Abstract: A convenience interface device is provided for personnel to access devices that reside inside an enclosure without opening the enclosure door. The convenience interface device includes a housing, a cover assembly comprising a cover and a cover receiving frame operatively connected to the housing, a first metal insert and a first magnet for magnetically connecting together, one of the first metal insert and the first magnet on one of the cover or the receiving frame and the other of the first metal insert and the first magnet on the other of the cover or the receiving frame, and a second metal insert and a second magnet for magnetically connecting together, one of the second metal insert and the second magnet on one of the cover or the receiving frame and the other of the second metal insert and the second magnet on the other of the cover or the receiving frame. The housing passes through an opening in the enclosure door and includes inside and outside outlet faces.

Abstract: A tonneau for use with a pick-up truck bed includes a frame for attachment over the truck bed and a cover configured on top of the frame to protect the contents of the bed. The tonneau further includes a slidable cargo basket configured at the rear of the pick-up truck bed for enabling easy cargo access. The cargo management basket includes a plurality of slidable panels that are foldable allowing users to easily access the truck bed.

Abstract: A bend restriction element (1) is modular for forming a tube segment (12) all around a conduit through locked interlocking circumferential interconnection of multiple similar such elements (1). The tube segment (12) is modular for forming an articulated tube (100) around the conduit through locked interlocking longitudinal interconnection of multiple similar such tube segments (12). The locking of the circumferential interconnection of the elements (1) is ensured both by the manner of interlocking of a tube segment concerned (12) with a tube segment (16) situated on one side thereof, and by the manner of interlocking of the tube segment concerned (12) with a tube segment (14) situated on the other side thereof.

Abstract: A respirator mask wearable by a wearer for protecting the wearer against inhalation of noxious agents (e.g., chemical agents, biological agents, radiological agents, and/or other poisonous or otherwise harmful agents that can cause disease, injury or death), such as a CBRN mask, may be configured to enhance protection of the wearer (e.g., by providing ballistic protection in addition to protecting against noxious agent inhalation) while reducing a burden on the wearer, such as by reducing respiratory resistance, improving visibility, and/or facilitating use of the mask (e.g., connection or disconnection of a filter, conduit, or other air-providing device to or from a breathing interface of the mask).

Abstract: A device and method of preparing metal blanks including applying a series of dimples in metal feed stock.

Abstract: A convenience interface device is provided for personnel to access devices that reside inside an enclosure without opening the enclosure door. The convenience interface device includes a housing, a cover assembly comprising a cover and a cover receiving frame operatively connected to the housing, a first metal insert and a first magnet for magnetically connecting together, one of the first metal insert and the first magnet on one of the cover or the receiving frame and the other of the first metal insert and the first magnet on the other of the cover or the receiving frame, and a second metal insert and a second magnet for magnetically connecting together, one of the second metal insert and the second magnet on one of the cover or the receiving frame and the other of the second metal insert and the second magnet on the other of the cover or the receiving frame.

Abstract: An electrical safety monitoring system is provided. The system includes an analog circuit having line inputs for hardwiring an L1, an L2, an L3, and a GND three-phase connections, the analog circuit configured to monitor if voltage exists between any two of the line inputs, a heartbeat circuit electrically connected to the analog circuit to provide a heartbeat signal indicative of voltage present on any of the line inputs, an isolated voltage source electrically connected to the heartbeat circuit to power the heartbeat circuit with a VDC+ and a VDC?, and a logic circuit in operative communication with the heartbeat circuit for monitoring input from the heartbeat circuit and decoding the input from the heart beat circuit. The isolated voltage source may be supplied by a programmable logic controller (PLC) and the logic circuit may be implemented within the same PLC as a function block.

Abstract: Provided is a variable displacement vane pump with a control slide and a first and second control chambers. Also, the pump has a control system for controlling delivery of pressurized lubricant to the chambers. The control system includes a control device configured for movement between at least a first control position and a second control position. The control device may include its own housing and/or include discs configured for relative movement. The pivot pin may include grooves for delivering a flow from the outlet to the control system. In the first control position, pressurized lubricant is delivered to the first control chamber and the second control chamber is vented, which increases the output flow of the pump. In the second control position, pressurized lubricant is delivered to the second control chamber and the first control chamber is vented, which decreases the output flow of the pump.

Abstract: A self-retaining, recessed seal for reception in an open top groove, where the groove is neither configured for seal retention (e.g., convergent side walls), nor provided with seal retention features such as flanges, projections, etc. No adhesives are required, enabling the seal to be easily removed for cleaning, etc. The self-retaining seal has a bottom structure with lateral extensions, wider than the groove, with upwardly angled surfaces at the edges and portions that extend upward when compressed laterally by the walls of the groove. Side walls of the seal extend upward from the bottom structure and are slightly narrower than the groove, to avoid or minimize contact with the groove side walls when the seal is inflated. The configuration enables relatively easy installation of the seal but effectively prevents the seal from “walking” out of the groove over time, with repeated cycles of inflation and deflation.

Abstract: A variable displacement vane pump has a control slide displaceable within its housing and a first control chamber and a second control chamber for receiving pressurized lubricant. A thermally adjustable control valve is provided in the housing for adjusting pump displacement based on a temperature of the lubricant. In addition to fluid communication channels in the control chambers, at least one vent port is provided in the second chamber. The control valve is configured to control pressure and fluid communication between the chambers along with the control slide. The control valve can help reduce pump displacement at lower temperatures and low engine speeds. At lower temperatures, the second control chamber can be pressurized by the first control chamber. At higher temperatures, the second control chamber can be vented through the control valve and/or the vent port, despite the position of the control slide.

Abstract: A method for designing a main body of a trailer, trailer chassis, or like transportable load-supporting system includes selecting a known design of a transportable load-supporting system's main frame. The method includes developing a monocoque main beam having moments of inertia that are respectively greater than or substantially equal to the moments of inertia of the known main frame. Deflections of the known main frame and of the monocoque main beam in response to application of a torsional load, a vertical load, and a lateral load are then determined. Cross-members can be added to the monocoque main beam until the deflection of the monocoque main beam is less than or substantially the same as the deflection of the known main frame. A monocoque main beam designed according to the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A masking device for covering a masking area. The masking device includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The masking device further includes a base defining a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a continuous masking surface. The masking device further includes a pull tab extending away from the top surface of the base. The bottom surface includes an adhesive. The bottom surface is configured for removable attachment to the masking area.

Abstract: A surgical knife is provided. The knife has a blade, a handle, an elongated tube connected to the blade and the handle, and a sheath slidable over the tube and blade. The sheath is moveable from a first position that exposes the blade to and second position that conceals the blade. The blade, handle, and tube are in a fixed rigid relationship with each other while the sheath is movable.

Abstract: A system and method for morphing a design element which precisely and efficiently morphs a design element within a data file to new target parameters by changing its general proportions, dimensions or shape. The present invention is generally a computer software program which loads an existing data file which includes one or more design elements, such as parts or an assembly of parts, and then automatically morphs the design element's dimensions, proportions and/or shapes to meet target parameters input by a user. The present invention will create several groups of points corresponding to each surface and associated bounding curves of the existing design. It will then morph each group into a new shape as per the input requirements by the user, fit the morphed group into an infinite surface, create boundary curves for each morphed group and then trim the infinite surface to create the new, morphed design element.

Abstract: A variable displacement vane pump has a pressure controlled valve moveable between first and at least second valve positions based on an output pressure of the pressurized lubricant delivered through the outlet. The pressure controlled valve provides an integrated fail safe function to the pump when an electrical valve fails. The pressure controlled valve is inactive in the first position for an output pressure below a threshold level, allowing an electrical valve (current, solenoid, pulse width modulation (PWM) valve) to selectively control pressure in the control chamber under normal operation of the pump. In fail safe regulation mode, the electrical valve function is disabled and the pressure controlled valve is active in its second position, controlling pressure in the control chamber. Channels and vents in the pump can be opened and closed based on selective movement of the valve when the outlet pressure is at or above a threshold level.

Abstract: A masking device for covering a masking area. The masking device includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The masking device further includes a base formed by the first member, the second member, and the third member. The base defines a top surface and a bottom surface. The masking device further includes a pull tab formed by the first member and the second member. The pull tab extends away from the top surface of the base. The bottom surface includes an adhesive. The bottom surface is configured for removable attachment to the masking area.

Abstract: A heater includes: a controller; a user input operatively connected to the controller; and a lighting system operatively connected to, and controlled by, the controller, the lighting system configured to illuminate outside the heater along a length of the heater. A method of displaying light includes: attaching a lighting system to a heater; operatively connecting the lighting system to a controller; operatively connecting a user input device to the controller; and configure the controller to illuminate the light system to provide indirect lighting to a room in which the heater is located.

Abstract: An intermodal container includes a supporting frame having a rectangular base; a first pair of upright posts extending upwardly from the rectangular base; and a first cross-beam coupling the first pair of upright posts. A second pair of upright posts extends upwardly from the rectangular base proximate an opposite end thereof, and a second cross-beam couples the second pair of upright posts. A longitudinally extending connector beam has a first end coupled to the first cross-beam, and a second end coupled to the second cross-beam. The intermodal container further includes a plurality of panels, and each panel is made of fiber reinforced plastic and insulation foam that have been integrally molded together. The panels are coupled to the supporting frame and serve as side walls, end wall, roof, and floor of the container. A method for constructing an intermodal container is also disclosed.