Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for detecting hardened concrete buildup in a mixer drum which is substantially devoid of plastic concrete. An exemplary method involves monitoring the hydraulic pressure required to rotate the drum through at least two successive rotations at constant speed, using a hydraulic pressure sensor on hydraulic charge side, discharge side, or preferably both sides of the hydraulic motor which turns the mixer drum; and detecting when the pressure/time data curve indicates eccentric behavior of the mixer drum, whereby an alarm or other indication is provided to confirm that the hardened concrete buildup in the truck is not acceptable. The buildup detection method and system of the present invention does not require the use of an automated slump monitoring system, but can be implemented in combination with such systems with favorable results and advantages.

Abstract: Vehicle snow and ice removers are disclosed. An example vehicle and ice remover includes a plurality of first modular frames, where the first modular frames have a first shape and a plurality of second modular frames, where the second modular frames have a second shape different than the first shape. The first modular frames and the second modular frames are connected to form a first side frame, a second side frame opposite the first side frame, and a cross frame connecting the first side frame and the second side frame.

Abstract: A vehicle snow and ice remover comprises a plurality of modular pieces assembled together to form a pair of vertical supports and a cross piece connecting the pair of vertical supports and a roof clearing device movable along the pair of vertical supports. The plurality of modular pieces include at most two different shapes and each having a maximum outer dimension that is less than or equal to 75% of a height of each of the vertical supports.

Abstract: A vehicle snow and ice remover comprises a plurality of modular pieces assembled together to form a pair of vertical supports and a cross piece connecting the pair of vertical supports and a roof clearing device movable along the pair of vertical supports. The plurality of modular pieces include at most two different shapes and each having a maximum outer dimension that is less than or equal to 75% of a height of each of the vertical supports.

Abstract: A snow and ice remover assembly for vehicle roofs having two vertical supports separated by a distance sufficient to move a vehicle between the vertical supports. A crossbar extends between and movable along the two vertical supports. A base structure is attached to the vertical supports and has wheels that engage a support surface upon which the snow and ice remover stands. A wheel movement prevention mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for detecting hardened concrete buildup in a mixer drum which is substantially devoid of plastic concrete. An exemplary method involves monitoring the hydraulic pressure required to rotate the drum through at least two successive rotations at constant speed, using a hydraulic pressure sensor on hydraulic charge side, discharge side, or preferably both sides of the hydraulic motor which turns the mixer drum; and detecting when the pressure/time data curve indicates eccentric behavior of the mixer drum, whereby an alarm or other indication is provided to confirm that the hardened concrete buildup in the truck is not acceptable. The buildup detection method and system of the present invention does not require the use of an automated slump monitoring system, but can be implemented in combination with such systems with favorable results and advantages.

Abstract: A snow and ice remover assembly for vehicle roofs having two vertical supports separated by a distance sufficient to move a vehicle between the vertical supports. A crossbar extends between and movable along the two vertical supports. A base structure is attached to the vertical supports and has wheels that engage a support surface upon which the snow and ice remover stands. A wheel movement prevention mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: A snow and ice remover assembly for vehicle roofs having two vertical supports separated by a distance sufficient to move a vehicle between the vertical supports. A plow assembly that is movable along the two vertical supports. A base structure is attached to the vertical supports and has wheels that engage a support surface upon which the snow and ice remover stands. A wheel movement prevention mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle roof cleaner is provided with a pair of vertical supports, an upper cross bar, a cleaner assembly, and an adjustment mechanism. The upper crossbar connects the pair of vertical supports, and the cleaner assembly is movable along the pair of vertical supports and positionable below the upper crossbar by the height adjustment mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism includes a load bearing mechanism, a spring load assembly, and an activation mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle roof cleaner is provided with a pair of vertical supports, an upper cross bar, a cleaner assembly, and an adjustment mechanism. The upper crossbar connects the pair of vertical supports, and the cleaner assembly is movable along the pair of vertical supports and positionable below the upper crossbar by the height adjustment mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism includes a load bearing mechanism, a spring load assembly, and an activation mechanism.

Abstract: Audio or audiovisual material not previously distributed to the public is made available for licensing or worldwide distribution by way of a retail market by Internet, home video devices and television-based distribution. Rehearsals of events, and novel content, including practice sessions, musical clinics and related educational material may be recorded and distributed in advance of, contemporaneous with, or following the events with open or closed circuits, and with remote locations connected in real-time or otherwise on a time-delayed basis.

Abstract: A valve guide of alloyed gray cast iron comprising from about 3 to about 3.5 wt. % carbon, about 0.2 wt. % phosphorous maximum, from about 0.35 to about 0.75 wt. % molybdenum, from about 1.8 to about 3 wt. % silicon, from about 0.6 to about 1 wt. % manganese, from about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt. % chromium, balance essentially iron, is heat treated by austenitizing, quenching, and tempering, to obtain a Rockwell C hardness from about 35 to about 45. The microstructure comprises at least about 3% intercellular carbide in a matrix of tempered martensite. Such valve guide exhibits improved wear resistance during use in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A powder metallurgy method for making valve guides for use in internal combustion engines advantageously utilizes uniaxial side pressing to form compacts. Such compacts are subsequently sintered, formed into a cylindrical shape, and then hollowed to form a valve guide. The valve guides exhibit improved uniformity and density and hardness from end to end of the valve guide when contrasted to powder metal valve guides formed with uniaxial end pressing.

Abstract: A cylindrical valve guide having a roughened external surface texture from about 50 to about 100 microinches permits effective amounts of lubricating oil to become trapped or contained by such roughened external surface and thereby facilitates subsequent press fitting of the valve guide into an internal combustion engine. Centerless grinding constitutes a preferred method of achieving the surface texture of the invention.