Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cutting a plurality of workpieces that is arranged relative to first, second, and third reference axes that are perpendicular to each other. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and an input assembly. The cutting assembly includes a chassis, and first and second saw blades movably coupled to the chassis that are configured to respectively cut along first and second cutting planes that are transverse to each other. The input assembly includes a tabletop and first and second clamping mechanisms for clamping the workpieces collectively. The first clamping mechanism includes a first counterpart and a first movable member that is translatable along the first reference axis and translatable relative to the first counterpart. The second clamping mechanism includes a second counterpart and a plurality of second movable members that are each translatable along the second reference axis relative to the second counterpart.

Abstract: A thermo-magnetic actuator includes operative components, preferably in a sealed container, from which a rotatable or translatable shaft extends. The shaft is driven by supplying electrical power to a heater in a closed chamber containing a working fluid that expands upon being heated. The expansion of the fluid drives a piston that, in turn, slides a rack coupled to the shaft. A ferromagnetic target is connected to the rack and attracted by a magnetic field produced by an electromagnet that receives electrical power from the same source as the heater. The attraction of the target causes an end of the target to latch magnetically and mechanically and to open an electrical switch, disconnecting current flow to the heater, without disturbing current flow to the electromagnet. The target is released and the rack and target return to their original positions upon termination of current flow to the electromagnet.

Abstract: A thermo-magnetic actuator includes operative components, preferably in a sealed container, from which a rotatable or translatable shaft extends. The shaft is driven by supplying electrical power to a heater in a closed chamber containing a working fluid that expands upon being heated. The expansion of the fluid drives a piston that, in turn, slides a rack coupled to the shaft. A ferromagnetic target is connected to the rack and attracted by a magnetic field produced by an electromagnet that receives electrical power from the same source as the heater. The attraction of the target causes an end of the target to latch magnetically and mechanically and to open an electrical switch, disconnecting current flow to the heater, without disturbing current flow to the electromagnet. The target is released and the rack and target return to their original positions upon termination of current flow to the electromagnet.

Abstract: An adjustable grill apparatus having a movable radiant gas burner unit. The adjustable grill apparatus is supported on the top cooking surface of a conventional outdoor grill. The movable radiant gas burner unit is supported on a support assembly having side panels and support panels for pivoting adjustable positioning between a substantially vertical position supported on the grill and substantially horizontal positions supported on the support assembly. The movable radiant burner unit is operable at a constant or variable operating temperature between high and low temperatures to obtain the desired cooking rate for the food item to be cooked.

Abstract: A valve ball physically configured to minimize rotational forces imparted to the ball by fluid pressure acting thereon in flow throttling positions of the ball. In part, the physical configurations that produce the desired effect include a hollowed out ball interior and recessed areas on the ball outer surface that allow fluid flow past the ball exterior when it is partly open.

Abstract: A casting system is disclosed which utilizes conventional CAD/CAM software to automatically position the rods of a pin mold to replicate, by the rod end surfaces, the surface contours of an object drawn on a CAD machine when the object is cast in the pin mold. The system modifies the data base to account for the plastic liner and liner variations to permit production of styrofoam cores in the Lost Foam Casting process while the pin mold incorporates a rod and hole configuration in the guide plates which permits automatic positioning and frictional locking of the rods in the pin mold.