Abstract: A form for concrete strike-off includes a pan adapted to float on a plastic concrete surface, a rigid straightedge, and a support. The straightedge is coupled on one end to the pan and the support is coupled to the opposing end of the straightedge with the straightedge thereby defining a reference elevation for concrete strike-off operations.

Abstract: A cradle assembly for installing trench drain or conduit channels which enables the channels to be suspended from support rods while simultaneously permitting the adjustment of the channel height with in the trench. Because the assembly enables the channel to be supported by the support rods while permitting adjustment of the channel height, final adjustments can be performed by a single worker.

Abstract: A drain cover and pipe combination comprises a drain cover including a substantially elliptical frame portion defining a space, the space having an axis substantially normal to the frame, and at least one cross piece located in the space so as to define a plurality of openings in the drain cover. The pipe comprises a substantially tubular member having a longitudinal axis, with the pipe having a substantially elliptical shaped rim at one end thereof with a rim axis which is other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Securing means are provided for securing the drain cover over the rim of the pipe.

Abstract: The following operations are carried out: a) digging an exploration hole (8), b) using a branch connection (10) which includes a main plate (12) and a fixing plate (22) which are held together, c) using a device (1) which has: a support (36) retaining elements, (38) which are connected to the support (36), a foot (40) which is articulated so as to rotate relative to the support (36), actuation elements (44) for displacing the foot (40) between an introduction position and a pressing position, d) placing the foot (40) in an introduction position, e) retaining the main plate (12) on the device (1), f) positioning the support surface (14) of the main plate (12) against the pipeline (2), g) bringing the foot (40) into a pressing position, h) fixing the main plate (12) and the fixing plate (22) together around the pipeline (2).

Abstract: Based on an indexable tip (1), which serves to bevel a cylindrical or conical milling head (12) and which has both ground cutting edges (7) as well as a bore hole (8) that extends from the free surface (2) to the supporting surface (3) of the indexable tip while provided for the passage of a fastening means (fixed plate) that has a head, and based on the ability to be reversed by turning around the indexable tip about the axis of the bore hole, the invention provides that the indexable tip also has the ability to be reversed by turning around which involves interchanging the prior supporting surface and free surface, both of these surfaces having a width between the cutting edges of greater than 5.5 mm. The ability to be reversed by turning around signifies that the indexable tip widens again from its thickness in the middle up to the supporting surface in order to form at least two other cutting edges.

Abstract: A milling cutter for chip removing machining includes a milling cutter body with a number of insert pockets in connection with an end of the milling cutter body. An opposite end of the milling cutter body is adapted to cooperate with a tool attachment. An indexable cutting insert is secured in the cutting insert seats, each indexable cutting insert having two substantially identical main surfaces. Two side surfaces and two end surfaces extend between the main surfaces, each main surface including two cutting insert corners, each cutting insert corner including major cutting edge and a minor cutting edge. Parts of each main surface include rake faces. Parts of each side surface and each end surface include clearance surfaces. The cutting insert has a height between the end surfaces and each main surface includes an associated support surface.

Abstract: A spindle unit having a pressure foot whose machining efficiency may be improved even when compressed air is used as means for pressing the pressure foot. The spindle unit having the pressure foot includes a rotor shaft provided within a base rotatably and movably along an axis, a collet chuck provided at one end of the rotor shaft, a linear motor for moving a movable element rotatably connected with the rotor shaft and movably provided within the base along the axis together with the rotor shaft to move a drill closer to or apart from the workpiece, a rotary motor for rotating the rotor shaft, a pressure foot disposed in front of the edge of the collet chuck and is capable of pressing down the workpiece, and air cylinders for connecting the movable element with the pressure foot so as to be relatively movable by a predetermined degree and for pressing the pressure foot in the direction separating from the collet chuck.

Abstract: A square channel shaped template of ultra-thin rigid plastic, metal or other material has one or more mating configurations of pencil-point-size marking holes in the two opposing faces of the channel. Each configuration of marking holes matches a configuration of screw holes on a door fixture or door hardware to be mounted on a door. Each configuration of holes may be distinguished by a visible line through the marking holes of each configuration. The template straddles an edge of a door at a measured distance along the edge and fits on the edge with the door closed in a door frame for marking either one or both sides of the door with a mating configuration of marks on the door for drilling.

Abstract: A hydraulic stop for use in drilling or countersinking operations comprises a rotatable body for rotating a tool about its axis. A cage adapted to contact the surface of a workpiece when the tool has penetrated into the workpiece by a predetermined distance actuates a trip mechanism comprising a plunger-operated hydraulic valve as the tool penetrates the workpiece more than the predetermined distance. The plunger is of adjustable length. When actuated the trip mechanism allows the body to shrink in length suddenly. The cage is axially adjustable in relation to the body to set the predetermined depth at which the trip mechanism actuates. A plurality of holes spaced around the circumference of the body to which the cage is mounted allow drainage of coolant whatever the axial position of the cage.

Abstract: A drill for chip removing machining, including a front tip including at least one cutting edge and a chip flute. The chip flute is countersunk in an envelope surface of a body of the drill and extends rearwardly from the cutting edge. The chip flute is generally defined by a cross-section-wise concavely vaulted surface located between first and second longitudinal borders, the first longitudinal border extending from an area of a peripheral end of the cutting edge. The chip flute is deeper in an area of the first longitudinal border than in an area of the second longitudinal border such that a curve defining the cross-sectional shape of the flute surface has a radius of curvature that is smallest in the vicinity of the first longitudinal border and that increases towards the second longitudinal border. The flute surface transforms into a planar chip surface, which in turn transforms into the cutting edge.

Abstract: A CNC machining center has a table-mounted referencing device having two pedestals, each separately engageable by a tool in a Z-axis drive tool holder to establish a zero reference for vertical machining operations on a work-piece mounted on the table. The first of the pedestals has a relatively soft top so that rapid Z-axis advance of the tool onto the pedestal will not damage the tool tip. A spring load on the pedestal also accommodates limited downward movement from a rest position for the pedestal to operate a Z-axis drive stop switch to further avoid tool damage and to save in the computer controller memory, the height of the tool tip from the table. The second pedestal is provided with a hard top so that when the tool tip is touched on it and moves the hard pedestal to operate the switch 34, the Z-axis drive recorder records in controller memory a number that is precisely related to the height of the tool tip from the table.

Abstract: A collet chuck configured to connect to a standard milling machine spindle, wherein the collet chuck includes a centering sleeve having a tapered outer peripheral surface for contact with an inside peripheral tapered surface of the spindle and has an outer end disposed adjacent the mounting end of the spindle, a chuck body having a base with an outer end including mounting end to mount to the end of the spindle, and a biasing element operably disposed between the outer end of the centering sleeve and a portion of a back side of the base in a manner such that the biasing element exerts a force on the back side prior to a direct connection of the base to the mounting end thereby providing for variances in connection of the base to the mounting end of the spindle and assuring concentricity is maintained when so connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a skid assembly for use with a cargo container. In one particular embodiment, the skid assembly comprises an elongate member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface; a plurality of side extensions spaced at predetermined intervals along the side surface; and at least two locking fittings, attached to the upper surface, for removably attaching the skid assembly to at least two corresponding castings located on the lower surface of a cargo container. Alternately, the skid assembly may comprise: an elongate member having an upper surface, a lower surface, two end surfaces, and an end extension extending from each of the two end surfaces for slideably engaging at least two elongate tracks of a cargo locking system.

Abstract: A method of securing body panels to a space frame of a vehicle is disclosed. Body panels are secured to rivet nuts that are assembled to frame members. The location of the rivet nuts or rivet nuts supporting surface is measured and the rivet nuts are milled or machined to correspond to reference body coordinates. The rivet nuts function as a integral shim pack and obviate the need for shims between the space frame and body panels. The rivet nuts may be milled or formed to predetermined thicknesses before or after assembly to the frame.

Abstract: A wheel locking assembly for preventing theft of wheels and tires. The wheel locking assembly includes a wheel rim assembly including a disc-shaped wheel rim having a first side and a second side, and also having an axle-receiving opening being centrally disposed therethrough, and further having fastener holes being spaced apart and being disposed therethrough, and also having cover-mounting holes being disposed therethrough; and also includes a fastener assembly including fasteners being lockingly disposed in the fastener holes of the disc-shaped wheel rim; and further includes a locking assembly being disposed in the disc-shaped wheel rim for locking the fasteners in the fastener holes; and also includes cover members being fastenably attached to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A swivel nut comprising a body (10) having a threaded bore (130), the body comprising a ridge (11) which circumferentially extends about an outer surface, the body further comprising a first surface (12) which extends normal to a body bore centerline (CL), a tapered member (20) having a tapered surface (22) and a bore (23), the tapered member further comprising a second surface (23) which extends normal to the body bore centerline and which second surface cooperatively engages the first surface, the tapered member comprising a groove (21) which extends about an inner surface, and the groove cooperating with the ridge to connect the body and the tapered member while allowing the tapered member rotational movement with respect to the body.

Abstract: A stack of pages is bound along a first edge to form a book using an elongated resistive strip having an adhesive in contact with at least a portion of a first side. The strip has two opposed ends and is dimensioned to substantially cover the first edge of the stack, with the first side against the first edge of the stack. Preferably the strip has a series of alternating finely scribed, spaced-apart cuts extending through the foil. An electrical current is introduced to pass along the strip between the ends. The current should be sufficient to create enough heat in the strip to achieve a temperature at least as great as the adhesive's melting temperature, enabling the melted adhesive to bind the stack of pages together along the first edge.

Abstract: A handling device packs wood chips with a density greater than that achieved using conventional free-fall techniques by ?20%-35%. The device includes a drum rotating about a generally horizontal axis that includes a plurality of outwardly extending blades that act to fling the wood chips so as to land with a substantially uniform orientation. The blades may comprise a leading face with at least a first face section that extends in a first direction and at least a second face section extending at a forward angle relative to the first section. The first direction may be generally normal to the drum core's peripheral surface. The output from the drum, when an input stream of wood chips is fed to the drum, covers an arc of at least 90°, typically in the range of 90°-120° and generally downwardly facing, when viewed from the side along the axis.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a compressor that compresses a gaseous mixture of air and fuel includes a pressurized air supply duct for supplying pressurized air into a leakage pathway defined between a compressor wheel and a housing of the compressor, which leakage pathway leads from the main gas flow path into a bearing area of the compressor, the pressurized air being supplied at a pressure sufficient to ensure that air and gaseous fuel cannot flow from the main gas flow path through the leakage pathway into the bearing area. A portion of the pressurized air flows into the bearing area, while the remainder of the air flows outwardly and is either fed back into the main gas flow path or is combined with air and gaseous fuel that leaks past an outer seal and is recirculated back to the compressor inlet.

Abstract: The wet steam exiting a low pressure steam turbine does not rapidly attain thermodynamic equilibrium because insufficient condensation nuclei are present in the phase transition zone inside the turbine. Therefore, the steam is subcooled, decreasing the power generated by the turbine, and the liquid water carried by the steam consists of relatively coarse droplets which strike the surface of the turbine blades causing erosion. Corona electrodes installed inside the turbine before the saturation line create electrically charged particles which serve as condensation nuclei, decreasing subcooling, and producing a large number of fine droplets. Thereby, thermodynamic equilibrium is more closely approached, more power is generated, and smaller water droplets cause less erosion inside the turbine.

Abstract: A device for lubricating a component in a turbomachine, in particular a shaft bearing in a turbojet, the device comprising an annular support part defining a lubrication chamber around the component, an annular cover mounted in sealed manner on the part and including a lubricating oil inlet, and an annular channel for passing a flow of pressurizing and cooling air, which channel is formed between the part and the cover, and communicates with ducts in the support part and an annular enclosure formed in the cover for passing the pressurizing and cooling air.

Abstract: A rotating blade body is provided that can restrain vibrations of rotating blades effectively. The rotating blade body comprises a rotor disc, a plurality of rotating blades being assembled so as to extend from the outer circumference of the rotor disc in a radial pattern, and sealing pins extending along the direction of the rotating shaft in the gaps between the platforms of the rotating blades being adjacent in a circumferential direction. The sealing pins have a through-hole made therein, penetrating axially from one end surface to the other end surface.

Abstract: A winglet includes a vertical member and a mounting member. The mounting member is configured to facilitate the mounting of the winglet to the tip of a fan blade. The vertical member is configured to extend perpendicularly relative the tip of a fan blade. Adding winglets to fan blades may improve the aerodynamics of the fan blades, and thereby increase efficiencies of a fan.

Abstract: A main rotor blade exhibiting a unique planform shape in which the blade chord increases from the root end of the blade inboard region to the outer main region of the blade, where the blade chord achieves a maximum chord at a spanwise location within the main region, then decreases toward a distal tip end. The leading edge preferably is generally straight while the trailing edge is contoured to define the chord. Another characteristic feature of the rotor blade design is the location of the blade-feathering axis in which the feathering axis is located at a mid chord position over some inboard length of the rotor blade then transitions to a quarter chord location. Another characteristic feature is an airfoil distribution along the blade span that transitions from a blunt trailing edge to a sharp trailing edge airfoil suited for mid-range Mach number operation. The tip region preferably utilizes a transonic flow airfoil.

Abstract: A method for generating an internal pack coating having different, controlled thicknesses includes partially filling a root opening of a turbine blade having a cavity therein with a first powder and a second powder having different formulations so that the first powder contacts a first predefined portion of the surface of the cavity and the second powder contacts a second predefined portion of the surface of the cavity. The method further includes heating the object with the first powder and the second powder therein to thereby produce a coating of the internal cavity having different coating thicknesses over the first portion of the surface of the cavity and the second portion of the surface of the cavity.

Abstract: A tuning notch is defined preferably in the back of a blade root to tune the blade natural frequency in a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An electric motor-driven pump, particularly adapted for pumping condensate from refrigeration and air conditioning systems includes a reservoir body, a reservoir cover supporting an electric motor directly connected to a centrifugal pump impeller at one end of the motor rotor shaft and to a centrifugal cooling air fan at the opposite end of the motor rotor shaft. The motor is mounted on the reservoir cover and a motor cover mounted on the reservoir cover defines cooling air inlet and discharge ports for the flow of cooling air propelled by the fan. Efficient cooling air movement is obtained in a mechanically uncomplicated arrangement.

Abstract: The method of managing time M, at which maintenance of a gas compressor multiple system incorporating therein a plurality of gas compressors should be carried out, involves making a comparison between a value of M and a predetermined time N for necessary maintenance to carry out the maintenance when the value of M is larger than or substantially equal to a value of N, where M is equal to the product of the operating time T of the system, the average load factor L, and a safety factor C.

Abstract: A camouflaged inflation device for inflating pool toys and rafts includes a housing that includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends downwardly from the top wall. The peripheral wall has a bottom edge having a peripheral lip thereon for receiving a peripheral edge of the bottom wall. The housing is camouflaged to appear as a poolside object. An air compressor is mounted on the bottom wall for providing pressurized air. An air supply hose has a first end fluidly coupled to the air compressor and a second end extending outwardly through a first aperture in the peripheral wall. Pressurized air supplied by the air compressor flows outwardly through the second end of the hose.

Abstract: A tube type pumping apparatus having a resilient tube provided along a wall, a squeezing member positioned to move along the wall to squeeze the resilient tube against the wall, a squeezing member holder that holds the squeezing member; a cam member whose surface receives a driving force from a driving source to change positions of the squeezing member between an initial position away from the wall and a squeezing position near the wall, and a regulating force generator that provides a regulating force to the squeezing member at a transition time interval as the squeezing member moves from the initial position to the squeezing position. The regulating force generator and the cam member acting together to prevent the squeezing member from applying pressure against the resilient tube during the transition time interval. The squeezing member has a curved surface to maintain an alignment of the tube with the squeezing member.

Abstract: A hand-operated inflator with dual cylinder is provided. Once the cylinders are pulled out on two sides of the central block to form a line axially, and a clamp plate at mid point in between the two cylinders is turned to the transversal position to lock the cylinders in place, the inflator is set for refilling operation. The two cylinders can be folded back when the clamp plate is released, making it easy for carrying and storage with the length reduced by half. The inflator is able to inflate an object with faster rate as compared with the conventional inflators with only one air cylinder. Moreover, the central block can be attached with a pressure meter. If the measured air pressure inside the object gets excessively high, air can be safely released through an over pressure valve.

Abstract: In a high inner pressure type multistage compression system rotary compressor whose object is to improve sealability of a first rotary compression element and which includes a second rotary compression element having a displacement volume being smaller than that of the first rotary compression element and in which a refrigerant compressed by the first rotary compression element is compressed by the second rotary compression element to discharge the refrigerant into a sealed container, heights of a first cylinder of the first rotary compression element and a second cylinder of the second rotary compression element are set to be equal, diameters of both of eccentric portions are set to be equal, an inner diameter of the first cylinder is set to be larger than that of the second cylinder, and a thickness of a first roller is set to be larger than that of a second roller.

Abstract: A mold used to form a rubber or resin article which includes a shaping surface for shaping a surface of an object to be molded, and a vent structure for releasing air between the shaping surface and the surface, wherein the vent structure includes EDM vents each having a gap of not more than 0.1 mm at the shaping surface.

Abstract: The apparatus for forming large dimension ceramic tiles includes at least one first pressing unit (2) connected to at least one second pressing unit (4) by a conveying system (3) with which there may be associated at least one decorating unit for surface-finishing the blank formed by the at least one first forming unit, the at least one second pressing unit including two mutually movable superposed dies (7, 6), the lower of which is fixed and is positioned at the level of the conveying system, and the upper of which is movable in level between a raised position in which it awaits the arrival of the blank, and a lowered position in which it compacts the blank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movement output apparatus for controllably moving a movement output means in at least two spatial dimensions, the apparatus including: a cog means with a first diameter; a ring with a track formed on an inner surface of the ring, the track having a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter; wherein: the cog means is rotatable by first driving means; the ring is rotatable by second driving means; the cog means is arranged to move, in use, along the track; and the movement output means is attached to the cog means, whereby, in use, movement of the cog means effects movement of the movement output means, and the movement of the movement output means is controllable by control of the first and second driving means to produce substantially linear movement of the movement output means to produce substantially linear movement of the movement output means.

Abstract: An impression device for food items, which is a rolling device designed to create images upon a variety of foods for decoration and/or marketing purposes. As the device is hand-rolled along the food, the decorative letters and images create a repeated pattern of impressions upon the food. The roller device is particularly suitable for impressing narrow foods such as pizza crusts, certain pasta noodles, lattice pie tops, breadsticks, or the edges of melons. The device provides a firm, comfortable grip for all hand sizes that can be used with one or two hands.

Abstract: There is provided a device for transferring a pattern from a stamp to a substrate, provided with a moldable film, by pressing the stamp and the substrate against each other. The device comprises at least one fixture for retaining a planar object such as the stamp or the substrate. The device is distinguished in that it comprises a heating element for heating the planar object, and measuring arrangement for determining a change in the size of the planar object due to the heating.

Abstract: A temperature control system for use in a fiber extrusion process includes a number of metering pump assemblies including inlets to receive at least two molten polymer streams from a supply source that is connectable to the system. A pump block disposed proximate the metering pump assemblies includes a plurality of flow paths extending within the pump block, where the flow paths are aligned to receive molten polymer flowing from outlets of the metering pump assemblies and to deliver the molten polymer to a spinneret. The flow paths are arranged in flow path sets within the pump block, and each flow path set includes at least one flow path and is spaced a selected distance from the other flow path sets within the pump block so as to facilitate independent control of the temperature of a molten polymer flowing through each flow path set.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mold-closing device for an injection molding machine used for processing plastic materials, in which the mold supports accommodating an injection mold therebetween and a support element (13) for a mold-closing mechanism (C) are mounted on the machine base (14). In order to be able to precisely align the mold supports, the first mold support is also mounted on the machine base (14) so as to be movable in the closing direction, the support element (13) is mounted on the machine base (14) or a part thereof via a stationary bearing, and a positioning mechanism (16) is provided for adjusting the angle between the support element (13) and the machine base (14).

Abstract: A press-molding mold includes a first mold part (10), a second mold part (20), a bushing (40), a first latching pin (50) and a second latching pin (70). The second mold part (20) defines a longitudinal central axis (21) and includes a first positioning portion (211) having an annular groove (212) defined in an outer surface thereof and a plurality of first longitudinal holes (213) defined therein. The bushing (40) includes a second positioning portion (430) defining a second longitudinal through hole (432) configured for alignment with one of the first longitudinal holes (213) and a transverse through hole (434) spatially corresponding to the annular groove (212). The first latching pin (50) latchingly extends through the transverse through hole (434) and insertion into the annular groove (212). The second latching pin (70) latchingly extends through the second longitudinal hole (432) and insertion in one of the first longitudinal hole (213).

Abstract: In an injection molding machine 1 for supplying clean air 10 to a die 8 in a direction perpendicular to a direction that opens/closes the die 8, in order to effectively pass the clean air 10 through an opened space in the die 8 so as to prevent dust from depositing on a die cavity surface or a molded product when the die 8 is opened and a ventilating hole 12 is provided in a safety door 11 provided so as to be in parallel with the die opening/closing direction.

Abstract: A cooling tube assembly for operating on a malleable molded plastic part. The cooling tube assembly comprising a porous tube/insert having a profiled inner conditioning surface, and a vacuum structure configured to cooperate with the porous tube. In use, the vacuum develops a reduced pressure adjacent the inner conditioning surface to cause an outer surface of the malleable molded plastic part, locatable within the cooling tube assembly, to contact the inner conditioning surface of the porous insert so as to allow a substantial portion of the outer surface of the malleable part, upon cooling, to attain a profile substantially corresponding to the profile of the inner conditioning surface. The cooling tube assembly further including a suction channel therein that is configured to cooperate with a valve member for the control of a suction flow therethrough that assists in a transferring of the molded article into the cooling tube assembly.

Abstract: A modular hot runner nozzle having a variable length includes a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion provided in series between a manifold and a mold gate of an injection molding apparatus. The first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion having respective nozzle channels for delivering the melt stream from the manifold to a mold cavity. A nozzle tip is provided at a forward end of the hot runner nozzle. The nozzle tip and the manifold are generally fixed within the injection molding apparatus so that axial thermal expansion is taken up by a telescoping or a slidable connection that is provided between the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion.

Abstract: Molding apparatus for rapid transfer of molten resin or pitch in an infiltration molding process. The apparatus includes e.g. an extruder (4) for melting and conveying a resin or pitch and a mold (10) arranged so that resin or pitch is conveyed to a mold insert cavity (19) within the mold. The mold insert contains an internal protrusion such as a locating ring (25) for positioning a porous body (1, 18) within the mold insert cavity in a position that brings about unidirectional flow of the molten resin or pitch through the porous body. Also, rapid resin or pitch infiltration molding process that includes injecting a high melting point, high viscosity, molten resin or pitch into the mold to effect a unidirectional impregnation of a heated preform via a pressure gradient in the mold.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus which includes a check valve assembly mounted at the forward end of a feed-screw, the valve assembly having forward and rearward valve seat surfaces which co-act in a first position to allow a plasticized polymeric material to enter and flow through the valve into an injection chamber and which co-act in a second position to stop any additional material from entering the valve assembly. The second valve position is effected by a feed-screw injection stroke which generates a back pressure to close the valve, the back pressure moving a check ring of the valve assembly into a position to block entry into the valve. Part of the valve seat surfaces are covered with a plurality of ceramic disks and other valve seat surfaces are covered with a metal alloy which effectively increases the abrasion resistance of the valve seat surfaces and thus also increases the wear service life of the check valve assembly.

Abstract: A nozzle controls flow of melt in injection molding equipment by passive actuation with opening and closing of a mold assembly. The nozzle comprises a valve pin having a pin passage therethrough movably supported within a nozzle passage and a contact arm transverse to and extending beyond the nozzle passage, the valve pin sealingly engaging the nozzle passage. Biasing means biases the valve pin to a closed position preventing passage of melt through the nozzle. The contact arm effects movement of the valve pin to an open position when closing of the mold assembly exerts a force on the contact arm to overcome the biasing means. A mold arrangement of plural mold assemblies comprises pairs of nozzles of the invention to control flow of melt through mating conduit segments between an injection unit and at least one mold assembly, the nozzles arranged and configured for seating engagement with abutment of the conduit segments.

Abstract: The method and apparatus provides a controller (which might comprise a microprocessor) that can control gas flow to a pilot burner in fluid communication with a manual pilot valve and an automatic pilot valve. The exemplary embodiments can comprise a selectable input device that can open the manual pilot valve to allow gas flow to the pilot burner. A pilot flame can then heat one or more thermal detection devices in thermal communication with the pilot burner, wherein the one or more thermal detection devices can output a variable voltage potential to the controller. The controller can then open the automatic pilot valve to maintain gas flow to the pilot burner after the manual pilot valve has been closed. In an exemplary embodiment, the only voltage potential used to power the controller is supplied by the one or more thermal detection devices.

Abstract: A venturi tube has a configuration of baffles affixed thereto that serve to greatly reduce the susceptibility of a gas burning appliance to wind gusts. The baffles cooperate to force incoming primary combustion air through a circuitous route before introduction into a flow of gaseous fuel. The circuitous route in combination with the volume of air that is contained within the baffling serves to substantially reduce flame blowout.

Abstract: A secure and convenient igniter includes a trigger and a security element. The trigger is pivotally connected to the igniter for actuation of the igniter. The security element is pivotally connected to the igniter so that the security element normally locks the trigger and can be pivoted in order to set the trigger free for pivotal movement. Pivotal movement of the security element and pivotal movement of the trigger can be done in a smooth sequence.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a latch that comprises at least one clip with a region for receiving an archwire. The clip also includes a recess for receiving a post of the appliance and for coupling the clip to remaining components of the appliance. The post includes a neck and an outermost head, and the neck and the head are constructed to reduce the extent that the clip must be opened to fit the clip over the head and onto the post during assembly of the appliance.