Abstract: System involved with but not limited to an apparatus including a cooking system capable of multiple food preparation configurations, including but not limited to grilling, smoking, and griddling. The disclosed apparatus may add functionality to a pre-existing heat source, such as a barbecue grill, and may be comprised of a solid metal member and a metal grate adapted for placement in overlying relation to said metal member. Said solid metal member may function as a griddle or as a tray onto which flavoring agents, such as wood chips, may be placed to be heated to a smoldering temperature, enabling the user to smoke food items. An opening may be disposed in said metal grate into which cooking accessories, such as a wok or basket, may be received. Additionally, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: System involved with but not limited to an apparatus including an outdoor griddle station with a system capable of communicating grease and other food byproducts from the cooking surface to a receptacle. A downwardly sloping opening in the cooking surface of the griddle member is disposed in nesting relation to and fluid communication with a basin situated beneath the griddle member. The basin is attached to a duct, forming a fluid transfer assembly that may pass through the heat source housing of the griddle station. The fluid transfer assembly is disposed over a receptacle capable of holding fluids. The receptacle may be removably supported by a bracket seat attached to the base of the griddle station such that the receptacle may be capable of being removed and replaced. In addition, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A cooking grill with apparatus by which food may be cooked using direct convective heat, indirect radiative heat, broiling (direct radiative heat), and smoking features as well as the method for transforming the grill to use any one of these cooking features, or combinations of these cooking pictures, at any given time is disclosed. The method of heating employed depends on the placement of one or more movable and removable heat plates of the present invention with respect to the grid or grids of the grill. The grill of the present invention provides versatility in introducing a grill with a plurality of cooking systems as well as grill cooking methods.

Abstract: A cooking grill with apparatus by which food may be cooked using direct convective heat, indirect radiative heat, broiling (direct radiative heat), and smoking features as well as the method for transforming the grill to use any one of these cooking features, or combinations of these cooking pictures, at any given time is disclosed. The method of heating employed depends on the placement of one or more movable and removable heat plates of the present invention with respect to the grid or grids of the grill. The grill of the present invention provides versatility in introducing a grill with a plurality of cooking systems as well as grill cooking methods.

Abstract: A composite drive shaft in which the end adapters are captured in the composite material portion during the process of manufacturing of the composite drive shaft assembly is disclosed. The end adapters include lugs that protrude outward longitudinally to transmit torque, tensile, and compressive forces, and bending moments to the composite material portion and vice versa. To increase the load carrying capacity for axial force and bending moment, the end adapters may have at least one recessed circumferential groove. Before the manufacturing process, one or more bonding agents may be applied onto the interface of the end adapter to enhance the performance of engagement between the end adapters and the composite material portion. The composite material portion and end adapters are co-cured to produce a final drive shaft that requires no additional work for assembly.

Abstract: A hand-held packaging tape dispenser is provided which includes a rotary tape holder controlled by a spring mechanism and an adjusting nut for holding and guiding packaging tape. The packaging tape guide roller provides for a guide for the leading end of the packaging tape. A cutting mechanism includes a pressure plate, a cutter holder, and a swing block which are controlled by a spring for cutting off the leading end of the packaging tape delivered from the housing. A printing mechanism prints on the leading end of the packaging tape and a packaging tape stretching mechanism stretches the leading end of the packaging tape for a printing operation by the printing mechanism.