Abstract: A weighing apparatus is provided which comprises an apparatus body with strain gages; a load button to transmit a weight of an object to be measured to a loading surface of the apparatus body; a top plate on one side of which the load button is installed and to the other side of which the object weight is applied; an elastic member provided around the load button and between the loading surface and top plate; and connecting members to connect the top plate to the loading surface in such a manner that the top plate can move horizontally within a predetermined range and tilt about the load button, and to prevent the top plate from coming out upward. Thus, the weighing apparatus is capable of measuring a large vertical load and sufficiently accommodating deformations caused by horizontal movement and tilting.

Abstract: A combination line marker and test station is shown which includes an upright support member, an internal locking sleeve and a test terminal which is supported by the locking sleeve within the upright member. A cap is engageable with the upper end of the support member for covering and protecting the exposed upper end and the internal locking sleeve and test terminal. A cupped-washer bolt is insertable within a common aperture provided within the cap and upright and is engageable with a locking nut carried by the internal locking sleeve to secure the cap to the upper end of the upright.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for obtaining accurate sample weight measurements during sample heating within a heating cavity by substantially reducing the convection currents that disrupt accurate sample weight measurement. The apparatus includes a heating cavity in which a sample can be placed, a source for introducing microwaves into the heating cavity, and an analytical balance for measuring the weight of the sample while the sample is in the cavity, and an air shield that is secured to the inside of the heating cavity so that the air shield will not contact the analytical balance. The air shield, which is made of material that is permeable to microwave radiation and yet absorbent of volatiles, is positioned in the heating cavity to reduce the convection current rising from the sample as the sample is heated.

Abstract: A position indicator device for marking the location of an aircraft that has crashed has a buoyant housing containing a radio beacon, a dye dispenser, and a visual beacon. Upon the crash of the aircraft, the buoyant housing is deployed by an air bag ejection system. Upon deployment, a control wire pulls a control pin from a controller, thereby activating the radio beacon, dye dispenser, and visual beacon. The radio beacon immediately alerts emergency personnel that a crash has occurred and can guide the emergency personnel to the scene. The dye dispenser slowly releases a liquid dye that stains the water an easily recognizable color. The visual beacon not only allows crash survivors to find the position indicator device and gather together for survival and rescue, it also allows emergency personnel to find the position indicator device in bad weather or at night.