Abstract: A filter unit in a fluid circuit associated with a machine tool that uses machining fluid is maintained by counting the number of times the machine tool is operated and automatically servicing the filter unit, as by backflushing, after the machine tool has been used a preset number of times. A filter unit control unit counts the number of uses of the machine tool and moves valve units in the filter unit from an operational configuration to a backwash configuration and controls the timing and operation of the filter unit maintenance cycle.

Abstract: A scale is disclosed for weighing moving loads. The scale includes a weighing platform having entrance and exit ends. The platform is connected to a tipping member mounted to pivot about a fulcrum. A weighing device is operatively connected to the fulcrum. Downward movement of the platform entrance end causes the tipping member to pivot in a first direction and downward movement of the platform exit end causes the tipping member to pivot in a second direction. First and second stops limit movement of the tipping member in the first and second directions, respectively. As a load enters the platform, the tipping member pivots against the first stop such that the weight is distributed between the fulcrum and the stop. As the load approaches the center of the platform, the tipping member pivots off of the first stop such that the weight is measurable by the weighing device.

Abstract: A substantially rigid tonneau cover is provided which is hingedly connectable to a truck bed and moveable between open and closed positions. A latch mechanism mounted on the interior surface of the cover is selectively engagable with the truck bed to secure the cover in the closed position. A latch release handle is mounted in a recessed compartment formed on the exterior surface of the cover and is connected to the latch mechanism. A hatch is connected to the cover proximate the latch handle and is moveable between a hatch open position and a hatch closed position. In the hatch closed position the hatch covers the recessed compartment and the latch release handle mounted therein. The hatch is preferably mounted such that in the hatch closed position the exterior surface of the hatch is generally flush with exterior surface of the cover and conforms to the contour of the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reclaiming waste oil for use as fuel for a diesel engine. A mixing tank is provided, along with a waste oil transfer pump for supplying waste oil to the mixing tank, a fuel proportioning pump for supplying a proportional amount of light fuel oil to the mixing tank, and a heating unit for heating the oil-fuel mixture. An additive proportioning pump may also be provided for supplying chemical fuel additives such as emulsifiers and combustion improvers to the mixing tank. A fuel delivery pump delivers the heated oil-fuel mixture from the mixing tank to a diesel engine for use as fuel. Pre-filters are provided to remove a large portion of the particulate material from the waste oil before it is delivered to the mixing tank, and final filters remove additional contaminants from the oil-fuel mixture before it reaches the engine.

Abstract: A rotary disc valve is disclosed which generally includes a housing having an inlet side and an outlet side, and a disc rotatably mounted within the housing between the inlet side and the outlet side thereof. The disc includes an outlet bore which is generally aligned with the axis of rotation of the disc and extends from the outlet face of the disc partially through the disc. One or more inlet bores spaced radially outwardly from the axis of rotation of the disc extend from the inlet face of the disc partially through the disc and communicate with the outlet bore. The inlet bore or bores are located such that a bore may be selectively brought into communication with a single one of inlet side passages by rotating the disc until the bore is aligned with the desired passage. Since the outlet bore and an outlet passage are aligned along the center of rotation of the disc, the outlet bore stays in constant communication with the outlet passage in the outlet side of the housing as the disc is rotated.

Abstract: An end-cutting and stripping station for removing casings from sausages is disclosed. The station comprises a carousel having end-cutting units spaced around its perimeter. The carousel is connected to a conveyor, each unit receiving a sausage as the conveyor advances. Each unit includes a sausage support and a carriage slidably mounted below the support. An actuator is connected between the carriage and the carousel. As the actuator retracts, sensor fingers on the carriage slidingly engage a sausage on the support. When the finger tips reach the bottom end of the sausage, the fingers move inwardly, actuating a control valve and halting the carriage. A casing cutter is then actuated to cut off the lower end of the casing above the finger tips. As the conveyor exits the carousel, a pair of stripper bars positioned below the conveyor engage the tops of the sausages and force them out of the casings.

Abstract: A tool for installing a first end of a bent tubular shower arm into a female threaded receiver is disclosed. The tool comprises a shaft having a diameter sized to fit within the shower arm through a second end thereof. The shaft is preferably bent at an angle which is generally complimentary to the angle of the bend in the shower arm. A first end of the shaft is shaped to engage the interior of the shower arm proximate the bend therein to prevent the tool from rotating relative to the shower arm. A second end of the shaft includes a fork having a pair of prongs separated by a gap sized and shaped to accept a stub out of water supply line extending outwardly from a wall. The prongs are used to push a compression fit adapter along the stub out and into an installed position adjacent the wall.

Abstract: An automatic power factor correction system, for an electrical power installation drawing varying levels of reactive power, measures an electrical parameter of the power drawn by a load of a power installation which is capable of indicating a level of reactive power drawn by the load and couples a combination of capacitors to the power line to compensate for the level of reactive power indicated by the electrical parameter measured. A first embodiment of the system is based on a measured level of current and the effect on the measured level of current of adding compensating capacitors of selected capacitances to the power line. A second embodiment of the system is based on a measurement of phase angle of the power drawn and the addition of a calculated combination of capacitors to the power line to compensate for a measured level of reactive power.

Abstract: A temporary vent opening cover is disclosed which is securable over a vent opening in a floor or other surface during building construction to prevent debris from entering the vent opening and accumulating in duct work associated therewith. The cover includes a generally flat cover plate which is sized and shaped to cover the vent opening. The cover plate is spaced outwardly from the surface when the vent opening cover is secured over the vent opening. A plurality of air passages allow air to flow past the cover plate between the duct work and the workspace. A layer of air filter material covers the air passages and prevents debris from passing therethrough. A portion of cover plate may be dedicated to the display of promotional indicia.

Abstract: A female incontinence device and method for placement of an intravaginal device for repositioning and supporting the prolapsed neck of the urinary bladder and realigning the urethra both vertically and laterally to approximate normal anatomical position enable a patient to remain stress-continent. The device includes an open, generally droplet-shaped base coupled with a pair of elongate spaced parallel legs shaped to extend in orthogonal relationship to the plane of the base in a predetermined configuration. Upon installation, the legs provide support for the anterior wall of the vagina and adjacent neck of the urinary bladder at a preconfigured variable distance from the posterior vaginal wall, as well as lateral and vertical alignment and support of the adjacent urethra. Alternatively, the base may be coupled with a single leg having a predetermined configuration which extends orthogonal to the plane of the base and is attached to the base at both ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for implanting an articulated spinal fusion cage into the intervertebral space and adjusting the cage in situ to support the adjacent vertebrae in a normal curved alignment. The invention provides a greatly improved modular cage system having a base unit with a pair of sockets for receiving the ends of a pair of legs. The sockets permit pivotal movement of the legs about a posterior fulcrum from a closed, parallel insertion position to an anteriorly open, wedge-shaped orientation. The base has a threaded bore for receiving a driver, which is operable to urge the anterior ends of the legs apart as well as to support the front of the installed fusion cage. Interchangeable drivers are provided having various sized tips. The interior end surface of each leg unit includes a driver-receiving groove for providing torsional stability. Alternatively, a pair of pins and bores are provided on the inner surfaces of the opposed ends for receiving a driver tip.

Abstract: A low pressure cooker is disclosed having a pan and a pressurizable lid. Latch handles that pivot about a generally vertical axis are provided for latching the pressurizable lid in position relative to the pan. The cooker may also include a non-pressurizable lid that cannot be latched in position using the latch handles.

Abstract: An improved handle assembly for an appliance such as a lawnmower having front and rear wheels includes a handlebar which is pivotally connected to the appliance through at least one mounting point proximate the front wheels and which extends upwardly and rearwardly until it terminates with a generally horizontal push bar adapted for gripping by the operator. The handlebar preferably includes an arcuate bend which decreases the angle at which the upper portion of the handlebar rises toward the push bar. The handle assembly also includes a handle height control mechanism which is connected at a lower end to the appliance proximate the rear wheels and at an upper end to the handlebar. The handle height control mechanism allows the handlebar to pivot about the front mounting point through a limited range of movement.

Abstract: A length-controlled flexible hose includes a body formed by spiral-winding a continuous metal band with interlocked leading and trailing edges. A length control adhesive strip is applied to the flexible hose along a surface thereof and minimizes length changes of the flexible hose whereby a design or engineered length can be maintained. A method of manufacturing a length-control flexible hose includes the steps of spiral-winding a continuous metal band, interlocking leading and trailing edges thereof and applying a length control adhesive strip to a surface thereof.