Abstract: The present invention is an improved trailer for processing items. The trailer includes a frame, translating wheel assemblies and a pivoting hitch assembly. Each translating wheel assembly includes a stationary portion fixed to the frame and a translating portion for carrying at least one wheel. The translating portions of the wheel assemblies move up and down between a first extended position in which the wheels support the frame of the trailer and a second retracted position in which the frame sits on the ground. The hitch assembly includes an arm for coupling the trailer to a tractor vehicle. The arm moves between a first trailering position and a second stowed position. The arm is pivoted into the stowed position so that it does not interfere with process items entering or leaving the trailer.

Abstract: An anaerobic wastewater treatment system includes a recycle tank, a bioreactor tank and a bioselector for recapturing anaerobic microbial consortia particles escaping from the bioreactor tank and returning them to the bioreactor tank. The bioreactor tank receives recycled wastewater feed from a recycle tank and discharges via an overflow outlet treated wastewater and microbial consortia particles to a bioselector. The bioselector is adapted to separate entrained microbial consortia particles and return a feed to the bioreactor tank which including some of the treated wastewater received from the bioreactor tank and the microbial consortia particles received from the bioreactor tank. The bioselector provides a recycle feed to the recycle tank. Overflow from the bioselector provides an effluent of treated wastewater leaving the system.

Abstract: The present exercise machine includes a frame, a seat, foot pedals, a resistance device and a hand crank assembly. The resistance device includes a rotating element such as a cylindrical fan which would require a power input in order to continue rotating. The hand crank assembly is pivotably mounted to the frame such that the hand crank assembly can quickly pivot between a first position suitable for a seated operator and a second position suitable for an upright operator.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of the present invention features separate compression and expansion cycles. The engine includes a separate compressor device which pressurizes air by a ratio greater than 15 to 1, at least one two stroke combustion cylinder and a compressed air conduit for transferring compressed air from the compressor to the at least one combustion cylinder. An air injection valve injects the compressed air into the combustion cylinder during the second half portion of the return stroke of the combustion cylinder. The compressed air is mixed with fuel and combusted for expansion during a power stroke. In this engine compression occurs only to a minor degree in the combustion cylinder. Accordingly, the compression ratio of the present engine may be significantly higher or lower than the volumetric expansion ratio of the combustion cylinder thus resulting in corresponding increases in either power density or thermodynamic efficiency respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing for the presence of a drug is provided. The apparatus includes a first drug testing reagent, a first ampule, a vessel that contains the first ampule, and a fracturing means. The first drug testing reagent contains a controlled substance detecting chemical reagent. The vessel serves as a mixing chamber for mixing the reagents with the test subject fluid. Further, the vessel may include a transparent wall through which changes in coloration of mixtures of test subject fluids and reagents may be viewed. The vessel may also comprise a test subject fluid injection port to allow for the injection of a test subject fluid into the vessel. The vessel may also contain means for fracturing the ampule without damaging or opening the vessel. A method for conducting a drug test is also provided.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for applying loose fill insulation generally includes an insulation feed portion and an insulation gun. The insulation feed portion is driven by a motor which is controlled by a clutch and a clutch control circuit. An insulation gun is mounted to a hose which communicates with the insulation feed portion. A switch mounted on the gun opens and closes the clutch control circuit. When the switch is closed, the clutch is engaged and air blown insulation is supplied to the gun. When the switch is open, the clutch is disengaged and air blown insulation is not supplied to the gun.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for draw forming a flat sheet blank into a 3-dimensional-nacelle nose cap for an aircraft engine in two stages; the blank having an outer annular portion and an inner annular portion. Draw forming the inner annular portion into a shape of an arcuate circular inner wall and then draw forming the outer annular portion into an arcuate outer wall adjacent the inner wall with the combination of walls being U-shaped in cross section.

Abstract: A process arrangement for distilling fuel grade ethanol includes a fermentation portion, a distillation portion, a condensation and dehydration portion, a separation and drying portion and an evaporation portion. The fermentation portion produces beer. The distillation portion, the condensation and dehydration portion and the separation and drying portion receives beer from the fermentation portion and produces hot ethanol vapor and thin stillage. In the evaporation portion, a set of first effect evaporators which are heated either by plant steam or hot ethanol vapor, concentrate thin stillage into mid stillage while producing first effect steam. The first effect steam from the first effect evaporators provides heat to a set of second effect evaporators which concentrate the mid stillage into a syrup for further drying. The second effect evaporators produce second effect steam which is used to heat the distillation portion of the process arrangement.

Abstract: A hospital bed weighing system includes four carriage assemblies and a frame assembly. Each of the four carriage assemblies includes a wheel support member for receiving and supporting one of the four wheels of a typical hospital bed. Two caster wheels are mounted at opposite ends of each carriage assembly by a load cell. Inputs from the load cells is analyzed and displayed by a weight display unit which may be calibrated to weigh a bed occupant by subtracting out the weight of the supported bed. The four carriage assemblies are positioned relative to each other by an adjustable frame assembly which is designed to not transfer substantial loads between the carriage assemblies. Since the carriage assemblies are supported by caster wheels, a bed supported by the weighing system may be moved about substantially as if it were rolled upon its own wheels.

Abstract: A highly durable cable hose assembly for connecting a welding machine to the conductor tube portion of a pressurized air cooled welding torch includes a cable hose, a rear connector portion for connecting to a welding machine and a front connector portion for connecting to the conductor tube. The cable hose portion includes a gas hose for passage of inert gas, a plurality of cooling air tubes for conducting cooling air, conductive stranding for conveying electrical current for arc welding and a flexible outer hose jacket for enclosing the gas hose, the plurality of cooling air tubes and the conductive stranding in a generally tightly bundled fashion.

Abstract: An aircraft flight control disconnect mechanism between the pilot and co-pilot controls, including a pair of concentrically positioned opposed circular jaws, each jaw having either mating tapered teeth or mating tapered openings, which when the jaws are axially separated, disconnects one pilot control from the other and a rotating control sleeve concentrically aligned with and rotatably attached to one of said jaws, the sleeve including a helical cam slot surrounding a fixed roller whereby rotation of the control sleeve moves the said connected jaw toward or away from the adjacent jaw so that the two jaws are free to rotate independent of each other.