Abstract: A power plant that outputs energy in the form of heated, compressed gas functions as a gas compressor, a motor, or a heater. The compression is accomplished by combusting a gas in a chamber and selectively diverting the high pressure exhaust to a container or conduit and selectively sealing the combustion chamber from the chamber when the chamber is reloaded with combustible gas.
Abstract: A mute for a horn-type musical instrument is disclosed. The mute having a freely resonating body including an opening therein to permit air flow into the body, the body having n number of first facets wherein n is an integer from 3 to 99 and having o number of second facets wherein o is an integer from 1 to 99. The mute changes the timbre of the sound generated by the instrument, yet maintains the majority of the volume of sound prior to placement of the mute into the bell.
Abstract: A hand brake torque input indicator arrangement for detecting and indicating a torque of rotating mechanical components has an indicator provided between two rotatable bodies, a shaft and a wheel, which are coupled to the indicator so that a torque acting on the shaft by the wheel or vice versa can be indicated.
Abstract: Devices for maintaining the mouth of a bag in an open condition. The device may comprise a housing with a cavity and at least one opening, and at least one support band which is at least partially positioned in the cavity, wherein a first end of the at least one support band is located in the cavity and at least a portion of the at least one support band extends exterior of the housing, and the at least one support band has at least two positions relative to the housing, a retracted condition in which a majority of the at least one support band is positioned in the cavity and an extended condition in which less than a majority of the at least one support band is located exterior to the cavity.
Abstract: A wheel assembly comprising: (1) a first rotating member, such as a wheel; (2) a visual element such as a logo or other visual indicia affixed to, or mounted adjacent, an exterior surface of the first rotating member; and (3) a second member, such as a wheel spinner, mounted to rotate adjacent the first rotating member. The second member defines various openings and is configured for movement into an “aligned” angular orientation such that the various visual indicia are viewable through the openings thereby producing a themed visual effect.