Abstract: An apparatus, system and method is provided for injecting a fluid additive into a viscous fluid food flow stream. A fluid additive injector device is utilized to inject the fluid additive which has structure to prevent or minimize the amount of fluid additive that contacts or pools along the periphery of the fluid food flow stream. A fluid additive delivery system is provided to deliver equal amounts of fluid additive to a plurality of fluid additive injectors using a single pump without adjustable flow control apparatus.

Abstract: A twine box is provided for an agricultural baler. The twine box permits ready access to twine balls housed therein because all twine balls are located on a single row or tier. The twine balls are not compartmentalized and thus relocation of twine balls within twine ball groups is facilitated. Twine ball separators are employed to secure, locate and separate twine balls when the baler is operating. The twine ball separators may serve to maintain twine balls in a staggered configuration whereby it is possible to house a greater number of twine balls in a given space. The twine ball separators do not interfere with the movement of twine balls within the twine box during reloading of twine. The single row twine box allows the baler operator to access the twine balls from the ground and permits moving of twine balls without the need to cut and retie twine.

Abstract: A large round baler includes a combined tensioning and ejecting arrangement comprising a tensioning arm assembly mounted to an upper front region of the baler sidewalls. The tensioning arm assembly operates such that, after formation of a bale in the baling chamber and the discharge gate has been swung to its raised discharge position, the tensioning arm assembly pivots into a region occupied by the completed bale so as to positively eject the bale. The combined tensioning and ejecting arrangement includes front and rear arm assemblies which define a compact assembly and share a pair of double-acting tensioning actuators and a single-acting ejection actuator. The tensioning arm assembly may be used with a baler having a light weight bale discharge gate or with a baler having a discharge gate formed in part by rear sections of sidewalls forming opposite sides of the baling chamber. In an alternate embodiment, the ejection actuator is replaced with a coil extension spring.

Abstract: A printing group of a printing machine is comprised of a pair of cylinders each having a circumference that corresponds essentially to a length of a section of a side to be printed. The effective generated surface of at least one of the cylinders comprises, at the most, one break in the circumferential direction. The surface forms, in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of adjacently arranged breaks which, when viewed in the circumferential direction, are arranged in a staggered manner with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method for forming a pattern of a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes providing a cliché having at least a first groove structure having a first width and a second groove structure having a second width equal to at least a multiple of the first width and an interval, filling a resist material into the first and second groove structures of the cliché, and applying the resist material filled into the first and second groove structures of the cliché onto an etching object layer of a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing process employing a printing plate material obtained by providing, on a support, a coating solution for an image formation layer capable of forming an image by heating, the process comprising the steps of imagewise heating the printing plate material, and then carrying out printing supplying printing ink and a dampening solution to the heated printing plate material, wherein the acid base property of the coating solution is the reverse of that of the dampening solution.

Abstract: A method for evaluating planographic printing plates according to the present invention includes: a step (A) of exposing a planographic printing plate precursor by irradiating a thin-line image of a one-pixel line and at least one thin-line image selected from two- to eight-pixel lines by incrementally altering the plate-surface energy; developing the exposed plate precursor with a standard developer; and identifying an exposure intensity (hereinafter, “thin-line sensitivity”) that respectively provides the images thus formed, with the same density; a step (B) of preparing another planographic printing plate precursor under the same conditions as in the step (A) and identifying the thin-line sensitivity, except that the planographic printing plate precursor is developed with a test developer; a step (C) of comparing the thin-line sensitivities respectively obtained in the steps (A) and (B); and a step (D) of adjusting plate-making conditions when the results of the comparison in the step (C) show a difference

Abstract: There is provided a printing press that can guide a printing plate, which is held in clamped relationship with the clamping gripper, so as to be mounted on the plate cylinder with accuracy, while guiding a printing plate in the plate discharge direction with accuracy, as well as preventing deterioration of the reliability for a long time. A printing plate guide plate having a leading end provided with guide rollers and guide blocks guides a printing plate when it is supplied to a plate cylinder and discharged therefrom. A pivotally moving plate auxiliarily guides the printing plate when it is guided by the printing plate guide plate.

Abstract: A device to separate propellant charge modules for field weapons, each module incorporating a top and bottom, the top of one of the modules being engaged in the bottom of an adjacent module, the device incorporating a reception device for all the modules having a device to immobilize each of the modules, the immobilizing device being linked by a linking and separating device enabling a relative translation to be controlled for each of the modules with respect to its neighbors, thereby ensuring the separation of the modules.

Abstract: A temporary airborne image is formed by the steps of arranging a plurality of projectiles in each of one or more barrel assemblies wherein the projectiles include image forming matter; firing a predetermined number of the plurality of projectiles from selected barrel assemblies; and deploying the image forming matter to form a temporary airborne image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a releasable skate retarder for railway cars. The retarder includes a plurality of spring packs including springs which bias shoe carrying beams toward running rails, trapping wheels of a railway car entering the retarder between the shoes and the running rails, and applying a frictional force to the railway car wheels for stopping the railway car and retaining the railway car in the retarder. The retarder is operable in a release mode in which an operating mechanism moves the shoe beams to a release position in which the spring force is released, allowing the railway car to move freely through the retarder. The retarder is operable in a service mode in which the operating mechanism moves the shoe beams outwardly, allowing the insertion of shims which cause the shoes to be repositioned closer to the running rails to compensate for shoe wear.

Abstract: A lock assembly kit including components capable of being assembled to a railcar gate assembly including a frame defining a discharge opening and having a pair of generally parallel, free ended and stationary rigid racks extending from one end of the frame away from said discharge opening, a gate mounted on said frame for sliding movements along a predetermined path of travel between open and closed positions and relative to the discharge opening, and a drive mechanism for moving and movable with the gate between the open and closed positions thereof. The lock assembly kit includes a control shaft mounted adjacent the free ends of the racks and which is provided with operating handles radially extending from and secured to the control shaft. A stop mounted for movement between locking and unlocking conditions. The stop extends into the path of travel of the gate when in the locking condition thereby operably preventing inadvertent movement of the gate from the closed position toward the open position.

Abstract: A tool tray apparatus including flexible pad and a plurality of spaced apart, rigid rods connected to the pad.

Abstract: A folding expandable table having a composite pedestal. In the preferred embodiments of this folding table, retractable table legs are integrated within each member of the composite pedestal assembly, which serves to both store such legs and support table top leafs; and, as the table is unfolded, supports the table top with up to four leafs. The folding table can be partially or completed unfolded, to form three distinct configurations with one, two or four leafs.

Abstract: An auxiliary table plate device with an elevation adjusting device includes two linkages at two sides; one end of each linkage being connected to an auxiliary table plate; and another end of each linkage being connected to a twisting element; the twisting element rotating as the twisting element is driven by a telescopic pressure pump so as to drive the linkages; thus the auxiliary table plate connected to the linkages rotating to change the elevation of the auxiliary table plate; when the pump stops, the auxiliary table plate being fixed.

Abstract: A framework for a display booth includes at least one base, at least one post, at least one beam and a connector. The post is adapted to be releasably attached to the base and to extend vertically upward from the base when attached thereto. The post includes at least two panels pivotally secured together. The beam is adapted to be releasably attached to the post and includes at least two panels pivotally secured together. The connector is adapted to be releasably attached to both the post and the beam. The connector is adapted to support the beam on the post when the connector is connected to both the post and the beam. The post and the beam may be folded to a folded orientation to ease transportation and storage of the framework when it is not in use.

Abstract: A foldable frame includes two U-shaped tabletop supports mounted underneath two table panels respectively, two folding hinges spacedly mounted between the two tabletop supports to pivotally connect the two tabletop supports with each other such that the tabletop is adapted to fold between a folded position that the two table panels are overlappedly folded with each other and an unfolded position that the two table panels are aligned edge-to-edge, and two leg frames foldably connected with the tabletop supports respectively. As a result, the foldable frame is capable of not only supporting the tabletop but also folding the tabletop in half so as to reduce the size of the foldable table.

Abstract: A method and system for clean burning organic or synthetic material, particularly vulcanized rubber, where fuel is ignited and the heat and smoke by-product is maximized by controlling the amount of oxygen available to the fire. The smoke by-product in an afterburner is reacted with steam, producing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, the products may be collected and stored. The extreme heat in the afterburner reduces the amount of pollutants and toxins in the air. Excess heat generated by burning the fuel may be used to power an engine.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing multiple types of seed, fertilizer or other materials from an agricultural vehicle is disclosed. The system includes first and second sources holding the first and second materials, respectively, a plurality of distribution units, and a nurse distribution mechanism coupled between the sources and the distribution units by which each of the first and second materials from the respective first and second sources can be transmitted to the plurality of distribution units.

Abstract: A vacuum pump for a seed planter includes a housing, an impeller rotated within the housing, and a motor or other drive. The housing has a central inlet and a circumferentially arranged outlet passage. The impeller vanes define air paths that are open to the outlet passage. The impeller has a central aperture for coupling to the output shaft of the drive and an impeller center cap screwed into the central aperture. The impeller has a curved conical center hub that surrounds the central aperture. The center hub and the center cap are configured to smoothly direct air flow to the passages between the vanes to reduce or eliminate a stagnant air region in a center of the impeller. The center cap can also be used as a tool to remove the impeller from the output shaft.

Abstract: There is provided an inkjet printing device for performing a printing operation on fabric by use of an embroidery frame which is also used by a sewing machine to form an embroidery pattern on fabric. The inkjet printing device is provided with an inkjet head that ejects ink on the fabric, a holding member configured to fit in the embroidery frame to hold the embroidery frame, and a print control unit configured to perform the printing operation on the fabric held by the embroidery frame by use of the inkjet head and the holding member. The embroidery frame holds the fabric in a state of tension. The embroidery frame is fitted to the holding member in a condition where the fabric is stretched on one side of the embroidery frame, the one side facing the inkjet head.

Abstract: Process for antiquing a quilt and resulting product includes providing a first fabric panel containing at least some of a first selected fiber, a second fabric panel containing at least some of a second selected fiber and a batting panel containing at least some of a third selected fiber. At least the first panel and its fiber is colored and susceptible to damage by washing. The three panels are layered and stitched together using thread of a fourth selected fiber and along a pattern to form a whole cloth quilt or fabric therefore can be used as is or as material for another product. Washing the quilt in a wet bath and with heat and agitation causes at least the first fabric panel to wear and fade and the quilt is then dried and has the antiqued appearance.

Abstract: A stand-up type personal watercraft is disclosed. The stand-up type personal watercraft typically includes a body including a hull and a deck covering the hull from above and being provided with a foot deck on an upper surface of a rear portion thereof to allow a rider to ride thereon, a handle pole configured to extend rearward in a longitudinal direction of the body, the handle pole having a steering handle attached to a rear end portion thereof, the handle pole being configured to be mounted to the deck such that a front end portion of the handle pole is attached to a front portion of the deck and the handle pole is vertically pivotable around the front end portion thereof, and a display device mounted to the handle pole and configured to display information regarding the watercraft.

Abstract: A method of steering a watercraft propulsion device mounted to a transom plate and having a steering drive unit which allows the watercraft propulsion device to rotationally move about a swivel shaft. The method can include calculating a steering parameter for the steering drive unit in accordance with the degree of operator's steering wheel displacement, and operating the steering drive unit based on the calculated control physical quantity, in which the control physical quantity can be selected from a plurality of preset control physical quantities.

Abstract: A boat drain valve which incorporates a valve to open and close the drain valve. The drain valve is connected to the boat hull in a manner that provides a straight channel through the drain valve. A handle with an extension positions the grip of the handle in a location where it can be easily accessed. The grip can be positioned above operational equipment in a compartment formed by the hull of the boat and an access hatch, just under the hatch. The grip can be positioned just above the deck surface of the boat.

Abstract: A central pontoon semisubmersible floating platform for use in offshore applications has a hull configuration including vertical support columns, a central pontoon structure disposed inboard of the columns at a lower end thereof, and a deck structure supported at an upper end of the columns. The vertical columns and pontoon structure are constructed substantially of flat plate. The vertical columns are adjoined to the outer periphery of the central pontoon and have a transverse cross sectional shape with a major axis oriented radially outward from a center point of the hull, and a central vertical axis disposed a distance outward from the pontoon outer periphery. Risers can be supported on the inboard or outboard side of the pontoon and extended to the deck, and the structure can be anchored by mooring lines extending along the outboard face of the columns extending radially outward and downward from their lower ends.

Abstract: An adjustable wake setting device for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft traveling through water.

Abstract: An elongated hollow member (160), as shown in FIG. 1, with longitudinally disposed external vane(s) (275A–B) for securing an offshore structure to the seafloor. The external vanes help maintain the heading and bearing of the anchor during the installation process, and may also enhance the pile anchor's holding capacity.

Abstract: A device for holding a boat speedometer log transmitter in a boat hull has a sleeve body fixed in a perforation in the hull with a longitudinal center opening for removably inserting and retaining the log transmitter in a watertight manner. A head part is coupled to the longitudinal opening for jointly receiving the log transmitter in a watertight manner. An axially displaceable sliding ring is located in a coaxial recess in the head part. A plane ring body supporting a sealing ring is located below the sliding ring. The sliding ring and sealing ring define a plane for guiding a transversely movable blocking slide which blocks and opens the openings for removal and insertion of the log transmitter.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber that accommodates an object to be processed, and provides a plasma process to the object in a vacuum or reduced pressure environment, a dielectric for transmitting microwaves to the vacuum chamber and for maintaining the vacuum or reduced environment of the vacuum chamber, a plate that has slots for guiding the microwaves to the dielectric, and a temperature control mechanism that has a cooling channel between the plate and the dielectric, and controls temperature of the dielectric.

Abstract: A quality assurance program for consistently producing high quality meat products broadly comprises selecting a plurality of calves that meet a set of standards and managing the calves according to a set of protocols. The standards are used to cull out low quality calves that are expected to yield low quality meat products. The protocols ensure the calves are properly nurtured so that they may yield high quality meat products by dictating how the calves are fed and treated. For example, the protocols preferably dictate what and when vaccines are given to the calves. The program may be broken down into three growth phases, such as an initiation phase in which the calves are managed during their first weeks, a growth phase in which the calves are managed during their growth, and a finishing phase in which the calves are managed leading up to slaughter.

Abstract: A method of reducing the level of bacteria and viruses in a volume of water during aquaculture comprises:—(a) providing the volume of water to be stocked with farmed aquatic organisms or eggs thereof; (b) prior to the stocking, introducing into the water an aqueous solution of glutaraldehyde in an amount such as to provide in the water from 0.1 to 2 ppm of glutaraldehyde; (c) stocking the water with the farmed aquatic organisms or eggs thereof at a time when the concentration of glutaraldehyde is 0.1 to 2 ppm. (d) allowing the farmed aquatic organisms or eggs thereof to grow; and (e) optionally during a period of the growth, introducing into the water at least one further portion of an aqueous solution of glutaraldehyde in an amount such as to maintain the concentration of the glutaraldehyde at 0.1 to 2 ppm.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an animal in a place such as a milking stall or feeding stall wherein an artificial climate is created. The artificial climate disclosed comprises wetting the animal with a water vapor and causing an air flow over the wetted area of the animal. Water vapor is sprayed and rubbed onto the back of the animal while shields protect areas to remain dry. During the process the animal is monitored for signs of thermal stress using a variety of methods and the wetting and cooling process are discontinued if the artificial climate adversely affects the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for applying a liquid pesticidal formulation to an external surface of a domestic animal, the device comprising an inlet and a plurality of spaced apart outlets, wherein the device is adapted such that when the middle of the device is positioned substantially above the spine of the animal, at least one outlet is positioned substantially above each flank of the animal. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of parasitic infestations, including ectoparasitic and/or endoparasitic infestations, of domestic animals comprising topically administering to said animal a pour-on pesticidal formulation to a region of the external surface of an animal extending from one flank to the opposing flank.

Abstract: A handle apparatus for use with a harness comprising a handle grip; a first release joint coupled to the handle grip; a second release joint coupled to the handle grip; and a release line coupled to the first release joint and the second release joint. A harness assembly comprising a harness; a handle assembly including a handle grip; a first release joint coupled to the handle grip; a second release joint coupled to the handle grip; and a release mechanism coupled to the first release joint and the second release joint; wherein the handle grip is released from the harness upon activation of the release mechanism.

Abstract: A collar to which is mounted an illumination source and one or more insets. Each of one or more light-transferring fibers includes a first end coupled for receiving light from the illumination source, and a second end coupled for transmitting light to an inset.

Abstract: A miniature vaporizer for effectively vaporizing a process fluid (e.g., a liquid media) in small energy system applications, such as systems employing chemical reformers and fuel cells. The vaporizer of the present invention can employ a heating medium, such as a hot exhaust generated by a power system, as the heating source for generating steam or for evaporating a fluid (e.g., liquid chemicals or fuels). The vaporizer of the invention can optionally be configured to vaporize water thereby functioning as a miniature steam generator, to evaporate a process fluid thereby functioning as a miniature evaporator or heat exchanger, or to evaporate a process fluid and mix the fluid with another medium. This evaporator/mixer configuration can be used in reformer plants where a liquid chemical or fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, methanol, etc.) needs to be first evaporated and mixed with steam prior to the introduction of the resultant mixture to a converter (e.g., reformor or fuel cell).

Abstract: A vehicle is capable of maintaining a cooling capacity of a heat exchanger constant. The vehicle includes ahead pipe, a main frame connected to the head pipe so as to extend rearwardly and downwardly, an engine arranged below the main frame and including a cylinder having a cylinder shaft, which is inclined forwardly and obliquely upward at a predetermined angle, leg shields that cover the front of legs of a driver of the vehicle, a radiator arranged within the leg shields to cool the engine, and a reservoir tank arranged below a lower surface of the cylinder of the engine within the leg shields and connected to the radiator.

Abstract: A coolant system includes a heat exchange circuit capable of being in a heat exchange relationship with a heat generating component, such as an engine, to remove thermal energy from the engine and transfer the thermal energy to a coolant, and an insulated tank in fluid communication with the heat exchange circuit. The system also includes a control and associated conduits and valves for passing coolant through the heat exchange circuit and the insulated tank so as to fill the tank with a first volume of coolant in a first operational state, for passing an additional amount of coolant from the heat exchange circuit into the insulated tank so as to fill the insulated tank with a second volume of coolant which is greater than the first volume of coolant in a second operational state, and for passing the additional amount of coolant from the insulated tank to the heat exchange circuit in a third operational state. A method of operating the coolant system to store thermal energy is also provided.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motor of a combustion-powered hand tool includes a motor retaining ring defining a space for accepting the motor, an outer ring radially spaced from the retaining ring and configured for attachment to a cylinder head of a combustion chamber, and at least one resilient suspension element configured for dampening vibrations between a motor support and a tool frame, and having a plurality of resilient beams connecting the retaining ring and the outer ring.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated valve assembly for use as intake and/or exhaust valves on two- or four-stroke internal combustion engines. The assembly includes a valve (100), valve housing (200), and compressed gas distribution and timing mechanisms (FIGS. 5–8). The valve (100) is comprised of a short light weight hollow cylindrical body with a capped lower end and an opened upper end. The valve is further defined by a plurality of ports (104) adjacent to the lower end and a collar (198) encircling the body adjacent the upper end. The valve housing (200) is hollow and tubular having a larger diameter upper section and a smaller diameter lower section in which the valve (100) slides up to close and down to open. The housing (200) further includes hollow channels which direct compressed gas, managed by the distribution and timing mechanism, alternately towards the areas above and below the valve collar at regular intervals to open and close the valve, respectively.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing an internal combustion engine which for each cylinder, with the associated piston, has at least one inlet valve and at least one exhaust valve (10) for controlling the connection between the combustion chamber in the cylinder and an intake system and an exhaust system, respectively. A rotatable camshaft (18) with a cam (22) is designed to interact with a first cam follower (17) and a second cam follower (20) in order to switch between two different operating modes. The cam followers are mounted on a pivotal rocker arm (13), the second cam follower (20) being hydraulically adjustable between two positions by means of a piston (21) located in a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to a hydraulic fluid source via a hydraulic fluid duct and the piston can be moved from one position to the other by the action of a quantity of hydraulic fluid delivered to the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A valve train for an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders having different valve mechanism constructions, in which the valve train has a correcting member for correcting a difference in valve lift amount that is produced between the plurality of cylinders due to a difference in construction between valve mechanisms so as to make valve lift amounts of the plurality of cylinders substantially uniform.

Abstract: A cam phaser is disclosed for adjusting the angular position of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft. In a first embodiment, a rotatable camshaft has an interior passageway and at least one cam operative to effect actuation of an engine valve. A first drive member is connectable to the crankshaft for rotational movement therewith. The first drive member is independently rotatably associated with the camshaft. A piston member is axially moveably disposed within the camshaft interior passageway and associated with the camshaft for rotation therewith. The piston member is further associated with the first drive member for rotation therewith and axial movement relative thereto. Axial movement of the piston member effects a change in the angular position of the first drive member. In a second embodiment, a rotatable tubular member has an interior passageway.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with variable actuation valves, each variable actuation valve is actuated by an actuator assembly including an actuating piston slidably mounted in a guide bushing. Between the actuating piston and the stem of the respective valve is interposed an auxiliary hydraulic tappet positioned outside the guide bushing of the actuating piston, so that said bushing can be dimensioned with a relatively small diameter, regardless of the outer diameter of the auxiliary hydraulic tappet. The intake valves of a same cylinder are actuated by a single cam, by means of a single pumping piston and by means of a single pressure chamber controlled by a single solenoid valve.

Abstract: In a valve gear mechanism of an internal combustion engine, there is provided a valve opening and closing a combustion chamber, a spring device which generates a force pressing the valve toward a valve seat, a drive mechanism driving the valve in an opening direction via an operating section capable of being in contact with and separated from the valve, and a separation inhibiting device which inhibits a separation between the operating section and the valve.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a snowmobile configured to start in response to a remote-start signal. One embodiment of the invention includes a snowmobile outfitted with a remote starting system. The remote starting system, itself, includes a remote starting activation switch that transmits a radio frequency signal to a remote starter module to initiate starting of an engine within the snowmobile. The remote starter module receives the radio frequency signal from the remote starting activation switch and, in response to receiving the radio frequency signal, initiates closure of a switch interposed between a battery and a starter motor, thereby causing the starter motor to crank and start the engine of the snowmobile. The engine may be shut off by the remote starting system if the engine RPM exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A kick start switch modification kit and method for modifying an electric starter system on a motorcycle to a foot-operated electric starter simulating the classic foot operated kick start mechanism. Novel components which are contained in the modification kit include a foot pedal assembly, a rotating shaft, a switch engaging cam, a limit switch and a cover body having screw holes through which fasteners can pass which fasteners are in turn screwed into the cycle body where the classic kick start mechanism would be located.

Abstract: A return spring is constituted of a torsion spring, a spring part is held at a position different from that of a shaft part of a flyweight, and a free end portion of the return spring is hooked to a slide unit of the flyweight. The position of transmission of an urging force to be transmitted from the return spring to the flyweight is different between an angle-closing side and an extending and opening side. By tuning the shape of the slide unit, the position of protrusion of a spring fixing pivot, or the like, the distance from the shaft part to a contact point of the free end portion when the flyweight is located at the angle-closing position is set to be larger than the distance from the shaft part to the contact point of the free end portion when the flyweight is located at the extending and opening position.

Abstract: Energy storing starter assembles include a hub, a pulley, and a torsion spring adapted to resiliently link the hub to the pulley. The torsion spring includes a first end portion adapted to be linked to the hub and a second end portion adapted to be linked to the pulley. The torsion spring further includes at least one resilient member with a first section including a first winding and a second section including a second winding.