Abstract: A servovalve torque motor includes first and second pole pieces and an armature. Each of the first and second pole pieces includes an armature face that opposes the armature. The area of the armature face of the second pole piece is smaller than the area of the armature face of the first pole piece. The unequal areas of the first and second armature faces create a bias in the servovalve torque motor while allowing the first and second pole pieces to be disposed at equal distances from the armature to define substantially equal air gaps. The inclusion of substantially equal air gaps between the pole pieces and the armature reduces the maximum flux in the armature for the same bias and torque output, compared to conventional servovalve torque motors. The reduction in maximum armature flux decreases armature saturation and improves linearity during operation.

Abstract: A servovalve torque motor includes first and second pole pieces and an armature. Each of the first and second pole pieces includes an armature face that opposes the armature. The area of the armature face of the second pole piece is smaller than the area of the armature face of the first pole piece. The unequal areas of the first and second armature faces create a bias in the servovalve torque motor while allowing the first and second pole pieces to be disposed at equal distances from the armature to define substantially equal air gaps. The inclusion of substantially equal air gaps between the pole pieces and the armature reduces the maximum flux in the armature for the same bias and torque output, compared to conventional servovalve torque motors. The reduction in maximum armature flux decreases armature saturation and improves linearity during operation.

Abstract: A material feeder for dispensing batches of material which includes a refrigerated enclosure, a material feeder, a feeder drive arrangement, a scale and a controller. The feeder is housed within the refrigerated enclosure, and is removably coupled to the drive arrangement such that the complete feeder arrangement which is exposed to the material (e.g., foodstuffs such as shredded cheese) may be removed from the enclosure for cleaning at a location separate from the enclosure such as a dishwasher. The scale is connected to a container which catches the material dispensed by the feeder and produces a weight signal such is applied to the control unit. The control unit operates the drive unit which rotates a plurality of feed screws in the feeder at two speeds.

Abstract: A portable toilet assembly has a twin-sheet thermoformed toilet tank, base, and urinal. The toilet tank has an upper thermoplastic sheet which is fused to a lower thermoplastic sheet. The toilet tank sheets are each coextruded from two thermoplastic materials of different colors, such that the toilet tank interior is a dark color and the exterior is a lighter color. Portions of the fused sheets extend outwardly from the tank and define flanges which can be used to attach the toilet tank to the toilet base and to the walls of a cabana. The toilet tank lower sheet has a downwardly extending pyramidal sump in which waste can accumulate. The base has a hole for receiving the toilet tank, a platform with downwardly extending sidewalls with outwardly extending ledges, and channels which extend through the sidewalls and ledges which allow flow of liquids from within the cabana and ventilation of noxious odors.

Abstract: A support for a cantilevered object comprises support member having an X-shaped configuration defined by a central portion and a pair of a spaced apart lower arms attached to the support from which the cantilevered object extends and a pair of spaced apart upper arms constructed and arranged to be secured to the cantilevered object intermediate its ends. The member extends upwardly and outwardly from the support and is curvilinear from its lower to its upper end.