Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric foamed compositions, foam padded materials that include such polymeric foamed compositions disposed on a sheet material, and packaging articles (e.g., envelopes) made from such foam padded materials. The polymeric foamed composition on the sheet material has a plurality of foamed structures formed from the foamable composition attached to the sheet material by a layer of the foamable composition, and the plurality foam structures each having a hollow core and a foam exterior shell.

Abstract: A ducted fan UAV that can be collapsed into a stowed configuration and then deployed for flight by, for example, inflating the duct to a deployed configuration. The UAV includes a plurality of rotor blades, a plurality of struts and a plurality of control vanes each being pivotally mounted to a center body by a hinge so that the rotor blades, the struts and the control vanes can be folded into the stowed configuration to be substantially parallel to the center body and be unfolded into the deployed configuration to be substantially perpendicular to the center body. The UAV also includes a pressurization system providing a pressurant to a chamber within the duct so as to inflate the duct and cause the struts, the rotor blades and the control vanes to move from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A propeller which can be folded and stowed in compact form and then deployed for powered flight is disclosed. The deployable propeller has two or more blades, and each blade is composed of multiple segments which are disengaged when stowed and then interlock when deployed to form an efficient blade. The segmented deployable propeller retains all effective area to the spinner radius.

Abstract: A propeller which can be folded and stowed in compact form and then deployed for powered flight is disclosed. The deployable propeller has two or more blades, and each blade is composed of multiple segments which are disengaged when stowed and then interlock when deployed to form an efficient blade. The segmented deployable propeller retains all effective area to the spinner radius.

Abstract: In a compaction wheel system and a method, a support frame supports system components and can be coupled to a driver. At least first and second compaction wheels are each mounted in a separate axle assembly. The axle assemblies are each mounted to the support frame on linkage assemblies which vary the distance between the compaction wheels with angular displacement. Additionally, each linkage maintains its respective compaction wheel at an angle to continue compacting operations. An adjuster may set the angular position of each linkage assembly.

Abstract: A fluid pump includes a housing having a lateral wall and an end wall, an insert located in the housing surrounded by the lateral wall and including a body having a central aperture and inlet and outlet fluid channels. A seal, located between the end wall and the insert, seals against fluid flow therebetween. A Gerotor pump mechanism located in the housing adjacent the inlet and outlet fluid channels includes a outer gear and an inner gear engaged with the outer gear for pumping fluid from the inlet fluid channel to the outlet fluid channel as the inner gear rotates relative to the outer gear. A cover, fitted in the housing and spaced axially from the end wall, is located adjacent the inner gear and outer gear and is secured to the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for creating a garland of popped seeds, a method for creating a string of unpopped seeds, and a method of manufacturing such a string. The method includes stringing a plurality of unpopped seeds and applying energy to the plurality of unpopped seeds. Another embodiment is directed to stringing a plurality of unpopped seeds on a string and organizing the seeds on the string to enable popping of the unpopped seeds by applying energy. The seeds can be popcorn seeds or any other seed that is capable of popping.

Abstract: A rotary type lubrication pump for a vehicle transfer case and a method of producing the lubrication pump, the lubrication pump having an inner gear and an outer gear produced by molding a synthetic polymer, and a pump body and a pump cover produced by stamping steel.

Abstract: A dual gerotor pump is used for an automatic transmission. A dual gerotor pump which is driven by a central drive mechanism has a first chamber which continuously provides transmission fluid to the automatic transmission. The pump also has a second pumping chamber which selectively directs fluid to the automatic transmission when necessary. A valve mechanism is provided to divert fluid from the second pumping chamber back to the second pumping chamber so that it can recirculate thereby decreasing fluid pressure to the automatic transmission when it is not required.

Abstract: A system is provided for use on a vehicle (10) which allows the relative angle of turn between a first steerable wheel (20) and a second steerable wheel (22) to be established by use of a tie rod assembly (32) which is variable in length. The tie rod assembly (32) includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly to vary the length by introducing or removing pressurized hydraulic fluid. A spring (120) is provided to establish a predetermined length to the tie rod assembly should the hydraulic system fail. The length of the tie rod assembly is controlled by an electronic control (166) which is provided with data from angle sensors (160,162) at each of these steerable wheels. The electronic control can be provided with an electronic table of relative angles for the wheel members and can adjust the length of the tie rod appropriately. The device allows for establishing the desired relationship between the wheel members at any turn angle.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic system for material handling implements is disclosed which functions to permit a hydraulic fluid actuator to be locked in a fixed, load-supporting condition. The system includes a locking circuit which comprises a normally open check valve in parallel flow relation with a pressure relief valve provided in close association with a return port of the fluid actuator. The locking circuit further comprises a normally closed pressure release valve which can be selectively operated to create a pressure differential across the check valve to close the check valve, and thereby prevent flow of fluid from the fluid actuator to maintain the actuator in a load-supporting condition.

Abstract: A device for locking a boom to a boom support structure as used in earthworking implements is described. A lug having a camming surface is provided on the boom or on the boom support structure as the case may be. The opposite structure is provided with a pivoted arm joined to a lock pin. Motion of the boom toward the boom support structure engages the lock pin and camming surface. Continued movement boom toward the boom support structure forces the lock pin over the lug. Subsequent movement of the boom away from the boom support structure so as to separate the two is prevented by virtue of the lock pin engaging the back side of the lug. A pull cable actuated by the equipment operator disengages the lock pin from the cam thereby permitting free movement of the boom and boom support structure. A bias spring maintains the pivot arm and lock pin in one position unless the lock pin engages the camming surface of the lug.