Abstract: Peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other contaminants and impurities from industrial processing hard surfaces are disclosed. In particular, peroxyformic acid compositions may be dosed on site and/or generated in situ for the reduction and prevention of biofilms on the hard surfaces. Methods of employing the peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other impurities such as aldehydes and alcohols from industrial CO2 effluent are also disclosed which beneficially provide ambient biofilm control and break down more rapidly than other peracids, allowing for extended runs between CIP cleaning, including a reduction and/or elimination of cleaning of the scrubbers and other industrial surfaces.

Abstract: The use of nondestructive inspection (NDI) capabilities for the detection of fatigue cracks extending from fastener holes in multi-layered metallic structures without removing the fastener; including at least the use of a probe guide containing a UT sensor and either an inertial measurement unit (IMU) or a rotary encoder, and either of these options could be applied in testing of either raised head fasteners or flush fasteners.

Abstract: A system for inspecting railroad ties in a railroad track includes a light generator, an optical receiver and a processor. The light generator is oriented to project a beam of light across the railroad track while moving along the railroad track in a travel direction. The optical receiver is oriented to receive at least a portion of the beam of light reflected from the railroad track and configured to generate image data representative of a profile of at least a portion of the railroad track. The processor is configured to analyze the image data by applying one or more algorithms configured to find boundaries of a railroad tie and determine one or more condition metrics associated with the railroad tie.

Abstract: A system for inspecting railroad ties in a railroad track includes a light generator, an optical receiver and a processor. The light generator is oriented to project a beam of light across the railroad track while moving along the railroad track in a travel direction. The optical receiver is oriented to receive at least a portion of the beam of light reflected from the railroad track and configured to generate image data representative of a profile of at least a portion of the railroad track. The processor is configured to analyze the image data by applying one or more algorithms configured to find boundaries of a railroad tie and determine one or more condition metrics associated with the railroad tie.

Abstract: A system for inspecting railroad ties in a railroad track includes a light generator, an optical receiver and a processor. The light generator is oriented to project a beam of light across the railroad track while moving along the railroad track in a travel direction. The optical receiver is oriented to receive at least a portion of the beam of light reflected from the railroad track and configured to generate image data representative of a profile of at least a portion of the railroad track. The processor is configured to analyze the image data by applying one or more algorithms configured to find boundaries of a railroad tie and determine one or more condition metrics associated with the railroad tie.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including an engine housing having a cam chamber and an aperture providing access to the cam chamber. The engine also includes an insert at least partially made from plastic received within the aperture, a crankshaft coupled to the engine housing for rotation about a crank axis, and a cam shaft defining a cam shaft axis and at least partially made from plastic that is rotatably driven by the crankshaft. The cam shaft includes first and second ends and at least one cam lobe positioned between the ends. The first end is rotatably supported by the engine housing and the second end is rotatably supported by the insert. The engine also includes a metal portion coupled to either the insert or the cam shaft. The metal portion defines a flange having a face in contact with an adjacent surface of the other of the insert and the cam shaft.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides an internal combustion engine including an engine housing having a crankcase defining a crank chamber adapted to contain a lubricant. The engine also includes a crankshaft coupled to the engine housing for rotation about a crank axis, the crankshaft disposed within the crank chamber, and a counterweight disposed on the crankshaft for rotation with the crankshaft about the crank axis. The engine further includes a splasher disposed on the crankshaft for rotation with the crankshaft about the crank axis. The splasher is adapted to direct the lubricant in a radial direction away from the crank axis and in an axial direction substantially parallel to the crank axis during rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A four-stroke internal combustion engine is provided that is capable of use in many power tools, including those power tools subjected to tippable applications. The engine includes an oil reservoir and a crank chamber separated by a divider. The divider includes a slot that allows lubricant to move from the oil reservoir into the crank chamber and from the crank chamber into the oil reservoir in response to pressure fluctuations of the engine. The engine can include an insert positioned within the slot to at least partially restrict the slot thereby modifying the lubricant communication between the crank chamber and the oil reservoir through the slot. The insert can be wedge-shaped and at least partially define a passage such that when the insert is positioned within the slot the transfer of lubricant between the crank chamber and the oil reservoir occurs through the passage.

Abstract: Shoes for use in demanding applications, primarily athletics, are made from a three-dimensional fiber network that is semi-rigid and resilient. The fiber network is made from a textile fabric that has an array of projections made from the same fabric rising from the plane of the fabric.

Abstract: Cast padding materials and padding and lining materials for other orthopedic devices are made from three dimensional fiber networks which are semi-rigid and dimensionally stable. The fiber networks are made from textile fabrics that have projections and optional depressions which are compressible and return to their original shape after being compressed. The fiber networks are made by the thermo-mechanical deformation of textile fabrics that are in turn made from thermoplastic fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the servicing of a printed circuit board which is removed from a support structure. An extender board is inserted into the space from which the board to be serviced is removed, and the extender board has zero-insertion-force connectors thereon to provide electrical connections to the board to be serviced. A collapsible support is used to support the board being serviced, and additional power connections are supplied to enable the board being serviced to maintain normal board-to-board signal flow while being examined outside of the support structure.