Abstract: A chuck and a chuck system, and a method for processing a toroidal structure such as a tire carcass. The carcass includes an internal circumference and tapered ends. The chuck system comprises a plurality of chucks wherein each chuck includes a circumferential or substantially circumferential external surface and a plurality of friction reducing members positioned on the external surface. The friction reducing members are positioned to engage the internal circumference of the toroidal structure such as a tire. The method of processing a tire carcass includes positioning the tire carcass on fixed diameter chucks having friction reducing members on the external surface.

Abstract: A centrifuge is provided for recovering material of interest from the interstitial fluids of plant tissues. The centrifuge includes a rotatable centrifuge bowl having a radially outer wall inclined outwardly so that during centrifugation liquid in the bowl climbs the outer wall. The centrifuge bowl is contained in a vacuum sealed housing so that a material of interest contained in the bowl including said liquid can be subjected to a vacuum. A system for automated cleaning of the centrifuge is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for sorting white paper from a stream of paper wherein the concentration of white paper is less than the concentration of non-white paper. The method includes identifying the white paper by detecting the presence of an optical characteristic of the white paper as the stream of paper is passed by a sensor. Then the white paper is ejected from the stream of paper by controlling one or more actuators directed against the white paper, and thereby separating the white paper from the non-white paper. The method is particularly applicable to the sorting of white paper during curbside recycling.

Abstract: A hydrophobic polymer is adhesively coated on the surfaces of the wound string within its interstitial voids, while the exterior surfaces remain uncoated. The polymer is applied by soaking the string in a liquid polymeric solution to flow the solution into the interstitial voids. The string is removed from the bath and the residual solution is removed from the exterior surface of the string using a resilient scraper. The string is hung to dry for 8 hours in a clean room environment at ambient temperatures and, more preferably, maintained at a temperature of between 20° C. and 25° C. Alternatively, the string is treated by a combination of heat and drying.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a turbogenerator system may be combined with other heat/energy sources. A simple cycle or recuperated cycle turbogenerator have a variety of fuel options and grid connect or stand alone capability that can be combined with one or more external heat sources such as a Solar Collector/Receiver Heat Energy System, a Bio-mass Gasifier/Combustor Heat Energy System, a Fuel Cell Heat/Energy System, a Nuclear Heat/Energy System, a Waste Heat/Energy System, or some other suitable Heat/Energy System. The above external heat systems can be used to provide all of part of the heat/energy input to operate the turbogenerator and achieve electrical output, as well as a turbogenerator hot exhaust flow that has potential for other uses. Using an integral turbogenerator low emission combustor and fuel control as part of these combined systems has additional advantages.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for isolating and purifying proteins and peptides of interest from a plant host, which is applicable on a larger scale. Moreover, the present invention provides a more efficient method for isolating proteins and peptides of interest than those methods described in the prior art. In general, the present method of isolating proteins and peptides of interest comprises the steps of homogenizing a plant to produce a green juice, adjusting the pH of and heating the green juice, separating the target protein/peptide from other components of the green juice by one or more cycles of centrifugation and/or resuspension, and finally purifying proteins and peptides by such procedures as chromatography and/or salt precipitation.

Abstract: A panel for screening material, comprising: a frame defining a screening area; a tensioned fiber reinforcement attached to the frame and spanning across the screening area; and a non-tensioned resilient coating surrounding the fiber reinforcement so as to form a plurality of openings to screen the material. A method of making a screen for screening material and a vibratory screening machine apparatus incorporating such a screen panel are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved design for a tubular aluminum ball bat or light sports implement is provided. The bat includes a handle portion, a barrel portion having a circumferential outer wall, and a transition portion joining the handle portion and the barrel portion. A structural bridge is located within the bat and is attached to and spans the circumferential outer wall. The structural bridge modifies the vibrational response of the bat so as to increase the size of the sweet spot of the bat and provide more effective energy transfer from the bat to a ball upon striking the ball with the bat.

Abstract: A water heater apparatus includes a water conduit having an inlet and an outlet. A primary heat exchanger has a water side defining a portion of the water conduit. A burner is operatively associated with the primary heat exchanger for heating water in the water side of the primary heat exchanger. A variable flow blower provides pre-mixed combustion air and fuel gas to the burner at a controlled blower flow rate within a blower flow rate range. This apparatus allows the heat output of the water heater to be continuously varied within a substantial flow rate range having a turn down ratio of as much as four to one.

Abstract: A guitar is constructed to have a hollow body and to have a top member that has a pickup mounting portion integrally formed therein. A slot is cut into the pickup support area, and a pickup is received in the slot. Guitar strings are mounted on the guitar and stretched across the pickup which functions as a bridge to define the lower endpoint of the free length of the guitar strings.

Abstract: A digital media communications and control system includes a plurality of audio devices each of which includes a device interface module for communication of digital media data and control data from at least one of the devices to at least one other of the devices. A universal data link is operatively connected to each of the device interface modules. The device interface modules and universal data links are operative in combination to connect the devices together in the system and provide full duplex communication of the digital media data and control data between the devices.

Abstract: A cabinet for display of a stringed musical instrument, wherein the stringed musical instrument is oriented horizontally and is held in place within the cabinet by the supports which engage the strap buttons of the instrument. The device is optionally attachable to a wall. In one embodiment, the supports are angled brackets with notches for receiving the strap buttons. A protective material is applied on each support and the interior surface of the cabinet to avoid abrasion of the instrument surface. The orientation of the angled brackets is such that the visible profile of the brackets is very small when an instrument is displayed in the cabinet.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for transferring articles laterally off of a conveyor. One embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use with a belt driven live roller conveyor, and has a serpentine transfer belt arrangement having first and second uppermost portions which when in the raised position will be located on either side of the drive belt of the main conveyor. Other features include the use of a toothed drive belt driven by a motor that may have a motor brake. The apparatus may also include a stop abutment to prevent interference by an upstream article with an article which has been selected for lateral transfer. A lifting mechanism for the transfer apparatus preferably includes an actuating ram having a ram axis oriented parallel to the width of the main conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting electrical equipment on a wall. A mounting plate is mounted on the wall. The mounting plate includes a lip defining a linear channel extending across the front of the mounting plate. An equipment enclosure includes a complementary upward extending hanger for engaging the linear channel. A ground strip is attached to the wall plate below the linear channel. The equipment enclosure can be positioned at any point along the length of the linear channel by engaging its complementary hanger therewith and pivoting the enclosure downward until its rear surface engages the mounting plate and a grounding lug thereof engages the ground strip.

Abstract: A multi-segment radial bearing including a bushing with an interior bore having a plurality of anti-rotation retainers which are equally spaced and extend the axial length of the interior bore. The generally T-shaped retainers divide the interior bore of the bushing into a like plurality of lobes, with each lobe having a compliant foil and a foil underspring disposed between adjacent generally T-shaped retainers.