Abstract: A positioning fixture which allows two or more parts to be positioned in proper spatial relationship to one another and then allows the parts which are clamped together to be repositioned while maintaining the spatial relationship between the parts. The positioning fixture has a flat working surface which is compatible with a variety of standard and custom clamping mechanisms for holding and positioning the parts to be welded. The working surface with the parts clamped to it is tiltable to a wide range of working positions. The tilting feature is provided by mounting the working surface on a locking ball joint which is operated by a foot pedal through a mechanical or pneumatic mechanism. The locking ball joint also provides electrical isolation between the work surface and the base of the positioning fixture which is important when using electrical welding methods.

Abstract: A positioning fixture assembly including tubular sections joined end to end by articulated joints but having one end articulated to a mounting assembly attached to a work surface, and a second end articulated to a tool holder, via articulated joints. The mounting assembly is attached to a work surface. The toolholder is attached to a vise grip pliers or similar tool for holding a small part to be welded to a larger part positioned on the table. The joints are locked by spring force, and are unlocked by applying pneumatic pressure via a foot pedal.

Abstract: A system including a telescopic switch and method of operation is disclosed for intermittently illuminating a roadside sign in response to a vehicle passing along a selected portion of the road, the system including a lighting element for illuminating the sign and a telescopic switch including a circuit for transmitting the control signal to the lighting element, a photocell for initiating the control signal and a telescopic lens for focusing the photocell on the selected road portion whereby the photocell is capable of sensing lights on a vehicle passing along the selected road portion in order to initiate the control signal and cause the lighting element to illuminate the sign.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic tank control for a water supply system having a closed water tank (10), an air compressor (17) and a water pump (21, 22). A plurality of pressure switches (PS18, PS23, PS25, PS26) at the air compressor detect air pressure threshholds in the tank and a plurality of water level detector electrodes (32, 33, 34, 35) detect water level threshholds in the tank. A control causes the water pump to fill the tank to a pressure level or a water level at the operator's option. A pressure switch (PS2) in a tank adapter assembly (20) shuts down the system if an over pressure condition is detected. The compressor is housed in a waterproof housing (41) and cooled by a blower (48) passing air through the housing with thermostats (TH14, TH15, TH16) functioning to protect the compressor from overheating. A baffle 52 prevents the cooling air from recirculating through the housing.