Abstract: An apparatus for making a reinforcing cage as disclosed. The apparatus has a former for receiving a plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcing rods and the former is rotatably received on a bed carried by a frame. An unloading module is located adjacent the former and has a shuttle for moving towards the former for feeding rods into the former and away from the former for withdrawing the rods as a cage is made. A feed is present adjacent the former for directing a reinforcing rod against the rod as they are withdrawn from the former to allow the spiral rod to be welded to the longitudinal rods as to produce a reinforcing cage.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing medication and filling an ampule of a needle-less injector suitable for injecting liquid medication includes a reagent holder and a diluent holder. The regent holder is for containing a reagent, and the diluent holder is for containing a diluent. The diluent holder also includes a diluent plunger rod. The reagent holder is coupled to the diluent holder to provide fluid communication between the reagent holder and the diluent holder. The diluent plunger rod is depressed to load the diluent from the diluent holder into the reagent holder to mix with the reagent to produce the liquid medication for filling the ampule. The reagent holder may further include a reagent plunger rod. After the reagent and the diluent are mixed in the reagent holder to produce the liquid medication, the reagent plunger rod is depressed to load the liquid medication back into the diluent holder for filling the ampule.

Abstract: A powder dispensing apparatus for application of loose powder and a method for creating the powder dispensing apparatus. With respect to the powder dispensing apparatus, it includes a front face made of porous material, a back face made of non-porous material, and a semi-rigid, inner pad inserted between the front and back faces. The back face is attached to the front face. Loose powder is filled within an internal chamber of the powder dispensing apparatus between the inner pad and the front face.

Abstract: A multi-product fuel dispensing system includes a plurality of reservoir tanks. Each tank has a specific grade of fuel stored therein. Each reservoir tank has a fuel delivery line connected thereto. A fuel delivery conduit has at least two flow channels. One flow channel is connected to receive a first grade of fuel from one of the fuel delivery lines, and another flow channel is connected to receive a second grade of fuel, of a lower grade than the first grade, from another of the fuel delivery lines. A nozzle has a connection to receive fuel from the fuel delivery conduit. A first proportional flow control and blend valve is connected in the system for receiving the first grade of fuel. A second proportional flow control and blend valve is connected in the system for receiving the second grade of fuel. A meter is connected in the system for receiving the second grade of fuel.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system employs a sensor apparatus for determining the actual content of hydrocarbon in the effluent vapor stream. The vapor flow of the hydrocarbon effluents is regulated by controlling an adjustable valve configured at the intake or outtake side of the vapor pump in accordance with the measured hydrocarbon content. The vapor flow rate is effectively varied without requiring any change in the pump operating speed. Sensor apparatus for performing the hydrocarbon measurements include a fiber-optic sensor, an oxygen sensor, and a crystal oscillation sensor. A solenoid assembly is provided to suitably activate the valve in response to the sensor measurement data.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid system for exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh hydraulic fluid in an accessed hydraulic circuit. One particular application provides an exchange apparatus for exchanging fluids of the type found in motor vehicle hydraulic circuits. The exchange apparatus may utilize pressurized spent fluid flow as a fluid power medium to activate the auto-replenishing fluid exchanger system to replace the spent fluid with fresh fluid at equalized flow rates. Alternatively, the exchange apparatus may utilize pressurize fresh fluid as a fluid power medium to activate the exchange system. Additional power may be supplied by an external boost pump to supplement the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet, the first valve part further including a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve movably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part further includes an air inlet alignable with the air inlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cap is useable with a dispenser assembly for mixing a concentrated fluid from the bottle with a dilutant. A tamper resistant lock prevents undesired rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part.

Abstract: A funnel cap device for a fluid container includes a funnel-shaped member having a passage therethrough extending between a wide end and a narrow end thereof, and a cap member attached to the funnel-shaped member for selectively opening and closing the narrow end of the passage. A hub portion extends from the narrow end of the funnel-shaped member, the cap member being slidable on the hub portion between open and closed positions. The cap member and hub portion include a cooperating aperture and seal tab which mutually engage in the closed position to prevent fluid flow. The funnel cap device is attachable to a fluid container having a spout on one end. The funnel-shaped member includes an intermediate portion having a thread pattern on an inner surface for engaging similar threads on the spout in an upright orientation where the funnel-shaped member engages the neck of the container.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle remote fill fluid reservoir is provided. In a preferred embodiment the fluid reservoir includes a main body to contain the fluid. A neck is fluidly connected with the main body and is inclined toward a region of the engine compartment which is more readily accessible. An extendable funnel is also provided which has flanges along its extreme ends to prevent the funnel from falling into the fluid reservoir or being inadvertently pulled out of the fluid reservoir. The funnel is flexible and has an outwardly flared upper end to prevent fluid spills.

Abstract: A woodworking station is provided, in which cutting heads and cutting bits, e.g. routers, small-bodied rotary tools, plunge routers, and others, are either permanently or interchangeably positioned with respect to a tiltable and rotatable cutting table, such that the operator's hands are free to manipulate the wood being worked. The cutting heads can be raised and lowered by hand controls, or by a foot-controlled electric motor. Self-contained blowers are also included, providing for continuous and simultaneous sawdust removal. Directional lighting is also provided which directs light primarily to the cutting table and away from the operator's face.

Abstract: A vehicle inner tube, which includes an inflatable tube formed of a plurality of air balls, the inflatable tube having an air chamber defined on the inside, two sets of curved grooves spirally arranged at two opposite side walls thereof around an air chamber, and a plurality of insertion slots spirally arranged around the curved grooves through the two opposite side walls, and a plurality of breaker members and side bumper members respectively mounted in the insertion slots and curved grooves at the inflatable tube, the breaker members and side bumper members each including a flexible base pad formed of a big number of air balls, and a breaker adhered to the base pad at one side.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having an outer-facing sidewall area extending from opposing edges of a belt reinforcing structure to corresponding tire beads, the improvement comprising an outer layer of veneer covering said sidewall in whole or in part and said veneer comprising (a) from 85 to 92 parts by weight of polyisoprene; (b) from 15 to 8 parts by weight of a styrene-butadiene rubber; and (c) from 5 to 20 phr of a high styrene resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic tire which comprises a carcass layer provided between a pair of left and right bead sections, left and right side wall sections interpolated for connecting the pair of left and right bead sections with a tread section to be continuous, and at least two belt layers provided in an outer peripheral side of the carcass layer in the tread section, each of the belt layers being composed of a plurality of reinforcing cords coated with coating rubber. Storage elastic modulus E′ of the coating rubber is set in a range of 15.0 to 40.0 MPa, and its loss tangent tan &dgr; is set in a range of 0.1 to 0.25. Interlayer rubber is provided between end parts of the belt layers, the interlayer rubber being specifically set in each of both end parts thereof in a tire width direction, and elongation to break Eb of the interlayer rubber is set in a range of 400 to 700%.

Abstract: A magnetic head chip bonding device for bonding plural magnetic head chip to a base member to produce a composite type magnetic head is disclosed. The device includes a magnetic head chip retention unit for applying the pressure to the magnetic head chip for applying the magnetic head chip against the base member, and a magnetic head chip holding unit for holding the magnetic head chip. The device also includes a magnetic head chip detection unit for detecting the position of the magnetic head chip and a magnetic head chip shifting unit for shifting the magnetic head chip and the magnetic head chip holding unit responsive to an output of the magnetic head chip position detection unit. The pressure exerted by the magnetic head chip retention unit on the magnetic head chip is preferably variable, and the magnetic head chip holding unit preferably is made up of a pair of supporting members clamping the magnetic head chip in- between.

Abstract: Colored or metallic foil is applied to toner printed onto a substrate, such as paper, in a high speed, versatile manner, using a rotating impression cylinder, and a rotating transfer cylinder having circumferentially spaced heated raised portions. The toner, which preferably includes a thermoplastic component, is applied to the paper with any suitable printer, such as a computer controlled MIDAX (ion deposition) print engine. The toner may be heated by an infra red heater just before the paper is fed to the nip between the impression and transfer cylinders. A foil strip having an adhesive layer facing outwardly, a foil layer, and a release coating on a backing, is also fed to the nip, and the backing taken up downstream of the nip. Heat and pressure applied at the nip transfer the adhesive and foil from the foil strip to the tacky toner, producing the desired foil printed paper, which then may be further processed.

Abstract: A die bonding apparatus includes: a lead frame supply station for accommodating a plurality of lead frames; a frame transferring device for picking up the lead frame and transferring it to an Ag epoxy application table or to a traveling rail; a frame fixing station for fixing the lead frame to the Ag epoxy application table by suction power of a vacuum pump or moving it back and forth through actuation of a motor; an Ag epoxy supply station for ejecting a predetermined amount of Ag epoxy through a nozzle to the top surface of the lead frame; a moving device for moving the lead frame forward on the traveling rail; a preheating station for receiving the lead frame into a magazine and preheating it; a wafer placement station for transferring wafers sequentially supplied from a wafer supply station to a predetermined location through rotation; a die transferring device for picking up a die and transferring it to a work site for die bonding; a die bonding station for precisely bonding the die to a site where a tap

Abstract: A hand-held combination tool symmetrically adapted for either left-handed or right-handed use, used to smooth wallcoverings, butt and set seams, and serves as a cutting guide for a blade. All edges of the symmetrical design are perfectly straight. The nature of the acrylic substance designed with distinct form and beveled and rounded edges permits the tool to glide easily over all types of wallcoverings without marring or tearing the surface; speeds the hanging process by combining the functions of multiple tools into a single tool; increases the user's ability to smooth the wallcovering to conform to the surface to which it is applied; increases the user's ability to “work” the seam so that it is tightly butted and set; and the transparent acrylic combination allows user to more clearly see the surface to define the cutting edge and serves as a sliding trim guide resulting in a professional finish.

Abstract: A control system for a vertically moveable covering for an architectural opening includes a uni-directional drive assembly that is operated with a single pull element such that upon pulling of the pull element, the covering can be raised in increments. A clutch/brake assembly selectively prevents the covering from dropping by gravity between pulling strokes on the pulling element, but a release of the brake allows the shade to drop by gravity from its retracted position to any degree of extension. A governor is further provided to regulate the rate at which the covering drops by gravity. A cord lift system which is operated by the main drive assembly and the clutch/brake assembly includes a rotatable and axially slidable spool about which a lift cord can be wound.

Abstract: A window with a substantially rectangular main frame structure with an openable sash structure comprises a built-in roller screening device comprising a flexible screening web having one end secured to a spring-loaded roller member and an opposite end connected with a rigid end member. A roller member is received in bracket members at respective ends of a longitudinal cavity formed in one of a first pair of main frame members, whereas in each of second pair of main frame members extending at right angles to the first pair a longitudinal guide track is formed to receive respective ends of said rigid end member and optionally edge regions of the screening web. The cavity is closed against the light-admitting area by a detachable cover member leaving a narrow slit-opening for passage of the screening web and permitting arrangement, removal or replacement.

Abstract: A hinge for assembling window covers is disclosed, along with associated window cover systems, including single blind systems and dual blind systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for forming cast metal matrix composite bodies. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel method for forming or recycling metal matrix composite bodies so as to render such bodies in a condition for casting or recasting as a cast metal matrix composite body. Specifically, a scrap metal matrix composite body and preferably a scrap cast metal matrix composite body is placed into a crucible, optionally along with unreinforced matrix metal and/or virgin metal matrix composite material. Whether the scrap and/or virgin materials are placed into the crucible in solid or molten form, the contents of the crucible are ultimately rendered molten to form a composite melt.

Abstract: A bottom casting apparatus comprises a pouring pipe, a stool, molds, and runners, wherein the runner satisfies the following equations (1) and (2) and a gap formed between a side wall of a groove for a runner provided in the stool and a runner brick is filled with heat resisting granules, A−D≦D(Z/100)+2.5 (mm)  (1) A−D>B−E>0  (2) where, A and B are widths (mm) at an upper portion and a bottom portion of the groove, respectively, D and E are widths (mm) at an upper portion and a bottom portion of the runner brick disposed within the groove, respectively, and Z is a mean coefficient of linear expansion (%) of the runner brick in the temperature range of a room temperature to 1000° C.

Abstract: An air handling system for the cab of a skid steer loader has an airflow housing mounted on the exterior of the cab and on a rear wall thereof. The housing is within the profile of the loader, that is, below the upper wall of the cab and within the side frame members. The housing has an air inlet above the engine compartment, and includes a heater core and an air conditioning evaporator, both of which act as heat exchangers mounted in a plenum chamber in which two fans are mounted. Ducts lead from the plenum chamber to the interior of the cab. The ducts connected to the air handling housing open through ports in the rear wall of the cab into the interior, and interior or the cab ducts carry the air from the plenum chamber to desired locations of the operator's cab for heating, air conditioning or ventilating.

Abstract: An annular-shaped heat exchanger 2 provided with a high-temperature fluid passage inlet 11 at one end in the axial direction and a low-temperature fluid passage inlet 15 at the other end in the axial direction is supported inside a cylindrical outer casing 9 via a heat exchanger supporting ring 36. The heat exchanger supporting ring 36 connecting a low-temperature section near the low temperature fluid passage inlet 15 of the heat exchanger 2 and a rear flange 33 of the outer casing 9 is formed by bending a plate member in a cross-sectionally step shape so that it can readily undergo elastic deformation to offset the thermal expansion of the heat exchanger 2. This ensures positive sealing between the high-temperature fluid passage inlet 11 and the low-temperature fluid passage inlet 15 of the heat exchanger 2 while minimizing the thermal stress occurring in the heat exchanger 2 and the outer casing 9.

Abstract: A screening device for eliminating balls (6) for cleaning the tube of a heat exchanger, condenser or the like from a coolant line (7) comprises a screen (2) located in the outlet area of the heat exchanger, able to cover the free cross section of the coolant line (7) for collecting the balls (6) and progressively restricting the free cross section for the coolant for the collection of the balls (6) in the cooling medium flow direction and a removal line (3), positioned in the flow direction of the cooling medium behind the screen (2) in such a way that the balls (6) collected by the screen (2) are passed into the removal line (3) and leave the coolant line (7) via the removal line (3). For obtaining a less expensive construction for the screening device the screen (2) is fixed to the wall (7a) of the coolant line (7).

Abstract: A thermosyphon system is employed in conjunction with compact and/or dense configurations of electrical and/or electronic components to provide cooling. The thermosyphon cooling system is particularly advantageous in those systems in which the compact arrangement of circuit modules precludes the use of direct air cooling. The thermosyphon cooling system repositions the air cooling aspect of its cooling function to an exterior cabinet location distant from the circuit modules which can therefore be placed more closely together to shorten signal paths.

Abstract: A support for a cooling device which consists of a heat exchanger and a fan shroud for a cooling fan, has a resilient body portion adapted to simultaneously engage the heat exchanger and the fan shroud. Where the cooling device further comprises a second heat exchanger, such as a condenser, the support has a further portion adapted to engage the condenser. The support allows the assembled components to be protected from vibration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger core for use in a fluid cooling apparatus, of the type comprising two tanks (12, 13), each provided with a tube plate (17), and a number of parallel tubes (15) through which the fluid to be cooled flows and around which a cooling fluid is passed. The tubes (15) extend between the two tube plates (17). A connecting strip (20) in the form of a strengthening comb connects the tank wall (12) and the tube plate (17). The strip (20) is provided with a tube plate location slot (18) and a recess (19) adapted to house the end of the tank wall (12). The connecting strip (20) has a number of tooth-like portions or fingers (40) which extend between the tubes (15) and are bonded to the tube plate (17), but not to the tubes (15) themselves. The fingers (40) add strength to the tube plate overhang, allowing the operating pressure in the chamber inside the tank (12) to be increased without the need to use a thicker tube plate (17).

Abstract: An efficient heat sink having a high density of fins and a large effective surface area is formed by coiling a flat strip of thermally conductive material in which teeth or millifins have been formed by a stamping operation, for example. A spacer may be employed to insure fin separation. In an alternate embodiment, the strips are stacked. The resulting heat sink is particularly effective in impingement flow cooling of electronic devices, chips, circuits or modules.

Abstract: Heatsink structures for integrated circuit chips, chip packages, printed wiring boards and the like are disclosed. The heatsink structures according to the present invention have thin flexible cooling fins which move and vibrate under the flow of a cooling fluid. In one embodiment, the fins comprise a thin metal film, such as copper or aluminum, which is laminated to a thin polymeric layer. The polymeric layer provides resilience and elasticity to the metal film and the cooling fins.

Abstract: A cooling unit having a first heat sink and a second heat sink. The first heat sink overlaps a heat-generating component. The second heat sink covers the first heat sink. The first heat sink having a plurality of heat-conducting sections extending away from the heat-generating component. The second heat sink has a plurality of heat-receiving sections, in which the heat-conducting sections are inserted. A first gap is provided between the first heat sink and the second heat sink. A second gap is provided between each heat-conducting section and the heat-receiving section in which the heat-conducting section is inserted. The first gap and the second gap are filled with grease having viscosity. The grease thermally connects the first heat sink and the second heat sink.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating and/or air conditioning system for vehicle interiors with air outlets located at the middle level of the vehicle interior, especially in a dashboard. The outlets include a middle nozzle connected by air ducts with an air distributor, the middle nozzle having a middle nozzle automatic button, with a mixing chamber integrated into the air distributor. The chamber has a cold air duct controlled by a cold air flap for supplying cold air to the mixing chamber and at least one outlet opening to the middle level, with the air to the middle level being controllable by at least one middle level flap, with an automatic control device that comprises an additional automatic button, and with a control device for linking signal values of the adjusting elements and programmed control of adjusting motors to set the air flaps.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a system and method for electronically controlling the refrigeration and/or heating of the product storage compartment in a vending machine. The system includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the product storage compartment, and a door sensor for sensing whether the door is open or closed. The control method includes the steps of activating a defrost mode, which is a timed period with no heating or cooling activity, when the door to the vending apparatus is open. The defrost mode is also activated whenever the cooling element has been running continuously for several hours. Further, the control method includes a step of cycling the cooling element “on” whenever a predetermined high temperature is reached. When the cooling element is “off” for more than 6 hours and the predetermined high temperature has not been reached, the heater is turned “on” to prevent the products in the vending machine from freezing.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for use with a perforating gun to prevent the explosive forces from causing recoil comprising a cylindrical body with openings permitting brake plugs to engage the well casing in response to pressure against an axially moving piston driven by the explosive force of the perforating gun and having a tapered side wall to drive the plugs against the casing. A bias spring disengages the axial piston and a retractive spring withdraws the plugs from engagement.

Abstract: A wellhead for use with a surface mounted pumping unit operating a rod string extend to a downhole pump in a well. The wellhead includes a body having a bore for a rod string, a support rod assembly moveable across the bore for coupling with a rod string having a coupling flange to provide a rod string hanger and a releaseable lock operable with the rod string. The wellhead also comprises a hydraulic seal in the body around the bore to seal with a rod string through the bore. Blowout preventer rams in the body for closing off around the rod string through the body and closing off the bore through the body when no rod string is present. A securing structure at the opposite ends of the body secures the wellhead with a rod string operator above the wellhead and to secure the wellhead with a casing flange on a well.

Abstract: An inflatable packing device for use in a subterranean well provides a sophisticated cover means which results in a uniform expansion profile and exceptionally low angles of expansion propagation during inflation of the bladder to set the device, whereby well fluids between the wall of the well bore and the exterior of the cover of the device are swept away from the area of subsequent sealing of the cover. The propensity for rib kinking and rib cutting, pinching, folding, cracking and tearing of the bladder during inflation are eliminated. Correspondingly, reduced stresses and strains in cover segments combined with near ideal inflation profiles result in enhanced expansion propagation of the inflation element and improved service performance and reliability of the downhole device.

Abstract: An inflation verification system for an inflatable tool includes at least an information collector associated with the inflatable element of the inflatable tool connected to a controller with a predetermined set of instructions for inciting communications with the surface. Communicators contemplated include atmospheric chambers which when opened create a negative pressure pulse which propagates to the surface. More than one chamber increases the number of pulses generable and thus the amount of information conveyable. Alternative preferable communicators are electromagnetic pulse generators and acoustic telemetry. An advantage of acoustic telemetry is that more quantitative information is transmittable. Other downhole communication methods are also employable.

Abstract: A sampling device for use downhole is provided comprising a hollow body (24) having a fluid inlet port (26) for fluid entry to the interior thereof, characterised by a gas extraction system (64) associated with the hollow body (24) and capable of securing as a non-volatile component at least part of a volatile component dissolved in a fluid entering the hollow body (24), the gas extraction system being removable therefrom to allow quantitative analysis of the non-volatile component to be undertaken. The gas extraction system (64) is placed in a supplementary chamber (46) having an inlet (50) and an outlet (52) which is attached to the hollow body and through which fluid passes to enter the hollow body. The gas extraction system is iron oxide to fix sulphur from volatile hydrogen sulphide for later analysis.

Abstract: A method of installing a casing section in a well, by means of first and second connection devices arranged on a tubular lowering device, the first connection device being connected at an upper end of the casing section and the second connection device being connected at a lower end of the casing section, the tubular lowering device extending through the casing section. First and second flow paths are provided to enable fluids from the well to pass through the inside of the casing, as the casing is lowered into the well. A hollow is provided through the second connection device connecting the inside of the tubular lowering device to the outside of the casing. A lockable nonreturn valve is provided in the hollow which permits the well fluids to flow form inside the internal bore of the tubular lowering device to the well outside the section being installed, and also permitting fluids to flow form the well to the inside of the tubular lowering device and thus back to surface.

Abstract: A downhole ball-valve (20) comprises a body (22) defining a bore (32), a valve ball (34) defining a through passage (36) such that the ball (34) may be positioned to permit flow through the body bore (32) or to close the bore, and a sealing assembly (44) located to one side of the ball and defining a valve seat (50, 53) for forming a sealing contact with the ball (34) and a seal between the body and the assembly. A fluid pressure force applied at one side of the ball (34) tends to urge the valve seat (50, 53) towards the ball (34) and a fluid pressure force applied at the other side of the ball tends to urge the ball towards the valve seat. The sealing assembly forms part of a ball carriage which is axially movable in the bore, axial movement of the carriage inducing rotation of the ball between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A swivel assembly for installation at a well for subsea production of oil or gas and adapted to be connected to a production vessel at the sea surface. The swivel assembly comprises a main fluid swivel having at least two paths and an electric/hydraulic auxiliary swivel for signal communication and power transfer. The fluid swivel is provided with a rotatable swivel housing at the top of a stationary christmas tree, preferably comprising a small number of valves, such as a production master valve and an annulus master valve. The paths are through-running vertically in the central core member of the fluid swivel so as to make possible well intervention from the upper side of the fluid swivel.

Abstract: Arrangements and associated methods are described for providing an isolated electrically conductive path in a system in which a boring tool is moved through the ground in a region. The system includes a drill rig and a drill string which is connected between a boring tool, or other in-ground device, and the drill. The drill string is made up of a plurality of electrically conductive drill pipe sections, each of which includes a section length and all of which are configured for removable attachment with one another to facilitate the extension and retraction of the drill string by one section length at a time.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing device includes a vessel containing a fire-extinguishing substance, a tank of pressurized gas, flexible pipe for connecting the vessel and the tank to each other as well as to a device that generates a directed flow of the fire-extinguishing substance mixed with the working gas, and a pressure regulator for the working gas. The device has a mixing chamber for the fire-extinguishing substance and the gas, with the chamber having a gas-dynamic nozzle mounted at its outlet. A profiled channel in the nozzle has a length equal to at least twice the diameter of the nozzle channel at its smallest section. The vessel and the tank may be fitted in a backpack. The nozzle may be made in the shape of ring and fitted with an annular channel for feeding additional working gas before a minimal section of its own channel. The central body of the annular nozzle may be made in the shape of a cone with its tip directed toward the nozzle inlet.

Abstract: An improved landscape rake including a rotatably operable rake mechanism for performing a raking function, a bucket for receiving material raked by the rake mechanism, and a fluid actuator connected to the rake mechanism operable for moving the rake mechanism relative to the bucket, the fluid actuator having a first port adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid for receiving the pressurized fluid therefrom for moving the rake mechanism to a position proximal to the bucket and a second port adapted for connection via a fluid path to a fluid receiver for discharging fluid thereto, the improvement including a fluid control system for the fluid actuator including a second fluid path connecting the first port of the fluid actuator with the first named fluid path and a valve disposed in the second fluid path operable for allowing fluid flow therethrough from the first port to the first named fluid path while preventing fluid flow from the first named fluid path to the first port to allow the rake mec

Abstract: A method and apparatus to repair dents formed by a golf ball impacting the surface of a golf green. A restoring tool is mounted to the top of the handle of a putter, and this tool comprises a base member and a ground penetrating portion which is formed as a pair of tines and which is rotatably mounted to move from a stowed position flush against the base, to an operating position where it extends at right angles to the base. The putter is inverted so that the end of the handle can be positioned against the raised edge of the dent. The tines (outwardly extending) are moved to penetrate into the soil at a location outwardly of the raised edge of the dent, and the compression surface of the base member presses the sod layer downwardly and displaces the underlying ground layer laterally to fill into the recess portion of the dent. This also causes the displaced portion of the sod laterally over the dent.

Abstract: A method of harvesting sod using a sod harvester involves the formation of a series of defined slabs of sod that are positioned end-to-end, and conveyed up a conveyor that is driven at ground speed so that the slabs stay together. The slabs may be defined by respective series of spaced perforations so that the slabs remain connected by portions of the sod between the perforations. Where the slabs are completely separate, netting is introduced continuously below the series of slabs as they enter a roll-forming enclosure of the harvester. The netting keeps the slabs together and allows them to be formed into a roll in essentially the same fashion as a continuous strip of sod. Roll formation is continued until a large diameter roll has been formed comprising multiple layers of sod slabs. The large roll forms a unitary structure that can be manipulated and transported to a laying site in the same manner as a large single strip roll.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.

Abstract: A disk scraper system for an agricultural implement includes a tubular member slidably supported by the implement frame adjacent a gang assembly having a plurality of disks. Scrapers are fixed to the member and project into scraping relationship with the disks to remove dirt and debris from the surfaces of the disks. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and the tubular member and connected through a pressure control valve assembly to a source of fluid under pressure to bias the member so the scrapers are urged into scraping relationship relative to the disks. The pressure control valve assembly may be remotely adjustable to vary the scraper pressure on-the-go as conditions change. The system maintains the selected scraper bias even as the gang assembly moves vertically and from side to side relative to the frame with changing contour and soil conditions.

Abstract: A hammer drill has a motor which drives an axially displaceable intermediate gear mounted in an intermediate gear arrangement. An impact mechanism is formed by including interacting impact cams between either the intermediate gear and the housing, or the motor armature shaft and the housing to generate a reciprocating motion on an output spindle or shaft. A spindle locking mechanism is included which causes an intermediate gear to be disengageable with respect to the output shaft, while still permitting the impact mechanism to be engaged. Such an arrangement allows the hammer drill to operate in a hammer-only or chipping mode.

Abstract: An impact structure for an impact power tool comprises: a hammer body rotatable by means of a driving actuator, and having at least one pawl member having an impact contacting area; and an operation body for rotating a bit for the impact power tool, having at least one wing member having an impact contacting area, which can be brought into contact with the impact contacting area of the pawl member. The operation body is rotated by intermittently hitting the pawl member of the hammer body against the wing member of the operation body in a rotational direction of the hammer body. The impact contacting area of the pawl member can be brought into point-contact or line-contact with the impact contacting area of the wing member.