Abstract: The present device is a circular knitting machine, also known as a circular sock machine, designed to mostly be manufactured from polymers, such as plastics, or other materials that are typically lighter and have other physical properties, such as low hardness and tensile strength, compared to steel, from which such machines have historically been manufactured. The present design allows for the use of modern manufacturing techniques, such as 3-D printing in which a filament is often used comprising various types of polymers. The present device can also comprise a ribber apparatus, which is also designed to allow for most of its parts to be manufactured from polymers. However, in certain embodiments, some of the parts, such as needles, springs, and bolts can still be made from steel.

Abstract: A portable water spreader has a water tank with a coupler to couple to and be elevated and tilted by a front-end loader. Discharge pipes are coupled to the tank with spray heads. Vent pipes are coupled to the tank.

Abstract: A portable water spreader has a water tank with a coupler to couple to and be elevated and tilted by a front-end loader. Discharge pipes are coupled to the tank with spray heads. Vent pipes are coupled to the tank.

Abstract: A machine and method for performing balancing measurements on a tire or tire/wheel assembly that includes a structure defining spaced apart tire centering and tire testing positions. A first conveyor moves a tire to a centering position where a shuttle assembly is operative to center the tire and, after it has been centered, engages the tire and effects the transfer of the tire from the centering station to a testing station. The shuttle assembly includes a pair of grippers that move towards and away from each other, in a lateral direction in order to engage the tire. The first conveyor permits movement of the tire in a lateral direction; whereas it substantially resists relative movement between the tire and conveyor in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the direction of movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: A machine and method for performing balancing measurements on a tire or tire/wheel assembly that includes a structure defining spaced apart tire centering and tire testing positions. A first conveyor moves a tire to a centering position where a shuttle assembly is operative to center the tire and, after it has been centered, engages the tire and effects the transfer of the tire from the centering station to a testing station. The shuttle assembly includes a pair of grippers that move towards and away from each other, in a lateral direction in order to engage the tire. The first conveyor permits movement of the tire in a lateral direction; whereas it substantially resists relative movement between the tire and conveyor in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the direction of movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: In a method for splicing cables, a first cable is connected to a second cable to form a junction and a heat shrinkable sleeve is positioned over the junction. A portable hot pack having properties for developing a temperature in excess of 250.degree. C is conformed around the sleeve to shrink the sleeve around the junction and thereby seal and insulate the junction. The hot pack can include first and second chemicals which react to initiate a series of heat producing reactions which occur at different temperatures to incrementally elevate the temperature of the hot pack.

Abstract: A flexible container having a substantially planar configuration encloses a first chemical having characteristics for being supercooled to maintain a liquid state even at temperatures below its melting point. A second chemical can be mixed with the first chemical in the container to initiate the crystallization of the first chemical at the substantially constant temperature of the melting point of the first chemical. The container can be enclosed in an insulation envelope to moderate the temperature of the device. The first chemical may include sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate which provides a desirable constant temperature of 48.degree. C. The second chemical may include sodium borate pentahydrate or sodium sulfite which provides the first chemical with a desirable sandy configuration during crystallization in the .alpha. pentahydrate form.