Abstract: A seam tracker in which a shaft containing a position-indicator-member, e.g., a ferromagnetic portion, is attached to a probe, and is mounted on a ball joint and the ball joint is pivotally mounted on a pin the ends of which extend through slots in a housing. Spring means urge the pin ends against one end of the respective slots. A mechanical null position spring urges the shaft to a mechanical null position off of the longitudinal axis of the housing. A means responsive to changes in position of the shaft from an electrical null position along the longitudinal axis of the housing gives an output to drive a control apparatus to correspond to changes in position of the probe represented by changes in position of the shaft.

Abstract: A preservation device for wine remaining in containers from which a substantial portion of the contents has been dispensed. The preservation device includes a dispensing nozzle which is mountable in the container pouring opening and which is adjustable therein to juxtapose the dispensing end of the nozzle in contiguity to the surface of the remaining wine. Cooperative with the dispensing nozzle is a mount which maintains the dispensing nozzle in the pouring opening during the dispensing of a pressurized gas through the dispensing nozzle. The gas is maintained in a cylinder or capsule which is connected by connecting means to the nozzle and the mount for the nozzle includes fluid passage means permitting the bypassing of excess gas from the container during the dispensing of the gas from the dispensing end of the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a smooth radius on an edge of a sheared metal sheet are disclosed. The apparatus includes a heating element, such as an oxy-acetylene torch, and a supporting frame incorporating means for translating said sheared edge in predetermined relationship with said heating element. The method encompasses the steps of causing relative translation between a heating element and the previously sheared edge of a metal sheet to accomplish the reduction of said edge to a smooth radius.

Abstract: An arc welding apparatus is disclosed wherein an electrode carriage is mounted to occupy two positions relative to a lead screw-threaded sleeve assembly which carries the electrode carriage toward or away from a workpiece. Direction of lineal movement of the lead screw-threaded sleeve assembly is determined by the direction of rotation of a motor which rotates the lead screw. The electrode carriage is moved from its first position relative to the lead screw-threaded sleeve assembly to its second position substantially simultaneously with the contact of the electrode with the workpiece. An electric switch is operatively associated with the electrode carriage to be tripped when the electrode carriage moves from the first position to the second position. Tripping of the switch causes a control unit to reverse rotation of the motor for a predetermined time whereby the electrode is carried to be a predetermined distance from the workpiece.