Abstract: A scissor gear assembly may include first and second gears, a friction plate, and a biasing member. The first gear may have a first number (n) of gear teeth extending from a perimeter thereof. The second gear may have a second number (m) of gear teeth extending from a perimeter thereof and may be concentrically mounted relative to the first gear and rotatable relative to the first gear. The second number (m) of gear teeth may be greater than the first number (n) of gear teeth. The friction plate may be rotationally fixed relative to the first gear. The biasing member may have a first end axially fixed relative to the first gear and a second end axially biasing the second gear and the friction plate into engagement with one another.

Abstract: An engine gear drive assembly may include first and second taper gears and a biasing member. The first taper gear may be rotationally and axially fixed to the first rotary engine component. The second taper gear may be rotationally fixed to the second rotary engine component and axially displaceable relative to the second rotary engine component. The biasing member may bias the second taper gear in a first axial direction into engagement with the first taper gear.

Abstract: An electronic drive unit includes a case housing that extends along a primary axis. A sleeve shaft and an electric motor are disposed in the hollow interior of the case housing. The electric motor is operatively connected to the sleeve shaft to rotate the sleeve shaft about the primary axis. At least one gear set is disposed in operative engagement with the sleeve shaft and is configured for rotation about the primary axis. A pair of output shafts each extends along the primary axis within the case housing. The output shafts are rotatably connected to the gear set and are configured for rotation about the primary axis. The gear set is configured to translate rotation of the sleeve shaft into rotation of the output shafts about the primary axis at a rotational velocity that is less than the rotational velocity of the sleeve shaft.

Abstract: The disclosed invention directs the current path of the light source through a signal rectifier and series switch, which is controlled by the pulse width modulation (PWM) generator based on the input intensity level. The direct current series switch (i.e. MOSFET) does not require a minimum current level, or “holding current”, to respond correctly to the control signal. The modulated control signal continues over the entire cycle period, which ensures accurate duty cycle control regardless of the minimum forward voltage bias, or “turn on voltage”, of the light source. In addition, accurate duty cycle control allows the possibility of non-linear dimming curves to compensate for human factors or characteristics of the light source. The high frequency (i.e. >2 kHz) of the modulation results in the users perception of consistent intensity and smooth transitions.

Abstract: A method for engraving an image on a surface of an article selected from a group consisting of brick, ceramic tile, concrete pavers and natural stone articles, comprising providing a laser engraving apparatus comprising a steerable laser beam, steering the laser beam continuously over a first beam path on the surface to provide an engraved image and repeatedly traversing the laser beam over a path substantially parallel to the first beam path and incrementally spaced therefrom to define a perimeter of the engraved image. The method further comprises steering the laser beam within an infill area defined by the perimeter of the engraved image to provide a plurality of engraved segments extending within infill area.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically marketing cattle is provided comprising a buyer interface, a producer interface, a network, and a cattle information server. The cattle information server receives information from the buyer interface defining a plurality of demand profiles at least one which contains information specifying a first pre-conditioning program. The cattle information server also receives information from the producer interface defining a supply profile that specifies a second pre-conditioning program and stores the demand profiles and supply profile in a database. The cattle information server searches the database to determine if one or more of the demand profiles match the supply profile based at least in part on a comparison of the first and second pre-conditioning programs and identifies at least one demand profile in response to a match between the supply profile and the demand profile.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically marketing cattle is provided comprising a buyer interface, a producer interface, a network, and an cattle information server. The cattle information server receives information from the buyer interface defining a plurality of demand profiles at least one which contains information specifying a first pre-conditioning program. The cattle information server also receives information from the producer interface defining a supply profile that specifies a second pre-conditioning program and stores the demand profiles and supply profile in a database. The cattle information server searches the database to determine if one or more of the demand profiles match the supply profile based at least in part on a comparison of the first and second pre-conditioning programs and identifies at least one demand profile in response to a match between the supply profile and the demand profile.

Abstract: A retaining device or snap-ring for retaining a mating hub and drum within a transmission is provided. The device is insertable into a groove along the inner circumference of a circular flange and includes a main outer loop, an opening for dividing the snap-ring into two deflectable curvilinear portions and at least partially defined by a tabular extension projecting from each curvilinear member. The tabular extensions provide sufficient surface area for applying deflective or compressive force to the snap-ring and are contoured to facilitate use of a deflection tool. The snap-ring further comprises an externally-projecting secondary loop for reducing deflection force, or an internally-projecting secondary loop for increasing deflection force. The snap-ring may be used within a double-flange hub having a plurality of slots for facilitating insertion of the secondary loop and the tabular extensions within the flange groove.

Abstract: An outer needle bearing race and thrust washer assembly provides improved lubrication for a pinion gear of a planetary gear assembly. The bearing race and thrust washer assembly are used in pairs with the bearing races disposed within the planet or pinion gear and the thrust washers disposed adjacent the end faces of the planet or pinion gear. Each assembly includes a cylindrical bearing portion having a crowned, i.e., convex, inner surface which is secured at one end to a thrust washer. The outside face of the washer includes a plurality of shallow radial channels or grooves. A plurality of oil passageways extend from the grooved surface of the washer to its opposite surface inside the cylindrical bearing portion.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running an isolation device into the well and using the isolation device to form a seal to create a first region of the well isolating the surface of the well from a second higher pressure region of the well. The technique includes running an assembly into the first region and engaging the isolation device with the assembly to remove the seal. After removal of the seal, the isolation device and assembly are run together further into the well.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes first and second output gear sets having co-planar intermeshing gears axially-spaced from one another. Each has a first gear intermeshing with a second gear, one of which is connected for common rotation with an output shaft or a first countershaft and the other of which is connected for rotation about and selectively engagable with the other of the output shaft and first countershaft by a respective output torque-transmitting mechanism. A direct drive torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable for transferring torque from the input shaft to the output shaft when neither of the output torque-transmitting mechanisms is engaged. The first output torque-transmitting mechanism is engaged during underdrive gear ratios and the second output torque-transmitting mechanism is engaged during overdrive gear ratios. The order of engagement of torque-transmitting mechanisms during the underdrive gear ratios may be repeated during the overdrive gear ratios.

Abstract: A retaining device or snap-ring for retaining a mating hub and drum within a transmission is provided. The device is insertable into a groove along the inner circumference of a circular flange and includes a main outer loop, an opening for dividing the snap-ring into two deflectable curvilinear portions and at least partially defined by a tabular extension projecting from each curvilinear member. The tabular extensions provide sufficient surface area for applying deflective or compressive force to the snap-ring and are contoured to facilitate use of a deflection tool. The snap-ring further comprises an externally-projecting secondary loop for reducing deflection force, or an internally-projecting secondary loop for increasing deflection force. The snap-ring may be used within a double-flange hub having a plurality of slots for facilitating insertion of the secondary loop and the tabular extensions within the flange groove.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, managing and reporting feedlot data and feed additive consumption data are provided. More particularly, methods of determining effects of feed additives on livestock and methods of determining a number of doses of animal health product provided to livestock are disclosed. One method of determining effects of a feed additive on livestock includes steps: determining feed additive consumption by correlating feed consumption data to additive levels contained in feed; and matching feed additive consumption to a live performance record, a harvest performance record, and/or an animal health performance record. In another embodiment, a method of determining a number of doses of animal health product provided to livestock includes steps: determining a total quantity of animal health product provided to the livestock; determining a dose amount for the animal health product; and dividing the total quantity of animal health product provided by the dose amount.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The assembly includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm cam-mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces. The balanced blade provides a functional asymmetry for improved visibility at the blade tip and a multitude of edges and surfaces, designed to provide a multitude of tissue effects: clamped coagulation, clamped cutting, grasping, back-cutting, dissection, spot coagulation, tip penetration and tip scoring. The assembly also features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. Hand switches are placed in the range of the natural axial motion of the user's index or middle fingers, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed.

Abstract: Devices and methods comprise or provide an ECG recording device containing a mailable base and electrode assembly and/or other means engageable with the base to receive ECG signals from a subject during a self-administered ECG examination. The devices and methods may also include a single-use or limited-use ECG recording device, in which the base is disposable or reusable or recyclable. In addition, the device may be self-contained, battery-operated, portable, disposable, mailable to a location remote from an ECG examination, provide feedback, indicate its method of use, including graphically depicting same, contain a finger cuff and/or sensor pad for receiving ECG signals, and/or contain a memory. Preferably, the base conforms to various body shapes and/or sizes, is made of flexible and/or semi-flexible material, and/or contains a receptor, such as sealable blood well.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running an isolation device into the well and using the isolation device to form a seal to create a first region of the well isolating the surface of the well from a second higher pressure region of the well. The technique includes running an assembly into the first region and engaging the isolation device with the assembly to remove the seal. After removal of the seal, the isolation device and assembly are run together further into the well.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting, managing and reporting feedlot cattle data and feed additive consumption data is provided. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method and system for collecting data including demographic data, animal health data, feedlot performance data, feed data, and carcass data from standard accounting systems, validating the data, normalizing the data using mapping and matching protocols, and reporting the data.

Abstract: A device and method for repairing spinal discs in which the nucleus has been damaged. A central section of the nucleus is cored out using a device which ablates the tissue using RF energy. A nucleus implant comprising a shape memory material is placed in the central section of the disc through a cannula, which implant is activated by body heat to expand and fill the central section, such that the implant emulates the functions and strength of the disc's natural nucleus.

Abstract: A brick, and similar article, engraving process utilizes a CO2 continuous beam laser guided over a beam path which outlines a graphic image on the article being engraved and repeats the beam path at incrementally spaced positions of the beam until the width of the graphic image is defined, thereby concentrating the heat of the laser engraving process in the vicinity of the graphic image during the process. The graphic image may be engraved in one or two passes of the beam over the surface of the article being engraved, such as common construction brick, wherein the engraving has minimal reflectivity and is of a uniform dark color providing an enhanced aesthetically pleasing engraved article.

Abstract: A limited slip differential for vehicular applications that eliminates chattering noise from the differential while maintaining seal integrity. This is accomplished by the use of a differential casing that includes at least a pair of fluid seals isolating a first chamber for bathing the respective differential components in a fluid lubricant appropriate to the contained components. A fluid lubricant, such as one containing a friction modifier is particularly suitable for the array of friction plates and pads of a disk pack, but can be detrimental to sealing elements, such as about the pinion gear. The separate chambers allows for the use of different fluid lubricants.