Abstract: A fifth wheel for coupling a tractor to a trailer carrying a kingpin. The fifth wheel comprises a mounting structure adapted to be mounted to the tractor and a fifth wheel plate mounted to the mounting structure and a top bearing surface rotateable relative to the mounting structure about an axis normal to the top bearing surface in order to minimize the friction between the top bearing surface of the fifth wheel plate and the trailer.

Abstract: A mobile dynamic implantable spinal apparatus comprising at least one fixed bracket secured on a correcting rod and at least one mobile carrier slidably mounted on the correcting rod. The fixed bracket and the mobile carrier each include a body and a pedicle screw or a transverse process hook articulated to the body. The distribution of the degrees of freedom between the carrier and the rod, and the pedicle screws or hooks and the carrier and the fixed bracket provide a non-rigid assembly which preserves some of the natural mobility of the vertebrae and disk, and the potential growth of the spinal column.

Abstract: A wood-edger for cutting away irregularities left on the edges of wood products, such as planks or boards, comprises a succession of different transferring mechanisms cooperating to regulate the flow of wood products to be processed and to properly position the same for the ultimate edging operation.

Abstract: A computer cooling system adapted to be installed in a drive bay of an existing computer casing to cool the inside of the casing. The cooling system includes a thermo-electric heat exchanger defining first and second superposed air channels respectively in heat transfer communication with the hot and cold sides of Peltier devices. The cooled ambient air is discharged into the computer casing while the heated ambient air is directed into an evaporator for evaporating the condensate formed during cooling of the air discharged into the computer casing.

Abstract: A personal floatation device comprises a wide buoyant collar hinged to a thoracic float. The collar has a front portion projecting forwardly under the chin of the wearer to cooperate with the thoracic float to limit forward tilting movements of the wearer's head. The hinge between the collar and the thoracic floater provides for the combination of the buoyancy of the collar and the thoracic float when a wearer fall face down in the water. The juxtaposition of the collar and the thoracic float contributes to rapidly pivot the wearer's head out of the water. A buoyant flap is articulated to a rear end of the collar so as to be only responsive to backward movements of the wearer's upper body.

Abstract: A closure operating device comprises a control unit for controlling a power actuator operatively connected to a closure to selectively open and close the same. The control unit and the power actuator are mounted to a casing adapted to be mounted on a wall. The casing defines an interior space which is normally closed by a lid which defines itself a compartment for receiving parts of the control unit. A limit switch mechanism is mounted in the compartment for automatically interrupting power transmission to the power actuator when the closure reaches a fully open position or a fully closed position thereof. The limit switch mechanism includes a pair of switch actuators threadably engaged on a shaft. The switch actuators are normally locked against rotation by an anti-rotation member. The anti-rotation member is adapted to be independently disengaged from the switch actuators to prevent accidental displacement of one of the switch actuators while the other one is being manually adjusted.

Abstract: A lightweight building construction system comprising multiple similar stressed roof and wall paneling modules (22, 122) assembled together to form a modular building envelope. Each roof module (22, 122) typically includes a double-skin panel (1,4/101) having structurally interacting inner and outer layers (4,3/104,103) joined together at mid-span and stretched in a V-shaped configuration between spaced-apart structural elements (9, 109). A linear gutter (2) can hang from the double-skin panel (22) at the junction of the inner and outer layers (4,3) thereof to drain water, thereby preventing ponding problems. The stressed paneling modules (22) may be supported by lightweight non-rigid tensely arched members (15, 16).

Abstract: A system and a method for reducing the level of moisture of fluent materials or wet solid materials, characterized in that the material to be treated is provided in a particle form and then exposed to a relatively high volumetric flow of gas treating medium which is drawn through the material so as to force the moisture in the center of each individual piece to migrate towards the periphery thereof where it can be easily evaporated. Air at ambient temperature may be used as gas treating medium so as to minimize the level of energy required to provide an efficient drying operation.

Abstract: A door system for a railway car which provides for both high and low level access. The door system comprises a sliding door, a platform displaceable between raised and lowered positions for respectively clearing and covering the stairwell of the railway car, and a threshold extending laterally outwardly of the sliding door to provide a continuation of the platform when displaced to its lowered position. The threshold is releasably connected to the sliding door for co-linear movement with the sliding door when the platform is raised, while remaining stationary in a functional position when the platform is lowered for enabling high level boarding.

Abstract: A system (22) for removably connecting a circuit card, such as an extension card (54), to an electronic device, comprises a sliding component (28) adapted to support the circuit card (54) and having a guiding edge (32) configured to be slidably inserted in a channel (26) disposed adjacent a connector (20) of the electronic device so as to position the card mating edge (56) in register with the connector (20). A lever (40) is provided for lowering the mating edge 56 of the extension card (54) until suitable connection is made between the card connector and the connector (20). Advantages of the present invention include the fact that the system allows for ergonomic insertion and removal of extension cards without the need for manual dexterity on behalf of the user.

Abstract: A self-locking system comprising a state selector for detecting the intent of an occupant to rise from a chair and then automatically causing a lock to block the mobility functions of the chair. The state detector is responsive to movement of an upper portion of the body of the occupant while the occupant is still supported in a normal seated position on the seat of the chair, thereby advantageously allowing the locking of the mobility functions of the chair to occur before the occupant starts to lift his weight from the seat of the chair.

Abstract: A thermal energy retrieval system in which waste heat generated by an internal combustion engine is used to evaporate an organic working fluid in an evaporator. The evaporated working fluid is passed through a turbine to generate power which could be used to supplement the work done by the internal combustion engine. A unitary control valve is disposed between a feed pump and the evaporator to automatically regulate the flow of working fluid to the evaporator in accordance with the sensed temperature of the working fluid at its exit from the evaporator. This ensures the optimization of the thermodynamic efficiency of the system, which in turn leads to the provision of a more compact system useful with a road engine as an add-on.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism for transmitting motion with a uniform speed transmission factor between first and second moveable elements comprises a set of cams adapted to rotate with the first moveable element about a revolving axis, and corresponding arrays of spaced-apart rollers connected to the second moveable element for movement therewith. The cams cooperate in relays with the corresponding arrays of spaced-apart rollers to continuously communicate motion between the first and second moveable elements. The cams are in rolling contact with the corresponding arrays of rollers, whereby torque and force transmission can be performed smoothly. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism allows for the reversal of both the direction of the input speed and the roles of the first and second moveable elements.

Abstract: A filter comprises a main tank and at least two separate beds of particulate filter media contained in respective conical recipients integrated within the main tank so as to minimize the overall height and weight of the filter. A transport pipe is provided for each conical recipient in order to transport dirty filter media therefrom to a washing device in which the dirty filter media is washed as it flows downwardly in counter-current with a wash liquid. A filter media return pipe is provided for each conical recipient in order to return the cleaned filter media therein. The provision of multiple transport pipes and return pipes ensures efficient distribution of the filter media within the filter.

Abstract: A surgical guiding instrument for use with a drilling tool and a bone engaging element, comprises a support on which the bone engaging element is adapted to be mounted for engaging a region of a bone to orient the support with respect thereto. The guiding instrument further includes a drill guide mounted to the support and defining a passage for guiding the drilling tool so as to prevent deviation of the drilling direction. The drill guide can be angularly adjusted relative to the bone engaging element in the plane of the support by simply sliding the drill guide on an arc of circle defined by the support.

Abstract: A shipping method which reduces the potential hazards during shipment of manganese dioxide. The manganese dioxide is transported in suspension in a liquid contained in a container. The manganese dioxide is maintained in suspension by continuously agitating the manganese dioxide slurry in the container during shipment.

Abstract: A sidecar for a bicycle comprises a wheeled frame formed of a single U-shaped tube adapted to be readily attached to a bottom portion of the bicycle frame via a single bracket. The bracket includes an elongated horizontal portion projecting forwardly of the power train of the bicycle for slidably receiving thereon a first end portion of the U-shaped tube. A circumferential slot is defined in the first end portion of the tube for receiving a pin rigidly secured to the elongated portion of the bracket, thereby allowing limited rotational movements of the bicycle frame relative to the sidecar.

Abstract: A door system for a railway car which provides for both high and low level access. The door system comprises a sliding door, a platform displaceable between raised and lowered positions for respectively clearing and covering the stairwell of the railway car, and a threshold extending laterally outwardly of the sliding door to provide a continuation of the platform when displaced to its lowered position. The threshold is releasably connected to the sliding door for co-linear movement with the sliding door when the platform is raised, while remaining stationary in a functional position when the platform is lowered for enabling high level boarding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capillary carpet irrigation system which includes a water bearing capillary carpet disposed on a supporting surface and a plurality of water permeable pots resting upon and in hydraulic connection with the carpet. The pots contain growing medium and roots of plants. Conventional irrigation equipment supplies water to the carpet. A four layer capillary carpet includes: a water impermeable base membrane of polyethylene; and a water permeable microperforated dark coloured top membrane. Between the top and base membranes two water bearing capillary mats are supplied with water from the irrigation equipment.

Abstract: A device for increasing the variety of sounds available from a percussive musical instrument having a generally cylindrical drum shell. The device comprises at least one hollow cylindrical body dimensioned and configured to be axially received within the drum shell between opposed ends thereof. The hollow cylindrical body and the drum shell may be made of similar or different materials. The hollow cylindrical body can be directly mounted to an inner surface of the drum shell or, alternatively, to a number of spacers arranged at circumferentially spaced-apart locations on the inner surface of the drum shell.