Abstract: Apparatus for treating workpieces with gravity accelerated shot in which the workpieces are impacted by the impingement of the shot. The apparatus includes unique means for handling the shot to cause it to freely fall and impinge uniformly on the workpieces. This unique means includes the provision for two chambers arranged back-to-back, one containing an elevator assembly which elevates the shot upwardly to the top of the other impact chamber which includes a bucket assembly for catching the shot. The uniformity of the shot stream is created by providing a perforated plate or screen and controlling the depth of the shot above the screen.

Abstract: In the upper portion of a frame there is mounted a drive for producing oscillating motion, and a pressing device in kinematic connection therewith. A punch is fixed in the lower portion of the pressing device to operate on a workpiece. Below is mounted a cross piece for reciprocating motion in the vertical direction, including a portion which extends beyond the limits of said frame, which is provided with a vertical through groove adapted to receive the rod of an article being processed. A table is disposed on the upper surface of the cross piece, for reciprocal movement in a horizontal plane. The table is provided with an opening coaxial with the portion of the groove disposed within the punching zone.

Abstract: A structural joint for bearing a structural load is formed by a pair of wooden members fastened together by at least one metal connector plate. The connector plate is formed from a metal plate having a plurality of pairs of teeth punched therefrom. The teeth are punched from the plate so as to project in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate. Each pair of teeth is struck so as to leave a corresponding longitudinally extending slot between the teeth. Each of the teeth has a knife edge portion that extends from the plate. This knife edge portion is thinner than the remaining portion of each tooth and has a sharp edge with a cross-sectional angle of less than 20.degree., preferably 8.degree. to 12.degree., for facilitating penetration of each of the teeth into the wooden members to be secured together. These knife edge portions of the teeth are made by a metal forming process which serves to shape such portion of the teeth and simultaneously widen and elongate each tooth.

Abstract: A thin sheet of metal is drawn in progressive steps to form a hollow body having a closed end tubular portion integrally connected to an outwardly projecting cup-shaped flange portion. A section of the tubular portion is crimped inwardly against a threaded mandrel to form helical threads and diametrically opposed and outwardly projecting double wall rib portions. The mandrel is unthreaded to form a sheet metal insert which is adapted to be supported within a mold cavity by a cylindrical support pin during injection of a plastics material into the cavity and around the insert. The threads and rib portions positively secure the sheet metal insert within the molded plastics article or part for receiving a threaded fastener. The insert may also be used in a metal part or casting or in a wood article, wherever threads are required or desirable.

Abstract: A method of making a male resistance welding electrode includes a forward extrusion step in which the shank portion of the electrode is partially formed by extruding a cut-off billet of dispersion strengthened copper over a pin in a first die. Subsequently, the preform billet produced in the first die is inserted into a second die which defines a tapered shank cavity region around a central pin and a larger cavity region from which the head portion of the electrode is ultimately formed. The shank portion of the electrode is formed and the head portion worked substantially by the application of pressure to the preform billet by a first forming member. Final forming occurs when a second forming member applies pressure to the head of the electrode while the electrode remains in the second die.

Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing, shipping, and handling a process component of heat-exchanging, air-conditioning, and refrigerating circuits, such as a filter drier or an accumulator, so that the process component can be joined to fluid tubing of such circuits by field brazing, using phosphorus-bearing copper filler metal with little or no silver content to make the braze joints. The method finally comprises the steps of selecting the tubing used for the connectors with a diameter which is smaller than the diameter needed for the field brazing to the circuit tubing and then mechanically expanding the other end of the tubing from 2% to 20% to this field brazing diameter, whereby the tubing is work-hardened to a hardness of 45-50 F Scale Rockwell and is able to withstand damage from shipping and handling operations and thereby returns the critical tolerances needed by the field brazing.

Abstract: A pull gun (30) is used for pulling a mandrel (32) through an expandable sleeve (126) positioned in a fastener hole (134, 136). The mandrel (32) expands the sleeve (126) as it moves through the sleeve (126), causing the sleeve (126) to prestress the metal which surrounds the hole (134, 136). The pull gun end of the hole is countersunk (138). The pull gun (30) includes an axially split ring (74) having a conical insert (90) which snugly fits within the countersink (138). The sleeve (126) extends through a center opening (80) in the expandable ring (126). Mandrel movement through the portion of the sleeve (126) within said central opening (80) forces the segments (76) of the ring (74) radially outwardly, causing the portions (90) of such ring (74) which are in the countersink (138) to expand and compress the metal which immediately surrounds the countersink (138). A solid film lubricant (127) is provided on the inner surface of the expandable sleeve (126).

Abstract: A flexible lightweight short pulse power cable assembly for electrical power transmission, e.g., for transmission of electrical power at 20,000 volts at short pulse D.C. halfwave currents of 30,000 amperes. The cable for electrical transmission utilizes an inner conductor and an outer concentrically disposed conductor, the inner and outer conductors having substantially equal cross-sectional areas and consequent resistances to equal and opposite current flows in the respective conductors thereby placing the cable current forces in compressive balance and further reducing electro-magnetic interference from transmission of power through the cable.

Abstract: A rectifier rectifies the output of a sensor which senses vibrations of an engine. The output from the rectifier is supplied through a smoothing circuit to a comparator where the smoothed rectified output from the smoothing circuit and the output of the sensor are compared to obtain a signal representing knocking when the knocking occurs. This signal is used to cut off supply of the rectified signal from the rectifier to the smoothing circuit during knocking.

Abstract: Method of an apparatus for pressure testing and cleaning pipe in which one or more pipes are secured to a treatment manifold (31). The or each pipe is then filled through one end with low pressure water via an inlet (40) in the manifold (31), the other end of the or each pipe including a self-bleeding valve (52) which closes once the air within the pipes has been evacuated. The pressure is held for a predetermined time and the pressure sensed by a visual gauge (14) and a paper read-out (16) so that any pressure drop indicative of failure is noted. The pressure is then released, the valve (52) removed and the high pressure water at a pressure between 500-8000 psi introduced through jets (35) to wash the pipes which are then dried with compressed air before removal.

Abstract: A meter and a method are provided for measuring the composition and flow rate of a coal slurry and other similar mixtures. The meter is a waveguide through which the mixture flows. Microwaves are propagated in the waveguide from a transmitter probe. A detector probe spaced from the transmitter probe receives signals from the microwaves. Those signals are processed to determine a characteristic frequency of the waveguide or the wavelength of the propagating microwave, which are related to the composition of the mixture within the waveguide. A second transmitter and detector pair determines these properties for another portion of the waveguide. Differences in the frequencies resulting from inhomogenuities in the mixture are cross correlated to determine the flow rate of the mixture.

Abstract: A stroboscopic timing system for diesel engines of the type having apertures in each cylinder for normally accepting glow plugs. A signal that varies in accordance with pressure changes within the cylinder is generated by a piezoelectric transducer mateable with a glow plug aperture, and the transducer signal is processed by filtering and other discriminating circuitry to provide a timing pulse that occurs upon the initiation of combustion within the cylinder. A conditioning circuit shapes this pulse into suitable form for triggering a high intensity stroboscopic light for illuminating timing marks on the engine drivetrain.

Abstract: A method of flow testing a producing formation through a well including lowering into the well a recording pressure and temperature device to measure pressure and temperature as functions of time, then lowering into the well a test chamber closed at the bottom by a surface activated valve. The space between the chamber and the top of the formation is sealed and immediately thereafter the pressure and temperature of the well is measured. The valve on the test chamber is opened to allow formation fluids to enter therein and the pressure and temperature is measured as a function of time for a substantial period of time during which the pressure in the chamber increases, whereby the flow capacity and skin factor of the formation can be calculated.

Abstract: A method for avoiding detection by game animals by scent through establishing wind direction to insure that the hunter is positioned downwind from the animal. In the method, a small quantity of a hydrophobic material such as unscented raw talc powder, which may be mixed with a natural masking scent material, is sprayed into the air in a relatively small cloud by means of a hand-held manually operated squeeze bottle. The direction of travel in the air of the cloud of material may then be used to establish wind direction. The material is such as to be undetectable by smell by the animal, and the size and characteristics of the powder cloud is such as to be visually undetectable by the animal at a distance.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid flow meter including an elongated tube and an element adapted for connection to a fluid line, the elongated tube including one or more orifice openings of predetermined area, and indicia correlated with the area of the orifice opening for providing a reading of fluid flow dependent upon the level to which fluid rises in the elongated tube.In one embodiment the tube includes a plurality of scales for indicating different ranges of flow rates, and an orifice opening corresponding to each of said scales, said orifice openings being of different areas and selectively openable so that said scales can individually be made to show fluid flow rates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring the length of a liquid column such as the filling level of a beverage bottle. A predetermined high frequency signal is applied to a parallel circuit wherein, in one branch, a liquid column is connected by means of electrodes coupled to the ends of the column such that the column, i.e., a filled bottle, will produce more or less resonance in the first branch. The increase or decrease of resistance at resonance in the first branch will be reflected in a corresponding change in the power or current detected in the second branch. In instances where preset limit values are exceeded, an error is indicated and the improperly filled bottle is removed. When monitoring the filling level of beverage bottles, the latter are successively guided past the electrodes, with the upper electrode being coupled to the necks of the bottles through an air gap.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sensing liquid level of the invention includes a plurality of thermocouple elements that are formed by connecting two kind of thermocouple wires alternately in series into a plurality of thermometric contacts. The two kind of thermocouple wires have different thermoelectric powers SA and SB and have a variety of predetermined lengths. The invention can sense with high reliability a liquid level of a sensed liquid by changing electromotive forces from these thermocouple elements into binary signals by using fewer thermocouple elements than the conventional apparatus. The invention also includes thermocouple elements for parity check to self-diagnose the sensed result to inspect easily and securely errors in operation due to disconnections in the thermocouple elements or external noises.

Abstract: A cyclic power monitor measures a cyclically applied force applied by animal muscle power to a device and calculates the work done by the application of the force. The time between cyclic applications of the force is calculated to produce a value which may be used to divide the calculated work to calculate applied power. An indicating device may be employed to indicate departure in applied power from a predetermined value. A cadence alarm may be employed by itself or in combination with the cyclic power monitor to indicate departures in cadence of the pedalling effort from a predetermined value of cadence. In addition, departures in the force applied to the device from a predetermined force may also produce an indication for the operator.

Abstract: A housing for an instrument, particularly of the type for indicating and recording speed. A front cover includes a window through which the indicator is visable.The cover is hinged to the housing on a horizontal axis spaced from the housing base so that the bottom of the cover swings inwardly of the housing while the top of the cover swings downwardly revealing a recording apparatus on its inner surface.

Abstract: An apparatus to determine the imbalance in a rotating object, such as a tire, has means to support the object and drive means directly coupled to the support means for accelerating the object. Means for removing power to the drive means and force transducer means for continuously measuring the magnitude of the imbalance of the object as the velocity of the object decreases, are also provided.

Abstract: The nose unit is formed by a hollow body of revolution having an annular flange and attached to a rotatable spindle. A series of crank-plates provided with studs for securing the rim of a vehicle wheel can be pivotally mounted on the annular flange. The crank-plates can then be positioned correctly by means of guiding grooves formed in a disk which is rotatably fitted within the annular flange. A cup acted upon by a spring is housed within the interior of the hollow body and cooperates with a cone for centering a wheel rim having a central bore. Vehicle wheels having rims of the central bore type or of the closed type can be balanced without any need for preliminary disassembly of the disk or of the cup, the centering cone being introduced either on the front side or on the rear side of the rim.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring acoustic emission is activated only at critical periods which are determined by detection of the background noise from a reference level. An acoustic emission transducer continuously transmits a signal to a detection circuit which delivers the top modulation envelope of the background noise to a comparator at a reference level delivered by a control unit.When a mean level of the background noise does not exceed a threshold reference level the AE is sampled at a low rate, f. When the background noise exceeds the threshold reference level the data sampling unit is activated to sample AE at a much higher rate F. Therefore AE is sampled at a high rate only when the pump or other machine under test is running and at a low rate when the article under test is not operating. The AE testing device also includes a frequency spectrum correlator which allows background noise to activate the increased sampling rate only if the noise is in a given frequency range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of analysis by visual display of the vibratory movements of a rotary machine having at least one shaft supported by at least one bearing.This system comprises two first transducers transmitting electrical signals as a function of the relative displacements of the shaft with respect to the bearing, positioned in the bearing and forming between the two transducers an angle of 90.degree., two second transducers transmitting electrical signals as a function of the absolute displacements of the bearing and positioned level with the bearing forming between the two transducers an angle of 90.degree., control and detection means connected to the first and second transducers, means for combining the electrical signals from the detection means making it possible to determine the absolute movement of the shaft, display means for producing and positioning two groups of animated or moving circles so as to display the real image of the machine.

Abstract: A nondestructive eddy current or ultrasonic articulated probe mechanism automatically detects rolling mill roll surface defects for use with a defect test system. The articulated probe mechanism is mounted on a traversing roll grinder carriage, is automatically positioned over the test roll, and has a probe head with controlled fluid bearing, air or liquid, to automatically maintain probe head-to-test roll gap. One or multiple eddy current, or ultrasonic, probes in the head generate anomoly test signals which, together with a probe head temperature sensor signal, are suitable for processing in an appropriate test instrument.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing instrument and a method of non-destructive and non-invasive testing. The instrument and method employ a high intensity collimated ultrasonic beam. The collimated beam is achieved by means of acoustical lenses and/or reflectors.

Abstract: A manometric method and instrument for the continuous detection and measurement of differential pressures which includes a uniquely configured multi-capacitor sensor system. The sensor system is formed of a first pair of plate type capacitors having like dielectric spaces within which a first strata of fluids is maintained and subjected to one pressure force and a second pair of plate type capacitors having like dielectric spaces within which a second strata of fluids is maintained and subjected to another pressure force. The dielectric spaces of each pair of capacitors are interconnected at their lower ends so that the pairs of dielectric spaces form the legs of a classic U-tube manometer whereby the first strata of fluids and the second strata of fluids assume equilibrium positions within their respective dielectric spaces in relation to the densities of such fluids and the respective applied pressure forces.

Abstract: A tension indicator used on a guy line system of an inclined oilwell derrick, comprising a hydraulic compression load cell, a pair of interlocking U-shaped yokes housing the load cell between the bases of the U-shaped portions, a plunger connected to the load cell bearing against the base of one interlocking yoke, the load cell bearing against the base of the other interlocking yoke, a walking load binder mounted on the outer end of a first interlocking yoke and providing an initial tension load to the guy line system, a threaded nut and screw adjustment assembly affixed to the outer end of a second interlocking yoke and providing a finer adjustment of the tension provided by the walking load binder, a pair of attachment hooks rotatably mounted on the outer ends of the tension indicator device for inserting the tension indicator device between a set of intermediate chains connected in a guy line, and a calibrated pressure gauge directly attached to the load cell; whereby the interlocking yokes transfer a line

Abstract: An electromechanical bending force receiver for weighing cells and the like in which at least one strain gauge is disposed in a notch-like recess in a bar-shaped bending body with a step surrounding the recess to form a plane surface located in the zone of the body which is neutral to bending and with a covering foil located in said zone hermetically bonded to said surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling valve for drawing samples from a tank containing easily contaminated liquids. The valve closure member is of a material that is pierceable by a hypodermic needle. An outlet port is arranged so that a hypodermic needle may be inserted through such port and likewise through the closure member and the valve seat while the closure member closingly engages the valve seat. A sample is thus drawable through the hypodermic needle despite the valve being otherwise closed by reason of the closure member being in engagement with the valve seat.

Abstract: An actuator has a driving piston disposed in a cylinder tube and is interlockable with a driving stem, the driving piston being normally biased resiliently downwardly, but when the driving piston is forced upwardly, it is retained against the resilient force of a retaining device. When the driving piston is forced downwardly, the retaining device is released from its retaining action, allowing the piston to descend rapidly by virtue of the resilient force, the driving piston being connected to a valve body of a valve assembly or the like.

Abstract: An improved mainshaft gear retainer assembly (66, 68) for a multiple countershaft (18, 18A) transmission (10) having at least one pair of floating mainshaft gears (44-46, 48-50) positioned axially close together in groups of two and clutchable to a mainshaft (40) one at a time by positive clutches (54, 56, 58) is provided. The improved mainshaft gear retainer assembly prevents axial movement of the two closely positioned gears and reacts the axial forces on a clutched one of the mainshaft gears toward and away from the other mainshaft gear to the mainshaft by means of thrust surfaces (46D--82B,82C--78C, 78D--74B, 74C--70, 94B--82C or 82B--84) which are all rotating, or tending to rotate, at the same speed as the clutched mainshaft gear and the mainshaft. The gear retainer comprises relatively simple components and allows easy assembly and disassembly of the mainshaft gears and gear retainers from the mainshaft.

Abstract: A multi-speed planetary differential (10) for a vehicle or the like is disclosed which has first and second interconnected planetary gear sets (12,14) with first and second output members (18,20) individually connected to first ones of the elements (26,28,30,34,36,38) of the respective planetary gear sets (12,14). Second ones of the elements (26,28,30,34,36,38) of the planetary gear sets (12,14) are interconnected, and the remaining third one of the elements (34,36,38) of the second planetary gear set (14) is held stationary. Advantageously, planetary means (22) are provided for driving an input member (16) connected to the remaining third one of the elements (26,28,30) of the first planetary gear set (12) at either of two speeds. The planetary means (22) includes a third planetary gear set (46) compactly disposed on a common axis (24) with the first and second planetary gear sets (12,14), and the differential (10) continually drives the output members (18,20) at equal torque levels in each speed.

Abstract: A spinner for turning a well drilling kelly or the like and including a member connectible to the kelly to drive it rotatively, a reversible motor, and a drive between the rotor of the motor and said member including two gears for driving the member in opposite directions respectively, with the two gears being mounted by threaded connections for axial movement between active driving positions and retracted non-driving positions. Rotation of the motor acts by virtue of a threaded connection or connections to shift one of the gears to its active driving position to turn the driven member in a first direction, while retaining the second of the gears in its retracted position. Rotation of the motor in the opposite direction acts to shift the second of the gears to active position driving the member in its second direction while retracting the first of the gears to its inactive position.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for drilling wells in earth formations is produced by a casting technique using a plastic foam, combustible casting form. The bit includes a tapered drill body having a plurality of passageways therein which form jets for introducing liquid between the earth and a plurality of selectively arranged, cutting members extending outwardly from the drill body. The combustible form is molded in a shape substantially identical to that of the drill body. The cutting members are mounted on the form in the selective arrangement thereof, and the assembly of the form and cutting members are then coated with a mold material to form a mold body. A cavity is created in the form for receiving a molding mandrel which defines the longitudinal passageway of the completed bit. Molding pins are introduced through the mold body into the mandrel to precisely hold the mandrel relative to the mold body. The cutting members are precisely held by the mold body after the form is removed by combustion.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a pipe alignment tool includes upper and lower, vertically aligned clamp assemblies that can be opened and closed in order to encircle and grasp adjacent threaded end sections of well pipe to bring them into precise vertical alignment. The upper clamp assembly can be lowered toward the lower clamp assembly while the upper pipe section is rotated in order to at least partially make up the threaded connection.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a pipe alignment tool comprises upper and lower pipe clamp assemblies connected together in axial alignment by hydraulic cylinders that are selectively operable to adjust the vertical separation of said clamp assemblies, a first set of slips on said upper clamp assembly for gripping and supporting an upper pipe joint, a second set of slips on said lower clamp assembly for gripping a pipe joint extending into the wall, and inclined surfaces on said slips and said clamp assemblies for tightening the engagement of said slips with the pipe joint that they engage in response to downwardly directed force.

Abstract: A ratchet drive comprises a support in which the trunnions of a ratchet gear are mounted. A pair of transversely spaced drive plates are also mounted on the support for tilting movement about the axis of the ratchet gear between an active stroke and a return stroke so that front ends of a pair of drive pawls connected to the drive plates engage, during each active stroke of the latter, adjacent teeth of the ratchet gear to turn the latter through a predetermined angle during each active stroke.

Abstract: A method of producing uniform metal mirror surfaces which are harder than e starting material. A three step machining process produces uniform metal mirror surfaces without polishing defects or lack of spatial uniformity from previous polishing methods. The surface is first machined in the normal manner for diamond turning. The second machining process requires the rake angle to be made negative to the extent of approximately 30.degree.. This machining process creates plastic deformation in the surface material. The final step requires machining material in the top rake angle of from -5.degree. to +5.degree. which provides the uniform surface of regular diamond machining. An alternate method only needs a single cut at an intermediate rake angle.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated bar stock feeder having a hydraulic circuit in which a hydraulic pump drives a hydraulic motor which in turn operates the bar feeder carriage. The hydraulic pump operates a hydraulic cylinder with a designed live center cup attached to the end of the cylinder rod. The hydraulic circuit has a control valve with hydraulic detent which will lock in a forward or backward position. While the control valve is locked in forward position, fluid is allowed to go to a relief valve at the hydraulic motor on the carriage. The relief valve reduces the pressure going to hydraulic motor and deceleration valve. When the carriage reaches the end of track the deceleration valve is depressed, which, through another relief valve at a lower pressure starts the cylinder rod moving outward. Both the cylinder and carriage motor are able to set (not move) under pressure and will start automatically when the lathe chuck is open.

Abstract: A centering device is provided for centering a potato with respect to a propelling hydraulic fluid flow stream which carries the potato into cutting engagement with knife elements of a cutting assembly positioned along the flow stream. The device comprises an elongated tube at the upstream end of the cutting assembly shaped to define a linear flow path of generally circular cross-section and oriented for continuously accelerating the hydraulic fluid. This acceleration results in the fluid having a slightly higher velocity than the potato throughout the length of the tube to create, when the potato is displaced from a centered position, fluid velocity and pressure differentials on opposite sides of the potato tending to return the potato to the centered position.

Abstract: Band saw blades embodying this invention are especially adapted for the cutting of hard metal work pieces of large cross-sectional size. The blades are characterized by a straight, planar sawtooth cutting edge and a tiered or stepped back edge, having alternate recessed and outer edge portions. Both the recessed and outer edge portions of the blade's back edge are generally parallel to the cutting edge of the blade and adjacent of these alternate edge portions are connected with inclined or tapered sections. The length of the recessed and outer edge portions are approximately equal; and when combined with the length of an inclined section, is about equal to the spacing of the saw guides of the band saw machine in which the blade is to be used.

Abstract: This invention discloses a tone control for an electromagnetic pick-up for a stringed musical instrument wherein the electromagnetic pick-up comprises at least a pair of coils and a magnet, comprising means for gradually switching the mutual connection between the coils from parallel to series or vice versa, the switching means comprising at least a ganged pair of rheostats of high rated resistance wherein at one extreme of travel of the sliding members of the ganged potentiometers the coils are connected in parallel and at the other extreme they are connected in series, and at intermediate positions a combination of parallel and series connection output components is outputted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to economically fabricated means for the generation and processing, member selection, and acoustic radiation of pluralities of individual tone currents originating from at least one high frequency source and formed by note-information temporarily transferred through key depression, from permanent electronic memories to temporary memories in small numbers of standard tone units, in precise duplication of properties of pipe organ sound.There is described an electronic transfer organ for duplicating twenty-six known properties of pipe organ sound. The illustrative, inventive instrument employs completely standardized circuitry except for automatically programmable memories for each organ voice, which contain all the information required to form, switch and variously decouple all the notes in that voice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular frame construction for string instruments. Instead of making the frame of the string instrument in one piece, the frame according to this invention is assembled from a number of modules which each comprise a longitudinal tubular member of square cross-section on which strings are supported under tension.

Abstract: A device for facilitating precision tuning and stringing of pianos and the like which includes a two-armed rocker (1) one end (8) of which is attached to the string (9) and the other end (2) of which is coupled to the frame (4) of the instrument via a tuning screw (3) to provide precision tuning. Rough tuning is provided by turning the rocker (1) around its longitudinal axis in a groove (6) in another part (5) of the frame.

Abstract: A humidifier adapted to be associated with a grand piano to facilitate the control of humidity conditions and which also can be used to humidify any small enclosed area. The humidifier includes a tank having a supply of water therein, a heating element and evaporator pads disposed at the top of the tank and a unique supporting assembly for the tank to support the tank from the top of the braces or posts in a grand piano or between the rim and an adjacent brace or posts or between the rims with the supporting structure including support rods and clips or telescoping tube assemblies. A distribution shield or baffle having depending skirts is disposed above the tank and supported from the support rods or tubes and extends throughout the length and width of the tank so that it will spread moisture more evenly in relation to the components of the piano.

Abstract: A portable page-turning device having a plurality of rotatable drums, each drum having a filament wound therearound, each filament being attachable to a successive page to be turned, for turning, upon a proper signal, successive pages. The rotatable drums are biased and hold the filaments in tension up to a notch in a face plate. The filaments are loosely disposed from the faceplate to the pages to be turned to which they are attached. In the preferred embodiments a movable disengagement lever may trace out an angular path to allow the filaments to be serially released from the notches and provide a tension on the entire filament, turning any page thereattached.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for retaining the cover of the compartment of a sonobuoy containing a parachute is described. The latching mechanism, when in a position which prevents the deployment of the parachute, extends beyond the periphery of the sonobuoy launching tube and thus prevents insertion of the sonobuoy into the launching tube. The latching mechanism must be moved to a position which releases the cover before it allows insertion of the sonobuoy into the launching tube thereby insuring deployment of the parachute after the sonobuoy has been ejected from the launching tube. The latching mechanism is a planar structure rotatably connected to the cover and rotates in a plane parallel to that of the plane of the cover. The resulting latching mechanism may be applied to sonobuoys without the necessity for modifying the launching tube structure used for prior art sonobuoys.

Abstract: A rail launcher for a guided missile is shown to include a pair of movable sections, each actuable first to form a gap in an otherwise continuous rail for receiving a lug affixed to a guided missile and then to return to an initial position, capturing such lug and forming a track.

Abstract: An electromagnetic projectile launcher having a pair of conductive rails with a breech and a nozzle end and an impedance electrically connected across the conductive rails adjacent the muzzle end of the conductive rails, and a second impedance which increases as the distance to the muzzle decreases, is disposed in the muzzle end of the rails and in arcs confined within the muzzle to commutate the current to the first impedance to substantially suppress any external arc as the projectile exits from the launcher.