Abstract: A piece of furniture includes a first joint member including a first slot formed in a first portion of the first furniture component, a second joint member, the second joint member including an opening and a threaded insert fastener disposed within the opening to receive a threaded fastener, and a connection member. The first joint member is attached to the second joint member using the connection member that is attached via the threaded fastener inserted into the threaded insert fastener of the second joint member.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of metal products includes the steps of providing a mold including a first portion made of an aggregate and a binder, delivering a molten metal into the mold, removing a first portion of the mold with a fluid and solidifying at least one targeted portion of the molten metal which will form the metal product with the fluid. A flow of fluid to the mold is stopped for a period of time. Subsequently, a remaining portion of the molten metal is solidified to form the metal product. The at least one targeted portion of the metal product has better mechanical properties than does a remaining portion of the metal product. A unitary, one-piece aluminum alloy component with differing mechanical properties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of metal products includes the steps of providing a mold including a first portion made of an aggregate and a binder, delivering a molten metal into the mold, removing a first portion of the mold with a fluid and solidifying at least one targeted portion of the molten metal which will form the metal product with the fluid. A flow of fluid to the mold is stopped for a period of time. Subsequently, a remaining portion of the molten metal is solidified to form the metal product. The at least one targeted portion of the metal product has better mechanical properties than does a remaining portion of the metal product. A unitary, one-piece aluminum alloy component with differing mechanical properties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of metal products includes the steps of providing a mold including a first portion made of an aggregate and a binder, delivering a molten metal into the mold, removing a first portion of the mold with a fluid and solidifying at least one targeted portion of the molten metal which will form the metal product with the fluid. A flow of fluid to the mold is stopped for a period of time. Subsequently, a remaining portion of the molten metal is solidified to form the metal product. The at least one targeted portion of the metal product has better mechanical properties than does a remaining portion of the metal product. A unitary, one-piece aluminum alloy component with differing mechanical properties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stun grenade includes a cartridge having an explosive charge in communication with a fuse and a housing including a closed end, an open end, a longitudinal axis and including an internal cavity which accommodates the cartridge. An end cap is attachable to the open end of the housing, the end cap including an end wall and a side wall. A plurality of spaced first vents are defined in the end wall of the end cap. A plurality of spaced second vents is defined in an end wall of the housing. The output from an explosive charge is optimized by vents having a straight flow path. The vents have a first end in fluid communication with the cavity and a second end in fluid communication with an exterior periphery of the housing.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of metal products includes the steps of providing a mold including a first portion made of an aggregate and a binder, delivering a molten metal into the mold, removing a first portion of the mold with a fluid and solidifying at least one targeted portion of the molten metal which will form the metal product with the fluid. A flow of fluid to the mold is stopped for a period of time. Subsequently, a remaining portion of the molten metal is solidified to form the metal product. The at least one targeted portion of the metal product has better mechanical properties than does a remaining portion of the metal product. A unitary, one-piece aluminum alloy component with differing mechanical properties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stun grenade includes a cartridge having an explosive charge in communication with a fuse and a housing including a closed end, an open end, a longitudinal axis and including an internal cavity which accommodates the cartridge. An end cap is attachable to the open end of the housing, the end cap including an end wall and a side wall. A plurality of spaced first vents are defined in the end wall of the end cap. A plurality of spaced second vents is defined in an end wall of the housing. The output from an explosive charge is optimized by vents having a straight flow path. The vents have a first end in fluid communication with the cavity and a second end in fluid communication with an exterior periphery of the housing.

Abstract: A derailleur shifting system for electronic and mechanical derailleurs which may be upgradeable to a power meter is described having rider inputs for cadence and effort measured at the pedal-crank assembly.

Abstract: A removable and selectively radially expandable fastener device includes a body and at least one expanding arm located on each end of the body. The at least one arm on each end of the body is selectively moveable radially in relation to a longitudinal axis of the body. Such movement can be manually activated by rotating a fastener or torsion member, thus moving a washer axially to rotate the at least one arm radially.

Abstract: A torque sensor for a human-powered object includes a spindle connecting crank arms of the object. In one embodiment, the object can be a bicycle. The torque sensor further includes at least one strain gauge mounted to the spindle in a shear pattern to measure shear strain perpendicular to a radius of the spindle. In some embodiments, the torque sensor further includes a carrier fixed to a hollow interior of the spindle, where at least one strain gauge is mounted to the spindle via the carrier. Advantageously, the torque sensor provides a low cost method to measure power.

Abstract: A torque sensor for a human-powered object includes a spindle connecting crank arms of the object. In one embodiment, the object can be a bicycle. The torque sensor further includes at least one strain gauge mounted to the spindle in a shear pattern to measure shear strain perpendicular to a radius of the spindle. In some embodiments, the torque sensor further includes a carrier fixed to a hollow interior of the spindle, where at least one strain gauge is mounted to the spindle via the carrier. Advantageously, the torque sensor provides a low cost method to measure power.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance for use with at least one removable burner, the cooking appliance including a structural housing supporting a cooktop surface having at least one convertible area for use with the at least one removable burner. When the at least one removable burner is operable with the cooking appliance, it resides above the convertible area and is supplied a fuel mixture from the cooking appliance by a gas-to-air type fuel supplier. According to various preferred embodiments there are provided a gas shutoff device for stopping the flow of gaseous fuel to the removable gas burner when the burner is relocated or not properly installed to the appliance proper; and an interlock so that during cooking, the removable burner does not move about in an unsafe way.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance for use with at least one removable burner, the cooking appliance including a structural housing supporting a cooktop surface having at least one convertible area for use with the at least one removable burner. When the at least one removable burner is operable with the cooking appliance, it resides above the convertible area and is supplied a fuel mixture from the cooking appliance by a gas-to-air type fuel supplier. According to various preferred embodiments there are provided a gas shutoff device for stopping the flow of gaseous fuel to the removable gas burner when the burner is relocated or not properly installed to the appliance proper; and an interlock so that during cooking, the removable burner does not move about in an unsafe way.

Abstract: A compact, portable, thermoelectric cold trap for capturing certain gaseous species for analysis in gas chromatographs is disclosed. The U-shaped heat exchanger and T-shaped cold block for holding the adsorbent tube and heater allow the unit to operate over a temperature range from -45.degree. to 300.degree. C. The thermoelectric cold trap is portable and may be retrofitted to new or existing gas chromatographs. The adsorbent tube and heater are also replaceable. A method of assembling the thermoelectric cold trap and a method of operating the thermoelectric cold trap are also disclosed.

Abstract: An open steam generator system is disclosed which comprises a substantially enclosed vessel having an opening for exhausting steam generated and an opening for draining residual water from the vessel. Within the vessel also is a heat exchange coil having a heat transfer fluid circulating through its runs. The vessel also includes an injector for spraying water onto the heating coil to form steam. The disclosed steam generator achieves tolerance for low water quality by minimizing surface areas in contact with water. In addition, the system promotes self-cleaning of heat exchange surfaces using thermal shock to dislodge scale deposits.