Abstract: A process for determining the position of the border areas between different mediums with the aid of electromagnetic waves, in which process a departing wave which is emitted from a wave transmitter has at least one propagation speed component that is parallel to the normal lines of the border area of the different mediums; the emitted departing wave is at least partially reflected at the border areas; the portions of the reflected returning wave are received by a wave receiver; the travel times between emission of the departing wave and reception of the returning wave are determined; the positions of the border areas are determined from the travel times, with account taken of the different propagation speeds of the wave in the different mediums, while the various portions of the reflected waves in the different mediums (4, 5) are made use of. It is important to take into account here the quadratic relationship of &egr;r to the reflection factor r.

Abstract: A carburetor fuel level management system includes a fuel level sensor mounted in the float bowl of the carburetor for monitoring actual fuel level and providing a signal indicative of the fuel level. The sensor may be used for data acquisition and/or to provide feedback to a controller which maintains fuel level at or near a preferred level by varying fuel flow rate into the float bowl in response to an indication from the sensor that the actual fuel level differs from the preferred fuel level. Fuel flow rate may be controlled by selectively bypassing a fuel pressure regulator in the carburetor inlet line or by varying voltage to an electric fuel pump, among other methods.

Abstract: Tuning fork and method in which a pair of elongated tines having front and rear surfaces are disposed symmetrically about an axis, and balancing masses on the front surface of one tine and on the rear surface of the other tine are trimmed to reduce quadrature error and also to maintain mass balance between the tines.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring the angular rotation of a moving body. The apparatus comprises an upper sensor layer, a lower handle layer substantially parallel to the sensor layer, at least one dither frame formed of the upper sensor layer, the frame having a dither axis disposed substantially parallel to the upper sensor layer and the lower handle layer. The apparatus further comprises a first accelerometer formed of the upper sensor layer and having a first force sensing axis perpendicular to the dither axis for producing a first output signal indicative of the acceleration of the moving body along the first force sensing axis, the first accelerometer having a proof mass and at least one flexure connecting the proof mass to the dither frame such that the proof mass can be electrically rotated perpendicular to the dither axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a deposited layer on the inner surface of a fluid container wall having inner and outer surfaces are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises (a) transmitting an acoustic signal from a transmitter at a first distance from the outer surface of the wall; (b) receiving a first received signal A, comprising a reflection from the wall outer surface; (c) receiving a second received signal B, comprising a reflection from the wall inner surface; (d) receiving a third received signal C from the wall inner surface; (e) calculating a coefficient Rwp from A, B and C, and (f) calculating a coefficient Rpd from A, B and Rwp, and calculating the acoustic impedance of the deposited layer Zd from Rwp, Rpd, and Zw, where Zw is the acoustic impedance of the material between the transmitter and the wall outer surface.

Abstract: An inertial sensor includes a plurality of sense elements disposed upon a silicon wafer. Each of the sense elements senses a different inertia range. The sense elements are electrically connected to a common signal conditioning circuit that generates an output signal for each of the sense elements. The signal conditioning circuit has an output that is electrically connected to at least one control system and provides output signals in different ranges to the control system.

Abstract: A vacuum gauging system of the cold cathode type is provided for measuring the pressure of a plurality of separate vacuum systems, such as in a gas centrifuge cascade. Each casing is fitted with a gauge tube assembly which communicates with the vacuum system in the centrifuge casing. Each gauge tube contains an anode which may be in the form of a slender rod or wire hoop and a cathode which may be formed by the wall of the gauge tube. The tube is provided with an insulated high voltage connector to the anode which has a terminal for external connection outside the vacuum casing. The tube extends from the casing so that a portable magnet assembly may be inserted about the tube to provide a magnetic field in the area between the anode and cathode necessary for pressure measurements in a cold cathode-type vacuum gauge arrangement. The portable magnetic assembly is provided with a connector which engages the external high voltage terminal for providing power to the anode within in the gauge tube.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating the temperature of a sensor to reduce temperature gradients that form within the sensor. In one embodiment, the temperature gradients are reduced utilizing a temperature regulator with two controlled zones that surround a variable capacitance sensor. Measurements are made for the ambient temperature of at least one of the two temperature controlled zones, and the temperature differential between the two temperature controlled zones. The temperature regulator then adjusts the temperature of the two controlled zones based upon this differential in order to minimize the existing temperature gradient.

Abstract: A device for accurately measuring the pressure (Pg) of very highly pressurized gas includes a cylinder (16) having a cylindrical outer surface (16A) and a bore extending through the cylinder and an elongated piston (23) rotatable and vertically movable in the bore, and supporting calibration weights by means of the piston. An internal reservoir (32) is formed by providing a housing (31) to support the cylinder, the housing including a lower portion engaging a bottom portion of the cylinder and a lower peripheral portion of the cylinder and an upper portion engaging an upper peripheral portion of the cylinder, an inner portion of the housing (31) and a portion of the outer surface (16A). An interior of the reservoir (32) is pressurized through a passage (30A) extending from the reservoir to pressurize gas inlet. A passage (34) conducts pressurized oil from the reservoir into a gap between the piston (23) and the bore.

Abstract: A torque sensing device adapted for use in an electric power assisted steering system is provided. In one embodiment, the device comprises first and second shafts interconnected by a torsion bar, a bushing disposed about the torsion bar and frictionally engaged with one of the shafts, and a stator/sensing device assembly. One of the shafts defines a projection while the other shaft defines a recess. The recess receives the projection and allows a limited degree or rotational movement of the projection within the recess. A plurality of magnets is disposed circumferentially about bushing. As a result of the frictional engagement with one of the shafts, the bushing rotates independently of the stator assembly. A sensing device, such as a Hall effect sensor, is positioned within a clearance between first and second poles within the stator and detects relative rotation of the bushing, which is indicative of rotation of the frictionally engaged shaft, within the stator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetostrictive sensor for measuring a torque in a shaft. The sensor comprises at least one active magnetostrictive region on the shaft, a surface pattern in the magnetostrictive region such that it obtains anisotropic properties, a first means arranged to generate a magnetic field varying in time in the magnetostrictive region and a second means arranged to sense variation in the permeability in the magnetostrictive region. Said magnetostrictive region comprises a first layer of a magnetostrictive material which is provided on the surface of the shaft and that said surface pattern is formed by a second layer of a non-magnetostrictive material comprising a low resistivity.

Abstract: A system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature.

Abstract: A method for testing a heating system with at least one basic unit, which controls activating elements of individual heating circuits, with the basic unit being connected with setting units. To simplify the testing of such heating systems, the elements available in the heating system are arranged hierarchically in steps, with the steps being tested in a predetermined order, one after the other.

Abstract: A transmission device between a primary motor shaft and an output shaft (1) includes a casing (2) within which are disposed a reducing mechanism constituted by a driving member (3) in engagement with a driven member (4), the driven member (4) mounted freely rotatably on the output shaft (2) being adapted to be coupled with or uncoupled from the shaft (2) by a clutch mechanism mounted on the output shaft (2). The driven member (4) is a tangent toothed wheel, of synthetic material, at least the constituent material of the teeth (5) of the toothed wheel (4) incorporating a mineral or organic load increasing the resistance to the wear of the teeth (5).

Abstract: A parking assembly 10 is provided for use in combination with a vehicle of the type having a park gear 12 and a shifter or shifting assembly 14 which is operatively used to select between several “gears” or vehicle operating modes. The parking assembly 10 includes a selectively and pivotally movable parking pawl member 20, a park rod assembly 22, and a servo mechanism 24 which selectively actuates park rod 22. The servo mechanism 24 is controlled by use of a controller 30 which monitors several sensors 32, 34 and which allows the park event to be calibrated based upon various selectable vehicle conditions or attributes.

Abstract: An automatic transmission of a motor vehicle is provided that can be in at least one secured state and one unsecured state has a pivotable selector lever for selecting different gears and/or gear selections and has a first blocking mechanism, which can block the pivoting movement of the selector lever. The first blocking mechanism has a displaceable blocking element and a stationary blocking contour for engaging the blocking element and can prevent the selector lever from being pivoted by the blocking element engaging the blocking contour. A second blocking mechanism has a toggle lever, which is in contact with a stop in a stretched-out blocking position and prevents the release of the first blocking mechanism and makes possible the unlocking of the first blocking mechanism in the release position. A release mechanism releases the toggle lever from the stretched-out blocking position.

Abstract: A pedal adjustment system for an automobile having an accelerator cable and a master cylinder pushrod with a free end, the system having a brake pedal secured to a lower end of a brake pedal arm and an accelerator pedal secured to a lower end of an accelerator pedal arm. The adjustment of the brake pedal arm is effected by pivoting about the free end of the master cylinder pushrod, which pivotally engages the brake pedal arm between its ends, the pivoting being done by imposing a reversible force from an electric motor and gearbox assembly attached to an upper end of the brake pedal arm. The accelerator pedal arm, an upper end of which engages the accelerator cable, is adjusted in unison with the brake pedal arm by providing an accelerator pedal adjustment link, an upper end of which is coaxial with the brake pedal arm and a lower end of which is pivotally attached to the accelerator pedal arm at a location between the upper and lower ends of the accelerator pedal arm.

Abstract: A pedal support structure for use in a vehicle contains a toe board, a steering support beam, a master cylinder, a pair of pedal support elements including pedal support portions, a supporting mechanism provided between the pedal support portions supporting a pedal lever, and a catcher bracket. When an impact is applied to the vehicle, the pedal support portions are spread apart so as to disconnect the pedal lever from the pedal supporting mechanism and the movement of the pedal lever in a direction toward an operator of the vehicle is restricted by the pedal lever contacting the catcher bracket.

Abstract: A device that is ergonomically designed for steering a variety of industrial vehicles is disclosed. The driver may steer the vehicle while keeping his hand flat on the device, which is custom fitted to a particular industrial vehicle. The hand that steers the vehicle is kept flat on the device, allowing the driver of the vehicle to steer it without grasping the steering wheel.

Abstract: A method of attaching a balance weight to a rotating shaft includes providing a balancing weight which is adapted to be attached to the rotating shaft, wherein the balancing weight comprises a plate with an inner surface and an outer surface, and the plate is curved such that the inner surface has a profile which matches the outer surface of the rotating shaft and the plate includes a plurality of orifices extending through the plate, each of the orifices having an inner wall defining a support surface. An adhesive is applied to the rotating shaft, and the balancing weight is placed onto the rotating shaft with the adhesive located between the balancing weight and the rotating shaft. The adhesive is then cured to form a secure attachment of the balancing weight to the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A reduction gears-integrated actuator provided with harmonic reduction gears 14, a motor 7 and a rotation position detector 26, wherein a rotor 11 comprises a cup-shaped rotary yolk 12, a permanent magnet 13 is fixed to the outer periphery of the rotary yolk 12, a circular spline 15 is formed in a silk-hat shape, a flange portion 15a is fixed to one end of an actuator frame 2, and a cylinder portion 15b is disposed opposite to the inner periphery of the rotary yolk 12 via a space, and a cup-shaped housing 18 coupled with an output shaft 5 is disposed between the output shaft 5 and a rotating shaft 6 and on the inner peripheral side of a flexible spline 16, and a preloading elastic member 25 is provided between a rotary shaft 6-supporting bearing 21 and the housing, hence the axial-direction length of the actuator can be reduced, and a driving torque can be increased without compromise in reductions in size and weight, thereby providing a low-cost reduction gears-integrated actuator.

Abstract: In a power switching apparatus which switches a power transmitting state from a drive member to left and right two driven members, a circumferential connection surface of the drive member and each of circumferential connection surfaces in both of the driven members are wedge connected according to an interposition of rolling elements by moving cages in an axial direction based on a centrifugal force of a switching means. The power switching apparatus also brings end surfaces of the cages into frictional contact with the driven members so as to rotate together therewith.

Abstract: A stone hammer having a weighted head has detachably rotatable and reversible faceplates defining striking edges on opposite ends of the head. The edges of the faceplates define cutting edges for trimming stone and the like. As a striking edge becomes worn, another striking edge can be selected by repositioning the faceplate. A striking edge may be selected by rotating a faceplate, individually reversing a faceplate, replacing a faceplate, striking with an opposing end or different edge of the hammer, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the faceplates are attached by a symmetrical pattern of bolts disposed in the faceplates. A worn striking edge is replaced by unbolting the faceplate and either flipping the faceplate over, or replacing the worn faceplate with a new faceplate having fresh, sharp edges.

Abstract: A machine for clamping material to be fastened and automatically installing screws has been disclosed through a method of a self loading barrel that also aligns the screw to be installed thus relieving the operator of the strain of holding an unstable screw in place during the driving phase. This machine also automatically provides the force needed to keep the fastener from stripping at the head driver connection point through its unique design and also relieving the operator of much of the work related strain associated with these operations. This tool also provides another benefit in its design by automatically clamping the material during the fastening operation, that would normally have to be done separately with another tool. Another embodiment permits single loading of fasteners into the barrel.

Abstract: A socket device with an off-center slot for loosening and tightening connectors positioned in confined locations. The socket includes a socket body, a slot to allow a tube or pipe to pass there through and a nut retaining region. The nut retaining region positioned adjacent to a first face of the socket has a centerline that is offset from the centerline of the socket body. A socket driver port located in the opposing second face of the socket has a centerline that is offset from the centerline of the socket body but remains within the dimensions of the socket body. That arrangement allows socket rotation within a confined area with maximum possible mechanical advantage. The socket may have different receiving region configurations to accommodate different nut connector designs.

Abstract: Wrench capable of preventing a screwed member from slipping out and holding the screwed member. One end of the wrench has a head section formed with a polygonal socket. Multiple teeth are formed on the circumference of the socket for engaging with the screwed member. An annular groove is formed in the head section and a resiliently stretchable retainer ring is disposed in the annular groove. An inner edge of the retainer ring protrudes into the socket to form a stopper section. When the socket is fitted onto the screwed member, the retainer ring serves to stop the screwed member from slipping out of the socket. Also, the retainer ring can be resiliently outward stretched from the annular groove to make the screwed member fitted into the retainer ring and held thereby.

Abstract: A elastic magnetic socket wrench connector device which contains: first tube with first magnet fixed at first end and an inward stop around second end; and second tube sliding through the second end with one end inside said first tube, the inside end has a flange and with second magnet fixed at outside end; said inward stop preventing said flange from sliding off said first tube and the first magnet and said second magnet are of the same magnetic poles. The first magnet has stronger magnetic force than that of said second magnet. The device can attract a bolt preventing from it fall to the ground and the length of the device can be adjusted to fit different kinds of socket wrenches and sockets.

Abstract: A radiator cap tool for removing a radiator cap comprising a base member that has at least two axially aligned rectangular apertures. A socket drive is disposed on one side to receive the drive portion of a socket handle. Two detents are disposed in the apertures extending orthogonally from the base member to form a gap on the side of the base member opposite the socket drive member. The detents are adjustable to vary the gap between the detents for use on various sized caps.

Abstract: A screw feeding device includes a one-piece member composed of a gar, a hollow shaft and a positioning gear, a one-direction bearing received in the hollow shaft and a biasing plate contacting the positioning gear. The one-piece member reduces the space occupied by the parts of the device. An adjusting shaft has a serrated surface at one end to contact a safety board and a plurality of notches in the other end of the adjusting shaft, the notches are engaged with a bead biased by a spring, thereby controlling a depth of the screw that penetrates in an object. The guide body of the device is composed of two halves so that the manufacturing cost is reduced.

Abstract: An attachment means which attaches the device close to the front end of the bit of a power driver or an electric screwdriver, a screw capturing chuck means with several elastic holding fingers, the front end of said holding fingers being placed around the circumference of an opening in which the head of the screw is engaged, spring means when the front end of the said screw chuck receives a force in the opposite direction from the direction of a screw being screwed by the bit, the spring means allows retraction of the screwchuck, and a caliper adjustment means that is attached to the said screw capturing device and adjusts the inner diameter of the opening for receiving the screw by the resilient fingers.

Abstract: A wrench comprises a rod, a retainer, a pressing member, and a casing for accommodating the retainer and allowing relative pivotal movement between the casing and the retainer. The pressing member is received in the casing and slidable along a longitudinal direction of the rod. The pressing member is biased to press against two ends of the retainer, thereby exerting an engaging force between each of two ends of the retainer and an associated one of the ends of the pressing member. When a rotational force applied to the casing is smaller than the engaging force, the retainer and the rod are turned to thereby turn the fastener. When a rotational force applied to the casing is greater than the engaging force, the casing and the pressing member slide while the retainer and the rod are not turned.

Abstract: A hand-held screwdriver assembly having interchangeable blades which are held within a hollow handle and are available to be selected and moved through a cross-slot in a cap assembly on the handle to a stop position, and then to be secured in a chuck for use. Rotation of the cap assembly is prevented when the blade is secured in the chuck, thus precluding the introduction of a second blade into the cross-slot.

Abstract: A device for positionally-accurate accommodation of at least one secondary member on a carrier, such as a toolholder on a turret disc, comprises of adjustable locating means for positionally-accurate adjustment of the secondary member relative to the carrier. The locating means comprise of a bearing surface (24), which is laterally arranged on the carrier in the vicinity of its seat-engaging surface and which are arranged on a locating member that is adjustable relative to the carrier by means of adjusting means (30). Moreover the secondary member (17) comprises of stopping means, which are similarly allocated to the locating member in the vicinity of its seat-engaging surface (170) and which, when a secondary member is mounted on the seat-engaging surface of the carrier, are held in contact with the stopping face with prestress.

Abstract: A positioned sensing device measures and/or calculates the lateral position and movement of a saw blade. These measured and calculated values are used to automatically alter the work-feed rate and/or saw blade rim speed either up or down as sawing conditions change within the work piece or between different work pieces.

Abstract: An automatic iron core air gap cutting apparatus includes an electronic control box and a transmission system to receive signals and control from the electronic control box for receiving finished iron cores to perform air gaps cutting operations. The completed iron cores with the air gaps formed thereon are pushed to an exit chute for packaging, thereby completing the automatic iron core fabrication process.

Abstract: Barrel assemblies (1) each include a plurality of projectiles (11) arranged in-line within barrel (12) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling projectiles (11) through the muzzle of barrel (12). Projectiles (11) are arranged with one another and barrel (12) so as to prevent rearward travel of an ignited propellant charge to the trailing propellant charge. The matter or objects contained within holding body (17) may include explosive charges for scismic exploration, fire retardants, fire extinguishing means, pyrotechnics, herbicide, insecticide, fertilizer or seeds. Methods of delivering loaded projectiles (11) for civilian purposes are claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching an object in a fluid environment having a tubular member with a forward muzzle end, an opposed rearward end. The object is positioned in the tubular member. Ends of the tubular member are closed by expellable members. Flood valves are located on the expellable members and, on activation, allow flooding of the tubular member by external fluid. A propellant device and an object contact member are disposed within the tubular member. When the propellant device is activated, the object contact member moves the object. These actions are controlled by a control device which first causes the flood valves to enable fluid to flood the interior region. Next, the control device causes the expellable members to be expelled from the tubular member. The control device then causes the propellant device to generate gas in a predetermined manner launching the object from the tubular member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fastening a silencer on to a firearm are disclosed. In an example, a mounting device is disclosed which includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the barrel such that the housing is fixed against rotation relative to the barrel. It also includes a silencer holder rotatably mounted to the housing; and a fastener to secure the silencer holder to the housing at an angular position that substantially maximizes the firing accuracy of the firearm.

Abstract: A weapon turret (10) intended for a military vehicle and equipped with a medium-calibre automatic weapon (12) and a relatively heavy-calibre weapon (14), in which the two weapons are, firstly, mounted in a weapon holder fitted in the weapon turret such that they can be jointly pivoted about a common horizontal pivot axis (18) and, secondly, can be pivoted jointly with the turret about a vertical centre axis (20) of the same, the heavy-calibre weapon (14) being mounted next to and parallel with the automatic weapon (12) and close up to this. At least one ammunition magazine (48) in the weapon turret (10) is provided with at least one guide duct (44, 46) for guiding an ammunition belt from the magazine to the automatic weapon (12). The automatic weapon (12) is mounted in the weapon holder such that the longitudinal axis of the barrel (26) of the automatic weapon extends through the common horizontal pivot axis (18) and through the vertical centre axis (20) of the weapon turret.

Abstract: A fluid control system is disclosed that includes a first double-acting actuator and a second double-acting actuator. A first independent metering valve has a first control port connected to the first double-acting actuator, a second control port connected to the second double-acting actuator, first and second independently operable valves disposed between the inlet port and the first and second control ports, and a first check control mechanism having a main check valve between the inlet port and the first and second independently operable valves. The first check control mechanism controls the main check valve to allow the first and second actuators to operate in either an independent function mode or a regenerative function mode.

Abstract: By means of a method and a device for controlling a lift cylinder (2) of working machines, wherein the hydraulic oil from the pressure cylinder space (12) is forced via a control element (3) into the suction cylinder space (11) during lowering by an external force, it is possible in particular to achieve automatic changeover between normal operation and an operating condition in which an additional force in vertical direction can be exerted.

Abstract: An axial piston machine with a swashplate and a cylinder block provided with a torque transmission member is rotationally mounted by a bearing system located radially between the cylinder block and a housing. To achieve compact dimensions and an improved supply of hydraulic fluid, the cylinder block and the swashplate are penetrated centrally by two plain coaxial conduits that are connected on the swashplate-side ends to hydraulic fluid supply channels and emerge on the cylinder-block-side ends in a control body which has a control surface that interacts with the cylinder block. The control body is located inside the cylinder block. The plain conduits are supported in a swashplate mounting and in the cylinder block. The axial piston machine is preferably realized in the form of a wheel motor.

Abstract: In a hydrostatic device using an axial piston pump, a return plate is mounted so that it contacts the movable swash plate of the hydrostatic transmission. The plate is biased by a spring-type mechanism to force the swash plate to return to neutral, and the set position of the plate may be externally adjusted to compensate for irregularities. A second plate may be used where necessary based on the arrangement of the return plate with respect to the pump cylinder block.

Abstract: An electric coffee maker includes a removable filtering member for receiving ground coffee beans. A selection unit can be actuated to operate the assembly of a water-supplying device, a flow control unit, and a dispensing member in a selected one of a single-stage Espresso coffee mode and a two-stage Americano coffee mode. In the Espresso coffee mode, hot water is supplied into the filtering member via a main water path for discharging brewed coffee. In the Americano coffee mode, hot water is supplied twice. The first supply of the hot water flows into the filtering member via the main water path so as to discharge brewed coffee into a cup. The second supply of the hot water flows into the cup via a secondary water path and a water passage space in the dispensing member that is located outside the filtering member.

Abstract: During camping trips, picnics, or other similar outings, a food, such as a hot dog or wiener, can be cooked over an open fire. Instead of a typical sharpened stick or fork being used to hold the hot dog over the fire, the device described provides rotary placement of a food being roasted over an open heat source such as a campfire. The apparatus is a durable and easy to use food cooker that facilitates the uniform cooking of a food. Food such as hot dogs, wieners, sausages, and ears of corn may be readily placed into the cooking apparatus and roasted over an open fire. The device is adaptable for holding other food items, such as marshmallows, by the use of an accessory holder.

Abstract: An apparatus that dispenses a food substance has a housing and a barrel removably connected to the housing. A rod connected to a plunger is disposed within the housing and the barrel. A drive mechanism including a dual-direction electric motor is located in the housing. The drive mechanism actuates the rod so that the plunger is advanced in the barrel to dispense the food substance. The drive mechanism includes a nut housing having an inner passage housing a nut positioned between a pair of compression springs. The nut is restricted from rotational movement relative to the nut housing but may move a limited distance vertically. The rod is positioned through the nut housing. The nut travels along the rod as the rod moves within the apparatus.

Abstract: Two steel plates with perforations in both sheets have narrow bent edges which overlap when the two plates are placed together to for a rapid smoker with approximately ¾ inch between the plates. A layer of wood chips is placed in the rapid smoker and the smoker placed directly on the heating source of any type of grill. The wood catches fire quickly through the bottom perforations and sends smoke through the top perforations. The perforation are configured in the top and bottom steel plates in such a way as to accomplish rapid ignition of wood producing smoke and control of the burning/smoking process. This process produces two cooking zones and adds additional favor to the cooked food.

Abstract: Above-ground tanks form brining cells into which cheese blocks are conveyed by common inlet and outlet flumes. Each cell has a removable conveyor assembly having a looped link belt driven around a frame by a motor. Perpendicular, tubular, or hinged segmented flights project from the belt to engage infed cheese blocks, and submerge a series of rows of blocks. An infeed flume delivers a stream of cheese blocks to a cell. Once a level below a flight is filled, the conveyor is actuated to submerge that level, and the next level is then filled until the tank is filled. After brining, the conveyor is incremented to discharge the cheeses flight by flight into an outlet flume. The flume may have a lower segment narrower than an upper segment, such that by draining the tank smaller cheese blocks may be better controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding a transportable wire core including a binding table comprised of sections in spaced relation sufficient to allow passage between them of a binding wire, and a collapsible carrying spool having base members being in spaced relation sufficient to allow passage between them of a binding wires. The spool is positionable on the table such that the base members of the spool and the sections of the table are aligned in operative cooperation. Guide tracks have first sections attached to the table and in operative alignment between the spool base members and the table sections. Guide track second sections are translatable between a removed position that allows a wire core on a spool to be positioned on the binding tables and an engaged position that operatively engages the binding wire guide track first sections. The second guide track sections operatively align between the sections of the table and the base members of the spool.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a trash can that one finds in high-traffic public venues. The trash can receives trash through an opening in the top of the housing. A trash by-pass chute is disposed within the housing and transports the trash from the opening in the top to the lower portion of the housing. A mechanism for automatically compacting the trash in the lower portion of the housing is provided within the housing. The compacted trash may be removed from the lower portion of the housing via a door that opens to allow access through the side of the trash can. The mechanism for compacting trash contents includes a frame disposed within the housing, and a compacting mechanism carried by the frame. The compacting mechanism includes a platen and is configured for moving the platen through a compaction stroke to apply compacting pressure to trash contents located in the lower portion of the housing during at least a portion of a compaction stroke.