Abstract: An apparatus for use on a surface and responsive to an operator. A head assembly is adapted to carry a device for engaging the surface. An actuator raises and lowers the head assembly relative to the surface. A position control responsive to operator input indicates a head position of the device relative to the surface or range of head positions of the device relative to the surface. The head position or the range of head positions indicates a distance or range of distances, respectively, between the device and the surface. A controller responsive to the position control selectively actuates the actuator to maintain the device in the head position or within the range of head positions as indicated by the position control. As a result, a repeatable position or range of positions of the brush head is obtained, the relative engagement between the head assembly and surface is controlled and the treatment of the surface by the head assembly is controlled.

Abstract: A method for controlling uniformity of applied film thickness of clear protective coatings by means of a color-dissipatable dye additive which dissipates within a reasonable timeframe, generally from hours to a few days, leaving the applied film with no evidence of its use during the application phase. The color additives temporarily impart color to an otherwise clear coating, and subsequently dissipate over a short period of time. An embodiment of this technology includes the addition of a compatibilizer carrier solution to increase the ease of measuring the dye for addition to the clear coating.

Abstract: A continent ostomy port device has a face plate defining a selectively sealable aperture which is alignable with the opening of a stoma formed in the body of a user of the device. A closure portion is adapted to permit selective and repeatable covering and uncovering of the aperture in the face plate. A catheter portion extends from one side of the face plate and extends proximally, and one end of the catheter portion is disposed interior of the user's body, within the ostomy site, when the port device is in normal use position. The catheter portion has continuous exterior and interior side walls, the latter defining a major lumen. The catheter portion is sized and shaped appropriately for non-surgical installation through a stoma to a sufficient distance that the presence of the catheter portion within the stoma provides a physical barrier which reduces the incidence of stoma prolapse, without the use of extraneous, externally applied materials or additional surgery.

Abstract: Equipment for monitoring the performance of an engine fuel injector valve includes a source of pressurized fluid and an injector valve head connected to an injector valve and the source so that pressurized fluid is delivered to the valve. A regulator compensates for changes in pressure of the fluid and enables the change to be effected and maintained. A flow monitor is in the fluid path between the source and the head to monitor the flow of fluid. The source of pressurized fluid maintains a level of pressure in excess of a desired operating pressure. A fluid flow control coupled to a pressure sensor, near the test head indicates the pressure therein so that the flow control effects flow through the fluid path to maintain the pressure at the head.

Abstract: The regulator connects to a high pressure fluid supply and regulates the pressure to a downstream apparatus. If an over-pressure occurs, it is vented to atmosphere. A segmented body reduces production costs. An elongate control stem engages a supply seal assembly and a vent seal assembly and moves axially with respect to these seal assemblies to achieve regulation and venting. Both the supply seal assembly and the vent seal assembly are bi-directional and operate when forces are applied from opposing directions.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an endless belt conveyor. The cleaning system having a central control which controls pump supplying hot water, soap and a sanitizer to a plurality of controllable spray valves for plural spray bars.

Abstract: A device for tuning a piano that attaches to adjacent strings of the piano and positions magnetic pickups over the strings with the magnetic pickups detecting the vibration of the strings without interference with them.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for trimming an internal combustion engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller in electrical communication with the engine, the controller being operable to detect the operating mode of each injector of the engine and alter each injector operating mode as desired.

Abstract: A display stand for supporting a conventional cooler chest or other product holding container including a first member foldable to form a shell for receiving the cooler chest, a second member positionable within the shell for supporting the cooler chest when positioned thereon, and a third member positionable within the shell providing a floor surface for holding the cooler chest, the third member being located within the shell such that the shell wraps around the side walls of the cooler chest when the cooler chest is positioned on the third member. The third member further includes an extension portion foldable to form a drain spout, the drain spout being positionable through a door assembly associated with the first member for funneling the waste water away from the cooler chest to a suitable container positioned exterior of the display stand.

Abstract: A product inventory control system is provided that utilizes both fixed and movable racks. The present system may be utilized in a walk-in display cooler or other product storage application to help with inventory management and to provide easy access to stored product. The racks of the present system include shelf support members that are selectively positionable at a plurality of different orientations so as to achieve different product support surface orientations relative to a horizontal The shelf support members are adapted for storing a plurality of different types of products and product containers. Movable racks are positioned in front of fixed racks whereby movement of a movable rack provides access to a rack positioned therebehind.

Abstract: The normally closed, two-position, three-way latching hydroseal valve can be used in subsea applications in connection with the production of oil and natural gas. The latching hydroseal valve can be operated by remote pilot valves to open and close the latching hydroseal valve or in an alternative embodiment attached solenoid pilot valves can be used. The seal carrier has pistons of different diameters to latch the valve open after the pilot fluid is vented to atmosphere. The main seal assembly includes a bi-directional seal.

Abstract: An autonomous remote controlled vehicle for use in the automation of an existing refrigerated flow through storage facility food processing application. The remote vehicle is specifically designed to operate within a network of centrally controlled remote vehicles that are adapted to receive selectable items from production and temporarily store them for later retrieval. The system is adapted to minimize travel time for the remote vehicle and optimize cycle time. The system is specifically adapted to handle cardboard shipping boxes containing meat products.

Abstract: A duct assembly made from multiple duct sections for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough which can be formed simply by laborers at a building site or elsewhere and has a strong joint resistant to leakage. The joint rigidizes each duct section and the duct assembly, permitting duct assemblies including a greater number of joined duct sections to be put together and lifted into place The joint is formed by passing fasteners through a corner flange connection member associated with one duct section, through integral flanges of the one duct section and other duct section arranged in end-to-end relation with the one duct section, and through a corner flange connection member associated with the other duct section. The act of installing the fastener tightly pulls together the integral flanges and makes and integral connection between them.

Abstract: An animal waste management system and method thereof is disclosed. The system is designed for use in high flush waste removal systems, but obviates the need for anaerobic lagoons when coupled to an advanced waste treatment facility. The system uses a continuous recycle loop of the waste slurry to increase the total solids concentration of the waste slurry to a level required by advanced waste treatment facilities. In particular, coarse solids are separated and removed from the recycled waste slurry to prevent clogging of the system. Aeration and pH control of the waste slurry when necessary prevents deterioration of the air quality surrounding the system.

Abstract: A shoe mechanism adapted for use on a dredging apparatus (10) to remove silt from under the surface of a body of water and associated method, the dredging apparatus being operative in both a forward and reverse direction of travel and including an excavating wheel assembly (16), the shoe mechanism including a pair of outer shoe assemblies (18) pivotally connected to the wheel frame assembly (24), one of the shoe assemblies being located adjacent a portion of the wheel assembly (16) on the leading side thereof and one of the shoe assemblies being located adjacent a portion of the wheel assembly (16) on the trailing side thereof, each of the outer shoe assemblies (18) being pivotally movable between an operative position wherein the shoe assembly is positioned adjacent the outermost circumference (28) of the wheel assembly (16) between the silt bed and a point above the water level, and a retracted position wherein the shoe assembly is spaced from the outermost circumference (28) of the wheel assembly (16), one

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling the speed of a plurality of fans for cooling a plurality of fluids in a work machine in accordance with the heat dissipation requirements of the particular heat transfer cores, the present control system including a plurality of sensors positioned to sense the temperature of each of the plurality of fluids, each sensor being operable to output a signal indicative of the temperature of that particular fluid. An electronic controller coupled to the sensors receives signals indicative of the temperature of each of the plurality of fluids, determines therefrom a desired fan speed for each fan, and outputs a signal to individually control the speed of each fan. Each output signal is based upon a comparison of at least some of the temperature error signals determined from the plurality of sensor signals.

Abstract: A duct assembly for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough. The assembly includes first and second duct sections. Each of the duct sections has sides extending between opposite ends. Each of the sides join an adjacent side and has a flange extending laterally outward from each end. The first and second sections are positioned in end-to-end relation so that the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the first section face the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the second section to define flange pairs. The assembly also includes a plurality of connector pairs. Each of the connector pairs are positioned at one of the ends of the duct sections. Each of the connector pairs includes a first connector spanning adjacent flanges of the first duct section and a second connector spanning adjacent flanges of the second duct section.

Abstract: A launching device for launching multiple aerial fireworks in succession from the launching device has a tubular member having a wall defining an internal perimeter sized and shaped to receive conventional aerial fireworks shells. A unitary base is mountable to the tubular member to thereby support the tubular member in an upright use position on a support surface. The base includes a lower portion of appropriate size and shape to support the tubular member in a stable upright position; and a protrusion extends from the lower portion. The protrusion has an outer perimeter corresponding in size and shape to the inner perimeter of the tubular member to thereby permit snug insertion of the protrusion into the tubular member to secure it to the base.