Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remote (at a distance) actuation of points of control, such as valves and switches. Controlling a switch or valve at a distance is achieved by a support member having a movable portion, with the moveable portion including an elongate member, and a drive mechanism in communication with the moveable portion. A motor, hand crank, or other force transmission apparatus acts to move the drive mechanism and thus the movable portion and elongate member such that a valve or switch is actuated at a distance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remote (at a distance) actuation of points of control, such as valves and switches. Controlling a switch or valve at a distance is achieved by a support member having a movable portion, with the moveable portion including an elongate member, and a drive mechanism in communication with the moveable portion. A motor, hand crank, or other force transmission apparatus acts to move the drive mechanism and thus the movable portion and elongate member such that a valve or switch is actuated at a distance.

Abstract: Controlling a switch or valve at a distance is achieved by a support member having a movable portion, with the moveable portion including an elongate member, and a drive mechanism in communication with the moveable portion. A motor, hand crank, or other force transmission apparatus acts to move the drive mechanism and thus the movable portion and elongate member such that a valve or switch is actuated at a distance from a user.

Abstract: Controlling a switch or valve at a distance is achieved by a support member having a movable portion, with the moveable portion including an elongate member, and a drive mechanism in communication with the moveable portion. A motor, hand crank, or other force transmission apparatus acts to move the drive mechanism and thus the movable portion and elongate member such that a valve or switch is actuated at a distance from a user.

Abstract: A system for remotely racking a horizontally movable circuit breaker includes a motor as well as a transmission connectible to the motor and to a racking screw for moving the circuit breaker. The system further includes a mounting bracket for holding the transmission and a controller for controlling the motor from a location remote from the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A system for remotely racking a horizontally movable circuit breaker includes a motor as well as a transmission connectible to the motor and to a racking screw for moving the circuit breaker. The system further includes a mounting bracket for holding the transmission and a controller for controlling the motor from a location remote from the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A remote control system for vertically racking circuit breakers into and out of electrical switchgear cells includes a lever mechanism for coupling the drive shaft of a portable drive motor to the driven shaft of a circuit-breaker racking mechanism and a latching solenoid for locking the coupled shafts together. A power-transfer panel is provided in the cell and is connected for transferring control of the drive motor, the latching solenoid and the circuit breaker to a remote control and status indicating device that is located externally of the cell cabinet. An inclinometer is mounted on the circuit breaker for producing an alarm signal and interrupting operation of the circuit-breaker elevating mechanism upon detecting an excessive amount of tilting in the normally level attitude of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A maximum a posteriori (MAP) filter is applied as a loop filter during encode/decode processing to generate filtered data used to encode/decode other data. In one embodiment, the MAP filter is applied iteratively to a decoded frame to generate the resulting filtered frame. When applied as a loop filter, the filtered frame is used to generate reference data used to encode or decode one or more other video frames.

Abstract: A manually operated refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigerant compressor which is operated solely by manual or pedal power, and which requires no other automated or external power or energy source. The apparatus generally comprises a cylindrical refrigerant compressor, with the refrigerant being compressed by a piston driven by a coil spring within the cylinder. The spring is in turn compressed by an external lever or pedal operated linkage, with compression of the refrigerant being initiated when the spring compression is released. The refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, whereby the refrigerant pressure drops to cause the fluid to evaporate and drop in temperature, as in powered refrigeration devices. The apparatus is connected to an insulated cooler chest or the like, with the chest including refrigerant lines within the walls and/or floor.

Abstract: A radiator cap loosening and removal tool includes a generally U-shaped handle pivotally attached to a base, which is in turn fastened to the depending skirt portion of a radiator cap by self-tapping sheet metal screws. An alternative embodiment comprises a U-shaped handle whose legs embrace the skirt of the radiator cap and are pivotally fastened thereto by screws or rivets. Another alternative embodiment comprise a crossbar fastened to the skirt of a radiator cap by threaded fasteners, which serve as pivots for a U-shaped handle.

Abstract: A radiator cap loosening and removal tool includes a generally U-shaped bail or handle pivotally attached to a base, which is in turn fastened to a radiator cap by self tapping sheet metal screws. An alterative embodiment comprises a U-shaped bail or handle whose legs embrace the radiator cap and are pivotally fastened thereto by screws or rivets.

Abstract: A removable skirt and trouser clip for garment hangers includes a pair of rigid, elongated fingers connected in a pinching relationship by a spring, and jaws located at one end of each of the fingers are urged together by the spring for holding garments therebetween. A connector adjacent another end of one of the fingers attaches the fingers below the horizontal crossbar of a garment hanger. The connector includes a pair of opposed members with a plurality of recesses located on the mating faces of each of the opposed members for receiving and clamping about the crossbar.

Abstract: A casing has a plurality of upright panel-type compartments disposed in spaced relation for allowing flue gases and smoke to circulate therebetween. A blower circulates room air through the compartments and back into the room. A cross shaft is mounted in the casing adjacent the top thereof and extends across the spaces between the compartments. Levers are integrated with the cross shaft and support chains in suspended relation between the compartments. The shaft has a projecting handle which when operated is used to oscillate the chains to knock off soot and creosote from the exterior surfaces of walls of the compartments.

Abstract: An elongated frame supports a pair of rails for a wheeled log carriage. A winch drum is mounted on the frame between the ends of the latter and drives a cable reeved through opposite end pulleys for moving the carriage in feed and return movements. Multiple pulley V-belt assemblies are provided in the drive unit for the carriage and are operated by a manual lever which in one direction actuates feed movement of the carriage and releases return drive movement and in the other direction of the lever releases the drive for the feed movement and actuates the drive for the return movement. Such actuation and release of the multiple pulley V-belt assemblies is controlled by rocker arm clutches controlled by the manual lever. A log ramp is utilized with the mechanism and has a pull cable powered from the main drive mechanism of the sawmill under control of an operator's lever.

Abstract: A firebox for a stove is defined by top, bottom, side and end walls and employs a loading door in one of the end walls. A main draft opening associated with an adjustable damper control is provided adjacent the lower portion of the firebox and an auxiliary draft opening associated with an adjustable damper control is provided adjacent the top portion of the firebox. In a preferred arrangement the main and auxiliary draft openings are disposed adjacent one of the end walls. Also, in a preferred arrangement, the auxiliary draft opening is disposed upwardly within at least the upper one-third of the firebox. The particular structure of the stove facilitates good combustion for heating but at the same time provides an efficient shut-down condition that will maintain a small holding fire without causing creosote to build up in the flue. The main draft opening is associated with a movable door arranged to be forced open in the event of pressure being developed in the firebox.

Abstract: A firebox has a liquid or gaseous burner and also a solid fuel grate assembly associated with a solid fuel inlet above the grate assembly for dropping solid fuel particles thereon. The grate assembly includes upper and lower bar type members and an intermediate member of expanded metal. A blower is mounted under the grate assembly and in combination with the latter provides an even pressurized draft for burning solid fuel particles. A sweeping bar on side runs is capable of sweeping clinkers and ashes from the grate assembly. A bottom auger receives the clinkers and ashes and carries them out of the firebox. A forced air inlet directs a flow of air down on the solid fuel inlet to prevent combustion gases from traveling reversely through the solid fuel inlet. A heat exchange chamber includes a plurality of reversely turned tubes arranged in a plurality of paths and connected by end housings capable of removal for inspection and cleaning.

Abstract: A stove firebox has a longitudinal opening in its bottom wall in which is supported upper and lower grates. The lower grate is slidable relative to the upper grate. Each grate has longitudinally spaced cross bars, and such cross bars and the openings therebetween have the same longitudinal dimension whereby upon offsetting the cross bars of the two grates longitudinally, an imperforate floor is provided and upon alignment of the cross bars, vertical passages are formed to sift ashes downward for cleaning the firebox. The slidable grate can be reciprocated to provide the sifting step. An interior draft inlet is provided at the bottom of the firebox adjacent the front.

Abstract: A rotary control valve for an expansion fluid driven engine has a body with inlet and outlet ports and a distribution port communicating with an engine cylinder. A shaft in the body has first and second discs thereon and rotates in synchronization with reciprocation of the engine piston. The first disc has a pressure fluid passage therethrough and the second disc has an exhaust fluid passage therethrough. Sealing pistons in the body urge against the discs and have passages therethrough respectively connecting the pressure fluid passage with the inlet and distribution ports and the exhaust fluid passage with the distribution and outlet ports. The rotation of the discs alternately permits and stops flow of fluid to and from the cylinder.

Abstract: A rotary control valve for expansion fluid driven engines comprises a housing having inlet and outlet ports, a distribution port positioned at one end of the housing and communicating with the engine cylinder, and a first sealing face disposed about the distribution port. A rotor is mounted in the housing on a drive shaft, rotates therewith, and is capable of translating axially thereon. The rotor includes pressure and exhaust passageways which alternately communicate with the distribution port to pressurize and exhaust the engine cylinder. A second sealing face is positioned on the rotor about one end of the pressure and exhaust passageways, and mates with the housing sealing face to form a sliding seal therebetween. A seal ring is positioned between the periphery of the rotor and the housing, and divides the cavity defined therebetween into separate intake and exhaust chambers which respectively communicate with the intake and exhaust ports.