Abstract: A method for increasing efficiency in a co-extrusion process for producing filled food products. The prior art co-extrusion process included a co-extrusion die for extruding an elongated cylindrical filled food shell which contains a filler material. A conveyor was used to advance the extruded filled food shell from the co-extruder along a predetermined path. A rotary stamping disk partitioned the cylindrical filled food shell into filled food segments. The present method includes providing multiple co-extrusion dies with parallel aligned outlets extruding a plurality of parallel elongated cylindrical filled food shells containing a filler material along the predetermined path. The rotary stamping disk has at least one circumferential row of stamping dies for each of the plurality of cylindrical filled food shells, such that the circumferential rows of stamping dies on the rotary stamping disk partition the plurality of cylindrical filled food shells into a plurality of rows of filled food segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for training goalkeepers including, in combination, a reel containing a quantity of line and a goal. A reel support member is provided to which the reel is mounted. A reel support line guide is positioned on the reel support. A line anchor is positioned on the reel support. The goal has a first lower corner and a second lower corner. A first lower corner line guide is positioned in the first lower corner. A second lower corner line guide is positioned in the second lower corner. A remote end of the line is fed from the reel through the reel support line guide, the first lower corner line guide, the second lower corner line guide and back to the reel support line guide; with the remote end of the line being secured to the line anchor. The line provides an outline of a shooting zone. The shooting zone is dynamically changeable during training sessions by feeding or retracting the line from the reel.

Abstract: A construction assembly for attaching thin panels to a support frame. An elongate base strip suitable for attachment to a support frame. Two walls extending from the bases strip define a slot, one of the walls having plural teeth. A mating cover strip has a flexible projecting wall with plural teeth on one side facing the teeth of the slot but fewer in number. The cover strip and elongate base have thin panel support walls facing each other. The flexible projecting wall bends on a fulcrum attached to one of the second wall and the flexible projecting wall, such that upon insertion of the flexible projecting wall into the slot, the teeth are urged towards each other to grip a panel in the slot.

Abstract: A floatation apparatus for a vehicle includes a first floatation member, a second floatation member, and at least two arms. Each of the two arms have a floatation attachment end and a mounting end. The floatation attachment end of one of the two arms is secured to the first floatation member and the floatation attachment end of the other of the two arms is secured to the second floatation member. At least one support is provided that mounts to a vehicle. The mounting ends of the two arms are pivotally mounted to the support for movement between a substantially vertical stored position and a downwardly angled operative position. The arms can be locked in either the stored position or the operative position.

Abstract: A pressure actuated switch has a diaphragm mounted across a piston having a piston head. Movement of the piston under pressure variations acting on the diaphragm actuates the pressure switch. A support disc is provided for the diaphragm, the support disc being mounted between the diaphragm and the piston. The support disc is preferably made of a high tensile elastic material and has an outer annulus that extends beyond the piston head, an inner disc that is smaller in diameter than the piston head; and a flexible intermediate annulus cantilevered between the outer annulus and the inner disc.

Abstract: An energy saving lighting control system for operating fluorescent light fixtures is provided with means for controlling the light level according to the light required for the task being done in the area. Ambient light available from sources outside of the controlled area such as daylight can be harvested to reduce the amount of artificial lighting required. A method of providing sensor inputs to detect occupancy in the controlled area provides control signals to the lighting control system which are used to reduce the light level or turn light fixtures off at times when the area is not occupied. A method of providing a central .control of the operation of the lighting system can provide time-of-day scheduling, can provide minimum and maximum lighting levels, and can provide calibration and set-points for response times to various sensor inputs.

Abstract: A drill stabilizer is formed of housing with a mandrel extending from the housing between a first shoulder and a second shoulder, the mandrel having a mandrel axis and an outer diameter adjacent the first shoulder, and at least three stabilizing rollers mounted sequentially along the mandrel between the first and second shoulders. Each stabilizing roller has an axis of rotation radially offset from the mandrel axis in an offset direction and distributed symmetrically around the mandrel axis. The diameter of each stabilizing roller is such that each stabilizing roller has a perimeter that extends further radially outward than the outer diameter of the housing in the offset direction of the respective stabilizing roller and does not extend further radially outward than the outer diameter in the direction opposite to the offset direction.

Abstract: A fencing wire retainer includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. A hook is provided at the first end of the body for removably securing the body to a fence post. A radial finger is provided at the second end of the body for removably securing the body to a fence post. The first end and the second end of the body are secured to a fence post with a transversely extending fencing wire retained between the body and the fence post. The fencing wire is preferably positioned in a transverse wire receiving groove.

Abstract: A compacting apparatus includes a first elongate compaction chamber having a first end and a second end and a second elongate compaction chamber having a first end and a second end. The second compaction chamber is in parallel spaced relation with the first compaction chamber. A first compaction ram is in axial alignment with the first compaction chamber. The first ram is movable from a starting position at the first end telescopically into the first compaction chamber. A second compaction ram is in axial alignment with the second compaction chamber and movable from a starting position at the first end telescopically into the second compaction chamber. A gate is provided for closing the second end of the first compaction chamber. A gate is provided for closing the second end of the second compaction chamber. The first ram and the second ram move in opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention is directed at a method and apparatus for producing liquids, namely hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation using a well having a collecting wellbore located at least partially within the formation.

Abstract: A method of triggering a transmitter implant during parturition is described. Firstly, provide a transmitter implant that is housed in a flexible housing and is activated to transmit a signal upon the housing being flexed. Secondly, implant the transmitter implant in a vulva lip of an animal where it will be unavoidably flexed during parturition.

Abstract: A video camera support with counterbalance includes a tubular camera support having a first end and a second end. A camera mounting bracket is positioned at the first end of the camera support. A counterbalance assembly is positioned at the second end of the camera support. The counterbalance assembly includes a transversely positioned counterweight mounting bracket having a first end and a second end. A first tubular member is provided having an attachment end and a counterweight end. The attachment end of the first tubular member is pivotally connected to the first end of the counterweight mounting bracket for pivotal movement between a stored position substantially parallel to the camera support and an operative position extending away from the camera support. A second tubular member is provided having an attachment end and a counterweight end.

Abstract: A two way hydraulic drilling jar which includes a tubular housing having an interior surface defining an interior bore. A mandrel is provided having an exterior surface. The mandrel is telescopically received within the interior bore of the tubular housing. The exterior surface of the mandrel has an enlarged diameter portion. An annular valve member is provided having a first end, a second end, and an interior surface defining an interior bore. The mandrel extends through the interior bore of the valve member. The valve member is confined with capability of limited axial movement between two shoulders projecting from the interior surface of the housing. The interior bore of the annular valve member receives the enlarged diameter portion of the mandrel in close fitting relation. At least one fluid bypass channel is disposed in one of the valve member and the enlarged diameter portion of the exterior surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of securing a valve seat member for a ball valve within a tubular housing. Firstly, provide an annular valve seat member and a tubular valve housing. The annular valve seat member has a first face, a second face, an interior surface and an exterior surface. One of the first face and the second face of the annular valve seat member has an arcuate valve seat. The tubular valve housing has an interior surface defining an interior bore. Secondly, position an annular groove in the interior surface of the annular valve seat member and an annular groove in the interior surface of the tubular valve housing. Thirdly, lock the annular valve seat member to the interior surface of the tubular valve housing with a split ring having an exterior surface with a first annular tongue that engage the annular groove of the annular valve seat member and a second annular tongue that engages the annular groove in the interior surface of the tubular valve housing.

Abstract: A method of warming a toilet seat is described. Firstly, provide a toilet having a toilet seat and a pivotally mounted toilet seat cover. The toilet seat cover has a lower surface and a peripheral edge. The toilet seat cover is pivotally movable between a substantially vertical raised position and a substantially horizontal lowered position in which the lower surface of the toilet seat cover overlies the toilet seat. Secondly, secure a string of low voltage lights to the lower surface of the toilet seat cover adjacent the peripheral edge. Thirdly, position the toilet seat cover in a pivotal position parallel to the toilet seat when the toilet seat is not in use. Heat generated by the low voltage lights in proximity to the toilet seat warms the toilet seat in preparation for use.