Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the mechanical durability of a test surface finish of an object, such as a cooking vessel. The apparatus consists principally of a sliding support fixture operated by a gearmotor with an eccentric drive providing alternative forward and rearward movement to the fixture, scrapers for contacting the surface finish in a predetermined path, and individually operated coil springs for applying constant pressure to the scrapers during the test scraping cycle. A cam and lever combination is also supplied to raise the scrapers above the surface finish as they are returned to initial start position during cyclical test operation.

Abstract: A sensing device and a method for sensing the presence and absence of an object in a machine using the sensing device. The sensing device generally including a sensing mechanism, a resistive element, and a control mechanism communicatively coupled to the sensing mechanism and resistive element. The sensing mechanism being coupled to the resistive element. The method comprising actuating the sensing mechanism so that it senses the location of the object. Recording the voltage across the resistive element in the control mechanism when the sensing mechanism senses the location of the object. Reactuating the sensing mechanism at least one more time to sense the location of the object. Measuring a subsequent voltage across the resistive element when the sensing mechanism is reactuated and comparing the subsequent voltage with the recorded voltage across the resistive element when the resistive element sensed the location of the object.

Abstract: A cutting and mulching housing for a riding or lawn tractor accommodating a rotary cutter therein, said cutter having a grass clipping recirculating chute and a separate grass clipping discharge chute with is elevated relative to said recirculating chute. The bifurcated chute assembly separates and repeatedly recuts larger clippings and thereafter discharges them through said elevated chute. The rapid motion of the rotary cutting blade over the exit of the lower recycling chute provides a radial flow of air thereacross which circulates and directs larger, heavier clippings back into the cutting blade to be finely mulched. The elevated discharge chute may be directed into a collection device connected thereto or downwardly back into the lawn. The mulching housing may be factory installed or retrofitted onto existing lawn mowers.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing livestock feed including a feed mixer having a filling opening and a discharge opening, a feed mixing mechanism located within the feed mixer, and a plurality of feed ingredient supply mechanisms for supplying feed ingredients. The plurality of feed ingredient supply mechanism coupled to the feed mixer via a conveyor mechanism. Each feed ingredient supply mechanism having an output and a control mechanism, each control mechanism being attached to each feed ingredient supply mechanism at the output. An electronic scale having an electronic output, the scale attached to the feed mixer. A mixed feed discharge mechanism for discharging mixed feed, the discharge mechanism attached to the feed mixer discharge opening. A programmable logic control mechanism having an information input and a plurality of command outputs, the programmable logic control mechanism programmed to independently open each control mechanism and close each control mechanism.

Abstract: A trolling motor extension handle bracket for attaching any sufficiently rigid member having a substantially circular cross-section to the handle or shaft of a trolling motor. The bracket has a pivot end and a handle receiving end. The pivot end is pivotally connected to a clamping assembly clamped to the trolling motor. The receiving end has a first semicircular channel formed therein, the channel being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bracket. A second semicircular channel is also formed therein perpendicular to the first channel. Either channel is capable of receiving the tubular member which will serve as the trolling motor extension handle. Structures such as broom handles, dowel rods, pipes, and conduit may be utilized as the trolling motor extension handle.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for preparing a surface for application of a non-stick coating, the method wherein the surface to be prepared for non-stick coating is prepared by thermally spraying a stainless steel alloy containing at most 6.0% aluminum, and is substantially free of Nickel. The present invention further includes a cooking utensil having a substrate to which an intermediate layer, for receiving the non-stick coating, is prepared by thermally spraying the stainless steel alloy containing at most 6.0% aluminum, and is substantially free of Nickel.

Abstract: The structural wooden joist described comprises a lower chord, an upper chord spaced from the lower chord and an openwork web structure joining the chords. The web structure includes, between opposite ends thereof, a series of horizontally spaced trapezoidal laminated panels defining a series of triangular spacings therebetween; each panel has opposite short and long sides adhesively joined to the lower and upper chords respectively and each panel is formed of short obliquely extending boards adhesively secured edgewise to one another.

Abstract: A sound dampened solenoid utilizes pneumatic dampening to quiet the sound during the plunger's movement. An O-ring is mounted around the outer diameter of the pole piece thus sealing the pole piece to the solenoid tube. A seal is placed in the pole piece opening where the plunger push rod passes through. A pair of low friction wear bands are wrapped around the plunger. Small gaps are formed where the ends of each wear band meet. A second O-ring is located under one of the wear bands to form a seal between the plunger and the tube. In a pull solenoid, when the solenoid is energized the plunger begins to accelerate toward the pole piece causing the volume of air within the tube between the plunger assembly and pole piece to shrink. The only path for air trapped within to escape is through the gaps in the wear bands. Air is forced through the gaps at a slower rate than the rate of volume change. Air pressure within the volume rises slowing the plunger acceleration and quieting its operation.

Abstract: A reusable draw clamp which brings together the opposed surface of a hoof Quarter Crack to promote healing of the crack. The draw clamp includes two plates, a threaded bolt, and a nut. Each plate has a plurality of holes which permit the plate to be fastened with screws to a respective side of a Quarter Crack. One plate receives a threaded bolt and the opposite plate supports a nut. Threading engagement of the bolt and nut permit the space between the plates to be adjustably drawn together to close the Quarter Crack.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling system having an electric circuit including a d.c. power source providing direct current through the electric circuit, a thermoelectric module having at least one heat sink and at least one heat source capable of being cooled to a predetermined temperature range, and a control assembly. The d.c. power source, the control assembly, and the thermoelectric module being connected to each other in series. The control assembly comprising a thermostat control switch mechanism and a resistive element connected to each other in parallel. The thermostat control switch mechanism having a sensor generally coupled to the heat source of the thermoelectric module, the thermostat control switch mechanism being open in the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A pivotable fold-down step system mounted to a vehicle, such as a fire truck or rescue truck, and synchronized to extend and retract by vehicle door motion. The step system is designed to easily achieve ingress and egress requirements stated within the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) guidelines. The step remains sealed and contoured to the vehicle profile when in the upright stowed position when the vehicle door is closed. The fold down step is operated by means of a pressurized fluid system which is integral to the vehicle. As the vehicle door opens the step is extended downward, under pressurized control, to allow for rapid and safe egress from the vehicle. As the vehicle door closes, the step is again operated by the pressurized integral fluid system and the step rises and folds into a stowed position within the vehicle body prior to transport of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved protective cover for palletized materials and a method for constructing and using the same. The protective cover is formed from two members, each having a substantially "L" shaped cross section comprising two legs or margins which meet at an edge. Material is removed from a portion of one margin of each member forming a notch in that margin. A crease is formed in the opposite margin of each member adjacent the notch. The members are pivotally connected near their ends with connectors. The connected members pivot at the connections and fold at the creases to form a substantially rectangular protective cover to be placed over a palletized stack of materials.

Abstract: A process and a machine for supplying paper to a machine for wrapping plastic wrap around workpieces. A glue is applied to the paper at a distance from the wrapping machine sufficient for the glue to dry before it is fed into the wrapping machine. Next, the wrapping machine wraps the paper around a workpiece such that the glue is located between at least two layers of the paper. Then heat sufficient to activate the glue is applied to one of the two layers of the paper. Then heat sufficient to activate the glue is applied to one of the two layers of the paper. The layers of the paper being held in place for a sufficient time to allow the glue to adhere to the layers of paper. The machine having a wrapping machine for wrapping a portion of the web around the workpieces to form a package and a glue application station for applying heat activated glue to an area of the web.