Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for continuous physical integrity monitoring of large civil structures such as bridges and high-rise buildings . . . wherein the relevant sensor data stream is generated continuously and transmitted to the data gathering location without the need for an incoming triggering signal of any kind; i.e., it is a one way transmission system. Specifically, it is a concept for an interlinked multi-parameter Early Warning Sensor system with a full time data management capability for structures. The invention is also directed to both the system construction, with its communication capability, and also designs of specific sensors applicable to the system as a whole. As a practical example of application of the present invention to a structure, the description in this application is directed primarily towards system applications for bridge integrity early warning systems.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow velocity measuring apparatus includes two transducers arranged to form a certain angle to a flow velocity direction to measure flow velocity of a fluid, the two transducers transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic beam relative to each other to allow ultrasonic beam transmitting time to be measured to compute the flow velocity, wherein the transducers are connected to a transducer switching portion, which is connected to an outputting amplifier, which is connected to a frequency modulation oscillator, which is connected to a one shot multivibrator, which is connected to a control square pulse generating portion, which is connected to the transducer switching portion and an output switching portion, the outputting switching portion is connected to the receiving amplifier, the an attenuator, and to the frequency discriminator, which is connected to a pulse shaping portion to shape the output of the frequency discriminator into a square pulse, the pulse shaping portion is connected to a time i

Abstract: A flow meter is provided that can be used to measure the flow of fluids from a fluid source to a receiving system, and methods of using the flow meter to measure fluid flow. The flow meter is composed of a housing that contains a fluid flow sensing member in the form of a rotatable bladed rotor or turbine in one chamber and a sensor and a signal-conditioning circuit in a second separate chamber. The rotor rotates by fluid flow through the housing chamber. The rotor preferably contains a magnet that passes over a magnetically-operated sensor and triggers it to produce a signal that is processed by the conditioning circuit into a 4-20 mA output signal that indicates a range from no flow to full flow of the liquid through the flow meter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved insertion-type fluid flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a conduit, wherein the flowmeter incorporates a strut-mounted rotor having just one or two blades such that it can rotate through a circular area of diameter substantially larger than the maximum dimension of an opening in the conduit wall through which the strut extends. This minimizes the size of the opening, which simplifies its sealing. In addition, the support and the strut are configured such that the strut is releasably secured to the support by a snap fit, to facilitate a convenient replacement of the strut and attached rotor as the need might arise. The flowmeter further incorporates a special set of ring-shaped spacers, to facilitate a convenient adjustment of the distance by which the strut projects into the conduit.

Abstract: A force sensor, especially an acceleration sensor or a pressure sensor, has a structure that vibrates in resonance, and its oscillation frequency is variable due to an acting force which is to be detected. The distance of an operating point of the force sensor from the point of its mechanical instability can be adjusted by applying an electric voltage.

Abstract: A plunger assembly for obstructing the flow of fluid through a flexible tube is provided. The assembly comprises a plunger sleeve member having a first open end and a compression mechanism for selectively contacting and compressing the flexible tube. The compression mechanism has a contacting portion for contacting the flexible tube and an extending portion with the extending portion being slidably receivable within the plunger sleeve member through the first open end of the plunger sleeve member. A spring mechanism is mounted about the extending portion of the compression mechanism and between the contacting portion of the compression mechanism and the first open end of the plunger sleeve member for providing selective movement to the compression mechanism relative to the plunger sleeve member.

Abstract: A charged particle selector having first and second circular electrical mobility selector portions is shown to include directing portions for directing particles selected by the first circular electrical mobility selector to the input of the second circular electrical mobility selector. These selectors may be combined to be in parallel instead of in series. The charged particle selector can be used to make in-line measurement of the mass and/or density of aerosol particles, to make measurements of the size of the particles and/or their distribution as well as the distribution of aerosol electrical charges.

Abstract: In an inspection machine for containers comprising a feed conveyor, a discharge conveyor, and an intermediate conveyor which is arranged thereinbetween and transfers the containers without any self-rotation, and a rotary conveyor which imparts a rotational movement to the containers and is provided at the feed conveyor, a first side inspection device is arranged at the feed conveyor in front of the rotary conveyor, a second side inspection device is arranged at the discharge conveyor after the intermediate conveyor, and a bottom inspection device is arranged in the area of the gap existing between the feed conveyor and the discharge conveyor. A very efficient container transport and a high inspection accuracy are achieved with such an assembly.

Abstract: The method for changing the gears of a manually shiftable change gear unit for commercial vehicles which has a main gear unit and fitted downstream thereof a combination of splitter gear unit and range gear unit wherein when shifting the individual gear units from the coupling position (1) to the neutral position (0), in time are first shifted the main gear unit, then the splitter gear unit and finally the range gear unit and conversely, when shifting form the neutral position (0) to the coupling position (1), in time first the range gear unit, then the splitter gear unit and finally the main gear unit are shifted.

Abstract: A low vibration motion translation system for converting continuous rotary motion into reciprocating linear motion employs a counterweight or counterbalance mechanism moving in the opposing direction to the reciprocating linear driver or piston to reduce vibration. As the counterbalance is driven linearly in the opposing direction to the reciprocating piston, opposing forces are generated to counteract the unbalanced forces created by the translation, with a resultant reduction in vibration.

Abstract: In conventional power steering apparatus, a motor and a reducing device of this motor were set in a laterally projecting state with respect to the steering axis, which posed a problem of poor mountability. Harmonic drive reducer, which is composed of wave generator, flexspline, and circular spline, and print motor for driving it are coaxially arranged with respect to a serial steering axis connecting steering input shaft with steering output shaft.

Abstract: An angle drive, especially for agricultural implements, has a housing with two housing portions (1, 2). The two housing portions (1, 2) abut one another at a right angle. The angle drive is provided with a first bevel gear (11) arranged in the first housing portion. A second bevel gear (27) is arranged in the second housing portion. The two bevel gears (11, 27) are each supported by rolling contact bearings (16, 17, 33). The housing interior is sealed by seals (20, 20') between the first bevel gear (11) and the first housing portion (1) and between the second bevel gear (27) and the second housing portion (2). The two housing portions (1, 2) which concentrate on merely covering the outlines of the two bevel gears (11, 27) and provide an aperture (25) in the region of abutment between the two housing portions (1, 2), in which the two sets of teeth (14, 18) engage one another, produce a compact unit with a small enclosed volume.

Abstract: A system for transmitting power and motion is presented in which at least one component for transmitting power and motion communicates power and motion to another component in which two means are articles of polyketone polymer. In one aspect of the invention the component for transmitting power and motion are spur gears. In another aspect of the invention at least one of the component for transmitting power and motion includes worm gearing.

Abstract: The internal gear is a bottomed cylindrical component, which has the boss portion fitted over the outer circumferential surface of the shaft, the disk-shaped flange portion extending radially outwardly from the boss portion, and the cylindrical gear body having a tooth portion in its inner circumferential surface and connecting integrally to the outer circumferential part of the flange portion. The flange portion is virtually conical on its outer side surface and tapered from the outer diameter side toward the inner diameter side, i.e., from the gear body toward the boss portion. This construction is thicker at the boss portion side than at the gear body side. Further, the density of the flange portion is almost inversely proportional to the thickness and is lower at the boss portion side than at the gear body side. The cylindrical gear body has a density distribution such that the central part of the gear body is lower in density than the end portions in a tooth trace direction of the teeth portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shifting gears in a multi-speed manual transmission. Shifting is accomplished through translation of a linear axial movement of a rotary channel cam indexer to an angular rotation of a rotary channel cam. The rotary channel cam has a cam groove supporting cam followers to translate angular rotation of the rotary channel cam to axial movement of a plurality of transmission shift shafts. The positioning of the plurality of transmission shift shafts places the multi-speed manual transmission into a desired gear.

Abstract: A shifting device for an automatic transmission of a vehicle has a manual shift mode which permits a driver to manually change a speed ratio by displacing a shift lever in an upshift direction or a downshift direction in a manual operation lane from its neutral position. The shifting device is provided with a switch for detecting that the shift lever has moved to the manual operation lane, a switch for detecting that the shift lever has moved in the upshift direction from its neutral position, and a switch for detecting that the shift lever has moved in the downshift direction from its neutral position. All these three switches comprise a traveling contact and two contacts. The traveling contacts of the three switches are earthed, and the six contacts of the three switches are respectively connected to six input terminals of a control unit. Due to this, the control unit can determine a fault in any of the switches based on the signals input into the input terminals.

Abstract: An external gear position sensing unit for attachment to a shift control device includes a sensor housing, a first electrical contact member supported to the sensor housing, a support member rotatably supported to the sensor housing, a second electrical contact member coupled to the support member for movement therewith and for contacting the first electrical contact member, and a coupling member coupled to the support member for movement therewith and exposed to the exterior of the sensor housing. The sensor housing, the support member and the coupling member are coupled together so that the sensor housing, the support member and the coupling member can be attached to the outside surface of the shift control device. If desired, a separate adapter may be coupled to the coupling member and exposed to the exterior of the sensor housing for adapting the sensor unit to different shift control devices.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle has a steering wheel rim which is closed on all sides and which is connected with a central steering wheel hub by way of radially projecting spokes. The steering wheel rim includes sections which are connected with one another in the cross-section, one forming a decorative section which has a different material at least on the exterior side. In the gripping area of the steering wheel rim which is predominantly gripped by the hands in the driving operation, the decorative section is reduced in its grippable width by the pulled-around other rim section.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper having a plurality of transmission elements which are rotatable relative to one another about a common axis of rotation. A movement which is conducted to one of the transmission elements can be conducted to the other transmission element by a coupling device which acts in an articulated manner at one of the transmission elements via at least one coupling member. Further, at least one guide path is associated with the coupling device in at least one other transmission element. A thrust element connected with the coupling member for transmitting a movement with a component in the circumferential direction to the transmission element can be guided along this guide path.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly is provided for attaching a shoe thereto via a cleat. The bicycle pedal has a pedal body rotatably coupled to the second end of the pedal shaft for supporting a cyclist's foot. The pedal body preferably has a pair of clamping members pivotally coupled thereto. A biasing member is coupled between the pedal body and each of the clamping members. An adjustment mechanism is provided for each clamping member to vary the biasing force of the respective biasing member. A cover is coupled to each of the clamping members to substantially enclose the biasing members between the clamping members and the covers. A gap adjustment mechanism is provided to control the gap between the sole of the shoe and the upper support surface of the pedal body. The front cleat engagement surface of each of the clamping members is designed to hold the cleat above the upper support surface of the pedal body.

Abstract: A tool for stripping insulation from the conductor core of a wire or cable includes a pair of longitudinal members which are pivotally interconnected. The tool also includes a pair of blade assemblies, which are removably mounted on the longitudinal members. The blade assemblies can include grooves which cooperate to form openings for passing the conductors while stripping the insulation layers therefrom. The blades can comprise resilient materials, such as polymers, to reduce the risk of cutting the conductor.

Abstract: A tool for setting self-cutting undercut anchors (6) in boreholes (B) in a receiving material (G) includes anchors (6) formed of an axially extending anchor rod (7) with a conically shaped surface at a leading end of the rod widening in the setting direction, and an axially extending rotatable sleeve (9) laterally enclosing the anchor rod and which is axially displaceable against the conically shaped surface for effecting radially outward spreading of cutting tabs located at the leading end of the sleeve. The cutting tabs form an undercut (U) in the inner surface of the borehole (B) as the sleeve is rotated. The tool has a rotatable propelling part (2) for the sleeve (9) of the undercut anchor (6) and a trailing end (3) of the propelling part is arranged for insertion into a chuck of a rotary hammer drill. The propelling part (2) cooperates with a support element (4) arranged to be supported by the surface of the receiving material (G) in which the borehole (B) is formed.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a housing having two orifices for rotatably receiving two stems respectively. The stems each has a gear extended inward of the housing. A gear transmission device is coupled between the gears of the stems for allowing one of the stems to be driven by the other stem with a greater speed, and for allowing the other stem to be driven by the one stem with a greater torque. The gear transmission device includes three gear members rotatably secured in the housing and each having two gear portions of different sizes for engaging with the gears of the stems.

Abstract: A hydraulic wrench for loosening large diameter threaded components has a swing body pivotally attached to a base, a clamp support, a lever and a hydraulic cylinder. The clamp support is slidably mounted on the swinging body, and a spring (or passive hydraulic cylinder) biases the clamp support into a rest position with respect to the swinging body. The lever is pivotally mounted to the clamp support and a spring biases the lever into an open position with respect to the clamp support. The hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to the lever and provides both gripping force and rotational torque to the subject threaded component. The gripping force applied is thus always proportional to the torque.

Abstract: A locking pliers wrench adjustable to grip between two jaws and lock onto objects in a range of sizes. An elongated handle forms the body of the wrench. The rear portion of the handle is channel-shaped in cross section and houses a gripping size adjusting screw and a jaw actuating slider actuated thereby. One jaw is rigidly mounted on the fore end of the handle while the second jaw is pivotally mounted on the handle at a first point adjacent the rear end of the first jaw. A second handle extends generally parallel to the body forming first handle and is pivotally connected to the second jaw at a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point. A link connects the second handle with the fore end of the jaw actuating slider. The adjusting screw is free to rotate but is restrained from axial movement. A nut is locked in the rear end of the slider so as to receive the threaded shank of the screw. The rear portion of the screw rotatably engages the rear end of the body forming handle.

Abstract: A utility pliers includes a first handle member with a fixed jaw secured to an end thereof, a second handle member, and a movable jaw. A connecting block includes a first part pivoted to the end of the first handle member and a second part pivoted to the second handle member. The connecting block further includes a slot defined therein. Two follower blocks are mounted to both sides of the connecting block. A pin is extended through the follower blocks and the slot of the connecting block to guide sliding movements of the follower blocks along the slot relative to the connecting block. The movable jaw is connected to the follower blocks to move therewith.

Abstract: A manuallly operated tool, wherein the manipulation of handles at one end of the tool results in a corresponding movement in jaws at the opposite end. The tool includes two handle elements, wherein each handle element has a first end and a second end. A first pivot joins the two handle elements together so that the distance between the first ends of each handle element and the first pivot is more than twice as long as the distance between the second ends and the first pivot. Two jaw elements are also provided, Wherein each jaw element has a working head end and an opposite tail end. A second pivot joins each of the jaw elements together so that the distance between the tip of each working head end and the second pivot is at least twice as long as the distance between each tail end and the second pivot. The jaw elements are pivotably connected to the handle elements, whereby the length of the handle elements in proportion to the jaw elements provide a mechanical advantage to the jaw elements of at least 2:1.

Abstract: A toolholder apparatus includes a head, a cutting tool mounting fixture attached to the head for holding the cutting tool, and a floating roller assembly pivotally mounted relative to the head. These components are arranged and constructed so that during the cutting of a workpiece with the cutting tool the floating roller assembly can pivot about a pivotal axis relative to the head to allow the floating roller assembly to align with the workpiece. A mechanism is also provided for accomplishing the initial adjustment of alignment of the cutting tool with the rotating workpiece. This mechanism includes a cylindrical shaft extending from the head, and having an eccentric cam follower lug extending transversely from the shaft. A mounting block has a cylindrical bore disposed therethrough, and the shaft is received through the bore of the mounting block. A cam piece is slideably disposed within the mounting block to rotate the shaft as the cam piece slides relative to the mounting block.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting, including an anvil cylinder which may have a plurality of cut rubbers strips affixed around the anvil cylinder and a cut cylinder which is mounted for rotation about an eccentric axis. Two knife boxes may be mounted on the cut cylinder, each knife box having a knife and cheekwood for securing the knife to the cut cylinder. A paper tape guides the material to be cut between the cut cylinder and the anvil cylinder. When one knife box degrades, a knife sleeve on the cut cylinder can be indexed so that the other knife box takes the place of the degraded knife box. When a cut rubber strip degrades, the anvil cylinder can be indexed so that another cut rubber strip takes the place of the degraded cut rubber strap. Either of these functions can occur while the apparatus is still running. The anvil cylinder can also use a cut rubber sleeve.

Abstract: A slitting mechanism for a card cutting machine including a pair of rotating shafts having conveying rollers and cutting disks with cutting edges secured thereto. The slitting mechanism also includes a plate positioned in the space between adjacent cutting disks on one of the rotating shafts. The plate includes a sharp tip for contacting and dropping down chips caught in the space between adjacent cutting edges. Moreover, a sliding clutch is utilized to prevent rubbing and damaging of a sheet when the conveyance of the sheet is temporarily stopped. The sliding clutch is fitted on the drive shaft of the pair of rotating shafts for transferring power from a power source to the drive shaft. The clutch slides when a load is applied to the rotating shafts to stop the transfer of power to the rotating shafts and to prevent the conveying rollers from rubbing and damaging the sheets.

Abstract: A document trimming apparatus includes a document trimming mechanism and a document positioning mechanism. The document trimming mechanism includes a trimmer clamp for holding a document made up of a stack of sheets while being trimmed and a knife for trimming an edge of the stack of sheets. The document positioning mechanism includes a transport holder for securely holding the stack of sheets during transport and further includes a carrier movably supporting the transport holder for translational and rotational movement relative to the document trimming mechanism. The document positioning mechanism is adapted to position successive edges of the stack of sheets proximate the knife for trimming. The document positioning mechanism includes a first actuator to control rotational movement, a second actuator to control translational movement, and a third actuator to control a side block for initial positioning of the stack on the document positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A burley device (10) including a container having an agitator (24) for dispensing burley through a variable size aperture (34) and a cubing mechanism for cubing pilchards or the like. The cubing mechanism includes a gate plate (26) and cutting plate (28) which align with and extend through slots (46) in a guide conduit (48). The gate plate and cutting plate rotate with an electrically driven shaft.

Abstract: A tube cutting apparatus for cutting a continuously fed elongate tube into predetermined lengths including a removable die set which is mounted at an angle to the horizontal and an associated die set changeover table adapted to receive the die set and tilt the same to a horizontal position to facilitate removal thereof and the positioning of a substitute die set.

Abstract: In a toggle type punch driving system, the upper and lower ends of a bendable lever which can bend at an intermediate part thereof are pivotably connected to a fulcrum member and a ram respectively, and an advancing/retreating member for bending the lever is connected to the bendable part of the bending lever. The fulcrum member is formed as a vertically pivotable lever and it is borne by an upper/lower position switchover mechanism composed of a second bendable lever supported between a free end of the fulcrum member and frame, and an air cylinder. A retraction stroke of the ram necessary for tool change is assigned to the bending motion of the second bendable lever to diminish the punching stroke of the ram based on the bending motion of the bendable lever.

Abstract: A cutting device including: a support member; a first blade having a linear-shaped cutting edge extending in a lengthwise direction from a first lengthwise end, to a central portion, and to a second lengthwise end of the first blade, the first blade being supported by the support member; and a second blade having a linear-shaped cutting edge extending from a first lengthwise end to a central portion, and to a second lengthwise end of the second blade, the second blade being supported in confrontation with the first blade by the support member, the first blade and the second blade cutting therebetween a sheet-shaped medium by serially contacting each other from the first lengthwise ends to the second lengthwise ends while the second blade presses against the first blade in a thickness direction of the first blade; wherein at least one of the first and second blades has a smaller deformation resistance, with respect to the support member, in its blade thickness direction at its first and second lengthwise ends

Abstract: An adjustable arbor for maintaining one or more cutting elements which includes a shaft, one or more runners associated with the shaft and runner displacing pistons aligned with the runners and selectively displacing them to engage the cutting elements and secure those elements to the shaft. The runner displacing pistons are activated by pressurized fluid passing through channels communicating with the pistons and are relaxed when the fluid source is deactivated. The runners are urged radially upwardly against a cutting element holding ring when activated and are withdrawn when deactivated so that the cutting elements can be rearranged on the shaft.

Abstract: A scroll saw having a yoke for mounting a saw blade thereto, the yoke adapted to be received by a mounting support on the reciprocating saw. The yoke includes first and second arms and a region connecting the first and second arms, the first and second arms having ends for receiving the end of a saw blade. The first and second arms and the connecting region are formed of a composite material.

Abstract: An automatic combination rifle with a large caliber automatic rifle system and a normal caliber automatic rifle system that include respective triggering arrangements which are connected with a single, movable trigger lever with the use of an activated change-over mechanism. Each triggering arrangement comprises a movable release mechanism to control the respective trigger function. The change-over mechanism establishes a selective connection with one of the release mechanisms for cooperative movement with the trigger lever.

Abstract: A defense missile system for an aircraft to provide protection against hostile attack on the aircraft, the system including an aerodynamically shaped launch housing structured for external mounting on the aircraft, and a missile assembly fitted within an interior launch chamber of the launch housing. The missile assembly includes at least one, and preferably several infrared guided missiles each contained within an elongate tube and having a propulsion engine at one end and a seeker head at the opposite end. A missile support structure holds each of the missiles within the launch chamber such that the missile seeker heads are at least partially exposed through an open aft end of the launch housing. A cylinder containing pressurized coolant gas is supported within the launch chamber and is interconnected to each of the missiles for providing coolant gas to the respective seeker heads.

Abstract: An optical gun sight system for an M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank supported in a lower housing which may be attached to the fixed internal upper housing in the turret of the tank. An adapter plate is provided which has two sets of openings, one to align with the openings in the upper housing and the other to align with openings in the lower housing. An alignment mechanism allows for fine adjustment of the lower housing relative to the upper housing. Operating buttons, knobs and filter wheel are conveniently located on or beneath the front face of the lower housing. A thermal imaging system includes an objective lens for receiving an image of a target object, an eyepiece lens for viewing the image of the object, and a compensator lens movably located between the objective and eyepiece lenses for providing a thermal image of the object.

Abstract: A shuttle valve mounted between a pneumatic piston and a ring plate in a reciprocating pneumatic motor and moved to control the passage between a shuttle compression chamber and a radial air inlet hole in the pneumatic piston, the shuttle valve having a press rod supported on a compression spring and forced out of the front end of the body of the shuttle valve for pressing against the cylinder cover of the reciprocating pneumatic motor, enabling the shuttle valve to shut off automatically at an early stage so as to extend the piston stroke when the pneumatic piston bears the load, or to shorten the piston stroke when the pneumatic piston bears no load.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator (14) includes a housing having first (51) and second (52) housing sections defining a housing interior (53). A support plate (70) is movable between retracted and extended positions relative to the housing and a spring (72) is disposed between the second housing section and a first surface of the support plate for biasing the support plate to the extended position. An actuator rod (60) is operably connected to the support plate (70) at a first end for reciprocal movement with the support plate. Another end of the actuator rod extends through an aperture (64) in the first housing section (51). A flexible diaphragm (358) abuts a second surface of the support plate opposite the first surface and divides the interior of the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. A surface of the diaphragm is exposed to fluid pressure to thereby force the support plate (70) to the retracted position against the bias of the spring (72).

Abstract: Filter-holder comprising a cup (3) receiving a coffee filter (10) and having a perforated bottom, a body (25) arranged under the filter, an infusion collecting chamber (41) opening into a channel (43) of which the outlet (45) communicates with at least one distribution funnel (32), and a foam-forming device. According to the invention, the channel (43) extends annularly about a bossing (39) provided on the body, and the foam-forming device has an elastic annular seal (48) arranged about the bossing, closing the outlet (45) of the channel (43) and deformable by expansion in order to form at least one infusion flowing passage (51). Application particularly to a filter-holder for domestic coffee machines.

Abstract: A cooking grill having upper and lower cooking plates supported between first and second supports is disclosed. The upper and lower cooking plates are each hingedly connected to the supports at a rear hinge axis. The upper cooking plate may be manually tipped to a raised position. The lower cooking plate is automatically tipped downwardly to a food ejection or second position by means of an actuator. An ejector may be provided for positively ejecting the cooked food at the end of the cooking cycle, onto a support or receiving tray, from which cooked food may be removed by hand. Alternatively, the lower cooking plate may be rotated past the second position to a removed, where the cooked food may then be removed by hand.

Abstract: A convection meat cooker characterized by an elongated, cylindrical cooker tank which, in a preferred embodiment, is provided on a portable cooker frame and includes concentric outer, middle and inner shells. The inner shell defines an interior cooking chamber which is hermetically sealed by a door hinged to the outer shell at one end of the cooker tank and a cylindrical, annular heat chamber is defined between the middle and inner shells throughout the length of the cooker tank. Insulation is typically provided between the middle and outer shells of the cooker tank. A heat entrance port extends from the middle shell and receives a propane-fueled burner for heating the cylindrical heat chamber and a heat exit port vents excess heat from the annular heat chamber. An open water container may be removably attached to the cooker frame and pressure vent piping provided in fluid communication with the cooking chamber is immersed in water provided in the water container.

Abstract: A flame disk for even heat distribution when using an external flame such as in a smoker grill assembly, and which prevents internal food drippings from escaping through the disk. The disk design enhances the heat efficiency, and safeguards against drippings or ashes falling through to the burner or ground. The disk design offers better performance when cooking. The holes in the disk are raised, and has attached legs strategically placed over the holes to deter drippings or ashes from falling through. The legs also support and lift the disk on its cooking base.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for preparing yogurt, soft frozen yogurt and ice cream, hard frozen yogurt and ice cream, and cheese. The appliance includes a housing having a base and side walls defining an open top. A motor-driven paddle device is rotationally journaled with respect to the cover and base and the motor therefor is adapted to be driven either continuously or with a predetermined duty cycle, dependent upon the product being made. Also mounted on either the cover or the base is a vent hole occluder that is normally positioned to block the vent holes in the cover or base, but which shifts to a second position uncovering those vent holes when the consistency of the product being produced, as tested by the paddle motion or other apparatus reveals that a predetermined cultured state has been reached. Shifting of the occluding device from the covering position to the open position also actuates a switch to shut off the drive motor and a warming element.

Abstract: A mobile container adapted for transporting perishable goods includes a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of side walls extending therebetween so as to define an elongated enclosure having a longitudinal axis and adapted to receive a cargo load. An air recirculation plenum is defined in the enclosure adjacent to the front wall. A refrigeration system is in fluid communication with the air recirculation plenum and is adapted to induct air at a first temperature and to exhaust air at a second temperature. A pair of air delivery plenums extend from the bulkhead along the length of the enclosure parallel to the longitudinal axis. Each of the pair of air delivery plenums is defined by a corresponding one of the pair of side walls and a plenum wall disposed spaced from the corresponding side wall and extending from the upper margins of the enclosure such that the plenum wall is adapted to be co-extensive and in abutting contact with a portion of the cargo load.

Abstract: A centrifugal watermelon juice extractor including a main housing having an upper section and a lower section removably coupled together. The upper section has first and second openings through a lower end thereof offset from a center opening thereof. The upper section has a peripheral flange extending upwardly from an interior surface thereof. The peripheral flange contains the first opening interiorly thereof. The second opening is disposed exteriorly of the peripheral flange. The upper section has an angularly disposed ramp secured to an outer surface of the peripheral flange. The ramp has a lower portion disposed over the second opening. A motor is disposed within the lower section of the main housing. A funnel member is removably received within the peripheral flange of the upper section of the main housing and operatively coupling with the motor. The funnel member has a mesh cylindrical side wall. The mesh cylindrical side wall is defined by apertures.

Abstract: A bearing control system for a roll with hydrostatic bearings which is mounted by its axle on a bearing block or other equivalent frame member by hydraulically loaded hydrostatic bearing elements. A principal bearing element acts in a principal loading direction and another bearing element is a backup bearing element which acts in a direction opposite to the principal loading direction. The bearing elements include bearing shoes positioned freely around the axle in order to support the axle so that the roll revolves freely in relation to the bearing block or other frame member. The control system feeds a hydraulic pressure medium to the hydrostatic bearing elements so that the roll is displaceable in the principal loading direction, e.g., in the direction of the nip plane, by displacing the axle via the bearing elements.