Abstract: A clutch unit for the main power take-off of agricultural tractors, having its input shaft (5) aligned with the engine shaft to which it is connected and its coaxial output shaft (6) driving the power take-off (3) via a change-speed gear unit, is positioned behind the rear wheel axle, with the drive hub (61) positioned to the rear of the power take-off change-speed gear unit, so as to be accessible from the outside by removing a cover (13).

Abstract: The mechanism consists of a crankshaft and connecting rods driving two rods which extend through the full length of the cylinder of the taper. The rods reciprocate 180.degree. out of phase with each other and pass through a piston assembly. Clutch mechanisms in the piston assembly engage when the rods are moving toward the head assembly and do not engage for the opposite motion. As a result the piston assembly advances toward the head assembly an increment of motion each time one of the rods moves in that direction. A mechanism in the piston assembly engages the head end of the cylinder as the piston assembly approaches the head end and prevents the clutches from engaging so that the piston assembly does not jam against the head end of the cylinder. Also, mechanism is provided to disengage both clutches and keep them disengaged so that the piston assembly is free to move as the cylinder is being filled. This mechanism involves rotating the rods to drive cams which engage the clutches to hold them disengaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the pressure of an electronically controlled automatic transmission including an electronic pressure controlled (EPC) solenoid, comprising: a pair of leads connected in parallel to the leads of the EPC solenoid; a pair of resistors, of fixed but differing resistance, connected to one of the leads; and, a switch connected to the other lead for selectively connecting the leads through the resistors to the leads of the EPC solenoid, the switch being movable between a plurality of positions to change the resistance wherein the transmission pressure changes.

Abstract: A control system for shifting a vehicle transmission, such as in work vehicles, includes sensors for detecting the output speed of the vehicle engine, the output speed of the transmission and the vehicle ground speed. A controller receives signals from the sensors and command devices and controls engagement and disengagement of combinations of fluid clutches in the transmission to obtain desired gear ratios. The controller implements a ground-speed-matching control routine following operator-induced disengagement and re-engagement signals in which the controller compares the current ground speed to a threshold speed and enters into either a ground-speed-matching sequence or an alternative gear ratio selection sequence depending upon whether the ground speed is higher or lower than the threshold speed. Each routine results in selection of a gear ratio. The selected gear ratio is then limited by the last commanded gear ratio.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a variable angular velocity coupling between an input shaft (52, 78) and an output shaft (71, 138) includes a fixed frame (72, 74, 76); a first hearing (80) for mounting the input shaft for rotation relative to the fixed frame; a second bearing (140) for mounting the output shaft for rotation relative to the fixed frame; a pair of conjugate cams (48, 50; 82, 84) mounted to the fixed frame, concentric with the input shaft: a first cam follower (54, 60; 114, 118) pivotably supported (64, 66; 90, 92, 98, 100, 102, 104) by the input shaft for engaging a first of the cams; a second cam follower (56, 58; 116, 120) pivotably supported by the input shaft for engaging a second of the cams; a first link (68, 122) extended between the first and second cam followers to cause the followers to move in tandem in response to rotation of the input shaft relative to the cams: an radially extended output arm (70, 136) supported by the output shaft; and a second link (72, 74; 132, 134) extended between at

Abstract: This device comprises levers and cables (21, 29, 23) for actuating a clutch which is located between an engine and the gearbox, spring (37) for determining the angle through which the engine is rocked with respect to a nominal operating position, and cable (39) for opposing clutch engagement when the angle of rocking is greater than a predetermined angle.

Abstract: The robot has a first rail which extends in one direction and has a first slide mounted thereon, the first slide being slidable along the rail. A second rail extends away from the first rail, and has one end secured to the first slide. First and second motors are mounted in fixed positions relative to the first rail, the motors driving first and second drive belts. The first drive belt is attached to the first slide, thence routed around a first pulley at one end of the first rail, thence around a second pulley at the other end of the first rail, and thence back to the first slide. This produces movement of the first slide along the first rail.

Abstract: The improved motion-amplifying lever arrangement includes a pair of cooperating lobe members for effecting a mechanical advantage between the operating lever and an output cable during pivotal movement of the lever from an inoperative first position toward an operative second position, use being made of a spring clutch associated with the drive cam member for locking the lever in he brake-applied position, and a self-adjust device associated with the driven lobe cam member for removing cable slack when the operating lever is in the inoperative first position. In the preferred embodiment, the lobe members comprise lobe cams that are connected by a flexible strap of belt that extends between the cooperating cam surfaces and is secured at opposite ends to the cams, respectively.

Abstract: The rolling/sliding outer ring of the cam follower apparatus is made to withstand peeling very well, even in severe lubrication conditions, by forming a surface layer in the depth 0 to 50 .mu.m from the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring, such that the maximum residual compressive stress in this surface layer is between 50 and 110 kgf/mm.sup.2, the hardness of this surface layer is between Hv 830 and Hv 960, and the amount of residual austenite in the surface layer is at least 7 volume %, and formed with continuous minute irregularities on the surface with convexities of the irregularities having an equivalent roundness diameter up to 15 .mu.m for the case that the concavities of the irregularities are assumed to occupy 80% of the total surface area, while the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring is superfinished.

Abstract: A drill bit for cutting hard and abrasive materials has cutting lips formed from sintered polycrystalline diamond (PCD) or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) contained in one or more inserts installed in a drill bit blank. The inserts are made by forming depressions in the upper surface of a matrix slab of tungsten carbide, filling the depressions with fine mesh grains of diamonds or cubic born nitride, subjecting the slab to heat and pressure sufficient to fuse the grains to one another and to the surrounding matrix walls, and then cutting the matrix slab to remove individual inserts containing an elongated vein having an exposed PCD or PCBN surface supported by at least one and preferably two or more side walls of tungsten carbide. A rectangular slot having side walls parallel to one another and equidistant from the diameter of a cylindrical drill bit blank is cut into one transverse end wall of the blank, and one or more inserts placed in the slot.

Abstract: A holding device for cutting an ophthalmic lens includes a holding member which has a spherical sliding surface. A support member is provided with a spherical receiving surface which slidably supports the spherical sliding surface of the holding member. In addition, a fixing assembly is provided for adjustably positioning the lens holding member with respect to the support member. The fixing assembly includes a guide member which is rotatable about a support center axis, with the guide member including an eccentric guide hole, such that pins disposed between the guide hole and an extension of the lens holding member move (or adjust the position of) the lens holding member in response to rotation of the guide member. Rotation of the guide member thus results in sliding movement of the lens holding member with respect to the support member to thereby position the holding member with respect to the support member.

Abstract: In a cutting device having a moving (disc) cutter and a fixed cutter which extends in a cutting direction, wherein the moving cutter moves along the fixed cutter, thereby cutting a medium which is interposed therebetween, a presser member which is movable together with a medium pressing interlocking plate is lowered to press on the medium to fix the same at a portion close to a cutting position since a bearing attached to the moving cutter engages with the medium pressing interlocking plate to press down the same as the moving cutter moves. Since the moving cutter cuts the medium at this state, the cut edge of the medium can be excellent in linearity even if it has low rigidity in the outward-surface direction at right angles to the surface thereof. While the moving cutter does not cut the medium, the presser member is retracted to a standby position.

Abstract: A multiple hole pattern paper punch apparatus, comprising a structure for punching holes simultaneously at specific location points into a sheet, so as to form corner pockets in the sheet which will receive and maintain corners of a flat article retained thereto.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for food film includes a rigid planar base with a movable metal strip anvil movably positioned thereon. A slidable cutter arm for forward or rearward movement is attached to a rear axle affixed to the base. The assembly, in one embodiment, can be positioned atop a conventional box of rolled food film. Safe, manual cutting of the food film to convenient lengths can be easily accomplished with minimal training and effort. A turret blade allows for convenient blade changing when dulling occurs.

Abstract: The main feature of the differential pressure detecting system of the present invention resides in that, when a mechanical arm is to clamp a workpiece, a differential pressure can be produced for operating a cylinder and in turn triggering a responsive switch to activate a display device; when it clamps the workpiece, the differential pressure still exists for maintaining the said activating, when it clamps nothing, the cylinder will be restored and in turn turn off the responsive switch to turn off the display device.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster with a booster housing part includes a vacuum chamber and a working chamber separated therefrom by a movable wall, and a valve body part including a control valve assembly and an electromagnet assembly. The control valve assembly can be actuated both by an actuation rod as well as by the electromagnet assembly, in order to make connections between the vacuum chamber and the working chamber, or between the working chamber and the ambient atmosphere. To improve the heat dissipation and to simplify the assembly the valve body part comprises several separate portions at least the first portion of the valve body part being at least partially designed as a magnetic return of the electromagnet assembly and is coupled with the second portion of the valve body part.

Abstract: A brake booster having separately formed valve bodies for the vacuum valve and the atmospheric valve, which minimizes an invalid portion of the operation stroke. There is provided a cylindrical inner member 800 air-tightly and slidably fitted in the internal bore of a hub portion 52 of a servo piston 50. The inner member 800 is biased backwardly by a spring 850. The inner member 800 has at its front end a valve body 510 of the vacuum valve 500. The rear end of the inner member 800 is caused to be abutted with the atmospheric air valve body 710 side of the atmospheric air valve 700 under the effect of force of the spring 850.

Abstract: The hydraulic circuit directional control valve 20 is provided in a line connected with a lower chamber 13 of the hydraulic cylinder 1 and the B-port of the servo valve 3. A check valve 22 permitting oil flowing into the P-port of the servo valve 3 from the lower chamber 13 is provided in the line in parallel with the hydraulic circuit directional control valve 20 and connected with the lower chamber 13 and the P-port of the servo valve 3. When making the ram 15 move downward with high speed, the hydraulic differential circuit is constituted by changing the hydraulic circuit directional control valve 20 such that the delivery oil exhausted from the lower chamber 13 returns to the P-port of the servo valve 3. The hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 1 flows into the upper chamber 12 through the servo valve 3. The delivery oil exhausted from the lower chamber 13 returns to the suction side of the P-port of the servo valve 3 through the check valve 22, assisting the flow rate of the hydraulic pump 2.

Abstract: A piston ring of Teflon (trademark of E.I du Pont de Nemours & Co, Ltd.), i.e., polytetrafluorethylene fiber, is mounted on a piston. The piston ring has an integral portion in the form of a series of axially spaced circumferential projections received in the respective circumferential spaced grooves of the piston. The piston is projected radially and outwardly to abut an axial end of a sleeve portion of the piston ring to limit axial movement of the piston ring.

Abstract: A spent beverage brewing substance disposal device for use with a beverage brewing apparatus. The disposal device is connected to the beverage brewing apparatus for receiving a slurry of spent beverage brewing substance and liquid. The disposal device includes a housing having a delivery port communicating with a drain conduit of the beverage brewing apparatus for receiving the slurry therethrough. A foraminous structure is retained in the housing and positioned for receiving the slurry. The foraminous structure allows a liquid portion to drain therethrough while retaining the solid or particulate matter of the slurry. A pressurizing apparatus is coupled to the housing of the disposal device so as to pressurize the interior chamber defined by the housing to expedite the separation of the liquid portion from the solid portion. Liquid which is drained from the slurry passes through the foraminous structure and into a drain.

Abstract: A cappuccino maker having a housing, a steam source, a coffee filter and holder for making coffee using water from the steam source, a coffee dispensing spout for dispensing the coffee, a milk frother and a milk dispensing spout for dispensing the frothed milk, wherein the milk dispensing spout and the coffee dispensing spout are capable of dispensing milk and coffee over a single container-receiving location, thus permitting milk and coffee to be dispensed into a container without having to move the container, and also having a milk receptacle having a valve, and a first base for the milk receptacle having a valve actuator for engaging the valve and a raised lip for receiving the milk receptacle or, in the absence of the receptacle, a cleaning fluid, the lip forming a reservoir on the first base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing the surface of a food product is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame, one or two sets of cylindrical rollers in the frame, the sets of rollers being inclined, a mechanism for rotating the rollers, and devices for surface treating the food article. The apparatus optionally may include an enclosure over the frame, and an oil applicator. The devices for surface treating the food article can include a plurality of direct flame applicators, cryogenic liquid gas applicators, impingement hot air applicators, and chemical solution applicators.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for alternately cooking, broiling, or grilling foods in a single vessel. The apparatus includes a lower pan portion which is supported by a lower frame portion. An upper frame portion is pivotally supported from the lower pan portion. A upper lid portion is provided, wherein the lid portion is pivotally affixed to the upper frame portion. The lid portion includes a top portion and a grille portion. The grille portion of the lid is the inner wall surface of the top portion, and is thus located in the upper reaches of the lid portion when the lid portion is in a cooking position. When the lid is rotated one hundred eighty (180) degrees, the grille portion provides an upwardly exposed grille surface for food preparation. The lid portion is shaped suitable for nesting in the bottom portion when the upper frame portion is returned to a normal cooking position.

Abstract: A combination fryer and charbroiler food cooking apparatus is provided. The food basket is slideably mounted to a centering rod mounted to a cooking oil container. The basket is moveable from a lower frying position to an upper spinning and/or charbroiling position. In the upper position, the basket is spun about its central axis to spin out unwanted excess fat, oil and grease. The food basket accommodates an insert food support for receiving a charbroil cover which includes charbroiling cooking elements. Upon installation of a charbroil cover, the charbroiling elements are positioned between upstanding food items residing in the insert food support. As a result, effective frying, charbroiling and removal of fat can be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed are tools (10, 60, 100, 200) and (300) used to hold a bagel (22) upright while being sliced from edge to edge with a blade (28) of a knife (30). Each tool (10, 60,100, 200, and 300) includes a base (12) having a top surface (12a) adapted to support the bagel (22) by an edge of the bagel (22). An upright support plate (14) is removably mounted to the base (12) and has opposed lateral sides and opposed faces (14a and 14b). A pair of knife blade guides (16 and 18) are attached to the base (12) opposite each other, each guide being positioned near one of the opposed sides of the upright support plate (14) and spaced apart to provide therebetween a cutting zone (24). Tool (300)is adapted to slice both bagels and a loaf of bread, and it has two cutting zones (24 and 302). Positioning elements (102)regulates the thickness of the sliced segments of the bagel (22) and bread.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying variable pressure to a surface. The apparatus includes a frame secured to a fixed structure and located proximate to the surface. A foot is mounted for movable relation relative to the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. The pressure applicator is connected to a pressure device which biases the applicator away from the surface. The present invention also includes a variable pressure source connected to a control device for varying the pressure supplied to the pressure applicator that is ultimately applied to the surface.

Abstract: A compaction apparatus (2) has a screw conveyor (4) for conveying waste material through a passage (6) and compacting it therein. An exit nozzle (10) is arranged to communicate with the passage (6). The nozzle (10) defines a duct which enlarges and contracts response to increasing and decreasing material pressure, respectively.

Abstract: A fluted or honeycombed profile on the rear side of the pressing stock or rolling side of the heating/press platens, which profile enables an increased flexible, two-dimensional deformation, in a longitudinally and transversely controlled manner, in just a few seconds in the on-line control process while providing larger support spacings. The fluted profile along the whole of the pressing zone advantageously increases the elastic bending deformability in the transverse direction, while, as a result of the honeycombed profile, an increased flexibility longitudinally to the pressing zone is attained. As a result of the fluted profile longitudinally to the pressing zone, the two-dimensional, spherical flexibility of the press/heating platen is substantially increased, so that use is preferably made of this fluted profiling.

Abstract: A trash and recycling center having a modular trash receptacle unit and a modular recycling receptacle. The trash receptacle unit has at least two interior compartments and a movable lid. A trash bag can be placed in one compartment and used newspapers can be stored in the other compartment. The recycling receptacle unit has a top with a can crusher, an empty can storage area, and a slot for depositing crushed cans into the interior of the recycling receptacle. The interior of the recycling receptacle can have multiple shelves or storage draws or, can have a single storage bin. The recycling receptacle can also have a removable counter top recycling unit.

Abstract: A press with a window type tension frame. The frame has an upper and lower crosshead with two lateral tension shackles connected together to form the window type tension frame. The crossheads and the tension shackles are removably joined together by a clamping system that employs tension bolts.

Abstract: A rotary embossing machine includes an embossing mechanism in which an embossing gap is formed between an embossing cylinder and a counter pressure cylinder. For conveying an embossing film web through the embossing gap, the rotary embossing machine includes a conveying mechanism for producing a movement of the web at the same speed as a material layer to be embossed, during an embossing interval. The film conveying mechanism includes a pulling device downstream of the embossing gap which is provided with a slip drive for the embossing film web and a controllable film supply device upstream of the embossing gap which cooperates with the pulling device. This arrangement avoids the risk of the embossing films or foils tearing and improves the embossing quality.

Abstract: The check writer for imprinting checks is comprised of a frame having a printing line, a plurality of type segment members supported by the frame, with each segment member having a set of offset printing characters thereon on the segment member facing and being moveable to locate the desired printing characters on the printing line, and a prefix holder assembly supported by the frame and structurally arranged to receive and position a sliding prefix plate adjacent to the printing characters on the printing line. The width and length dimensions of each printing face on each type segment is substantially identical. Additionally, the check writer includes an inked ribbon and ribbon support member supporting the ribbon adjacent to the printing characters disposed on the printing line, a platen supported by the frame, and an actuating mechanism supported by the frame and movable from a normal non-printing position to an activated printing position for effecting the printing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing a viscous material onto a surface of a board through the medium of a screen having openings therein. The apparatus includes a viscous material dispenser of the type having a box-like housing in which a chamber for containing the material and a slit-like bottom aperture communicating therewith are provided. A pair of blades depend from the housing on opposite sides of the bottom aperture. A rear wall of the housing includes a fixed upper wall section and a height-adjustable lower wall section height-adjustably connected thereto. The lower wall section is connected to manually operable height-adjustable device mounted on the housing and for adjusting the height of the lower wall section having the squeegee blade so that by adjusting the height-adjustable device, the contacting pressure of the lower end of the squeegee blade to be applied against the upper surface of the screen can be adjusted as desired.

Abstract: A web width adjusting device can adequately adjust the width of paper web which is travelled through at least two printing sections. The travelling web is sandwitched by a pair of contact means including a plurality of contact members which are aligned in parallel to the axis of cylinders for driving the paper web. The contact members of one alignment are alternatively in contact with the web surface with respect to the other alignment.

Abstract: Suction-type grippers for a sheet-transfer drum includes a sheet-supporting element having a sheet-supporting surface formed with a plurality of suction-air openings disposed along a region thereof to be covered by at least one sheet edge, at least one flexible planar member disposed adjacent to said sheet-supporting element at a side thereof facing away from the sheet-supporting surface thereof, the flexible planar member having a member for sealing at least some of the suction-air openings.

Abstract: A sheet-conveying drum for use between units in a printing machine is provided with a plurality of gripper bridges arranged substantially circumferentially symmetrically on the drum surface. The gripper bridges include gripper impact strips that are adjustable substantially radially relative to the drum in order to accommodate printing materials of different thickness. Each gripper impact strip is adjusted by means of a positioning device that is arranged on the drum radially inward of the gripper impact strip and mounted so that it can move axially relative to the drum and cam the gripper impact strip radially. The axial movement of each positioning device is brought about by an adjusting means which is selectively operated by a drive that is disposed in one of the drum journals.

Abstract: The system of the present invention controls the temperature of ink so as to enhance print quality. An ink roller has a circulation path therein. A circulation system circulates fluid, such as water, through the ink roller and through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is part of a refrigeration and heating system that selectively cools and heats the circulating water. The refrigeration and heating system uses a compressor, an expansion valve and the heat exchanger. To provide refrigeration, refrigerant fluid is circulated in the refrigeration and heating system through the expansion valve and to the heat exchanger. To provide heating, the expansion valve is bypassed by a conduit, wherein hot fluid from the compressor flows directly to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A stamp and a process of producing a stamp includes a stamp that is made from a sponge having open cells to allow repeated impressing operations without supplying stamp ink for a long time. The process includes fitting a heat-fusing ink sheet or a heat-generating plate, which contains a heat-generating material, over the surface of a stamp-piece that has open cells therein. A liquid substance soaks a manuscript having characters, patterns, etc., which are represented by non-applied areas of recording material. The manuscript is placed over the top in such a manner that an image may appear to be a mirror image. The manuscript is irradiated from above with light to cause light to pass through the non-applied areas of recording material to increase the temperature of the heat-generating material at sites corresponding to the non-applied areas of recording material.

Abstract: Mounting arrangement of the bars supporting the grippers in a map-making or security-paper printing machine, wherein each bar consists of a pair of parallel tubular rods and is supported at its opposite ends on two transport chains slidable along two parallel fixed guides, each bar end being mounted on a pair of pins fixed to the chains and projecting therefrom towards the bar. Between the bar ends and the pairs of support pins there is interposed an intermediate support, formed by two elements adapted to slide telescopically one in respect of the other in a direction parallel to the sliding plane of the chains and lengthwise of the chains, one of these elements, in the form of a plate, comprising two transverse bores to house the pins of the chain, while the other element, in the form of a slide, is fixed to an end of each bar and is slidably mounted on the plate.

Abstract: A system for axially reciprocating a tacky roller (contact cleaning roller, or CCR) across a substrate being cleaned by the roller, to spread particles which are non-uniformly distributed on the substrate surface over a broader area of the tacky roller collecting surface, thereby decreasing the rate of decay of collecting efficiency, improving the average cleanliness of the treated substrate, and extending the operating lifetime of the tacky roller between renewals. The roller may or may not be in contact with the substrate surface during reciprocation of the roller. The system includes a second CCR to alternate with the first CCR, such that at least one roller is cleaning the substrate while another roller is being renewed. The system can be configured to provide full-width CCRs which overlap both edges of a surface at all times during reciprocation.

Abstract: The method and apparatus includes a single dedicated lane, multiple trams moving in both directions along the dedicated lane, multiple tram stop-boarding areas, each with an associated by-pass lane, disposed at intervals along the dedicated lane, a terrestrial guide which guides bidirectional steering assemble associated with the steerable wheels of the trams, and sensor and communication devices which coordinate the movement of the trams. The multiple trams are disposed along the route so there is always an odd number of tram stop-boarding areas between oppositely moving trams such that, as they approach each other, they can be coordinated to meet, without having to stop or wait, at a common tram stop-boarding area at substantially the same moment, the associated by-pass lane at each boarding area allowing the trams to then pass each other after passengers have disembarked and embarked.

Abstract: A method for guiding a motor driven wheeled device in a required direction along the interior of a pipe comprises providing the device with a guard, lowering the device with the guard leading through a hole bored in the wall of the pipe to gain access to the interior of the pipe, causing the guard to engage the internal wall of the pipe and position the device on its wheels facing in the required direction and then starting the motor to cause the wheels to rotate and move the device in the required direction.

Abstract: A railtruck apparatus is provided for supporting a railcar body on two longitudinally spaced wheel and axle sets. The railtruck includes a frame having two side frame members, each defining a pair of longitudinally spaced cradles. A bearing housing is received in each cradle and includes a top wall, two longitudinally spaced side walls depending from the top wall, and an open bottom sized for receipt over a journal bearing of one of the wheel and axle sets. A removable bottom cap closes off each bearing housing to permit assembly and disassembly of the wheel and axle sets. A primary suspension is positioned between each bearing housing and the frame for supporting the frame on the bearing housing, and is retained in position on the frame when the frame is raised relative to the bearing housing. Thus, when the wheel and axle sets are removed from the apparatus, the bearing housings and the primary suspension assemblies are retained on the frame.

Abstract: A railroad freight car including a cargo well for carrying optionally either intermodal cargo containers or highway semitrailers has a side sill structure including a deep rectangular top chord and a depending web, supporting a well floor structure. The well floor structure includes reinforcing longitudinal and transverse channel members and horizontal top and bottom plates attached to the channels. Large circular openings, aligned with one another, are defined in both the top and bottom plates, and a peripheral ring of vertical material interconnects the margins of the top and bottom plates around the openings. A reinforcing walkway structure is located atop each side sill at each end of the cargo well. In a multi-unit car adjacent car units are supported on a single shared wheeled truck.

Abstract: An extendible bunk stake mounted on a logging vehicle has an extension member that can be raised and lowered within a support member by an operator. A remotely actuatable motor, such as a source of working fluid and an expansible working chamber can be enabled by an operator to raise and lower the extension member from a safe distance away from a log loading area of the vehicle. Particularly, during periods of inclement weather, a vehicle operator can safely raise and lower the extension member without having to climb on top of the vehicle, greatly reducing any risk of related injury.

Abstract: A levelling device formed from a single sheet of foldable material which is used to convert an automobile seat into a flat, horizontal surface. More particularly, the levelling device comprises front and rear straight edges, two side edges each configured in the form of stretched "Z" and at least one scored line parallel to the rear straight edge such that the scored line can be folded downward to form a support leg. In a preferred embodiment, the levelling device further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a secondary scored line, two die cuts which intersect the said primary scored line and a third die cut which is parallel to said secondary scored line, said locking mechanism being pressed downward to form a die cut finger, wherein said finger is used to keep said support leg in a secure position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving an ATM relative to a wall between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus includes a base, a gear, and a motor coupled to the base for rotating the gear relative to the base. The apparatus also includes a mechanism coupled to the ATM for engaging the gear to move the ATM between its retracted position and its extended position, and a bearing positioned between the base and the ATM to facilitate movement of the ATM relative to the base. The apparatus also includes a foldable floor panel coupled to the ATM. The foldable floor panel is configured to move from an unfolded, generally planar orientation when the ATM is in its extended position to a folded, generally upright position when the ATM is in its retracted position.

Abstract: A gasifier is disclosed. The gasifier comprises a primary chamber for receiving therein biomass waste material and other related volatile solids to be gasified. A fume transfer vent permits the escape of fumes from the primary chamber. A mixing chamber accepts the fumes from the fume transfer vent. The fumes then flow to an afterburner chamber where a burner member produces a heating flame so as to cause the additional full oxidization of the constituents of the fumes so as to oxidize the constituents. A partitioning wall is disposed between the flame chamber and the primary chamber so as to preclude the heating flame from entering the primary chamber and to also preclude the radiation from the heating flame from directly entering the primary chamber, thereby precluding direct contact and physical disturbance of the waste material. A heat transfer chamber in fluid communication with the afterburner chamber accepts the fully oxidized fumes therefrom.

Abstract: A waste conveyor includes a conveyor channel. A feed shaft is connected to the conveyor channel. A worm is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor channel. The worm has a shaft with an axis. A first metal cutter is disposed at an edge of a portion of the worm and is curved relative to the axis of the shaft. A second metal cutter is disposed at a portion of the conveyor channel, is curved relative to the axis of the shaft and has a radius of curvature being greater than the radius of curvature of the first metal cutter. The two metal cutters are disposed side by side and approximately concentric to the shaft, at a predetermined rotary position of the worm.

Abstract: A combined soil agitation and aerating apparatus comprises a frame which is pulled by a tractor over untilled pasture land. A cylindrical drum is rotatably supported on the frame by a co-rotatable axial shaft. A plurality of rigid prongs are provided on the cylindrical surface of the drum which penetrate, agitate and aerate the soil as a drum is rolled over the land to be seeded. A seed dispensing unit is mounted behind and parallel to the drum and is driven by a driving connection with the shaft that rotatably supports the drum.