Abstract: A safety alarm system for use on moving vehicles and heavy equipment provides an added level of safety by not only indicating motion, but by adding a distinct audible warning according to a selected sound pattern template when danger is imminent to those in the local area of potential danger. The sound pattern is selected on the basis of signals from various combinations of signals detected from an object detection sensor and an ambient noise level sensor, thereby providing enhanced safety in the work environment.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus is disclosed for determining crankshaft position, engine phase, engine loading, and intake air mass of an internal combustion engine (10) through monitoring intake air pressure fluctuations (120). The opening of the intake valve (44) is mechanically linked to the crankshaft position of an engine. When the intake valve (44) opens it creates air pressure fluctuations in the air induction system (14) of the engine (10). The control apparatus is configured to determine intake air pressure fluctuations indicative of an intake air event (100 to 110) and thus a particular crankshaft position, and their corresponding period of the engine cycle. The controller then uses this information to determine crankshaft speed and position for the purpose of fuel injection and ignition timing of the internal combustion engine. Engine phase is also determined on four-stroke engines. Intake air pressure is used to determine intake air mass and loading of the engine.

Abstract: An asphalt production plant includes an asphalt binder storage tank, a mixer for mixing asphalt binder and aggregate materials, an asphalt binder pumping system for conveying asphalt binder to the mixer and an asphalt binder metering system for controlling the rate of flow of asphalt binder to the mixer. The asphalt production plant also includes a cold feed proportioning system having a plurality of cold feed bins for holding aggregate materials, with each such bin having a discharge opening through which aggregate materials may be discharged, a cold feed conveyor system that extends from beneath the discharge openings for the plurality of bins for conveying aggregate materials to the mixer and an apparatus and system for adjusting the relative proportions of aggregate materials from each of the cold feed bins that are conveyed to the mixer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical connectors for use in circuit modules in which the reduction of electromagnetic interference is an objective. In particular, the cable connector of the present invention provides an EMI shielded connector housing for mounting and sealing to a module faceplate and a cover plate that seals the remaining open portions of the housing and provides for access to the inside of the assembled connector. At least one cable terminal is included within the connector and provides for an external cable connection axis between approximately 15° and 75° from a normal of said module faceplate.

Abstract: Retarding a fire condition of a telecommunications component mounted on a module to be inserted into a telecommunications box is provided. The module may have a planar surface having a first side and a second side generally opposed to the first side. A ventilator provides a cross air flow generally in a direction from the first side to the second side. A first opening in the telecommunications box in an area adjacent of the first side of the planar surface forms a substantial portion of the cross air flow emanating from the first side. A second opening in the telecommunications box arranged in an area adjacent to the second side of the planar surface exhausts the cross flow air, such that the cross flow air sub-stantially retards the fire condition. An air flow guide is provided to simulate an air resistance of a module.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus is disclosed for determining crankshaft position and engine phase of an internal combustion engine (10) through monitoring intake air pressure fluctuations (120). The opening of the intake valve (44) is mechanically linked to the crankshaft position of an engine. When the intake valve (44) opens it creates air pressure fluctuations in the air induction system (14) of the engine (10). The control apparatus is configured to determine intake air pressure fluctuations indicative of an intake air event (100 to 110) and thus a particular crankshaft position, and their corresponding period of the engine cycle. The controller then uses this information to determine crankshaft speed and position for the purpose of fuel injection and ignition timing of the internal combustion engine. Engine phase is also determined on four-stroke engines.

Abstract: A sample collector for aggregate material is provided. The collector includes a collector frame having a probe that is shaped so as to be insertable along a defined axis into a quantity of aggregate material. The collector also includes a plurality of elongate support rods. The first end of each rod is attached to the probe, and a seat is provided to which the second end of each of the support rods is attached. Each rod is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the axis, and the rods are spaced apart from each other so as to define a collection space. The collector also includes a sleeve which is adapted to slide over the collector frame between an open position which exposes the collection space and a closed position which encloses the collection space. A sliding mechanism is also provided for sliding the sleeve over the collector frame between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: This invention is a tailgate lift kit which incorporates two pulleys mounted in a housing in the side wall region of a pickup truck, an elongated coiled spring has one end fixedly mounted at one end of the housing on an adjustable bolt for spring tension adjustment. A cable extends from the tailgate of the pick up truck, over the first pulley, around the second pulley which is fastened to the second end of the spring, and the second end of the cable fastens to the housing near the first pulley.

Abstract: A method for forming a test specimen from an asphalt concrete mixture includes providing a mold to receive a quantity of the mixture and adding a predetermined quantity of the mixture to the mold. The mixture in the mold is compressed at a pressure of at least about 7 psi while vibrating the mixture in the mold at a rate of at least about 2400 cycles per minute. The method also includes maintaining the vibration of and the application of compressing pressure to the mixture in the mold until the mixture obtains a predetermined mix design density within a range of about 90-97%.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing pavement test samples for for surface wear, including rutting, stripping and fatigue, is disclosed. The testing machine includes a testing chamber and a sample tray that is adapted for holding one or more test samples. The machine also includes a hose for each test sample to be tested. Each hose is disposed above a test sample in the sample tray in such fashion that the hose may be deflected to contact a least a substantial portion of the sample. A mechanism is also provided for pumping a fluid into each hose and for maintaining fluid pressure within the hose. The testing machine also includes a testing wheel assembly that is disposed above the hose assembly within the chamber. The testing wheel assembly is adapted for reciprocating movement on a track and includes a loading wheel for each hose.

Abstract: A portable self-erecting storage apparatus for asphaltic mix or the like is disclosed, and which comprises a main frame, and three separate wheeled carriages which are mounted in tandem and are concurrently pivotable between a lowered ground engaging position so that the apparatus is highway transportable, and a raised position so that the frame contacts the ground and thus forms the foundation pad for the apparatus during use. The illustrated embodiment includes a secondary frame which supports a storage container, and the secondary frame and the container may be pivoted about an elevated axis between a generally horizontal transport position and a vertical upright or operative position.

Abstract: A portable self-erecting storage apparatus for asphaltic mix is disclosed and which comprises an elongate material conveying assembly and a separate material storage assembly. The two assemblies are adapted to be separately transported on a highway to the construction site. To effect erection at the construction site, the two assemblies are joined in a nose-to-nose arrangement, and then lifted together in a smooth, continuous lifting operation by a pair of hydraulic jacks mounted on the storage assembly. In the erected position, the container of the storage assembly is vertically oriented and positioned at an elevated location above ground level so as to permit a truck to be driven below the container, and the conveying assembly is inclined upwardly so that its discharge end overlies the top of the container.

Abstract: Plastics material is injected into a single cavity mold through a sprue bushing which has a cylindrical base portion with a semispherical seat within one end for receiving the nozzle of an injection molding machine. A cylindrical nose portion of smaller diameter, projects from the base portion and includes a flat end or tip surface which is adapted to be positioned flush with the cavity and has a discharge orifice connecting with an axially extending cylindrical chamber within the body. A valve member is supported for axial movement within the chamber and has a cylindrical tip portion which normally closes the discharge orifice under the bias of a series of spring washers confined within the chamber adjacent the opposite end of the valve member. The plastics material is directed from the nozzle seat to the chamber through a plurality of passages which extend around the spring washers.

Abstract: A capacitance type material level detector for a hopper for particulate solid materials has a support that extends through an opening in a hopper sidewall to carry a detector unit for which it provides a hood. An electrically conductive sensor member of the detector unit is protected from contact with material in the hopper by a dielectric shield, and is sealed in a chamber defined by the shield and a mounting plate. A manually slidable and rotatable paddle hangs alongside the shield where it may be swung in front of the shield to check operativeness of the detector unit; and by moving the paddle rearwardly it may be used to break accumulated material off the face of the shield.