Abstract: A hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensing valve assembly comprises a pair of oppositely disposed electromagnetic solenoid assemblies which alternatively act upon a pair of armatures which are fixedly mounted upon a valve stem, upon which is fixedly mounted a valve member, so as to rapidly and assuredly control the reciprocal movements of the valve stem, and the valve member attached thereto, between its unseated or OPENED position and its seated or CLOSED position. A coil spring also biases the valve stem and the valve member toward the seated or CLOSED position such that when both of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies are de-energized, the coil spring maintains the valve member at its seated or CLOSED position upon the valve seat.

Abstract: A new and improved single tool or jig which is universally useable in connection with the fabrication or trimming of left and right side edge portions of stair tread components, left and right end portions of stair tread side edge plank components, and stair riser components, so as to permit all of such components to be properly mated together in order to impart to the exposed or open stair members a seamless finished appearance.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensing valve assembly comprises a pair of oppositely disposed electromagnetic solenoid assemblies which alternatively act upon a pair of armatures which are fixedly mounted upon a valve stem, upon which is fixedly mounted a valve member, so as to rapidly and assuredly control the reciprocal movements of the valve stem, and the valve member attached thereto, between its unseated or OPENED position and its seated or CLOSED position. A coil spring also biases the valve stem and the valve member toward the seated or CLOSED position such that when both of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies are de-energized, the coil spring maintains the valve member at its seated or CLOSED position upon the valve seat.

Abstract: A new and improved method for calibrating workpiece clamping mechanisms such that once a particular clamping mechanism is calibrated with respect to a particular workpiece to be clamped upon a support surface, the clamping mechanism will always clamp the workpiece with a predetermined, precisely repeatable clamping force. In addition, the method of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with the calibration of a plurality of clamping mechanisms so as to enable the plurality of clamping mechanisms to always generate the same precise clamping force whereby the multiple clamping mechanisms, utilized to clamp a single workpiece upon a support surface, can in fact clamp different regions of the single workpiece with precisely the same predetermined clamping force such that all regions of the single workpiece are in fact securely clamped.

Abstract: A urine collection system for use by a person using a float tube comprises a flexible pouch housing a urine collection reservoir in fluid communication with the person. The pouch defines first and second openings, one for receiving a tube connected to the urine collection reservoir that is coupled to the user with a condom catheter and a second for receiving a drainage valve for conveniently emptying urine from the reservoir. A unidirectional valve is associated with the tube for preventing urine from exiting the reservoir while allowing urine to freely enter the reservoir. The pouch is preferably placed outside the float tube at or above the water level so that water pressure does not affect the operation of the urine collection system.

Abstract: A turning apparatus for a CNC or other turning machine comprises a faceplate having a locating insert secured and located therein for locating a part on a taper thereof. The turning apparatus clamps and draws the part into the locating insert to facilitate machining of the part. The insert is readily replaceable to accommodate a part having a different taper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a pattern from a blank in accordance with a set of coordinates defining a plurality of data points and collectively characterizing the size and shape of a lens opening in an eyeglass frame is presented. A controller includes an instruction set to control the operation of a router coupled to a carraige arranged for rectilinear movement toward and away from a work station and relative to the rotation of a blank fixtured at the work station whereby a pattern is cut with the desired size and shape. The apparatus further includes a sensor and light source in the feeding and staging area of the apparatus to advance a blank to a fixturing spindle located at the work station and to determine the nasal side orientation of the blank at the work station.

Abstract: A tape measure construction comprising a casing, a tapeline coiled within the casing, a tape retaining hook attached to the leading end of the tapeline, apparatus for automatically retracting the tapeline into the casing, and a resilient deformable bumper for preventing the tape retaining hook from slamming into the casing as the tapeline is retracted into the casing is disclosed. The tape bumper is constructed of a resilient, deformable material and comprises a main body section and a tape retaining hook engaging section, defining an open space or aperture therebetween. The front face of the bumper hook engaging portion is convex in shape, in order that as the flat surface of the tape hook engages the bumper, the bumper deforms progressively to cushion and absorb the shock of impact of the tape hook slamming against the measuring tape casing, by progressively increasing the resistance to deformation, thus progressively increasing the shock absorbing effect thereof.

Abstract: A bearing-block body member in which a die-cutting roll is journaled includes an adjusting cap seated in it through which a bore extends axially of the roll. An axial chamber is provided in the roll, and a stationary air manifold extends into the chamber, permitting relative rotation between the roll and the manifold. An air tube having an axial portion and a transverse portion has its axial portion extending through the bore in the adjusting cap to couple with the manifold so as to hold it in rotational position but permit axial withdrawal. Fluid communication is provided between the air tube and the manifold, and corresponding ports in the manifold and apertures in the die register periodically to permit air to flow from the air tube through the manifold, the ports, and the apertures to the outer surface of the roll. As a result of this arrangement, air can be supplied transversely of the axis of the roll, but ready removal of the roll and the manifold is afforded.