Abstract: It is the objective of this invention to reduce deviation in contact resistance variation between electrodes among pressure-sensitive resistor sensors. The sensor is composed of a pair of films. One film has a plurality of electrode portions extending in a certain direction and the other film has at least one electrode portion that is arranged in a transverse relation with a plural of the electrode portions on the other film. Contact points generated by applied pressure are limited to crossing points between the electrode portions of the pair of films. As a result, variation in contact resistance due to applied pressure shift becomes more constant. Thus, it is possible to reduce deviation of contact resistance between the electrodes among sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crack testing system using the dye penetration method or for magnetic crack testing, having an illumination unit, a device for applying testing material and an evaluation station, which has light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as illumination units.

Abstract: A magnetic flow meter includes a cylindrical vessel within which electrodes are placed directly opposite each other about a magnetically permeable core. In that way, two flow channels are obtained in the vessel. A common magnetic field is applied across both flow channels. The magnetic flow meter is used in conjunction with a controller which monitors amplitude modulated signals representative of applied magnetic field and induced electric field. These amplitude modulated signals are passed to Sigma-Delta modulators, which directly digitise the amplitude modulated AC signals into digital pulses. The controller is capable of monitoring reverse flow through the meter, and to store results until forward flow resumes. Moreover, the controller generates a driving signal for coils which generates a magnetic field, the coil being placed in conjunction with a capacitor which causes resonance. This reduces power consumption by the coil in driving the meter.

Abstract: A clamp-on ultrasonic measurement system for a gas or other fluid typically of low acoustic impedance such as low pressure steam or flare gas. The system includes a first ultrasonic signal transducer which clamps to the conduit, and a second ultrasonic signal transducer clamped on the conduit across from the first transducer. Each transducer is operated to transmit to, and receive from, the other along contrapropagation signal paths. The transducers generate a shear wave signal that skips within the conduit wall to coherently energize a region of the wall and launch ultrasonic signal energy at a defined angle across the direction of flow. The receiver is symmetrically arranged and positioned to respond to signal energy received along the path through the fluid.

Abstract: A flow sensing system capable of improving the monitored range of a flow sensing system. The flow sensing system has a transparent tube, an upper edge sensing assembly, a lower edge sensing assembly and a floating buoy. Under normal operating conditions, the lower edge sensing assembly detects the buoy exactly once during a first timing session, detects no buoy during a second timing session and detects the buoy exactly once during a third timing session. If one of the conditions is violated, a warning signal is issue to a station operator. The upper edge sensing assembly should not detect the buoy throughout the three timing sessions; otherwise, an abnormality has occurred and a warning signal is sent to the station operator. The sensing system prevents the size and length of buoy from interfering with the monitored range so that a more stable flow system is maintained.

Abstract: A lid for a sample holder that includes a load port, a first flow channel, and a second flow channel. The first flow channel includes a first end connected to the load port and a second end that opens into a first reservoir of the sample holder. The second flow channel also includes a first end connected to the load port and a second end that opens into a second reservoir of the sample holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for irradiating a specimen with a beam of radiation are provided. The method comprises the steps of providing an integrating sphere, a radiation source radiatively communicating with the sphere, and a specimen, the integrating sphere radiatively communicating with the specimen through an aperture in the sphere. The apparatus comprises a radiation source, an integrating sphere in radiative communication with the radiation source, and a specimen holder in radiative communication with the integrating sphere. The disclosed apparatus and method allow the irradiance of a beam of radiation impinging on the specimen to be maintained at a uniform level across the width of the beam to allow quantitative specimen evaluation.

Abstract: A motor vehicle torque transfer case pump drive which is mounted in the front of a torque transfer case where it mounts to a motor vehicle transmission and includes a drive arrangement, such as a chain drive, a belt drive or a gear drive. This permits an auxiliary hydraulic pump to be driven directly from the torque transfer case, thus eliminating the need for a power take-off (PTO) adapter to drive the auxiliary hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A rolling element or ball swashplate has a part-spherical surface covered in latitudinal grooves and ridges, in cross-section resembling parts of a spur gear wheel. The ball is mounted on a well-known rolling element bearing on its polar axis. The bearing and ball are carried on shaft so that the axis is at an angle to that of the shaft. Rotation of the latter causes the ball to precess. Cylindrical racks have circumferential teeth along their length (equivalent to a screw thread with a zero helix angle) which mesh with the ridges and grooves on the spherical ball surface. The racks may slide on rods, or may commonly form part of a larger component such as an hydraulic piston which itself moves bodily. As shaft rotates, the meshing ridges and teeth cause linear motion of the racks, or vice versa. At any time, the ball and racks may rotate about their respective axes, moving the meshing contact point to different parts of the same teeth and distributing the wear evenly.

Abstract: A rack and a pinion respectively have stoppers constituted by a flat surface in both sides of tooth portions thereof. The stopper of the pinion is brought into contact with the stopper of the rack at both oscillating stroke ends of the rack, whereby a backlash is absorbed.

Abstract: An electronic-hydraulic control device for gearboxes of vehicles, preferably motor vehicles, includes a housing in which an electronic unit for controlling magnetic valves is accommodated. The valves are supplied with a pressure medium. The housing has a magnetic housing part in which magnetic parts of the magnetic valves and the electronic unit of the control device are accommodated and which lies outside the gearbox, and a hydraulic housing part in which hydraulic parts of the magnetic valves are located and which is positioned at least partially inside the gearbox housing.

Abstract: A speed-changing gear set inside the drive system of a scanner, wherein the drive system has a driving motor and an output unit. The speed-changing gear set has a control element and a cam driven by the control element. The cam has a first set of gears fastened to the cam such that one of the gears in the first group engages with a gear on the output unit. An axle is in contact with the cam such that movement of the cam produces a shift in the position of the axle. The axle has a second set of gears mounted on the axle. When the cam stops at a first designated position, one of the gears in the first set of gears meshes with the driving motor so that the output unit is driven. When the cam stops at a second designated position and shifts the position of the axle, gears in the second group mesh with the gear on the driving motor and a gear in the first group, respectively. The output unit is thus driven by the driving motor through the gear train that has the first set of gears and the second set of gears.

Abstract: A C-axis driving system for machine tools is disclosed that comprises a worm wheel mounted on a spindle that is rotatably supported by a headstock. The C-axis driving system also includes a worm shaft with a worm formed therein directed perpendicular to an axis of the spindle and placed so as to be pivotable about a pivotal shaft between an engagement position, and a disengagement position. The C-axis driving system also includes a C-axis driving motor connected to the worm shaft and serving to rotationally index the spindle to a specified rotational angle. The pivotal shaft is provided on the worm shaft base so as to be directed perpendicular to an axis of the worm shaft. Thus, the C-axis driving system for machine tools is capable of reducing the size of the C-axis unit as well as the cost while allowing a smooth engagement with the worm wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission with torque division for a helicopter rotor drive. In a manner known per se, in the transmission a first power transmission branch has a first rotatable driving pinion (6) which is in constant engagement with a first toothed wheel (2) on the output side. At least one other power transmission branch has one other driving pinion (9) co-axial to the first driving pinion (6) and in constant engagement with one other toothed wheel (4) on the output side co-axial to the first toothed wheel (2) on the output side. One torsionally elastic member is arranged in the torque flow of each power transmission branch. The torsion-resistance of the torsionally elastic members determines the load proportions of the power transmission branches. The inventive transmission makes possible a high power density with small installation space, light weight and a small number of functional elements.

Abstract: A bicycle cable connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector include a first cable retaining portion for retaining the first cable and a projection extending along a first connector axis, wherein the projection includes a radially outwardly extending locking member. The second connector includes a second cable retaining portion for retaining the second cable and a tubular portion defining a first connector opening for receiving the first connector therein and having a side wall extending along a second connector axis. The side wall includes a first passage for passing the locking member in the direction of the second connector axis away from the first connector opening, a second passage extending in a circumferential direction, and a recess communicating with the second passage and extending in the direction of the first connector opening for receiving the locking member therein.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal device includes a pedal arm, a liner, a hysteresis lever, and a spring. The pedal arm is pivotally supported on a housing and tilted by accelerator manipulation. The liner is formed on the pedal arm in the vicinity of a pivoting point of the pedal arm. The resilient hysteresis lever is engaged with the housing to cross the pedal arm. The hysteresis lever includes a sliding portion sliding on the liner. The spring is interposed between a pedal arm side opposite to a point of force to which an accelerator manipulation force is applied of the pivoting point regarding the pedal arm and a side of the hysteresis lever opposite to a portion engaged with the housing regarding the sliding portion. The spring elongates and contracts in response to tilting of the pedal arm to generate a reaction force and a hysteresis load.

Abstract: Operation switches 9 are mounted on a steering wheel for operating control apparatuses installed in an automotive vehicle. A supporting body 8 is provided which is disposed inwardly of a wheel rim 2 and substantially concentrically with the wheel rim 2 and having a cross-section partially constituted by an arc 15. The operation switches 9 are disposed on the supporting body 8 and are capable of moving in a circumferential direction of the supporting body 8. By using the operation switches 9 capable of moving in the circumferential direction of the supporting body 8, the direction in which the switches move becomes radial relative to the steering wheel, whereby a number of operation switches can be disposed on the steering wheel in a collective fashion. The direction in which a single switch is operated becomes two ways, and therefore two control functions for a control apparatus can be controlled with a single switch, thus making it possible to make an individual switch multifunctional.

Abstract: A static unbalance-type balance shaft for rotating machinery such as a vehicle engine includes a longitudinal axis, a first bearing surface disposed away from a first end and a second bearing surface located adjacent a second end. A first balance shaft is disposed between the first end and the first bearing surface, a second balance weight is located adjacent the second bearing surface. A third balance weight is located adjacent the second bearing surface. A connector portion overlaps and extends between the second balance weight and the third balance weight. The third balance weight is positioned on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis from the first and the second balance weights. The connector portion has a substantially I-beam shaped cross section.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a motor coupled to an output shaft. At least two driven shafts are each operable between three operating modes. The three operating modes are a stationary mode, a first rotational direction, and a second rotational direction. A transmission assembly connects the driven shafts to the output shaft. The transmission assembly is operable to control each of the driven shafts in any one of the three operating modes when the output shaft rotates in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission and gear transmission located in the same or separate housings structures, and mechanically drivingly connected together by a power transmission shaft. That housing structure surrounding the hydrostatic transmission defining a first internal volume containing the hydrostatic transmission components and providing a receptacle for the hydrostatic fluid. That housing structure surrounding the gear transmission defining a gear compartment sump. As one example, the housing structure surrounding the hydrostatic transmission may further define a second internal volume to operate as an overflow receiver for fluid transferred from the first internal volume. A duct operating in accordance with the siphon principle connects the internal volumes and where a pressure restriction valves ensures an above ambient pressure level in the volumes when the hydrostatic and gear transmission is operating. Alternatively, the gear compartment sump may act as the second internal volume.

Abstract: A foldable hand sharpening tool is disclosed, having an elongate body/handle with a first sharpening member pivotally mounted at one end which folds into the body when not used, and at the other end having a “V” shaped sharpening slot formed by opposing sharpening members with pivotable elongate guide members which pivot into place to retain the blade in alignment in the “V” slot during sharpening and fold into the body when not used.

Abstract: A device includes a body having a plurality of alternating drive regions and corner regions arranged about a central axis for cooperation to define a socket recess having an open outer end and an inner end. Each drive region has a drive surface disposed thereon and confined thereto. At least one drive surface slopes toward the central axis in a first direction generally parallel to the central axis and in a second direction generally traverse to the central axis. The device may be a rotatably driveable device for driving fasteners and the like, wherein the axis is the axis of rotation. The device can be used for retaining and driving a drive member. In one form, a drive member, comprising alternating flats and corners is inserted into the device. The flats of the drive member frictionally engage with at least two of the drive regions, thereby releaseably retaining the drive member in the body. The drive member can be rotated by rotating the body in one of the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

Abstract: A tool for applying torque to the hook formation of a lag hook for cabling a tree. The tool comprises an elongated body defining a rotational axis extending along the elongated length thereof between a torque receiving end and an opposite terminal end. An upper portion of the elongated body contains upper and lower wall surfaces forming two passageways at opposite sides of the rotational axis for passage of the curved end portion of a lag hook having either left-hand or right-hand threads to a socket traversed by the rotational axis and bounded by a torque delivering wall spaced from the rotational axis. A shank guide throat for the threaded shank of the lag hook extends from the socket between the lower wall surface and the terminal end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A leverage assembly is used in combination with an elongated hand tool. The hand tool has a first end adapted for engaging an object and a second end opposite the first end. The leverage assembly includes an adapter bar having first and second ends. A U-bolt attaches the first end of the adapter bar to the second end of the hand tool. A leverage bar engages the second end of the adapter bar. A receptacle is formed with the adapter bar for receiving the leverage bar. The leverage bar, adapter bar, and hand tool cooperate to multiply a force applied by the user to the object to manipulate the object.

Abstract: A quick release and toggle locking mechanism for a conventional pliers-type, toggle-locking hand tool comprises a compound toggle link. The mechanism includes a compound link pivotally connected to a movable handle and a toggle link. Retention means is provided for restricting pivotal movement of the compound link relative to the movable handle.

Abstract: A multi-functional hand tool assembly includes a handle with tool attachments. The handle has opposite ends with opposite holes extending therethrough. The tool attachments are removably, interchangeably and reversibly insertable into the handle ends and each has a middle section and end tool sections connected to and extending in opposite directions from opposite ends of the middle section. Each middle section is identical to one another and has a continuous exterior surface which matches a continuous interior end surface defining each hole in a handle end such that the middle sections can snugly fit through the hole in either handle end so as to mount the tool attachments in non-rotatable relationships with the handle ends such that the tool attachments will turn with turning of the handle.

Abstract: A dual machining clutch apparatus (10) for a multiple spindle machine has at least two stations (20) for holding work pieces (22, 23). A first machining tool (24) is guided on a first slide (26). A controller (34) is notified that the earlier of the first or second machining tool has reached its selected position for completion of its machining operation. The respective machining clutch is de-energized, allowing its shaft to free-wheel. The later machining tool continues to perform its machining operation. As the later machining tool reaches its selected position for completion, the threading clutch for the earlier machining tool is engaged and the high speed clutch is engaged. The machining tools are then backed off the work piece to return to their original positions. The machining operation is complete and the main drum may index.

Abstract: A brake lathe alignment system is provided for mounting a brake lathe upon an adapter attached to a wheel hub. A first structure is adapted to be attached to the wheel hub. A second structure is adapted to be attached to the brake lathe. A plurality of hydraulic pistons are carried by the second structure and engage the first structure, so that alignment of the second structure relative to the first structure is adjustable by extending and retracting the hydraulic pistons. The adjustment of position of the hydraulic pistons can be manually controlled on-the-fly by operation of manually actuated hydraulic pumps.

Abstract: A down hole pipe cutter is provided to cut a section of pipe from the pipe's interior. The device includes a lower guide plate, an upper guide plate, a connector rod interconnecting the lower guide plate to the upper guide plate, and an eccentrically mounted blade drive assembly. The eccentrically mounted blade drive assembly includes an outer tube and an inner drive shaft that are moveably interconnected to both the lower guide plate and the upper guide plate. The inner drive shaft has a distal end extending through the lower guide plate with a blade attached thereto. The proximal end of the drive shaft extends above the upper guide plate for attachment to a power source, such as a hand drill. The blade drive assembly is rotatable between a first retracted position and a second extended cutting position.

Abstract: A two-opposed-main-shaft type composite NC lathe provided with a tool changeable tool spindle and tool turrets, comprising: a left turret rest and a right turret rest provided on a lower front side of a left main shaft and a right main shaft facing each other on a Z-axis; a third tool rest positioned on an upper rear side of the left and right main shafts and provided with a tool spindle; a tool magazine holding tools therein which are to be fixed to the third tool rest; and an automatic tool changing device. The left and right main shafts are provided with main shaft motors capable of controlling a C-axis and being driven independently and synchronously with each other. The tool spindle on the third tool rest is capable of controlling the directions of the Z-axis, an X-axis, a Y-axis and a B-axis and fixing the rotations thereof.

Abstract: The punch press of the present invention is capable of selecting three tracks of the punch tool by a standard and low-priced cylinder device. The tool setting station with punch tool 4 is provided in the turret 3A that is rotatable around the center of the periphery. At least one of the tool setting stations is arranged with three punch tools in the turret diameter direction. The ram 11 comprises the ram main body 14 capable of elevating and descending, and the striker 15 which is provided transferable in the diameter direction at the lower part of the ram main body. The punch press comprises the link member 19 which is connected rotatable in both directions to the striker 15, and two cylinder devices 21A, 21B of which the piston rods 20A, 20B are connected rotatable to both ends of the link member.

Abstract: An intercept device for flying objects made of a light-weight, packable structure made of a pliable, tear resistant material that can be expanded to a large web-like structure by means of a deployment device, into the path of a flying weapon. To capture, hold and reduce the velocity of intercepted flying objects, activatable resistance bodies are incorporated into uniformly distributed masses that are connected to the perimeter of the web like structure. Contractable sections of the web, made of cable-like structures, connected to perimeter masses, act as drawstrings upon collision with flying object. This causes closure of the web around the flying object as a result of the mass's inertia and added resistance from deployable resistance structures that place tension on drawstring structures of the web. The flying object is subsequently captured within the web, held secure and it's velocity rapidly reduced.

Abstract: A system for detecting, identifying and validating the existence of ordinance located atop or buried beneath the ground including at least one aerial platform capable of powered flight, a base station including apparatus for launching, storing, and refueling the at least one aerial platform, the base station further including apparatus for communicating with the aerial platform, and a control station remote from the base station and including apparatus for communicating with the base station such that a human operator at the control station is capable of communicating flight path instructions to the base station to be communicated to each of the aerial platforms.

Abstract: In one embodiment a pneumatic motor is provided that includes an intake chamber in fluid communication with at least one intake channel. Each intake channel is further in fluid communication with a corresponding cylinder, which receives a piston that cycles upwardly and downwardly to rotate a motor axle. A member is placed in each intake channel to seal the corresponding cylinder from each intake channel when compressed fluid in the intake channel has a higher pressure then pressure in the corresponding cylinder. Each piston includes an actuator extending downwardly from the piston and having a profile that, during a portion of the upward cycle of the piston, causes the actuator to push the member back into each intake channel to allow compressed fluid into each of the corresponding cylinders. Each piston includes a section that has a diameter that creates a seal against the corresponding cylinder during the upward cycle of the piston.

Abstract: A power booster for a brake system including a housing having an interior and a pair of diaphragms separating the interior of the housing into three chambers. A power piston assembly is coupled for movement with the diaphragms and includes an output member. A reaction member is coupled to the power piston assembly, and an input member is adapted to be coupled to a movable brake pedal. An air valve assembly moves between open and closed positions to selectively admit atmospheric air into selected ones of the chambers. This induces an output force on the diaphragm that is transferred to the output member of the power piston assembly. The triple booster adds an additional working chamber with an added approximately 45% increase in power boost. The triple power booster retains many of the same components as prior dual or tandem boosters to provide an economical solution to increase booster output without the need for new tuning procedures or added booster diameter.

Abstract: An air-seal structure for pneumatic nailers includes a valve member movably engaged with the end cap of the nailer and a plurality of paths defined radially through a skirt portion of the valve member. The paths are in communication with air release passage defined in the end cap. A seal is mounted to the skirt portion of the valve member and closes the paths. The seal contacts an end of the cylinder when the trigger is not squeezed. The seal is sucked due to the difference of pressure so that it will not be loosened during movement of the valve member. A cushion member is connected to a disk member on the inside of the end cap so as to absorb shocks when the piston returns back to the ready position.

Abstract: In a machine tool by pulse drive of a hydraulic system, a piston of a hydraulic cylinder is connected with a table, and an outflow valve and an inflow valve, which form a pair, are respectively connected with a right and a left hydraulic chamber. When the feed table is moved to the right, for example, control is conducted so that the valve-opening period of one valve can be a portion in the middle of the valve-opening period of the other valve. Since a portion of pressure in the hydraulic chamber is canceled, an effective pressure, the pulse width of which is narrow, remains. Accordingly, even in the case where a common inexpensive electromagnetic valve is used, it is possible to accomplish a smooth feed motion.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator has a sealed spring chamber with a hot set large force compression spring. An alternative embodiment has the hot set spring guided by the actuator rod.

Abstract: A semi-spherical shoe 1 includes an end face 1B which is disposed in sliding contact with a swash plate 3 and a semi-spherical surface 1A which is disposed in sliding contact with a semi-spherical recess 2A formed in a piston 2. A spherical recess 1C is formed in the top portion of the semi-spherical surface 1A to define a space 4 which serves as a reservoir of lubricant oil between the spherical recess 1C and the semi-spherical recess 2B. If the volume of the space 4 which serves as a reservoir of lubricant oil is increased, an accumulation of abraded power in the spherical recess 1C which forms the space can be prevented in a favorable manner.

Abstract: A food ingredient grinding assembly (10) with a removable ingredient hopper (32, 34) made of translucent material to enable viewing the ingredient within the hopper through a window opening (40, 42) and carries a closure assembly (FIGS. 4A and 4B) that automatically closes an outlet opening (112) when the hopper is removed from the housing (12) and when installed is controlled by a solenoid (118) that when energized pushes a plate (116) to align an opening (126) in the plate with the outlet opening (112) of the hopper. When the solenoid is not energized or when the hopper is removed, a spring (118) automatically returns the plate to a closed position. Because the closure assembly (114) is carried by the hopper and the solenoid is not attached to the closure assembly by fasteners the hopper may be removed without the use of any tools simply by lifting it out of the housing.

Abstract: A safety device for a steam frothing machine to form a froth beverage, which machine has a steam pipe (3) that is connected to a steam generator 1′ and has a steam discharge opening (13), and a frothing head (4), which can be pushed onto the steam pipe and surrounds the steam discharge opening (13) in the mounted state. To protect an operator from steam in the event that the steam discharge is accidentally activated when the frothing head is removed, a hollow body is pushed onto the steam pipe (3) and enable the discharge of steam essentially downward in an enabling position. In a position other than the enabling position of the hollow body, the downward discharge of steam is essentially prevented.

Abstract: The proposed installation comprises a plurality of carriages which pass in succession from a product loading station (3) to a product unloading station (15) in succession via an inlet lock (10), a sterilizing tunnel (11), a transfer lock (12), a cooling tunnel (13), and an outlet lock (14). The superheated water of the sterilizing tunnel (11) and the cooling water of the cooling tunnel (13) are maintained at a pressure P1 greater than the pressure that exists inside the packages contained in the carriages during sterilization. The sterilizing tunnel (11) and the cooling tunnel (13) preferably constitute an assembly having an even number of superposed segments, with the carriages being caused to travel along the tunnels by linear magnetic couplers. The installation is adapted to sterilizing products contained in flexible packages.

Abstract: Hitherto, a cooking apparatus and a preservative food preparing apparatus have been known and practically used exclusively for the purpose of cooking foods or preparing preservative foods. There has been an increasing demand for a cooking-and-preservative food preparing apparatus, and to meet this demand, a heating, cooking, and sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention is constructed as follows: a horizontal type of cylindrical heating-and-cooking oven (1) has numerous nozzles (7) provided therein. These nozzles (7) are connected to the outlet (37) of a heat exchange (25) positioned outside of the oven (1), and the bottom of the oven (1) is connected to the inlet (38) of the heat exchanger (25) via a return pipe (43), which is fixed to the bottom of the oven (1), thus forming a circulation line between the oven (1) and the heat exchanger (25). A circulation pump (40) is included in the circulation line.

Abstract: A cooking and smoking apparatus having a housing that has an upper section and a firebox section. A drawer-like meat rack is slideably connected to the housing upper section. A coal rack is connected to the housing firebox section for holding charcoal. A drain is connected to the housing firebox section. The drain allows slow draining of water from wood chips placed in the housing firebox section. A vent is connected to the housing firebox section. The vent is capable of variable flow for regulating the burn rate of charcoal and wood chips.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for improved heat circulation and containment when smoking or grilling using electric, gas, or charcoal as the heat source. The base pan design enhances heat containment, and offers a channel design in the bottom of the base pan. A flame disk for even heat distribution is provided and can be used in conjunction with the base pan, and prevents internal food drippings from escaping through the disk. The disk design enhances the heat efficiency, and safeguards against drippings or ashes falling through to the burner or ground. The holes in the disk are raised, and has attached covers strategically placed over the holes to deter drippings or ashes from falling through. A fire pit container is also provided and designed for use with the base pan. The fire pit container supports a heat source such as a gas burner which directs a flame toward the base pan open hole and also toward the underside of a flame disk when a flame disk is suspended above the base pan hole.

Abstract: A pizza screen manufacturing apparatus (10) having a folder (24L), crimper (24R), and flattener (26) to manufacture a pizza screen from a single sheet of screening by double folding over the peripheral edge in order to produce a product that evenly distributes heat through out the bottom surface of a pizza for even cooking thereof.

Abstract: Vacuum producing appliance and associated food and beverage holding vessels, the vacuum producing appliance with a hollow housing, the housing enclosing a vacuum pump, a pressure switch, a vacuum holding tank, a solenoid valve, a power switch, and associated tubing to attach the components to each other. A conical shaped concavity built into the bottom of the housing capable of drawing air from a vessel and passing it through the vacuum. A plurality of vessel sealing lids interact with the vacuum producing appliance, said lids having a convex conical shape at their top surface that can interface in an air tight way with a mating concave conical shape located in the main housing, the lids having a check valve that allows air to leave the lid but not reenter it. The lids are capable of interfacing in an air tight way with the mouth of a jar, bottle, can or the like so that a vacuum can be drawn in the jar, bottle or can.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed herein provides a transportable recycling center that has a container and a partition within the container. The partition separates a work area from a storage area. An attendant may accept recyclable materials from consumers in the work area and store the recyclable material in the storage area. After the container has been filled with recyclable material, doors on the container may be secured and the container may be loaded onto a truck and transported to a recycling facility.

Abstract: In a filter press, a stack of vertically oriented, horizontally displaceable filter plates enclose filter chambers therebetween. The filter plates are successively moved relative to each other from a closed pressing position, through a pressure relief position, to an open discharge position. At least one connecting element is connected to each filter plate, and is movably coupled to the respective adjacent filter plate by a coupling pin, which slides in a specially configured groove of the connecting element. In the relief position, a respective coupling pin is stopped against an intermediate blocking surface of the groove of the connecting element of the next adjacent filter plate, thereby preventing further horizontal displacement. By unlatching the connecting element, the coupling pin can then slide to a stop surface of the groove, to allow the adjacent filter plates to be displaced farther into the open discharge position.

Abstract: An apparatus for collapsing and collecting a can utilizing a tray having a first portion with a surface and a second portion with an opening through the same. A housing is also provided and includes a press which is movable between a first position and a second position. The tray is guided relative to the housing such that the surface of the first portion lies opposite the press and is capable of collapsing a can when placed on the first tray portion. When the press moves to its first position the can is collapsed. The collapsed can passes through the tray when the tray second portion lies opposite the press.