Abstract: Provided is a compact, low-cost, lightweight, man-packable weapon system for engaging static and slowly maneuvering targets. In one embodiment, it may incorporate in its own backpack a compact launcher and multiple compact missiles, each weighing less than five pounds, for carry on a soldier's back. The missile itself uses a strapped-down acquisition and tracking sensor electrically connected to a simplified guidance system interfaced with an aero-control section capable of altering the flight path of the missile to a target. A solid-propellant rocket motor provides sufficient power to propel the missile at a predetermined limited speed and over a pre-determined limited distance that enables the proper operation of the simplified guidance system. A method for deploying a man-packable weapon system is disclosed also.

Abstract: An air to air homing missile guidance algorithm based on a state-dependent Riccati equation solution of a spherical-based nonlinear intercept representation of the intercept kinematics problem. The achieved algorithm also provides characteristics asymptotically stabilizing the intercept kinematics achieved with the classic proportional navigation or PRONAV intercept algorithm but provides reduced hunting instability and other fuel-consuming and time consuming missile maneuvers. The disclosed algorithm is in the form of four state equations, two equations for an angular acceleration embodiment and two for a linear acceleration embodiment. Each such embodiment includes seven state variables each having a gain coefficient of complex fraction form; each embodiment is additionally refined for differing cross-channel couplings.

Abstract: An apparatus that permits a rotatable wing to be operated in three modes: a first orientation mode, a second orientation mode, and a mode in which the wing rotates (called the rotating mode). The apparatus permits the wing to be stowed and used in both fixed-wing flight and rotary wing flight. The apparatus may be a component of an aircraft capable of fixed-wing flight with a fuselage oriented generally in the direction of flight. In the first orientation mode, the wing is generally parallel to the orientation of the fuselage, providing a relatively compact stowage configuration. In the second orientation mode, the wing is generally perpendicular to the orientation of the fuselage. The first orientation mode thus facilitates stowage of the wing during stowed flight of such an aircraft under power of a host aircraft, the second orientation mode facilitates fixed-wing flight, and the rotating mode facilitates rotating-wing flight. The wing may be started into auto-driven (i.e.

Abstract: A skid landing gear for a helicopter, in which the directional stiffnesses of the cross members of the skid landing gear have been de-coupled from one another, such that optimization of the longitudinal stiffness of the cross members may be performed independently of the optimization of the vertical stiffness and fatigue life of the cross members. In order to de-couple the stiffnesses in the skid type landing gear, two approaches are employed. In the first approach, the skid landing gear has non-symmetric-section cross members and/or distribution of different materials within the cross-section for de-coupling the vertical stiffness of the cross members from the longitudinal stiffness, such that placement of the ground resonance frequency may be optimized, while retaining the vertical stiffness properties essential for optimizing vertical energy attenuation and fatigue life.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tailcone and power assembly mountable to the body of an aircraft using a height adjustable dolly. The tailcone assembly comprises a longitudinal support member, a gas turbine engine mounted to the support member; a firewall; two curved rotatable casings hingeably connected to the support member; an inlet duct extending from an aperture in one of the rotatable casings to the engine inlet; an integral exhaust casing, and interface means for making necessary engine accessory connections to the aircraft. The tailcone is installed on the aircraft by mounting the tailcone in the adjustable dolly, rolling the dolly up to the aircraft, adjusting the dolly until the auxiliary power assembly is properly aligned for attachment to the aircraft, connecting the engine accessories to the aircraft, and bolting the assembly to the aircraft.

Abstract: A system useable in a jet aircraft having installed therein a pressurized oxygen supply which feeds oxygen into the interior of the plane when it flies at high cabin altitudes, the system indicating the changing status of the supply as oxygen is drained therefrom. The system includes a pressure transducer coupled to the supply and means associated with the transducer to determine the lapse rate at which the pressure of the supply is reduced as oxygen is drained therefrom to yield a first signal representing this pressure lapse rate, and to concurrently determine the lapse rate at which the number of liters of oxygen in the supply is reduced as oxygen is drained therefrom to yield a second signal representing the liter lapse rate. These signals are applied to a microprocessor in whose data base is entered the total oxygen inventory of the supply and the oxygen demand of the plane in which the supply is installed.

Abstract: A device for the suspension of a payload in a space launch including annular chambers of fluid with variable geometry installed between the launch and the payload and first and second rigid members fixed, on either side of the chambers, to the payload and to the launch respectively so as to transmit the stresses between the latter through the chambers. The fluid chambers and the first and second rigid coupling members are coextensive, ring-shaped and coaxial with a longitudinal axis common to the launch and to the payload. The first and second annular rigid coupling members each include external and internal ribs respectively, axially separated by one of the annular fluid chambers.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an aerodynamic control device for use with an aerodynamic lifting member. The lifting member is defined by a horizontal reference plane disposed therethrough. The control device is provided with at least one support rotor extending from the lifting member. The support rotor is sized and configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation which is disposed generally parallel to the horizontal reference plane. The support rotor has an inboard segment which is disposed along the rotor axis of rotation and in rotational communication with the lifting member. The support rotor has an outboard segment disposed off-set from the rotor axis of rotation. The control device is further provided with a control device body which is engaged with the outboard segment of the support rotor. The control device body is sized and configured to translate generally orthogonal to the horizontal reference plane in response to rotation of the support rotor.

Abstract: A switching device adapted to be used with a model railroad track which has a track switch. The switching device has a slide member connected to a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly is spring connected to a link member which moves a throw bar to move the track switch between a first position and a second position. The switching device may be operated manually and may be remotely operated electrically.

Abstract: A capacitor holder for mounting capacitors used in electronics assemblies into a fixture, as well as mounting other types of components in other panels. The capacitor holder includes a support for receiving the capacitor and a cover for covering the capacitor. The cover and the support are attached to each other without the use of separable fasteners. Typically, snap-fit tabs depending from the cover are used to attach the cover to the support with a capacitor there between to form an assembly. The assembly is mounted into a fixture panel without the use of separable fasteners. In another typically embodiment, the mounting members are push-in and twist or push-in and snap-fit members integral with the cover. Thus, the capacitor is mounted within a fixture without separable fasteners. A method of aligning the capacitor within the panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retaining device includes a body portion and at least two legs extending from the body portion. The device further includes a construction for securing the retaining device such that the yield point of the material forming the retaining device must be exceeded in order to achieve operative release of this securing construction. In preferred embodiments, the retaining device is formed from a spring metal material having a round cross section.

Abstract: A cantilevered sliding elbow rest has a cantilevered member slidably mountable into a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket has an opposed facing pair of laterally spaced apart longitudinally extending rails rigidly mounted in parallel spaced apart relation so as to accept the cantilevered member in sliding engagement therebetween. The opposed facing rails have lower opposed longitudinally extending sliding support surfaces on which the cantilevered member may be slidably supported when mounted in sliding engagement on the pair of rails.

Abstract: A keyboard support tray arrangement includes both a main support tray for supporting a computer keyboard and an auxiliary support pad for supporting a user's palm or wrist. The auxiliary pad is removably and height adjustably positionable adjacent the front of the main keyboard tray to provide increased convenience and flexibility of use. The auxiliary support pad is completely separable from the main keyboard tray. A multi-height connecting and actuating structure enables the auxiliary pad to be positioned relative to the main keyboard tray at one of a plurality of heights by manual actuation of a single lever which is swingable through only a small angular extent.

Abstract: An adapter for a ladder bracket support for a paint container includes a channel member having a central web portion flanked by a pair of side web portions. The central web portion is raised slightly with respect to the side web portions, and a curved tongue extends from a proximal end of the central web portion. A rectangular tube is secured to the bottom of the central web portion, extending generally perpendicularly downwardly. A locking pin extends laterally through aligned holes in the side walls of the channel portion. The curved tongue extends about a tubular member of a scaffolding, with the channel member extending outwardly and horizontally. The rectangular tube extends downwardly to engage a lower tubular member and maintain the channel member extending horizontally.

Abstract: A fitting includes a stem extending in an axial direction and having a threaded surface adapted to be screwed into an upright wall. An annular head portion is connected to the stem, and has an abutting surface wall proximate to the stem and extending in a transverse direction relative to the axial direction for abutting against the upright wall when the stem is fixed in the upright wall. A cylindrical anchored member extends from the head portion in the axial direction away from the stem, and has a distal end distal to the abutting surface wall. A holding member includes an anchoring portion which is elongated in the axial direction to be sleeved on and to cover the anchored member, and a holding portion which is formed integrally with the anchoring portion for holding a support member. A fastening member is disposed to fix the anchoring portion relative to the anchored member by tightening along a radial direction relative to the axial direction.

Abstract: A device for holding a face mask for mounting to a fire truck. The device for holding a face mask includes a base for mounting on a surface and an upstanding member. The base has a top face, and a bottom face for placing against the surface. At least one bore is located in the top face of the base and extends through the bottom face of the base. At least one screw secures the base to the surface. An upstanding member is attached to the base. The upstanding member comprises a pillar and a table. The pillar is fixedly mounted to the top face of the base. The table is fixedly coupled to the pillar such that the pillar is between the base and the table. The table has two opposing generally straight side portions and two opposing arcuate side portions.

Abstract: A ladder securing device fits within a gutter protruding from the eaves of a house. The device is made of members generally at right angles to each other. The members are elongated and board-like. A generally vertically oriented member extends lengthwise along the gutter with one edge on the bottom. A horizontal member is supported at the level of the top of the lip of the front wall of the gutter. Preferably the horizontal member extends well beyond the lip with a recess formed in the edge back almost to the gutter. The recess is preferably rectangular and long enough to accommodate the width of a ladder. If the gutter is a conventional flat bottom vertical back structure, the vertical member and the horizontal member merge at their edges in a simple right angle shape with the vertical member resting against the back wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a first article, such as an appliance, to a second article, such as a moving vehicle, to permit relative movement of the first article with respect to the second article in order maintain the level of the first article. The apparatus comprises a bracket for fixed attachment to the moving vehicle. There is a handle pivotally connected to the bracket, and a lever pivotally mounted to the handle to pivotally support the appliance and to adjust the position of the appliance with respect to the bracket in response to pivotal movement of the handle. This arrangement permits the appliance to be moved between a lowered position and a raised position while maintaining its level at all times so that the appliance can be stowed to conserve space when not in use.

Abstract: A fastening device for securing an electronic means thereon comprising a base secured to an object in one side, a pivotable member pivotably secured to the other side of base, a connecting member pivotably secured to one side of pivotable member, the pivot direction of connecting member is perpendicular to that of pivotable member, a turning member pivotably secured to connecting member in the side opposing to pivotable member, the pivot direction of the turning member is the same as that of the connecting member, and a support member pivotably secured to turning member in one side and releasably secured to electronic means in the other side, the pivot direction of support member is perpendicular to that of the turning member. Pivotable member, connecting member, turning member, and support member are pivotable to adjust support member to a desired direction and angle. With this, support member with electronic means mounted thereon is in a convenient position for access.

Abstract: A versatile stemware holder includes a vertically extending center sleeve, stemware holding arms extending from the exterior wall of the center sleeve, and split ring stemware holders at the distal ends of the stemware holding arms. The center sleeve of the stemware holder is sized to fit over the neck of a bottle-shaped container such as a wine or champagne bottle. A resilient liner is provided for the sleeve for bracing the sleeve to the bottle neck such that the stemware holder stays firmly in place when the bottle-shaped container is moved or jostled. The stemware holder additionally includes billboard platform structures and openings in the extension section of the stemware holding arms for displaying additional celebration and special occasion related articles such as flowers, note cards, valentines, bows, and the like. Risers attachable to the stemware holder and a display platform attachable to the risers are additionally provided for additional display versatility.

Abstract: A copy holder adaptable to independently stand free of a computer monitor and upright laptop configuration. The copy holder comprises a pedestal frame around the base of computer monitor and upright laptop configuration, two vertical pole members to which couple a vertical frame structure, a pair of vertical axial sleeves interconnects by a horizontal shelf member and an upright plate member. Each vertical pole member has a spring-powered peg. Each vertical axial sleeve has a spring-powered bolt. The vertical frame structure has a plurality of holes. The vertical axial sleeves adjustably move and reversibly fix to a position along the vertical frame structure using two spring-powered bolts to reversibly engage the aforementioned plurality of holes. A plurality of reels, cords and cleats are provided to fasten copy to the copy holder.

Abstract: A bow holder including a base having a mounting plate and a first tubular sleeve affixed thereto. A carrier extends from the base and has a rod selectively slidably positioned within the first tubular sleeve. The carrier also has a first leg extending downwardly from the rod. A platform, having a slot for receiving the bottom of a bow, is cantilevered on the carrier. The platform has a second tubular sleeve at its rear end selectively slidably positioned upon the first leg and a third tubular sleeve at its front end. A prop extends upwardly from the front end of the platform. The prop has a second leg selectively slidably positioned within the third tubular sleeve and a U-shaped member affixed atop the second leg for engaging the lower limb of a bow and supporting the bow in an upright orientation.

Abstract: A umbrella mounting device for a stroller for protecting the user of a stroller from harsh weather. The umbrella mounting device for a stroller includes a bridging assembly adapted for bridging between the spaced handle bars of a stroller. The bridging assembly comprises a pair of side members each adapted for engaging one of the spaced handle bars of the stroller. A holding assembly adapted for engaging a handle of the umbrella. A support member for releasably engaging said holding assembly to said bridging assembly. A plurality of band clamps for securing said holding assembly to the handle of the umbrella and said side members to the handles of the stroller.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved mounting device or catch intended for mounting mirrors, glass plates or other generally flat objects to walls, doors, cabinets or other appropriate surfaces. The present invention comprises a plastic shell element, similar in appearance to existing mounting devices, but having a recessed means on its back side to accommodate a support plate. The support plate is a preferably metal, generally J-shaped plate that slidably engages the plastic shell to provide much greater structural integrity to the mounting device. In addition to strengthening the basic support structure, the metal plate provides a secondary support means that can retain the supported object even in the event of a failure of the plastic shell, potentially preventing the destruction of the supported object. The improved structural features are accomplished while retaining the aesthetic features and resilient support features of prior-art plastic mounting devices.

Abstract: A paintbrush hanger is provided that may be fastened to a paintbrush either permanently or temporarily. In one embodiment, the attachment pad of the hanger has an adhesive backing, whereby the user can permanently attach the hanger to the paintbrush. The hook portion of the hanger is hollow, so that the user can temporarily attach the hanger to the paintbrush by inserting a nail or a screw through the hook and the attachment pad and into the handle of the paintbrush. When the paintbrush hanger is fastened to the paintbrush in this manner, the hanger may be subsequently removed simply by pulling the nail or unscrewing the screw out of the paintbrush. The paintbrush hanger may then be reused on a different brush or another tool. Further, when used, the nail or screw fastener provides additional rigidity and strength to the hook portion of the hanger. The hanger may also be fastened to the paintbrush using both the adhesive and the nail or screw, for maximum fastening strength and maximum rigidity of the hook.

Abstract: A ram actuating mechanism 20 for a blowout preventer 10, the ram actuating mechanism 20 including a hydraulic booster for enhancing the ram closing force. The ram actuating mechanism 20 may be compatible for use with primary pistons 25 which include internal moving components, such as self locking pistons. The ram actuating mechanism 20 providing a hydraulic booster without increasing the diameter of the booster pistons above the diameter of the primary piston, such that BOP stack height need not be increased to accommodate a relatively large diameter hydraulic booster. The ram actuating mechanism 20 may utilize the same piston housing 60 as used by the primary piston, and the booster pistons 26, 28 may act mechanically in series upon the primary piston 25 to increase axial ram closing force. The ram actuating mechanism 20 may be capable of retro-fitting existing ram actuating mechanisms.

Abstract: An improved modulating expansion valve includes a housing having a high pressure side, a low pressure side and a piston reciprocally mounted in a portion positioned centrally therebetween. A manifold is sealingly mounted above the piston, and a high pressure control passageway extends from the valve inlets, through the manifold, to a chamber on top of the piston. A low pressure passageway extends from the chamber through the manifold to the valve outlet. A pair of electrically operated solenoids open and close the high and low pressure passageways to operate the valve. Substantially infinite control of the solenoids provide for modulating control of the valve in a semi-hermetically sealed expansion valve.

Abstract: A multistage switching valve includes a valve stem which is adapted to open or close a fluid passage, a biasing biasing means for biasing the valve stem in a direction to close the fluid passage, a plurality of pistons which are relatively slidably fitted onto the valve stem at different axial positions to provide different flow rates, a plurality of stops which are provided on the valve stem to move the valve stem in a valve opening direction opposite to the direction of the movement of the valve stem caused by the biasing biasing means, together with the pistons when the pistons are moved in the valve opening direction, a valve opening means for exerting a pilot pressure in the valve opening direction on each piston, and a flow rate controller for individually restricting the axial displacements of the pistons in the valve opening direction. A two-stage switching valve and a toggle type two-stage switching valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic two-stage switching valve includes a valve stem which normally closes a fluid passage by a spring force; a cylinder adopted to accommodate the valve stem; a large flow rate piston and a small flow rate piston that are provided on the valve stem and are slidably fitted in the cylinder; a large flow rate pilot pressure chamber formed in the cylinder; a small flow rate pilot pressure chamber formed in the cylinder; a stopper adopted to restrict the movement of the small flow rate piston; a pilot pressure source adopted to apply the pilot pressure simultaneously to both the large and small flow rate pilot pressure chambers; and a restrictor provided in a connection passage that connects the pilot pressure source to the large flow rate pilot pressure chamber.

Abstract: A motor-type damper unit includes a motor for driving in a single direction, an opened/closed member for reciprocating in an opening direction and a closing direction with a fulcrum shaft serving as a center by a drive force of said motor, an intermittent drive gear formed with a tooth part in a predetermined part in a circumferential direction and rotation blocking parts at both ends of the tooth part, said intermittent drive gear for rotating by the drive force of said motor, a first transmission gear placed on the fulcrum shaft for engaging the tooth part of said intermittent drive gear, thereby rotating said opened/closed member in a predetermined direction and a second transmission gear for engaging the tooth part of said intermittent drive gear at a different position from said first transmission gear, for transmitting a rotation force of said intermittent drive gear to said first transmission gear and for rotating said first transmission gear in an opposite direction to the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system with a housing having a motor, throttle valve and gear mechanism. The throttle valve is attached to a throttle body shaft which is mounted in bearings in the housing. An axial spring clip mechanism mounted on the throttle body shaft preloads the bearings and eliminates undesired axial and radial movement of the shaft which could adversely affect the movement of the throttle valve and the sensing of its position.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a poppet axially moveable in a passageway of a body member. The poppet has an annular seal sealingly engageable with a sealing abutment of the body and, when so engaged, blocks the flow of fluid between the first end of the body and the second end of the body. A rotatable actuator imparts axial movement to the poppet to move the annular seal from the positioned engaged to the shoulder to a positioned spaced from the shoulder.

Abstract: A retaining ring for a resilient valve seat carried on a movable valve member is provided in a plurality of segments which may be cast in an investment casting method. The ring segments may be identical in shape and may overlap one another, with threaded fasteners securing the ring segments to the valve member. Concentric grooves may be provided on a face of the ring segments which engage the resilient valve seat to prevent its movement or displacement relative to the valve member.

Abstract: A rescue spreading tool having a hydraulic cylinder (20) that provides a spreading, crushing or cutting motion. A stationary yoke (28) is attached to the cylinder and a pair of spreader arms (32) are also pivotally attached and are free to rotate in opposed directions. A pusher cam yoke (46) is formed integrally with to the ram (22) within the cylinder and engages the arms, thus pushing them apart when the ram is extended which provides an initial cam action. A pair of toggle links (58) are attached on both the top and bottom of the arms and pusher cam yoke and continue to push the arms apart in an outward direction, thereby producing a secondary thrust after the initial cam action is completed which spreads the arms to a maximum distance. When the ram is retracted the links close the arms through the secondary mode by reversing the procedure and continue to pull the arms together during the returning initial action.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for controlled lifting and lowering, especially suitable for lifting and lowering a tray of ICs. The lift mechanism includes a horizontally movable drive wedge element having an upper inclined surface and a slave wedge element having a lower inclined surface slidingly supported on the drive wedge element upper inclined surface. Horizontal movement of the slave wedge element is constrained while vertical movement is permitted, so that horizontal movement of the drive wedge element raises or lowers the slave wedge element. A lift structure extending upwardly from the slave wedge element may be employed to engage a tray as, for example, when loading or unloading trays from a transport at a shuttle assembly. A dual-action drive mechanism may move the drive wedge element horizontally, while a dual-action stop mechanism may be employed to limit travel of the drive wedge element at a position short of full vertical extension.

Abstract: A high speed safety block assembly includes a first and second cheek plates with a sheave and axle installed between the cheek plates. The cheek plates each have a recessed area on their inner surfaces and have interlocking ears which increase the safety of the block assembly by preventing the block assembly from coming apart in the event of a screw failure. The sheave of the high speed safety block assembly includes a needle bearing which rolls on the bearing surface of the axle, permitting much higher loads and speeds when the high speed safety block assembly is used.

Abstract: A crash attenuation apparatus for use with a guardrail system having rail posts and rail elements. An impact head has a buffer nose section and a rail post breaking beam system. The post breaking beam system has upper and lower breaking beams attached to the head. A guide tube is attached to the side of the head. A strut member extends from a first attachment point on the rail element to a second point downstream. Upon impact by a vehicle, the head breaks the first rail post, before impacting the strut and buckling the rail element downstream.

Abstract: A carburetor float bowl drain screw and recovery system includes a retaining screw having a threaded forward end, an intermediate portion having a plurality of transverse holes leading to an axial channel and an internally threaded end portion terminating in a hex head. An externally threaded insert engages the end portion and includes a tapered forward portion which engages tapered internal walls on the retaining screw to effect a seal, an internal channel and a hexagonal rear portion terminating in a cylindrical end for coupling a fuel line thereto. When the insert is loosened fuel flows through the holes in the screw into the screw channel and then outwardly through the insert channel to a fuel line. The fuel bowl may thus be safely drained.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a centrifugal vortex system for preparing a liquid, such as fuel and includes a chamber housing defining a vortex chamber. An array of tangential apertures are formed in the chamber housing to permit fluid to be turbulently introduced into the vortex chamber to create a vertical flow of fluid through the vortex chamber. In one embodiment, a plurality of vortex chambers are arranged in series to allow the fluid to pass through several vortex chambers. In other embodiments, the chamber housing may be stepped, textured, or both to increase the turbulence of the flow through the chamber. In yet another embodiment, a pressure differential supply jacket is provided to normalize the amount of flow through the tangential apertures according to the location of the apertures. A centrifuge chamber is also disclosed which has a plurality of output conduits on a bottom surface and a tapered extension member downwardly extending from a top surface to enhance the centrifugal flow of the fluid.

Abstract: The dual diffuser assembly of the present invention includes a first and second diffuser body in fluid communication with an air distribution pipe. The diffuser assembly further includes a saddle that connects the first diffuser body and the second diffuser body to the air distribution pipe. The air received from the distribution pipe passes into the first and second diffuser bodies and exits the first diffuser body through a first diffuser and exits the second diffuser body through a second diffuser. The first and second diffusers form the air into fine bubbles that serve to facilitate aeration of the medium.

Abstract: A vaporizing apparatus for providing a vaporized liquid precursor to a process chamber in a vapor deposition process includes a microdroplet forming device for generating microdroplets from a liquid precursor and a heated housing defining a vaporization zone having a vapor flow path from the microdroplet forming device to the process chamber. The vaporization zone receives the microdroplets and a heated carrier gas. The heated carrier gas has a temperature so as to provide the primary source of heat for vaporizing the microdroplets. A method of vaporizing liquids for vapor deposition processes includes generating microdroplets and utilizing a heated carrier gas as the primary source of heat for vaporizing the microdroplets. A vapor deposition system carrying out the method includes a heated carrier gas and a heated housing defining a heated vaporization zone. The heated housing receives the heated carrier gas.

Abstract: A mist humidifier has a lower space receiving a main water tank for storing water and an upper space divided into an evaporative cavity and a blower cavity. The evaporative cavity is divided into a first water chamber for storing water fed from main water tank having a float ball safety valve, a second water chamber for receiving a nebulizer for vaporizing water for creating cool mist, a third water chamber for receiving a heater for heating water for creating a hot mist, and a water supply tube provided on the bottom of the first water chamber in fluid communication with the second and third water chambers so as to keep all water chambers at a constant equal level, whereby a mist having a temperature at a constant level is discharged into the environment when the humidifier is activated.

Abstract: A double acting shock isolator that includes a cylindrical housing having a radially expanded chamber therein. The housing is closed at one end and open at the other end and a connector is mounted at the closed end. A stack of friction rings are mounted in a preloaded condition between the ends of the expanded chamber and a rod passes into the open end of the housing and through the stack. A pair of spaced apart raised flanges are mounted upon the rod that engages either end of the stack. A second connector is mounted upon the distal end of the rod outside of the housing so that the stack of friction rings is further compressed uniformly when either a tensile force or a compressive force is applied to the connectors.

Abstract: A switchable, hydraulically damping mount. The mount includes a working space and an equalization space that are filled with damping fluid and are connected in fluid-conveying fashion by way of at least one orifice in a partition wall. The orifice is closable by an actuator of an adjusting apparatus. The actuator has, on the side facing the working space, a variable-volume gaseous medium-filled chamber that is connected to the atmosphere through at least one connecting opening.

Abstract: A wire rope isolator includes a wire rope and a pair of mounting blocks. The mounting blocks comprise of a pair of cylindrical elongated end flanges that are connected tangentially to each other by a web that has a thickness that is less than the diameter of the flanges thereby allowing the lower section of each flange to extend downward from each web. A hole passes axially through each flange. Wire rope is passed through each flange hole so that the lower surface of each web faces that of the other web and the pair of flanges of one mounting block are offset 90° to the pair of flanges of the opposing mounting block. Four U-shaped half loops of wire rope, with sufficient slack to impart elastic qualities to the wire rope, are formed. The U-shaped half loops extend outward at angles of about 45° from the mounting blocks in a cloverleaf formation.

Abstract: A machining vise is disclosed. The machining vise includes a main body having a recess, a stationary vise jaw removably mounted at a mid-point on the main body, a first movable slide and a second movable slide mounted in the recess. A first vise jaw is mounted to the first movable slide and a second vise jaw is mounted to the second movable slide. The vise also includes a drive for moving the first and second movable slides, wherein a controlled release assembly associated with the first movable slide controls the movement of the first movable slide and the second movable slide. The controlled release assembly includes an offset adjustment mechanism and a spring biasing mechanism. The vise further includes a structure for releasably securing the vise jaws to the slides.

Abstract: A wedge clamp for clamping a plurality of planar members in a side-by-side disposition for work such as gluing to be performed thereon. The wedge clamp includes a rail unit which defines a track having two opposing side walls and an end wall disposed in a U-shaped configuration to closely receive the ends of stock members. The side walls are spaced apart to define a throat for closely receiving a selected thickness of stock. A base member is provided at one end of the rail unit, a second end of the base member extending away from side walls a distance at least as great as the width of the throat. The side walls and the end wall define a series of slotted openings for receiving a wedge block. At least one spacer is used to reduce the width of the throat and accommodate close receipt of the stock material defining a thickness less than that of the throat. The spacer defines an L-shaped cross section, with the first leg defining a first thickness and the second leg defining a second thickness.

Abstract: A system for an extension device that attaches to hand screw clamps and similarly configured clamps. Hand screw clamps have two jaw elements that are interconnected by two threaded shafts. As the threaded shafts are turned, the jaw elements can be biased toward one another in a variety of configurations. The system includes a first tubular element having an open end. Two opposing slots are present on the first tubular element that extend inwardly a predetermined distance from the open end. The open end of the first tubular element is sized to receive a first of the jaw elements of the hand screw clamp, wherein the threaded screws of the hand screw clamp pass into the slots. The system also includes a second tubular element having an open end and two opposing slots that extend inwardly a predetermined distance from that open end. The open end of the second tubular element is sized to receive a second of the jaw elements therein.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus which stores sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus in a bin, staples the sheets if necessary, takes the stapled or unstapled set of sheets out of the bin and transports the set of sheets up to a large-capacity tray nipping the set of sheets between rollers of a conveying gate to deliver the set of sheets onto the tray. While the conveyer gate is transporting the set of sheets upward, the set of sheets hangs down from the nipped portion, and the hanging-down portion is guided by a guide plate. A limit is set to the number of stapled sets of sheets which can be stacked on the large-capacity tray, and transportation of stapled sets of sheets to the tray by the conveyer gate over the limit is canceled. When a set of sheets is delivered onto the tray, pressing sticks press sets of sheets which have been stacked on the tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an input system for feeding one-up sheets from a paper web to a high speed mass mailing inserter system. The input system includes a feeding module for supplying a paper web having two web portions in side-by-side relationship. A merging module is located downstream in the path of travel from the feeding module and is operational to feed the two web portions in an upper-lower relationship so as to reorient the paper web from the side-by-side relationship to an upper-lower relationship. A separating module is located downstream in the path of travel from the merging module and is operational to receive the paper web in the upper-lower relationship and separate the paper web into individual two-up sheets. In order to separate the two-up sheets into one-up sheets, a stacking module is located downstream in the path of travel from the separating module and is configured to receive the two-up sheets, stack the two-up sheets and individually feed one-up sheets from the stack.