Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for locking and releasing ends of a support strut coupled between a mounting platform and a load. In a preferred embodiment, the strut comprises a damping section coupled between the ends and having a gap therein when the strut is unlocked, a locking section coupled between the ends for closing the gap by applying stress to a portion of the damper section through a force transmitting member, and a releasing section coupled in parallel with part of the force transmitting member, the releasing section including a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and heater therefore. Heating the SMA relieves the stress and opens the gap. Release from the locked condition occurs gradually and without fracture or sudden shock and the heater can be actuated remotely. In a preferred embodiment, a worm drive turnbuckle arrangement is used to apply force to lock the strut.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and reducing excessive amplitude of oscillation of a free piston slidably mounted in a housing. The housing has a vibration absorber, including a mass mounted through a spring to the housing. The mass reciprocates relative to the housing along a path in a phase relationship to the piston. A sensor is mounted near the mass for detecting the amplitude of oscillation of the mass. A controller is connected to the sensor for reducing the amplitude of oscillation of the piston when the amplitude of oscillation of the mass reaches a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A friction clutch has a plurality of iron inner clutch plates and a plurality of iron outer clutch plates. Both the clutch plates have sliding surfaces which are friction-engaged each other. A thin carbon film in a diamond form, which functions as a solid lubricant, is formed on each of the sliding surfaces of the outer clutch plates by a known method such as the Chemical Vapor Deposition method. A known nitride treatment or quenching and tempering treatment is applied to the sliding surfaces of the inner clutch plates. A coupling device has a pilot clutch mechanism with the friction clutch and an electromagnetic actuator. As a result, the friction clutch is resistant to wear and the coupling device is excellent in durability.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes an inner race, an outer race driven in a specific direction and provided with a plurality of pockets in its inner circumference facing the outer circumference of the inner race and threaded attachment holes to be used for attaching a driven member to the outer race, rollers respectively placed in the plurality of pockets, and elastic members pressing the rollers in a specific direction. A center angular interval between the middle pocket in any three successive ones of the pockets and the adjacent pocket on the forward side of the middle pocket, and an center angular interval between the middle pocket and the adjacent pocket on the backward side of the middle pocket are different from each other. Thus the distance between the front end surface of the pocket and the threaded attachment hole on the forward side of the pocket can be sufficiently large, and reduction of the rigidity of the outer race can be prevented without increasing the diameter of the outer race.

Abstract: A high performance clutch pack assembly for use in the high gear clutch of a Powerglide transmission is disclosed. The present clutch assembly is disposed in a modified clutch drum having weight reduction features for receiving a modified clutch pack comprising up to ten friction disks and eleven steel disks, which represents a 150 per cent increase in surface contact area and holding force in comparison to the original equipment Powerglide clutch pack having only four friction disks and five steel disks. The present clutch pack assembly is actuated by a modified clutch piston having an increased stroke correlated to the increased number of friction disks providing maximum holding force for the present clutch pack assembly with minimal increase in rotating mass.

Abstract: A hydraulic clutch/brake mechanism has an actuator piston assembly therein to control actuation of the associated clutch/brake. The actuator piston assembly has a damping arrangement disposed therein that is operative to damp the movement of the actuator piston assembly relative to a plurality of disks located therein and to establish an end-of-fill.

Abstract: A coin fraud detection sensing system is provided that includes a coin chute and one or more sensing devices coupled to the coin chute. The one or more sensing devices are operative to detect a coin or other object in the coin chute and transmit a signal to a processor that determines the travel speed of the coin through the coin chute, the travel direction of the coin through the coin chute or the sequence of signals received from the sensing devices. Based upon the travel speed, direction and/or sequence, the processor is programmed to detect whether the coin is being fraudulently controlled by a withdrawal device, such as a string.

Abstract: An integrated reconfigurable multi-stage manufacturing system and associated methods. The system may include a plurality of manufacturing cells, each cell associated with at least one stage of a manufacturing process. The plurality of cells may include a first cell comprising at least one flexible manufacturing station, a second cell comprising at least one reconfigurable manufacturing station, and a third cell comprising at least one reconfigurable inspection machine. The system may also include a plurality of loop conveyors and a plurality of cell gantries. Each loop conveyor may connect at least two neighboring cells and each cell gantry may transport parts from the cell associated with the cell gantry to at least one loop conveyor. In one embodiment, each cell may be hexagonal, and the manufacturing system may have a honeycomb structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inexpensively storing a quantity of packages awaiting transfer to a manufacturing process station includes a dispenser for quickly removing the packages from the container and directly into a secondary receptacle which is particularly adapted for feeding the packages to the process station. The provision of an inexpensive container to hold the packages is advantageous in that the more expensive secondary receptacles are not tied up for the sole purpose of holding packages which are awaiting the next process station.

Abstract: A digital clock mounted within a flap overlying the spine of a notepad on a notepad cover is provided. A raised bezel or surround constructed from a soft, pliable material, such as soft polyvinylchloride (PVC), covers a portion of the clock chip, exposing its digital readout. Detents or holes may be provided for inserting pens or other blunt instruments for setting the clock. A port is provided in the flap to access the underside of the clock chip, and can be covered, along the underside of the flap, with a piece of elastic material. By moving the elastic material aside, access to the battery of the clock chip is provided.

Abstract: A security frame for enclosing DVD's or other articles for deterring tampering with the DVD's or removing the DVD's from the security frame. The security frame is thin such that it fits in the display racks for the DVD's and has a large open surface area on the front and back faces so a customer can see the packaging information on the DVD. The security frame can be removed at the store with a special key. The security frame is hinged for opening and closing and has tines, which overlap and lock the security frame together. The security frame is easy to close and lock by pressing the top frame member against the bottom frame member and easy to unlock and open with a key.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage case for archery equipment and accessories. The storage case contains first and second case sections movable between an open and closed position. An accessory box is releasably connected to one of the case sections. When the case is in the closed position, the accessory box locked in position. A pair of arrow support members are disposed in one of the case sections to support a plurality of arrows therein. The arrow support members are angularly disposed to each other to prevent arrows from disengaging from the support members during transport of the case.

Abstract: A tray for transporting flat graphic articles. The tray comprises a top surface and two or more cavities that intersect each other at one or more locations. An opening is formed in the top surface and defines an entrance to the cavity. Each cavity is structured to receive therein, through its opening, a plurality of a flat graphic article stacked one on top of the other so as to form a stack. Each cavity can receive therein a flat graphic article that is different than the flat graphic article that can be received into the other cavity or cavities. A method that comprises using one or more such trays to transport flat graphic articles. The method can include providing two or more of the same tray and using each tray to transport a plurality of a different flat graphic article.

Abstract: A tape dispenser and a hang tag for use therewith are disclosed. The tape dispenser includes a front and back that are joined together to form a housing that holds a roll of adhesive tape. A hang tag is provided to attach the tape dispenser to a display board. The hang tag is secured within the housing and it includes a tab section and a lower section. The lower section has the same shape as the housing and it is secured within the housing. The tab is connected to the lower section and extends from the upper surface of the housing. The tab includes an aperture for receiving a hook for hanging the tape dispenser onto a display board. The tab also includes perforations for allowing the tab to be separated from the lower section after purchase of the tape dispenser. The tab is substantially smaller than the lower section or the housing thereby reducing the overall size of the product to be either transported or displayed.

Abstract: A container includes a substantially planar cover having a top surface, a lower portion and an upper portion. The container further includes a substantially planar base having a bottom surface, a lower portion, an upper portion, and a bottom wall. In addition, the container includes a flexible member joining the base and the cover for permitting the cover and the base to move relative to each between a joined position, defining a line of closure, and an opened position. The line of closure lies in a plane forming an angle with the bottom wall of between about 35° and about 60°.

Abstract: Suspension packages are described that include (a) a product-supporting platform having first and second opposed faces; (b) two end panels, each pivotally connected to a respective end of the product-supporting platform; (c) two side panels, each pivotally connected to a respective side of the product-supporting platform; and (d) an elastomeric enclosure mounted between the two end panels and extending over the first face of the product-supporting platform. The two side panels are configured to pivot towards the first face of the product-supporting platform, such that the two side panels may be configured substantially perpendicular thereto. The two end panels are configured to pivot towards the second face of the product-supporting platform, thereby tensioning the elastomeric enclosure, such that acute angles may be formed between the second face of the product-supporting platform and each of the end panels. Suspension systems, cushioning panels, and methods of packaging products are also described.

Abstract: The magnetic susceptibility of one or more plastic articles is enhanced to enable their separation from a waste stream using magnetic separators. An amount of paramagnetic material is added to the plastic formulation to influence magnetic susceptibility without affecting the properties associated with the function of the plastic article. The material is preferably selected from a group consisting of magnetite, ferro-silicon and ferromagnetic particles (e.g., iron filings). The amount or material can be varied in the range of between 0.05% and 5% by weight of the plastic formulation. The plastic with altered magnetic susceptibility and a method separating that plastic from a waste stream are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating solids from liquids by means of flotation, particularly for separating impurities and ink particles from fibre suspensions, with several injectors 10, which are provided inside a flotation cell 1. It is mainly characterised by the injectors 10 being arranged in one row.

Abstract: A rainwater cleaning system for a water tank comprises a pipe element having a closed end located on the floor of the tank. The pipe element also has an open end connectable to an outflow pipe from the tank. Located near the closed end of the pipe element is at least one hole. The cross sectional area of the hole preferably at least equals the cross sectional area of the pipe outflow.

Abstract: A display system includes the combination of an free-standing cardboard box and a display board adapted to display retail products in such a manner that product is displayed for the consumer without taking up shelf space. The box has a rectangular bottom wall and four upstanding walls defining an upwardly open interior chamber for displaying elongate products such as rolls of wrapping paper. The box may be a portion of the shipping box that which the rolls were shipped in to the retailer. The display board is adapted to hang from an upper rim of the box using a pair of S-hooks which extend through holes adjacent an upper edge of the display board and over the upper rim. The display board includes a plurality of adhesive strips for releasably securing complementary products thereto for display with the elongate products in the box, such as adhesive tape dispensers for use with the wrapping paper.

Abstract: A tool holder assembly comprising two opposite end members spaced from each other. Two opposite rail members extend between the end members and are spaced from each other. A tool support arrangement is mountable between the rail members. The tool support arrangement has two opposite tracks spaced from each other, and upper and lower plates extending one above the other at different heights between the tracks. At least one of the plates is removably mounted between the tracks. The plates are adapted to have respective alignable holes for bi-level tool support. A mounting arrangement is provided for mounting the tool support arrangement between the rail members.

Abstract: A knife holder is disclosed. The knife holder includes a housing and a block portion for holding one or more knives. The block portion is pivotally attached to the housing such that the block portion may be moved between an upright position in which the block portion is substantially within the housing, and an extended position in which the block portion extends from the housing so that knives may be easily withdrawn therefrom. The knife holder may further include a locking mechanism operatively coupled to the knife block, for selectively locking the knife block in the upright position so that knives cannot be easily withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a towel bar, ring or hook to a supporting surface and for shielding the supporting surface from wet towel damage. The device includes a plate upon which the towel bar, ring or hook is mounted such that the plate extends a distance equal to or longer than one-half of a towel length below the towel bar, ring or hook. Fasteners are provided for attaching the towel bar, ring or hook to the plate and the plate to the supporting surface.

Abstract: A bathroom rack is constructed to include two end brackets fixedly fastened to the wall of a bathroom, each end bracket having a recessed receiving portion and a front extension arm, two rod members connected between plugholes in the front extension arms of the end brackets for hanging towels or the like, and a rack body connected between the end brackets for holding bottle items, the rack body having a L-shaped cross section, a plurality of drain holes in the bottom wall thereof, and two distal ends respectively press-fitted into the recessed receiving portions of the end brackets.

Abstract: A protector for an upright column of a product storage rack has a V-shaped body with flat side walls joined to a convex curved vertical apex section. Pairs of studs cooperate with keyhole slots in the column to releasably mount the protector on the column. A releasable latch mounted on the protector engages the column to prevent removal of the protector from the column. The latch can be moved out of engagement from the column to permit the protector to be removed from the column.

Abstract: A multi-chambered container assembly including a two-piece adapter having a base and a hollow member that cooperate to open and close a passage between a first chamber provided by a bottle and a second chamber formed in the hollow member. The base defines a first opening and has a substantially semi-spherical concave wall surrounding the first opening, and the hollow member includes a substantially semi-spherical convex wall that pivotably (slidably) fits within the concave wall of the base. The hollow member is snap-coupled to the base using a pair of pins and a pair of cam grooves that facilitate movement of the hollow member between a closed (first) position and an open (second) position. The base can be integrally formed onto the bottle to provide a two-piece multi-chambered container.

Abstract: A sidewall portion of a plastic container adapted for vacuum pressure absorption. The sidewall portion including generally rectangular shaped vacuum panels equidistantly spaced about the container The vacuum panels being defined in at least part by an upper portion, a central portion and a lower portion formed in a compound curve shape. The vacuum panels being moveable to accommodate vacuum forces generated within the container thereby decreasing the volume of the container.

Abstract: An erectable/collapsible soft storage container having a body of flexible material that includes two first sidewalls, two second sidewalls and a bottom. At least three sidewalls are embedded with a hard board. The bottom has two bottom flaps and an edge-fastener engaging one bottom flap to the other. The container is held erect when the bottom flaps are attached and disengaging the flaps allows the container to collapse. Preferably the sidewalls are orthogonal to the bottom and form a rectangular top edge parallel to the bottom. The edge-fastener can be a zip fastener.

Abstract: A garbage storage device includes a base, a bin, a pedal, a lid, a linkage, a buffer and a guide. The bin is installed on the base. The pedal is mounted on the bin. The lid is mounted on the bin. The linkage includes a crankshaft and a rod. The crankshaft includes a shaft mounted on the base, a first crank extending from the shaft for contact with the pedal and a second crank extending from the shaft. The rod includes a middle portion, a first end extending from the middle portion into connection with the second crank and a second end extending from the middle portion into connection with the lid. The buffer includes a first end connected with the base and a second end connected with the first end of the rod. The guide is mounted on the base for guiding and ensuring smooth movement of the first end of the rod.

Abstract: A cooler suitable for indoor and outdoor use is provided. The cooler includes a container having a bottom surface, a first base connectable to the bottom surface of the container and a second base alternatively connectable to the bottom surface of the container. The cooler may include open-ended inner and outer containers nested and spaced so that a gap is created between the outer container and inner container, with foam insulation occupying the gap. The first base supports the cooler at a height suitable for use on a table, while the second base supports the cooler suitable for stand-alone use on the floor or ground. The first base can be nested within and hung from the second base while the cooler is in use or stored.

Abstract: An insulated double-skinned freight container having foam insulation (15) between the skins (11, 16, 17, 18) and a top rail forming a junction between an outer skin (11) of a side wall of the container and an outer skin (18) of a roof panel of the container. The rail includes a first web portion attached to the outer skin of the side wall, an inwardly inclined second web portion at a first obtuse angle to the first portion and a third web portion substantially perpendicular to the first web portion for attachment to the outer skin of the roof panel. The third web portion is provided with an inwardly extending return portion at an edge of the third web portion embedded in the foam insulation between the inner and outer skins.

Abstract: A container is provided with child drowning protection in the form of a bottom wall that is contoured in a manner that (1) allows it to stand upright on a flat support such as a floor, shelf or shipping pallet, and (2) in the event that the container contains some water or other liquid and a toddler leans forward into the container, e.g., in an attempt to retrieve a toy that has fallen into the container, the weight of the child on the container will cause the container to tip over, thereby spilling the contents and preventing the child from drowning in the container. Containers embodying the invention may be provided with covers that facilitate stacking covered containers one on top of the other. Additionally, the containers may be formed with an inclined sidewall, whereby to permit a plurality of open empty containers to be nested one inside the other.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing stacked folded sheets. The dispenser includes a housing defining an internal storage space for the stack of sheets. A cover member is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between an open position and a closed position for loading a stack of folded sheets into the housing. A device, such as a mechanical stop system, is provided and located such that the device must be manually operated with both hands while closing the cover member. In this way, an individual is prevented from using a free hand to compress the stack of folded sheets within the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a process for rapidly and accurately dispensing fluids, in which at least one component is dispensed into the reaction vessel in two or three stages. In this process, the amount of fluid dispensed in the second and third stages is determined on the basis of the mass flow rate calculated in the preceding sub-step.

Abstract: An hydraulic proportioning system having a fluid actuated motor with a driven motor shaft, the motor being in fluid communication with and powered by a fluid source. A pump is provided having a drive shaft driven by the driven motor shaft of the fluid actuated motor, and a drive clutch interconnecting the driven motor shaft and the drive shaft of the pump. An injector manifold is in fluid communication with the pump which is connectable to a chemical source. A tube is in fluid communication with the injector manifold and extends into a chamber having fluid communication with the fluid source, the chemical and fluid from the fluid source combining in the chamber and discharged therefrom.

Abstract: A device for mixing and metering one or multi-component compounds from at least one cartridge. These compounds can be in the form of a basic component and a catalyst component for impression compounds for dental applications. This device includes a punch for admitting pressure to the cartridge. This punch is supported in a displaceable manner, and is associated with each cartridge. This device also includes a hydraulic circuit which is associated with said at least one punch so that it actuates a piston or a cylinder of a hydraulically actuated piston cylinder unit. This device includes at least one pump and a supply container. This invention also includes a valve arrangement for this device.

Abstract: A water bottle cap includes a cap body including a sealing platform and a surrounding sealing wall extended from the sealing platform for sealedly enclosing around an opening of a water bottle, and a water dispensing arrangement including a guiding channel extended from the sealing platform of the cap body and defining a water passage, and a sealing member, which is integrally mounted at the guiding channel to sealedly close the water passage defining a breakable edge portion and a retaining edge portion. Therefore, when the water bottle is installed on the water dispenser, a spigot adapter of the water dispenser is plugged into the water passage to break the sealing member at the breakable edge portion thereof while the retaining edge portion of the sealing member is remained to attach to the guiding channel.

Abstract: A finger operated pump assembly comprising a pump body (60, 160) having a base (64, 164) supporting an outer housing (62, 162) and an inner housing (66, 166) and defining a first portion of a compression chamber (68) therebetween. A piston (82) has an annular lip and has a piston outlet defined by a poppet valve seat. A poppet (98) is accommodated by the inner housing (66, 166) and biased away from the base into engagement with the poppet valve seat by a spring (104). The poppet (98) and inner housing (66, 166) define an interior cavity (100). A peripheral passageway (74) communicates with the compression chamber (68) and includes a one-way valve (76). A ventilation port (110) is provided int the interior cavity (100) so that during operation of (98), it may operate at ambient pressure.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and an aerosol type dispenser therewith for discharging contents stored in a measured chamber effectively. The dispensing apparatus is comprised of a cylindrical portion for providing a circular recess portion which keeps a part of the contents in the measured chamber and a cylindrical skirt for providing a detour in the circular recess portion. The cylindrical portion and/or the cylindrical skirt form grooves so as to make a sectional area for flowing contents smaller. In mode in use, the upstream contents positioned inside space of the cylindrical skirt take a long way around the circular recess portion at high speed and high pressure, therewith contents settled in the circular recess portion are forced to sent to the passage of the valve stem certainly.

Abstract: One-piece and two-piece watchbands may be quickly and easily installed on a watch of the wearer's choice and may just as easily be removed and replaced with another watchband to provide color and style coordination with other items of the wearer's chosen wardrobe.

Abstract: A hitch-mounted game carrier apparatus for transporting and skinning game. The hitch-mounted game carrier apparatus includes a support assembly being adapted to be fastened to a hitch of a vehicle; and also includes a winch assembly being mounted to the support assembly and including a winch and a cable being carried by the winch; and further includes a game carrier assembly being supported by the support assembly for carrying the game.

Abstract: A setting tool for driving in fastening elements includes a piston guide (13) located in the receptacle (12) and having a hollow chamber (14) in which a setting piston (15) is displaceably arranged, a safety element (21), a piston return element (16), an operational member (17) for operating the piston return element (16), a transmission member (22) for transmitting movement of the operational member (17) to the piston return element (16), and a manually actuatable actuation element (30) having a first adjustment section (31) connected with the safety element (21) and a second adjustment section (32) connected with the transmission member (22) for simultaneous displacement of the safety element (21) and the transmission member (22) in their respective release positions (24, 28) or their safety position (23) and the transmission position (27), respectively.

Abstract: A nailing machine, in which a part constituting a nose is changed so as to increase the service life of a driver blade for driving a nail. The nailing machine includes a nose having a nose hole in which the nail is supplied, and the driver blade made of metal. At least a part of a surface of the nose hole to be in contact with a front surface of the driver blade is provided with a protective body. The protective body is made of an organic material or a composite material of an organic material and a metal material. Due to this, direct mutual contact of the metal parts is prevented.

Abstract: Method of joining together two planar members, by a friction stir welding operation wherein a rotary tool having a probe is moved relative to a joint region defined between the mutually butted planar members such that the probe is rotated and inserted in the joint region. The welding operation is performed by using a tab plate having a cutout formed in its end face such that the cutout has a width not smaller than a radius of a peripheral circle to be described by the shoulder surface, and a depth not smaller than a minimum radius of the probe and not larger than the radius of the peripheral circle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work piece holder with top mounted robot which optimizes floor space for a work piece positioner and a robot. In general, the work piece positioner assembly and the top mounted robot is supported on a base frame. Attached to the base frame, is a first superstructure and a second superstructure which supports a work piece positioner and the top mounted robot. Above the first superstructure and second superstructure is a frame structure fixed in the unitary assembly to the first superstructure and the second superstructure. Attached to the frame structure is a robot stand and a robot. Due to the unique shape of the work piece holder with top mounted robot, the floor space of the combined robot and work piece positioner is significantly reduced, and the overall cost of the system is reduced.

Abstract: To vibration weld two components (1, 2), which are to be joined together on a welding surface (8), a vibrational movement (7) is transmitted from a tool (3) to the vibrating component (1) while the other component (2) is fixed. During the procedure, the tool (3) presses the vibrating component (1) onto the fixed component (2) in a direction (9) substantially perpendicular to the vibrational movement (7). To avoid the need for a structured surface on the tool (3) in order to transmit the vibrational movement to the vibrating component, which structured surface could leave marks on the vibrating component, the vibrating component (1) has at least one relief-like depression (5) or elevation (6), which transmits the vibrational movement from the tool (3) to the vibrating component (1).

Abstract: A pair of metallic components are co-axially aligned prior to full energization of the magnetic pulse welding inductor to provide for improved control of the magnetic pulse welding process. To accomplish this, either or both of the components are supported in a floating manner. An electromagnetic coil is then energized so as to generate a magnetic field of relatively small intensity within or about one of the components. This relatively small intensity magnetic field exerts a relatively small force on the two components, causing them to move to a co-axially aligned position relative to one another and to the coil. Then, while the components are co-axially aligned, they are subjected to a magnetic field of relatively large intensity for the purpose of permanently joining such components together. This relatively large intensity magnetic field exerts a large pressure on one of the two components, causing it to deform toward the other of the two components at a high velocity.

Abstract: A method for forming a channel within a coated, metal-based substrate is described. In one technique, a channel-forming material is first deposited on the substrate, followed by the deposition of a bonding agent, such as a braze. One or more coatings can then be applied over the substrate. In one embodiment, the channel is formed when the channel-forming material is subsequently removed. In another embodiment, the channel is formed due to the lack of adhesion between particular channel-forming materials and the overlying bonding agent. Related articles are also described, e.g., gas turbine components which include protective coatings and a pattern of cooling channels.

Abstract: A method for protecting tin oxide coated solder surfaces against further oxidation and a method for fluxless solder joining of such surfaces is provided.

Abstract: A tip of a wire is bonded to a first electrode by using a tool. The wire is drawn from the first electrode to a bump on a second electrode. Apart of the wire is bonded to the center of the bump or a portion of the bump beyond the center in a drawing direction of the wire by using a part of the tool on a first electrode side in the drawing direction of the wire.