Abstract: The pressure jet propulsion disclosed herein generally includes an air compressor for generating a mass flow of compressed air and a mast mount assembly in fluid communication with the air compressor for receiving and channeling the mass flow of compressed air. A positioning system supports the mast mount assembly and is movable on-demand to relocate the mast mount assembly relative to a center of gravity in response to environmental changes. Furthermore, at least two blades are in fluid communication with the mass flow of compressed air from the movable mast mount assembly, which is discharged through an outlet at an angle relative to an axis of rotation to cause rotation of the blades.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting a workpiece such as a cast turbine blade allows bending and/or twist correction of the workpiece with the movable ram of a press. The fixture includes a base and a pair of workpiece supports mounted at spaced locations on the base. A bearing such as a spherical swivel bearing is included in each workpiece support. Each bearing has a mount receiving a portion of the workpiece therein. When the workpiece is supported by the bearing mounts along a support axis, and is engaged by the press ram intermediate the workpiece supports for bending correction, the bearings and workpiece can move in at least one plane including the support axis. Preferably, the bearings also allow rotational movement about the support axis, while a rotation imparting member allows twist correction by rotational movement of one bearing and the workpiece portion therein with respect to the other bearing which is restricted from rotating.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting a workpiece such as a cast turbine blade allows bending and/or twist correction of the workpiece with the movable ram of a press. The fixture includes a base and a pair of workpiece supports mounted at spaced locations on the base. A bearing such as a spherical swivel bearing is included in each workpiece support. Each bearing has a mount receiving a portion of the workpiece therein. When the workpiece is supported by the bearing mounts along a support axis, and is engaged by the press ram intermediate the workpiece supports for bending correction, the bearings and workpiece can move in at least one plane including the support axis. Preferably, the bearings also allow rotational movement about the support axis, while a rotation imparting member allows twist correction by rotational movement of one bearing and the workpiece portion therein with respect to the other bearing which is restricted from rotating.

Abstract: A chain binder extension handle comprises an engagement member that fits on a chain binder handle, a gripping member pivotally mounted on the engagement member for limited angular movement between an aligned position and a skewed position with respect to the engagement member, and a coil spring that urges the members toward their aligned positions and resiliently resists the bending force exerted on the handle as the chain binder snaps into or out of a locked position.

Abstract: An exhaust system for vehicles and other devices with internal combustion engines such as boats, airplanes, lawnmowers, tractors, and the like, includes a sound attenuating chamber having a single, common opening in an imperforate container providing access for exhaust gases both to and from the container while attenuating the exhaust sound thereof. The system maintains low back pressure during operation. Resonator tubes and optional sound absorbing material may be used in the chamber to control exhaust sounds. An optional, remote-operated, sound control valve upstream of the chamber allows individualized control of the exhaust sound by the vehicle driver. An optional baffle in the exhaust outlet and/or an optional helical insert in the exhaust pipe further deadens the sound. In a preferred form, the system is attached downstream of a catalytic converter and includes dual sound attenuating chambers and dual exhaust outlets at the opposite vehicle sides between the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: An implement mounting apparatus for use with utility tractors, lawn and garden tractors and riding front mowers and other vehicles which allows removable mounting and use of numerous attachments for performing multiple grounds maintenance, yard and lawn care or gardening functions. A support frame includes an upper member for positioning and a bottom member for supporting implements such as lift forks, a tool organizer, a work platform and housing body. The support frame is rigidly or pivotally mountable on a three-point hitch, a mounting/lift frame having a support strut, or a tow bar assembly. Wheels may be added for use of the apparatus with a tow bar as a trailer. The housing body is useful with a scraper blade as a plow, or may be easily converted to a hopper assembly or scoop by adding hopper or scoop members. The hopper assembly may be opened to dump contained material with a spring biased latch mechanism which may be locked closed. The scoop member is secured in position with the same latch mechanism.

Abstract: A skeletal framework is provided for supporting furniture, shelf, wall and other types of structural panels. The framework comprises a plurality of elongate frame members, each having a generally rectangular cross section. At least one side of each of the frame members is provided with an axially extending slot. Each of the axially extending slots is provided with a generally dovetail-shaped cross section. A plurality of corner connectors are provided for interconnecting first, second and third frame members which usually extend in mutually orthogonal directions. The corner connectors are each provided with first, second and third extensions for extending into and engaging the axially extending slots disposed on the first, second and third frame members, respectively. A plurality of corner locks are provided, one corner lock being received in each corner member.