Abstract: The present invention is a self steering “add on” axle system for use with a vehicle such a dump truck in order to increase the legal weight capacity of the vehicle and provide effective steering in both the forward and reverse directions. The system comprises a standard axle with king pin within a sleeve that is suspended by a leaf spring. The leaf spring is rotatably connected to a first leaf spring hangers and interconnected to second leaf spring hangers by a load adjustment members. The axle and king pin are tilted approximately eight degrees positively or negatively from vertical by a control system to further promote self steering when the vehicle is moving in either the forward or reverse direction.

Abstract: An L-shaped bracket is affixed to one side of a portable battery (40). One leg of the bracket extends outwardly from the side of the battery and carries a pair of receptacles (46 and 48), one for transmitting operating and/or recharging power to the external, DC powered device and the other for transmitting recharging power to the portable battery. A carrying case (10) of heavy fabric has a plurality of compartments for diverse articles. The battery, with bracket and receptacles is mounted, preferably permanently, in an internal compartment which must be opened in order to gain access to the receptacles for insertion and removal of plugs (64). The battery is positioned in a pocket having an upper edge flush with the leg of the bracket carrying the receptacles and an upper portion of the battery extends above the pocket.

Abstract: A folding knife having a locking member which is moved by a plunger and coil spring into a locking position, engaging a shoulder on the tang portion of a blade to prevent pivotal movement of the blade away from the fully open position. The locking member is pivotally mounted at one end in a recess in one of the handle members and extends across the cavity between the members to a manually engageable end in a through opening in the other handle member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable air filtration system for removing contaminants from room air. In one embodiment, the air filtration system includes a power supply and an air blower module electrically connected to the power supply. The air filtration system further includes an ionization module engaged with the air blower module and including a first control grid and a high voltage grid electrically connected to the power supply. The air filtration system further includes a filter module removably engaged with the ionization module. The filter module includes a filter and a second control grid. Engagement of the filter module and the ionization module creates an electrical connection between the second control grid and the power supply. Activation of the air filtration system creates a first ionization field between the high voltage grid and the first control grid and a second ionization field between the high voltage grid and the second control grid.

Abstract: An enzyme containing in-house digester unit for receiving and treating household waste material, which utilizes settling and biological treatment of solids and wastewater by means of organisms which digest the organic materials contained in the household waste thereby eliminating the need for any chemical treatment or processes.

Abstract: A universal suction canister pour spout adaptor for use with suction canisters of various designs to fit onto the internal or external pour spout of various standard suction canisters so that such canisters can receive materials through their pour spouts during surgical procedures. The suction canister adaptor has a series of stepped external and internal diameters sized for engaging the various sized pour spouts of various suction canisters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dot history compensation system for varying the drive current to the points of a thermal print head in response to the printing history of the points. One or two previous print lines may be examined. In addition, the history of points adjacent to a selected point may be used to compute a head drive signal. The inventive system is implemented in an auxiliary control device within a thermal printer. In addition, an end point compensation system is provided to ensure that end points of a thermal print head receive equivalent amounts of energy to central points, even when a large number of points may be simultaneously fired. The inventive system is adapted for operation with both single color and multiple color thermal printers. The auxiliary control device also manages paper movement functions, thus freeing the main microprocessor for communications and other duties within the printer.