Abstract: A marking system that may be configured to achieve a variety of marking devices. The marking system includes a main body member and a plurality of downwardly directed marking members.

Abstract: A box car includes end walls joined to opposing side walls that define the interior cargo area. Each end wall includes a corrugated side that faces the cargo area. The adjustable spacer is arranged within a cavity in the corrugated side in a stowed position so that it does not protrude into the cargo area. The side walls include tracks in which opposing guides that support the lateral beam are slideably received. The tracks do not protrude into the cargo area. The guides include multiple holes providing keyways that receive removable locks. Vertical side posts are arranged along the exterior of the side walls. Holes are arranged in the side walls in the area of the side posts. The locks are received in one of the holes in the guides and a hole in the side wall to lock the adjustable spacer in the desired position relative to the box car.

Abstract: A novel rotational and positionable robotic arm-controlled underwater bottom artifact and sample suction recovery apparatus and interchangeable bottom coring apparatus, wherein the interchange is effected underwater by rotation of a common deploying arm and remote-control mechanism.

Abstract: A method and system for treating at least bioorganic, organic, wastewater, and sewage sludge using recycle. The method of producing a treated sludge product comprises the following steps: (a) forming a sludge mixture by mixing untreated sludge with at least one alkaline material in an amount sufficient to raise pH of the sludge mixture to a level of at least about 12 and to increase percent solids in the sludge mixture to at least about 40% by weight; (b) forming a dried sludge mixture by drying the sludge mixture from step (a) in a direct or indirect dryer thereby increasing the percent solids thereof to at least about 50% by weight; (c) recycling a portion of the dried sludge mixture from step (b) to step (a); and (d) pasteurizing the dried sludge mixture from step (b) at a temperature at or above about 52° C. to form a treated sludge product. Exemplary applications for the treated sludge product include an agricultural liming agent, a soil conditioner, a fertilizer, a topsoil blend ingredient, and a fuel.

Abstract: A transparent/translucent flexible resilient plastic scooper container for operation by underwater remotely operated vehicle jaws, having a flat-bottomed lower portion hollow bowl and an upper inverted bowl lid rearwardly hinged thereto and resiliently insertable into and withdrawable from the hollow of the lower portion by the closing and opening of the jaws.

Abstract: A transparent/translucent flexible resilient plastic scooper container for operation by underwater remotely operated vehicle jaws, having a flat-bottomed lower portion hollow bowl and an upper inverted bowl lid rearwardly hinged thereto and resiliently insertable into and withdrawable from the hollow of the lower portion by the closing and opening of the jaws.

Abstract: One method of the present invention relates to a method for enhancing adhesion of spraying metal to a ceramic model. The method is comprised of providing the ceramic model having a spray surface, and modifying at least a portion of the spray surface if the ceramic model to enhance adhesion of spray metal to the spray surface.

Abstract: One method of the present invention relates to a method for enhancing adhesion of sprayed metal to a ceramic model. The method is comprised of providing the ceramic model having a spray surface, and modifying at least a portion of the spray surface of the ceramic model to enhance adhesion of spray metal to the spray surface.

Abstract: One method of the present invention includes introducing a slurry into a mold unit comprised of a mold contained within a casting receptacle and lowering the temperature of the slurry to freeze the slurry and form a freeze-cast substrate while controlling temperature gradients within the mold unit to minimize distortion in the freeze-cast substrate. Another method includes introducing a slurry into a mold unit comprised of a mold contained within a casting receptacle, placing insulation material around at least a portion of the casting receptacle to minimize distortion in the freeze-cast substrate by controlling temperature gradients within the mold unit, and lowering the temperature of the slurry to freeze the slurry to form a freeze-cast substrate.

Abstract: One method of the present invention includes introducing a slurry into a mold unit comprised of a mold contained within a casting receptacle and lowering the temperature of the slurry to freeze the slurry and form a freeze-cast substrate while controlling temperature gradients within the mold unit to minimize distortion in the freeze-cast substrate. Another method includes introducing a slurry into a mold unit comprised of a mold contained within a casting receptacle, placing insulation material around at least a portion of the casting receptacle to minimize distortion in the freeze-cast substrate by controlling temperature gradients within the mold unit, and lowering the temperature of the slurry to freeze the slurry to form a freeze-cast substrate.

Abstract: Spray form cell including a two-wavelength imaging pyrometer adapted to provide real-time measurement of the surface temperature distribution of a metal billet thereby formed. The steel billets may be advantageously used as tools in metal forming processes, injection molding, die casting tooling and other processes that require hard tooling, such as in the automotive industry. The steel billet is formed based on a goal of uniform surface temperature distribution thereby minimizing thermal stresses induced within the steel article thereby produced.

Abstract: A method of making a spray formed rapid tool includes the steps of making a model of a desired tool and constructing a ceramic pattern as the inverse of the model. The method also includes the steps of heating the ceramic pattern and thermally spraying a metal material against the ceramic pattern to form a desired tool.

Abstract: Spray form cell including a two-wavelength imaging pyrometer adapted to provide real-time measurement of the surface temperature distribution of a metal billet thereby formed. The steel billets may be advantageously used as tools in metal forming processes, injection molding, die casting tooling and other processes that require hard tooling, such as in the automotive industry. The steel billet is formed based on a goal of uniform surface temperature distribution thereby minimizing thermal stresses induced within the steel article thereby produced.

Abstract: A method of making a spray formed rapid tool includes the steps of making a model of a desired tool and constructing a ceramic pattern as the inverse of the model. The method also includes the steps of heating the ceramic pattern and thermally spraying a metal material against the ceramic pattern to form a desired tool.

Abstract: A wallet card adapted for use in reading externally stored information includes a transparent, substantially non-foldable semi-rigid base. The semi-rigid base includes a magnifying lens. The lens is formed by heating a lens forming die to a temperature sufficient to soften the base material and then cooling the die prior to withdrawing the die from the base material.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a joint in a metal assembly. At least two metal members are joined together. Each member has a joining surface that mates with the other joining surface. The metal members are contacted against one another such that the joining surfaces mate. The mated joining surfaces are welded together at multiple locations. The welding process leaves a small gap between the metal members between these welding locations. Heat is applied to the joining surfaces adjacent to the gap. A solder is applied to the heated joining surfaces. The joining surfaces cause the solder to melt and to be wicked into the gap by the capillary force. The solder fills the length, width and thickness of the gap and joins the metal members together with a metallurgical bond. The entire joint including areas between the welding locations becomes joined.

Abstract: A rail cap for spanning a gap between two longitudinally adjacent rail sections. The rail cap includes a downwardly opening channel member mountable over the top of the rail sections across the gap. A lower clamping member is insertable beneath each rail section and securable to the channel member. A lateral restraint is provided for preventing the channel from moving toward the inside of the track. A longitudinal restraint is provided which interacts with the channel member and the ends of the gap between the rail sections to prevent longitudinal movement of the rail cap. A guide block is provided along an outer leg of the channel member to guide an inner flange of a wheel away from an inner leg of the channel member.

Abstract: A creeper comprising a main panel and wheels is further equipped with storage drawers, an alarm signal, an adjustable lamp, an extendable panel, and an adjustable head rest. The storage drawers are disposed underneath the main panel so that they are accessible and out of the way. The alarm, also mounted beneath the main panel, may be used to signal an emergency. The extendable panel is slidably mounted on the underside of the main panel and may be pulled out from the foot end of the creeper to effectively extend the length of the same. The lamp is mounted on a flexible neck which attaches to the underside of the main panel so that the lamp may also be stored out of the way or directed as desired. The head rest is mounted to the head end of the creeper by hinges and may be positioned in an operative position or a stored position.

Abstract: A tool adapted to be manipulated single-handed for providing a direct reading of the size of small objects, particularly nuts and bolt heads. The tool includes a pair of tongs which are activated by a thumb slide. The latter is disposed in a slot formed in a planar surface of the tool. Scales, such as SAE and metric, are placed on opposite sides of the slot in operative side-by-side relation. The thumb slide includes a pair of index projections on opposite sides thereof which overlie the scales. Movement of the thumb slide to the point of contact of the extremities of the tongs with the object to be measured, provides a direct reading of the size of the object via the projections and scale markings. The tool includes a lubrication chamber and applicator for use in lubricating couplings and fasteners.