Abstract: A multi-tank system for delivering product to a spray section includes a first tank, a second tank, and a first pump. A plurality of valves includes a first sump valve, a second sump valve, an equalizing valve, and an agitation valve. A first end of the first sump valve is in fluid communication with the first tank, a second end of the first sump valve is in fluid communication with (i) a first end of the equalizing valve and (ii) an inlet of the first pump. The plurality of fluid lines includes a first fluid line and a second fluid line. A third fluid line is fluidly coupled at one end downstream of the first pump and at another end to the first sump valve or the first end of the equalizing valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom: translation away from the sole of the user's foot and rotation about a longitudinal axis at ground level. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom: translation away from the sole of the user's foot and rotation about a longitudinal axis at ground level. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot, including a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom: translation away from the sole of the user's foot and rotation about a longitudinal axis at ground level. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling backlash comprising an intermediate gear capable of adjustably meshed engagement between a first driving gear and a second driven gear, and a body rotatably supporting the intermediate gear and capable of movement in a direction that reduces the center distance between the intermediate gear and either the first gear, the second gear, or both. The movement of the body utilizes both resilient urging and hysteretic damping to supply appropriately light resilient biasing while being fortified against rapid retraction or repulsion.

Abstract: A variable output pump system is provided, the pump system having a first positive displacement pump; a pump drive operably coupled to the first positive displacement pump, wherein the pump drive operates the first positive displacement pump to have a first output profile during a first operating range and a second output profile during a second operating range, the pump drive having a hydraulic release being configured to decrease the second output profile as a hydraulic pressure increases.

Abstract: A variable nozzle area jet pump is provided having a nozzle-sealing member resiliently urged to form a sealing closure. The sealing member is part of a normally non-passing pressure control valve that recirculates excess fluid back to the inlet of a positive displacement fluid pump. The fluid is recirculated with elevated pressure after a threshold fluid pressure is exceeded. The disclosed system provides for energy conservation and pump cavitation speed increase. The system may be integrated with an engine balance shaft module so as to provide low cost robustness to low speed gear noise emissions by application of the oil pump's drive torque to at lease one gearset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a natural solar distillation cycle (comprised of maritime trade winds being elevated over mountain formations to form orographic clouds) includes enabling the low cost harvesting of freshwater during time periods when weather conditions permit, despite the absence of rain. The cloud-catching wind management structures preferably incorporate minimal pressure drop gas cyclones to centrifuge condensate particles out of the air stream, and jet pump-like flow guide structures to help overcome pressure drop, for efficient, energy-passive production of freshwater utilizing only the stagnation pressure of natural wind velocity. The permanence (design and anchoring against natural disasters) of the structures provides for incorporation of water treatment means, and connection with permanent collection reservoirs and distribution systems, for large volume supply of potable freshwater for public and industrial use.

Abstract: A dual pumping element fluid system for an engine or other system which reduces the driving power consumption by unloading one pumping element through the use of recirculation when a fluid pressure target value is achieved. A cross-over port fluid system prevents cavitation of the unloaded pump. A pressure-activated flow control valve mechanism is utilized to open and close the passageways from the secondary pump. The fluid system works in conjunction with an engine balance shaft system to control gear rattle at low speeds without adding undue gear loads at high speeds.

Abstract: A static unbalance-type balance shaft for rotating machinery such as a vehicle engine includes a longitudinal axis, a first bearing surface disposed away from a first end and a second bearing surface located adjacent a second end. A first balance shaft is disposed between the first end and the first bearing surface, a second balance weight is located adjacent the second bearing surface. A third balance weight is located adjacent the second bearing surface. A connector portion overlaps and extends between the second balance weight and the third balance weight. The third balance weight is positioned on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis from the first and the second balance weights. The connector portion has a substantially I-beam shaped cross section.

Abstract: Static unbalance-type shafts for rotating machinery such as vehicle engines. The present invention can minimize the mass or weight of the balance shaft and optimize the material usage in accordance with the standards and parameters established for the balance shaft. The connector portions between the balance weights and/or between the balance weights and the end bearing surfaces, have cross-sections with recessed sides in order to increase stiffness and/or reduce the weight of the balance shaft. The connector portions also overlap the balance weights. Tapering of chordal surfaces adjacent the axis of rotation can be employed to reduce mass, cost, bearing wear, and drive gear noise.

Abstract: A static unbalance-type balance shaft for rotating machinery such as vehicle engines includes a bearing surface adjacent the other end. The balance shaft includes a balance weight adjacent the first end and a connector portion connecting the balance weight to the other end. The connector portion has a cross-section with at least one recessed surface thereby minimizing the mass or weight of the balance shaft and optimize the material of the balance shaft.

Abstract: An oil scavenging system for a vehicle engine, which has at least one upward-facing air inlet opening and at least one upward-facing air/oil discharge opening to draw air into the housing through the inlet as the balance shaft rotates and expels air/oil to the engine through the outlet. The inlet opening and the discharge opening are arranged so as to provide for rapid purging of oil from the housing, minimizing oil aeration, heating and motoring losses.

Abstract: A dual pumping element fluid system for an engine or other system which reduces the driving power consumption by unloading one pumping element through the use of recirculation when a fluid pressure target value is achieved. A cross-over port fluid system prevents cavitation of the unloaded pump. A pressure-activated flow control valve mechanism is utilized to open and close the conduits from the secondary pump. The fluid system works in conjunction with an engine balance shaft system to control gear rattle at low speeds without adding undue gear loads at high speeds.

Abstract: A balance shaft for rotating machinery such as a vehicle engine which minimizes the mass or weight of the balance shaft by optimizing the material usage in accordance with the standards and parameters established for the balance shaft. For rotating couple-type shafts, the two balance weights each have surfaces substantially forming hyperbolic curves. In addition, the connector portion between the balance weights has a cross-section with recessed sides in order to reduce the mass or weight of the balance shaft. For single unbalance-type shafts, the connector portion also has a cross-section with recessed sides.