Abstract: A Method for washing items in an automatic washing line, and an automatic washing apparatus. When items (1) are conveyed to a washing zone (2), the method uses a sensor (6a) for detecting if there is a continuous flow of items (1) to the washing zone (2). If there is a break in the flow of items, washing in the washing zone (2) is interrupted. The apparatus comprises a sensor (6a) for detecting if there is a continuous flow of items (1) to be washed to the washing zone (2). In addition the apparatus comprises a program for interrupting the wash in the washing zone (2) when the sensor (6a) detects a break in the flow of items (1) to be washed.

Abstract: A tandem rear axle assembly for vehicles including trucks comprises an interaxle differential and a differential lockout mechanism which includes a friction clutch or clutch pack comprising a multiplicity of parallel annular clutch disks arranged in interleaved first and second sets. The clutch pack may be concentric with an input shaft which transmits torque from a vehicle drive shaft to the interaxle differential. The first set of clutch disks may rotate with the input shaft. The second set of clutch disks is in driving engagement with an output gear of the interaxle differential, which drives a pinion shaft to transmit torque to a forward rear axle of the vehicle. The clutch is disengaged under normal driving conditions.

Abstract: A unitary molded crosslinked polyethylene tubular connector in a metallic sleeve and method for forming the connector with various end configurations (e.g., molded, belled) is described. The process combines the ease of thermoplastic processing combined with the desirable physical properties of a thermoset. The connector is suitable as a replacement for copper tubes with associated fittings as well as polybutylene tubing.

Abstract: A combination motorcycle hammock and jack which, when used as a hammock, includes a cargo carrier rack support structure preferably attached to the cargo carrier rack of a motorcycle, an outwardly extending motorcycle hammock extension arm, a vertical support member and a lightweight flexible fabric material stretched from the outwardly extending motorcycle hammock extension arm to, for example, opposing handlebars of the motorcycle. Alternatively, the cargo carrier rack support structure could be placed underneath the motorcycle frame and the motorcycle hammock extension arm could be pivoted downwardly about a fulcrum to act as a lever and cause the motorcycle cargo carrier rack support structure to lift and support at least a portion of the motorcycle to permit, for example, repair and/or replacement of a flat tire.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for the preparation of a natural fiber and thermoplastic composite and the resulting products therefrom.

Abstract: Tire inflation system and process, especially intended for truck or heavy equipment tires. A tire inflation system of this invention comprises, in the order named, a tubular air-inlet member adapted to be connected to an air pressure source and having an on-off valve therein; a pressure regulator which is setable to a desired outlet pressure; swivel fitting; a two-step disconnect coupler having a manual actuator which, on a first actuation, releases pressure downstream of a coupler and, on a second actuation, releases an air hose which is releasably connected to the coupler on the downstream thereof; and an air hose releasably connected to the coupler and having at its outlet end a clip-on chuck for connection to an air valve of a tire to be inflated. The preferred coupler is a push-button coupler. Air flow through the system may be initiated by opening the on-off valve.

Abstract: A system and method for handling contaminated operating room surgical instruments includes a rectangular porous strainer which is sufficiently large to fully contain a variety of surgical tools and instruments and a waterproof rectangular basin, sized to receive the strainer. The basin is adapted to fit stably onto a conventional surgical ring stand either alone, or with a separate adapter. The system replaces conventional round surgical basins which are not capable of safely containing the larger or longer surgical instruments typical of many modern surgical procedures. Utilizing the system eliminates the current practice of manually transferring contaminated instruments from the round surgical basins into larger soaking trays for transportation to the decontamination area.

Abstract: An illuminating device is provided for placement on a shaft of a manual rotary hand tool having a handle at a first end thereof and a workpiece-engaging adaptation at a second end thereof. The device has a body with a central aperture therethrough, at least one light source, an energy source for causing the light source to be illuminated and a switch to selectively connect or disconnect the energy source from the light source. The central aperture has an inner diameter adapted to permit the body to slide freely on the shaft. The at least one light source is aimed in the body to direct the light provided essentially coaxially with the central aperture to the workpiece-engaging shaft end. In preferred embodiments, the device uses at least two light sources. In some embodiments, an annular lens/reflector may be used to enhance the illumination.

Abstract: A reinforcement assembly for use in the hand access hole of a tubular shaft. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a pair of units placed opposing each other with one being inside the shaft and the other being outside the shaft. Each unit has a plurality of tenons that mate with open spaces of the opposing unit, and each has a flange surrounding the tenons that contact the shaft in the area immediately surrounding the hand hole. The two units are attached to each other and to the shaft by bolts or other suitable fastening devices. In another embodiment of this invention, the pair of units are positioned one inside the other with at least one mating mortise and tenon union for securely linking the units. A typical application of the assembly is reinforcement of the area surrounding the hand hole of a utility pole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-absorbing contact lens and process for preparing same. A contact lens is tinted with colorants which provide desired spectral transmittance characteristics over the tinted portion of the lens. The contact lens provides transmittance of incident radiation having a wavelength from 500 to 700 nm which is variable and wavelength-dependent. The lens of this invention also preferably filters out ultraviolet and blue light (wavelengths from 200 to about 500 nm). Various transmittance patterns for wavelengths from 500 to 700 nm are obtainable by appropriate choice of colorant combinations; the transmittance curve in this region and the colorants to achieve the desired transmittance characteristics are chosen to fill particular needs of a wearer as for example limiting transmittance of visible light in high intensity light environments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container support pedestal for use in an all purpose intermodal flat rail car. More particularly, the invention relates to a container support pedestal which, between operative and stored positions, rotates approximately 45.degree. outwardly about a longitudinal axis of the rail car. The invention also relates to a support housing for the pedestal. In both the operative and stored positions, the pedestal substantially covers the slot in the platform of the rail car. In both positions, the pedestal is secured against longitudinal and transverse rotation. The invention also relates to a rail car with such a pedestal and housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wireless cruise control apparatus and control system therefore, comprising a transmitter, a receiver and interface circuitry. The transmitter may be a small battery powered device which releasably attaches to a steering wheel or other portion of an automobile providing the driver with an easily accessible control panel for the automobile's cruise control. By depressing the appropriate command button the transmitter then broadcasts through air, such as by radio frequency transmission, the desired action to be taken which is then received by the receiver. Upon reception the radio frequency transmission is decoded in order to interpret the driver's desired command which is then implemented through the driver circuitry which supplies the appropriate control signals to the cruise control system.

Abstract: A unitary molded crosslinked polyethylene tubular connector and method for forming the connector with various end configurations (e.g., molded, belled) is described). The process combines the ease of thermoplastic processing combined with the desirable physical properties of a thermoset. The connector is suitable as a replacement for copper tubes with associated fittings as well as polybutylene tubing.

Abstract: An end structure for a railroad freight car having longitudinally extending and spaced apart side structures. Each of the side structures provide top and bottom longitudinally disposed structural members which are spaced apart and connected to the end structure. Each of the top and bottom members have a terminal end portion. The bottom member is shorter in length than the top member to define an overhanging relationship between the top and bottom members in an area of the end structure outboard of the terminal end portion of the bottom member. The end structure comprises a planar sidewall extending between the top and bottom members. The sidewall has top and bottom edges. The top edge is joined to the top structural member. The bottom edge consists of an inboard straightedge portion, an intermediate curved portion and an outboard straightedge portion. The inboard portion is joined along its length to the bottom structural member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking oven for cooking food products. A modular cooking oven herein disclosed may include a plurality of modules arranged in end-to-end relationship, with partitions between adjacent modules. A continuously moving conveyor belt extends longitudinally through the oven from an inlet end to an outlet end. Hot cooking gas is continuously circulated in a closed path which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oven. A hot gas is circulated downwardly and then is directed through a plurality of axially spaced transversed slots, both above and below the conveyor, toward the conveyor belt and food cooking thereon. Spent gasses are then deflected away from the conveyor belt into a recirculation path, and are reheated in this return path prior to recirculation in a further cycle. Air and steam inlets are provided at various points, and are so arranged that an operator can provide either similar or different conditions of temperature and humidity in different modules.

Abstract: An ammunition clip or magazine for a firearm including a self-contained system for sensing the amount of ammunition contained within the magazine and visually or audibly indicating that value to the user of the firearm. The counting and indicator system may be configured to display the number of rounds remaining in the magazine itself, or the number of rounds remaining in the firearm overall (the number of ammunition rounds in the magazine plus one round in the chamber of the firearm, if applicable), or it may be configured to simply indicate that the magazine is empty or that the number of rounds remaining in the magazine is below some other predetermined threshold. The magazine may be utilized in conjunction with any suitable firearm without modifying the firearm.