Abstract: An internal combustion engine for enhancing a heat radiation property of combustion gas, can sufficiently secure strength thereof relative to combustion gas, and a weight reduction thereof can be realized. A piston for an internal combustion engine is constituted of a head part, a cylindrical skirt part extending from a lower part of the head part. A pair of pin boss parts are formed on both opposing side walls to each other of the skirt part. A plurality of recessed parts, the cross sections thereof being presented as smooth circular arcs, are formed on a surface on an opposing side to a surface facing to a combustion chamber of the head part, that is, to a reverse face.

Abstract: A connecting member and method of attaching the connecting member and a tube member to a housing of a vacuum brake booster is provided. The connecting member includes a cylindrical body portion having a first end and a second end. A rim portion is formed between the first end and the second end, and a stem portion is formed at the second end of the cylindrical body portion. The stem portion includes a tapered end portion to allow the stem portion to flow radially outward when a force is applied to the stem portion. The cylindrical body portion further includes a first opening formed in the cylindrical body portion adjacent to the first end of the cylindrical body portion and a second opening in communication with the first opening. The first opening has a first diameter and the second opening has a second diameter. The second diameter is less than the first diameter. The stem portion is deformed to create a seal between a portion of a housing member and the connecting member.

Abstract: A deep-fryer having an elongate deep-frying trough and an endless conveyor belt, which is arranged to travel along a carrying run along the bottom of the deep-frying trough from an inlet end to an outlet end. Products introduced at the inlet end into a bath of oil in the deep-frying trough are thus moved through the deep-frying trough to the outlet end. A driven deflecting roller at the outlet end is adapted to drivingly engage the conveyor belt. A deflecting roller at the inlet end is also adapted to drivingly engage the conveyor belt and is arranged to move the same synchronously with the deflecting roller at the outlet end. A driving motor is arranged for driving the two deflecting rollers and is connected to drive a driving shaft arranged between the inlet end and the outlet end of the deep-frying trough and which is connected to the respective deflecting rollers via a respective angular gear.

Abstract: A cooking system and more specifically, a griddle type cooking system having a heating surface wherein a temperature of the griddle heating surface is substantially uniform across the entire surface is provided. This uniform surface temperature is maintained even when food products are placed on only a portion of the cooking surface. The cooking system minimizes overcooking of an outer surface of the food product in order to substantially reduce or eliminate the generation of mutagens or carcinogens while under cooking of the food product is likewise minimized thus eliminating harmful bacteria within the food product. The cooking system includes a sealed cooking medium chamber having a substantially planar top cooking surface, a bottom surface and side walls for housing a heating medium in the form of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven having a toaster, in which slices of bread can be baked. The microwave oven has a heating chamber for heating food therein; an instrument compartment containing electric components for generating microwave oven supplied to the heating chamber; a toaster casing disposed in front of the instrument compartment with its front open; a toaster door for opening and closing the open front of the toaster casing; and at least a heater disposed in the toaster casing so as to heat bread. In the microwave oven, the toaster section is arranged in front of the instrument compartment, so that the space in the microwave oven is most effectively utilized.

Abstract: A device for automatically preparing food is provided. The device includes a hot plate for heating a pot. Above the hot plate, a chamber is arranged. In the chamber, an exchangeable cartridge is provided which contains ingredients for the preparation of the food. The cartridge comprises an opening for filling the ingredients into the pot. The opening of the cartridge is closed with a closure, preferably a foil. The closure of the cartridge can be opened by a drive unit provided at the chamber.

Abstract: A rotisserie system includes a rotatable skewer adapted to secure meat, the rotatable skewer including a temperature sensor for recording a temperature of the meat and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the temperature. The system also includes a remote temperature monitor having a wireless receiver for receiving the wirelessly transmitted temperature and a visual display for displaying the temperature, whereby the remote temperature monitor is movable away from the rotatable skewer while remaining in wireless communication with the wireless transmitter to enable an operator to continuously monitor the cooking temperature of the meat. The wireless transmission and reception may be accomplished using infrared light or radio frequency waves.

Abstract: A vertical hearth barbecue grill having a removable, vertical firebox that is backwardly inclined so as to provide a combination of direct and indirect heating. Multiple cooking grids positionable at various heights across the firebox provide an substantial cooking area for grilling, broiling, and searing. Inclination minimizes ash avalanche during briquette burning. A top grid located directly over the firebox provides a surface for searing or high-temperature cooking (i.e., direct heating), a mid-level cooking grid provides medium temperature indirect and/or partial direct heating cooking, and a lower main cooking grid provides indirect medium temperature for broiling or baking. A pair of opposed insulated sidewalls help confine heat in and about the cooking grids and may also support a removable, hinged cover lid that establishes an oven-like enclosure about the mid-level and main cooking grids to provide a baking/broiling chamber.

Abstract: A pan for cooking pancakes or omelets that allows for cooking and removal of the finished, cooked food product without the need for a hand-held spatula. The cooking pan includes a first concave cooking container that is joined by a hinge to a flat cooking body having parallel handles that allow the device to be rotated 180 degrees during the cooking process. The final cooked food product can slide by gravity from the flat cooking body without a spatula.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft comprises a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and having a number of strip-shaped transverse knives and longitudinal knives, the longitudinal knives each having an inner end situated near the shaft and an outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, while at least a number of longitudinal knives of at least one of the cutting frames are provided, at the outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, with a knife end section which has at least one portion extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal knives.

Abstract: A device for delivering meals at an appropriate temperature comprising: a transport cart equipped with at least one electric energy source, a plurality of plates fastened to said transport cart, each plate comprising at least one thermal energy transfer device operatively connected to the electric energy source, and a plurality of trays, each tray being removably associated to a plate of said plurality of plates and having at least one seat for housing a container or dish containing a meal to be delivered, the device being characterised in that each plate of said plurality of plates comprises means for automatic measuring of the container or dish temperature, which are operatively connected to the processing means for automatic activation of said at least one thermal energy transfer device respectively for heating or cooling when the temperature measured in the container or dish is respectively higher than a maximum value or lower than a minimum value out of a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A food processing device comprising a pan for receiving processed food and having an open top, a support plate for location on said open top of said pan, a plurality of food processing elements each for location on said support plate, a food holder mountable on said support plate for sliding movement thereon and optionally with a selected food processing element located therebetween, a hand guard for location on said food holder during a food processing operation, a basket for washing processed food and a storage container having an open top, whereby each of said support plate and said basket comprise two interconnected parts which are relatively movable between a first unfolded condition for use in a food processing operation and a second folded condition for storage when not in use, said open top of said storage container being shaped and dimensioned to receive and support said basket in its folded condition, said container and said basket then together defining sufficient storage space to snugly accommodat

Abstract: A juicer includes a reservoir with a spout and an annular rim having an extended portion with at least two holes. An extractor having an upright convex extracting dome is surrounded by an annular trough having openings therethrough. The extractor has a strainer element and is removably seated on the annular rim of the reservoir. The extractor has at least one peg that can mate with the at least two holes in at least two positions. The strainer element covers the spout when the peg is mated with one of the holes in a first position. The strainer element does not cover the spout when the peg is mated with another of the holes in a second position. When mated, the extractor cannot rotated relative to the reservoir. A resilient, elastomeric foot on the reservoir prevents rotation of the reservoir relative to a supporting surface.

Abstract: A rice polisher for polishing rice, which is a preprocess necessary for producing pre-white rice having a favorable taste by using a small amount of water, a pre-polished rice producing apparatus that uses the rice polisher, a leveling device capable of uniformly leveling grains, and a pre-polished rice producing facility. The rice polisher includes a grain-lifting spiral for transporting white rice above from below, a water-pouring port for pouring polishing water, the water-pouring port being disposed at a head portion, a discharge port for discharging the white rice, the discharge port being disposed at the head portion, and a rice-polishing roll for polishing rice by agitating together with the polishing water poured from the water-pouring port the white rice pressurized by transportation by the grain-lifting spiral, with the polisher discharging from the discharge port the white rice that has been polished.

Abstract: A tire compacting apparatus to compress a conventional tire includes a modular frame upon which a rotating apparatus and a gripping apparatus are attached. The rotating apparatus is mounted to the proximal side of the frame and includes a servomotor having a drive shaft. The drive shaft is connected to a proximal clamp which initially engages the sidewalls of the tire. The gripping apparatus is attached to the distal side of the frame and includes an actuator with a piston. The piston is connected to a distal clamp that grips the sidewalls of the tire opposite the proximal clamp. Once the distal clamp has engaged the tire, the servomotor of tire rotating apparatus will be set in motion, such that the drive shaft will begin rotation in the desired direction. The rotation of the drive shaft will cause rotation of the proximal clamp.

Abstract: A round baler, including a front housing, a rear housing pivotally connected with the front housing by an upper axle secured in the front housing and supporting the rear housing for a pivotal movement relative to the front housing, and a locking device for latching the rear housing to the front housing in a closed operational position of the rear housing and releasable upon a pressure acting on the rear housing reaching a predetermined value, and including an element for latchingly connecting the rear housing with the front housing in a partially open position of the rear housing.

Abstract: A device for attaching a compensation weight (13) with an adhesive layer (17) to an attachment surface (18) of a vehicle wheel (19) for purposes of unbalance compensation. The device has holding structure with two holding parts to secure a compensation weight and with a pressing element (4) pressed onto a rear surface (16) of the compensation weight (13). A guide with which the holding structure may be guided to an unbalance compensation site of the attachment surface (18) and pressed thereto. The pressing element (4) has a pressing surface (8) deformable as a function of the pressing force so that rear surface (16) of the compensation weight lies on the pressing surface (8). The pressing surface (8) in the unstressed basic position of the pressing element (4) has a shape which transfers the pressing force to the middle section of the compensation weight (13).

Abstract: A press that includes a push rod (12) that can be pushed downward to cut and mold miniature components, has a small size and a minimum number of components, and can be easily and precisely controlled. The push rod has a largely upwardly-facing shoulder (140) that lies in a chamber that can receive pressured hydraulic fluid to push down the push rod. A piezoelectric actuator, or piezoactor (18), moves a piston (20) that lies in a pressure cylinder. One end of the pressure cylinder holds hydraulic fluid (130), and when the piezoactor pushes the piston it pressurizes the hydraulic fluid therein. Pressured hydraulic fluid in the pressure cylinder flows through a passage (23) to the rod chamber to press down the push rod. The cross-sectional area of the pressure cylinder is many times greater than the cross-sectional area of the push rod shoulder so slight movement of the piezoactor is magnified many times by the hydraulic fluid to move the push rod with a long stroke.

Abstract: A stencil printer includes a printing drum which is rotated bearing a stencil wound around the printing drum, a pair of paper feed rollers which are rotated in contact with each other to supply a printing paper to the printing drum, and a press roller which is rotated in contact with the printing drum to convey the printing paper supplied to the printing drum with the printing paper pressed against the stencil on the printing drum. A paper feed roller driver drives the paper feed rollers, and a paper feed roller controller controls the paper feed roller driver to rotate the paper feed rollers at a peripheral speed higher than that of the printing drum at least from the time the leading end of the printing paper reaches the printing drum to the time the trailing end of the printing paper passes the paper feed rollers.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus and method for forming printed wiring on a substrate, such as a wafer. The apparatus includes a reservoir disposed beneath a screen having a plurality of openings forming a pattern thereon. Disposed within the reservoir is a printing paste. The screen is pressed into the printing paste such that convex structures are formed on the upper surface of the screen, and are printable onto the substrate. A wiper is also movably disposed within the reservoir, cooperating with the screen to establish contact between the screen and the substrate.

Abstract: A coated film product comprises a support base, a stencil-forming layer and an intermediate release layer. The stencil-forming layer is a blend of two grades of polyvinyl alcohol having different degrees of hydrolysis. The stencil-forming layer is imaged by dropwise application (for example using an ink-jet printer or plotter) of a cross-linking agent which hardens the stencil-forming layer to resist washing out with water. The hardened areas remaining after washing out are however sufficiently tacky for the washed-out film to adhere to the screen mesh by application of pressure and, after removal of the support base, form the stencil layer of a screen-printing screen.

Abstract: An offset printing press includes a plurality of printing units. These printing units are typically each so-called five cylinder printing units. The spacing distance between two adjacent ones of these five cylinder printing units can be adjusted or modified.

Abstract: A printing unit, a sheet-feeding unit, a sheet-discharging unit, an ink-feeding unit and a roller-oscillating unit of a digital printing press are adapted to receive the driving force from a common motor. An image-forming device fixedly mounted on the digital printing press is adapted to form images on printing plates mounted on the printing unit as the plate cylinder rotates upon receiving the driving force from the common motor. The transmission of the driving force to at least two of the sheet-feeding unit, the sheet-discharging unit, the ink-feeding unit and the roller-oscillating unit is shut off by means of a single clutch during the image-forming operation.

Abstract: A multicolor lithographic printing press utilizes a blanket member having a release surface with a transfer rate approaching 100%. This facilitates a press design utilizing a single blanket member to transfer multiple colors of ink onto a recording medium.

Abstract: In a rotary press intended to perform the synchronous control of driving means with high precision, quickly stabilize rotation, and reduce spoilage caused by phase shifts, comprising a plurality of printing mechanisms in which driving means M rotate N turns while plate cylinders P rotate one turn, so that printing images can be printed on a paper web sequentially passing through each printing mechanism in such a manner that the printing images are matched with a predetermined reference, in which a control section 3 replaces the rotational phase of the plate cylinder with the rotational phase of the driving means M corresponding to that rotational phase so as to match the printing images with a predetermined reference, converts a shift between the rotational phase of the driving means M for matching and the rotational phase of the driving means M in a normal state into the number of outputs of the first pulse signals, set it as a correction value, and obtains a virtual feedback value by shifting the rotational

Abstract: Detachable inking device for a flexographic printing machine, its embodiment, cleaning and use in such a machine. This device comprises a chambered doctor blade (9) mounted on two lever-supports (13, 14) crossed by duct joining pieces (15, 16) respectively. The lever-supports are rigidly attached to a shaft (11) about which they are pivotable and which is held between the frames (34) of said flexographic printing: machine. Said chambered doctor blade (9) consists of a body (25) made of light metal material, crossed at one of its ends by a tube (26) emgerging from the bottom (28) of said body (25), and at the other end by a tube (40) having its opening part (29) at level with the bottom (28) of the body (25). The latter rests on seals (38, 39) secured to the lever-supports (13, 14) to which are attached centering and fixing means (17, 18) allowing a quick loosening of the chambered doctor blade (9) without the help of any tool.

Abstract: A chambered doctor blade assembly which can be placed against a roller of an inking unit of a printing machine, in particular onto an engraved roller, has a chamber connected to the surface of the roller by means of an orifice through which printing ink can flow. The orifice can be closed and re-opened by means of a closing element which is arranged within the chamber and which can be brought into a closing position. When the closing element is in the closing position, printing ink can continue to flow through the chamber.

Abstract: First image data is converted into numerical values in accordance with an L*a*b* color coordinate system for regions of each ink key of an ink feeding unit to obtain reference color data. A print color data operating unit processes image data, obtained from actually printed image of the first image data, by the same technique as the reference color data operation to obtain print color data. The reference color data is compared with the print color data in each ink key region, to operate differential data. The density value of each ink of Y, M, C, K is calculated from the differential data. In each color, obtained is correction data expressing the correction amount of the aperture of the ink key corresponding to this density value. A controller adjusts the aperture of the ink key of each ink feeding unit on the basis of the correction data.

Abstract: A hand stamp having an improved mechanism for accommodating an angular deviation between a stamp pad and a surface being stamped and a stamp and stamp rack set in which the stamp is easily engageable and disengageable with the stamp rack. A spring mechanism is provided between a stamp pad holder and a surrounding cover. The spring mechanism biases the stamp pad holder into a retracted position within the cover, and also helps to resiliently accommodate any alignment deviation between the stamp pad and the surface being stamped. The stamp rack is formed to easily receive and retain a stamp therein. Also, the stamp rack may include engagement structures whereby a plurality of stamp racks can be easily engaged to each other.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate substrate is conditioned for imaging in a printer engine by attaching a leader to the leading edge. The leader is sufficiently flexible to be drawn into the printer engine and is adapted to pull the plate substrate through the printer engine.

Abstract: A process for preparing an ink-jet system printing plate, wherein in a planographic printing plate precursor having an image receiving layer containing zinc oxide and a binder resin on a water-resistant support, the surface of the image receiving layer has a water-contact angle of 50° or more, and image formation is carried out according to a hot melt type ink-jet system by heat melting an ink composition that is solid at ordinary temperature and spraying the droplets of the ink composition in a heat melt state from a nozzle onto the image receiving layer, and a nonimage area of the image receiving layer is then subjected to a desensitizing treatment by a chemical reaction to prepare a planographic printing plate.

Abstract: A method of a replacement component used in a printer communicating with a controller of the printer, and a method of a controller of a printer communicating with a replacement component used in a printer are disclosed. The method of the replacement component communicating with the controller includes the steps of: a memory module of the replacement component deciding whether or not a predetermined password signal is in information received via a communication interface; and the memory module communicating with the controller of the printer when the password signal is in the received information. Since the replacement component for a printer is adapted to not communicate with a controller which does not transmit a preset communication allowing signal, the characteristic information of the replacement component is prevented from being leaked. In addition, it can be prevented that a bad component is installed and used in the printer.

Abstract: An optical igniter includes a pyrotechnic substance and an optical fiber, one end of which is connected to a source of laser radiation and the other end of which is inserted in a connector. A removable mechanical connection is provided between the optical fiber connector and the pyrotechnic substance. A glass rod between the optical fiber connector and the pyrotechnic substance has its axis aligned with the axis of the optical fiber and is made of graded index glass in one part or two coaxial parts. It is in contact with the pyrotechnic substance and with the end of the optical fiber. Laser radiation from the end of the optical fiber passes through the glass rod and is focused onto the face of the glass rod in contact with the pyrotechnic substance.

Abstract: A non-detonating heat transfer initiator. A representative heat transfer initiator is in the form of a heat transfer control medium, having a heat input portion and a heat output portion, and a non-detonating autoignition material, having an autoignition temperature, in thermal contact with the heat output portion. When heat is applied to the heat input portion, a transfer of heat through the heat transfer control medium to the heat output portion results, heating the heat output portion, such that, upon application of a sufficient amount of heat to the heat input portion, the heat output portion is heated to the autoignition temperature of the non-detonating autoignition material, igniting the non-detonating autoignition material ignites, thus producing a non-detonating thermal output.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method of blasting whereby the formation of nitrogen oxide after-blast fumes is reduced. This helps satisfy the need for better fume characteristics in blasting. The method reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides in after-blast fumes resulting from the detonation of a blasting agent in a borehole. The method comprises formulating the blasting agent to contain from about 1% to about 20% silicon powder.

Abstract: A method for making a degradable practice mine including the steps of covering a flat work surface with a polyethylene sheet to serve as a release film, weighing out the materials in a ratio of 10 parts sand to 1 part polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), mixing 1 part PVA with 10 parts sand making a sand/PVA mixture, filling a mold with the sand/PVA mixture, consolidating the sand/PVA mixture to make a consolidated form in the shape of a mine, and heating the consolidated form to make a hardened mine form mimicking the shape and launching characteristics of a tactical mine.

Abstract: A method of fuze sterilization is provided for a fuze that includes a first component and a second component with a prescribed relationship being defined therebetween. The prescribed relationship is one that is required for proper detonation operation of the fuze. The first and second components are fabricated from materials having different galvanic potentials. An electrolyte is introduced between the first and second components to initiate galvanic corrosion of one of the components. The galvanic corrosion continues for a period of time until the prescribed relationship between the first and second components changes sufficiently to disable the detonation operation of the fuze.

Abstract: A shotgun shell flight path indicator is described which in general includes a shell casing having a primer end having a primer, a propellant disposed within the interior of the casing proximate to the primer adapted for ignition by the primer, and a non-combustible indicator positioned within the casing. The indicator generally includes a base positioned proximate to the propellant where the base has a sufficient mass and size for unaided observation following discharge from a shotgun barrel. The indicator may include ballast integral to the base and pedals extending outwardly from the base to assist in aerodynamic drafting behind expelled shot to visually represent the flight trajectory of the expelled shot of a shotgun shell. The indicator may further include a plug disposed in the casing between the ballast and the propellant where the plug is adapted to compact the ballast within a ballast pocket integral to the base upon discharge of the shotgun shell to reduce peak barrel pressure for a shotgun.

Abstract: A cartridge having an electrothermal ignition device, in which, ignition conduits extend axially through a first propellant-charge powder (4) filling a cartridge sleeve (5), with the conduits essentially comprising an electrical wire (11-13) that is guided axially through a tube (14-16) comprising a second propellant-charge powder. Propellant-charge-powder tubes (14-16) comprising an optically transparent propellant-charge powder are used so that even cartridges (1) having a first propellant-charge powder (4) that is difficult to ignite can be ignited rapidly and reliably, requiring the smallest possible quantity of electrical energy.

Abstract: An electro-pyrotechnic initiator suitable for use in igniting a pyrotechnic generator of gas for inflating an air bag, said initiator being connected to an electric cable comprising two conductive wires, said initiator comprising: (i) a thermosensitive charge which is carried by a heating resistive element consisting of a resistive strip and which is initiatable by said heating resistive element, ((ii) an electric circuit connecting said resistive element to said conductive wires, and (iii) means of electromagnetically protecting said electric circuit, said heating resistive element, said electric circuit and said means of electromagnetically protecting being integrated into a circuit of conductive strips which are joined to said conductive wires and which are printed on a support, said support being in the form of a thin parallelepedial card with two opposite flat faces, said conductive strips being printed on the same face of said support to provide a complete circuit comprising said conductive strips, t

Abstract: A guide rail switch for a robotic track system is provided, the robotic track system comprising at least one horizontal guide rail, at least one vertical guide rail, and at least one robot that can move along the guide rails. The switch comprises a frame coupled to the horizontal guide rail and the vertical guide rail, and a moving joint coupled to the frame, wherein the moving joint can move between a first and second position. A first rail section is coupled to the moving joint, wherein the first track section connects to the horizontal guide rail when the moving joint is in the first position. A second rail section coupled to the moving joint, wherein the second track section connects to the vertical guide rail when the moving joint is in the second position. This switch allows the robot to move between the vertical and horizontal rail depending on which position the switch is in.

Abstract: An elevated transit vehicle (12) is mounted on vertical wheel supports (16) which operate in curbways (40) along public streets (24). The height of the passenger cab (12) is great enough to permit conventional passenger cars (32) to move beneath the transit vehicle. The curbways block movement of passenger vehicles (32) into the space (46) between the curbways except at traffic intersections where the curbways terminate. The elevated transit vehicle operates across traffic intersections without the aid of the curbways, and other smaller passenger vehicles (32) can enter or exit from between the curbways (40) at these gaps between segments of the curbways. An inter-modal version of the transit vehicle utilizes both the wheel assemblies and a suspended railway (74) which carries the transit vehicle on rail wheels.

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The vehicles can be circus loaded over sets of movable bridge plates extending between the rail road car and adjacently coupled rail road cars. A transition plate system is provided to span the space between the end of the deck and the bridge plate. The transition plate system includes a crank assembly that is operable to lift transition plates, permitting the bridge plates to be moved to a cross-wise position, or to an extended position. Raising the transition plates also facilitates coupling of cars by raising the transition plate out of the way of an incoming bridge plate toe of an adjacent car. The incoming toe is able to cause the opposite transition plate to be lowered.

Abstract: A shelf system comprising a shelf plate having a length defined by a longitudinal axis and a width defined by a latitudinal axis. A series of ribs are molded into the plate on its bottom face. These ribs are offset from the longitudinal axis and the latitudinal axis so that they intersect these axes at non-right angles, preferably forming diamond shaped patterns on the underside of the shelf plate. These diamond shaped patterns are designed to increase the strength of these shelves with a minimal amount of support material.

Abstract: A sheet of corrugated paperboard formed into eleven panels, with a central panel, two end panels, and eight intermediate panels, that are interconnected at fold lines so that the sheet can be folded to form a rail for withstanding a load. The sheet can be folded to form a rail with only six vertical support panels and two diagonal support panels, only two folds against the prevailing fold direction, and only three glue areas. Also, the sheet has openings that, when the sheet is folded into the rail, align to form channels for receiving forklift arms.

Abstract: A pallet and an associated method are provided for supporting an item mounted upon casters. The pallet includes a pallet deck having a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion moves between a first position in which the movable portion is displaced, such as by being rotated downwardly, from the fixed portion and a second position in which the movable and fixed portions cooperate to define a support surface. The movable portion is in the second position while the item is loaded, but is moved to the first position during shipment. The pallet also includes a support for supporting the item once the movable portion is in the first position. Prior thereto, however, the item is typically spaced from the support. Each support can include a stationary portion and a movable portion that moves between a retracted position to facilitate loading and an extended position during shipment.

Abstract: A plant border assembly includes a plant tray defining a cavity and a top opening communicating with the cavity. The cavity has a width and a length that is greater than the width. The plant border assembly further includes a plant border including a growing medium disposed in the cavity and a strip of plants disposed in the growing medium in the cavity. The plant tray is adapted to allow removal of the plant border from the plant tray without lifting the plant border through the top opening.

Abstract: The present specification discloses plant or seedling planting apparatus for planting a plant or seedling in a prepared ground position, the planting apparatus including a plant delivery chute leading to a position adjacent to the planting position, a conveyor adapted to carry sequentially a plurality of the plants and to eject same sequentially into an inlet region of the delivery chute, the conveyor also being bodily moveable between a first position adapted to receive a plurality of the plants and a second position at or adjacent the inlet region of the delivery chute, and controls for ejecting at least one plant into the delivery chute while the conveyor is moving towards or is at its second position and to sequentially eject at least one of the plants into the delivery chute while the conveyor is moving towards or is at its first position, such apparatus further including a planting shoe adapted to form the ground planting position and including a furrow forming forward end, a shell and a plant receiver

Abstract: Upon loading of oil cargo the ullage space of a tank of an oil tanker is sealed substantially gas tight with the gaseous contents of the ullage space both (i) initially inerted so as to be incapable of supporting combustion of any oil within the tank, and (ii) at an initial pressure less than atmosphere. The tank is preferably continued closed, preferably optionally with closed loop recirculation for purposes of gas mixing, for the entire voyage of the tanker save that (1) ullage space gas pressure uncommonly exceeds limits because of any of (i) leakage of atmospheric gases into the tank, and/or (ii) outgassing of gases within the oil contents of the tank, (iii) evaporation of the oil or portions thereof, and/or (iv) expansion of the ullage space gases upon thermal heating, and/or (2) free oxygen within the ullage space gases exceeds limits because of any leakage of atmospheric gases into the tank, at which time the tank is re-inerted, preferably with flue gases, or again de-pressurized, as and when required.

Abstract: An improved shackle apparatus and a locking mechanism for the same. The shackle is of a thimble type design and includes a locking mechanism for locking the shackle open and closed. The shackle apparatus allows for secure locking, easier operation, higher strength and less susceptible to problems of wear. The locking mechanism includes a plunger pin connected to a knob that mates with the shackle body to prevent the plunger pin from rotating and/or retracting, and the shackle from opening. This design prevents the plunger from both rotational as well as translational movement during extreme flogging, dragging and impact to prevent accidental opening. The shackle can be operated with one hand for the inside surface of the hook is “proud” above the surface of the clevis. This arrangement transforms any force applied to the latching side of the shackle into a moment which helps the hook close and allows the plunger pin to be snapped closed with the use of one hand.