Abstract: A method of operating a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of generating an end-of-itemization control signal in response to a user's indication that the user has no further items to enter into the checkout terminal. The method also includes the step of generating a message in response to generation of the end-of-itemization control signal which instructs the user to (1) verify that the user has no further items to enter into the checkout terminal, and (2) perform a first verification activity if the user has no further items to enter into the checkout terminal. The method further includes the step of generating a confirmation control signal in response to the user's performance of the first verification activity. A self-service checkout terminal having a display monitor for displaying a message which instructs the user to verify that the user has no further items prior to tendering payment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A track link assembly includes a first track link having a passageway defined therethrough. The track link assembly also includes a bushing having an end face, wherein the bushing is positioned within the passageway. The track link assembly further includes a first seal member having an exterior surface, the first seal member being secured to the bushing end face with a resilient bond formed by an adhesive such as Loctite adhesive part number 17430. In addition, the track link assembly includes a protective coating secured to the exterior surface of the first seal member, wherein the protective coating and the first seal member are made of different materials relative to each other. An associated method for maintaining a track link assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is disclosed. The grain dryer includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of a discharge opening of the column. The grain dryer further includes a regulator member which is movable between a flow regulating position and a trash escape position. The regulator member contacts either the metering roll, or grain supported by the metering roll when the regulator member is positioned in the flow regulating position. The regulator member is spaced from the metering roll by a distance sufficient to enable a trash object to advance between the regulator member and the metering roll when the regulator is positioned in the trash escape position. A method of controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grain dryer which includes a grain column through which grain may flow is disclosed. The grain column has a discharge opening. The grain dryer further includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of the discharge opening of the grain column and a grain support member interposed between the metering roll and the discharge opening. The grain support member being movable between a grain support position and a cleaning position. The grain dryer yet further includes a transport bin positioned below the metering roll. The grain support member directs grain flowing out of the discharge opening to the metering roll when the grain support member is positioned in the grain support position. The grain support member directs grain positioned on the grain support member to advance under the metering roll and into the transport bin when the grain support member is positioned in the cleaning position.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling movement of an implement relative to a frame of a work machine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a lift arm having an implement, such as a bucket, pivotally coupled thereto. The apparatus also includes a pivot bar which is pivotally coupled to the lift arm via a coupling pin. A first hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the pivot bar. A second hydraulic cylinder is also coupled to the coupling pin. The first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder are both actuated so as to lift the lift arm. Moreover, the first cylinder is actuated so as to tilt the bucket. A number of position sensors are provided to communicate output signals indicative of the position of the lift arm and the bucket to a controller. The controller processes such output signals and thereafter alters the position of a pair of proportional fluid valves associated with the first and second hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine assembly having a cylinder assembly which defines a combustion chamber is disclosed. The cylinder assembly includes an engine block having a piston cylinder defined therein, a piston which translates in the piston cylinder, and a crankshaft which is mechanically coupled to the piston. The method includes the steps of performing an intake stroke of the engine assembly and advancing gaseous fuel and air into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke performing step. The method further includes the step of performing a compression stroke of the engine assembly after the is intake stroke performing step. The method yet further includes the step of injecting a pilot fuel into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke while the crankshaft is positioned at about X degrees before top dead center, wherein 21.0<X<28.0.

Abstract: A method of operating a diesel engine is disclosed. The method includes the step of sensing a temperature level associated with the engine. The method further includes the step of positioning the intake valve in the open position during an exhaust stroke of the engine if the temperature level is below a predetermined threshold value, whereby heated exhaust gases advance into the intake conduit during the exhaust stroke so as to heat intake air located in the intake conduit prior to the intake air advancing into the combustion chamber during a subsequent intake stroke. The method yet further includes the step of positioning the intake valve in the closed position during the exhaust stroke if the temperature level is above the predetermined threshold value, whereby heated exhaust gases are prevented from advancing into the intake conduit during the exhaust stroke. A diesel engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of sensing position of the crankshaft during a number of engine cycles and generating a frequency signal in response thereto and sensing position of the crankshaft during a number of engine cycles and generating a crankshaft frequency signal in response thereto and calculating a crankshaft speed and a crankshaft acceleration based on the frequency signal. The method further includes the step of and calculating a future piston position based on the crankshaft speed and the crankshaft acceleration. The method still further includes the steps of calculating a future engine valve position and comparing the future piston position to the future engine valve position to determine if the future engine valve position interferes with the future piston position. The method yet further includes the step of locating the engine valve in the closed position in response to determining that the future engine valve position interferes with the future piston position.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling temperature of fluid in a differential assembly. The apparatus includes a differential housing having a number of sidewalls which collectively define an internal component chamber, wherein (i) the internal component chamber has a differential sump located therein, and (ii) the differential sump has a sump input port defined therein. The apparatus also includes a first operational pressure source which advances fluid from the internal component chamber of the differential housing. The apparatus further includes a diverter valve which receives fluid advanced by the first operational pressure source from the internal component chamber. The diverter valve has a cold fluid output port and a hot fluid output port. A heating fluid return line is interposed between the cold fluid output port of the diverter valve and the sump input port of the differential sump.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a retail checkout terminal includes the step of determining a first product code associated with a first item when a user enters the first item into the checkout terminal. The method also includes the step of determining if a master product database is devoid of first product information corresponding to the first item and generating a first no-record control signal in response thereto. Moreover, the method includes the step of detecting if the user manually enters the first product information corresponding to the first item in response to generation of the first no-record control signal and generating a first manually-entered control signal in response thereto. The method further includes the step of storing the first product information corresponding to the first item in a supplemental product database in response to generation of the first manually-entered control signal.

Abstract: A car wash assembly includes a building and a conveyor which advances a vehicle along a vehicle path within the building. The car wash assembly also includes a washing system located within the building which is operable to wash the vehicle during advancement of the vehicle along the vehicle path. Moreover, the car wash assembly includes an animated figure having an actuated mode of operation during which the animated figure is operated in an active manner, and a non-actuated mode of operation during which the animated figure is passive. Yet further, the car wash assembly includes a detector for detecting presence of the vehicle and generating a control signal in response thereto. The animated figure is placed in the actuated mode of operation in response to generation of the control signal. A method for washing a vehicle within a building is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grain dryer which includes a grain column through which grain may flow is disclosed. The grain column includes a left lateral discharge sidewall, a right lateral discharge sidewall, a lower discharge surface and an upper discharge surface which collectively define a discharge opening. The lower discharge surface is spaced apart from the upper discharge surface by a distance equal to D1. The distance D1 is greater to or equal to 5.0 inches. The grain dryer further includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of the discharge opening of the grain column. The metering roll has a vane diameter equal to VD. The vane diameter VD is greater to or equal to 6.0 inches.

Abstract: A midwheel assembly for a track type tractor is disclosed. The midwheel assembly includes a hub having (i) a body portion and (ii) a hub plate extending radially from the body portion. The midwheel assembly also includes a wheel having (i) a wheel plate secured to the body portion of the hub and (ii) a ring member secured to the wheel plate such that the ring member extends from the wheel plate toward the hub plate so that the ring member, the wheel plate, and the hub plate define a wheel cavity.

Abstract: A work machine having an adjustable operator station including a cab having a floor and an operator station. The operator station has (i) a platform which is pivotally mounted to the floor, (ii) a pair of rollers which are secured to the platform, wherein the pair of rollers contact the floor so as to support the support structure above the floor, and (iii) a seat secured to the platform. The work machine further includes a locking mechanism for locking the platform at any one of a plurality of positions relative to the floor. An associated method for positioning the operator station relative to the cab floor of the work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roller assembly for folding and sealing a sheet includes a first roller having a first ring assembly secured thereto. The first ring assembly has (i) a first deformable inner ring member, and (ii) a first outer ring member secured to the periphery of the first deformable inner ring member. The roller assembly also includes a second roller having a roller surface. The first outer ring member of the first ring assembly of the first roller is positioned in operative contact with the roller surface of the second roller during advancement of the sheet between the first roller and the second roller.

Abstract: A retail terminal includes a display monitor and a base for supporting the display monitor. The retail terminal further includes a tilt mechanism for positioning the display monitor relative to the base. The tilt mechanism has a ratchet member supported by the display monitor. The ratchet member has a first plurality of ratchet teeth defined therein. The tilt mechanism further has a support structure secured to the base. The support structure has a second plurality of ratchet teeth defined therein. The first plurality of ratchet teeth engages the second plurality of ratchet teeth so as to hold the display monitor stationary relative to the base. The ratchet member further has a first spring arm and a second spring arm. The first spring arm and the second spring arm are each supported by the display monitor. The first spring arm and the second spring arm collectively cooperate to bias the first plurality of ratchet teeth into engagement with the second plurality of ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A table tennis assembly which includes (i) a net, (ii) a lower playing surface positioned on a first side of the net, and (iii) an upper playing surface positioned on a second side of the net. The upper playing surface is oriented in relation to the net and the lower playing surface such that a ping pong ball rolling on the upper playing surface toward the lower playing surface will be directed (i) over the net and (ii) onto the lower playing surface after the ping pong ball rolls off of the upper playing surface. The table tennis assembly also includes a return surface which extends upwardly from a first rear edge of the upper playing surface.

Abstract: A folder-sealer apparatus for folding and sealing a mailer form includes a housing. The apparatus also includes a roller assembly for folding and sealing the mailer form, the roller assembly being positioned within the housing. The apparatus also includes a postage device for securing postage indicia on the mailer form, the postage device being secured within the housing. A method of operating a folder-sealer apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of resetting a product scale of a retail checkout terminal includes the step of detecting absence of an item on the product scale. The method also includes the step of generating an absence signal in response to the detecting step. The method further includes the step of determining a first idle value with the product scale. The method also includes the step of comparing the first idle value to a reset value. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating a first control signal if the first idle value matches a reset value. The method also includes the step of generating a second control signal if the first idle value does not match the reset value. Yet further, the method includes the step of resetting the product scale in response to generation of the second control signal. An apparatus for resetting a product scale of a retail checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A folder-sealer apparatus for folding and sealing a number of mailer forms includes a housing. The apparatus also includes a roller assembly for folding and sealing the number of mailer forms, the roller assembly being secured within the housing. The apparatus further includes an input guide for guiding the number of mailer forms into the housing and into a nip of the roller assembly. The input guide is configured to receive a first mailer form of the number of mailer forms from an output mechanism of a printing device during a first period of time. The apparatus also includes a manual feed tray which is securable to the housing. The input guide is further configured to receive a second mailer form of the number of mailer forms from the manual feed tray when the manual feed tray is secured to the housing during a second period of time. A method of folding and sealing a number of mailer forms is also disclosed.