Abstract: An adjustable pier block for leveling a deck or porch is disclosed. A footing block or base is cast of concrete and a threaded rod is placed vertically therein. A coupling having internal threads and a plurality of flats on an outer surface thereof is threaded onto the rod. A U-shaped saddle member, sized to receive a joist or beam, has a connector attached to a bottom outer surface thereof. The connector is sized and shaped to slidingly receive a free end of the coupling against a load bearing surface or the bottom side of the saddle. A washer or disk, of made from a friction reducing material, can be inserted between the coupling and the load bearing surface for ease of operation. The coupling can be turned, by use of a wrench cooperating with the flats, in order to raise or lower the beam or joist for leveling a deck during construction thereof and at a later date after settling has occurred.

Abstract: A mirror which is attached to an underwater diver's wrist or arm. By placing the mirror in front of his face mask and controlling the line of sight reflected by the mirror, the diver can inspect equipment on his body or easily access equipment with the hand not wearing the mirror. In addition, the diver's peripheral vision is improved so he or she can see objects, fish or a diving partner located behind them. The mirror is attached to the diver's wrist or arm by a wrist strap made of water resistant material such as nylon or rubber. Alternate embodiments include a pouch containing the mirror on a flexible strap and a diver's handheld console with a hinged plate containing the mirror.

Abstract: A process is described for inertia bonding a hollow shaft made of superalloy materials without causing compressive deformation in the shaft due to the high compressive forces generated in the segmented collet which grips the shaft. A method is also described for minimizing the residual stress in an inertia bonded joint, where the wall thicknesses of the two shaft portions to be bonded are unequal, by independently controlling the gripping forces on the portions so as to provide equal diameter reduction during the bonding process. A method for converting a front loading inertia bonding machine to a rear loading bonding machine is also described.

Abstract: A workpiece location and support means as described which is free from any tendency to locate the workpiece in a predetermined position. The workpiece is supported and located by a series of hydraulic actuators which in one condition permit the workpiece to move freely but in another hydraulic condition lock the workpiece in one place and do not permit motion thereof. The present invention has particular application as a workpiece support in inertia bonding machines.

Abstract: A method for inertia welding axially symmetric articles while controlling the gripping force applied to the rotating component is described. A spacer inserted into the rotating headstock creates an alternative path for the axial force in excess of that required for causing gripping of the rotating component, and thus minimizes distortion of the inertia welded article. This is particularly useful in welding high strength superalloy articles, where extremely high axial forces are required to produce an adequate weld joint.

Abstract: A lower die assembly used in a bending machine to form pre-punched three-dimensional structures has a plurality of plungers located within the V-shaped bending slot of the lower die. As the upper die presses against the pre-punched sheet, the sheet is pinched between an upper end surface of the plungers and the rounded end of the upper die so as to maintain the prescribed position of the sheet during bending. The lower die may include a pin stop which cooperates with positioning holes pre-punched in the sheet in order to establish the desired position of the sheet prior to bending.

Abstract: A flexible diaphragm with a U-shaped surrounding fold, containing a plurality of reinforcing fabric members of cross-shaped configuration cut from an elastomer or other suitably coated sheet of material of woven fabric in which the threads are in right-angled relation, each of the cut members having outwardly tapered arms extending from a central area, the cross-shaped configuration having an orientation with respect to the threads of the fabric such that the right-angled threads will extend longitudinally and transversely of each arm, in which the cross-shaped members are stacked in superimposed axial relation with the radiating arms of adjacent cut members being successively offset and having their edges in overlapped relation, and wherein the stacked cut members are encased within a molded elastomeric or other suitable material.

Abstract: A pair of elongated outwardly curved grippers are pivotally connected along one edge and have cooperating lip portions along their opposite edges. An elongated handle formed from spring material has free ends connected to the grippers adjacent the lip portions and normally bias the grippers to an open position.