Abstract: A headlamp adjuster includes an adjustment gear for axially positioning an output shaft relative to a housing of the adjuster. A driving engagement of the adjustment gear and output shaft runs out at either axial extreme position to which the output shaft can be adjusted, and rotation of the adjustment gear can continue without further movement of the output shaft and without damage to the adjuster or a headlamp assembly in which the adjuster is installed. Biasing assemblies urge the output shaft toward re-engagement with the adjustment gear when the drive direction is reversed.

Abstract: Thermal expansion defects, i.e. veining, are reduced in iron, steel, and nonferrous castings by adding a lithia-containing material in a sufficient amount to the silica sand mold. Adjusting current formulations to maximize the use of lesser expensive raw materials and minimize the use of more expensive raw materials to lower the overall percentages of lithia/metallic oxide containing additives while still reducing or eliminating thermal expansion related defects in the metal casting process reduces the overall cost to manufacture the product.

Abstract: An additive to foundry sand molding and core aggregates is used to produce sand cores and molds comprising kyanite, spodumene, titanium dioxide, ilmenite and black iron oxide. The additive produces a sand-based foundry molding and core aggregate which resists the formation of some of the defects commonly associated with the production of castings produced by silica sand-based molding and core aggregates. In particular, the additive improves the quality of castings poured at temperatures higher than those of the pouring temperatures of molten iron, such as in steel castings, and in iron castings with “hot spots.

Abstract: A block with a rotating sheave mounted between a pair of side plates. Between the side plates may be a post about which a mounting loop may be mounted. The post is configured to permit the loop to be attached or detached from the block.

Abstract: An adjuster for use with a sailboat which permits rapid movement of a movable end with respect to an opposite fixed end. A threaded shaft extends through the adjuster and a rotating barrel in fixed to a nut engaging the shaft. A lock is positioned about a lower body of the adjuster and releasably engages the barrel. Engagement of the lock and the barrel permits barrel to be turned to change the length between the fixed and movable ends. Releasing engagement of the lock and the barrel permits the barrel to rotate freely about the shaft and permit rapid movement of the movable end with respect to the fixed end.

Abstract: A method for recovering at least one platinum group metal (PGM) species from a feed product selected from the group consisting of chromite ore, chromite ore concentrate and PGM concentrate comprising the steps of: mixing the feed with at least one salt so as to produce a mixture, whereby the concentration of salt in the mixture is sufficient to convert at least one PGM species into a corresponding PGM chloride salt; and contacting the mixture with gaseous chlorine and CO at a temperature between about 240° C. and 800° C. to induce the conversion of at least one species of PGM into a solid material containing a corresponding PGM chloride salt, whereby said chloride salt of at least one PGM species can be recovered.

Abstract: A push-in connector provides for easy manufacturing and assembly using a flat-stamped flexible retainer clip. The retainer clip is inserted into the connector and flexes to snap-fit within in the connector. The flex of the clip also flexes wings of the clip which engage with a receiving boss. The flexion of the clip allows for easy push-in of the connector and sufficient resistance to accidental pull-out. The push-in connector design eliminates the need for screw-mounting of the connector. The connector assembly may be manufactured for use in connection with a variety of ball studs, as well as other items such as shafts of various objects and wires, or may be used a fastener.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating processed food casing in preparation for stuffing. The method includes extending the casing, applying (e.g., spraying) an organic acid (e.g., a citric acid solution) to the exterior surface of the casing to produce a treated casing, and mounting the treated casing onto a stuffer. In one embodiment, extending includes removing the casing from a brine solution and laying the casing onto a support surface (e.g., attaching to a movable conveyor). The casing in the brine solution is commonly attached to a ring, and preferably attaching includes hooking the ring onto an engagement member on the conveyor. If desired, the method can also include rinsing the casing (e.g., spraying a water solution onto an exterior surface of the casing) after extending the casing and before and/or after applying the organic acid.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling operation of a diffusion appliance to treat the atmosphere within an enclosed space. The appliance may be programmed to operate according to a control scheme specifying a flow rate of liquid to a diffusion means and a periodic operation of the diffusion means. Control schemes may be associated with different volumes of spaces to be treated by the appliance. Anti-fatigue schemes may provide variation of the flow rate or periodic operation of the appliance. Initiation controls schemes may be used to start treatment of the space before the appliance is programmed to operate according to one of the control schemes.

Abstract: A flexible mast track extension for use on sail boat mast permitting the luff of a sail bent to the mast to deflect from the line of the mast and facilitate the extension or retraction of a sail from a furling apparatus.

Abstract: A check valve assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly including a moving sealing member which engages a seal to prevent liquid flow in a second opposite direction. The sealing member may be moved into engagement with the seal by rotation of a stem with an eccentric to block flow in both directions. A check valve and shut-off device assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly until gas or foam is mixed with the liquid. The shut-off device includes a sealing member which engages a seal to block flow through the assembly when foam or gas is present in the liquid. The check valve includes a sealing member which can reset the shut-off device. The check valve sealing member also engages the same sealing member to prevent any flow through the assembly in a closed position. In an open position, the check valve sealing member may engage the seal to prevent reverse flow of liquid through the assembly.

Abstract: A pedestal (1) for a sailing boat comprises a casing (2) and inside such a casing (2): at least one driving wheel (11a, 11b) associated with a motion input shaft (3), at least one driven wheel (12a, 12b) associated with a motion output shaft (4) and at least one motion transmission element (13a, 13b) from said at least one driving wheel (11a, 11b) to said at least one driven wheel (12a, 12b). The pedestal (1) further comprises, also inside the casing (2), a speed variation system selectively activatable to vary the rotation speed of the motion output shaft (4) with respect to that of the motion input shaft (3).

Abstract: In-Place Cope Molding or “IPCM,” is designed to reduce or eliminate certain inefficiencies present in traditional molding techniques during production of the cope half of a sand mold. IPCM allows the cope half of the mold to be produced on top of the drag half of the mold by use of a separation barrier which supports the sand above the mold cavity in the drag. This method reduces or eliminates parting line flash, and also avoids the need to turn over or otherwise handle the cope, allowing the cope to be made thinner than a traditional cope and allowing for lower material costs.

Abstract: A multiple configuration air mattress pump system is disclosed. The pump system includes a number of standard components with a few inexpensive varied components to allow for easy and less expensive use of the pump with mattresses having varying numbers of inflatable zones.

Abstract: A method of dating a food product that includes packaging at least two packages of a food product into a storage container and after packaging the at least two packages, the method further includes making the at least two packages with a date while the at least two packages are located within the storage container.

Abstract: A merchandising and product display system includes a space defined between a pair of generally parallel dividers. At a rear end of each divider, a rear loading gate is mounted to permit product containers to be inserted through the rear into the opening and to prevent products from being pushed from within the space through the rear of the space. The loading gate includes a pair of wings extending less than halfway across the width of the opening. The wings are hingedly mounted to a central portion permitting the wing to be deflected forward and rearward, and include a rearward extending bulkhead that engages the central portion. The engagement of the bulkhead and the central portion prevents the wings from being deflected sufficiently to permit a product container from passing the gate.

Abstract: A ball socket for connection with a ball stud provides for easy manufacturing and assembly using a flat-stamped flexible retainer clip. The retainer clip is inserted into the socket and flexes to snap-fit within in the socket. The flex of the clip also flexes wings of the clip which engage with a receiving boss or socket. The flexion of the clip allows for easy push-in of the socket and sufficient resistance to accidental pull-out. The push-in socket design eliminates the need for screw-mounting of the socket. The socket assembly may be manufactured for use in connection with disengageable or conventional ball studs.

Abstract: A headlamp adjuster includes an output shaft driven by a co-rotatable gear. Threads on the shaft engage splines in a thin wall boss, the splines having limited circumferential engagement with the screw. The thin wall boss deflects outwardly in response to forces that build in the engagement of the shaft and splines, to release driving engagement between the splines and the shaft.

Abstract: A rail system includes a cap rail defining a slot. Within the slot may be positioned expansion brackets that permit the cap rail to be mounted to a wall or a post. The expansion bracket is configured to engage an end of a fixture to position and secure the fixture within the slot. The expansion bracket defines a cable way for wires extending to or from the fixture. Other expansion brackets may be mounted within the slot to position and secure ends of fixtures when the mounting expansion brackets are not correctly positioned with respect to the end of the fixture. A rail system includes a pair of rails extending between a pair of posts. An in-fill panel is positioned within slots of each rail and extends between the rails. Expansion brackets within the slots engage the panel.