Abstract: The present invention provides a nosebox having an interchangeable connector assembly contained in a housing, for making electrical connection between a tractor and a trailer. The nosebox housing is sized to receive electrical conduits in excess of the size and/or number (seven) proscribed by the SAE J-560 standards and is adapted to securely attach to either the tractor or the trailer. The nosebox housing includes a cover member hingedly attached to a tray member. When closed, the cover member seals against the tray member, thus preventing water from entering the interior of the box. Additionally, the interior of the nosebox is contoured for directing electrical conduits without pinching them. The interchangeable connector assembly is detachably mounted inside the nosebox housing and is easily removable for repair or replacement. The interchangeable connector assembly also meets SAE-J560b standard.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, a computer database storage system is disclosed, comprising a data storage medium adapted to store a plurality of pieces of information, at least one piece of data stored in the data storage medium, and at least one rule stored in the data storage medium, each said at least one rule comprising a premise, an action, wherein the action is performed if the premise is determined to be true, an alternate action, wherein the alternate action is performed if the premise is determined to be false, and a trigger, wherein the trigger causes evaluation of the premise upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.

Abstract: An integral ceramic casting core includes a base portion with a plurality of rods extending therefrom and a plurality of apertures formed therein. The base portion defines a passageway for the passage of a cooling media within a cast component. The plurality of rods forming cooling media inlet passages to the passageway and the plurality of apertures are adapted to receive molten metal therein and form heat transfer pedestals within the passageway.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device wherein the bars (13) are arranged in bulk in the container (5). The mobile frame (17) of the grasping mechanism (14) moves forward such that the jaw (24) can seize a bar by its middle part and remove it in position (13a) while the trolleys (37) move away from the rail (36) so that the rollers slide on the rods (43), gradually lift the whole bar and bring it to rest on the receptacle (16). The shaft (49) is then driven in rotation so that the racks (47) and the support plate segments (46), which form the receptacle (16), move upwards and the bar (13) drops in the supply channel (8) where it is hooked to the bar clamp of the bar-pusher which drives it axially into the turning center control members.

Abstract: A trackable medical instrument includes a guide member and an emitter array coupled to the guide member. A drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the guide member, and a locking mechanism is provided along the drive shaft. The emitter array emits a signal that is used to track the position of the guide member. The locking mechanism has an unlocked position in which the drive shaft rotates relative to the guide member. The locking mechanism also has a locked position in which the drive shaft is rotationally stationary relative to the guide member. A processor tracks medical instruments using a sensor array and a reference array. A display that is operatively coupled to the processor displays the position of the instrument in relation to a patient.

Abstract: Preferably, each anchor incorporates a passage for receiving boding cement therein. The passage communicates with one or more fenestrations or holes, preferably formed at the distal end of the anchor, that allow the bonding cement to pass from and disperse about the anchor. Since at least some of the bonding cement received in the passage passes from the anchor and, preferably, into the material of the skeletal member to which the anchor is engaged, a firm fixation or anchoring of the anchor within the skeletal member is facilitated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a propulsion system mounted in the hull of a marine vessel. The system includes a conduit system with water intake openings defined in the port and starboard portions of the hull adjacent the bow. Water intake conduits conduct water from the water intake openings to a collection chamber. Water discharge conduits conduct water from the collection chamber to water discharge openings. At least one impeller is mounted in each of said discharge conduits. A valve system is mounted in the conduit system and is selectively operable to isolate the system and prevent the flow of water through the system. A water pump may be used to evacuate water from the system when the valves are closed. A further preferred feature provides access to the impeller portion of the propulsion system. A conduit extension section diverges from the conduit system with one end above the level of the vessel's waterline. A sealable hatch is mounted to the conduit extension.

Abstract: A fluid filter has a filter element for filtering fluid. A nutplate having a threaded mounting portion is adapted to threadedly engage an externally threaded filter head. An inner seal retainer is positioned between the nutplate and the filtering element in order to define a hollow interior. The inner seal retainer has at least one stiff hollow web extending in a radial direction adapted to provide a space for transmitting fluid between the nutplate and the filter element. An inner radial seal is attached to the inner seal retainer for sealing the filter element with the filter head.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for stabilizing the content of glycated protein in a sample on a matrix material, which is characterized in that the matrix material is impregnated with boric acid buffer with a pH which is larger or equal to 10.5 or a transition metal salt as well as an appropriate matrix material, an element for collecting, transporting and storing sample material to be analyzed with such a matrix material and a system containing such an element and a sealable covering.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method of vehicular suspension, whereby the attributes of greater design freedom, reduction of frontal area, lower center of gravity, increased fuel efficiency, decreased polar movement, increased safety due to improved handling and a more linear relationship of springing force to wheel travel are accomplished with the outboard primary lever (outrigger bell crank) and the associated linkages.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a stand pipe that is constructed and arranged to deliver fluid. A vane assembly is adapted to receive fluid from the stand pipe. The vane assembly includes a liner and a plurality of vanes. The liner defines an inner cavity and the vanes extends within this inner cavity. Each of the vanes has a radially outer edge portion and integrally formed with the liner and an opposite free edge. The vanes are oriented in a parallel relationship with the stand pipe, and the free edges of the vanes define a stand pipe passage in which the stand pipe is received.

Abstract: A device for driving a part, including a parts driver having a drive axis and a nosepiece including three jaws arranged uniformly about the drive axis and defining an axial drive passage therebetween. The jaws are resiliently biased toward one another and are transitionable between a first configuration to retain the part within the drive passage and a second configuration to allow the part to be discharged from the drive passage by the parts driver. An adjacent pair of the jaws defines a transverse parts feed passage intersecting the drive passage and being oriented at an oblique angle relative to the drive axis. Each of the adjacent pair of jaws defines a substantially symmetrical portion of the feed passage.

Abstract: A nickel base powder metallurgy superalloy gas turbine engine disk for a compressor or turbine. The wrought powder metallurgy gas turbine engine disk has desirable fatigue crack growth resistance and a superior balance of tensile, creep rupture and low cycle fatigue strength characteristics. In one embodiment the disk defines a segregation free homogenous structure.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a glove formed from a material that allows passage of ultraviolet rays, such that tanning of the wearer's skin through the glove is facilitated. Portions a the distal ends of the glove digits are covered by a material that is opaque to ultraviolet rays, thereby preventing discoloration of the wearer's nails.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a toy which comprises at least one article which is movable with respect to a play base and objects on the playbase. The article can have at least one part which is movable with respect to the remainder of the article and the movement is achieved via a magnetic arrangement which involves at least one magnet in the movable part of the article and at least one magnet in a movement means such that as the movement means and/or article move in sufficient proximity, the magnetic forces and field created cause movement of the said part of the article to provide an animated feature to the article.

Abstract: A system for digital photo management comprises: a harness; a digital camera; a computer control unit; a wireless data exchange component; a printer; and a battery. The computer control unit begins a process of printing a coupon associated with a digital photograph before the digital photograph has been completely downloaded from the digital camera.