Abstract: A rodless cylinder is coupled to an elongated base. The construction for coupling the rodless cylinder to the base includes a hollow duct formed in the bottom wall of the base and extending along the entire length of the base. A projection extending along the entire length of the duct is formed on the upper inner wall of the duct when the base and duct are formed by a drawing or extrusion process. After the base is formed, the longitudinal ends of the projection are cut off by a predetermined length from both longitudinal ends of the base. The portions of the duct from which the projections are cut off act as receiving portions into which mounting nuts are inserted, and the end faces of the remaining projection act as stoppers which abut the inserted mounting nuts to position them. The upper walls of the duct above the receiving portions are cut off to form slits opening to the upper face of the base. The slits act as mounting bolt passages of the rodless cylinder.

Abstract: A gas bearing structure including a cylindrical core and a cylindrical sleeve. The core has a radially outwardly facing surface with longitudinal and circumferential grooves formed thereon. The sleeve has a radially inwardly facing surface that sealingly abuts the outer core surface. The inwardly facing sleeve surface bridges over the grooves, defining fluid, preferably gas, flow paths within each groove. The gas flow paths permit gas to flow from the workspace to radial passages formed through the sleeve sidewall, thereby forming a gas bearing.

Abstract: A piston for use in the cylinder block of a hydraulic power unit. The piston has an elongated cylindrical body and one end terminating in a spherical surface. The piston is composed of a body and insert which are made from different materials, preferably metallic materials, and joined together. The piston body takes the form of a solid cylinder or a hollow cylindrical tube. The spherical surface takes the form of an internal spherical socket or an external spherical ball. The insert takes an elongated or abbreviated form providing for both open cavity and closed cavity piston configurations. The piston includes a conduit which traverses the body and insert, providing a path for pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A heating pot for decocting Chinese herbs, including a container on which Chinese herbs are to be contained, a heater received in the container so as not to contact the container, and a condenser installed on the opening of the container, for condensing important medicinal elements contained in vapor. The heater has a ray generation means for generating high temperature infrared rays toward the container, a main reflection means for reflecting the infrared rays to the container, and a follower member which has a lateral follower extending from the side of the heater for shielding the side of the condenser installed in the container, and an upper follower coupled to the top of the lateral follower for shielding the upper portion of the condenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a milk frothing device with a steam pipe that extends through a base member and has at its end a nozzle, and with a container that can be placed underneath the nozzle. The base member along with the steam pipe and the nozzle is vertically displaceable within a longitudinal guide of a housing of the device. This permits immersing the nozzle into the container and frothing the milk disposed therein without needing the hand of a user to hold the container. This arrangement prevents scalds and improves ease of handling.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for signaling a cooking state for at least one cooking item, such as an egg, a potato, a pepper, rice, noodles, that are being cooked in a liquid cooking medium. The device includes an at least partially floating jacket, a temperature sensor arranged in thermally conductive communication with the floating jacket, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital computing unit and a signaling device. The digital computing unit includes a digital delay portion to delay a temperature value of the liquid cooking medium that is measured by the sensor and digitized with the analog-to-digital converter. The delay portion has at least one thermal time constant to provide a thermally delayed inner temperature value as an output of the delay portion. A switching device is provided to activate the signaling device once a first temperature threshold is reached by the output of the delay portion, for signaling a first cooking state of the at least one cooking item.

Abstract: An extractor for separating the juice and juice sacs from a citrus fruit that includes a lower cup for supporting a single piece of citrus fruit and an upper cup disposed vertically above the lower cup with the upper and lower cups moveable relative to each other in a vertical direction so as to cooperate to squeeze the piece of citrus fruit placed therebetween. An upper cutter is provided for cutting a plug in the citrus to permit the separation of the peel from the juice and the juice sacs, while a lower cutter is provided for cutting the plug to allow the juice and juice sacs to exit therethrough when the fruit is squeezed between the upper and lower cups. A strainer tube is vertically oriented beneath the lower cup and lower cutter, with the strainer tube having a plurality of circumferential slots along its working length.

Abstract: A stencil printer operable with a master wrapped around a print drum includes a rotatable print drum. An ink roller is rotatable in the same direction as the print drum for feeding ink to the inner periphery of the drum. An ink replenishing roller is rotatable in the same direction as the print drum and ink roller and movable between a first position where it is spaced from the inner periphery of the drum and ink roller and a second position where it contacts the inner periphery of the drum and ink roller. An ink collecting member is located downstream of the ink replenishing roller in the direction of rotation of the print drum and movable in interlocked relation to the ink replenishing roller. The printer is capable of surely removing excess ink from the inner periphery of the print drum and desirably forming even the first image after a long time of suspension.

Abstract: A dampening roller, which functions reliably and which can be driven by friction has a surface of a rubber-elastic material. Drive rings of equal diameter to that of the working surface of the dampening roller, as defined by the rubber-elastic material, are provided at either end of the dampening roller. These drive rings are also made of the same rubber-elastic surface material.

Abstract: Combined newsprint core brake system and newsprint supply reel in a continuous running roll press, for full and fractional running web supply, web tension sensor control braking coupled to core chucking spindles in the running newsprint roll core position, characterized by selectively activated Zero stroke multi caliper disc brakes carried by multi-armed spiders with core chucking spindles axially positioned and circumferentially spaced for indexing a chucking spindle axis from pre-drive to running newsprint roll core position; eliminating the prior art “transition period” replaced herein by “Constant Tension”, eliminating the prior art drag-belt deterioration of the newsprint surface texture; and with assurance of effective roll to roll splicing.

Abstract: Sheets are printed by being automatically run twice through a printing machine. The first sides of each of the sheets are printed in one, or a plurality of colors during a first printing pass. The sheets so printed are then placed in an intermediated storage facility, which is located within the printing machine. These sheets are then rotated 180 degrees and are printed on second sides in one or a plurality of colors during a second printing pass. The sheets are then fed to a final storage device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adjusting the circumferential register in a web-fed rotary printing press having a plate cylinder with a sleeve-shaped printing plate. Exemplary embodiments include a variable speed drive box which is controlled by a central control unit in dependence on a measured difference between the speed of a plate sleeve and the press speed. The drive box produces a slight overspeed of a plate cylinder body used to support the sleeve-shaped printing plate, such that a difference between the speed of the plate sleeve and the speed of the printing press is reduced to zero.

Abstract: A flexographic printer ink unit has an elongated body with an elongated ink chamber recessed into one side of the body. The chamber is defined in part by a pair of elongated walls. An elongated blade, doctor or containment, is positioned on each of the opposite elongated walls. An elongated clamping bar is coupled with a separate one of the wall to rotate about a pivot axis defined by a set of T bars mounted along each wall. One longitudinal edge of each clamping bar holds the blade against a proximal edge of the proximal elongated wall to form an edge of the ink chamber. One or more plungers are movably coupled with the ink unit body and pressed against the clamping bar on a side of the bar pivot axis opposite the one longitudinal edge of the bar so as to pivot the one longitudinal edge of the bar against the proximal edge of the wall to secure the blade there between. The plunger is carried in a conventional toggle clamp.

Abstract: A hot air dryer utilizes high velocity air jets which scrub and break up the moist air layer which clings to the surface of a freshly printed sheet. High velocity air is heated to a high temperature as it flows along a resistance heating element within an air delivery baffle tube. The heated, high velocity air pressurizes a plenum chamber within an air distribution manifold. High velocity jets of hot air are discharged through multiple air flow apertures onto the wet ink side of a printed sheet as it moves through the dryer exposure zone. An extractor removes the moist air layer, high velocity hot air and volatiles from the printed sheet and exhausts it from the press.

Abstract: An improved hydrophilized substrate for planographic printing is disclosed. The substrate contains a support and a hydrophilic layer over the support. The hydrophilic layer contains titanium dioxide (titania) particles. In one embodiment, the hydrophilic layer contains a mixture of coated and uncoated titanium dioxide particles, and, optionally, alumina particles. A method for preparation of the substrate and a printing member comprising the substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a circulation treatment system and method for treating a fountain solution the amounts of BOD, COD, n-hexane and SS are reduced in the fountain solution to recycle the fountain solution without draining it off. Circulation passages are connected to a vessel of a dampening section of an offset rotary press via communication passages, and circulate a fountain solution by introducing the fountain solution in the vessel from an introducing port and discharging the fountain solution from a discharging port. In the course of the circulation passages is a line pump for forcibly circulating the fountain solution, a potential absorption filtering device using an absorbing effect of a zeta potential, and an activated carbon filtering device using an absorbing effect of activated carbon.

Abstract: A printing press liquid circulation system including a cooling pan having a dedicated power return drain having a power drain orifice and optional cooling capacity located on and as part of the pan. The system induces or suctions flow of liquid from the pan, having a pan supply orifice, to a reservoir through a return conduit by connecting the return conduit to a power return drain. Proper design of the power drain orifice and the pan supply orifice allows for a matched pan supply and return system for an open hydraulic circuit, free of foam and flooding with no adjustments required.

Abstract: In a method of drying inks which are printed on to a paper web in the printing mechanisms of a rotary intaglio printing machine and which are diluted by means of a solvent. the paper web, downstream of each printing mechanism, passes through a drier having a substantially closed housing through which flows a gas which serves to pick up and carry away the solvent. To achieve a reduction in the residual solvent concentration in the finished printed product in spite of an increased speed of the paper web, the drying gas used in at least one of the driers is an inert gas, the through-put thereof through the drier being so selected that a solvent concentration which is very high in comparison with drying with air occurs in the drier.

Abstract: A warhead has polar imbiber masses containing a complexed energetic composition of a cyclodextrin nitrate, a nitrate ester plasticizer, bismuth subsalicylate and a stabilizer that is dispersed into a cloud prior to target impact.

Abstract: A standoff delivery system is responsive to GPS coordinate signals and in-flight GPS signals to deploy a torpedo at a remote location that avoids the limitations and hazards attendant conventional deployment by full size aircraft. A gliding rigid winged unmanned aircraft carries the torpedo to a desired remote location. A GPS receiver on the aircraft enters GPS coordinate signals representative of the remote location and receives GPS signals representative of the location of the unmanned aircraft. A control signal generator produces control signals in response to both of the GPS signals and feeds control signals to servos that displace control surfaces to pilot the unmanned aircraft. The torpedo is released and descends via parachute in response to GPS signals that are representative of at least the proximity of the remote location. This system provides for clandestine deployment of a torpedo without exposing manned aircraft to danger.

Abstract: The invention relates to ammunition suitable for firing from a self-loading sidearm comprising a cartridge adapted to fire a projectile, the cartridge case having at one end a portion of reduced diameter, the projectile being held in the said portion of reduced diameter, wherein the ratio of the external diameter of the cartridge case at its widest point to the external diameter of the projectile at its widest point is such that when the projectile is fired into a target high velocity wounding is caused. The invention also relates to a gun barrel for a self-loading sidearm through which the ammunition can be shot, and a self-loading sidearm comprising such a barrel.

Abstract: The invention is ammunition and ammunition components labeled so that either a projectile or a shell casing found at a crime scene can be associated with all documented handlers from the last documented recipient back to the manufacturer. The likely labeling code is a two-dimensional binary array with at least six cells (digits) in each dimension. Several different methods of imparting the label to a projectile at or near its rear end are described, some of which can be used in combination, including: adding a labeled identification member beneath the projectile's rear surface, embossing the projectile's rear surface, injecting pins through the projectile's rear end, embossing the projectile beneath the projectile's rear surface at a transition between metal layers of different melting temperatures, printing the projectile's rear surface with detectable material, etching the projectile's rear surface.

Abstract: A train collision system helps reduce the severity of impact between a train and a land vehicle or pedestrian. The system uses a flatbed rail car that is coupled to the front of a train. Several deformable barrels, each at least partially filled with an inert material, are attached to the top surface of the rail car, the barrels each decelerating an object that strikes them. A pair of diagonally downwardly disposed arms extend out from the front of the rail car and are used to either deflect the object out of the trains path or to scoop the object onto the rail car wherein the object is decelerated by the barrels. A net member subsystem captures relatively small objects and nets them before the object strikes the barrels.

Abstract: A portable folding tray for use in vehicles, which tray includes a bi-folding tray element pivotally attached to a tray mount that is fitted with a pair of extendible suction cups for removable attachment of the tray mount to the window of a vehicle. A rotatable tray adjustment bolt fitted in the tray mount threadably engages a pair of tray arms that mounts the tray to facilitate selectively raising and lowering the bi-folding tray of the window-mounted tray mount. A pair of tray leveling bolts can be adjustably extended from the tray mount to facilitate horizontal leveling of the tray by engaging the vehicle window beneath the suction cups.

Abstract: A security enclosure with an electronic lock, a concealed hinge door and lock wheel which operates a lock internal to the security enclosure. The electronic lock operates by a key pad into which a required security code may be entered. When the correct code is entered, a solenoid within the enclosure retracts moving a pin which allows the lock wheel to rotate. When the lock wheel is rotated, strike bolts extending into the top and bottom of the enclosure and left and right strike bars extending to the sides of the enclosure are retracted enabling the door to be pulled open. The door construction is such that there are no external hinges which may be drilled out, and the door itself is recessed so that it cannot be pried open. Attempts to turn the lock wheel when the solenoid is engaged have no effect because the wheel cannot be turned without breaking.

Abstract: In a method of supplying air to a pulverized solid fuel burner passing through the burner cowl of a furnace, the fuel is dried and then conveyed by means of a given large quantity of hot air, which may or may not be depleted in oxygen in a separator in which the fuel is extracted from it. The fuel is then conveyed to the burner by means of a first portion only of the air from which the fuel has been removed. This conveyor air portion is used as primary combustion-supporting air for burning the fuel in the burner, into which the first portion of air, mixed with the fuel it conveys, is fed via an annular duct. The other portion of the hot air purified in the separator is used at least as additional primary combustion-supporting and flame adjustment air and is fed into the burner peripherally and centrally relative to the first portion of air charged with fuel.

Abstract: A process for treating a raw material containing aluminum or a similar metal melting at a low temperature and organic matter, including metal separation, particularly intended for the treatment of liquid container rejects consisting of aluminum foil, polymer material and possible fibre residues in order to recover the aluminum and to utilise the organic matter as a fuel. The raw material is introduced in a bubbling fluidised bed, where the organic matter is gasified at a temperature higher than the melting point of the metal present. The gas removed from the fluidised bed and the entrained metal are subsequently cooled to a temperature below the melting point of metal by admixing a cooling medium such as water in the gas flow. The solid metal particles are eventually separated from the gas e.g. with a cyclone and the gas flow is possibly filtered before combustion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a material or fabric making or processing operation involving needle penetration of a fibre, fabric or material layer (12) in which the needle penetration action is controlled by control means (18) by which the needle penetration characteristics can be varied within the penetration action and as between penetration actions.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing pattern tufted goods, such as pattern tufted carpet, produces cut and loop pattern carpet using independent yarn colored pattern and cutting pattern process controllers, colored pattern carpet having differential pile heights, and colored pattern carpet with tight or loose tufts. In addition, an apparatus for making color patterned tufted carpet has a yarn cutting system which more reliably cuts yarn when cut tufts are desired.

Abstract: A sewing machine with an embroidery stitching function is disclosed, wherein a needle is vertically reciprocated to form stitches on a work held by an embroidering frame (19) which is moved in X-Y directions by a frame moving device relative to the needle on a working surface (2a) of a working bed (2), the frame moving device being composed of composed of a first mechanism (A) for moving said embroidering frame in the Y direction and a second mechanism (B) for moving the embroidering frame in the X direction, the first mechanism (A) being located on the working surface and connected to the embroidering frame (19) and the second mechanism (B) being housed in the sewing machine, the first mechanism (A) being moved by the second mechanism (B) to one end of the working bed (2) where the first mechanism (A) is rotated to a retreated position at the time of carrying out the ordinary stitching operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically cutting notches at specific locations on a web which are separated by predetermined lengths which are the outer dimensions of a pillowtop mattress. The web is pulled through a sewing station with a traction drive. Slack is induced in the web downstream of the traction drive. Predetermined lengths are drawn out of the slack bin in a single motion through a linear measuring device. A knife disposed in close proximity to the measuring device cuts the notches at the specific locations and subsequently severs the notched portion from the remainder of the web.

Abstract: A sewing machine frame drive device capable of precisely conveying on an X-Y coordinate plane a frame, on which an article being sewn is set, comprising X-direction drive units (6) and Y-direction drive units (7) for imparting driving forces to a frame (5) of various types, on which an article being sewn is set, the units being composed of screw rods (11) rotatingly driven by motors (23) in alternate directions, and moving bodies (12) threaded on the screw rods (11).

Abstract: A hooked spreader bar is held to a sailor's body by straps at each end. The straps are formed with serrations that are engaged by noses of pivotable locks. When the straps are tight, the locks prevent the straps loosening but provide a quick-release operation when pressed down. The spreader bar is more reliably held to a sailor's body, more simply fitted, and removed. Pivotable locking handles hold respective locks in the closed position.

Abstract: A deep-V hull configuration for a surface effect ship (SES) that utilizes a cushion of pressurized air and improves the handling characteristics and efficiency of the vessel is provided by the present invention. The surface effect vessel has an air cushion recess for containing the pressurized cushion of air that has a sloped transition area on a bow side edge. Water redirecting structures on the deep-V hull direct a turbulent water flow toward blow through areas of the air cushion recess and, thus, prevent air from escaping from the air cushion recess. Multiple longitudinal and transverse air compartments are formed in the air cushion recess. Specialized separation portions provide for restricted air communication between the multiple air compartments. Air is introduced into the multiple air compartments at independently adjustable pressures to facilitate turning and to adjust for various operating conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for transporting fluent cargoes through liquid are provided, the apparatus including one or more units arranged in substantially linear alignment, in which at least one of the units includes two or more non-internally reinforced containers close-coupled in a side-by-side manner.

Abstract: A tunnel-hulled boat that has a high degree of maneuverability at low and high speeds with decreased hydrodynamic drag is disclosed. The tunnel-hulled boat is maneuverable in shallow water and when proceeding in reverse. The tunnel-hulled boat is comprised of a hull having a generally rounded tunnel that extends from proximate amidships to the aft with the depth of the tunnel increasing from its nose end to its aft end. The tunnel has a generally rounded twin entry nose and has a notched aft. A first set of bevels having increasing diameter extend along each side of the tunnel while a second set of bevels are each disposed within a respective one of the first set of bevels proximate the transom of the boat. A pair of sponsons are attached to the transom on each side of the tunnel.

Abstract: A rigid structural pallet is provided to support and carry cargo suspended by a crane or helicopter for delivery into or recovery from the water. The pallet consists of a rigid panel extending the full longitudinal and lateral (horizontal) extent of the pallet, one or more longitudinal rails, and a single suspension ring attached to the longitudinal rail or rails carrying the full weight of the cargo and pallet.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer assembly including a flat deck wheeled chassis or sub-assembly detachably mounting an integrally molded plastics main body having a floor part with upstanding opposite side walls and conjoining rounded and forwardly tapering front end part, a plastics transverse tail gate for closing the main body at or between the rear ends of the opposite side walls and hingeably mounted either to a rear end portion of the floor part or to a transverse rear end part of the wheeled chassis or sub-assembly. An integrally molded plastics cover component of inverted dinghy boat or dished form having inclined opposite side walls and a tapering forward end being detachably or hingeably mounted on the main body for closing up of the assembly and providing the trailer body assembly with a streamlined substantially bullet shape.

Abstract: A banner and support assembly for supporting a banner or flag to a vertical rod, such as a motor vehicle antenna, in an unfurled state at all times. The assembly includes a banner formed of cloth or other flexible material and a banner support for attaching the banner to the antenna. The banner has a vertical sleeve disposed at a side edge of the banner for receiving the antenna, and a vertical sleeve disposed at the upper edge of the banner for receiving the banner support. The banner support includes a vertical clip portion and a horizontal arm disposed at the upper end of the clip portion. The clip portion is generally C-shaped having an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the antenna to receive the banner and antenna to frictionally clamp the banner to the antenna. The arm portion of the support extends through the vertical sleeve of the banner to maintain the banner in the unfurled state at all times.

Abstract: The apparatus for coating or treating a substrate in a remote plasma CVD process includes a reaction chamber for the substrate; modular plasma source devices for exciting an excitation gas, preferably with microwaves, to form a plasma in the excitation gas arranged, either in a linear arrangement or in a two-dimensional planar array, over the substrate; devices for conducting a reactant gas over the substrate in the reaction chamber and for mixing the excitation gas containing the plasma with the reactant gas in the reaction chamber in the presence of the substrate and a device for removing exhaust gas from the reaction chamber. A device is provided for moving the substrate relative to the plasma source devices in a motion direction at an angle to the long axis of the arrangement or array of plasma source devices to minimize edge effects.

Abstract: A diet for mass rearing of insects that feed on hard, woody plant tissue, e.g., beetles including weevils that feed on hard, woody plant tissue, comprises a homogeneous mixture of first portion which is subjected to sterilization in an autoclave comprising water, agar and salt mix and optionally also yeast extract, casein and a sugar, and of a second portion which is not subjected to sterilization in an autoclave which comprises host plant part fed on by insect larvae, vitamin mix, and antimicrobial agent(s). A method for mass rearing of insects that feed on hard, woody plant tissue, e.g., weevils, e.g., Hylobius transversovittatus or Cyphocleonos achates Fahraeus, comprises placing first instar insect larvae on an artificial diet comprising ground host plant part, incubating the larvae on the diet in darkness at a temperature ranging from 15 to 30° C. and a relative humidity ranging from 50 to 90%, and retrieving adults as they emerge.

Abstract: A feed block holder having a generally U-shape configuration with a first mounting post adapted to be secured to a vertical fence post at a least two locations along the length of the mounting post, and a feed block support post that is adapted to receive a supplemental feed block with a base member interconnecting the mounting post and the feed block support post. The mounting post and the feed block support post preferably extend in the same direction such that the plurality of securing points on the mounting post counteracts the tendency of the holder to pivot in response to loading of a supplemental feed block such as a salt block on the feed block holder. The feed block support post is configured to have a inner larger diameter section and a outer smaller diameter section such that lateral stability of the feed block can be provided as a result of the engagement of the larger diameter section of the support post engaging with the inner walls of a cavity formed in the supplemental feed block.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser capable of delivering accurate quantities of fodder and minimizing waste is disclosed, which dispenser includes a closing mechanism having a plate that scrapes against a wall of the dispenser as the closing mechanism is actuated to reduce the build-up of fodder on the wall of the dispenser.

Abstract: A pet drinking device has a bottle having a threaded mouth, a cover engaging with the threaded mouth, a gasket, a sealing ring, a ball, a washer, and a sleeve. The sleeve has an inner thread and a through hole. The cover has a main body having an inner threaded portion, a tube connected to the main body, and the tube has a threaded end. The gasket is inserted in the main body of the cover. The sleeve engages with the threaded end of the tube. The sealing ring is disposed between the sleeve and the threaded end of the tube. The washer is inserted in an end of the sleeve. The ball is inserted in the through hole of the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved mold releasing technique including use of moveable segments to form a part of the male portion of the mold, and the unique product formed thereby is described. The moveable segments which disengage from integral contact with the product once it is formed, permit the formation of the uniquely formed product which includes side and end walls which can be less than 1 degree off vertical. This enables the manipulation of the product design parameters including each wall angle at various points along the wall to achieve a desired wall surface profile especially in the vicinity of the product floor. This results in an increased surface area at or near the product floor which permits a greater number of animals to be housed in the cage product in accordance with Federal guidelines. The tailoring of the wall profiles also allow for the nesting of the products and the accommodation of prior art covers and accessories.

Abstract: A group of connecting homes (20), commercial and/or not-for-profit buildings that serve to enclose a self-sustaining wildlife habitat sanctuary (23), specifically targeting the natural environment of endangered species, where appropriate. The homes (20) serve as an impenetrable cage wall (8), much like the walls of a mountain valley, preventing animals from entering or exiting the habitat, with the possible exception of migrating birds and fish. On one side of the homes there is a self-sustaining habitat (23) and on the other side of the homes there is modem civilization. The walls of the homes facing the habitat may have shatterproof glass windows (5) or a caged terrace (6), allowing inhabitants of the building to safely observe the enclosed habitat, and human access to the habitat may be restricted to observation through windows, observation from the caged terrace, or hikes through caged walking paths (14, 15, 16, 17).

Abstract: A flood prevention system for a ventilated cage includes a self-sealing drain valve that opens automatically to prevent the cage from flooding if a water supply valve or water bottle leaks. A preferred drain valve is mounted in the floor of the cage and includes a perforated drain cup, a perforated seal cup, and a drain seal, all held together by a connector such as a rivet. The perforated drain cup extends above the bottom surface of the cage a small amount, and the perforated seal cup extends downwardly from the drain cup to present a valve seat. The drain seal preferably comprises a diaphragm of a resiliently flexible material which normally abuts the valve seat. However, if the water supply valve or water bottle leaks sufficiently for water to accumulate in the perforated drain cup, the weight of the accumulated liquid forces the drain seal away from the valve seat to permit the water to drain away from the cage.

Abstract: A gas water heater including a water container adapted to be heated by a gas burner; and an enclosure surrounding the burner, the enclosure having at least one entryway adapted to allow air and fumes to enter the enclosure without igniting flammable gases or vapors outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: An internal combustion free-piston pump-engine provides pressurized fluid for a hydrostatic powertrain. The free-piston is reciprocably mounted in a piston bore and transfer combustion pressure directly into pressurized hydraulic fluid. Fast, computer controlled hydraulic two-way valves initiate the stepwise pressurization of the smaller face, the larger face, or both faces of the hydraulic end of the free-piston, controlling the piston movement and especially its top-end and bottom end positions. The control concept can be applied to a two-stroke, or four-stroke compression or spark ignition engine. A pressure wave charger, transfers the energy of the exhaust pressure wave into an air intake pressure wave. A cylindrical piston is reciprocally mounted in a piston bore of a housing. The exhaust pressure wave moves the piston from the top-end position to the bottom-end position, against the pressure of the intake air and the force of a return spring.

Abstract: An engine capable of use with multiple different types of fuels including gasoline and alcohol based flues and heavy fuels such as diesel fuel, JP5, JP8, Jet A and kerosene based fuels. The engine includes a main cylinder having a compression chamber at one end and a piston that is movable along the length of the cylinder and which connects to a crankshaft for the engine. A fuel delivery system delivers a combustible mixture of fuel and air through a fuel delivery valve into the combustion chamber at a sonic velocity of flow such that the fuel is substantially atomized into the air of the combustible mixture delivered to the combustion chamber. The combustible mixture is ignited by an igniter within the combustion chamber to urge the piston along the cylinder for driving the crankshaft of the engine.