Abstract: A lever is adapted to rotate about a first pivot at a first location responsive to a tension load from a webbing applied to an attachment pivoted or arcuately slotted about a second location. Tension load is reacted by a spring against a reaction element, and is sensed by either a displacement sensor or a force sensor. The sensed load range can be limited by a stop that engages the lever. The anchor bolt can be utilized as a stop in cooperation with a slot in the lever, wherein the lever is adapted to rotate about a stud depending from the reaction element. A tang portion of the lever engages a slot of a slide, and the displacement of the slide caused by a rotation of the tang reacted by springs at the ends of the slide is measured by a magnetic field sensor on the reaction element in cooperation with a pair of magnets on the slide.

Abstract: A device for exposing samples to radiation to test their ageing includes a chamber having a sample-holder cage rotating about an axis, and a lamp holder for placing at least one electromagnetic radiation lamp in a fixed position in a central part of the cage and for supplying the lamp with power. An air circulation system provides a swirling air flow about the axis of the cage. The swirling air flow has components that are tangential and/or radial to the periphery of the cage, and an axial component in the central part of the cage. The cage is mounted rotationally on an axially hollowed-out hub so that the air flow is discharged through the hub. Air inlet louvers are positioned on the periphery of the cage and are directed non-radially. The device is designed to operate with the axis of the rotary cage being positioned in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A cardiac phantom is provided for simulating a dynamic cardiac ventricle. The phantom comprises two concentrically-disposed, fluid-tight, flexible membranes defining a closed space between the walls of the membranes. A pump is operatively connected to the inner membrane for reciprocally delivering a volume of fluid to the inner membrane to inflate and deflate both membranes in simulating systole and diastole of a heart. A medium is disposed within the closed space defined between the walls of the membranes for maintaining a uniform distance between the walls of the membranes during inflation and deflation. The phantom is provided for evaluation of medical imaging systems. A method, computer system and a computer-readable medium are also provided for controlling the phantom.

Abstract: For locking individual gears, a “rod-type” locking element is provided which extends in the axial direction over several operating elements and which, in the individual possible transmission shifting positions, in each case, engages with some of the existing operating elements. When one of the operating elements is shifted out of its neutral position into a shifting position, the locking rod is brought into a locking engagement with at least some of the existing operating elements.

Abstract: An automatic transmission having change gears which include a first path to directly transmit torque of an input shaft to an output shaft, and a second path to transmit the torque through an intermediate shaft on a driving force path from the input shaft to the output shaft. The first path includes at least one output gear on the output shaft which is engageable and disengageable by a shift sleeve. The output gear is connected at downstream thereof to the second path. The second path includes a first intermediate gear on the intermediate shaft to input the torque, a clutch, and a second intermediate gear rotatably supported through the clutch to output the torque. The output shaft includes a middle speed output gear to mesh with the second intermediate gear so as to form a middle-speed change gear.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gear motor (1), in particular for driving vehicle equipment, comprising a rotor provided with a rotor shaft (6), a reduction gearbox housing (14) containing a cog wheel engaged in an endless screw of the shaft and capable of driving an output member (12). The invention is characterised in that it comprises means (12) for eliminating, under predetermined axial compression (F), all axial play between one end (6a) of the rotor shaft and the housing wall (13). Said means can comprise a plug (15) housed in the housing (14) end (13) and a piston (18), inserted between the plug (15) and the shaft (6) end (6a); the plug (15) exerts on the piston (18) and the shaft (6) the axial thrust (7) which is adjusted when being mounted, and is axially locked in the corresponding position by melting the housing (14) plastic material in the grooves or recesses (19) of the piston (18) surface, then in solidifying said plastic material.

Abstract: A mechanical gear shifting mechanism capable of connection to a gearbox includes a shifter frame and a rotatable shaft mounted to the shifter frame. A ratchet drum having teeth is fixed to the shaft. A first cam disc formed with a slot in its main face is fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith. A shifting lever is connected to the shifter frame and is pivotable about an axis in first and second directions. First and second engagement pawls are connected to the shifting lever and positioned for engaging the teeth of the ratchet drum, whereby pivotal movement of the shifting lever induces rotational movement about the shaft's longitudinal axis. A pendant lever is engaged with the slot via a follower and has an end engageable to the gearbox. In practice, the end of the pendant lever would be connected to gear selectors of the gearbox.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly for a vehicle has a mounting bracket, a handle assembly and a clutching mechanism. The mounting bracket has a stop. The handle assembly is pivotally mounted on the mounting bracket for rotation about a first axis. The handle is moveable between a brake applied position and a brake release position. The handle has an actuator. A cam is pivotally mounted on the handle about a second axis offset from the first axis. The cam has a cam surface which varies radially from the second axis. The cam is biased to engage the stop. A clutch spring frictionally engages the cam and is operably connected to the actuator. Movement of the actuator in response to manual manipulation responsively moves the clutch spring to decrease the frictional engagement, thereby enabling the cam to engage with the stop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mechanism with a single differential mechanism for an automotive vehicle. The transmission mechanism of the present invention is of a compact structure and a relatively less cost of manufacturing, and makes a clearance between the chassis of the automotive vehicle and the ground increased. The performance of the automotive vehicle equipped with the transmission mechanism of the invention can be improved.

Abstract: A positioning system for controlling the rotation of a shaft or other member through a defined angular increment. The system includes a rotor which may be coupled in torque transmitting communication with the shaft, and a an indexing assembly for driving the rotor. The indexing assembly includes a slide or other follower which is operably coupled to a first actuator, which may be hydraulically or other otherwise fluid-powered, and to a biasing member, which may be a second actuator, which is also operably coupled to the first actuator. The first actuator is actuable to move the follower and, in turn, a pawl from a locking position to a release position, and to engage another pawl with the rotor effecting the rotation thereof in a rotary direction through the angular increment. The first actuator is de-actuable to return, responsive to the biasing member, the pawls and follower to their original positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a security screw (1) having threaded shank portion (2) and head portion (3). The head-portion (3) is characterized by having a circular profile with a cylindrical peripheral wall (4) and a smooth crown (5) without any tool engagement slots, recesses or other profile in contrast to a convention screw. The security screw (1) is driven into place by way of a driving tool (9) having shank portion (10) adapted to be rotated by a suitable implement such as a power drive. The driving tool (9) further comprises a cup portion (13) incorporating a cylindrical recess (14) coaxial with the shank (10). The recess (14) is sized and shaped to fit over the head portion (3) of the screw (1).

Abstract: A drum plug and faucet wrench includes an elongated body having first and second opposite ends, with each end having at least one drum plug drive element. Preferably at least three drive elements are included. Each plug drive element is configured differently from the other drive elements so that the tool can be used on a variety of plug types. The body has at least one flange projecting therefrom with at least two open end wrench heads formed in the flange. Each open end wrench head is of a different size from the other. One open end wrench head can be sized for use with drum faucets while the other can be sized for use with drum ring bolts.

Abstract: A method of cutting pattern pieces from a continuous roll of material comprising the steps of unrolling said material unto a rotating cylindrical cutting surface, and then cutting said material while said material is in rolling contact on said cylindrical surface during rotation of said cylindrical surface. Furthermore this invention describes a method and apparatus for producing vinyl pool covers.

Abstract: A trim press article handling apparatus includes a frame, a punch, a die, and a treadle. The punch is carried by the frame. The die is carried by the frame and cooperates in relative movement with the punch to sever articles from a web. The treadle is carried for movement relative to the die. The treadle includes a web guide member, a primary guide strip spaced from the guide member slightly greater than a thickness of the web, a secondary guide strip spaced from the guide member at least four thicknesses of the web and spaced apart from the primary guide strip, and an article detector carried by at least one of the primary guide strip and the secondary guide strip. The article detector is operative to detect position of an article in the web by detecting the position of a protuberance in the web as the protuberance is conveyed between the primary guide strip and the secondary guide strip. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A severing apparatus for use with a battery cable is provided. The severing apparatus includes a housing that holds an initiator and a severing element. The battery cable is located through a lateral bore formed in the housing. The severing element is disposed on one side of the battery cable. A deformable blocker can be disposed on the opposite side of the battery cable. When it is desired to sever the battery cable and thereby discontinue the supplying of electrical power by the battery, such as when a predetermined vehicle collision occurs, the initiator is triggered and causes the severing element to move. Movement of the severing element removes a severed battery cable segment. Movement of the severing element and the severed battery cable segment is stopped using the blocker when present. The blocker can be part of a shell that surrounds the housing. Alternatively, the blocker can be held in the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and devices for the detection of target objects, such as landmines, using the odor characteristics which may be associated with the target objects as a way of detecting their presence. The invention includes devices used to carry out a method of training live animals, such as rats, to seek out the target objects in the field, or to localize, unearth, and mark the location thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-propelled mobile system that is characterized by a lightweight space frame chassis on which is mounted a large caliber artillery piece. The weight of the system is preferably less than 8,000 kg and the artillery piece preferably has a caliber of up to a 155 mm 52 caliber gun. The artillery piece may include a lightweight elevating and traversing mass and gun chassis mounted on a space frame vehicle, such vehicle having a weight which does not exceed 3,800 kg.

Abstract: A tubular member 18 is slidably fitted into a valve body, and is formed with a vacuum valve seat 21. The tubular member 18, a valve plunger 16 and the valve body 3 are maintained in their inoperative positions shown by abutment against a key member 13. A holder 14 is formed with a tapered surface 14a to assist in allowing an elastic deformation of a reaction disc 15. Immediately after the commencement of operation of a valve mechanism 7 as an input shaft 8 is driven forward, the input shaft 8 and the tubular member 18 are maintained in their inoperative positions until a rear end face of a variable pressure passage 28 abuts against the key member 13. The operating stroke of an input shaft 6 can be chosen to be less than the operating stroke of an output shaft 11 while preventing the jumping value from increasing to an excessively high value.

Abstract: A vacuum brake booster (10) is described, comprising a vacuum chamber (16) and a working chamber (18) separated from each other by a movable wall (14), as well as a control valve (20) which comprises a housing (22) coupled workingly to the movable wall and which is capable of controlling the supply of atmospheric pressure or above-atmospheric pressure to the working chamber (18) in dependence upon the displacement of an input element (26) of the brake booster (10) to achieve a pressure difference at the movable wall (14). The vacuum brake booster (10) has a sensing disk (30), which is disposed in an axially displaceable manner inside the control valve housing (22), as well as a coupling device (66), which introduces forces acting counter to the actuating direction upon the sensing disk (30) in a coupled position into the control valve housing (22) and in an uncoupled position via an actuating piston (28) into the input element (26).

Abstract: What is disclosed is a radial piston machine having a plurality of radial pistons each guided in a respective cylinder space, wherein the cylinder spaces may be connected with supply and drain passages for pressure medium via control recesses. The opening cross-sections of the control recesses and of the supply and drain passages are provided with curved end face portions.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster comprising a rigid casing (10) locally shaped into a hollow shaft (3), a hub (5) slideably mounted in an opening (30) of the hollow shaft (3), an annular seal (6) inserted between the hub (5) and the hollow shaft (3), and members designed to set the hub (5) in a rest position with respect to the hollow shaft (3). The seal (6) comprises an elastomeric material (61) shaped into an annulus and an annular metal insert (62), the position-setting members (71, 72) being partially formed by the insert (62).

Abstract: An improved coffee brewer is provided for rapid and consistent high quality brewing of coffee. The coffee brewer includes a control panel for initiating a brew cycle wherein a metered volume of hot water is delivered from an insulated water reservoir via a spray head to mix with coffee grounds contained within a filter-lined brew basket, with the resultant brewed coffee draining into an underlying pot preferably such as an insulated carafe. The control panel is further operable for precision calibration of the metered water volume delivered to the brew basket for each brew cycle. In addition, the coffee brewer incorporates a removable rail unit for supporting the brew basket, wherein the rail unit and spray head are removable quickly and easily disassembled for periodic cleaning.

Abstract: A coffee brewer including a feed head for supplying pressurized brewing water to a perforated platen pressed against a packet of coffee bean grind to force such fluid in a substantially uniform flow pattern through the packet toward an outlet from a supporting tray.

Abstract: An automatic cooking and vending machine, for preparing, dispensing, and vending a plate of cooked food to a paying customer, comprising a food storage compartment mounted to a rectangular housing. The food is prepared within the housing, under the direction of a computer. Additionally, the customer utilizes the computer to place an order for a particular plate of food. The food storage compartment has a plurality of different food storage containers. The housing encloses two movable cooking pots, a quantity measuring device for measuring and dispensing a precise quantity of different foods into one of the cooking pots, two movable gas burners for heating the food within the cooking pots, and a plate dispensing system for shuttling an empty plate underneath the cooking pot to receive the prepared dish and then, to the customer receiving platform extending from the housing.

Abstract: A system for producing par-baked pizza crusts from dough portions includes a pan adapted to support the dough portions. A lid assembly is positioned to contact each dough portion. The dough portions are par-baked in an oven, while the lid assembly contacts the dough portions, in order to produce par-baked pizza crusts.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus for pressing an edible article. The apparatus includes a holding device including a channel for circulating a cooling liquid and also including an independently suspended plunger. The independently suspended plunger includes a lower part with a pressing surface configured to be pressed into contact with an edible mass. The independently suspended plunger also includes an upper part with a sliding surface supported by an opposing sliding surface that defines an opening of the holding device. The upper part has a circular cross-section and the lower part has a non-circular cross-section. The upper part and the lower part are separate parts that are joined together.

Abstract: A trim table for use by trimming and/or cutting of food products, such as chicken or fish, has conveyors (2, 12) for feeding products to a number of operator stands (O1 . . . O8), each of which receivers (14, 24R, 28R) for receiving products (10), a cutting table (16, 24C, 28C) for trimming and/or cutting the products (10) into product pieces (10a, 10b) and sorters (6, 20), and further, transport of the cut or trimmed products (10a, 10b). One or more of the operator stands (O1 . . . O8) are provided with mechanisms (18, 24, 28) for automatic transferal of the products (10) from the receivers (14, 24R, 28R) onto the cutting table (16, 24C, 28C). By a trim table, the products are brought to the operator, so that the operator is spared from having to repeatedly lift products as has necessary in the past. As a result, the operator's working position is significantly improved, just as the work place at the trim table according to the invention is also improved ergonomically.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for the functional elements in a round baler for agricultural crops includes a tensioning arm which is provided with guide rollers and a pivotal arm and which is pivoted on the frame of the baler via a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is arranged between the pivotal arm and a first arm of a bell crank, which is pivotally mounted on the tailgate. A second arm of the bell crank is selectively engageable with the front part of the housing.

Abstract: A hydraulic press utilizes a product feed mechanism including a product lifting linkage capable of raising and lowering a product-holding platen while maintaining same in a precise horizontal position during such movement. The hydraulic drive for the lifting and lowering mechanism is capable of moving the platen to any precise vertical position and maintaining same at that position before, during and after press operations. In connection with the lifting and lowering mechanism, a linear motor horizontal drive mechanism is coordinated with the lifting mechanism to enable the product feed system to precisely position the platen anywhere along the travel of the linear motor. The combination of the lifting and lowering mechanism with the linear motor horizontal drive mechanism provides, when operated by an open architecture PC control system, a new and improved product feed mechanism more precisely controllable than heretofore known.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for feeding cigarette packets (3) out of a packing machine, where the packets (3), being substantially in the shape of parallelepipeds, are moved forward with their large lateral faces (4) in contact with each other along a first path (P1) by a conveyor (2) that stabilises them in a defined direction (D) transversal to the large lateral faces (4). Downstream of the stabilising conveyor (2), there is a unit (33) for printing on the packets (3).

Abstract: A cover for a numbering stamp has a cover body, two side surfaces, an outer surface, two recesses and multiple slots. The cover body is U-shaped, and each recess is defined on one of the side surfaces. The recesses attach to the stamping apparatus. The slots are defined through the outer surface of the cover, and multiple adjustment disks of the stamping apparatus extend respectively out of the slots. The cover for the numbering stamp prevents a person's fingers from getting dirty.

Abstract: A sheet-processing rotary printing press includes a sheet guiding device over which sheets are to be pulled in a processing direction. The guiding device has a stationary first guide surface and a withdrawable second guide surface. The withdrawable second guide surface follows the stationary first guide surface in the processing direction, and forms a pocket with the first guide surface. The guiding device further includes a molded part received in the pocket and forming a third guide surface for bridging over the pocket.

Abstract: A support for a lithographic printing plate, wherein scum resistance is improved when processed into a lithographic printing plate by performing treatment for water wettablity and, in addition, press life is excellent. A support for a lithographic printing plate, which is obtained by performing at least anodizing treatment and silicate treatment on an aluminum plate, wherein a ratio of the number of atoms of alkali-earth metal and silicon existing on a surface thereof is 0.1 to 0.95.

Abstract: A method for forming a printing plate from a printing plate precursor having a radiation-sensitive layer, sensitive to radiation in a first frequency spectrum such as the far or near infrared, and to radiation in a second frequency spectrum other than the first frequency spectrum such as visible or ultraviolet. The plate is exposed twice. Once to imaging radiation in the first frequency spectrum and again to radiation in the second frequency spectrum. The second frequency spectrum exposure is done only to the areas of the plate undesirably shaded during the imagewise exposure.

Abstract: A method of producing an image is described which includes depositing onto a substrate a material capable of sustaining a relief feature imparted thereto. A coloring agent is applied directly to this material. A material for producing an image is also described which includes an emulsive agent and a viscosity control agent. In addition, an article is described which includes a relief layer and a coloring layer directly in contact with the relief layer. The relief layer includes a material containing an emulsive agent and a viscosity control agent.

Abstract: A plasma antenna generator includes an ionizable material, an explosive charge capable of projecting the ionizable material upon detonation, and a detonator coupled with the explosive charge. An electromagnetic pulse transmitting system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator and a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator. A method includes providing an explosive device comprising an ionizable material, detonating the explosive device to propel the ionizable material, and ionizing the ionizable material to form at least one plasma trail. A sensing system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator, a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator, and a sensing system capable of receiving and analyzing at least a portion of the electromagnetic pulse after being reflected from an interface.

Abstract: A penetrator includes a fore body comprising a pin and having a center of aerodynamic pressure forward of a center of gravity and a stabilizing portion comprising a material of lower density than that of the fore body and a plurality of outwardly extending fins for improving an aerodynamic stability of the projectile and defining a bore in which the pin is received for removably attaching the fore body thereto such that, when attached to the fore body, a center of gravity for the penetrator is forward of a center of aerodynamic pressure for the penetrator.

Abstract: An anti-tip arrangement for a mobile system, such as a mobile storage system, in which a movable member is mounted to a rail arrangement. The anti-tip arrangement includes an anti-tip member which is pivotably mounted to the movable member for movement between an operative position and an inoperative position. The anti-tip member has a hook section that is engageable with an engagement surface of the rail arrangement, for preventing tipping of the movable member relative to the rail arrangement. The anti-tip member further includes a retainer section and a tab section that extend in opposite directions from the pivot axis about which the anti-tip member is pivotable. The tab section extends laterally from the pivot axis, and is engageable by a user to enable the user to pivot the anti-tip member to the operative position.

Abstract: Ducting associated with rail track comprising a bed (13) located along at least a portion of the length of the rail track, the bed lying proximate the rails (11), a resiliently deformable cover (27) receivable over the bed and comprising a plurality of elongated channel members located in an end to end relationship having their flanges (29) extending downwardly and outwardly, the cover being intended to cooperate with the bed to define a duct able to accommodate conductors, optical fibres, cable and services. The bed has retention means (21) in the form a groove to receive and retain the lips (31) of the channel members. An apparatus having a carriage (73) is movable along the rail track to cause inward resilient deformation of the cover by pairs of rollers (71) to enable installation and withdrawal of the lips (31) from the grooves (21).

Abstract: A table comprising a base (2), a vertical pillar (4), a horizontal platform (5) provided with a seat (9) and mounted on the pillar, and elements for moving the platform relative to the pillar, the elements comprise, a first rail (12), secured to the pillar, a second rail (13) parallel to the lower rail, integral with the seat and mobile in translation therewith relative to the first rail, and a carriage (15) mounted freely sliding on the first fixed rail from one end thereof to the other, the second rail being mounted sliding relative to the carriage and thereon; on each rail (12, 13) a shoe is mounted sliding, said shoe being mechanically integral with the carriage (15).

Abstract: A telescoping assembly allows the length of an assembly to be readily adjusted. Desirably, the telescoping assembly is used in connection with a table to allow the height of the table to be easily adjusted. The telescoping assembly preferably includes one or more projections formed in telescoping members and the projections provide accurate, low friction contact areas between the telescoping members. Preferably, first and second plurality of projections are provided, and these plurality of projections can be located on either the same telescoping member or different telescoping members. The plurality of projections are preferably evenly distributed about the telescoping members and separated by a given distance, but the projections may be located in any suitable positions and the telescoping assembly can have any appropriate number of projections.

Abstract: A door bolt adjustment system for an open-jamb safe having a door jamb and a door bolt configured to extend behind the door jamb with a gap therebetween. The door bolt adjustment system generally comprises a substantially rigid door bolt adjuster, configured to be attached to the inside of the door jamb, and a displacement mechanism, configured to allow adjustment of the position of the door bolt adjuster so as to occupy the gap. The door bolt adjuster includes a flange for contacting a side of the extended safe door bolt, and when the adjuster occupies the gap, the flange is placed in position for secure contact with the extended door bolt, so as to accommodate the alignment of the door bolt.

Abstract: An oxygen-fuel combustion system combines oxygen and fuel to produce a flame. The system distributes oxygen to a stream of fluidized, pulverized, solid fuel at various sites before and after ignition. The system is operable to vary the concentration of oxygen in an oxygen-fuel mixture extant at those sites.

Abstract: An agricultural implement with an elongated bar having a front side nearer in use to a drive vehicle and a rear side. A first plurality of row units are laterally spaced apart along the bar and extend rearwardly thereof connected through parallel linkage to the front side of the elongated bar. A second plurality of row units are laterally spaced apart along the bar and extend rearwardly thereof interleaved with the first plurality of row units and connected through parallel linkage to the rear side of the bar. Parallel linkage for both the first and second plurality of row units is directly mounted to and extends rearwardly of and below the bar to position all row units to the rear of the bar, allowing both field crops or row crops to be planted.

Abstract: The novel seedling bud capping device is easily deployed on a bud of a seedling due to the use of adherent on either edge (rather than a staple), and more particularly due to its predefinedly selective use of adherent to form an inverted conic space around the bud for receiving sunlight and for capturing the bud stem near its base. The paper stock or the adherent used in the bud capping device may be impregnated with a repellent scent to further ward away browsers to protect the seedling. Preferably, the bud capping device is made from a small, e.g. ˜5 inch, square piece of water-repellent paper stock having a layer of glue adjacent at least one edge. The stock is protected on the adherent side by another layer of material to be selectively removed. This protective layer is scored and a free segment of the protective backing layer is removed to expose a region of adherent.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a mounting member, a needle bar driving mechanism, and a needle thread take-up driving mechanism. The mounting member has two sides mounted on the left and right of the needle bar driving mechanism and the needle thread take-up driving mechanism, respectively. The mounting member is supported on one of the sides by the main shaft, a rotating shaft rotated with the main shaft or a bearing member for the main shaft or the rotating shaft so that the mounting member is rotated relative to the machine frame and the main shaft or rotating shaft. The mounting member is supported on the other side by the main shaft or a supporting shaft substantially concentric with the rotating shaft and extending in a same direction as the rotating shaft so that the mounting member is rotated relative to the machine frame and the main shaft or rotating shaft.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a thread tension adjusting device, and a thread tension releasing device. The thread tension adjusting device includes a thread press member formed with a release extension portion. The thread tension releasing device presses the release extension portion of the thread press member to pivot the thread press member so as to move the thread clamping portion of the thread press member. Thus, the thread tension releasing device directly presses the release extension portion of the thread press member, so as to release the tension of the sewing thread, so that the tension of the sewing thread can be released easily and rapidly.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for free form sewing in which the workpiece is being sewn on a sewing machine having a plastic sheet or panel secured to the sewing machine work surface which has a coefficient of friction in any of several ranges which are all considered to be low friction coefficients. Depending upon the plastic material used, the coefficient of friction of any particular material may be in the range of 0.02 to 0.20, or in smaller ranges of coefficients of friction. The objective in using the method or mechanism is to permit the workpiece being sewn by free form sewing to be moved more easily with less frictional resistance by the hands of the sewing machine operator. Various plastics usable include various types of Teflon.

Abstract: A device and method for raising sunken objects such as crates, small boats, vessels and ships including a platform equipped with winches to lower down a basket net and a frame supporting a cryogenic apparatus to the vicinity of the object. The cryogenic apparatus is adapted to pump surrounding water through a freezing unit to reduce its temperature to below freezing and then form a stream of overcooled water directed over the sunken object to form a layer of ice about it. The basket net contains provisions to allow its closure under the object once it is lifted off the sea floor. Once enough ice is formed, the object is lifted to the surface. On average, the capacity of the cryogenic apparatus is such that a 1 ton object can be lifted in about 3 hours. Remote monitoring and control means are provided for the operator to observe and direct the operation of the device. The device is especially advantageous in dealing with explosive objects such as old and unwanted sea mines, torpedoes and alike.

Abstract: Personal watercraft having extruded rigid rub rails that can be curved in vertical and horizontal dimensions to provide complex geometries in watercraft. One rub rail has a pair of resilient opposed converging wings extending outwardly from the rub rail to form an open channel along the rub rail length. A first bottom lip can extend inwardly to hug the downwardly facing surface of the top deck. A second lip can curve upward and inward beneath the first inwardly extending bottom lip. The second lip can provide an increased ability to hug sharp horizontally curved corners of the watercraft without wrinkling, for example, the rear corners of the watercraft. The rub rail can be both vertically and horizontally curved in the same region and be affixed to a vertical bond flange. In some personal watercraft, the rub rail is formed of a rigid material having a Shore A hardness of at least about 90.