Abstract: Shaped charge liners, typically used in perforating guns, are formed from a zinc alloy of zinc and other metals such as aluminium and magnesium. The liners are formed into desired shapes, for example, by melting ingots and casting the alloy, or by machining bars formed from the alloy, or by stamping strips formed from the alloy, or by pressing powder formed from the alloy.

Abstract: An explosively driven impactor grenade includes a grenade body having a substantially spherical shape and a hollow central portion, the grenade body including a plurality of recesses formed on an external surface thereof with each recess including an opening into the hollow central portion of the grenade body, the grenade body including an opening on the exterior surface that connects with the hollow central portion; a fuze disposed in the hollow central portion of the grenade body; a fuze cap for closing the opening on the exterior surface that connects with the hollow central portion; and a plurality of explosively driven impactors respectively disposed in the plurality of recesses formed on the external surface of the grenade body, the explosively driven impactors being connected to the fuze through the recess openings into the hollow central portion of the grenade body.

Abstract: A track bed rehabilitating machine comprises a machine frame supported on a track by undercarriages for movement along the track in an operating direction. The machine frame comprises a first machine frame part, a second machine frame part and a third machine frame part. A first coupling links the second machine frame part to the first machine frame part, a second coupling links the third machine frame part to the second machine frame part, and one of the undercarriages is arranged adjacent the first coupling. Two crawler tractors are spaced from each other in a direction extending transversely to the machine frame and connected to the second machine frame part, and drives connect the crawler tractors to the second machine frame part for vertically adjusting the crawler tractors.

Abstract: A transit system for individual vehicles includes a substantially enclosed guideway with a transit lane and a transition lane. Disposed along the guideway are selectively actuable portals, configured to allow substantially transverse ingress and egress of vehicles into the transition lane. The vehicles are configured for automatic control within the guideway and during ingress and egress, and may also be configured for independent control by a driver outside the guideway. In the transition lane the vehicles accelerate to a transit speed and merge into the adjacent transit lane. Upon approaching a selected destination portal, an individual vehicle merges back into the transition lane to decelerate for exit. The guidance system allows the vehicles to combine into controllably linked “trains” in the transit lane.

Abstract: A reversing chain-operated, dual carriage train indexer is provided with a chain tension control that acts directly on the chain and a retraction-biased, two-position carriage connection cylinder in conjunction with a spring biased linkage system allows indexer operation in either direction with dogs up or down in dual force ranges controlled by the chain tension control.

Abstract: A conveyor roller assembly typically for pushing a vehicle through a car wash having a chain drive and split track, includes a bar extending form its forward end beneath the track to its back end above it. The back end carries a pair of rollers that travel on the track and a second pair of rollers for pushing against the tire of the vehicle. The front end carries an axle rigidly attached to the bar and a pair links one on each side of the bar and each link rigidly carrying a sleeve having a very close tolerance with the axle and through which the axle extends. The links attach to the chain drive, and rollers are carried by the sleeves and engage the lower surface of the track. The link, sleeve and roller arrangement causes the conveyor roller assembly to maintain alignment with the track.

Abstract: A column guided and supported self-propelled vehicle which is rigid in its pitch and roll axes but flexible in its yaw axis. The vehicle thus forms a beam between a series of columns which support and guide the vehicle. The vehicle is propelled by a flexible rotating screw which rotates against lugs which are mounted on each column. The vehicle is supported in the pitch axis and constrained in the roll axis by rollers, which are mounted on each column. A retainer on each column prevents the vehicle from leaving the column. The length of the vehicle determines the spacing of the columns. The vehicle is flexible in the yaw axis so that it can negotiate a curved path of columns. The vehicle car body/structure is modular and contains a series of vertical hinges or flexures which are located between each module to allow the vehicle freedom only in the yaw axis.

Abstract: The invention aims to improve a floor for rail vehicles in such a way that an even, level, reference plane for constructing the floor is obtained by a simple tolerance compensation of the deviations in the longitudinal direction, transverse direction and height of the shell assembly. Said compensation is embodied as an easy-to-assemble positive-fit connection between the floor plate and the body-shell floor plate. This is achieved by a retaining profile which is configured as a profile with a recess for accommodating a connecting element and provided with at least one blind opening. An elastic spacer, comprising a plug-in extension to compensate for the existing differences in level between the floor plate and the floor-profile plate, is inserted into the blind opening under pressure, forming a positive-fit. The positive-fit between the blind opening and the plug-in extension is perpendicular in relation to the positive-fit between the profile batten and the retaining profile.

Abstract: A pallet for supporting a load of packages is disclosed. The pallet includes a support structure comprising flexible film wrapped around at least one of the layers of the load. The flexible film is wrapped around two axes which are generally perpendicular to one another and preferably located within the same plane such that the flexible film covers at least a majority of the layer(s). The pallet also includes a base positioned adjacent to the support structure which is adapted to receive forks of a forklift. The base may have an elongate tubular configuration and be constructed from a disposable/recyclable material.

Abstract: The pallet comprises a platform formed by a hollow, unitary body having two opposed major walls on which there are corresponding inwardly-extending ribs which are welded together. Projecting portions of the platform are welded to corresponding base elements which are also formed, in threes, by hollow unitary bodies. The resulting structure is particularly stiff and can advantageously be produced by an extrusion-blowing process with plastics material of high molecular weight.

Abstract: A drop and slide escutcheon system where the escutcheon has rims with locking members that fit into locking grooves formed in the funnels on the safe body. The escutcheon is offset by a slight amount, allowing the locking members to slide down into openings that provide access to the locking grooves in the funnel as the escutcheon is inserted into position. The escutcheon is then moved laterally, sliding the locking members into the locking grooves provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport system comprising rails arranged next to each other and a vehicle which is characterized by good cornering performance, can be moved on said rails and has running gears which can be pivoted about vertical axes and are mounted on a frame. Seen in the longitudinal direction of travel, the running gears on one vehicle side are mounted on the frame such that they can be moved in relation to the running gears of the opposite vehicle side. In particular, the running gears (8) of one side of the vehicle (1) are mounted on the frame (10) such that they can be linearly displaced at right angles to the longitudinal direction of travel (Q) of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: A particulate distribution system for transporting seed or other particulate from a source into a plurality of metering bins, the system including a forced air source, a converter for splitting air form the source into separate flows in converter outlet lines, venturis for receiving the air flows and entraining particulate from a main hopper therein and a manifold delivery system that directs the entrained particulates to mini-hoppers and that opens at an outlet end back into the main hopper.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a first and a second lower rotary shafts coaxially coupled with each other by a shaft and disposed in a lower housing of the sewing machine. A looper thread take-up cam includes a first and a second take-up cam plates slidably key-fitted on the second lower rotary shaft. A slide interval is defined between the take-up structure and the shaft coupler, whereby the second cam plate can slide along the second lower rotary shaft to the slide interval and separate from the first cam plate for easily clearing up the tangling thread. A guide plate of the take-up structure is movably connected with a bracket of the lower housing, whereby by means of changing the position of the guide plate relative to the second lower rotary shaft, the take-up timing can be adjusted.

Abstract: A method for linking plain knitted fabrics includes the steps of fixing a first plain knitted fabric in a stretched state, obtaining an image including an image of a darning stitch, calculating a location of the darning stitch, repeating the above steps with a second plain knitted fabric, calculating a location of the darning stitch of the second plain knitted fabric from the obtained image, moving the first plain knitted fabric and the second plain knitted fabric relative to each other to align the darning stitches of the first and second plain knitted fabrics, moving a sewing machine needle of a sewing machine to the location of the darning stitch of the first plain knitted fabric, and linking together the darning stitches.

Abstract: Sailing craft having a hull, a seat disposed toward the rear of the hull and largely outboard of the hull, a mast affixed directly to the seat so that heeling forces applied to the mast are counterbalanced by the weight of a sailor primarily through the seat and not through the hull, a rotatably mounted stay extending between the top of the mast and a forward portion of the hull, a boom affixed to the stay, a sail mounted on the stay, and a rigid control rod connected to the boom for swinging the sail about the axis of the stay.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprising a hull, an engine disposed in the hull, a propulsion unit operatively adapted to be driven by the engine, and a steering unit operatively adapted to position the propulsion unit. A deck is supported above the hull. The deck has a storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a peripheral wall extending downwardly toward the hull, defining a closed bottom. The peripheral wall defines the storage compartment interior. The uppermost portion of the peripheral wall defines an opening into the storage compartment interior. A storage tray is supported by the deck. The storage tray is disposed vertically above the storage compartment.

Abstract: A hull form which operates in the speed ranges where both planing and wave making affect hull resistance is presented with a configuration which reduces wave drag and improves performance in very fast and ultra-faste speed ranges. The specific distribution of immersed cross-sectional area minimizes bow wave making and optimizes the closing wake. Bow wave impedes forward motion of a hull form. Stern closing wake pushes the hull forward and enhances the forward motion. The bow sections are designed so that they have a “hollow” entrance configuration which decreases the effort to spread the water and in turn diminishes the wave making as the hull pushes through the water. The stern sections are designed to be of such a configuration that as the water spread by the bow (34) now must close in around the stern (35) of the hull, the wave height is increased so that the closing wake exerts a forward thrust on the hull.

Abstract: The present invention is a vessel floatation aid for vessels of the type including a water line and laterally spaced gunwales. The floatation aid includes an inflatable bladder including an outer membrane attached to a backer strap and the space there between defining said inflatable portion, such that said backer strap and outer membrane together oriented along said longitudinal direction for temporarily providing increased buoyancy; and including upper tabs and lower tabs connected to a backer strap, said tabs adapted for receiving cords for temporarily lashing said floatation aid to a vessel for releasably and temporarily attaching said buoyancy means below and adjacent a gunwale of a vessel, and proximate a waterline.

Abstract: A sport fishing outrigger assembly is disclosed that includes a boom attachment arm having a distal end portion and proximal end portion, a rotating arm having a distal head portion capable of releasable attachment to the proximal end portion and a handle engagement, an adjuster for adjusting the releasable attachment of the distal head portion to the proximal end portion, an indexing sleeve secured to the rotating arm, a rotator operatively engaged to the rotating arm, and a handle operatively engaged to the handle engagement and the rotator.

Abstract: A lifting vessel (1) consisting of a lower U-shaped pontoon foundation (2a, 2b, 2c), a number of vertical columns (5) attached to the pontoon foundation and extending upwards and through the water surface, and each column (5) being free-standing above the pontoon foundation (2a, 2b, 2c). Methods for positioning, lifting and handling of a platform dock and a platform jacket is also described.

Abstract: A system for lifting and moving heavy loads, especially for use in the installation or removal of offshore platforms, comprising a number of lifting devices (1) which are arranged for mounting on a floating structure (2) which during use floats on the surface (3) of a volume of water (4) beside the load which has to be lifted. Each lifting device (1) comprises a lever arm unit (5) with a first (6) and a second (7) arm projecting in opposite directions from a common mounting point (8), the first arm having a lifting point (11) at its free end for engaging with the load, at least one first container (12) which is connected to the first arm (6) at a point near the said lifting point (11), and which is arranged to receive and discharge a flowable medium and to be submerged in the volume of water (4), and at least one second container (19) which is suspended at the free end of the second arm (7).

Abstract: A submersible article comprises a buoyancy body formed from polyurethane foam having a first density, which is at least partly overmolded with a protective skin of polyurethane foam having a second density higher than the first density. The lower density foam of the body gives the article buoyancy, while the higher density protective skin strengthens the article and gives impact resistance. The protective skin can be stiffened, either uniformly or locally, by the addition of glass fiber or other reinforcing material which is arranged over the buoyancy body prior to the overmolding. The article can be made by a two-stage molding process.

Abstract: A hunting accessory comprises a pair of essentially identical shells which are removably attachable to one another by hinges. At least one shell comprises an unbroken, continuous, waterproof hull useful as the lower portion of a blind in water or marshy areas. A second shell may include a separate openable portion with viewing openings disposed over the hunter's head and upper body when the assembly is used as a blind with a supine hunter concealed therein. The smaller portion is opened when the hunter has a shot at game in the vicinity. The device may also be used for the carriage of hunting equipment, and/or is useful as a closed container for containing and hauling loose materials (leaves, etc.) in an open vehicle. The two shells may be separated from one another, with one of the shells being useful as a game drag or the like.

Abstract: Flag pole holder for attaching to railings on balconies, porches, decks, and stairwells. The holder has a longitudinal pole having a base portion that sits on a floor surface for supporting the weight of the holder and an upper end portion for supporting either or both a flag and a windsock. An angled portion in the pole allows for flag/windsock to hang over the railing. Tie lines such as cords attach the pole to the railings to further stable the holder. Alternatively, or in combination a stand on a support surface such as a ground surface, can be used under the pole for supporting the holder with or without tie lines and plastic clips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a color coded identification system for identifying a hand tool. The system includes a chart defining operating characteristic of the hand tool by use of a first group of colors and handle size by used of a second group of colors. The hand tool has a handle and an operative member. The handle includes a first portion with a color chosen from the first group of colors. Further, the handle includes a second portion with a color chosen from the second group of colors. The operative member connects to the handle with the operating characteristic corresponding to the color of the first portion of the handle. A label is further disposed onto the operating member having an icon illustrating a portion of the hand tool in the same color as the color of the first portion of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method and apparatus for reducing the hydrogen concentration in amorphous silicon carbide films deposited on a substrate. The process combines a noble gas such as helium with a silicon source such as silane and a carbon source such as methane in the reaction zone of a CVD chamber. The resulting silicon carbide films have a low concentration of hydrogen and high compressive stress. The films are preferably produced with a plasma generated by a mixture of high and low radio frequency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering predetermined dosages of fluid to egg injection devices are provided and include drawing fluid from a fluid source into a syringe barrel via inlet tubing in fluid communication with the fluid source and with the syringe barrel, and dispensing a predetermined dosage of fluid from the syringe barrel to an egg injection device via outlet tubing in fluid communication with the egg injection device and with the syringe barrel. The outlet tubing is closed (e.g., pinched closed) during the drawing step, and the inlet tubing is closed (e.g., pinched closed) during the dispensing step.

Abstract: A nipple valve including a valve body with an outside surface in which are ground at least one semi-circular indentation which serves as a tool grip. The semi-circular indentation is formed in the shape of a trough with oppositely disposed open ends to permit a wrench to be placed and retained in position on the valve body during installation or removal of the valve.

Abstract: Device (1) for carrying objects, in particular excrement. This device consists of a film sheet which is provided with openings (3-5) and is placed on the base of a cat litter tray. The cat litter tray is then filled with grit in the conventional manner. To remove excrement the user has to grasp the film at handles (7) in the film sheet which extend outside the cat litter tray close to the ends. The openings (3-5) are made such that excrement cannot pass through openings but the cat litter grit will remain on the base of the cat litter tray. Optionally a number of such film sheets can be placed on top of one another for regular removal of excrement without a large quantity of grit being consumed.

Abstract: An artificial fish habitat for use with a recreational fishpond. The fish habitat is provided as at least one section, having a front panel, a rear panel, a top panel, and a substantially rectangular holder basket which is fitted into an opening within the top panel. For larger ponds, several of the interlocking sections are fitted into one another, thereby providing a fish habitat of larger overall dimensions. A plurality of slotted openings within the panels provide ready egress and ingress for fish. The holder basket is adorned with artificial grasses, thereby providing shelter for juvenile fish. The artificial fish habitat provides shelter to the fish from direct sunlight and also provides a sanctuary from natural predators. The fish habitat includes an aerator hose, which may be selectively attached to an external aerator pump to increase the concentration of dissolved oxygen within the water of the fishpond.

Abstract: A crawling tube for small mammals comprising a plurality of circumferential slotted holes which are arranged side by side on at least one row along a longitudinal extension of the tube so as to provide ventilation grilles.

Abstract: A combing device to facilitate de-matting or untangling of animal hair comprises a pair of combs, a handle unit and a switch. The handle unit comprises an internal energy conduit device through which energy or force can be caused to flow and effectuate a forceful movement of at least one of the combs. In operation, a user places the pair of combs in or near the area of an animal's matted hair and controls the switch to repeatedly cause one of the combs to forcefully move forward and then back, thereby generating repeatedly strong combing actions.

Abstract: A bird activity device, kit and associated method is disclosed for use in allowing birds to perch onto the device. The device comprises: an axle; a suspending device; an internal carousel; and an external carousel. The suspending device is attached to the axle and is for suspending the axle of the device in a substantially horizontal alignment. The internal carousel is pivotally attached to the axle. The external carousel is pivotally attached to the axle, wherein the external carousel envelopes the internal carousel. The kit comprises an axle; a suspending device; an internal carousel; and an external carousel and an attachable toy. The method comprises the steps of affixing, allowing, clamping, clipping, connecting, latching, obtaining, screwing, sliding, and slipping.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the barking of a dog through application of a spray deterrent, or spray control bark collar. The spray control bark collar administers a dose of a pressurized substance in response to the barking of the dog. The spray control bark collar detects the barking of the dog through the measuring of vibrations produced by the dog. In addition, the spray control bark collar delivers successively larger doses of the spray deterrent to the dog to deter the dog from further barking should the dog fail to respond to previous deterrent attempts. Finally, the spray control bark collar monitors the usage of the spray deterrents to gauge the amount of the deterrent substance remaining in the deterrent substance reservoir.

Abstract: A device for collecting excrements has a one-piece body including two parts which are flexibly connected with one another to be moved between an open position in which the parts are spaced from one another, and includes position in which the parts are folded around a central line which forms a film hinge so that the parts are in contact with one another and close an inner space in which the excrements are accommodated.

Abstract: An indirect fired process heater apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a toroidal shell having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder forming a fluid tight enclosure. A plurality of helical heat transfer coils have transfer fluid passing therethrough wherein said heat transfer coils form an axial passageway. A burner directs heat into the axial passageway. The toroidal shell is in fluid communication with the heat transfer coils in order to circulate the heat transfer fluid therethrough. A plurality of helical process heating coils pass through the toroidal shell in order to heat process fluid passing through the process heating coils.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for in-situ production of hydrogen (H2) by alcohol decomposition for emission reduction from internal combustion engines. Hydrogen is generated by a catalytic process for in-situ production from alcohols, either neat, or in a hydrocarbon mixture, such as gasoline. The in-situ production of hydrogen is achieved using a solid basic catalytic bed provided with the internal combustion engine. The preferred catalyst is a copper (Cu) containing layered double hydroxide (LDH)-derived catalyst, such as a Cu/Al LDH-derived catalyst. At least a portion of an alcohol containing fuel is passed through the catalyst bed to generate hydrogen gas from the alcohol substantially without producing carbon monoxide. The fuel and generated hydrogen gas is injected into the internal combustion engine. Catalytic reactions are provided at temperatures in a range between ambient and 500° C., preferably between 150° C. through 400° C.

Abstract: An engine cooling system and method applicable to a diesel engine in a vehicle. A control module, via a single multi-port valve, controls the coolant flow through a radiator, heater and oil cooler based upon engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power steering pump using engine coolant to cool the pump is provided. Engine coolant from the engine coolant system is partially diverted to a cooling jacket cast integrally with the housing for the pump, wherein the engine coolant flows to remove heat generated by the pump. The cooling jacket includes an inlet port and an outlet port, wherein engine coolant enters and exits before return to the engine coolant system. The cooling jacket is provided about a periphery of the pump housing and is disposed partially adjacent the pump housing. The coolant jacket, a gasket, and an end cover are assembled to provide the enclosed coolant flow path through the coolant jacket.

Abstract: An engine cooling system and method that will allow an engine water pump to be driven independently of the engine speed. The engine water pump is driven by the engine crankshaft, but includes an electronically controllable pump clutch between the water pump and the crankshaft. A control module electronically controls the engagement of the pump clutch based upon engine and vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A rotary engine having at least two piston blades that may be actuated by either internal combustion or electromagnetic actuation. The combustion engine includes piston blades having a toothed moving pinion connected to each piston blade and a toothed fixed pinion geared to the toothed moving pinions. The gear ratio of the toothed fixed pinion to the toothed moving pinions is one half the number of piston blades to one.

Abstract: A connecting rod assembly is provided for varying a compression ratio of an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and a piston. The assembly includes a first portion adapted to be connected to the crankshaft and having a cylindrical aperture. The assembly further includes a second portion adapted to be connected to the piston and movable with respect to the first portion. In addition, the assembly includes a locking element having a cylindrical portion that is disposed at least partially in the cylindrical aperture. The locking element is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position for locking the second portion at a first position relative to the first portion, wherein the first position corresponds to a first compression ratio of the engine.

Abstract: A high efficiency two stroke hybrid engine includes a piston engine driving a trochoidal rotor compressor which compresses air injected into a combustion chamber as the piston approaches top dead center into which fuel is also injected during each engine cycle.

Abstract: Crankcase scavenged two-stroke internal combustion engine, in which at least one piston ported air passage, with length Lai, is arranged between an air inlet (2) and each scavenging port (31, 31′) of a number of transfer ducts (3, 3′), with length Ls, from the scavenging port to the crankcase. The air passage is arranged from an air inlet (2) equipped with a restriction valve (4), controlled by at least one engine parameter, for instance the carburetor throttle control. The air inlet extends via at least one connecting duct (6, 6′) to at least one connecting port (8, 8′) in the engine's cylinder wall (12). The connecting port (8, 8′) is arranged so that it in connection with piston positions at the top dead center is connected with flow paths (10, 10′) embodied in the piston (13), which extend to the upper part of a number of transfer ducts (3, 3′).

Abstract: The invention relates to a crankcase scavenged internal combustion engine (1) of two-stroke type, comprising a cylinder (2) with an inlet tube (10) for air/fuel mixture and a number of transfer ducts (20), a carburetor (12) connected to the inlet tube (10), and an air inlet (24) provided with a restriction valve (25) whereby a piston ported air passage (23, 22, 26, 21) is arranged between the air inlet (24) and the upper part of the transfer ducts (20). The engine's air inlet (24) extends at least partly below and outside the carburetor (12), resulting in a more compact engine design and improved use of the space around the cylinder. Moreover, the cooling air gets better access to the cylinder.

Abstract: When an inlet valve is opened or closed via a first mover, by the operation of a first linear actuator, energy accumulated by a first spring or a second spring is discharged by the operation of a second linear actuator, to transmit the energy to the inlet valve via a second mover and the first mover. As a result, the inlet valve can be opened or closed at a high speed, with higher energy efficiency and has an improved durability.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a variable valve actuation system is provided. An engine valve is moved from a first position where the engine valve blocks a flow of fluid to a second position where the engine valve passes a flow of fluid. A valve actuator is actuated to prevent the engine valve from returning to the first position. A signal is transmitted to cause the valve actuator and to allow the engine valve to return to the first position. The return of the engine valve to the first position is determined. A time parameter indicative of an elapsed time between the transmission of the signal and movement of the engine valve to the first position is determined.

Abstract: An assembly having first and second coaxially-related elements oscillatingly-rotatable about a mean angular relationship therebetween. An axial well in one element is threaded and an axial well in the other element is splined. A pin having threads on a first end and splines on the second end is disposed on both the threads and splines of the two elements. A Hall-effect magnetic field strength sensor is disposed coaxially adjacent to the assembly. A permanent magnet mounted on an end of the pin adjacent the Hall-effect sensor creates a magnetic response therein. As the angular relationship between the two elements changes, the pin turns with the splined element, the threads simultaneously displacing the pin and magnet axially of the assembly, thereby changing the intensity of the field experienced by the sensor and the signal output therefrom in proportion to the relative angular position of the two elements.

Abstract: A two-step finger follower rocker arm assembly including a follower body having a socket at a first end for engaging a hydraulic lash adjuster and a pad at an opposite end for engaging a valve stem. A passage through the follower body in the direction of actuation by an engine cam lobe is slidingly receivable of a slider member for variably engaging a central cam lobe, preferably a high-lift lobe. An elongate shaft extends through a transverse bore in the slider member and through a slotted passage in the slider member. In the follower body, the shaft is provided with bearings supporting first and second lateral roller followers on opposite sides of the body for variably engaging first and second preferably low-lift lateral cam lobes flanking the central cam lobe. A lost-motion spring urges the slider member into contact with the central lobe. A latch member driven by a piston selectively locks the slider member to the follower body such that the follower follows the motion of the central cam lobe.