Abstract: The invention provides an open gear lubricant composition containing a blend of ethylene-propylene copolymers and a metallic soap thickener. The blend of ethylene-propylene copolymers includes a first ethylene-propylene copolymer having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 80 centistokes to 220 centistokes and a second ethylene-propylene copolymer having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. 500 centistokes to 3000 centistokes. The invention further relates to a method of lubricating a mechanical device with the open gear lubricant composition.

Abstract: Greases that are suitable for use in high temperature applications and are cost-effective alternatives to lithium greases. The greases are prepared from an oil of lubricating viscosity; 1.0 to 22.5 wt % of an overbased metal detergent; 5.0 to 18.5 wt % of a metal carboxylate soap component that is the reaction product of a metal hydroxide and/or metal carbonate with a fatty acid; 0.2 to 8.0 wt % of an oxygenate promoter (for example alcohols and/or organic acids); and 1 to 15 wt % of water. The greases have dropping points of at least 220° C., as measured using ASTM D2265.

Abstract: A buckle release mechanism can be used to couple together various types of straps, webbing or belts. In one particular embodiment, the release mechanism forms part of a parachute canopy for a pilot's harness. The mechanism includes a housing with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism employs two rotatable locking pins with associated cams and openings. An opening is formed within the housing for receiving a yoke. A striker plate with opposing lugs is formed at one end of the yoke. The lugs cooperate with the locking pins to either retain or eject the striker plate within the housing.

Abstract: A buckle release mechanism can be used to couple together various types of straps, webbing or belts. In one particular embodiment, the release mechanism forms part of a parachute canopy for a pilot's harness. The mechanism includes a housing with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism employs two rotatable locking pins with associated cams and openings. An opening is formed within the housing for receiving a yoke. A striker plate with opposing lugs is formed at one end of the yoke. The lugs cooperate with the locking pins to either retain or eject the striker plate within the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflator assembly. The assembly operates by puncturing a diaphragm of an associated container to thereby releasing a volume of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas, in turn, is used to inflate an article, such as a life raft. The inflator assembly is adapted to be either manually or automatically actuated. The various details of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they interrelate, are described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas release device that is adapted to be secured to an inflatable article. The device includes an container, which can be a commercially available gas bottle, a salinity sensor, and an end cap. The salinity sensor operates an electrically fireable primer that serves to release an inflation gas from the container and inflate the article. The end cap includes a cylindrical through hole that accepts a rotatable D-ring. The D-ring is dimensioned to fit over the valve of the inflatable article. The D-ring includes a series of peripheral apertures that can be selectively aligned with a slot to create a fluid passage between the container and valve. The D-ring allows the device to be rotated between different angular positions while maintaining a pneumatic coupling between to the inflatable article and the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retaining mechanism for a buckle and buckle release system. The buckle release system is locked or unlocked via a manual release lever. A locking lever overlies the manual release lever and protects against the unintended release of the buckle. The retaining mechanism provides a further degree of protection. It includes a retaining bar that is pivotally interconnected to the locking lever. The retaining mechanism has a closed orientation wherein the locking lever cannot be actuated. The retaining mechanism can only be opened via a two part motion. First, the retaining bar is pivoted with respect to the locking lever. Second, the retaining bar and the locking lever are rotated together to permit access to the underlying manual release lever.

Abstract: Disclosed is a buckle release mechanism. The release mechanism can be used to couple together various types of straps, webbing or belts. In one particular embodiment, the release mechanism forms part of a parachute canopy for a pilot's harness. The mechanism includes a housing with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism employs two rotatable locking pins with associated cams and openings. An opening is formed within the housing for receiving a yoke. A striker plate with opposing lugs is formed at one end of the yoke. The lugs cooperate with the locking pins to either retain or reject the striker plate within the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflator assembly. The assembly operates by puncturing a diaphragm of an associated container to thereby releasing a volume of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas, in turn, is used to inflate an article, such as a life raft. The inflator assembly is adapted to be either manually or automatically actuated. The various details of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they interrelate, are described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retaining mechanism for a buckle and buckle release system. The buckle release system is locked or unlocked via a manual release lever. A locking lever overlies the manual release lever and protects against the unintended release of the buckle. The retaining mechanism provides a further degree of protection. It includes a retaining bar that is pivotally interconnected to the locking lever. The retaining mechanism has a closed orientation wherein the locking lever cannot be actuated. The retaining mechanism can only be opened via a two part motion. First, the retaining bar is pivoted with respect to the locking lever. Second, the retaining bar and the locking lever are rotated together to permit access to the underlying manual release lever.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas release device that is adapted to be secured to an inflatable article. The device includes an container, which can be a commercially available gas bottle, a salinity sensor, and an end cap. The salinity sensor operates an electrically fireable primer that serves to release an inflation gas from the container and inflate the article. The end cap includes a cylindrical through hole that accepts a rotatable D-ring. The D-ring is dimensioned to fit over the valve of the inflatable article. The D-ring includes a series of peripheral apertures that can be selectively aligned with a slot to create a fluid passage between the container and valve. The D-ring allows the device to be rotated between different angular positions while maintaining a pneumatic coupling between to the inflatable article and the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, two ultraviolet light sources, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle which are all systematically situated with respect to a housing and a cover. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and ultraviolet light control switches. Timers are provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station from the two ultraviolet light sources. The cover is also provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, two ultraviolet light sources, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle which are all systematically situated with respect to a housing and a cover. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and ultraviolet light control switches. Timers are provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station from the two ultraviolet light sources. The cover is also provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and a ultraviolet light control switch. A timer is provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station. A cover is provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: A light rope runs along the stringer of a stairway and is concealed by in-fill panels fitted into a groove on a frame rail running along the wall or stringer adjacent to the stairway. A light grille having a square frame and a patterned grille insert is seated along each tread adjacent to the next higher riser and is connected to the frame rail by a pair of adjustment arms. Translucent panels are mounted on the rear of the light grilles, allowing light to shine through them. Electrical circuitry turns the lights on when a user approaches the stairs and automatically turns the lights off after a predetermined time after the user has departed the area of the stairs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and a ultraviolet light control switch. A timer is provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station. A cover is provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of residue from the surface of a container where the method comprises cooling the container and residue adhered to the container surface to a low temperature, substantially embrittling the residue, fragmenting the residue, separating the residue from the surface of the container and removing the residue from the container. The container is placed in an enclosure with an opening in the top of the enclosure to permit access to the interior of the container when a container lid is removed. The system includes a rotating base to turn the container to facilitate freezing and removal of the residue.

Abstract: System for repairing worn surfaces of steam turbine components and especially high pressure turbine rotors, are disclosed. These systems include depositing a first layer of weld metal on a worn surface of the component, whereby a heat-affected zone is created. A second layer of weld metal is then deposited over the first layer using a greater amount of heat to temper at least a portion of the heat-affected zone produced by the first layer. The preferred embodiments include the use of gas tungsten arc welding for providing fine-grain size and more creep resistance, especially in the weld and heat-affected zone. The resulting build-up can be machined, for example into a blade fastening to produce a component having properties equal to or better than the base-metal alloy. The invention also provides a longer lasting turbine system, including rotors which have serrated steeples that are more resistant to failure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and a ultraviolet light control switch. A timer is provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station. A cover is provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.