Abstract: A method for determining floatation of a header assembly includes mounting rotary cutters on cutterbed modules, where each cutterbed module is pivotably attached to a header framework with a pivotable module mounting mechanism that forms a cutterbar fulcrum and isolated from the header framework with an elastomeric isolator. Header pitch is determined from a position of a header pitch cylinder. A point of ground engagement of the cutterbar is calculated a using the determined header pitch. A load is measured a with a load cell positioned between the cutter bar and the header framework. A ground force of the header assembly is calculated a using the calculated point of ground engagement for the cutterbar, a distance between the cutterbar fulcrum and the calculated point of ground engagement, and a distance between the load cell and the cutterbar fulcrum. Proper floatation of the header assembly is determined by comparing the calculated ground force to a desired force.

Abstract: A header assembly of a windrower has a cutter bar pivotably mounted on a header framework so as to pivot about a cutterbar fulcrum. Cutterbed modules are arranged in series and pivotably attached to the header framework to form a cutterbar fulcrum. An elastomeric isolator is located between the each cutterbed module and the header framework. A controller receives input from a header pitch cylinder to calculate a point of ground engagement for the cutter bar. The controller is also configured to receive input from a load cell and use a distance between the cutterbar fulcrum and the calculated point of ground engagement and a distance between the load cell and the cutterbar fulcrum to calculate a ground force and compare the calculated ground force to a desired force.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for an orientation independent compressor. The subject compressor can be part of a vapor compression cycle system, and can use one or more of a variety of working fluids, including, but not limited to, refrigerants such as r-134a, r-22, CO2, and NH3. Embodiments of the compressor can utilize positive displacement apparatus to compress the vapor. In a specific embodiment, the compressor can incorporate an oil-lubricated rotary lobed type positive displacement compressor. In a further specific embodiment, the working fluid vapor can be a refrigerant, such as r-134a, incorporating entrained oil, such as miscible lubricating oils. An example of such a miscible lubricating oil that can be used is polyester (POE) oil.

Abstract: A valve and associated components and methods, and a container including such a valve. The valve may be referred to as a non-rising stem gate valve. The valve includes a gate movable by a drive assembly to open and close the valve. The drive assembly includes a thrust bearing assembly configured to resist damage due to thrust force. The thrust bearing assembly can include a race threaded to a drive shaft of the drive assembly. The race can be pinned to the drive shaft by a roll pin.

Abstract: A mouth protection system may include a formable mouth guard and a storage container. The mouth guard may include an elastic component and an inelastic component. The mouth guard may be heated, for instance, by allowing a working fluid to contact a reactant in a heating compartment. The elastic component may then become compressible in order to form to the anatomy of a wearer's mouth.

Abstract: An ear protection system may include an ear plug and a storage container. The ear plug may include an elastic component and an inelastic component. The ear plug may be heated, for instance, by filling the storage container with water, at least partially submerging the ear plug in the water filled container, and microwaving the container and the ear plug. The elastic component may then become compressible in order to form to the anatomy of the user's ear. A plurality of indentations may be provided on the elastic component to facilitate the compression. The ear plug may also accommodate electronic features, such as a speaker, as well as a lanyard for holding the ear plugs. The ear plug may be attached to, and used in conjunction with, an electronic device, which may be a communication system such as a wireless headset or speaker.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for an orientation independent compressor. The subject compressor can be part of a vapor compression cycle system, and can use one or more of a variety of working fluids, including, but not limited to, refrigerants such as r-134a, r-22, CO2, and NH3. Embodiments of the compressor can utilize positive displacement means to compress the vapor. In a specific embodiment, the compressor can incorporate an oil-lubricated rotary lobed type positive displacement compressor. In a further specific embodiment, the working fluid can be a refrigerant, such as r-134a, incorporating entrained oil, such as miscible lubricating oils. An example of such a miscible lubricating oil that can be used is polyester (POE) oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle for use in tissue engineering and/or surgical procedures comprising a Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) receptor ligand: The vehicle may be a prosthesis, implant, matrix, stent, gauze, bandage, plaster, biodegradable matrix, or polymeric film the invention also provides a method of forming a vehicle of the invention.