Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve body having an orifice, and a valve member received in the valve body and movable along an axis with respect to the orifice. The valve member includes a cup in an end of the valve member and the cup has an end wall facing the orifice of the valve body. A fulcrum extends from the end wall of the cup towards the orifice, and a plug is received in the cup against the fulcrum and opposite the orifice of the valve body. When the valve member is moved along the axis towards the orifice, the plug contacts the valve body to seal the orifice. The valve assembly also includes a flat spring having an outer portion secured to the end of the valve member and flexible arms retaining the plug in the cup, so that the plug can be articulated about the fulcrum and properly aligned with the valve body to fully seal the orifice when the valve member is moved along the axis towards the orifice.

Abstract: A quick-release tube clamp and method therefor for locking and releasing a prosthetic pylon/foot component from the socket. The quick-release tube clamp includes a tubular portion, an annular socket portion, and a clamp portion. The tubular portion has a formed slot along a longitudinal length of the tubular portion. The tubular portion forms a cylindrical opening with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tubular pylon. The annular socket at the upper end of the tubular portion attaches to the socket of the modular lower limb prosthetic system. The clamp portion is located near the lower end of the tubular portion and firmly locks the tubular portion around the tubular pylon when the tubular pylon is inserted into the tubular position and provides a releasing position for removal of the tubular pylon.

Abstract: A quick-release tube clamp and method therefor for locking and releasing a prosthetic pylon/foot component from the socket. The quick-release tube clamp includes a tubular portion, an annular socket portion, and a clamp portion. The tubular portion has a formed slot along a longitudinal length of the tubular portion. The tubular portion forms a cylindrical opening with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tubular pylon. The annular socket at the upper end of the tubular portion attaches to the socket of the modular lower limb prosthetic system. The clamp portion is located near the lower end of the tubular portion and firmly locks the tubular portion around the tubular pylon when the tubular pylon is inserted into the tubular position and provides a releasing position for removal of the tubular pylon.

Abstract: A paper pallet generally comprises support blocks, a top pad, and a wrap. The support blocks are of a comb configuration, e.g., honeycomb or hexacomb. The top pad is of a corrugated material and is positioned above the support blocks. The wrap is also of a corrugated material and wraps, via direct contact, the top and side surfaces of the top pad as well as wrapping, via direct contact, at least two side surfaces of the support blocks.

Abstract: A device for scanning a bar code symbol is adapted on a glove to be worn comfortably on an operator's bare or gloved hand. The glove includes a scan element on the back of the glove electrically connected to an activation switch disposed on a bottom finger tip of the glove. The activation switch triggers the scan element to scan a bar code by pressing the finger tip at a base of the bar code symbol to be read. Sliding the finger to turn on the scan element is a natural motion and does not interfere with normal use of the hand.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an I/O block (38) assembly comprises a plurality of specifically configured I/O blocks (38) mounted to a conductive column (46) providing power to and communication between the I/O blocks (38) with each individual I/O block (38) programed for a specific function requiring that the proper I/O module (42) must always be inserted into the right base (40). This is accomplished by providing a set of pegs or pins (50) individually configured on the base (40) which match a complimentary series of openings 74 on the I/O module (42) formed by a mask (70) covering a plurality of holes (60) while leaving the holes matching the pins (50) uncovered.

Abstract: A closed tube extension or deadleg is included below the vertical tube of a hydrocarbon pyrolysis furnace. The deadleg passively collects spall coke particles to avoid plugging of the tube or its hydrocarbon inlet. Inspection or cleaning devices can be inserted through the deadleg into the tube and blocked tubes can be cleared. Pressurized steam and/or air can be injected through the deadleg to accelerate decoking of individual tubes.

Abstract: An improved control and shut off valve assembly is disclosed. The preferred valve assembly provides sufficient forces to overcome biasing forces so as to provide adequate shut off at a leakage rate of less than 10.sup.-9 std cc/sec of He with an atmospheric differential of Helium applied across the valve seat of the assembly, and precise control of the flow rate, all as a function of a single electrical control signal. In accordance with another aspect the valve seat is made from a material softer than the valve seat engagement means so that the seat is coined by the valve seat engagement means when first used so as to insure tight tolerances for sealing the valve passageway during the shut off mode. Finally, in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the valve assembly is constructed with no separate parts within the flow path so as to maintain a clean passageway.

Abstract: A thread-cutting tool comprises a shank 10 for attachment to the spindle of a milling machine, the forward end portion of which shank is formed with a flat 12 recessed to provide a pocket for a flat cutting insert 11. The insert, which is triangular in this instance, has one edge formed with a line of threadform teeth of identical profile. The teeth project laterally for cutting engagement with a work-piece. The surface of the work-piece which is to be formed with a thread is mounted on a fixed work-table of the machine.

Abstract: A method for generating a stimulus signal for conducting frequency response function calculations maximizes the overall dynamic range of the calculations possible by balancing the requirements for dynamic range between the input channels of a Fourier analyzer used for monitoring the input and output of the system under analysis. A preferred version of the method includes the steps of estimating the frequency response function of the system under analysis, inverting the estimated frequency response function, taking the square root of the inverted estimated frequency response function, randomizing the phase of the inverse square-root estimated frequency response function, converting the phase-randomized inverse square-root estimated frequency response function to a time domain test signal, scaling the time domain test signal as necessary to produce the stimulus signal for conducting frequency response function calculations.

Abstract: An electric coil (20) induces a magnetic flux through a magnetic flow path (22, 24) which terminates in pole faces (26, 28) disposed parallel to a gap (30) therebetween. A non-ferrous pivot element (36) is mounted to one of the pole faces adjacent an edge thereof most distant from the gap. An armature (40) which is at least partially ferromagnetic is held in firm frictional engagement with the pivot element by a taut band (42). The armature pivots about the pivot element in accordance with current flowing through the coil. A fluid nozzle (54) is mounted adjacent the armature such that fluid flow through the nozzle is throttled in accordance with pivotal movement of the armature, hence, the electrical control signal current in the coil.

Abstract: A single fluid-pressure transducer unit, of the type in which sensed electrical capacitance is varied in accordance with electrode deflections induced by pressure changes, is rendered capable of characterizing a wide range of pressures extending from near-vacuum to atmospheric levels, with the aid of a distinctive composite-electrode capsule which interacts uniquely with a conventional type of sheet-metal diaphragm. While sensing relatively low pressures, the exhibited capacitance of the transducer is essentially that appearing between the diaphragm and a nearby electrode carried by the capsule, but, at or near atmospheric pressure, the diaphragm physically engages and deflects that electrode, which is elastically deformable, causing it to vary a further capacitance appearing between that deformable electrode and a companion stationary electrode which is also part of the capsule.

Abstract: In a current-to-pressure (I/P) transducer which controls output pressures by rapidly and precisely venting pressures of fluid derived from a supply, the movable valve member employed in the venting comprises a mechanically-balanced low-mass armature suspended for restrained pivotal movements by a taut band and incorporating readily-saturated magnetic material disposed in gap-bridging relation to core elements of a stationary electromagnet; the counterbalancing and taut-band suspension of but a small mass renders the armature highly resistant to adverse effects of vibration, and selectable positioning of the venting-valve seat or port to cooperate with one or the other end of the pivoted armature allows for direct or inverse responses to currents fed to the electromagnet.

Abstract: Sudden increases in fluid pressure which could be injurious to the diaphragm and seals of a sensitive capacitive pressure transducer, or the like, are instantly protectively blocked or "checked" automatically by a miniature naturally-powered valve having a low-mass one-piece valve member or plug molded of elastomeric material which is shaped and disposed to be immediately propelled into guided tight line-contact seating and sealing as an abrupt pressure surge commences and then to hold such sealing only until the plug is unseated by gravity when either the pressure is rapidly lowered suitably in operation of the transducer or the diaphragm is slowly exposed to increased pressure after enough minute normal valve leakage takes place.

Abstract: An upper working surface holds a circuit board for assembly of circuit components which are gravity fed under the surface through carrier tubes to lower level pick-off stations receiving the components from respective carrier tubes, the pick-off stations project past the lower edge of the working surface to expose the components to be readily accessible for pick-off and assembly.