Abstract: An air separation module includes a canister having an inlet end and an outlet end arranged along a canister axis, a separator supported within the canister and arranged to separate a compressed air flow received at the air separation module into an oxygen-depleted air flow fraction and an oxygen-enriched air flow fraction, and an inlet cap. The inlet cap is seated about the inlet end of the canister, contains therein a portion of the separator, and has an oxygen-enriched air outlet port fluidly separated from the outlet end of the canister by the separator for diverting the oxygen-enriched air flow fraction to the external environment. Nitrogen generation systems and methods of making air separation modules are also described.

Abstract: Conveyor-type dish washer and method of operating it, wherein during a final-rinse operation at least from one side, preferably from each the two sides, of the items to be cleaned, at least two final-rinse liquid spray jets are sprayed in different directions in relation to each other, wherein at least one final-rinse liquid spray jet is inclined in the direction of the movement of a dish carrier and at least another final-rinse liquid spray jet is inclined against the direction of the movement of the dish carrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods based on statistical analysis for golf performance of a user wherein the user provides inputs and coordinates of a series of corresponding starting points and target areas as well as recordation of actual shot locations from those starting points, and wherein the statistical analysis includes text, tabular, diagrammatic, and/or image-based outputs, such as scattergraph diagrams and/or shot zone diagrams that provide information including zone-based target areas rather than merely pinpoint targets, relating to trends in the user's golf performance over a predetermined period and/or providing a portable and preferably pocket-sized printed version of shot performance and/or statistical likelihood of present or future performance based upon past performance for any given golf club, golf course conditions.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source, a workpiece contact element reciprocable relative to the power source between a rest position and a firing position, a control system operationally associated with the power source, a trigger connected to the control system providing operator interface with the control system. The control system is configured so that an operator may select between a sequential firing mode in which the trigger must be released between firings, and a repetitive cycle mode in which the trigger is continually depressed between firings. The trigger is connected to the control system so that at least one of the frequency and duration of pulling of the trigger converts the operating mode from the sequential mode to the repetitive cycle mode.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source, at least one fan for associated with the power source, at least one temperature sensing device in operational proximity to the power source and a control system operationally associated with the power source and connected to the at least one fan and at least one temperature sensing device for adjusting the length of time for energizing the at least one cooling fan as a function of power source temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source, a valve sleeve reciprocable relative to the power source between a rest position and a firing position, and a lockout device in operational proximity to the valve sleeve and configured for automatically preventing the reciprocation of the valve sleeve from the firing position until a piston in the power source returns to a pre-firing position.

Abstract: A combination oven includes convection, steam and microwave cooking sources. When implementing a user selected cooking program using the microwave source and at least one of the other sources, the oven control is configured to implement the cooking program in a manner using an input food product mass value to set microwave energy level applied to the food product during operation of the cooking program and without changing cook time as set by the cooking program. The microwave energy level may be set such that end product achieved without changing cook time has a comparable degree of doneness regardless of mass. The oven control, or a separate computerized device, may be used to automatically convert a non-microwave cooking program into a microwave enhanced cooking program that is stored by the oven control for selection by an operator.

Abstract: A conveyor-type dish washer and method of operating it, wherein items to be cleaned are conveyed through the dishwasher and are subjected to the action of steam prior to a final-rinse operation but after a wash operation.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source; at least one fan associated with the power source during operation; and a control system operationally associated with the power source and connected to the at least one fan for adjusting the length of time for energizing the at least one fan as a function of the number of combustion firings by the power source.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source, a valve sleeve reciprocable relative to the power source between a rest position and a firing position, and a lockout device in operational proximity to the valve sleeve and configured for automatically preventing the reciprocation of the valve sleeve from the firing position until a piston in the power source returns to a pre-firing position.

Abstract: A design process for a conveyor-type warewash machine involves consideration of Weber number for flow from nozzles within at least one zone of the machine. Warewash machines having one or more zones with flows within certain Weber number limits or ranges are also described.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source, at least one fan for associated with the power source, at least one temperature sensing device in operational proximity to the power source and a control system operationally associated with the power source and connected to the at least one fan and at least one temperature sensing device for adjusting the length of time for energizing the at least one cooling fan as a function of power source temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source including a cylinder defining a path for a reciprocating piston and an attached driver blade, the piston reciprocating between a pre-firing position achieved prior to combustion and a bottom out position. Upon combustion in the power source, the cylinder includes at least one exhaust valve configured for releasing combustion gases from the cylinder. The at least one exhaust valve is dimensioned so that sufficient gas is released to reduce post-combustion pressure in the cylinder to approximately one atmosphere in the time available for the piston to travel past the at least one exhaust valve and return to the at least one exhaust valve.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source, a workpiece contact element reciprocable relative to the power source between a rest position and a firing position, a control system operationally associated with the power source, a trigger connected to the control system providing operator interface with the control system. The control system is configured so that an operator may select between a sequential firing mode in which the trigger must be released between firings, and a repetitive cycle mode in which the trigger is continually depressed between firings. The trigger is connected to the control system so that at least one of the frequency and duration of pulling of the trigger converts the operating mode from the sequential mode to the repetitive cycle mode.

Abstract: A gas combustion-powered apparatus includes a piston chamber housing a driveable piston, and a combustion chamber having a generally flat wall assembly and a cup-shaped wall defining at least one combustion volume therebetween. The cup-shaped wall is moveable in relation to the piston chamber, and has a generally flat portion opposing, and generally parallel to, the generally flat wall assembly. An ignition source is in operable relationship to the combustion volume, which can ignite a combustible gas within the combustion volume. The piston forms at least a portion of the generally flat wall assembly when the piston is in an undriven state.

Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly for use in a combustion tool including a combustion chamber, at least one combustion chamber plate disposed in the chamber, the at least one combustion chamber plate and the chamber members being configured for relative reciprocal movement, the combustion chamber assembly having at least one latch member associated with control of movement of at least one plate within the combustion chamber to divide the chamber into multiple volumes. The combustion chamber assembly further has a release for the latch member for permitting relative movement of the at least one combustion chamber plate and the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A combustion chamber system, for use within a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool, comprises a dual combustion chamber system comprising a pre-combustion chamber and a final combustion chamber. The pre-combustion chamber is characterized by a high aspect ratio and has different obstacles fixedly incorporated therein for selectively retarding and enhancing the rate of burn and the rate of speed of the flame front propagating through the pre-combustion chamber. In addition, an obstacle, having a predetermined solid geometrical configuration is disposed within the final combustion chamber at a position immediately disposed downstream of a port fluidically interconnecting the pre-combustion chamber to the final combustion chamber so as to cause the flame front to diverge and split into multiple components which flow radially outwardly throughout the final combustion chamber.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding gun with a handle. The handle has a first end and a second end. The handle may be operable to receive a welding cable from a first and a second direction, respectively. The handle may be operable to position a trigger in any one of four quadrants of the handle. The handle may increase in cross-sectional area in each direction from a gripping portion located between the first and second ends towards the first and second ends.

Abstract: A mechanism for generating a flame jet has a volume formed of at least one vertical structure and two opposing horizontal structures. A rotatable fan is located within the volume, and is rotatable in a plane generally parallel to the planes of the horizontal structures. The mechanism also contains means for igniting a combustible gas which is contained within the volume, to propel a flame jet outside of the volume.

Abstract: A new and improved valve assembly for incorporation within a dual combustion chamber system of a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool comprises a single valve mechanism which can operatively control the ingress of atmospheric air into the combustion chambers, the egress of combustion products out from the combustion chambers, and the fluid flows between the first and second combustion chambers attendant VENTING, MIXING, and FIRING stages of an overall combustion cycle. The valve mechanism may comprise either a rotary valve mechanism, a linear-rotary valve mechanism, or a linear valve mechanism.