Abstract: Apparatus for locating and grasping a flange include a plurality of clamp arms that move from an unclamped position to a clamped position, clamping the flange to the upper surface of a support platform. A plurality of pins are adapted to move upwardly into flange holes within the flange for positioning the flange during the clamping action. The locating and the clamping of the flange to the upper surface of the support platform are accomplished by a single pusher rod that is connected to both the pins and the clamps. The method comprises using a single pusher rod connected to both the pins and the clamps for locating and clamping the flange to the upper surface of a platform.

Abstract: A tower has a concrete base (14) supported within the Earth and a frame (5) extending vertically from the base into the atmosphere. A ground conductor (12) runs alongside the frame. A first ground rod (10) is driven into the Earth and is connected to the ground conductor to charge the ground conductor electrically negative. A second ground rod (10) extending vertically above the frame is connected to the ground conductor to be charged electrically negative. A positive conductor (21) running alongside the frame is connected to a positively charged generator (16). A positive rod (22) extending vertically above the frame is connected to the positive conductor to be charged electrically positive. The second ground rod discharges protons from lightning into the Earth via the ground conductor and the first ground rod, and the positive rod attracts and discharges electrons remaining its vicinity into the generator via the positive conductor.

Abstract: A process for testing stringed wooden instrument components during manufacture to improve and make uniform the component vibrational performance. The wooden component is tapped lightly to produce an audible vibrational response that is measured against a standard response. If necessary, material is removed from the component to enable the response to match the standard.