Abstract: A support apparatus adapted to support a snowboard having a threaded insert during a tuning operation is provided. The support apparatus includes a support member and a board rest supported on the support member. An attachment member extends from the board rest and is adapted to engage the threaded insert of the snowboard. A method of supporting a snowboard is also disclosed.

Abstract: A support apparatus adapted to support a snowboard having a threaded insert during a tuning operation is provided. The support apparatus includes a support member and a board rest supported on the support member. An attachment member extends from the board rest and is adapted to engage the threaded insert of the snowboard. A method of supporting a snowboard is also disclosed.

Abstract: Vibration decoupler apparatuses, for decoupling vibrations, for example, between first and second the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a resilient flexible sealing member (bellows) for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an annular vibration damping member connecting a down pipe to a mounting member for permitting restricted axial, lateral and angular movement of the downpipe, relative to the mounting member, which may be affixed to an exhaust manifold, for example. The apparatus also includes a sealing construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows. An alternative construction positions the vibration damping member between the decoupler apparatus and the downstream component.

Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for joining successive exhaust system components in an exhaust system for a vehicle. An inner liner tube is concentrically received by an outer liner tube. A substantially porous, non-sealing, vibration absorbing spacer member is arranged between the liner tubes where they overlap, to preclude direct contact between the liner tubes. The spacer member is non-sealing to preclude deterioration while minimizing interference with the reciprocation and articulation of the liner tubes. A flexible, resilient sealing member, such as a bellows, mechanically and sealingly connects the liner tubes at their distant non-overlapped ends, to prevent escape of exhaust gases. The liner tubes and the spacer member are provided with a non-circular, preferably polygonal or lobed, cross-sectional configurations, for providing protection of the bellows from torsional forces being propagated from one of the exhaust system components, toward the other.

Abstract: A vibration decoupling exhaust connector is provided having a flange for mounting the connector to a flange or housing surface of an exhaust system component, such as an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. A liner tube is resiliently supported in the flange, by a vibration damping resilient metal mesh ring. A bellows is sealingly connected to the liner tube and the flange, in order to provide flexible sealing of the connector, for substantially precluding escape of exhaust gases from the joint when the connector is in place.

Abstract: A vibration decoupling connector apparatus, for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a bellows for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an annular vibration damping member connecting a down pipe to a mounting member for permitting restricted axial, lateral and angular movement of the down pipe, relative to the mounting member, which may be affixed to an exhaust manifold, for example. The apparatus also includes a sealing construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable, cured phenolic foams are described that have a thermal conductivity after 10-days below 0.0185 watts/m .degree.C., a density of 30 to 70 kg/cubic meter and a closed-cell content of at least 85%.

Abstract: Phenolic foams having a cell structure that is resistant to rupture under pressure and a slow deterioration of thermal insulation value are claimed. These foams can be cured to achieve dimensional stability without substantial adverse affect on their structure.

Abstract: A fault detection and inhibit circuit for a power control unit in an electric traction motor propelled vehicle of the type wherein the power control unit includes a chopper circuit and a bypass contactor for shunting the chopper circuit when its percent conduction exceeds a relatively high value and a main contactor for connecting the chopper circuit and motor to a power source. The circuit assures that neither the main contactor, the bypass contactor nor the chopper circuit are in a shorted condition before permitting the application of power to the system. In the event of a running failure, the circuit prevents restarting until the failed condition has recovered.

Abstract: A control system for a separately excited DC electric traction motor in an electrically powered vehicle incorporates a plurality of current limit functions designed to protect both the motor and control electronics. A time dependent current limit is utilized to permit overcurrent conditions for limited time intervals such that additional power can be obtained for sudden torque requirements without having to design the motor or control electronics to function under continuous high torque conditions. The continuous current limit values based on percent conduction time of a thyristor chopper circuit in the control system is modified in response to overheating of the motor and the main switching thyristor, to overvoltage on the thyristor commutating capacitor and to available voltage for powering the motor.

Abstract: An electrical braking circuit provides smooth transitioning between regenerative and plug braking of a DC electric motor by use of a low ohmic value resistance path to maintain motor torque during transitioning. During initiation of electrical braking, a similar low ohmic resistance path momentarily connects the motor to a power source in order to establish proper magnetic flux in the motor to enable regenerative braking. Both resistance paths are disabled during motoring and braking modes of operation in order to minimize power loss in the resistance paths.

Abstract: An awning assembly including an elongated storage case mounted on the side of a recreational vehicle, and having an extended position for providing shade and a retracted position for storage. A lead bar is connected to the outer edge of the awning, and the inner edge is connected to a spring-loaded take-up roller in the case. To brace and support the lead bar when the awning is unrolled and extended, automatically positioned, telescoping rafters extend between the ends of the case and the central portion of the lead bar, and telescoping legs pivoted on the ends of the lead bar are connectible to anchor brackets on the side of the vehicle. These legs are jointed between their ends to facilitate operation on a curved-sided vehicle, and are connected to the lead bar by swivels permitting compact folding into inconspicuous storage positions along the bottom of the case, where they are latched and partially concealed by a leg latch.

Abstract: Collector plates for use in the second stage of a two-stage electrostatic ecipitator comprise plates having non-conducting surfaces to which a coating of low conductivity, typically between 300 and 150,000 ohms per square, is affixed. One embodiment of such plates typically comprises a rigid, non-conducting plastic material coated with a material of low conductivity. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a metallic plate coated with an insulating material of high dielectric strength, typically with a dielectric constant of at least 3000, to which the above mentioned low-conductivity coating is affixed. The collector plates may be mounted in such a manner as to maintain the airflow through the second stage of the precipitator in a direction virtually parallel to the surface of the plates.

Abstract: Beta Glass fibers are dispersed in a solution containing hydrochloric acid nd a hydrophobic fumed silicon dioxide treated with a silane thereby forming a slurry which is subjected to a sonic probe whereafter other glass fibers are mixed into said slurry and the mixture is formed into a glass fiber filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing plugging of a DC electric motor comprising logic circuitry responsive to a direction change command for initiating a plugging signal and additional logic circuitry for maintaining said plugging signal as a function of the percentage on time of a variable time ratio switch supplying power to the motor. Inhibit circuitry is provided to override the plugging signal under operator selected conditions.