Abstract: A knot stretcher for use in tightening splice knots that connect twine balls on an agricultural baler. The knot stretcher includes a pair of pulling bars connected at pulling bar pivot at one end of each of the pulling bars, and a pair of levers, where one of the pair of levers is attached in a middle section of its respective pulling bar. Each lever has a handle portion at one end and an arm portion extending from an elbow formed in the lever. Each lever attaches to its respective pulling bar with a fixed pivot located near the elbow and distal ends of the arm portions of the two levers are attached at a moving pivot. The knot stretcher has clamping jaws positioned on the pulling bars to securely clamp a respective one of the twine tails of the splice knot that is to be tightened.

Abstract: An adjustable joint is to be provided along a tube, such as a grain unloading tube of a combine harvester. A bearing system is provided between the facing end of first and second tubes. allowing a controllable bend to be provided between the first tube and the second tube. The bearing system is actuated to control the bend. The bearing system has first and second first tubular wedges which face each other at the sloped ends, and bearings around the outside ends and the facing ends. A relative rotation angle is set between the first and second tubular wedges to set the degree of bend.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for two-step hardware authentication for machine monitoring systems. In one embodiment, a machine monitoring system can include a first hardware lock having a locked-state and an unlocked-state. The monitoring system can also include a second hardware lock including a sensor to detect first identification indicia of a user. The machine monitoring system can further include a data port configured to operatively couple to a computing device of the user. The data port can have an enable state and a disable state. The monitoring machine can include a processor operatively coupled to the first hardware lock, the second hardware lock, and the data port. The processor can be configured to receive data characterizing the activation of the first hardware lock and the first identification indicia of the user, and activate the data port to the computing device of the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for two-step hardware authentication for machine monitoring systems. In one embodiment, a machine monitoring system can include a first hardware lock having a locked-state and an unlocked-state. The monitoring system can also include a second hardware lock including a sensor to detect first identification indicia of a user. The machine monitoring system can further include a data port configured to operatively couple to a computing device of the user. The data port can have an enable state and a disable state. The monitoring machine can include a processor operatively coupled to the first hardware lock, the second hardware lock, and the data port. The processor can be configured to receive data characterizing the activation of the first hardware lock and the first identification indicia of the user, and activate the data port to the computing device of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for easily connecting the wires of a fixture or appliance to the wires carrying the electrical current of a building or structure comprised of a first piece that secures to an outlet box in a ceiling or wall and a second piece that fits over the first piece. The wires carrying the electrical current are affixed to electrical conductors of the first piece. When the second piece, already a part of the fixture or appliance to be installed, is fitted over the first piece, the electric connections are completed and the electrical current travels to the fixture or appliance.

Abstract: A single process for forming a finished component is described herewith. The process includes providing a core having two outer layers on each side of the core. A water activated resin system is provided that includes a resin and applicator for applying resin to the outer layers at the core. A film layer used for creating a final finished product is placed over the core and resin layers. The layers are pressed to form the finished product.

Abstract: The present invention provides combination therapies for treating a disease, disorder, or condition, and methods thereof.

Abstract: A combination shelf and serving tray assembly includes a tray provided with a platform removably supported upon a frame mounted within a refrigerator cabinet. The platform can be removed from the cabinet and used as a serving tray. A lower end of the platform is provided with various spaced projections in the form of legs or nubs, preferably having elastomeric tips. The frame includes fore-to-aft extending rails having slots formed therein into which the legs are adapted to extend. The length of the slots and the spacing between the legs permit sliding of the tray between extended and retracted positions within the refrigerator cabinet.

Abstract: Process for purifying trioctyl phosphate containing emulsifier impurities comprising alkali metal salts of dioctyl phosphoric acid and monooctyl phosphoric acid by contacting the trioctyl phosphate with a mineral acid to neutralize the emulsifier impurities and to provide a two-phase system having an organic phase and an aqueous phase wherein the pH value of the aqueous phase is below 3.0, separating the organic phase from the aqueous phase, dehydrating the organic phase, and removing neutralized impurities by absorption on an absorbent material leaving a substantially pure trioctyl phosphate having an interfacial tension of about 18 to about 24 dynes/cm. The purified trioctyl phosphate has exceptional utility as a solvent in the anthraquinone process for producing hydrogen peroxide.