Abstract: A vacuum chuck for a lathe, including a vacuum connector assembly to be mounted within a spindle bore of a lathe. A tapered portion of an outer end of a vacuum tube centrally locates the outer end of the vacuum tube in a spindle bore. A resilient sleeve is radially expanded over a tapered inner end of the vacuum tube, within the spindle bore, centralizing the vacuum tube radially within the spindle bore, fastening the vacuum tube securely within the spindle bore, and sealing off the space between the vacuum tube and the inner surface of the spindle bore.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive device for automatically dialing an emergency number in response to a signal generated by a smoke alarm or other security system. The device includes a cam and cam follower, arranged in combination with an electrical switch connected to a telephone line, so that the motion of the cam follower causes the switch to create a dialing function without human intervention, and without electrical power, other than the dial-tone voltage from the telephone line.

Abstract: Adjustment of the position of a limp, generally tubular garment item, such as a hosiery blank to be toe seamed, is performed by gripping the garment either internally or externally while it is on the carrier, moving it therealong firstly past the desired position and then back towards that position, and then automatically releasing the grip exerted on the garment when a photodetector senses the arrival of an identifiable feature of the returning garment at the said desired position.