Abstract: Pesticidal proteins are provided that combine two or more modes of action into a single molecule. These pesticidal proteins therefor exhibit greater efficacy and/or durability of resistance, for the purposes of pest control, and can be utilized for pest control by provision in the diet of a pest organism, or by topical application to crop plants and/or pests. Methods and compositions for producing and using such proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for filtering particles from an airflow are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, the system includes a chamber, an airflow and particle inlet, a concentrator, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The airflow and particle inlet is adapted to direct at least a portion of the airflow and the particles into the chamber. The concentrator is adapted to concentrate the particles from the airflow and particle inlet into a space within the chamber. The first outlet is in flow communication with the concentrator and adapted to allow the concentrated particles to exit the system, while minimizing an amount of air exiting therefrom. The second outlet is in flow communication with the chamber and is adapted to allow substantially all of the airflow to exit therethrough.

Abstract: Systems for filtering particles from an airflow are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, the system includes a chamber, an airflow and particle inlet, a concentrator, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The airflow and particle inlet is adapted to direct at least a portion of the airflow and the particles into the chamber. The concentrator is adapted to concentrate the particles from the airflow and particle inlet into a space within the chamber. The first outlet is in flow communication with the concentrator and adapted to allow the concentrated particles to exit the system, while minimizing an amount of air exiting therefrom. The second outlet is in flow communication with the chamber and is adapted to allow substantially all of the airflow to exit therethrough.

Abstract: A filter configured to be disposed within an air passage, for providing filtered air to a pneumatically controlled component. In one embodiment, the filter comprises a main body having first and second ends and a passageway extending therebetween, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second sides. The first and second sides converge at least proximate the trailing edge and are separated from one another by a longitudinal slit that extends along a section thereof. The leading edge is configured to divide a main airflow containing particles into first and second airflow portions. The first airflow portion contains particles and is directed through the air passage and the second airflow portion is substantially particle-free and directed through the longitudinal slit into the main body passage.

Abstract: A pet bowl assembly which provides protection for the food from birds by means of a swinging cover and protection from crawling insects by means of a water channel surrounding the food bowl. A pet watering dish, which provides fresh drinking water from the water channel. The water dish is sufficiently sized to allow the pets lapping to clean the bowl during each use. A combination of the food bowl and watering dish which provides protection form birds, crawling insects and contaminated drinking water. Means are provided to allow for internal cleaning of the assembly, means for use in larger constructions, means for lifting the food from the ground and means for providing food and water for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A passive ATS lubrication system is provided that includes a starter housing, a receptacle and two valves. The starter housing is adapted to couple to a gearbox assembly and includes a supply opening and an exhaust opening that are each configured to provide fluid communication between the gearbox assembly and the starter housing. The receptacle is coupled to the starter housing proximate the supply opening to thereby define a reservoir. The first valve is disposed within the reservoir and configured to open or close the supply opening in response to a pressure differential between the starter housing and the gearbox assembly. The second valve is coupled to the starter housing proximate to the exhaust opening and configured to open or close the exhaust opening in response to the pressure differential between the starter housing and the gearbox assembly.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for use in pneumatic actuators uses two or more diaphragms, one nested inside of the other. Each of the diaphragms, when shaped, includes a fabric pattern. The fabric patterns on each of the diaphragms are aligned one with another upon installation into a pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for use in pneumatic actuators uses two or more diaphragms, one nested inside of the other. Each of the diaphragms, when shaped, includes a fabric pattern. The fabric patterns on each of the diaphragms are aligned one with another upon installation into a pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: A butterfly valve (30) in which an actuator (38) is secured to the plate (36). The actuator (38) is carried with the plate (36) when the latter moves. The plate (36) may be revolvable and translatable relative to the shaft (42). The actuator (38) may be used to open and adjust a pilot valve (94) secured to and carried with the plate (36), and to revolve or translate the plate (36) relative to the shaft (42) in order to vary hydrodynamic torque exerted on the plate (36).

Abstract: A fluidfoil (78) for use in guiding fluid-borne vehicles has first and second bodies (82, 80) arranged in telescoping relation and collectively defining the leading and trailing edges (18, 20) of the fluidfoil so that the chord length (24) of the fluidfoil is variable. The bodies (82, 80) are rotatable about a shaft (16) defining an axis (14) in fixed positional relation to the leading edge (18), and the fluidfoil (78) is operable under the influence of a relatively moving, surrounding fluid medium (22) to assume an angle of attack which depends on chord length (24).

Abstract: A butterfly valve adapted for controlled variation in the area of the leading wing of the valve plate. The valve plate is comprised of two parallel plate-like members which are relatively translatable in mutually parallel directions. The relative translational movement further covers or uncovers an open area formed through one of the two members on the leading wing thereof. Movement of the valve plate occurs as either rotational movement of the entire valve plate or relative translational movement between the foresaid members. The type of movement depends on whether the force exerted on the members by a biasing mechanism is exceeded by the torque exerted on the valve plate by a conveyed fluid.

Abstract: A flow modulator (48) for a butterfly valve (40) incorporates a first protrusion (64) on the high-pressure side (52) of the modulator and a second protrusion (66) on the low-pressure side (54). The second protrusion (66) is spaced from the leading edge (60) to define a surface portion (88) of the low-pressure side (54). In operation, the second protrusion (66) functions as a flow restrictor that increases pressure in a region (86) of the flow path (44) bordered in part by the second protrusion and the surface portion (88). This increase in pressure serves to minimize the net aerodynamically-induced closing torque exerted on the modulator (46). The height of the second protrusion and its distance from the leading edge are shown to be important design parameters. In addition, the use of a third protrusion (114) for reducing torque drop-off at high rotational angles is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for facilitating control of a butterfly valve, butterfly valves (40, 180) adapted for use with the method, and a fluid system (242) incorporating such valves are disclosed. All three use or incorporate butterfly valve structure that provides for relative translational movement (246) between the valve plate (42, 182, 248) and a pivot axis (232) in order to alter fluid dynamic torque exerted on the valve plate.

Abstract: a balanced butterfly valve method and apparatus having a valve plate pivotally supported within a mounting body. The valve plate is capable of both rotational and translational movement in response to rotation of an input shaft. A spring is provided to resist translational movement of the valve plate. Differential gearing is used to convert rotational movement of the input shaft into rotational and translational movement of the valve plate depending on the relationship between the force exerted by the spring and the torque exerted on the valve plate by the fluid.

Abstract: A method for exploiting the net torque exerted by a conveyed fluid on the valve plate of a butterfly valve to facilitate control of the valve, and a butterfly valve (40) adapted for use with the method are disclosed. The method employs translational movement of the valve plate to facilitate rotational movement of the same and to effect dynamic torque balancing. The butterfly valve (40) employs a differential gear (50) as a mechanical resolver to produce either rotational or translational components of movement depending on whether the net torque exerted by the fluid is sufficiently high to overcome impedance to translational movement.

Abstract: A butterfly valve includes a duct defining a fluid flow path and a plate-like valve member pivotal in the duct to in one position span and close the latter. The valve member is pivotal to a second position spanning the duct and extending parallel to the flow path to allow fluid flow therein. Means are provided for altering the effective area distribution of the valve member about its pivot axis to decrease the operating torque required by the inventive valve in comparison with conventional butterfly valves.

Abstract: A butterfly valve (30) is described in which the plate member (32) is in facing relationship with a hollow shaft (34) and is moved by pistons (50, 52) disposed in the shaft. The pistons (50, 52) are mechanically coupled to the plate member (32) by cam followers (58, 60) which ride along cams (40, 42, 46, 48) formed in the shaft (34) and plate member. The plate member (32) is capable of both revolutionary and translation movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (34) toward the end of minimizing the externally supplied energy required to operate the valve (30). The pistons (50, 52) collectively have a center of mass that coincides with the center of the duct (68) toward the end of minimizing vibrational effects.

Abstract: A butterfly valve includes a duct defining a fluid flow path and a plate-like valve member pivotal in the duct to in one position span and close the latter. The valve member is pivotal to a second position spanning the duct and extending parallel to the flow path to allow fluid flow therein. Means are provided for altering the effective area distribution of the valve member about its pivot axis to decrease the operating torque required by the inventive valve in comparison with conventional butterfly valves.

Abstract: A butterfly-type check valve (30) employs a secondary check valve (38) that is carried on the valve plate (36). The valve plate (36) is revolvable and translatable relative to the pivot shaft (34). In operation, the check valve (30) opens in response to a change in aerodynamic forces which act on the valve plate (36), the change being effected as a response to the opening of the secondary check valve (38). As the valve plate (36) rotates to an open position, its revolutionary movement relative to the shaft (34) changes the location of pivot points (40) relative to the surface (62) of the plate. This changes the areas (42, 44) of the surface (62) on both sides of the pivot points (40) so that the aerodynamic forces cause the valve (30) to open still further.

Abstract: A butterfly valve includes a duct defining a fluid flow path and a plate-like valve member pivotal in the duct to in one position open and close the latter. The valve member is pivotal to a second position spanning the duct and extending parallel to the flow path to allow fluid flow therein. Means are provided for altering the effective area distribution of the valve member about its pivot axis in order to effect pivotal movement of the valve member in response to fluid dynamic flow forces. An actuator carried upon the valve member cooperates with the duct to forcefully effect initial opening and final closing movements of the valve member.