Abstract: A butterfly valve capable of preventing leakage under demanding environmental and operating conditions. The valve includes two stem seal assemblies. The stem seal assemblies include a first pusher, a first energizer, a second pusher, a second energizer, and a force transmitting member. The force transmitting member is configured to transfer an axial load to the second Pusher, which causes the first and second energizer to expand radially to create a secondary and tertiary seals between the stem seal assembly and valve stem. In addition, the force transmitting member is configured to transfer an axial load to the first pusher which creates a primary seal.

Abstract: An oil filter module may include a casing and a filter therein. The oil filter module may also include a cap coupled to the casing, and including a drain nipple protruding downward from a portion of the cap corresponding to a bottom support plate of the filter with a drain hole formed in the drain nipple. The oil filter module may further include a drain pin coupled to the drain nipple so as to be removable so that the drain hole is open or closed by the drain pin. A rotation groove having a rotating axis of the casing may be formed in a lower surface of the bottom support plate. The drain hole may be formed at a position corresponding to the rotation groove, and the drain pin may be seated at one end thereof onto a bottom of the rotation groove when the drain pin is coupled to the drain nipple.

Abstract: Novel devices and methods of capturing, controlling and preventing infestation of insects using microfabricated surfaces are provided. In particular, a mechanism of insect capture inspired by the microstructures of the leaf surfaces of plants and the key features of those surfaces with respect to the capture and control of pests have been determined and engineered into a variety of microfabricated surfaces capable of reproducing the effectiveness of these physical capture methods.

Abstract: A container made of an elastomer such as silicone with an integrated leak resistant seal. The seal incorporates press-fit elements with sizes and shapes sufficient to provide a strong seal that resists leakage of liquids from inside the container. The seal is integrated into the container and requires no external clips or clasps. Additional features are provided to facilitate opening such as extended flaps for pulling the sides open, and asymmetric cavities for press-fit elements to reduce the initial opening force. The container itself may be of asymmetrical shape, such as trapezoidal, to provide a wide opening along with a strong seal.

Abstract: Containers for disposal of waste materials, used or unused having desired burn properties. The containers have tailored or engineered properties based on material construction so that they are burnable and alter burn properties of the source materials, used or unused, contained therein. The containers may also include cavities into which accelerants, retarders, combustion aids, fuel value enhancing agents, additives to change an ash composition, other additives or the like are added.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a polyaxial locking screw is provided, together with a polyaxial locking assembly for locking a receiving member to a substrate. Also provided is a plating system for pelvic reconstruction.

Abstract: A wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water with an inlet end connected to a water supply, a floor, and spaced side walls, a first bed form or weir at the inlet end of the channel, and a second bed form in the channel downstream of the first bed form. Also disclosed is a wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water, the channel having an inlet end connected to a water supply for supplying a flowing stream of water, a floor, and spaced side walls, and at least one oblique foil member adjustably mounted in the floor of the channel. The foils, weirs or bed form, form a standing wave.

Abstract: A concealed sprinkler including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an annular wall defining a chamber and an opening in communication with the chamber. A deflector assembly is disposed within the chamber. A trigger assembly having a lever assembly engaged with an inner surface of the annular wall supports the deflector assembly in the first position, the trigger assembly including and a thermally rated plate assembly having a lip portion to substantially circumscribe and substantially cover opening and chamber.

Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker that sounds an audible alarm when the system raises the temperature of the water to a determined temperature. The sous-vide circulator cooker includes temperature sensors, heaters and a pump to circulator temperature controlled fluids. The system also contains a speaker or buzzer that can play alarms or music when the system comes to a predetermined temperature. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide circulator can also distinguish between self-heating and user-induced temperature changes, and will sound alarms accordingly.

Abstract: A force transmission device, in particular or power transmission between a drive engine and an output, comprising a damper assembly with at least two dampers, which can be connected in series, and a rotational speed adaptive absorber, wherein the rotational speed adaptive tuned mass damper is disposed between the dampers at least in one force flow direction through the force transmission device.

Abstract: A fibrous pant stalk decorticator is disclosed. The decorticator includes a feeding device a breaker roll having a first plurality of blades, and a skutcher roll having a second plurality of blades. The skutcher is positioned such that the first and second pluralities of blades overlap. A plurality of air outlets pass through the blades and are configured to provided pressurized air to the fibrous plant stalk as it is passed through the decorticator.

Abstract: A frozen confection dispenser including a reservoir for receiving and holding a product to be dispensed, an evaporator with cylindrical cooling element, a movement device including a helical element arranged to rotate concentrically externally of a cooling element in such a way as to advance the product along the longitudinal axis of the cooling element, a driver engaged with the movement device for the rotation thereof, and a dispenser for dispensing of the product, wherein the helical element has an angle of attack of less than 60° relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A helical element and a method for dispensing frozen confection with a dispenser are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cocking mechanism is disclosed. The cocking mechanism comprises an actuator assembly, a hand crank assembly, and a bow string hook assembly. The actuator assembly further comprises clutch assembly having a bearing housing, a bearing cage, a support axle and bearing elements. The bearing housing is defined by an inner peripheral surface having a plurality of inwardly extending annular ramps, wherein the bearing elements contact a portion of the ramps to prevent rotation of the support axle in a first direction, but allows for rotation of the support axle in a second direction when the actuator assembly is in a locked configuration. This provides for immediate braking action against any unforeseen forward motion of the bow string of a crossbow such as when inadvertently or accidently releasing the removable hand crank assembly during the cocking operation.

Abstract: A programmable controller circuit that can be connected directly to the fan switch of any thermostat with a forced air heating and/or cooling system that includes a blower fan for circulating air throughout the home. The controller can be installed with minimal modifications to the existing wiring. The present invention increases the efficiency of the cooling system by evaporating condensate and extracting residual coolness from the thermal mass of the evaporator coils. The present invention can be programmed with a single button. A method of adapting additional fan run time based on compressor run time an AC compressor off time and an AC compressor on time.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to oil lubricated helium compressor units for use in cryogenic refrigeration systems, operating on the Gifford McMahon (GM) cycle. This invention provides redundancy between water cooling and air cooling if there is a blockage in the water or air supply by having air and water cooled after-coolers in series or parallel.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer has an atomizer module having a heating element and an atomizer cup for receiving vaporizing medium. A flow module is releasably attached to the atomizer module. The flow module intakes ambient air and directs the air into a vaporizing chamber at and adjacent the atomizer cup, where the air mixes with atomized medium to form a vapor. The vapor exits the vaporizing chamber via one or more exit passages defined through the flow module. Vapor is directed from the exit passages into a mouthpiece and further into the user's mouth.

Abstract: A rock claw for attaching to a corner of a demolition hammer, the rock claw including a first wall having a first inner side surface, a second wall having a second inner side surface joined to the first inner side surface along a first intersection, and a third wall having a third inner side surface. The third inner side surface is joined to the first inner side surface along a second intersection and the third inner side surface is joined to the second inner side surface along a third intersection.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system includes a flexible conduit having one end attached to the branch line. The opposite end is attached to the sprinkler. An adapter may be positioned between the conduit and the sprinkler, between the conduit and the branch line, or between the conduit and both the branch line and the sprinkler. The adapter contains a rotating joint which prevents torque from being applied to the conduit. The adapter between the conduit and the sprinkler is received within a bracket. The bracket also receives a cross beam for securing the sprinkler relatively to the branch line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ceiling mounted air circulating apparatus comprising, in combination: a motor; an essentially centrally located radial or axial air impeller; air guiding means; optional airflow enhancement by means of air amplification means; optional centrally located wiring path from an electrical power source to a wiring enclosure suitable for hanging a lighting fixture or chandelier; and decorative embellishments, ail of which are arranged to blend with the architectural style of a space in a manner similar to a decorative ceiling medallion, the plariform of which, when viewed from below may be circular, rectangular, or polygonal. Optionally, the apparatus of the present invention may embody any of the following; heating, cooling, filtration means, positive ion generation means, and/or air sterilization means.

Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker that sounds an audible alarm when the system raises the temperature of the water to a determined temperature. The sous-vide circulator cooker includes temperature sensors, heaters and a pump to circulator temperature controlled fluids. The system also contains a speaker or buzzer that can play alarms or music when the system comes to a predetermined temperature. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide circulator can also distinguish between self-heating and user-induced temperature changes, and will sound alarms accordingly.