Abstract: A bread slicing machine having blade frames and blades readily removable without wrenches or other tools, clamps between the blade frames and drive mechanism for removably securing the blade frames to the drive mechanism, the clamps each comprising a T-shaped cam stud, a pivotal cam receiving the cam stud, and an actuator handle; cam-engaging members on the blade frames adjacent the cam studs and engaged by the pivotal cams, the actuator handles being shiftable to pivot the cams relative to the cam engaging members to cause the cam studs to secure or release the blade frames. The pivotal cams each have a vertical slot and a cross slot to receive the T-shaped cam stud.

Abstract: A cover closes off the open end of a missile launch canister. The cover is esigned so as to seal off the interior compartment of the canister to protect the missile or the like contained within it from moisture, contaminants and the conflagration created by nearby fired missiles. The cover is designed to maintain a minimum vapor pressure within the canister for storage purposes and to burst prior to contact by the nose of the missile contained within the canister upon the occurrence of a predetermined accumulation of vapor pressure within the canister after firing of the missile or the like. The cover is formed of a laminate of fiberglass cloths having an electromagnetic interference shield and vapor barrier adhered to the interior surface of the cover. A layer of rubber protects the fiberglass laminate from scratching or puncturing and a polyurethane layer over the rubber layer provides a moisture seal as well as insulation from other contaminants.

Abstract: An optical sight for a weapon system is upgraded with a retrofit module that provides both gunner sighting at the eyepiece and video transmission of the image the gunner sees to a remote location such as, for example, the helmet display of the commander for the weapon system. The video image may be used for both fire control as well as training of the gunner. The retrofit module is adaptable to most types of sighting systems.

Abstract: A barrel assembly includes a barrel and a plurality of projectile assemblies disposed in end to end abutting relationship within the barrel and forming a compression resistant column of projectile assemblies. Each projectile assembly includes a projectile head and a spacer assembly engaged therewith and extending axially therefrom to abu the adjacent projectile assembly. Complementary wedging surfaces are disposed on the spacer assembly and projectile head, respectively, wherein relative axial engagement between a projectile head and its spacer assembly causes a radial expansion of the projectile head of wedging the projectile head into sealing engagement with the barrels. A discrete propellant charge is associated with each projectile assembly for propelling the projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrels.

Abstract: A compact transportable compressed-air piston engine for paint-spraying devices, dosing pumps, grease guns or the like, makes it possible, without much effort, to carry out various length working strokes of a working piston. A compact engine is obtained by mounting the control in/on the cylinder head or in/on the cylinder bottom with axes extending transversely with respect to a main axis so that stroke changes can be achieved solely by the working piston contacting the valve piston rods of switch valves. In addition, return springs are not needed in the switch valves, which are required for reversing and are operated by the working piston.

Abstract: A swash plate of a swash-plate compressor is subjected to sliding on shoes and is required to have excellent seizure resistance and wear resistance under the dry lubricating condition. The swash plate according to the present invention is provided with the surface-treated layer, i,e., the intermediate layer consisting of Cu, Sn or metal phosphate, and a sliding contact layer consisting of MoS.sub.2 and/or graphite and thermosetting resin.

Abstract: Portable hot beverage machine. This device also has a detachable beverage mug which can be operated independently from the beverage maker. Both units have self-contained carrying cases and may be powered by electric, rechargeable battery pack, solar power, a wind up generator, and a cigarette lighter plug. safety features include removable overflow reservoir will spill prevention lip, on and off switch with built in timer, insulated receptacle to hold the liquids, and mounting brackets to stabilize units.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing popcorn comprising a popcorn popping apparatus and a bin for containing popcorn. The bin is removably positionable in the popcorn popping apparatus so that the popcorn that is popped can drop through an aperture in the popping apparatus into the bin. The bin itself is mobile, thereby enabling an operator to transport the bin from the popping apparatus to a receiving station or vice-versa. The popcorn in the bin can be dispensed directly therefrom or stored for later use. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bin also contains a warming system that keeps the popcorn in the bin warm, fresh and crisp. The warming system is provided with power when it is placed in either the popping apparatus or the receiving station via electrical connectors located on the bin, popping apparatus and receiving station.

Abstract: A toaster includes a housing having an upper wall with bagel half shaped openings; toasting chambers in the housing accessible through the openings and having bagel half shapes; a bread rack in each toasting chamber; inner/outer heating coils surrounding each toasting chamber; electric contacts in the housing for activation of the heating coils; a raising/lowering mechanism connected with the bread racks for moving the bread racks up and down, and including first and second lateral portions connected to opposite ends of the bread racks; first and second guides mounted to the housing for guiding the first and second lateral portions with a small tolerance, a yoke housing connected with the first lateral portion and slidably movable relative to the housing, a lever slidably moving the yoke housing; a yoke slidably movable relative to the yoke housing and closing the electric contacts when the bread racks and yoke are lowered, and a first spring biasing the yoke upwardly; an electromagnet holding the yoke in the

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the stage of cooking of pasta in a cooking liquid including a gripper (112) immersed in the cooking liquid. The gripper includes a squeezer (12) to retain and elastically compress a sample of the pasta (30). The squeezer (12) includes a stationary contrasting element and an elastic compression element which includes an elastic with a fixed setting. The elastic compression element is movable with respect to the stationary contrasting element in a manner functionally correlated to the progressive loss of consistency of the sample of the pasta (30) as cooking proceeds. The instrument further includes an electrical circuit (34) having at least one contact (33) and a signal (37). The position of the contact (33) is correlated to a predetermined state of cooking of the pasta (30). A monitoring rod (20) is attached to the elastic compression element and emerges from the cooking container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disassemblable oven roaster. The disassemblable oven roaster comprises a geared motor having a main shaft to a free end of which a fan is mounted and a reduction shaft to a free end of which a roasting spit is connected; a motor housing for accommodating the geared motor; an intermediate supporting member detachably and horizontally coupled to the motor housing for supporting a roasting heater and the roasting spit which are disposed therein in a manner such that they are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the intermediate supporting member having opened upper and lower ends; and upper and lower oven elements covering the opened upper and lower ends, respectively, of the intermediate supporting member, the upper and lower oven elements being configured so that they can be separated from the intermediate supporting member.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking apparatus for baking food, is provided including a tray having a bottom surface with an inner section and an outer section which is separate from the inner section. Multiple legs are coupled to the tray to support the apparatus on the ground, or other substantially flat surface. A platter is disposed over at least a portion the inner section. The platter has a plate and a projecting member extending from the plate, or through an aperture in the plate, for supporting the food. A cylindrical upper member is provided having an interior cavity and an opening to this cavity at the bottom of the upper member. Through this opening, the upper member is positionable on the tray over the platter along either an annular gap between the inner and outer sections, or in the inner section.

Abstract: A non-liquid particulate fruit product which has a natural fruit flavor and which can be formed in desired configurations and sizes. The fruit ingredient can be derived from such fruits as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc. There is added to the fruit product pectin, liquid glucose, sodium citrate and sugar (e.g. sucrose). These ingredients are combined in a certain sequence. The mixture is brought to a boiling point to boil off a portion of the water. At a later time in the boiling of the mixture, a large portion of the sucrose is added to lower the temperature. The mixture is fed through a heating unit to raise the temperature of small quantities in the mixture very rapidly. Acid is added, and then the mixture is form in the desired shape, such as being dispensed as droplets onto a conveyor belt, where the droplets form into the particulate fruit product.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the fullness of a large capacity waste container (20). Each time the a compactor (22) is used to compress the waste in the container a monitoring unit (24) determines the highest hydraulic pressure generated by the compactor during a selected period of compactor use. The monitoring unit also maintains a count of how often the compactor is used. After the container is filled and emptied a number of times, the monitoring unit then divides the highest hydraulic pressures for the uses by the number of uses to obtain a pressure/use value. This pressure/use value is used as a variable to determine a maximum uses value representative of the number of times the compactor can be used before a container is filled. Once a container data representative of how full a container is, and how many compactor uses remain, is calculated by comparing the number of times the container has been used since it was emptied to the maximum uses value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting liquid from a liquid-containing slurry. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus (10) includes a plurality of interconnected press assemblies (12), the outlet (82) of one press assembly (12) being connected to the inlet (92) of a successive press assembly (12). Each press assembly has a foraminous cylindrical container (14), and a two-part piston assembly (18) movable between extended and retracted positions within the foraminous container (14). During operation, a pump (90) continuously feeds slurry under pressure through the inlet of the first press assembly to cause liquid within the first stage slurry upstream of the two-part piston assembly (18) to be radially expressed through the foraminous container (14). After a suitable amount of liquid has been extracted from the first stage slurry, batch processing of the partially dewatered slurry will commence.

Abstract: A wet-type flywheel brake system for use in a mechanical press includes a first and second brake assembly each installed within a respective brake housing space defined in a non-rotational quill. Each of the brake assemblies includes a brake lining element arranged in lateral facing relationship with the flywheel and an associated hydraulic seal-type piston that selectively moves the brake lining element into a friction-type braking engagement with the flywheel. The brake housing spaces are flooded with oil to immerse the brake lining elements. Oil for this purpose is provided from a flywheel bearing assembly integrated with the quill assembly and which is arranged for fluid communication with the quill-located brake housing spaces.

Abstract: A system uses a disk dispenser to dispense memory storage disks including CD's and the like to the printer. The system includes a housing, a disk dispenser and a printer. The disk dispenser can be affixed to the housing, or mounted on a turntable. The disk dispenser includes an upper guide and a lower guide attached to the upper guide. The upper and lower guides are formed with axially offset openings. The lower guide has a rim for supporting a disk. A plate mounts between the lower guide and the upper guide. The plate has an arced edge for contacting a disk. The plate slides, causing the arced edge of the plate to dispense the disk through the opening in the lower guide to the printer.

Abstract: A machine for printing a plurality of colored patterns on the surface of a contact lens has a plurality of parallel oriented print stations each of which has an image die and an ink cup for applying ink into the image in the die. A slide is moveable between a plurality of the print stations such that a contact lens on the slide can receive printing at each of the stations. The slide also carries a vertically moveable print pad for applying printing to a lens and an indexing cleaning tape for cleaning the print pad.

Abstract: A stencil printing machine includes a printing drum rotationally driven around a central axis thereof and adapted to receive a perforated stencil sheet around an outer circumferential surface thereof, an ink container detachably attached to the printing drum, the ink container having ink therein, an ink supplying device situated inside the printing drum to be seen through an opening formed in the printing drum when the ink container is detached from the printing drum, the ink supplying device supplying the ink to an inner circumferential surface of the printing drum, and a lightening device for lightening the ink supplying device when the ink container is detached from the printing drum.

Abstract: The disclosed stencil printing method can produce prints having high glossiness by inhibiting the uneven transfer of ink caused by operation of separation of stencil. A stencil printing apparatus is disclosed. The stencil printing method includes superposing one upon another a master stencil sheet (3) and a printing material (1) (a material to be printed) and pressing an ink supply element (2) to the master stencil sheet from the side opposite to the printing material, in the direction toward the printing material, thereby passing a printing ink through the master stencil sheet to transfer the ink to the printing material, wherein ink-passing porous member (4) is disposed between the ink supply element and the printing material to transfer the printing ink to the printing material through the porous member. The ink supply element is separated from the porous member while the porous member is left on the printing material, and then the porous member is separated from the printing material.

Abstract: A stencil and stencil identification system in which the stencil carries a tagging device capable of storing data corresponding to characteristics of the stencil and the pattern of apertures formed in the stencil. The stencil with tagging device may be utilized in combination with a stencil printing device having a tag reader which reads information data stored within the tagging device and/or writes information into the tagging device relating to characteristics of the stencil or other criteria.

Abstract: A detonator assembly is provide which increases versatility, reliability and safety by initiating any amount of signal transmission lines up to about 8 without emitting excessive noise or shrapnel which can cause cut off or safety hazards. The detonator assembly comprises a low strength detonator with a single charge of preferably lead azide. A high confinement connection block houses the low strength detonator and comprises a retention block in which the low strength detonator is inserted and a confining wall which surrounds the closed end of the low strength detonator. One to about eight signal transmission lines can be inserted through a gap in the confining wall and operatively confined adjacent the closed end of the low strength detonator.

Abstract: A dome assembly (50) adapted for use with a missile (32) having a longitudinal axis (42) parallel to a thrust vector thereof. The inventive dome (50) includes a crystal (30, 50) having a crystallographic structure that includes a plurality of planes (12, 14, 16), one of said planes (14) being more susceptible to failure than one or more of the other planes (12, 16). A surface around a missile sensor provides a place for mounting the crystal (30, 50) so that said plane susceptible to failure (14) faces approximately opposite to that of a positive velocity vector (34) of said missile (32). In a more specific embodiment, the crystal (30, 50) is a sapphire crystal (30, 50) having a crystallographic structure that includes positive n-planes (12), positive r-planes (14), and a c-plane (16). By design at nominal conditions, an r-plane (14) is approximately bisected by a plane formed by the normal of the c-plane (16) and a wind flow vector (36) parallel to a thrust vector of said missile (32).

Abstract: A running apparatus within a pipe runs such that a center axis of a main body of the running apparatus is automatically coincided with a center axis of the pipe during running, and smoothly runs within a curved pipe.

Abstract: The conveyor comprises a carriage (2) movable on four support wheels along the guides (3) of a support structure (4) guided by a further two directional wheels engaged in a track or channel between the guides; the carriage has a transmission shoe (45, 46) adapated to couple by friction with a belt (24) movable parallel to the guides; the guides may be arranged on the ground, resting on the floor, or may be suspended, supported by suitable frames, and are constructed as modular components (8) which can be interconnected in various ways to form straight horizontal courses with upward or downward slopes and curved paths; the belt (24) is tensioned between two pulleys (25, 26) located at the ends of each module (8), of which one is a drive pulley, being connected to its own electric motor mounted on the module itself; the carriage carries attachment members for transporting a pallet or for supporting a load; the belt (24) may be toothed as may also the transmission shoe (45, 46) to achieve a secure grip on the be

Abstract: An improved intermodal transport system combining trucking and railway technology for the transport of passengers and freight. The present system includes a so-called Super Rail Train which incorporates an automotive truck drive system and components in a fuel efficient power vehicle which replaces the conventional locomotive. The present system also includes a plurality of secondary power units having an automotive truck drive system which are operated only during peak load conditions. The present system features a self-powered tandem device which replaces the conventional railroad dolly or bogie used in the transport of highway semi-trailer containers by rail and permits movement of a partially assembled train without a switching engine. A further feature of the present invention provides a switching ramp which is installed at truck/train terminals to facilitate the efficient assembly and breakdown of the train upon arrival at a destination for rerouting semi-trailer containers to highway use.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a hopper car having an enclosure for holding and transporting particulate matter and a plurality of openings along a bottom of the car through which particulate matter is discharged. The gate assembly is designed to allow for either pneumatic discharge of the particulate matter as a result of pressure differentials applied to the outlet on the hopper car or gravitational discharge of the particulate matter through a covered discharge plenum depending from a discharge opening defined by the frame of the gate assembly. The gate assembly further includes seal structure and a gate mounted on the frame for elevational movements between sealed and unsealed conditions and for sliding movements between open and closed positions. The gate assembly further includes a mechanism for arranging the frame, the gate and the seal structure in sealed relationship relative to each other such that a gage pressure of up to 15 psig.

Abstract: In order to enable a decorative panel of a table, such as that used in fast food restaurants bars etc., to be readily interchanged in accordance with changes in season or game popularity etc., one of the moldings provided about the edge of the table is arranged to be disconnectable from the remainder of the table to expose a side edge of the decorative panel. In some embodiments, the panel is slidably received in grooves which are formed in moldings while in other embodiments the panel is adhered to the surface of the table top using dual-sided tape. When the panel is retained by way of grooves, the removal of the disconnectable molding permits the panel to be slid out and replaced.

Abstract: An improved load bearing pallet formed of a thermoplastic material is provided. The pallet includes at least an upper deck formed from a sheet of thermoplastic material with a load engaging surface on one side of the sheet, and a lift engaging surface on the other. A number of features such as ridges, channels, depressions, and legs, are formed in the sheet with corresponding features being necessarily defined by the sheet on the opposite side. In particular, the pallet preferably includes a peripheral channel formed around a periphery of the upper deck and nine legs positioned in three rows of three creating two gaps on each side of the pallet for the tines of a fork lift to enter to lift the pallet. The pallet also preferably includes a plurality of strengthening ridges and channels on the load bearing surface of the upper deck, with corresponding channels and ridges necessarily formed in the lifting surface of the upper deck, to resist bending and folding of the pallet.

Abstract: According to one aspect the invention a shelving system is provided comprising first and second vertically extending support structures, and a first set of shelving assemblies. The first and second vertically extending support structures are horizontally spaced from one another and the shelving assemblies are mounted above one another between the support structures. Each shelving assembly has at least one major surface and is locatable respectively in a first orientation, and a second orientation. In the first orientation the major surface remains substantially horizontal. In the second orientation the major surface is substantially vertical.

Abstract: A modular space system includes open-sided modular frames stacked together to form open-sided columns, the upper frames having the same width but smaller depth than that of the frames on which they rest, thereby enhancing stability. Shelving elements of varying, selected dimensions extend through guide openings in the frames or rest on upper surfaces of the frames to provide horizontal work and storage surfaces. Snap-on frames are selectively attached to the modular frames to provide support for a variety of accessories, including file folders and drawers.

Abstract: Shelf assembly system for the rapid assembly of planar shelf boards, desks, tables, audio racks and the like, having opposing interchangeable connector assemblies located at the ends of a leg where each connector assembly frictionally engages a bore in a planar shelf board or other flat horizontal surfaces. The interchangeable connector assemblies include tapered and split male and female connectors which mutually engage and compress inwardly toward each other and outwardly against the planar shelf board bore to secure the leg to each planar shelf board. In a variation, a shelf assembly system is constructed of planar shelf boards and tubular legs having tapered ends connected together with one-piece flexible flanged connectors each composed of right and left mirror-image structures joined by living hinges.

Abstract: An innovative liquid mulch method for the production of thin, lightweight and fastly growing sod over an impervious surface such as plastic sheeting are provided. The apparatus of the invention includes, among other components, a transportable agitating tank and a trailing planter assembly that facilitates the liquid mulch method of manufacturing sods.

Abstract: A multi-head embroidery machine includes a plurality of embroidery machines each of which includes thread cutting means, sewing means, thread breakage detecting means, needle bar jumping means and a cloth holder frame, a sewing motor for driving the sewing means of the embroidery machines in common, a frame holder for holding the cloth holder frames of the embroidery machines in common, cloth feeding means for moving the frame holder, stop control means for stopping the sewing motor to interrupt a sewing operation of the sewing means, step-back control means for stepping back via the cloth feeding means the frame holder to an actual or estimated position of occurrence of a thread breakage, re-sewing control means for executing a re-sewing operation approximately to a sewing interruption position in the embroidery machine in which thread breakage has occurred, while the cloth feeding means is being operated, thread-cutting command means for commanding to cut at least one of a needle thread and a bobbin thread

Abstract: The disclosed stitching machine has fabric handling structures, including a rack and rack support structures suited for allowing rack movement between spaced loading/unloading and stitching stations, and clamps on the rack suited for holding fabric for stitching. Flooring structure provided at the loading/unloading station is suited to be shifted between a loading configuration to underlie the rack and support fabric laid thereon until it can be gripped and held by the rack clamps upon such being closed, and an unloading configuration out of the way of an overlying stitched fabric yet held on the rack suited to allow such fabric to fall from the machine upon the rack clamps being opened. Power devices shift such flooring between the loading and unloading configurations, and the rack between the loading/unloading and stitching stations. A sewing machine mounted at the stitching station is controlled to trace out and stitch the fabric as desired.

Abstract: An endless belt-type walking presser foot is provided, which is capable of preventing slippage of cloth during superimposed seaming. A frame member has a pair of first endless belt guide grooves formed in a bottom surface thereof at locations near lateral side edges of the bottom surface and extending in a longitudinal direction of the presser foot. A pair of roller supports are provided in front and rear portions of the frame member. A plurality of rollers are each journaled to a corresponding one of the roller supports and each have a second endless-belt guide groove in the form of an annulus formed therein. A pair of endless belts each have a train of guide projections formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof and fitted in a corresponding one of the first endless belt guide grooves and a corresponding one of the second endless belt guide grooves, and a train of cloth slippage preventing projections are formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof.

Abstract: A sewing machine of the invention stores width dimensions and the reference needle penetration position dimensions, which all can be changed for writing and reading, according to the type of presser foot, in a memory. Based on the needle penetration position and the reference needle penetration position which are determined when the seam allowance width is set, the sewing machine calculates a distance between the left or right end of the presser foot and the position where stitches are made, and shows it on the display as the seam allowance width. Therefore, sewing can be made regarding the distance from the left or right end of the presser foot to the place where stitching is made as a seam allowance width, just by aligning the edge of the work cloth with the left or right end of the presser foot.

Abstract: An automated sewing system and method for overedge sewing a cuff edge of a knit glove to inhibit the glove cuff edge from unraveling is disclosed. The present invention permits an oversew pattern to be sewn into the seam thereby locking the stitches. The oversew pattern length and run-off angle is maintained consistent between workpieces and is predetermined. A length of thread chain extending from the sewn cuff edge and the length of thread chain remaining on the finished glove is automatically controlled by the present invention. Additionally, the present invention permits a label to be automatically inserted at a predetermined location into the sewn seam on the glove. Moreover, the present invention permits a tensioned elastic strip to be conjointly inserted into the sewn cuff edge thereby elasticizing the cuff edge of the glove.

Abstract: An automatic sewing machine comprises a folding device and a guiding and feeding device for a folded workpiece and a main workpiece on which to sew the folded workpiece. The folding device comprises an outer frame with creasing modules which have folding bars. The creasing modules are mounted on the outer frame in a manner adjustable in their direction of extraction and approximately crosswise thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of a reinforcement for a composite component, comprising a fibrous substrate (22, 23) reinforced by a stitching thread forming stitches (27.1, 27.2; 30.1, 30.2; 33.1, 33.2 and 36.1, 36.2) passing through said substrate. According to the invention, said stitches are oblique and pass through said substrate slantwise, making an angle of inclination of at most 30.degree.. It is advantageous for said fibrous substrate to consist of plies of crossed threads (22, 23) defining mesh cells (24) through which said stitches pass.

Abstract: A system is provided to coalesce bubbles in the wake of a structure that rces the surface of the water. Acoustic sources mounted to the structure produce a plurality of plane waves above and below the surface of the water. The plane waves intersect to create a plurality of standing wave fields both above and below the surface of the water. The standing wave fields operate on bubbles in the wake to coalesce same.

Abstract: A device for dock storage and boat accessible retrieval of a boat docking line is disclosed which provides safe and convenient means of docking and undocking a boat. The device generally comprises a pedestal that is fixedly attachable to a dock and an arm rotatably attached to the upper end of said pedestal, said arm including a hook disposed at the distal end of said arm for receipt of a docking line.

Abstract: A device for disposing of feces from an animal by utilizing a disposable plastic bag. The device includes a handle held in the hand and an arm arrangement that removably engages the disposable plastic bag.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cage for small domestic pet animals which provides space saving yet permits ready expansion in the event of pet population growth. The cage is of a hanging-up-on-the-wall type having a relatively small depth and width. It includes a rear wall having a plurality of attachment holes through which many accessories are attached to the rear wall. A plurality of openings are formed in the side walls to receive perforated blind plates for air penetration. The cage may comprise a primary and an auxiliary housing which are connected to each other through a tubular passage.

Abstract: An exhaust filter system, in an animal habitation structure, for example, for cats, may be retrofit to a roof with a ventilation hole. The filter system has a housing provided with an inlet and an outlet, an electric fan mounted to move a current of air from the inlet through a filter, received in a slot provided in the housing. The filter is made of any suitable material, but is preferably activated charcoal. An important feature of the invention is the moldable membrane for connecting the inlet to the filter housing to the aperture in the roof, which is a moldable, flexible rubber or other plastic membrane, preferably polyurethane rubber, affixed to the inlet borders of the exhaust system and laid upon the roof, capable of conforming to the surface contour of almost any roof and covering, but not affixed to, the ventilation hole in the roof, to form a substantially air-tight seal with the roof.

Abstract: A canine vest having ballistic panels has an outer covering including a longitudinally extending elastic panel. Apertures are provided for a dog's front legs and front and rear ballistic panels are removably secured to an inner face of the cover in addition opposed side panels of ballistic material secured the inner face of the cover. A top closure is provided preferably a zipper type fastener and additionally a rappelling ring may be provided adjacent the top closure.

Abstract: A sanitary fluid heater includes a corrosion resistant stainless steel housing, a stainless steel cap securely positioned over an open end of the housing, and a heating element disposed within the housing. The cap defines an internal cavity which includes an internal wall having an aperture therethrough for receiving an end of the heating element which extends beyond the open end of the housing to form a corrosion resistant hermetic seal over the open end of the housing. Fluid contacting inner surfaces of the housing and the cap are polished smooth. In one embodiment, inlet and outlet fittings are attached to the housing to define, respectively, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The inlet and outlet each have a sanitary fitting at an end thereof which faces a corresponding sanitary fitting of a respective fluid inlet or fluid outlet line. Gaskets placed between facing sanitary fittings and clamps form fluid-tight connections between the facing sanitary fittings.

Abstract: A shroud for a vehicle engine cooling fan mounted to a generally rectangular radiator that has fixed air guide vanes in strategic areas of the shroud outside of the periphery of the fan blades to direct and channel streams of peripheral air flowing through the corners of the radiator into these areas inward and in a swirling pattern into the fan blades and more particularly in a generally smooth and circuitous path counter to the direction of rotation of the fan and directly onto the pumping surfaces of the fan blades. This effectively feeds additional air into the fan and preloads the blades so that air pumping efficiency is resultantly improved and more air is moved through the radiator for improved heat exchange.

Abstract: A cast iron cylinder liner for use in an engine block. The liner is cast to have a number of longitudinal grooves and machined to have a number of intersecting annular grooves to create an inverted waffle-like pattern of ridges and grooves on the outer circumferential surface of the liner. This pattern significantly increases the surface area through which cooling of the liner occurs and, thus, increases the liner's cooling capacity by approximately 30 to 40 percent. In addition, the pattern of ridges and grooves acts as a locking mechanism whereby the liner will not move within the cylinder block.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation apparatus incorporates a mechanism, mounted to a control shaft, to convert rotational motion of a camshaft into pivotal motion of a valve operating cam. The mechanism has different states corresponding to varying angular positions which the control shaft is adjustable to, respectively, The mechanism is continuously variable in state to one of the different states in response to a shift of the control shaft to one of the varying angular positions. The mechanism is also operative to vary the valve operating cam, in position, relative to the associated cylinder valve in response to a shift between the different states.