Abstract: A washing machine lid includes a fluid chamber with a fill opening and a dispensing opening. A removable valve is within the dispensing opening. The lid includes a lid frame and a housing detachably mounted to one another. A fill cap with bristles is removably mounted in the fill opening. The laundry can be pretreated by scrubbing with the bristles, after the laundry is wetted with water and/or detergent.

Abstract: A webbed reinforcing strip for poured concrete structures includes a first elongated tension strand, a second elongated tension strand spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first tension strand, and at least two pairs of strands interconnecting the first and second tension strands in an open weave pattern. The interconnecting strands cross each other between the tension strands to form a webbed central portion of the strip. The interconnecting strands bend to join the tension strands at nonperpendicular angles at a plurality of nodes. All strands are formed of glass fiber reinforced plastic material and are bonded together with a bonding resin. Thus, thermal transfer and the potential for damage due to corrosion are minimized.

Abstract: A fluid pump has a housing (4), a main output port (10), an auxiliary output port (14) and a priority pressure regulating valve contained with the housing (4). The priority pressure regulating valve has a spool (20) to direct fluid to one or both of the of the output ports (10,14), a force means (34,36) associated with the spool to bias the spool (20) to a position where it causes fluid to flow to the main output port (10) exclusively, and a pressure release means (40) which enables the spool (20) to move to a position where it permits fluid to flow to the auxiliary output port (14) when the pressure at the main output port (10) is at or greater than a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A truck lid hinge and opener system for removably connecting a lid or cover to the bed of a truck wherein the bed includes a vertical front wall, first and second vertical side walls extending rearwardly from the front wall, and a tailgate at the rearward end of the bed with the side walls having downwardly extending flanges at the upper end thereof. A pair of hinge units removably hingedly connect the forward end of the lid to the truck bed. A pair of like opener mechanisms pivotally interconnect the sides of the lid to the side walls of the truck bed. Each of the open mechanisms includes a gas spring which is adjustably mounted to compensate for varying temperature conditions. The hinge units and opener mechanisms are clamped onto the truck bed to avoid drilling holes in the truck bed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to transmission testers, and specifically to automatic transmission testers, and methods for their use. The headstock is mounted for pivotation about a vertical axis. A novel eddy current brake provides active control of loading of the transmission while the transmission is being tested. The prime mover is preferably an electric motor, with motor controls, adapted to temporarily suspend acceleration of the speed when the transmission shifts gears.

Abstract: A tractor steering wheel grip comprising a clamp secured to the rim of the steering wheel and having a post projecting therefrom. A hand grip is rotatably secured to the post which is gripped by the operator of the tractor. The hand grip comprises a base portion which rotatably receives the post, a first leg portion which extends from the base portion at substantially a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the post, an arcuate portion extending from the first leg portion, and an elongated hand gripping portion extending from the arcuate portion. The first leg portion, arcuate portion and the elongated hand gripping portion define a substantial U-shape.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener inserter and hopper for the same is disclosed for use in inserting fasteners into material being secured. The hopper comprises a rotatable drum which tumbles the fasteners therein into position so that the shanks thereof protrude outwardly between spaced-apart bars. The fasteners are discharged from a discharge opening formed in the hopper and are delivered to a magazine which is in communication with an entrapment apparatus which feeds the fasteners to a feed tube under pressure. The air pressure in the feed tube delivers the individual fasteners to the inserter with the fastener being positioned between pivotally movable head fingers which open to receive the fastener to position the same for subsequent insertion and which pivot to enable the fastener to be driven outwardly therefrom by a piston rod so that the fastener is driven into and through the material being secured.

Abstract: Since glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is the most potent insulinotropic hormone known and has been shown to stimulate insulin secretion strongly in patients with type II diabetes, this invention uses GLP-1 or its biologically active analogues in &bgr;-cell stimulatory tests in order to test &bgr;-cell function in a simple way. The test provides information about insulin secretory capacity, is easy and reproducible and has insignificant side effects.

Abstract: A device and method for sensing the status of a non-volatile magnetic latch. A cross-coupled inverter pair latch cell is employed for the data sensing. During the ‘Sense’ cycles, the inputs to the latch cell are from spin dependent tunneling effect devices, each located in its respective inverter pair. The SDT magneto-resistive storage devices have complimentary resistance states written into them. A switch, connected to the inverter pairs, is used to reset and initiate a regenerative sequence. Whenever the switch is turned on (reset) and off (regenerate), the latch cell will sense a potential imbalance generated by the magneto-resistive storage devices with complimentary resistance. During regeneration, the imbalance will be amplified and eventually the inverter pairs will reach a logic high or logic low state. The latch can be used as a memory circuit, however, upon loss of power the memory is retained. The state of the circuit is retained inside of SDT components.

Abstract: Encapsulating calcined radioactive waste in strong, corrosion-resistant spheres of dimensions such that heat from the radiation melts the ice at a rate which brings the spheres to the bottom of the permanent icefield in a relatively short time, with the resulting waste ultimately being no more hazardous than natural uranium ore.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to combination radio therapy of tumors and more specifically to pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment by gene therapy designed to sensitize tumors in animals, notably humans, and render them more susceptible to radiation, thus significantly reducing the amount of radiation required to kill neoplastic cells while at the same time making the radiation far more tissue specific to the tumor site.

Abstract: A cigarette holder utilizing the components of a rifle cartridge is disclosed. The rifle cartridge includes a tubular cartridge case having a bullet received therein at one end thereof. An elongated member is secured to the base of the bullet and extends therefrom for connection to an alligator clip. When the holder is not being used, the bullet is inserted into the cartridge case so that the elongated member and alligator clip are positioned within the powder chamber of the cartridge case. When it is desired to use the cigarette holder, the bullet is removed from the case and a cigarette is positioned between the jaws of the alligator clip.

Abstract: A wire bending device includes an upright frame and a wire feed hopper for dispensing wire rods. A wire bending section is mounted on the frame, and at least one transport arm is pivotally mounted on the frame, the transport arm operative to transport wire rods from the hopper to the wire bending section. The wire bending section includes a wire securement device mounted on the frame, the rotatable wire securement device operative to secure one end of a wire rod and rotate the wire rod about its longitudinal central axis and a wire bending unit movably mounted on the frame. The wire bending unit includes a wire bend head aligned with the center longitudinal axis of the rotatable wire securement device, the wire bending unit adapted to move on the frame such that the wire bend head remains aligned with the center longitudinal axis of the rotatable wire securement device.

Abstract: A method of banding the mane of a horse is described as well as the apparatus for performing the method. The method of banding the mane of the horse is made possible by a staple gun having generally U-shaped staples provided therein which are stapled around individual groups of hairs. The method comprises the steps of separating the horse's mane into individual mane groups and at least partially encircling each mane group with a selectively removable staple to maintain the mane groups separate from one another.

Abstract: A Planar Inverted F Antenna (PIFA) is disclosed comprising a radiating element and a ground plane positioned on a bottom cover. A Radome is positioned over the radiating element and the ground plane with the bottom cover and the Radome enclosing the radiating element and the ground plane. The ground plane is positioned below the radiating element and a conductive shorting strip extends between one end of the radiating element and one end of the ground plane. A feed lead extends from one side of the radiating element and has a base portion which protrudes outwardly of the Radome for connection to the center conductor of a RF power feeding cable. The radiating element includes a first horizontally disposed portion, a second horizontally disposed portion, and a substantially vertically disposed portion extending therebetween.

Abstract: A device and method for rigidly elevating a structure includes a base member securable in the ground and which has a portion extending above the ground. A pole section, having a bore inside a lower end, and an upper end, can be stacked upon the base member upwardly by slip fitting the pole section onto the base end and securing it in place. A flexible, easily transportable and durable system is thereby created for elevating structures. An integrated pole for elevating light fixtures and all other necessary components such as electrical components, can be predesigned, shipped, and easily installed at a desired location. A pole top member, including rigidly secured cross arms, can be inserted on the top of a pole. All wiring for both the pole top cross arms, and the pole itself can be preconfigured and require simple connection of plugs between wiring segments.

Abstract: A loop flushing arrangement for controlling a closed circuit hydraulic propulsion drive. The variable displacement pump 12 is driven by a combustion engine 11. A flush valve 21 is used to clean and cool the hydraulic fluid in the closed hydraulic circuit. The flush valve is electrically operated and, as a result, permits novel and varied control options. The flush valve is controlled automatically, for example by a digital computer 1 as a function of the vehicle speed, the rotational speed of the combustion engine 11, or the temperature of the hydraulic fluid in the variable displacement pump 12. This results in the flushing procedure only being triggered and carried out if the operating state of the vehicle requires and permits it, i.e. when traveling at high speeds, for example.

Abstract: A vegetable oil-based electrically-insulating fluid. This fluid is environmentally-friendly and has a high flash point and a high fire point. The base oil is hydrogenated to produce maximum possible stability of the oil, or alternatively, is a higher oleic acid oil. The vegetable oils of the preferred embodiments are soybean or corn oils. The oil can be winterized to remove crystallized fats and improve the pour point of the base oil, without the necessity of heating the oil. The base oil can also be combined with an additive package containing materials specifically designed for improved pour point, improved cooling properties, and improved dielectric stability. The fluid is useful in electrical components such as transformers and transmission lines. The invention also provides methods for making the fluid and fluid-filled electrical components.

Abstract: A reduced oil volume piston assembly for a hydrostatic unit includes a piston assembly having a piston body and a stem formed separately from the piston body. A cavity is formed in one end of the piston body. The stem includes an enlarged head and an elongated neck extending upwardly from the head. The neck lossely inserts into the cavity of the piston body so as to at least partially fill the cavity. The head is unattached to the piston body and cannot enter the cavity, but its shape allows fluid flow into the cavity around the stem. These components can be incorporated into the cylinder block assembly as separate components or the stems can be integrally cast with the cylinder block or attached thereto as a stem ring assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle drive, having a closed hydraulic circuit consists of a variable displacement pump and one or several hydraulic motors. The variable displacement pump is driven by a diesel engine. During the braking or pushing operation of the vehicle, the hydraulic motor becomes a pump and drives the variable displacement pump which, in turn, acts as a motor upon the diesel engine and acts to accelerate the latter. Thus, the intended braking effect prevents the danger that the diesel engine will reach non-permissible high revolutions per unit time, which is particularly dangerous for diesel engines with turbochargers. In order to prevent non-permissible high revolutions per unit time, a pressure regulator acting as a throttle is placed in the return line between the hydraulic motor and the variable displacement pump. The valve throttles the rate of flow when the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the line exceeds a certain desired value during the braking operation.