Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a dynamic resource trust can receive and distribute physical quantities of a resource at a future date. These systems and methods can be implemented in a computer system that dynamically designs and/or values shares of the trust's resources. These systems and methods can permit potential users of resources to tailor the amounts of resources they obtain under different market conditions in the future, with potentially lower costs than costs associated with futures contracts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a dynamic resource trust can receive and distribute physical quantities of a resource at a future date. These systems and methods can be implemented in a computer system that dynamically designs and/or values shares of the trust's resources. These systems and methods can permit potential users of resources to tailor the amounts of resources they obtain under different market conditions in the future, with potentially lower costs than costs associated with futures contracts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a dynamic resource trust can receive and distribute physical quantities of a resource at a future date. These systems and methods can be implemented in a computer system that dynamically designs and/or values shares of the trust's resources. These systems and methods can permit potential users of resources to tailor the amounts of resources they obtain under different market conditions in the future, with potentially lower costs than costs associated with futures contracts.

Abstract: As an improvement for eliminating lingering bathroom odor, a few drops of an appropriate fluid mixture such as a chlorinated hydrocarbon containing a small amount of a volatile fragrant fluid is added to water in a toilet bowl prior to the use of the toilet. A unique property of the first fluid causes the resultant mixture to spread quickly over the entire surface of the water, forming a nonpermeable film across which the odor emanating from unflushed feces cannot pass. The second fluid quickly vaporizes from this film allowing the resulting concentrated fragrance to neutralize within the toilet bowl the flatulence odor produced during a bowel movement. A person sitting upon the toilet seat actuates a semiautomatic fluid dispenser.

Abstract: For a die casting machine 10, an alignment tool having a tubular connecting sleeve 19 inserted in the shot sleeve 18 of the die casting machine 10 and concentrically aligned with the shot sleeve 18 by tapered cones 20 and 22 engaging the ends of the shot sleeve 18. A rotatable shaft 25 is disposed within the connecting sleeve 19 and carries one or more brackets 28 on its outer ends. Mounted on the bracket 28 is a dial indicator 33 having a work piece engaging spindle point 33a to bear on alternative surfaces of the die casting machine such as the die 17 or outside diameter of the shot sleeve 18 to detect and visually indicate any misalignment of the shot sleeve 18, die 17 and front platen 16 when the rotatable shaft 25 is rotated within the connecting sleeve 19.

Abstract: Automatic ladle systems adapted for use in metal die casting operations are disclosed herein. In a preferred form the invention comprises a rigid, supporting base on which a control platform is rotatably mounted for radially moving a ladle between a metal filling and metal pouring positions. The ladle is coupled to the platform by support arm structure extending from the platform which may be raised or lowered with a hydraulic cylinder. A parallelogram linkage system couples the ladle to the end of the support arm structure. Reach extension apparatus extending between the linkage and the platform moves the ladle outwardly with respect to the base during movement to a filling position. The reach extension apparatus and the parallelogram linkage allow the horizontal position of the ladle pour spout to remain substantially constant during raising and lowering of the ladle to prevent spillage. A tilting system interconnected with the linkage facilitates ladle draining.

Abstract: A fluid operated valve device which effects a time delay in the shifting of a main valve spool. Pressurized pilot fluid is metered at a controlled rate through an air filter and a spiral groove which is restricted in size to delay the pressure build up of the fluid. When the pressure builds up sufficiently, a timer piston is shifted to break its seal with the main valve spool so that fluid can pass through the piston into a pressure chamber. The fluid pressure in the chamber shifts the main valve spool to control application of fluid to the load. When the pilot pressure is relieved, fluid flows at a high speed along a return path that passes the base of the air filter to create a suction effect which extracts dirt from the filter and purges it from the system. The pressure reduction allows springs to return the main valve spool and the timer piston into sealing position.

Abstract: To detect fluid leakage in a hydraulic directional control valve, a plate is installed between the valve and its mounting subplate. Passages through the plate connect with the pressure inlet and tank ports of the valve, while the load ports of the valve are blocked by the plate. Leaking fluid flows out of the tank port and passes through an orifice across which a pressure differential develops in proportion to the leakage rate. The pressure differential is applied to a piston which retracts an indicator knob within the plate when an unacceptable leakage rate is present. A modified form of the invention detects the combined leakage rate in the valve and the load which it controls. Rather than blocking the load ports, the modified plate has passages which connect with the load ports of the valve to deliver fluid to the load. An orifice is located in the passage of the plate which connects with the pressure inlet port of the valve.

Abstract: A portable strain gauge for measuring stress in a bar. The instrument includes a pair of spaced magnetic bases that magnetically adhere to the bar. A pair of mounting pads may be firmly strapped to the bar at suitable spacing in order to mount the bases in situations where the bar is nonmagnetic. An actuator rod has one end fixed to the first base and its other end freely slides in an axial direction relative to the second base. A pivotal lever is spring biased against the actuator rod to pivot in proportion to movement of the rod relative to the second base as the bar is stressed. A dial indicator includes a plunger that is spring biased against the lever at a location offset from the actuator rod. The lever displaces the plunger in proportion to the movement of the actuator rod in order to mechanically convert the strain on the bar into stress which is indicated on the dial indicator.