Abstract: A training device including a spherical body made of any combination of foam, rubber, cork, twine, leather or any known material used in the construction of a baseball or game play ball affixed to a flight control apparatus by a coupling means. Said ball consisting of a second element including a skirt or flight apparatus resembling a shuttlecock designed for movement, distance and speed control. Said ball consisting of a third element including an inset coupling means. The device being used to fine tune and exercise the muscular-skeletal mechanics related to field sports. The device may be used as a practice and drill specific device or as a child's toy much like a badminton shuttlecock to be thrown, caught or hit.

Abstract: A training device including a spherical body made of any combination of foam, rubber, cork, twine, leather or any known material used in the construction of a baseball or game play ball affixed to a flight control apparatus by a coupling means. Said ball consisting of a second element including a skirt or flight apparatus resembling a shuttlecock designed for movement, distance and speed control. Said ball consisting of a third element including an inset coupling means. The device being used to fine tune and exercise the muscular-skeletal mechanics related to field sports. The device may be used as a practice and drill specific device or as a child's toy much like a badminton shuttlecock to be thrown, caught or hit.

Abstract: A device for extracting and positioning an embedded ignitable end of a candle wick includes a coupling element mountable at the flame discharge end of candle lighter, a working element adapted to be maneuvered to extract the embedded ignitable end of the candle wick from candle wax and to reposition the extracted ignitable end of the candle wick at a position free from the wax, and an elongated support member with the coupling element attached to one of the opposite ends of the support member such that the support member extends along a flame exiting from the flame discharge end of the candle lighter. The working element is attached to the other of the opposite ends of the support member such that the working element is spaced forwardly of the flame discharge end of the candle ligher and positioned in proximity to flame so that the working element is heated by the flame.

Abstract: A direct drive valve wherein a force motor (10) controls the position of a valve slide (20) through a linkage (14). The force motor includes a spring assembly (62) having cantilevered springs (68 and 70) that include petals (72). The armature (48) of the force motor is guided by a plurality of balls (84) that contact both an internal tube assembly (47) and the armature.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a housing, a piston movable in the housing, a rod coupled to the piston and movable therewith, and a tubular member mounted in the housing and having a rod extending therethrough. A frangible section retains the tubular member against axial inward movement from a first position in the housing. When an axial inward force of at least a predetermined magnitude is applied to the tubular member, the frangible section ruptures to allow at least a portion of the tubular member to move axially inwardly. Armor is provided for protecting at least a portion of the housing.

Abstract: A valve comprising a valve body having a chamber therein, a knife-edged valve seat in the chamber, and a knife edge in the chamber substantially circumscribing the valve seat. First and second passages are provided in the valve body leading to the chamber with the first passage terminating in a port substantially at the valve seat. A valve member is adapted to engage the valve seat in a first position to block flow through the port and electromagnetic means is energizable to move the valve member off of the valve seat. The valve is constructed and arranged so that the movement of the valve member off of the valve seat is carried out with mechanical advantage.