Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gasket with a molded-in bolt retention means is herein provided. The apparatus includes a gasket carrier encased in a silicone rubber gasket, with the gasket carrier containing a series of holes. The holes in the gasket carrier are preferably in a star-shape and secure the bolt in place when the bolt is pressed through the opening. The method of assembling the gasket is also provided, the method including the steps of encasing the gasket carrier within the gasket, attaching an associated cover to the gasket, sliding the associated bolt through the various openings, and securing the bolt in place.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the performance of a lamp includes an envelope (10) enclosing an amalgam or dose (24) of mercury housed in a container (20). The container maintains mercury vapor equilibrium during lamp operation and prevents mercury diffusion during lamp off periods. The container has an opening (24) therein selectively adjustable between an open position and a closed position. A bimetal member (30) is associated with the opening of the container and provides the actuating means by which the container opens and closes. A stopping member (32), such as a valve or ball bearing, is attached to the bimetal member and extends into the container. When the lamp is in operation, the bimetal member is heated causing it to deflect. The deflection moves the stopping member from the container opening and enables the amalgam to maintain mercury vapor pressure equilibrium.

Abstract: A glass extension (24) with a cavity (32) for an amalgam (22) is added to an exhaust tube (12) or a flare (14) of a fluorescent lamp. The mouth (36) of the cavity (32) is provided with a bimetal valve having a cover portion (40) to close the cavity (32) when the lamp is cold and to open the cavity when the lamp is hot. The amalgam (22) is a metallic amalgam of, for example, mercury or other know suitable materials for establishing a metallic vapor equilibrium during operation of a discharge lamp. The amalgam holder helps to maintain optimum mercury vapor equilibrium at start-up, and to reduce the effects of mercury vapor starvation resulting from off-times.

Abstract: An apparatus controllably moves the forks of a material handling vehicle in traverse directions relative to a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes fork position sensors which detect the transverse location of each fork. A controller receives signals from the position sensors and moves the forks to locations a preselected or calculated distance apart. Forktip sensors detect the opening in a load during movement of the forks. The controller receives signals from the forktip sensors and positions the forks such that they are disposable within the load opening. The apparatus is especially suitable for use on an Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV).

Abstract: A load carrying attachment has a supporting frame mounted on an elevationally movable carriage assembly mounted uprights of a lift mast and a load engaging frame having a load engaging device. A connecting device connects the load engaging frame to the supporting frame and guides the load engaging frame for movement in a preselected plane in directions transverse the uprights. The load engaging frame is freely transversely movable in the plane in response to an external force being applied to the load engaging frame and alleviates damage to the load engaging frame or a carried load due to misalignment with a transporter. A sensing device is provided for sensing the position of the load engaging frame and delivering a vehicle braking signal in response to the load engaging frame being at either a first or a second preselected transverse position. The load carrying attachment is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch assembly and method for connecting a vehicle to a towed apparatus and releasing the towed apparatus from connection to the underlying supporting surface has a tongue which is connected to the towed apparatus and a socket engaging device mounted on the vehicle. The socket engaging device is movable from a first position at which the tongue is free from connection to the vehicle to a second position elevationally spaced from the first position at which the tongue is connected to the socket engaging device. An actuator which is mounted on the vehicle and connected to the socket engaging device elevationally moves the socket engaging device between the first and second positions. A tongue supporting member is movable from a surface supported position to a socket engaging device supported position spaced from the underlying surface in response to movement of the socket engaging device from the first position to the second position.