Abstract: A counter including at least one counting ring, a switch, and an actuator movable in its longitudinal axis direction. The switch includes a guide and a switching element movable in an axial and azimuthal direction relative to the guide. The guide has at least one curved surface, directing at least one projecting part disposed on the switching element. A switching cam on the switching element meshes with toothing of the counting ring. The switching device converts linear movement of the actuator into rotational movement of the counting ring. The counting ring, secured by ratchets, rotates one angular increment each actuation of the actuator. The counter is suitable for different storage containers dispensing a product portion by portion and can be configured as a daily quantity counter or a total quantity counter, for example. The counter components are inserted into each other and held together by catch elements.

Abstract: The present invention is a snow sled for use by a rider to glide upon a snow surface. In one embodiment, the snow sled comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion comprises a median portion and first and second foot rudder cavities each comprising a bottom wall having an upper surface adapted to receive the rider's foot and an lower surface adapted to slide upon the snow. The rear portion comprises a seat portion having a bottom wall having an upper surface adapted to receive the rider and a lower surface adapted to slide upon the snow. The snow sled further comprises a plurality of first ribs extending substantially from the median portion to the first rudder cavity and a plurality of second ribs extending substantially from the median portion to the second rudder cavity to allow said first and second foot rudder cavities to be flexible relative to said median portion thereby allowing the rider to steer the sled by exerting a force to said first or second foot rudder cavities.

Abstract: A plastic molded, sit-on-top kayak of unique size and shape is disclosed with various components which provide multi-purpose usage. the kayak is especially useful for multi-purposes such as sailing kayak surfing, scuba diving, paddling, touring and electric motorized usage. The kayak has attachment points integrally molded that provide for these multi-purposes. An important component of the invention includes a removable backrest that additionally provides secure waterproof storage of the operator's personal items. The backrest can be easily removed and reattached securely in place when desired. The ability to easily remove a backrest or backpack option also enables a desirable compact capability for transportation and storage by a user. Additional benefits of this feature provide for a smaller profile for packaging and commercial transportation.

Abstract: A heat exchanger including a stack of flat tubes for gas and a housing for the stack of flat tubes, with the housing enclosing only part of the periphery of the flat tube stack. The tubes have wide and narrow sides and are spaced to form channels therebetween for flow of a coolant. Cross-sectional widenings along the length of the tubes assist in maintaining the flat tubes in a spaced condition along the periphery not enclosed by the housing, and close the channels along the tube stack periphery not enclosed by the housing.

Abstract: A housingless heat exchanger including a stack of flat tubes with at least two being cooling tubes and at least one being a bypass tube. Collecting tanks are on the tube ends and diffuse gas streaming in the tube flow paths. The flat tubes each comprise a connected pair of plates defining a flow path, and an enclosed space is defined between adjacent flat tubes. Coolant inlet and outlet channels are formed by connected plate openings connect to the enclosed space between the cooling tubes whereby coolant flows through that enclosed space. A switching valve in one collecting tank is movable between a cooling position in which the gas streams through the cooling tubes and a bypass position in which the gas streams through the bypass tube. A closure in the coolant inlet and outlet channels blocks coolant from adjacent the bypass tube. An insulating plate may also, or alternatively, be between the bypass tube and the cooling tube adjacent the bypass tube to block heat exchange between coolant and the bypass tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a snow sled for use by a rider to glide upon a snow surface. In one embodiment, the snow sled comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion comprises a median portion and first and second foot rudder cavities each comprising a bottom wall having an upper surface adapted to receive the rider's foot and an lower surface adapted to slide upon the snow. The rear portion comprises a seat portion having a bottom wall having an upper surface adapted to receive the rider and a lower surface adapted to slide upon the snow. The snow sled further comprises a plurality of first ribs extending substantially from the median portion to the first rudder cavity and a plurality of second ribs extending substantially from the median portion to the second rudder cavity to allow said first and second foot rudder cavities to be flexible relative to said median portion thereby allowing the rider to steer the sled by exerting a force to said first or second foot rudder cavities.

Abstract: A counter including at least one counting ring, a switch, and an actuator movable in its longitudinal axis direction. The switch includes a guide and a switching element movable in an axial and azimuthal direction relative to the guide. The guide has at least one curved surface, directing at least one projecting part disposed on the switching element. A switching cam on the switching element meshes with toothing of the counting ring. The switching device converts linear movement of the actuator into rotational movement of the counting ring. The counting ring, secured by ratchets, rotates one angular increment each actuation of the actuator. The counter is suitable for different storage containers dispensing a product portion by portion and can be configured as a daily quantity counter or a total quantity counter, for example. The counter components are inserted into each other and held together by catch elements.

Abstract: A housingless heat exchanger including a stack of flat tubes with at least two being cooling tubes and at least one being a bypass tube. Collecting tanks are on the tube ends and diffuse gas streaming in the tube flow paths. The flat tubes each comprise a connected pair of plates defining a flow path, and an enclosed space is defined between adjacent flat tubes. Coolant inlet and outlet channels are formed by connected plate openings connect to the enclosed space between the cooling tubes whereby coolant flows through that enclosed space. A switching valve in one collecting tank is movable between a cooling position in which the gas streams through the cooling tubes and a bypass position in which the gas streams through the bypass tube. A closure in the coolant inlet and outlet channels blocks coolant from adjacent the bypass tube. An insulating plate may also, or alternatively, be between the bypass tube and the cooling tube adjacent the bypass tube to block heat exchange between coolant and the bypass tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a machine and process for manufacturing an article such as a body board having a pre-shaped core member having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top skin having a top and bottom surfaces, a perimeter portion, and a perimeter edge, and a bottom skin having a perimeter portion. In one embodiment, the machine of the present invention comprises a first mold halve having a lower surface and a second mold halve having a lower surface and a plurality of side walls extending upward from the bottom surface. The second mold further comprising at least one seam member engaged with each side surface. The machine further comprises a control unit for opening and closing the first and second mold halves.

Abstract: An exhaust gas heat exchange system for an internal combustion engine (10) includes an intake manifold (12) including an inlet (16) for recirculating exhaust gases and an exhaust manifold (28) having at least one inlet (30) for receiving exhaust gas from the engine (10) and an outlet (36), (60), for discharging exhaust gas and spaced from the inlets (30). An exhaust gas heat exchanger (32) includes a first flow path having an inlet (50) connected to the exhaust manifold (32) to receive exhaust gas therefrom, an outlet (52) for discharging cooled exhaust therefrom and a second flow path in heat exchange relation with the first flow path for receipt of a coolant whereby exhaust gas flowing in the first flow path may be cooled.

Abstract: An exhaust gas heat exchange system for an internal combustion engine (10) includes an intake manifold (12) including an inlet (16) for recirculating exhaust gases and an exhaust manifold (28) having at least one inlet (30) for receiving exhaust gas from the engine (10) and an outlet (36), (60), for discharging exhaust gas and spaced from the inlets (30). An exhaust gas heat exchanger (32) includes a first flow path having an inlet (50) connected to the exhaust manifold (32) to receive exhaust gas therefrom, an outlet (52) for discharging cooled exhaust therefrom and a second flow path in heat exchange relation with the first flow path for receipt of a coolant whereby exhaust gas flowing in the first flow path may be cooled.

Abstract: A process for forming a product having multiple and well defined color patterns. In a first embodiment, the rotomolding process comprises a first step of using a first powder having a first color and a second powder having a second color which is different than the color of the first powder. The rotomolding process comprises a second step of placing the first and second color powders into a pre-determined pattern within a hollow cavity mold. The rotomolding process comprises a third step of placing the closed hollow cavity mold into the oven. The rotomolding process comprises a fourth step of heating the hollow cavity mold with no rotation for a first period defined by the heating time necessary for a layer of individual colors to melt in the desired pattern upon the inside surface of the hollow cavity mold.