Abstract: A torque limiting apparatus is provided having an input shaft, an output shaft, a housing, a spring, and a length adjustable shank and collar assembly. The input shaft communicates with a rotating end segment having a cam surface. The output shaft communicates with a rotating end segment having a complementary cam surface for engaging with the cam surface of the input shaft. The cam surfaces cooperate to generate separation forces between the respective rotating end segments. The housing encases the first end segment and the second end segment. The spring is supported in the housing, and is configured to oppose the separation forces generated by the cam surfaces, and is configured to urge together the first end segment and the second end segment to remain in rotating coupled engagement. The length adjustable shank and collar assembly is provided between the spring and the housing and is configured to adjust compressive force on the spring to change torque output of the apparatus. A method is also provided.

Abstract: Members formed from thermally conductive components which have a gap therebetween. The gap is bridged and the conductive components integrated into a composite member by a reinforced polymer. This provides a thermal break which inhibits the flow of heat between the conductive components of the member. This construction also blocks the transfer of sound and other vibrations between the conductive components of the member. The construction also mitigates the formation of condensation on an artifact fixed to one of the components.

Abstract: Systems for supporting pipes and other loads which include elongated struts and channels that are fabricated from non-metallic materials and can be surface mounted. Clamps, connectors, and other fittings for attaching the supported load to the channel fit into cooperating notches in flanges spaced inwardly from the side walls of the channel. This interfitting relationship provides a positive connection between the fitting and the channel, keeping even heavy loads and loads subjected to vibration, hammering, or the like from slipping, even if the supporting channel is vertically oriented and the load is therefore the most susceptible to slippage. Rounded transition sections at the ends of the notches facilitate the manufacture of the channels, minimize or even eliminate stress concentrations, and insure that loads supported by the system are satisfactorily distributed even if the fittings are tilted or canted relative to the channels.

Abstract: Systems for supporting loads which includes an elongated strut (or channel). A load-supporting component is fixed to the channel at a selected location therealong by a faster threaded into an associated channel nut. The channel nut is easily and quickly installed in the channel through a gap between flanges paralleling and spaced inwardly from the side walls of the channel and then rotated (and displaced along the channel, if necessary) to seat a lug on the nut in cooperating notches formed opposite each other in the flanges of the channel. This interfitting relationship provides a positive connection between the channel nut and the channel, keeping even heavy loads and loads subjected to vibration, hammering, or the like from slipping, even if the supporting channel is vertically oriented and the load is therefore the most susceptible to slippage.

Abstract: A rotary log singulator for singulating logs received from an intake station to a downstream discharge station. The apparatus includes at least two longitudinally displaced rotating drums and at least one lifting and separating bar located adjacent to and upstream of the drums. The rotating drums have two perimeter portions defined by two chord stretches joined at an outwardly facing obtuse angle. Logs received by the drums are supported and rotationally transferred within the perimeter portions defined by the chord stretches. The lifting and separating bars are driven by a shaft connected to or synchronized with the shaft which drives the rotating drums and are displaced vertically up and down as the rotating drums rotate.

Abstract: A non-metallic strut support system using a fiberglass channel and composite thermoplastic bands to support piping or ducting used in corrosive environments. The structural strut has a pair of longitudinal flanges which project inwardly. Complimental composite thermoplastic support bands are provided which have a natural curvature for supporting a pipe or duct when the bands are engaged. The bands have flanges on their top portion which engage the flanges of the structural strut when the top portion of the bands are placed within the channel of the strut. The top portion of the bands provides easy insertion and removal of the bands from the strut channel manually, either by inserting and turning to fit in the lock position, or in close clearance areas the head can be compressed to provide snap-in placement into the strut. The bands are adjusted by a bolt in a housing on the end of one band and matching slots on the end of the other band.

Abstract: A portable cutter/crimper that can cut or crimp stranded cable for bundling logs. A pneumatic air bag is used to close the jaws of a pair of crimping arms which contain matching arcuate cut out portions for the cable connector to be crimped. Prior to operation, the crimping jaws are held open by a spring. The crimping arms also have cutting edges adjacent to the crimping jaws for cutting wire. A frame and handle are provided which have a trigger to initiate expansion of the air bag during operation. The force of the expanding air bag is transmitted to the crimping arms by two connecting arms rotably connected to the crimping arms. The assembly is partially housed in an aluminum housing, and is relatively light weight for easier field use.

Abstract: A non-metallic strut support system using a fiberglass channel and composite thermoplastic bands to support piping or ducting used in corrosive environments. The structural strut has a pair of longitudinal flanges which project inwardly. Complimental composite thermoplastic support bands are provided which have a natural curvature for supporting a pipe or duct when the bands are engaged. The bands have flanges on their top portion which engage the flanges of the structural strut when the top portion of the bands are placed within the channel of the strut. The top portion of the bands provides easy insertion and removal of the bands from the strut channel manually, either by inserting and turning to fit in the lock position, or in close clearance areas the head can be compressed to provide snap-in placement into the strut. The bands are adjusted by a bolt in a housing on the end of one band and matching slots on the end of the other band.