Abstract: A bead or caulking material is applied to a workpiece, such as a window frame, utilizing a moveable carriage holding a bead dispensing nozzle thereon. The nozzle is mounted on a platform moveable relative to the carriage. The carriage is moved along a predetermined path relative to the workpiece. Bead or caulking material is simultaneously dispensed from the nozzle onto the workpiece. Additionally throughout the movement of the carriage, the nozzle and platform are biased to maintain engagement between a guide surface mounted on the nozzle and a reference surface. The reference surface may be formed as a portion of the workpiece. The platform may include a pair of orthogonally arranged slides with piston cylinder assemblies utilized for biasing each of the respective slides. Sensors may be provided on each of the cylinders for sensing biasing parameters relating to the biasing of the nozzle and the platform with the sensed parameters utilized for controlling the movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A self-locking trailer hitch assembly includes an elongated housing attachable to the draw bar of a towed vehicle, and the housing includes an attachment end and an opposite socket which is shaped to receive a vertically-projecting ball member. The ball member is mounted to the draw bar at the rear of the towing vehicle. Disposed within the housing adjacent the socket is a jaw pivotable on a horizontal axis so that the jaw can be pivoted to a ball locking position for holding and retaining the ball member within the socket and also pivotable to a ball releasing position for unlocking and releasing the ball member from the socket so that the towed vehicle can be uncoupled from the towing vehicle. A unique releasing function is provided by a manually-operable latch which disengages the jaw from the ball locking position in order to facilitate removal of the ball member from the socket, but manual operation of the latch is not required to seat and positively lock the ball member within the socket.

Abstract: A table for cutting, grinding or otherwise machining a frangible workpiece includes a conveyor for receiving, supporting and selectively moving the workpiece on the table and a carriage mounted for moving both parallel to the centerline of the table and perpendicular to the centerline of the table. A machine tool for machining the workpiece, such as a cutting head or grinding head, is mounted on the carriage above the conveyor. A first linear motor mechanism is mounted below the conveyor in an area protected from the machining environment for moving the carriage parallel to the centerline of the table. A second linear motor mechanism moves the carriage perpendicular to the centerline.

Abstract: In stationary equipment including a system for successively conveying curved glass sheets in a linear horizontal pathway through washing and rinsing zones, and than a drying zone, upper and lower air knife assemblies are utilized in the drying zone for simultaneously directing pressurized air streams on the opposite broad surfaces of the glass sheets to effect drying action. Each air knife assembly comprises an elongated bendable casing formed into a plenum disposed transverse to the pathway, with each plenum having a longitudinally extending slot serving as an orifice for emitting the air stream against the glass surface. The slot is defined by parallel spaced flexible strips sealed in longitudinal disposition on the casing. The strips, with the casing to which they are sealed, are adapted to be selectively adjustably shaped to generally conform to various glass sheet configurations.

Abstract: A hub assembly comprising a pair of hub members, each having a tubular body or bushing portion which is centrally bored to enable the hub members to be slid onto a shaft or axle of uniform circular cross-section. The hub members are adapted to be disposed on the shaft to support a wheel element, and their tubular bodies are adapted to be interfitted one in the other, thus establishing an annular seat for the wheel element. One of the tubular bodies in insertably slidably received into a substantially large bore of the other tubular body and both tubular bodies are configured such that they bindingly lock to each other and to the shaft as a function of limited manual rotation of one hub member relative to the other. Reverse rotation acts to release the locking action.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating sheet or continuous ribbon material including a table with idler rolls to support the material to be treated, a drive roll to move the material over the table and vertical guide rolls at an edge of the table. An elongated beam extending across and spaced above the table and a track extending along the length of the beam. Adjustable carrier heads supported on the track for movement along the length of the beam across the table and each carrier head having a bracket to support apparatus for treating the material as the material passes over the table. A drive mechanism independently engageable with each carrier head to individually move that head along the track to position the head along the beam over the table, and a counter and indicator connected with the drive mechanism to measure the distance each head is moved along the track over the table to accurately position each head relative to the table.