Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.

Abstract: A method of selecting a geometry for a friction stirring tool, said tool having a melting point that is higher than the workpiece material, wherein the tool is placed in motion against the workpiece to generate heat in the workpiece such that workpiece material is transported in surface features of the tool, and wherein surface features manage workpiece material flow around the tool, and wherein the tool can be used in friction stir processing, friction stir mixing, friction stir welding, and friction stir spot welding of high melting temperature materials or high softening temperature materials.

Abstract: A two-piece bearing housing is provided for use in centrifugal pumps having or requiring multiple chambers for enclosing or confining bearings or seals, and/or providing lubricant or coolant to the bearings and seals of the pump, the two-piece housing providing several improvements including the ability to make the two pieces from different materials, the reduction in scrap castings due to imprecision achieved in the casting process and improved structures in the housing for monitoring the lubricant chambers in the housing.

Abstract: A hunting blind is comprised of a frame and a fabric shell supported by and releasably attached to the frame. The frame is comprised of a pair of A-frame structures of similar configuration and each includes telescopic members forming legs and a cross-member that spans between the legs. Coupling assemblies pivotally attach the legs to the cross-member so that the legs can be selectively folded against or extended from the cross-member.

Abstract: A front derailleur including a chain guide for engagement and disengagement of a bicycle chain with multiple chain rings of a crankset is disclosed. The chain guide may be positioned by linear guide rods. The chain guide may have an inner lifting surface and an outer pulling surface for engaging diametrically opposed corners of a chain when viewed in cross-section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground-working machine (11) equipped with a drive and with advancement members (21). Its advancement members (21) serve inter alia to carry a supporting structure (23) set apart from the positioning plane of the machine, on which supporting structure (23) there is arranged, in the region of a central axis (Z), a kirving tool (25) with at least one transverse kirving roller (13) for working a substrate on which the ground-working machine is standing. The kirving roller (13) is rotatable about its roller axis (V). The roller axis (V) is pivotable about a steering axis (W), which steering axis (W) is arranged in the direction of the central axis (Z) set apart from the advancement members (21).

Abstract: A new control variable is introduced, that when combined with previous dependent control criteria on other variables results in a control program that can create a superior weld while minimizing wear on the FSW tool, wherein the tool repeatedly experiences the same thermal and mechanical loading within specified control windows during every repeated weld sequence because flow stresses and tool loads are driven by temperature, and dependent control loops account for differences in material and heat that is transferred at different rates in varying locations throughout a friction stir weld.

Abstract: There is provided an improved, simple and effective, powered hole-cutting apparatus, otherwise referred to as a power cup cutter, comprised of a USGA approved cutting cylinder modified with an internal plunger and an elongated threaded rod, whereby the cutting cylinder is driven into the soil by the rotation of the rod which is attached to an electric drill for easy and effortless cutting of a hole on golf course greens. With a straightforward reversal of the drill rotation, extraction of the soil plug from the newly formed hole and subsequent insertion of the soil plug into the previous hole will restore the golf course greens for golf play. The ability to cut holes quickly and efficiently is essential for golf course maintenance, but contemporary manual-operated cup cutters have fallen short of offering an efficient means of both the extraction and the insertion of the soil plug. Current methods are highly labor-intensive and require 25-30 minutes for each hole.

Abstract: A top-loading multi-axial, double locking bone anchor assembly. A receiver member receives an internal saddle member, a bi-polar member, and a bone anchor through an open bottom, which are retained by an internal threaded ring member threaded onto the receiver member. A double-locking compression retaining member includes an external nut-like fastener and an internal setscrew-like fastener. The nut-like fastener attaches to an upper portion of the receiver member and interfaces with the internal saddle member to retain a desired angular position on the bone anchor and the setscrew-like fastener interfaces with an elongated member placed in a channel of the receiver member to retain it to the assembly. The bone anchor is capable of multi-axial as well as multi-polar positioning with respect to the receiver member.

Abstract: Methods for improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of improving the efficiency of an internal combustion comprises controlling the motion of an exhaust valve associated with a cylinder of the internal combustion engine. Camshafts and internal combustion engines configured for performing methods of the instant invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of improving the efficiency of an internal combustion engine comprises controlling the motion of an exhaust valve associated with a cylinder of the internal combustion engine. Camshafts and internal combustion engines configured for performing methods of the instant invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-monitoring adjustment system is provided for evaluating and effecting adjustment of the leakage restricting mechanism between the rotating and non-rotating elements of a rotodynamic pump to restrict leakage and to establish desired gap dimensions between the rotating and non-rotating elements of the pump. The adjustment system is structured to be self-monitoring for determination of when an adjustment of the leakage restricting mechanism is warranted by the conditions of the pump, and is structured with adjusting mechanisms that are self-adjusting responsive to the monitored conditions of the pump, though manual adjustment is also enabled.

Abstract: A collapsible barrel is provided for use in training for equine barrel racing. The collapsible barrel is configured and sized to approximate the dimensions of a conventional barrel used in the sport of equine barrel racing, but is constructed of sturdy, lightweight materials that enable the barrel to be transformed between a fully deployed state and a collapsed state. The collapsible barrel of the present invention is sufficiently lightweight and dimensioned, when in a collapsed state, to be easily transported, deployed for training and later stored. The flexibility of the collapsible barrel makes training ideal because it eliminates injury to the legs of the rider and the body of the horse.

Abstract: A friction stir tool is provided to perform friction stir riveting using a partially consumable pin, wherein the pin includes a cutting edge on a bottom surface thereof, wherein the tool is rotated at a first speed to enable cutting by the pin into a first material that is overlapping a second material, wherein after the pin has cut to a sufficient depth, the rotational speed of the tool is increased to thereby enable plasticization of the consumable pin, the first material, and the second material, wherein the tool is then rapidly decelerated until stopped, enabling diffusion bonding between the pin, the first material and the second material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window (11, 11a), which can be opened in an outward manner, comprising a casement (13) and stepped glazing (15) which is received in the casement (13). The stepped glazing (15) comprises at least two window panes (19, 23) which are arranged at a distance from each other, said window panes being an inner pane and an outer pane. The casement (13) is essentially formed by an L-shaped casement profile (25) having a first and a second extremity (27, 29). The inner window pane (19) is arranged on the side of the first extremity (27) of the casement profile (25) which is oriented towards the glazing and is rigidly connected thereto by means of a first adhesive connection (33). The outer window pane (23) of the stepped glazing is rigidly connected to the front side (31) of the casement profile (25) which is oriented in an outward manner by means of a second adhesive connection (35).

Abstract: A water treatment arrangement which can, for example, be used in a sewer cleaning vehicle is described. An exemplary arrangement includes a separation device for a supplied mud-water mixture and a water tank which is connected to it for cleaned water. The separation device and the water tank can form a structural unit. The separation device for the mud-water mixture can be surrounded, at least in areas, by the water tank for cleaned water.

Abstract: A method of moving an object in a generally circular manner on the surface of a touchpad and causing a list to be scrolled as long as the object is moving, wherein a method is provided for activating a scrolling function, wherein a method is provided for determining what direction scrolling should occur based upon a direction of movement when scrolling is engaged, and wherein the direction of scrolling is only changed by an abrupt change in direction of the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power source coupling for connecting two power coupling parts (5, 6): a first power coupling part (5) which is mounted on a first component (1) so as to be longitudinally displaceable and has a first connecting plate (16) with one or more first power coupling elements (18), and a second power coupling part (6) which is mounted on a second component (4) so as to be displaceably mounted between a first and a second position. The second power coupling part (6) has a second connecting plate (17) with one or more second power coupling elements (19) which are able to cooperate with the first power coupling elements (18) when the first power coupling part (5) is in the first position.