Abstract: An apparatus for ventilating the cabin of a locomotive wherein the ducts serve both a ventilating and a structural function. Horizontal duct provides support for floor in place of one or more of the regularly spaced joists. Horizontal duct may include stringers recessed into sound absorbing insulation within the duct. Vertical duct is formed in part from a portion of a wall of the control compartment of the locomotive cabin, thereby eliminating the need for separate wall sections. The space saved by using such structures for dual purposes may be used to increase the cross-sectional area of the ventilating apparatus, thereby allowing the speed of fan to be reduced to provide the desired ventilation at a reduced level of sound.

Abstract: A balloon lighting device having both polar and equatorial supports for the light source inside the balloon. Equatorial caps provide connections for light source support and for tethering of the balloon. The light source may include an array of LED's and may be connected to a dimmer to provide a variety of light intensities and wavelengths. A shroud supported from a top cap may be used to further define the illumination effect. The dimmer may function as an anchor for flexible positioning of the light or it may be hung from the balloon to conserve lay-down space. A plurality of balloon lighting devices may be controlled from a single console having DMX control capability.

Abstract: A lubricating apparatus for an internal combustion engine incorporating a trap in fluid communication with a low point of the sump of the engine. The trap may house a plurality of meshes having a plurality of sizes for trapping precipitating solids. The trap may be isolated from the sump by a valve for cleaning of the trap and meshes. An auxiliary oil pump may provide a small flow of oil through the trap during periods of engine shutdown.

Abstract: An anti-polishing ring (143) formed to be integral with the cylinder head (132) of a diesel locomotive engine (120). A top portion (140) of a piston (128) of the engine is received by a skirt portion (142) of the cylinder head. The skirt portion has a diameter D4 that is greater than the piston diameter D3 but more than the diameter D1 of a cylinder liner (126). A coolant passage (148) may be formed in the cylinder head proximate the integral anti-polishing ring.

Abstract: A cooling system (10) for a turbocharged locomotive engine (12) including a two stage intercooler (20) for conditioning the combustion air (16). A first coolant loop (32) includes a first stage intercooler (38), the engine coolant passages (22), a radiator (34), a first tank (36), an oil cooler (30), and a first pump (40). A second coolant loop (42) includes a second stage intercooler (44) a subcooler (48), a second tank (46), and a second pump (50). A fluid connection is provided between the first coolant loop (32) and the second coolant loop (42) to provide heat there between during conditions of overcooling of the second coolant loop (42). Flow control valves forming a portion of first coolant loop (32) may be embodied in a single rotor-sleeve flow control valve (130).

Abstract: An engine cooling apparatus for cooling the engine prior to a scheduled maintenance activity. A cool down controller receives a maintenance cool down signal and operates to place the cooling fan, coolant pump, coolant bypass valve and air control shutter in their respective maximum or increased cooling modes. These components are maintained in their maximum or increased cooling mode until the engine reaches a predetermined temperature which may be a function of an ambient temperature control signal. Interlocks may be provided to incorporate a motion control signal and/or a brake control signal.

Abstract: A skate for conveying components into a monocoque locomotive. Portions of a monocoque locomotive platform are not accessible through a roof hatch. To move a component onto such portions of the platform, a skate assembly having an integral clamp assembly is attached to a leg portion of the component, the component is lifted onto the platform through a roof hatch, and the component is rolled on the skate rollers to the desired position on the platform. A jacking device integral to the skate assembly is then used to lift the component for removal of the rollers and for holding the component at a desired height for attachment to the locomotive.

Abstract: A golf ball having a lubricating material on its surface for reducing the spin imparted by a striking golf club. The lubricating material may be a dry lubricant coating or it may be a lubricating material forming part of the cover of the golf ball.

Abstract: A water craft having an adjustable fin assembly. The fin includes a base having a circular cross-section for rotating within a circular recess formed in a fin box attached to a water board. A means is provided for securing the fin at a predetermined angle of attack. The fin may be secured by a set screw or pin passing through the fin box and making contact with the base. The pin may pass through a hole in the base to provide vertical and rotational support for the fin. The pin may be moved between an engaged position and an unengaged position by the rotation of a gear interfacing with teeth formed on the pin. The fin base and fin box may include mating projections and slots for securing the angular position of the fin and an associated pin for retaining the fin within the fin box.

Abstract: A combination skimmer and waterfall apparatus for use with a pool or spa. A skimmer is provided with a waterfall supply opening operable to deliver a flow of waterfall water into the skimmer interior at a location above the surface of the water of the pool or spa. A channel, preferably attached to a lid of the skimmer, directs the flow of waterfall water from the waterfall supply opening to a location proximate a top portion of the skimmer inlet opening to the pool or spa. The flow of waterfall water is then directed downward to form a pleasing waterfall effect in front of the skimmer. A source of light may be disposed within the skimmer interior to provide a back light for the waterfall. The width of the waterfall may be somewhat less than the width of the skimmer inlet opening. Waterfall operation and flow rate may be controlled independently from the normal recycle flow through the pool/spa pump and filter.

Abstract: A stethoscope having a light source includes a stethoscope head and flexible tubing coupled to the stethoscope head and in communication with ear pieces for the detection and transmission of sounds from a patient's body. A casing is affixed to a cover of the stethoscope head and has a light source mounted therein. A switch is operable mounted on the casing for activating and deactivating the light source. Notches extend intermediate the casing and cover for grasping the same during use. A first end of the casing is disposed toward a perimeter of the cover and has an aperture through which light is emitted. The first end is adapted for mounting thereon various instrument heads as an otoscope or opthalomoscope. The first end may extend beyond the perimeter of the cover for mounting thereon the instrument heads. In an alternative embodiment, the casing is detachably secured to the flexible tubing of the stethoscope.

Abstract: A fiber optic light source cooled by a tube-axial fan having a blocking device covering a portion of its outlet. The blocking device generates a relatively higher velocity stream of cooling air just downstream of the blocking device in the direction of the rotation of the fan blades, while maintaining the velocity of cooling air is produced across the remainder of the fan outlet relatively unchanged. The higher velocity cooling air is used to cool the fiber optic cable ends while the relatively lower velocity cooling air is used to cool the bulb and other components of the light source. The dual characteristics of the cooling air produced by the fan provides an efficient, low noise cooling source that facilitates higher levels of light input without the problem of melting of the fiber optic cable ends.

Abstract: An automatic faucet having a mechanisms for adjusting the direction of the line of view of the sensor relative to the faucet body. Transmitting and receiving elements are attached to a casing which is rotateably supported behind a shield installed in an opening in the faucet body. An automatic faucet in accordance with this invention includes a DC solenoid that may be powered by a battery or alternatively an AC adapter circuit. A diagnostic actuator circuit is provided to drive the solenoid open and closed in rapid succession when power is first supplied to the faucet.

Abstract: An airborne vehicle having a deployable airfoil with an elevon wherein the deployment of the airfoil and the control of the elevon are both powered by a single servo mechanism. A shear pin prevents relative movement between the elevon and the airfoil until the airfoil is in the deployed position. A stop mechanism locks the airfoil in the deployed position, whereafter operation of the drive mechanism fractures the shear pin, thereby allowing the elevon to be controlled by the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A device for positioning an antenna on a vehicle. The device includes a first motor-driven timing belt connected to opposite sides of the antenna frame for rotating the antenna about its elevational axis. A constant force spring or a cam compensates for changes in belt path geometry as the antenna rotates. A second motor-driven timing belt is wrapped around a perimeter of a base plate for rotating the antenna about its azimuth axis. Electrical signals for the antenna and the drive motors are multiplexed and passed through a single coaxial cable in a rotary joint along the axis of azimuth rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus 101 for applying treatment gas to a wound, burn, infection or otherwise damaged skin area comprises an inflatable dome 103 attached to the surrounding skin portion 105 by a seal gasket 107. An age-degradable adhesive 215 seals and attaches the seal gasket to the surrounding skin portion. A re-sealable adhesive 213 releasable attaches the dome to the seal gasket. A treatment gas hose 109 and nozzle 111 provide treatment gas to the interior portion 107 enclosed by the inflatable dome. Stimulator electrodes 117, attached to the apparatus provide electrical stimulation to skin portions 105A surrounding the wound area, which together with the treatment gas, promote healing of the wound. The re-sealable adhesive allows quick and easy removal and reapplication of the inflatable dome without removal of the seal gasket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restarting a locomotive engine based on the lubricating oil temperature Toil at the time of shutdown and an average oil cool down rate R. The average cool down rate R may be a function of the ambient air temperature TAIR at the time of shut down. The method and apparatus of this invention allows the engine to be shutdown during periods of inactivity to conserve fuel, but prevents the engine from cooling below a predetermined temperature in order to avoid excessive wear in operating limitations upon restart.

Abstract: An oxide ceramic composite suitable for fabricating components of combustion turbines and similar high temperature environments. The composite is fabricated by dispersing metal particles in a fiber preform and infiltrating the fiber preform with sol-gel matrix precursor material. Alternatively, the metal particles are mixed into the sol-gel matrix precursor material and the preform is infiltrated with the mixture. Later in the fabrication process, the metal particles oxidize and become oxidized metal when the sol-gel matrix precursor material is sintered. The oxidized metal has more volume and mass than the metal particles. As a result, the oxidized metal contributes to increasing the density of the composite so that it is suitable for use in combustion turbines and similar high temperature environments.

Abstract: An axial tensioned bolt and nut for bolting together a turbine or similar piece of equipment. The bolt has parallel threads and the nut has a coil insert. The bolt is stretched and tensioned by a hydraulic tensioner. In one embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic tensioner rests on a bridge element which in turn rests on the surface of the turbine around the nut. The hydraulic tensioner is then attached to the threads of the bolt. The bolt is stretched by the hydraulic tensioner pulling on the bolt while pushing against the bridge. In another embodiment of the invention, a stool with a wide top face rests on the surface of the equipment and the bolt extends through the stool and engages the nut. The bridge element rests on the top face of the stool while the hydraulic tensioner stretches the bolt. In a third embodiment of the invention, a parallel action hydraulic tensioner is attached to both ends of the bolt and pulls the bolt to stretch it.

Abstract: A component maintenance system having a network linked to a data acquisition system, a data analysis system, a historical file of component design and inspection information, and a diagnostic system having the capability to perform structural analysis of discontinuities identified by the data acquisition system. The network nodes may be located apart from each other; for example in the maintenance of a nuclear power plant steam generator, the data acquisition system may be located in a high radiation area while the data analysis system is safely located away from the radiation areas. Furthermore, the diagnostic system and the file of component design and inspection history information may be centrally located and shared to support component evaluations being conducted in numerous geographic locations. Network communication facilitates the rapid evaluation of discontinuities, thereby permitting the inspection plan to be modified as the inspection results are obtained.