Abstract: An automatic stovetop fire suppressor providing a gradual release of a fire suppressing agent in a desired distribution pattern and method of gradual and spatial agent release are provided herein. A plastic cone shaped lid seals on the bottom of a can and forms a closed container. The closed container is filled with a fire suppressing agent. An initiator charge breaks a designed breaking point of a reduced horizontal cross sectional area when fuse activated. The bottom lid drops down exposing a radial opening. Fire suppressing agent flows out of the radial opening, suppressing a stovetop fire with minimal or no splashing of cooking oil. An initiator housing is affixed to a top wall of the can and serves as the welding point for securing the plastic lid. A travel limiting member attached to the bottom lid catches on a shoulder of the initiator housing to limit the radial opening height.

Abstract: An initiator with fuse device for an automatic self-contained fire suppressor and method are provided herein. Stovetop fires are a well-known residential and commercial hazard. An initiator with fuse device provides a reliable activation of an automatic stovetop fire suppressor. A device and method which provides a secure and robust attachment of an initiator to a fire suppressor, while reducing required component parts, manufacturing time, and labor, is provided herein. An initiator cup with integral cylindrical extension affords a thermoform attachment of the cup to the fire suppressor container while providing a secure mechanical attachment of the fuse to the initiator cup.

Abstract: An automatic stovetop fire suppressor providing a gradual release of a fire suppressing agent in a desired distribution pattern and method of gradual and spatial agent release are provided herein. A plastic cone shaped lid seals on the bottom of a can and forms a closed container. The closed container is filled with a fire suppressing agent. An initiator charge breaks a designed breaking point of a reduced horizontal cross sectional area when fuse activated. The bottom lid drops down exposing a radial opening. Fire suppressing agent flows out of the radial opening, suppressing a stovetop fire with minimal or no splashing of cooking oil. An initiator housing is affixed to a top wall of the can and serves as the welding point for securing the plastic lid. A travel limiting member attached to the bottom lid catches on a shoulder of the initiator housing to limit the radial opening height.

Abstract: An initiator with fuse device for an automatic self-contained fire suppressor and method are provided herein. Stovetop fires are a well-known residential and commercial hazard. The initiator with fuse device for an automatic stovetop fire suppressor has a rapid light time in the presence of flames. The time to light is consistent and reliable for the fuse described herein. Comparative tests show a shorter light time for the present fuse as compared to conventional fuses. Further, the variability in lighting times is shortened when the herein described configuration is employed. Deployment of an automatic stovetop fire suppressor can be safer than manual extinguishing means and via the initiator with fuse described herein, the time to deployment is greatly improved. Manufacturing of the initiator with fuse is readily adapted to existing processes.

Abstract: An automatic stovetop fire suppressor is activated by a shuttle actuator. The self-contained and closed container device provides a gradual release of a fire suppressing agent in a desired distribution pattern. A method of reliable and spatial agent release are provided herein. A plastic cone shaped lid seals on the bottom of a can and forms a closed container. The closed container is filled with a fire suppressing agent. An initiator charge is housed external to the container of fire suppressing agent and is fuse activated. The activated charge displaces the shuttle. As the shuttle displaces, vertical support for the bottom cone lid is removed and a compression spring breaks a circumferential seal between the bottom lid and container cylindrical sidewall and lowers the bottom lid exposing a radial opening. Fire suppressing agent flows out of the radial opening, suppressing a stovetop fire.

Abstract: An automatic stovetop fire suppressor using a compressed spring to lower a bottom lid upon thermal glass bulb fracture is provided herein. A plastic lid seals on the bottom of a can and forms a closed container. The closed container is filled with a fire suppressing agent. A compressed spring extends when a thermal glass bulb fractures. The extending spring lowers the bottom lid to open the closed container. Fire suppressing agent flows out of the radial opening, suppressing a stovetop fire with minimal or no splashing of cooking oil. A center post is secured to a top wall of the container. A ledge, or bottom support, secured to the container catches the bottom lid to limit the radial opening height. A gradual release of a fire suppressing agent in a desired distribution pattern and method of gradual and spatial agent release can be provided with a cone-shaped bottom lid.

Abstract: An automatic stovetop fire suppressor providing a gradual release of a fire suppressing agent in a desired distribution pattern and method of gradual and spatial agent release are provided herein. A plastic cone shaped lid seals on the bottom of a can and forms a closed container. The closed container is filled with a fire suppressing agent. An initiator charge breaks a designed breaking point of a reduced horizontal cross sectional area when fuse activated. The bottom lid drops down exposing a radial opening. Fire suppressing agent flows out of the radial opening, suppressing a stovetop fire with minimal or no splashing of cooking oil. An initiator housing is affixed to a top wall of the can and serves as the welding point for securing the plastic lid. A travel limiting member attached to the bottom lid catches on a shoulder of the initiator housing to limit the radial opening height.

Abstract: An automatic self-contained fire suppression system and method are provided herein. Stovetop fires are a well known residential and commercial hazard. The fire suppression system described mounts on a back wall or back splash above the stove mount. By mounting on the back wall, the system is free from interconnections with apparatus mounted above the stovetop, such as hoods, microwave ovens, lights, fans, and vents. Using a hopper containing fire suppressing matter, a power spring, drive shaft, and a bladed spinner, fires suppressing powder is distributed over the stovetop surface. The fire suppression action is triggered automatically via failure of a heat sensitive frangible link.

Abstract: The wiring harness provided herein affords adjustability of the relative orientation between the connecting cable and its interface connector in real time, during field applications. The harness rotates to accommodate varying access angles to the desired test point connector. A cable conduit of the harness can be adjusted vertically relative to the axis of its interface connector, as well. Cable wire integrity is maintained during manipulations of the cable conduit relative to the harness electrical connector and stress on the wires is minimized. The harness can be sealed from moisture and environmental factors. The harness can provide shielding from electromagnetic interference for the cabling housed therein. The present harness is well suited for service in high heat environments in, for example, testing of aircraft systems. A cylinder receives the cabling conduit and swivels within a slotted backshell. Slot configuration can limit the translation of the cable conduit.

Abstract: Electrical connectors suitable for wet environments and even underwater mating are provided. A replaceable gel filled cartridge affixes over sockets of a female plug. Water channels and radial holes in the receptacle combine to form a pathway for water ejection during connection formation. A coupling nut secures the female plug to the male connector. A spring housed within the coupling nut allows the coupling nut to further rotate, after pins are seated in respective sockets, to seal water holes. The cartridge is filled with hydrophobic gel and has a diaphragm sandwiched between a front and a rear housing. Contact pins pass through the diaphragm and pass through the gel filled rear housing before mating with respective sockets. Trapping of water is minimized with the escape of water via channels in the receptacle. Contaminated or lost gel is readily replaced via the cartridge affording multiple wet-mateable connections for a given connector.

Abstract: A modular process platform system comprises a frame, a machine base mounted to the frame and an input/output panel mounted to the frame. The input/output panel has a plurality of mappable input/output connectors configured for receiving mating connectors from a machine capable of being mounted to the machine base and from a controller for controlling operation of the machine. The system is configurable for accommodating any of a plurality of different machines having different input/output configurations, without requiring input/output wiring customized to a particular input/output configuration.

Abstract: In order to reduce the energy consumption of the suction unit, on the one hand, and to improve the cleaning effect, on the other hand, of a wiper device for hard surfaces, in particular a window wiper, comprising a slit-shaped suction nozzle, on which a flexible wiper lip is arranged, which protrudes forwardly beyond the suction nozzle, it is suggested that the wiper lip be held on a wall of the suction nozzle and drawn against the opposite wall of the suction nozzle under the influence of a suction stream in the suction nozzle and thereby close the suction nozzle.

Abstract: A vapor recovery, fuel dispensing nozzle possessing the capability of providing a slurpee function, i.e., removing liquid fuel from the vapor return passage of a hose that connects the nozzle to a fuel dispenser. Removal of the liquid fuel is achieved by a suction force derived from a venturi at the main control valve of the nozzle.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for use in a cigaret lighter shell. The lighting assembly comprises an insulative case for housing a power supply, such as batteries, and conductors for establishing an electrical circuit that includes the batteries, the conductors, and a light bulb and that does not rely on conductivity of the shell. An adjustable reflector and lens may be provided to focus and direct the beam generated by the bulb. One conductor is moved into contact with another of the conductors in response to opening of the lid of the shell to close the electrical circuit to turn the flashlight on. One of the conductors is moved out of contact with another in response to closing of the lid to turn the flashlight off. One of the conductors is positioned for preventing its contact with another conductor when the lighting assembly is removed from the shell so that it is turned off.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for use in a cigaret lighter shell is disclosed. The lighting assembly comprises an insulative case for housing a power supply, such as batteries, and conductors for establishing an electrical circuit that includes the batteries, the conductors, a light bulb, and the cigaret lighter shell. A reflector and lens may be provided to focus and direct the beam generated by the bulb. A resilient portion of one of the conductors is biased against a wall of the cigaret lighter shell to close the electrical circuit. An insulative tip is provided on an end of the conductor and may be manually manipulated to remove the conductor from contact with the shell wall to open the electrical circuit and place the flashlight in an unlocked off position. A groove may be provided in the case to receive the tip and maintain an open circuit to place the flashlight in a locked off position.

Abstract: A lamp or flashlight having a multi-feature switching assembly is disclosed. The flashlight comprises a barrel, a head assembly, and a rotating switching assembly. The head assembly and switching assembly are rotated relative to the barrel and a tongue extending from the barrel to bring a conductor of the switching assembly into contact with, or remove the conductor from contact with, the tongue to close or open an electrical circuit for turning the light bulb on or off, respectively. The conductor may be adapted to nestingly engage the tongue in a locked on position, and a resilient member may be added to nestingly engage the tongue in a locked off position. Unlocked on and off positions of the switching assembly permit the light to be quickly flashed on and off. The head assembly includes a head and a head portion, and the head portion may be rotated relative to the head to adjust the focus of the light independently of the on/off function.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a neon tubing comprises a length of extrusion and at least first and second lenses supported in the extrusion. Preferably, the extrusion includes an angled bottom member having first and second legs. First and second wall members extend transversely to the first and second legs, respectively, of the angled bottom member, with each of the first and second wall members having a medial portion and an end. The extrusion further includes a service rail extending at an obtuse angle from the end of each of the first and second wall members, and the service rail includes a tapered medial portion and a retaining flange. Each of the first and second lenses are supported in a receving channel of the extrusion and has a predetermined length less than the predetermined length of the extrusion.

Abstract: A visual aid to assist a driver in maneuvering a towing vehicle toward a trailer or other vehicle to be towed for precisely aligning the hitch components of the two vehicles. The device mounts only to the towed vehicle and includes an integral bumper member to protect the vehicles should the driver back too far. The device is adaptable to all conventional trailer hitch components and is simple and easy to use. It comprises a universal adaptor, a sighting mast and a strap for attaching the assembly to the towed vehicle. The mast can be mounted in the vertical position for viewing through the back window or at an angle to extend laterally past the side of the tow vehicle to allow the driver to view the mast even if rearward visibility is blocked through the rear window of a tow vehicle. The mast is disturbed from its rest position when the hitch components are aligned.

Abstract: A protective trim system is provided which protects the surface of an underlying solid body. The system includes an elongated trim member which is attached to a surface and is movable away from the surface to protect the underlying body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a grease composition comprising:A. an oil component having a major amount of a synthetic fluid having a viscosity of at least 50 cSt at 40.degree. C. and a minor amount of a mineral oil having a pour point below -20.degree. C.; andB. a thickener.The oil component of the grease composition preferably comprises between about 30 and 90 wt. % synthetic oil, more preferably between about 40 and about 80 wt. % synthetic oil and from 70 to 10 wt. % and preferably 60 to 20 wt. % mineral oil. The viscosity of the synthetic oil preferably is at least 50 cSt, more preferably at least 100 cSt at 40.degree. C. The synthetic oil preferably is selected from polyolefins, esters, polyesters, high VI isoparaffins, and mixtures thereof, with polyalphaolefins being particularly preferred. The polyalphaolefins preferably comprise C.sub.8 and C.sub.12 monoalphaolefin building blocks.