Abstract: The invention provides a trolley wheel assembly for a conveyor system, e.g., an overhead conveyor system. In certain embodiments, the wheel assembly includes at least one wheel face having a contour (optionally a funneling configuration and/or one or more surface features) configured to facilitate flow of a fluid toward an open bearing assembly of the wheel assembly. In some embodiments, the wheel assembly includes an inner race, outer race, and bearings having a particular hardness arrangement, optionally together with a polymer wheel having certain filler features. Methods for cleaning such a trolley wheel assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hubless caster that is at least as aesthetically pleasing as prior art hubless casters but that is significantly more durable. In one aspect, a hubless caster is provided that includes a frame member having two opposed sides. A generally ring-shaped mount portion projects from at least one of the two opposed sides of the frame member. In some embodiments, the hubless caster has the following three components mounted on the mount portion, in sequence moving radially outwardly from the mount portion: a) an annular backbone member defining an inner bearing race, b) a rolling element, and c) a wheel defining an outer bearing race.

Abstract: The invention provides a trunnion bearing assembly for the drive system of a snow blower, mower, tractor, or other self-propelled utility vehicle. In certain embodiments, the trunnion assembly comprises a bearing having ball bearings, roller bearings, or another type of bearing set. This can provide free relative rotation of several components of the bearing assembly relative to a trunnion housing of the bearing assembly. This rotation is imparted when a friction disk of the assembly engages a spinning motor flywheel of the drive system.

Abstract: Various cufflink embodiments are provided. In some embodiments, the cufflink has opposed first and second heads that are releasably locked relative to each other. In some embodiments, the opposed first and second heads can be locked releasably in multiple positions with respect to each another. In other embodiments, a stud or cufflink includes a removable decorative insert. In certain embodiments, a cufflink includes a retention structure configured to temporarily retain part of the cufflink on a shirt cuff. Some embodiments provide a cufflink having an actuator protected against inadvertent actuation.

Abstract: The invention provides a trunnion bearing assembly for the drive system of a snow blower, mower, tractor, or other self-propelled utility vehicle. In certain embodiments, the trunnion assembly comprises a bearing having ball bearings, roller bearings, or another type of bearing set. This can provide free relative rotation of several components of the bearing assembly relative to a trunnion housing of the bearing assembly. This rotation is imparted when a friction disk of the assembly engages a spinning motor flywheel of the drive system.

Abstract: The invention provides a trolley wheel assembly for a conveyor system, e.g., an overhead conveyor system. In certain embodiments, the wheel assembly includes at least one wheel face having a contour (optionally a funneling configuration and/or one or more surface features) configured to facilitate flow of a fluid toward an open bearing assembly of the wheel assembly. In some embodiments, the wheel assembly includes an inner race, outer race, and bearings having a particular hardness arrangement, optionally together with a polymer wheel having certain filler features. Methods for cleaning such a trolley wheel assembly are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a friction sleeve for a caster stem. In certain embodiments, the friction sleeve has a slot, comprises a polymer, and has at least one detent adapted to engage a corresponding detent of the caster stem.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hubless caster that is at least as aesthetically pleasing as prior art hubless casters but that is significantly more durable. In one aspect, a hubless caster is provided that includes a frame member having two opposed sides. A generally ring-shaped mount portion projects from at least one of the two opposed sides of the frame member. In some embodiments, the hubless caster has the following three components mounted on the mount portion, in sequence moving radially outwardly from the mount portion: a) an annular backbone member defining an inner bearing race, b) a rolling element, and c) a wheel defining an outer bearing race.

Abstract: A container for use with an overhead track chain is disclosed. The container generally comprises a base and a housing. The base includes a tapered spool that extends upwardly from a top surface of the base. The housing surrounds at least a portion of the tapered spool. Therefore, when the base and the housing are secured together the base, the tapered spool, and the housing form an overhead track chain storage area. The chain is stowed in the container when the chain is received in a winding fashion around the spool and within the overhead track chain storage area. When this occurs, the typically heavy and bulky overhead track chain, which includes links permitting the chain to swivel, can be easily packaged, stored, and subsequently transported within the container. A method of stowing the overhead track chain in the container is also disclose.

Abstract: A container for use with an overhead track chain is disclosed. The container generally comprises a base and a housing. The base includes a tapered spool that extends upwardly from a top surface of the base. The housing surrounds at least a portion of the tapered spool. Therefore, when the base and the housing are secured together the base, the tapered spool, and the housing form an overhead track chain storage area. The chain is stowed in the container when the chain is received in a winding fashion around the spool and within the overhead track chain storage area. When this occurs, the typically heavy and bulky overhead track chain, which includes links permitting the chain to swivel, can be easily packaged, stored, and subsequently transported within the container. A method of stowing the overhead track chain in the container is also disclose.

Abstract: A fluid circulator and temperature regulator apparatus for use in an electrophoresis process with a sequencing cell including a cooling jacket having an inlet and an outlet, the apparatus comprising an inlet adapted to be connected to the cooling jacket outlet, an outlet adapted to be connected to the cooling jacket inlet, a reservoir having an inlet, an outlet and a vent, a heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, a pump having an inlet and an outlet, the reservoir, the heat exchanger and the pump being fluidly connected in a flow path having an upstream end and a downstream end, with the reservoir being downstream of the pump, and valves operable in a first mode for connecting the downstream end of the flow path with the outlet port and for connecting the inlet port with the upstream end of the flow path, and operable in a second mode for connecting the downstream end of the flow path with the upstream end the flow path internally of the apparatus such that fluid flows from the downstream end of the fl