Abstract: The invention relates to an explosives booster (1) which can substantially enclose a detonator (2) and which comprises an integral fastening means (10) for positive retention of non-electric tubing (3) attached to the detonator (2). The primer formed by the combination of said booster and non-electric detonating assembly has improved handling characteristics and can better withstand rough handling.

Abstract: A mine placement system is provided for determining mine launch parameters ased on launcher vehicle position, speed, and direction and on latitude. The system includes an input module for receiving launcher vehicle position, speed, and direction having a settable aim point. The input module is connected to a processor module which continuously calculates the trajectory of the mine as the launch ship maneuvers. The processor module having a vectorizer, a decoder, a time processing unit and gyroprocessing unit drives a launch display having steering cursors and a range display. The steering cursors and range display provide maneuver information to the ship's operator to steer the ship to a launch window which will allow a mine to deploy to the set aim point. In addition to displaying the set aim point, the display also shows the present actual mine placement point based on the launch ships present location and velocity. Whenever a mine is launched, the system records the actual mine placement point.

Abstract: A limpet and method for control thereof have a receiver section responsive o magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range that arm and fire a main charge. A swimmer places the limpet and enables it for control by remotely transmitted magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range. ELF to VLF frequencies provide safe and reliable communications from a remote control platform such as a land-based command station, an aircraft, surface craft, or submarine. The appropriately coded magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range are transmitted through the sea, air, beach, buildings, vegetation and sediment or any combination of these conditions to arm and fire or disarm the limpet as called for in the battle plan.

Abstract: A lead-free projectile made from a composition containing about 5-25% by weight tungsten and more than about 97% by weight tungsten plus iron.

Abstract: A tie ejector distributes new ties to be installed along a railway track, from a tie distribution car of a rail carried tie exchange vehicle. New ties are moved from a gondola cars to a conveyor at the rear of the tie distribution car leading to the tie ejector. The tie ejector has an endless drive chain on rotatable sprockets on a frame. Two striker plates are attached to the drive chain at opposite ends and opposite sides so that they cannot interfere. One is always on the rear when the other is on the front ejecting a tie by propelling it laterally relative to the conveyor. The trajectory of the tie is adjustable using a movable deflection shield attached to the frame, specifically to adjust the downward deflection angle. The tie ejector can be manually actuated by an operator while the tie distribution car is advanced, to drop ties next to the track at a predetermined and repeatable position relative to passing empty tie cribs.

Abstract: A floor structure for attachment to a railway car underframe is provided. The floor structure is formed in part from floor panels having a floor plate and a number of reinforcing members attached to one side of each floor plate. One of the reinforcing members is preferably attached along a first edge of each floor with a portion of the reinforcing member extending laterally from the respective first edge. The opposite edge of the floor plate perfectly extends laterally from the nearest reinforcing member such that when the floor panels are disposed adjacent to each other with the second edge of one floor plate resting on the reinforcing member extending from the first edge of an adjacent floor plate. A butt weld is preferably formed between each adjacent first edge and second edge and the respective reinforcing member. The ends of the floor plates may be bent downwardly for connection to portions of the underframe.

Abstract: A selectively arrangeable pallet for supporting conventional and unconventional loads and for reducing shock and vibrations on the loads. The selectively arrangeable pallet includes a base and a tray. The base and tray are selectively arrangeable in an overlaying relationship relative to each other in a nested configuration and alternatively in an expanded configuration. The tray is capable of being inverted relative to the base into the nested configuration to permit a first load-bearing surface of the tray to support the conventional loads and into the expanded configuration to permit a second load-bearing surface to support the unconventional loads. The second load-bearing surface of the tray includes a plurality of relatively spaced support pads for reducing shock and vibration. The support pads correspond with a plurality of relatively spaced recess in an upper surface of the base.

Abstract: A pallet assembly capable of being assemble and disassembled is provided. The pallet assembly comprises a first rail member and a second rail member spaced from the first rail member. At least one hollow pipe member extends between the first rail member and the second rail member with a sheet member positioned on the pipe member. A rod is positioned within each pipe member and extends through the first rail member and the second rail member. A fastening mechanism is associated with each rod for releasably fastening the first rail member to the second rail member and for releasably fastening each hollow pipe member and the sheet member between the first rail member and the second rail member.

Abstract: A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace, which includes a proximal end and a distal end, is attached at its proximal end to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace, which includes a proximal end and a distal end, is attached at its proximal end to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces are adapted to be pivotally attached to a retaining assembly, mounted in relation to the table top. The distal ends of each pivotal support brace are disposed contiguously in relation to each other when engaging the retaining assembly. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering and treating hazardous and non-hazardous components from process streams generated from a continuous system for selectively separating organic and inorganic constituents from contaminated material. The contaminated material is heated in a dryer to a first temperature sufficient to volatilize water and lower boiling point constituents contained in the material, thereby producing a dried solid material and a first gas containing water vapor and volatilized lower boiling point constituents. The first gas is separated from the dried solid material. The lower boiling point constituents are recovered from the first gas. The dried solid material is heated in a desorber to a second temperature sufficient to volatilize higher boiling point constituents contained in the dried material, thereby producing a substantially decontaminated solid material and a second gas containing volatilized higher boiling point constituents.

Abstract: A pulverized coal burner includes a pulverized coal nozzle for jetting a mixture of pulverized coal and primary air, a secondary air nozzle and a tertiary air nozzle, concentrically arranged around the outer periphery of the pulverized coal nozzle, and a tube expanded portion at the end of a partition wall separating two adjacent air nozzles. A flow shift means such as a guide plate for shifting the secondary air in the secondary air nozzle so as to flow along the tube expanded portion is provided. The secondary air is jetted outwardly by the guide plate, and mixing of the secondary air and the tertiary air with pulverized coals is delayed, whereby an amount of NOx is decreased.

Abstract: A down-draft gasification reactor has a solids storage chamber bordered from below by a grate and having an oxidation zone, a product gas collection region disposed beneath the grate, a product gas line for discharging out-gassed product gas from the product gas collection region, a slag-separation device disposed above the grate, and a discharge mechanism downstream of the grate for transporting the separated slag out of the reactor.

Abstract: A planting machine having a lifting arrangement for lifting and carrying planting units, with the weight of the units uniformly and evenly distributed on the machine when the units are traveling in an inoperative mode, the planting machine including a lifting tower upwardly extending in a sloped plane for lifting the planting units up to the transportation inoperative position mode, along the sloped plane defined by the lifting tower, the center of gravity of the planting units lying in a position wherein the weight of the planting units is symmetrically distributed relative to the wheels of the rolling transportation chassis; with the spacing distance between the planting units, in the planting position, being capable of being modified as a function of the desired distance between furrows, without the wheels of the transportation chassis interfering with the hoppers of the planting units and hindering the movement of the planting units.

Abstract: A liquid application unit for use on air seeders is provided which is cost-effective, has low maintenance and is highly reliable. This unit permits farmers to apply liquid substances, i.e. seed treatment substances to particulate material, namely seeds, just prior to the seed being inserted into the soil. The system uses an auger having two different pitches of flighting and/or different diameter flighting such that the volume available in between pitches of the flighting on the portion of the auger outboard of the orifice is greater than the volume available between the pitches inboard of the orifice. Chemicals are applied downstream of a sump area where the auger has either a larger pitch or larger diameter such that the volume available to the seed in the downstream area of the sump is greater. This will allow for better mixing action and minimize any effects on metering accuracy caused by build-up of chemicals on the flighting.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing sections of turf for initial placement, replacement and/or rotation is provided. The apparatus includes a frame adapted for placement on a section of turf. A plurality of spaced apart actuators are mounted to the frame. Each actuator has an actuator rod with a sharpened end which is movable between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position. The actuator rods have an insertion angle of approximately 60.degree. or less with respect to a contact surface such that upon actuation, the actuator rods are moved from the first position to the second position and the sharpened ends of the actuator rods are adapted to pierce the selected section of turf to firmly engage the section of grass turf to the frame for placement or replacement.

Abstract: A tufting machine has a head, including a plurality of push rods reciprocably driven through push rod seals having a housing connected to the head of the tufting machine. The push rod seals include a driver connected to and moveable relative to the housing, a stack of oil seals is located between the driver and a ledge within the housing. A pressure bearing is located between the oil seals and the housing and the driver respectively. The push rod seal system allows for reciprocatory movement of the push rods therethrough while preventing oil leakage past a reciprocating push rod.

Abstract: An embroidery panels holding mechanism and an embroidery panels changing system for an automated embroidery machine are provided. The holding mechanism holds a plurality of panels at predetermined positions corresponding to the positions of the ganged embroidery stations of the embroidery machine. The holding mechanism includes an elongate base plate having an upper face, a plurality of elongate clamp bars extending axially and spaced along the upper face, a mounting device for mounting each the clamp bar for movement toward and away from the upper face, and a spring for biasing each clamp bar against the upper face. A changing table remote from the embroidery machine includes a changing station at which embroidery panels already embroidered are individually exchanged for embroidery panels to be embroidered. This table includes an elongate track on which the base plate is received for movement therealong.

Abstract: A device for semi-automatically sewing darts on garments having a set formed by a flat lance, a plate-like rod and a translation plate driven by a feed mechanism of an automatic programmable sewing unit. Fabrics are folded upon the flat lance and held to the translation plate by the plate-like rod such that the fabrics do not touch the working surface of the sewing unit. First and second guide members move the flat lance and the plate-like rod in a coordinated manner to effect the dart sewing process.

Abstract: A revolving shuttle for double-stitch sewing machines having an improved thread-holding capacity without a substantial increase in the volume of the bobbin case, and allowing an easy removal of the bobbin case. The novel shuttle comprises a bobbin case which can be removed from the shuttle by a magnet. The fact that the bobbin consists in part of a ferromagnetic material guarantees safe removal of the bobbin case and the bobbin. This allows the conventional mechanical removal mechanism arranged on the end face of the bobbin case to be omitted, and provides the possibility either to use a larger bobbin with unchanged volume of the bobbin case, or to reduce the volume of the bobbin case for a normal bobbin.

Abstract: A deck structure for a personal watercraft is disclosed, wherein, a body of the personal watercraft comprises a hull and a deck having an opening in the rear upper surface thereof. The opening has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view along a length of the body. A seat is placed over the opening. A side opening is formed in an upright portion of the deck under the seat. A detachable hatch is disposed in the side opening, thereby facilitating the mounting and dismounting of an engine in/from a body and the maintenance of the engine.

Abstract: In the storage structure for a personal watercraft, a first hatch cover is installed in front of a handlebar in an openable and closable fashion with respect to a deck and a second hatch cover is installed on the first hatch cover in an openable and closable fashion with respect to the first hatch cover. A first storage area is formed inside the first hatch cover and a second storage area is formed inside the second hatch cover.

Abstract: A ship hull comprises at least one longitudinally directed displacement body which is symmetric to the longitudinal axis of the ship and which is adjoined by gliding surfaces at least at both longitudinal sides or, as the case may be, on all sides, being provided at the underside of the hull. The quantity of water displaced by the displacement body substantially corresponds, with respect to weight, to the total weight of the ship, so that the gliding surface lies substantially horizontally and on or in the vicinity of the surface of the water. The gliding surfaces are constructed in a wave-shaped manner in the longitudinal direction and, as the case may be, also in the transverse direction of the ship hull, wherein the wave shape of the gliding surfaces is displaced by approximately 180.degree. relative to the natural waves generated by the displacement body, so that the natural waves are virtually canceled during travel through the water.

Abstract: A sail for a wind powered vehicle such as a surfboard, sailing boat or the like is provided wherein a sail is connected along its front edge to a mast and wherein the said at its clew or at its lower edge is connected to a boom. The boom is connected in a hinged manner to the mast. At the free rear edge of the sail, at least one sail part is provided which is adjustable in the sail plane so that the overall area of the sail can be decreased or increased.

Abstract: A sail body (3) includes first and second skin layers (40, 42), each skin layer having an outer film (22) at an outer side (34) and reinforcement elements (28, 30) at an inner side (36). The skin layers are laminated with the inner sides abutting to form the sail body. The skin layers are each made up of skin components (38) joined to other skin components of the same skin layer another along their aligned edges (43). The joined edges (44) of the first skin layer are offset from the joined edges of the second skin layer to strengthen the sail body. The sail body is preferably a three-dimensional molded sail body. The fibers or other reinforcement elements are preferable generally aligned with the expected load lines (32) of the sail body.

Abstract: A watercraft docking system for receiving watercraft along side of a dock. The watercraft docking system having a first and a second support member which are coupled to an elongated roller to allow the elongated roller to rotate on the longitudinal axis. The watercraft docking system is mounted on a dock, where the dock has a support structure and a dock platform having a walking surface. The first and second support members are secured to the support structure to hold the elongated roller at a predetermined distance from the dock.

Abstract: A damper device for mooring watercraft, of the type comprising at least two rigid elements (1, 2), to one end of each of which there can be secured a mooring rope or chain, said elements being able to move coaxially in opposition to each other against the action of an elastic body (3) which comprises at least one member (10) constructed of an elastically deformable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to dual hull kayak, with a one piece elongate moulded body of a continuous outer membrane enclosing an internal cavity. The kayak body has two lateral side walls and a concave bottom wall joined laterally with a bottom edge of each side wall to define two laterally spaced apart parallel pontoons each with a downwardly pointed keel. The top wall of the kayak body is joined laterally with a top edge of each side wall, to complete the hollow body. The top wall together with the bottom wall define a bridge platform spanning a central longitudinal tunnel between the pontoons. The pontoons support a top portion of the tunnel above the waterline. The top wall has a recessed open cockpit with a self-draining floor, side gunnels, and front and back cockpit walls formed into transverse reinforcing ribs. The simple easily moulded structure is very stable against lateral tipping, whereas conventional kayaks and canoes are very unstable laterally.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism is provided for a seat of a kayak whereby to position the seat at a desired elevation above a waterline of the kayak, as determined when on a body of water. The kayak is comprised of a hull section and a deck section provided with an opening to accommodate a user person. The seat is positioned in the opening and secured on an inner wall of the hull section. The adjustment means may be constituted by various mechanisms or elements.

Abstract: A deck box for mounting within the opening in the deck of a marine vessel. The deck box includes a cylindrical housing, a circular cover for closing the open upper end of the housing, and elements for securing the cover within the housing. The securing elements include a radially extending locking tongue carried by, and beneath, the cover, and an arcuate groove located within the housing, the groove extending for less than the full circumference of the housing interior. The groove has a tongue-entry end and a tongue-locking end, and a downwardly facing cam surface inclined downwardly from the entry end toward the locking end of the groove. When the cover is inserted into the housing with the locking tongue at the entry end of the groove, rotation of the tongue causes it to slide along the cam surface of the groove and draw the cover downwardly into the housing.

Abstract: A gas inlet, which also serves as a counter electrode, is located inside of a vacuum chamber made of an electrically insulating material. A container is mounted on a mandrel mounted on the gas inlet. The chamber is evacuated to a subatmospheric pressure. A process gas is then introduced into the container through the gas inlet. The process gas is ionized by coupling RF power to a main electrode located adjacent an exterior surface of the chamber and to the gas inlet which deposits a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) thin film onto the interior surface of the container.

Abstract: A constriction in the exhaust side of a discharge chamber containing oxygen isolates the oxygen supply from the rest of the system. A constriction of equal size or larger is used in the supply of another gas, thereby enabling mixtures of oxygen and other gases to be used in a downstream plasma system. In one embodiment of the invention, the gases are dissociated separately and then combined in a mixing chamber. In another embodiment, oxygen is dissociated and then a lighter gas is added and the mixture is dissociated. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lighter gas is selected from the group consisting of water vapor and nitrogen.

Abstract: Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) reactors and methods of effecting the same are described. In a preferred implementation, a PECVD reactor includes a processing chamber having a first electrode therewithin. A second electrode is disposed within the chamber and is configured for supporting at least one semiconductor workpiece for processing. A first RF power source delivers RF power of a first frequency to the first electrode. A second RF power source delivers RF power of a second frequency to the second electrode. Preferably the first and second frequencies are different from one another, and even more preferably, the first frequency is greater than the second frequency. The preferred reactor includes a thermocouple which provides temperature information relative to one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A weighted pet bowl with a minimally small footprint is formed from inner and outer shells stamped from stainless steel sheets. Each shell includes a rim that extends outwardly around the top of the bowl. The rims are crimped together around their outer edges to form a peripheral lip or bead which provides a convenient finger grip for securely gripping the bowl. A flowable material such as sand is provided in an internal cavity defined between the shells to serve as ballast and prevent a pet from tipping over the bowl.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for harvesting and processing zooplankton and, in particular, for harvesting and processing euphausiids for subsequent use as a feed product for early stage juvenile or larvae feed or for a food product as an additive. The euphausiids are continuously harvested from coastal waters and dewatered. The dewatered product is passed to a heat exchanger to increase its temperature and, thence, to a digester where a desired level of enzymatic activity is obtained. The product is then held by a surge tank for subsequent transfer to a ball dryer where the product is dried at a relatively low temperature without destroying the stabilized enzymes created in the digester. The digesting step may be deleted in the event the end use of the product is for a food product.

Abstract: A reptile cage and a process for comfortably housing reptiles. The cage is fabricated from a polymeric foam and preferably has the shape of a hollow rectangular solid having one side open and the other sides formed from a polymeric foam. The cage preferably has a smooth plastic inner liner. The cage is preferably closed by sliding transparent door and has a screen vent along a portion of the front.

Abstract: An animal containment system includes a cage with a lid and a water flask. The water flask has a generally rectangular footprint and sits on top of the cage, preferably on the lid itself. A sipper tube connected to a port on one of the sides of the water flask can be inserted through a hole in the cage lid to a height sufficient for the animals in the cage to reach up to obtain water. The lid of the cage preferably includes a recessed portion in which at least a portion of the water flask is disposed. The water flask includes a bottom surface that is sloped to facilitate emptying of the flask into the sipper tube. The water flask has a relatively low profile and thus, contributes very little to the height of the cage. Thus, existing rack designs can be used to house the same number of cage and water flask assemblies of the present invention as was possible with conventional isolation cage and water bottle designs. Further, the water flask can be replaced without having to remove the lid of the cage.

Abstract: Wave curb for the cow stand of a diagonal or herringone milking parlor is formed of an elongated sheet metal strip. The side edges are each bent over about 180 degrees to form unitary beads on the side edges. The strip is bent in alternate curves in the longitudinal direction so as to form a succession of alternate arcuate bights, preferably with a wavelength of about 36 to 42 inches. Preferably, the strip is stainless steel or galvanized steel, and has a finished length of about 36 to 144 inches. The sheet metal workpiece is inserted into a wave curb bending apparatus which simultaneously forms a first pair of opposite arcuate bights. Then the workpiece is moved longitudinally in the wave curb bending apparatus; and a second pair of opposite arcuate bights is formed in the sheet metal workpiece.

Abstract: A chewable pet toy is provided with an outer shell molded from a durable semi-rigid material such as vinyl plastic. The shell partially covers an inner bladder formed of a less durable and softer material such as latex rubber. The bladder can be held within the sleeve with a simple resilient interference fit.

Abstract: A support for inguinal hernia is disclosed wherein a corset garment having elasticized walls is provided with a pocket or pockets on the inside wall of the portion of the garment that is adjacent the abdomen of a wearer. A plurality of pads are provided for insertion in the pocket or pockets to provide pressure against the underlying inguinal area. The pockets are placed in a location to accommodate the location of a hernia or hernias suffered by a particular user. The number of pads placed in the pocket or pockets is selected to obtain a combined thickness of pads that affords optimum wearer comfort so that the support is thereby customized for the wearer.

Abstract: A water injection amount control system for a fuel and water injection engine, comprises running state detecting unit for detecting the running state of the engine; an EGR system for recirculating part of exhaust gas of the engine to a combustion chamber of the engine; EGR system operating state detecting unit for detecting or estimating the operating state of the EGR system; water injection amount regulating unit for regulating an amount of water to be injected to the combustion chamber of the engine; and control unit for controlling the operation of the water injection amount regulating unit: wherein the system is arranged to have water injection amount setting unit for deciding a water injection amount based on information from the running state detecting unit and on the operating state of the EGR system detected by the EGR system operating state detecting unit, so that the control unit controls the operation of the water injection amount regulating unit based on the water injection amount decided by the w

Abstract: This invention relates to a cooling system for motor vehicles comprising a water pump configured as a radial-flow pump and a thermostat for control of the cooling system, which is installed in a thermostat housing, the water pump having a housing on the inlet side, which is integral with the housing of the thermostat. Simplicity of design is achieved by including a flow directing baffle as part of a connecting piece of the heater return line, which baffle partially encloses the thermostat.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with an air compressor that receives precharged air from the crankcase of the engine. By providing pressurized air to the air compressor, the mass flow through the compressor can be increased without requiring an increase in the size of the compressor. The plurality of crankcase chambers of the engine can be connected to a common manifold chamber which, in turn, can be connected to the air inlet of the compressor. The air outlet of the compressor can be connected to a plenum chamber that is, in turn, connected to all of the fuel injectors of a fuel injected engine. Alternatively, the air outlet of the compressor can be used to provide pressurized air to other portions of the engine, whether it is fuel injected or carbureted.

Abstract: A stratified scavenging two-cycle engine, which enables a reduction in size and an improvement in productivity, includes a carburetor (6), which is provided between an air cleaner (7) and a suction fitting (4), wherein a mixture flow passage (6B) and an air flow passage (6A) are formed in the carburetor at least generally in parallel with each other, an air control valve (6a) is disposed in the air flow passage in the carburetor, and a mixture control valve (6b) is disposed in the mixture flow passage in the carburetor so that the carburetor and the valves (6a and 6b) constitute a single unit.

Abstract: A boosting mechanism of two-stroke engine, including a turbo-propeller disposed on a mandrel of an activating shaft. The turbo-propeller is positioned in front of an intake port of the combustion chamber of an engine and coupled with a crank of the piston of the engine. By means of rotating the activating shaft, the turbo-propeller is rotated along the activating shaft. Also, the turbo-propeller is synchronously operated with the piston to sweep mixed gas into the combustion chamber so as to maintain a proper oil-gas ratio and increase gas pressure and enhance combustion efficiency and power of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a start-up system for an engine valve actuation assembly. The start-up system may comprise a removal assembly for removing at least one of air and debris from the engine valve actuation assembly during an engine start up operation. The removal assembly may include a supply assembly for supplying fluid to the engine valve actuation assembly under high pressure to remove at least one of air and debris from the engine valve actuation assembly. The supply assembly may include a storage assembly for storing a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid supply assembly for supplying fluid to the storage assembly. The fluid may be supplied under pressure from the storage assembly to the engine valve actuation assembly. Furthermore, the fluid may be supplied under an influence of gravity from the storage assembly to the engine valve actuation assembly.

Abstract: A valve performance control apparatus has a low speed cam, a high speed cam, and an intermediate speed cam. A rocker arm is arranged between the cams and a valve. The rocker arm contacts the low speed cam. A pair of cam followers are reciprocally supported in the rocker arm to contact the high speed and intermediate speed cams. Lock members are slidably received in bores (or grooves) of the rocker arm. The lock members, when positioned in an unlocked position, permit the free reciprocation of the associated cam followers with respect to the rocker arm, which causes the valve to be driven by the low speed cam. When locked, the lock members abut against the associated cam followers and lock the cam followers to the rocker arm, which causes the valve to be driven by the cam with the largest profile. The lock member has an abutment surface, which contacts and is pressed by the cam follower.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine comprising an engine housing, a crankshaft mounted for rotation within the housing, a camshaft mounted for rotation within the housing, a flexible element (e.g., a chain) coupling the camshaft to the crankshaft, and a tensioner mounted adjacent the flexible element. The tensioner includes a support member, a shoe made of a polyimide polymer (e.g., Vespel), and a biasing member biasing the support member so that the shoe is in contact with the flexible element. The biasing member is made from a wire having a quadrangular (e.g., square) cross section. Preferably, the camshaft is supported by a cam support plate, and the support member is pivotally mounted to the cam support plate.

Abstract: A diesel engine pre-heater is provided that is connected within the diesel engine's exhaust system in a manner that forces the hot exhaust gases to pass directly through an internal chamber. Additionally, coolant from the engine's cooling system is routed through an internal network of passages within the heat exchanger. As the coolant flows through this system, the heat from the exhaust is transferred to the coolant which is then routed back to the diesel engine. The heated coolant then transfers its heat to the cold engine as it circulates, thus, greatly decreasing the time required to bring the engine up to operating temperature. Some of the coolant heated by the heat exchanger is also routed to the heater core of the cab's heating system. This allows the cab's heater to provide warm air to the interior cab of a truck much more quickly than a standard heating system. Additionally, the heat exchanger is also used to heat the diesel fuel before it enters the engine.

Abstract: A safety fuel tank and filler cap apparatus is disclosed for use with a powered implement such as a lawnmower, tiller, weed trimmer or the like. The apparatus includes switch members mounted on the fuel cap and tank that disallow engine operation when the filler cap is separated from the tank such as during refueling.

Abstract: A piston which has a diameter of about 70 to about 100 mm and which is preferably produced with a resistant, malleable alloy having low density (lower than about 3 g/cm.sup.3) and mechanical properties at high temperatures such that a yield stress greater than about 120 Mpa at temperatures of the order of 300.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. is obtained. In the preferred embodiment, the piston is a single piece piston, comprising a head portion of diameter D ranging from about 70 to about 100 mm and a skirt portion downwardly projected from the head portion and inside which is provided a pair of wrist pin bosses, each having a hole with a diameter d and axial extension L for bearing the articulating wrist pin of the piston.