Abstract: A method of compensating for atmospheric effects to detect the actual location of low elevation objects using near horizon radar to detect an object which utilizes a preexisting satellite, wherein the location of the satellite is known. The method includes a step of providing a radar site, a first receiver structured to receive a signal from the satellite, and known location data for the satellite then positioning the first receiver near the radar site. The first receiver is utilized to receive a signal from the satellite when the satellite is at a low elevation. The bending angle can then be determined by comparing the apparent location data of the satellite as determined by the first receiver to the known location data of the satellite. This data may also be combined with weather data is used to determine a three dimensional refractivity model. Once the bending angle of the atmosphere is determined, the radar is used to detect the apparent location data of a low elevation object.

Abstract: In a directional drilling apparatus in which a sensor/transmitter or sonde is located in one section of a drill string and an element of an adjacent section is configured to “steer” the bore drilled in a predetermined lateral direction, a device is provided for automatically ensuring correct registry or alignment of the sensor/transmitter and the steerable element, this device comprising an azimuth member on the section carrying the sensor/transmitter engageable with a reference member of the adjoining section to present, after such engagement, relative rotation of the azimuth member, which is rotatable in the section carrying it, with the sensor/transmitter, but non-rotatably connected with the sonde. The reference member or the azimuth member is resiliently displaceable axially to allow the two sections to be screwed up together.

Abstract: A pair of pliers having a first plier member assembly having a jaw portion, a tension assembly, and a cam assembly and a second plier member assembly having a jaw portion. The pliers further has a jaw portion first pivot point coupling the first plier member assembly to the second plier member assembly and a jaw portion second pivot point coupling the first plier member assembly to the second member assembly. The jaw portion second pivot point located closer to the first member and second member jaw portions than the jaw portion first pivot point.

Abstract: A method for testing gas detection instruments includes providing at least two reagents, immobilizing at least one of the reagents into a matrix material, heating the matrix material until the matrix permits movement of the reagent and generating a gas responsive to chemical reaction between the reagents. The gas is introduced into the sensor portion of the gas detection instrument to test the same. The reagents may each be immobilized on the matrix material with the heating serving to soften or melt the matrix material to permit chemical interaction. In a preferred embodiment, the heating is effected at about 90 to 150° C. The method may be employed to generate carbon monoxide or other gases of interest. Corresponding apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be structured to be inserted into or receive the gas detection instrument or have its output in communication therewith.

Abstract: A stand with a planar table top and an opening therethrough is provided. A plurality of leg members extend below the table top. The stand also includes a removable table top disposed within the opening such that the upper surface of the table top insert is generally planar with the upper surface of the table top. To convert the stand to a decorative container, the table top insert is removed and a container is lowered through the opening until it is positioned where the table top insert was located.

Abstract: A tie plugger riding station which includes a main frame assembly, a seat assembly coupled to the frame assembly, at least one rail wheel coupled to the frame assembly, an articulated wheel assembly, and a coupling device structured to couple the frame assembly to a plugging machine. The articulated wheel assembly includes a truss frame assembly having a main pivot coupling and at least two wheel member pivot couplings. The truss frame assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly at the main pivot coupling. The two wheel members are each pivotally coupled to the truss frame assembly at a wheel member pivot coupling.

Abstract: A seal arrangement provides a seal between a bore and a rod movable in the bore with a gap formed between the bore and the rod. The seal arrangement includes a floating elastomeric sealing ring which is accommodated in a circumferential groove around the rod. The sealing ring sealingly engages the wall of the bore. An annular resilient biasing device is also accommodated in the groove. The biasing device acts between one wall of the groove and the sealing ring to urge the sealing ring against an opposing wall of the groove. In addition, the biasing device is configured to allow passage of fluid past the biasing device between a region of the groove disposed radially inwardly of the sealing ring and the gap between the rod and the bore on the side of the sealing ring opposite the opposing wall. The biasing device has, at least at some circumferential positions therearound, a cross-sectional profile that reduces in radial width towards one wall of the groove.

Abstract: A conversion device that is structured to be coupled to the rotating axle of a motor and to an output assembly. The output assembly has an elongated shaft with an axis extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the motor axle. The output assembly further is coupled to a frame to resist movement in an axial direction. The conversion device includes an eccentric hub having a disk with a sidewall extending from the perimeter thereby forming a recess and a yoke having a shaft and an attachment pin. The disk is coupled to the motor axle. The yoke shaft is disposed within the eccentric hub recess and the attachment pin is pivotally coupled to the output assembly. As the eccentric hub is rotated by the motor, the hub causes the yoke moves in a circular path. The circular path of the yoke has directional components that are parallel to the axis of the output assembly shaft and perpendicular to the axis of the output assembly shaft.

Abstract: A header box for a heat exchanger includes a hollow unitary body having four generally flat sides forming a generally quadrilateral cross-section. End plates are located at, and coupled to, each end of the unitary body. One generally flat side has a plurality of plug openings located. The flat side opposite the one generally flat side having the plug openings includes a plurality of tube openings.

Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged railroad rail comprising the steps of: identifying a defect in the rail, removing the portion of the rail having a defect and leaving two truncated rail ends, preparing the truncated rail ends for welding, and welding the two truncated rail ends together.

Abstract: A knob for a medical post valve, the post valve having a threaded bonnet with a diameter, and a valve stem, the valve stem having an external end shaped, generally, as a cylinder with two opposing flat sides, the knob comprising a hub having an elongated body with a diameter that is generally the same size as the bonnet diameter, the body having a first end, a second end, and an axial cavity, the first end having a medial slot extending in across the first end in a direction perpendicular to the cavity, an elongated handle, the handle sized to fit within the cavity, the handle movable between a first position and a second position, the handle first position being disposed within such cavity with the axis of the handle generally aligned with the axis of the body, and the handle second position being disposed within the slot with the axis of the handle extending perpendicular to the axis of the body.

Abstract: A tipping device for reorienting vertical containers in a horizontal orientation which includes, a lift structured to lift a container, a transfer assembly having two transfer members and a gap there between. The transfer members each have a generally convex portion and an elongated, generally horizontal portion. the generally convex portion is disposed at an elevation that is lower than the generally horizontal portion. The lift slides a container over the generally convex portion onto the generally horizontal portion causing the orientation of the container to change from vertical to generally horizontal.

Abstract: A parcel receptacle having a housing and a door member coupled to the housing, the door member structured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a lock assembly. The lock assembly includes a cam lock, a lock set assembly and a lock catch assembly. The cam lock having a latch member structured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock set assembly having a first position and a second position. The lock catch assembly having a catch member. The cam lock is coupled to the parcel receptacle door. The lock set is coupled to the parcel receptacle door adjacent to the cam lock. The catch member coupled to the housing so that the catch member is positioned to engage either the cam lock latch member or the lock set assembly when the door member is moved into the closed position.

Abstract: A split tool tamper having a motor, a frame, a single tool shaft, and a tamping tool. The motor is coupled to the frame and the tool shaft is coupled to the motor. The tool shaft is further coupled to a single tamping tool.

Abstract: Self adjusting pliers for grasping a workpiece include first and second plier members each including a handle portion, a jaw portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The self-adjusting pliers include a first pivot pin about which the first and second plier members pivot permitting the jaw portions to converge on a workpiece and grasp the workpiece in response to initial movement of the handle portions toward each other. The self adjusting pliers further include a second pivot pin about which the pliers pivot once pivoting has been terminated about the first pivot pin so as to permit a further grasping force to be applied to the workpiece in response to continued movement of the handle portions toward each other. The second pivot pin is closer to the jaw portions than the first pivot pin to allow for a greater mechanical advantage to be obtained. The self adjusting pliers also include a biasing spring for biasing the handle portions away from each other and the jaw portions away from each other.

Abstract: The tamperproof window securable informational article includes a first side for facing said window and a second side for facing away from said window. A low wet-strength paper layer which will resist removal of said article as a unit when the paper layer has been soaked with a liquid is provided. Standard information and custom information may be interposed between an adhesive layer for securing the article to the window and an optically variable device. A first partially liquid permeable layer is disposed rearwardly of the low wet-strength paper layer. In a preferred embodiment the optically variable device is a hologram and zones of different adhesive and release properties are interposed between the optically variable device and the paper layer to resist removal of the article as a unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a height-adjustable bridging device for joints between floor coverings. The bridging device includes an upper element and a base element. The upper element includes a generally perpendicular retaining bar. The retaining bar includes a holding device. The base element also includes retaining bars which are structured to cooperate with the upper element retaining bar holding device. A support device, which includes another upper element retaining bar and a force uptake piece, such as a base element bar, is disposed on the upper element and the base element respectively. The support device aids in preventing the upper element from tipping.

Abstract: A metal hazardous material storage facility where the floor is divided into an upper floor, having passages therethrough, and a lower floor, located below said upper floor and which has a sloped surface. A sensor, which is coupled to a leak detection system is located at the lowest point on the lower floor. Containers of hazardous material are stored on the upper floor. As such, regardless of where the container is stored in the facility, any fluid which leaks from a container will pass through the openings in the upper floor and flow down the sloped surface of the lower floor to the sensor.