Abstract: A mass flowmeter employing the Coriolis principle incorporates in at least one section two measuring tubes that extend along a common plane, as well as a connecting device that connects the two measuring tubes in the section in which they extend along the common plane. The connecting device is designed and positioned in a manner whereby its flexural strength for flections in the common plane of the measuring tubes is greater than its torsional rigidity for torsional oscillations around the connecting line between the two measuring tubes. This achieves good frequency separation between the excitation oscillations generated in the common plane of the measuring tubes and the oscillations of the measuring tubes perpendicular to the former.

Abstract: A tightening torque measuring unit (4) has an inner shaft (31) connectable to a first output shaft (12) of a tightening device main body (1) and an outer shaft (32) connectable to a second output shaft (13) of the body. The inner shaft (31) is provided with a tightening socket (21), and the outer shaft (32) with a reaction force receiver (22). The outer shaft (32) has strain gauges (47), and an indicator (5) for converting an amount of strain detected by the gauges into a corresponding tightening torque value. Since the reaction force receiver (22) can be attached to the measuring unit (4), the tightening reaction force is prevented from acting to knock down the receiver (22), enabling the unit (4) to measure tightening torque, with the device main body (1), the measuring unit (4) and the socket (21) positioned in alignment with the axis of the nut to be tightened.

Abstract: An electric power steering device having a torque sensor for detecting torque by using a coil provided in an electromagnetic yoke. A terminal block projects to the radial outside and axial outside with respect to an axial line of a substantially cylindrical coil bobbin accommodated in the electromagnetic yoke by a predetermined offset amount and is provided in the coil bobbin. The terminal block has press-fitting holes for press-fitting and fixing connection pins for connecting the coil winding and a sensor circuit substrate, wherein the press-fitting holes have air-purging holes communicating with the outside.

Abstract: A beam load cell transducer is positioned between a stationary member and moveable member. The stationary member, as well as the moveable member are surrounded by a collar, which collar has an inner surface means to limit the movement of the moveable member of the transducer. By limiting the movement and restraining further movement after a predetermined excessive force is applied, one stops the beam and therefore prevents the beam from fracturing or rupturing. In the unlikely event that the beam does fracture or rupture, then the sleeve acts to hold the entire unit together, thereby maintaining integrity to the transducer.

Abstract: A simple and convenient analyzing apparatus is provided which easily, conveniently, and efficiently collects a material in the state of fine particles adhered to a target object, extracts the object to be analyzed, and analyzes the extracted object. An apparatus for detecting fine particles in a gas which sucks the gas under measurement from the target object by using a suction pump, extracts the fine particles contained in the gas under measurement, and performs measurement by using a spectrometer is embodied such that an inertial impactor for collecting the fine particles having diameters not less than a specified particle diameter is disposed upstream of the spectrometer, the fine particles are collected in the fine particle collector of the inertial impactor, the collector containing the collected fine particles is heated such that the collected fine particles are vaporized into a gas, and the vaporized fluid to be examined is supplied to the spectrometer to be measured thereby.

Abstract: A grooved cylinder (2) is alternatively mobile in two opposing cylinder guides (10, 11) mounted on a crankcase (14). This cylinder (2) is mounted coaxially inside a double crown piece of revolution (5) with an indented portion (6a) to rotate around the axis (2a) of the cylinder (2) over bearings (B2) coupled between a third groove (16) of the respective crankcase cover (14a, 14b) and the respective housing (9) of the external bases of the ends (6) of the crown (5); these cylinder (2) and crown (5) are coupled by means of bearings (B1) placed between a first groove in zigzag (3) in the side surface of the cylinder (2) and the first housings (8) in the inside of the crown (5), and other bearings (B1) placed between some straight grooves (4), also on the side surface of the cylinder (3) extending between its ends and the valleys (3a) of the first groove (3), and third housings (15) provided in the respective crankcase cover (14a, 14b).

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a method for the control of a gear engagement mechanism of an automated multiple-ratio transmission having at least one drive shaft and at least one output shaft, including assigning a synchronizer to at least one gear step, applying a load to the synchronizer in order to engage or disengage a gear step of the transmission, and varying the load that is applied to the synchronizer as a function of the service life of the transmission system.

Abstract: A rack guide includes a rack guide base body which has on its outer peripheral surface a pair of semicylindrical surfaces and a pair of planar surfaces each located between the pair of semicylindrical surfaces, has a concavely recessed surface located on one axial end portion side inwardly of the pair of semicylindrical surfaces and the planar surfaces, and has a cylindrical surface located on the other axial end portion side inwardly of the pair of semicylindrical surfaces and the planar surfaces; and a slider secured to the rack guide base body.

Abstract: A control lever assembly having a moveable lever and a knob mounted on an end of the lever. The knob has a hollow housing which is removably attached to a cylindrical base. The housing has a cylindrical side wall which forms an opening. A wheel is received in and partially enclosed by the housing for rotation therein. A portion of the housing completely surrounds an outer surface of one end of the wheel. A rotary encoder generates a rotary position signal and is coupled to the wheel by a stiff wire or shaft. The shaft extends through the wheel to a first end which is received by an alignment recess formed on an inner surface of the housing and to a second end which is coupled to the encoder. The shaft extends through a bore in the base and through a bore in the lever.

Abstract: A tilt steering assembly includes a support shaft extended along a tilt central axis. The support shaft is conductively assembled to a steering column and is unitarily rotated with the steering column during tilt adjustment. A resilient conductive member is interposed between a conductive end member provided at an end of the support shaft and a conductive fixed side plate including a support hole for supporting the support shaft. The steering column is grounded via the support shaft, the end member, the conductive member and the fixed side plate.

Abstract: A spring loaded device assembly includes a spring loaded device for use with hydraulic systems, the spring loaded device including: a spring mechanism disposed in an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member movably disposed in one end of the outer tubular member; an adjustment rod movably disposed in the inner tubular member; a clevis attached to a distal end of the adjustment rod for attachment to a hydraulic system; and a rigid mounting member having two ends, a first end being attached to another end of the outer tubular member, and a second end being attached to the hydraulic system to prevent swivel of the spring loaded device.

Abstract: A rotary indexing device for use in a group of treatment stations, includes at least one respective tensioning device for exchangeable tool holders disposed in a treatment zone. The rotary indexing machine has a rotary indexing unit with a lift-and-turn device on which support elements for tool holders are disposed. The lift-and-turn device of the rotary indexing unit is provided with a piston rod on which a first coupling element is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner. The first coupling element can be engaged with a further coupling element disposed above it by the lift stroke of the piston rod. The coupling element encloses the piston rod and is driven by a motor. The piston rod is rotationally fixed during the lift stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sharpening razor blades and the like whereby rectangularly-shaped magnets are placed end-to-end in a rectangular enclosure that snaps on securely over a razor blade during non-use times in such a manner that the magnetic field generated by the magnets acts upon the cutting edge of the blade so as to maintain the sharpness of the cutting edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for tensioning a threaded rod (1). The inventive device comprises: an actuator (5) which can exert an axial force; and a tie rod (6) which transmits the axial force from the actuator (5) towards a threaded end (1b) of the rod (1b), said tie rod (6) comprising at least two jaws (31) which can move radially between a closed position, in which the tie rod (6) is engaged with a threaded end (1b) of the rod (1), and an open position in which the jaws (31) are disengaged from the threaded rod (1b). Moreover, said device comprises a locking element (45) which can move between a jaw (31) opening position and a jaw (31) closing position.

Abstract: A manual tong is disclosed which includes a continuous composite continuous belt, a handle assembly, and a jaw assembly, where the continuous composite continuous belt is designed to take the place of the convention linked chains used currently in manual tongs. The continuous composite continuous belt is held in place by a set of pins associated with the handle and jaw assemblies. Replacement of the linked chains with the continuous composite continuous belts improve tong safety, improve ease of use, lower cost, make adjustment easier and make continuous belt replacement easier reducing down time and increasing tong utility (one tong can be used for different pipe diameters with a simply adjustment of the continuous belt or a simple replacement of the continuous belt with a different size continuous belt.

Abstract: The wrench comprises a handle that is pivotably connected to a body portion. The body portion supports a fixed jaw. A movable jaw is slidably supported on the body portion such that the movable jaw can move relative to the fixed jaw to vary the spacing between the jaws. When the handle is rotated in a first direction the spacing between the jaws increases to allow the jaws to slip over a work piece and provide a ratchet function. When the handle is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction the movable jaw is moved towards the fixed jaw to close on and grip the workpiece. In one embodiment a link moves the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw and forms part of an dead/over-center locking mechanism.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an enhanced hex key comprises a hex key composed of a first material (e.g., a metal such as steel) and non-marring, protective sleeve composed of a second material fitted onto the hex key bit portion of the hex key. In one embodiment, the sleeve may be comprised of a thermoset material such as, preferably, a glass reinforced thermoset plastic. The sleeve has a hexagonally-shaped inner surface that fits onto the hex key bit, and a hexagonally-shaped outer surface that fits, e.g., into fasteners of a specified size. The sleeve may be connected to the hex key bit by an adhesive. The sleeve may additionally be connected to the hex key bit using a screw such as, e.g., a set screw. Alternatively, the sleeve may be pinned to the hex key bit using a pin such as, e.g., a dowel pin. Tools with non-marring surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: The driver has a number of cartridges assembled around a central axis, engaging each other along abutting longitudinal edges. Each cartridge has its own spring-loaded mechanism for extending or retracting a bit through a central axial opening of a collar at the distal end of the tool. The mechanism translates a small movement of an actuation button into rapid and much larger movement of the bit associated with that cartridge, whether that movement is extension or retraction.

Abstract: A torque adjustable wrench includes an adjusting rod extending from an end of the shank of the wrench and a first toothed surface are longitudinally defined in an outer periphery thereof. A longitudinal positioning groove is defined in the adjusting rod to form a blank area of the first toothed surface. An end cap is connected to the grip which is rotatably connected to the shank and includes second toothed surface which is engaged with the first toothed surface. A positioning member is connected to the end cap and includes a positioning tongue which can be removably engaged with the longitudinal positioning groove. When the torque is set, the grip is pulled to remove the positioning tongue from the longitudinal positioning groove and the user may operate the wrench. The use can trace the original setting by inserting the positioning tongue into the longitudinal positioning groove.

Abstract: A high bandwidth rotary fast tool servo provides tool motion in a direction nominally parallel to the surface-normal of a workpiece at the point of contact between the cutting tool and workpiece. Three or more flexure blades having all ends fixed are used to form an axis of rotation for a swing arm that carries a cutting tool at a set radius from the axis of rotation. An actuator rotates a swing arm assembly such that a cutting tool is moved in and away from the lathe-mounted, rotating workpiece in a rapid and controlled manner in order to machine the workpiece. A pair of position sensors provides rotation and position information for a swing arm to a control system. A control system commands and coordinates motion of the fast tool servo with the motion of a spindle, rotating table, cross-feed slide, and in-feed slide of a precision lathe.

Abstract: The planetary tubing cutter of the invention provides a gearing assembly having a pair of ring gears and a number of pinions with a blade affixed to each pinion. The ring gears are parallel to one another and are individually driven. The pinions are rotatably mounted to a side surface of one ring gear and engage a sun gear assembled to the other ring gear. When the ring gears rotate at the same speed, the pinions and blades do not revolve around their respective axes, and when one ring gear rotates at a speed different from the other ring gear, the pinions and blades revolve about their respective axes, intercepting and cutting a tube passing through an axial passage through the ring gears.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a base, a table rotatably mounted on the base, and a extension arm rigidly connected to the periphery of the table and extending radially away from the axis of rotation of the table. The angular position of the table relative to the base may be fixed via a locking member mounted on the extension arm. The locking member can be linearly moved relative to the extension arm between a locked position where the angular position of the table is fixed relative to the base, and an unlocked position. The locking member is also pivotable between a locked position where the angular position of the table is fixed relative to the base, and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A braided device comprising: filaments of a first type and of a second type, the second type differing from the first type in at least one characteristic; the first type of filaments defining an integral symmetrical 1×1 sub-pattern; and the combination of the first type of filaments and the second type of filaments being braided together into a braided device exhibiting a uniform braid pattern.

Abstract: A bolt assembly for a direct gas firearm includes a plurality of sealing rings. In an embodiment, there are three rings with ring gaps cut at about a 45 degree angle and the middle ring is flipped so that the angle of the gap of the middle ring is approximately 90 degrees from the angle of the gap of the two outer rings. In an embodiment, the angle of the ring gap of at least one of the plurality of sealing rings is between 0 and 90 degrees and the ring is configured so that the ring gap is minimized once the ring is installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control apparatus (1) for a shifting fork (7) for engaging/releasing at least one gear (G) in a manual transmission, comprising at least one shifting cylinder (2, 3) and a piston unit (6) which can move within the shifting cylinder and is connected to the shifting fork (7), and at least one control valve (8) for generating a modeled pressure which can be applied to the piston unit (6) in order to actuate the shifting fork (7). To prevent jolting when the piston unit is started up, the invention proposes a valve apparatus which provides a counter-pressure which counteracts the movement of the piston unit (6). In a preferred exemplary embodiment, a diaphragm ensures that the counter-pressure drops below the value preset by the valve apparatus at low speeds on the part of the piston unit.

Abstract: In a variable displacement type hydraulic pump/motor assembly including at least one internally movable component, such as a yoke, a swashplate, and the means for moving the swashplate, the improvement includes imparting on this component absolute location indicia markings and the addition of an optical/electronic sensor unit capable of reading such indicia markings fixedly located on a housing of the pump/motor assembly and including an optical read head extending into the housing interior and located at a spaced distance from the indicia markings for reading same, relative to a reference location, and producing a signal indicative of the absolute position of the movable component. The signal can then, in turn, be used for controlling the displacement of the pump/motor assembly. A method for determining the absolute component position is also set forth.

Abstract: A pressurized-medium-driven apparatus including an actuator articulately mounted a line segment and a connecting element. The line segment and the connecting element are connected so as to be mutually pivotable with respect to each other around a swing axis. The connection is provided by a junction means between the line segment and the connecting element, wherewith the connecting element and or the line segment are rigid components, preferably a rigid tube or pipe. The junction means is a swiveling junction connection.

Abstract: An oscillating motor for a camshaft adjusting device has a stator and a rotor mounted so as to be rotatable relative to one another. The stator has an inner wall and radially extending stator vanes connected to the inner wall. The rotor has a base member and radially extending rotor vanes connected to the base member. The rotor vanes have an end face, respectively, resting against the inner wall of the stator. The stator vanes have an end face, respectively, resting against a peripheral wall of the base member. The rotor vanes taper discontinuously from the end face of the rotor vanes, respectively, in a direction toward the base member so that the rotor vanes each have a widened section at the end face, respectively.

Abstract: A piston assembly of an air pump is provided herein. The piston of the piston assembly has a through exhaust channel along the direction of the piston's back-and-forth movement. The exhaust channel is made up of two aligned exhaust holes, and a space is preserved at where the two exhaust holes interface. A flexible valve piece is provided inside the space, which will flip upward and downward to block the exhaust holes when the piston moves downward and upward, respectively. When the air pump is turned off and the piston stops moving, the exhaust valve piece would be automatically restored to its un-bended state by its own flexibility, allowing the compressed air inside the cylinder to escape through the exhaust holes and around the exhaust valve piece inside the space.

Abstract: A high speed subdividing and filling apparatus for liquid food containing solids therein comprising: a fixed quantity cut-down pump body having an absorption opening in communication with a lower-end opening of a liquid food accommodating container and having a discharge opening; an inner cylinder turnably fitted in the fixed quantity cut-down pump body; a piston slidably fitted in the inner cylinder; and a through-hole formed in the inner cylinder, wherein rotation of the inner cylinder and forward/backward movement of the piston are coupled so as the through-hole of the inner cylinder is communicated with the absorption opening of the cut-down pump body, the piston moves back to fill liquid food into the inner cylinder and as the through-hole of the inner cylinder is communicated with the discharge opening of the pump body, the piston advances to discharge liquid food from the discharge opening.

Abstract: A bread maker having a main body, an oven accommodated in the main body, a baking tray provided inside the oven, and a door rotatably connected to the main body to open and close the oven, the bread maker including a sealing part on an inside of the door to prevent leakage of heat from the oven, and a rib extending from the baking tray to contact the sealing part. The sealing part of the door contacts a rib formed on the baking tray when the door is closed so that the sealing part does not protrude into the oven, which prevents the sealing part from being damaged or deformed by an external force, and allows the door to be manufactured using a simple assembling process that increases productivity. The bottom of the oven includes a protuberant part that minimizes the effects of an external force.

Abstract: A system for securing a basket containing product securely within an autoclave or retort. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is used with rotational retorts, which generally include a rotational insert for receiving product-loaded baskets, the rotational insert rotated via a drive to rotate the baskets end over end during the autoclave process, for more efficient heat transfer. The present invention contemplates an improvement for securing the baskets within the retort, to facilitate secure rotation of the baskets and their contents, and prevent shifting of the baskets within the retort during rotation. Particularly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the use of one or more lift bladders sandwiched between clamping platens situated along the length of the rotational insert, the lift bladders configured to expand to lift and position the baskets into a securing position for rotation, then deflate to release the baskets after processing for removal.

Abstract: A printer of the present invention includes a timing belt passed over drive pulleys, each of which is mounted on a particular print drum, via phase adjusting means and deflection pulleys or rotary members. The deflection pulleys are rotatable in contact with the rear surface of the timing belt. The timing belt has its rear surface ground to have uniform thickness. The printer is free from the deviation of relative phase between the rotary members and offset ghosts ascribable to the irregular thickness of the timing belt, while preserving the low-cost configuration of timing belt connection.

Abstract: An ink proofer arrangement to generate consistent and reliable ink drawdowns irrespective of the size of the substrate or the user preparing the ink sample. The ink proofer arrangement includes an ink proofer tool, a cylindrical drum roller, a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller and a first movable mounting assembly to retain the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller, a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool between a contact with pressure position and a non-contact position with the roller. The transfer roller is adapted to transfer ink to a substrate that is inserted between the roller and the transfer roll of the ink proofer tool when the drive motor is engaged. Additionally, the ink proofer arrangement includes a substrate roll tensioner to control the rotation of the substrate roll.

Abstract: An anti-jam bezel is provided for dispensing a flexible substrate from an output slot. A guideway is provided for receiving the flexible substrate from a transport and guiding the flexible substrate into the output slot. The guideway may extend from the output slot to the transport to provide a substrate receiving opening. The bezel body is adapted for mounting with the substrate receiving opening adjacent the transport such that the guideway catches a leading edge of the substrate after the substrate exits the transport and guides the leading edge into the output slot. In the event the output slot is blocked, the guideway is adapted to guide at least a portion of the substrate into the substrate receiving opening so that at least the portion of the substrate loops into the substrate receiving opening, thereby preventing a jam.

Abstract: A data carrier printed by line intaglio having a halftone image represented by irregular line structures in the manner of an engraving. The line structures are superimposed at least partly by fine structures rendered in positive or negative representation. Methods are provided for generating and processing irregular line structures as digital image data on a computer following individual specifications by an operator. The line structures are transferred to a line intaglio printing plate. The digital image data is used for controlling an engraving apparatus. In the alternative, other printing processes may be involved wherein the digital image data is superimposed at least partly with fine structures rendered in positive or negative representation.

Abstract: A squib associated with a supplemental restraint system includes an igniting agent positioned above a first pin that is a connecting terminal providing a connection with a two-wire system bus wire, which is an external signal wire, and above a header that is provided with a second pin that is a connecting terminal. The squib also includes an IC substrate that controls communications and ignitions, and is positioned above the igniting agent, an ignition element between the igniting agent and the IC substrate, and joining portions provided in two locations bridging the igniting agent so as to connect the IC substrate with the first pin and the header. The IC substrate, the igniting agent, the pin, and the header are covered by a circular cylinder shaped cap whose top portion is closed off. Furthermore, these are formed integrally by being covered by a resin mold that is made to extend across the portions of the pins using a molding process.

Abstract: A hand grenade simulating device includes a first shell filled with a marking filler, a second shell disposed in the first shell for receiving a percussion-triggered charge, a striking member which is remote from the charge in a ready position and which is movable to strike the charge by a biasing force of a biasing member to initiate detonation for exploding the first and second shells and scattering the marking filler, a releasably retaining member which is disposed to hold the striking member in the ready position and which is manually releasable, and a delay member disposed to generate a kinetic frictional force between the striking member and the second shell such that the striking member is dragged by the frictional force against the biasing force of the biasing member when the releasably retained member is released.

Abstract: A constant contact side bearing assembly configured for insertion into a walled receptacle on an upper surface of a railcar bolster. The constant contact side bearing assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. A cap is positioned by and overlies an end of the spring. The cap is mounted for reciprocatory guided movements by and relative to the housing, with a generally flat railcar body engaging portion on the cap being positioned relative to the housing and the walled receptacle by the spring. The side bearing assembly housing and the walled receptacle are configured to accommodate an apparatus used to locate and secure the side bearing assembly housing within the walled receptacle on the railcar bolster.

Abstract: A railway car for transportation of motor vehicles. The railway car may be articulated, comprising two or more units. The railway car may have end doors which are pivotally attached to the roof of the railway car. Flexible seals may be provided along the inner and outer edges of the end doors. Ventilation in the side walls of the railway car may be provided by small diameter perforations grouped at elevations near the top and bottom of each level. The side walls may be constructed by a combination of load bearing side wall panels which function as shear plates, and vertical posts. Protection for the door edges of motor vehicles being carried in the railway car may be provided by providing a plurality of parallel horizontal strips of a relatively soft material along the inside of each side wall on each level. A flexible enclosure may be provided between adjacent car units. A heat-reflecting corrosion-resistant coating may be provided on the galvanized steel corrugated roof to extend the life of the roof.

Abstract: A thermoformed twin sheet pallet comprising an upper plastic sheet and a lower plastic sheet, the sheets being fused together to form a platform structure and a plurality of leg structures downstanding from the platform structure in spaced relation and defining a plurality of forklift passages therebetween. The leg structures are formed of spaced downstanding leg portions of the upper sheet fused in vertically overlapping relation to spaced upstanding leg portions of the lower sheet, and main body planar portions of the upper sheet between the spaced downstanding leg portions coact with main body planar portions of the lower sheet between the spaced upstanding leg portions to define the forklift passages. The lower sheet further includes an upstanding flange portion extending around the perimeter of the lower sheet and fused to the perimeter of the upper sheet and openings are provided in the flange portion, in alignment with the forklift passages, to provide forklift access to the forklift passages.

Abstract: A catamaran-like one piece molded stable watercraft with sloping sides and a graduated sloping channel for supporting an individual and up to 600 pounds of gear without flipping and wherein the watercraft has a draft of no more than 6 inches fully loaded and less than 3 inches with 170 pounds of weight.

Abstract: A sail furler with a recirculating halyard includes a foil having a longitudinal halyard channel and a longitudinal recirculating halyard channel formed within; and a halyard, having a first and second end, the halyard affixed at its first end to a slider, the slider affixed to head of the sail, the halyard rising to an upper end of the foil, leading through a top cap, and then descending downwards through the halyard channel to an exit of the halyard channel in proximity to a lower end of the foil, then ascending through the recirculating halyard channel, and terminating at its second end to the slider, so that the distance between the second halyard end and the head of the sail remains constant whether the sail is raised or lowered.

Abstract: An anchor rope lock that locks the rope in response to tension exerted by the anchor, and that unlocks the rope for retrieval or adjustment in response to tension applied to the free end. A locking shoe is mounted on a horizontal pivot axis for pivoting towards locked and unlocked positions. The rope passes under a lower surface of the shoe and upwardly through a passage in a projecting toe portion. As the shoe pivots towards the locked position, the lower surface of the shoe moves towards the upper surface of an underlying base plate so as to compress the rope, and the passage in the toe of the shoe moves towards a vertical orientation so as to force the rope into a bend so that the anchor rope is held firmly at a fixed length.

Abstract: A watercraft capable of operating in hydrofoil mode or ground-effect mode with self-righting retractable V-shaped foil, fiberoptic control systems, and a plurality of aircraft style engines with variable pitch propellers for speed and direction control. The V-shaped foil can be fully retracted into the hull allowing operation in shallow water, and the ability to execute a beach landing. Propeller pitch can be reversed allowing the craft to backup. Each engine and propeller can be controlled individually allowing rotating in-place for precise maneuvering control. The hull is a flying wing, airfoil shape for efficient high-speed operation. Engine nacelles are located on airfoil shaped struts, angled in a V-shape, for self-righting effect at high speed. Fuel tanks are within the nacelles, thus outside the main hull for safety.

Abstract: A valve structure includes a valve body on which is mounted a first valve and a second valve. The first valve traverses the valve body at a first position and the second valve traverses the valve body at a second position spaced apart from the first position. The first valve may comprise a fill valve and the second valve may comprise a pressure relief valve. Alternatively, a single valve structure may incorporate both the fill and pressure relief functions. The valve structure may be incorporated with a bladder made of a flexible and elastic material. In this arrangement, the valve body is positioned in a valve receiving opening in the bladder material and is sealed to the bladder material around the periphery of the valve receiving opening so as to define a sealed bladder interior with the bladder material. Such a valve and bladder combination may be used together with a hull tube to form a portion of an inflatable hull for a boat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly beacon or light for illuminating a pole-mounted, halyard-hoisted flag, banner, pennant or the like that has a luminous source located in a cover, is mounted on top of the pole, and is capable of continuously directing a narrow beam of light toward the flag, banner, pennant or the like as the wind blows the same around the pole. The flagpole beacon of the present invention is designed to replace the knob of an existing pole and may be used on poles having either an internal halyard configuration or an external halyard configuration.

Abstract: An automated balloonsonde launcher and a method for an automated balloonsonde launch are disclosed. The automated balloonsonde launcher, for example, may comprise a collapsible protective cover forming an inner region for receiving a balloon, a gas inlet for receiving a gas, a gas outlet for mating with a balloon, a valve operable between the gas inlet and the gas outlet for inflating a balloon within the inner region of the protective cover. The launcher further comprises a controller that controls the valve to inflate a balloon within the protective cover, opens an opening in the protective cover and releases a balloon through the opening of the protective cover.

Abstract: A viewed component of a vehicle instrument cluster includes a housing and a first dial structure. The first dial structure includes an outer boundary presenting a first radial portion supported by the housing and a face portion presenting a second radial portion offset within the first radial portion. The face portion includes a series of indicia thereon. A second dial structure is supported between the housing and the first dial structure. The second dial structure presents an inboard plurality of graduations. A plurality of connecting portions extend between and couple the outer boundary and the face portion of the first dial structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing flowable solids onto articles located on a moving conveyor. A flowable solid is placed on a vibrating trough and dispensed to an article on the moving conveyor through a slot in the trough. A third planar surface placed beneath the slot receives the flowable solid from the slot and provides an even dispersing pattern of the flowable solid onto the articles.