Abstract: A swivel coupling for high pressure fluid of the type providing an axle through which fluid can pass to a rotary connector. The swivel coupling includes first and second mechanical bearings spaced apart and mounted along the axle, wherein each mechanical bearing has an inner and an outer bearing member. The inner bearing members are attached to the axle while a mounting member attaches to the outer bearings so that the bearings provide radial and axial support between the axle and the mounting member while allowing relative rotation between them. A fluid opening on the axle between the mechanical bearings communicates with the rotary connector. The rotary connector is supported by a pair of swivel bushings wherein each swivel bushing is mounted on an opposing end of the rotary connector for locating it between the mechanical bearings. High pressure seals are fitted into upper and lower annular recesses located on the axle in respective positions above and below the fluid opening for sealing the connector.

Abstract: A significant problem is unsupervised detection of events in the digital image representation of objects or bodies acquired at logically different states. To detect events a set of sample data points is selected, and normalized using a novel technique to desensitize the analysis to the intensity level of the data. The normalized data are presented to a clustering algorithm, preferably the fuzzy C-Means clustering algorithm which groups the data into a user-specified number of clusters. The resulting clusters are not affected by human bias or preconceived notions, since the process is independent of prior knowledge of the events. The cluster centroids identify the characteristics of the events and the cluster maps depict the image domains associated with the events. The invention is equally applicable to normal and abnormal events and is capable of detecting expected and unexpected results.

Abstract: A container for sorting and storing items to be laundered is described. The container comprises two lower compartments for storing bulkier items and two inner compartments arranged to pivot within the container from a position wherein the inner compartment(s) are within the container to an outward position wherein the inner compartment(s) are outward of the container. Furthermore, the inner compartments are arranged to accept one or more rigid inserts therein. In operation, items to be laundered together are deposited into the desired rigid insert(s). When laundry day arrives, the rigid insert(s) are removed from the inner compartment(s) of the container and emptied directly into the washing machine. As the items to be laundered have already been sorted, the time and effort required to do the laundry is significantly decreased.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembly of fence panels from a plurality of longitudinal backing rails and a plurality of transverse pickets includes a conveyor for supporting and moving the rails in a direction along their length with the rails at spaced transversely positions across the conveyor and a plurality of rail dispensing hoppers, each for receiving a stack of the backing rails and arranged to dispense the rails one at a time onto the conveyor in parallel spaced relation along the conveyor. A picket dispensing hopper dispenses pickets one at a time onto the aligned rails so that the pickets are positioned at right angles to the rails and side by side. Ends of the pickets are aligned on the rails. The pickets are compressed in a direction at right angles to the rails onto the rails and parallel to the rails and at right angles to the pickets so as to squeeze the pickets edge to edge. A nailing assembly applies nails to connect the pickets to the rails.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling rotation of an outer sleeve member relative to an inner cylindrical duct member is used in a drilling system for controlling steering of a downhole drilling tool. The apparatus includes an annular swash plate pump and a stack of annular brake disks in the space between the members. The pump is driven by the rotation to pump fluid into a supply cylinder driving the brake. An orifice controls escape of the fluid from the chamber at a controlled rate. The rate is controlled to maintain a balance between the pumping rate and the brake pressure to keep the rotation at a required rate. The apparatus is used in the drilling system which includes a shallow bend in the drilling tool and a system for rotating the bent drilling tool slowly about a longitudinal axis of the drilling tool while the drill bit rotates more rapidly. The controlled orifice further allows the slow rotation to be halted at a predetermined orientation of the bend axis so as to effect a change in drilling direction.

Abstract: A test flange is used for an air brake piping system for railroad cars. The flange fits between an end flange of the brake cylinder pipe and the housing of the valve to which it is normally connected. The test flange includes a through aperture that aligns with the pipe end and the port in the valve housing and a test port that carries a quick disconnect valve in a lug with a distinct offset from the symmetrical centre line of the test flange. An internal passage in the test flange leads from the aperture to the test port.

Abstract: An intense forage conditioning machine includes: a mower, either a cutter bar or disks, perpendicular to the direction of travel for cutting fresh forage off the ground to leave a stubble; a conveying unit to move the cut forage; a macerating unit composed of a series of grooved rolls rotating at different speeds to severely condition the conveyed cut forage; and a double track pressing unit to compress the macerated forage and to deposit the resulting thin mat on the stubble. The macerating unit can be used without the tracks and can comprise only three rollers arranged to form two nips. The rollers can be grooved and can rotate at different speeds.

Abstract: Apparatus for spraying an ice surface with a white paint comprises a trailer having a tank carried on the trailer, a pump and a boom having a plurality of spray nozzles. The tank has a large opening in the top for receiving bags of paint pigment. The pump is a high capacity pump which generates a flow rate significantly greater than necessary to supply the nozzles. The excess is returned to the tank through a jet mixing system including four arms each having a pair of jet nozzles. A mixing wand is also provided which receives mixed materials from the pump for the jet nozzle for stirring within the tank. The nozzles are closely spaced so as to generate an overlapping spray pattern. The nozzles generate a fine mist and are directed slightly upwardly and rearwardly.

Abstract: A container for burial of a deceased pet is described. The pet burial container comprises a fabric bag and a flat sheet. The fabric bag comprises a base arranged to accept the flat sheet therein and a flaccid top portion opposite the base. The deceased pet is placed into the fabric bag such that the deceased pet rests on the flat sheet while the flaccid top portion drapes over the deceased pet, thereby enclosing the deceased pet in the fabric material.

Abstract: An orifice meter comprised of two concentric flanges and a center plate assembly is described. The center plate assembly includes an orifice plate holder arranged to rotate within the orifice meter around a shaft extending from the center of the center plate assembly and protruding through one of the flanges. Rotating the shaft will align one of the orifice plates in the orifice plate holder with the inlet and outlet pipe openings in the flanges. Thus, the orifice meter herein described does not have to be disconnected to change orifice plates. Pressure transducers are included in the flanges to determine the pressure upstream and downstream of the orifice plate. An inspection plug installed in one of the flanges allows for easy inspection and changing of the orifice plates, meaning that the orifice meter herein described does not have to be disconnected to replace or service the orifice plates.

Abstract: A sieve for use in a combine harvester includes a plurality of longitudinal parallel rails lying in a common plane of the sieve including two spaced side rails and at least one intermediate rail. Each rail has a row of holes supporting a plurality of parallel cross wires of square cross-section extending generally at right angles to the rails with each wire passing through a respective one of the holes. Each wire carries a plurality of separate louver sections thereon, each louver section spanning a distance between a respective pair of the rails. A common adjustment member for the wires causes common rotation of each of the wires about a longitudinal axis to cause rotation of the louver sections to adjust the louver openings. Each louver section has formed a square sleeve through which the wire passes without welding to the wire so that the wire can be pulled longitudinally relative to the louver sections for removal of individual louver sections for repair.

Abstract: An impeller blade for the rotor of an axial flow combine harvester is shaped such that an outer blade portion has a shape of the blade portion defining an inclined edge which joins a forward blade edge lying in a radial plane of the rotor at a first position spaced outwardly from the hub of the rotor and joins the outer blade edge at a second position spaced rearwardly of the first position, the inclined edge having at least a part thereof which is substantially straight and parallel to an inner blade edge so as to be inclined at an angle to the outer blade edge and extend outwardly and rearwardly from the first position to the second position such that the radial distance of the second position from the axis is greater than that of the first position. This reduces the length of the forward edge to 50% to 75% of its conventional length and acts to overcome a long standing feeding problem of this type of rotor in some crops.

Abstract: A bale bagging apparatus is used for inserting bales in sequence into a tube of plastic film. The apparatus has a set of panels surrounding the bale at a bagging station of the apparatus and supporting the tube in a stretched state out of contact with the bale. As the bale passes through the bagging station, the tube is pulled off the panels and shrinks onto the bale. The bale support panel is equipped with a resilient sheet on the outer surface to distribute the stretching load over the bag to eliminate areas of high stress concentration on the bag. The bales are supported as they travel through the apparatus on two parallel, linear rails to minimize the draft force on the apparatus. The tube support panels pivot on axes that lie in a common plane perpendicular to the bale path.

Abstract: A direct vent gas fireplace has a combustion air supply duct extending down the back wall, on the outside of the housing back wall. It is connected to the firebox by a duct assembly with a flange that connects to the housing and two ducts that connect to the firebox. The supply duct is located laterally between two cooling air ducts that lead from the cool air zones at the bottom outer corners of the housing to a cooling air plenum inside the top of the housing. Inside the cooling air plenum and the cooling air ducts are a room air plenum and room air circulating space for the circulation of room air to be heated. This provides a compact construction with adequate wall cooling without the need for additional thermal insulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker for indicating wheel rotation for a truck. The marker fits onto the wheel and turns with the wheel. The marker has a reflective end to allow vision during less visible occasions. The marker is mounted on the wheel stud and when the wheel stud is fastened the wheel marker is pressed between the rim and the wheel nut. The marker's reflective end rests on the outer portion of the rim.

Abstract: This invention relates to a technique for compensating for the inhomogeneity of the field generated by the RF coil (B1) in a nuclear magnetic resonance experiment. Current techniques for achieving accurate flip angles with non-uniform B1 transmit fields, are based upon modulation of the RF waveform. Inherent disadvantages of any RF-based compensation is an increased pulse length and/or increased RF power. Moreover, for some important applications, e.g. multi-slice excitation, no suitable pulses are known. We present an alternative strategy involving a Bz field whose spatial variation is correlated with that of the B1 field. This spatial correlation between the fields allows Bz-based compensation for the effects of B1 inhomogeneity. Successful operation over a wide bandwidth and range of B1 intensities may be achieved without any modification of the RF pulses. An alternative approach for compensating for B1 inhomogeneity is to apply a rapid oscillatory phase-modulation to an existing RF pulse waveform.

Abstract: A fuel can adapter is used for adapting standard fuel carrier cans for use as temporary fuel tanks for outboard motors and the like. The adapter has a tapered bung that fits snugly into the necks of all common fuel cans and a peripheral flange at the top end of the bung. The thimble supplied with the fuel can for use on the fuel can neck is threaded onto the neck over the adapter for holding the adapter in place. A fuel passage through the bung is connected at the bottom end with a nipple which is in turn connected to a flexible fuel suction line extending from the bung to the bottom of the can. At the top end of the bung is a conventional fuel tank coupling for connection to the coupling component on the end of an outboard motor fuel line. In preferred embodiments, the bung is equipped with an air passage and a check valve for allowing air to enter the can while preventing the flow of air or fuel from the can.

Abstract: A rotary mill for reduction of ore to particles is described. The rotary mill comprises a primary reduction chamber, a secondary reduction chamber and an outlet chamber. Material entering the primary reduction chamber is deflected by an impact rotor, which shatters the material and sends the resulting particles into a plurality of shatter bars. The shatter bars further reduce these particles and deflect them back towards the rotor so that the reduced particles encounter newly shattered material, causing further attrition. In addition, the rotary mill includes an exhaust fan arranged to generate an airflow from the primary reduction chamber, through the secondary reduction chamber and into the outlet chamber. This airflow carries the reduced particles into the secondary reduction chamber wherein the particles are thrown against reduction means.

Abstract: A sheet material primarily fabric is cut by providing an anvil having an substantially cylindrical wire thereon defining a cutting line lying along the anvil and supported thereby, by draping the fabric over the anvil and by running along the wire of the anvil the peripheral surface of a roller so as to apply pressure between the roller surface and the wire. The fabric is thus compressed between the roller surface and the wire in a pinching action which causes the wire to engage into and effect cutting of the fabric along the cutting line. The roller is mounted on a carriage running along the anvil and is spring biased onto the wire.

Abstract: A series of design features which render filing and similar cabinets resistant to water entry are described. The design features may either be incorporated at the time of manufacture or retro-fitted onto certain types of existing cabinets. The features comprise water deflectors mounted above drawers or compartments of filing cabinets, the water deflectors having a downwardly sloping front face for deflecting falling water away from the drawers or compartments and flanges fitted onto the sides and bottom of the drawers or compartments, thereby eliminating any gaps between the frame of the filing cabinet and the drawers or compartments of the filing cabinet, which will in turn prevent water entry into the filing cabinet.