Abstract: A method for retarding an ethylene response in a plant or plant part comprising the step of contacting the plant or plant part with an ethylene response retarding amount of benzocyclopropene and/or naphtho[b]cyclopropane.

Abstract: A pivot pin assembly for a tree shaker pivotally attaches the clamping arm to the stationary arm. Each end of the cylindrical pivot pin extends outside of a cylindrical bore of the clamping arm. A longitudinal load member extends through an aperture in the stationary arm and into an aperture in the cylindrical pivot pin. An axial load may be applied to the longitudinal load member which compresses a plate of the stationary arm against the cylindrical pivot pin, but without compressing the stationary arm against the clamping arm. This configuration allows substantial torque to be applied to the longitudinal load member, which reduces play between the stationary arm and the clamping arm without inhibiting the free rotation of the clamping arm. Application of this torque eliminates radial and vibratory movement in the shaker head, which otherwise cause damage to the components of the shaker head.

Abstract: A laser ablation catheter includes a distal tip, and the distal tip includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis. A first orientation indicator is formed on the body, and the first orientation indicator has an alphanumeric shape. A second orientation indicator is formed on the body. The second orientation indicator is disposed relative to the first orientation indicator such that when the distal tip is viewed in a first side view, the second orientation indicator and the first orientation indicator overlap, appear as the alphanumeric shape, and visually contrast with the body. The second orientation indicator is configured such that when the distal tip is viewed in a second side view, the second orientation indicator appears as the alphanumeric shape and visually contrasts with the body, the second side view and the first side view being substantially 90 degrees apart about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A laser ablation catheter includes a distal tip, and the distal tip includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis. A first orientation indicator is formed on the body, and a second orientation indicator is formed on the body. The second orientation indicator is disposed relative to the first orientation indicator such that when the distal tip is viewed in a first side view, the second orientation indicator and the first orientation indicator overlap and visually contrast with the body. A third orientation indicator is formed on the body, and the third orientation indicator disposed relative to the second orientation indicator such that when the distal tip is viewed in a second side view, the third orientation indicator and the second orientation indicator overlap and visually contrast with the body. The second side view and the first side view are substantially 90 degrees apart about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Methods of applying aluminum coating layers over copper wires are disclosed. A first method may include applying aluminum powder to the surface of a rod, passing the rod through a first set of compression rolls thereby forcing the aluminum powder into a compacted preform around the rod, and heating the rod covered by the preform at 550° C. to 620° C. Further, the heated preform coated rod is passed through a second set of compression rolls thereby obtaining an aluminum coated copper rod. A second method includes disposing a copper rod inside an aluminum tube having an inner layer formed of brazing aluminum alloy, reducing the diameter of the tube's inner surface to match the copper rod, and heating the composite tube-rod such that the inner layer of the brazing alloy fuses to the rod. Another method includes passing the copper rod through a spray of metallic aluminum.

Abstract: In a shaker head for a tree shaker, a hydraulically actuated ram is mounted between the clamping arm and frame of the shaker head with a pin assembly which extends into a spherical bearing disposed within an aperture of the shaker head. The spherical bearing allows a certain amount of misalignment and provides a through-hardened and lubricated wear point which prevents or reduces structural failure in the shaker head components.

Abstract: A hitch module adapted to be coupled to a frame of a work machine or towed assembly. The hitch module includes a carrier assembly having a first plate and a second plate coupled to one another. The first and second plates are spaced from one another by a first distance, where both plates define a pivot axis. A guide assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotally coupled to the carrier assembly about the pivot axis. The guide assembly has a first guide plate and a second guide plate coupled to and spaced by a second distance from one another. A hitch assembly is disposed at least partially between the first and second plate of the carrier assembly and the first and the second guide plate. The hitch link assembly is pivotal about the pivot axis and movable along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A hitch module adapted to be coupled to a frame of a work machine or towed assembly. The hitch module includes a carrier assembly having a first plate and a second plate coupled to one another. The first and second plates are spaced from one another by a first distance, where both plates define a pivot axis. A guide assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotally coupled to the carrier assembly about the pivot axis. The guide assembly has a first guide plate and a second guide plate coupled to and spaced by a second distance from one another. A hitch assembly is disposed at least partially between the first and second plate of the carrier assembly and the first and the second guide plate. The hitch link assembly is pivotal about the pivot axis and movable along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pivot pin assembly for a tree shaker pivotally attaches the clamping arm to the stationary arm. Each end of the cylindrical pivot pin extends outside of a cylindrical bore of the clamping arm. A longitudinal load member extends through an aperture in the stationary arm and into an aperture in the cylindrical pivot pin. An axial load may be applied to the longitudinal load member which compresses a plate of the stationary arm against the cylindrical pivot pin, but without compressing the stationary arm against the clamping arm. This configuration allows substantial torque to be applied to the longitudinal load member, which reduces play between the stationary arm and the clamping arm without inhibiting the free rotation of the clamping arm. Application of this torque eliminates radial and vibratory movement in the shaker head, which otherwise cause damage to the components of the shaker head.

Abstract: In a shaker head for a tree shaker, a hydraulically actuated ram is mounted between the clamping arm and frame of the shaker head with a pin assembly which extends into a spherical bearing disposed within an aperture of the shaker head. The spherical bearing allows a certain amount of misalignment and provides a through-hardened and lubricated wear point which prevents or reduces structural failure in the shaker head components.

Abstract: Methods of applying aluminum coating layers over copper wires are disclosed. A first method may include applying aluminum powder to the surface of a rod, passing the rod through a first set of compression rolls thereby forcing the aluminum powder into a compacted preform around the rod, and heating the rod covered by the preform at 550° C. to 620° C. Further, the heated preform coated rod is passed through a second set of compression rolls thereby obtaining an aluminum coated copper rod. A second method includes disposing a copper rod inside an aluminum tube having an inner layer formed of brazing aluminum alloy, reducing the diameter of the tube's inner surface to match the copper rod, and heating the composite tube-rod such that the inner layer of the brazing alloy fuses to the rod. Another method includes passing the copper rod through a spray of metallic aluminum.

Abstract: A hitch module adapted to be coupled to a frame of a work machine or towed assembly. The hitch module includes a carrier assembly having a first plate and a second plate coupled to one another. The first and second plates are spaced from one another by a first distance, where both plates define a pivot axis. A guide assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotally coupled to the carrier assembly about the pivot axis. The guide assembly has a first guide plate and a second guide plate coupled to and spaced by a second distance from one another. A hitch assembly is disposed at least partially between the first and second plate of the carrier assembly and the first and the second guide plate. The hitch link assembly is pivotal about the pivot axis and movable along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Methods of applying aluminum coating layers over copper wires are disclosed. A first method may include applying aluminum powder to the surface of a rod, passing the rod through a first set of compression rolls thereby forcing the aluminum powder into a compacted preform around the rod, and heating the rod covered by the preform at 550° C. to 620° C. Further, the heated preform coated rod is passed through a second set of compression rolls thereby obtaining an aluminum coated copper rod. A second method includes disposing a copper rod inside an aluminum tube having an inner layer formed of brazing aluminum alloy, reducing the diameter of the tube's inner surface to match the copper rod, and heating the composite tube-rod such that the inner layer of the brazing alloy fuses to the rod. Another method includes passing the copper rod through a spray of metallic aluminum.

Abstract: A method for the management of data collected from a remote computing device including the steps of: creating a questionnaire; transmitting the questionnaire to a remote computer, executing the questionnaire in the remote computer to prompt a user for responses to questions of the questionnaire; transmitting the responses to a sever via a network; making the responses available on the Web. Preferably, computers used in connection with the inventive method are loosely networked in that network connections between computers are not always available and, when a connection is not available, data is stored at a node of the network and transmitted at the earliest time when a connection is available. In one preferred embodiment, the inventive method is used to collect survey data and to make the responses to the survey available to a client in virtually real time over the Internet.

Abstract: A cable including an outer metal tube and a first layer wire inside the outer metal tube, wherein the first layer wire has five inner elements surrounding a metallic center member and at least one of the inner elements is a metal tube containing an optical fiber.

Abstract: A method for the management of data collected from a remote computing device including the steps of: creating a questionnaire; transmitting the questionnaire to a remote computer; executing the questionnaire in the remote computer to prompt a user for responses to questions of the questionnaire; transmitting the responses to a sever via a network; making the responses available on the Web. Preferably, computers used in connection with the inventive method are loosely networked in that network connections between computers are not always available and, when a connection is not available, data is stored at a node of the network and transmitted at the earliest time when a connection is available. In one preferred embodiment, the inventive method is used to collect survey data and to make the responses to the survey available to a client in virtually real time over the Internet.

Abstract: A bracket stores and separates conduits. The bracket includes two interchangeable halves having an engagement extrusion extending from an inner face. Each half has a corresponding receptive slot disposed in the inner face. The bracket half includes at least one conduit receptive channel defined in the inner face. The halves align and engage when each half's extrusion is inserted into the other half's slot. The channels align to secure a conduit therein. The engagement portions define a dovetail and socket engagement. At least two stages of securement may be provided. Securement may comprise snap fit, sliding or other methods. A first, temporary stage of engagement initially joins the halves, adjustably and releasably retaining the halves and the conduits together. The second and subsequent stages of engagement are tighter engagements between the tail and socket, achieved by applying more pressing force to the halves or inserting a fastener.

Abstract: Methods of applying aluminum coating layers over copper wires are disclosed. A first method may include applying aluminum powder to the surface of a rod, passing the rod through a first set of compression rolls thereby forcing the aluminum powder into a compacted preform around the rod, and heating the rod covered by the preform at 550° C. to 620° C. Further, the heated preform coated rod is passed through a second set of compression rolls thereby obtaining an aluminum coated copper rod. A second method includes disposing a copper rod inside an aluminum tube having an inner layer formed of brazing aluminum alloy, reducing the diameter of the tube's inner surface to match the copper rod, and heating the composite tube-rod such that the inner layer of the brazing alloy fuses to the rod. Another method includes passing the copper rod through a spray of metallic aluminum.

Abstract: An overhead door torsion spring adjuster having a housing, first and second gears positioned within the housing, and a first shaft coupled with the first gear. The second gear has a base positioned within the housing, a collar that is integral with the base, and an opening that extends through the base and collar. The base engages the first gear. The collar is operable to be coupled with a second shaft that is received by the opening. Preferably, the spring adjuster includes a locking mechanism that is operable to prevent rotation of the first shaft.