Abstract: A gearbox for a drive line irrigation system in which the input and output shafts of the gearbox are sealed with a compressed and sintered silicon and carbide face seal. The face seal is contained within the gearbox and compressed between a gearbox end cap and a shaft bearing, obviating the need for external loading by bellows or similar spring elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for locking a local oscillator to a reference oscillator. The reference oscillator is arranged to transmit a signal containing two reference pilot tones in a signal sideband. The apparatus samples the received signal and makes a frequency shifted copy where the shift is equal to the expected separation between the reference tones. The non-shifted and shifted signals are then combined in the frequency domain to constructively reinforce one of the reference pilot tones which is then searched for. Once the tone has been identified, a correction to the local oscillator frequency is calculated. The apparatus may be of particular use in a radio telemetry system in which it is important that the frequency of the local oscillators in the transmitters and receivers are very accurately matched to each other and where, in order to reduce interference, all the clocks used in the system are locked to a master clock.

Abstract: In a remote data acquisition system a control unit transmits a radio signal simultaneously to a plurality of remote units. Each remote unit receives the radio signal at different times dependent on various system delay factors. A compensating delay is added in each remote unit in order to trigger each remote unit for data acquisition at the same time.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a bowl having recessed acquisition features that permit the bowl to be manipulated by humans without providing protrusions that could be grasped by an animal, through biting or otherwise. In one embodiment, the recessed acquisition feature is formed by two spaced apart slots recessed in the exterior wall of the bowl. Each slot is characterized by a first wall oriented to face the opposing slot and a second wall oriented to face the interior cavity, each wall being substantially vertical or negatively sloped to provide a lifting surface. The thumb and a finger are placed in these slots against gripping surfaces and squeezed towards one another. The bowl may also be raised by grasping the interior wall of the cavity and the substantially vertical or negatively sloped second wall of a slot between the thumb and fingers. In another embodiment, a recessed slot is shaped to have the natural curve of a human finger.

Abstract: A process for improving the color of oxygenates, such as MTBE, ETBE and TAME, which utilizes a hydrogenation treater in the presence of a catalyst, containing at least one noble metal, along with a circulation of hydrogen to remove the color. The process reduces existing color bodies in the oxygenate and may proceed at room temperature and at normal pressure for economically providing a completely clear product having a +30 saybolt number.

Abstract: A glove with projections or tabs attached to the thumb and finger sheaths of the glove. The tabs can easily be grasped to provide an axial removal force along each finger sheath, thus enhancing removal of the glove from a wearer's hand. In one embodiment, each tab is an integrally formed triangular fin attached to the top portion of each glove finger at the distal-most end of the glove finger. The tabs permit the application of an axial force along each finger and have been found to be particularly effective in removing sports gloves that are provided with one-half and three-quarter finger sheaths that fit snugly around a wearer's fingers. In another embodiment, the tabs project beyond the ends of the finger sheaths.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a bow string release mechanism that can be outfitted with various types of interchangeable sear heads. The release mechanism generally comprises a sear head and a universal base, within which is mounted a trigger, a trigger arm linked to the trigger, and a spring-loaded locking yoke. The standard elements of all sear heads include a spring-loaded activation shaft and tabs which are receivable within notches provided in the base. An interchangeable sear head is attached to the base by fitting the tabs of the head into the notches of the base and rotating the head relative to the base until the yoke locks the head into place. Although selectively removable, the sear head, once locked into position on the release mechanism, is fully rotatable relative to the base. A sear head is removed from the base by releasing the yoke from engagement with the sear head and rotating the sear head relative to the base until the tabs and the notches align.

Abstract: An energy efficient aquarium system with a separate cover wherein the lamp or lamps are located below the filters and filter ponds thus heating the filter pond bottom and sides to further heat the water contained in the filter ponds thus eliminating the need for a separate heater and further saving the energy required to heat the water as it flows into the aquarium. Floats each with a filter condition indicator bar are located in the filter ponds wherein the filter condition indicator bars extend through the cover and further indicate the condition of the filter as the water rises in the filter ponds due to the filters filling up with debris that restricts the flow of water passing through the filter; as the water rises in the filter ponds, the float rises and further causes the filter condition indicator to rise wherein it may easily be seen. When the filter condition indicator rises to a predetermined height, the owner of the aquarium would be given notice that the filters need to be changed.

Abstract: A cushioned nock is mounted on a bow string to be between the arrow and a bow string release device. The cushioned nock comprises a.[.n elastomeric.]. .Iadd.compressible .Iaddend.cylinder having an axial hole to receive the bow string. The cylinder is slit to permit the cylinder to be spread open for mounting on the string. A split ring fits in an external groove on the cylinder and is squeezed to clamp the cylinder on the string. The cylinder has a flange at each end to prevent damage to the arrow or the release. A similar cushioned nock or a conventional plastic lined, clamp type nock is mounted on the string above the arrow to fix the nocking point on the string. It is preferred to use a cushioned nock on each side of the nocking point (the point engaged by the arrow nock). Another cushioned nock can be mounted below the release device to allow mounting the device on the string pending use.