Abstract: A tailgate assembly is adapted to be mounted along an open edge of a vehicle's load-carrying bed for alternatively pivoting about (1) a first axis generally parallel with the open edge of the tailgate for movement between a closed position and a fold-open position and (2) a second axis generally normal relative to the first axis for movement between the closed position and a swing-open position. The tailgate assembly includes a tailgate, a dual-mode hinge assembly, a first hinge/lock assembly and a second hinge/lock assembly. The first hinge/lock assembly is selectively latched to an associated first hinge/lock striker and cooperates with the dual-mode hinge assembly to pivotally support the tailgate about a first pivot axis. The second hinge/lock assembly is selectively latched to an associated second hinge/lock striker and cooperates with the dual-mode hinge assembly to pivotally support the tailgate about a second pivot axis.

Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging member having a charge generating layer and a charge transport layer overlayed thereon is provided. The charge transport layer has a lower surface and an upper surface, wherein the lower surface is in contiguous contact with the charge generating layer. The charge transport layer comprises a film forming polymer binder and a charge transport compound molecularly dispersed or dissolved therein to form a solid solution. The concentration of the charge transport compound in the charge transport layer decreases from the lower surface to the upper surface. In such a construction, the resulting charge transport layer exhibits enhanced cracking suppression, improved wear resistance, excellent imaging member electrical performance, and improved copy print out quality.

Abstract: A protective, switchable layer adapted for use in transient imageable documents is disclosed. The protective layer can be disposed on an underlying photochromic layer and enables writing or imaging the underlying layer. The protective layer prevents unintentional writing on the photochromic layer, such as can otherwise occur from exposure to certain wavelengths of light.

Abstract: Brushless repulsion motors are presented, in which rotor coils switching signal detectors are selectively located in spaced angular relationship on the rotor and signaling sources are distributed around all or most of the stator circumference to allow looser tolerances for motor manufacturing and improved controllability of rotor coil actuation during operation. Asymmetric stator poles are also provided for brushless repulsion motors to mitigate torque ripple and vibration, in which the shape of the stator pole tips is tailored by varying the angular length of the pole section.

Abstract: A mold for the casting of metals including an aggregate comprising a refractory particulate material and a soluble binder which provides for minimal heat transfer between the mold and the molten metal during filling. The aggregate preferably includes at least a proportion of particulate material having a heat diffusivity at least as low as silica sand to reduce the chilling effect of the mold. The mold is removed from the casting the action of a solvent, which simultaneously cools and solidifies the casting at a maximum rate. Processes for forming the mold and the casting of metals using the mold are also disclosed.

Abstract: An XML query compilation processor (20) includes an execution compiler (42) that transforms an XML query into an executable XML query plan (22). A query rewrite processor (34) performs query transformations on the XML query. Said query transformations include transforming an expression input (60) received by an expression (62) conditional upon a set of items defined by an output (64) of the expression (62) being independent of grouping of items in the expression input (60).

Abstract: A clamp for a key cutting machine includes a base portion having opposing shoulders defining an accommodation. A pair of jaws is housed in the accommodation of the base portion for holding a key blank for cutting thereof. At least one of the jaws is movable relative to the other one of the jaws. An adjustable locator device is disposed on at least one of the base portion and the pair of jaws for bringing the key blank into a cutting position. Opposed plates close open ends of the accommodation. One of the plates includes a key insertion aperture for insertion of the key blank between the pair of jaws to identify the key blank as a correct match and prevent the key blank from tipping over.

Abstract: Track and track/vehicle analyzers for determining geometric parameters of tracks, determining the relation of tracks to vehicles and trains, analyzing the parameters in real-time, and communicating corrective measures to various control mechanisms are provided. In one embodiment, the track analyzer includes a track detector and a computing device. In another embodiment, the track/vehicle analyzer includes a track detector, a vehicle detector, and a computing device. In other embodiments, the track/vehicle detector also includes a communications device for communicating with locomotive control computers in lead units, locomotive control computers in helper units, and a centralized control office. Additionally, methods for determining and communicating optimized control, lubrication, and steering strategies are provided. The analyzers improve operational safety and overall efficiency, including fuel efficiency, vehicle wheel wear, and track wear, in railroad systems.

Abstract: Several traveling wave grid systems are disclosed that may be used to concentrate and form highly localized regions of bio-agents or other charged species. In addition, specific detection systems are described that enable currently available detectors and sensors, including those to be developed in the future, to be used for measuring the presence and concentration of certain bio-agents or charged particles, which otherwise are present at concentrations too low to readily detect or measure.

Abstract: A chain guide, such as a fixed chain guide or a tensioner arm, includes a bracket adapted for being secured to an associated engine. The bracket includes a support surface, a leading end and a trailing end spaced from the leading end in a chain movement direction. A guide blade includes a leading end, a trailing end spaced from the leading end in the chain movement direction, a chain guide surface and an inner surface positioned adjacent the support surface of the bracket. The guide blade is selectively movable slidably on the support surface in the chain movement direction and an opposite direction between a first position where the blade is separable from the bracket and a second position where the blade is fixedly secured to the bracket.

Abstract: A system for recovering methylene chloride from an aqueous waste stream is disclosed. The system includes a distillation unit, at least one heat transfer unit, receptacles for methylene chloride and waste product, a temperature probe and a controller configured to selectively divert product flow from the distillation unit to either of the receptacles or to a recycle line back to the distillation unit depending upon the temperature measured by the probe. Also disclosed is a related process of recovering methylene chloride with such a system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel band laying vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless traction bands rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.]. A novel sprocket wheel having a plurality of radially extending and offset teeth cooperates with an endless traction band having a plurality of holes. Longitudinally consecutive holes define either meshing areas or clip areas. The meshing areas are adapted to be engaged by the sprocket wheel and the clip areas are adapted to support clips.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for treating an effluent containing ammonia in which method and apparatus N2O concentration in the gas at the outlet of a catalyst tower does not rise to a high level even when the NH3 concentration in the effluent was reduced and the amount of hazardous substances formed is small; in the method and apparatus, an NH3-containing effluent A and a carrier gas (steam C and combustion gas F) are contacted in stripping tower 7 to transfer the NH3 from the NH3-containing effluent to a gas phase, the gas containing the generated NH3 is heated with pre-heater 19 and then contacted with catalyst layer 13 placed in catalyst tower 12 to decompose the NH3 into nitrogen and water; and at that time, the oxygen concentration in the gas to be introduced into catalyst tower 12 and the N2O concentration in the gas discharged from catalyst tower 12 are determined by measuring instruments 21 and 22, respectively, and the oxygen concentration in the gas to be introduced into catalyst tower 1

Abstract: A wire feeder for an electric arc welder comprising a set of feed rolls driven by a DC motor with a commutator, first and second opposite polarity leads receiving power to drive the motor, and having a first brush at a given position on the commutator and connected to the first lead, a second brush circumferentially spaced from the first brush a first annular distance around the commutator and connectable to the second lead to cause the motor to rotate at a first speed to drive the rolls at a first speed, a third brush circumferentially spaced from the first brush a second annular distance around the commutator and connectable to the second lead to cause the motor to rotate at a second speed to drive the rolls at a second speed, and a switching circuit with an operative condition to connect the second lead to a selected one of the second and third brushes.

Abstract: A medical accessory clamping system includes a table and an accessory clamp. The table has an upper surface and a lower surface, a first ridge positioned on the upper surface and a second ridge positioned on the lower surface of the table. The accessory clamp has a first clamping member and a second clamping member coupled to but separate from the first clamping member wherein the clamping members define a cavity for receiving a portion of the table. The first and second clamping members have recesses for receiving said first and second ridges of the table, respectively. A uniquely styled clamp and a table are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transport protector is provided for an inkjet cartridge wherein the inkjet cartridge includes a cartridge body, an inkwell extending from the cartridge body and a nozzle on the inkwell. The protector includes a protector body having a recess shaped to receive an inkwell of an inkjet cartridge and cover a nozzle of the inkjet cartridge. The protector further including a lid hingedly connected to the body. The lid pivots between an opened condition and a closed condition and engages the inkjet cartridge to evenly urge the cartridge into the recess when in the closed condition. The lid also includes a lid lock for releasably engaging the protector body to maintain the protector in the closed condition.

Abstract: Using a document scanner or other image input device of an image or document processing system to periodically scan or image printed test images from a plurality of marking engines replaces internal sensors as a feedback means in image quality control. For example, image lightness (L*) is controlled by periodically printing mid-tone test patches, scanning the printed test patches with a main job document scanner and analyzing the scanned image to determine updated marking engine actuator set points. For instance, ROS exposure and/or scorotron grid voltages are adjusted to maintain image lightness consistency between marking engines.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle base section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in the upright housing section. A suction source pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening formed in the underside of the nozzle base section and into the cyclonic airflow chamber. The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container that defines the chamber. A main filter element filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. An exhaust filter housing includes an airstream suction duct in fluid communication with an outlet of the airflow chamber and an inlet of the suction source. An outlet of the suction source is in fluid communication with an exhaust plenum of the exhaust filter housing.