Abstract: A trailer (T) and a dock (D) are provided with substantially identical slat conveyors (10, 12). Each conveyor (10, 12) has alternating conveyor slats (36, 36?) and lifting/holding slats (38, 38?). The trailer (T) is backed up to the dock (D). Upper portions of the lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) are coupled together at their ends. The confronting ends of the conveying slats (36, 36?) are also coupled together. A mechanism carried by the dock (D) raises and lowers the upper portions of the two sets of lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) a drive mechanism carried by the dock (D) where it reciprocates both sets of conveying slats (36, 36?).

Abstract: A base structure (10) for a reciprocating slat conveyor is formed from a plurality of cellular base sections (18) that are connected by tongue and groove joints (28, 30). Each section is constructed from a lower wall (20), an upper wall (22) placed vertically above the lower wall (20), first and second opposite side portions (22, 24) connected to the upper and lower walls (22, 20) and a plurality of divider walls (26) spaced apart between the side portions (22, 24) and extending vertically between the upper and lower walls (20, 22). Each base section (18) comprises at least one elongated guide beam (36) that extends upwardly from the upper wall (22). The guide beam (36) has a top (42) on which an elongated bearing (14) is placed. The bearing (14) snaps onto the top (20) and a conveyor slat (16) snaps onto the bearing (14).

Abstract: A storage tank defines a cryogen space for storing a cryogenic liquid. The storage tank comprises a combined fill and vent assembly, which comprises a conduit having a first end with an opening disposed within an upper part of the cryogen space, and a second end outside of the cryogen space that is connected to a receptacle, to which a re-filling nozzle can be attached. A check valve disposed in the conduit allows flow only in the direction of filling the cryogen space with cryogenic liquid from the receptacle. A by-pass line is provided around the check valve with a valve disposed in the by-pass line that is operable to open or close to control flow through the by-pass line. The method comprises attaching a re-filling nozzle to the receptacle and opening the by-pass valve to vent vapor from the cryogen space to reduce vapor pressure therein and to cool the conduit, receptacle, re-filling nozzle, and fill line.

Abstract: Opposite end sections (20, 26) of a piston/cylinder drive unit (14) are clamped to longitudinally spaced apart transverse mounting beams (10, 12), by a fixed clamp parts connected to the mounting beams (10, 12) and removable clamp parts that are connected by bolts to the fixed clamp parts. The piston rod end sections (20, 26) include longitudinal passageways having outer end openings that project outwardly from the clamps. Manifolds are secured to the mounting beams (10, 12) outwardly of the end openings in the piston rod end sections (20, 26). A detachable coupling connects ports in the manifold with the end openings in the piston rod end sections (20, 26). The piston cylinder drive unit (14) can be detached from the frame by first detaching the fluid couplings and then detaching the clamps which clamp the piston rod end sections (20, 26) to the mounting beams (10, 12).

Abstract: Opposite end sections (20, 26) of a piston/cylinder drive unit (14) are clamped to longitudinally spaced apart transverse mounting beams (10, 12), by a fixed clamp parts connected to the mounting beams (10, 12) and removable clamp parts that are connected by bolts to the fixed clamp parts. The piston rod end sections (20, 26) include longitudinal passageways having outer end openings that project outwardly from the clamps. Manifolds are secured to the mounting beams (10, 12) outwardly of the end openings in the piston rod end sections (20, 26). A detachable coupling connects ports in the manifold with the end openings in the piston rod end sections (20, 26). The piston cylinder drive unit (14) can be detached from the frame by first detaching the fluid couplings and then detaching the clamps which clamp the piston rod end sections (20, 26) to the mounting beams (10, 12).

Abstract: A base structure (10) for a reciprocating slat conveyor is formed from a plurality of cellular base sections (18) that are connected by tongue and groove joints (28, 30). Each section is constructed from a lower wall (20), an upper wall (22) placed vertically above the lower wall (20), first and second opposite side portions (22, 24) connected to the upper and lower walls (22, 20) and a plurality of divider walls (26) spaced apart between the side portions (22, 24) and extending vertically between the upper and lower walls (20, 22). Each base section (18) comprises at least one elongated guide beam (36) that extends upwardly from the upper wall (22). The guide beam (36) has a top (42) on which an elongated bearing (14) is placed. The bearing (14) snaps onto the top (20) and a conveyor slat (16) snaps onto the bearing (14).

Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount, and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a ‘mystery box’, which requires a decision within a decision. When presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented, including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's account, or the updating of the safe level for the player. A negative result could be an additional strike.

Abstract: A process for the production of extra fine spherical metal powders by chemical vapor deposition and dissolution techniques, including metal carbonyls, wherein the metal containing process gas is propelled upwardly through a heated reactor.

Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount, and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a ‘mystery box’, which requires a decision within a decision. When presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented, including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's account, or the updating of the safe level for the player. A negative result could be an additional strike.

Abstract: A trailer (T) and a dock (D) are provided with substantially identical slat conveyors (10, 12). Each conveyor (10, 12) has alternating conveyor slats (36, 36?) and lifting/holding slats (38, 38?). The trailer (T) is backed up to the dock (D). Upper portions of the lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) are coupled together at their ends. The confronting ends of the conveying slats (36, 36?) are also coupled together. A mechanism carried by the dock (D) raises and lowers the upper portions of the two sets of lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) a drive mechanism carried by the dock (D) where it reciprocates both sets of conveying slats (36, 36?).

Abstract: A quick connect coupling having a clip, a port having an interior annular groove adapted to support the clip, a forward cylinder, a rear cylinder, and a first transition ramp, and defines a port peak distance. The coupling also has a sealing element. Additionally, the coupling also has a stem having a male connection portion including a forward annular seal groove adapted to receive the sealing element, an annular lead-in surface, a leading support cylindrical surface, a following support cylindrical surface, a camming ramp, and defines a stem peak distance. The port has an intermediate cylinder between the forward cylinder and the rear cylinder and has a second transition ramp between the forward cylinder and the intermediate cylinder and the male connection portion has a centering ramp and an intermediate support cylindrical surface between the leading support cylindrical surface and the following support cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A trailer (T) and a dock (D) are provided with substantially identical slat conveyors (10, 12). Each conveyor (10, 12) has alternating conveyor slats (36, 36?) and lifting/holding slats (38, 38?). The trailer (T) is backed up to the dock (D). Upper portions of the lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) are coupled together at their ends. The confronting ends of the conveying slats (36, 36?) are also coupled together. A mechanism carried by the dock (D) raises and lowers the upper portions of the two sets of lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) a drive mechanism carried by the dock (D) where it reciprocates both sets of conveying slats (36, 36?).

Abstract: A connection for releasable connecting confronting first and second portions of first and second members. The first portion has a first passageway has a second portion has a second passageway. An elongated coupler member is in the first passageway. A shim projects endwise outwardly from the first portion on one side of the first passageway. A coupler member is extendable endwise outwardly from the first passageway beyond the shim. When so extended, the coupler member is insertable into an entry portion of the second passageway. The first portion is movable relatively towards the second portion when the coupler member is extended. The extended coupler portion is moved into and through the entry portion of the second passageway. The shim is moved into the entry portion of the second passageway along side the coupler member.

Abstract: A storage tank defines a cryogen space for storing a cryogenic liquid. The storage tank comprises a combined fill and vent assembly, which comprises a conduit having a first end with an opening disposed within an upper part of the cryogen space, and a second end outside of the cryogen space that is connected to a receptacle, to which a re-filling nozzle can be attached. A check valve disposed in the conduit allows flow only in the direction of filling the cryogen space with cryogenic liquid from the receptacle. A by-pass line is provided around the check valve with a valve disposed in the by-pass line that is operable to open or close to control flow through the by-pass line. The method comprises attaching a re-filling nozzle to the receptacle and opening the by-pass valve to vent vapor from the cryogen space to reduce vapor pressure therein and to cool the conduit, receptacle, re-filling nozzle, and fill line.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling having a clip, a port having an interior annular groove adapted to support the clip, a forward cylinder, a rear cylinder, and a first transition ramp, and defines a port peak distance. The coupling also has a sealing element. Additionally, the coupling also has a stem having a male connection portion including a forward annular seal groove adapted to receive the sealing element, an annular lead-in surface, a leading support cylindrical surface, a following support cylindrical surface, a camming ramp, and defines a stein peak distance. The port has an intermediate cylinder between the forward cylinder and the rear cylinder and has a second transition ramp between the forward cylinder and the intermediate cylinder and the male connection portion has a centering ramp and an intermediate support cylindrical surface between the leading support cylindrical surface and the following support cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A pilot fuel injection valve is mountable in a cylinder head of an engine and injects a liquid pilot fuel directly into a combustion chamber. The pilot fuel injection valve comprises a cooling system to keep the pilot fuel at a temperature that is lower than the lowest initial boiling point for the pilot fuel that occurs inside the fuel injection valve. The pilot fuel injection valve further comprises a thermally insulated nozzle having an outer surface that is not cooled by the cooler cylinder head and the cooler pilot fuel held inside the fuel injection valve. During operation, the nozzle's outer surface can be heated to a temperature that is not significantly lower than the final boiling point of the pilot fuel so that a significant amount of pilot fuel does not condense on the nozzle surface during engine operation.

Abstract: A reciprocable piston comprises a cylindrical body reciprocable within a hollow cylinder and at least two spaced ring seals disposed around the circumference of the cylindrical body. Within the cylindrical body there is a scavenging system that comprises: an internal chamber that is in fluid communication with a space between the spaced ring seals; and a one-way fluid passage that allows one-way fluid flow from the internal chamber to the cylinder chamber when fluid pressure within the internal chamber is greater than fluid pressure within the cylinder chamber. A method of scavenging fluid comprises collecting fluid that leaks by a piston seal and returning the collected fluid to the cylinder chamber from which it originated, through a scavenging system disposed within the piston.

Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount, and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a ‘mystery box’, which requires a decision within a decision. When presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented, including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's account, or the updating of the safe level for the player. A negative result could be an additional strike.

Abstract: A very large virtual volume (e.g., in excess of 500 GB) is formed by distributing the disks in eleven, six-disk RAID-5 sets across the six busses of a primary local back-end controller. A spare disk is provided on each of the six busses. Each RAID-5 set is protected from the failure of a single disk by the spare disks on the busses, which can use the parity data stored in a RAID-5 set to rebuild the data stored on a failing disk and thereby restore redundancy to the RAID-5 set. Each RAID-5 set is also protected from the failure of a bus by the parity inherent in RAID-5. The RAID-5 sets are striped by a front-end controller connected to the primary local back-end controller, and the striped RAID-5 sets are presented to a host computer as a very large virtual volume. If the individual disks are 9.1 GB in size, the size of the very large virtual volume can reach 500.5 GB.

Abstract: Transverse frame members (14, 16) extend across and are connected to longitudinal frame members (10, 12). Frame member (14) divides longitudinal frame members (10, 12) into major and minor parts (20, 22, 24, 26). The minor parts (24, 26) are braced by gussets (70, 72) which extend between the minor parts (24, 26) and a vertical web portion (68) of the transverse beam (14). The minor parts (24, 26) of the frame members (10, 12) and the central portion of the frame member (14) form a nook (76) in the cylinder components (80, 82, 84, 102, 104) are received. Piston rod portions (92, 94, 96) of the assembly of linear motors extend from the cylinder component portions to guide bearings (100) mounted in openings (56, 58, 60) formed in the vertical web (54) of the second transverse beam (16). Bolts are used to connect the inner corner portions of the assembly of linear hydraulic motors to mounting pads (34, 36).