Abstract: A free-standing V Flat for photography and similar use formed of two panels joined at the center by a hinge or similar hinged attachment. A crossbar is provided to join the upper corners of the V Flat for securing the panels in an open position and for supporting backdrops and similar items. The crossbar is formed of two independent bar units that are configurable by a user to contact one another such that at least portions of each of the bar units overlap with one another. The degree of overlap determines the length of the resultant crossbar, thereby allowing a user to customize the crossbar to accommodate any of various angles assumed by the V Flat.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting device configured to mimic the appearance of a flame. In one embodiment, the lighting device includes a power subsystem configured to receive an alternating current input and to generate a direct current output. The lighting device also includes a reflector to reflect light generated by a lighting subsystem. A movement subsystem may move the reflector to mimic the appearance of a flame. A communication subsystem may receive at least one parameter associated with at least one of the lighting subsystem and the movement subsystem. A control subsystem may implement the at least one parameter.

Abstract: The pickup truck tailgate is a replacement tailgate for a pickup truck. The main body or field of the tailgate is made of a metal mesh which allows for smooth air flow through the bed of the truck. The tailgate is also provided with a removable inner section that slides outward. When the tailgate is in a down position, this section may be slide outward to allow for a longer bed area or raised upward when the tailgate is in the vertical position.

Abstract: A sliding engine component may include a sliding surface including a plastic polymer-based layer disposed on a metallic substrate. The plastics polymer-based layer may include a plurality of plastic polymer-based layers. The plurality of plastic polymer-based layers may include a first coating of a first polymer-based layer deposited on the metallic substrate and cured at a first temperature, and a second coating of a second polymer-based layer deposited onto the first polymer-based layer and cured at a second temperature. The second temperature may be lower than the first temperature.

Abstract: A half bearing for a sliding bearing may include a bearing substrate having at least one relief region provided in a surface of the half bearing, and a substrate adjacent respective end faces of the bearing substrate. The half bearing may further include a polymer in-fill having a non-uniform thickness provided in a filled region, wherein the thickness of the polymer in-fill in the filled region may be greater proximate the respective end face than remote from the respective end face.

Abstract: A sliding engine component may include a sliding surface including a plastic polymer-based layer disposed on a metallic substrate. The plastics polymer-based layer may include a plurality of plastic polymer-based layers. The plurality of plastic polymer-based layers may include a first coating of a first polymer-based layer deposited on the metallic substrate and cured at a first temperature, and a second coating of a second polymer-based layer deposited onto the first polymer-based layer and cured at a second temperature. The second temperature may be lower than the first temperature.

Abstract: A half bearing for a sliding bearing may include a bearing substrate having at least one relief region provided in a surface of the half bearing, and a substrate adjacent respective end faces of the bearing substrate. The half bearing may further include a polymer in-fill having a non-uniform thickness provided in a filled region, wherein the thickness of the polymer in-fill in the filled region may be greater proximate the respective end face than remote from the respective end face.

Abstract: A flanged half-bearing includes at least one substantially semi-annular thrust washer with an internal periphery having lateral lugs and an intermediary stabilization lug projecting from the internal periphery of the thrust washer, and a semi-cylindrical half journal bearing shell having lateral recesses and an intermediary stabilization recess that are recessed into an axial end face of the bearing shell and are respectively connected to the lateral lugs and the stabilization lug of the thrust washer, wherein the stabilization lug has rotational stabilization edges that project substantially perpendicularly from the inner periphery of the thrust washer, and the stabilization recess is configured for axial relative movement of stabilization lug. An engine includes at least one such flanged half-bearing.

Abstract: A flanged half-bearing includes at least one substantially semi-annular thrust washer with an internal periphery having lateral lugs and an intermediary stabilization lug projecting from the internal periphery of the thrust washer, and a semi-cylindrical half journal bearing shell having lateral recesses and an intermediary stabilization recess that are recessed into an axial end face of the bearing shell and are respectively connected to the lateral lugs and the stabilization lug of the thrust washer, wherein the stabilization lug has rotational stabilization edges that project substantially perpendicularly from the inner periphery of the thrust washer, and the stabilization recess is configured for axial relative movement of stabilization lug. An engine includes at least one such flanged half-bearing.