Abstract: An improved cylindrical working member and associated system comprising a simple cylindrical sleeve having an outer surface with two spaced grooves surrounding a cylindrical land. At the other end, a single groove is formed. A "SANDWICH" consisting of a simple O-ring, a single back-up ring, a low snap ring is installed in each groove. An additional low friction snap ring forms a limit stop front cap. A plurality of the cylindrical sleeves can be employed to form a telescoping cylinder system. An additional embodiment using a guide member consisting of a plurality of square tubes of sequentially increasing cross-section formed into a non-rotating telescoping guide member to attach one end to the telescoping system, and other end to a plug of the hollow central rod. A simple system is used for extending and retracting the telescoping cylinder.

Abstract: The disclosed methods rely upon the use of unique sets of cutting blades. Each set of blades includes a V-blade and a Delta-blade. When the sets of blades are adjacent one another, a V-blade from one set of blades is adjacent the Delta-blade from the other set of blades and vice-versa. The angle of bevel of the respective pairs of blades is so oriented that when the sets of blades are adjacent one another, a sharp diamond-shaped opening is formed which automatically accommodates to the particular configuration of the wire which is to be stripped. In a modified embodiment, a cutter mechanism is employed along with a gripper mechanism thereby permitting the insulation with the conductor portion to be removed from the end of a wire with the remaining conductor portion being recessed within the end of the cut insulation.

Abstract: A telescoping cylinder has a cylindrical housing (A) carrying a first stage including a central piston (B) opening into a hollow piston rod (C) and at least one succeeding stage including a concentric piston (E) and piston rod (F) having a hollow interior containing the central piston and piston rod with an air opening (H) in the concentric piston rod opening into an air outlet (G) at an exit end of the cylindrical wall. By applying compressed air to the central piston, the first stage is extended initiating movement of the concentric piston and piston rod with extension of the concentric piston and piston rod thereafter followed by extension of any succeeding stage. By applying compressed air to the outlet (G) the concentric piston (E) and piston rod (F) is retracted initiating movement of the central piston and piston rod when the air opening (H) in concentric piston rod (F) is aligned with port (G).

Abstract: A load balancing manipulator is disclosed which allows the user great flexibility in moving heavy objects from place to place. The invention is supported on a base having an upstanding post to which is attached a pivoting arm having a second pivoting arm attached at a distal end of the first-mentioned arm. At the end of the second arm, a load manipulator is provided including a pneumatic cylinder-piston arrangement and a sleeve actuator for switches which, when closed, activate solenoid valves which control supply and exhaust of air to and from the cylinder, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, an electromagnet is used to hold a load in place. Battery back-up and load safety mechanism for the electromagnet are also provided.