Abstract: A launch assist system for supplementing the launch acceleration forces of a projectile, rocket or missile. An airtight chamber covered by a flexible elastic membrane supports a platform in the center of the membrane; the platform is electromagnetically coupled to a cocking mechanism that withdraws the platform into the chamber. Air within the chamber is removed and compressed to be stored in a holding tank as the platform is lowered into the chamber and as the flexible elastic membrane extends into the chamber. The electromagnetic coupling may be triggered to release the platform to permit the stored energy in the extended flexible elastic membrane, and in supplemental force members, to apply acceleration forces to a launch vehicle; the compressed air stored in the tank is simultaneously released to fill the chamber as the flexible elastic membrane is withdrawn.

Abstract: In an orthodontic appliance, two halves of a jack body are connected by a screw and have parallel rods with tooth-encircling bands. Each half of the jack body includes an extension connected to the body by an adjustment mechanism for moving the extension perpendicularly to the jack screw. The extensions can be located on the same side of the jack body on opposite sides of the jack body, or on both sides of the jack body. The halves of the jack body are separated by rotating an adjuster connected to the jack screw. The extensions are moved by the respective adjustment mechanism. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the jack screw is separated into opposed screws.

Abstract: A qualitative indication of the pressure in a pneumatic tire is provided by a sliding marker in a sleeve. The marker moves in a chamber formed by a hollow lens closing one end of the sleeve and a diaphragm within the sleeve. A spring forces the marker toward the diaphragm and air pressure from the tire is applied to the opposite side of the diaphragm from the marker. A pressure above a predetermined amount is indicated by the end of the marker substantially filling the hollow lens and a pressure below the predetermined amount is indicated by the end of the marker withdrawing into the sleeve.