Abstract: The present invention provides a highly workable disposal method for a seatbelt pretensioner used in an automobile. This method is a disposal method for a seatbelt pretensioner and attachments thereof, in which the attachments are removed, whereupon the seatbelt pretensioner, which contains an explosive component, is subjected to thermal treatment at a temperature that is equal to or greater than the ignition point of the explosive component.

Abstract: A process for removal of sulfur dioxide from a flue gas. An alkaline admixture is coated with a coating agent that improves dispersability and delays calcination of the alkaline admixture within a combustion zone and results in a coated alkaline admixture. The coated alkaline admixture is introduced to the boiler to create a reaction that reduces the amount of sulfur dioxide from the flue gas.

Abstract: A corner turning assist device for a sewing machine includes at least one sensor and at least one rotating mechanism engaging the workpiece from the underside of the same. The at least one sensor(s) provides signaling to a motor and the at least one rotating mechanism to indicate when the workpiece has reached a point for pivoting.

Abstract: A tubular fabric article is gripped at either end on gripping rings (24) which can be rotated and moved axially with respect to a fixed position D-D. A fixed needle mechanism (30) extends within the tubular article. A needle (36) is oscillated between a retracted and extended position and cooperates with a hook and bobbin mechanism to form stitches.

Abstract: A tufting machine as disclosed with a variable yarn feed mechanism and a method for tufting patterns with yarns from two rows of needles offset longitudinally from one another in a fashion that the different stitch lengths are selected in a fashion that the yarns from each row of needles are complementary to the other and maintain a consistent stitch density.

Abstract: A shock mitigation system for a hydrofoil marine craft is provided, the shock mitigation system includes a pair of stacked lifting bodies, where an upper lifting body is used to provide initial lift for the craft. To mitigate the wave effects on the craft when operating at cruise speed, the distance between the upper lifting bodies and the waterline is proportionally related to the operational wave height. When operated within the selected operational parameters, the distance between the upper lifting bodies and waterline prevents the upper lifting bodies from becoming wetted and producing sudden increases in lift from wave impact.

Abstract: An assembly used in connection with an anchor, whereby, on use, the anchor comprises one or more endpieces (2) meant to penetrate into the bottom, a shank (1) from the said endpiece, and fitted to the shank end a fixing means, as a holding block (8) furnished with a hole for the pulling element of the anchor. The mounting holding block (8) or similar of the pulling element is fitted to piece (9) movable along shank so that on anchoring the motion of piece (9) from shank (1) end towards endpiece (2) is prevented by means of blocking arrangement (7,11) between shank (1) and the piece and lifting the anchor on use the impact of the locking arrangement is eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for securely mounting one or more water skis for storage is disclosed. The apparatus offers a simple method of securing the water ski with provision for locking to prevent theft. The apparatus is further suitable for mounting beneath a boat lift canopy, providing convenient access to the water skis and allowing water skis to dry after use. A variation on the apparatus allows for secure storage of other boating equipment.

Abstract: An improved floating circular hull construction arrangement. The hull is divided into sections by watertight flats. In each section, longitudinal stiffeners spaced around the inside of the outer shell terminate adjacent the flats and do not penetrate the flats. The longitudinal stiffeners are supported by full rings that are concentric with the center of the hull. The rings are received over the longitudinal stiffeners, extend radially inward and are laterally supported with members configured to act in tension in either axial direction and which are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hull. Rings on the inner shell extend radially outward toward the outer shell and may be laterally supported similarly to the lateral supports of the outer shell. The flats are stiffened with angles or bulb tees curved to form concentric circles that are in turn supported with radial girders spaced around the flats and spanning between the inner and outer shells.

Abstract: A single roll crusher for comminuting high purity materials includes a roll with teeth spaced around the circumference of the roll. The roll is rotatably mounted inside a housing. The housing has a top with an entrance port, sides, and bottom with an exit port. The roll, teeth, and at least the inside surfaces of the top, sides, and bottom are fabricated from a material of construction that minimizes contamination of silicon. The material of construction may be tungsten carbide with a cobalt binder. The single roll crusher is used for processing polycrystalline silicon.

Abstract: An applicator device for a printing/varnishing unit in a processing machine is provided. The applicator device helps prevent jolts caused by a cylinder channel and thereby increasing the print quality. The applicator roller 5, 6, 7 is associated with a cylinder channel 10 of a printing cylinder 1. The applicator roller 5, 6, 7 consists of a roller core 12 on which at least one compressible layer 13 and a cover layer 14 are concentrically arranged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system (100) for aligning a dispensing apparatus (110) utilized within a semiconductor deposition chamber (102). A stationary reference apparatus (106) is disposed along the bottom of the deposition chamber. A self-alignment support system (122), comprising one or more support components (124), is intercoupled between the dispensing apparatus and a deposition system exterior component (112). The self-alignment support system is adapted to facilitate and secure repositioning of the dispensing apparatus responsive to pressure applied to the dispensing surface (114) thereof. A non-yielding offset component (126) is placed upon a first surface (108) of the stationary reference apparatus. The dispensing surface of the dispensing apparatus is engaged with the offset component, and pressure is applied to the dispensing apparatus via the offset component until a desired alignment is achieved.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for the application of a fluoropolymer coating to the threads of an internally threaded fastener. The fastener has a body and a threaded bore extending to opposing ends of the body to define opposing first and second openings in the fastener. The fastener is moved on a conveyor along a path of travel with its threaded bore in a predetermined orientation. As the fastener moves along its path of travel, the first opening is closed by means of an obstructing member, while an air stream carrying entrained fluoropolymer powder is directed from a nozzle through the second opening and into the threaded bore. The nozzle is stationary and is located at an axially displaced position relative to the second opening of the fastener and immediately adjacent the conveyor. Preferably, the nozzle includes a diffuser which directs the air stream and entrained fluoropolymer powder into the fastener bore in a diverging pattern.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a mounting member for mounting a turbine airfoil in a coating chamber. The mounting member defines a chamber therein and includes a mounting port that is adapted to receive the turbine airfoil. The mounting port provides a fluid connection between the chamber and an internal passage of the airfoil. A support member is mounted between the chamber wall and mounting member and bears the weight of the mounting member. The mounting member is unfixed relative to a chamber wall of the coating chamber. Thus, the chamber wall does not restrict the mounting member during thermal expansion and contraction of the mounting member and avoids warping of the mounting member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for reducing halide-based contamination within deposited titanium-based thin films. Halide adsorbing materials are utilized within the deposition chamber to remove halides, such as chlorine and chlorides, during the deposition process so that contamination of the titanium-based film is minimized. A method for regenerating the halide adsorbing material is also provided.

Abstract: The vaporizer of the solution-vaporization type CVD apparatus comprises: the orifice tube dispersing at least one kind of a raw-material solution in a carrier gas in a fine particulate or misty form; at least one path for at least one kind of the raw-material solution, the at least one path supplying at least one kind of the raw-material solution to the orifice tube separately from one another; the path for the carrier gas supplying the carrier gas to the orifice tube separately from the raw-material solution; the vaporizing tube vaporizing at least one kind of the raw-material solution dispersed by the orifice tube; and the orifice connected to the vaporizing tube and the orifice tube, the orifice introducing at least one kind of the raw-material solution dispersed by the orifice tube into the vaporizing member.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed the deposition source installed in a chamber, heated by applied electric power to transfer heat to a vapor deposition material received therein and applying a vaporized deposition material generated therein to a substrate to form deposition organic electroluminescent layers onto the substrate, and comprising a vessel consisted of a top plate on which a vapor efflux aperture is formed, a side wall, and a bottom wall; a heating means for supplying heat to the deposition material received in the vessel, the heating means being capable of moving vertically; and a means for moving the heating means (or the bottom wall), the moving means (or the bottom wall) being operated in response to the signal of a sensing means on varied distances between the heating means and the surface of said deposition material.

Abstract: A combined pet cushion cover and tote includes a defined piece of flexible material having a hem at its perimeter defining a channel. A plurality of openings are present in said material piece the openings being spaced along the hem and opening into the channel. A drawstring extends along the channel, the drawstring having a loops projecting from the channel through the openings to the outside, each loop including two legs and a closed end connecting said legs. A clamp is releaseably clamped to the legs of each loop each clamp being adjustable along the corresponding loop to fix the distance between the closed end of the loop and the opening through which that loop projects.

Abstract: A livestock hay saver which protects hay from the elements and contamination. The apparatus has timer-operated doors which provide control to completely automated means for providing feed to horses and cattle. Its battery-operated, solar-recharged power system makes it completely portable and minimizes the need for user attention or maintenance.

Abstract: A method of protecting a bird feeder or other location from squirrels includes applying a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, to and/or around a support, such as a pole on which a bird feeder is mounted or a string or rope from which a bird feeder is suspended.

Abstract: A livestock feeder (50) includes a gravity pulled, fold-down grill (56,57) on both sides of a main frame (51) that can hold a supply of livestock feed such as a hay bale (82) therein. The fold-down grills face each other and fold down on a hay bale positioned on the floor (60) of the feeder as the hay bale is consumed by livestock such as a horse. Grill spacer bars (65,101) are positioned apart from each other to allow only the muzzle of the feeding animal to reach there through and grasp the hay. The feeder also includes a pair of pivot arms (96-99) at the base of each grill to pivot the grill toward the floor of the feeder. Each pivot arm extends from a rotatable member (69-72) connected to the frame. The rotatable members and grill are lifted to hang the grill on a pair of latches (75-78) that lock the grill in a locked upright position for loading of another bale on the feeder floor through an end gate (58,59) that is rotatably connected to the main frame.

Abstract: In a frame element for placement onto an aquarium container so as to extend around the top opening thereof, wherein the frame element includes a frame member of rectangular cross-section having at least one web which extends around the top edge area of the walls of the container so as to abut the top edges thereof, at least one transverse element extends between opposite areas of the frame member for retaining the opposite areas of the frame member and the side walls of the container.

Abstract: The corral panel is a generally V-shaped body generally forming an isosceles triangle. A first pole, a second pole and at least one crossbar form the corral panel. The first and second poles are substantially equal in length. Each pole has a first end and a second end. The second end of each pole is joined together to define a vertex of the V-shaped body. The corral panel is used to create an oblique corral assembly by joining an inverted triangular corral panel between adjoining rectangular corral panels to form a round corral in which the corral panels slope obliquely outward relative to vertical.

Abstract: An animal insecticide applicator is presented. The applicator includes a bag for holding a quantity of insecticide, the bag having a top, two sides and a bottom. The bag is formed of a first layer of coarse mesh material through which powder insecticide can pass. A rigid tubular support is coupled with and extends across the top of the bag. A first tie rope is secured to and extends at least partially across a first side of the bag and then through the tubular support in a first direction. This tie rope terminates in a length which is hanging free at a second side of the bag. The second tie rope is secured to and extends at least partially along the second side of the bag. This tie rope is passed through the tubular support in the opposite direction of the first tie rope and includes the length hanging free at the first side of the bag. In one embodiment the applicator also includes couplers for joining two identical bags together.

Abstract: An improved leash for multiple pets is provided which includes a retractable leash having a retractable cord attached to a first leash, and a second leash assembly which can be connected to the retractable cord using a lightweight, releasable ring such as a split-ring key ring, or by a loop form in the second leash assembly. The second leash assembly can be easily attached to any retractable leash having a retractable cord, and eliminates the problems caused by the pulley systems used on prior art devices. A safer, multiple pet leash is provided which can be more easily created from traditional retractable leashes is provided.

Abstract: A fuel-fired low NOx water heater extending along a vertical axis has a radiant fuel burner disposed in its combustion chamber. The entire burner combustion air quantity is delivered to the burner from outside the combustion chamber via a horizontally serpentined flow path extending through an internal portion of the water heater. This serpentined air inflow path configuration causes a substantial portion of particulate matter in the incoming combustion air to be removed therefrom before entering and potentially clogging the burner.

Abstract: The steam generator includes a feedwater delivery device at an upper axial end of an annular space between an outer shell and a bundle wrapper of the steam generator. The feedwater, delivery device includes a header (11) having a shell of toroidal general shape, at least one feed pipe for the header and feedwater distribution means (14) in the upper part of the annular space of the steam generator. The feedwater distribution means (14) include a plurality of openings (17) that pass through the upper part of the shell of the toroidal header (11) and are distributed circumferentially on the wall of the header and a plurality of tubes (15) fixed via a lower end part at an opening (17) of the header (11). Each of the straight tubes (15) includes an upper end part through which openings (20), such as water passage slots, pass and a cap (16) fixed to the upper end of the tube (15) surrounding, with a radial clearance, the upper end part of the tube (15).

Abstract: A combustion engine system comprises a plurality of cylinders configured to combust a mixed fuel to produce an exhaust gas and at least one reforming cylinder configured to receive a first portion of a fuel and deliver a reformed hydrogen-containing gas. The hydrogen-containing gas is introduced into a second portion of the fuel to form the mixed fuel to reduce emission from the combustion engine system.

Abstract: A variable fan drive for a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine is provided. A drive side assembly utilizes a hydraulic actuator to actuate a variable sheave assembly. The variable sheave assembly drives a sheave assembly of a driven side assembly by way of a v-belt. The hydraulic actuator has a piston coupled to the variable sheave assembly. The piston is hydraulically translated by pressurized engine oil from the internal combustion engine. An electronically controlled solenoid valve controlled by an engine or vehicle controller selectively controls the flow of engine oil for piston actuation. Thus the speed of the fan can be controlled based on various engine or vehicle operating parameters.

Abstract: A heat storage tank, comprises an inner cylinder 81 having a storage section 811 for storing liquid, an opening 812 at a lower position of the storage section 811 and a body 84 in which a liquid inflow channel 841 and a liquid outflow channel 842 are formed. The body blocks the opening 812. When the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 81 is referred to as a tank inner diameter D and the vertical length of the storage section 811 is referred to as a tank height H, D/H?0.5 holds. Therefore, the storage section 811 is elongated in the vertical direction and the distance between the body 84, which is a main heat radiating portion, and the high temperature water region is increased and, as a result, the high temperature water region is extended in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting energy from an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes a chamber having a primary piston and a secondary piston with a combustion portion of the chamber situated adjacently between the primary piston and secondary piston. The secondary piston includes a substantially lesser mass than that of the primary piston. The chamber includes at least one fluid port for supplying fuel to the combustion portion and an out-take port for releasing combustive exhaust. The chamber includes a controller for controlling the combustion therein at selected cycles of the primary piston. With this arrangement, the secondary piston is configured to draw a portion of energy from combustion controlled by the controller in the chamber. Such portion of energy is provided with a rapid response to an energy transferring portion interconnected to the secondary piston, which in turn, transfers and/or converts the energy for acting on a load or external application.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a power device includes a power transistor utilized to drive the power device. The drive circuit utilizes a resonant circuit that drives the power transistor at a high current level when the gate of the power transistor is in its Miller region. In one embodiment, the drive circuit includes dual transistors and an inductor tuned to the gate capacitance to drive the gate of the power transistor. The drive circuit may be useful in a variety of areas, such as with a valve controller for a camless engine.

Abstract: #7 cylinder shares an exhaust manifold with #1 cylinder and is fired a predetermined firing interval after #1 cylinder. An exhaust cam shaft has a first cam for driving the exhaust cams of #1 cylinder and a second cam for driving the exhaust cams of #7 cylinder. A valve overlap period of #1 cylinder during its shift from an exhaust stroke to an intake stroke overlaps a time period during which the exhaust valves of the second cylinder are open in #7 cylinder while it is shifting from a power stroke to an exhaust stroke. The nose of the second cam is located farther in a retard direction than a position that is away in the retard direction from the nose of the first cam by an angle corresponding to the predetermined firing interval between the first and second cylinders.

Abstract: A valve drive (1) for a cam-operated valve (2) of an internal combustion engine is provided, in which a closing force is applied to the valve (2) against the opening direction of the valve (2) by a valve spring (3). The valve drive includes a hydraulic force application device (4), with which a force can be applied directly or indirectly against the direction of the closing force onto the valve (2), and includes a piston (5) that is moveable in a displacement direction (R) relative to a cylinder (6) of the force application device (4) by the introduction of hydraulic fluid into the pressure chamber (7) formed between the piston (5) and the cylinder (6). The piston (5) can move relative to the cylinder (6) from a first end position (A) into a second end position (B).

Abstract: A pull-starter for a combustion engine of an engine-powered apparatus having a startup element automatically actuated upon initial pulling of a pull-cord. The pull-cord is attached to and wound around a recoil pulley, routed at least partially around a portion of a movable dampener member, and attached to a handle. The dampener member is biased toward a rest position and a portion thereof is linked to the startup element. The pull-cord is pulled to displace the dampener member away from its rest position, automatically actuate the at least one startup element, and unwind the pull-cord from around the recoil pulley and thereby rotate the recoil pulley in an unwind direction to rotate a crankshaft of the engine via a coupling. At least upon release of the pull-cord, the dampener member and the startup element automatically return to their normal state during engine operation.

Abstract: Air is aspirated by cylinders of cylinder rows (11, 12) via branch pipes (23,24) from two intake collectors (21,22) of a V type multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. An auxiliary chamber (31, 32) is formed using the space between adjacent branch pipes (23,24). A communication port (25, 26) to the intake collector (21,22) of the auxiliary chamber (31,32) is formed between the openings (23A,24A) to the intake collector (21,22) of two adjacent branch pipes (23,24). Since the effective volume of the intake collector (21,22) increases due to the auxiliary chamber (31,32), residual resonance in the intake collector (21, 22) decreases. The auxiliary chamber (31,32) increases an intake inertia effect by increasing the flow rate of the branch pipes (23,24) in the second half of the intake stroke relative to the flow rate in the first half of the intake stroke. Engine volume efficiency is thereby improved using a limited space.

Abstract: A coil starter formed so that the rotation of a rope reel is transmitted to a cam member via a coil spring-like damper spring both ends of which are engaged with the rope reel and cam member respectively, wherein the rope reel or cam member is provided with a boss portion the length of which is substantially equal to that of a wound portion of the damper spring, the inner circumferential side of substantially the whole length of the damper spring being supported on the boss portion, the wound portion of substantially the whole length of the damper spring being thereby wound uniformly and tightly around the outer circumferential surface of the boss portion when the damper spring is elastically deformed due to the engine starting resistance.

Abstract: A reciprocating engine comprises: a piston ring; a piston ring which defines an annular gas chamber in cooperation with the piston ring and which is adjacent to the piston ring such that a pressure-receiving area of a side surface of a piston in the annular gas chamber becomes greater on a thrust side than on a counter-thrust side of the piston; and gas passages for allowing the annular gas chamber to communicate with the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A heat shield and heat shield assembly for protecting components exposed to heat are disclosed. The heat shield includes a shroud shaped to cover the component, the shroud having heat reflective layers and a heat insulating layer. The shroud is attached to a clip for removable attachment to the component. A flexible, resilient tab extends from the shroud, the tab providing a means for attaching the heat shield to a wiring harness to form an assembly connectable to the component. The tab is bendable for relative movement of the shroud from a position spaced from the component to a position in which the shroud covers the component upon connection of the wiring harness to the component.

Abstract: An engine cover includes an installation member, a cover body, and an installed member. The installation member is disposed on an engine. One of the installation member and the installed member includes a leg, and a head, and the other one of them includes a framed member, and an elastic member. The elastic member includes a first hole, a second hole, and a diametrically-enlarged intermediate hole. The head engages with the diametrically-enlarged intermediate hole. Moreover, the head is disposed movably toward the second hole when a downward load is applied to the cover body, thereby bringing the cover body closer to the engine.

Abstract: A lubricating oil supplying system for an internal combustion engine includes a lubricating oil storage section for storing lubricating oil. A driven pump is driven by the internal combustion engine to suck the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil storage section and discharge the lubricating oil to a discharge passage. An electric pump is provided for sucking the lubricating oil discharged from the driven pump to the discharge passage and discharge the lubricating oil to a lubricating oil requiring section in the internal combustion engine. A controlling mechanism is provided for drivingly controlling the electric pump in accordance with a control signal. A bypass passage is provided for bypassing the driven pump. A check valve is disposed in the bypass passage to allow the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section to flow only through a path bypassing said driven pump and toward side of the discharge passage.

Abstract: A power unit is described that combines an internal combustion engine and a lubrication system. The internal combustion engine includes a crankcase suction chamber and a transmission case suction chamber. At least one partition separates the crankcase suction chamber from the transmission case suction chamber. The lubrication system supplies lubricant to the internal combustion engine. The lubrication system includes a lubrication tank and a supply line for supplying lubricant to the internal combustion engine. At least one crankcase drainage line extends from the crankcase to drain a fluid from the crankcase suction chamber and transfer the fluid to the transmission case suction chamber. At least one pump operatively connects to one of either the crankcase chamber or the transmission case chamber. By the operation of the at least one pump, a negative pressure within at least one of the crankcase chamber and the transmission case chamber is created.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine comprising at least one but preferably a plurality of two operating chambers each having a toroidal path of travel on an interior thereof and an interactive piston assembly comprising a pair of first or driven pistons connected to a power take-off and a pair of second or driving pistons concurrently movable along the toroidal path of travel relative to said pair of first pistons. In each chamber, the pair of second pistons is periodically positionable, during each revolution, in driving relation to the pair of first pistons and is cooperatively structured therewith to accomplish the various phases of an engine cycle during forced travel of the pair of first pistons along the toroidal path of travel, thereby causing forced rotation or driving of the power take-off.

Abstract: An engine is provided which includes various precise configuration parameters, including dimensions, shape and/or relative positioning of the combustion chamber features, resulting in a combustion process minimizing NOx emissions and particulates. The combustion chamber includes one or more of the following: a spray angle relative to an inner bowl floor angle; a vertical distance from the tip of the piston bowl to the injection orifices; a number of injection orifices; a swirl ratio; a vertical distance from the injection orifices to an inner face of the cylinder head; a radius of curvature of an outer bowl section; chamfer with dimensional parameters; and a transition radius.

Abstract: When a rotational shaft of a gear speed reducer is rotated, a small-diameter gear of a first gear is held in mesh with first internal teeth of a fixed gear and a large-diameter gear of the first gear is held in mesh with second internal teeth of a second gear. The first gear and the second gear comprise cycloidal gears, respectively, and transmit rotational drive power to the second gear. The rotational drive power is output from an output shaft of the second gear. The gear speed reducer has a default mechanism for holding the output shaft at a predetermined angular position when an electric signal applied to an actuator is interrupted, and a self-lock function for preventing drive power applied from the output shaft from being transmitted to the actuator.

Abstract: In a variable compression ratio internal combustion engine in which the compression ratio is changed by changing the combustion chamber volume, the present invention enables to inhibit irregularities in the air-fuel ratio involved by changing of the combustion chamber volume. In a transition period during which the compression ratio is changed, the actual volume of the combustion chamber realized by a compression ratio changing mechanism is detected. A factor that influences the air-fuel ratio (for example, fuel injection quantity, cylinder intake air quantity or amount of EGR) is controlled based on the actual volume of the combustion chamber thus detected to make the air-fuel ratio substantially equal to that before and after the change of the compression ratio.

Abstract: A structure for supplying assist air to an air-fuel mixture injection valve including a device for limiting the intake air taken by a compressor, whereby a drive force of the compressor required for compressing air is reduced, and fuel efficiency is achieved. The structure includes an inlet port of the compressor and a venturi member of an air-intake pipe brought into communication via an inlet channel. The air in the air-intake pipe is regulated by the venturi member through the inlet channel by driving the compressor and is taken to the compressor. Air compressed in the compressor is supplied through a high-pressure air channel to the air introduction portion of the fuel injection valve device, where fuel injected from the fuel injection valve and high-pressure air supplied to the air introduction portion are mixed to air-fuel mixture, and the air-fuel mixture is injected by the air-fuel mixture injection valve.

Abstract: An air fuel ratio control system includes an exhaust gas sensor to sense an oxygen concentration in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, and a controller. The controller is configured to judge that the exhaust gas sensor is in an active state, by monitoring a decrease of an output of the exhaust gas sensor from a level greater than a first predetermined value, to a level smaller than or equal to the predetermined first predetermined value, and to allow the air fuel ratio control when the exhaust gas sensor is judged to be in the active state.

Abstract: An electrically actuated, adjustable oscillator 12 is provided with a mount 18 for receiving a baseball throwing machine 10. An upstanding and outspread baseball-receiving net 14 is disposed above the throwing machine 10. A feed assembly 16 extends between the net 14 and the throwing machine 10. The oscillator 12 comprises, for example, a support housing 22, an electrically actuated motor 24, a gear box 26, and a manually adjustable rotation-to-oscillation converter assembly 27. The baseball receiving net 14 comprises, for example, an arched frame 38, a net or web 40 supported by the frame 38, and a circular basin 42 to which lower ends of the net 40 are attached. The feed assembly 16 comprises, for example, an upper, generally vertical cage 46 mounted around a central opening 47 in the basin 42 and a curved guide member 48 extending from a lower end of the cage 46 to the throwing machine 10.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved compound bow. In particular the present invention is directed to an adjustable compound bow for hunting and archery with noise reduction features. The preferred embodiment of the bow comprises a riser having a main riser length with two ends, each end attached to an adjustable hub with a limb base. Each limb base preferably has a pocketless flat surface with vibration dampening material. Each hub is secured to the main riser length by an adjustment screw and a hub pivot. A limb is preferably secured to each limb base at two points on the pocketless flat surface. A bowstring is strung under tension between the limbs. The bowstring's tension can be adjusted by adjusting the adjustable hubs with the adjustment screws. The bow preferably has a storage position and an in-use position caused by rotating the limbs around the adjustable hubs. Adjustment of the bow can be accomplished without use of a bow press.