Abstract: A multiple axle lift system having a column mechanism and a carriage assembly is provided. The column mechanism has a base member with a central support member extending therefrom. The carriage assembly is slidably connected to the column mechanism and includes a centerline, a first lift pad assembly with a first lift pad for engaging a vehicle tire and a second lift pad assembly with a second lift pad for engaging a vehicle tire. The first and second lift pads are configured to face away from the centerline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coffee machine for brewing a hot drink, in particular, a coffee drink, by means of a portion capsule with a capsule lid and a capsule base, comprising a pressurized water device, a portion capsule holder and a controller. The portion capsule holder is provided with two relatively-displaceable puncture means, which pierce the capsule lid and the capsule base on or after insertion of the portion capsule in the portion capsule holder, such that hot water can enter the portion capsule through the capsule lid and the drink escapes through the capsule base from the portion capsule. The controller is provided for the provision of three differing pressures for the pressurized water, for example, for brewing espresso, white coffee and filter coffee. The capsule base of the portion capsule can comprise a pre-weakened spot.

Abstract: A system for illuminating a sports field covered with turf. The system includes: a plurality of light arrays configured to be positioned in a spaced-apart manner under a portion of the turf and oriented to emit light upwards through the turf; and a control system for selectively controlling activation of the light arrays to provide illuminated markers on the sports field.

Abstract: A mobile communication device that may be used by an investigator to secretly record a suspect and track the investigator's location includes a microphone for detecting sounds, a communication component for transmitting signals or data representative of the sounds to one of the portable computers via the wireless communication network, a display for displaying information related to operation of the device, a computing device, and a computer program implemented by the computing device. The computer program is operable to place the device in a stealth mode in which the display is turned off or otherwise deactivated to make the entire device appear to be turned off while the microphone continues to detect sounds and the communication component continues to transmit signals or data representative of the sounds to a surveillance or support team operating one of the portable computers.

Abstract: A system and method for direct manufacturing and stress relieving a metal part without removing the metal part from a vacuumed chamber. The system may comprise the chamber, a wire feeder for depositing a metal wire onto a metal plate, an electron beam (EB) source for providing an electron beam to melt the metal wire during deposition, and a current-providing apparatus for joule heating the metal plate to provide heat treatment to the metal part. The method may comprise depositing the metal wire onto the metal plate within the vacuumed chamber, then providing intermediate stress relief after a portion of the metal wire is deposited onto the metal plate by applying an electrical current to the metal part. The electron beam may also be set at a temperature below a melting point of a particular metal of the metal part for relieving stress in the metal part.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.

Abstract: A hybrid torque box comprising a plurality of composite tubes and metal fittings attached together in alternating succession and configured to attach a thrust reverser to an engine fan case of an aircraft. The hybrid torque box may be substantially hollow and may comprise two V-blades for attaching the torque box to the engine fan case. The hybrid torque box may also be attached to or integral with a bull nose fairing configured for attachment with a cascade of the thrust reverser. Furthermore, the hybrid torque box may comprise and/or attach to a cowl interface flange configured for interfacing with an outer cowl of the thrust reverser.

Abstract: A curb forming machine for use by a single operator to form curved curbing includes a single rotatable curb-forming roller, a handle assembly for pulling and maneuvering the roller, and a motor for rotating the roller. The roller includes a generally cylindrical body, a neck at one end of the body, and a shaping surface, all of which are coaxial. The motor rotates the roller so that the lower periphery of the roller moves toward the direction of pulling to shape and smooth wet concrete into curbing. An overflow guard prevents wet concrete from flowing over the roller onto the finished curb, and an alignment device extends outwardly from the roller to contact a form member. A curb forming method includes pulling and steering such a roller around a curved form, including around tight curves in the form.

Abstract: An inlaid stone composite broadly includes a stone body and a stone inlay secured to the stone body. The inlaid stone composite is constructed by forming a groove in the stone body, securing the stone inlay to the stone body by inserting the stone inlay within a groove of the stone body, with the stone body and stone inlay cooperatively forming an inlaid margin, and cutting longitudinally through the stone body and stone inlay to separate an inlaid margin strip from a remainder of the inlaid margin.

Abstract: A water diverting system for diverting water from a building's foundation, where the foundation comprises a basement footing having an interior face oriented towards an interior of the foundation, a basement wall having an interior face oriented towards the interior of the foundation, and a basement floor slab. The system comprises a channel for collecting water and configured to be installed adjacent the basement footing. The channel is overlaid with a corrugated track for directing water to the channel. A vertical water guide extends perpendicularly from the track and is positioned adjacent the interior face of the basement wall. The guide includes a plurality of spaced projections for directing water trickling down along the wall to the channel.

Abstract: A cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.

Abstract: An ergonomic desk system and chair for promoting hip flexibility and strength and reducing lower back pain. The ergonomic desk system broadly comprises a variably positioned, raised platform, mounting assemblies for office peripherals, a recessed storage unit mounted on an underside of the platform, a lumbar support coupled to the platform, and a stool. Use of the desk system allows a user to sit on the platform in numerous positions while still performing routine office work. The ergonomic chair broadly comprises a base, a first, lower platform, and a second, upper platform spaced above the first, lower platform. The user sits on the second platform and rests their legs on the first platform in various positions. Use of the ergonomic chair results in the user rotating their pelvis to a position that is comfortable and properly aligned.

Abstract: An adjustable display board system comprises a display board, first and second grippers, first and second racks, and a handle. The first and second grippers are coupled to the display and include a plurality of teeth. The first and second racks are mounted to a rigid structure and include a plurality of teeth generally greater than the number of teeth of the first and second grippers. The teeth of the first and second grippers mesh with the teeth of the first and second racks to maintain the vertical position of the display board. The handle is pushed to disengage the grippers from the racks and allow vertical motion of the display board.

Abstract: A reconfigurable system having at least one detachable component and at least one detachable head assembly. The reconfigurable system may be a numerically controlled (NC) machine for manufacturing processes, such as milling or automatic fiber placement (AFP). The reconfigurable system may further comprise a gantry structure comprised of movably attached beams on which detachable components may be movably attached. The detachable components may include a concave component and a convex component. At least one detachable head assembly may be movably attached to at least one of the detachable components. The detachable components and head assemblies may be at least one of physically, electrically, and pneumatically connected to a connecting assembly attached to the gantry structure.

Abstract: A firearm with a tilting barrel (1) with the possibility of setting a change of the tilting direction of the barrel (1) containing a breech block (5) for securing the barrel, the breach block containing on a part of its perimeter a locking surface (11) for securing the firearm against its tilting in the direction opposite the locking surface (11). The locking surface can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the breech block (5) for setting the change of the tilting direction of the barrel (1).

Abstract: A towel for cleaning vehicles and other surfaces is formed of a combination of microfiber material and chamois material and comprises a first relatively thicker portion; and a second relatively thinner portion. An enclosed region is formed in the first portion for receiving a cleaning agent or disinfectant.

Abstract: An agricultural header assembly broadly includes a header and a header transport assembly. The header is disposed in a transport orientation when a rigid beam thereof is out of vertical alignment with the header center of gravity. The transport assembly includes first and second pairs of spaced apart wheels shiftably connected to the rigid beam for movement between a transport position and a field position. The first and second pairs of wheels define respective first and second midpoints therebetween when in the transport position. The first and second midpoints are each disposed in general vertical alignment with the header center of gravity when the header is in the transport orientation to substantially balance the header on the transport assembly.

Abstract: Dual-mode container assemblies (30, 110) are provided which include an open-top container (32, 112) with a closure assembly (34, 114) having a skirt (36, 116) and a reversible lid (38, 118) presenting first and second opposed faces (82, 84, 160, 162) hingedly coupled to the skirt (36, 116). In the child-resistant configuration of the assemblies (30, 110), the lid (38, 118) is latched to the skirt (36, 116) by a latching arrangement (60, 100, 136, 177). In order to convert the container assemblies (30, 110) to an adult configuration, the lid (38, 118) is opened and rotated 180° while the lid (38, 118) remains connected to the skirt (36, 116). This reverses the lid face adjacent the open top of the container (32, 112). Closure of the reversed lid (38, 118) occurs without any latching function between the skirt (36, 116) and the lid (38, 118), so that the lid (38, 118) can be readily opened.