Abstract: A reciprocating dynamometer assesses human physical capacity and muscle composition by: (1) simultaneously working all four limbs of the body through a full range of motion while maximally loading the muscles through a full range of speeds; (2) simultaneously capturing the reciprocating torques and reciprocating angular velocities of all four reciprocating limbs, and (3) adjusting to provide similar ranges of motion for limb joints of human subjects of different body height and limb length. Levers provide synchronized, reciprocating, angular movements for handles and pedals while adjustable brakes oppose reciprocating motion during a 15 second test of maximal exertion. Measurements of elapsed time, torque input to each lever and angular displacement of each lever enable a plot of cyclical moving average of power over cycle frequency for each limb. Peak cyclical power is the maximal rate of work performed, averaged over one movement cycle.

Abstract: A snag resistant fish hook system. The system (11) having hooks (105A, 105B), an elastic band (110), a connector portion (115) having an eyelet (115A), and a post (125). Each hook has a tab (116), an eyelet (118), and a notch (117). The post fits into the eyelets and secures the hooks and the connector portion together, with at least one of the hooks being rotatable on the post. The elastic band fits around the hooks and into the notches and holds the hooks in a first, retracted, snag-resistant position wherein the tabs contact each other. Upon the application of sufficient force, such as a fish biting a lure in which the fish hook system is employed, the tabs will slip past each other and the elastic band will urge the hooks into a second, deployed position.

Abstract: A ammunition loading machine is provided. The ammunition loading machine includes a base frame. A rake assembly is mounted to the base frame and configured to index a linear row of cases along a first linear axis. A platen assembly is also mounted to the base frame and is movable relative to the base frame along a second linear axis that is orthogonal to the first linear axis. A propellant hopper is fixedly mounted to the base frame. The platen assembly is movable relative to the propellant hopper to transfer propellant from the propellant hopper to a propellant filling mechanism that is movable with the platen assembly. The rake assembly is adjustable to accommodate multiple different sizes of cartridges. The rake assembly and platen assembly are commonly linked to a cam drive mechanism for simultaneously moving the rake assembly and the platen assembly.

Abstract: A process for the production of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), wherein the process comprises: (i) one or more esterification steps, wherein terephthalic acid (TPA) or an alkyl diester of terephthalic acid is reacted with 1,3-propanediol (PDO); and (ii) one or more subsequent polycondensation steps, wherein the process further comprises the addition of a protic acid, other than terephthalic or isophthalic acid, before and/or during the one or more esterification steps, wherein the protic acid has a dissociation constant of at most 4 (pKa measured in water at 25° C.), and wherein the total amount of protic acid added before and/or during the one or more esterification steps is in the range of from 0.001 to 10 millimole of acid per kilogram of polytrimethylene terephthalate produced.

Abstract: Small amounts of one or more alkali or alkaline earth metal salts, particularly lithium or calcium salts, added to polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) have been found to greatly accelerate the crystallization rate of the polymer. Preferably, from about 1 to about 10 ppm of the alkali or alkaline earth metal, based on metal, is effective. For example, 7 ppm of Li+ can produce about 5-20 times faster crystallization, depending on the rate of cooling, compared to PTT without lithium. The rapid-crystallizing PTT compositions are preferably comprised of carboxylate salt endgroups, COOM, wherein M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal cation, preferably lithium or calcium cation. The metal salt is conveniently added to the polymerization process.

Abstract: A storage shelf for use in an extended cab type pickup is disclosed. The shelf consists of a folding tray having extendable outer edges for adjustment to fit most models of extended cab pickups. The shelf is laterally secured at either end to the interior molding of the pickup by the use of notches which fit into the contours of the molding. The surface of this shelf is surrounded by rails which extend around the outside of the tray. The effect of this is to provide an easily accessible place to store personal items. In addition, the lateral strength of the present invention is enhanced by the use of hinge braces, a rear side support block which helps support the rear edge of the shelf, and a support leg which extends from the front edge of the shelf to the floor of the pickup. These features allow for the storage of heavy objects on the present invention.