Abstract: The invention relates generally to a hand operated wire cutting tool that can perform multiple functions. More so the invention relates to the fire service tasks of cutting wire(s) in a confined space with limited movement, feel and visibility. The said invention is a new functional tool that dramatically increases the efficiency to cut wire(s) and/or cuttable objects in the negative and challenging conditions of confined spaces and/or entrapment situations with zero visibility. The invention uses two or more guides that directly contact wire(s) and direct them into the cutting area. The wire(s) contacts the guides and then enters the cutting area on the proximal and/or user side of the invention; this allows for the invention user to easily locate wire(s) with the length of their arm and direct wire(s) into the invention's cutting area with simple directional movement of the invention towards the user.

Abstract: The present invention is an anti-entanglement knob for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air cylinder valve, in which broadly comprises of an end terminating into a tapered shape on the side opposite from the SCBA air cylinder valve, and a guide/guard desirably located to guide objects to the tapered shape end, while also guarding undesired objects from entering between one or multiple components of the present invention and SCBA components. The present invention prevents entanglement by eliminating catching points and open areas that undesired objects, most commonly wires would usually be able to contact; furthermore objects are guided over and away from the present invention and the area of the SCBA that it is applied too.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a water supply system with one or more water consuming appliances is provided. The water supply system includes a hot water heater for supplying a flow of heated water through a supply conduit to at least one water consuming appliance. The water consuming appliance receives the flow of heated water and provides an indication of a fault condition if excessive water accumulates in the appliance, which might indicate a malfunction with a drain pump or a water supply valve. A safety shutoff valve is positioned on the supply conduit and is in operative communication with the water consuming appliance. The safety shutoff valve is configured for stopping the flow of heated water when it receives the indication of the fault condition.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a water supply system with one or more water consuming appliances includes a water heater fluidly coupled to a water consuming appliance through a supply conduit. The water consuming appliance includes an appliance communication module for communicating a target temperature. A mixing valve is positioned on the supply conduit, is in operative communication with the appliance communication module, and heats water from the water heater and cold water from the water supply to provide a flow of supply water to the water consuming appliance at the target temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is an anti-entanglement knob for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air cylinder valve, in which broadly comprises of an end terminating into a tapered shape on the side opposite from the SCBA air cylinder valve, and a guide/guard desirably located to guide objects to the tapered shape end, while also guarding undesired objects from entering between one or multiple components of the present invention and SCBA components. The present invention prevents entanglement by eliminating catching points and open areas that undesired objects, most commonly wires would usually be able to contact; furthermore objects are guided over and away from the present invention and the area of the SCBA that it is applied too.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a water supply system with one or more water consuming appliances is provided. A water supply system includes a water heater fluidly coupled to a water consuming appliance through a supply conduit. The water consuming appliance includes an appliance communication module for communicating a target temperature. A mixing valve is positioned on the supply conduit and is in operative communication with the appliance communication module. The mixing valve mixes heated water from the water heater and cold water from the water supply to provide a flow of supply water to the water consuming appliance at the target temperature. The water supply system may further include a second water consuming appliance, a second supply conduit, and a second mixing valve for providing the second water consuming appliance with a flow of heated water at a different set point temperature.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a water supply system with one or more water consuming appliances is provided. The water supply system includes a hot water heater for supplying a flow of heated water through a supply conduit to at least one water consuming appliance. The water consuming appliance receives the flow of heated water and provides an indication of a fault condition if excessive water accumulates in the appliance, which might indicate a malfunction with a drain pump or a water supply valve. A safety shutoff valve is positioned on the supply conduit and is in operative communication with the water consuming appliance. The safety shutoff valve is configured for stopping the flow of heated water when it receives the indication of the fault condition.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance and a method for mounting a slide rail within a dishwasher appliance are provided. A rack assembly of the dishwasher appliance includes a bracket with a post. A slide rail is mounted to the bracket, and the slide rail and the bracket are positioned within a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. The post extends through the tub, and a sleeve is positioned opposite the bracket on the tub and engages the post. The sleeve hinders retraction of the post through the tub.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber and a rack assembly disposed within the wash chamber. The rack assembly includes a frame, a first tray and a second tray. The first and second trays are removably mounted to the frame. The first tray is sized and configured for supporting a plurality of flatware therein. The second tray is sized and configured for supporting a plurality of cooking utensils therein.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance and a method for mounting a slide rail within a dishwasher appliance are provided. A rack assembly of the dishwasher appliance includes a bracket with a post. A slide rail is mounted to the bracket, and the slide rail and the bracket are positioned within a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. The post extends through the tub, and a sleeve is positioned opposite the bracket on the tub and engages the post. The sleeve hinders retraction of the post through the tub.

Abstract: A bearing mechanism for mounting a connecting rod to a crankshaft is disclosed. The bearing mechanism may include a first bearing half-shell forming a first semicylindrical member and a second bearing half-shell forming a second semicylindrical member. The second bearing half-shell may be assembled to the first bearing half-shell to form a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member may include an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one end.

Abstract: A bearing mechanism for mounting a connecting rod to a crankshaft is disclosed. The bearing mechanism may include a first bearing half-shell forming a first semicylindrical member and a second bearing half-shell forming a second semicylindrical member. The second bearing half-shell may be assembled to the first bearing half-shell to form a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member may include an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one end.

Abstract: A method and tool to smooth surface contours uses a fixed back plate mounted at a known distance to an actuator holding plate. Each of the actuators is mounted in said actuation holding plate by a support collar threaded into said actuator holding plate. Threaded with said support collar is an actuator holder with rigidly holds an actuator. A differential threaded adjustment device is then inserted through said fixed back plate and connected to say support collar and actuator holder so that each can be moved independently of the other. The actuator is made of two piezoelectric plates connected in parallel and seperated by a silicon rubber o-ring.

Abstract: A method and tool to smooth surface contours uses a fixed back plate mounted at a known distance to an actuator holding plate. Each of the actuators is mounted in said actuation holding plate by a support collar threaded into said actuator holding plate. Threaded with said support collar is an actuator holder with rigidly holds an actuator. A differential threaded adjustment device is then inserted through said fixed back plate and connected to say support collar and actuator holder so that each can be moved independently of the other. The actuator is made of two piezoelectric plates connected in parallel and seperated by a silicon rubber o-ring.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling a population of burrowing rodents including a remote control panel having a welding torch. The welding torch includes a gas flow valve. A pair of hoses are connected between the welding torch, a bottle of oxygen and a bottle of fuel gas. Another hose having a length greater than 5 feet is connected to a downstream end of the gas flow valve and extends and connects to an injector. An ignition wire extends between an ignition switch and the injector. The hose connecting the welding torch and the injector may be twenty-five feet long. In operation, an operator places a fire cone end of the injector in a hole connected to a tunnel system and then steps back to the remote control panel positioned at a location remote to the fire cone to operate gas flow and ignition of gas in the tunnel.

Abstract: A method and tool to smooth surface contours uses a fixed back plate mounted at a known distance to an actuator holding plate. Each of the actuators is mounted in said actuation holding plate by a support collar threaded into said actuator holding plate. Threaded with said support collar is an actuator holder with rigidly holds an actuator. A differential threaded adjustment device is then inserted through said fixed back plate and connected to say support collar and actuator holder so that each can be moved independently of the other. The actuator is made of two piezoelectric plates connected in parallel and separated by a silicon rubber o-ring.

Abstract: A system for supplying optical power uses an optical switch or shutter at the handpiece. The optical switch is positioned between an open light-transmitting position and a closed light-reflecting position. A detector at the base of the system can be used to detect the position of the optical shutter in some situations. This can be used to control the operation of a high-intensity light source. In this manner, the system can be controlled at the handpiece without using electrical power at the handpiece.

Abstract: A multi-function fluid treatment system which can filter liquids or diffuse gases into liquids. To achieve filtration, the system includes a housing with multiple, closely-spaced filter cartridges therein. The cartridges are connected to a drive system which rotates them in unison. Fluids to be filtered enter the housing and surround the rotating cartridges. Cartridge rotation scrubs solids from the cartridges and promotes fluid flow into the cartridges. Filtered fluids collected within the cartridges thereafter exit the system. To achieve gas diffusion, the housing is filled with a selected liquid. During cartridge rotation as discussed above, a gas is introduced into the interior of each cartridge which is constructed of a porous material. The gas diffuses outwardly during cartridge rotation, causing substantial mixing of the gas and fluid, with gas diffusion into the fluid. Cartridge rotation also prevents solids from accumulating thereon to achieve maximum gas delivery.