Abstract: In a woven slide fastener stringer, a continuous coupling element row is woven successively along a side edge of a fastener tape with a plurality of fixing warp yarns arranged in parallel at the same time when the tape is woven. The fastener stringer is woven with a weaving structure that a tightening force to coupling element portions by at least two of the plurality of the element fixing warp yarns arranged in parallel, which are disposed on a side of coupling heads of the coupling element portions, is smaller than a tightening force to those by at least one of the element fixing warp yarns disposed on a side of connecting portions of the coupling element portions. As a result, the coupling element portions are woven firmly at the side of the connecting portion while gaps between the respective coupling heads can be expanded and reduced slightly. Therefore, the slide fastener stringer can ensure a firm fixing of the coupling element rows and facilitate coupling with the mating coupling element rows.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging a flowable material from a container having a discharge duct comprises support means for supporting the container, preferably in the form of a conical hopper having a central aperture, a clamping enclosure extending downwardly from the hopper, a discharge duct having its mouth located inside the enclosure and facing upwardly towards the aperture in the hopper, and an annular clamping ring inside the enclosure, the ring being movable so as to clamp the spout of the container against the mouth of the discharge duct. Preferably, the enclosure is substantially sealed, with reclosable access openings provided in a front wall of the enclosure through which the spout of the container can be manually handled. The enclosure is also provided with vacuum means to create a negative pressure in the enclosure and therefore prevent release of the contents of the container into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for granular or powdery bulk materials includes a balance (15) to weigh the doses of material being dispensed, a reservoir container (1), and a cover (2) to close the downward-facing opening of the storage container (1). Integrated in the cover (2) is a conveying and delivering device with a vertically movable, rotary conveyor body (5) designed so that it can substantially close off the dispensing outlet (14) for the bulk material. The conveyor body has a ring-shaped bottom (6) sweeping a ring-shaped conveyor channel (7) that is recessed in the cover (2). The outlet (14) is arranged in the ring-shaped channel (7) and is designed to deliver a directed and locally concentrated stream of bulk material.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers has a frame carrying a plurality of sprockets and an endless conveyor chain on the frame having between two of the sprockets a straight treatment stretch. A succession of holders secured to the chain are each formed with a transverse row of seats adapted to hold respective containers. Respective machines carried on the frame and spaced apart along the stretch clean, fill, and cap containers in the seats. A drive connected to one of the sprockets advances the chain and moves the containers in steps in the seats past the machines. A metering wheel journaled in the frame meshes near one of the machines with the chain such that as the chain is advanced the wheel is synchronously rotated. A movable sensor element synchronously movable with the wheel can orbit on rotation of the wheel past a fixed sensor element carried on the frame to generate an output.

Abstract: A bottling apparatus has a frame and an endless conveyor element on the frame and having a horizontal lower stretch, an upper stretch above the lower stretch, and upstream and downstream corners where the element changes direction. A plurality of pairs of upstream and downstream plates are each secured to the element with the plates of each pair having confronting edges each in turn formed with a cutout. The cutouts of each pair form in the straight stretches a seat adapted to fit snugly around a neck of a bottle. The edges are spaced apart at the corners so that, at the corners, they cannot hold a bottle. A drive advances the element in a horizontal transport direction in the lower stretch and separates the plates of each pair at the upstream and downstream corners.

Abstract: A flexible intermediate bulk container. The container has walls of flexible sheet, with at least a second end enclosed with a sheet. The ends may have filling and discharge spouts. The walls of flexible sheet may have a plurality of loops external to the container and adjacent to the first end. The second end has two parallel guides formed from flexible sheet and external to the flexible intermediate bulk container. Preferably, each guide has therein a removable fork guide formed from a solid material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food substance refill element for an automatic fluid dispensing device. The refill element includes a receptacle containing a quantity of the substance to be refilled into the fluid dispensing device and a closing member that cooperates with the receptacle to form a hermetically enclosed chamber. The closing member includes a detachment portion so that the closing member is at least partially detached from the receptacle when the refill element is introduced into the automatic fluid dispensing device or after the refill element has been introduced in the automatic fluid dispensing device. The invention also relates to a fluid dispensing device for use with the refill element.

Abstract: The durable products of prior art woodworking have always been unyielding constructions of individual wooden elements held rigidly in place by rigid means such as joinery, fasteners, adhesives, or supporting structures. In the present invention a new method of mobile wood joinery alone is used to draw the wooden elements into place while yet allowing them a range of motion. The joinery of the present invention is mobile, resilient, elastic, and dimensionally dynamic and so are the products made using the present invention. In the present invention a width of resilient elastic adhesive is bonded to the adjoining surfaces of the unmilled individual wooden elements of a wooden product. When the adhesive dries, a mobile, resilient, elastic, dimensionally dynamic joint has been formed. This joint can be bent, hinged, stretched, or compressed in many different directions. The individual wooden elements joined using the present invention can move independently of each other.

Abstract: Decking boards 2 are secured to timber joists 1. The opposing side faces of the boards are provided with longitudinally-extending recesses 7 which include slots 8 into which T-shaped spacers 11 are inserted at intervals to ensure uniform spacing between the boards. During laying the exposed front edge of each board is fastened by nails 10 inserted through the inclined face 9, the rear edge of the boards being held by the spacers 11.

Abstract: A stretched mask having a high tensile strength and favorable high-temperature creep properties and free from tape twist, and a material for the stretched mask. A low-carbon steel sheet containing 70 ppm to 170 ppm of nitrogen on a weight basis is heat-treated at a temperature at which recrystallization does not take place. The heat-treated material is provided with a resist pattern for forming apertures and subjected to etching to form apertures.

Abstract: A steel pipe containing fine ferrite crystal grains, which has excellent toughness and ductility and good ductility-strength balance as well as superior collision impact resistance, and a method for producing the same are provided. A steel pipe containing super-fine crystal grains can be produced by heating a base steel pipe having ferrite grains with an average crystal diameter of di (&mgr;m), in which C, Si, Mn and Al are limited within proper ranges, and if necessary, Cu, Ni, Cr and Mo, or Nb, Ti, V, B, etc. are further added, at not higher than the Ac3 transformation point, and applying reducing at an average rolling temperature of &thgr;m (° C.) and a total reduction ratio Tred (%) within s temperature range of from 400 to Ac3 transformation point, with di, &thgr;m and Tred being in a relation satisfying a prescribed equation.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder for use in nickel-metal hydride storage batteries having a high capacity, excellent initial characteristics and a long life. Specifically provided is a process for the production of a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder which includes the steps of treating a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder with an acid solution, and subsequently treating the hydrogen absorbing alloy powder with a solution containing a condensed phosphoric acid having 2 to 20 phosphorus atoms per molecule and/or phytic acid, as well as an electrode formed of the hydrogen absorbing alloy powder produced by the above process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a material made of a metal alloy for subsequent forming of the material in the semi-solid state, provides that the metal alloy (X) is brought to a starting temperature that is above the liquidus. An additive is added which is capable of reducing an interfacial surface energy between the solid phase and the liquid phase after the metal alloy has been mixed with the additive and transformed into the semi-solid state. The volume fraction of the additive (Z) is selected in such a way that, in the semi-solid material at a liquid phase fraction (fL) of 15% to 75%, the grain size (D) and the degree of skeletization (fSCS) during a holding time (t) of more than 15 minutes remain essentially constant in order to retain the formability of a suspension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handbag/wallet system having a substantially rectangular compact body with an at least one interior compartment. Provided on the front surface of the body is a front external pocket, made of an elastic material, which is structured to hold a wireless telephone. Attached to the back surface of the body is a belt loop for attaching the handbag/wallet to the user's belt. And an outside compartment may include a pocket for an electronic device, and, optionally, a pouch for a stylus. In addition, a plurality of rings are provided on the body for allowing the user to removably attach a carry cord. The carry cord, in turn, is provided with a means for creating an adjustable loop which may be placed about the shoulder or waist of the user.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with blocks, each block provided with circumferentially opening V-shaped corners each defined between two corner walls intersecting each other. In a cross section including the intersecting line K of the two corner walls and a normal line drawn normally to the tread face from a radially outer end of the intersecting line K, the intersecting line K comprising an upper slanting part KU and a lower normal part KL, the upper slanting part KU extending radially inwards from the tread face to a point P1 with an inclination angle &thgr;1 with respect to said normal line, and the lower normal part KL extending radially inwardly from the point P1 in substantially parallel to the normal line. The depth D1 of the point P1 from the tread face being in a range of from 0.30 to 0.50 times the height H0 of the block.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread reinforcing belt made of metallic cords, each of the metallic cords is made up of six to twelve metallic filaments whose diameter is not less than 0.15 mm but less than 0.25 mm, the six to twelve metallic filaments are grouped into a plurality of bunches each including two to four filaments, the filaments of each bunch are twisted together at a first twisting pitch, the bunches are twisted together into the cord at a final twist pitch Pc of from 10 to 40 mm, the first twisting pitch is more than the final twist pitch, and the bunches each include at least one waved filament which is two-dimensionally waved at wave pitches Pw in a range of from 5 to 30 times the diameter (d) of the filament and a wave height (h) in a range of from 0.2 to 3.0 times the diameter (d).

Abstract: A waste sheet part forming apparatus forms a waste sheet part in a weblike heat transfer recording sheet supplied from a supplying apparatus. A slit apparatus cuts the recording sheet in the longitudinal direction into plural columns, and thereafter the cut recording sheets are sent to a winding apparatus. Sheet rolls formed in the winding portion in the winding apparatus are sent to a discharging portion and cores are supplied to the winding portion. The waste sheet extending between the winding portion and the discharging portion is cut by a cutting portion. An adhesive tape on the upstream side of the waste sheet is attached to a core in the winding portion and an adhesive tape on the downstream side is attached to the outer periphery of the sheet roll in the discharging portion.

Abstract: A processed fiber is used to distribute energy from an electromagnetic (EM) energy source to a material in which the fiber is embedded. The electromagnetic energy source supplies electromagnetic energy to the fiber and the fibers emit portions of the EM energy along the length of the fiber. The sealant material absorbs a quantity of the electromagnetic energy sufficient to cure the sealant material and propagates excess electromagnetic energy through the sealant material without significant additional absorption. This prevents the sealant material from over-curing. Additionally, a fully cured material can be used to generate thermal energy and thereby serve as a heat blanket that can be used to de-ice aircraft.

Abstract: Process for the production of variously decorated artefacts, comprising the steps of: preliminary preparation of the surfaces of the artefact, possible application of preliminary painting cycles or other surface treatments; covering or tight-wrapping up of the artefact with a transfer support bearing the decorations desired, realized from gas-tight thermoformable plastic material such as polyvinyl alcohol; creation of a vacuum between said transfer support and the artefact covered by the same, so that the support adheres to the shape of the artefact; and heating for the transfer of the decoration and the polymerization of the colors

Abstract: A surface skin holding means in a lower mold for holding a folded part of a surface skin member includes a planar support frame and a support post for supporting it and prevents the folded part from a load by elevation of the support post with the elevation of an ejector plate. Also, when the support post moves upward to the uppermost position at the support frame, the support post is retained with a support-post retaining means including ball plungers to facilitate placing the surface skin member.

Abstract: A first adhesively coated tape material length is supplied to a first die associated with a cutting and application mechanism. A second length of adhesively coated tape material is also provided to a second die of the cutting and application mechanism. A plurality of LOC leadframes is supplied sequentially through the application structure to apply a first decal cut from the first tape material to a first die site at a first location and to apply a second decal cut from the second tape material to a second die site at a second location.

Abstract: High aspect ratio (5:1-30:1) and small (5 &mgr;m-125 &mgr;m) diameter holes in a dielectric substrate are provided, which are filled with a solidified conductive material, as well as a method of filling such holes using pressure and vacuum. In certain embodiments, the holes are lined with conductive material and/or capped with a conductive material. The invention also contemplates a chip carrier formed by such material.

Abstract: A plasma treatment method comprising exhausting a process chamber so as to decompress the process chamber, mounting a wafer on a suscepter, supplying a process gas to the wafer through a shower electrode, applying high frequency power, which has a first frequency f1 lower than an inherent lower ion transit frequencies of the process gas, to the suscepter, and applying high frequency power, which has a second frequency f2 higher than an inherent upper ion transit frequencies of the process gas, whereby a plasma is generated in the process chamber and activated species influence the wafer.

Abstract: A device for the substantially vertical suspension of tire carcasses, which includes a plurality of articulated supports, the latter being able to bear on the inside of a tire carcass, each of said supports having a convex bearing surface capable of adopting a plurality of angular positions.

Abstract: A label printer/applicator with improved label cutting, control and application has a control valve for alternately fluidly interconnecting an applicator head with a supply of pressurized air, a suction source and a neutral position. An atomizer nozzle is positioned beneath an applicator head for activating moisture-activated adhesives often provided on labels. An air jet nozzle beneath the applicator head prevents cantilever bending of a label exiting a printer and travelling toward the applicator head.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable and extendable awning and a control system for automatically extending and retracting the awning. In a retractable fabric awning a front of the awning fabric is attached to a movable front bar, movably mounted at the wall of a building by retractable arms. The rear of the fabric is unrolled from a roll of the fabric on the building wall when the arms move the front bar away from the building. The awning features a weather sensor unit on its front bar. The weather sensor unit can detect excessive wind and mechanical shocks and also sunlight and rain. The sensor is in wireless (via radio frequency) communication with an indoor control unit which can automatically retract the front bar during windy, rainy and/or low sunlight conditions and extend the front bar during calm and sunny conditions.

Abstract: An improved release mechanism for use in combination with an industrial door, which includes an extension member extending across the doorway opening when the door is in its doorway-blocking positions, the releasing mechanism including a roller mounted for movement with the extension member, and a track including a guideway for receiving the roller and guiding it during normal door operation, the roller and track being movable relative to each other upon application of a breakaway force to the extension member, thereby allowing the roller to escape from the track when a breakaway force is applied to the extension member, the breakaway force being defined as a force that has a component perpendicular to the plane of the door above a certain magnitude.

Abstract: A track system for use in a windlocking apparatus is disclosed and claimed. One embodiment includes a housing piece and an interfitting piece. The housing piece includes a channel and the interfitting piece includes a key which slidingly mates with the channel. The housing piece and the interfitting piece each have flanges having smooth contours thereon. Another embodiment employs a track having a first piece and a second piece with the first piece having at least one groove therein and the second piece having at least one protrusion thereon. The protrusion of the second piece interfits with groove of the first piece interlocking the first and second pieces together.

Abstract: A continuous pulp digester having an elongate horizontally aligned pressure vessel through which the wood chips and digesting fluid flow in a forward direction. In a first and second embodiments within the pressure vessel there is an inner container defining an elongate chamber or passageway having a square cross sectional configuration. In a third embodiment the digesting chamber is cylindrical. At locations along the digester, there are several pair of liquid flow inlets and liquid flow outlets which enable filtrate from a pulp washer and a digesting agent to be moved into and across the digesting chamber to flow out the flow outlets. These are recirculated in a net upstream flow pattern toward the outlet end of the digester, and discharged as black liquor at different locations in the digester.

Abstract: The process of the present invention purposefully precipitates a portion of the dissolved lignin onto pulp fibers to improve pulp yield of unbleached pulp. The resulting retention of lignin on the pulp creates an increase in pulp yield. Washing the pulp in a series of washer stages sequentially removes entrained lignin. Between each of the washer stages, adding dilution water repulps a pulp mat that exits from a prior washer stage and creates a pulp stream for a next washer stage. After at least one of the washer stages, adding an acidifying agent to the pulp stream forms a pulp product by precipitating the entrained lignin onto cellulosic fibers contained in the pulp stream. Finally, the process removes the pulp product from the series of washer stages with the pulp product having at least about a 1 unit increase in Kappa number.

Abstract: Control equipment for the headbox tip lath of a paper machine includes first actuators (12a1, 12a2 . . . ), which are located at different points along the headbox (100) width and connect functionally with a bendable intermediate part (14). At the different points along the headbox (100) width there are also second actuators (13a1, 13a2 . . . ) which are used in the tip lath control. These connect functionally with both the bendable intermediate part (14) and the tip lath (11). The first actuators (12a1, 12a2 . . . ) are used to perform rough control of the tip lath (11) whereas the second actuators (13a1, 13a2 . . . ) are used to perform fine control of the tip lath (11).

Abstract: The method of deoxidation casting of the present invention is capable of deoxidizing the oxide film formed on the surface of the molten metal, improving wettability to inner faces of a cavity of a casting die, and casting high quality products with high casting efficiency. The method of deoxidation casting of the present invention comprises the steps of: reacting a deoxidizing compound, which is made by reacting a metallic gas on a reactive gas, on a molten metal; and deoxidizing an oxide film on a surface of the molten metal.

Abstract: Method and device to control the axial position of slabs emerging from continuous casting applied in rolling plants comprising at least a casting machine (11), an extraction and straightening assembly (12) with pairs of rolls (25), a heating and/or temperature maintenance furnace (15) and a roughing and pre-finishing (16) or finishing train (19), said device comprising means (26, 31a, 31b) to detect the axial position of the slab (24) arranged in at least a position upstream of or inside said furnace (15) and a processing unit (30) able to receive from said means (26, 31a, 31b) the signal relating to the axial position of the slab (24) and to condition the activation of at least one of said pairs of rolls (25) of the extraction and straightening assembly (12) to obtain a differentiated pressing of the slab (24) in the direction of the width in order to at least partly eliminate a possible discrepancy (&Dgr;) of the axis (28) of the slab (24) with respect to the rolling axis (27).

Abstract: Steel is continuously cast in a mold at a casting speed of 2.5 to 10 m/min while the mold is oscillated so as to satisfy the relationship 450≦(S×f/Vc)≦1000, wherein S is the stroke of mold oscillation in mm, f is the frequency of mold oscillation in cycles per minute, and Vc is the casting speed in m/min.

Abstract: A device that efficiently transfers heat from a heat source. The device includes a heat sink, the heat sink comprising a thermally conductive base, and a plurality of thermally conductive pin fins coupled to the thermally conductive base. A gas source, such as a blower, proximate to the pin fins, directs a gas, such as ambient air, axially along at least a portion of the pin fins, and then in a direction radial to the pin fins and substantially parallel to the heat source, to transfer heat away from the heat source. The heat transfer device may be utilized in any application that requires efficient removal of heat from a heat source, for example, an electronic device such as an integrated circuit or microprocessor.

Abstract: A small size, light weight heat control device feasible for an artificial satellite or a spacecraft is disclosed. The heat control device uses an optical property particular to a substance itself in place of a mechanical principle applied to a conventional thermal louver. In addition, the device of the present invention is highly reliable and long life because it needs no movable portions which would bring about wear, fatigue and other problems.

Abstract: The invention provides a charge air cooler, especially for motor vehicles, having a finned-tube block. The finned-tube block includes flat tubes through which charge air can flow and at least one fin member attached to the flat tubes. At least one fin member includes rows of webs and web crosspieces, the rows offset relative to each other by a predetermined distance. At least one web and/or one web crosspiece possesses at least one vortex generator.

Abstract: This liquid-gas manifold comprises a single container (24) of roughly cylindrical overall external shape, designed to define an annular space between its side wall and the interior wall (1) of the column and having a perforated bottom (25), means for connecting the container (24) to the interior wall (1) of the column, and means allowing the gases to be transferred from the said annular space to the space located above the container (24).

Abstract: An internal grooved tube according to the present invention comprises a large number of fine spiral grooves on the inside surface in parallel arrangement, wherein the grooves are formed to assure that the ratio of a groove width in the tube axial direction to a groove height is in the range of 1 to 2. A lead angle &thgr; of the grooves to the tube axis is preferably limited to 26 to 35 degrees. A method of manufacturing an internal grooved tube according to the present invention comprises the steps of inserting a grooved plug into a blank tube rotatably, and then pressing the blank tube against the outside surface of the grooved tube with several balls revolving both around the circumference of the blank tube and on its axis in a location of the grooved plug inserted, while drawing out the blank tube longitudinally in one direction, wherein the number of balls is limited to 2 to 3.

Abstract: In a heat exchanger having a tank portion (4) defining a fluid inlet path (34) and a fluid outlet path (35) for conducting a heat exchange medium, an inlet portion (36) and an outlet portion (37) are formed integral with the tank portion to communicate with the fluid inlet path and the fluid outlet path, respectively. The inlet portion is adapted to connect with a fluid inlet pipe for introducing the heat exchange medium into the fluid inlet path. The outlet portion is adapted to connect with a fluid outlet pipe for discharging the heat exchange medium from the fluid outlet path.

Abstract: A mix door (5) is arranged in air passages (10, 11) of an automotive air conditioning device. The mix door (5) is arranged to extend in a direction to shut an air flow blown from the upstream air passage (10) and swelled in a downstream direction with a predetermined radius of curvature. The door (5) is guided by arcuate cam grooves (19) and driven upward and downward to achieve open/close operation with the aid of a sliding mechanism (M). Compact construction, reduction in air flow resistance, smoothed handling, high sealing and high temperature controlling are achieved.

Abstract: A user enters a thermal perception level or a temperature set point in a perception level & temperature entry portion (15). Then, a clock portion (16) calculates, by clocking, the time of entry to the perception level & temperature entry portion (15), and the entered temperature set point is stored as a temperature set point of an individual time interval in a temperature set point memory portion (18). When no entry is available to the perception level & temperature entry portion (15), air conditioning power is controlled in accordance with a temperature that has been already stored in the temperature set point memory portion (18).

Abstract: A heat exchanger which is symmetrical with respect to rotation, especially a thermal roller which is driveable for rotation and is heated by a fluid or gas, preferably a heat transfer oil, water or steam, and is preferably used in the paper industry includes at least one shut-off device for cutting off the forward flow and/or return flow of the thermal roller as soon as the forward flow pressure and/or the return flow pressure of the heat transfer medium drops off significantly or drops to zero.

Abstract: A system for use in a subterranean well includes a tubing, a perforating gun, a detonator and circuitry. The detonator is adapted to fire the perforating gun. The circuitry is adapted to determine whether the perforating gun has fired and based on the determination, operate a valve of the tubing to transit a stimulus to the surface of the well to indicate whether the perforating gun has fired.

Abstract: A well data monitoring system which enables annulus pressure and other well parameters to be monitored in the outer annuli of the well casing program without adding any pressure containing penetrations to the well system. This non-intrusive approach to monitoring pressure and other well parameters in the annuli preserves the pressure integrity of the well and maximizes the safety of the well. In the preferred embodiment an intelligent sensor interrogation system which can be located externally or internally of the pressure containing housing of the wellhead is capable of interrogating and receiving data signals from intelligent well data sensors which are exposed to well parameters within the various annuli of the well and wellhead program.

Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.

Abstract: A method of producing fluids from a well bore by polishing the inside diameter surface of a down-hole tubular. The method includes the steps of providing a down-hole tubular having an inside diameter and being made of a carbon steel alloy or a high chromium alloy, preparing an inside diameter surface of the down-hole tubular, subjecting the inside diameter surface to an electropolishing treatment to produce a smooth surface being slick and essentially non-stick, locating the down-hole tubular within the well bore adjacent a fluid-producing formation, and producing the fluids through the inside diameter of the down-hole tubular. The electropolishing treatment can also be applied to the inside diameter surfaces of carbon steel drill pipe.

Abstract: A method for pre-disposing the expansion profile in an expandable, elastomeric component of a downhole tool, includes the steps of (a) surrounding at least a portion of the length of an elastomeric component with a shaping tool or vessel having an inner diameter that defines a profiled limit for pre-disposing the expansion profile in the component; (b) applying fluid under pressure to the elastomeric component for expanding it into contact with the inner diameter of the shaping tool and creating a pre-disposed expansion profile in the component; and (c) reducing the pressure of the fluid for allowing the elastomeric component to return generally to its original shape.

Abstract: A soil conditioner implement designed for operation in cooperation with a supporting skid steer vehicle, the skid steer vehicle being moveable over the soil to be conditioned and having a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure for transmission to the soil conditioner implement for powering thereof and having a skid steer control system for providing a plurality of commands to the soil conditioner implement, the soil conditioner implement includes a drum member having a rotatable drum, the drum being selectively contactable with the soil to be conditioned. A bolster member is operably coupled to the drum member for supporting in part the drum member, the bolster member being shiftable between a soil engaging disposition and a flipped-up disposition, the bolster member being borne on the drum member when in the flipped-up disposition. A method of conditioning soil is further included.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reciprocating pneumatic tool including first and second piston retaining mechanisms for preventing the piston from freely exiting the barrel of the tool when the retaining sleeve and workpiece are removed. The retaining mechanisms are located within the lower portion of the tool barrel, and do not interfere with normal operation of the tool.