Abstract: A process controller adapted to provide an estimated prediction of a processing time for a data processing job to be run on one or more of a plurality of data processing devices that operate within a distributed processing system having a range of platforms, the process controller being in communication with a job prediction engine adapted to calculate an estimated processing time associated with the data processing job, wherein the process controller uses the estimated processing time to determine the estimated prediction and is further adapted to control the assignment of the data processing job to the data processing devices upon acceptance of the estimated prediction by a user.

Abstract: A process controller adapted to provide an estimated prediction of a processing time for a data processing job to be run on one or more of a plurality of data processing devices that operate within a distributed processing system having a range of platforms, the process controller being in communication with a job prediction engine adapted to calculate an estimated processing time associated with the data processing job, wherein the process controller uses the estimated processing time to determine the estimated prediction and is further adapted to control the assignment of the data processing job to the data processing devices upon acceptance of the estimated prediction by a user.

Abstract: A hanger assembly configured to mount a fan housing in a building including a first support having a lower surface and a second support. The hanger includes a body having a first end engageable with the first support and a second end engageable with the second support. The body is connectable to the fan housing to support the fan housing between the first and second supports and is adjustable to change a length defined between the first and second ends. The first end includes an outwardly extending flange, which is engageable with the first support to orient the body and the fan housing relative to the lower surface of the first support and to maintain a predetermined distance between the lower surface of the support and a lower surface of one of the fan housing and the hanger body.

Abstract: A snow thrower having a discharge chute rotation and locking device. The snow thrower includes a discharge chute rotatable about a chute axis with respect to the snow thrower housing to discharge in a selected direction snow under the influence of the auger. The snow thrower also includes a rod having a longitudinal axis non-parallel to the chute axis, the rod being rotatable about the longitudinal axis and movable axially along the longitudinal axis. The snow thrower further includes a first crank member fixed for rotation with the rod and engaging a portion of the chute to cause the chute to rotate in response to rotation of the rod. A locking member is movable into and out of engagement with the portion of the chute in response to axial movement of the rod. The chute is prevented from rotating under the influence of rotation of the rod when the locking member is moved into engagement with the portion of the chute.

Abstract: A snow thrower having a discharge chute rotation and locking device. The snow thrower includes a discharge chute rotatable about a chute axis with respect to the snow thrower housing to discharge in a selected direction snow under the influence of the auger. The snow thrower also includes a rod having a longitudinal axis non-parallel to the chute axis, the rod being rotatable about the longitudinal axis and movable axially along the longitudinal axis. The snow thrower further includes a first crank member fixed for rotation with the rod and engaging a portion of the chute to cause the chute to rotate in response to rotation of the rod. A locking member is movable into and out of engagement with the portion of the chute in response to axial movement of the rod. The chute is prevented from rotating under the influence of rotation of the rod when the locking member is moved into engagement with the portion of the chute.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an implement such as a snow thrower, the control apparatus comprising a handle having at least two substantially upright portions and a cross portion extending between the upright portions. A first bail is pivotally connected to both upright portions of the handle to pivot about a first axis. A second bail is also pivotally connected to both upright portions of the handle to pivot about a second axis that is not co-linear with the first axis. The first and second bails are both separately movable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. Both the first and second bails are independently operable from one another, and move in the same direction with respect to the handle when moving from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition. The first bail may control a first mechanism, and the second bail may control a second mechanism.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an implement such as a snow thrower, the control apparatus comprising a handle having at least two substantially upright portions and a cross portion extending between the upright portions. A first bail is pivotally connected to both upright portions of the handle to pivot about a first axis. A second bail is also pivotally connected to both upright portions of the handle to pivot about a second axis that is not co-linear with the first axis. The first and second bails are both separately movable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. Both the first and second bails are independently operable from one another, and move in the same direction with respect to the handle when moving from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition. The first bail may control a first mechanism, and the second bail may control a second mechanism.

Abstract: A blow-off valve apparatus is used in an internal combustion engine having a supercharger. The apparatus has an inlet for receiving compressed air from the compressor of the supercharger, and two outlets, one of which exhausts the air to atmosphere and the other, of which is connected to the compressor inlet, to direct some of the air back to the compressor. The apparatus includes a sleeve configured for variably closing the outlets so as to vary the proportion of the air exhausted, relative to that directed back to the compressor. The sleeve can be moved manually by an actuator. A further sleeve is configured for shutting off the outlets when the engine conditions do not require air to be diverted by the apparatus, and to open them when the engine conditions are suitable.

Abstract: A self-propelled power implement having a friction drive system to transmit rotation from the engine to the wheels. The friction drive system includes an output disc and a friction disc. The output disc rotates in response to rotation from the engine's output shaft. The friction disc is coupled to the implement's wheels, and contacts the output disc and rotates in response to rotation of the output disc. The location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts determines the rotation speed of the friction disc. A flexible member is interconnected to the friction disc and a controller, and movement of the controller causes the flexible member to actuate the friction disc radially in relation to the output disc. The flexible member adjusts the location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts, and thereby adjusts the rotation speed of the friction disc and the wheels.

Abstract: A self-propelled power implement having a friction drive system to transmit rotation from the engine to the wheels. The friction drive system includes an output disc and a friction disc. The output disc rotates in response to rotation from the engine's output shaft. The friction disc is coupled to the implement's wheels, and contacts the output disc and rotates in response to rotation of the output disc. The location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts determines the rotation speed of the friction disc. A flexible member is interconnected to the friction disc and a controller, and movement of the controller causes the flexible member to actuate the friction disc radially in relation to the output disc. The flexible member adjusts the location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts, and thereby adjusts the rotation speed of the friction disc and the wheels.