Abstract: A gang locking system for use in furniture cabinets having a plurality of doors or drawers comprises a lock tube which rotates to move a lock bar from a disengaged or open position to an engaged or locked position. Rotation of the lock tube is effected by a lock cam attached to a lock cylinder. The lock cam is a generally rod shaped member having two offsets to constitute a "Z" or zig-zag shape and projects through a pair of slots in the lock tube. The slots in the lock tube have a width only slightly greater than the diameter of the rod-like cam so as to reduce any slack or "play" between the lock cam and the lock tube.

Abstract: In a rotary turret-type machine, in which operations are performed on successive can body cylinders (8) or the like by a mandrel (159) inside the workpiece co-operating with a beading rail (176), each workpiece is guided smoothly into a cradle (151) which so supports and locates it throughout its stay in the machine that axial movement of the mandrel is unnecessary. Each cradle is reciprocated towards and away from the mandrel by a fixed cam (145). Each cradle has a spring loaded support roller permitting eccentric support of the can body during beading. Each mandrel preferably has a quick-acting coupling (200) permitting temporary radial displacement of the mandrel without loss of parallelism to accommodate a can body side seam. This coupling consists of a spring mounted support plate (305) engaging a register plate (304) through three balls (306) mounted in seats (307) in the rings to give radially-yielding tripod support.

Abstract: A tool having a dual purpose ram formed with a first portion to drive a knife through a cable to sever it, and a second portion to crimp a connector onto the end of the cable. The knife is made sufficiently deep in width that it will sever the cable completely even though contact between the ram and the cable by the second portion limits downward movement of the ram at the end of the severing stroke.

Abstract: The method consists in flanging the wall of a thick-walled shell around a hole made in said wall in adavance until a branch pipe is produced, in calibrating said shell on the inside surface adjoining the branch pipe, and simultaneous straightening of the thick-walled shell on its outside surface in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the branch pipe from the side opposite to the location of said branch pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for measuring calorific value and Wobbe index of gas by determining the specific gravity of the gas, and apparatus for controlling the calorific value of the gas in accordance with the specific gravity. The specific gravity of the gas is related to the sonic speed in the gas which is determined by means of electric equipment. The electric equipment contains a pair of acoustic tubes, in one of which is contained gas being measured, and in the other of which is contained standard gas. Each of the acoustic tubes is provided at opposite ends thereof with a microphone and a speaker, and a pair of amplifiers, one each associated with a respective microphone and speaker. Howling occurs in each acoustic tube. Consequently a signal having a beat frequency is obtained by mixing and detecting the outputs from the amplifiers, and the beat frequency is representative of the specific gravity of the gas being measured.

Abstract: A device for measuring the draft of cigarettes comprises a vertical tubular body in which cigarettes are fed one by one. A first sphincter-member mounted inside the body is operable to prevent a cigarette from falling and stop it in a given position. A second sphincter-member positioned above the first member is actuated when the first member is released so as to hold the cigarette in the above given position. A seal is provided at the bottom side of the tubular body to define a gas-tight chamber with the second sphincter-member, and an orifice connected to a source of air under vacuum is formed in the body between the first sphincter-member and the seal.

Abstract: Porosity measuring apparatus for a moving web of sheet material comprising a sensor having a chamber and a wall provided with apertures communicating with the chamber and of number, spacing and dimension sufficient to obtain an air seal between the moving web and wall during application of a vacuum to the chamber.

Abstract: A sturdy, portable apparatus for detecting water leaks in plumbing equipment consisting of an elongated rod having two upstanding portions and a third portion bent at a 90.degree. angle to the upstanding portions with tubes connecting the upstanding portions to ear pieces, the tubes containing a plurality of wires positioned in close proximity to the upstanding portions of the rod and extending in close proximity to the ear pieces. Leakage of water sets up acoustical vibrations which are transmitted through the metal rod and are picked up by the wires and transmitted to the ear pieces.

Abstract: A machine for testing a container such as a paper or plastic cup. The cup rests upon a platform and its stiffness is measured by applying a given load to the side of the cup by means of a motor driven load applying arm. The applied load and the resulting deflection are determined by the direct coupling together of the cores of a force cell and a linear variable displacement transformer. The load applying arm and the coil of the linear variable displacement transformer are coupled together to compensate for an initial preload condition. The ultimate load for the predetermined deflection is monitored by a force cell and the electrical signal thus generated is converted to a direct reading digitally displaced valve.A method for testing a cup-like container by supporting the container on a set of rollers and applying a first small force normal to the side of the container. A second greater force is applied to the side of the container until a preselected overall deflection of the container side is attained.

Abstract: A system for indicating the fuel consumption rate of a vehicle, wherein there is provided a pressure responsive instrument for indicating consumption rate which is connected by a pressure conduit to the intake passage of the engine, is provided with a pressure transformer in the conduit. The transformer is responsive to the operating condition of the vehicle transmission, and operates when the transmission is in its next highest gear to convert the negative pressure of the engine intake passage to a lower value of negative pressure which is presented to the indicating instrument. The conversion is by a pressure ratio equal to the ratio of the highest transmission gear to the next highest gear.

Abstract: A motorcycle power take-off drive system is disclosed for driving a dynamometer from either a chain drive or a shaft drive motorcycle having either right or lefthand chain or shaft drive connections. A support housing is straddled by the rear frame elements of the motorcycle with a support shaft extending into the axle openings in the frame to support the frame. A drive shaft sleeve coaxially surrounds the support shaft and has either a sprocket for connection to the chain of a chain driven motorcycle attached to one end or an internally splined sleeve drivingly connectable to an externally splined output drive member of a shaft drive motorcycle. A low-friction chain connects the drive shaft sleeve to a power drive shaft drivingly connected to a dynamometer.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring thrust loading on a rotating shaft. A plurality of train gages, electrically connected in parallel and series to form one arm of a Wheatstone bridge circuit, are mounted at equal intervals on a thin strap or band formed to surround the shaft with a predetermined hoop load. Lubricating material disposed between the shaft and the band prevents transfer of friction forces from the shaft to the band. As the thrust loading increases, shaft dilation (girth increase) causes the band to stretch and increase its stress. This hoop stress is measured by the strain gages mounted on the band, and is transmitted as the output signal produced by the bridge via radio telemetry or slip rings to a remote indicator. A second arm of the Wheatstone bridge circuit, to provide compensation for temperature effects, can be provided by an additional strain gage mounted on a block of material identical to that of the shaft which block is in turn mounted on the above thin strap or band.

Abstract: Arrangement for measuring tension loading in wires. A winch has a foundation-forming, first base member and a second base member permanently connected to the former member by way of shanks disposed therebetween. A support arm is mounted in between the base members with connection therewith on opposite sides of a gap formed by the shanks. A cell is arranged in the support arm for determining tension or pressure forces by measuring mutual movements of the second base member relative to the first base member. An indicating device is electrically connected to the cell enabling measured results to be displayed as an expression of the tension loading in the wire.

Abstract: A tool for testing earth formations in boreholes provides a failsafe function for retracting the sealing pad elements of a formation isolation device, in the form of elements operable in response to failure of downhole power supply for the tool to effect release of hydraulic setting pressure on the seal pad elements. The tool further provides a formation mini-sample chamber of variable volume with elements permitting aboveground monitoring and control of same independently of any other tool function. The mini-sample chamber control device also controls the operation of a formation fluid sample flow line valve. The tool is divided into upper and lower pivotable sections to alleviate the problem of becoming differentially stuck. A unique pivot structure incorporating sample chamber seal valve assembly, is provided. A unique sand screen device is provided to permit the tool to function when working with unconsolidated formations.

Abstract: Device for measuring the spring-force of resilient spacer projections set into spacer grids of nuclear reactor fuel assemblies to push fuel rods surrounded by spacer meshes against at least two oppositely disposed rigid spacer projections, including a force measuring plug having a diameter equal to the diameter of a fuel rod to be fixed in the spacer grid, and a flexible beam integral with the force measuring plug, the flexible beam having a free end in contact with a first resilient spacer projection to be measured, and another end firmly connected to the force measuring plug and having at least one wire strain gage disposed thereon.

Abstract: Passive non-invasive temperature measurement of the interior of a body is accomplished by using the acoustic thermal noise spectra of the body. One or more acoustic transducers are coupled with the surface of the body to intercept the acoustical noise signal from within the interior of the body along well defined paths to generate a corresponding electrical signal. The noise power spectrum of the electrical signal is analyzed by means of a power spectrum analyzer to develop an output representing the temperature-depth distribution along said paths. The output of the power spectrum analyzer may be displayed and/or recorded or subjected to further signal processing.

Abstract: The effectiveness of thermal insulation of barriers, such as walls, floors, or ceilings of a residence, is assessed by measuring the effective values of insulation or R values, of thermal barriers. Suitable devices and procedures for utilizing such devices are provided. The R values so measured can be compared with those suggested for economic insulation in such sources as government publications to determine the desirability of augmenting existing insulation.The device comprises a holder and a temperature sensor and indicator means supported on a support slidably mounted in the holder. In one embodiment, a single device combines measurement of thermal insulation and comparison with suggested values for economic insulation. A direct measurement of whether installed insulation is adequate is thus provided.

Abstract: A fast response temperature sensing device particularly adapted for use in a rarefied fluid media comprises a body of semiconducting material having a precisely predetermined positive temperature coefficient of resistivity in a selected temperature range. The body has ohmic contact element secured thereto to form a small spreading resistance type of resistor element having precisely predetermined resistance characteristics. Leads are electrically connected to the element for connecting the element in an electrical circuit. The element is encapsulated for shielding the element from the environment in a temperature zone to be monitored; and a vane having greater thermal conductivity than the encapsulating material and having greater heat capacity than the resistor element are secured in heat-transfer relation to the element to extend outside the encapsulating material for rapidly conducting heat to the resistor element from the temperature zone.

Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus particularly adapted for use in a rarefied fluid media has a sensing device including a small spreading resistance type of resistor element formed of a semiconducting material of positive temperature coefficient of resistivity. Leads connect the element in a circuit; the element is encapsulated; and a vane of high thermal conductivity is secured in heat-transfer relation to the element to extend outside the encapsulating material for conducting heat to the element from a temperature zone to be monitored. The apparatus includes mounting apparatus having a plurality of housing sections of low thermal conductivity which are secured together to hold the sensing device therebetween. The housing sections hold the sensing device so that the vane is exposed in the temperature zone and the housing sections have extensions disposed in spaced surrounding relation to the vane for physically protecting the vane while permitting fluid to flow over the vane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling a particle-bearing gas in which a vacuum is applied to the gas to generate a stream of gas, the flow of the stream is maintained constant, and particles are collected from the stream. A constant flow controller responsive to the static pressure of the gas in the stream provides a flow restriction which gradually decreases to compensate for a gradually increasing flow restriction caused by particles collecting on an initially particle-free collection filter located in the stream.

Abstract: A graduate with automatic measuring device comprised of a tubular body portion closed at the lower end thereof by a base while the upper end portion of the tubular body is open and provided with a pouring lip, the tubular body portion having an opening therein directly below the pouring lip and through which a flexible tube passes with the inner end of the tube adjustably disposed at the level within the graduate to which it is desired to ultimately fill the graduate. A flanged, flexible, resilient, movable disc is provided which fits tightly around the tubular body portion of the graduate, the disc being provided with an opening near the periphery thereof through which the flexible tube passes whereby the disc supports and directs the flexible tube.

Abstract: A speedometer cable for a vehicle driven from the vehicle transmission has a speed transducer incorporated in the end fitting which attaches to the transmission housing. The speed transducer comprises, for example, a reed switch driven by a permanent magnet which rotates with the speedometer cable core for opening and closing at a rate dependent on the speed of rotation. The transducer has one terminal grounded through the end fitting to the transmission housing and another lead electrically connected to the reinforcing wire of the speedometer cable. A terminal member with an insulation piercing clip is spaced at a position remote from the end fitting and makes contact with the reinforcing wire to provide an electrical connection between the remote terminal and the reed switch to allow transmission of an electrical speed signal from the reed switch to the remote terminal.

Abstract: A portable ultrasonic scanning module is disclosed which includes a fluid-tight enclosure having a window at about the front thereof and a reflective scanner at about the rear thereof and generally facing the window. A transducer is mounted in the enclosure frontwardly of the reflective scanner with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing the reflective scanner and being oriented with respect to the reflective scanner at a relatively acute angle such that the beam effectively "doubles-back" past itself during its excursion through the scanning module.

Abstract: Self-contained ultrasonic scanning apparatus for insonifying a specimen including a housing, an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the housing and mounted for movement therewithin. Magnetic apparatus may be provided for effecting movement of the transducer and the magnetic apparatus may include a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. Apparatus is provided for electrically energizing the electromagnet. A cathode-ray tube is disposed within the housing with the screen visible from the exterior of the housing. Signal processing apparatus is provided for receiving signals from the transducer and suitably providing corresponding signals to the cathode-ray tube. The housing is preferably of such size and the apparatus of such weight as to be readily portable by an individual using a single hand.

Abstract: Methods (and apparatus) for nondestructively testing a body of material having a surface in contact with a gaseous environment (e.g. air, nitrogen, or inert gas), that comprise (A) the step of (and means for) directing to a region at the surface of the body a pulse of laser radiation having sufficient energy density and sufficiently long wavelength to initiate in the adjacent gas a blast wave that impinges on the surface and provides an ultrasonic wave in the body, and (B) the further step of (and means for) detecting a portion of the ultrasonic wave that has been affected by the body. The radiation directing means typically comprises a laser that provides a pulse having a duration of about 0.01 to 10 microseconds, and means for focusing the pulse to provide an energy density of at least about 5 Joules per square centimeter. The detecting means typically comprises an electromagnetic or capacitive transducer.

Abstract: Directed to non-destructive testing, particularly ultrasonic inspection of round stock such as tubing, pipe and rod wherein the inspection is conducted within a water tank to provide ultrasonic coupling of the ultrasonic probe or probes employed wherein the distance between the probe or probes and the surface of the round stock being inspected is maintained essentially constant during the course of the test to assure reliable inspection results and wherein the materials handling aspects of the testing are simplified.

Abstract: A contact sensing head, for example for a measuring device, comprises a sensor having a free end which is vibrated at low amplitude by a motor at the resonant frequency of the sensor. A transducer senses the vibrations and feeds a signal to an electronic detection system. When the sensor contacts an object, the frequency and amplitude of its oscillation changes. This is picked up by the electronic detection system, which signals that contact has been made.

Abstract: A pressure gauge in which the amplifier communicating displacement motion of the pressure responsive element to the pointer indicator, is mounted in a spring suspension isolating it from the force transmitting rigid components of the gauge. The spring suspension is effected by a pair of spring members connected to the amplifier including one spring member supporting the amplifier in its isolated relation and another spring member enabling operation of the amplifier to be effected.

Abstract: The pressure indicator has a body provided with an attachment shank having a pressure fluid passage. A cylinder bore is located in the body and communicates with the passage. An end plug having a bore and a counterbore is threaded into the body. A piston is nested in the cylinder bore and has a piston rod axially extending through the cylinder bore and projecting through and outwardly of the plug. A compression spring is interposed between the plug and piston and yieldably biases the piston towards the fluid passage against the pressurized fluid. The improvement resides in the provision of a backup bushing nested within the plug bore which axially and guidably receives the piston rod. A cylindrical slide seal of a permanently lubricated material is nested within the plug bore and projects into and depends from the bushing in sealing engagement with the piston rod.

Abstract: The pressure indicator has a body provided with an attachment shank having a pressure fluid passage. A cylinder bore is located at one end of the body and communicates with the passage. An end plug having a bore and a counterbore is threaded into the body. The bore terminates at the plug inner end in a first annular flat abutment surface. The counterbore terminates in a second annular flat abutment surface which is located between the inner and outer ends of the plug and forms one end of the plug bore. A piston is nested in the cylinder bore having a piston rod axially extending through the cylinder bore and projecting through and outwardly of the plug. A compression spring is interposed between the plug and piston and yieldably biases the piston towards one end of the cylinder bore. The piston is variably movable longitudinally against the spring on application of pressure to the pressure fluid passage.

Abstract: The vacuum indicator has a body with an attachment shank having a fluid passage. A cylinder bore is located in the body and communicates with the passage. An end plug having a bore and a counterbore is threaded into the body. The bore of the end plug terminates at the inner end in a first annular flat abutment surface which faces one end of the body. The counterbore terminates in a second annular flat abutment surface which is located between the inner and outer ends of the plug and forms one end of the plug bore. A piston is nested in the cylinder bore and has a piston rod secured thereto, with the piston rod projecting axially through and outwardly of the end plug. An annular bearing element is located in the plug bore and surrounds the piston rod. The piston has an annular end surface facing the first abutment surface. A compression spring is interposed at its ends between one end of the cylinder bore and the piston and yieldably biases the piston towards the first abutment surface.

Abstract: In a measuring instrument for obtaining information about a medium through which ultrasonic signals can be transmitted or from which ultrasonic signals can be reflected, transducers (21 and 22) are provided for sending and receiving the ultrasonic signals. Electronic amplification means (25) is provided to amplify received ultrasonic signals to a level suitable for processing by a signal processor (23) to provide the desired information. A power supply (20) is provided for activating the sending and receiving transducers (21 and 22) and the amplification means (25). Strobe switching means (26) is provided for activating the power supply (20) during periodic intervals, leaving intervening spans of time when the power supply (20) is inactive. Capacitive means (32) is provided for activating the amplification means (25) when the power supply (20) is inactive,thereby precluding electronic noise generated by the power supply (20) from establishing a gain limit for the amplification means (25).

Abstract: A gyro in which an elastomeric material is used as a spherical bearing suce in an air bearing type gyro to sustain 12,500 g set back acceleration level during gun launch and have the capability of surviving the launch phase in a non-functioning mode and then being operative in post-launch lower-g environments as a stabilized/torquing seeker capable of tracking laser illuminated moving target so as to enable the gyro to be used for guided projectile systems.

Abstract: A friction drive mechanism, in which two axially displaced sets of rolling members arranged in a common two-part holder are in external frictional engagement with a smooth shaft, the rolling members being inclined relative to the shaft to perform a rolling movement thereon by relative rotational movement between the holder and the shaft, the two holder parts being clamped together by a hinge joint providing an automatical load-dependent bias and adjustment of the frictional engagement between the rolling members and the shaft.

Abstract: A foot pedal is mounted on a control lever operatively connected to a hydrostatic transmission mechanism for a vehicle, for controlling forward and rearward movement of the vehicle. A damping member, operatively associated with the control lever, frictionally engages the pedal to restrain movement of the pedal and control lever, which movement may be caused by heavy vibration of the vehicle during travel over uneven terrain.

Abstract: A flexible steering wheel rim having an upper portion with a pair of arcuate leaf springs. Each leaf spring is mounted to a seat in the lower portion of the rim. The seat is interposed between the two leaf springs such that a gap is formed between the leaf springs which narrows as the leaf springs converge towards each other away from the seat.

Abstract: An automatic transmission with a torque converter for use with an internal combustion engine in which the ignition timing is changed over to an advancing timing region or a retarding timing region in response to the operating condition of the engine. Two different speed shifting characteristics are provided in response to whether the ignition timing is in the advancing timing region or in the retarding timing region. In addition, the two speed shifting characteristics are changed over to each other according to the two ignition timing characteristics.

Abstract: A multi-mode hydromechanical transmission shift system having a hydrostatic unit with at least one variable and reversible displacement component with a displacement control, a plurality of clutches independently operable for setting the mode of operation of the transmission and a control circuit including a plurality of valves for setting the mode of operation and responsive to the position of the displacement control for causing a shift in operation from one clutch to the other to change the mode of operation.

Abstract: A drive motor that may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor is operated at substantially constant speed or, in the case of an internal combustion engine, at one of two substantially constant speeds. The speed of travel of the vehicle under various load conditions is varied by a drive control pedal operating a transducer that furnishes one input to a signal processor while a torque transducer in the engine drive shaft provides a second input to the processor. The processor output controls the positioning device that determines the transmission ratio of a continuously variable belt drive transmission by pressing together the halves of one pulley of the belt drive while separating the halves of the other pulley, varying their effective diameter with respect to the wedge-shaped belt in opposite directions.

Abstract: A tool for stripping the insulation material from fine wires without nicking or damaging the conductor portion of the wire. The tool has a pair of cutting blades mounted on elongated members with handle means attached for manipulation of the tool. Cutting edges are provided on opposing sides of each blade. The blade structures are self-aligning to assure the proper severing of insulation material. Alignment means are incorporated in the blade structure such that the blade pairs are interchangeable. A wire guide is provided to position wires between the blades at the precise location for stripping.

Abstract: An improved power tong apparatus for making and breaking connections between lengths of small diameter tubing comprising an annular cage mounted for rotation and on which are pivotally mounted a plurality of pipe-gripping rocker arms, an annular bull gear mounted for rotation in association with the annular cage and having internally positioned rollers mounted in association with the pivotally mounted pipe-gripping rocker arms, and an endless chain assembly or gear for rotating the bull gear, and a slot and pin assembly for restricting the movement of the bull gear with respect to the annular cage for causing the pipe-gripping rocker arms to be movable into an open position to release their grip on the pipe.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00312 Sec. 371 Date May 10, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date May 10, 1979, PCT Filed May 10, 1979.Bolts (11) are used to assemble a cylinder head and an engine block. The bolts (11) must be torqued to a preload tension. The tension often decays or relaxes after a time, thus reducing the firm fastening which is desired. A fastening tool (10,10a) of this invention provides for the efficient and closely controlled imposition of a predetermined tension on a stud (13) while simultaneously applying a torque to a nut (15) to rotate and tighten it to maintain such tension. The fastening tool (10,10a) comprises a housing (18,18a) having a fluid-actuated piston (24,24a) reciprocally mounted therein. The piston (24,24a) is adapted for threaded attachment with the stud (13) to imposed a predetermined tension thereon.

Abstract: A wrench with a polygonal cross section includes an integral drive shank portion, a neck portion, and a drive head portion in a coaxial relationship along a central axis. The head portion has curved sides corresponding to the same number of sides as the shank portion with the radius of curvature of the sides being displaced outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the wrench so that each side substantially conforms to a portion of an ellipse whose minor axis lies along the central axis. The surface of the neck portion substantially conforms to an inwardly curved surface of revolution whose axis of revolution lies along the central axis of the wrench.

Abstract: A tapered and curved internal diameter is formed within a tube used as a continuous casting mold by feeding the tube lengthwise along an arc which is tangent to the axis of the spindle of a boring mill having a rotatable boring head arranged within the tube for cutting the interior wall thereof. The boring head and spindle revolve about a fixed axis, but the boring tool or cutter carried by the head is gradually moved transversely of the spindle axis while the tube is advanced along the arcuate path. Thus, the opening within the tube is tapered from one end to the other, and is also curved, wherein the tube is useful as a continuous casting mold and the like.

Abstract: The straight turning automatic lathe whose bed carries a longitudinally movable spindle headstock with a bar workpiece and at least one secured upright carrying a cross slide with cutting tools. The upright is held motionless on the bed at a certain distance from the forward end face of the spindle head stock in its extreme advanced position and the cross slide is mounted on the upright side facing the forward end of the spindle headstock.

Abstract: A mandrel arrangement for mounting a pipe machining tool for rotation relative to at least one end of a pipe bend to be machined. Locating plate means are detachably mountable on the mandrel for positioning the mandrel in the pipe bend in a predetermined location. Clamping means are provided on the mandrel for clamping the pipe means in the predetermined location. A mandrel shaft means is detachably mounted to the mandrel adjacent one or both of the ends thereof for receiving the pipe machining tool to machine the ends of the pipe bend. The locking means is cam actuated to frictionally clamp the mandrel in the pipe bend at the predetermined position and the structure of the cam operated locking means allows utilization of the pipe mandrel in comparatively small internal diameter pipe bends.

Abstract: A supporting assembly providing lateral support for the nib of a punch in a power press having a stripper plate to prevent breaking of the punch when punching thick workpieces. The bushing which conducts the nib of the punch through the stripper plate has a coaxial annular recess in its underside. An annular insert of resilient polymeric material, preferably polyurethane plastic, completely fills the recess and presents an inwardly-directed collar surface substantially aligned with the opening in the bushing. The insert is dimensioned to project downwardly a short distance beyond the punch bushing to provide an exposed striking surface for engaging the workpiece as the ram descends. The reaction force of the springs on the stripper plate is sufficient to volumetrically deform the insert causing the inwardly directed collar surface to crowd against the nib of the punch, thereby providing enhanced lateral support for the punch as the punch penetrates the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet cutting apparatus comprising a body; a lower blade provided with a cutting edge and supported on the body; an upper blade provided with a cutting edge and mounted on the body by connecting means so as to be scissorwise movable with respect to the lower blade; as well as support means supported adjacent to the cutting edge of the lower blade below the upper blade. The support means comprises a support plate mounted upon the support means by means of at least three pre-stressed springs fitted along the support means. The springs may be pre-stressed between support plate and support means by means of pull rods. The support means is preferably provided with a power unit for moving the support means upwards and downwards.

Abstract: A coil stand for dispensing sheet aluminum trim or the like comprising a pair of supports carried by a base, one of which is adjustable longitudinally of the base to accommodate sheet rolls of differing widths. An arcuate array of rollers is carried by each support with the rollers of the supports being in opposed coaxial pairs. A pair of low friction spring biased keeper bars are carried by the respective supports to hold a roll of sheet stock against the rollers for free rotation. A cutting bar is cantilevered from the base for selectively clamping unrolled sheet stock against a support surface and provides a cutting edge for cooperation with a utility knife or the like for manually severing a desired amount of uncoiled sheet stock.

Abstract: A circular cover has a peripheral flange to overhang and enclose the cutting edge of a rotating disk slicer knife in a slicing machine for meat and other foods. A central handle remote from the cutting edge of the knife disc is provided for applying the cover to the knife disk. Magnets recessed in handle protuberances at the rim of the cover secure the cover of the knife disk, these handles being used to pull the magnets free of the knife disk in removing the cover.