Abstract: An improved tape measure for making an internal measurement from a member between generally parallel members of the type having a tape coiled in a housing having a tape hook external to the housing on an unattached end portion of the tape, and measurement lines and numerals on a concave side portion of the tape which increment from the hook and which can be read when the hook is pulled from the housing, wherein the improvement comprises: a non slip device positioned along an outside face portion of the hook so that when the outside of the hook is pressed against one member the hook will be less inclined to slip therealong. In a preferred aspect the above tape measure further comprises a belt clip having a downwardly extending arm attached to a broad side of the housing and a soft plastic gripping pad positioned on one of the belt clip arm and the broad side of the housing adjacent to the arm to provide better adhesion when the belt clip is engaged on a worn belt.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a moveable catch. An automatic tape measure has a housing and a tape assembly. The tape assembly is supported in the housing and contains a tape switch, a reel, a drive, the movable catch, and a tape adapted to extend and retract from the front wall of the housing. The movable catch is coupled to a distal end of the tape. The movable catch includes a body, a spring, and a tongue. The tongue is pivotably coupled with the body via an axle. Thus, when the tape is extended, the tongue can pivot about the axle when it encounters an object in its path. The spring is positioned around the axle and causes the catch to return to its original, generally perpendicular position once the tongue passes the object.

Abstract: A drying device for drying a gas comprises parallel cooling branches, at least one of which is in its active state at any given time. A gas-coolant heat exchanger arranged in each of the cooling branches has a first channel through which the gas to be dried flows in the active state of this cooling branch and a second channel which, in the active state of this cooling branch, forms an evaporator for a coolant circulating in at least one coolant circuit. The drying device further comprises an ambient-air input line, an ambient-air output line and an ambient-air conveyor. In the passive state of a respective cooling branch, the ambient-air input line and the ambient-air output line are connected, at least for a time, with this cooling branch by the switching device and the ambient-air conveyor conveys ambient air through the first channel of the gas-coolant heat exchanger arranged in this cooling branch.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole member, at least one heel member, a front securing member, and optionally a forward tread member. Each heel member includes a column portion having a predetermined height and a blade portion having a predetermined slope. Each blade portion's slope corresponds to the respective column portion's height for providing a proper amount of arch support for a user's foot. The sole member has an arch region made of a flexible material that defines a sleeve for selectively receiving each respective blade portion. Each blade portion includes a flange extending longitudinally therealong, and the sleeve defines a complementary groove. When the sleeve receives a respective blade portion, the blade portion provides shape and structural support for the sole member. Means for releasably attaching the respective column portion to the sole member are utilized, and the front securing member may secure the sole member to the user's foot.

Abstract: A system for controlling the hydraulically actuated components, including snow-ice control components carried by a truck. The system employs a hermetically secure composite housing mounted externally of the truck cab on the truck frame which retains a unique hydraulic reservoir in combination with a manifold supporting a plurality of solenoid actuated hydraulic valves and an associated electronic drive circuitry including a slave controller having a bidirectional data transmission port. That port communicates through a single bidirectional transmission bus with a master controller retained within an operator interface control console mounted in the truck cab. That control console also will contain a slave interface controller, as well as a slave datalog and communications controller.

Abstract: A pressing iron includes a soleplate which has upwardly and downwardly facing major surfaces opposite to each other. A shell includes a peripheral wall which extends upwardly from a periphery of the soleplate to terminate at an upper peripheral edge, and which defines an air passageway that extends longitudinally. The peripheral wall is formed with a vent port disposed downstream of the air passageway. A ventilation facilitating mechanism is disposed upstream of the vent port to increase flow of air through the air passageway and out of the vent port so as to accelerate a cooling process of the flowing air that draws residual heat off the soleplate after the pressing iron is turned off.

Abstract: A license plate holding bracket attached to a tailgate which is arranged at a rear end of a cargo bed of a vehicle to perform a reciprocal rotational movement and which sets up the cargo bed in a closed state when the tailgate is in a vertical state and sets up the bed in an opened state when the tailgate is in a horizontal state. The bracket has a gate side fixing member fixed to the tailgate, a plate holding member for holding a license plate and a rotational movement mechanism for connecting the plate holding member to the gate side fixing member to make the plate holding member freely perform a reciprocal rotational movement and for moving the plate holding member to make the license plate take a parallel state or a erecting state to the tailgate so as to be visible of the license plate even though the plate is in the horizontal state.

Abstract: A product and method for the display of fingernail polish dried on an artificial fingernail which in turn is attached to a polish bottle containing the polish. In a preferred embodiment a fingernail holder is connected to a bottle cap of the fingernail polish bottle. The fingernail holder made from a rubbery substance has a nail grasping section for grasping the artificial fingernail and a cap grasping section for grasping the bottle cap. In this embodiment, the nail grasping section utilizes friction and compressive forces to grasp the artificial fingernail and the cap grasping section utilizes friction and compressive forces to grasp the bottle cap.

Abstract: A label includes indicia disposed on a facestock comprising cellophane. In one embodiment, the indicia are screen printed onto the facestock. In another embodiment, the label may further include layers of tactile coating selectively applied to discrete areas of the facestock to create distinct raised portions on the label. The tactile coating may be applied to correspond to the location of the indicia, wherein the raised portions overlie the indicia. A separate layer of primer may be applied to the facestock to cover substantially an entire side of the facestock. A plurality of such labels may be provided in a stack to an automatic labeling machine for application to a series of containers. The label may be applied to a container and the raised portions of the label provide tactile feel which enhances the aesthetic qualities of the label and container.

Abstract: A breech of a repeater weapon has a bolt assembly, which is guided so that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis in a chamber sleeve and can move in the axial direction in the longitudinal direction of the weapon, and which contains a sleeve. A percussion piece is arranged so that it can move in the axial direction in the sleeve. A tensioning device is provided for tensioning and relaxing a percussion piece spring exerting force on the percussion piece. To enable a fast and simple exchange of the locking head, the bolt assembly contains an exchangeable locking head and a locking mechanism that can be relaxed by the tensioning device for holding the locking head on the sleeve.

Abstract: A reticle for a projectile weapon aiming device, such as a riflescope, includes a primary horizontal sight line that intersects a primary vertical sight line to define a primary aiming point. A circle is centered on the primary aiming point to intersect the primary horizontal and vertical sight lines. Multiple aiming marks are preferably spaced apart along the primary horizontal and vertical sight lines and cooperate with the circle and the sight lines to form horizontal and vertical scales for estimating a range to a target having features of known or estimable size. The scales also facilitate windage and holdover aiming adjustments. The circle may facilitate quick target acquisition in rapid fire engagements, as well as enhance range estimation capabilities.

Abstract: An ice fishing apparatus includes a housing that includes a peripheral wall having an upper edge and a lower edge. A covering is positioned on the upper edge. The covering has an aperture extending therethrough. A fishing reel is attached to the cover adjacent to the aperture. A flexible post is attached to the cover and is positioned for being engaged to the reel such that the post is released from the reel when the reel rotates in a first direction. A plate is attached to an inner surface of the peripheral wall and extends away therefrom such that the plate is horizontally orientated. A heat emitter is removably positionable in the housing. The heat emitter is positioned on the plate. The housing is positioned over the ice opening so that the heat emitter warms an interior of the housing and prevents ice from forming over the ice opening.

Abstract: A fishing lure having an internal cavity for containing a hook and a weight attached to the hook such that the weight is coupled to the hook closer to a throat of the hook than to a line receiving portion of the hook. The combined hook and weight resist being pulled through a shank containing region of lure. The weight may be positioned in a midsection of the lure enabling the lure to maintain a relatively level attitude in the water while being pulled through the water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flange attached to a window panel with an opening. The flange prevents an object from contacting the bottom edge of the opening as the object is passed through the opening. Moreover, the cargo rests on the flange rather than the bottom edge to prevent the cargo from damaging the window panel.

Abstract: An engagement element is provided on the inside of the door leaf or of the door at a defined distance from the inside of the door. A spring-loaded locking hasp lies horizontally opposite the engagement element on the inside of the door frame. The locking hasp has a semicircular or claw-shaped recess and a laterally projecting locking section. A locking element is movably guided inside the door frame and connected to a vertically movable rod. During the closing movement of the door, the engagement element engages with the recess of the locking hasp, which swings with its locking section in the direction of the center of the door opening and assumes a position parallel to the door and is locked in this position by a movement of the locking element which is triggered in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A free-standing panel wall system adapted for selectively and adjustably mounting wall panels on either or both sides thereof. The wall system includes generally a plurality of horizontally disposed rails, a plurality of vertical supports carried on either or both sides of the horizontal rails, and a registration mechanism for selectively positioning the horizontal rails and vertical supports relative to each other. Each of the horizontal rails defines a plurality of equally spaced-apart first openings. Each of the upright supports defines a plurality of equally spaced-apart second openings. The first and second openings cooperate to receive conventional fasteners such that the horizontal rails are incrementally adjustable along the vertical supports, and the vertical supports are incrementally adjustable along the horizontal rails.

Abstract: A post footing for holding a post segment above a ground surface comprises an outer sleeve adapted to be forcibly driven into the ground. A socket member is pressure fitted within the outer sleeve with the leading end of the sleeve extending beyond the socket member to prevent the latter from being damaged in the event that an obstacle be encountered while the footing is being driven into the ground. The socket member defines a socket adapted to receive and hold an above-ground post segment once the footing has been installed in the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structural braces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a brace apparatus that has an effective length capable of undergoing plastic deformation that is greater than the length of the brace apparatus. The brace apparatus has a first core member having a deformable region of an effective deformable length and a second core member having a deformable region of an effective deformable length. The total effective deformable length of the brace apparatus is the sum of the effective deformable length of the first core member and the second core member. This allows the brace apparatus to have a greater deformable length relative to the length and size of the brace. Additionally, the greater deformable length reduces the strain on the core members enabling the brace apparatus to undergo a greater amount of deformation for a larger number of total cycles without buckling the brace.

Abstract: A water runoff deflector for use at a loading dock includes a seal suspended from a wall-mounted frame. A truck can back underneath the deflector so that the seal rests atop the truck's roof. The seal helps prevent water (snow, rain, ice, slush, etc.) on the truck's roof from flowing off the back end of the truck and spilling into the building. The seal helps block any water flowing along the truck's roof toward the doorway of the dock and redirects the flow off to either side of the truck. The deflector can be used in conjunction with or without a conventional dock seal or dock shelter. Unique front and rear bumper designs along with a pivotally yieldable frame make the runoff deflector particularly useful in adapting to trucks of various heights. In some cases, the front bumper includes multiple panels of different rigidity to ensure smooth truck departures.

Abstract: A tubular skylight for lighting rooms with natural light, comprising a tubular body with a reflective inner surface which leads into a room and has, at its external end, a natural light collector assembly and, at its internal end, a light diffuser. The collector assembly comprises, inside an optically transparent dome arranged so as to close the tubular body, a mirror-finished body which is substantially shaped like a cylindrical band with mirror-finished inner and outer surfaces. The axial width of the band-like body varies gradually from a minimum-width point to a maximum-width point, which lie diametrically to each other. It is also possible to provide a cylindrical refracting body that surrounds said mirror.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

Abstract: A sub-floor assembly having sub-floor panels that are adapted to be integrally overlapped while providing clearance for channel sections when the floor deflects under load. Clearance for the channel sections may be achieved by providing pockets in an upper layer of a first sub-floor panel in the area where the channel sections engage a second sub-floor panel with which the first sub-floor panel is in overlapping engagement.

Abstract: A permanent form building assembly includes one or more GRC forms having a one or more open cavities and a reinforcement structure. The GRC forms are designed and configured for a predetermined application. The reinforcement structure is inserted within the open cavities of the GRC forms prior to filling with concrete.

Abstract: A door has a core that includes a porous layer having a thickness and two opposing major surfaces. In one construction, the core also includes three fire-retardant layers, and two of the fire-retardant layers are separated by the porous layer. The porous layer and the fire-retardant layers are coupled together. Other constructions include one or more fire-retardant layers in balanced or unbalanced placement around the porous layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a new and novel modular raised wall paneling system and method of manufacture that is economical, labor non-intensive, and can be easily constructed for a variety of room configurations and dimensions. The modular raised wall paneling system of the present invention comprises a plurality of individual panel sections having a joint there between, wherein a panel section includes a recess portion forming the appearance of a raised panel thereon. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the panel sections include along opposed longitudinal edges a tongue and a groove such that the panel sections can be disposed in parallel side-by-side mating relationship such that the tongue of one panel section is received in the groove of an adjacent panel section.

Abstract: A block for use in constructing a retaining wall and comprising a body having a central cavity extending vertically there through and defining front, rear, and side walls. The side walls diverge rearwardly from the front of the block to the rear. Stabilizing wings extending outwardly at the rear of the side walls. Positioning wedges extend from the bottom surface and include flat forward surfaces for positioning the block with respect to the blocks in a lower tier of blocks. The flat forward surfaces of the positioning wedges are located nearer the front surface of the block than is the inner surface of the front wall, thereby enabling a retaining wall created from the blocks to have each successive higher tier offset from the adjacent lower tier by a set distance. The block of the present invention provides a stable block having a large coverage area at a low weight.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a wooden beam includes arranging first and second elongated members parallel to one another and at a predetermined distance from one another, arranging the at least two crosspieces on the first and second elongated members, arranging third and fourth elongated members respectively opposite the first and second elongated members and on the at least two crosspieces, gluing, with a flexible glue, contact zones, whereby the first elongated member, the second elongated member, the third elongated member, the fourth elongated member, and the at least two crosspieces form an assembly, and pressing the assembly in order to crush layers of the flexible glue, wherein elastic joints are formed in each assembly zone after the pressing and after the flexible glue are dry, and wherein the elastic joints allow for a relative movement. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A concrete-based mortar is prepared for application on the exterior of a concrete building or other structure. The drying time of the concrete-based mortar is reduced by addition of an accelerant compound. After the concrete-based mortar sets on the building or other structure, an exterior portion of the concrete-based mortar is removed. This provides an even and attractive surface.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.

Abstract: Machine for inflating and sealing a preconfigured cushioning material which is wound in a roll on a hollow cylindrical core and has superposed layers of plastic film sealed together to form rows of interconnected, inflatable cells, a longitudinally extending channel near one edge of the material and inlet passageways interconnecting the channel and the rows of cells. The machine includes a rotatively mounted roll support shaft, a hub mounted on the shaft for engagement with the core at the end of the roll near the channel, a circumferentially expandable roll gripper for locking engagement with the inner wall of the cylindrical core, a feed mechanism for drawing the material and feeding it along a predetermined path, an inflator for injecting air into the cells, a nip roller, a pressing mechanism for pressing the nip roller against the roll of material, and a sealing mechanism for sealing the inlet passageways to retain the air in the cells.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing reclosable packages having a slider-operated string zipper covered by a tamper-evident shroud that is provided with at least one opening that at least partially exposes the slider. In accordance with one method, openings are formed in a web of packaging material that is folded, placed over the slider-operated string zipper, and attached to the receptacle walls to form a shroud. Preferably, the openings are sized, shaped and situated so that they frame the slider on both sides of the shroud. In accordance with another method, a reclosable package having a slider-operated string zipper and a shroud with openings that at least partially expose the slider can be formed using a single web of packaging material that is folded and sealed to form a shroud that covers the string zipper.

Abstract: A fully automated pharmaceutical product packaging machine is capable of selectively depositing one or more different solid pharmaceutical products into an individual cavity for each of a plurality of individual patient product package cavities. The system employs a plurality of solid pharmaceutical product dispensing canisters which are capable of selectively dispensing a pre-designated number of solid pharmaceutical products. The machine fills a template containing temporary storage cavities and the template is automatically positioned over a sheet of clear plastic material containing a plurality of cavities corresponding to the cavities in the template. A barrier between the cavities in the template and the sheet of clear plastic material is moved and the pharmaceuticals in the template cavities drop into the corresponding cavities in the clear plastic sheet of material.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: An automated lawn cutting and vacuum system is disclosed. The system includes an automated lawnmower comprising a mower housing. A control panel provided on the mower housing automatically controls the mowing, driving and steering functions of the automated lawnmower.

Abstract: A mower head has a deck with at least three sides and at least one side wall depending from the deck. A cutting blade is rotatably mounted to the deck on an axis extending through the deck. The deck is disposed above and generally parallel to the blade. A guard assembly includes an actuating member mounted on the deck. The guard is attached to the actuating member and pivotally attached to the deck via a hinge along two sides of the deck. A flap depends from the guard. A flap also depends from one of the three sides of said deck. A top surface of the guard and a top surface of the deck can be located in the same plane. In a second embodiment, the guard includes a first wall having a plurality of angled sections which matingly interconnect with angled sections of one of the deck sides. In a third embodiment, the top surface of the guard and the top surface of the deck are located in different planes.

Abstract: A flexible band is tensioned between fingers, capable of gripping together, of a gripper. In the bunching of plant stems, the band is held in an opening between fingers of the gripper behind a pair of rollers. The plant stems are carried along between the pair of rollers and received in the flexible band. After a bunch has thus been gathered, the ends of the fingers are brought towards each other, and the stems in the gripper are moved away from the rollers. Subsequently, the stems are tied together.

Abstract: Cut resistant yarns suitable for knitting gloves and sleeves and methods of making the yarns are disclosed. The yarns are made up of a bundle of continuous filaments formed of a synthetic material, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon or polyolefin, and a stretchable yarn, e.g., Spandex® or Lycra®. The yarns are made in such a manner that when completed the continuous filaments are substantially parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the yarn so that items made from them will not twist or curl up, yet will provide good resistance to cutting.

Abstract: A drive-capable support or traction member and a method for the production thereof. The support or traction member has at least one layer of strands of synthetic fiber material and an outer casing encasing the strands. A lubricant is selectively incorporated in the support or traction member so that the strands are lubricated for movement relative to one another with a coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A method for exchanging heat between a first fluid and a second fluid. The method includes providing a heat exchanger having a stack of at least two layers of support structures, wherein each support structure layer is formed from a lattice of support members, and substantially fluidly separating the at least two support structure layers using at least one barrier such that each layer defines a fluid passageway. The method also includes directing a flow of first fluid through a first of the fluid passageways, and directing a flow of second fluid through a second of the fluid passageways that is adjacent the first fluid passageway to facilitate exchanging heat between the first and second fluids.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assembling a gas turbine engine are provided. The method includes coupling a first turbine shaft that includes m rows of turbine blades within the gas turbine such that the first turbine shaft is rotatable in a first direction, and coupling a second turbine shaft that includes n rows of turbine blades within the gas turbine such that the second turbine shaft is rotatable in a second direction wherein a torque split between the first and second turbine shafts is substantially proportional to the number of rows of turbine blades on each shaft relative to a total number of rows of blades on both shafts, and wherein m and n are selected to provide a torque split between the first turbine shaft and second turbine shaft of greater than about 1.2:1.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a backup fuel metering system for the gas generator section (24) of a gas turbine engine (10) is disclosed that includes a gas generator (24) and an augmentor (40). The apparatus includes a gas generator fuel metering system (52) providing fuel to the gas generator nozzles (32) and an augmentor fuel metering system (54) providing fuel to an augmentor (40). The augmentor fuel system (54) includes a diverter valve (88) which selectably directs fuel to the augmentor (40) during augmentation operation or to the gas generator nozzles (32) during a gas generator metering system failure or critical engine operation. The system allows the gas generator nozzles (32) to be supplied with fuel flow from the gas generator metering system (52), the augmentor metering (54) system or both. When the gas generator nozzles (32) are being supplied with flow from both metering systems the system is capable of improved fault accommodation.

Abstract: A process is proposed for exhaust gas aftertreatment by afterinjection of fuel in a diesel internal combustion engine with a precatalyst and a particulate filter, in which process the afterinjection NE is performed as a function of the temperature in the area of the precatalyst Tcat and of the state of charging of the particulate filter. Since this process operates with especially high efficiency in heretofore critical short-distance operation of diesel internal combustion engines, the strict requirements of future legislation relating to exhaust gas emissions can immediately be met.

Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.

Abstract: In an exhaust purifying apparatus, a fuel adding valve (31) supplies unburned fuel to an exhaust passage (14) of a diesel engine (10) so that particulate matter collected in a catalytic converter (33) is burned and removed. The supply of unburned fuel from the fuel adding valve (31) is executed even after an electronic control unit (41) determines that particulate matter in the catalytic converter (33) has been burned and removed. This reduces the amount of particulate matter remaining unburned in the catalytic converter (33).

Abstract: A particulate trap has a housing and a plurality of filters disposed within the housing. The particulate trap also has a plurality of dividers fluidly isolating one or more of the plurality of filters into filter divisions. The particulate trap has at least one inlet and at least one outlet individually associated with each filter division, and a valve assembly configured to selectively block a flow of exhaust air through each of the inlets.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold has a head flange constructed for receiving at least two exhaust pipes arranged side-by-side, and includes spaced apart first and second longitudinal flange portions. A mounting assembly is provided for sealingly securing the exhaust manifold to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and includes a mounting rail formed with a shoulder which laps over the first longitudinal flange portion and contacts the first longitudinal flange portion in a spring-elastic manner. Plural screw fasteners at least indirectly clamp the second longitudinal flange portion to the cylinder head.

Abstract: A steam engine has a looped fluid container, in which working fluid is filled. A heating device, a cooling device and an output device are arranged at the fluid container. A lower side valve is provided at a fluid passage of the fluid container between the heating device and the output device. An upper side valve is provided at another fluid passage of the fluid container between the cooling device and the output device. The upper and lower valves are respectively controlled to open and close the respective fluid passages at proper timings, to increase heat efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is a rotary engine having a rotor and a slidable piston that are contained within a stator.

Abstract: A power plant that uses a lens to focus solar energy onto a closed system loop is disclosed wherein a closed loop system is provided having a chamber that converts a liquid into a gas by absorbing heat. The heat being created has been generated by the focused solar energy. The gas drives a turbine engine, which, with the use of a generator, produces an electrical output. A heat exchange system also transfers heat energy to the chamber from the liquid storage tank and the capillary tube. The present invention may also communicate with traditional environmentally economic sources of power such as windmills and hydroelectric dams. Further, a method employing the same principals is disclosed.

Abstract: A single stage combustor for a gas turbine having an annular array of outer fuel nozzles arranged about a center axis of the combustor; a center fuel nozzle aligned with the center axis, wherein the center fuel nozzle is substantially smaller than each of the outer fuel nozzles, wherein the combustor includes a pre-mix operating mode in which the center nozzle receives a fuel rich air-fuel mixture.