Abstract: A system for constructing a roof on a roof support structure comprising (a) identifying and mapping the roof by zones of demand requirements throughout the area to be covered by the roof; (b) covering the area with metal panels; (c) choosing a connecting process for connecting side-adjacent and end-adjacent panels, wherein a connecting process is selected for each demand zone to inter-connect the side-adjacent and end-adjacent panels that satisfies the performance requirements of that particular demand zone so that all of the metal panels are inter-connected to each other and to the roof support structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tab-lock fastener for connecting first and second vent pipes typically used to exhaust products of combustion of natural gas appliances. The tab-lock fastener includes a guide and a tab-lock receptacle formed on a male end of the first vent pipe, an engaging tab formed on a female end of the second vent pipe, and a locking tab formed on the female end of the second vent pipe. The first and second vent pipes are assembled by inserting the male end of the first vent pipe into the female end of the second vent pipe so that the engaging tab is received in the guide and twisting one of the vent pipes with respect to the other vent pipe. The locking tab engages a wall of the tab-lock receptacle to prevent untwisting and unwanted disconnection of the vent pipes.

Abstract: A retractable ladder assembly for marine applications having a frame and a ladder having a pair of channel members pivotally connected to the frame and extendible there from in a vertical position and in a horizontal position. A plurality of rung members extend between the channel members, and channel extension members are slidably supported in the channel members. A pair of strut connectors have one end pivotally connected to the frame and the other end pivotally connected to the lower ends of the channel extension members. A power actuator is supported by the frame to pivot the channel members between a vertical position and a horizontal position, the channel extension members extending from the upper ends of the channel members in the vertical position and are contained in the channel members in the horizontal position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brake heat reducing system for reducing the temperature of brake components in vehicles, the brake heat reducing system cooperating with the braking system of the vehicle and having a control device having an accelerometer that is energized in response to vehicular braking and a timer relay. A modulating device has a solenoid valve connected to the timer relay and is activated by the control device in response to vehicular braking for modulating braking pressure during occurrence of vehicular braking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator suitable for use in marine and other harsh environments. In the presently preferred embodiment, the hydraulic actuator includes a motor that is coupled to a pump assembly that is configured to displace hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic actuator also includes a cylinder bore that has an upper chamber and a lower chamber which are separated by a movable piston member. Pressure actuated valves are used to regulate the flow of high pressure hydraulic fluid to the cylinder bore. The pressure actuated valves are actuated in response to pressure generated by the pump assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for pyrolyzing waste tire chips, the tire chips passed into an inclined rotary kiln having an output end. The tire chips are saturated by oil in the inclined rotary kiln and are pyrolyzed by indirectly heating with a heated gas. The pyrolyzed tire chips and oil produces a vapor product and a solid product that are separated within the kiln by gravitational separation. The vapor product is processed to condense oil and a portion of the condensed oil is recycled to the rotary kiln. The solid product is separated into oil and char, a portion of the oil recycled to the inclined rotary kiln for saturating the tire chips. The vapor product following the oil removal is used to produce the heated gas to heat the rotary kiln.

Abstract: The invention is a method and a defroster control circuit to sequentially defrost a series of refrigerated display cases. The method begins by operating the series of refrigerated display cases during a normal refrigeration mode. At the beginning of the refrigeration mode, a refrigeration time is set to zero and an elapsed refrigeration time is subsequently monitored. When the refrigeration time equals an activation time, a defrost mode begins and a defrost cycle for the first case starts. The defrost mode for the first case terminates based either on a defrost time criterion or a defrost temperature criterion. After the first refrigerated display case is defrosted, a refrigeration mode is restarted for the first case. After the first refrigerated display case is defrosted, the other refrigerated display cases in the series of refrigerated display cases are then sequentially defrosted.

Abstract: A zone based roofing system for roofing a building, the roof of the building identified by demand zones of the roof, the type of seaming process used for each demand zone varied to connect the standing seams of the panels to meet the minimum requirements of the demand zones. The panels are secured to the roof support structure and adjacently disposed panels are interlocked such as by seaming according to demand zone requirements to achieve demand quality for each zone and thereby minimizing the cost of the roof.

Abstract: A transmitter housing apparatus for the containment of a probe in a directional underground drilling device, the transmitter housing having a housing with first and second ends and a longitudinally extending bore for receiving the probe, the housing having a first detent near the first end. A cover member is slidingly engaged by the first by the first detent to cover the bore and to secure the probe in the housing. A sub member engages the second end of the housing to secure the cover member on the housing. A positioning member is disposed in the bore and engages the probe for rotationally positioning the probe in a desired orientation in the bore of the housing. A plurality of slots or the like are provided in the housing for selectively orienting the probe. Also, the housing has a passageway for fluid flow, and has a plurality of slots to permit signal transmission by the probe.

Abstract: A rodeo rider training apparatus is formed by a retractable wheel horizontal base frame supporting a spin wheel, a motor spin wheel driving apparatus and a spin shaft supporting a bucking apparatus in turn supporting a rider support for simulating a bucking action of a horse or bull while the spin wheel rotates the bucking apparatus in a selected direction. A divided circular pad horizontally surrounds the vertical axis of the bucking apparatus and rider support and spins therewith within a central portion of a surrounding air mattress providing padding, with the circular pad, for receiving a rider falling from the rider support thus allowing the falling rider to spin with the device until he can exit the spin pad to the air mattress, out of the way of the bucking apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high pressure injection molding system employing one or more plastic injection molding workstations including split molds, a single plastic extruder coupled to a heated manifold capable of delivering fluid plastic to multiple workstations, and wherein final lockup of the split mold halves results in application of compressive forces effective to maintain the split mold halves in nominal position during high pressure injection molding conditions. Operational movement is performed by use of a single remote pumping station utilizing pressure compensated pumps, accumulators and manifolds. The independent mold workstations allow independent operation while providing efficency of operation for the hydraulic system and extruder system.

Abstract: A separator apparatus for separating flush effluent from an oil and gas well following a fracture stimulation process, the separator having a vessel that maintains the effluent at a selected liquid level, an inlet is connected to the vessel at a location below the liquid level so that the effluent enters the vessel at a location therebelow. A plurality of baffles within the vessel slow the effluent so that solids settle out to a drain which is periodically opened to transfer the solids to an appropriate disposal. An upper outlet permits the venting of gases that percolate from the liquid constituent, a backpressure valve disposed in communication therewith to maintain a positive pressure within the vessel. A liquid drain withdraws the liquid constituent from the vessel at a rate determined by a level assembly.

Abstract: An important and central aspect of the present invention is the use of expanded amorphous aluminum silicate (EAAS) as a vehicle for a chlorite salt. This vehicle, when exposed to moisture, will release chlorine dioxide (ClO.sub.2) for purposes of deodorization or microbial suppression. Thus, where a particular area or volume is to be deodorized or made less microbally contaminated, the EAAS-chlorite salt (most preferably sodium chlorite) is placed in the area or volume to be treated and moisture is permitted to interact with the material. The result of the moisture is to permit the chemical reaction (presumably acidification) of the chlorite salt to yield chlorine dioxide gas. While normal EAAS has some inherent acidity, the inherent acidity is low enough so that, even when a chloride salt is encapsulated in the EAAS and the resultant mixture exposed to moisture, ClO.sub.2 release is very slow and over an extended period. Under most conditions, a more rapid release of ClO.sub.

Abstract: An actuator arm bumper for dampening contact between a surface of an actuator arm and a surface of a disc in a disc drive. The actuator arm bumper comprises a non-marring, non-particulating and durable material such as polycarbonate which extends through and beyond the cross-sectional thickness of the actuator arm. The actuator arm bumper is formed from a sphere or rod of polycarbonate material which is placed into an opening of the actuator arm and deformed using a heat staking or crimping operation. A ramp loading installation tool is also used to simultaneously form all of the actuator arm bumpers in the actuator arms of the disc drive.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, which is characterized by a vigorous, upright growth habit; leathery leaves which emerge dark crimson and quickly change to dark green; new branches that are crimson and remain so for four or more weeks; modest seed production; inflorescences which are 12 to 20 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide; flower buds which are crimson before opening; and cherry red flowers that are heavily ruffled, with occasional slight variegation. The new variety is also characterized by a long bloom period.