Abstract: A pest-proof bird feeder for supplying bird feed to song birds includes a storage container for bird food which is both cylindrical and transparent and has a lower end and an upper end. A cap is removably mounted on the upper end of the storage container. The cap includes a collar about the storage container and a lid is located over the upper end of the storage container and extends beyond the storage container. The storage container is concentric with the lid. A lower collar is mounted on the lower end of the storage container and includes a base partially across the lower end of the storage container. An inner cylinder extends from the base generally concentrically with the lower collar and the storage container. The base has a center opening communicating with the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder has a plurality of food ports located adjacent and generally equidistant from the base and generally equally spaced about the inner cylinder.

Abstract: A multi-function logging machine is disclosed. The machine uses several simple components in various configurations to perform the functions of lifting, rolling, winching and holding a log, which can vary in size, in the field. The Logging Device replaces several devices that now must all be transported to the logging field with one easily transported unit. A body is provided in two feet. A handle fits through openings in the feet and is prevented from withdrawal and turning until released. A support member is mounted at one end of the body. An arm is mounted to rotate in the body. A claw with teeth is mounted on the arm. A cleat is mounted on the body opposite from the support member frame for preventing backward movement on a rope when the Logging Device is used as a winch.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the estimation of health parameters p(k) representing symptoms of a slowly degrading system, in particular industrial gas turbines. According to the invention, an estimation of a true health or independent parameter vector at time step k uses the estimation of the true health or parameter vector at a previous time step k?1 as a starting value for the production of a predicted health parameter vector at time step k. Based on the latter and a set of measured values of input variables of an extended model of the system, a prediction of output variables of the model is produced. This predicted model output is compared with measured values of the output variables to yield an error. From this error, a health parameter estimator in turn produces a health parameter estimate as a revision of the predicted health parameters.

Abstract: A multi-function logging machine is disclosed. The machine uses several simple components in various configurations to perform the functions of lifting, rolling, winching and holding a log, which can vary in size, in the field. The Logging Device replaces several devices that now must all be transported to the logging field with one easily transported unit. A body is provided in two feet. A handle fits through openings in the feet and is prevented from withdrawal and turning until released. A support member is mounted at one end of the body. An arm is mounted to rotate in the body. A claw with teeth is mounted on the arm. A cleat is mounted on the body opposite from the support member frame for preventing backward movement on a rope when the Logging Device is used as a winch.