Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is attached to a retainer to hold the leading end of the packaging material as the retainer moves toward the load. The retainer is positioned adjacent the load and packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material is released from the retainer in response to force applied to the retainer to withdraw it from the wrapped load.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating an inserter having hoppers from which inserts may be selected to include with a mail item. The mail item is moved sequentially, such as with a conveyor, to positions that correspond with the hoppers. At each position for the mail item, information is extracted from a job file related to how that mail item is to be processed and used to determine whether the insert from the corresponding hopper should be included with the mail item. If so, the hopper is caused to include the insert with the mail item; otherwise, the mail item is permitted to proceed to the next position without the insert being included.

Abstract: A closure cap that is particularly suited for use with plastic containers in packaging malt based beverages such as beer and ale includes an upper portion and a generally cylindrical sidewall that depends downwardly from the upper portion. The cylindrical sidewall defines a threaded inner surface, which permits the closure cap to be threaded onto a threaded finish portion of a container. Most advantageously, the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall is stylized to resemble a conventional crown closure. In the disclosed embodiment this is accomplished by molding a plurality of fluted ribs into the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall. A method of packaging a beverage and a packaging assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for storing rolls of material so that a user can create individual bags from the rolls. For example, the device may store vacuum bag material suitable for filling with food and vacuum sealing. The apparatus has a support platform, a storage unit and a base for transporting two rolls of material simultaneously to the front of the apparatus. The storage unit has two rollers for storing up to two rolls. The apparatus also has a cutting mechanism for creating straight edges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine to manufacture (1) bags (10) with bottom sealed edges, with a vertical bagging machine, without the film track (3) running, it is suggested, to arrange the filling pipe of the bagging machine (1) in such a manner, that the length of a first track (21) of an interlocking (14) of the film deductions (12, 20) over the outer surface (28) of the filling pipe (11) and over form items (15) for the figuration of the edges (16) until again to the interlocking (14) equal to a second distance (22) is, runs on the other side of the interlocking (14). The number of form items (15) per side is different thereby.

Abstract: A device to automatically seal the legs of quartered poultry, continuously and automatically, especially a device to seal both legs of the body of the fowl, or any of the legs, whether separated or not, of the latter based on a tape or strip of laminar plastic or laminar metal material supplied continuously and intermittently by a roll that supplies the material.

Abstract: A dry air filter for combustion engines of commercial vehicles with a device to produce compressed air, whereby the dry air filter (4) consisting of a filter housing (5) containing a filter cartridge (7) and a dust preliminary filtering stage (6), with an exhaust (8) for the dust discharged from the preliminary filtering stage which has a nozzle shaped section in which compressed air that is produced is blown through a conduit in the direction of the free opening by means of an ejector effect. In order that the air filter is easier to service and maintain, the compressed air is fed over a ring slot (28) into the exhaust (8) and is blown in the direction of the open outlet (21) for the purpose of creating an ejector effect to keep the exhaust free from dust. By means of this invention compressed air is blown through the exhaust so that blockages cannot build up there nor in the area of the preliminary filtering stage. Specific, regular supervision of this area therefore becomes necessary.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop “wheelies” upon acceleration.

Abstract: A crop harvester header includes a plurality of intake and mowing drums mounted in side-by-side relationship to each other across the width of the header. Located to the rear of the intake and mowing drums for receiving crop delivered to the rear by them are a pair of slope conveyor drums respectively located on opposite sides of a longitudinal center plane of the header and at opposite sides of an inlet passage leading to feed rolls for introducing the crop into a chopper drum of the harvester.

Abstract: A speed control system and method of assembling such a system for a power equipment vehicle such as a lawn mower. The speed control system comprises a speed control bail that pivots with respect to the vehicle handle bar, a pivot rod, and a cover. In order to increase the speed of the vehicle the operator pushes the speed control bail in the forward direction and in order to decrease the speed of the vehicle the operator pulls the bail in the backward direction. Assembly of the system on to the vehicle handle bar does not require the use of hand held or power tools thereby reducing manufacturing time and ultimately reducing production costs.

Abstract: For supporting the cooling of an air-cooled gas turbine set, it is proposed to arrange, in the cooling air ducts of the cooling system, means for increasing the pressure of the flowing cooling air. In an embodiment, the cooling system (17) is supplied with high pressure compressor air from the end stages of the compressor (1) of a gas turbine set (1, 2, 3, 4). This cooling system branches into a first branch (18), by means of which the combustor (2) and the first stages, particularly the first guide blade row of the turbine (3), are cooled. A second branch (19) conducts cooling air to the further turbine stages. An ejector (20) is provided for increasing, as needed, the pressure drop available by means of the first branch (18) of the cooling system. Its ejector nozzle (22) is supplied with live steam (9) taken from a waste heat steam generator (51), the live steam supply being adjustable by means of an adjusting member (21).

Abstract: A rotary machine having a housing with rotary components disclosed within. The rotary machine is configurable as an internal combustion rotary engine, an external combustion rotary engine, a gas compressor, a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a drive turbine, or a drive turbine for expandable gases or pressurized liquids. The combustion engine employs a new thermal cycle—eliminating the Otto cycle's internal compression of the combustion products as part of the cycle. The new combustion thermal cycle is intake, expansion and exhaust.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the level of pollutants in the exhaust of a diesel engine, comprising: operating said diesel engine using as the fuel a water-diesel fuel emulsion; and contacting the exhaust gas from said diesel engine with an after-treatment such as a filter.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for determining a pollutant concentration of an exhaust gas at a first position of an exhaust-gas system of an internal combustion engine. A sensor for determining the pollutant concentration is placed at a second position, downstream of the first position, in the exhaust-gas system. The sensor records a measured value, which is then transmitted to a time function element taking into account the time delay between recording a measured value at the first and second positions and transmitting the measured value, temporally correlated with other undelayed measured values, to a diagnosis unit. Sensitive gas sensors can thus be placed at cooler positions of the exhaust-gas system that are less exposed to vibration and can nevertheless determine the pollutant concentration at another position.

Abstract: A low NOx combustion mode is executed in which the fuel injected timing IT is greatly advanced to 36° BTDC as compared with a normal value of roughly 10° BTDC. At this fuel injection timing IT, the smoke emission amount is suppressed below an extremely low value, even if the EGR ratio Regr is increased to about 56%, and the NOx emission amount is suppressed owing to a large amount of EGR, so that the smoke and NOx can be reduced at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for operating an internal combustion to provide a temperature rise in an exhaust aftertreatment device. An exhaust valve is actuated during a compression stroke to release unburned fuel and air. The fuel oxidizes with the air in the exhaust aftertreatment device causing an exotherm. The opening and closing time of the exhaust valve are determined to cause the desired amount of fuel and air to be released into the exhaust aftertreatment device.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for pneumatically interconnecting a brake booster to an engine and to an electrically-driven vacuum pump. A manifold housing has an engine port pneumatically communicable with the engine, a separate booster port pneumatically communicable with the brake booster, and an orifice pneumatically communicable with the vacuum pump inlet. An engine check valve substantially blocks pneumatic flow from the engine port to the booster port. A vacuum-pump check valve substantially blocks pneumatic flow from the engine port to the vacuum pump outlet.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for regulating pressure equalization in hydraulic mechanisms to suppress oscillation in heavy equipment. The system includes a first and second hydraulic lines, a crossover valve in communication with each of the first and second hydraulic lines, a timing system in communication with the crossover valve, and a motion detector in communication with a heavy equipment component. The motion detector senses a linkage motion and operatively opens the crossover valve, which remains open as directed by the timing system.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission device includes a front end member and a rear end member between which an active device, an active rotor, an intermediate member, a passive rotor and a passive device are connected. A closed space is defined in the transmission device and each part of the device has paths, openings or recesses which form a path system for the hydraulic liquid. The active device has control valves which closes or opens the paths so as to rotate the active rotor which is connected to an input power, and drive the passive rotor which is connected to an output device. The pressure of the hydraulic liquid can be controlled to rotate the passive rotor in desired ways.

Abstract: In the present invention, a throttle valve mechanism 43 having a throttle function (46b) of throttling the flow of working fluid from a pressure delivering chamber 29, 30 to a reservoir 19 at the operation time of the piston 27, 28 of a master cylinder 20, a valve function (46d) of allowing the working fluid to flow from the reservoir 19 to the pressure delivering chamber 29, 30 by opening the valve at the return time of the piston 27, 28, and a relief valve function (46c) of allowing a large quantity of working fluid to flow from the pressure delivering chamber 29, 30 to the reservoir 19 is disposed in a fluid passage for connecting the master cylinder 20 to the reservoir 19.

Abstract: An exhaust energy recovery system for a combustion engine having an exhaust passage has a displacement expansion device and a generator. The expansion device is located in the exhaust passage. Exhaust gas is introduced into the expansion device. The expansion device has an expansion chamber the volume of which varies in accordance with the pressure of exhaust gas and generates power in accordance with the volume variation of the expansion chamber. The generator generates electricity in accordance with the power generated by the expansion device. This efficiently recovers exhaust gas and effectively uses the recovered exhaust gas.

Abstract: A device for the injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of a gas turbine includes at least one swirler (1) arranged in an air path with at least one swirler vane (2) and with at least one fuel injection nozzle (3), wherein the fuel injection nozzle (3) is arranged in a wake area of the swirler vane (2) and is separate from the swirler vane (2).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of fueling gas turbines from natural gas reserves with relatively low methane concentrations. The invention uses such reserves to generate electric power. The invention permits the use of these reserves at significantly lower cost than by producing pipeline natural gas to fuel gas turbines to generate electric power. These reserves currently generally are used only after the removal of impurities to produce pipeline natural gas quality turbine fuel. The latter current technology is capital intensive, and at current natural gas prices, economically unattractive. The process of the invention can remove the impurities from the gas from the natural gas reserve necessary for protection of the environment, and leaves inert gasses in the fuel in an amount which will increase the output of a gas turbine for the generation of power by about 5 to about 20%.

Abstract: In a method of conducting thermal energy, a hollow member is formed from a heat-conducting material and has inner and outer walls that confine an enclosed chamber therebetween. The chamber is filled with a superconductor material. The hollow member is subjected to a thermal energy source. A thermal conductor formed according to the aforesaid method can be incorporated in a cooking utensil, or in an electrical appliance, to permit quick and efficient conduction of thermal energy.

Abstract: A refrigerator for cosmetics that has a storage chamber and a cooling unit to cool the storage chamber. The refrigerator includes an input unit, a storage unit, a temperature detecting unit and a control unit. The input unit receives one or more storage conditions from a user. The storage unit stores storage temperatures predetermined to correspond to possible storage conditions. The temperature detects unit detects a temperature of the storage chamber. The control unit controls an operation of the cooling unit on the basis of the storage conditions inputted through the input unit, a corresponding storage temperature stored in the storage unit and the temperature of the storage chamber detected by the temperature detecting unit.

Abstract: A fluid transport system including a fluid transfer assembly, an air dryer and a tube. The fluid transfer assembly includes a pipe for transporting a cold fluid and a vapor barrier surrounding the pipe. The air dryer removes moisture in the air. The tube is connected to the air dryer and the fluid transfer assembly. The tube transfers air from the air dryer to the fluid transfer assembly at a plurality of points along a length of the fluid transfer assembly.

Abstract: A refrigeration system and method for controlling defrost includes a refrigeration case, an evaporator disposed in the refrigeration case, and a condenser and compressor coupled in fluid communication with the evaporator. The condenser is disposed on the refrigeration case and the compressor is a pulse width modulated variable capacity compressor. The system also includes a controller responsive to a load sensor disposed in the refrigeration case and is coupled to the compressor for providing a variable duty cycle control signal to the compressor, wherein the compressor is modulated between a first capacity and a second capacity while operating to adjust the operating capacity of the refrigeration system. The system further includes a module for periodically defrosting the refrigeration system as a function of duty cycle.

Abstract: An outdoor unit includes a pulse width modulation compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger. First and second outdoor fans are positioned near to the outdoor heat exchanger. The operation modes of the first and second outdoor fans are determined in accordance with the amount of refrigerant discharged from the compressor and external conditions. An outdoor temperature sensor is electrically connected to the input port of the outdoor control unit, and first and second outdoor fan operating units for respectively operating first and second outdoor fans are connected to the output port of the outdoor control unit. The outdoor control unit operates the first and second fans in a preset operation mode by confirming outdoor temperature data input from the outdoor temperature sensor and the loading time of the compressor and controlling the first and second outdoor fan operating units.

Abstract: A variable displacement type compressor circulates a refrigerant in an air conditioning circuit. The compressor has a compression mechanism and a displacement controller. The compression mechanism compresses and discharges the refrigerant. The displacement controller controls the discharge amount of the refrigerant of the compressor. The displacement controller further includes a normal control means and a protective control means. The normal control means controls the displacement based on a cooling load. The protective control means controls the displacement based on the value in connection with the rotational speed of the compressor and the actual operating information of the compressor.

Abstract: A refrigeration system, refrigeration apparatus, evaporator apparatus, refrigeration apparatus conversion kit, and associated methods are provided.

Abstract: A method of reducing energy costs and reducing maintenance costs for a refrigeration system are provided. More particularly, the method or reducing energy costs preferably includes connecting an evaporator to a top outer surface of a refrigeration container and forming a cool air curtain by removing warm air from an interior upper portion of the refrigeration container and introducing cool air into the interior upper portion of the refrigeration container. The method of reducing maintenance costs preferably includes connecting an evaporator to an outer surface of a refrigeration container and providing ready access to the evaporator so that maintenance can be readily conducted on the evaporator.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a thermally insulated vessel having a cooling part therein. Disposed inside the thermally insulated vessel are a first electronic part and a second electronic part. The second electronic part is spaced apart from the cooling part while the first electronic part is in direct contact with the cooling part, such that the two electronic parts can operate at different cooling temperatures.

Abstract: A one-unit type air conditioner is provided. The one-unit type air conditioner includes a cabinet defining the appearance of the air conditioner, a partition wall dividing the interior of the cabinet into indoor and outdoor sections, and a fan casing and an evaporator support frame installed in the cabinet in the indoor section of the partition wall. The partition wall includes a plate part transversely arranged in the interior of the cabinet to partition the interior into the indoor and outdoor sections, and a frame support part formed by cutting a part of the plate part to form a piece having a predetermined size and bending the piece toward the indoor section. The frame support part is spaced at a base thereof apart from the edge of the plate part by a predetermined distance and includes a margin disposed between the base of the frame support part and the edge of the plate part. The margin is bent toward the outdoor section to form a reinforcing flange for increasing the strength of the frame support part.

Abstract: This invention relates to shipping containers and methods for the transportation perishable or temperature-sensitive materials at stable temperatures. Materials within the container are maintained in a narrow temperature range by a passive temperature control device. The device and the perishable materials are placed in the container, separated by a structured barrier. Structured barriers comprise materials of predefined thickness and placed so that perishable materials do not come into direct contact with the temperature-control device, but has a plurality of notches that allow for limited air circulation. Preferably the assembled container is covered with a fitted lid to minimize temperature transfer between the outside and inside of the container.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting semen, e.g., equine semen, along with a corresponding method of packing the container, is provided. The container is formed of an insulated box and an insulated cover. The insulated box and insulated cover each includes a collection of ridges and recesses to create a friction fit between the two that will only work with the insulated cover being placed on the insulated box in a predetermined orientation. A cooling pack is disposed on a floor of the insulated box. An insert is disposed to rest on the cooling pack inside the insulated box, such that the cooling pack is beneath the insert when the insulated box is in an upright position. The insert has at least one chamber for receiving a storage capsule holding the semen sample. The insulated cover frictionally fits on the insulated box and makes contact with the insert to hold the insert in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioning system for the air conditioning of a space, in particular for the air conditioning of an aeroplane cabin, comprising a heat exchanger for the cooling of a compressed air flow (tapped air flow) originating from an engine or an auxiliary unit and comprising at least one expansion device per air cycle machine (ACM) for the expansion and cooling of compressed air, wherein the expansion devices are disposed after the heat exchanger and are in connection on the outlet side with a mixing chamber or the space to be air conditioned.

Abstract: An integrated air conditioner with a fan casing is provided to reduce flowing resistance of air discharged therefrom, and to achieve increase of wind flow rate and reduction of noise owing to air discharged therefrom . The fan casing includes a fan-housing unit having a volute space in which a blower fan is rotatably mounted and an outlet space combined with the volute space. The volute space of the fan-housing unit is provided at an inner top surface of the volute space with a concave recess leading to an upper surface of the outlet space such that the overall inner surface of the volute space takes a shape of Archimedes' spiral. The fan casing also includes a front panel attached to a front face of the fan-housing unit, which is provided with an air intake opening and a turning plate bent forward. The turning plate defines an outlet duct by combination with the outlet space to direct room air in the volute space to a front air outlet through the outlet space.

Abstract: A method of making a foam glass having a substantially uniform pore size by first providing a substantially homogenous mixture of a milled glass and an activated carbon foaming agent, and then heating said mixture in the presence of oxygen to a temperature sufficient to react said foaming agent with oxygen. Preferably, the mixture is heated to a temperature of between about 700° C. and about 850° C., and more preferably the mixture is heated to a temperature of between but not limited to about 750° C. and about 800° C. The milled glass is preferably provided as waste soda lime glass. Preferably, the carbon foaming agent is milled to a substantially uniform particle size of less than about 400 mesh, more preferably less than about 325 mesh, and more preferably less than about 270 mesh. Preferably, the glass precursor is milled to a substantially uniform particle size of less than about 400 mesh, more preferably less than about 325 mesh, and more preferably less than about 270 mesh.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of passivating an optical fiber or preform by reducing a hydrogen content in the fiber or preform using a deuterium ion plasma passivation process or a high temperature deuterium gas passivation of preforms for exchanging at least a portion of the hydrogen contained within the optical fiber or preform with deuterium. The deuterium plasma is generated from a deuterium gas. To further reduce the passivation, the optical fiber or preform are heated in the deuterium plasma. If desired, the deuterium plasma is applied to an inner wall of a preform tube before collapsing the preform tube into a preform rod.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making an optical fiber preform using a modified chemical vapor deposition process by flowing glass precursor gases through a preform tube for depositing glass material therein, and simultaneously flowing heavy water vapors through the preform tube for incorporating deuteroxyl groups into the glass material. Then, the preform tube is controllably heated so as to effect a collapse of the preform tube into a rod. Advantageously, optical fibers drawn from such preforms have an increased resistance to hydrogen and will not require passivation.

Abstract: Provided are a process for producing an optical fiber preform by depositing glass soot on the periphery of a glass rod and then sintering the glass soot to form a new transparent glass layer and also a process for producing an optical fiber preform by repeating the above procedures, wherein bubble is prevented from occurring in glass layers and interfaces between them. The process includes the steps of forming a glass soot layer by depositing glass soot on the periphery of a glass rod formed by undergoing a sintering heat treatment; and carrying out subsequently another heat treatment for the glass soot to carry out sintering thereof and transform the glass soot layer into a glass layer; wherein, provided that the glass soot is treated at a sintering temperature T′(° C.) and that the glass rod is formed at a sintering temperature T(° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are a shaping mold for producing an optical fiber guide block which permits highly accurate positioning and fixing of optical fibers, an optical fiber guide block having such excellent properties, processes for the production of these, and an optical fiber array.

Abstract: A selection element (16) is movably seated in a system element, for example a needle (1). As an assembly aid for temporary fixation, a material-to-material connection in the form of an adhesive, lacquer, a laser weld spot or a thin strip of material is provided on at least one connecting point (34), which breaks or is dissolved in the course of first use.

Abstract: A dyeing machine includes a machine base defining a cylindrical receiving chamber and a cloth passage for the circulation of a fed piece of cloth, and a jet nozzle upwardly mounted in one end of the cloth passage and adapted for ejecting a liquid coloring matter to dye the fed piece of cloth and to move the fed piece of cloth through the cloth passage.

Abstract: Clutch mechanism for locks, which is composed of an interior axis (1), an exterior axis (2), a static body (3), a radial pin (4), a radial catch (5) and a radial actuator (6); said interior (1) and exterior (2) axes and body (3) compose a coaxial assembly where the exterior axis (2) penetrates the interior axis (1) and both are installed with a rotational adjustment in the static body (3), the set of radial pin (4) and radial catch (5) is installed between the actuator (6) and a radial spring (7) which acts between the catch (5) and the base of the housing (2a) of the exterior axis (2); whose pin (4) and catch (5) are dimensioned in such a way that each will be able to be moved between the circumferences of the exterior diameter of the axis (2) and the interior diameter of the axis (1); the radial actuator (6) is composed of a curved plate (6a) and by, at least, one rod (6b), whose plate (6a) is located in an annular depression (8) between the interior axis (1) and static body (3), extending in a circumferent

Abstract: A lock section is mechanically operated by a key provided with identification information to perform a locking or unlocking operation. A receiver acquires the identification information from the key. A checker determines whether the identification information acquired by the receiver matches with pre-stored registration information of the key. A limiter restricts the unlocking operation of the key when the checker determines that the identification information does not match with the registration information.

Abstract: An adaptable lock 10 assembly and a method of using the lock 10 assembly in order to reprogram a lock 10 to accept a key different from the key which originally operated the lock 10. The lock 10 assembly includes a housing 12 with a bore 14 disposed through the housing 12 and a plug 16 rotatably mounted in the bore 14. The plug 16 includes at least one radial slot 18 which is disposed in the plug 16 along the circumference of the plug 16. The plug 16 further includes a longitudinal slot used as a keyway 22 which is adapted to receive a key. The assembly further includes first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 which are disposed in the radial slot 18 and are capable of being in an engaged or disengaged relationship. The distal ends of the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 extend into the keyway 22 to provide a pattern of ridges along the longitudinal inner walls of the keyway 22. When the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 are engaged in a first position, a first key 24 fits the lock 10.

Abstract: Integrated waste treatment and fertilizer and feed supplement production methods to be implemented at organic waste source sites, at remote treatment sites, or partially at the organic waste source site and at a remote location, whether in small or large scale operations. The methods are suitable for retrofitting existing organic waste sources and for treating the organic waste generated by a single source or by a plurality of sources.

Abstract: A method of forming a bottle-shaped or other contoured metal container by subjecting a hollow metal preform having a closed end to internal fluid pressure to cause the preform to expand against the wall of a die cavity defining the desired shape, and advancing a punch by means of a backing ram into the die cavity to displace and deform the closed end of the preform either before or after expansion begins but before it is complete. The pressure-subjecting step is performed by simultaneously subjecting the preform in the die cavity to independently controllable internal and external positive fluid pressures and varying the difference between them to control strain rate. Apparatus for performing the method includes a split die with plural split inserts disposed in tandem to define the die cavity wall and heaters respectively inserted within the preform and arranged to heat the backing ram.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hockey puck for enhancing a hockey player's skills, strength and endurance. The method of manufacturing a hockey puck includes the steps of severing a disk member off a solid metal shaft, rounding perimeter edges of the disk member, and pressing a gripping into an outer perimeter surface of the disk member. The metal shaft may be comprised of various types of metal such as but not limited to aluminum and steel. The disk member is preferably 2-5 times heavier than a conventional hockey puck depending upon the metal utilized. The disk member is preferably three inches in diameter in order to simulate the size of a conventional hockey puck, however the disk member may have diameters greater or less than three inches depending upon the type of training the hockey puck is to be utilized within.