Abstract: An amphibious passenger vehicle having several open or covered holes and a surrounding cover to accommodate fishing and hunting. An aft mounted engine, forward/reverse transmission, drive linkage and disk/caliper brake assembly controls a pair of rear wheels. Electric, screw actuated cylinders and pistons or manual linkage control the steering of a pair of forward wheels. Independent front and rear elevation control linkages independently control the elevation of the fore and aft wheels.

Abstract: A thin film circuit module constructed for serial coupling to circuit conductors at printed and transmission line circuits. In one form of equalizer construction, thin film circuit elements are deposited on a supporting substrate and wherein a capacitor plate is defined a circuit resistor. Two connector applications serially couple the equalizer modules to trace conductors of a motherboard connector block and to cylindrical core conductors of a coaxial connector. Other hybrid equalizer constructions provide modules constructed of thin film resistors and pick-and-placed capacitors mounted piggyback to an equalizer module substrate.

Abstract: A work piece support assembly having a primary section and two wing sections that can be arranged in a variety of modular configurations. The sections are hinged to collapse, stack and mount into a compact package for storage or transport. A portion of one set of collapsed legs project to provide a handhold for transport. Bi-axial leg hinge brackets secure the legs to primary and wing rail members. The legs fold between parallel and splayed, ?-shaped alignments relative to each other along a first axis. The legs independently fold along a second axis between orthogonal and parallel alignments to the adjoining rail member. Retainers at the primary leg brackets interlock and contain the wing sections. Fittings at the wing and primary support rail members interlock to provide different geometric support configurations that accommodate tool movement without the necessity of re-orienting a work piece or the primary or wing support sections.

Abstract: An assembly for rotating and axially directing a high pressure spray hose and spray head to clean residue from the bores of thermal transfer tubes. Modular subassemblies are concentrically aligned and mounted to rotate in synchrony and direct a high-pressure water hose and spray head. An air controlled operator control gun directs spray pressure and hose movement. A hose drive assembly controls hose rotation and axial hose movement via biased pinch wheels that abut the hose. An eccentric linkage and spring tensioners coupled to the pinch wheels release and re-engage the wheels to the hose at a preset pressure. A layering arm stacks the hose in uniform layers at a hose reel. Rotational sensors and/or a pneumatic booster and a disk brake assembly facilitate hose collection and release without kinking or spillage.

Abstract: An endless track assembly wherein the weight of an associated vehicle/equipment is supported by the track framework. The track assembly provides a framework having a number of idler rollers and a drive sprocket that mounts to a rotational drive power source. The weight of the vehicle is transferred from a vehicle/equipment support flange that cooperates with a complementary support surface of the track framework and an intermediate bearing liner. The bearing support surfaces cooperate to permit the track frame to pivot relative to the chassis independent of the drive sprocket. The track assembly is particularly adapted to pivoting irrigation systems.

Abstract: A multi-coil antenna array constructed with a tuned transformer to null mutual inductance. First and second antenna coil halves are displaced longitudinally on opposite sides of a pathway along which ID tags pass, for example, a chute assembly. The planar coils are displaced at a selected angular orientation and driven with inputs having a 90° phase differential to create an intermediate vertical field with a vertical axis of rotation. Identification data stored in tags attached to animate or inanimate objects passing through the field is interrogated, such as data identifying people, animals, inventory or any other parameters of interest.

Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet body. The pallet body is formed from a first, independently formed first portion and a second blow molded second upper portion insert molded to the first portion. The pallet body may have two to eight recesses for forklift truck fork access. The second upper portion has a generally rectangular surface for carrying loads. The portions may have anti-skid properties, for example, a knurled topside surface or rubber coated bottom. At least one foot is attached to the second upper portion by insert molding. At least one runner may be attached to each foot to form part of the first portion. At least one stringer is attached to each runner to add further stability to the pallet. The runners and feet have channels or protruding members to effectively mate with the second upper portion. The system may also have top cap and tie members to affix the cap to one or more pallet bodies.

Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet body. The pallet body is formed from a first, independently formed first portion and a second blow molded second upper portion insert molded to the first portion. The pallet body may have two to eight recesses for forklift truck fork access. The second upper portion has a generally rectangular surface for carrying loads. The portions may have anti-skid properties, for example, a knurled topside surface or rubber coated bottom. At least one foot is attached to the second upper portion by insert molding. At least one runner may be attached to each foot to form part of the first portion. At least one stringer is attached to each runner to add further stability to the pallet. The runners and feet have channels or protruding members to effectively mate with the second upper portion.

Abstract: An endless track assembly wherein the weight of an associated vehicle/equipment is supported by the track framework. The track assembly provides a framework having a number of idler rollers and a drive sprocket that mounts to a rotational drive power source. The weight of the vehicle is transferred from a vehicle/equipment support flange that cooperates with a complementary support surface of the track framework and an intermediate bearing liner. The bearing support surfaces cooperate to permit the track frame to pivot relative to the chassis independent of the drive sprocket. The track assembly is particularly adapted to pivoting irrigation systems.

Abstract: A molded plastic wheel includes a seamless annular body that is integrally molded from a first material exhibiting a first density and includes a hollow hub having an axle bore and hollow spokes that radially extend from the hub to a hollow box defined by planar first and second side wall surfaces, which extend from the spokes substantially orthogonal to a tread surface that lies parallel to the axle bore. Cavities of the hub, the spokes, and the box communicate with each other. A tread piece having a channel shape with first and second side pieces projects substantially orthogonal to a connecting tread band. The tread piece is separately molded from a second material exhibiting a second density different from the first material. The tread piece is stretch fitted over the box such that the tread band overlies the tread surface and the side pieces abut the side wall surfaces.

Abstract: An endless track assembly that mounts to a wheeled vehicle. The assembly provides 1) a track suspension having fixed or adjustable, independently biased sets of idler wheels to vary the track contour without affecting track tension, 2) an eccentric bearing housing at a drive sprocket controls track tension, 3) a contoured peripheral edge at the drive sprocket prevents ice and mud buildup, 4) rubber-coated, plastic idler wheels facilitate track movement, 5) a multi-vehicle compatible adapter mounting plate accommodates a variety of vehicles, 6) a rotation limited torsion coupler and/or rotation limiting coupler arms prevent track contact with the vehicle, 7) a locking steering arm coupler prevents loss of steering control, and 8) shaped track lugs and channels clear and direct debris away from the track suspension and drive assembly.

Abstract: A wheel assembly including a wheel that has a hub and an annular rim. The hub is disposed at or near the center of the rim. The wheel assembly also includes an axle sleeve which is coaxial with the hub. A method of constructing a wheel is also provided. A wheel having a bore is blow molded. The wheel is extracted from a mold. An axle sleeve is fitted the bore in the wheel.