Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in a system for handling a flaccid article, such as a sock or other hosiery item, having portions of differing stretch characteristics, by which the differentially stretchable portions may be distinguished from one another by applying a stretching force to one of the portions and then detecting the degree of stretch, resistance to stretch, or other reaction of the stretched portion in response to the stretching force, whereby an indication is derived as to which of the differentially stretchable portions was stretched.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in a system for handling a flaccid article, such as a sock or other hosiery item, having portions of differing stretch characteristics, by which the differentially stretchable portions may be distinguished from one another by applying a stretching force to one of the portions and then detecting the degree of stretch, resistance to stretch, or other reaction of the stretched portion in response to the stretching force, whereby an indication is derived as to which of the differentially stretchable portions was stretched.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of fuel within a gas turbine engine is provided. The fuel flow control valve includes a valve block disposed within a sleeve, and apparatus for displacing one of the sleeve or valve block relative to the other. The sleeve includes an inlet port and an exit port. The valve block includes an inlet gate and an exit gate. One of the sleeve or the valve block may be displaced relative to the other from a closed position where the gates close the ports and thereby prevent fluid flow through the valve via the ports, to a plurality of open positions where the gates less than completely close the ports, and thereby allow fluid flow through the valve via the ports.

Abstract: An apparatus for boarding socks includes a skeletal frame formed from a plurality of subframes define a path of movement for one or more socks being boarded by the apparatus, an assembly for boarding one or more socks including an assembly for moving a sock board into one or more socks, an assembly for positioning one or more socks for engagement by the sock form, and an assembly for delivering one or more socks to the positioning assembly.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of fuel within a gas turbine engine is provided. The fuel flow control valve includes a valve block disposed within a sleeve, and apparatus for displacing one of the sleeve or valve block relative to the other. The sleeve includes an inlet port and an exit port. The valve block includes an inlet gate and an exit gate. One of the sleeve or the valve block may be displaced relative to the other from a closed position where the gates close the ports and thereby prevent fluid flow through the valve via the ports, to a plurality of open positions where the gates less than completely close the ports, and thereby allow fluid flow through the valve via the ports.