Abstract: High thermal transfer, hollow core extrusion screws (50, 52, 124, 126, 190) include elongated hollow core shafts (54, 128, 130, 192) equipped with helical fighting (56, 132, 134, 194) along the lengths thereof. The fighting (132, 134, 194) may also be of hollow construction which communicates with the hollow core shafts (54, 128, 130, 192). Structure (88, 90) is provided for delivery of heat exchange media (e.g., steam) into the hollow core shafts (54, 128, 130, 192) and the hollow fighting (132, 134, 194). The fighting (56, 132, 134, 194) also includes a forward, reverse pitch section (64, 162, 216). The extrusion screws (50, 52, 124, 126, 190) are designed to be used as complemental pairs as a part of twin screw processing devices (20), and are designed to impart high levels of thermal energy into materials being processed in the devices (20), without adding additional moisture.

Abstract: A meat dewatering assembly (10) includes a support frame (12), a twin screw dewatering unit (14), a drive assembly (16) coupled with the unit (14), and a perforated housing (60). The unit (14) has a pair of tapered, non-parallel, intermeshed, helically flighted screws (52, 54) presenting nip clearances (59) between the fighting (55). The drive assembly (16) serves to counter-rotate the screws (52, 54). In use, emulsified meat is passed into the housing (60) during counter-rotation of the screws (52, 54), in order to compress the meat within the clearances (59) and thereby express water from the meat. Adjustment collars (38) permit selective size alteration of the nip clearances (59).

Abstract: The disclosure provides a gear pump rotor assembly that includes a rotor body, a rotor head having a plurality of gear teeth and being connected to the rotor body, at least one connector extending between the rotor body and the rotor head, at least one radial deformation control member that extends into at least one gear tooth of the rotor head and reduces the radial deformation of the rotor head relative to the rotor body when a change in temperature causes radial deformation of the rotor body and rotor head.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for a rotary fluid device that includes a first body at least partially exposed to a process fluid, a second body at least partially exposed to the process fluid, a connecting apparatus that includes at least one connector and at least one seal that connects the first body to the second body and seals the at least one connector from exposure to the process fluid.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump and transmission assembly having a one-way clutch is disclosed. The transmission includes an input shaft with an eccentric element, a drive link rotatably connected at one end to the eccentric element and at the other to a driven arm. The driven arm is connected to a driven shaft via a one-way clutch. The oscillating motion of the eccentric drives the drive link and driven arm and the one-way clutch translates that motion into incremental motion of the driven shaft. By changing the stroke length of the drive link various gear ratios between the drive shaft and driven shaft are achieved. The driven shaft then uses a mechanism such as a Scotch Yoke to create reciprocating motion to drive one or more pumping elements.

Abstract: A stump grinding wheel assembly having a disk-like wheel body. A plurality of bilateral mounting stations integral with the wheel body and arranged into spiral cluster groups. Each spiral cluster having an inner mounting station and at least one middle mounting station and an outer mounting station. The inner mounting stations are thicker than the middle mounting stations, which are thicker than the outer mounting stations. A pair of opposing side-cutters are disposed on each left and right side of the mounting stations. A separate plunge-cutter may be included with each spiral cluster. The bilateral mounting stations produce conically-helical cutting paths using identical side-cutters. The unequal width of the inner and middle and outer mounting stations enables better management of cutting forces in side cutting mode, which produces smoother operation.

Abstract: A re-moistenable adhesive-coated drywall corner trim piece having an elongated semi-rigid core piece with a right and left flange, where the semi-rigid core piece has a centerline along which the flanges meet forming a hinge that can be bent and re-bent to any angle any number of times. The piece can also include a step running longitudinally along each of the flanges that can be located between the centerline and the flange edges so that the flanges change from a thicker portion toward the centerline to a thinner portion toward the edges making the piece boxable (capable of being wet mudded simultaneously on both sides without an intermediate drying step). Flanges can be curved slightly inward for perfect bonding.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided having a tongue, a central toolbar extending from the tongue, and first and second wings extending generally outwardly from the central toolbar. The implement may include a central hopper system to provide the material to individual row units along the central toolbar and wings, or may include individual hoppers located at each of the row units along the toolbars. A weight distribution system is used with the implement to update and adjust the amount of down force applied at the outer toolbars or wings, and the individual row units. The distribution system includes an intelligent control connected to sensors and cylinders. Therefore, the intelligent control receives information from the sensors and adjusts the cylinders accordingly to provide the appropriate amount of down force and to adjust the down force on a real time basis, and can be a closed loop or open loop system.

Abstract: Described herein are a valve assembly, an air vent assembly, an air release assembly, and a moisture detection assembly all suitable for use in connection with a wet pipe network. The valve assembly, the air vent assembly, the air release assembly, and moisture detection assembly are each configured to vent gas (e.g., air) remaining in a piping system when the system is filled with a fluid, and in particular, to vent air in a fire sprinkling system.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump having a combination check valve and relief valve is disclosed. The pump includes a pump body having an inlet, an outlet and a pumping chamber. A biasing element provides a force that biases a movable seat toward sealing engagement between a first region of the movable seat and a fixed seat at the inlet. A movable checking element is movable away from a second region of the movable seat when fluid flows in one direction through a passageway in the movable seat. The movable seat also acts as a relief valve wherein the first region of the movable seat disengages the fixed seat if the movable checking element is being forced into engagement with the second region of the movable seat by a force that exceeds the force of the biasing element against a third region of the movable seat.

Abstract: An improved, high-capacity die assembly (10) for a food or feed extruder (12) is provided and is particularly useful for the production of high quality aquatic feeds. The die assembly (10) includes a mount (20), which is secured to the discharge end of an extruder barrel (14), with a plurality of tubular die components (22, 24) coupled with the mount (20). Each component (22, 24) includes wall structure (38) defining an outwardly diverging tubular chamber (40) with a die plate assembly (50) coupled to the outer end of the wall structure (38). A flow diverter element (54) is located within each chamber (40) and has a large diameter end adjacent the assembly (50) and a smaller diameter end closer to the chamber inlet. The assembly (50) has a plurality of openings (52) outboard of the element (54).

Abstract: A carriage assembly includes a primary frame, a first idler wheel mounted to the primary frame, and a secondary frame pivotably mounted to the primary frame. The carriage assembly further includes an idler wheel assembly coupled to the secondary frame and movable with respect to the secondary frame along a longitudinal axis of the idler wheel assembly. The idler wheel assembly includes at least one second idler wheel and at least one third idler wheel mounted to the idler wheel assembly such that the second idler wheel is located between the first idler wheel and the third idler wheel. The first idler wheel is configured to pivot with the primary frame relative to the secondary frame, and the second idler wheel and the third idler wheel are configured to move with the idler wheel assembly relative to the secondary frame along the longitudinal axis of the idler wheel assembly.

Abstract: A license plate mounting system for a vehicle is provided. The mounting system can comprise an outer frame and a backing plate. The outer frame and backing plate assembly can be configured to receive and maintain a license plate. The outer frame can include a plurality of tabs and slots to engage with the backing plate. The backing plate can include a plurality of tabs and recesses to engage with the outer frame.

Abstract: A cover assembly internally supported by a removable irregular object provides a seating apparatus. A top cover and a bottom cover are separated allowing access to the object within. A cushion assembly conforms to the irregular upper surface of the object forming a generally uniform top surface for the cover assembly. Foam structural supports in the corners of the cover assembly provide additional structural support and padding. A back support provides support for a person sitting on the cover assembly.

Abstract: Food or feed processing systems (10, 96) include an extruder (14) and a downstream processor (16, 16a), and are operable to process high meat food or feed formulations. The processors (16, 16a) include an elongated processor barrel (38) presenting an inner surface (44) with a central body or tube (60) within the barrel (38) and presenting an outer surface (62). The surfaces (38, 62) thereby define an elongated annular processing region (70). The barrel (38) and tube (60) are steam heated by means of apparatus (52, 66). A rotatable processing element (72) is also located within the region (70). The element (72) has a plurality of helical vanes (88, 104), which scrape the surfaces (44, 62) to prevent buildup of material on these surfaces.