Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.

Abstract: A method of making battery plates for lead-acid batteries includes providing a strip of material comprising lead; and punching material out of the strip to form a grid comprising wires having a non-rectangular cross-sectional shape by utilizing a die set comprising a plurality of male die components and female die components, wherein each of the male die components comprises a first portion having a first cross-sectional shape and a second portion having a second-cross sectional shape. A single punch of the material creates a hole in the material and also forms the periphery of the hole.

Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.

Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.

Abstract: A modular tooling receiver includes a housing having a wall and a port, and an engaging member movably disposed in the port. A lock actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. The release lever is connected to the housing and is engageable with the lock actuator for causing movement of the lock actuator from the first position toward the second position. An anti-release mechanism is connected to the release lever and is movable between an engaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism engages the housing to restrain movement of the release lever to prevent movement of the lock actuator from the first position to the second position, and a disengaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism disengages the housing to allow movement of the release lever.

Abstract: A modular tooling receiver includes a housing having a wall and a port, and an engaging member movably disposed in the port. A lock actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. The release lever is connected to the housing and is engageable with the lock actuator for causing movement of the lock actuator from the first position toward the second position. An anti-release mechanism is connected to the release lever and is movable between an engaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism engages the housing to restrain movement of the release lever to prevent movement of the lock actuator from the first position to the second position, and a disengaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism disengages the housing to allow movement of the release lever.

Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element that biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper that controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical coupler portion and a pneumatic detection valve that is connected to the mechanical coupler portion, connectable to a source of pressurized air, and is moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the pneumatic detection valve prevents communication of the pressurized air with atmosphere in the first position, prevents communication of the pressurized air with atmosphere in the second position, and leaks the pressurized air to atmosphere when in an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A method of making battery plates for lead-acid batteries includes providing a strip of material comprising lead; and punching material out of the strip to form a grid comprising wires having a non-rectangular cross-sectional shape by utilizing a die set comprising a plurality of male die components and female die components, wherein each of the male die components comprises a first portion having a first cross-sectional shape and a second portion having a second-cross sectional shape. A single punch of the material creates a hole in the material and also forms the periphery of the hole.

Abstract: A composite support arm for an automated handling device includes an elongated tubular body having an outer metal layer and an inner fibrous reinforcement layer adjacent to the outer metal layer.

Abstract: This invention entails the re-design of existing hummingbird feeders that have an upper nectar reservoir with mating base holding the lower nectar reservoir. Please refer to Drawing SKETCH 12006 This is a re-designed hummingbird feeder that lowers the base nectar level approximately one fourth inch (¼?) and out of reach of flying insects, thus eliminating their presence and removing the nuisance and the possibility of painful stings to people. This is a re-designed hummingbird feeder that eliminates the presence of flying insects and their robbing of nectar, thus reducing the expense of nectar.

Abstract: A radio frequency antenna structure includes a base station antenna and an auxiliary antenna mounted within a common antenna assembly. The base station antenna is configured to transmit or receive signals in a first frequency range and to develop a main beam that is substantially wider in azimuth than in elevation, and the auxiliary antenna is configured to transmit or receive signals in a second frequency range at least partially overlapping the first frequency range and to develop an auxiliary beam at least partially overlapping the main beam. Means are included for decoupling the base station and auxiliary antennas to thereby suppress interference between the main and auxiliary beams, and for suppressing interference between the auxiliary antenna and any co-located antennas.

Abstract: An antenna system comprising a support structure and a multiband/multichannel wireless feeder configured for coupling antennas located proximate the top of a support structure with electronics located proximate the base of the support structure to overcome losses typically associated with coaxial cables. Such a multiband/multichannel wireless feeder includes a waveguide having a coupling at each end and a multiplexing waveguide network coupled at each end of the waveguide and configured to combine frequencies and applications.

Abstract: Devices for verifying the dimensional accuracy of a measuring instrument are provided. In one embodiment, a verification block has a substantially planar surface and a known nonplanar surface adjacent thereto. During verification, a probe attached to the CMM moves along the nonplanar surface while simultaneously contacting the planar surface and measures the features of the nonplanar surface. Any difference between the measured features and the known features of the nonplanar surface is an indication of inaccuracies in the CMM. Other embodiments of the invention include structures which compare CMM measured readings with known readings by an encoder as it moves along a linear scale. In another embodiment, the measured readings are compared to readings provided by opto-electric switches. In still another embodiment, a cam is rotatably mounted to the end of the probe of the CMM and moves the probe along the z axis as the cam moves along a surface.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine includes a support structure, an articulated arm having a first end pivotally connected to the support structure and a second end that is movable in a horizontal plane. A Z-ram assembly is mounted to the second end of the articulated arm. The Z-ram assembly includes a Z-ram housing and a probe that is vertically movable with respect to the Z-ram housing. The probe is movable within a measurement volume defined by the articulated arm and the Z-ram assembly. The coordinate measuring machine further includes a measuring assembly for determining coordinates of the probe in the measurement volume. The articulated arm preferably includes first and second arm assemblies that have a parallelogram configuration to prevent substantial rotation of the Z-ram assembly as the articulated arm is moved in the horizontal plane. The angles of the articulated arm are preferably measured using a sensor which includes a pattern of parallel, straight grating lines.

Abstract: A restraining apparatus particularly intended to function as a brace for securing the doors of containerized cargo. The containers carried by a transporting vehicle such as a railway flatcar are characterized by end doors that are commonly subjected to forcible opening by trespassers intent upon pilferage. The apparatus, in its preferred embodiment, is positioned hingedly to the freight car floor and may readily be folded downwardly to a stowed position. The apparatus comprises a base member and an upstanding member integrally attached thereto. A forward biasing component extends between the base member and the supporting floor for forcibly directing the upstanding member against the containerized doors.

Abstract: An insulating holder with channels to receive and secure splice connectors joining conductors, each channel having a continuous band of material at its opening with a slotted band portion therebehind for permitting flexing upon entrance of a connector, and locking shoulders extending partially within the channel from the sides of the slot for preventing removal of a connector therefrom. The channel also has a retaining lip over the rear portion thereof to prevent upward displacement of a connector and the holder has a pair of legs for straddling and frictionally engaging a stator core tooth for mounting the holder on a core.

Abstract: Sleeve type rotor bearings with a wicking arrangement for continuously supplying oil to the bearing surface including a feeder wick extending from within the bearing housing through a window in the bearing surface to contact the rotating shaft, a mass of particulate wicking material in close contact with surfaces of the feeder wick and giving up lubricant to the feeder wick, and a collector wick that is ring shaped and has a surface abutting against an end of the mass of particulate wicking material and is exposed to an oil flinger mounted on the shaft; the collector wick comprises an open cell foamed plastic material whose density and lubricant retentivity is less than either the feeder wick or the mass of particulate wicking material. The arrangement provides good oil collection without encountering problems of oil runout.