Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sea floor mapping, and more particularly to a method, system, and apparatus for mapping a large swath of sea floor at substantial depths. An example autonomous underwater vehicle may include: a controller; a body having a front end and a rear end and defining a cavity and a center of gravity; a first dive plane extending from the body proximate the center of gravity; a second dive plane extending from the body substantially opposite of the first dive plane proximate the center of gravity; a counterweight disposed within the cavity configured to be moved between the front end and the rear end of the body, wherein a fore-aft pitch of the body of the autonomous underwater vehicle is controlled by the controller through movement of the counterweight toward the front end or the rear end of the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sea floor mapping, and more particularly to a method, system, and apparatus for mapping a large swath of sea floor at substantial depths. An example autonomous underwater vehicle may include: a controller; a body having a front end and a rear end and defining a cavity and a center of gravity; a first dive plane extending from the body proximate the center of gravity; a second dive plane extending from the body substantially opposite of the first dive plane proximate the center of gravity; a counterweight disposed within the cavity configured to be moved between the front end and the rear end of the body, wherein a fore-aft pitch of the body of the autonomous underwater vehicle is controlled by the controller through movement of the counterweight toward the front end or the rear end of the body.

Abstract: A cushion of a portable seat is formed from multiple layers including at least one memory foam layer. In one implementation, the portable seat is constructed as a turkey seat incorporated into hunting vest design. The seat cushion (100) includes an uppermost layer (102) positioned proximate to the user, a lowermost layer (106) that will be disposed proximate to the ground, a stadium bench or the like and an intermediate layer (104). The uppermost layer (102) may be formed from a memory foam material, the intermediate layer (104) may be formed from an open cell foam material and the lower most layer (106) may be formed from closed cell foam. This construction allows for desired memory foam conformance while providing significant cushioning for substantially any user under substantially any condition and yields a product of suitable weight for portable applications.

Abstract: A pretensioned spring track tensioning system provides a two stage loading of a tension roller on the interior of a vehicle drive track. The two stage loading first loads the track under a lower tension load for normal operation, but when the track is highly loaded, such as when digging, or when debris is forced between the track member and its drive sprocket or guide rollers, the compression of the lighter spring will be stopped mechanically and a second heavier compression spring will provide the tension loading. The additional spring tension under unusual conditions prevents detracking of the track and buckling of the track. A lighter tension load during normal operations reduces the loads on bearings, particularly in relation to a drive motor. The tensioning system has particular adaptability to “high” drive type tracks which have a drive sprocket elevated above the tension roller.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for extruding, cut into strands, cooling, and chopping a ground food product. The system comprises a cooling unit, a conveyor belt urging the pieces through the unit, and a chopper for cutting the pieces exiting the unit. A cryogen source provides cryogen to the cooling unit. A feeder feeds the ground food product onto the conveyor belt adjacent an inlet of the unit. The feeder also extrudes the ground food product through a nozzle to place the stranded pieces onto the conveyor belt. A shear plate cuts the stranded pieces, while being extruded. A hydraulic system moves the shearing plate. The system is adapted to dispense cryogen to the cooling region at a rate sufficient to lower the temperature of the cut stranded pieces to a desired temperature when they exit the unit. A chopper cuts the extruded and stranded pieces immediately after freezing.

Abstract: A pretensioned spring track tensioning system provides a two stage loading of a tension roller on the interior of a vehicle drive track. The two stage loading first loads the track under a lower tension load for normal operation, but when the track is highly loaded, such as when digging, or when debris is forced between the track member and its drive sprocket or guide rollers, the compression of the lighter spring will be stopped mechanically and a second heavier compression spring will provide the tension loading. The additional spring tension under unusual conditions prevents detracking of the track and buckling of the track. A lighter tension load during normal operations reduces the loads on bearings, particularly in relation to a drive motor. The tensioning system has particular adaptability to “high” drive type tracks which have a drive sprocket elevated above the tension roller.