will trigger the safety release disconnection.

Abstract: An improved system and method are provided for normally interconnecting a stationary flow line and a flexible flow line, and for automatically separating the flow lines in response to movement of the flexible flow line in excess of a preselected limit. A connection comprises a socket housing sealed to one flow line and a ball housing sealed to another flow line. The housings are separated automatically when a lateral force is transmitted through the flexible flow line to cause excess pivoting movement of one housing related to the other housing. The connection of the present invention is particularly useful for preventing rupture of a flow line during an intermittent pullaway of a portable vessel with respect to a stationary holding tank. In one embodiment, the connection includes at least three ball swivel surfaces for mating engagement with a socket swivel surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a valve system which upon disconnection essentially eliminates the release of liquids and vapors to the atmosphere. The invention includes a precision machined poppet and valve seat such that the leading end of the poppet and the end of the valve housing are flush when the valve is closed and such that the sides of the poppet are flush with the surface of the valve seat. Fluids and vapors are eliminated as the valve closes. The valve is not sealed until after closing. The invention is normally used with two flushly abutting valves which close sequentially for the elimination of liquids and vapors.

Abstract: A tool changing system having high current surface mount tools, such as a hot bar reflow soldering head. The tool changing system includes a mounting fixture for connecting and disconnecting the surface mounting tool to a robotic unit. A low profile, small diameter robotic tool adaptor is utilized for coupling a variety of different types and kinds of robotic units to the surface mount tool and to reduce lead to pad misalignment problem caused by non-copolanarity between the mounting surface of the robotic unit and the working surface of the surface mount tool.

Abstract: A sampling pump is provided suitable for pumping a discrete quantity of either a liquid or a gas per pump stroke from a flow line to a sample vessel. An operator unit drives a piston within the pump bore, and controls the stroke of the piston and thus the quantity of fluid pumped per stroke. A balanced check valve mechanism controls flow from the pump bore to the pump outlet port, and is provided within and carried by the piston. Line pressure acts on the operator end of the piston to assist the operator in driving the piston during its power stroke. A manifold may be secured to the pump body, and has a flow path therein which is in communication with the inlet port to the pump bore. The pump may also be used for injection purposes to introduce a selected quantity of fluid to a high pressure line.

Abstract: A robotic controlled soldering apparatus is more precise in operation apparatus, and includes a protuberance and complementary shaped socket for defining a universal joint to provide a gimballing action to help prevent unwanted shift in the robotic control unit. A supply of fluid under pressure is directed between the pertuberance and the socket to reduce friction between their respective surfaces to reduce reaction on the delicate robotic arm as the head settles in place.

Abstract: A chip removal method and apparatus for use with a robotic unit. The chip removal apparatus includes a heated center quill and a soldering unit which cooperate together with a chip removal tool for simultaneously disabling the bonding materials securing a chip to a printed circuit board. The method permits the fine pitch chip device to be removed from the printed circuit board substantially intact for subsequent testing purposes.

Abstract: The invention comprises a differential pressure switch including a housing which defines a cavity. A diaphragm with a pair of magnets mounted thereon is attached within the housing and vertically disposed across the cavity. This divides the cavity into a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber. A high pressure port and ducts in the housing place the medium to be detected in communication with the high pressure chamber. A low pressure port and ducts in the housing place the medium to be detected in communication with the low pressure chamber. The ducts also allow the chambers to drain. A reed switch is attached to the housing proximate the first magnet for maintaining the reed switch in an open state. A third magnet is positioned on the side of the diaphragm opposite the reed switch and in opposition to the second magnet for setting the switch. The third magnet may also be used to adjust the pressure differential required to actuate the reed switch.

Abstract: A fluxless reflow soldering processing and system having a reactive inert gas control arrangement coupled to a conventional reflow soldering head for enabling solder to wet metallic surfaces for joining purposes. The gas control arrangement includes a set of gas regulating valves and heat exchange units for supplying selected quantities of inert gases under pressure at various temperatures to a soldering area during the soldering process. The inert gases are employed to clean the soldering area of metal oxides and are used to facilitate the forming of a reliable solder joint by inhibiting the formation of metal oxides and by helping to cool down the solder joint in a substantially uniform manner.