Abstract: A plug-and-seat valve plug head assembly that resists abrasive erosion includes a hardened plug head, such as a ceramic plug head, attached to a plug stem without any soldering, welding, or braising attachment to the plug head. A diameter of a second portion of the plug head smoothly increases according to a plug diameter profile. A diameter of a first portion of the plug head is everywhere smaller than the plug diameter profile, and is maximal at a location spaced apart from the second portion. A plug head retainer overlaps and closely conforms to the first portion, while presenting an exterior surface that smoothly continues and extends the plug diameter profile. In embodiments, a plug head retainer blank attaches to the plug head retainer, capturing the plug head therebetween. Embodiments apply radial and/or axial stress to the plug head.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for an assembly including an internal combustion engine and a transmission includes an elongated member having a first portion interconnected with the engine housing of the engine adjacent the cylinders and above the crankcase of the engine. The elongated member also includes a second portion mounted on a bell housing or crankcase cover portion of the engine housing. The elongated member may include an overhang portion extending over an engine fan. The elongated member may be disposed between a first and a second cylinder of the engine. The elongated portion may also include lifting portions defining apertures for facilitating raising and lowering the engine.

Abstract: An aircraft having two aft mounted prop engines on opposite sides of the fuselage. The side surfaces of the fuselage adjacent to the propellers are contoured so that each has an inwardly and rearwarding slanting forward region, a substantially longitudinally aligned intermediate region which is adjacent to the propellers, and a rear region which slants inwardly and rearwardly to an end closure location. This configuration results in a more uniform flow pattern into the propellers.

Abstract: An improved electronic control system for an exercise machine of the type having electrically actuated brakes as the resistance force for the exercise. The accuracy of the system in terms of actual resistance force delivered by the machine compared with the user-selected value is improved through techniques for compensating for hysteresis effects in the brakes. When changing the output of the brakes on each half cycle of the exercise in accordance with user-selected values, the system compensates for hysteresis effects in the brake in responding to increased current, decreased current, or steady-state current conditions. A simple but effective system is provided to let the user select "soft" limits for a particular range of motion of the exercise apparatus. The limits are in the form of an audible beep rather than a hard mechanical limit, and they are set as the system learns the desired range of motion from the user on a first cycle through the exercise.

Abstract: A leg exercise machine (10) for bilateral and unilateral leg exercising. Machine (10) preferably includes an electromagnetic brake unit (44) coupled to a side-mounted exercise arm (68) through a planetary drive assembly (51). A longitudinally-adjustable leg pad support (70) is slidably mounted on exercise arm (68). Leg pad support (70) can carry a long rod (78) suitable for supporting a pair of leg pad assemblies (84) or a short rod (93) suitable for carrying a single leg pad assembly (84), depending on whether bilateral or unilateral exercising, respectively, is desired. Rods (78, 93) are sufficiently long to allow for lateral play in the leg pad assemblies (84) relative to the exercise arm (68) so as to accommodate various hip widths and so as not to create a side load on the knees during flexion and extension.

Abstract: An arm and shoulder exercise machine (20) including a base (22), a vertical rack (32) and resistance means (38) is disclosed herein. Resistance means (38) can be adjusted vertically and pivotally with respect to rack (32) using a unique rack-and-pinion system. A preferred machine (20) also includes an exercise arm (130) which carries a sliding or floating hand grip assembly (142). A preferred machine (20) further includes a pair of pivoting caster assemblies (50), each including a pair of casters (66) and a handle (54). In their raised positions, caster assemblies (50) are above feet (29); when the caster assemblies (50) are in their lowered positions casters (66) are below feet (29), thereby rendering machine (20) transportable.

Abstract: An exercise machine (2) includes side frame members (6). Electromagnetic brakes (62) supported on movable carriages (66) slide along side frame members (6). Carriage (66) includes a hinge (100) for allowing each brake (62) to pivot between multiple positions. Both types of motion allow the output shafts (64) on brakes (62) to be reoriented relative to a support bench (20) on which a user of machine (2) is located. Various exercise attachments may be coupled to brake shafts (64) for contacting various body members to perform different exercises. A controller (200) regulates the force levels of brakes (62).

Abstract: An exercise machine (2) includes side frame members (6). Electromagnetic brakes (62) supported on movable carriages (66) slide along side frame members (6). Carriage (66) includes a hinge (100) for allowing each brake (62) to pivot between multiple positions. Both types of motion allow the output shafts (64) on brakes (62) to be reoriented relative to a support bench (20) on which a user of machine (2) is located. Various exercise attachments may be coupled to brake shafts (64) for contacting various body members to perform different exercises. A controller (200) regulates the force levels of brakes (62).