Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate an intermodal facility are disclosed. In a method described herein, a carrier enters into a contractual agreement with a separate intermodal facility owner to have exclusive use of the intermodal facility. Alternatively, a rail-to-truck and/or truck-to-rail intermodal facility owner may provide non-exclusive use to multiple railroads. In one embodiment, the contractual agreement is a contingent lease. For example, if intermodal facility use falls below a threshold, a carrier may terminate the contingent lease. Preferably, the carrier has no minimum use requirements associated with the intermodal facility. Instead, the shipper associated with the carrier is charged by the intermodal facility owner based on the amount of intermodal facility use (e.g., on a per container basis). In one preferred embodiment, a real estate developer owns the intermodal facility and builds a business park near the intermodal facility in order to capture the related business.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate an intermodal facility are disclosed. In the method described herein, a carrier enters into a contractual agreement with a separate intermodal facility owner to have exclusive use of the intermodal facility. Alternatively, a rail-to-truck and/or truck-to-rail intermodal facility owner may provide non-exclusive use to multiple railroads. Preferably, the carrier has no minimum use requirements associated with the intermodal facility. For example, the carrier is not required to transfer a certain number of containers in a certain period of time, and the carrier does not have to pay a periodic fee to the intermodal facility owner. Instead, the shipper associated with the carrier is charge by the intermodal facility owner based on the amount of intermodal facility use (e.g., on a per container basis). In one embodiment, a real estate developer is the intermodal facility owner.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes an additive and a delivery system. During normal operational conditions, the lubricating oil circulating in the transmission system is collected and contained in a secondary oil reservoir to retain a quantity of the lubricating oil for use in an oil-out condition. When an oil-out condition is detected, the additive is injected and mixed with the collected lubricating oil in the secondary oil reservoir or dispersed directly into a power transmission gearbox housing to enhance the characteristics of the lubricating oil and increases the operational time period of the power transmission gearbox during an oil-out condition.

Abstract: A wall desk includes first and second compartments separated by a partition having a passage sized to allow one or more electrical cables to pass between the compartments. A panel of the wall desk may flip down from a closed position covering the first compartment to an open position providing a work surface and affording access to the first compartment. The second compartment may be sized to house an electrical socket and to store electrical cables connected to electronic devices stored in the first compartment or used on the work surface. An access door may be provided for accessing the second compartment.

Abstract: Tongs are formed by two arm members pivotly connected at one end. Each of the arm members has a plurality of sharp, pointed, pikes at their respective ends. The pikes are designed to grip the outer surface of slippery fish, including eel type fish. An extension plate extends outwardly at the end of one of the arm members to assist in securing and maintaining the fish between the arm members.

Abstract: A bearing assembly which spaces bearing elements in an unequal relationship from one bearing element pocket to the next. The spacing minimizes the likelihood that the bearing elements will rest in the exact same location on an inner and outer race to reduce the potential for false brinelling. The net result is a decreased depth of false brinelling in any one location and an increased bearing life.

Abstract: A transmission provides for the application of higher design allowables in bending, pitting, and scoring, as enabled by surface-engineering (SE) processes such as isotropic superfinishing and Me-DLC coating to effect increases in the power density of transmission systems.

Abstract: An attachable and detachable wheelchair tray with an adjustable work surface is disclosed. The adjustable work surface has two parts connected with a hinge. Part one is a horizontal stationary supporting base and part two is a movable top portion which can be tilted in an angular range of from 90 degrees to 180 degrees in relationship to the horizontal base. There is also an extendible auxiliary supporting rack attached to the movable top portion that allows the user to enlarge or reduce the work surface, thus permitting access to more items, references publications at a time. All adjustments of the work surface are easily controlled with levers, buttons or foot pedals, called “Ergo Aids” which are located on or in close proximity to the wheelchair tray, in a place that is most convenient for the seated user.

Abstract: An attachable and detachable wheelchair tray with an adjustable work surface is disclosed. The adjustable work surface has two parts connected with a hinge. Part one is a horizontal stationary supporting base and part two is a movable top portion which can be tilted in an angular range of from 90 degrees to 180 degrees in relationship to the horizontal base. There is also an extendible auxiliary supporting rack attached to the movable top portion that allows the user to enlarge or reduce the work surface, thus permitting access to more items, references, publications at a time. All adjustments of the work surface are easily controlled with levers, buttons or foot pedals, called “Ergo Aids” which are located on or in close proximity to the wheelchair tray, in a place that is most convenient for the seated user. Fluid piston cylinders using compressed air, carbon dioxide or nitrogen provide the power required to move and adjust the tray with minimal force being applied to each control.

Abstract: A handicapped accessible work table having a horizontal transparent table top, with removable plant trays, cushioned arm rest edges, and vertical legs with caster wheels. The tabletop is supported by parallel identical one piece aluminum franes. Each frame is formed from bending an aluminum bar at several points. Each side frame has vertical legs that have upper portions that bend to form supports for the table top and an upwardly bent mid-section that passes through a slot in the table top. A cross-brace bar connects the top of the opposite upwardly bent mid-sections of each frame to give the table structural support above the tabletop. Thus, wheelchairs have no obstacles when positioned about and under the edges of the table. An ultraviolet light source can be connected to the cross-brace bar so that plantings in the trays can have an adequate light source for growth when the table is used for gardening. The tabletop can include a solid working surface.

Abstract: A handicapped accessible work table having a horizontal transparent table top, with removable plant trays, cushioned arm rest edges, and vertical legs with caster wheels. The tabletop is supported by parallel identical one piece aluminum frames. Each frame is formed from bending an aluminum bar at several points. Each side frame has vertical legs that have upper portions that bend to form supports for the table top and an upwardly bent mid-section that passes through a slot in the table top. A cross-brace bar connects the top of the opposite upwardly bent mid-sections of each frame to give the table structural support above the tabletop. Thus, wheelchairs have no obstacles when positioned about and under the edges of the table. An ultraviolet light source can be connected to the cross-brace bar so that plantings in the trays can have an adequate light source for growth when the table is used for gardening. The tabletop can include a solid working surface.

Abstract: A lightweight, durable convenient, practical, versatile and efficient insect monitoring system and trap for capturing crawling and flying adult insect or larvae. The trap is a two-piece snap-on plastic unit which contains an adhesive to trap the insects and the food or pheromone to lure the insects to the trap. The trap is useful for protection of stored animal and plant products.