Abstract: A vehicle of the type described wherein the torque converter has an input shaft adapted to be driven by the engine and connected to an impeller and an output shaft adapted to drive the ground engaging device and connected to a turbine, torque being transmitted between the impeller and the turbine hydro-kinetically by fluid and a reactor member in the fluid path and there being a lock up clutch which, when in an operative condition, connects the torque converter for direct drive without torque conversion between the input shaft and the output shaft and which, when in an inoperative condition, permits drive through the torque converter with torque conversion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lip for an excavation bucket. The lip includes a lower plate defining a plurality of integral projections along a front edge thereof, an upper plate and a central plate sandwiched between the lower plate and the upper plate so as to form a laminated structure. The upper plate also defines a plurality of integral projections which together with the projections on the lower plate form tool attachment formations in a serrated front edge of the laminated structure for supporting ground-engaging tools on the lip.

Abstract: After a wire rope sling is fabricated and the sleeve has been painted and dried, an adhesive type of tag containing all of the information required by ASME B30.9c is applied directly to the sleeve's surface. The sleeve and the tag will then be encased using a transparent casing, coating, or sealant. This will protect the tag from abrasion, the environment, and will ensure a permanent and legible tag.

Abstract: An amusement and entertainment device for pets, particularly felines. The device has a weighted base with a curved outer surface. A fan within the base directs a flow of air into a transparent viewing chamber which contains one or more flying particles which have the appearance of flying insects will dart and fly about in the chamber. The particles may be luminescent to glow in the dark. The device will appeal to the animal's stalking instincts and will return to an upright position when pawed or struck.

Abstract: An encasement system for a display article comprising a transparent top section, a bottom section, a side section disposed directly adjacent the transparent top section and bottom section, the side section having an extending arm, the extending arm having a top segment and a bottom segment and a channel defined there between, whereby a cavity is defined between the transparent top section, bottom section and side section for receiving the display article and whereby the channel is in communication with the cavity, an inert gas injected into the cavity through the channel; and a sealant for attaching the transparent top section to the side section and to the bottom section such that the inert gas is sealed inside the cavity between the transparent top section and bottom section and adjacent the side section.

Abstract: A tube and ring assembly is provided for use with a shotgun barrel including a cylindrical tube, which may be a conventional choke tube or a carrier platform, with a first externally threaded portion at one end for threadingly engaging an internal thread in the shotgun barrel. A second externally threaded portion is provided on the tube which will remain exposed beyond the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel when the tube is fully threaded into engagement with the shotgun barrel. An internally threaded ring is also provided which is sized to be threadingly carried on an outside of the tube and to engage the second externally threaded portion of the tube such that the ring can be threaded onto the tube until it abuttingly engages the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: A collapsible live bait container constructed of a vinyl coated fabric mesh. The mesh is sewn over one or more flexibly resilient stays. A foam flotation member or buoyant stays can be secured to the enclosure walls. Resealing access ports are defined with strips of hook and loop fasteners, zippers or a fabric sleeve and drawstring. Several storage compartments can be provided with permanent or detachable walls or pockets.

Abstract: Repeating animal traps incorporating one or more inclined plane trap assemblies with means to preclude an animal on the tilting floor member of the trap assembly from engaging the top and/or side edges of the door member of the trap assembly in an attempt to escape from the trap by pulling the door member down to thereby unblock access to the entrance opening. Additional means are shown to preclude an animal within the enlarged holding chamber or enclosure of the repeating animal trap from engaging the inner end portions of the floor member in an attempt to escape from the trap by pulling the floor member down, enabling the animal to climb onto the floor member and then attempt to pull the door member down to escape from the trap. A barrier in the form of sharpened projections and/or an inclined ramp is provided beneath the inner end portions of the floor member to discourage an animal entering or nesting within that space when the floor member is raised in the reset position of the trap assembly.

Abstract: An animal trap comprises a trap body with a sliding trap door at one end. A bait holder is pivotably mounted on the top of the trap body, the top including an opening through which the bait holder is inserted into the trap body. The bait holder is connected to a trip mechanism, which includes a rod having a ball mounted thereon. The ball is positioned towards the front end of the trap, the ball being a support mechanism that balances the trap door in an open position. When an animal enters the trap and takes the bait, the bait holder is pivoted, moving the trip mechanism to upset the balance of the trap door on the rod, thereby closing the trap and retaining the animal therein.

Abstract: An electrically operated, self contained device that eliminates mosquitos by attracting the mosquitos to lay their eggs in trays of water provided in the device and periodically filtering the eggs from the water. The eggs that have been filtered out of the water are then mechanically destroyed by crushing them. The filtered water is recycled to a water supply tank for reuse in refilling the trays of water in the device.

Abstract: An assembly and method for termite ground monitoring, the assembly including an upwardly opening cylindrical housing defining an interior space; a removable lid having a flanged upper surface; a bait stick cradle fitted for downward extension into the interior space; and cradle suspending ties interconnecting the lid and the bait stick cradle; the method including steps of burying the cylindrical housing within the ground so that the interior space opens upwardly; inserting a bait stick into the bait stick cradle; inserting the bait stick cradle into the interior space; providing an extension arm having a slotted lower end; downwardly extending the extension arm toward the lid, and engaging the slot with the lid's flange; and upwardly retracting the extension arm, the lid, the bait stick cradle, and the bait stick for inspection of the bait stick.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus preferably coupled to a boom on a truck which can simultaneously trim and chemically treat trees or other vegetation with a herbicide. The apparatus, in addition to have a standard saw blade assembly with limb clamping jaws, includes a sprayer assembly. The sprayer assembly includes nozzles which administer herbicides or other chemical treatments adjacent to the saw blades, allowing herbicide to be precisely administered to the tree limbs as they are cut.

Abstract: An access system for a building structure includes an access opening formed in the structure and a horizontally oriented track extending across the opening. Panels are slidably mounted on the track. A pulley—track system opens and closes the panels. The system is controlled with a manually operated control panel mounted on the building structure.

Abstract: A double-acting door closure device that automatically returns a double-acting door to a preferred center position comprises first and second members each having a helical end surface extending transversely of its center axis. The first member is secured in spaced relation to a door jamb and the second member is mounted on and secured to a door post that extends through and is rotatable in the first member, with the helical end surface of the second member facing and engaging the helical end surface of the first member. The helical end surfaces coact with one another to gravitationally return a door attached to the door post to a closed position automatically after the door has been pushed opened and then released.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible light conduit having two ends, one end mounted to an outdoor support such as a roof and at it's other end to a ceiling or other support inside a structure such as a house, garage, shed or other structure, said light conduit being of any shape in cross section, preferably square or rectangular and lined with any material or combination of materials for insulation, ornamentation and the like.

Abstract: A system support assembly comprises a pair of substantially parallel footer forms, insulated concrete forms, footer form base saddles, a poly form saddle assembly and first and second vertical stabilizers. The footer form base saddle may be generally u-shaped and is driven into the ground forming two substantially parallel areas. Each footer form is placed within the row formed by the footer form base saddles such that a cavity is defined therebetween which will ultimately form the footer of the foundation. The poly form saddle assemble comprises a poly form saddle and fasteners. The poly form saddle may also be generally u-shaped and is placed over both footer forms, thus straddling the same. The poly form saddle may then be secured with corresponding fasteners. The insulated concrete forms are placed side by side and are stacked upward, such that a wall is formed. A first poly form vertical stabilizer is placed over the wall and operatively connected to the footer form base saddle.

Abstract: A product, and a wall system utilizing such product, adapted to allow drainage of moisture from a wall of a structure. A sheet of corrugated material forms a plurality of ridges and grooves on opposite sides of the sheet of corrugated material. The sheet of corrugated material is relatively inflexible under a force applied generally perpendicular to the sheet. The sheet of corrugated material has a multiplicity of perforations. A sheet of water permeable material is affixed to one side of the sheet of corrugated material. The product is flexible in a direction along the plurality of ridges and grooves allowing the product to be stocked in roll form. A method of providing drainage of moisture from a wall structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pasteless wall covering system in which wall covering becomes easily installable, removable, changeable and reusable without damaging walls. A wall covering border is attached to, or made from, a semi-rigid paper stock and is held on the wall by a holder with channels. The holder can be created by scoring and folding a top and bottom channel. The holder can be attached to the wall by stapling, adhesives or other attachment means.

Abstract: A lattice of support surfaces are used to support substantially the perimeter of a construction tile. The support surface is made integral with a decorative border. Linear railways attach orthogonally to other railways to form the lattice. Tiles are set into the lattice providing a warmer installation relative to installation over concrete tile foundation.

Abstract: A brick veneer assembly having improved accommodation of brick tolerances, simple assembly, and lower cost relative to the prior art. A plurality of bricks having a tapered locating surface are provided. A support panel includes horizontal rows of L-shaped retainers and corresponding rows of holes. Each L-shaped retainer further includes a leg portion extending away from the support panel, and a foot portion that depends downwardly away from the leg portion.

Abstract: A roofing system having a multiplicity of courses of roofing shingles and interply material having at least one course of interply material overlapping at least about ten percent of a first course of shingles and a second course of shingles overlapping at least a portion of the interply material and the first course of shingles. More than about 40% of the first course of shingles is exposed after installation. The roofing system has a class A fire resistant rating. Roofing shingles having particular utility in the roofing system of the present invention are also disclosed. In preferred embodiments the shingles have an exposure width of at least about 60% of the shingle, more preferably at least about 64% of the width of the shingle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting structure which is arranged at two abutting structural panels (1, 2) so that said structural panels are connected with each other, comprising two pairs of clamping plates, with one of said pairs of clamping plates being fixed to one structural panel (1), and the other pair of clamping plates being fixed to the other structural panel (2). The two pairs of clamping plates abut against each other with one of their clamping plates (3, 4), and the two abutting clamping plates (3, 4) are provided with mutually aligned, undercut longitudinal slots (5) which receive a connecting plate (6) connecting the abutting two clamping plates (3, 4) with each other and being fixed to the two clamping plates (3, 4) by means of fasteners (7) which extend through said connecting plate (6). Thus, a mounting structure is provided whose manufacture is relatively easy and cost-efficient.

Abstract: A decking assembly having a first deck section with a male leg and a second deck positioned adjacent to and in overlapping relationship to the first deck section. The second deck section has a female leg overlying the male leg of the first deck section. The male leg and the female leg have a triangular tab formed therethrough such that the triangular tab extends outwardly on one side of the female leg so as to secure the edges of the sections together in secure relationship. A plurality of triangular tabs are formed in spaced relationship to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assembling structural members of thin and lightweight shaped steel, the thin and lightweight shaped-steel members to be assembled having at least one joint hole or concave/convex portion at an appropriate position of a flange or web of the thin and lightweight shaped steel member, and temporarily joining portions of the thin and lightweight shaped steel members to each other for easy assembly.

Abstract: A machine for packing products having a first packing unit for producing a succession of first packed groups of products and a second packing unit for grouping the first packed groups into second packed groups, each presenting a number of the first packed groups. A flat support serves for supporting the first packed groups and is interposed between the two packing units. A step-conveying device extends over the flat support and has a succession of pockets for receiving respective first packed groups, and provides an output portion whose pockets are detachable from the first packed groups to release the first packed groups on the flat support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing corners of a load with cornerboards prior to wrapping the load is provided. The method may include providing a load on a load transport surface, removing a cornerboard from within a magazine by a gripper, and transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load with the gripper. Relative rotation may be provided between the stretch wrap packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the stretch wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and the load. If the cornerboard is not pre-formed, it is folded prior to transport to the load. The cornerboard is secured to the corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, four magazines and four grippers are provided, such that four cornerboards can be carried to the load at the same time.

Abstract: A drinking straw attachment device for attaching drinking straws to beverage containers, wherein the drinking straws are fed in the form of a drinking straw band provided with a glue layer, with a feeder device having, at least the point where the cutting device severs two drinking straws from each other, a recess matched in its height position with the glue layer and the height extension of which corresponds at least to the width of the glue layer. A method for attaching drinking straws to beverage containers includes cutting device drinking straw band into pieces between each of the two drinking straws with a cutting device in the area of the feeder device, and piercing the cutting device through the glue layer and the drinking straw band into a recess provided on the feeder device in a height position corresponding to the glue layer, and whereby the height extension of the recess corresponds at least to the width of the glue band.

Abstract: A method of advertising on wine and spirits bottles, which provides both advertising and a way to protect the bottles from damage in a shopping bag or box, in which bottle packaging dividers are imprinted with advertising material, and then distributed to retail sellers of wine and spirits so that employees may use the bottle packaging dividers to cushion the wine and spirit bottles sold by them to consumers, while at the same time providing an advertising vehicle.

Abstract: Methods are known for conveying bags in the form of a continuous web such that they open at a suitable place during continuous conveyance and during maintenance of the open condition so they can be filled and sealed after closing. Prior art methods utilize complicated methods for retention. According to the invention, the bag web is suspended on horizontal studs mounted on carrier chains running in such a way that the bags open and a surrounding groove around the studs along the chains prevents the bags from falling off during passage of filling stations etc.

Abstract: An air bladder packing system having an inflatable center body and extensions therefrom. The center body is generally for placement on top of an item placed in an outside box while the fingers are designed for positioning in the spaces between the item and the walls of the box. After placement, the air bladder is inflated to span the space between the item and the box, thereby securely holding the item in the box and providing protection against shifting during transport and providing impact protection.

Abstract: An adjustable stripper/moistener system for a mailing system is provided. The stripper blade and moistening assembly are adjustable in a direction transverse to the movement of a mail piece being passed through the mailing machine. By allowing the stripper blade to move with respect to the feed deck, the position of the stripper blade can be optimally set to reliably strip different size and shape flaps from different types of envelopes. Additionally, by allowing the moistening assembly to move in conjunction with the stripper blade, there is better control of the amount and location of deposition of the moistening fluid on the envelope flap, thereby preventing possible damage to the envelope or its contents. The position of the stripper blade and moistening assembly may be manually adjustable by an operator, or automatically adjusted based on an input or sensed profile of the envelope flap.

Abstract: A deaerating method and deaerating apparatus in a bag-filling packaging machine, using a pair of press-holding members with one of them having a main body and a slide element that fits in the main body. A vacuum passage is formed between the upper portion of the slide element and the main body, and a groove is formed on a press-holding surface side when the slide element is moved backward; and with this groove, a passage leading from the inside to the outside of a bag is formed. Air and excess liquid matter inside the bag are sucked out of the bag through the passage and are removed through the vacuum passage. When the slide element is moved forward and press-holds the portion of the mouth that corresponds to the passage, the liquid matter inside such portion is pushed and is removed through the vacuum passage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming soft capsules and provides novel processing flexibility. The apparatus comprises a three-way valve injector wedge. This injector wedge allows for set-up of the encapsulation machine with a placebo fill and quick change over to active fill. This conserves use of the active ingredient.

Abstract: A bottom folding assembly for a packaging machine is configured to infold the bottom side panels, leading panel and trailing panel of a carton for forming a sealed carton bottom in such a manner as to reduce the contact of rotating elements with the carton material to reduce the generation of dust. The bottom folding assembly is positioned about a rotating turret that defines a turret plane. The mandrels are configured to receive a carton in the tubular form and to carry the carton with the carton positioned such that a bottom of the carton is positioned at a free end of the mandrel. The bottom folding apparatus, located between a carton bottom heater and a carton bottom sealer includes a rotating drive shaft mounted transverse to the turret plane and a pair of opposing rotating members are operably mounted to the drive shaft and are disposed on either side of the turret rotational path. The rotating member rotate in a plane transverse to the turret plane.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a rotary mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a cutting plane about a rotation axis within the cutter housing, a cover and a fin extending from the cover toward the cutting plane. The cover is movably mounted within the cutter housing in a plane parallel to the cutting plane and between a full bagging position where the discharge opening is unobstructed by the cover and a full mulching position where the cover obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting machine comprises a movable frame and a harvesting assembly for detaching crop material, comprising fruit and foliage from trees, shrubs and the like standing on a field. A conveyor receives the detached fruit and foliage, together with juice from the fruit, and transports the same to a container. A stationary screen is installed above the conveyor for retaining thereon solid fruit portions and for allowing passage therethrough of the juice. A cleaning device mechanism is provided above the screen for separating the foliage from the detached fruit. The conveyor is provided with outwardly extending fingers extending through the screen for engaging and moving the solid fruit portions to the container.

Abstract: A texturing machine for draw texturing a plurality of synthetic multi-filament yarns and which includes a plurality of side by side processing stations. Each of the processing stations comprises a plurality of processing units for advancing, texturing, drawing, and winding the yarn. At least one of the processing units is driven by an electrical individual drive, with the individual drives of the processing units of adjacent processing stations being controlled by a common group frequency changer. To enable a separate connection and disconnection of the individual drives with a simultaneous group control, the electrical individual drive of each processing unit includes an asynchronous unit and a synchronous unit. In the case of a predetermined desired frequency, this permits an automatic startup and maintenance of the desired frequency, which leads to a high degree of uniformity of the yarn treatment in each processing station.

Abstract: A means and method for inserting drivers into a surgical stapling cartridge, including a pallet that holds the cartridge firmly. The pallet has a central slot and laterally positioned lip members that are biased toward the slot. The cartridge is positioned in the slot and the lip members are released to extend their lips over the lateral flanges on the cartridge, thereby holding the cartridge in position. A finger extends into a recess formed at one end of the cartridge, thereby positively positioning the cartridge in the slot. The cartridge is released for removal by a tongue inserted between the lip members, thereby separating them by displacement.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a turbine engine to facilitate preventing ice accumulation on the turbine engine during engine operation. The method comprises coupling at least one heat pipe to the engine such that a first end of the at least one heat pipe is coupled in thermal communication with a heat source, and coupling a second end of the at least one heat pipe in thermal communication with an outer surface of an engine component that is upstream from the heat source.

Abstract: A turboprop powerplant with at least a compressor having a forward compressor inlet and a shaft extending axially through the compressor and having a shaft axis, an inlet duct encircling the shaft passing therethrough, the inlet duct having an aft end in gas communication with the compressor inlet and a forward end having at least two branches each with an inlet orifice, each inlet orifice having a centroid in a radial plane through and transverse to the shaft axis, the centroids and shaft axis defining an angle less than 180°.

Abstract: An engine diagnostic system for use with an internal combustion engine coupled to a lean NOx trap with a sensor coupled downstream of the trap. The sensor provides two output signals, one indicative of an air-fuel ratio and the second indicative of a NOx concentration. Construction of the sensor insists that proper indication of NOx concentration is dependent upon proper operation of the first output signal. Degradation of the NOx concentration signal is determined when the first output signal has degraded.

Abstract: An accurate thermodynamic model of an Active Lean NOx (ALNC) Catalyst is presented. The model takes into account hydrocarbon storage and release mechanisms of the ALNC, as well as the degradation in the ALNC hydrocarbon conversion efficiency due to ageing, and thus provides a more accurate estimate of an exotherm generated by hydrocarbon combustion in the ALNC. The estimated exotherm can them be used to detect system degradation and identify components responsible for the degradation.

Abstract: A combustion control apparatus operates an internal combustion engine in a split retard combustion mode during regenerating an exhaust purifier such as a particulate filter. In the split retard combustion mode, the combustion control apparatus controls a first fuel injection to cause preliminary combustion at or near top dead center, and controls a second fuel injection to cause main combustion after an end of the preliminary combustion. In this manner, the combustion control apparatus controls an exhaust gas temperature, or an exhaust air-fuel ratio, without increasing exhaust smoke. During the split retard combustion mode, the combustion control apparatus controls an EGR rate of the engine. The EGR rate in the split retard combustion mode is set lower than in the normal combustion mode, in each operating point of the engine.

Abstract: A particulate deposit amount Spm on a particulate filter disposed in an exhaust passage is estimated during a usual period different from a regeneration period of the particulate filter and during the regeneration period thereof respectively. An increase value Dpm per unit time of the Spm during the usual period is estimated based upon an engine operating condition and a total amount of the Spm is determined by integration thereof (S15, 16). On the other hand, a particulate deposit amount Spm decreasing by burning during the regeneration period is determined by, one by one, subtracting a decrease value Dpm per unit time estimated based upon a particulate deposit amount Spmi that is determined by the above integration at a starting point of the regeneration period from the Spmi (S12, 17).

Abstract: A controller (31) determines whether, during previous regeneration processing of a filter (41), the previous regeneration processing was interrupted or the previous regeneration processing was completed without interruption. An amount of DPM trapped in the filter (41) is estimated on the basis of a pressure loss in the filter (41) during running following uninterrupted completion of the previous regeneration processing in the previous regeneration processing of the filter (41), whereas the amount of DPM trapped in the filter (41) is estimated on the basis of an amount of discharged DPM during running following an interruption in the previous regeneration processing in the course of the previous regeneration processing of the filter (41).

Abstract: A combination exhaust gas post treatment/muffler device in the exhaust gas section of an internal combustion engine is provided. A special platinum-coated preliminary oxidation catalytic converter is combined with at least one particle separator, which is exactly coordinated therewith, in a muffler to achieve carbon particle separation rates of greater than 50%.

Abstract: A waste heat recovering device for an internal combustion engine includes: an internal combustion engine; and an evaporator into which an exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine is introduced as a high temperature fluid. An exhaust gas inlet of the evaporator is placed adjacent to an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine. Thus, there can be provided a waste heat recovering device having a high waste heat recovery rate.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an exhaust header having heat sinks forming an integral part of the header conduit 14. The heat sinks are in the form of a plurality of radially positioned longitudinal fins 20 extending between the distal ends of the exhaust header 26. The extruded fins 20 welded at 24 to the engine exhaust conduits 14 tapering at 22 toward the flange 16 which is fixedly attached to the engine. At the other distal end a large, three-inch collector 18 is disposed having a rotating flange 30 with apertures 32 therein which flange encircles the collector. In an alternative embodiment, breaks 28 are provided in the fins. The present invention 10 is designed to improve cooling efficiency, reduce engine compartment temperature and provide greater overall structural integrity of the header pipes.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention, provides an auxiliary hydraulic drive system having a total hydraulic flow. The system includes a primary hydraulic pump operable to provide hydraulic flow for an implement, and a flow control valve in communication with the hydraulic flow. The flow control valve operates to allow an optimum flow rate and diverts the excess flow amount when the total hydraulic flow exceeds the optimum flow rate. A secondary hydraulic pump is selectively operable to provide additional hydraulic flow. A control system is operable to engage the secondary pump when the total hydraulic flow drops below a minimum flow level; and the control system operates to disengage the secondary pump when the total hydraulic flow exceeds a maximum flow level. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a control unit for a hydraulic system. The control unit includes a sensor to measure total hydraulic fluid flow in a system; and a controller coupled to the sensor.

Abstract: An axle driving system which houses in a housing thereof a hydrostatic transmission, axles, and a driving gear train for connecting output means of the hydraulic transmission and axles, so as to transmit power from a driving source to the hydrostatic transmission and to change the speed, thereby driving the axles. A first chamber therein contains the hydrostatic transmission and a second chamber therein contains the driving gear train. Both the first and second chambers are independent of each other so as to prevent a foreign object, such as iron powder produced in the driving gear train, from entering the hydrostatic transmission. The system includes an L-like-shaped center section on which the hydrostatic transmission is offset such that an imaginary plane which includes a motor mounting surface passes in proximity to the axis of a pump shaft. The pump shaft is disposed perpendicular to the axles. The motor shaft is disposed in parallel thereto.