Abstract: A safety system for a riding lawn mower that prevents powered operation of a PTO driven implement while in reverse unless an override switch is “ON”. The override switch may be a sustained action two position switch and the PTO driven implement may be a lawn mower blade. In one embodiment, the override switch does not allow the engine to start if the override switch is on. In one embodiment, the override switch cooperates with an operator presence switch to prevent operation of the PTO driven implement when the override switch is on and the operator is not present.

Abstract: A splash guard assembly for an over the highway vehicle and a kit for making the assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a contoured splash guard and an intermediate mounting element for positioning between the splash guard and a vehicle side panel. The guard and the element are complementally contoured to fit together. The element is also contoured to fit a specific vehicle panel adjacent a wheel well of a vehicle having such panel. When assembled the element and panel are interconnected to enable mounting of the guard. Fasteners securing the element and guard together and the element to the panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hybrid electrical cable providing for power transmission or distribution and data and/or voice signal communications. In one preferred embodiment, the hybrid electrical cable includes a power cable having a group of one or more high voltage power conductors for conducting power and one or more groups of low power signal conductors for transmitting voice and/or data and/or control signals. The cable further includes a power cable insulation jacket overlying the group of one or more power conductors. The power cable insulation jacket includes a soft magnetic material, preferably a soft ferrite magnetic material, for RF absorption. The cable additionally includes an outer grounded metallic jacket or sheath overlying the power cable, the power cable insulation jacket and the one or more groups of low power conductors.

Abstract: A water treatment system for removing hard ions from source water. The water treatment system is of the type that includes a pair of ion-exchange water softener tanks connectable to a source of pressurized water and with a water system to supply softened water to the water system, the tanks each being capable of regeneration by flushing with a regeneration solution to replenish depleted ions. A process for preventing system failure due to salt crystallization includes flowing water during brine replenishment from a second nozzle and a first nozzle at a defined ratio. The first nozzle diluted the brine in a reservoir after regeneration cycle is complete. The second nozzle replenishes brine by flowing water directly onto a salt material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high efficiency hot air furnace including a heat exchanger assembly located in a heat exchange chamber through with comfort air is passed to be heated. The heat exchanger assembly includes a drum like combustion member located in the flow path of comfort air. A supplemental heat exchanger or condenser is disposed in the flow path of comfort air upstream from the combustion member. A transfer channel extends from one end of the combustion member and communicates combustion products to the condenser. The combustion member includes an insulating material on the inside portion of the cylindrical wall. A diffuser is located within the combustion member which prevents the burner flame from extending into the transfer channel. The burner includes a blower for urging combustion gases through the heat exchanging assembly. Intake air for the blower is provided by an air intake chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a taillight assembly that includes a light source for emitting light and a light source enclosure having a light transmissive portion for transmitting light from the light source to an illumination zone. A portion of the enclosure includes a material that is affixed to selected regions of the light transmissive portion. By electrically energizing the material the light transmitting properties of the material can be altered for performing different taillight functions. A drive circuit is electrically coupled to the material in each region for selectively energizing the material and thereby controlling the functional light output of each region. All taillight functions can be accomplished by activating the bands on the light transmissive portion, including running light, brake light, reverse light, parking light and turning signal.

Abstract: An electric dispensing gun for dispensing two part viscous materials. The dispensing gun features a directly driven pinion/rack assembly and an optional mixing manifold for dispensing material from sausage packaging. A controller controls operation of the dispensing gun to implement dosage control and automatic power reverse features.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention concerns a process for forming two tone muntin bars. Method and apparatus of the invention uses an elongated preformed muntin bar member that has a treated portion of an exposed surface of the muntin bar member. An elongated strip of covering material is provided for controlled application onto a specified portion of the treated portion of the muntin bar material. The elongated strip of covering material includes an adhesive that causes the covering material to adhere to the muntin bar member. The muntin bar member and the covering material are brought into contact with each other to cause the covering material to overlie and adhere to the muntin bar member.

Abstract: A method of providing a vehicle monitoring system for ensuring accurate vehicle milleage readings. A comparison is made between velocity measurements from several sources to detect unauthorized modifications made to a vehicle in an effort to ensure accurate vehicle odometer readings. The vehicle velocity measured on-board is compared with vehicle velocity data signals received from a remote satellite system in light of an allowable tolerance. The system will detect changes in the vehicle such as tire size or tampering with the vehicles on-board measurement devices. The system may communicate out of tolerance conditions to the vehicle operator and the fleet manager.

Abstract: An improved cooling system for a turbo charged internal combustion engine is disclosed. A conduit connects a pressurizing engine air intake to the cooling system to raise the pressure in the cooling system thereby enabling an increase of the maximum temperature which coolant in the cooling system can reach.

Abstract: A skimmer for removing oil and paramagnetic chips from a contaminated body of machine tool coolant. The skimmer includes a frame and an endless tube partially trained within the frame that defines a travel path. The path of the tube includes a first section within the body of coolant and a second section out of the body of coolant. The skimmer further includes a magnet disposed within the tube, a drive system mounted to the frame and operatively coupled to the tube to power travel of the tube, and a wiper connected to the frame at a position along the travel path. The wiper is advantageously positioned adjacent to the tube such that the wiper removes oil and metal chips carried by the tube. A receptacle is includes that delineates a collection space positioned below the wiper to receive oil and metal chips.

Abstract: An integrated fuel management system and method for controlling the fuel storage and delivery in a vehicle. The fuel management system includes a fuel storage tank for storing fuel in a vehicle, a vapor collection canister located within the fuel storage tank, a vent actuator coupled to the vapor collection canister for venting gas from the canister during a vent operation, and a purge actuator coupled to the canister for purging fuel vapor from the canister during a purge operation. A variable speed fuel pump is disposed within the fuel storage tank for delivering fuel to a fuel delivery line for an engine. The fuel management system has a controller provided in a module disposed in communication with the fuel for controlling the amount of fuel pumped with the variable speed fuel pump to deliver fuel to the fuel delivery line and further control the purge and vent actuators.

Abstract: Methods of screening for vaccine candidates, vaccines against pathogenic neisscria and intermediaries for such vaccines have been developed. Two vaccine candidates TspA and TspB have been identified and characterised which either alone or in conjunction with the vaccines provide for treatment against pathogenic neisserias in particular Neisseria meningitidis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoea.

Abstract: A deicing system for use with a vehicle. Apparatus of the system has an inlet port for receiving a fluid; an outlet port for dispensing a heated fluid; an electrically conductive tube connecting the inlet port and the outlet port for heating fluid passing through the tube from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing opposite ends of the coiled tube with a voltage to heat the tube and the fluid passing through the tube.

Abstract: A segmented arc generator is adapted to convert mechanical power such as wind or water power into electrical power at a wide range of wind or shaft speeds. A rotor has a plurality of salient poles disposed about a periphery of a rotor ring. A stator has a stator ring disposed radially about and in close proximity to the rotor ring. The stator ring includes a plurality of stator coils wound on a ferromagnetic structure and having permanent magnets imbedded within the structure. Relative motion between a rotor pole and a corresponding stator coil induces a coil voltage across that coil. A phase controlled converter in electrical communication with the stator coils rectifies the output voltage. A pulse width modulated inverter is in electrical communication with the phase controlled converter for converting the D.C. voltage output by the phase controlled converter to an A.C. voltage of controlled amplitude and phase relationship determined with respect to a voltage waveform present on a connected utility grid.

Abstract: A sealed electrical assembly that includes a housing having an opening at an end. An electrical device is positioned in the housing. The electrical device includes a lead that extends out of the open end. A cover is positioned within the opening. The cover includes a plate portion and a tab portion spaced apart from the plate portion. The tab portion extends into a cutout in the housing that is located between the plate portion and the housing end to position the cover with respect to the housing. A sealant is disposed around a perimeter of the plate portion to provide a seal between the cover and the housing. A portion of the sealant is disposed in a space between the cutout and the plate portion to prevent leakage through the cutout.