Abstract: A handlebar gear shifter for a bicycle includes a tabular handlebar having a support plate extending from an end of the handlebar at the top of the peripheral thereof. A sleeve is rotatably mounted to the handlebar. A fan-shaped mediate member has an end pivotally connected onto the support plate. A first cable has one end thereof engaged with a recess in the sleeve and the other end of the first cable is engaged with the mediate member. A second cable connects between the mediate member and a derailleur mechanism. A C-shaped member having notches is connected to the handlebar. A spring member is engaged with the sleeve. An index member is biased by the spring member and removably engaged with one of the notches.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive device, comprising a hydraulic motor (10), a rotating body (20) connected to the drive shaft (11) of the hydraulic motor (10), functioning, by itself as a flywheel, and having an internal gear (21) formed on the output side thereof, a rotation transmitting device (1) having a gear mechanism for transmitting the rotating force of the rotating body (20) to an output shaft gear (50) by allowing counter gears (30) to mesh with the internal gear (21) and the outer shaft gear (50) to mesh with the counter gears (30), and an output shaft connected to the output shaft gear (50). Whereby, since a variation in rotating speed of the hydraulic motor (10) can be absorbed by the rotation transmitting device (1), the hydraulic motor (10) can be used directly as the drive source of a vehicle such as a car and a truck.

Abstract: A wrench includes a lever with teeth formed on the wall of a space defined therein. A handle includes teeth formed on the wall of a space defined therein. A toothed wheel is movable in the spaces between a first position where the teeth of the toothed wheel are engaged with the teeth of the lever and handle and a second position where the teeth of the toothed wheel are only engaged with the teeth of one of the lever and handle. A switch is operable for moving the toothed wheel between the positions. A boss is formed on the handle. A groove is defined in the switch. The arrival at the first position is signaled by the contact of the boss with an end of the groove while the arrival at the second position is signaled by the contact of the boss with another end of the groove.

Abstract: An automatic bar-loader for lathes including a channel for feeding of a bar to the lathe mandrel and a bar-pusher powered by an electric motor controlled by a control unit and having a head collet for grasping the tail of a bar in the channel to make it run therein. The loader includes a sensor for measurement of the axial shifting of the bar-pusher designed for supplying a feedback signal to the control unit for control of the bar-pusher motor.

Abstract: A protective cover device includes a supporting member secured to a worktable of a sawing machine, a cantilever having rear and front pivot ends pivoted to the supporting member and a cover shield by rear and front journal pins, respectively. At least one of the rear and front journal pins is movable relative to a corresponding one of the rear and front pivot ends between a latched position, where a respective one of the rear and front journal pins pivotally secures a corresponding one of the rear and front pivot ends to a corresponding one of the supporting member and the cover shield, and a released position, where the respective one of the rear and front journal pins is clear of the corresponding one of the supporting member and the front pivot end by being withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: A miter saw with angular adjustment has a carrier (1), a turntable (3) which is able to turn relative to the carrier (1) and which forms a workpiece support surface (2), and a turntable fixing device (8) for fixing the turntable (3) relative to the carrier (1) in certain reproducible angular positions. The miter saw turntable fixing device (8) enables adjustment of the angular position relative to the carrier in a manner which is continuous and mechanically reproducible.

Abstract: A ballistic shield has a handle to allow for one arm deployment. The shield also includes an integral window and a firearm mounted to the shield that may be dischargeably operated in its mounted position. Optionally, a second firearm at a different orientation from the first firearm, and/or other weapons or accessories may be mounted to the shield.

Abstract: A conversion kit and method for converting the RUGER® 10/22® semi-automatic .22 caliber rim fire rifle to shoot .17 HM 2 cartridges utilizes the original bolt in the receiver and replaces the bolt operating handle with increased weight to replace the original bolt handle along with a .17 caliber barrel to permit the modified rifle to safely fire, eject and reload the .17 caliber cartridges.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus wherein the apparatus includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The housing also includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture is positioned to communicate with a first fluid source at a first pressure. The second aperture is positioned to communicate with a second fluid source at a second pressure. The first pressure is greater than the second pressure. The apparatus also includes a first piston disposed in the housing. The first piston is moveable between the first and second ends. The first piston includes a front surface communicating with the second aperture and a back surface communicating with the first aperture. The first piston also includes a first passageway communicating with the front and back surfaces. The apparatus also includes a three-way valve fluidly disposed between the first aperture and the back surface and between the front surface and the back surface.

Abstract: A nutating pump has a cross-type universal joint connecting a nutating member to a pump housing, ball joints connecting the nutating member to piston rods, and the piston rods fixed to piston heads so that the piston heads wobble in pump cylinders.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of a piston may have a shape that provides enhanced piston guidance. In such embodiments, the piston shape may include an axial profile that is configured to provide certain thrust load characteristics.

Abstract: A method for injecting fluid into meat products comprises taking a plurality of hollow fluid injection needles having sharpened discharge ends, and connecting the needles to a source of pressurized liquid; penetrating the sharpened ends of the needles into the product and thence withdrawing the same while discharging fluid into the product and vibrating the needles for a period of time while they are within the product to enlarge the size of a penetration hole within the product caused by the penetration of the needles to a size greater than the size of the needles to create at least a partial space around the needles to permit fluid from the needles to migrate into the spaces around the needles. The needles have a roughened outside surface.

Abstract: A hulling apparatus having a main frame, a moveable support frame, a rotatable drum fixed in position relative to the main frame, a housing supported by the moveable support frame and a hulling chamber formed by the placement of the drum inside the housing. A contact element having one or more brush assemblies is attached to the drum such that the bristles project into the hulling chamber to engage walnuts, pecans or other food products and remove the outer hull therefrom. The walls of the housing are formed from one or more screened panels having openings therein to pass the removed hull material and spiral members thereon to help guide the food products through the apparatus. The housing moves up and down to increase or decrease the size of the hulling chamber. The apparatus speeds the process of hulling walnuts and pecans and more effectively utilizes the brush assemblies.

Abstract: A kitchen hand tool for crushing, slicing, or juicing food products. The tool is operated by closing two handles that rotate a drive gear that engages the ratcheting tooth portion of a crush paddle resulting in the movement of the crush paddle toward a basket, crushing and discharge of the food item through the basket. A drive pawl forces the drive gear to rotate counterclockwise, which in turn forces ratcheting tooth portion and subsequently the crushing paddle down in a clockwise direction applying crushing force on the garlic or any item placed in the crushing area. As the drive gear turns until it clicks past a locking pawl. This cycle of opening and closing the handles is repeated until the crush paddle is fully advanced and can move no further and is against the basket.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in printing to a rotational media having a surface to be printed to and being rotatable about an axis extending away from the surface is provided. The apparatus includes an engaging arrangement to engage the rotational media so as to impart controlled rotational movement thereto about the axis. The engaging arrangement is configured to be coupled to printer gearing on a printer, such that rotation of the printer gearing on the printer causes rotation of the rotational media when engaged on the engaging arrangement.

Abstract: At least one dressing, such as a printing forme, is secured to the surface of a cylinder of a rotary printing press by securement devices. These securement devices are arranged in an axially extending channel on the surface of the cylinder. The channel is defined by at least one wall and by an opening directed toward the circumferential surface of the cylinder. At least one wall of the opening extends into the channel at an acute angle with respect to the cylinder circumferential surface. A deflection-resistant retaining device, provided with a first end and with a second end, is pivotably mounted in the channel. The first end holds an angled end of the dressing that is introduced into the channel opening. This first end is disposed remote from a bearing and pivoting point of the retaining device. A dimensionally stable bow, which has a portion that engages the wall of the opening that extends toward the channel at an acute angle, is situated in the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a training cartridge having a peripheral fire primer and a gun modified to fire the cartridge. The combination of modified gun and peripheral fire cartridge avoids the potentially adverse consequences that could arise if live ammunition and training ammunition were to become inadvertently confused or mixed up by preventing the firing of live center fire ammunition.

Abstract: A firearm projectile includes a central section, a forward or leading section, and a rear or trailing section. A step down is provided between the central section and the trailing section such that the cross sectional area of the trailing section is less than the cross sectional area of the central section. In addition the trailing section is provided with a cavity that is open about the back of the trailing section. The cavity includes a forward section and rearward section. Forming the part of the forward section is a forward wall that terminates in the trailing section short of the central section. The rearward section of the cavity flares outwardly with respect to the forward section. Furthermore the rearward portion of the rearward section of the cavity forms a part of an annular flare ring that extends around the outer portion of the back of the trailing section.

Abstract: A sabot and shotshell combination includes a bullet, a shotshell hull, propellant, a shotshell primer, wadding, and a sabot comprising a molded member having a base portion and a plurality of petal portions each extending from a proximal base root to a distal tip, the base and petals defining a volume for accommodating a bullet. A reinforcement is at least partially embedded in the base, the reinforcement being more rigid than the molded member and having a plurality of apertures with the base portion extending through at least one of the apertures to retain the reinforcement within the molded member upon firing.

Abstract: A gas generating system (10) includes a housing (12) having a longitudinal axis (A) and a pair of baffle tubes (22, 24) positioned within the housing (12). The baffle tubes each have a pair of opposed ends. At least a pair of opposed longitudinally aligned surfaces (62, 64) is formed within the housing (12) proximate the ends of the housing. Each of the surfaces (62, 64) is sloped with respect to the housing longitudinal axis (A) and abuts a corresponding end of one of the baffle tubes (22, 24) to position the baffle tubes within the housing (12) such that longitudinal axes of the first baffle tube (22) and the second baffle tube (24) are both substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis (A) of the housing (12). Abutment between the sloped surfaces (62, 64) and the baffle tubes (22, 24) during assembly of the gas generating system provides an efficient means of automatically centering the baffle tubes (22, 24) within the housing (12), thereby easing assembly of the gas generating system.

Abstract: A vehicle tire entry guide for transitioning vehicles into a car wash lane comprises a pair of smoothly-curved, reversely similar tire guide rails covered with plastic. Each curved guide rail comprises a curved angle iron with stanchions which can be bolted to the car wash floor and an extruded polyethylene cover which eliminates the need for moving parts and smoothly transitions into a conveyor tire guide lane. A roller grid or the like may be floor-mounted between the curved guide rails.

Abstract: A locomotive (10) is operable in two or more distinct configurations, with the change in configuration being response to a configuration input signal (35). A locomotive configuration is represented by the set of end use device control signals (13) that are generated by the locomotive control systems (22) in response to the respective set of operational input values (27). For a given set of operational input values, a first set of end use device control signals is generated when a configuration input has a first value, and a second set of end use device control signals is generated when a configuration input has a second value. The configuration input variable may be responsive to the locomotive location, a wayside device signal, an operator action or the health of the locomotive, for example. Locomotive configuration changes may include peak horsepower rating, number of engine cylinders fueled, number of throttle notch settings, adhesion limits, mission priorities or emission profile, for example.

Abstract: A table (1) for self-service shops includes a base frame (2) with four tubular feet (3), two side frames (16) arranged parallel and each having a first and a second wall (17, 18), and a bottom (22) arranged above the base frame (2) and surrounded by the walls (17, 18), wherein each side frame (16) is provided with two tubular uprights (15) carrying the walls (17, 18) and connected to the feet (3) of the base frame (2) by connectors so that the opposing cut surfaces (9) of the feet (3) and the uprights (15) are either arranged in a common plane (10) or are spaced apart in different planes (10?).

Abstract: A system for disposing of municipal solid waste provides commercially-available equipment that is modified to initially remove identifiable unwanted components from the waste, and then chop the waste into small pieces of a size suitable for handling, separation and combustion. The moisture content of the waste is reduced in a closed system by passing dry air through the waste in a confined space to absorb moisture and produce moist air, which is then dehumidified via refrigeration equipment. The dehumidified air is recycled through the waste repeatedly through the closed system until the water content has reached the predetermined amount. The waste is stored in a bunker for later use or is immediately combusted in a two-step process by first gasifying the dried waste to produce combustible syngas and then immediately or later combusting the gas in a gas turbine or other engine to produce electricity that is partly used to power the process and partly sold commercially.

Abstract: A quilt holding clamp for securing a quilt and finishing bias to eliminate the need for pining when attaching the finishing bias to the unfinished edge of the quilt. The clamp includes a top clamp member having a “J”-shaped forward end for elevating a folded end of the finishing bias above the quilt. A bottom clamp member is provided with a “L”-shaped forward end. A “U”-shaped spring biases the “J”-shaped forward end and the “L”-shaped forward end together. The “L”-shaped forward end provides a recess for recessing multiple layers of the folded finishing bias.

Abstract: A tilt helm for use with a boat having a dashboard and a steering system includes a first housing adapted to be mounted in a fixed position with respect to the dashboard and a second housing having a plurality of teeth. The second housing is selectively pivotable with respect to the first housing. A tilt lock is used to hold the second housing in a selected position.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching fenders and the like to boats includes a post having a lower end configured to be inserted into the well of a fishing rod holder, the post having one or more arms suitable for securing a line connected to a boat fender.

Abstract: An improved sailboat swivel base consisting of a rotating arm that supports both a guide pulley on one end and a rope securing cleat on the opposite end. The arm swivels about a center bearing, housed in a base which is fastened to a fixed structure such as the deck of a boat. A sail control rope, passing through the guide pulley and secured by the cleat, is tensioned by the force of the sail. The tension force of the line pulls the guide pulley end of the rotating arm toward the sail and sends the securing cleat away from the sail. This rotation aligns the cleat with the direction of pull for easy operation. When the sailboat changes tacks and the sails reverse position the rotating arm will follow the sail to the new side and self-tack the swivel base.

Abstract: An inflatable mooring station is adapted for use with a fixed or floating platform extending over a body of water. The mooring station is attached to the platform, and designed for holding a water craft in a generally stationary position relative to the platform. The mooring station includes a buoyant, inflatable body and at least one line tie located on the inflatable body. An anchor line is attached at one end to the line tie and at its opposite end to the platform to secure the inflatable body to the platform.

Abstract: A floating vessel 11 for producing hydrocarbons comprises one or more containers 12 having a chamber 13 formed therein, a structural frame 15 for interconnecting the one or more containers 12, a power system 16 for producing, storing, and distributing power, and a hydrocarbon processor 27.

Abstract: Ground anchors, in particular tent stakes (100), comprise one or more inherently flexible tines (110), a ground compression plate (160), and various tie points (420, etc.) for attaching a guy rope or the like to the top of anchor. The compression plate extends perpendicularly or at a large angle to the tine so that when the guy rope pulls on the anchor, the tine will tend to rotate about an underground fulcrum so that the compression plate will press against the ground and help the anchor resist pullout. The anchors are driven into the ground with a hammer or mallet. The tie points include hooks (420), closed holes (520), and swivel types comprising vertical members (810) with restraining, bulbous tops (820). An additional spring tie point (1600) can be inserted into optional lugs (1094, 1096) in the compression plate. The stakes can be driven into the ground vertically, or at an angle for additional holding force in some situations. They can also incorporate angled compression plates (160H, 160I).

Abstract: A shark repellent system for repelling sharks away from an individual while boating. The shark repellent system includes an attachable magnet and a transmitter unit that emits sound waves at a frequency undesirable to sharks. The transmitter unit is contained in a watertight enclosure affixed to a buoyant device, and is usually submerged in water while the buoyant device is in the water. The magnet may function as an on/off switch for the transmitter unit. The transmitter unit may also be positioned within the boat or other buoyant device, wherein the transmitter unit includes a plurality of transducers electrically connected to the transmitter unit via elongated cables and the cables and transmitter units are extended over the sides of the boat. The transmitter unit may also include a standard toggle switch and/or a water sensor to turn the transmitter unit and thus transducers on/off.

Abstract: A boat having a jump seat is provided. The boat includes a boat hull having a recessed passenger compartment. The jump seat includes a support assembly comprising a support deck and a sleeve. A seat cushion is provided for selectively resting on a portion of the deck assembly and being stowed within the pocket. The deck assembly can be used both as a seat support and as a standing deck eliminating the need to stand on a cushion to thereby provide a more stable convertible standing area.

Abstract: A mounting system rigidly attaches a towing frame to a vessel deck, and includes a base having an arcuate top surface and a bottom surface conforming the deck. A joint member rigidly attached to the towing frame has an arcuate surface mating with the arcuate top surface of the base. The joint member has a cavity and a threaded bore extending through a wall for accessing the cavity. The threaded bore of the joint member is aligned with a bore extending through the base. A threaded shaft extends through a hole in the deck, through the bore in the base, and is threaded into the threaded bore of the joint member. A fastener attached to the shaft is used to bias the joint member against the base, and base against the deck for rigidly securing the joint member and thus the towing frame to the deck.

Abstract: A combination airport air and ground transportation marker and airport traffic way comprises broad, substantially coextensive first and second sheets of pliant material each having a perimeter edge formed with a fluid ballast bladder formed with a fluid inlet for permitting intake and outtake of fluid relative to the bladder for filling and relieving the bladder, and a relief vent for relieving pressure in the bladder during the filling of the bladder with fluid and the relieving of the bladder of fluid. The first sheet is splayed out onto an airport traffic way, and the second sheet is splayed out onto the airport traffic way overlying the first sheet of pliant material, whereby the first and second sheets cooperate forming a marker for the airport traffic way. A charge of fluid fills each of the bladders fluid ballasting the marker relative to the airport traffic way.

Abstract: The invention provides a nozzle assembly for spraying a food product. The nozzle assembly includes a first sprayer disposed along an axis defining, at least in part, a path of movement for a food product. The nozzle assembly also includes a second sprayer disposed along the axis. The second sprayer is axially and radially spaced from the first sprayer. The nozzle assembly also includes a cavity operable to receive edible ink. The cavity communicates directly with the first and second sprayers disposed along the axis. The first and second sprayers concurrently spray the edible ink from the cavity to the axis.

Abstract: A plasma apparatus includes a container (11) having an opening, a dielectric member (13) supported by an end surface of an outer periphery of the opening of the container (11), an electromagnetic field supplying means for supplying an electromagnetic field into the container (11) through the dielectric member (13), and a shield member (12) covering the outer periphery of the dielectric member (13) and shielding the electromagnetic field. A distance L1 from an inner surface of the container (11) to an inner surface of the shield member (12) at an end surface of the container (11) is approximately N/2 (N is an integer not smaller than 0) times the wavelength of the electromagnetic field in an area (18) surrounded by the end surface of the container (11), the electromagnetic field supplying means and the shield member (12).

Abstract: A bird feeder of the tube-type having a vertically disposed hollow body portion formed of metal mesh material or a clear plastic material. The body portion has a plurality of inverted, truncated funnel members or baffles positioned therein in a vertically spaced-apart relationship which maintain a certain amount of feed at that level even though the main feed supply has dropped below that funnel member or baffle.

Abstract: A discharge unit for an animal feeder attaches to the feed outlet of the feeder. The discharge unit has an upwardly extending coupling tube which engages the feeder outlet. Several feeder tubes extend outwardly from the lower end of the coupling tube and together with the lower end of the coupling tube define a central chamber of the discharge unit. A spreader cone is located within a floor region of the central chamber. Feed passing from the feed outlet of the feeder passes through the internal diameter of the coupling tube of the discharge unit and over the spreader cone before passing through the central chamber and through the feeder tubes to be discharged from the feeder.

Abstract: A vaccine based on live Arthrobacter cells is useful in preventing piscirickettsiosis in fish.

Abstract: An insulated pet house is shaped in the manner of a pyramid to maintain a comfortable environment for an animal and which is also aesthetically pleasing. The pet house includes an interchangeable top portion that has a heat-generating lamp for cold-weather use and another portion has a fan for hot-weather use.

Abstract: An assembly device for cleaning an animal's paw and assembly methods thereof are disclosed including a container adapted to retain a cleaning agent, the container defining an opening and including a side wall, a cleaning platform disposed in said container and defining a space between said cleaning platform and said container side wall, and a squeegee member substantially covering said opening.

Abstract: A condensation heat exchanger adapted to interface with a gas or fuel-oil burner, the condensation heat exchanger including two coaxial tube bundles placed end-to-end, one of which acts as primary exchanger and the other of which acts as secondary exchanger. Each of these bundles include at least one of a tube or of a group of tubes arranged end-to-end, forming a helical coil, in which the wall of the tube(s) is produced from a material that is a good conductor of heat and has a flattened, oval cross section, the major axis of which is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the axis of the helix. The width of the gap separating two adjacent turns is constant and smaller than the thickness of the cross section, the bundles being mounted securely inside a gas-impermeable jacket.

Abstract: A Nuclear Steam Supply Stem (NSSS) Mode 5 Steam Generator Chemical Cleaning system is disclosed which applies chemical cleaning solvent (formulated to remove SG deposits) to the secondary side of the SG using primary side supplied heat during NSS Mode 5 shutdown to maintain the desired application temperature. Mixing is achieved via nitrogen sparging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus adjust pilot fuel injection timing in relation to a main fuel injection timing into a piston cylinder of an operating gaseous-fuelled direct injection internal combustion engine using high levels of EGR. A set of engine parameters are monitored which determine engine load and engine speed and an indicator of EGR concentration within the intake charge. Pilot fuel timing relative to main fuel injection timing is then adjusted according to the engine parameters. High levels of EGR are shown to be tolerated with relatively limited penalties in relation to other emissions typically found with high EGR by reducing the relative injection timing the pilot fuel as compared to main fuel injection timing.

Abstract: A control valve (10) for a fluid circulation circuit comprises a body (12) which is equipped with a fluid inlet (18) and with at least two fluid outlets (20, 22, 24) and which delimits a housing of revolution for an adjusting element (26) able to rotate about an axis of rotation (XX) and to adopt various angular positions to control the distribution of fluid through the outlets. The adjusting member (26) is surrounded by a sealing ring (42) in the form of an open annulus, which rotates as one with the adjusting member and is arranged with a small clearance around the adjusting member, this allowing the sealing ring to be pressed firmly internally against a side wall (16) into which the fluid outlets (20, 22, 24) open with a view to ensuring sealing under the action of the pressure of the fluid. Application in particular to motor vehicle fluid circuits.

Abstract: Actuators, and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators, provide independent lift and timing control with minimum energy consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, an actuation cylinder in a housing defines a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends in first and second directions. An actuation piston in the cylinder, with first and second surfaces, is moveable along the longitudinal axis. First and second actuation springs bias the actuation piston in the first and second directions, respectively. A first fluid space is defined by the first end of the actuation cylinder and the first surface of the actuation piston, and a second fluid space is defined by the second end of the actuation cylinder and the second surface of the actuation piston. A fluid bypass short-circuits the first and second fluid spaces when the actuation piston is not substantially proximate to either the first or second end of the actuation cylinder.

Abstract: A fault detection system for detecting a fault in a lifter oil manifold assembly (LOMA) of a displacement on demand engine that is operable during transition from activated and deactivated modes includes a first fluid circuit of the LOMA that selectively provides pressurized fluid to regulate operation of the engine between activated and deactivated modes. The fault detection system further includes a sensor that is responsive to fluid pressure of the LOMA and that generates a pressure signal based thereon. A control module outputs a control signal to switch operation of the engine between the activated and deactivated modes. The control module further determines a pressure differential based on a first pressure prior to switching between the modes and a second pressure after switching between the modes.

Abstract: The invention is characterized in that the gas exchange valves of a cylinder are displaced in a displacement unit (15, 34) jointly and independently of the displacement of the displacement devices of the other cylinders. Every displacement unit (15, 34) is associated with separate actuators for actuating the same. Angle of rotation sensors (42, 43) are provided to detect the angle or rotation signals of the crankshaft and the camshaft or any other shaft rotating at half the crankshaft speed. These angle of rotation signals are used to derive the common idle phase of all valves of a cylinder to be jointly adjusted, a control unit (44) effecting the displacement of every displacement unit (15, 34) during said common idle phase.

Abstract: A variable valve timing device includes a cam shaft, a rocker arm rotatably supporting the first roller and enabling a valve to be opened by a swing movement thereof when a first roller is pressed, a swing cam with a second cam surface, and an actuator for controlling the support shaft to move along a circular arc with a center at a center of the first roller in a valve-open state. The swing cam is swingable at a center of the support shaft, when a second roller is pressed by the cam shaft, so that the second cam surface presses the first roller. A contact position, between the first cam surface and the second roller, moves in a direction opposite to a rotational direction of the cam shaft when the support shaft is moved in a direction where a maximum lift amount of the valve becomes smaller.