Abstract: Control valves for waterjet systems, control-valve actuators, waterjet systems, methods for operating waterjet systems, and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A control valve configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first seat having a tapered inner surface, a second seat having a contact surface, and an elongated pin having a shaft portion and an end portion. The pin is movable relative to the first and second seats between a shutoff position and one or more throttling positions. When the pin is at the shutoff position, the end portion of the pin is in contact with the contact surface. When the pin is at the throttling position, the end portion of the pin is spaced apart from the contact surface and the tapered inner surface and the shaft portion of the pin at least partially define a throttling gap.

Abstract: Control valves for waterjet systems, control-valve actuators, waterjet systems, methods for operating waterjet systems, and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A control valve configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first seat having a tapered inner surface, a second seat having a contact surface, and an elongated pin having a shaft portion and an end portion. The pin is movable relative to the first and second seats between a shutoff position and one or more throttling positions. When the pin is at the shutoff position, the end portion of the pin is in contact with the contact surface. When the pin is at the throttling position, the end portion of the pin is spaced apart from the contact surface and the tapered inner surface and the shaft portion of the pin at least partially define a throttling gap.

Abstract: Control valves for waterjet systems, control-valve actuators, waterjet systems, methods for operating waterjet systems, and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A control valve configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first seat having a tapered inner surface, a second seat having a contact surface, and an elongated pin having a shaft portion and an end portion. The pin is movable relative to the first and second seats between a shutoff position and one or more throttling positions. When the pin is at the shutoff position, the end portion of the pin is in contact with the contact surface. When the pin is at the throttling position, the end portion of the pin is spaced apart from the contact surface and the tapered inner surface and the shaft portion of the pin at least partially define a throttling gap.

Abstract: Waterjet systems including control valves and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A waterjet system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid source, a jet outlet, and a fluid conveyance extending from the fluid source to the jet outlet. The system further includes a control valve positioned along the fluid conveyance downstream from the fluid source and upstream from the jet outlet. The fluid conveyance has a first portion upstream from the control valve and a second portion downstream from the control valve. The control valve is configured to controllably reduce a pressure of fluid within the second portion of the fluid conveyance relative to a pressure of fluid within the first portion of the fluid conveyance. The first portion of the fluid conveyance is configured to accommodate movement of the jet outlet relative to the fluid source.

Abstract: Waterjet systems including control valves and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A waterjet system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid source, a jet outlet, and a fluid conveyance extending from the fluid source to the jet outlet. The system further includes a control valve positioned along the fluid conveyance downstream from the fluid source and upstream from the jet outlet. The fluid conveyance has a first portion upstream from the control valve and a second portion downstream from the control valve. The control valve is configured to controllably reduce a pressure of fluid within the second portion of the fluid conveyance relative to a pressure of fluid within the first portion of the fluid conveyance. The first portion of the fluid conveyance is configured to accommodate movement of the jet outlet relative to the fluid source.

Abstract: Various embodiments of waterjet cutting systems are described herein. In one embodiment, a waterjet cutting system includes a waterjet cutting device coupled to a pressurized water source. The waterjet cutting device includes a waterjet cutting head and a fluid conduit configured to carry pressurized water to the waterjet cutting head. The fluid conduit has a wall defining a longitudinal passage through which the pressurized water travels. The fluid conduit also has a through hole extending from the outer surface of the wall to the longitudinal passage. The through hole has a cross-sectional shape with a maximum longitudinal dimension generally parallel to the longitudinal passage and a maximum latitudinal dimension generally perpendicular to the longitudinal passage. In one aspect of this embodiment, the maximum longitudinal dimension is greater than the maximum latitudinal dimension. Methods of forming fluid conduits according to various embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: A lightweight, shock-absorbing package for carrying, shipping or mailing fragile articles is provided that is formed from a relatively stiff substantially flat sheet having front and back faces. The flat sheet has two fold lines disposed proximal to a centerline of the sheet, the fold lines dividing the flat sheet into a first section, a spine section, and a second section. The package includes at least one shock-absorbing resilient member made of lightweight, flexible material and attached proximal to three edges of the back face of the second section, one of the edges being opposite from and two being perpendicular to an edge of the spine section, of sufficient length to completely close the three open edges of a closed rectangular package formed when the flat sheet is folded back along its two fold lines to bring the back face of the first and second sections into a facing arrangement. A package composed of a resilient member that is glued or shrink-wrapped between two flat sheets is also provided.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly (10) includes a fixed panel (12) defining an opening (14), a pair of guide rails (16,18) disposed on opposite sides of the opening, and a sliding panel (26) supported by the guide rails for movement between a closed position over the opening and an open position. Cooperating surface features (46,48) on at least one guide rail and the sliding panel engage one another when the sliding panel is moved to the closed position, to laterally displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel and thereby compress a seal (44) disposed therebetween. Additional surface features (54) on the guide rail similarly engage the sliding panel's surface features to displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel when the sliding panel is in a partially-open position, to thereby at least partially compress the seal and create a frictional drag on the sliding panel resisting further movement.

Abstract: A sliding panel assembly is provided, including a stationary panel, a movable panel, a guide rail slidably receiving the movable panel, and an integrated end cap. The integrated end cap includes an end body, which includes an end stop, a drain, and a locator. The end stop defines an end point of the path of the movable panel. The drain diverts moisture away from the sliding panel assembly. The locator properly positions the sliding panel assembly with respect to a mounting surface during the mounting process. The mounting surface may include a notch, allowing the locator and the mounting surface to mate.

Abstract: A window assembly for a motor vehicle includes an opening defined by a pair of spaced apart stationary windows. Above and below the opening are a pair of opposing horizontal guide rails within which a moveable window slides allowing the opening to be selectively covered or uncovered. Attached to the moveable window is a vent screen, the other end of which is attached to a retraction device mounted adjacent to the opening. When the moveable window is opened, the vent screen uncoils from the retraction device, covering the opening. When the window is closed, the retraction device automatically spools and stores the screen.

Abstract: A panel assembly for a motor vehicle provides the ability to securely control the size of an opening defined by the panel assembly. The panel assembly thus provides a theft deterrent by making it more difficult to get through a partially open window. The panel assembly comprises a fixed panel defining an opening, and a moveable panel for selectively covering the opening. A handle is attached to the moveable panel and includes a cam that is moveably mounted to the handle and extends through a slot defined in the handle. The cam is biased against the rail and is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window assembly having a fixed window with an opening, a slidable panel that slides relative to the fixed window to cover or expose the opening in the fixed window, and a covering to protect the lower edge of the window opening.

Abstract: A molded holder for fishing rods supports the handle ends of a plurality of fishing rods in tubes, with reels on the rods on the exterior of the tubes. The holder has a plurality of support feet that support the holder. The entire holder, including the support feet, fit into a five gallon pail. A handle pole that extends above the pail is secured to the holder.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly includes a movable or “sliding” panel that is supported for sliding movement along a first direction by a guide rail disposed above an opening defined in a stationary or “fixed” panel. The guide rail includes an engagement portion that overhangs an upper portion of one face of the sliding panel. The overhanging engagement portion of the guide rail limits the relative movement of the upper portion of the sliding panel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while further limiting a pivoting motion of the lower portion of the sliding panel in the second direction. A latch is operative to urge the lower portion of the sliding panel towards the fixed panel, whereupon the sliding panel pivots proximate to the guide rail into a closed position while also compressing a seal disposed between the sliding panel and the fixed panel.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly includes a movable or “sliding” panel that is supported for sliding movement along a first direction by a guide rail disposed above an opening defined in a stationary or “fixed” panel. The guide rail includes an engagement portion that overhangs an upper portion of one face of the sliding panel. The overhanging engagement portion of the guide rail limits the relative movement of the upper portion of the sliding panel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while further limiting a pivoting motion of the lower portion of the sliding panel in the second direction. A latch is operative to urge the lower portion of the sliding panel towards the fixed panel, whereupon the sliding panel pivots proximate to the guide rail into a closed position while also compressing a seal disposed between the sliding panel and the fixed panel.

Abstract: A sliding panel assembly is provided, including a stationary panel, a movable panel, a guide rail slidably receiving the movable panel, and an integrated end cap. The integrated end cap includes an end body, which includes an end stop, a drain, and a locator. The end stop defines an end point of the path of the movable panel. The drain diverts moisture away from the sliding panel assembly. The locator properly positions the sliding panel assembly with respect to a mounting surface during the mounting process. The mounting surface may include a notch, allowing the locator and the mounting surface to mate.

Abstract: A window assembly for a motor vehicle comprising:

Abstract: A panel assembly for a motor vehicle provides the ability to securely control the size of an opening defined by the panel assembly. The panel assembly thus provides a theft deterrent by making it more difficult to get through a partially open window. The panel assembly comprises a fixed panel defining an opening, and a moveable panel for selectively covering the opening. A handle is attached to the moveable panel and includes a cam that is moveably mounted to the handle and extends through a slot defined in the handle. The cam is biased against the rail and is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly (10) includes a fixed panel (12) defining an opening (14), a pair of guide rails (16,18) disposed on opposite sides of the opening, and a sliding panel (26) supported by the guide rails for movement between a closed position over the opening and an open position. Cooperating surface features (46,48) on at least one guide rail and the sliding panel engage one another when the sliding panel is moved to the closed position, to laterally displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel and thereby compress a seal (44) disposed therebetween. Additional surface features (54) on the guide rail similarly engage the sliding panel's surface features to displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel when the sliding panel is in a partially-open position, to thereby at least partially compress the seal and create a frictional drag on the sliding panel resisting further movement.