Abstract: A support adapted for use between first and second panels at a joint includes a distal end including a flange, an anchoring end including a flange and an anchor, and an intermediate section connecting the distal end and the anchoring end. The intermediate section is shaped to mate with adjoining edges of the first and second panels.

Abstract: A support system includes a support post and support means for adjustably supporting a member to the support post. The support means includes a locking mechanism movable between a first position for press-fitting the support means, directly or indirectly, against the support post and a second position for releasing the press-fitting. The locking mechanism has a surface that abuts the support post, or a wedge member associated with the support post, when in the first position thereby to effect the press-fitting and that is released from the support post when moved to the second position to release the press-fitting.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled adjustable height bearing support bracket is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the bearing support bracket supports a rear end of a front drive shaft of an automotive drive train with a multiple piece drive shaft. A driver is provided to adjust the height of the bearing support bracket based upon the loading conditions of the vehicle. The bearing support bracket height is adjusted to minimize the angle between the front and rear drive shafts during conditions of high torque transfer of the drive train to minimize launch shudder in the vehicle.

Abstract: A tube-in-tube driveshaft has an inner tube extending coaxially within an outer tube. A dampening material such as polystyrene foam is injected into the space between the tubes to increase strength, and reduce noise, vibration and whipping. The driveshaft is made by placing the tube-in-tube assembly axially within a mold cavity, and injecting fluid into the inner tube under sufficient pressure to expand the inner tube to its final desired contour and the outer tube into pressure contact with the mold cavity. The expanded tube-in-tube assembly is then placed in a second mold cavity. Fluid is injected into the inner tube and also between the tubes under sufficient pressure to expand the outer tube into contact with the second mold cavity, thereby forming the outer tube to its final desired contour, while retaining the inner tube in its final desired contour. The tube ends are welded together and the dampening material is injected into the space between the tubes through holes in the inner tube.

Abstract: The technique for electronically resetting a magnetically sealed solenoid to an unattracted, unactuated position is described for use with solenoids which have either a residual magnetic or a permanent magnet holding force necessary to retain the armature of the solenoid in its actuated position until such time as the armature is either physically displaced by a mechanical force or an electronic signal is applied to the solenoid. This displacement creates a reverse polarity magnetic field, effectively overcoming the magnetic field acting to hold the armature in its actuated position, permitting a small mechanical force to reset the armature. In order to prevent a lock or similar device from being conditioned for opening and possibly left in that condition for a significant period of time while unattended, jeopardizing the security of the container and its contents, the actuation of the armature in the reset or release phase may occur a relatively short time following its actuation.

Abstract: The technique for electronically resetting a magnetically sealed solenoid to an unattracted, unactuated position is described for use with solenoids which have either a residual magnetic or a permanent magnet holding force necessary to retain the armature of the solenoid in its actuated position until such time as the armature is either physically displaced by a mechanical force or an electronic signal is applied to the solenoid. This displacement creates a reverse polarity magnetic field, effectively overcoming the magnetic field acting to hold the armature in its actuated position, permitting a small mechanical force to reset the armature. In order to prevent a lock or similar device from being conditioned for opening and possibly left in that condition for a significant period of time while unattended, jeopardizing the security of the container and its contents, the actuation of the armature in the reset or release phase may occur a relatively short time following its actuation.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing bicycle saddle including a resilient seat for engaging the crotch portion of a user and a frame for attaching the seat to a conventional, seat post of a bicycle. The frame has a support bracket formed from stiff wire. One end of the support bracket is secured by a shock dampener to the seat and the other end thereof is secured by another shock dampener to a seat post attachment bracket. Each of the shock dampeners includes a number of cushioning blocks adapted to receive therein one of the opposed ends of the support bracket. In an alternative embodiment of the saddle, the shock dampener adjacent the seat post attachment bracket is replaced by a pair of coiled loops integrally formed with the support bracket.

Abstract: An electronic lock is provided with an emergency technique by which the lock may be possibly opened in the event that the electronic memory used to store the authorized combinations for operation in unlocking of the lock becomes corrupted, damaged or is unable to provide a valid read of storage locations containing combinations. Upon the determination that an invalid read has occurred and that the invalid read has been verified for at least a plurality of additional read cycles, the lock is conditioned to accept an otherwise inoperable master combination for purposes of opening the lock. Under the prescribed conditions, the master combination is capable of opening the lock and providing access to the interior of the container carrying the lock, thus permitting either replacement or repair of the lock and also simultaneously eliminating the need for drilling or other destructive access to the interior of the container.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for easily and accurately aligning confocal tandem scanning reflected light microscopes having scanning disc hole diameters as small as 20 microns are described. The method involves the observation and analysis of Moire and other patterns of light occurring within the microscope, and using the apparatus to make very sensitive adjustments that result in a fully aligned, rugged, and stable confocal tandem scanning reflected light microscope offering improved resolution, contrast, and optical slicing capability.

Abstract: The invention provides a low friction gas seal between moving and stationary parts in the exhaust nozzle of a gas turbine engine. Such seal is in the form of a roller mounted on a pair of pivot arms to the movable member, which roller rides on the stationary part in sealing engagement therewith. The roller is preferably mounted behind a heat shield in rubbing (and sealing) engagement therewith. The roller has an outer tube of soft ceramic fabric for high temperature resistance and good sealing attributes. Such roller seal provides good sealing, e.g. between a convergent or divergent flap edge and the adjacent wall of an engine exhaust nozzle or between other moving and stationary parts.

Abstract: A planar top plate (32) has film cooling slots (34) therein. A rigid honeycomb structure (38) sealingly joins this top plate with bottom plate (36). Cooling air distributed by openings (50) impinges on the top plate and passes through metering openings (48) to the slots. A flat wall surface with reduced aerodynamic losses is maintained and the uniform support of the top plate avoids local distortion which would crack any heat resistant coating applied thereto.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for easily and accurately aligning confocal tandem scanning reflected light microscopes having scanning disc hole diameters as small as 20 microns are described. The method involves the observation and analysis of Moire and other patterns of light occurring within the microscope, and using the apparatus to make very sensitive adjustments that result in a fully aligned, rugged, and stable confocal tandem scanning reflected light microscope offering improved resolution, contrast, and optical slicing capability.

Abstract: An improvement for washing devices for truck trailers or similar devices. The washing device consists of a rotating brush mounted on a driven vehicle chassis and having a delivery system to deliver a cleaning fluid--usually water or soapy water--to the brush. The current improvement is the addition of a catch basin below the brush adapted to catch water from the side of the truck being washed. A disposal system for the fluid caught in the catch basin may also be provided.

Abstract: A stereoscopic tandem scanning reflected light confocal microscope employs longitudinal and transverse chromatic aberration in conjunction with color dispersion prisms in a binocular eyepiece assembly to provide a three dimensional vertical view through a specimen.

Abstract: For washing the exterior of large vehicles such as trailers, busses, or truck tractors a portable washing device including a rotating brush assembly which can be raised and lowered. Water or other liquid can be supplied to the brush assembly for washing the vehicle. The entire device is mounted on a transmitting chassis capable of sharp turns especially in one direction so that it can move around the vehicle to be washed. The brush is also movable to a horizontally disposed carrying position, or can be tilted to maintain contact with the vehicle even when either it or the washer is on uneven ground.

Abstract: Improvements in optical scanning disks, and methods to maximize resolution and contrast of a viewed target object featuring a Nipkow type disk and methods to produce the disk which has a multitude of pinhole apertures located in a defined annular disk region where each pinhole is equidistantly spaced from its nearest neighboring holes.

Abstract: Improved bedding anchoring means comprising a generally rectangular or pentagonal sheet of rigid or semi-rigid material formed with an opening for receiving a portion of a sheet corner therethrough and having locking means for preventing inadvertent removal of the sheet corner from the anchoring device.

Abstract: An optical system for uniformly illuminating a plane surface using a non-uniform source of light, a focusing reflector to direct the light rays emanating from the source, and, optionally, a collimating lens. The collimating lens has its axis coincident with the axis of the reflector and is spaced from the light source so that the limiting aperture of the reflector is at or near the focal point of the collimating lens. A microwave energized source may be used to provide a non-uniform source having the desired characteristics.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring radiation including a probe for collecting light. The probe includes a diffusive reflective surface at the forward end of the probe and an aperture block containing a pair of apertures to direct light reflected from the reflector to an optical waveguide and then to a light sensor and display unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for using microwave energy to energize a light source which minimizes microwave leakage from a microwave cavity and yet permits a high percentage of light to be emitted from the cavity. The light transmitting window is made of two spaced-apart parallel screens having microwave energy absorbing material accessible to the zone between the two screens.